Join us for retelling of A Sweet Strangeness Thrills My Heart: The Journal of Sallie Independence Foster, 1861–1887 with storyteller Dolores Hydock and musician Bobby Horton! Sallie Independence Foster was 12-years-old and living in Florence, Alabama in 1861 when the Civil War began. She was keeping a diary at the time, and kept on keeping…
This series is made up of five, one-hour, child-led art playgroups where children are given the opportunity to explore and enjoy art with the help of their caregiver. We ask that caregivers stay and assist their children as they experiment with and enjoy creating. For ages 16 months–3 years | Limited to 10 children with…
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Dive into the vibrant world of tomatoes alongside Regional Extension Agent and tomato connoisseur, Chip East.
Travel through time and nature to celebrate Women’s History Month with us! Join horticulturist and landscape designer, Molly Hendry as she shares the rich history of the Kaul Wildflower Garden, a 4-acre garden created here in the mid-1960s by a passionate group of women who set out to pay tribute to Alabama’s remarkable biodiversity. As…
What’s all the buzz? Come learn about beekeeping with Regional Extension Agent, Olivia Fuller. Olivia will talk about attracting and caring for pollinators in your backyard.
Join the Japan-America Society of Alabama and the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens in celebrating the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival! This family-friendly event will feature cultural exhibits and activities for all ages.
Regional Extension Agent, Bethany O’Rear will expertly tackle the age-old question: what to plant and where to plant it.
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Authors of “Garden Secrets of Bunny Mellon,” Thomas Lloyd and Bryan Huffman, will join us to talk about the amazing legacy that Rachel Lambert "Bunny" Mellon left to the world of style and horticulture, including designing the White House Rose Garden, and assisting with the restoration of the Potager du Roi (King’s Kitchen Garden) at…
Join us to celebrate Bunny Mellon's rich design, through first-hand insights from her grandson, Thomas Lloyd, and a close personal friend, Bryan Huffman, authors of "Bunny Mellon Style." Enjoy light bites and charming conversations! Become a Friend of the Gardens and join us in our mission to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham…
Join us for a Saturday afternoon talk with Dr. Georgios Arseniou, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist of Urban forestry in the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment at Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Join House Plant Collective’s owner, Jessica Watts for an informative houseplant workshop. Learn tips and tricks to growing houseplants in your own space.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a creative craft at the Gardens!
Join Gloria Clemmenson as she demonstrates her creative approach to container gardening using principles of color and design. Incorporating Alabama native plants, Gloria will highlight formal and informal arrangements as well as showcase containers for full sun and shade. Students will leave class with an understanding of how to design containers for their setting and…
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, as we cultivate a passion for plants, gardens, and the environment at our annual Earth Day celebration. This family-friendly event will promote healthy communities, sustainable living, and human wellness through educational dialogue, informational displays, and outdoor activities.
Grow your green thumb by joining Tracy Britnell of Just Dig It Farms as she shares the fascinating history, essential elements, and practical techniques for creating a kitchen garden.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Join William Cureton aka “Captain Compost” as he shares his practical approach for organic gardening and the variety of ways to use compost.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Let’s nurture our well-being together! Join Alexis Kimbrough, the passionate founder of Herban Soul Café, for an enriching lesson on herbs. Discover the wonders of herbal remedies and learn how to blend your own tea. Location: East Room | Instructor: Alexis Kimbrough
Originating in Japan, kokedama is a unique way to display indoor plants. Create a “living pot” for your plant with Astrid Jerez of Vivatia Plants and Houseplant Collective. All materials are provided.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Test your knowledge of Alabama’s flora and fauna with naturalist Henry Hershey. Enjoy complimentary drinks and compete for a chance to win a captivating prize!
Learn about how Master Gardener Peggy Thompson created a certified backyard wildlife habitat at her home. Gain insights into the essential considerations for planning and nurturing a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard. Join Peggy and Friends’ horticulturist Keith Turney for an inspiring walk through the Kaul Wildflower Garden's new “living bird feeder.”
Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Japanese Garden with Friends’ horticulturist Julia Adams. Delve into the four fundamental elements of Japanese Garden design (plants, rock, water, and ornament) while surrounded by the beauty of nature in this outdoor class.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for two day summer camp!
