- Nov -
14

Southern Tales returns to The Gardens on December 9

Southern Tales returns to The Gardens on December 9

Join Dolores Hydock and Bobby Horton of Three on a String for a collection of stories, songs and sing-a-longs sure to entertain! Hydock will share a collection of stories that will make you laugh, make you think and make you remember home, while Horton will provide a soundtrack of new and familiar holiday tunes and lead sing-a-longs of your favorite carols! This unique event will take place in the Linn-Henley Lecture Hall on Sunday, December 9 at 2 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bbgardens.org/southerntales. Check out photos from last year’s event!

- Nov -
5

“Forever Wild” – What You Need to Know About Amendment 1

A message from Executive Director Fred Spicer 

My employer, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, is not a political organization. However, with a mission to educate people about plants, gardens and the environment, we feel an obligation to urge you to support Alabama’s Forever Wild program by voting “yes” on ballot Amendment 1 on November 6. As an organization that places high value on the native plants that sustain the extraordinarily high biodiversity of our state, fifth highest in the nation, we hope that you will support this important program that is doing exactly that. At the same time, it is securing the future of Alabama’s wildest places for future generations of Alabama residents and visitors, making these places accessible to the public, and doing so in a wonderfully economical and sustainable manner. Personally, I think when groups as diverse as the National Rifle Association and the Sierra Club (among dozens of others) are on the same side of an issue, we all ought to take notice. Rarely do we have such a chance to seize this special piece of common ground for the benefit of so many both now and in the future. 

To get all the facts on this important issue, to learn how Forever Wild uses no tax dollars and how the land must be purchased only from willing sellers at market prices, go to www.alabamaforforeverwild.org. Your vote will help secure Alabama’s beautiful and unique natural heritage.

- Oct -
29

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Joins Reforestation Effort at George Ward Park

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Joins Reforestation Effort at George Ward Park

On Saturday, October 27, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens staff members joined the Glen Iris Neighborhood Association and volunteers from Impact Alabama in an effort to replant George Ward Park. Over time, many of the trees in the park have vanished due to mowing. With the support of Little Garden Club and Red Mountain Garden Club, this five-year project continued on Saturday.

- Oct -
2

Meet the Tastemakers: Kitty White – “The Art of Paint”

Meet the Tastemakers: Kitty White – “The Art of Paint”

Discovering and connecting the theories of ancient techniques in art through modern design has been Kitty White’s vision throughout her career. Kitty’s work has spanned many art and design fields from various forms of painting techniques to textiles and jewelry and interiors. After graduating from the University of Alabama in Apparel Design, Kitty spent time in San Francisco and New York City, where she began her studies with painted finished, gliding, color theory and learning the ancient craft of verse eglomise. Upon returning to Alabama, Kitty took a job with local designer Richard Tubb, she began to apply her skills with painted finishes to many of her projects. The demand for her skilland her passion for painting led Kitty to open her own studio at Pepper Place where she worked on a range of projects for commercial and residential interiors. She also began applying her painting techniques to bowls and accessories for the home, in cities across the U.S. including San Francisco-based furniture store Filamento. One of Kitty’s favorite projects was glazing the walls for Birmingham’s renowned Highland Bar and Grill. In 2004, Kitty expanded her design interests into jewelry. What started as a hobby soon became business. Kitty’s jewelry can be found at boutiques in Palm Beach, Dallas and Nashville. The unexpected mixture of semi-precious stones, beads and various metals along with an ethnic influence made Kitty’s jewelry unique and a rare find. Her jewelry is now carried exclusively by Regina Jewelry and Treasures located in Gus Meyer. Working with paint techniques and pattern on textiles and trims for the home has been Kitty’s newest interest. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and two daughters. Her home, which is a palette of exploration, has been featured in Cottage Living and Birmingham Home and Garden.

- Oct -
2

Meet the Tastemakers: Troy Rhone – “Secret Garden”

Meet the Tastemakers: Troy Rhone – “Secret Garden”

In 1998, while still attending Auburn University, Troy Rhone began designing gardens in the Auburn, Opelika and Birmingham areas.

After earning his degree in landscape design, Troy went into business full-time. Troy started Troy Rhone Garden Design.

Hundreds of gardens have been designed, constructed and maintained without compromise. Troy and his team focus on creating enchanting and relaxing gardens and courtyards that complement the interior and exterior architecture of the house while creating intriguing outdoor rooms that are extensions of the home.

Troy and his wife, Randi, and two children reside in Birmingham with their two dogs, Coal and Romeo, and one unnamed garden cat. As Garden Editor for flower and contributing writer for other publications, Troy continues to participate in local and regional forums for landscape design and horticultural education. Much of his project work can be found featured in a variety of publications each year.

The mountains of Western North Carolina are one of Troy’s favorite places in the world to live and work during the spring, summer and fall. The cool climate, crisp air and the fragrance of hemlock draw him back each year to work on the mountain homes and estates belonging to many of his native Birmingham and Rosemary Beach customers.

- Oct -
1

Meet the Tastemakers: Floral Designers (photo by Leah Hazzard of “Living with Flowers”)

Meet the Tastemakers: Floral Designers (photo by Leah Hazzard of ”Living with Flowers”)

Some of Birmingham’s best arrangers have been paired with this year’s Tastemakers to provide stunning arrangements for each booth)

Mountain Brook Flower Shop

Malloy Love

Lagniappe Designs

LoLo’s Flowers

Lois Owen & Kathy Miller

Flower Buds

Ray Jordan

Bloom

Jon Martinez

3 Graces

Leah Hazzard

Dorothy McDaniel Flowers

Leaf & Petal

Lydia Pursell

Uncut Flowers

Michael Dyer

GG’s Flowers et al

Giner Clark

Christopher Glenn

- Oct -
1

Cocktails in The Gardens Menu – 10.11.12.

