By Sarah Kuper
Local gardeners will have the chance to “Ask John” at the Aug. 23 meeting of the Alabama Hydrangea Society.
Accomplished horticulturist and former Editor in Chief of Southern Living magazine John Floyd will speak about what he believes the Hydrangea Society and similar groups need to do to make gardening accessible, especially on a local level.
Floyd is the green thumb behind Birmingham Gardening Today, the goal of which is to provide straightforward information and advice about gardening in the Birmingham area. The website can be found at birminghamgardeningto- day.com.
“Good gardening information is local. Our metro area has unique gardening needs, as do many,” Floyd said.
Accomplished or aspiring gardeners can look to the site to find guides on subjects such as what to plant when.
If someone visiting the site can’t find the solution for their gardening problem, Floyd invites them to “Ask John.” In this section of the website, people can submit questions and look for advice.
Floyd said he includes this tool on the site because he wants gardening to be doable, not just for those pursuing it as a hobby, but for everyday homeowners just trying to have a nice yard.
In giving his talk to the Alabama Hydrangea Society, he plans to encourage audience members to share their knowledge about Birmingham gardening with a wider audience, he said.
Floyd has been gardening for 30 years and has degrees in horticulture, plant taxonomy and plant physiology from Auburn and Clemson universities.
The talk will be held at the Aldridge Gardens House at 1 p.m. Aug. 23.
The event is free and open to the public. ❖
