A Galaxy Born of Light: Thirty Years of Holiday Magic Page 6 Rooted in Conservation: A New Partnership for Alabama’s Plants Page 15 The Secret Life of Winter: Dormancy in the Garden Page 24
Our Mission
The Garden exists to connect people to plants to support a healthier quality of life for the region.
As autumn’s brilliant colors soften into the quiet beauty of winter, we are offered a natural pause, a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and what lies ahead. I am delighted to share this edition of Garden Columns and to celebrate the many ways Huntsville Botanical Garden continues to grow and inspire.
This season is especially meaningful as we mark the 30th anniversary of Galaxy of Lights. For three decades, this cherished tradition has brought joy, wonder, and connection to our community. It is both a time to remember the memories made beneath the lights and an opportunity to dream of all that is yet to come. Whether you join us for Walking Nights, Driving Nights, or one of the Galaxy of Lights races, we invite you to be part of the magic.
As we look to the new year, the Garden offers a place of peace and discovery. From our New Year’s celebration to quiet winter walks, there are many ways to enjoy the season. In this issue, we invite you to explore how the Garden provides moments of calm and wellness, even for our fourlegged friends.
Also inside, you will find reflections on dormancy in the garden, a closer look at the Garden’s partnership with The Nature Conservancy, and a special feature looking back at the past 30 years of Galaxy of Lights. You will also discover what is blooming in the Garden this winter and how these seasonal changes continue to inspire.
It is our hope that these pages encourage you to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of the natural world, whether in your own backyard, throughout our Huntsville community, or here at the Garden.
Lindsay Rice Board Chair
Tracy Barrett Vice Chair
Brandy Smith
Treasurer
Drew Davenport
Assistant Treasurer
Brenda Martin
Secretary
Will Pylant
Immediate Past Board Chair
Carla Bossard
Kohler Damson
Kristina Hendrix
Michael Kirkpatrick
Angie McCarter
Eric Mills
Riley Parker
Kaitlynn Roark
U’Meeka Smith
Julie Stephens
Michelle Stark
Sara Beth Wilcox
Jennifer Wu
Sue Wagner CEO, Huntsville Botanical Garden
06 A Galaxy Born of Light: Thirty Years of Holiday Magic at Huntsville Botanical Garden
11 Inspired by the Garden
15 Rooted in Conservation: A New Partnership for Alabama’s Plants
20 Pines and Pawprints: Finding Peace in the Winter Garden
The Secret Life of Winter: Dormancy in the Garden
This winter, Huntsville Botanical Garden invites you to slow down and discover the quiet beauty of the season. Experience nature’s magic through thoughtfully curated programs, workshops, and events that celebrate connection, creativity, and the wonder of winter. From sparkling evenings to handson learning and cozy gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy amid the Garden’s serene landscapes. Please note that the Garden will be closed January 1-9 for winter maintenance.
Galaxy of Lights 30th Anniversary
November 14 - December 31
Winter Spice Tea
December 14
Edgar Allen Poe Tea
January 11
Galentine’s Tea
February 13
December 31 Details at hsvbg.org/galaxy
Lights, Glamour, Garden! A New Year’s Eve Premiere
January 23
February 22 Fire & Ice
Expo
ByLauraMcPhailandSarahColvert
In the deep hum of winter twilight, hundreds of thousands of lights awaken. Trees shimmer with light and arches sparkle overhead. For three decades now, Huntsville has lit up the holidays with a show called Galaxy of Lights—and in 2025, we celebrate the 30th year of this beloved tradition.
“To me, Galaxy means tradition and time with family and friends.”
– Thayer Phillips Director of Facilities
Galaxy’s origin story reads like a Christmas legend itself. In 1994, garden visionaries including Harvey Cotton, Nancy Evans, and Dot Saunders collaborated on an idea that would soon illuminate Huntsville.
By late 1995, Huntsville Botanical Garden’s volunteers — engineers, artists, and retirees — began designing displays by hand and testing lights via generators.
“We didn’t even have bucket trucks,” recalls Lou Ossip, one of the original seven “Galaxy Guys.” “We lifted the displays by hand and hoped the power held.”
The first season drew over 5,000 cars and turned a small fundraiser into a local phenomenon. Against all odds, the event made a modest profit and launched a tradition that would soon define the holidays in north Alabama.
