Southern Garden History Society Series I

Home of Camille Butrus

This weekend I have had the pleasure of volunteering to guide bus tours for the attendees at the Southern Garden History Society's meeting, being held at our Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I've so enjoyed showing off my beautiful hometown, and vitiating some outstanding gardens for myself. Of course, meeting so many lovely visitors to our city was just a delight.

For the next few days, I'll share some of my images. 

Dazzling Dahlias III

Today, we again tour Kathy Whitfield's amazing dahlia garden. I have no idea how many varieties they grow but do know that they show at dahlia shows across the SE.

Queen of the Road

Queen Anne's Lace is one of my favorites, but let's face it, it's not a prissy garden flower, it prefers the side of the road. I've dug them up and lovingly planted in my yard to no avail. My friend Cathy Adams has an outrageous green thumb and they flourish in her garden. I can enjoy with my camera!

Have a Seat...

 or maybe not. Here in the south, there are just some things we just love for all their peeling paint and rust!

Lazy Days of Summer

 

I visit my friend Ginger's beautiful garden every few weeks as I'm doing a year long project for her. It's hard to stay on task when that hammock is beckoning!

In the Potting Shed

Even the potting shed in Ginger's garden is a photo op!

Almost Ready!

I have the delightful assignment ( it's too much fun to call a JOB!) of photographing my friend Ginger Clark's beautiful and eclectic gardens every month for a year. I ran by this morning right after the sprinklers turned off and found everything green and lush. In the old bathtub, planted with lettuce and cherry tomatoes I found some that will be ready any day now, if the critters don't get there first!

Early Bloomers

T

he Star Magnolias were bursting open at Aldridge Gardens today. I think it might be a bit early, but we really haven't had any prolonged cold weather at all here in Birmingham this winter. I love these floppy petaled blooms back lit by the afternoon sun.

Big Show Off!

Yesterday, my friend Cathy Adams' garden was just so fabulous but this guy was stealing the show. My butterfly expert Matt Hunter, ventures it is a Spicebush Swallowtail. I"m going with Matt.

The Shadow

This caught my eye. It wasn't the flower, but the shadow. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I liked it.

Have A Seat.... Well Maybe Not

You all know by now that I get invited to some interesting places around town. Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of photographing Jeff McGee's glorious gardens in Avondale.  I thought I was prepared for the photo ops but I wasn't. Jeff has one of the most beautiful gardens I've visited here in Birmingham.  I'm invited back.... every single month. I can't wait!

Today just a glimpse. I'll sprinkle Jeff's gardens in for a long time. 

Happy Volunteers

The plants in Cathy's garden are so well loved and tended to they just spring up everywhere, including the cracks in her sidewalks and stairs!