Volume 6 Issue 3 Summer 2025 Inside
Growing Forward: Why Our Greenhouses Need a Fresh Start Page 6
Container Gardening: Big Beauty in Small Spaces Page 13 Meet Mama Zelda Page 16
Our Mission
The Garden exists to connect people to plants to support a healthier quality of life for the region.
Calling All Vendors!
Celebrate the season by being a part of
at Huntsville Botanical Garden!
Get ready to unwrap the joy of the season—Huntsville Botanical Garden is decking the halls for our very first Wintergreen Holiday Market, and we want you to be a part of it!
Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 10 AM – 5 PM at Grand Hall & Carriage House
Handmade goods Home décor Culinary treats One-of-a-kind holiday gifts
This is more than a market—it’s a seasonal escape where families and friends come together to celebrate creativity, community, and the joy of giving.
Vendor Perks Include:
Indoor 10x10 booth spaces in high-traffic areas
Access to a festive, family-friendly audience
Inclusion in event promotions through HBG’s channels
Opportunity to support the Garden’s mission
Apply today and let your craft shine at one of Huntsville’s most anticipated new holiday traditions!
Sign up by June 30 and take advantage of early bird pricing: $65 without electricity, $70 with electricity.
Vendor fee after June 30 increases to $75 without electricity, $80 with electricity.
Summer at Huntsville Botanical Garden is a season of vibrant colors, adventure, and discovery. With lush greenery, bright blooms, and the soothing sounds of nature all around, the Garden invites you to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and experience the magic of the season.
Nestled within the Mother Earth Troll Garden, Mama Zelda continues watching over the everchanging living maze. As the summer sun nurtures its growth, each visit offers a new perspective on this enchanting space where art and nature intertwine. If you haven’t yet explored the maze and met Mama Zelda—or if it’s been a while—we invite you to return and see how this special garden space evolves throughout the seasons.
Summer at the Garden is brimming with exciting events and experiences. Golden Hour, Global Rhythm & Blooms, and the Roots & Shoots Farmers Market continue through September, and butterfly releases and firefly hikes offer magical ways to enjoy the Garden. Whether you’re exploring the wonders of pollinators, enjoying a leisurely twilight stroll, or engaging in hands-on activities with the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In this issue of Garden Columns, we delve into best practices for container gardening and the Garden’s new non-alcoholic offering, Botanicals, to inspire your connection with the natural world.
There’s always something new to discover, and we hope this season brings you moments of joy, curiosity, and inspiration in the Garden.
We’ll see you at the Garden!
Sue
Wagner CEO, Huntsville Botanical 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
Sara Beth Wilcox
Jennifer Wu
This summer, Huntsville Botanical Garden invites you to soak in the season’s vibrant energy with programs and events designed to spark wonder, connection, and discovery. From sun-drenched blooms to hands-on adventures for all ages, every visit promises new memories and endless inspiration!
Father’s Day Field Day
June 15, 3-6 p.m.
Shakespeare in the Garden
July 25, 26; August 1, 2; August 8,9, 7:30-9 p.m.
Global Rhythm and Blooms
Summer Solstice Concert
June 20, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Roots and Shoots Farmers Market
June 11, 25; July 9, 23; August 6, 20, 5-7 p.m.
June 5, 19; July 3, 17, 31; August 14, 28, 5-8 p.m.
Golden Hour
June 6, 13, 27; July 11, 18; August 15, 22, 29, 5-8 p.m.
ByLauraMcPhail
Tucked behind the vibrant blooms and winding trails of Huntsville Botanical Garden lies a quiet, often overlooked heartbeat of our Garden—the greenhouses. These behind-the-scenes spaces are where the magic begins. Every vibrant display, every rare and native plant, and every educational program that features living greenery is rooted—quite literally—in our greenhouse and nursery complex.
But here’s the honest truth: our greenhouses are overdue for a transformation. The time for renovation has come—and we’re not just talking about it. A forward-thinking, phased plan is already in motion to reimagine these essential growing spaces.
Over the years, the complex has grown organically, built piece by piece through the passion and dedication of staff and volunteers. What began as a humble operation has expanded to support a nationally recognized living museum—but the infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with our ambitions or our needs. We’re now at a pivotal moment, one where investing in this vital space will mean the difference between simply maintaining and truly flourishing.