Rather than outsourcing, Huntsville Botanical Garden’s designers, artists, horticulturists, technical staff and volunteers work year-round, from planning and engineering to final installation under frosty skies.
“We’ve gone from simple wire frames to lasers, fog, and LED pixels. Now you feel like you’re inside the show rather than just looking at it,” said HBG Director of Facilities Thayer Phillips.
As a nonprofit, the Garden relies on Galaxy proceeds to sustain operations through the quieter winter months — supporting plant collections, education, and staff who care for the Garden year-round.
In many ways, the spirit of those early lights remains: a community effort, a spark of imagination, and a shared delight in festive wonder.
By 1999, Galaxy expanded to include Walking Nights, inviting visitors to explore the lights on foot. Over time, this dual walking and driving format became one of Galaxy’s defining features. Throughout its evolution, Galaxy of Lights has remained wholly conceived, engineered, and constructed in-house by the Garden’s staff and design teams.
Galaxy has grown in scale, sophistication, and ambition. In recent years, the show has featured more than 3 million lights, over 17 miles of extension cord and ethernet cable, and more than 50 audio zones to deliver synchronized soundscapes across the display.
Expansions, including new zones, animated displays, interactive lighting, and large-scale effects, have continually refreshed the experience for returning guests. The 2023 season debuted the Whimsical Woods, while 2024 introduced the Mystical Forest.
For 2025, the design team, led by the Garden’s Light Engineer and Design Manager Steven Byrd, introduced new installations that blend nostalgia with innovation. Visitors can explore zones woven through natural topography and botanical silhouettes. For example, this year will feature the Dreamscape Experience, using more than 70,000 programmable lights to transform the Icicle Forest into a kinetic world of motion and color.
“Galaxy of Lights connects people with plants, even in winter. It shows the Garden is alive year-round,” said Byrd.
In addition to expansions of the light show itself, HBG is bringing back the Galaxy Races 5K and a 3K runs that snake through the route. The popular races invite runners to weave through the lit trails, adding a new layer of holiday fun.
Galaxy has earned national acclaim, ranking #2 on USA Today’s 10 Best Botanical Holiday Light Shows in 2023 and 2024. This year, it once again contends for a top spot on the list.
“Galaxy of Lights is a place that will put a smile on your face and make you feel in the Christmas spirit, the giving spirit, and the loving spirit.”
– Deke Damson
It would be easy to think of Galaxy as primarily a technical show—but its beating heart is human. Volunteers remain essential. More than 840 volunteers give more than 5,000 hours each year to bring Galaxy to life. Many lend a hand on individual nights; others contribute year-round in planning, fabrication, programming, and maintenance. The show’s founders’ spirit is still present in every lit branch and bulb.
Similarly, many guests arrive with a sense of nostalgia: parents recount attending as children, now bringing their own families to share in the lighted magic. The Garden often hears stories of generations making Galaxy a holiday tradition.
“Galaxy and I both turned 30 this year. My family brought me here for the first time when I was just a baby, and I love that now I get to bring my own son and show him something that I’m now a part of bringing to life,” said Exhibit Production Coordinator Belle Eakes.
Susan and David Ziegler began sponsoring displays in honor of family milestones—first a wedding, then grandchildren, and even the addition of their beloved dogs, Mrs. Buttercup and Shadow.
“We sponsor to support the Garden so it can be here for everyone’s enjoyment,” said Susan Ziegler.
Renee Comp, a volunteer of eight years, helps coordinate the Children’s Art Program, which transforms student artwork into illuminated displays.
“It’s magical to see the children’s talent come alive in light and hear visitors say how amazed they are,” reflected Comp.
And for the Damson family, Galaxy has been a 30year legacy of love. Their matriarch, Butch Damson, was among the Garden’s founders, and Damson Automotive has sponsored the event every year since its inception.
“When we come here, I feel my mother’s presence,” said Deke Damson. “This place is part of our family.”
The Garden’s commitment to local participation ensures that Galaxy lives not only in spectacle but in civic pride and belonging.
For its 30th anniversary, Galaxy blends beloved traditions with exciting new features.
