Exploring the Multifaceted Roles of Allan Armitage

A few weeks ago, the bustling audience at Louisville’s Waterfront Botanical Gardens was treated to the wisdom and wit of Dr. Allan Armitage. Dr. A, as he’s fondly known, embarked on a narrative that took us from the intricate details of downsizing his garden to the delightful decisions of choosing the right plants for it. It was a journey of color, texture, and years of horticultural expertise.
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Dr. A is not just a gardener. He is an ensemble of roles: a writer, speaker, teacher, researcher, traveler, and an undeniable presence that captivates an audience effortlessly. In his autobiography, It’s Not Just About the Hat, he laid bare his life, the people who shaped it, and his ever-evolving passion for plants. Among his myriad achievements, Herbaceous Perennial Plants: A Treatise on Their Identification, Culture, and Garden, stands out. The American Horticultural Society lauded it as one of the top 75 gardening books.

For many, Allan Armitage is a revered figure, having carved a niche for himself in North American horticulture, akin to the stature of his colleague, Mike Dirr, in the domain of woody plants. Together, these two stalwarts from the University of Georgia made monumental contributions to the world of plants. I fondly recall the spirited energy they brought along during their visits to my Holbrook Farm and Nursery. Their enthusiasm was infectious, their knowledge, profound. Just like nimble boxers, they kept their audience alert and engaged. For those lucky to have crossed paths with them or journeyed to gardens worldwide, the experience is akin to tapping into a treasure trove of horticultural wisdom.

Henry Adams once remarked, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” This holds true for legends like Armitage and Dirr. Their legacies ripple across time, touching countless lives and gardens.

Another gem from Dr. A’s vast literary contributions is Legends in the Garden, co-authored with Linda Copeland. This book delves into the intriguing stories behind the names of several plants. In his talk, Dr. A unraveled the tale behind the popular Hydrangea arborescens ‘Anna Belle.’ It was captivating to learn how a simple observation in 1910 by Harriet Kirkpatrick during a horseback ride led to one of the 20th century’s most celebrated plant introductions.

Dr. Allan Armitage’s visit was not just about the art and science of gardening. It was a reminiscence of a life lived passionately, of lessons learned, and stories that meander through time. As attendees, we were fortunate to be a part of this narrative, witnessing firsthand the brilliance of a true horticultural legend.

The scene at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens buzzed with anticipation. As the first words flowed from Dr. Allan Armitage, you could sense that we were in for an unforgettable evening. By the time we were ten minutes in, the maestro of horticulture was just finding his rhythm.

Who would’ve imagined that an initiation into the thorny embrace of a barberry hedge would have marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with plants? Allan’s recounting of his early escapades, from his brother’s mischievous shove to the simple pleasures of hollyhocks, painted a vivid portrait of a budding gardener. College saw him promoting the joy of fruit trees, etching the mantra into his soul: “Go out and make people happy.”

For many, a stint as a gravedigger might be a mere footnote, but for Allan, it was an epiphany, an awakening to the allure of flora. As he narrated tales of his wanderlust—traversing England, Europe, and taking on odd jobs—it felt like leafing through the pages of an enthralling autobiography.

His teaching career, the decision to downsize, the battles with garden pests—all unfolded as if we were watching a movie. Amid the sea of nodding heads, Allan’s words resonated: “I have never met an old gardener. We are a wee bit crazy.”

The topic of downsizing was approached with wit and wisdom, offering solace to an audience grappling with the same dilemma. The narrative of transitioning from a sprawling space to a 900 square foot garden had its share of humor—especially when Allan shared his strategies to fend off the critters. The ingenious use of Liquid Fence and the hilariously effective cayenne pepper trick for tomatoes were both genius and relatable.

And then, the climax—the making of a garden. From inheriting a patchy lawn to transforming it into a paradise, every plant, every shrub he introduced felt like characters in a play. His arsenal for fellow gardeners, from a handy phone app to his YouTube channel, showcased his dedication to sharing knowledge. Every mention of a plant, from the Japanese maples to the stinky voodoo lily, felt like a personal recommendation from a trusted friend.

As the talk concluded, the applause was thunderous. Dr. Allan Armitage, with his trademark hat, had not just shared his garden journey; he had inspired countless others to embark on their own.

The line for autographs was testament to his influence. With each signature, one could feel the connection he established with his audience—a bond forged through shared passion, stories, and love for the green world.