Spring 2024

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2

SPRING 2024

Inside:

Invasive Species at a Garden Center Near You PAGE 6 Cultivating Health and Wellbeing: Accessibility in Your Garden PAGE 14 Glass in Flight Lands at Huntsville Botanical Garden PAGE 17

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Spring

PLANT SALE

Members-Only Preview Sale Thursday, April 11, 8 AM – 6:30 PM

Public Sale Friday, April 12, 8 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday, April 13, 8 AM – 4 PM Sunday, April 14, 11 AM – 4 PM Annuals

Perennials Vegetables

Trees

Native Plants Herbs

Fruits

Shrubs

Cultivars from HBG’s Collections

Rain or Shine

Don’t miss out on quality selection and expert advice from our plant professionals.

All items are first come first served, while supplies last!

Thank you for shopping at our fundraiser!

Proceeds benefit Huntsville Botanical Garden. GARDEN COLUMNS

01

Hello Everyone!

Spring is a magical time at the Garden, heralding a renewal that breathes

Board of Directors 2024

life into every corner. The tranquility and rest of winter give way to the where everything is bursting with the vibrancy of life.

Will Pylant Chair

As nature paints the landscape with hues of green and splashes of color, we

Wes Kelley Vice Chair

buzzing of bees and the budding of plants. It’s a season of awakening,

invite you to embark on a journey of discovery within the Garden. Venture down the less-traveled paths, and let the wonders unfold before you. Spring provides a canvas upon which the beauty of the Garden reveals itself in ways you may not have appreciated before. It’s a time of surprises, where each day brings forth new delights.

In the spirit of this season of rebirth, we invite you to join us for the Spring Plant Sale in April. Take a piece of the Garden home with you as you select from a variety of plants nurtured from our collections.

Lindsay Rice Vice Chair Clinton Carter Treasurer Brandy Smith Assistant Treasurer Brenda Martin Secretary

In May, the Garden takes wing with the enchanting exhibit, Glass in Flight.

Elaine Alspach

Witness the ethereal dance of spectacular glass butterflies, bees, and other

Tracy Barrett

winged wonders. It’s a spectacle that adds a touch of whimsy to an already

Carla Bossard

enchanting landscape.

Lynn Collyar

In this edition of Garden Columns, delve into the Garden’s commitment to grow STEM educators through our Cultivate program. Explore how you can contribute to creating the best possible ecosystem by discouraging the growth of invasive plants. Gather valuable insights on making your home garden more accessible and other tips that will enhance your gardening experience.

Drew Davenport Leta DeMaioribus Kristina Hendrix Michael Kirkpatrick Brenda Martin Angie McCarter Eric Mills

We hope this issue inspires you to deepen your connection with plants.

From the lush offerings of the Garden to the intimate spaces of your backyard, take a moment to reengage with nature and allow it to be a source of renewal and rejuvenation for you.

See you at the Garden!

Riley Parker Thomas Petty Prudence Pollard Lana Ritch Ruchi Singhal Julie Stephens Carol Tevepaugh Kathi Tew Jennifer Wu

Sue Wagner CEO, Huntsville Botanical Garden 02

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2

What’s inside Invasive Species at a Garden Center Near You

09

Inspired by the Garden

14

Cultivating Health and Wellbeing: Accesibility in Your Garden

17

Glass in Flight Lands at Huntsville Botanical Garden

Peony Paeonia ‘Mei Gui Hong’

Paperbush Edgeworthia chrysantha

Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana

Wild Geranium Geranium maculatum

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Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators Summer Snowflake Leucojum aestivum

And more!

Visit us:

4747 Bob Wallace Ave. Huntsville, AL 35805

Red Buckeye Aesculus pavia

@HuntsvilleBotanicalGarden hsvbg.org

Contact us:

Phone: 256-830-4447 Email: info@hsvbg.org

WHAT’S BLOOMING

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@hsvgarden Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica

GARDEN COLUMNS

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Program Calendar Jump into the hustle and bustle of spring activities at one of our exciting and educational Garden programs!

