Out in the Cold - Part Two

This is the second half of Out in the Cold, which contains more tips and factoids from our Executive Director, Fred Spicer, about wintertime gardening in Alabama. Read up, comment, and pass it along to fellow gardeners or "Curious Georges," if you will. If you have any questions not answered in parts one or two, give us a call at 205.414.3900 and we'll find someone who can answer your query!

NON-HARDY PLANTS
Considering our climate, a major distinction to make initially is whether a plant is intended (or expected) to live out-of-doors through a Birmingham winter. For example, if you moved your fig (Ficus benjamina) outside for the summer – making a house plant a patio plant – and you haven’t brought it inside yet, it’s way too late. It’s dead. It’s not realistic to expect it to have lived. (The same could be said about the same plant having been planted in the ground; it’s not even close to being hardy.)

PLANTS IN CONTAINERS
Normally winter-hardy plants, Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), for instance, grown outside in containers through the winter, have an excellent chance of living through a typical winter here. Moist, well-drained soil in the container is important. Given that, if the container can withstand the expansion of frozen soil without cracking, and if the plant is well-watered, hardy plants will have their best chance of survival. The hardier the plant, the longer it can withstand frozen soil and plunging temperatures. We don’t expect any damage to container plants at The Gardens from this recent weather. We’re watering as we can.

Out in the Cold - Part One

very time the seasons change, we get a flood of gardening questions and requests for best practices. These questions are all over the proverbial horticultural map, ranging from topics like transplanting shrubs to growing native plants to tips on not killing flowers. Last week's (very) cold spell got us to thinking, so we asked our executive director for some pointers. In true Fred fashion, his counsel is highly educational and extraordinarily thorough. What follows is Out in the Cold - Part One, the first half of Fred's answers to pretty much any wintertime gardening-related question an Alabama gardener might have.

OUT IN THE COLD
by Fred Spicer, Executive Director, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

INTRODUCTION
It is specifically during frigid times like these that I am asked (mostly by non-gardeners) what Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) is doing to protect our plants from the cold weather. My response, typically accompanied by a blank stare, is usually along the lines of, “What do you think we should be doing?”  I’m not sure if people think we erect a temporary, heated dome over our 67 acres, or set up phalanxes of small heaters, or enshroud our living collections in big blankets – I really don’t know what they’re thinking. We’re not running a citrus plantation, after all.  It seems to me that they’re hoping I will enlighten them with horticultural secrets carefully guarded by the gardening cognoscenti. Mostly, I think I disappoint them.

At this point, with winter firmly upon us, there’s really not much we can do. To be sure, we’re monitoring temperatures in our conservatory and greenhouses on an hourly basis (24/7), to make sure the heaters are working, but outside? Aside from some watering of new plantings and annuals (more on that later), not much at all. From our evaluative perspective, we are curious as to what our plants will do in the face of all weather, whether heat, drought or prolonged cold: what will they tell us? Our intention – following a collections mission of acquisition to determine suitable plants for our area – is to see what happens. But home gardeners don’t necessarily have the same mission, so I’ll discuss the factors that determine whether plants live, die, or partially die, in the winter, and a few things we’ve already done to maximize our potential success.

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

This time of year is traditionally a time of giving - thanks, gifts, service and so on. It's no secret that 2009 has been a difficult year for businesses, families, individuals, politicians and, yes, cultural institutions like ours. In light of all of the year's troubles and uncertainty, we have that much more reason to be thankful. The 2009 Spring Plant Sale had its biggest year of all time, as did the Fall Plant Sale just a few weeks ago. Antiques at The Gardens brought in more than $300,000 and attendance to Cocktails in The Gardens more than doubled that of 2008.

All of these great events help us further our mission to promote public knowledge and appreciation of plants, gardens and the environment. Among The Gardens' largest undertakings are the free Discovery Field Trips we offer from September-May. In the 2008-2009 school year, the number of children from Birmingham City Schools attending these unique, award-winning field trips increased 9%; attendance from Bessemer City Schools increased an impressive 36%! Of course we would not be able to offer these programs for free if not for the help from Junior League of Birmingham or Vulcan Materials, who offer transportation reimbursement for Birmingham City and Bessemer City Schools, respectively. The Junior League also provides us with a team of dynamic and loyal volunteers to serve as docents on Discovery Field Trips.

Our Horticultural Therapy program won its first national award, the John Walker Community Service Award, this summer. The program keeps growing, servicing over 2,400 clients last year, with the help of increased media attention and grants. The launch of the P.L.A.N.T. program, which pairs exceptional students with mentors from independent living facilities, was a huge milestone.

Volunteer Opportunities at The Gardens!

