When I was growing up, I loved visiting my great-grandmother’s house. Though she lived in a run-down part of Cleveland, Ohio, her back yard was an oasis from the city. Her driveway was lined with roses of all shapes, sizes and colors. Her small city lot offered just enough space for a pear tree, currants and berries along the garage and other flowers tucked into nooks and crannies wherever she could find room. This small haven from city grime and noise was both peaceful and exciting. I knew every visit that I’d find new blooms to admire or berries to eat.
My trip to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens brought those childhood memories back to life. Driving up the road to the entrance, I didn’t expect much. I walked in the front door of the main building, which offers a cafe, a garden gift shop, a botanical library and meeting space and was filled with a sense of childlike freedom. And I hadn’t even reached the gardens yet!
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is comprised of more than 20 unique garden spaces, including a southern living garden, a wildflower garden, Japanese gardens, and other spaces. Each garden I ventured into evoked different emotions, some quite fun. Had my daughter been with me, she probably would have pranced and danced like a princess through the field. Some were peaceful. The rose garden, stunning, was about as romantic as a place can be.
Besides the gardens and main building, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is home to the largest clear span conservatory in the Southeast. It was undergoing repairs during my visit so I didn’t get a photo, but it did remind me of The Sound of Music!
Perhaps what I liked most about the Birmingham Botanical Gardens was seeing so many families enjoying the beautiful space. Moms with young kids sat under trees and watched their little ones toddle through the flowers. Another couple was getting engagement photos in the rose garden, while another family posed in the wildflower garden. Small clusters of people sat on park benches, chatting in the beautiful space.
Planning your visit to the Botanical Gardens
- The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.
- Admission is FREE!
- The gardens sit on 67.5 acres and offer more than 10,000 different plants in living collections.
- Address: 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham, AL 35223.
- Phone number: 205-414-3950
- Website: bbgardens.org
Karen Dawkins says
I love visiting botanical gardens, so am definitely adding this to my list!
Kim- Liv Life says
What a fun way to spend the day! I used to take my kids to gardens when they were little… so peaceful, pretty and we all needed the outdoor time!
Mike says
I liked your analogy to The Sound of Music! Love that movie and that set a great tone for me to read this post and look at the pictures, Karen! 🙂
Cathy Sweeney says
The gardens sound amazing. Your rose photos make me think about my parents who always had a beautiful rose garden with several varieties. Nice memories.
Karen Dawkins says
Cathy, Isn’t it amazing how gardens from childhood make such an impression? I wish I was as passionate about gardening as my grandma… at least we have botanical gardens. 🙂
eileen at FamiliesGo! says
it’s almost cheating to have a botanical gardens in Alabama; things grow so energetically and beautifully without the effort we have to put in up north!
Karen Dawkins says
Tee hee!!! 🙂
Marisol@TravelingSolemates says
Hi Karen, you memories of your grandma’s rose garde are touching and beautiful. I’m sure all the rose gardens you will visit will always be special becuase of her memory. Birmingham Botanical Garden is certainly lovely. I love both the landscape and waterscape. Seems like a peaceful place to spend a day.
Karen Dawkins says
We have an abundance of roses in our yard. I’m certain they are her influence. I haven’t started growing fruit — yet!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
What a beautiful garden and I love that it offers so much for free admission. I have a fascination with botanical gardens. Beautiful pictures! You’re right…our daughters would enjoy exploring the world together. Mine would have danced around here too. BTW, love the new look of your site.
Karen Dawkins says
Thanks for the compliment on the site. It was a labor of love to get it “just right.” I’m glad to know readers love it too!
Kiera @easytravelmom says
I think my favorite part of this is that it is beautiful AND free. How nice!
Karen Dawkins says
You know me… family travels on a budget — inexpensive can be wonderful!
Leigh says
I love visiting botanical gardens and in fact search them out on travels. This place looks fantastic – and one day yet I will visit Alabama. I can almost smell the scent of those roses.
Karen Dawkins says
The rose garden was enormous. I was there with my son and told him I’d love to do a 25th anniversary vow renewal there… Unfortunately, that’s 10 hours from home. Hmmmm…. maybe I’ll find one here in NC! After I tell my husband we’re renewing our vows. 🙂
Jackie says
Lovely photos! I would love to visit!
Marcia says
Beautiful. The gardens look lovely and peaceful. I could spend the day there — sunrise to sunset – just taking it all in.
Karen Dawkins says
There were many families there doing just that! I saw five different professional photo shoots as well. Beautiful place.
cindy thetravelgal says
Another garden to add to my list. Looks lovely and it’s so nice to see somewhere summery – spring has been slow to come here!
Karen Dawkins says
We are skipping spring here in NC — from dreary winterlike weather to hot and humid summer. Good thing gardens have lots of shade.
Muza-chan says
Beautiful pictures 🙂
Karen Dawkins says
thanks…. I’m learning. 🙂
Susan says
What lovely photos. I love that waterfall. This looks like a peaceful place to visit. If I ever get to Birmingham I have to go.
Karen Dawkins says
They have small cafe tables by the waterfall. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner. If I lived closer, I’d work there!
budget jan says
I love those roses. What I really like about roses is their smell. I too really love to see families out enjoying parks and gardens. That is what I loved about living in Perth, Western Australia – the way the people embraced their parks. Sausages on the BBQ’s, dogs, kids, grannies in chairs and babies on blankets. I love that they are free also, enabling families to visit regularly.
Karen Dawkins says
Thanks, Jan. I’ve just recently discovered botanical gardens — so different from city parks. My new favorite place to explore wherever I go.