New this year: the Evergreen Express tram tour with festive narration and cocoa, and new zones like Dreamscape and the Aurora Garden, including a route through the Purdy Butterfly House. A new area called The Gathering has been added, complete with concessions, a bar, merchandise, and fire pits to take a few moments to pause and enjoy. Each zone is carefully layered to balance visual wonder, motion, interactivity, and spatial flow.
Galaxy returns in both Walking and Driving formats, along with Dog Nights and the annual Galaxy Races.
Even as it evolves, Galaxy has remained accessible. In fact, this year includes two evenings with Sensory Hours, a slightly modified experience for those with sensory sensitivities. Paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and timed entry keeps the experience comfortable for all.
As the Garden’s team often notes, Galaxy is about more than Christmas—it’s about joy, reflection, and wonder at the intersection of technology and nature. The lights enhance the landscape rather than obscure it, revealing the contours of trees and paths in ways only the night allows.
“You’re not just walking around the Garden—you’re walking through it. It’s a landscape larger than life at night, and still breathtaking by day,” said Eakes.
Three decades in, Galaxy of Lights is more than a holiday event—it’s part of Huntsville’s story. What began as a volunteer project has become a regional icon that brings joy, reflection, and wonder.
In its 30th year, Galaxy of Lights stands as both a celebration of the Garden’s past and a beacon for its future. What began as an inspired experiment by volunteers has evolved into a regional icon of creativity and community spirit—one that continues to grow brighter every year.
Use the checklist below to ensure a happy, healthy, and naturally delightful home garden. For more year-round gardening tips — including tasks for maintaining lawns of various grasses — visit hsvbg.org/learn/plant-science.
Continue planting hardy annuals and apply mulch to all planting beds, especially around perennials.
Plant young pecan trees, deciduous fruit trees, and grapes.
Protect shrubs with frost cloth or blankets on cold nights; uncover them in the morning.
Begin dormant season pruning for woody plants, including fruit trees.
Harvest Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and collards.
Use mulch to prepare beds for early spring crops and reduce winter weed germination.
Clean and sharpen garden tools, oil blades, and drain fuel from mowers and tillers before storage.
Start stratifying perennial seeds and late plantings of spring-flowering bulbs.
Plant roses; store bulbs in a dry, dark location if needed.
Prune damaged, diseased, or rubbing branches on shrubs and trees.
Start seeds indoors for late winter planting and gather all seed-starting materials.
Build cold frames or trellises — or consider using a straw bale cold frame.
Check indoor houseplants for insect infestations and avoid overwatering.
Plan crop rotation for the new season; ensure proper sun exposure for each crop.
Finish pruning fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody ornamentals before spring growth begins.
Fertilize fruit trees and prepare beds for spring annuals by weeding and loosening the soil.
Finalize seed orders to ensure availability for the upcoming season.
Service garden tools, mowers, and other equipment to avoid the spring rush.
Place birdhouses outdoors and continue filling bird feeders for extra food sources.
Clean and sharpen garden tools; follow safety guidelines for tool maintenance.
• 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
1. Heat the Skillet
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 2 tbsp for skillet)
• Place a 10–12 inch cast-iron skillet in the oven while it heats.
2. Make the Batter
• In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper
• In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
• Stir wet mixture into dry just until combined (don’t overmix).
• Fold in the rosemary and thyme.
Serves 8-10
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
• Flaky salt for finishing (optional)
3. Bake
• Carefully remove hot skillet; swirl in 2 tbsp butter until melted and sizzling.
• Pour in batter, smooth the top.
• Bake 20-30 min, until golden brown, edges pull from pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Finish & Serve
• Cool 5-10 min before slicing. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt if desired.
• Serve warm straight from the skillet, perfect with honey butter or alongside holiday mains.
• Preheat your skillet: A hot, buttered cast-iron pan creates that signature crisp, golden crust.
• Fresh herbs shine: Rosemary and thyme keep the flavor bright and garden-fresh. If you substitute dried, use half the amount.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing makes the cornbread dense.
• Slice cleanly: Let the cornbread cool 5-10 minutes before cutting so it doesn’t crumble.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of mulled wine simmering on the stove—rich red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and a hint of sweetness. This festive beverage, often associated with winter gatherings, has a history as warm as the drink itself and continues to be a cherished ritual around the world during the holiday season.
