Visiting the Aldridge Botanical Gardens in Hoover, Alabama can make for a very nice day trip. It is beautiful and a great way to experience nature.
General Overview and Size
Originally an estate garden, the now Aldridge Botanical Gardens can be found nestled away in Hoover, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. Bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes because it is sure to give visitors some exercise.
The gardens are 30 acres and feature a 6 acre lake, which has a half mile walking path around it. The lake showcases ducks, geese and fish. Visiting in the Spring and early to mid summer can bring much delight from seeing baby ducks and geese.
Bring a Picnic
While they don't offer restaurant style dining, they do have a boat house complete with vending machines and picnic tables. So pack a lunch and enjoy a meal out on water while watching the ducks, turtles and the geese swim. There are also some huge fish out there as well. Though it might be tempting to throw lunch scraps overboard, it is best to avoid doing this as several signs throughout the gardens ask that visitors refrain from feeding the animals.
Stay on the Path
Speaking of signs, remember to always stay on the designated path. There is no way of knowing what animals might make a home nearby and disturbing their nest could result in injury. Not to mention, going off path could result in trampling of budding plants and trees.
Enjoy the scenery that is provided. The Shade Garden has a place to sit down and relax and enjoy the view. The gardens are filled with other benches, as well as photo opportunities. Make sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the Aldridge Gardens.
Official Flower or Hoover
The garden boasts Snowflake Hydrangeas, which just happens to be the official flower of Hoover. It was patented by Eddie Aldridge, the horticulturist who originally owned the estate. All of the plants and tress in the gardens are identified and some by a very unique way. A large, smooth river rock boasts the general name of the plant, as well as the scientific name. It is written in black paint, neat and a very eye-catching detail.
Other Activities in the Gardens
The Aldridge Gardens also holds several different activities for both kids and adults. They feature art shows that showcases local talent, as well as providing group tours for groups having more than 10 people. Learning to make a mosaic pot, as well as learning to paint flowers are just some of the activities enjoyed by adults.
The facilities at Aldridge Gardens, such as the pavilion, are available for rental for weddings, family reunions and other social events. It would be a very picturesque place to hold an event.
The hours of operation are 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. all summer long.
Jennifer Tanner-Jordan - Jennifer attended Jacksonville State University, lives at home with 3 cats and a husband. She is an advocate of spay-neuter.
