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!)
Online ticket sales for this event will temporarily close at 4pm on May 3 as we transition to a new ticketing platform; online sales will resume on May 8. Tickets may still be purchased over the phone during this time by calling 404.814.4000 during our business hours, Tuesday–Sunday, 9am to 4pm.
Woodruff Auditorium is located inside McElreath Hall.
Please join Atlanta History Center, The Garden Conservancy, 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.
Author photo credit: Paul Richmond
Promotional language provided by publisher.
Support
This event is presented in partnership with The Garden Conservancy in support of its mission to preserve, share, and celebrate America's gardens and diverse gardening traditions for the education and inspiration of the public. This event is also made possible with support from Historic Oakland Foundation and the Cherokee Garden Library of Atlanta History Center.