The Julia Hawkins 103 Cherry Tree Jubilee

Celebrate with Julia Hawkins “Flowers Galore for Birthday 104”

Sunday, February 9, 2020
2:00 - 4:00pm


Julia Hawkins holding blooming Taiwan Cherry tree limbsThe LSU Hilltop Arboretum will have its second birthday party and annual flowering tree sale in honor of one of their oldest and most ardent supporters, Julia Hawkins, who is turning 104. The “Flowers Galore for Birthday 104” event will provide opportunities to celebrate Julia’s birthday and purchase a flowering tree or make a donation to the Arboretum’s Julia Hawkins Beautification Project, allowing trees to be planted in public areas and green spaces along Highland Road. A limited number of long blooming hybrid Taiwan Cherry ‘Double Rosea’ with double magenta-pink flowers will be available for sale along with Crabapples, Redbuds and two pink varieties of Japanese Magnolias.   

When she was in her 40s, Julia Hawkins initiated a “Cherry Tree Spree” in University Acres Subdivision and along Highland Road that resulted in over 1,000 flowering cherry trees being planted. Over the years Julia has given away hundreds of cherry tree saplings that she raises from seeds. In University Acres alone 500 cherry trees were planted. Now, at almost 104, Mrs. Hawkins is still planting trees and encouraging others to do the same. As she says, “The best time to plant a flowering tree was 50 years ago. The second best time is now.”

All are invited to celebrate Julia’s birthday with her in the Beverly Brown Coates Arboretum any time between 2:00 - 4:00 pm.  Before or after your visit with Julia, you can purchase flowering trees of your choice under the arboretum’s open-air pavilion. At 2:30pm, Julia will give a short talk on “Magic Moments.” Also available for purchase under the open-air pavilion will be “My Magic Moments” Nature Journal with an introduction by Julia Hawkins. 

Flowers Galore for Birthday 104

Consider donating to the Julia Hawkins Beautification Project for plantings at the Arboretum and along Highland Road.

Donate to Julia Hawkins Beautification Project