The Garden’s existing greenhouses were structures previously used by the City of Huntsville and then donated to HBG several decades ago. Currently, five of our seven greenhouses are heated with propane and cooled with evaporative systems. The remaining two are completely passive—no heating, no cooling—making them usable for only a small portion of the year. The propagation mist house —central to growing new plants—is in need of updated infrastructure to meet modern standards.
Many of our hoop houses and cold frames rely on PVC and manual labor. Only one nursery mat and the propagation house are equipped with automated irrigation, and none of the structures have modern environmental controls.
It’s a patchwork system—functional, but not future-proof, or even up to current industry standards.
“Usually the louvers and the fans that pull the air through and a lot of the humidity controls would be on a thermostat and done automatically, versus the very manual controls we have now,” said Tracy Cook, HBG Senior Director of Plant Science and Conservation.
The reliance on manual labor for what is usually monitored and manipulated by automatic controls is a daily reality for HBG staff. HBG Plant Production Supervisor AnnaLynn Buckner commented that during the summer, the greenhouses effectively become “convection ovens” due to the lack of automation.
“We are a few decades behind what I was used to at Auburn,” said Buckner, who is a recent graduate of Auburn University’s agriculture department. “For example, it took us two hours to put the shade curtain on this house, whereas in a modern facility you can do that with the press of a button and shade walls go up in 30 seconds. And, of course, manual labor is always your most expensive thing.”
“It took us two hours to put the shade curtain on this house, whereas in a modern facility you can do that with the press of a button and shade walls go up in 30 seconds. And, of course, manual labor is always your most expensive thing.”
Buckner pointed out that the need for manual labor in lieu of automatic controls slows down not just operations within the greenhouses, but other work that needs to be done out in the Garden by Horticulture staff.
She pointed to a nearby table inside Greenhouse 3, which was constructed from chicken wire stretched across cinderblocks and 4”x4”s used for table legs.
A row of plants sat on the table, which sagged and bowed under the weight of the plants.
“We make creative use of the materials we have,” Buckner said. “But working with tables like this makes the pots lean, which makes watering inefficient and that makes drainage inefficient, which then makes the root system grow to one side rather than having a balanced root system. Simply having all metal tables on wheels that I can move around as needed would be helpful.”
Cook also pointed out that the Horticulture staff has been having “critter issues” with carpenter bees, termites, and mice finding access to the greenhouses.
“It’s death by a thousand paper cuts,” said Cook.
Despite the constraints, the growing spaces that do work well are at 100% capacity year-round. We’re maximizing every inch we can, but there’s simply not enough space to grow what we need—or take on new opportunities for research, experimentation, or expanded collections.
At first glance, you might think, “Isn’t the Garden doing just fine?” And yes, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished. But behind every lush garden bed and plantfilled class is a flurry of scheduling, outsourcing, and strategic juggling.
Because we lack consistent, controlled space, we often rely on buying plants instead of growing
them ourselves. That limits what we can offer and increases costs. More importantly, it reduces our ability to contribute to the conservation and study of rare and regionally important species—plants that matter to our local ecosystems and future generations.
That’s why we’re moving forward with a plan to renovate and reimagine our greenhouse facilities. These improvements won’t just meet current needs—they will lay the foundation for scalable, sustainable growth well into the future.
Our greenhouses are more than just growing spaces—they’re incubators for ideas and discovery. Upgrades would allow us to implement modern systems for temperature, humidity, airflow, and light.
“We make creative use of the materials we have, but working with tables like this makes the pots lean, which makes watering inefficient and that makes drainage inefficient, which then makes the root system grow to one side rather than having a balanced root system. ”
– AnnaLynn Buckner
This level of control would help our curators and scientists grow stronger, healthier plants with less reliance on pesticides and more precision in plant care. It also means we can replicate the unique conditions needed to propagate plants of conservation concern— something essential as we continue to partner with organizations such as the Global Conservation Consortia and Plant Collection Networks.
These enhancements are part of a strategic, long-term plan to increase our growing capacity, improve efficiency, and support education and conservation at every level. Our goal is to not only catch up to today’s standards, but to lead by example in horticultural excellence.
This project is more than a renovation— it’s a transformation. It’s an opportunity to elevate our impact, expand our capacity to care for rare and regionally significant plants, and continue cultivating curiosity, learning, and joy for generations to come.
Use the checklist below to ensure a happy, healthy, and naturally delightful home garden.
For a full list of tips to use year-round, including important talks for keeping lawns of various grasses lush and thriving, visit hsvbg.org/garden-checklist.