Join us to learn about our statewide STEM curriculum "Cultivate" that is helping k-6 educators incorporate STEM techniques in the classroom. Please provide feedback and tour our reimagined Garden Lab. RSVP, by emailing Director of Education and Community Engagement, Rebecca Stivender. Location: Garden Lab
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Join Alecia Martinez from Studio by the Tracks for a maker's workshop
to create your own cyanotype prints. This photographic technique produces stunning indigo-colored images on paper, offering a unique way to capture the beauty of nature without a camera!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join teaching artist Melissa Shultz-Jones for a workshop on phenology, the study of natural events in relation to seasonal and climatic changes. Engage in a creative approach to nature observation and document your observations during a guided garden walk. Materials: Please bring a small watercolor notebook that opens flat. All other supplies provided. No artistic…
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for Tanabata, a Japanese festival celebrating the alignment of two stars normally separated by the Milky Way. Hosted in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Alabama and the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, we invite you to hang a special wish on tanzaku (colorful paper strips) in our Japanese Garden.
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Test your knowledge of Alabama’s flora and fauna with naturalist Henry Hershey. Enjoy complimentary drinks and compete for a chance to win a captivating prize!
Bring your best-tasting homegrown tomato and participate in a blind taste test to determine the most delicious variety! Join Chilton County Alabama Cooperative Extension Agent, David Lawrence, as he shares insights and tips on tomato troubleshooting.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Discover the fascinating world of native bees with Dana Hazen, Director of Planning, Building & Sustainability for the City of Mountain Brook. Learn about the vital role these bees play in sustaining native plant and pollinator communities in our region.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Lawns are a beautiful element of landscaping but require considerable maintenance. Join expert Talladega County Extension Agent Jacob Turner to learn how to care for your lawn and explore sustainable turf alternatives that require less upkeep.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Before taking action against insects in your garden, learn to identify beneficial insects from pests! Join Jefferson County Regional Extension Agent Bethany O’Rear to discover common beneficial insects and effective pest management strategies.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Make the task of watering numerous container plants and raised beds easy and efficient in this hands-on workshop with Dani Caroll, Regional Extension Agent for homegrounds, gardens, and pests. Dani makes doing the work of gardening fun!
Test your knowledge of Alabama’s flora and fauna with naturalist Henry Hershey. Enjoy complimentary drinks and compete for a chance to win a captivating prize!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Learn essential strategies for planning and implementing a water-efficient landscape in Alabama's summer heat. Join Regional Extension Agents Bethany O’Rear and Jacob Turner to explore drought-tolerant landscape plants perfect for your garden.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Charles Murray and Louise Billings of the Birmingham Fern Society will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various hardy ferns, spotlight their favorites, and share important lessons they have learned in the garden.
Test your knowledge of Alabama’s flora and fauna with naturalist Henry Hershey. Enjoy complimentary drinks and compete for a chance to win a captivating prize!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
What grows best in a fall garden? When is too late to plant? Learn best practices forgrowing fall greens and root vegetables in central Alabama. Regional Extension AgentHolt Akers-Campbell will share tips for garden preparation, planting dates, and maintenance particular to these cool-season vegetables. A demonstration and discussion will take place in Bruno Vegetable Garden…
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
The Alabama Orchid Society in partnership with the Huntsville Orchid Society will be hosting their annual orchid show and sale September 20–22 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come see beautiful orchid displays, orchids in bloom, and vendors with orchids for sale. Friday, September 20 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Orchid sale only)Saturday, September 21 | 9 a.m.–5…
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Passalong plants span generations as they are shared among neighbors, friends, and family members. Director of Longleaf Botanical Gardens and Urban Regional Extension Agent Hayes Jackson will showcase an array of passalong plants and work with participants on dividing, taking cuttings, and growing seedlings in this hands-on workshop. Registrants will receive a plant to take…
Save the date for the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 18th-annual Antiques at the Gardens show in fall 2024! Created by a committee of 150 dedicated volunteers, Birmingham’s premier antiques show includes talks by internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, and furniture designers. The show also welcomes celebrated antique dealers offering furniture, fine art, vintage and fine…
Considered one of the most talented names in design, Bunny Williams is an accomplished businesswoman, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. A lover of dogs, gardens, and china, Bunny’s knowledge and expertise are on par with her enjoyment of life. She launched her eponymous firm following a 22-year apprenticeship with the esteemed Parish-Hadley Associates. Her business, Bunny…
Award-winning architect Gil Schafer is one of the country’s leading practitioners of contemporary classical architecture and one of the most sought-after residential architects working today. He is a member of Architectural Digest’s AD100, a winner of VERANDA’s “Art of Design Award,” a recipient of the Arthur Ross Award for Architecture, and the subject of the recent…
Join us for The Future of Traditional Design. VERANDA Editor-in-Chief, Steele Marcoux will moderate a lively, interactive panel with interior designers and design experts Elizabeth Lawrence, Rudy Saunders, and Elizabeth Pyne Singer. Book signing to follow. Sponsored by Cobbs Allen and PURE Insurance.
