40th Anniversary Speaker Series
This year marks four decades of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and we’re celebrating for the whole year with favorite events as well as exciting new ones. Through our 40th Anniversary theme, “Flourish”, our goal is to honor the work that has come before, celebrate where we are now, and look forward to the transformational changes kicking off in 2024. Our anniversary programming includes a special Speaker Series highlighting the Garden’s past, present, and future. To see all Flourish-related classes, tours, and programs, click here.
Celebrating the History of the Garden
Friday, April 19, 2024 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Join three visionary leaders as they come together on April 19 to discuss the evolution of the Garden from its very earliest days to the recent past. Guest speakers include former Garden leaders: Frank Robinson, former Executive Director (1992-2011) and President & CEO (2011-2015); Holly Shimizu, Managing Director (1996-2000); and Grace Elton, Director of Horticulture (2011-2017). Highlights include how they helped shape the Garden and how the Garden shaped them, their fondest memories, biggest challenges, and hopes for the future of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. This discussion will be moderated by the Garden’s current President & CEO, Brian Trader. Following the discussion, guests are invited to mix-and-mingle with our speakers and explore the Garden’s spring blooms.
Botanic Gardens: Seizing the Moment While Imagining the Future
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 2 – 4 pm
Explore the role of public gardens and the importance of making green space and gardens accessible to the community with Oak Spring Garden Foundation President, Sir Peter Crane. Discussion will center on the opportunities that public gardens must seize to remain relevant while doing more to address important societal concerns, especially around the environment. A Q&A will follow his presentation, as will the chance to explore the 40th anniversary Flourish displays and meet our talented horticulture staff. Bloemendaal House will be open with light refreshments and volunteer Garden Guides available to highlight the history of the house and property.
Designing the Future
Friday, October 11, 2024 | 3 – 4 pm
Join us for a presentation by two nationally renowned landscape designers featured in the Garden’s THRIVE expansion, which began this April. Wambui Ippolito of Wambui Design and Thomas Rainer of Phyto Studio will share the inspiration, vision and goals for their designs. The Mary Morton Parsons Courtyard will be a formal but flexible garden space designed to support various events and exhibitions at the Garden. Ann Lee’s Meadow will flow from the Conservatory’s Sunset Terrace to the edges of Wick Lake with winding plantings and pathways that invite visitors to explore.
Click here for more information on our speakers and agenda, and to register for this event.
Check back soon for additional opportunities in our 40th Anniversary Speaker Series!
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