Mow Bermuda and Zoysia lawns at 1–2 inches, removing no more than one-third of the blade at a time.
Apply nitrogen to warm-season lawns and water deeply with 1 inch of water per week.
Direct sow sunflowers, basil, marigolds, and other warm-season flowers and herbs.
Deadhead flowers and fertilize annuals and perennials with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Check for aphids, thrips, and fungal issues, and avoid walking through wet garden beds.
Water vegetables deeply, mulch to prevent blossom-end rot, and keep planting beans, squash, and okra.
Continue mowing lawns properly and avoid herbicides on cool season grasses like Tall Fescue.
Fertilize flowering annuals once more to support late-season blooms.
Divide and transplant bearded iris, trimming leaves to about six inches.
Sow seeds for late season crops like beans, carrots, and pumpkins.
Harvest garlic and onions as tops dry, and cure them in a cool, dry space.
Water early in the day, mulch to retain moisture, and monitor container plants for daily watering needs.
Overseed thin spots in cool-season lawns and keep soil lightly moist until seeds are established.
Continue deadheading flowers or leave some seed heads like sunflowers and coneflowers for birds.
Divide iris and plant new perennials to refresh garden beds.
Start fall vegetables like beets, carrots, kale, lettuce, and mustard in late August.
Harvest squash and melons frequently to keep plants producing.
Remove old or non-productive plants to prevent insect and disease buildup.
For the Pretzel Crust:
• 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 4 cups whole pretzels, crushed with a rolling pin or food processor)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
For the Strawberry Jell-O Layer:
• 1 box (6 ounces) strawberry Jell-O
• 2 cups boiling water
1. Start the Jell-O Mixture: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. In a mixing bowl, combine the Jell-O powder with the boiling water. Stir for 2–3 minutes until completely dissolved. Set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Make the Pretzel Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Crush whole pretzels using a rolling pin or food processor until you have 2 cups of crumbs. In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well, then press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 glass baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
Serving & Presentation Tips
Each bite of this dessert offers a satisfying crunch from the pretzel crust, followed by a silky cream cheese layer, and finished with a refreshing burst of fresh strawberries and Jell-O. It’s an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• ¾ cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 8 ounces whipped topping
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it to the edges to form a seal. Refrigerate while preparing the Jell-O layer.
4. Add the Jell-O Layer: Stir sliced strawberries into the cooled Jell-O. Gently pour and spread the Jell-O over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves, a dollop of whipped cream, or additional strawberry slices. This dessert is not only stunning on a plate but also refreshingly light, making it the ultimate summer indulgence.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Seal the edges: Spreading the cream layer to the edges prevents the Jell-O from leaking into the crust, ensuring perfect layers. Chill before layering: Letting the Jell-O cool to room temperature prevents the melting of the cream layer.
Make it your own: Try substituting raspberries and raspberry Jell-O, or add a touch of lemon zest to the cream layer for a citrusy twist.
Our mission at the garden is ever-growing—just like the gardens we cultivate. We’re always exploring new ways to connect people with plants, from the colors and scents of the landscape to the flavors they inspire. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Botanicals—a fresh, sophisticated way to enjoy the beauty of plants in every glass.
Botanicals are a fresh take on nonalcoholic spirits, carefully crafted from a curated blend of herbs, fruits, and spices. With layers of bright, botanical flavors and a depth of complexity, they bring something truly unique to your glass— without alcohol, sugar, calories, or carbs. Clean, crisp, and beautifully balanced, they offer a refined way to enjoy the richness of nature in every sip.
Vibrant,
While Botanicals can certainly be enjoyed on their own, they truly shine when paired with fresh juices to create beautifully crafted non-alcoholic beverages. At the garden, we’ve thoughtfully curated a list of signature Botanical cocktails, each designed to highlight the unique depth and complexity of these vibrant flavors. From crisp citrus blends to smooth herbal infusions, every cocktail is a celebration of nature’s finest ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for something bright and refreshing or calming and aromatic, our carefully crafted menu offers a sophisticated, guilt-free indulgence for every palate.
Botanicals bring a new kind of refreshment—one that’s as vibrant and nuanced as nature itself. Whether you’re embracing a mindful lifestyle, exploring new flavors, or simply looking for a beautifully crafted drink, Botanicals offer a deliciously refined option. With their clean, plant-based ingredients and artful complexity, they make every sip feel special—no compromises, just pure enjoyment.