Cocktails in The Gardens – 10.11.12. – Menu by The Gardens Cafe by Kathy G. & Company

Chinese Five Spiced Chicken Wings. $5

Wok Seared Pork-Ginger Potstickers with Sweet Chili Sauce. $6

Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Chile Dipping Sauce. $6.50

Gulf Shrimp Fried Rice with Snow Peas & Scallions (served in Chinese take-out box). $8

Cilantro Marinated Grilled Chicken with Asian Rice Noodles, Shitake Mushrooms, Bok Choy, Napa Cabbage and Ponzu Sauce (served in Chinese take-out box). $8

Dessert

Cheesecake with Lemongrass Creme Anglaise and Fresh Berries served with Chinese Fortune Cookies. $5

Bar

Assorted Beers. $4

Bulletin Place Chardonnay or Merlot. $5.

Asian Appletini. $7

Liquors. $7.

- Oct -
1

Meet the Tastemakers: Liz Hand Woods – “Beach House”

Meet the Tastemakers: Liz Hand Woods – “Beach House”

The desire to design a space has always been part of Liz Woods’ being. While her friends dressed and styled their Barbie dolls and played out scenarios of their imaginary lives, Liz was decorating the dolls’ house and camper.

She began her college years studying interior design at Auburn University, but changed course midtream and graduated with a degree in marketing.

After pursuing another field following college, she found her way back to interior design through an opportunity with a Birmingham interior design firm. There, she flourished and ionce again pursued her passion, later venturing out on her own.

Liz’s primary focus is on residential spaces, and her goal is to create environments that nourish and improve one’s quality of life. She listens intently to her clients expressing their vision in a way that is deeply personal to them, yet reflects her own design aesthetic.

She worked on projects from Florida to Wyoming and has been published in Cottage Living, Southern Accents, Birmingham Home and Garden, Veranda and Portico magazines.

In addition to designing spaces, Liz travels extensively and loves to be in the kitchen pursuing another of her passions: gourmet cooking. She is married and lives with in Birmingham with her six children and two dogs.

- Sep -
28

Meet the Tastemakers: Cameron Crowe – The Jewel Box

Meet the Tastemakers: Cameron Crowe – The Jewel Box

This year, Cameron Crowe will curate The Jewel Box, a collection of four fine jewelers offering unique new pieces, one-of-a-kind collectibles and estate jewelry. Learn more about each.

The Diamond Dealer

At  The Diamond Dealer in Homewood, John Bromberg and Billy Bromberg have offered fine jewelry since 2003. John Bromberg is a member of the prestigious Diamond Dealers Club of New York, opening doors to terrific gemstone values for their clients. “With the Diamond Dealers, you are working face-to-face with someone you know, and who care about earning your trust,” says Billy.

For Antiques at The Gardens 2012, The Diamond Dealer presents a sampling of its collection for connisseurs of the past, present and future. The brothers specialize in designing stylish new pieces while re-imagining treasures from earlier eras. The Diamond Dealer works with clients both in their 18th Street store and by appointment. “Please enjoy our presentation at this year’s show,” says John, “and then come see us soon!”

Levy’s Fine Jewelry

Levy’s Fine Jewelry has been locally owned and operated in Birmingham since Joe Denaburg opened in the same location in 1922. Levy’s specializes in antique and estate jewelry, and has the largest collection in the Southeast as well as one of the largest in America. Ranging from antique pieces from the B.C. period through Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and 40′s and 50′s Retro period, their collection covers all time periods and tastes.

Over the years, we’ve developed working relationships with antique and estate jewelry dealers all over the US and worldwide. We also have an extensive collection of loose diamonds and gemstones, modern previously owned designer jewelry and watches and an extensive bridal jewelry selection from several top named designers.

Wallace-Burke

Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry and Collectibles creatively began as an idea in April of 2007 and opened in October. The owners, David B. Hezlep and Preston W. Foy, bring to the fine jewelry business over seventy years of experience. Because of their history and experiences over the years, they have developed vital relationships worldwide with quality artisans that enable them to produce almost anything one will ever see or imagine. Whether it is fine jewelry designing or rare, one-of-a-kind collectibles, Wallace-Burke can deliver.

Their staff holds certificates of study in Colored Stones and Colored Stone Essentials and diplomas for Pearls and Diamond from the Gemological Institute of America. These credentials will help assure that you can purchase a quality product that is of a standard to be proud of.

Benchmark of Palm Beach

A family-owned business started by Ken and Sara Burns with their two sons, Michael and Jeremy Burns, Benchmark has been in the industry for over 40 years. Our focus has always been fine-quality, high-end estate jewelry. The company originated in South Florida.

Their home base is the store in Blue Ridge, Georgia, located on Main Street. They participate in antiques show and trunk shows nationwide.

- Sep -
27

Meet the Tastemakers: Karen Luce & Cathy Harvey – The Gallery

Meet the Tastemakers: Karen Luce & Cathy Harvey – The Gallery

Loretta Goodwin opened Loretta Goodwin Gallery in 1982 making it one of the oldest operating art galleries in the Magic City. For over 20 years the gallery has nurtured a passion for art, offering a variety of artistic styles to collectors in not only the Birmingham area, but across the country.

Art captures life sometimes only for a moment – sometimes for centuries – and has a way of imparting certainty to our humanity. It lifts our spirits, nourishes our souls and makes us cherish the sheer awesomeness of our being.

Dirk Walker became the owner in 2002 and has preserved the gallery’s goal of presenting original works of art and fine art graphics which are revered and collected for their artistic integrity.