Ann with Jane Martin

Mrs. Ann Oldham was recently recognized for her authorship of “Lilly’s Garden”, at a book signing at New South Books which was attended by a large number of friends and admirers.  Her book may be purchased at New South Books. The book chronicles the history of the lovely garden located at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School that is named in memory of Ann’s late daughter, Lilly. 

The garden was developed as a result of an art project that Lilly created depicting the advantages of recycling to protect the environment. That project spurred Lilly and her classmates to lead several environmentally related activities and to create the garden. 

After Lilly passed away as a result of Sickle Cell Anemia, her classmates completed the garden and named it in memory of her. The book recognizes the vital part that members of the Capital City Master Gardener Association played in the development and care of Lilly’s Garden which was adopted by CCMGA as an official community project. Ann has worked tirelessly to make sure that the garden has thrived and was improved through the years with the help of her master gardener friends. The garden is a valuable resource for the students and teachers as an outdoor classroom where they learn about growing things and protecting the environment. 

Ann is also a dedicated board member for Montgomery Botanical Gardens where her love for the environment and beautiful gardens continues to be demonstrated in her work for the gardens. As a part of the MBG Education Committee, she has helped to bring excellent presenters for the seasonal classes in the MBG Wisdom Wood Outdoor Classroom. She encourages everyone to come visit the botanical gardens to enjoy this beautiful, peaceful oasis of nature in the midst of urban Montgomery.  Right down the street from MBG is Forest Avenue Magnet School where you can see Lilly’s Garden and enjoy the result of the many hands that develop and care for this special place. 

The Montgomery Botanical Gardens Board of Directors and the Capital City Master Gardener Association are both very proud of Ann Oldham and sincerely thankful that she has written the book about Lilly’s Garden. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to support the Sickle Cell Foundation.

Ann and her family