Volume 6 Issue 4
A Season to Savor: The Sensory Joy of Autumn in the Garden Page 6
Saving Plants, Together Page 13
Plant Parenthood: Native Fall Plants to Grow at Home Page 16
Our Mission
The Garden exists to connect people to plants to support a healthier quality of life for the region.
Member Day
Friday, September 26
8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Public Day
Saturday, September 27
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Don’t
Fall at Huntsville Botanical Garden is a season of transformation, reflection, and quiet beauty. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the Garden comes alive with rich autumn colors, warm textures, and the comforting crunch of fallen leaves. It’s the perfect time to slow down, savor the change in seasons, and experience the Garden in a new light.
As autumn unfolds, the Garden offers an array of experiences to enjoy. Check in on Mama Zelda and see how her maze continues to evolve or attend educational programs like Seeds to Sprouts and Nature Academy. Festifall is brimming with seasonal programs and events, including Little Monsters Mash, Spellbound at the Garden, and Hops and Harvest.
This season also offers meaningful ways to connect with nature and community through volunteering. From planting and tending garden areas to supporting educational programs, our volunteers are at the heart of what makes the Garden thrive. Whether you’re looking to share your skills, learn something new, or simply spend time immersed in nature, there are countless opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
In this issue of Garden Columns, we explore autumn as a sensory season, native fall plants you can grow at home, the impact of our Youth Volunteer Program, and the importance of conservation partnerships, all designed to deepen your connection to nature and plants.
There is always something new to discover at the Garden, and we hope this fall brings you moments of wonder, gratitude, and inspiration.
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
Sue Wagner CEO, Huntsville Botanical Garden
This autumn, fall in love with the changing seasons. Huntsville Botanical Garden invites you to explore nature’s beauty with programs and events designed to spark discovery, inspire wonder, and connect you to the natural world. From vibrant fall foliage to hands-on adventures for all ages, every visit is a chance to grow, learn, and be inspired.
Scarecrow Trail
September 1 – October 31
Pooches & Pupkins
Thursday, September 18
Tea at Twilight
Sunday, September 28
Little Monsters Mash
Saturday, October 11
Meow-o-ween
Monday, October 27
Hops & Harvest
Saturday, September 13
Fall Plant Sale
Friday, September 26 – Saturday, September 27
Raptor Shows
Tuesday, October 7
Spellbound at the Garden
Thursday, October 16 – Sunday, October 19
Galaxy of Lights 2025, 30th Anniversary Celebration
Nov. 14 – Dec. 31
Galaxy of Lights Races
December 1 & 2
(Click or scan code for registration)
ByLauraMcPhail
As the golden light of fall filters through Huntsville Botanical Garden, it casts a warm, enchanting glow over every petal, pathway, and pond. Here in North Alabama, fall doesn’t always bring crisp temperatures right away— but at the Garden, it always brings something magical. It’s a season of sensory delight: colors emerge, scents drift, textures crunch, flavors pop, and sounds sing.
Here are a few suggestions from our staff that are sure to delight your senses during your next fall trip to the Garden.
There’s always something new to see at the Garden, and autumn provides dazzling visual cues that change is coming. Despite the lingering warmth, our Horticulture team and Mother Nature work together to set the scene. Vibrant chrysanthemums and playful pumpkins are placed in scenic areas alongside creative scarecrows provided by the community, offering the perfect backdrop for fall photos.
“I love the mums and pumpkins displays. It makes it feel like fall even though it can still be in the 80s and 90s into October,” said Guest Experience Associate Lisa Rivers.
Fall is a wonderful time to experience nature’s colorful palette.
“It seems like most people think of red, yellow, and orange colors in the fall,” said Guest Experience Associate Stephanie Boyd, “but I like the blues and purples that also bloom like asters, blue lobelia, and purple coneflower along the Mathews Nature Trail.”
“Oakleaf hydrangea and maples have great fall color,” said Plant Recorder Toby Gray. “A lesserknown colorful tree is Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)—it turns early and has a nice pattern of red and green, sometimes on the same leaf.”
And colors are only the beginning. Visitors are treated to a second spring of blooms unique to this season.
“My favorite fall plant is Fothergilla gardenia. The foliage is really spectacular and eye catching,” said Annalynn Buckner.
