Garden Columns Spring 2026: Vol. 7, Issue 2

Garden Columns Inside INTUITIVE ® Plant Science Complex: Breaking Ground on the Future Page 6

Boynton Oak: Conservation In Practice Page 18

When Garden Plants Go Wild Page 22

Volume 7 Issue 2

Spring 2026

Our Mission The Garden exists to connect people to plants to support a healthier quality of life for the region.

2026

Spring Plant Sale A fundraiser supporting Huntsville Botanical Garden

Members-Only Preview Sale Thursday, April 09, 8 AM – 6:30 PM

Become a member at the sale to enjoy the special membership perk of early shopping!

Public Sale

Friday, April 10, 8 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday, April 11, 8 AM – 4 PM Sunday, April 12, 11 AM – 4 PM Annuals Garden-Signature Collections Herbs Native Plants Perennials Trees

Fruits Vegetables

Rain or Shine Don’t miss out on quality selection and expert advice from our plant professionals.

All items are first come first served, while supplies last!

Greetings from the CEO Hello Everyone!

Spring has returned to the Garden, bringing with it a renewed sense of growth and curiosity. Across the Garden, blooms emerge and the landscape reminds us of nature’s ability to inspire. We invite you to slow down and enjoy all the signs of the season coming to life around you.

This spring, the Garden continues to grow not only in beauty, but in mission. From conservation-focused spaces that blend art, memory, and meaning, every corner of the Garden reflects our commitment to stewardship and community. Whether you are visiting for a peaceful stroll or an engaging program, there is something new to discover with every visit.

In this issue of Garden Columns, we explore topics that extend beyond our garden gates. Learn how invasive plants impact local ecosystems and what you can do at home to protect local landscapes. Discover how art and memorial spaces foster deeper connections, and learn more about our ongoing conservation work with the Boynton Oak. We’re also excited to share a look at the INTUITIVE® Plant Science Complex, a major step forward as we break ground on a facility that will support research, education, and the future of horticulture at Huntsville Botanical Garden.

Spring is a season filled with possibility, seen in everything from newly planted beds to long-term projects that will benefit generations to come.

We hope this issue inspires you to engage with the Garden in meaningful ways and feel connected to the natural world around you.

We look forward to welcoming you this spring and sharing all that is growing this season.

Sue Wagner CEO, Huntsville Botanical Garden

02

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

2026 Board of Directors Michelle Stark Board Chair Brittney Shonk Vice Chair Drew Davenport Treasurer Sherrie Hodges Assistant Treasurer Kristina Hendrix Secretary Lindsay Rice Immediate Past Board Chair

Tracy Barrett Hal Brewer Kohler Damson Melanie Forbes Camillia King-Stanley Michael Kirkpatrick Angie McCarter Riley Parker Will Pylant Kaitlynn Roark John Mark Russell U’Meeka Smith Julie Stephens Sara Beth Wilcox Jennifer Wu

What’s Inside HEADHOUSE CHARACTER [PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX]

06

INTUITIVE ® Plant Science Complex: Breaking Ground on the Future

10

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

American Wisteria Wisteria frutescens

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX Hunstville, Alabama December 22, 2025

Atamasco Lily Zephyranthes atamasco

13

Boynton Oak: Conservation In Practice Blue Star Amsonia tabernaemontana

22

Tall Bearded Iris Iris ‘Dodge City’

More Than Plants: A Memorial Presence in the Garden And more!

Harvey Cotten Azalea

Rhododendron flammeum x canescens

4747 Bob Wallace Ave. Huntsville, AL 35805 Contact us: Phone: 256-830-4447 • Email: info@hsvbg.org Website: hsvbg.org @hsvgarden

Korean Lilac Syringa mayeri

WHAT’S

18

When Garden Plants Go Wild: How Invasive Plants Harm Our Local Landscapes and How You Can Help at Home

@hsvbg

@HuntsvilleBotanicalGarden

Twisted Trillium Trillium stamineum

GARDEN COLUMNS

03

Program Calendar This spring, Huntsville Botanical Garden invites you to sprout, grow, and bloom alongside the season.

Discover hands-on workshops, learning programs, STEM camps, and special events thoughtfully curated to celebrate joyful discovery, creativity, and meaningful connections with plants and nature.

From engaging classes to family-friendly experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout springtime in the Garden.