Interior design tastemakers Barry Dixon, Mary McDonald, and Michelle Nussbaumer discuss “Influence and Inspiration” in a panel moderated by Margot Shaw, editor-in-chief of FLOWER Magazine. Book signing to follow. Sponsored by FLOWER.
Calvert Crary is the Executive Director of FlowerSchool New York and FlowerSchool Los Angeles. After over a decade as a professional photographer, shooting mostly lifestyles and fashion, Calvert made the transition to floral entrepreneur in 2006. Having opened and successfully run three flower businesses in New York City simultaneously, he knows not only his way around…
Grab a seat as Alexa Hampton shares her journey into design and the inspirations that shaped her iconic style. Alexa Hampton has been president of Mark Hampton, LLC, her iconic father’s interior design company, since 1998. She has been named one of Architectural Digest’s AD100 Top Interior Designers every year since 2002 and has been…
A once-in-a-lifetime conversation between three creative visionaries as they discuss their concepts when designing a home. Join James F. Carter, Richard Keith Langham, and Ben Page for Designing a Home Together, moderated by Executive Director and CEO of Design Leadership Network, Micheal Diaz Griffith. Sponsored by Paige Albright Orientals and Southern Home Magazine
Did you know that bee behavior varies greatly across climates? For instance, the busyforaging season for bees will be much longer in the warmer South than it will be in theNorth. In this introductory class, Jeff Lisenby of the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association will discuss honeybee biology and behavior followed by an overview of beekeeping…
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Few trees are as beautiful as the “autumn welcoming tree,” or Japanese maple. With thousands of varieties and cultivars, including hybrids, the iconic Japanese maple tree is among the most versatile small trees for use in the landscape. Join us to hear Ross Callaway, longtime Gardens volunteer and Japanese maple enthusiast, tell the story of…
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Curious about bonsai? Experience this fascinating and living artas a part of the Gardens’ Fall Japanese Gardening Series. You will learn to start, care for and train your very own bonsai in this hands-on workshop with Victor Wilson of the Alabama Bonsai Society. Registrants will receive a dwarf Satsuki azalea to pot and begin training.…
Join us for an exciting adventure in the Gardens as we explore native plants and pollinators. Discover the colors that attract pollinators and create art inspired by the Gardens using watercolor and more!
Learn about the Japanese art of pruning and karikomi, the technique of shearing back shrubs that is a distinctive element of Japanese gardens. Horticulturist Julia Adams directs this hands-on workshop on proper pruning techniques for maples and shrubs in our Japanese Garden. Location: Japanese Garden
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Please join us to celebrate the new Stumpery Garden in the Fern Glade—a collection of tree trunks and stumps arranged in such a way as to compliment vast plantings of ferns and mosses, accented by companion plants. Explore this rare specialty garden and meet Fern Society members.
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your garden for spring. Improving your soil’s physical and chemical properties is a goal of every gardener as it creates a better environment for plant growth. In this class Friends’ Director of Gardens Support Jane Underwood explains how to determine the current condition of your soil and walks…
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
In this workshop centered on the wonder of exploring nature with an artist's eye, local teaching artist and naturalist Melissa Shultz-Jones will guide you through the painting process, beginning with the practice of observation. You will learn essential watercolor techniques, including sketching, composition, color mixing, and painting. No experience is necessary; all levels of expertise…
Boasting more than 200 different species of native plants, the Kaul Wildflower Garden celebrates the diverse flora of Alabama and demonstrates a variety of roles native plants can play in our gardens. Join Senior Horticulturist Keith Turney for an autumn walk among the wildflowers. Keith will focus on the plants that grow in this special…
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Try your hand at naturalistic flower arranging with local landscape and floral designer Zachary Westall as your guide. In this two-hour workshop, you will learn how to select seasonal plant materials and properly clip from a plant without damaging it or the environment. Then experiment with composition using unexpected elements along with principles of design…
Planting bulbs is a great way to add seasonal color to garden beds and containers. Among the many factors that determine success with bulbs, getting them in the ground at the right time is key. In this class Jefferson County Regional Extension Agent Bethany O’Rear will talk about spring-blooming bulbs including variety selection, soil preparation,…
Join us as we explore a scavenger hunt in our new Garden Lab to discover and identify a world of culinary herbs! Chefs will harvest and prepare fresh ingredients to make a special treat. We will discover more as we visit Bruno Vegetable Garden.