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

2 Art of Sustainable Science

5-6 Girl Scout Campout

2 Gardening 101

8 Pruning for the

11 Spring Plant Sale

4 Aquatic Gardening

Homeowner

(Members Only)

11-15 Spring Break

11 Huntsville Symphony

STEM Camp

11, 24 Seeds to Sprouts

Orchestra

11, 25 Butterfly Releases 19, 21 Nature Academy

12-14 Spring Plant Sale (Open to Public)

18 Family Workshop: Pollinator Gardening

23 Habitat for Humanity Home Ownership Class

30 Vermicomposting Tube (Family Workshop)

12, 20 Seeds to Sprouts

16, 18 Nature Academy 18, 25 Gardening 101 class series

Guest Center Art Exhibits

March-April

Angel Puig De Robles

May-June

Mikayla Hammock

Visit hsvbg.org/events for details and registration.

Presented by

Glass in Flight

May (See p. 17 for details)

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Events

Working Women’s Wednesdays May 1 – June 26

Raptor Shows, 11 AM & 1 PM March 14

Spring Hat Luncheon May 9 (See p. 24 for details)

Arbor Day 5k Race and 3k Sapling Run April 27

Garden Cultural Festival, 10 AM – 2 PM May 18

New and Improved

Golden Hour Thursdays and Fridays

May – September

We’re changing things up this year—with year double the Golden Hours!

From May through September, Garden hours on Thursdays and Fridays are extended to 8 p.m. Enjoy food, drink, and entertainment from cultures around the world in the shade of the Cedar Glade, and explore our 118 acres. Great for decompressing after work, enjoying a lovely date night, or simply seeing the Garden in a different light!

Members get in free; non-members pay regular admission.

GARDEN COLUMNS

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INVASIVE SPECIES

at a Garden Center Near You

By Katrina Mitchell

Imagine a picturesque cottage in spring. English ivy climbs the walls and fences, trailing along the ground. Nearby, butterflies dance around a butterfly bush while the bees drone about a Bradford pear tree. Soon the common periwinkle that was planted as a groundcover will be blooming, adding a splash of purple to the landscape. A hedge of autumn olive shimmers silver in the breeze. The owner is debating on what to add next: a chartreuse Japanese barberry, nandina for autumn color, or perhaps a patch of common or golden bamboo? Oh, the possibilities!

This is no daydream, however. It’s actually a nightmare.

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Plant: Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)

All the plants listed in this scene are actually considered invasive species, and they cause harm to properties and the local environment. Even so, they are commonly sold at nurseries and big box stores.

What counts as an invasive species? The USDA defines invasive species as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Executive Order 13112).” Storebought invasive plants have done just that.

Unfortunately, many of the reasons why some plants become invasive is also what makes them appealing for the market: they grow and spread fast, can thrive in disturbed soil (like lawns and garden beds), they can form dense patches acting as groundcover, some can inhibit “weeds” from growing around them, and they can easily be propagated from cuttings and seeds, thus grown and sold in a relatively short amount of time.

These marketable factors also contribute to their inevitable escape from the garden where they can then wreak havoc on natural areas.

According to the USDA, the decline of nearly half of our country’s endangered/threatened species is in part due to the introduction of invasive plant species, and for some, this is the main cause of decline.

Beyond environmental harm, many of these store-bought invasive plants become a nightmare for you, the property owner. For example, take English ivy, the up-and-coming kudzu contender. It inevitably spreads into lawns, and trying to cut back thick patches will often cause damage to lawn equipment.

If chopped by equipment, the fragments can take root where they land, spreading the problem.

Furthermore, English ivy is a great climber owing to the fact that it grows aerial roots that anchor it to vertical surfaces. These anchor roots will take hold in cracks in mortar or paneling, weakening the walls of any structure to which they attach.

Invasive tree species like Bradford pears and mimosa trees also cause property damage. The wood of these invasive trees is weak, which means a windy day or storm can bring down branches or even split the tree. Additionally, Bradford pear trees may have beautiful flowers, but the pungent smell they produce and high pollen count can hinder your ability to enjoy your yard in spring.

Top: English Ivy (Hedera helix) Middle: Nandina (Nandina domestica) Bottom: Leatherleaf Mahonia (Berberis bealei)

Lastly, many invasive plants are poor at erosion control, especially compared to native plants. As a result, properties with invasive plants may have increased erosion problems. For these and many other reasons, property owners then benefit greatly from avoiding invasive species.

Consumers may be aware of the dangers of invasive plants, but still may unintentionally bring one home. How does this happen, and how can you prevent accidently planting an invasive species on your property?

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First, be aware that nurseries and box stores do sell invasive plants.

Even plants that have been on the market for a long time and are well-known, like butterfly bush, can fall in the invasive category.