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

05 Botanical Bookworms (Barbara Kingsolver)

02 Gardening 101 Series: Session 2

09 Butterfly Release

07 Botanical Bookworms (Barbara Kingsolver)

09 Gardening 101 Series: Session 3

09 Container Gardening Workshop

07 Gardening with Kids: Underground Explorers

11 Forest Therapy: Forest Bathing

15 Seeds to Sprouts

10 Nature Academy

14 Nature Academy

16 Pressed Flower Project Workshop

11 Nature Academy

15 Nature Academy

16-20 Spring Break STEM Camp

17 Seeds to Sprouts

23 Botanical Bookworms (E.O. Wilson)

26 Gardening 101 Series: Session 1

18 Flower Pressing Workshop

23 Gardening with Kids: Garden Artists

28 Make Your Own Watercolor Paints from Nature

18-19 Girl Scout Campout

23 Butterfly Release

18 Seeds to Sprouts

26-29 Summer STEM Camp

16 Seeds to Sprouts

30 Butterfly Release Visit hsvbg.org/calendar for details and registration.

Spring Break STEM Camp Mar. 16-20

Seeds to Sprouts Starting Apr. 17

04

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

Flower Pressing Workshop Apr. 18

Butterfly Release May 9

Events

▲ Canstruction™ Competition

▲ Raptor Shows

▲ Vernal Equinox Concert

▲ Bunny Hops Tea

▲ Arbor Day Races

▲ Mom & Me Tea

March 6-8

March 20

April 25

March 19

March 22

May 10

▲ Golden Hour

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

GARDEN COLUMNS

05

INTUITIVE Plant Science Complex ®

Breaking Ground on the Future

NTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX

nstville, Alabama cember 22, 2025

By Sue Wagner, Chief Executive Officer and Tracy Cook, Senior Director of Plant Science and Conservation

Shovels meet soil. It is a simple act, but a powerful one.

At Huntsville Botanical Garden, this moment marks more than the start of construction. It signals the beginning of a new chapter in how the Garden advances plant science, conservation, education, and community engagement. The INTUITIVE® Plant Science Complex (IPSC) is taking shape as a forwardlooking investment—one designed to support discovery, strengthen partnerships, and prepare the Garden to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

This groundbreaking represents a commitment not only to plants, but to people, knowledge, and the future of our region.

06

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

MASTER PLAN RENDERING [PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX] NEW ROAD + 2-BAY GREENHOUSE CHARACTER [PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX]

HEADHOUSE CHARACTER [PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX]

USE 4 BAY

USE

CE

P HOUSE

PROP HOUSE

K

USE 2 BAY

E

TOR ROAD

A

1

USE 4

USE 5

B

D F

USE 6

G

N

E KEY:

3

2

I

E TO 4-BAY GREENHOUSE

USE

D + 2-BAY GREENHOUSE

0

C

J

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX

Project renderings by SCHOEL

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX

Hunstville, Alabama December 22, 2025

Hunstville, Alabama December 22, 2025

H 60

E BOTANICAL GARDEN PLANT SCIENCE COMPLEX

labama 22, 2025

What the INTUITIVE® Plant Science Complex Includes

The complex improves workflow, safety, and efficiency

The IPSC expands and modernizes the Garden’s existing

that matches the urgency of today’s conservation

“back-of-house” horticulture and conservation areas.

needs.

while allowing staff and collaborators to work at a scale

These are spaces where much of the Garden’s most impactful work already occurs, largely out of public view.

Why This Investment Matters Now The IPSC responds directly to the challenges plants—

The new and improved facilities include:

and communities—are facing today.

Modern greenhouses designed for conservation propagation, research trials,

Climate change alters growing conditions and stresses

and safeguarding rare plants

ecosystems. Development and land-use changes

Dedicated workspaces for plant science,

fragment habitats. Invasive species spread quickly.

data collection, and applied research

Biodiversity loss accelerates, particularly in regions like

Expanded nursery areas that support

North Alabama that are rich in unique and endemic

living collections, restoration projects, and

plants.

plant evaluations Flexible instructional and training spaces

The Garden’s conservation and plant science

for students, interns, staff, and partners

work addresses these challenges through three interconnected approaches: collections, research, and

Together, these elements significantly increase the

outreach. The IPSC strengthens all three.

Garden’s capacity to grow, study, and protect plants.

GARDEN COLUMNS

07

The facility supports the safeguarding of rare plants that cannot be stored in traditional seed banks.

What Visitors Will See and Experience

It enables research that improves how plants are

While much of the work happens behind the scenes,

propagated, restored, and managed. It also provides a

visitors will notice meaningful changes across the

platform for education that helps people understand

Garden.

why plants matter and how they can be part of the solution.

As the IPSC comes online, guests will see new and healthier plants integrated into Garden displays—many

Equally important, the complex serves as a training

of them native, uncommon, or specially selected for

ground. Students, early-career professionals, and

resilience. Interpretation and programs increasingly

emerging scientists gain hands-on experience in

connect what visitors see on the paths with the science

horticulture, conservation science, and applied

happening behind them.

research—skills that are increasingly critical for environmental careers.

New opportunities emerge for: Guided tours that highlight conservation and

Immediate and Long-Term Impact

research

In the near term, the IPSC expands what the Garden

Hands-on workshops and demonstrations

can do right now. Improved infrastructure allows staff

Educational programs for students and families

and partners to conduct more trials, care for more

Deeper engagement with the Garden’s mission

safeguarding collections, increase the offereing of native plant options in plant sales, and respond more

The public experience evolves from observation to

quickly to conservation needs.

connection—helping visitors understand not just what is growing, but why it matters.

