Annual Member Celebration
John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Annual Member Celebration & John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to welcome Jason Powell as the special guest speaker for our annual John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and landscape design from Auburn University, and a master’s in horticulture from Texas A&M. He and his wife Shelley are the co-owners of Petals from the Past, a plant nursery located in Jemison, Alabama, along with Jason’s parents, Dr. Arlie and Gwen Powell.
They specialize in antique roses, heirloom shrubs, and hard-to-find cottage perennials and herbs. They also produce a handful of classical varieties of vegetables and fruit trees. Their nursery is located on 45 acres, 17 of which have been developed as demonstration gardens, fruit gardens, growing facilities, and an educational facility.
Reception: 5:30 p.m. | Light refreshments will be served.
Annual Member Meeting and Presentation: 6–7 p.m. | Linn-Henley Lecture Hall
JOHN A. FLOYD JR. LECTURE
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is honored to present the John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture in memory of Dr. John Alex Floyd, Jr., the lifelong gardener, skilled horticulturist, and longtime editor in chief of Southern Living whose commitment during 1981–2021 made a lasting impact at the Gardens.
John was a driving force in the creation of the Southern Living Garden in 1981, and while serving as board chair, oversaw the Gardens’ second master plan and the fundraising efforts that made it a reality. Through his work with Southern Living, he was instrumental in positioning Birmingham as an epicenter of Southern gardening, style, and hospitality. He continued that effort in retirement through tireless community service, volunteering weekly in the Japanese Garden, helping shape our latest master plan, and generously sharing his expertise, talents, and enthusiasm until his passing in 2021.
The John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture seeks to honor his memory and passion, which live on in the garden spaces that he elevated and in the gardeners he inspired.
Registration required
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Cancellation & Refund Policy
Refunds (minus a $15 processing fee) will be given for Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens programs priced at $25 or more if notification is made at least 10 business days prior to class start date. (You are always welcome to send another person under your registration if you cannot attend.) Transfers may be made to programs of equal value at no additional fee. We reserve the right to cancel classes due to lack of participation or other unforeseen circumstances. Please note that programs are held rain or shine; in extreme weather conditions, programs may be canceled for your safety and the safety of staff and volunteers. If we cancel a program for any of these reasons, we will issue a full refund.