In a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, researchers found that over half the plants listed as invasive in the U.S. are sold by plant vendors.

Therefore, one must do their homework before buying. Some resources available are the Alabama Invasive Plant Council’s list of invasive species as well as the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. If you live near a state border, check the invasive plant list for the neighboring state as well. Finally, consider planting native alternatives. The internet and books at your local library abound with lists of alternatives to commonly marketed invasive plants. Better yet, ask one of our plant experts at Huntsville Botanical Garden!

Top: English Ivy (Hedera helix) Bottom: Common Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)

While researching alternatives to an invasive plant, you might come across a long list of native substitutes. How do you choose?

First, make sure the native alternative will have access to the soil, moisture, and amount of sun it needs to prosper on your property.

Next, take into consideration what it was about that invasive species that made you want to add it to your garden. That can help guide your selection of an alternative. For example, did you like Bradford pear for its showy white spring blooms?

Consider serviceberry for a flower extravaganza! You wanted liriope for a ground cover, so look to blue wood-sedge to fit the bill and also add some color.

That butterfly bush would have

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provided food for adult butterflies, but has nothing more to add to your pollinator garden. Use summersweet or a species of milkweed (not tropical milkweedanother non-native plant that does harm to monarchs) to have a plant that provides food for all life stages, will act as a caterpillar and bee nursery, and will lead to even more pollinators in your garden!

This practice has the added benefit of decreasing the demand for invasive plants and shifting the market to have more beneficial plant options. Many plant vendors still sell invasive plants due to demand. Some states and localities do prohibit the sale of certain invasive plants, but a lack of consistent regulations across the map means invasive plants are still legally sold outside these locations.

However, there is a simple way to stop the sale of invasive plants that harm our environments and properties: do not buy them, increase demand for non-invasive options, and spread the word! It is up to you, the gardener, to make informed choices when adding anything to your landscape.

Spring

PLANT SALE Explore a selection of native plants and non-invasive species at our Spring Plant Sale, April 11-14!

Have a question for one of our plant experts? Contact plantinfo@hsvbg.org and one of our team members will be happy to provide assistance.

Inspired by the

Garden

SPRING GARDENING CHECKLIST Use the checklist below to get you started on creating 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/garden-checklist.

March Begin planting cool season annuals such as sweet alyssum and nasturtiums this month.

Plant summer blooming bulbs. Make sure to read plant specifications about specific planting requirements.

Begin fertilizing shrubs, particularly roses. Wait to fertilize camellias and azaleas until after flowering.

Get a soil test if you haven’t already done so.

Mulch flower beds with bark, leaf mulch, or pine straw.

April Fill the backs of sunny flowerbeds with tall annuals such as sunflowers, cosmos, or tithonia.

Fertilize perennial flowers now as growth is beginning. Fertilize azaleas and camellias.

Plant summer bulbs such as daylilies, gladiolas, crinums, and gingers.

Avoid cutting foliage of narcissus (daffodils) or other spring bulbs until the tips have turned yellow or brown.

Establish new plantings of fruit trees, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, asparagus, and rhubarb.

Plan new landscaping projects on paper first. Be sure you know the mature size of each plant and light exposure to allow for growth and growing conditions.

May By the end of the month, it is safe to plant all summer annuals outdoors, including summer vegetables.

Remove brown foliage from spring flowering bulbs as long as they can be pulled off by hand.

Fertilize roses monthly according to a soil test. Prune climbing roses after the first big flush of flowering.

Direct sow rows of beans, okra, sweet corn, watermelon, sunflowers, nasturtiums, marigolds, borage, basil, and other warm season flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

Be sure to harvest leafy greens often because they will soon bolt (go to seed and turn bitter or woody).

GARDEN COLUMNS

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Inspired by the Garden FROM GARDEN TO TABLE

Strawberry Spinach and Bacon Salad 4 servings For the salad 6 oz package of fresh spinach

½ cup goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled

2 cups strawberries, sliced

½ cup toasted pecans

8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

For the dressing 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp maple syrup To make the maple-balsamic dressing: Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.

To make the salad: Add spinach, strawberries, bacon and cheese to bowl and drizzle desired

amount of dressing over top. Toss salad until coated. Top with toasted pecans.

Toasting pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pecans

over parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for 5-10 minutes until the pecans darken in color and the aroma of toasted nuts is strong.