In the long term, the impact grows even wider.

The complex supports research that informs real-world

A Facility Built for Tomorrow

conservation decisions, from which plants to prioritize

The IPSC is built with the future in mind.

to how restoration efforts are designed. It strengthens partnerships with universities, land trusts, public

It is a place where research adapts to changing

agencies, and conservation organizations by providing a

conditions, where partnerships expand the Garden’s

shared space for collaboration.

reach, and where knowledge grows alongside plants.

It is designed to be flexible, resilient, and responsive—

The broader community benefits as well. Knowledge

qualities that mirror the ecosystems the Garden works

developed in the IPSC feeds into workshops,

to protect.Most of all, it reflects a belief that investing in

extension-style programs, and public education

plant science is an investment in community well-being,

efforts. Homeowners, land managers, educators, and

environmental health, and shared responsibility.

municipalities gain access to science-based guidance on native plants, sustainable landscapes, and ecosystem

Breaking ground is only the beginning. What grows

health.

next—ideas, collaborations, solutions—will shape Huntsville Botanical Garden and the region it serves for

These outcomes create ripple effects—environmental, educational, and economic—that extend well beyond the Garden’s boundaries.

08

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

generations to come.

by the Garden Seasonal guidance for garden, table, home, and gifting—rooted in nature and inspired by spring.

In The Garden

Spring tasks and timely guidance for a In healthy The Garden home garden

Spring tasks and timely guidance for a healthy home garden Spring gardening is about steady progress—preparing now for the growth to come. In March, begin waking up the garden by mowing warmseason grasses, applying pre-emergent to control weeds, planting coolseason annuals, and enriching beds with organic matter. This is also the time to fertilize roses and shrubs and start summer vegetables indoors.

As temperatures warm through April and May, lawns move into active growth, flower beds fill with warm-season annuals, and vegetables can be planted outdoors after the last frost. Mulching, regular feeding, and monitoring for pests help maintain healthy gardens as spring gives way to summer, while cool-season crops are harvested and replaced with heat-loving plants.

Our gardening experts have created a year-round, month-by-month checklist to help you cultivate a happy, healthy, and naturally delightful home garden. Visit hsvbg.org/learn/plant-science/ to explore it in full.

GARDEN COLUMNS

09

n rd e Ga e th by

At The Table

Recipes, traditions, and hands-on ways to gather with the season

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs A simple, plant-based way to color eggs is by using natural materials found right in your kitchen and garden. Naturally dyed eggs reflect the season they’re made in—soft, earthy, and beautifully unpredictable. Color develops slowly, shaped by time, temperature, and the plants themselves. No two eggs will look the same, and that’s exactly the point.

Yield Make 6 dyed eggs

Active time About 10 minutes

Dyeing time 15–30 minutes (plus chilling time)

What You’ll Need For the eggs

Method

•

1. Make the dye.

6 hard-boiled white or brown eggs, cooled and at room temperature

Combine 2 cups of water with your chosen plant material in a small

•

Distilled white vinegar

saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer

•

Neutral oil (such as vegetable or grapeseed), for

until the liquid becomes a shade darker than your intended result—

finishing

usually 15 to 30 minutes.

For the dye bath (Use one plant material per batch, per 2 cups of water) •

Red beets, shredded – for pinks and deep maroons

•

Red onion skins – for lavenders and reds

•

Yellow onion skins – for oranges and rust tones

•

Ground turmeric – for warm yellows

•

Purple cabbage, chopped – for blues and greens

•

Blueberries – for soft blues

•

Dried hibiscus flowers – for indigo and lavender shades

2. Cool and strain.

Remove the dye from heat and allow it to cool completely. Strain out the solids, pressing gently to release as much color as possible.

Compost the plant material.

3. Prepare the dye bath.

Measure the strained liquid. Stir in 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar for each cup of dye. This helps the color adhere to the eggshell.

4. Submerge the eggs.

Place the eggs in a bowl or container and carefully pour the cooled dye over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.

5. Let time do the work.

Equipment •

Small saucepan with lid

•

Fine-mesh strainer

•

Heatproof bowl or second saucepan

•

Bowl or container deep enough to submerge eggs

•

Paper towels

Refrigerate the eggs for several hours or overnight, checking periodically until the color deepens to your liking. For richer tones, remove, dry, and repeat the soak.

6. Finish and store.

Once dyed, remove the eggs and dry thoroughly. Rub each egg lightly with a drop of neutral oil and polish with a paper towel to bring out the color’s depth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Garden Notes Color will continue to shift slightly as eggs dry and are exposed to air. Results vary depending on dye strength, egg color, and soaking time—embrace the variation. Using more plant material creates deeper, more saturated tones. Eggs dyed this way are completely safe to eat when properly refrigerated. Naturally dyed eggs are as much about the process as the result. Set them out on the table, allowing the

10

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

colors to tell a story of time, plants, and patience.

by th e Ga e rd n

At Home

A place set for spring, welcoming the season indoors

Spring doesn’t arrive all at once. It comes in gestures—

The process creates an immediate connection to

longer afternoons, green tips on branches, the first

nature’s rhythms. Water deepens in color as plants

flowers brave enough to open. Welcoming the season

release their pigments. Time does the rest. Lifting an

doesn’t require a formal celebration. It begins by

egg from the dye is a lesson in patience, chemistry,

making space for it.

and surprise all at once. It’s part science lesson, part tradition, and entirely rooted in observation.