“Strawberry bush, a.k.a. Hearts-a-bustin (Euonymous americana), is one of my favorite fall plants. The bloom is early and insignificant, but the fruit structure is really cool,” said Gray, noting that one grows on the Mathews Nature Trail.
As you go in search of new blooms and butterflies, be sure to listen carefully to the sounds of autumn around you. Leaves crunch delightfully underfoot, a sound so satisfying that Assistant to the CEO Autumn Lennartz affectionately describes it as “top-tier .”
The subtle rustle of wildlife adds a rhythmic soundtrack to each walk.
Fall brings its own cast of winged performers. Migrating birds add to the scene with a chorus of tweets and twitters. Ducks and geese prepare to depart the lake areas they have called home all summer with a cacophony of honks and quacks.
Fall is also an extremely popular time for weddings and celebrations. As the temperatures cool, you are very likely to hear the sounds of string quartets or applause for newly married couples.
If you come to the Garden during September, October, or November, you also won’t be able to miss the sounds of children laughing and playing as field trips, STEM camps, and Garden Sprouts Pre-K provide nature play and experiential learning opportunities.
Don’t forget to take a deep breath while you are outside exploring!
Large tea olive bushes (Osmanthus fragrans) located in the Cedar Glade, Tweetsville, and along the Lower Dogwood Trail fill the breeze with delicate aromas akin to ripe apricots or jasmine.
Take a whiff of the peanut butter bush in the Cedar Glade as it has its last hoorah before the weather gets crisp. Native clematis (Clematis virginia) smells like vanilla and will be available at the Fall Plant Sale.
You might also catch the scents of popcorn or funnel fries drifting in the air from the Fern & Feast on the Go food trailer during one of the many Festifall events happening at the Garden. From fall-scented candles for sale in The Chrysalis gift shop to iced pumpkin spiced latte from the Fern & Feast Bistro, fall smells great at the Garden.
Speaking of the Bistro, fall is filled with amazing flavors. Homemade soups and stews come back to the seasonal menu and dishes featuring squash or apple provide a flavor party in your mouth.
The cooler weather makes autumn a perfect time to check out a pre-packed picnic basket for your family and friends to enjoy while exploring the Garden.
“I love that we basically have a second spring in this part of the world,” reflected Guest Experience Associate Jennie Murphy.
“Flowers pop up everywhere in the Garden, and it’s finally cool enough to picnic again after the hottest part of the summer.”
As the heat softens and shade stretches longer across the meadows, the Garden becomes the perfect place to slow down. It becomes a living tapestry of seasonal textures, such as bumpy fallen osage oranges and soft moss creeping across rocks and trees near the stream.
But the sensation that visitors seem to enjoy most this time of year is the summer heat eventually transitioning to cooler temperatures.
“I love that the cooler weather means we can take our dogs on longer walks,” said Visitor Programs Coordinator Sharon Singletary. “They enjoy all the sights, sounds, and smells that await them at the Garden, and I enjoy knowing that it’s a safe place with a mix of paved paths and trails to bring leashed dogs and let them explore and socialize.”
“From vibrant colors and rhythmic sounds of birds chirping, to lower humidity and crisp blue skies—what’s not to love about the Garden during the fall?” noted Director of Government and Corporate Relations Kaki Morrow.
This is the heart of what fall offers at Huntsville Botanical Garden: not just a seasonal display, but a celebration of sensory discovery. Fall at Huntsville Botanical Garden is a living invitation: come closer, look deeper, linger longer.
Use the checklist below to ensure a happy and healthy home garden. For a full list of tips to use year-round, including important tasks for keeping lawns of various grasses lush and healthy, visit hsvbg.org/learn/plant-science.
Sow winter annual seeds in containers for later planting once the weather cools.
Divide and transplant spring-flowering perennials in fall and fall-flowering ones in spring. Dig and move daylilies after blooming and plant peonies.
Check camellias for insect and disease damage. Avoid pruning to prevent stimulating new growth before winter. Do not fertilize woody plants in late summer.
Plant garlic, shallots, and perennial onions late this month. Fertilize strawberries with low nitrogen and continue planting cool-season crops like carrots, kale, and spinach.
