On Friday, February 7, 2025, the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University welcomed 150 guests for a sold-out seasonal celebration. The evening featured an oyster roast, hearty chili, flavorful étouffée, live music, and refreshing beverages, all set against the stunning winter beauty of the Garden.
Attendees arrived in casual attire, ready to shuck oysters and enjoy the crisp, pre-spring evening. The event provided a perfect opportunity to unwind after a busy week, bringing friends, family, and co-workers together in a relaxed and joyful setting.
Ed DiNello and Nathan Bolton expertly steamed oysters on-site, providing guests with gloves and tools for easy shucking at high-top tables. The oyster station became a hub of activity, sparking great conversation and encouraging guests to mingle, mix, and make new connections.
The exquisite menu was catered by Scratch Made Caterers, offering a delightful selection of comforting dishes. Guests enjoyed traditional chili with ground beef, kidney beans, cornbread, green onions, and cheese, as well as a vegetarian vegetable chili packed with corn and black beans. Other highlights included a flavorful shrimp étouffée with sausage and jasmine rice, along with the ultimate sweet treat—decadent, to-die-for lemon bars.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Tall Paul Trio band (three-piece) provided live music, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Guests enjoyed sing-alongs, dancing, and reminiscing to familiar tunes, making the night even more special.
Todd M. Beasley, Ed.D., Director of the Botanic Garden, shared, “We want to create an experience that lets people embrace the Garden in the winter in a way that's fun, social, and a little indulgent, as there is something of interest in all seasons—especially in the evening hours, with the glow of landscaping lighting casting shadows down on the silhouettes of our plants.”
Strolling through the enchanting garden atmosphere, guests enjoyed the winter beauty, delicious food, and lively music, making this event a memorable success.
Todd Beasley also announced, “For the first time ever, the Garden will be opening up on Saturdays, beginning March 22, 2025. Hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., giving us ample time to shut down and prepare for private events. Representatives from area garden clubs (Weed & Wilt, Brooklet, Hoe and Hope, Evergreen, Sprig & Dig, Spade & Trowel, and Camellia) will be volunteering at the admissions booth to serve as ambassadors on rotating weekends. The Garden has a great spring offering of ‘Gather & Grow’ events, a Plant Sale, a May wine event, and the soon-to-open Pollinator Garden.”
The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern is located at 1503 Bland Avenue in Statesboro.