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Join us for this special wreath-making workshop at the Gardens with Zachary Westall local landscape and garden designer, to help you ring in the holidays. Add your own creative touches as Zachary guides you and shares favorite tips. Greenery and other materials will be provided. Limited tickets available! Preregistration required. This signature holiday event is…
Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, this workshop offers an overview of single-color linocut printing. Teaching artist Jessica Leitch of The Little Red Print Shop will guide you through the fundamental techniques of carving and printing your own relief prints using pre-drawn templates of Alabama wildflowers.All materials and tools provided. Location:…
Take a break from your holiday preparations to create your own mini ecosystem in an engaging make-and-take workshop with Astrid Jerez of Vivatia Plants. You will learn how to craft a desert oasis and make it thrive. This workshop is perfect for low-maintenance plant lovers and small-space gardeners. All materials and tools are provided. (Hint:…
Using logs is a wonderful long-term method for mushroom production. Many types of mushrooms can be grown on logs—Shiitake, Oyster, Lion’s Mane, Comb Tooth, Reishi, Olive Oysterling, Nameko, Chestnut, and Turkey Tail, to name a few. Join Urban Regional Extension Agent Bronson Lubresky as he guides you through the basic steps for growing mushrooms using…
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Winter is a great time to restore your well-loved gardening tools. Correctly caring for and maintaining your tools will increase their longevity and the health of your plants. Learn how to properly store, clean, and sharpen your hand tools in this hands-on workshop. Bring along a pair of used pruners, a trowel, loppers, or a…
Join teaching artist Erica Scott of Dabble, a Birmingham Arts Studio, in the Gardens’ first Discover and Explore workshop. You will learn drawing techniques using colored pencils and pastels with plenty of time to play! Registrants are asked to bring botanical elements such as prunings, cut flowers, leaves, pine needles, etc., to be assembled in…
You've probably noticed that with the arrival of the shorter, colder days of winter, a new suite of birds has likely arrived in your yards. Current Secretary and long-time member of Alabama Audubon Greg Harber will help you learn to identify these winter visitors and discuss how you can attract them to your yards. This…
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…
Join the Library at the Gardens in celebrating National Seed Swap Day with a community seed swap!
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is pleased to welcome Mike Gibson as the special guest speaker for our annual John A. Floyd Jr. Lecture. Mike is a renowned self-taught property artist, topiarist, and entrepreneur whose work has been featured in botanical gardens and museums across the nation. From a young age, Mike learned from…
Have you ever seen a lichen and knew that it was a lichen? Not many people know what lichens are, and who would? They seem as though they are from another planet! Lichens are bizarre organisms, and no two are alike. Join Curtis Hansen, Curator of Plants at the John D. Friedman Herbarium, to learn…
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Alabama boasts of some of the richest native flora out of all 50 states, but often, they aren't our go-to landscaping plants. In addition to adding beauty to your garden, native plants help support wildlife and are more adapted to our native soil and climate. Many of us understand the value of natives but have…
Join us at the Gardens with Erica Scott, Owner of Dabble Arts Studio, for child-led art playgroups where children can create, explore, and enjoy art. We ask that caregivers stay and assist their children as they experiment with and enjoy creating. It will be best to wear clothing that can get messy for these classes.…
This series consists of five one-hour, child-led art playgroups. During these groups, children are given the opportunity to explore and enjoy art with the help of their caregivers. We ask that caregivers stay and assist their children as they experiment with and enjoy creating. For ages 16 months–3 years | Limited to 10 children with…
Join the Birmingham Camellia Society for their annual show and competition. Any Birmingham area resident is welcome to enter their camellia blooms, even if the plant variety is unknown. Location: Auditorium Become a Friend of the Gardens and join us in our mission to protect, nurture, and share the wonders of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Thank…
Explore forest habitats at the Gardens, seeking what birds and other wildlife need as we take a nature hike. We will learn to identify birds using our senses. We will make birdseed ornaments you can take home to welcome them to your backyard.