Inspect for pests and diseases. Allow plants to finish their growth cycle naturally and avoid heavy fertilization or pruning late in summer.
Plant spring-flowering bulbs before Thanksgiving. Dig and divide spring and summer flowering perennials, replant, and mulch for winter protection.
Plant new trees and shrubs to minimize transplant shock. Continue watering new plantings in October, which is typically dry. Mulch beds for winter protection.
Harvest pumpkins, squashes, and gourds before frost, handling carefully to avoid damage.
Continue harvesting cool-season vegetables, and dig up sweet potatoes and peanuts for curing.
Disconnect hoses and winterize outdoor plumbing and water features as temperatures drop below 40°F. Bring houseplants indoors by mid-month after thorough watering to remove insects, and inspect daily for any new pests.
Sow wildflower seeds like poppies, hollyhocks, bachelor’s buttons, and regional mixes. Plant any remaining springflowering bulbs now.
Harvest frost-sweetened crops like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, collards, and kale. Use a cold frame to extend the season.
Cover less hardy crops (carrots, beets, leeks, etc.) with straw to prevent early freezing. Use floating row cover fabric for leaf lettuce before adding straw.
Dig up winter carrots when they are big enough. Plant garlic as soon as possible and have coverings ready for half-hardy crops during the first hard freeze.
Check houseplants for insects that might have come indoors. Spread compost and shredded leaves over your vegetable garden and plow them under.
Serves 4 to 6
This cozy twist on chicken salad brings together the best flavors of fall—crisp apples, toasted pecans, and sweet cranberries—all tossed in a creamy maple-Dijon dressing. A hint of white pepper adds gentle warmth, while fresh thyme brings a touch of earthy brightness. Whether you serve it on a croissant, over greens, or with crackers for snacking, it’s the kind of simple, seasonal dish you’ll make on repeat.
Salad
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 1 crisp apple, diced (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (toasted, if desired)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced thin (or 2 tbsp red onion)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1/3 teaspoon white pepper
• Salt to taste
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, thyme, white pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Combine the salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, apple, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
• Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Chop apples just before mixing to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
• Want it creamier? Add a spoonful more of mayo to loosen the dressing. Serving & Presentation
• Spoon onto buttery croissants or sandwich rolls for a charming fall lunch.
• Serve over a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a light, refreshing plate.
• Offer with crackers, pretzel crisps, or apple slices on a grazing board for gatherings.
• Garnish with extra thyme or a drizzle of maple for an elevated presentation.
A tea party revival is underway, and it’s blooming right here in the garden.
Some traditions never truly fade. They linger quietly, waiting to be welcomed back. Tea parties are one of those traditions. With the elegance of linen, the clink of fine china, and the grace of thoughtful gathering, tea service is making its return, not because the ritual changed, but because we have. Across the country, tea parties are reappearing in tucked-away tea rooms, curated pop-up events, and unexpected places. But nowhere offers a more idyllic setting than a botanical garden in bloom.
At Huntsville Botanical Garden, we have embraced this cultural rediscovery. This spring, our inaugural Mom and Me: Tea marked the Garden’s first foray into formal tea service. Surrounded by flowers, laughter, and soft spring sunlight, guests experienced more than just a charming afternoon — they shared connection, conversation, and a moment apart from the everyday. It confirmed what we suspected all along: our Garden was made for moments like these.
Since then, we have been curating a seasonal series of social tea events, each one honoring the heritage of traditional
tea while incorporating modern sensibilities. From the presentation to the menu, every detail is designed with care. There are two main styles of tea service that we celebrate at the Garden.
Graceful and sociable by nature, afternoon tea is traditionally served in the mid-afternoon. It is the style most often offered at the Garden, and it is known for its delicate, artful touch. Guests can expect finger sandwiches, elegant sweets like petit fours and macarons, fresh fruit, and a carefully selected array of teas. The setting is intentionally unhurried, creating space for meaningful conversation and shared experience.
While equally elegant, high tea offers a more substantial fare. Served later in the day, it includes heartier savory dishes, warm entrees, and generous portions. In high tea, the food takes center stage and the tea acts as a complement rather than the main event. While high tea offerings are less frequent at the Garden, members will always be the first to know when one is on the horizon.
