An Evening in Atlanta with Advolly Richmond discussing A Short History of Flowers: The Stories That Make Our Gardens
Credit: Paul Richmond
Please join the Garden Conservancy, Atlanta History Center, Historic Oakland Foundation, and Cherokee Garden Library for an unforgettable evening with renowned garden historian Advolly Richmond who will discuss her new book, A Short History of Flowers. The book discussion will be followed by a complimentary reception and book signing celebrating this impactful new work in garden history.
Garden and social historian Advolly Richmond (of Gardener’s World) unravels the surprising histories of 60 flowers that shape our gardens.
Have you ever wondered where your favorite garden flowers came from? Where their names derived? Or why some cultivars go in and out of favor? Every flower in your herbaceous border has a story, and in this book, Advolly Richmond takes you on a tour of the most intriguing, surprising, and enriching ones.
Tales of exploration, everlasting love, and bravery bring these beautiful flowers to life. Advolly has dug down to uncover the royalty, scholars, pioneers, and a smuggler or two that have all played a part in discovering and cultivating some of our favorite species. From the lavish and exotic bougainvillea, found by an 18th-century female botanist in disguise to the humble but majestic snowdrop casting a spell and causing a frenzy. These plants have played pivotal roles in our societies, from boom to bust economies, promises of riches, and making fashion statements. These unassuming blooms hold treasure troves of stories.
With specially commissioned artworks from award-winning botanical illustrator Sarah Jane Humphrey, which sumptuously bring each flower to life – this is a beautiful compendium for every garden lover.
About the Author
Advolly Richmond is a garden historian, TV and radio presenter, and independent researcher in garden, landscape, plant, and social history. A regular on the BBC Gardeners’ World as well as on BBC Gardeners’ Question Time, she is also the presenter of The Garden History Podcast. She lectures on garden history from the 16th to 20th centuries and provides one-day courses for interested historians. She is passionate about promoting garden history in all its branches and likes to encourage people to value their garden and landscape heritage. She is a plant-loving practical gardener with probably far too many roses and a collection of snowdrops, which kindly share their space with a range of pre-1900 heritage daffodils. She even has a variety of snowdrops named after her. Sarah Jane Humphrey is an award-winning botanical artist who has won four RHS Medals, including the 2023 Gold medal for her collection of seaweed paintings. Much of her work is published in books and magazines and she has an array of high-profile clients, including the Royal College of Physicians, BrewDog, the Eden Project, the Duchy of Cornwall, and Jo Malone.
Tuesday, May 14 @ 7 P.M.
Atlanta History Center, McElreath Hall
130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA
General Admission Tickets (book not included)
Not Yet Members: $10
Members: $5
Bundle Tickets
Not Yet Members: $29.40 (includes general admission ticket + book at 30% discount!)
Members: $23.96 (includes discounted general admission ticket + book at 30% discount!)
Tickets can be purchased through Atlanta History Center, please click the link below:
Tickets can also be purchased by phone: 404.814.4000
Garden Conservancy Members can use code “GCMember” at check-out on the webstore to get $5 off the ticket price.
Online ticket sales will close at 5pm on the day of the event; however, tickets can still be purchased at the door via credit or debit card only.