Thank You! - Lockerly Arboretum

Volume 1, Issue 18
July 27, 2010
Thank You!
This week we brought our vision of redeveloping the former Woods Museum for use
as a multifunction Interpretive Center and educational facility one step closer to completion.
We now have a new central heating and air conditioning system for the building installed and
functioning. This new HVAC equipment will enable us to better control the atmosphere within
the space to protect valuable exhibits and provide greater comfort to our visitors. We’re excited
about this latest step forward in the rehabilitation of this building, and we will now turn our
attention to upgrading the lighting and display cabinets.
We are grateful to our many generous supporters who made this possible. Many thanks
to Rheem Manufacturing for providing the equipment and the following donors who provided
the necessary funds for installation:
Baldwin County High School
Mr. and Mrs. Lynwood F. Chandler, Jr.
Exchange Bank
Randale Johnson Investments, Inc.
Magnolia State Bank
MidSouth Federal Credit Union
Milledgeville Rotary Club
Ranch Park Homes, Inc.
The Union Recorder
Thanks also to Mr. Mark Scott for providing the affordable labor and
materials. Our very special thanks go out to Lyn and Kathy Chandler for providing
the leadership and energy that made this all possible.
Page 1
Table of Contents
Thank You!
pg. 1
Perennial of the
Week
pg. 2
Georgia Garden
Destinations
pg. 3
Perennial of the Week
Lycoris squamigera
Who wouldn’t want a plant named Magic Lily growing in their
garden? Also commonly known as Surprise Lily or Naked Ladies,
Lycoris squamigera is an interesting perennial that is grown from a
bulb. The bulb, about 2 inches in diameter, sends up 12 to 18 inch
tall flower stalks in late July with little warning, hence its name.
Before any sign of foliage appears, the sturdy leafless stems of
Surprise Lily are each topped by 6 to 8 large, outward facing
flowers. The blooms are sweetly fragrant and quite attractive, with
clear rose-pink petals. Overall, the entire ‘surprise’, from first
emergence to full bloom, takes about 4 to 5 days. After flowering,
grey-green, strap-like leaves emerge to produce energy for next
year's flowers. The foliage dies-back in spring, and the flowering
cycle is then set to begin again.
While delicate in appearance, Lycoris squamigera is a strong and
vigorous plant that requires virtually no care at all. These ‘magic’ flowers perform best in full
sun, although they will tolerate light shade. They grow well in almost any well drained soil,
and they are deer resistant too. It takes time for these plants to establish themselves in the
garden, but they can persist for many years, and they will increase and improve with age. The
Surprise Lily is an old time southern garden favorite, and can often be found growing on the
site of an old house.
A cluster of Surprise Lilies makes a striking accent anywhere. They work well
in mixed borders or in open woodland gardens, meadows, or wild areas where the
foliage, which is undeniably unattractive, will be of no concern. Lycoris squamigera
makes a stunning cut flower, and it will be sure to bring charm and beauty to your garden year after year.
Page 2
Georgia Garden Destinations
Vines Gardens
Nestled in a quiet corner of Gwinnett County near Loganville is Vines Gardens, a 25-acre county property
that features a large house and a number of themed gardens. The gardens include annuals, perennials, a display
garden, water garden, rose garden, Japanese garden, as well as an arboretum, all of which surround a picturesque
lake. Antique statuary and fountains grace the grounds, as well as cobblestone walks and curving pathways.
Visitors can cross the lake via a romantically arched white bridge. Also of interest is the house which sits atop
a hill above the gardens and is operated as a venue for weddings and other events. Visitors can also dine at a
restaurant at the house.
For its short history, Vines has undergone several incarnations. Originally the private estate of Charles
and Myrna Adams in the mid-1980s, the couple spent several years remodeling the 18,000 square foot home and
developing the lake and gardens. They donated the entire estate to Gwinnett County in memory of Mrs. Adams’
father, Odie S. Vines, in 1990. In the spring of 1994, the public gardens were turned over to Vines Botanical
Gardens Foundation, Inc. However, financial difficulties in early 1997 almost forced the botanical garden to be
sold for development. Once again, the people of Gwinnett County came to the rescue, taking over operation of
the property as a county park.
Today, Vines Gardens
and Vines Mansion are a valued
resource for the citizens of metro
Atlanta. Admission is now free to
the public, and this makes the park
popular with students and garden
enthusiasts alike. The beautifullykept landscape is exceedingly popular in spring when photographers,
joggers, painters, young families,
and couples come out to enjoy the
gardens erupting in seasonal color.
Vines Gardens is truly a remarkable Georgia garden destination
that is well worth a visit.