To continue the yearlong observance of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 50th anniversary, the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosted its annual Member Celebration in the Garden Center on Jan. 23.
The evening event’s theme, “Looking Back, Growing Forward,” reflected the rich history of The Gardens and its bright future with Fred Spicer, executive director and chief executive officer.
In December 1962, The Gardens opened the Conservatory. In October 1964, the Birmingham Botanical Society, a nonprofit group now known as Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, was formed.
The Friends organization oversees strategic, physical and living collections development; provides administrative, operational and garden maintenance support, and raises money for capital projects along with educational, library, membership, volunteer and other public programs.
Other special events to celebrate The Gardens’ 50th anniversary will be held throughout the year.
Those attending the Member Celebration included Andrew J. Noble, Andrew Krebbs, Fred Spicer, Kim Rafferty, Blake Ells, Charles W. Daniel and Chris Boles.
Also attending the event were Christopher Boehm, Courtney Pigford, Dona Musgrove, John Floyd, Ed Meadows, Elizabeth Broughton and Emily Bowron.
Others at the celebration were Janie Meadows, Jay Pigford, Kara School, Kristen Murphree, Leah Hazzard, Lyndra Daniel and Mary Boehm.
Also attending were Mindy Lalor, Shelly Lindstrom, Tricia Noble, William A. Lalor and Zhaleh McCullers.
