Around 1970, Mobile native Dr. Eugene Aromi set out to produce superior blooming azalea hybrids that could stand up to Alabama’s heat and humidity. In pursuit of his goal, Dr. Aromi carried out over 1,000 crosses and evaluated over 50,000 plants—of which he selected just over 100 to be named. Presented by Advanced Master Gardener…
Did you know that a Blue Jay’s feathers lack blue pigment and only appear blue because of an optical illusion called light scattering? Or that Alabama has the greatest diversity of Sarracenia pitcher plants in the world? Join naturalist Henry Hershey for an evening in Rushton Garden to play trivia, enjoy complimentary drinks, and learn…
Think you need a big backyard to grow vegetables? Think again! Learn how to grow fresh veggies in any sunny spot—from suburban gardens to patios and balconies. Advanced Master Gardener Karen Mitchell will discuss how to choose the best vegetables for your space and inspire you with easy, rewarding options for a spring and summer…
Create a beautiful spring container garden to take home in this hands-on workshop with Gardens’ Horticulturist Terry Phillips. You will learn about standout plants for spring containers and simple care tips, then design your own planter using the classic "filler, thriller, spiller" approach. Please bring your garden gloves! $35 supply fee included. Instructor: Terry Phillips…
Learn about the many benefits that native plants offer both to the urban gardener and to the wildlife that rely on them in this multi-faceted presentation by Isabelle Bracewell with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Isabelle will highlight native plants that are easy to install and discuss how to create urban spaces…
Join Advanced Master Gardener Susan Hagen for an engaging exploration of the 18th-century English Landscape Garden, a style that emerged in artistic opposition to the formality of Baroque design. This illustrated presentation examines the influential work of architects such as William Kent, Lancelot “Capability” Brown, and Humphry Repton, and highlights iconic landscapes including Rousham, Stowe,…
Did you know that a Blue Jay’s feathers lack blue pigment and only appear blue because of an optical illusion called light scattering? Or that Alabama has the greatest diversity of Sarracenia pitcher plants in the world? Join naturalist Henry Hershey for an evening in Rushton Garden to play trivia, enjoy complimentary drinks, and learn…
Wander through the Kaul Wildflower Garden with environmental educator and habitat gardener Michelle Reynolds and open your eyes to the abundance of plant diversity that contributes to Alabama’s ranking as #4 in the nation for natural diversity. Learn how to draw on this rich environment to inform your plant palette and gardening style at home.…
Known to many as America’s Favorite Rose Gardener or the Redneck Rosarian, Chris VanCleave has spent decades with dirt under his nails and passion in his heart, growing roses that inspire beauty and connection. In this presentation Chris will introduce the fundamentals of rose care tailored for Alabama’s climate. Attendees will learn how to select…
This event has been canceled. Did you know that a Blue Jay’s feathers lack blue pigment and only appear blue because of an optical illusion called light scattering? Or that Alabama has the greatest diversity of Sarracenia pitcher plants in the world? Join naturalist Henry Hershey for an evening in Rushton Garden to play trivia,…
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Discover the remarkable world of daylilies in this three-week course led by experienced daylily grower Rene Holliman, owner of Holliman Gardens. Each week will cover a different facet of this dynamic garden staple beginning with the history and anatomy of the modern daylily. In the second week you will learn how to evaluate, select, and…
The mint family is one of the most versatile and beneficial groups of medicinal plants—yet it’s often overlooked. In this outdoor workshop with clinical herbalist and educator Cameron Strouss, you'll discover how eleven beloved medicinal mints can support your well-being. You’ll have the chance to smell, taste, and learn practical ways to begin incorporating these…
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Favored by indoor and outdoor gardeners alike, the staghorn fern gets its name from the unique shape of the fronds which look like a stag's antlers. In this hands-on workshop, Terry Phillips, horticulturist of the Kaul Wildflower Garden, will walk you through the process of creating a mount for this distinctive fern that mimics its…
Curious about how nature and pop culture relate to one another? Bring your friends and join naturalist Henry Hershey for an evening in Rushton Garden to play trivia, enjoy complimentary drinks, and learn something new. Novices to experts are welcome to compete for a chance to win a prize. Location: Rushton Garden
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Learn the fundamentals of working with concrete as you design and cast your own custom planters from start to finish. Artist and Vivatia Plant Care Services owner Astrid Jerez will guide you through the process of creating your own planters while learning foundational techniques in concrete, design, and plant styling. Each participant will take home…
Learn the fundamentals of working with concrete as you design and cast your own custom planters from start to finish. Artist and Vivatia Plant Care Services owner Astrid Jerez will guide you through the process of creating your own planters while learning foundational techniques in concrete, design, and plant styling. Each participant will take home…
Landscaping with trees and woody shrubs requires planning, patience, and an understanding of how plants grow over time, some taking many years to reach their full beauty and impact. Join Bob Koons, a familiar face both in the Kaul Wildflower Garden and at our plant sales, as he discusses the selection, environmental needs, siting, planting,…
Curious about how nature and pop culture relate to one another? Bring your friends and join naturalist Henry Hershey for an evening in Rushton Garden to play trivia, enjoy complimentary drinks, and learn something new. Novices to experts are welcome to compete for a chance to win a prize. Location: Rushton Garden
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Learn how to preserve your late-summer fig harvest through water-bath canning with Food Safety and Quality Extension Agent Emily Ferko. Participants will leave with a delicious jar of fresh fig-strawberry preserves. Growers have cultivated and enjoyed the edible fig (Ficus carica), native to the Mediterranean, for centuries. In Central Alabama, fig season extends from July…
Join naturalist Michelle Reynolds for a guided hike across the rocky ridges of Double Oak Mountain, dotted with sandstone glades, grassy knolls, longleaf pine forests, thickets and oak groves. Participants will have exclusive access to a section of the park closed to the public. A glade is an open area where bedrock lies at or…
Discover the benefits of saving seeds from your own garden! Join Specialty Gardens horticulturist Katelyn Bahr as she demonstrates how to clean, dry and store vegetable, herb and flower seeds and explains the basics of seed saving, including the difference between open-pollinated and hybrid varieties. You'll leave with the knowledge to confidently save and share…
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Join us for our end-of-summer community harvest! Harvest time at the Gardens is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and experience the joy of vegetable gardening. In this free community event, Specialty Gardens horticulturist Katelyn Bahr will show you how to properly harvest okra, tomatoes, beans, and peppers that the Gardens has grown…