198 - Connecting People to Plants: The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University - Todd Beasley

00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:25 Meet Dr. Todd Beasley

00:33 The Vision for the Botanic Garden

00:42 Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship

00:53 Todd Beasley's Career and Contributions

02:49 The Role and Importance of Botanical Gardens

05:42 Engaging the Community and Generating Revenue

08:29 The History of the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern

11:25 Design and Plant Selection in the Garden

15:00 Trends and Future Directions in Gardening

21:32 The Importance of Children's Gardens

29:35 The Multifaceted Role of a Garden Director

37:12 Designing in the Landscape: A Creative Expression

37:50 Pollinator Garden: Collaborative Design Approach

38:28 Winter Landscape Tactics: Do's and Don'ts

41:30 The Importance of Proper Landscaping Practices

48:57 Early Garden Memories and Influences

51:53 Funny Garden Stories and Myths

58:31 Diversity in Horticulture: Trends and Changes

01:04:07 Future Plans for the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern

01:11:51 Supporting Your Local Botanic Gardens

Welcome to The Garden Question, where we explore the art and science of designing, building, and growing a smarter garden that works! Today’s episode promises to inspire gardeners of every level as we dive into a fascinating story of passion, leadership, and community engagement.

Our guest is Dr. Todd Beasley, the director of the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University. 

Todd shares his vision for the garden, including its mission, historical roots, and exciting plans for a new environmentally controlled facility. He dives into the challenges of engaging the community, the critical role of plant curation, and his commitment to fostering environmental stewardship.

With over 25 years of experience in horticulture and education, Todd has built an impressive career connecting people to plants. From leading nationally recognized botanical gardens to consulting on major projects like the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and renovations at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Todd’s expertise has made a significant impact wherever he’s gone.

As an educator, Todd has nurtured young minds in South Carolina, taught environmental science and horticulture, and even served as a clinical professor at the University of South Carolina’s College of Education. His work with the SEED program helped bring national recognition to student gardening, including hosting prestigious symposiums for the American Horticultural Society.

But Todd’s passion doesn’t stop there. He’s also the founder of an eco-friendly garden design firm and a traveling exhibition company exploring the fascinating relationship between plants and culture.

Whether you're a novice gardener or an experienced pro, you’re sure to find inspiration in Todd’s story. Join us as we explore how the Botanic Garden is blooming under his leadership. Don’t forget to follow the podcast for more insights into smarter gardening, and be sure to visit the Botanic Garden to see Todd’s vision come to life!