This fall, we are excited to introduce our next social tea gathering, Tea at Twilight, taking place on September 28. Set at long shared tables in the golden light of evening, this elegant event blends the charm of afternoon tea with the depth of high tea. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and quietly magical. Guests are encouraged to linger and enjoy not only the flavors, but the community created at the table.
At its core, our tea service is about more than the beverage. It is about celebrating the beauty of slowing down, dressing up, and gathering together. It is about reviving the spirit of the tea party, not as something outdated, but as something essential. A return to society — in every sense of the word.
We invite you to join us for a sip, a smile, and a seat at the table.
Private tea service is also available to those booking a venue at the Garden, a memorable way to add charm and refinement to bridal showers, baby showers, and other special celebrations.
The Chrysalis, the cozy gift shop at Huntsville Botanical Garden! As the leaves turn, our shelves are filled with warm and wonderful finds for the season—think nature-inspired home décor, soft scarves and layers, harvest-hued accessories, and locally made gifts that celebrate the beauty of fall.
Whether you’re picking out the perfect seasonal accent, a thoughtful thank-you gift, or a keepsake to remember your visit, The Chrysalis is your destination for all things autumn. Stop in and see what’s falling into place this season—you’re sure to find something to leaf you smiling!
▲ Branded totes, artisan journals, and elegant accents— The Chrysalis is brimming with thoughtfully curated finds for every curious soul.
▲ Sip, savor, and settle in with flavorful finds that are sure to surprise and delight, including pickled vegetables, soothing teas, and Garden honey.
▲ With storybook charm and effortless style, discover curated jewelry and accessories that add a little sparkle to your everyday.
▲ Set the mood for serenity with bath-time essentials and little luxuries made for moments of pause.
¹
You may know us as a beautiful place to visit, take a walk, or enjoy the flowers. But the Garden is also home to a growing conservation program focused on protecting plants that are rare, special, or in trouble. And we’re not doing it alone. We collaborate with partners near and far who are helping us make a difference.
Plant conservation means protecting plants so they don’t disappear. Plants feed animals, provide materials and medicine, clean the air, and make the world more beautiful and healthy. Without plants, everything else suffers — including us.
North Alabama is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. We have more than 4,500 species of plants, many of which do not grow anywhere else.
Our warm climate, varied geology, and long ecological history make Alabama a biodiversity hotspot. That means we have many species living in a relatively small area, but many of them are vulnerable.
Native plants are disappearing due to human development and harmful climatic events. Some are crowded out by invasive species. Others depend on natural events like wildfires, which no longer happen as frequently. Because of these threats, many Alabama plants are at risk.
HBG is located near many rare plant habitats in northern Alabama. We also have expert horticulturists, scientists, and educators who care deeply about this work.
But saving plants requires action at many levels. It is more than any one organization can do on its own. That is why we team up with other institutions, each contributing their strengths to support every step of the conservation process.
Our conservation program focuses on three key areas:
Some seeds can be preserved in frozen seed banks, but many native Alabama species cannot survive freezing. These must be grown in living collections to stay alive.
Botanical gardens are uniquely equipped for this work because of their horticultural expertise and growing space.
We collaborate with HudsonAlpha, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University, Athens State University, and other universities, arboreta, and botanical gardens around the country. Together, we ask which plants are most in need of help, what conditions they need to grow, and how we can support their recovery. These research partnerships help us make informed decisions.
We also educate others about why native plants matter. Garden visitors learn about the threats plants face and how they can help. We offer native plants at our plant sales, allowing guests to bring them home and experience the beauty and ecological value they provide in their own landscape.
North Alabama is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. We have more than 4,500 species of plants, many of which do not grow anywhere else.
This work aligns with the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, which includes goals such as maintaining 75 percent of threatened species in secure collections. When grown in gardens, rare plants can be safeguarded from extinction and preserved until they are ready to be reintroduced into the wild. This “ark” approach can support the recovery of wild populations and repair damaged ecosystems.
Some of our strongest partnerships are right here in Alabama. The Land Trust of North Alabama protects natural plant habitats and allows the Garden to study and collect species like the rare American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus). Auburn University’s Davis
Arboretum frequently joins us on trips to locate rare plants. HudsonAlpha, UAH, and ASU help us conduct vital research that informs conservation strategies.
