On the first day of spring, March 20th, Capital Trees celebrated 15 years of cultivating vibrant public greenspaces. The setting for this special occasion was Main Street Station Headhouse, which was transformed to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, mirroring the public landscapes that Capital Trees collaborates to design, build, fund, and manage. Guests were encouraged to embrace the spring theme with their attire.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted at a welcome table adorned with spring flowers, including forsythias and azaleas, crafted by Cross Creek Nurseries. They entered the celebration on a tree-lined green carpet, where photographer Kimie James captured the memories. Trees, generously provided by James River Nurseries, added to the ambiance and will soon be planted along the Low Line and at Hotchkiss Green.
The event offered a feast for the senses. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the smooth sounds of the Bob Blagg Trio, providing a sophisticated musical backdrop to the festivities. Food and drink stations were thoughtfully placed throughout the venue, providing guests with opportunities to enjoy craft cocktails, beer, wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a raw bar. Salt and Acid mixed special craft cocktails in honor of Capital Trees, including the “Speak for the Trees” (Cirrus vodka-based), “Sowing the Seeds” (bourbon-based), and the non-alcoholic “Rooted in Values.” The beer garden entrance was decorated with towers of flowers and greens by Flowers by Bron, where a selection of wine and beer was available from Robins Cellars and Richbrau. Yellow Umbrella provided a raw bar, while Soul and Vinegar offered a selection of hors d’oeuvres, including smoked salmon deviled eggs, charcuterie cups, and spring rolls.
Guests at the celebration were also the first to witness Capital Trees’ refreshed brand, including a new logo and a 15th-anniversary version of the new logo. Staying true to their mission, Capital Trees included an educational horticulture table featuring specimens from the Low Line and area gardens, designed through a collaboration of founding and area garden clubs.
This 15th-anniversary celebration not only highlighted Capital Trees’ past achievements in transforming neglected spaces into vital sanctuaries but also reinforced its promise to lead, inspire, and collaborate for a greener, healthier tomorrow.
