Join us in the Japanese Gardens as horticulturist Julia Adams demonstrates methods of propagating woody plants through grafting and air layering. While these horticultural methods require skill and practice, each can be used to propagate plants that don’t root well from cuttings. In this hands-on workshop, you will practice grafting using Japanese Maples and experiment…
Immerse yourself in the ethics and principles of garden design as we “rethink pretty” and explore the ecology of gardening at this year’s Native Plant Conference, Ecological Landscapes. Learn from renowned landscape design experts, horticulturists, conservationists, and visionary thinkers who are shaping sustainable landscapes and offering fresh perspectives on integrating ecological principles in garden design. Meet regional change-makers who actively…
Dive deep into some of the intriguing spring-time wildflowers and other showy ephemeral plants in the Kaul Wildflower Garden with Senior Horticulturist Keith Turney. On this stroll through the garden, you will learn about the unique groups of plants that give visual interest and provide important food and habitats for wildlife in early spring. Become…
Filled with perennials, annuals, and blooming shrubs, a flower garden adds color and dimension to your landscape—and provides an inviting habitat for essential pollinators like birds and butterflies. But if your garden is covered in lawn, you might wonder how to start a flower garden. Join gardening expert Bethany O'Rear as she discusses the basics…
Learn the basics of tomato gardening with horticulturists Julia Adams and Katelyn Bahr. This informative class will explore how to select varieties, care for your plants, and troubleshoot threats like insects and diseases. Bring your questions and leave with your own tomato plant to start your spring vegetable garden! Location: Outdoor Classroom
Celebrate Earth Day at the Gardens by joining Specialty Garden Horticulturist Katelyn Bahr and fellow community members for the annual planting of the Bruno Vegetable Garden! We will prepare garden beds, plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and okra, and mulch with leaf litter. Location: Bruno Vegetable Garden
A cut flower garden has more seasons than just spring and summer. Blue Rooster Farms owners Allison and Kirk Creel grow blooming flowers for most of the year! Learn their tips for expanding the types and variety of flowers you grow and extending the season of your cut flower garden. Topics include overwintering, succession planting,…
Victoria Crenshaw, an experienced organic vegetable gardener and owner of Fleurish Gardens, joins us in the Bruno Vegetable Garden to discuss the principles of raised bed gardening. In this class, she will guide you in creating a plan for your garden layout and teach you how to plant your own raised beds. The class will…
David Doggett, advanced master gardener and current president of the Alabama Hydrangea Society, will introduce you to the defining characteristics and pros/cons of the five main classes of hydrangeas we typically see in Southern gardens. You will learn about the effects of climate change on plant selection and which plants your pollinator population prefers. Location:…
Alabama Advanced Master Gardener Dianna Fortner invites you to the enchanting world of nighttime gardening and outlines the process for creating a moon garden from plant selection to creating and executing a garden plan. Characterized by white flowers, silver foliage, and fragrant plants, moon gardens create a magical, ethereal atmosphere that serves as a sanctuary…
Chinese wisteria, English Ivy, periwinkle, nandina, and kudzu are only a few of the invasive, non-native plant species that threaten the Alabama landscape. Join Director of Land and Water Conservation for Jefferson County Greenways, Charles Yaeger to learn how to correctly identify invasive species and develop an effective treatment plan to tackle invasives threatening your…
Are you searching for a plant that will produce beautiful blooms in shade? Hostas are very hardy perennials beloved for their lovely shades of green and chartreuse foliage, cascading form, and easy maintenance. Learn about this shade-loving perennial and how to use it in your garden with Advanced Master Gardener Bionca Lindsey. Location: First Floor…
Cuttings and other forms of propagation can fail for some plants, especially azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and other woody plants. Unlock the secret to an effective propagation method for difficult-to-root plants with Friends’ horticulturist Julia Adams. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn about the science behind air-layering and practice on plants throughout the Japanese Garden.…
Insects can be valuable additions to a garden, playing crucial roles in pollination, pest control, soil health, and a healthy ecosystem. Join Lee County Extension Agent Dani Carroll to learn about the importance of plant diversity and how to select appropriate pairings of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Location: Adventure Classroom
In this fun and informational sharing session, participants are invited to swap growing tips alongside Friends’ horticulturists, Julia Adams and Katelyn Bahr, who will address a variety of tomato growing conundrums. Participate in our second annual tomato tasting by bringing homegrown tomatoes to sample and cast your vote for this year’s best-tasting variety! Location: Outdoor…
In this inspiring class, members of the Birmingham Fern Society will demonstrate how they created "Living Roots," a stumpery garden within the Birmingham Botanical Gardens Fern Glade. You will hear about the inspiration for the garden, the steps involved in its construction, and how to select ferns and fern companions to create your own stumpery…