Gardens to host architectural lectures

New York Times bestselling author Andrea Wulf returns to the 15th Annual Spencer Lecture at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Thursday, March 7, joining architect Ben Page as dual speakers at this year’s event.

This free, annual event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Wulf’s illustrated talk “Chasing Venus: the Race to Measure the Heavens,” based on her book of the same name. Wulf will greet guests at a light reception prior to speaking from 10-10:30 a.m. She will be signing copies of her books, which will be available for purchase at Leaf & Petal at The Gardens.

Ben Page will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. for his talk titled “Traditions and Transitions.” The architect’s lecture weaves together some historical threads, going back as far as ancient Rome, as well as some history of Belle Meade, the area of Nashville where Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art is located. He’ll share the influence of landscape architect Bryant Fleming and his personal approach to garden design. Page will greet guests at a reception from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

The Spencer Lecture is made possible by an endowment established by Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens with funds from the estate of William Micajah (Bill) Spencer III. While this event is free, reservations are required, and capacity will be reached. To reserve seats, visit bbgardens.org/spencerlecture. For more information, call 414-3950.