Author Talk in the Redwood Grove
HOW FLOWERS MADE OUR WORLD:
David Haskell in conversation with Alexis Madrigal
UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, Redwood Grove Amphitheater
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
5:30—6:30 PM (Grove gate opens at 5:00 PM)
$45/$40 UCBG Members & UC Affiliates
$75 Supporter level
Join us for a very special evening with two-time Pulitzer Finalist David George Haskell in conversation with KQED radio host Alexis Madrigal as they explore the fascinating revelations in Haskell’s just released book How Flowers Made Our World: The Story of Nature’s Revolutionaries. In his book, acclaimed writer and biologist Haskell provides an astonishing new perspective on the history of life on this planet—with flowers setting a new course for Earth beginning some 200 million years ago—and reveals their foundational role in humanity’s future.
Ticket includes pre-talk admission to the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, a living-museum and one of the most plant-diverse places on the planet. The talk will take place in our historic outdoor amphitheater. A flower will be presented to each attendee.
Buy your copy of the book in advance from our online Garden Shop or at the event. David will be available to sign copies after the talk!
SUPPORTER LEVEL TICKET
Your purchase of a $75 supporter level ticket includes:
- Reserved parking
- Reserved seating with stadium seatback
- Refreshment box
- Support for the Botanical Garden!
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EVENT ACCESSIBILITY
Please contact us in advance with any questions and let us know if you will need a wheelchair accessible spot, companion chair, or any other accommodations: gardenprograms@berkeley.edu or call us at (510) 664-7606
CANCELLATION POLICY
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. The value is not transferable to another program. In the event you are unable to attend, you are welcome to gift or sell the ticket(s) to someone else in advance of the event. The recipient will have to use the ticket purchaser's name for admittance. Absolutely no ticket selling or transfers allowed at the Botanical Garden, including the parking lot. We appreciate knowing if your tickets will not be used; please email us at gardenprograms@berkeley.edu
PARKING
Parking at the Botanical Garden is not guaranteed. The adjacent UC parking lot ($1.50/hr) has 73 spaces - rideshare and carpooling are highly encouraged.
TICKETS AND EVENT INFORMATION
No physical or electronic tickets available.
Your name (purchaser) and number of tickets will be on the check-in list available at the Admission Kiosk and Grove Gate (beginning at 5pm).
Ticket includes admission to the main Botanical Garden collections before it closes (10am-5pm).
Seating is general admission amphitheater. We will provide a simple seat cushion. You are welcome to bring a stadium seat if you require a backrest. A limited quantity may be available to rent at the event, not guaranteed.
Warm clothes recommended. Bathrooms are located in the main Garden across the street from the Redwood Grove.
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ATTENTION GARDEN MEMBERS: Get $5 off when you Sign In above. Your discount will be automatically applied at check out if properly signed-in with email address displayed. Need help? Email gardenprograms@berkeley.edu