Posts Tagged ‘Green’

Craftsman Barry Graham at Charlie Thigpens | September 25th | Pepper Place

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

If you missed him at Pepper Place earlier in the month, be sure to stop by and meet local artist and craftsman Barry Graham this Saturday, September 25th, at Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery during the Pepper Place Farmers Market.

If you’ve been in the store over the last few months, you’ve undoubtedly noticed Barry’s beautifully hand-crafted birdhouses on display. Each is a one-of-a-kind creation made from unique and whimsical recycled items such as fishing reels, piano tuning keys and silverware. Every birdhouse is carefully designed, carved and assembled by hand – making them not just birdhouses, but pieces of art.

For more information about Barry Graham, view his recent appearance on Absolutely Alabama. Then read what he has to say on his blog.

Barry will be available for personal signings, and to tell the unique story that comes along with each of his pieces. Come out and support one of our favorite Birmingham artists!

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Thigpen’s Garden Gallery presents An Introduction to Bonsai with Norm Geisinger | Tuesday, October 4th

Friday, September 16th, 2011
Presenter Norm Geisinger is a member of Yama Ki Bonsai Society & Greater Hartford Bonsai Society as well as a number of regional and national bonsai associations.

He has been studying and practicing the art of bonsai for 15+ years, is past president of Yama Ki, and his bonsai trees have been exhibited at the New York Botanical Gardens. Norm’s collections of 30+ trees includes both conifer and deciduous varieties.

The presentation will include discussion of the history, myths, development process, horticulture and types/styles of bonsai.

  • Free seminar
  • Bring your own brown bag lunch, drinks provided.
  • Registration required. Please call (205) 328-1000 to reserve your space. (Class subject to cancellation if a minimum of 10 attendees is not met.)
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    Top 10 Reasons Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery is Worth a Visit

    Thursday, August 4th, 2011

    Off the main parking lot of Pepper Place, an oasis greets customers Monday through Friday and on busy Saturdays during the Pepper Place Farmers’ Market.  Tucked in the corner and down a flower laden path, you will not want to miss the charming courtyard and shop of Charlie and Cindy Thigpen, owners of the Garden Gallery.  Upon entering the relaxing courtyard, you will immediately slow your pace to absorb all the sights, sounds and fragrant smells of this blooming heaven.  Here are our top 10 reasons why you should not miss a visit to this charming “mom and pop” garden shop:

    1. The tranquil sounds of cool, splashing water trickling from the focal point water feature.  Be sure to drop your bags and take a rest on the comfortable ball seats nestled around the fountain.
    1. Friendly smiles and knowledgeable advice on what to plant in your garden.  Usually, Charlie is always on hand to lend an ear and offer tips to questions from patrons, giving that personal touch of customer service.
    1. The variety of selections of annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables.  Surely one (or more!) would be perfect in your landscape.  In addition to popular plants available, there are always several unusual and unexpected surprises to browse.
    1. Garden gifts and whimsical yard ornaments crafted by local artists await you inside and outside the shop! Don’t miss the selection of sketches, oil paintings, and award-winning photography. Several choices abound and range in price points to suit any shopper’s wallet.
    1. Ring the bell!  The tank bell that is.  Created by a local craftsman and perfect for hanging on your porch to call children in from a day at play.  See if you can find the one to ring in our courtyard!
    1. On busy days, the convenience of an outside tent where you can purchase your items with check or cash.  Of course, inside the shop takes credit cards as well.
    1. Three words…the fan mister.  This attraction you will not want to miss.  Young and old cannot resist standing in front of the oscillating misty breeze!
    1. The mosaic matron found by the courtyard fence cradling a flowerpot overflowing with seasonal color.  Presiding over the creatively designed borders, she seems to whisper ideas and “go bys” for customers to fashion in their own garden.
    1. Clever uses of discarded materials such as bicycles and worn garden tools, becoming planters and yard art.  See all the tired, ordinary items repurposed into amazing treasure!
    1. The wide variety of houseplants found inside the shop.  Shoppers can find a range between 4 inch ferns to 8 foot fiddle leaf figs.  An added bonus?  Supporting the local growers in that 99.9% of the plants inside and out are cultivated right here in the state of Alabama!

