AFTER HOURS: Drawing inspiration from the garden

Lida Hill's enlightened attitude toward what might be called pesky garden annoyances was just one of the nuggets of wisdom Hill shared with her audience Oct. 13 at Sidney's Salon, the monthly presentation by authors or artists at the Sidney Lanier Cottage, home of Historic Macon Foundation. Hill was reviewing her recently published book, "Journal of a Cottage Garden," a handwritten account of the gardening experience in her own yard in Birmingham, Alabama.

The book is illustrated with Hill's watercolors of the plants she has cultivated or allowed to volunteer on the grounds of her cottage -- some, like the invasive cherry laurel, the bane of most gardeners.

Watching the interaction of fauna with flora surrounding her, Hill said she has learned, from experience and wise counsel, to view native plants as "homes and food for insects and birds," while understanding that "alien plants give minimal benefits, but take up space and oxygen better used by natives." The discussion was animated and lively -- like any good entertainer, Hill has a quick wit and approaches gardening with a healthy dash of humor.

Hill is not a purist when it comes to gardening, knows native cherry laurel is poisonous to livestock, but likes it for privacy hedges. (She doesn't own any cows.) She also incorporates gardenias, camellias and forsythia, none of which are natives, into her landscape, plus evergreen azaleas because they "seem basic to old Southern gardens -- like peanut butter and jelly to picnics." Hill's book is a droll, well illustrated read, available in the gift shop at the Sidney Lanier Cottage.

RIVERDALE CELEBRATES JAZZ AND ART

This is the 12th year the Jazz Association of Macon (JAM) has welcomed guests to Riverdale Drive where homeowners graciously invite strangers to take over their lawns for Jazz and Arts on Riverdale. The street was transformed into an outdoor gallery for artisans on Oct. 17, where talented musicians entertained the crowd from the bandstand at the end of the street.

Linda Bellflower from Atlanta found a seat near the band just in time to join some friends listening to Robert Lee Coleman, with Fire and Ice, play his blues infused jazz and rock.

Travis Hart sold several of his contemporary paintings and, with his gregarious spirit, enjoyed seeing so many good friends in one place. Ginny Cook, one of the new participants this year, brought items from her boutique, Ginny Marie's at 3920 Ridge Ave., ideal for monogramming, just in time for the holidays.

The large, hand-built, hypertufa leaves in Brenda Burkey's Burcrete booth were glazed in colors complementary to the garden, waiting to be snapped up for bird baths or to add textural interest in flower beds.

RECOGNITION FOR JAM SUPPORT

Ed Clark, the festival's chairman, recognized George Barfield for recording the audio-visual history of JAM since its inception. On hand to share in the honors were his wife, Tricia, and daughter and son-in-law, Trish and Brian Whitley. Virginia Saunders, widow of George Saunders, co-founder of JAM, accepted a proclamation from Mayor Robert Reichert, presented by commissioner Virgil Watkins, naming Oct. 17 as George Saunders Day for his reputation as "The Jazz Man" and Macon's Ambassador of Jazz.

Bumpin' the Mango, an all-horn band from Atlanta, closed out the festival with its sophisticated contemporary set that could blow the skin off a mango, a fitting tribute to two champions of jazz.

ORGAN MASTERS AT NORTHMINSTER

On the afternoon of Oct. 18, Northminster Presbyterian Church opened its doors to a refurbished sanctuary and the restored Cornell Zimmer organ. Members of the Macon chapter of the American Guild of Organists held a recital to try out the state of the art organ after Parkey Organbuilders of Duluth facilitated the extensive work required to enhance its performance.

Andy Weaver, longtime member of the church, was credited with overseeing the necessary renovations to the sunny interior.

Participants in the recital, including Northminster's organist Sandra Smith, treated the afternoon like a rehearsal of sorts. With familiar camaraderie, the organists helped each other navigate the new features, which added the sounds of reed and brass instruments to the music.

Gail Pollock, organist at Riverside United Methodist Church, opened with a resounding "Now We Thank All Our God," composed by Sigfrid Karg-Elert, followed by Smith, whose selection, "Carillon" by Leo Sowerby, appropriately featured the delicate sound of bells.

Other area organists on the program were Gerald Carper from Highland Hills Baptist Church; Michael McGee, associate professor of music at Wesleyan College and organist at First Presbyterian Church; and Robin Jenkins Eriksen, from St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Milledgeville. Susan McDuffie, well known organist and pianist, played Theodore Dubois' "Toccata," a composition her audience always appreciates.

The recital, followed by a reception, was the serene ending to a busy week.

Katherine Walden is a freelance writer and interior designer in Macon. Contact her at 478-742-2224 or kwaldenint@aol.com.

This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 4:56 PM with the headline "AFTER HOURS: Drawing inspiration from the garden ."