More than just a beverage, mulled wine has become an emblem of the holidays. The blend of spices evokes the spirit of winter—cinnamon sticks curling in the heat, cloves releasing their heady aroma, orange peels adding a bright note of citrus. It’s a drink that engages all the senses. The deep ruby color glows like a hearth, the steam rises fragrant and inviting, and the first sip spreads warmth from within.
Making mulled wine at home is delightfully simple. Follow these steps to create a batch of warm deliciousness, perfect for sharing.
Mulled wine is as much about gathering as it is about flavor. Whether served at a bustling Christmas market, a cozy dinner party, or around an outdoor firepit, it invites connection. Every ladle poured feels like an act of hospitality, offering comfort and cheer. It’s the kind of drink that slows time for a moment—encouraging laughter, stories, and the simple joy of togetherness.
In every cup of mulled wine, there’s warmth, nostalgia, and celebration. It’s a timeless reminder that the holidays are not just about decorations or gifts—they’re about savoring life’s simple pleasures, sharing them with others, and finding warmth in even the coldest of days.
1 bottle Pinot Noir
1 medium orange, sliced into wheels
1 medium lemon, sliced into wheels
2–3 cinnamon sticks
6–8 whole cloves (stick a few into the orange slices to avoid loose spices)
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (or a generous pinch ground)
¼ cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness (adjust to taste; start light, add more later)
¼ cup orange liqueur (optional but adds depth)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
1. Combine and warm
In a heavy pot or slow cooker, combine the wine, sliced citrus, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir in honey/maple and orange liquor (if using).
2. Gentle simmer - don’t boil
Heat over low until just steaming (about 160–170°F ). Avoid boiling as it can cook off alcohol and make the wine harsh.
3. Infuse
Let it steep on low for 20–30 min, tasting halfway. Add more sweetener if desired.
4. Serve
Ladle into heatproof glasses or mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, clove-studded orange slice, or lemon twist.
Brighter citrus: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a lift.
More spice depth: Add 2–3 star anise or a pinch of allspice if you like a stronger spiced profile.
Make ahead: Combine everything except sweetener, refrigerate overnight to cold infuse; then gently warm and sweeten just before serving.
Step into the holiday season at The Chrysalis, the cozy gift shop at Huntsville Botanical Garden! As the lights twinkle, our shelves fill with festive finds—nature-inspired Christmas décor, soft scarves and winter layers, sparkly accessories, and unique gifts for the season. Discover treasures inspired by Mama Zelda by artist Thomas Dambo in the Mother Earth Troll Garden, along with local favorites like honey, tea, and handcrafted goods. Whether you’re choosing a holiday accent, a thoughtful thank-you gift, or a keepsake to remember your visit, The Chrysalis is your destination for all things merry and bright. Stop in and explore—you’re sure to find something one-of-a-kind!
▲ Bring the legend home. Our long-awaited Mama Zelda gear is finally here—charming, colorful, and made to inspire smiles. Only available at The Chrysalis.
▲ Shop beautifully crafted, nature-inspired ornaments and seasonal décor that add elegance and charm to your holiday home.
▲ Savor a slow moment. Thoughtfully curated for cozy mornings and mindful afternoons, you’ll find everything you need for teatime at The Chrysalis.
▲ From farm to shelf, discover regional delights like smallbatch preserves, velvety hand creams, and Southerngrown peanuts that celebrate our local flavor.
TracyCook,KatrinaMitchell Huntsville BotanicalGarden
MitchReid,SaraAlvarado TheNatureConservancy
Alabama’s plant biodiversity is staggering—with more than 3,000 plant species, including at least 28 endemics (plants that are found nowhere else on Earth). This ranks Alabama as 4th for overall biodiversity and among the top ten states for plant biodiversity. It’s no surprise Alabama has earned its nickname “America’s Amazon.” Yet this richness remains largely hidden from public awareness.
“When we educate the public on our state’s botanical legacy, a lot of people— many of whom are residents of our state—are often shocked to learn what a biodiverse treasure trove Alabama truly is. This often leads to their increased curiosity, which leads to connection, which leads to conservation.”