Whether you’re hosting an elegant garden wedding, a charming baby shower, a milestone birthday, or a corporate event with a refreshing twist, Botanicals bring a refined yet inviting touch to any occasion.
Effortlessly sophisticated, these nonalcoholic beverages complement the natural beauty of the garden while offering a fresh, flavorful experience your guests will love. Light, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, they add a unique and memorable element to any event—because every toast should feel as special as the moment itself.
We can’t wait for you to experience Botanicals. Whether you’re wandering through the Garden, catching up with friends, or planning a momentous event, these drinks are the perfect companion. Refreshing, elevated, and full of natural vibrance, Botanicals bring a fresh perspective to every glass.
Savor the beauty
at Huntsville Botanical Garden— where people, plants, and perfectly crafted beverages come together in the most delightful way.
The Chrysalis, the charming gift shop at Huntsville Botanical Garden! Bursting with fresh finds for the season, our curated collection features garden-inspired gifts, breezy apparel, playful accessories, and locally crafted treasures that celebrate the joy of nature. Whether you’re searching for the perfect hostess gift, a memento of your visit, or a little something just for you, The Chrysalis is your go-to spot for sunshine-ready shopping. Come explore what’s new—you never know what delightful discovery awaits!
▲ Our new branded phone bags and wristlets are perfect for keeping essentials close as you explore the Garden in style.
▲ From hand-painted pottery to wildflower workbooks, discover all you need for your next botanical adventure.
▲ Charming vases, eye-catching containers, and natureinspired books—The Chrysalis is in full bloom with beautiful finds.
▲ Brighten your garden space with hanging pots that echo the vibrant colors of your favorite blooms.
There’s something magical about nurturing life with your own two hands—especially when it flourishes right outside your window or on your porch.
ByMaxMcKeown
Container gardening brings that magic to everyone, no matter how much space you have. At Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG), we believe gardening isn’t limited to wide open yards or expansive garden beds. Whether you have a small balcony, a patio, or even just a window ledge, container gardening provides an accessible solution for people looking to cultivate plants in urban environments or areas with limited space.
With a bit of creativity, a few pots, and a sprinkle of best practices, anyone can turn a small space into a lush retreat. It’s a vibrant, hands-on way to connect with nature, refresh your routine, and discover something new—right where you are.
However, growing plants in containers requires a slightly different approach compared to traditional gardening. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or a curious beginner, container gardening offers a flexible, rewarding, and surprisingly artful way to grow. Let’s dig into what makes it successful.
It all begins with choosing the right home for your plants. Your container doesn’t just serve as a decorative touch—it impacts your plants’ health and longevity. Containers are made of several different materials, and each have their pros and cons.
• Plastic containers are lightweight, affordable, and retain moisture well. However, they can become brittle over time and break.
• Clay or terracotta pots are classics for a reason. They’re breathable and beautiful, though they do dry out more quickly and can be a bit on the heavier (and pricier) side—especially in larger sizes. Opt for glazed versions if you want to retain more moisture.
• Wooden containers have a charming, natural look that blends beautifully with any garden style. Just make sure they’re sealed properly to avoid rotting.
Whatever style you choose, drainage is non-negotiable Without holes for excess water to escape, your plants’ roots can become waterlogged, leading to root rot and disappointment.
Good soil is the secret to thriving plants—and not all dirt is created equal.
Skip the scoop of backyard soil. It compacts in containers and can smother roots. Instead, invest in a high-quality potting mix, specially designed for container gardens. These mixes offer the right balance of drainage, aeration, and moisture retention, often using ingredients like bark, perlite, peat moss, or coconut coir. Your plants will thank you.
When it comes to container gardening, not all plants make great neighbors. The key? Group plants with similar care needs. That means matching sun lovers with other sun lovers, or pairing shade-seekers together. Likewise, combine plants with similar watering preferences to avoid one drowning while another goes thirsty.
This not only helps your plants thrive—it also makes your care routine simpler and more enjoyable.
Part of the beauty of container gardening is the flexibility to move your plants. Take advantage of that! Position your containers where they’ll receive the right amount of sunlight and where watering is easy.
Hanging baskets or small pots might need daily watering during the heat of the summer, so accessibility is key. If you’re lugging a watering can across the yard every day, you might start to dread the task. Proximity to a hose or faucet can turn that chore into a quick, peaceful ritual.