When you volunteer at The Gardens, you are both giving something back to our community and helping us to fulfill our mission. Our mission to promote public knowledge and appreciation of plants, gardens, and the environment depends upon a diverse team to act as stewards of this great resource called Birmingham Botanical Gardens. A quality volunteer base is a collection of people from every background, race, religion, socioeconomic status, and age. We rely on countless hours of dedication from local gardeners, retirees, educators, business leaders, young people, and philanthropists who volunteer their time and expertise to maintain our gardens, grow giving, and enhance lives with plants.

Thousands of area school children count on our ability to provide science-based learning experiences through progroms such as Discovery Field Trips, Children's Summer Workshops, and HollyDay Magic; these educational journeys are all made successful with the help of our docents, committees, and other volunteers. In 2008, well over 200 volunteers gave more than 7,000 hours of their time in support of education programs alone (not to mention events, office support, and those who work in the gardens themselves).

From student to baby-boomer, gardening pro to marketing whiz, we have an opportunity to get involved and make a difference for everyone. If you want to help but you're not sure what you would like to do, give us a call (205.414.3950)! We're more than happen to sit down and talk to you about your life story and what you bring to the table.

Watch a video tribute to our fantastic 2009 Spring Plant Sale volunteers!

Below are some of the current opportunities, but rest assured, there are plenty more!

Cocktails in the Gardens

• Thursday, October 8 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.;
• Volunteers may work two-hour shifts from 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.;
• Volunteer positions include: cashiers, checking ID, counting attendees, drink sales;
• Each volunteer receives free admission plus one free ticket for a guest;
• Contact Carolyn Snow at 414-3962 or csnow@bbgardens.org.

Fall Plant Sale

• Saturday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. & Sunday, October 18 from 12:00-4:00 p.m.;
• Set-up is Friday, October 16 from 12:00-5:00 p.m.;
• Teen volunteers needed to load customers’ cars and work in hospitality;
• Volunteers may work two or more hour shift(s), depending on day and time;
• Adult volunteer positions available include cashiers, totalizers, counters, hospitality, membership, box builders, floaters, and line monitors;
• Contact Carolyn Snow at 414-3962 or csnow@bbgardens.org.

HollyDay Magic

• Thursday, December 3 and Friday, December 4 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.;
• 24 adult volunteers for planning committee;
• 60 volunteers needed to assist children with holiday crafts and projects;
• Contact Phyllis Sutton at 414-3958 or psutton@bbgardens.org.

Horticultural Therapy

• Volunteers needed to assist with horticultural therapy sessions;
• Volunteers needed for maintenance of beds, containers, and greenhouse.
• Contact Susan Grimes at sgrimes@bbgardens.org.

The Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

• Library assistants needed to help with daily activities;
  
• Various time slots are open each day;
  
• Contact Hope Long at 414-3931 or hlong@bbgardens.org.

Already Halfway Through Summer!

It's hard to believe summer is already halfway gone! The Gardens are absolutely stunning right now, so if you can stand the heat, bring a water bottle, or even a picnic basket, and give yourself a tour and check out what's new! (And if you can't stand the heat, I recommend stopping for a delicious and affordable lunch in The Gardens Cafe by Kathy G. Or peruse through Leaf & Petal at The Gardens' ever-changing assortment of knick knacks, gifts, and plants.)




While Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens doesn't have a lot of events going on during the summer, there are other reasons to come by or get involved. The Southern Institute of Photography has one remaining workshop this summer; Wedding and Bridal Photography is a special weekend class Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.

Currently, Children's Summer Workshops are still going on after a brief recess for Independence Day last week. Our Children's Summer Workshops are a great way to continue your child's education during the summer months in a fun, new & exciting way. (Not to mention keeping them active and off the couch!)

We are offering a 20% Frequent Camper Discount to any children who have previously attended a workshop. Give us a call and mention that your child has been to one of our camps (or if your child is registered for an upcoming workshop, the discount applies to any other camps you register for). You will need to call Ellen Hardy at 414.3953 to register as a Frequent Camper.

Below is a list of remaining Children's Summer Workshops

Summer Garden Chefs (5K-2nd grade)
July 13-17

We’ll harvest summer vegetables from the Bruno Vegetable Garden, fragrant herbs from the Herb Terrace, mix up tasty cuisine each day using fresh ingredients we’ve harvested, paint an apron, and plant your very own kitchen garden to take home! Afternoon Session.

Summer Garden Chefs (3rd-5th grade)
July 13-17
We’ll harvest summer vegetables from the Bruno Vegetable Garden, fragrant herbs from the Herb Terrace, mix up tasty cuisine each day using fresh ingredients we’ve harvested, paint an apron, and plant your very own kitchen garden to take home! Morning Session. Afternoon Session.

