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Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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NiteOwlTX
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5 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

  • May 30, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by vampirefan from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

For what is truly one of the most stunning places in Birmingham, you have to stop by the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

The gardens offer up 67 acres of natural beauty and splendor to more than 300,000 visitors each year. The garden houses more than 20 different themes. The most popular and renowned is their outstanding Japanese Gardens complete with a tea house. In addition you can also find a wildflower garden, fern garden, and the Southern Living Garden. There is also a garden conservatory. All throughout the gardens you will find more than 30 outdoor sculptures. You can also find fountains, statues, and places to stop and sit a spell.

When I was here in early March things were just starting to bloom, yet it was still a spectacular place to be. My favorite was the Japanese Gardens, which were just incredible. What a place to walk around and just relax and get that Zen feeling. In April they of course host their annual cherry blossom festival, which I imagine must be beyond beautiful. They have striking sculptures, a peaceful pond, and lovely bridges. I could have spent hours here. I also loved their Southern Living garden which hosts plants and flowers from the south. You also need to get here when the conservatory is open. There is a walk way which is just incredible. And the flowers in here, Oh my!

They do have indoor facilities for meetings, lectures, weddings, and any other special events. Weddings in the garden can also be arranged with advanced notice. They have a library on the premises, which is the largest free lending horticulture library in the southeast. They host a number of events through out the year including Earth Day holiday celebrations, and Family Fun Day. They also have a number of lectures, workshops, and offer plant sales twice a year. They do have Café de France for dining. There is a gift shop on the premises, but it is currently closed for renovations until October of 2007. They do have limited handicapped accessibility.

Hours/admission/information

The gardens are open 365 days a year from dusk to dawn.

Library: Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm
Sat. 10am to 4pm
Sun. 2-4 pm

Conservatory: daily 8am to 5pm.

Both the library and conservatory are closed on holidays.

Admission: Free! Though some special events, lectures, and classes may carry a fee.

Website: www.bbgardens.org.

There is plenty of parking and it is also free.

When you want to get away from the city sprawl, I can’t think of a better place in Birmingham to just sit and relax and while away a few hours in such beautiful and peaceful surroundings. They are right next to the incredible Birmingham Zoo. So make a day of it. Bring the family and see both the gardens and zoo.

From journal Having a Ball ya’ll in B’ham!

Editor Pick

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

  • July 9, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by NiteOwlTX from LaPlace, Louisiana
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Wow! I was really impressed with the first two botanical gardens that I went to: the one in San Antonio, TX, and the one in Huntsville, AL. Compared to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, both of the other two pale in comparison; San Antonio's is much smaller and Huntsville's is not on the same level artistically.

Needless to say, I am very impressed with the botanical gardens here in Birmingham. Everywhere I looked was absolutely beautiful.

There are several different gardens to this attraction. The first is the rose garden, which is patterned and separated by color. This results in a view that resembles a sea of colors.

Next is the lily pond. By itself it is beautiful. With the sculpture and the stairs leading to the terrace that overlooks it, this is incredible.

The greenhouse is split into sections. You literally walk from the rainforest to the desert just by changing rooms. There is a large variety in each of the rooms representing the different climates.

The vegetable garden is nice. This area is good for an educational environment for kids. Many of those from the city will not know about growing plants for food.

In addition to the individual gardens in the area, the area is full of natural Alabama wildlife. Some of the trails lead you through area that is pretty much untouched by man's hands, so you see Alabama at its natural self.

The last exhibit that you will see is the Japanese garden. Complete with a tea house and Zen Garden, this area is well manicured, and every bush sits exactly as it is intended to sit. With its bright red bridges crossing the streams, this area is the best kept area in the park.

I can use a dozen adjectives to describe these gardens, but it would be better served to say this place is beautiful; you should visit it. I recommend this attraction for anyone traveling to the area. Families with small children might lose interest quickly, but admission is free, so the value is infinite.

Website: www.bbgardens.org

From journal Steel City South

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