Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open to all, every day of the week. Spring/summer hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (through November 6). In light of the increased number of Covid-19 cases in Birmingham and Alabama, the City of Birmingham has implemented an ordinance requiring face coverings inside City-owned buildings and venues, including the Garden Center and other indoor facilities at the Gardens, effective July 29, 2021. For more information and guidelines for visiting, please click here. We look forward to your visit!

5 Things You Need to Know

We grow our community, enhance our region and celebrate our state:

  • Admission is always free.
  • Gardens open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk.
  • Alabama's largest living museum.
  • Only public horticultural library in the US; public computers; free wi-fi; open 7 days a week.
  • Our special events generate excitement, captivate families and inform the public.
  • We provide the most beautiful outdoor location in the city.
  • Native plant collections celebrate Alabama's biodiversity, 5th highest in the US.

We nurture curiosity and expand knowledge:

  • Educational and environmental mission inspires lifelong learners.
  • Programs and workshops for children and adults (from amateur to professional).
  • 98% of children attend free, hands-on, science curriculum-based programs (2011-12 academic year).
  • Plant Information Center and Regional Horticulture Hotline managed by Alabama Cooperative Extension System experts and Master Gardeners.
  • Beauty of plants and the art of the garden soothe, stimulate and inspire.

We engage diverse partners and collaborate widely:

  • Birmingham City, Jefferson County and other local schools.
  • Alabama A&M, UAB, Auburn, Jacksonville State and Samford Universities.
  • Allied Groups: Interfaith Environmental Initiative of Alabama, Fresh Air Family, Slow Food and more.
  • Relationships with Government of Japan, Sister and Friendship Cities.
  • SE US native plant exploration and conservation programs with botanical institution partners.
  • Support for international plant exploration in Brazil, Thailand, Viet Nam, China, India.

We promote health and provide hope:

  • Plant Adventures programs offered free for people of all abilities.
  • Food from Bruno Vegetable Garden feeds Birmingham area residents in need through the Gardens' "Harvest for the Hungry" program.
  • Miles of safe, serene paths and trails for walking and jogging.
  • Contact with gardens and nature lowers heart rates and blood pressure.
  • Programs promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
  • USDA plant conservation site.

We Impact Economic Development:

  • Non-profit Arts and Cultural Institutions in Birmingham generate $136 million in local economic impact; add greatly to quality of life.1
  • Gardening is the #1 hobby in America, generating $33.5 billion nationwide.2
  • The "Green Industry" in Alabama generates over $2.9 billion in economic impact.2

1 Arts & Economic Prosperity III: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in Jefferson County, Alabama: 2009, Americans for the Arts
2 National Gardening Association: 2011
3 Alabama Nursery & Landscape, 2009

PLANTS ARE NOT AN OPTION; THEY ARE A NECESSITY.