April 2023 | Montgomery Botanical Gardens

Montgomery Botanical Gardens Raised Bed Gardening Workshop Draws Large Crowd

April 18, 2023April 21, 2023 by Amye King

Montgomery Botanical Gardens Raised Bed Workshop drew a large crowd of participants on a sunny, breezy day in April. Participants arrived at Wisdom Wood Classroom in Oak Park with a variety of interests. Each participant received a Montgomery Botanical Gardens calendar which outlined upcoming events for the remainder of the year.

Participants enjoy the presentation.

Board President Cathy Maddox welcomed attendees, introduced board members present, and recognized members of the Education committee. Tom McLemore introduced presenter, Mike Forster.

The workshop covered reasons why gardeners choose raised beds, usually because the soil is poor or has poor drainage in the growing location. Mr. Forster explained the correct type of soil needed for growth, as well as how compost and mulch enrich the soil and make growing successful. He also discussed the use of fertilizers and pesticides for raised beds.

Mr. Forster emphasized the specific requirements for raising tomatoes and potatoes to increase yield. He also discussed types of vegetables that grow best in raised bed settings.

The workshop included a demonstration of how to build raised beds. Participants also learned how to position them in relation to the sun for best results. They also learned which tools make gardening easier and more efficient. Mr. Forster emphasized the economics and other benefits of raising vegetables at home.

Mike Forster demonstrates the electric Alligator cutting through limbs.

As he arrives for class, Cathy Maddox and Charlene Thomas thank Master Gardener volunteer Dave Toellner for his recent pruning of the boxwood hedges around the lion statues in the Gardens.

Montgomery Botanical Gardens Slates National Public Gardens Week Activities

April 17, 2023April 20, 2023 by Amye King

Montgomery Botanical Gardens at Oak Park board of directors plan a number of sessions for National Public Gardens Week, May 6-13. River Regions residents may choose from a variety of activities, including a Birding Class and Walk, A Plein Aire Paintout and a Nature Photography class. All programs will be conducted in the Gardens and are free to the public.

Birding Class and Walk will take place on Saturday, May 6 at 10:00 am. Bird’s the Word! Come see what birds make the Gardens their home. The class, taught by Jennie McConnell Stowers, a longtime resident of Montgomery and an enthusiastic birdwatcher will begin in the Wisdom Wood Outdoor Classroom and will conclude with a birding walk around the Gardens.

Mrs. Stowers, long active in local and regional birdwatching circles, currently is president of the Highlands Biological Foundation, secretary of the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries and an active member of the Alabama Ornithological Society. She also taught biology for many years at Lanier Academic Motivational Program (LAMP) and St James School.

If you wonder what birds you hear singing in your backyard or neighborhood, Birding 101 is for you. Come learn the basics of birdwatching binocular use, feeder basics, identification by sight and sound and bird behavior. Walk through the Gardens and search for resident and migratory birds like the Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, Red-headed Waxwing, Red-headed Woodpecker and Eastern Towhee. Learn how to use the Merlin App to enhance your birding experience.

Participants should bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and download the Merlin App developed by the Cornell Institute of Ornithology. Go to your App Store (Google or Apple) and download Merlin on your phone.

Plein Aire “Paint Out” will provide the environment for artists from throughout the state and region to paint throughout the Gardens. The event, to be held Tuesday, May 9 from 9 am until 3:00 pm, offers artists a natural environment to hone their craft.

A Paint Out is an event during which artists choose a venue within a location, set up their easel, and paint a scene or object of their choosing. Through the Alabama Plein Aire Artists Association, artists from across Alabama are invited to participate. Renowned artist, Montgomery native Barbara Davis will be among the artists in the Gardens.

The public is invited to come to the Gardens to watch them paint and to enjoy the beauty of the Spring blossoms and trees. Observers are asked to quietly observe the artists while they work.

Nature Photography will be held Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 am, beginning in the Wisdom Wood Outdoor Classroom and allowing participants to practice skills learned throughout the Gardens. Paul and David Robertson, formerly of Robertson Photography, and Billy Birchfield, formerly of Snap Shot Ranch, bring to the arena many years of successful practice throughout the Montgomery area.

Self-Guided Tours, May 6-13, 8:00 am until Dusk. All residents and visitors are encouraged to tour the Gardens even when classes are not in session to enjoy the beauty of the season and to learn the names of plants and trees. National Public Gardens Week highlights the importance of public gardens and their impact on the quality of life for residents and visitors and encourages community support for public gardens.