Start with the table.

Choose a place where natural light gathers during the

Let the table evolve as the day goes on.

day. Morning light feels hopeful; late afternoon light

Eggs dry in their imperfect shades. Petals fall. Branches

feels generous. Lay down a simple cloth or runner in

shift as the light changes. This isn’t a table to preserve—

a neutral tone. This isn’t about decorating—it’s about

it’s one to use. Children instinctively understand this,

creating a surface where the season can land, one that

moving between curiosity and creativity without

invites hands, materials, and time.

instruction. Adults often follow their lead, slowing down

Bring the outdoors in, just as it is. Clip a few flowering

without realizing it.

branches or early greens from the garden or yard. If blooms are scarce, use bare sticks or budding twigs; they speak to the same idea of renewal and patience.

Arrange them loosely in jars, pitchers, or vessels already on hand. Spring doesn’t need symmetry—it needs room.

To set a place for spring: Use what’s growing now, not what’s perfect.

Let color come from natural materials.

Allow the gathering to unfold slowly.

The result isn’t a finished look—it’s a shared moment.

This feature was originally created to mark seasonal

Now add something to work with.

shifts, and spring may be the most meaningful one

Naturally dyed Easter eggs—featured on the facing

to acknowledge. It reminds us that renewal happens

page—belong here, not just as decoration, but as part

through small, repeated acts: bringing nature inside,

of the experience. Set out hard-boiled eggs, small bowls

paying attention, and making space for learning to

of plant-based dyes, and simple tools such as spoons,

happen naturally.

towels, and scraps of fabric or leaves for patterning.

Onion skins, red cabbage, turmeric, and beets produce

A place set for spring doesn’t need an invitation list. It’s

colors that mirror the garden itself—soft, earthy, and

for anyone ready to notice what’s returning—and to

never quite the same twice.

welcome it, hands open, to the table.

GARDEN COLUMNS

11

n rd e Ga e th by

From The Garden

Naturally Delightful Gifts and Mementos from The Chrysalis

▲ Celebrate the first anniversary of Mama Zelda and the unveiling of the Mother Earth Troll Garden with exclusive merchandise that honors imagination, nature, and connection. Thoughtfully and sustainably designed, and only available at The Chrysalis.

▲ From a beautifully designed apron with gardening spade and rake to comfortable gardening gloves and a classic sun hat, these Seed & Sprout essentials make spring planting a pleasure. Gear up, dig in, and let spring bloom.

▲ For Garden lovers and their best friends. Our newest HBG-branded dog toys and gear let your four-legged companions join in the fun. Playful, practical, and gardeninspired, these goodies celebrate the joy of outdoor adventures shared together.

▲ Spring invites reflection, and Bruno Visconti journals and pens are made for capturing it all—budding blooms, birdsong, and moments of quiet discovery. Beautifully crafted and a natural fit for nature journaling, these pieces inspire creativity wherever the garden leads you.

12

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

Boynton Oak

Conservation In Practice

By Vânia Pereira, PhD, Curator of Living Collections and Katrina Mitchell, Conservation Horticulturist

A young oak stands newly planted at Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG). It’s small in size, but its story runs deep. This oak represents decades of history, years of scientific care, and a living promise: conservation is not an abstract idea. It is something you can see growing on the ground.

This famous oak is Quercus

and faces several threats, such as

The rarity of these oaks, together

boyntonii, known as the Boynton

pressure from invasive species,

with oak species acting as an anchor

oak or Alabama sand post oak.

extreme weather, and land-use

to many ecosystems, gives every

It is a rare tree endemic to

developments. With an estimated

surviving tree and every acorn

Alabama, meaning that it exists

1,200 individuals remaining in the

found an extraordinary value!

in the wild only in our state, eight

wild, the Boynton oak ranks among

counties in central Alabama

the most imperiled oaks in the

to be exact. It survives only in

United States.

specialized sandstone habitats GARDEN COLUMNS

13

Conservation in Action

While protecting natural habitat

share results. Some partners

In 2020, Huntsville Botanical

remains the most effective

also conduct advanced research,

Garden joined the Donald E. Davis

conservation tool, growing threats

including micropropagation and

Arboretum at Auburn University and

make ex situ efforts essential.

cryopreservation—tools that may

many other institutions under the

Cultivating genetically diverse plants

play a critical role in long-term oak

Global Conservation Consortium

provides a safety net should wild

conservation.

for Oaks and the International Oak

populations disappear. This practice

Society, to launch a coordinated

also strengthens the species’ ability

A Milestone in the Garden

conservation action project. The

to persist through environmental

Today, that collaborative work

goal is simple and ambitious:

change since greater genetic

becomes visible. Four Boynton oaks,

understand the Boynton oak better

diversity in collections means

grown from wild-collected acorns

and secure its future.

the greater the chance that we

started in 2023, now take root in

capture traits that aid in the species’

HBG’s permanent living collections.

adaptibility.