One of the biggest challenges for container gardeners is getting watering just right.
Because containers expose soil to air on all sides, they dry out faster than garden beds. But that doesn’t mean you should water constantly. To find the right balance, check the soil moisture regularly. If the top inch of the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. Do not rely on whether a plant is wilting, as many plants will wilt during the heat of the day regardless of soil moisture. However, if a plant is wilted during the morning hours, that is a good indicator that soil moisture is low. A general rule is to have a larger container for more water holding capacity.
When you do water, go deep. Let the water soak through the whole root zone and drain out the bottom. This ensures the entire root system receives moisture. It’s generally better to water deeply and less frequently than to give shallow, frequent waterings.
Plants in containers don’t have the benefit of a deep, nutrient-rich soil base, so they need a little extra help. Regular feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a diluted liquid fertilizer will keep them growing strong and vibrant. Follow label directions and remember—more isn’t always better. A light touch applied consistently goes a long way.
Container plants can grow quickly, so it’s important to not plant for instant impact. Give your plants space to stretch and breathe. Having some negative space is important as it allows plants room to grow throughout the growing season. Some plants may benefit from occasional thinning to ensure that the remaining plants have plenty of space to grow.
Container gardening is a rewarding and practical way to grow plants in small spaces. It’s also a way to escape the hustle, find your center, and add a little joy to your everyday spaces. Whether you’re on a sunny balcony, a shady front porch, or a tiny apartment ledge, you can create your own oasis of color and life.
So go ahead—grab a pot, pick your plants, and get growing. Because the best gardens aren’t defined by size, but by the joy they bring.
▲ An example of a simple black plastic container that matches well with the contemporary architecture of the house. Notice how the planting is also simple with only two species.
BySarahColvert
On April 1, 2025, the ribbon was cut, and Mama Zelda was officially welcomed to her forever home at the Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG). Now, she sits gracefully at the center of a living maze made from her twisting, flowing hair, keeping a watchful, whimsical eye over the Garden grounds.
Towering and gentle, creative and commanding, Mama Zelda is the 149th troll created by internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Known for his massive sculptures made entirely from recycled and repurposed materials, Dambo’s trolls have become a global phenomenon—part public art, part environmental storytelling, and entirely unforgettable.
Each of his trolls carries a name, a personality, and a story designed to inspire connection with the natural world and spark curiosity in people of all ages. They are built not just to be seen, but to be experienced.
“Mama Zelda carries forward his incredible storytelling tradition,” said Garden CEO Susan Wagner. “One that blends sustainability, creativity, and a deep connection to plants and nature.”
But what truly sets this installation apart is the heart and hands of the local community, which are woven into every step of her creation.
More than 100 volunteers contributed over 800 hours to help bring Mama Zelda to life— cleaning reclaimed wood, gathering natural materials, and working side-by-side with Dambo’s international team of builders. The call for volunteers brought together people from all walks of life, from passionate gardeners to artists, families, educators, and nature lovers—each of them drawn to the project by its beauty, purpose, and playful charm.
“Volunteering and participating in the build was awesome,” said Connie Baer, who worked on the project with her husband, Vince. “It gives me an even better appreciation for the work—both creatively and physically. Watching the team build her feet using the very boards we had cleaned was just incredible.”
Volunteers like Baer didn’t just witness the sculpture being built—they became part of it.
“Before this, I always imagined the trolls were mostly pre-planned, and just assembled on- site,” she added. “But the Dambo team was sketching ideas as they worked, building trial arms or joints, and making creative decisions in real-time. It was amazing to watch—and to contribute in some small way.”
Judy Hardwick, another dedicated volunteer, with her husband Craig, echoed the same sense of awe. “It is just the coolest thing to be a part of building Mama Zelda,” she said. “Seeing the crew’s artistic flow was inspiring. They follow a plan, but also let her personality emerge as they go. Knowing we helped bring one of my favorite artist’s creations to life—it’s just plain exciting.”
For both the Baers and the Hardwicks, seeing the sculpture come to life with materials they’d handled— pallets they’d broken down, nails they’d pulled, branches they’d sorted— was a powerful moment of connection.
Mama Zelda is more than a sculpture. She’s a mosaic of local stories, materials, and generosity. Her structure is built from wood donated by Hobby Hardwoods, repurposed whiskey barrels from Jack Daniel’s, and tree trunks from All American Feller and Redmond Construction. The maze that surrounds her—representing her wild, flowing hair—is woven with thousands of branches gathered from private landowners throughout North Alabama from trees that were scheduled to be felled independent of the troll project.