We are proud members of the American Public Gardens Association and Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation, or SePPCon. These organizations connect us with professionals and institutions across the region and beyond, allowing us to coordinate and prioritize plant conservation efforts.
Through the North American Land Trust, we are also able to access private lands where rare species like the Alabama sandstone oak (Quercus boyntonii) can be studied and protected.
HBG is part of the global effort to save plants through partnerships with Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the Global Conservation Consortia for Oaks. These groups unite botanical gardens around the world to share expertise, plant material, and research.
We also collaborate with The Nature Conservancy, which works to protect land and water across the globe, including in Alabama. With their support, we are able to collect and grow critically rare species such as Morefield’s leatherflower (Clematis morefieldii), found only in limited areas near Huntsville.
So why go to all this effort?
Because plants support life. They provide food for insects and birds, clean our air and water, and help create healthy, beautiful environments. When plants disappear, animals lose habitat and humans lose vital resources. Plants have intrinsic value as living organisms, and they also help tell the story of our region. Alabama’s native plants are a part of our natural heritage and a source of hope for the future.
You don’t have to be a scientist to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways to help:
y Visit the Garden and learn about Alabama’s native plants
y Plant native species in your yard or school
y Avoid planting invasive species and remove them when possible
y Support organizations like HBG that protect biodiversity
At HBG, we believe conservation is a shared responsibility. With help from our partners and people like you, we are building a future where Alabama’s plants — and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them — can thrive.
The next time you stroll through the Garden and spot a unique or unfamiliar plant, ask yourself: Could this be a species we are working to save?
The answer just might be yes. And with your help, we can save many more.
ByAnnaLynnBuckner
Summer is a great time to start planning how to make your yard shine in the fall months. While autumn can be a busy time of transition, it is also one of the best seasons to get outside and garden. The residual heat in the soil from the summer paired with gradually cooling air temperatures, creates ideal conditions for planting. These mild conditions help minimize stress on new plants and give them a strong start before winter.
Fall is a fantastic time to add perennials, shrubs, and trees to your landscape. Many native species offer elegant foliage and colorful blooms that can extend the visual interest of your yard long after summer’s show has faded.
To extend the sense of spring and summer into fall, consider adding native plants that bloom later in the year.
The Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is a tall perennial with sunny yellow blooms that attract pollinators. Asters (Symphyotrichum species) come in many hues and thrive in fall conditions, while blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) adds a cloud of lavender-blue blossoms.
Fruiting shrubs also bring visual appeal to autumn landscapes. American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) produces clusters of vivid purple berries along its stems in fall. These berries attract songbirds and offer a striking contrast to fading foliage.
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is another standout native perennial. Its yellow-orange petals bring autumn warmth to any garden. For more golden tones, goldenrod (Solidago altissima) delivers low-maintenance brightness that pairs beautifully with other fall bloomers.
If you’re looking for a plant that offers season-long interest, coral bells (Heuchera missouriensis ‘Rosend’) is a horticulturist’s favorite. Native to the Southeastern United States, this variety produces delicate bellshaped flowers from early summer through fall.
To create a prairie-inspired garden bursting with seasonal charm, black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) a great starting point. Its bright yellow petals and dark centers make it instantly recognizable and endlessly cheerful.
For gardens of any size, the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), Alabama’s state wildflower, is a standout native shrub with showy summer blooms and brilliant red fall foliage.
These native plants not only brighten your garden but also attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Many of these native plants will be available at our annual Huntsville Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale on September 26 and 27. Stop by to talk with horticulturists and find out how these selections can enhance your yard through every season.
If you already have some of these plants in your garden and want more, propagation is a great way to multiply your landscape’s impact. The process of growing new plants from cuttings is simple, cost-effective, and rewarding with a little patience and care.
Firespike (Odontonema strictum) cutting
To begin, take cuttings after the plants have flowered (for many species, this means between April and September). A good cutting is about the diameter of a pencil and two to four inches in length. Look for segments that are fleshy and flexible, ideally taken from the tips of stems where new growth is most likely to root successfully.
Once you’ve collected your cuttings, it’s important to work quickly. These small pieces of plant material will wilt if left out too long. If you’re collecting several at once, carry a cooler with a moist paper towel to keep them fresh.