– Katrina Mitchell Conservation Horticulturist
As we face increasing environmental threats from development to climate disruption, it becomes ever more critical to understand, appreciate, and act on behalf of our natural heritage. Evidence from studies of successful conservation outcomes indicate that the best way to achieve real impact in conservation is through growing partnerships to create more opportunities for collaborative effort across different organizations.
As such, Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG) is proud to officially announce a partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global leader in environmental stewardship. This collaboration celebrates our shared values and unites our missions to conserve Alabama’s extraordinary biodiversity for the benefit of people and nature. As we deepen this alliance, we are excited to expand how we protect, study, and share the botanical richness that makes our state so unique.
The alignment between HBG and TNC is natural and powerful. At HBG, our guiding purpose is to connect people to plants, thereby cultivating understanding, wonder, and respect for the plant world. TNC, in turn, applies this connection by working to conserve natural systems that support life on Earth—many of which begin with healthy, diverse plant communities. In Alabama, a state ranked among the most biodiverse in the nation, this shared focus is both urgent and inspiring. From riverbank to ridgetop, we see our missions intersect: plants are not only the foundation of ecosystems and our lives, but also vital in telling the story of place, identity, and resilience. Together, we can elevate this story in both scientific and public spheres.
Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global nonprofit committed to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. With projects spanning over 70 countries and territories around the world, including every U.S. state, TNC partners with communities, implementing science-driven strategies to address the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises. Their mission has led to the protection of more than 125 million acres of land and thousands of miles of rivers around the world.
But beyond these global statistics lies a network of place-based conservation—something Alabama, and HBG, is deeply connected to. Currently, TNC and partners protect more than 200,000 acres of land and 132,000 miles of rivers and streams in Alabama. Their work in our region is a huge undertaking requiring the collaboration of various institutions and the public. That is where HBG comes in.
Our collaboration with The Nature Conservancy is not entirely new—it is a deepening of existing work. In recent years, HBG and TNC have partnered on ex-situ conservation projects i.e., cultivating and preserving plant species outside their natural habitats.
One such effort focused on Clematis morefieldii (Morefield’s leather flower, also known as Huntsville Vasevine), a federally endangered vine found only in a handful of counties in the southeast, mostly within Alabama. Another HBG project is centered on learning how to propagate a native smoketree (Cotinus obovatus), an eye-catching rare southeastern species with niche habitat needs whose populations are increasingly fragmented in the wild. These projects have resulted in a better understanding of the needs of these rare plants and how long-term protection of their genetic diversity progresses their conservation.
In both cases, TNC preserved the land which housed these plant communities and HBG collected and grew plants within the Garden for education, display, and seed banking, while also sharing propagation material with other institutions to strengthen the genetic conservation network. These quiet but important steps are part of a broader strategy to secure Alabama’s botanical legacy.
Through our partnership, HBG will help bring Alabama’s plant story to the forefront. By interpreting native species in our garden collections, we create accessible entry points for learning—“snapshots” of biodiversity that spark curiosity and connection. Visitors can encounter rare plants that grow just hours away yet are unknown to most, including some species teetering on the edge of extinction.
These experiences help shift conservation from an abstract concern to a personal one. Meanwhile, TNC’s science and land protection work provides the foundation for understanding: why these plants matter, where they live, and what is at stake. TNC is actively working to build corridors of protection across the landscapes that support these ecosystems—ensuring connectivity for species and resilience for habitats.
“This is an exciting partnership between TNC and the Garden. The Garden will provide a window into Alabama’s wild wonders for so many that might otherwise not be able to experience the plants and habitats that lie well off the beaten paths across Alabama. Through the Garden, people can gain a greater appreciation of Alabama’s natural heritage and what it takes to conserve and protect our plants and their ecosystems.”
– Mitchell Reid State Director for TNC Alabama
TNC is also enabling HBG to ethically access and collect plant material from some of the state’s most ecologically significant sites.
With the right permits and careful stewardship, we will propagate these plants for display, seed banking, and potential future reintroduction or habitat augmentation. This work ensures that even if a species declines in the wild, it is not lost entirely. Just as importantly, it allows us to train a new generation of botanists and horticulturists in the hands-on skills of plant conservation.
Perhaps most exciting is what this partnership signals: a model of conservation that is both collaborative and rooted in place. By linking the strengths of a global organization like TNC with the local impact and community engagement of HBG, we can amplify our efforts. This includes hosting public programs, citizen science projects, and volunteer opportunities that invite our community to be part of this mission.
