THE PEOPLE’S GARDEN: HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN CELEBRATES 35 YEARS

Written by Nancy Wilkinson Van Valkenburgh

Huntsville, the first Capital of Alabama and some say the Space Capital of the Universe, is also the Capital of a place to Dream Big. When we see what becomes of an idea that is brought to fruition and flourishing, it is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Such is the result of the 1960’s dream, verbalized by our President, John F. Kennedy, “to land a man on the moon in this decade and return him safely to the earth.” Though he didn’t get to see it, it happened in 1969 and the accomplishments of that landing, the spin-off benefits, and further space exploration continue.

Also in our city, a mere 10 years later, in December 1979, a group of 14 visionaries had a dream of a Botanical Garden. They continued to “Dream no small dream.” Not deterred by what seemed insurmountable obstacles, they worked and planned, contacted potential supporters, solicited help, and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

On the 35th anniversary of the Huntsville Botanical Garden, May 21, 2023, the 14 founders were honored with the placement of a plaque. These visionaries were: Nell Bragg, Drucilla Esslinger, Harvilee Harbarger, Henry Joiner, Gail Kelly, Grady Kennedy, Evelyn Lucas, Duane Miller, Gary Murray, Ellie Salopec, Donald Saxton, Margaret Saxton, Mary Ann Terry, and Rosa Belle Van Valkenburgh. They would be the first to say that it has taken the support and work of the entire community to achieve what the Garden is today.

The first challenge was given by the City Council of Huntsville. It gave 35 acres and three years to raise $200,000 which the city would match. It seemed probable that the council thought it was unlikely to have to match funds from what was then a massive undertaking for a volunteer group.

by Vicki Van Valkenburgh

Founders recruited friends and a major help was that Lenora Tillman Grumbles agreed to help. Lenora had been assistant director of the Von Braun Civic Center for two years and then the first director of the Huntsville Convention and Visitors Bureau. She knew many leaders of most of the large and small companies in Huntsville. As founder Rosa Belle Van Valkenburgh said, “Lenora is not a flower person, but she is a money person.” The funds were raised in six months, to the amazement of the City Council.

Botanical Garden is a vision realized by volunteers who give their hearts, souls, and minds to bring their passion to their neighbors and to future generations. It provides a uniqueness that is special to this Garden.

In September 1983, founder Harvilee Harbarger, ASLA: Julie Harbarger Stephens, ASLA; and John Martz, a draftsman and artist, presented the original plans as a gift to the Garden. With the support and cooperation of the City of Huntsville, Madison County, Redstone Arsenal, and the Space and Rocket Center and thousands of volunteers and community supporters, the Garden now has 118 acres with an estimated 350,000 visitors a year. There are 9,500 member households with 4,000 monthly member visits.

Visitors enter through the Bob Wallace Avenue entrance adorned by Classical Doric columns from the 1904 Madison County Courthouse that was torn down in the 1960s. On June 3, 2022, the Garden was recognized as #4 Best Botanical Garden in North America by USA Today in their 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award Contest.

The original vision of the founders has been expanded by subsequent visionaries. Unlike gardens maintained by well-funded foundations and staff, the Huntsville

Examples of dreams realized and shared are the Lewis Birding Trail, the Bush Azalea Trail, the Wildflower Trail, the Harbarger Hydrangea Border, the Rosa Belle Van Valkenburgh Daylily Garden, the Mathews Nature Trail, the Holmes Trillium Garden, the Purdy Butterfly House, the Fern Glade, and many others. Numerous buildings and features are named for supporters and are a testament to the commitment and support the community gives the Garden.

The Galaxy of Lights each winter holiday season is a community effort unique to our area. Brought to you by many “Galaxy Guys” retired from designing and manufacturing rockets, they spend time year round in creating light displays enjoyed by the community and a delight to our youngest citizens and visitors, as well as children of all ages.

The people have made this garden what it is today. It is up to this generation to continue the efforts. As one of the founders, Harvilee Harbarger, said on that 35th celebration day, “This is the People’s Garden.” n