Some herbaceous species will root easily in water, but woody plants often require a bit more attention. Place woody cuttings in a substrate made of peat moss and perlite. Once your cuttings are placed in containers, keep them consistently moist. They are especially sensitive to drying out during this early phase.
To maintain humidity, loosely cover each container with a plastic bag. This acts like a mini greenhouse and helps prevent wilting. Bottom heat is also helpful and can encourage faster root development. Keeping cuttings at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit will boost your chances of success.
Root formation typically takes two to six weeks, depending on the plant. It requires patience, but the results are well worth it. Once rooted, your cuttings can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into your landscape.
By choosing native plants and learning how to propagate them, you’re helping to create a landscape that is not only beautiful but also ecologically resilient. Native plants support pollinators, require less maintenance, and are well-suited to the local environment.
This fall, take the opportunity to refresh your garden, expand your plant collection, and embrace the joy of growing something new. Whether you’re planting a single shrub or dreaming of a backyard prairie, every native plant makes a difference.
So, roll up your sleeves and get planting. Your yard — and the planet — will thank you.
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.
Gold
y LG Electronics
Silver
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 Cookie Fix – Clift Farms
y Five Guys
y Frutta Bowls
y Grimaldi’s
y Hand & Stone
y Huntsville Hospital
y Signalink
y Window World
y Huntsville Utilities
y Japan-America Society of Alabama
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 Schlotzsky’s
y Schoel Engineering
y Super Chix
y Turner Construction
y Urban Cookhouse
y Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson
REALTORS®
y Vulcan Materials
T UESDAY, S EPTEMBER 1 6, 2 025
BySarahColvert
Every summer at Huntsville Botanical Garden, a special kind of bloom takes root—not in the beds of zinnias or along the Matthews Nature Trail, but among a remarkable crew of local teens. Through the Youth Volunteer Program (YVP), students ages 13–18 trade pool days for garden gloves, committing to at least 30 service hours between June 1 and July 31. Midway through that window, this year’s 27 Youth Volunteers had already contributed an impressive 677 hours, and their impact is visible in every corner of the Garden.
“They’re bringing benefits to the Garden daily,” said Becca Lear, Manager of Volunteer Services. “STEM camps require a lot of hands, and the Youth Volunteers are super-helpful with everything from setup to supporting activities alongside staff and educators. Out in Plant Science and Horticulture, they tackle the hard work alongside our Garden Team—planting, mulching, weeding, propagating, even removing invasive species.”
One of the core components of the Youth Volunteer Program is supporting the Garden’s Plant Science and Horticulture teams. From propagating cuttings in the greenhouse to pulling invasive species from natural areas, Youth Volunteers are fully immersed in the work that keeps the Garden thriving.
“They’re doing hard work: planting, mulching, weeding, watering, propagating, even removing invasives,” says Becca Lear. “They’re out there with our Garden Team, learning by doing.”
Their shifts also include greenhouse care, assisting with propagation tasks, and maintaining garden beds, all while receiving guidance from horticulture professionals. It’s more than a helping hand; it’s experiential learning with realworld applications.
Many volunteers also participate in the Youth Climate Institute, which enhances their horticultural work with an understanding of environmental systems and sustainability practices. This integrated approach helps them see how each task—whether mulching or managing plantings—
fits into the larger picture of conservation and care.
For many guests, the most visible Youth Volunteer role unfolds inside the Purdy Butterfly House. During weekend releases, teens greet visitors, answer curious questions, and place envelopes of newly emerged butterflies into eager hands, modeling gentle handling while sparking conversations about pollinator conservation.
Behind the scenes, they’re tackling global issues through the Youth Climate Institute.
Each volunteer earns a Certified Ambassador credential and designs an action project on a climate topic that resonates with them. These projects range from coding a game about invasive species to writing a children’s book or creating an art installation, all presented at the endof-summer celebration.
“It’s entirely student-led,” explained Misty Hertzig, Learning Programs Manager. “They handle the research and choose how to present their solutions. The ideas are as creative as they are practical.”
Hertzig’s department also
“They’re doing the hard work: planting, mulching, weeding, watering, propagating, even removing invasives. They’re out there with our Garden Team, learning by doing.“
–
Becca Lear
guides volunteers through the Garden’s STEM summer camps for elementary students.