    Charlie Thigpen’s Garden Gallery is located in Pepper Place, 2805 2nd Ave. S, Ste 300, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.  The phone number is (205) 328-1000 and the email is gardenersgallery@att.net.  STORE HOURS are Monday—Friday 8:00 – 6:00 and Saturday from 8:00 – 4:00. Visit us on the web at: http://www.charliethigpensgardengallery.com/

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    Green Building Focus Conference & EXPO Returns to Birmingham

    Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

    After successful conferences in Mauritius and South Africa, The Green Building Focus Conference & EXPO is returning to Birmingham, Alabama on August 24th 2010. Birmingham is uniquely positioned right in the heart of one of the fastest growing green building markets in the country; it is home to many of the largest and most proactive green building construction and design firms in the region; and it is rapidly becoming the destination of choice for green building manufacturing due to its strategic location and vast manufacturing infrastructure assets.

    The Green Building Focus Conference & Expo 2010 brings the top minds in sustainability together under one roof, sharing ideas and real-life experience of green building and what it means for professionals in the building industry as well as all those in supporting industries.

    Speakers at this year’s event include:

    • Michelle Moore, Federal Environmental Executive, Council on Environmental Quality, Executive Office of the President of the United States,
    • Chris Brogan, Best Seller and Social Media Guru,
    • Karan Grover, “The Greenest ” Award Winning Platinum Architect, India
    • Dr John Bacon, NASA Scientist for the International Space Station
    • Yalmaz Siddiqui, Director of Environmental Strategy, Office Depot
    • Ari Kobb, Director of Green Building Solutions, Siemens
    • Robin Wilson, Nationally recognized eco-friendly and healthy space interior designer and bestselling author
    • Megan Holder, Landscape Architect & LEED® Accredited Professional and Associate with the HOK Planning Group
    • Llewellyn Van Wyk, Research Group Leader, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research, South Africa

    Green Building Focus has some more special events within the event this year.

    Go Green Alabama

    The 2010 event has been scheduled at the end of August to coincide with the school year allowing area students and faculty to take advantage of the vast learning opportunities presented at the conference. We have also partnered with the Birmingham News and CBS 42 to bring sustainability education to the area’s school children. The Birmingham News will publish a 10-week environmental curriculum for school children called Go Green Alabama which will be launched at the event. We will host 3,000 school children on each day of the event for a special session hosted by Karan Grover and other prominent speakers to inspire and educate the area’s children as well as teachers and parents on the importance of environmental stewardship. Read More.

    MyGreenBirmingham.com – Eco Market


    MGB.com is excited to host our first Eco-Market at the Green Building Focus Expo in Birmingham, Alabama, the afternoon of August 25th from 4pm to 7pm. The Market will be in conjunction with the launch of our 2nd Annual My Green Home Giveaway presented by Alabama Power Company and a media day featuring nationally recognized eco-designer, Robin Wilson. Read More.

    AIA Design Awards

    The Birmingham Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Design Awards exist to recognize excellence in architectural design by member architects. These awards increase awareness of outstanding architecture and honors those architects, clients, consultants and contractors who work together to improve the built environment. Read More.


    Chris Brogan
    Green Building Focus is pleased to announce that Chris Brogan will be attending this year’s Green Building Focus Conference & Expo on August 25th in Birmingham, Alabama. Chris is the internationally renowned author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal best seller Trust Agents and the newly published Social Media 101. He is an eleven year veteran of using social media and both web and mobile technologies to build digital relationships for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Chris is one of the world’s leading experts in social media…Read More.

    Chris Brogan will also part take in a public presentation, book signing and reception. Buy Tickets Here.

    For further information please go to http://www.greenbuildingfocus.com

    Register Now at http://www.greenbuildingfocus.com/register

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