“Conservation, after all, is not something done behind closed doors—it is a shared responsibility and a shared joy!” observed HBG Senior Director of Plant Science and Conservation Tracy Cook.
As we enter this new chapter with The Nature Conservancy, we invite you—our members, neighbors, and partners—to join us in celebrating Alabama’s incredible plant life. Whether through visiting the Garden, supporting our work, or learning more about native species in your own backyard, your engagement makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that the vibrant, irreplaceable plant communities of Alabama continue to thrive for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on the plants we’re working to protect, the places they grow, and how you can help write the next chapter in Alabama’s conservation story.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving – all year long!
Share the beauty of 118 acres of naturally delightful experiences with someone you care about. A Garden Membership to the Huntsville Botanical Garden is a thoughtful, year-round gift that invites your loved one to relax, explore, and be inspired in every season.
With a gifted membership, they’ll enjoy:
Free daily admission to the Garden
Reciprocal benefits at 380+ other gardens
Invitations to member-only programs
Discounts on special event tickets and educational programs
10% discount at Fern & Feast Bistro and The Chrysalis
Subscription to Garden Columns Magazine
Give a gift that nurtures joy, curiosity, and connection to nature.
Purchase a gift membership at hsvbg.org/membership
ByKakiMorrow
After the music fades, the last bulbs from Galaxy of Lights are unplugged, and the excited crowds thin out, Huntsville Botanical Garden becomes a peaceful sanctuary for guests and wildlife, alike. The stillness of the Garden creates a rare chance to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature in its most tranquil state. Far from being empty, winter at the Garden offers a serene, restorative experience that invites guests to see the landscape in a whole new way. A walk through its winter landscapes offers not only beauty, but also inspiration and a reminder to pause, breathe, and find joy in the quiet details of nature. Guests are encouraged to step into the stillness, discover unexpected wonders, and let the Garden’s winter charm restore both mind and spirit.
Some plants and animals become dormant in the winter, but cooler temperatures usher in different scenery that gives a whole new appreciation for the peaceful landscapes. For example, bare branches, frosted grasses, seed heads, and bark patterns stand out in ways that might be easily overlooked in summer months. The gift of the occasional snowfall in the Tennessee Valley also paints the Garden in a whole new light. The lower winter sun creates striking shadows, with pines, hollies, and camellias providing welcome color.
“In winter, the Garden takes on a special kind of peace. Without the blooms of summer and lush foliage, the evergreens, trees, and stonework stand out, and every color and texture feels more vivid against the quiet landscape.”
– Angel Puig de Robles
HBG Site Maintenance Lead
Winter at the Garden is a quieter, more peaceful time for guests and staff members, alike. While exhibit and facilities staff and volunteer teams are working to uninstall Galaxy of Lights, plant science staff members are working to prepare the Garden for spring.
“I love how the stillness invites reflection and lets you notice the small details, the bark, the winter birds, the berries, the crisp air along the paths. At the same time, the bare framework of the Garden reveals its structure and promise, sparking inspiration for what’s to come in
From the Garden’s curated collections that feature pines (Pinus spp.), yew (Taxus baccata), Florida anise (Illicium floridanum), hollies (Ilex spp.), witch hazels (Hamamelis spp.), magnolias (Magnolia spp.) to its cultivated areas that feature violas (Viola cornuta), snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima), Western wallflower (Erysimum spp.), and heuchera (Heuchera spp.), Huntsville Botanical Garden is anything but drab during the cold season.
The plant collections and seasonal displays aren’t the only living things that can be spotted at the Garden in the winter. The cooler months mark the best time for birdwatching, as it is easier to spot birds without dense foliage. Tweetsville and Lewis Birding Trail are hot spots for the Garden’s feathered friends. Visitors can also spot nests, tracks in snow or frost, and other seasonal animal activities within the Garden. Additionally, during January and February, canine friends are welcome all month long.