Growing out of a late 19th-century reaction to Victorian design and industrialization, Arts and Crafts gardens became some of the most influential, world-renowned gardens of the turn of the century. They continue to have an enormous influence on how we garden today. Contemporary gardening approaches—garden rooms, using local materials in the hardscape, abundantly planted beds,…
This series consists of five one-hour, child-led art playgroups. During these groups, children are given the opportunity to explore and enjoy art with the help of their caregivers. We ask that caregivers stay and assist their children as they experiment with and enjoy creating. For ages 16 months–3 years | Limited to 10 children with…
What is blooming? Going to seed? Or budding in February? Teaching artist Melissa Shultz-Jones invites you to get curious about the living world of plants on a leisurely stroll in the Gardens. In this workshop, you will experience the joy and intimacy of recording your observations in nature and learn from Melissa as she models…
Join us at the Gardens with Erica Scott, Owner of Dabble Arts Studio, for child-led art playgroups where children can create, explore, and enjoy art. We ask that caregivers stay and assist their children as they experiment with and enjoy creating. It will be best to wear clothing that can get messy for these classes.…
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…
Join us for our "Thyme to Read" book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is excited to welcome leading interiors stylist Mieke ten Have as the special guest speaker for our annual Spencer Lecture. Mieke will share her expertise for creating a compelling and vibrant living space, often using seasonal botanicals and floral artistry in unique ways to accent the natural hues and individual qualities…
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…
Enjoy a delicious farm fresh dinner at Birmingham Botanical Gardens as part of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ signature Native Plant Conference.
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…
Join the Japan-America Society of Alabama and the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens in celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival! This family-friendly event will feature cultural exhibits and activities for all ages.
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…
Join us for our “Thyme to Read” book club, a monthly gathering hosted by the Library at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Featured Book: Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mossesby Robin Wall Kimmerer
Spring offers the best season to observe birds in the garden! In addition to the lovely blooms and sweet scents, many of our resident songbirds busy themselves with establishing territories and building nests. In this class, Alabama Audubon Board Secretary Greg Harber will teach us how to use field marks to identify birds as we…
Enjoy priority shopping at our popular Spring Plant Sale as a member of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens!
Enjoy the Friends of BBG's Annual Spring Plant Sale!
Join teaching artist Erica Scott, owner of Dabble art studio, for the next installment of the Gardens' Discover and Explore workshops. This series of art workshops encourages participants to try new things and play with various mediums. In this session, participants will learn tips and tricks for painting with acrylics and watercolors and enjoy the…
Bring your little one to enjoy a special storytime filled with music and movement at the Gardens with Musician and Children’s Librarian Alyssa Jewell, a.k.a. The La La Librarian. Following the program, we invite you to let your little ones explore and play in our newly refreshed Garden Lab. Siblings under the age of 18…
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
This energetic class focuses on strength and balance, plus breathing exercises to help foster calm and focus.
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
Join the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, as we cultivate a passion for plants, gardens, and the environment at our annual Earth Day celebration.
A vinyasa-style yoga class based on the tradition of combining sequencing of movements with breath.
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Enjoy a glass of rosé provided by Finch Fine Wines and celebrate the Gardens’ roses by joining us for this festive fundraiser hosted by the Friends' Junior Board. Reservations required.
Discover our state's rich biodiversity as Senior Horticulturist Keith Turney guides you through an exploration of various ecosystems where unique plant communities thrive in the Gardens. We will meet at the entrance to the Gardens in Blount Plaza. This hour-and-a-half walk covers uneven terrain and involves slight changes in elevation. Location: Blount Plaza
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
The Birmingham Rose Society proudly presents its annual Rose Show on Mother's Day weekend at the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This show is one of the largest horticultural shows in the southeast typically showcasing 400 roses on display along with beautiful artistic arrangements and stunning photography featuring the Rose! The judging is Saturday morning, but the festivities…
The Birmingham Rose Society proudly presents its annual Rose Show on Mother's Day weekend at the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This show is one of the largest horticultural shows in the southeast typically showcasing 400 roses on display along with beautiful artistic arrangements and stunning photography featuring the Rose! The judging is Saturday morning, but the festivities…
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,…
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
We are excited to shine a spotlight on the impact and benefits of membership by hosting May Membership Month! Enjoy special perks for new, renewing, and current members throughout the month, including this FREE member-exclusive Japanese Garden tour with horticulturist Julia Adams. Registration required. Limited to two tickets per member.
Join the Alabama Bonsai Society for two days of bonsai-related fun. Explore different bonsai exhibitions and speak with experts on this living art form.
We are excited to shine a spotlight on the impact and benefits of membership by hosting May Membership Month! Enjoy special perks for new, renewing, and current members throughout the month, including this FREE member-exclusive Bruno Vegetable Garden tour with horticulturist Katelyn Bahr. Registration required. Limited to two tickets per member.
