Huntsville Botanical Garden
September 2022
If You Plant It, They Will Come!: Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden | In-person class
Pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining natural plant communities. From butterflies to bees, these beneficial insects help plants reproduce and make it possible for a wide diversity of plants to thrive. Learn to attract pollinators to your own home garden in this interactive class. We will walk through the Garden to learn about pollinators and the plants that attract them, exploring the Purdy Butterfly House, the Native Plants Teaching Garden, and more. You will leave the class with a…
Find out more »Scarecrow Trail Night Hikes
As shadows dance across the Garden, see the Scarecrow Trail come alive! Scarecrow Trail Night Hikes are an opportunity to visit with the scarecrows after sunset and explore the nighttime activities of the Garden. Bring your flashlight and join us on this guided hike to see evening creatures such as bats, owls, frogs…and scarecrows, of course! Each hike includes an outdoor presentation and a guided walk through the Garden and the Scarecrow Trail, beginning promptly at the time listed on…
Find out more »October 2022
Selecting Trees for Your Home Landscape | In-person class series
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. October 1: Small Trees and Shrubs10 a.m. to 12 p.m. October 8: Medium Trees10 a.m. to 12 p.m. October 15: Large Trees Trees come in many shapes and sizes…not to mention how different they all look! How do you choose the best tree to plant in your own home landscape?Join us for a walk through the Garden with Certified Arborist®, Chris Stuhlinger to learn about the features of different trees and shrubs and how each…
Find out more »Fall Break STEM Camp | Tree Adventures
Ages 4 – 7 years and 8 – 11 years Calling all friends of the forest! During our Fall Break STEM Camp this year, we will explore nature with a focus on trees. Trees offer us shade and protection, and they filter our water and our air. They give us flowers, fall colors, and lovely scents. They provide many resources, including wood, food, and medicines. This camp will include learning about tree conservation from our experts here at the Garden, exploring tree…
Find out more »Fall Break Wacky Wednesday!
Join us in the Children’s Garden from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for sidewalk chalk, games, bubbles, a fall-themed craft, and snacks! Play with hula hoops, cornhole, and other yard toys.
Find out more »Raptor Show
The Southeastern Raptor Center from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is bringing their popular show back to the Garden! This all-ages program is a great opportunity to experience live raptors up close while learning about their natural history and vital ecological roles. The show features a selection of the Center's raptor ambassadors and may include owls, falcons, hawks, kites, vultures, and eagles. These raptor ambassadors have all been deemed non-releasable and permanently reside at the Center. In case of…
Find out more »Plants and Migration | Nature Academy
Did you know that plant growth can determine when an animal will migrate? In this class, students will learn the role of plants in migration. Many animals and insects migrate, and a great example is the monarch butterfly. Through hands-on activities, we will learn about the process of tagging monarchs to track their annual migration. Tuesday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Thursday, October 13, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday, October 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find out more »Garden Prep for Fall and Winter | In-person class
How do you get your garden ready for fall and winter? Join us to learn all of the tips and tricks you need to have a successful garden throughout this entire season! You will learn about proper planting, winter bed care, pruning, and more from the Garden’s own expert horticulture team. This class will take place both inside and outside in the Garden. All attendees will take home a reference sheet at the end of the class. Capacity is limited,…
Find out more »Family Campout in the Garden
New to camping? Don’t feel like traveling far to spend a relaxing evening outdoors? Join us for our Garden campout! We will have a hot dog dinner, s’mores to roast over the fire, a story at bedtime, and a chance to experience the Garden on a guided night hike. Bring your own flashlights, tent, sleeping bags, pillows, and lawn chairs, and come enjoy an evening outdoors with your family. For more details about the campout, including our health and safety…
Find out more »Seeds to Sprouts | Pumpkins Galore!
Its that time of year again for pumpkins of all sizes and shapes. Come explore the world of pumpkins with a hands-on journey through the lifecycle and their parts. Sprouters will plant a pumpkin seed to grow at home! The featured book will be Pumpkin Circle by George Levenson. Learn more...
Find out more »How to Properly Prune Your Trees | In-person class
Pruning is one of the most common tree care practices, but it is not always easy to know how, when, and why to prune your trees. In this class, we will review the best practices for pruning trees, including reasons for pruning, types of pruning, how a tree responds to pruning, when to prune, and more. You will leave the class feeling more confident and ready to take care of all of your trees’ pruning needs! Additional Information: This class…
Find out more »Bootanica!
Get your costumes ready because BOOtanica is back! This spooktacular event is all about Halloween fun in the Garden! Trick-or-Treat among the Scarecrow Trail and enjoy crafts, games, face painting, photo ops, and music! Refresh with food and drinks at the Garden Cafe while enjoying this fun night at the Garden! Tickets:Member Adult: $0Member Child (3-15): $8Non-Member Adult: $17Non-Member Child (3-15): $20Children 2 and under: $0 Members 4:00 p.m. Members 4:30 p.m. Public 4:00 p.m. Public 4:30 p.m. Interested in…
Find out more »November 2022
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Join us as members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with their Music in the City program to delight us with beautiful music in the Garden Atrium.