“They’re extra hands, yes, but they’re also role models,” she says. “When a 9 year-old sees an older student excited about botany or soil chemistry, that spark jumps quickly.”
This summer Youth Volunteers prepped experiments, escorted campers along woodland trails, and helped younger children frame scientific questions. Learning flows in both directions. Volunteers reinforce their own knowledge by teaching, and campers gain mentors only a few years older than themselves.
Hertzig has deepened the program’s academic side, ensuring every chore holds a lesson. “We never just say, ‘Go weed that bed,’” she noted.
“We explain how removing invasive species protects native biodiversity and why healthy root systems matter. They learn cause and effect, not just the task.”
Preparing teens for the future is a cornerstone of the YVP. At summer’s end, the Garden hosts a STEM Career Luncheon, where scientists, engineers, and environmental professionals share day-in-the-life stories and answer candid questions about coursework, internships, and career paths.
“Many come in thinking horticulture equals landscaping,” Hertzig said. “We show them it can also mean conservation genetics, environmental engineering, landscape architecture, nonprofit management—the list is endless.”
She recalls a volunteer who once attended Garden summer camps as a child.
“He eventually aged out of camp, joined YVP, soaked up every experience, and is now studying landscape architecture in college,” Hertzig recalled. “
He sent photos from campus with a note that said, ‘The Garden planted this dream.’ Moments like that remind me why we do it.”
Beyond technical skills, the program cultivates collaboration and selfreliance. Volunteers manage their own schedules, sign up for shifts online, and are expected to arrive prepared, and parents stay handsoff. The group is a mosaic of public-, private-, and home-schooled students spanning middle and high school grades.
“Watching them bond is incredible,” Hertzig reflected. “They start out shy; by July they’re swapping memes, grabbing lunch together, and troubleshooting projects as a team. They learn to work with people who are different from them, a skill every employer values.”
The Garden’s mission is simple: to connect people to plants to improve the quality of life for our region. YVP lives that mission on multiple levels. First, the teens themselves forge an intimate connection with plants— one that textbooks alone could never deliver. Second, they pass that connection forward, guiding campers, welcoming butterfly house guests, and modeling stewardship for thousands of visitors.
Lear sees the ripple effect daily. “Some volunteers sign up for every shift we post because they just love being here,” she said.
“Many come in thinking horticulture equals landscaping. We show them it can also mean conservation genetics, environmental engineering, landscape architecture, nonprofit management— the list is endless.“
– Misty Hertzig
“They leave sweaty and smiling. They’re connecting younger kids to nature, and in doing so, they’re shaping how the next generation values the environment.”
When asked to capture the program’s essence in a phrase, both leaders echo complementary themes:
“Learning by doing,” Lear says. “Education in action,” Hertzig adds.
Either way, the heart of YVP is movement: knowledge turned into service, curiosity into careers, youthful energy into a healthier Garden.
New opportunities are already sprouting for next year, including behind-the-scenes shifts with the Galaxy of Lights crew, expanded public showcases of climate projects, and deeper mentorships with Garden staff. While weed-free beds and well-run camps offer immediate benefits, the greater yield is long-term: a generation of green-minded citizens prepared to care for the world around them.
Some Youth Volunteers will go on to study landscape architecture or environmental engineering. Others may simply carry forward a lasting love for plants, science, and service.
But all of them leave the program changed. They leave more confident, more connected, and more aware of the natural world.
“We want them to grow as individuals,” Hertzig said. “to discover new paths, to develop real skills, and to walk away knowing they made a difference here.”
And they have. Through every butterfly released, every camp supported, and every weed pulled from the soil, these young leaders are growing something bigger than themselves, planting seeds for a brighter, greener future.
Huntsville Botanical Garden plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life in our region -- from fostering environmental education to offering a peaceful refuge for families. I believe in spaces that enrich lives and bring people together, which is why I’m proud to support Huntsville Botanical Garden. It’s just a bonus that my two little girls love the endless adventures offered at the Garden!
James Lomax
Representative,District20, Alabama House of Representatives
Host your next event at Huntsville Botanical Garden! Our stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for weddings, parties, and corporate events. Experience the beauty and serenity of nature, making your occasion unforgettable. Book your venue today!
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