Digging, Planting, Wiggling, Exploring (5K-2nd grade)
July 20-24
We’ll explore a different Garden every day, make nature treasures, and keep our eyes open as we look up close at some of the most amazing plants in The Gardens along with discovering many creatures such as birds, frogs, fish, and insects. Morning Session. Afternoon Session.

Painting, Pounding, Picking, Pressing (5K-2nd grade)
July 20-24
Come along for a summer adventure filled with splashes of color, pounding of leaves and petals, picking and pressing of plant materials, and more! Join the fun while making discoveries about our Gardens. Morning Session. Afternoon Session.

Art and Yoga Camp: Stretch Your Creativity (5K-2nd grade)
July 27-31
Facilitated by artist Hilary Moreno and yoga instructor, Susanna Whitsett, this combination camp will allow children to explore color, texture, shape, movement, sound, and silence. In addition, children’s literature, walks through The Gardens, and take-home projects will inform the daily themes. Morning Session.

Paint your Impressions of Nature (3rd-5th grade)
July 27-31
Explore the Gardens; discover the beauty that has inspired artists for centuries! Learn to paint in the style of Monet and other Impressionists while creating a style of your own. Mix colorful paints to create beautiful works of art. A special addition will be photography out in The Gardens and designing your own note cards. Morning Session. Afternoon Session.

Cocktails in The Gardens Music Lineup

THIS JUST IN: Cocktails in The Gardens has its best music lineup to date! Cocktails in The Gardens presented by smart center Birmingham is in its third season, and it keeps getting better.

Birmingham indie-acoustic rising star Matthew Mayfield kicks off the first of three Cocktails in The Gardens on August 13. Todd Simpson & Mojo Child bring the blues to The Gardens on September 10 with their flare for southern and classic rock. Birmingham darlings The White Oaks, best described as a unique gospel-inspired, indie garage band, take the stage October 8 for the last Cocktails in The Gardens.

Last year, over 1200 came out to enjoy the music, food, mixing, mingling and cocktails. The Gardens Cafe by Kathy G is catering the spread of hors d’oeuvres and signature drinks this year. Tickets are only $10, but members of The Gardens get in free.

Many thanks to this year's sponsors: smart center Birmingham at Crown Automobile, Live100.5, The Gardens Cafe by Kathy G, RealtySouth’s Young Realtors Council, Southeastern Attractions, Fox 6, Birmingham Magazine, Birmingham Home & Garden and Cool People Care.

Gardening Tips for April

Here are some good tips for gardening in Alabama during the month of April. We'll update these regularly each month, so stay tuned for more in the Gardening Tips series!

Tips courtesy of Alabama Cooperative Extension System; for more information, see www.aces.edu.

Fruits and Nuts

• Season for strawberry planting continues.
• Start spray program for all fruits.
• Plant raspberries and blackberries and continue budding apples and peaches.

Shrubs

• Prune spring flowering shrubs after flowering.
• Fertilize azaleas and camellias.
• When new growth is half completed, spray all shrubs with a fungicide.

Lawns

• Planting continues.
• New lawns may need supplementary watering.
• Also, fertilize at 3- to 6-week intervals.
• Keep ryegrass cut low, particularly if over planted on bermuda lawns.

Roses

• Watch for insects and diseases
• Keep old flower heads removed
• Plant container-grown plants from nurseries or garden centers.

Annuals and Perennials

• Plant early started annuals or bedding plants from nurseries or garden centers.
• Divide mums or root cuttings.
• Dig and divide dahlias.

Bulbs

• Plant gladiolus, fancy-leaved caladiums, milk and wine lilies, and ginger and gloriosa lilies.
• Feed bearded iris with superphosphate and spray for borers.
• Avoid cutting foliage of narcissus or other bulbs until it has turned brown naturally.

Miscellaneous

• Spray camellias, hollies, etc., for scale insects.
• Carefully water new plantings of shrubs and trees.
• Pinching out tips of new shoots promotes more compact shrubs.

Vegetable Seed

• Plant tender vegetables such as beans, corn, squash, melons, and cucumbers.
• Plant heat-loving vegetables in lower South Alabama.

Vegetable Plants

• Plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, sweet potatoes, and parsley.

Class: Medicinal Plants of North America

Medicinal Plants of North America

Instructor: Tellur Fenner, Clinical herbalist/educator, Oakland, CA

North America is home to a diverse array of medicinal plants long valued for their therapeutic effects. We will explore both common and lesser known plants used historically and presently in American herbal practice. Indoors, we’ll discuss the basic taxonomical and phytochemical characteristics of selected plant families.

Outdoors, we’ll observe many species of medicinal plants of the southeast U.S. Preparation methods, harvesting ethics, and botanical safety issues will be addressed. We’ll conclude with a simple medicine-making demonstration.

Details
Sunday, March 22
Noon – 5 p.m.
$40 Members/$80 Non-Members
www.bbgardens.org