These young trees were grown for a

This work reflects an integrated

little over two years in the Garden’s

conservation strategy, with in situ and ex situ strategies. In situ

Acorns collected from wild

conservation focuses on plants in

populations are grown at the

their natural habitat, monitoring

Garden’s nursery and greenhouse

populations and protecting what

facilities or shared with other

remains. Ex situ conservation

institutions through a strategy

complements that work by bringing

known as metacollections, a term

acorns into cultivation, where they

describing a collection of collections

are grown, safeguarded in living

held at multiple institutions. Instead

collections, and prepared for future

of housing all plants in one location,

restoration efforts.

partner institutions such as The Morton Arboretum and Chicago “Qboy” Acorns

Our efforts start in the field where

Botanic Garden grow and study

our teams locate and monitor wild

the species simultaneously, as

greenhouse and nursery complex.

populations, track plant health and

conservation strategies are always

Though still small, they carry deep

acorn production, and carefully

based on community efforts!

ecological and cultural history. Each step—from acorn collection to

collect the acorns to preserve genetic diversity.

This approach reduces risk,

cultivation and planting—follows

expands genetic representation,

science-based standards designed

allows institutions to test

to protect genetic integrity and

propagation methods, and

ensure long-term success.

“Acorns collected from wild populations are grown at the Garden’s nursery and greenhouse facilities or shared with other institutions through a strategy known as metacollections, which is a term to describe a collection of collections held at multiple institutions.“ – Vânia Pereira Gathering “Qboy” acorns

14

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

“Qboy” sandstone glade

Planting the Boynton oak shows

native plants while providing

There are many ways to support this

how conservation principles

education, interpretation and

work, including raising awareness

translate into practice. Careful

connection. Bringing rare species

and supporting programs like ours

site selection, soil preparation,

into view builds awareness, and

that have a direct impact.

spacing, and ongoing care help the

awareness builds support.

trees establish and thrive. Using

As these oaks take root, the

local genetics strengthens habitat

Growing Together

message becomes clear: history

resilience and preserves Alabama’s

Community involvement remains

inspires protection, protection

ecological identity.

central to this work; the future

enables propagation, propagation

of the Boynton oak depends not

leads to planting, and planting

For visitors, these trees offer

only on how it is planted, but on

builds stewardship. The Boynton

something rare: a chance to see

how it is collectively cared for . The

oak reminds us that conservation is

conservation happening in real

Boynton oak sparks conversations

dynamic, always growing, adapting

time. Boynton oak acorns cannot

about native plants, place-

and enduring through science,

be stored long-term, making living

based conservation, and shared

place, and people working together.

collections essential. By planting

responsibility. Conservation is not a

them in the Garden, we fulfill our

single act; it is an ongoing process

mission to conserve Alabama’s

shaped by collaboration.

Did You Know?

Fun facts about Boynton oak Habitat: Boynton oak grows on sandstone outcrops within forests dominated by pine, oak, and hickory trees.

Size: It typically reaches just 15–20 feet tall, which is very small for an oak tree.

Growth habit: This adaptable oak can grow as a tree, shrub, or even a groundcover. It often forms patches of clones by spreading through rhizomes—underground horizontal stems that produce new shoots.

Conservation status: Boynton oak is ranked No. 4 among U.S. oak species of conservation concern, making it one of the rarest oaks in the country.

GARDEN COLUMNS

15

Give Mom the Garden

This Mother’s Day, give a gift that grows all year long.

A membership to Huntsville Botanical Garden is more than access—it’s an invitation to slow down, wander, learn, and return again and again through every season.

Gift memberships are available year-round and offer moments of beauty, connection, and renewal—whether Mom loves spring blooms, peaceful walks, butterflies, or simply time spent outdoors.

Give her the Garden this Mother’s Day—and let it keep giving long after the day has passed.

Visit hsvbg.org/membership to learn more. Use code MDAY26 for $10 off all memberships.

Redeem online or in-person May 1 – 10, 2026.

Celebrate One Year with Mama Zelda!

Since welcoming guests to the Mother Earth Troll Garden in April 2025, Mama Zelda by artist Thomas Dambo has quietly watched over the landscape, becoming a beloved presence at the Garden.

This spring marks her first birthday— an invitation to wander the winding paths, notice her seasonal transformation, and experience the magic of this immersive natural wonder up close.

16

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

THANK YOU Corporate Partners!

The Corporate Partners Program is designed to strengthen the relationship between Huntsville Botanical Garden and the corporate community in the region. Through the annual support of Corporate Partners, the Garden can provide first-class programs that allow Garden guests to connect to plants and gain a deeper understanding of the role they play in their own environment.

