On the Circuit: Branching Out Patrons Party

Nashville conservationists gathered on Hillwood Country Club’s veranda for an enchanted evening in the forest — better known as the Branching Out Patrons Party.

Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee launched its Branching Out initiative, in partnership with Root Nashville, to plant 500,000 trees by 2050 and educate local communities about the importance of urban forestry. 

Following October’s Branching Out Fashion Show and Tea Party, the Patrons Party helps champion the organization’s mission by gathering dedicated supporters for an evening of acknowledgment. 

The event featured a star-studded lineup of co-chairs — Lucie Cammack, Lianne Dunn, Ashley Henry, Janice Elliott Morgan, Deby Pitts, Barbara Rogers and Joanne Slaughter — who mingled with guests over cocktails and made everyone feel welcome. 

Deby and Lucie emphasized Branching Out’s mission of creating a greener Nashville — all the more important following Winter Storm Fern. And HSMT president Lacey Moore honored the late Alice Ann Barge. Alice Ann spent three decades supporting HSMT’s efforts and served as chair of the Award of Merit — an honor she received that evening, to the joy of everyone in the room. 

Alice Ann’s son, Frank Floyd, accepted the award on her behalf and shared several heartfelt anecdotes about his mother. HSMT’s dedicated members carry on Alice Ann’s love of all things green, being unafraid to dig around in the dirt to support a crucial mission. 

To learn more about HSMT, visit https://hsmtn.org/.