Mother Earth Troll Garden
& Mama Zelda
Discover the Magic of the Mother Earth Troll Garden
Home to Mama Zelda, a Larger-Than-Life Creation by Thomas Dambo
Step into a world of wonder at Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Mother Earth Troll Garden, an enchanting, nature-inspired space featuring Mama Zelda, a breathtaking sculpture by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo. This whimsical destination invites visitors of all ages to explore a living maze, connect with nature, and experience the magic of one of Dambo’s legendary trolls—crafted with sustainability and storytelling at its heart.
An a-maze-ing Adventure Awaits!
Designed to ignite curiosity and discovery, the Mother Earth Troll Garden is more than just a backdrop—it’s an interactive journey.
As you weave through its winding paths, you’ll encounter:
✔ Hidden surprises – Keep an eye out for a secret swing and cozy shaded seating spots.
✔ Native plant beauty – Thousands of trees, shrubs, and perennials thrive here, offering a stunning view in every season.
✔ A story in sustainability – Salvaged wood, repurposed materials, and environmentally friendly design make this space a tribute to the power of recycling.
As a recycled art activist, Dambo is very intentional with the materials used to create his masterpieces, ensuring the environment is respected. The boulders, large tree trunks, and maze materials were all salvaged locally to be used in this project.
Meet Mama Zelda
By artist Thomas Dambo
Towering 18-20 feet tall, Mama Zelda is more than just a sculpture—she’s a guardian of nature, a symbol of renewal, and a reminder of the beauty that comes from repurposed materials. Seated among the winding paths of the maze, she watches over the land, her lush, planted “hair” blending into the living landscape around her. Over time, the maze will grow and evolve, creating an immersive, ever-changing natural experience.
Mama Zelda and the Mother Earth Troll Garden were conceptualized by Thomas Dambo and the Huntsville Botanical Garden team, with the help of dedicated volunteers and community members.
Plan Your Visit
About Thomas Dambo
Thomas Dambo’s journey is a real-life fairytale about how he roamed his home city of Copenhagen on a cargo bike dumpster diving materials for his first small installations to gaining international recognition as the world’s leading recycling artist.
He now has over twenty full-time employees, has built over one hundred sculptures in seventeen countries, and his art is still made with the same philosophy of sustainability and recycling, truly highlighting how one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
To learn more, visit thomasdambo.com.