Ryan Gainey- I can't believe he's gone (Atlanta, Decatur: attorney, home)

[no kudzu]

I first met Ryan in 1981 when he taught my small Master Gardener class at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. His knowledge and generosity in sharing it was vast. It was because of his enthusiasm and encouragement i started my own small design business in Fayette County.

Every year DH took me on the Mother's Day Garden Tour and Ryan's Decatur garden was always on it. In those days people would wander into his garden at almost any time and he never seemed to mind. In fact sometimes he would join them while he was in his pajamas. Later he put a very polite sign up letting people know it was private property and please don't trespass. There were always a few dogs and at least 1 cat in his gardens. I'm not surprised to know he died while trying to save the lives of his beloved dogs.

Ryan never knew a stranger and he loved to talk. Many years ago my garden was featured on HGTV. I was thrilled when he took the time to call me to congratulate me. He could talk plants and horticulture for days on end. Growing was his life.

Atlanta has suffered a tremendous loss but the loss to the international world of gardening is immeasurable. RIP Dear Ryan. I was proud to call you my friend.
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/d...in-fire/nr7gw/

[Iconographer]

All your comments about Mr. Gainey are spot-on, particularly with regard to his generosity. I love gardening and drew inspiration from his garden and his book. He was an enormous influence on the next couple of generations of professional gardeners (he preferred the moniker 'plantsman'); he championed the idea that a garden need not be formal or overly manicured and encouraged the use of native plants (a rather novel notion at the time). There was always an element of surprise in his work.
I remember attending the Atlanta Flower Show with a rather outspoken friend who also had a passion for gardening. There appeared Mr. Gainey in our path, decked in his trademark broad-brimmed straw hat and kimono. My friend dropped to her knees in front of him and declared, "Ryan Gainey! WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!" I was mortified; he just quietly chucked and proceed to engage us in a brief conversation, mostly inquiring about our own gardens and happily offering advice. I still remember that he was death on people that trimmed and manicured their azaleas; a big no-no, apparently. Remember that, folks.
Godspeed, Ryan Gainey. Thank you for sharing your genius with us. And I promise that I will NEVER mutilate an azalea.

[atler8]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

All your comments about Mr. Gainey are spot-on, particularly with regard to his generosity. I love gardening and drew inspiration from his garden and his book. He was an enormous influence on the next couple of generations of professional gardeners (he preferred the moniker 'plantsman'); he championed the idea that a garden need not be formal or overly manicured and encouraged the use of native plants (a rather novel notion at the time). There was always an element of surprise in his work.
I remember attending the Atlanta Flower Show with a rather outspoken friend who also had a passion for gardening. There appeared Mr. Gainey in our path, decked in his trademark broad-brimmed straw hat and kimono. My friend dropped to her knees in front of him and declared, "Ryan Gainey! WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!" I was mortified; he just quietly chucked and proceed to engage us in a brief conversation, mostly inquiring about our own gardens and happily offering advice. I still remember that he was death on people that trimmed and manicured their azaleas; a big no-no, apparently. Remember that, folks.
Godspeed, Ryan Gainey. Thank you for sharing your genius with us. And I promise that I will NEVER mutilate an azalea.

His tragic death was quite a shock so thank you for sharing that personal anecdote of remembrance.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

All your comments about Mr. Gainey are spot-on, particularly with regard to his generosity. I love gardening and drew inspiration from his garden and his book. He was an enormous influence on the next couple of generations of professional gardeners (he preferred the moniker 'plantsman'); he championed the idea that a garden need not be formal or overly manicured and encouraged the use of native plants (a rather novel notion at the time). There was always an element of surprise in his work.
I remember attending the Atlanta Flower Show with a rather outspoken friend who also had a passion for gardening. There appeared Mr. Gainey in our path, decked in his trademark broad-brimmed straw hat and kimono. My friend dropped to her knees in front of him and declared, "Ryan Gainey! WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!" I was mortified; he just quietly chucked and proceed to engage us in a brief conversation, mostly inquiring about our own gardens and happily offering advice. I still remember that he was death on people that trimmed and manicured their azaleas; a big no-no, apparently. Remember that, folks.
Godspeed, Ryan Gainey. Thank you for sharing your genius with us. And I promise that I will NEVER mutilate an azalea.

What LD said. A trip to Ryan Gainey's garden always put a smile on my face and new ideas in my head. He was unique.

[no kudzu]

Ryan wore the most fabulous outfits. I'm sure the word "Polyester" never crossed his lips! He liked to wear very loose (read baggy) linen pants with buttons and linen blouses. I don't think he had any shirts per se. When he worked in the garden he wore long aprons, usually made of denim. And hats: fezes, wide brimmed sun hats of all kinds, the bigger the better. And at his back door various shoes, clogs, etc could always be found.
I haven't heard of any memorial plans yet but how I wish I could attend. I'm sure there will be some terrific stories told and many tears shed as well as lots of laughs!

I know of no family and I don't think he had a current partner but I certainly hope somebody will preserve his wonderful Decatur garden. So much love and work put into that plot of land.

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

Ryan wore the most fabulous outfits. I'm sure the word "Polyester" never crossed his lips! He liked to wear very loose (read baggy) linen pants with buttons and linen blouses. I don't think he had any shirts per se. When he worked in the garden he wore long aprons, usually made of denim. And hats: fezes, wide brimmed sun hats of all kinds, the bigger the better. And at his back door various shoes, clogs, etc could always be found.
I haven't heard of any memorial plans yet but how I wish I could attend. I'm sure there will be some terrific stories told and many tears shed as well as lots of laughs!

I know of no family and I don't think he had a current partner but I certainly hope somebody will preserve his wonderful Decatur garden. So much love and work put into that plot of land.

I know that his longtime friend and colleague, Brooks Garcia, made the announcement. I have to believe that he will intervene.
www.atlantafinegardens.com

[no kudzu]

yes I studied with Brooks as well. Hopefully Ryan had a good accountant, financial advisor, and attorney and left instructions and arrangements for his Decatur home and gardens.

If you read any more about memorial service or future of his Decatur home please post it here. Thank you.