Stories Florals Carry: Art, Memory, and Meaning (Online Lecture)

Abra Lee, garden historian and author, and Teresa Speight floral artist, gardener and writer
Abra Lee joins native Washingtonian floral artist and author Teresa Speight, whose celebrated book “Black Flora: Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture's New Vanguard” features as one of Abra's favorite books. Together Abra and Teresa will explore the connective power of orchids and florals through both storytelling and lived creative practice. From historical archives to contemporary floral design, this dialogue highlights how plants carry cultural memory, shape identity, and create space for beauty across generations.

Please note: This program is offered in partnership with Smithsonian Gardens and the More than a Flower: The Connective Power of Orchids exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Abra Lee

garden historian and author

Conquer the Soil

Abra Lee is an American public horticulturalist, historian, and writer, who researches Black garden history and raises awareness of the subject through social media and her upcoming book "Conquer the Soil: Black America and Untold Stories of Country's Gardener...(read more)

Teresa Speight

floral artist, gardener and writer

Jabali Amani Garden Collective

Teresa J. Speight is the author of "Black Flora: Floriculture’s New Vanguard" and co-author of "The Urban Garden." Teresa, a Washington D.C. native, is a respected educator, podcast host, and founder of the Jabali Amani Garden Collective, where she champions c...(read more)