Gold y International Motors

y LG Electronics

Silver y Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

y Huntsville Hospital

y Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis

y Window World

y Signalink

Bronze y Ashford Advisors - Shane Stromei

y Japan-America Society of Alabama

y Schoel Engineering

y Barrios Technologies

y Leidos

y Starfish Holdings

y Biscuit Belly

y Manning & Napier

y Teledyne Brown

y Blue Origin

y MTSi

y Turner Construction

y Buckeye Turf Solutions

y Nothing But Noodles

y Urban Cookhouse

y Cadence Bank

y Osteria LuCa

y Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson

y CFD Research

y PeopleTec

REALTORS®

y Grimaldi’s

y Prohibition

y Vulcan Materials

y Huntsville Utilities

y Redstone Federal Credit Union

GARDEN COLUMNS

17

When Garden Plants Go Wild How Invasive Plants Harm Our Local Landscapes and How You Can Help at Home

By Mike Shelton, Natural Areas Supervisor

Several years ago, a homeowner wanted a groundcover that would stay green and colorful during winter. They ordered a plant online and planted it in their yard.

At first, it looked great. Then something strange happened. New plants started showing up in places where they were never planted. One plant became many. The plant may be Italian arum (Arum italicum), a species known to spread quickly. It is considered invasive in several western states, though not currently classified as invasive in Alabama.

Stories like this happen often, and they can cause serious problems for nature and for people.

18

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

What Is an Invasive Plant?

An invasive plant is a non-native species that establishes itself outside of cultivation and causes harm to natural habitats, agricultural systems, or managed landscapes.

The term “non-native” refers to plants that originate outside North America. The word “exotic” is often used interchangeably. While many non-native plants remain well behaved in gardens, invasive plants spread aggressively and disrupt existing ecosystems.

Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)

Invasive plants often thrive because they are no longer limited by the

and produces abundant fruit that

As native plant communities

insects, diseases, and environmental

birds disperse widely. Other species

decline, broader ecological effects

pressures that control them in

spread without seeds. English

follow. Many insects, birds, and

their native regions. Without these

ivy (Hedera helix) roots where

other wildlife evolve alongside

natural checks, growth accelerates,

stems contact the soil, while some

native plants and depend on them

allowing invasive species to

invasive plants expand through

for food, shelter, and reproduction.

outcompete native vegetation.

underground root systems that

When native plants disappear,

generate new shoots.

wildlife diversity declines as well.

Why Invasive Plants Spread So Easily

Reduced biodiversity weakens

Invasive plants are highly effective

resilient to pests, disease, and

at surviving and spreading. Many

environmental change.

ecosystems, making them less

tolerate a wide range of conditions, including sun and shade, wet

Economic and Social Costs

and dry soils, and both clay and

Invasive plants also impose

sandy substrates. They readily

significant economic costs.

take advantage of disturbed

English ivy (Hedera helix)

environments such as construction sites, clear-cut areas, roadsides, and

Homeowners spend time and money removing invasive species from their landscapes. Farmers and

forest openings created by fallen

Ecological Impacts on Native Landscapes

trees.

Invasive plants often form dense

invasive plants reduce crop yields

stands that crowd out native

or forest productivity. Communities

Reproductive strategies further

plants. Native species typically

and land managers invest

contribute to their success. Many

require specific soil conditions,

substantial resources controlling

invasive species produce large

moisture levels, or light availability.

invasive species along roads, parks,

quantities of seeds that are spread

In contrast, invasive plants are less

and natural areas. Nationwide,

by birds, wildlife, wind, or water.

selective and grow rapidly, limiting

these costs reach billions of dollars

Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense),

space and sunlight for native

annually.

for example, grows in dense clusters

seedlings.

foresters experience losses when

GARDEN COLUMNS

19

Youth volunteers removing invasives on a garden trail

Why Invasive Plants Remain Available for Sale

Who Is Working to Address the Problem?

These observations provide valuable

Education plays a critical role in

Universities, industry partners,

spread of invasive species and

preventing the spread of invasive

and government agencies

support early detection and rapid

plants. Lists of invasive species are

collaborate to identify, prevent,

response efforts.

maintained by federal and state

and manage invasive plant species.

agencies, but regulations vary

Organizations such as the Center

widely. A plant considered invasive

for Invasive Species and Ecosystem

in one state may still be sold legally

Health, the North American Invasive

in another.

Species Management Association,

data that help scientists track the

and the Alabama Invasive Plants A 2021 study conducted by the

Council share research, educational

University of Massachusetts

materials, and management

Amherst finds that inconsistent

strategies.

regulations contribute to the continued sale of invasive plants

Citizen science programs also play

in both retail stores and online

an important role. Platforms such as

marketplaces.

iNaturalist and Wild Spotters allow individuals to report invasive plants

These inconsistencies make enforcement difficult and increase the importance of informed consumers. Learning about plants before purchasing them helps reduce unintentional introductions into the landscape.