Find out more »Natural Fall Wreaths | In-person class
Autumn has arrived! A natural wreath in your home will add the perfect festive touch for the season, and by knowing what to grow in your own home landscape, your decoration will be both festive AND convenient. In this hands-on class, your instructor, Rebecca Turk, will cover key trees and shrubs to grow as well as how to make a grapevine wreath with natural materials. Each class attendee will make their own grapevine wreath from materials harvested from the…
Find out more »Stuffed with Herbs | Nature Academy
Herbs play an important role in how we flavor our food, what we drink, and even in our medicines. This month, students will learn about various herbs that can be used in cooking. We will make a simple dish together, and students will even harvest some herbs so they can recreate the dish at home, too! Tuesday, November 8, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Thursday, November 10, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find out more »December 2022
Holiday Table Garlands | In-person class
Add natural beauty to your holiday display with handcrafted garlands of fresh greenery! In this class, you will learn the steps to turn unassuming branches and foliage into beautiful pieces of festive cheer. Your instructor, Rebecca Turk, will cover key trees and shrubs to grow as well as how to make a six-foot table garland using those plants. Each class attendee will make their own 6’ table garden from materials harvested from the Garden. Once completed, your beautiful creation will…
Find out more »Trees: Deciduous and Evergreen | Nature Academy
Winter is a wonderful time to explore the Garden from many unique perspectives…such as looking at the vital and amazing world of trees! Why do some trees have no leaves while others are green all year long? Why are leaves shaped differently? Let’s explore these wintry trees together! Each student will make an evergreen sensory bundle to take home. Tuesday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Thursday, December 8, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find out more »Fresh Wreaths: What to grow and how to make them | In-person class
‘Tis the season for holiday wreaths! A fresh evergreen wreath in your home adds the perfect festive touch, and by knowing what to grow in your own home landscape, your decoration will be both festive AND convenient. In this hands-on class, your instructor, Rebecca Turk, will cover key trees and shrubs to grow as well as how to make an 18” wreath using those plants. Each class attendee will make their own 18” wreath from materials harvested from the Garden.…
Find out more »January 2023
Nature Needs Our Help | Nature Academy
Nature needs our help! Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse states in the U.S. It is up to all of us to help take care of and protect our treasured natural resources. Join us to get a glimpse of how the Garden is working to make a difference in conservation efforts in North Alabama and learn how we can all help. Tuesday, January 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Thursday, January 12, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday, January 21, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find out more »Terrariums: Bringing Gardening Indoors| In-person class
Terrariums are a fun and fascinating way to bring gardening indoors. Plus, they serve as an exquisite decoration and a unique conversation piece in your home! Join Rebecca Turk as she teaches you the best methods for constructing and caring for a terrarium. A terrarium is a clear container that holds a self-sustaining habitat, allowing you to grow plants indoors with little maintenance. Terrariums can come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and types! Rebecca's passion for these mini…
Find out more »February 2023
Garden Planning | Nature Academy
Spring is coming soon! What will we plant? Every day we eat plants, but we often don’t think about what part of the plant we are eating. Join us to explore how to plan and design a vegetable garden. Together, we will also make a tasty treat and discuss the plant parts we are eating and their importance. Tuesday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Thursday, February 9, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday, February 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find out more »March 2023
Down in the Soil | Nature Academy
Before we can start our spring gardens, we need to be sure the soil is just right for our plants. Come learn all about composting and worms! How do they help our dirt become good, rich soil for the plants to grow? We will learn about the important nutrients in the soil that help our plants grow. Tuesday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Thursday, March 9, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday, March 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find out more »Garden Prep for Spring | In-person class
Spring is just around the corner! It’s time to get your hands dirty and your garden ready for the season. Join us to learn all of the tips and tricks you need to have a successful garden throughout the entire season. You will learn about proper planting, bed care, pruning, and more from the Garden’s own expert horticulture team. This class will take place both inside and outside in the Garden. All attendees will take home a reference sheet at…
Find out more »April 2023
Veggies Everywhere! | Nature Academy
Spring is here! It is time to plant our vegetable garden so we can enjoy fresh veggies all summer long. In this class, students will learn about the parts of a seed and how to care for your own vegetable garden. See first-hand examples in the Garden and take home plants to start your own garden at home! Tuesday, April 4, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Thursday, April 6, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Saturday, April 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Find out more »May 2023
Tinker Bell presented by Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy
We are excited to be partnering with Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy once again to bring you a live outdoor production of “Tinker Bell!” This family-friendly show takes a fresh look at the story of Peter Pan, and the performance lasts about an hour. Here’s what you need to know: Tickets to the show include Garden admission for the day. Tickets can be purchased online, and pre-purchasing before your arrival is preferred. All performances take place in the Four Seasons Garden. After…
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