We are excited to shine a spotlight on the impact and benefits of membership by hosting May Membership Month! Enjoy special perks for new, renewing, and current members throughout the month, including a FREE member-exclusive tour of the Kaul Wildflower Garden with horticulturist Keith Turney. Registration required. Limited to two tickets per member.
Join the Alabama Bonsai Society for two days of bonsai-related fun. Explore different bonsai exhibitions and speak with experts on this living art form.
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…
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for this 4-day summer camp!
Join us each week with your preschooler for a story followed by a nature activity at the Gardens!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Test your knowledge of Alabama’s flora and fauna with naturalist Henry Hershey. Enjoy complimentary drinks and compete for a chance to win a captivating prize!
The Birmingham Fern Society is excited to announce the return of our Fern Expo. Join us for a day full of fascinating ferns, expert insights, and garden inspiration. 10 a.m. | Guest Lecture: Richie Steffen | Lecture Hall Join Richie Steffen, Executive Director of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden, for "Victorian Ideas for…
Join us for this week long summer camp!
The Birmingham Fern Society will hold its annual sale of hardy ferns in the growing area above the Fern Glade in Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Join us for this 3-day summer camp!
Join teaching artist and naturalist Melissa Shultz Jones for our early morning field journaling series. Each month, you are invited to explore a different aspect of plant life in the Gardens and a new watercolor technique. You can sign up for any number of workshops, but sign up early, as group sizes will be intentionally…
Join us for this week long summer camp!
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:…
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Test your knowledge of Alabama’s flora and fauna with naturalist Henry Hershey. Enjoy complimentary drinks and compete for a chance to win a captivating prize!
Join us for this week long summer camp!
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…
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Bee boxes, or bee hotels, can attract pollinators to your garden and promote biodiversity. In this informative hands-on workshop, Friends’ volunteer group leader John Markus will review guidelines for constructing and maintaining an attractive nesting site for several varieties of solitary bees, which, unlike honey bees, do not rely on a hive for nesting. The…
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…
Join us for this week long summer camp!
Join teaching artist and naturalist Melissa Shultz Jones for our early morning field journaling series. Each month, you are invited to explore a different aspect of plant life in the Gardens and a new watercolor technique. You can sign up for any number of workshops, but sign up early, as group sizes will be intentionally…
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
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
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…
Join teaching artist and naturalist Melissa Shultz Jones for our early morning field journaling series. Each month, you are invited to explore a different aspect of plant life in the Gardens and a new watercolor technique. You can sign up for any number of workshops, but sign up early, as group sizes will be intentionally…
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…
Test your knowledge of Alabama’s flora and fauna with naturalist Henry Hershey. Enjoy complimentary drinks and compete for a chance to win a captivating prize!
Small walled gardens, water features, shade structures, and ornamental tiles are all common features of Southern gardens introduced to the Southeast by Spanish explorers and colonists in the 16th century. Travel back in time and across the globe—from the Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, to the reflecting pool at the Alhambra in Granada—with Master Gardener…
We invite you to join us for upcoming "Thyme to Read" book club gatherings, hosted monthly by the Library at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
Enjoy first dibs on our Fall Plant Sale and pick up your annual Member Plant Gift!
Get ready for fall planting, talk with experts, and support a great cause!
Get ready for fall planting, talk with experts, and support a great cause!
Join us with your preschooler for a story at the Gardens! Meet us in the Southern Living Garden. This program is designed to promote a love of reading, creativity, and nature, all while gaining the benefits of visiting the Gardens and being outdoors.
Spring may be the default season when it comes to planting or gardening, but autumn is ideal for trees and shrubs. The combination of cooler temperatures and fall rain allows trees to establish their roots before the stress of summer. However, improper planting is the number one cause of a shortened life for trees and…
Join Birmingham-based interdisciplinary artist, educator, and curator Sam Roberts for an experimental exploration of solar printing processes. In this informative and creative workshop, you will be introduced to cyanotypes and anthotypes, which are images created by natural chemical reactions when exposed to sunlight. Participants will have access to plants in the education garden and are…
The Alabama Orchid Society in partnership with the Huntsville Orchid Society will be hosting their annual orchid show and sale September 19–21 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Come see beautiful orchid displays, orchids in bloom, and vendors with orchids for sale. Friday, September 19 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Orchid sale only)Saturday, September 20 | 9 a.m.–5…