Winter months also bring about new things to taste. Besides the delightful, cozy offerings in the Fern & Feast Bistro, guests can explore the flavors of the season in the Garden itself. The Demonstration Vegetable Garden showcases cold-hardy crops like kale, collards, and root vegetables, while the Herb Garden brims with evergreens such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, which are all plants that thrive even in chilly weather. The garden areas not only highlight what can be grown and enjoyed throughout the winter, but also inspire visitors
While the Garden tends to be an oasis year-round, the winter months bring about an entirely new season of peace through the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and even things to taste. Some plants and animals are in a dormant state throughout the winter, but the Garden is anything but lifeless! The quiet crunch of leaves underfoot, the fragrance of evergreen herbs carried on crisp air, the vivid red of holly berries against a pale sky, and the warmth of seasonal flavors serve as a reminder that beauty and wonder found in nature never truly rest. Winter at the Garden is an invitation to slow down, to notice the subtleties of the natural world, and to find renewal in its calm embrace.
The Garden invites visitors to come and experience firsthand the treasures that make this season uniquely restorative.
“In winter, the Garden takes on a special kind of peace… every color and texture feels more vivid against the quiet landscape.”
— Puig de Robles
HBG Site Maintenance Lead
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.
y LG Electronics
y Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
y Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis
Bronze
y Ashford Advisors - Shane Stromei
y Barrios Technologies
y Biscuit Belly
y Blue Origin
y Buckeye Turf Solutions
y Cadence Bank
y CFD Research
y Grimaldi’s
y Huntsville Utilities
y International Motors
y Huntsville Hospital
y Signalink
y Window World
y Japan-America Society of Alabama
y Manning & Napier
y Mission Driven Research
y MTSi
y Nothing Bundt Cakes
y Nothing But Noodles
y Osteria LuCa
y PeopleTec
y Prohibition
y Redstone Federal Credit Union
y Schoel Engineering
y Teledyne Brown
y Turner Construction
y Urban Cookhouse
y Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson REALTORS®
y Vulcan Materials
Discover how plants and animals rest, restore, and prepare for spring beneath winter’s quiet surface.
KarenColvin,ManagerofSTEMCurriculum&Programsand
MistyHertzig,LearningProgramsManager
When you visit the Garden this season, you may wonder where all the flowers have gone. The branches are bare and there is a stillness in the Garden. The air feels crisp, footsteps crunch softly against frosted paths, and the usual buzz of pollinators and songbirds is replaced by a hushed quiet. At first glance, the plants may appear lifeless, however, a lot is still happening beneath the surface. Life is very much present, just in a resting phase. Winter invites us to see it as a season of hidden wonder.
This time of year, living things will often go into a state of dormancy. They use environmental cues like shorter days, lower temperatures and changes in sunlight to signal a change in their behaviors. Plants and animals will go through a hormonal shift that reduces their growth rate and metabolism to conserve energy and prepare for the potentially harsh conditions of winter. This helps to protect the tissues of the plants to support their long-term health and survival. Some animals will hibernate or migrate to warmer locations to avoid the winter conditions.
Just as humans may find themselves slowing down and turning inward during the darker months, the natural world is also conserving its energy, waiting patiently for spring’s return.
Remember the plants may appear dead but dormancy just means they are “sleeping” until the weather begins to warm up, and the amount of sunlight increases. They will then begin to grow again.
You may have noticed that some plants will only last for one season and some plants will come back each year. Annuals go through their entire life cycle in one season. Their seeds spread in many ways and restart the life cycle in the spring with new plants. Some of the seeds travel by blowing in the wind, floating in the water, bursting open, or just dropping to the ground near the parent plant.
Seed dispersal is important to be sure the new plants have all the resources they need including water, space, and nutrients. In the fall, when the annuals have gone to seed, you can collect seeds to plant in the spring. Here at the Garden, you may notice dried seed heads swaying in the winter breeze — each one holding the promise of a new season’s growth. Watching how nature ensures its continuity can spark ideas for how to plan your own spring planting at home.
Perennial plants come back each year. They may go dormant, but they burst into life again in the spring. Bulbs such as daffodils and rhizomes like irises store energy underground, relying on cool winter conditions and a process called stratification to reset for the growing season. Soil develops layers, each with unique physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Healthy soil is vital to these plants. Worms create tunnels to support air flow around the roots and allow space for water to reach them. The fungi and insects living in the soil provide important nutrients to the plant by decomposing or breaking down fallen leaves and other once living things. The underground world of winter is a quiet collaboration — a reminder that even when we cannot see growth happening, life is being nurtured in unseen ways.
