Historic Oakland Cemetery’s unusual bulbs topic at July BYA Meeting

From Special Reports

Historic Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta’s oldest public park, is a treasure trove of antique plants and bulbs, and Director Sara Henderson has the scoop on these plants. She will lecture on “Unusual Bulbs for Fall Planting” at the July meeting of the Backyard Association presented by the Coweta County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers.

These flowers include hyacinths, crocus, snowdrops, Formosa lilies, dwarf iris, starflowers, lady tulips and rain lilies, among others.

The free presentation begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, and is open to the public. The BYA is an educational program sponsored by the Master Gardener Extension Volunteers at the UGA Extension – Coweta County, located at 255 Pine Road in Newnan.

Henderson is a garden educator who oversees the 48-acre Historic Oakland Cemetery, the resting place of many of Atlanta’s most outstanding citizens. Less than a mile from downtown, the cemetery is full of treasures – history and gardens, sculpture and architecture, ancient oaks and magnolias. Originally, just six acres purchased by the city in 1850.

In 1976, Oakland Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery experienced a renewal of interest from friends who would eventually take over the restoration and maintenance of the cemetery. This organization became the Historic Oakland Foundation.

Through restoration projects, fundraising, willpower and imagination, Oakland Cemetery and its stories have been saved from obscurity. Today, the cemetery welcomes 105,000 visitors a year who stroll the lush, peaceful grounds to attend a tour or special event. The City of Atlanta has come to treasure the cemetery and its rich history.

The Backyard Association is an educational program sponsored by the Coweta County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEVs). The free presentations and are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at UGA Extension, Coweta County, 255 Pine Road, Newnan.

If you want to be in the drawing for door prizes, (usually plants and gardening supplies) please call the Extension office at (770) 254-2620 or email [email protected] to register.

More Information: www.ugaextension.org/coweta