Even the boulders that shape the landscape were sourced from South Huntsville, donated by See Forever Development Partners, and transported to the Garden by Wiregrass Construction.
“We’re really proud to have the community play such a strong role in this—through the supplies, the volunteers who supported it, and all the plants we’re using,” said Rebecca Turk, Director of Learning and Public Engagement at the Garden. “That’s something we’re really proud of— not just the volunteers and materials, but the living plants we’re using to complement the space. This garden is designed to showcase native plants and how strong, reliable, and beautiful they really are.”
In fact, Mama Zelda’s surroundings are just as meaningful as the troll herself. The Mother Earth Troll Garden will grow and evolve over time, continuing to reflect the Garden’s commitment to sustainability, education, and immersive experiences.
“It is just the coolest thing to be a part of building Mama Zelda. Seeing the crew’s artistic flow was inspiring. They follow a plan, but also let her personality emerge as they go. Knowing we helped bring one of my favorite artist’s creations to life— it’s just plain exciting.“
During a stretch of winter weather that temporarily halted work, the build team was even welcomed by the owner of Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, who gave them a behind-the- scenes tour. Some of the wood from that original mill now lives within Mama Zelda’s frame— adding another meaningful layer to her story.
The arrival of Mama Zelda marks more than the installation of a new sculpture—it signals the beginning of a new chapter for Huntsville Botanical Garden.
“This space is more than just a new addition,” said Wagner. “It is truly a testament to the impact of collaboration, sustainability, and community.”
From her expressive face to her outstretched arms, Mama Zelda invites guests to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the magic of the natural world. She’s a reminder that art can grow from reclaimed scraps, that beauty can emerge from unlikely places, and that something incredible happens when people come together with a shared sense of wonder.
Her presence also amplifies the Garden’s mission to connect people to plants and promote a healthier quality of life for our region. Mama Zelda connects us to something even larger—a story of care, creativity, and collective effort.
Now, Mama Zelda rests peacefully within her spiraling maze, arms open, kind gaze, and story just beginning. She’s already capturing hearts—and she’s here to stay.
Come meet Mama Zelda. Follow her hair through the maze. Discover the love that built her. And let her remind you of the beauty that blooms when art, nature, and people grow together.
At Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG), every leaf, bloom, and trail tells a story. As visitors wander through its lush landscape, one of the most captivating narratives unfolds through the Garden’s living collections.
The Garden’s living collection is comprised of many thousands of individual plants, and one of the ways we understand the collection is to categorize the plants into groups such as taxonomic families, as in hollies or magnolias, or in terms of themes, such as spring ephemerals or aquatic plants. We also have collections that support research and conservation goals. All of those collections together make up the living collection.
ByTobyGray,Ph.D.
Among these collections, the hydrangea collection stands out as a summer favorite: an exuberant showcase of texture, form, and seasonal delight. With more than 1,200 individual plants and approximately 150 unique cultivars, the hydrangea collection is a thriving embodiment of the Garden’s mission to connect people to plants. From native species that speak to our Southeastern heritage to exotic cultivars that dazzle the senses, the HBG’s hydrangeas offer a living tapestry that blooms with both beauty and educational value.
Hydrangeas, in particular, bridge the gap between the scientific and the ornamental. Hardy across zones 3 to 9, they’re beloved by gardeners for their resilience and their versatile, season-long appeal. What often appears to be a burst of petals is actually a mass of sepals—modified leaves that mimic petals—surrounding clusters of true, fertile flowers.
These sepals come in endless variations of color and structure, giving each variety its own distinct personality.
Understanding all the different types of hydrangeas can be overwhelming, especially at the scientifically taxonomic level. For gardeners, getting familiar with five groups is all you need to gain an understanding of the majority of hydrangeas grown in our region and at the Garden.
Also known as woodvamp or climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea barbarais a native of the moist forests of the Southeastern U.S. Slow to get started in the garden, an established plant eventually produces a thick mass of dark green leaves that completely hides whatever it climbs on. It must climb in order to bloom, producing baseball-sized clusters of snowwhite flowers on new wood.
It grows well in full shade, but needs some sun to bloom. Our garden has an impressive specimen at the south end of the Bush Azalea Trail, plus several smaller individuals just getting started on the Dogwood Trail.