The largest plants you will see in the Garden are the trees. Deciduous trees drop their leaves, revealing graceful branching patterns that often go unnoticed in other seasons. Leaf litter left behind provides food and shelter for worms, insects, and fungi in the soil. Bare branches make it easier to spot squirrel nests, or dreys, and to notice signs of other animals that use trees for shelter or food.
Some of the trees are still green. These are called evergreens. Many people think evergreens only have needles and scales like pine trees and cedars. But some broadleaf trees are also evergreen. Visit a beautiful Southern Magnolia in the winter and see the large leaves with the waxy tops and velvet undersides. Smaller trees, like redbuds, offer another winter discovery in their terminal buds. These growth scars mark where each year’s growth ended, and by counting them, you can estimate the tree’s age.
On your next visit, try the challenge of identifying a tree without its leaves: using its bark, buds, or branching structure. Think of it like a scavenger hunt, one that sharpens your powers of observation while connecting you more closely to the landscape.
Animal activity is noticeably different during the winter as well. With fewer plants and food sources they have to adapt their behaviors for survival. Some animals will migrate. They will travel to a warmer location to avoid harsh winter conditions and have a food source available. Animals like birds and butterflies will migrate every year while some animals will become less active and stay put. Many reptiles will go into a state of brumation. They will sleep more frequently and be less active, so they use less energy and in turn have to eat less food.
If you pause along the Garden paths, you may notice the chatter of a squirrel high in the branches, or perhaps the distant call of a bird that has chosen to stay. These subtle signs of life remind us that even in the stillness, the Garden is alive with quiet stories of survival. Reduced plant and animal activity are a natural part of winter and allows for populations of both to grow and thrive when the spring hits.
Winter is also a season for people to slow down and dream ahead. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family over a warm cup of cocoa to plan next year’s garden. Will it be a kitchen garden filled with herbs and vegetables, a wildflower patch for pollinators, or a cutting garden to share bouquets with others? Here at the Garden, our own planning is underway, with horticulturists and volunteers envisioning the colors and textures that will return in spring. Visitors who come in winter get to witness this unique moment — a Garden at rest, yet full of anticipation.
Take time to celebrate winter while it’s here. Notice the textures, patterns, and quiet beauty unique to the season. Each part of the cycle reveals a new layer of nature’s story. Lean into your sense of wonder and accept the invitation to observe winter more closely. Bundle up, bring a friend, and walk through Huntsville Botanical Garden this winter, discovering the quiet magic waiting around every corner, and carrying home
Our camp programs are immersive experiences designed to foster your child’s connection to the natural world. Through hands-on, engaging STEM activities, our certified instructors guide campers through natural exploration and the role we all play in our environment. Campers participate in a variety of outdoor projects and play activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and exploration - all in the beautiful Huntsville Botanical Garden.
All full day camps run 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Half Day Camps end at 1:00 p.m.
Extended Care available:
Morning (7:30 – 8:30 a.m.) | Afternoon (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
Day STEM Camps (Ages 4–9)
y Winter Day STEM Camp (MLK Jr. Day – Jan 19)
y Winter Day STEM Camp (Presidents’ Day – Feb 16)
y Fall Day STEM Camp (Veterans Day – Nov 11)
Spring Into Gardening – Spring Break Camps (Ages 4–12)
y March 16–20
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Summer STEM Camps (Ages 4–12)
y May 26 – July 31
Backyard Science • Eco Adventures • Garden Secrets • What’s Cooking? • Make a Splash! …and more!
Autumn Explorers – Fall Break Camps (Ages 4–12)
y October 5–9
Winter Break Mini STEM Camps (Ages 4–9)
y December 28–30
Dogs are welcome every day in January and February during regular Garden hours.
$5 pup admission, or simply show your Paw Pass.
“First Horizon Bank is proud to support Huntsville Botanical Garden, a place where nature, learning, and connection thrive. Through its STEM education programs, the Garden inspires curiosity and discovery for learners of all ages. Investing in these programs reflects our commitment to growing a stronger, more vibrant future together.”
Ginger Harper SeniorVice President
Private Client
Group Manager
First Horizon Bank
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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!
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