
- This event has passed.
2023 Annual Member Celebration & Inaugural John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture
January 31, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

|

Thomas Rainer, a leading voice in ecological landscape design, will talk about his landscape philosophy and how it applies both to homeowners’ gardens and to the Kaul Wildflower Garden.
The Birmingham native, a principal with Phyto Studio in Washington, D.C., has designed landscapes for the U.S. Capitol grounds, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and The New York Botanical Garden. He has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Landscape Architecture Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and Architectural Digest. His recent work focuses on the artful incorporation of wild plant communities into designed plantings that thrive in the context of towns and cities.
Light refreshments will be served. A book signing will follow the talk.
INAUGURAL JOHN A. FLOYD JR. LECTURE
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is honored to introduce the John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture in memory of Dr. John Alex Floyd Jr., the lifelong gardener, skilled horticulturist, and longtime editor in chief of Southern Living whose commitment during 1981–2021 made a lasting impact at the Gardens.

John was a driving force in the creation of our Southern Living Garden in 1981 and, while serving as Board Chair, oversaw the Gardens’ second master plan and the fundraising efforts that made it a reality. Through his work with Southern Living, he was instrumental in positioning Birmingham as an epicenter of Southern gardening, style, and hospitality. He continued that effort in retirement through tireless community service, volunteering weekly in our Japanese Garden, helping shape our latest master plan, and generously sharing his expertise, talents, and enthusiasm until his passing in 2021.
The John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture seeks to honor his memory and passion, which live on in the garden spaces that he elevated and in the gardeners and garden lovers that he continues to inspire.
Preregistration required
Become a Friend of the Gardens and join us in our mission to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Thank you for your support!
Registration is now closed. Call 205.414.3950 for more information.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Refunds (minus a $15 processing fee) will be given for Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens programs priced at $25 or more if notification is made at least 10 business days prior to class start date. (You are always welcome to send another person under your registration if you cannot attend.) Transfers may be made to programs of equal value at no additional fee. We reserve the right to cancel classes due to lack of participation or other unforeseen circumstances. Please note that programs are held rain or shine; in extreme weather conditions, programs may be canceled for your safety and the safety of staff and volunteers. If we cancel a program for any of these reasons, we will issue a full refund.