20

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

they encounter.

Sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica)

“Invasive plants often thrive because they are no longer limited by the insects, diseases, and environmental pressures that control them in their native regions. Without these natural checks, growth accelerates, allowing invasive species to outcompete native vegetation.”

– Mike Shelton

What Homeowners Can Do

They support wildlife, contribute to

Homeowners can successfully

ecosystem health, and often require

manage invasive plants in residential

less maintenance once established.

landscapes. Accurate identification

“For small infestations, hand pulling or digging is often effective.“ – Mike Shelton

is the first step. Extension services

Local nurseries frequently carry

provide reliable print and online

native plants, particularly when

resources to help gardeners

consumer demand increases.

Botanical Garden or nearby

recognize invasive species and

Huntsville Botanical Garden

conserved lands provides hands-on

understand appropriate control

offers a wide selection of native

opportunities to protect natural

methods.

plants during spring and fall plant

areas.

sales, and Master Gardener plant For small infestations, hand pulling

sales provide additional options.

Participation in citizen science

or digging is often effective.

Supporting local vendors that

projects allows individual

Removing all roots, stems, and

prioritize native plants strengthens

observations to contribute to

underground structures is essential,

regional landscapes.

scientific research and land management decisions. Collective

as even small fragments can lead to regrowth. Timing matters.

Getting Involved

efforts—from homeowners to

Removing plants before they flower

Adding native plants to home

organizations—help reduce the

or produce fruit reduces the risk

landscapes benefits wildlife and

spread of invasive plants and protect

of spread. Any flowers or fruit

improves resistance to invasive

the long-term health of local

should be removed and disposed of

species. Learning to identify invasive

ecosystems. Small actions, taken

carefully.

plants enables early intervention.

together, create meaningful change.

Volunteering at invasive plant After removal, invasive plant

removal events at Huntsville

material should be bagged and placed in household trash.

Composting is not recommended, as many invasive species survive and spread through compost piles.

When chemical control is necessary, homeowners should follow all label instructions carefully. Application timing, weather conditions, and proper product selection help protect non-target plants and pollinators.

Preventing Future Invasions Preventing invasive plants is more effective than removing them after establishment. Regular weeding, the use of mulch, and planting noninvasive alternatives help reduce opportunities for invasion. Native plants are especially valuable.

Digging non-native groundcover

GARDEN COLUMNS

21

More Than Plants A Memorial Presence in the Garden

By Annette Alexander, VP of Institutional Advancement

Each year, individuals and families choose to honor the memory of a loved one through a memorial or commemorative gift to Huntsville Botanical Garden. Over time, these heartfelt tributes grow into thousands of individual remembrances woven throughout the landscape. Together, they tell a powerful story—one of love, remembrance, healing, and hope.

The Garden is deeply grateful to those who choose to remember someone special in this way. These gifts do far more than recognize lives well lived. They support daily operations and long-term care, helping ensure Huntsville Botanical Garden remains a place of beauty, reflection, and restoration for all who walk its paths.

22

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

Living Tributes That Grow With Time

The Garden’s Advancement team

Memorials throughout the

throughout the year to help

Garden take many forms, allowing

identify meaningful locations and

families to select a tribute that

tribute options. Many choose sites

feels personal and meaningful.

connected to cherished

Engraved bricks, named trees,

memories—a favorite walking

benches, flower beds, and special

path, a quiet garden corner, or a

programs each offer a way to

place where their loved one

works closely with families

honor a life while becoming part

Benches placed throughout

of the Garden’s living story.

the Garden create spaces

Unlike static memorials, these

for rest, contemplation, and

tributes change with the seasons,

remembrance. For many families,

growing and evolving alongside

these benches become sacred

the landscape itself.

places. One donor reported

volunteered, laughed, or lingered.

regularly visiting the bench dedicated in memory of her late husband. Sitting quietly amid the Garden’s beauty, she One of the most beloved options

reflects, feels his presence, and

is the Butterfly Tribute Program,

finds peace. Stories like hers

a symbolic and deeply moving

illustrate that memorials here are

way to honor a person’s memory.

not static objects; they are living

For some, the Garden is a place

Donors may designate the

connections that continue to

their loved one holds dear through

recipient of a butterfly watercolor

nurture the heart.

years of volunteering or frequent

print created exclusively for

visits. For others, it becomes a

Huntsville Botanical Garden

Some individuals extend this idea

source of comfort during times

by artist Susan Goodman. The

of remembrance even further

of loss. The Garden offers an

gift also supports the seasonal

through legacy gifts. These

environment that is uplifting

population of native butterflies

planned gifts reflect a person’s

and restorative, providing solace

in the John and Tine Purdy

lifelong values and ensure that

without solemnity.

