The crisp, Fall air is right around the corner and so is the ever anticipated changing of the leaves. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is just the place for you to wander this season, so stop and smell the roses while we discuss this natural gem in the heart of our city.
In 1934, The Birmingham City Council dedicated Lane Park in memory of Mayor A.O. Lane – what would soon become part of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The Master Plan was created by Dr. Henry Teuscher, designer of Jardin Botanique of Montreal, and in 1962, the glass Conservatory opened. New garden spaces were added throughout the decades and in 1998, curriculum-based programs were introduced for kids and families. Throughout the 2000s, education became a staple as classrooms, a lecture hall and library were added to the Garden Center.
The Gardens’ goal is to educate and connect its 330,000+ yearly visitors with plants, gardens and nature. To support this, they offer an array of classes such as native plant studies, gardening and wellness. There are also family-friendly classes like storytime, summer camps and field trips. The Library at the Gardens offers nature resources including archives of the Gardens’ history.
These magical 67 acres are home to more than , highlighting the diverse plants that flourish in Southern gardens. Discover an architectural delight in every space like the glass Conservatory, the rocky waterfall in the Curry Rhododendron Garden and the red torii in the Japanese Garden. Aside from exploring, there are designated benches and seating areas placed throughout for visitors to relax as they take in the beauty of their surroundings.
Visitors have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in these natural wonders with events like “Flicks Among the Flowers,” where you can watch a movie on the Formal Lawn, take a yoga class in the Japanese Garden or find an antique treasure at “Antiques at the Garden.” Enjoy a lineup of programs and events at every visit.
There are many ways to support the Gardens including becoming a member, donating and making an honorary or memorial gift. The City of Birmingham, the community and Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens (a nonprofit whose mission is to share and care for the Gardens), work together to ensure that this urban oasis continues to bloom for years to come.
References
Welcome - Birmingham Botanical Gardens - Birmingham, AL. Birmingham Botanical Gardens. (2023). https://bbgardens.org/