Around the Gardens Blog

Working in the Kaul Wildflower Garden is not for the faint of heart. A fierce camaraderie can be found in the committed group of volunteers who help care for the space each week.

Not long after joining other members of the Friends’ General Gardening Group to dedicate a bench in memory of fellow volunteer Kathy Connelly, John St. Clair began noticing that a number of older wooden benches around the Gardens could benefit from some TLC.

The Bridge of Accomplishment, more commonly known as the zigzag bridge—representing the twists and turns one must navigate through life—recently received a refresh thanks to the handiwork of talented volunteers.

The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ largest single fundraiser, Antiques at the Gardens, depends on the diligence of nearly 250 volunteers.

Many college students see Friday as the jumping off point for a weekend of fun. But volunteer Lizzie Valentine’s Friday afternoons look a bit different.

Volunteers are truly the driving force behind the Harvest for the Hungry program, which allows us to share both crops and gardening knowledge with the greater Birmingham community.

Volunteering has been a part of the culture of this community treasure since it opened nearly 60 years ago, and it remains integral to what we achieve—in our programming, our fundraising, and our stewardship of this special place.