Butterfly House. As butterflies

their love for the Garden continues

emerge, flutter, and thrive, they

well into the future, supporting its

There is also a sense of hope

serve as poignant reminders of

mission for generations to come.

found here. Each spring brings

transformation, renewal, and the delicate beauty of life.

renewal—buds forming, colors

Why Families Choose the Garden

returning, and life awakening

Trees are also frequently chosen

The decision to create a memorial

of growth and rebirth offers

as memorials. With deep roots

at Huntsville Botanical Garden is

reassurance that beauty

and enduring presence, they

deeply personal.

continues, even after loss.

represent strength, growth, and continuity. Over time, memorial trees provide shade, habitat, and beauty for countless visitors. As years pass, these trees continue to grow—just as memories do— offering living connections across generations.

once more. This natural rhythm

“For some, the Garden is a place their loved one holds dear through years of volunteering or frequent visits. For others, it becomes a source of comfort during times of loss.”

– Annette Alexander GARDEN COLUMNS

23

The Garden quietly reminds

as meaningful settings for

They are expressions of love,

visitors that endings are also

memorials. They provide a

remembrance, and hope—places

beginnings.Huntsville Botanical

natural, serene environment

where memories are honored,

Garden means many things

that emphasizes life, growth,

hearts are comforted, and legacies

to many people. It is a place

and continuity. Memorials

continue to grow.

of learning, celebration, and

here become living legacies—

reflection. It ties the community

supporting conservation efforts

together through shared

while offering comfort to families

experiences, marking milestones

and visitors alike.

and honoring lives that shape our collective story.

Healing Through Nature Nature possesses a unique ability

Spaces for Solitude and Reflection

to soothe and restore. The calming

Within the Garden, visitors find

grief and offers a gentle space

peaceful refuge in quieter areas

for remembrance. The sounds

Those considering a meaningful

designed for contemplation.

of flowing water, birdsong, and

way to honor a loved one or

The Fern Glade, the Bush Azalea

rustling leaves provide sensory

celebrate a life well lived are

Trail, and the Matthews Trail offer

comfort and grounding during

invited to explore memorial

moments of calm away from

difficult moments.

opportunities at Huntsville

atmosphere of the Garden eases

Botanical Garden. The Garden’s

daily noise. The Garden of Hope, surrounded by trees and shrubs

Visiting a memorial or spending

team is honored to help families

and centered around a gentle

time nearby allows grief to be

find a tribute that reflects their

stream, is designed to refresh

expressed in a constructive and

story while supporting a place

the spirit. Benches and prayer

meaningful way. These quiet

they cherish. Together, love,

benches invite visitors to pause,

moments foster healing, purpose,

remembrance, and beauty

reflect, or pray.

and peace. Memorials at Huntsville

continue to flourish here for years

Botanical Garden are truly more

to come.

These spaces demonstrate why botanical gardens serve

24

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2

than plants.

Visit hsvbg.org/get-involved/donate-memorials/ to learn more.

Where Every Celebration Blooms

Say “I do,” gather, and celebrate in the heart of the Garden where natural beauty meets thoughtful design. Our one-of-a-kind venues offer an effortlessly elegant setting for weddings, receptions, corporate events, and milestone moments, surrounded by manicured landscapes and vibrant blooms.

Signature Wedding & Event Venues Celebration Garden & Grand Hall An intimate garden ceremony space flowing seamlessly into the Grand Hall for a complete wedding experience.

Grand Hall Capacity: 350 seated | 208 seated with dance floor | 400 standing • Includes veranda, full bride & groom suites, optional Conservatory, private library, dedicated restrooms, private entrance, and coat closet

Carriage House Warm cathedral wood tones and twinkling lights create a charming, inviting atmosphere.

Capacity: 150 seated | 112 seated with dance floor | 200 standing

Additional Spaces • Nichols Arbor • Meadow at Lake Lonnie

• Murray Hall

Visit hsvbg.org/rentals to learn more.

New for 2026: Celebration Garden Aisle The Celebration Garden has been newly refreshed with a stamped stone aisle, designed to protect lush greenery while creating a polished, photogenic pathway—ensuring every step, every photo, and every moment is unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony, a grand reception, or a corporate celebration, your event unfolds in a naturally delightful space designed to inspire beauty, connection, and lasting memories.

Weddings • Receptions • Corporate Events • Private Celebrations GARDEN COLUMNS

25

4747 Bob Wallace Ave. Huntsville, AL 35805

“Huntsville Botanical Garden offers residents of all ages a welcoming place to learn, explore, and connect. As a city that encourages people to plant your roots, we are proud to support a destination where families can grow together while experiencing the natural beauty that defines our region.”

Mayor Ranae Bartlett City of Madison, Alabama

Host Your Next Event at Huntsville Botanical Garden!

Celebrate your special moments surrounded by breathtaking gardens and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a wedding, party, or corporate gathering, our versatile spaces offer the perfect setting to make your event truly unforgettable.

Reserve your date today at rentals@hsvbg.org!

Like what you read?

We want to hear from you!

Scan the QR code to take our survey.

This magazine is printed on recycled paper by an FSC® certified printer.