The Memphis Botanic Garden recently dedicated a new building named for one of the Mid-South's more knowledgeable and beloved plantsmen.
The Rick Pudwell Horticulture Center is a complex of three greenhouses and a "head house" with offices for Rick and Kyle McLane and educational space for small groups.
In this photo taken in the orchid house, Rick is second from left. With him are Emelia Miekicki, (far left) a master gardener who assists Rick when he makes his incredible floral designs, and Kay and Paul Little.
It was built with more than $500,000 provided by Jabie and Helen Hardin, Memphis philanthropists who have been big supporters of the botanic garden.
The botanic garden's sizable orchid collection is being moved into one of the new greenhouses; another will provide storage for tropicals during the winter. The center greenhouse has space for Laurie Williams's horticulture therapy sessions and for a big hydroponic system -- seized by the Bartlett police in a marijuana growing bust -- that will be used to grow salad greens and possibly heirloom tomatoes for Fratelli's, the restaurant at the botanic garden.
About 200 people attended the grand opening. Rick was a little reticent about being in the spotlight but with his usual aplomb, did a wonderful job in his speech and making everyone feel welcome.