If one plant could sum up the character of the Southern landscape, the oakleaf hydrangea might be it. Native to our region and easily recognized by its lobed leaves—reminiscent of red oak foliage—this bold shrub reaches upward with large, creamy white inflorescences reaching above the leaves, making it a good choice for the back of the shrub border or to brighten up a dark corner.
This species has the best fall color of all the hydrangeas. Pruning, usually not necessary, should be done soon after the flowers fade since flower buds form on old wood.
Harbarger Border, just north of the entrance to the Bush Azalea Trail, boasts one of the most impressive mass plantings in the Garden.
Panicle hydrangeas are usually taller, are often found growing in full sun, and sometimes produce three leaves on a node instead of the usual two. Their bloom form is a panicle, or elongated cone, similar to that of oakleaf hydrangea. The flowers of many cultivars shift through hues as summer stretches on—from soft greens and whites to deep pinks.
These sun-loving shrubs bloom on new wood, making them ideal candidates for winter pruning.
Their unique growth habit even allows them to be trained as small ornamental trees. One particularly enchanting display can be found at the Garden’s main entrance, where a grove of ‘Phantom’ hydrangeas creates a dazzling welcome for all who pass through the gate in July.
Like the climbing and oakleaf hydrangeas, smooth hydrangea is native to the Southeastern U.S., where it is often found growing wild along streams. The leaves of smooth hydrangea can be distinguished by the fact that their leaf petioles (stems) are more than one inch long. It’s a perfect fit for naturalistic garden designs and thrives on winter pruning, which encourages strong flowering the following year. At Redbud Courtyard at the Celebration Garden, the ‘Invincibelle Spirit’ variety adds a touch of refinement to the Garden’s already rich plant palette.
And then, there are the stars of summer—the big leaf hydrangeas. The big leaf group is made from selections and hybrids of two species, H.macrophyllaand H. serrata
The color of their blooms is often influenced by soil pH: blue in acidic soils, pink in more alkaline ones. Sensitive to drought and sun, they’ll wilt quickly when thirsty, making them helpful barometers for garden health. Since they bloom on old wood, pruning should be kept to a minimum. At HBG, you’ll find the largest collection of big leaf hydrangeas stretching from Cherry Plaza to the Cedar Glade and along the north end of the Bush Azalea Trail. Keep an eye out for ‘Tokyo Delight’ along the Dogwood Trail— it’s a visitor favorite for good reason.
This summer, we invite you to stroll through the Garden and experience the hydrangea collection in full bloom. Bring a camera, a sketchpad, or simply your curiosity. Try your hand at identifying each group. Notice the subtle shifts in color from June to September. And when autumn arrives, come again and see how the same collection transforms into a palette of fall brilliance. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply someone seeking a moment of beauty and peace, our hydrangea collection offers a living connection to the wonders of our world.
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 firstclass 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 LG Electronics
Silver
y Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
y Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis
y Huntsville Hospital
y Signalink
y Window World
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 Cookie Fix - Clift Farms
y Five Guys
y Frutta Bowls
y Grimaldi’s
y Hand & Stone
y Huntsville Utilities
y Manning & Napier
y Melt
y MTSi
y Nothing Bundt Cakes
y Nothing But Noodles
y Osteria LuCa
y PeopleTec
y Phil Sandoval’s
y Prohibition
y Redstone Federal Credit Union
y Schlotzky’s
y Schoel Engineering
y Super Chix
y Turner Construction
y Urban Cookhouse
y Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson REALTORS
y Vulcan Materials
Go behind the scenes and learn all about Huntsville’s newest—and largest—resident!
Learn all about Mama Zelda’s origin, the artist who brought her to life, and insider facts.
Adults 16 & up: $4 | Children: Free
Offered Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tickets available in advance or at admission.
“I support the Garden because it’s the right thing to do as a local business owner and resident of the community. It’s refreshing and welcoming to have an organization like the Garden that promotes wellness, nature, community, and culture right in our own back yard. The bottom-line is it feels good to know that I am supporting something that will be here for my children’s children one day and not only helps my community, but my business and family as well.”
Shane Stromei ManagingDirector/FinancialAdvisor, Ashford Advisors
We’re going cashless!
Huntsville Botanical Garden will become a cashless venue on July 1. Please plan to use only credit or debit cards at all points of sale within the Garden from this point forward. Thank you!
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