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Inspired by the Garden

Celebrations

H

Wedding At-A-Glance Checklist

untsville Botanical Garden’s hospitality staff put their heads together and came up with a can’t-miss checklist to make your big day run smoothly. Remember to stay organized, delegate tasks when needed, and don’t forget to enjoy the process. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

12-18 Months Before

4-6 Months Before

D Set a budget

D Make travel arrangements for the honeymoon

D Create a preliminary guest list

D Schedule dress fittings

D Choose a date and venue. Hint: We suggest

D Select and order bridesmaid dresses

one of Huntsville Botanical Garden’s elegant

D Select and purchase wedding bands

venue options!

2-4 Months Before

D Hire a wedding planner D Begin researching and contacting potential vendors. Hint: For those tying the knot at the Garden, we provide a list of fully vetted preferred vendors 9-12 Months Before D Ask friends and family to be part of your bridal party D Begin shopping for and order your wedding dress D Book key vendors D Plan ceremony and reception D Create a wedding website to share details with guests D Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests 6-9 Months Before D Send out save-the-date cards D Create a gift registry. Hint: Giving goes both ways. The Garden Gift Shop has amazing options for bridal party gifts D Arrange transportation for the wedding day D Finalize guest list

D Mail invitations D Purchase or rent Groom’s attire D Confirm details with vendors. Hint: This is a good time to begin relaying important vendor information to your Garden Venue Coordinator 1-2 Months Before D Track and follow up on RSVPs D Attend the final dress fitting D Finalize ceremony and vendor details with your Garden Venue Coordinator D Write and finalize your wedding vows D Create a detailed timeline for the wedding day 1 Week Before D Pack for your honeymoon—don’t forget chargers for phones and power converters if you are traveling internationally D Confirm final details with vendors and the wedding party D Get your marriage license On your Wedding Day Relax and enjoy. Take a deep breath and enjoy your special day!

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Inspired by the Garden

GIFT SHOP TIPS FOR SPRING

Spring is a time for renewal! Check out the great selection in the Garden Gift Shop for items and ideas to freshen up your home, garden, or activity schedule.

Books for garden planning, kitchen creations, or for relaxation Tools for little ones’ garden exploration

Pamper yourself with a variety of self-care items

Get those last-minute bulbs in the ground

Beautiful items to freshen up your interiors

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A variety of seeds for your garden or containers

Give your garden a voice and personality

Gifts perfect for any occasion

Thank you

Corporate Partners!

The Corporate Partners Program is designed to strengthen the relationship between Huntsville Botanical Garden and the corporate community in Greater Huntsville. Through the annual support of corporate partners, we can provide first-class programs that allow children, families, and Garden guests to connect to plants and gain a deeper understanding of the role they play in their own environment.

Platinum

Bronze

Supporter

• Huntsville Area Association of Realtors & ValleyMLS.com

• Barrios Technologies

• Crestwood Hospital

• Cadence Bank

• Green Mountain Research

• Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis

• Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc.

Gold • LG Electronics

Silver • Ashford Advisors Shane Stromei • Aviagen • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

• CFD Research • Global Ties of Alabama • Huntsville Utilities • Lawn Pride of Huntsville • Mission Driven Research • MTSi • PeopleTec • Radiance Technologies • Schoel Engineering • Turner Construction • Venturi • Vulcan Materials

Save the Date!

September 24, 2024 6:00 PM Dinner, drinks, and live auction under the stars

Presented by

GARDEN COLUMNS

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Cultivating Health and Wellbeing Accessibility in Your Garden

By Nettie Hardy Creating a garden is not just about growing beautiful flowers and luscious vegetables; it’s also an opportunity to foster your mind and body. Gardening and exposure to greenspaces has been proven to not only improve physical health, but mental health as well. Growing plants keeps bodies nimble, builds strength, increases serotonin production, decreases blood pressure, and improves balance, among a variety of other benefits regardless of age, background, or ability.

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M

aking a garden accessible is not just a physical consideration; it’s a cornerstone in cultivating an environment that embraces healing and wellbeing.

Below are some considerations and practical tricks for making your garden a therapeutic and inclusive space where the joy of gardening can truly thrive.

Designing pathways

One of the fundamental aspects of an accessible garden is the layout of pathways. Smooth, level surfaces make it easier for individuals with mobility challenges or those using wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers to navigate comfortably.

Consider using materials like compacted gravel or paving stones for stability.

Ensure that pathways are wide enough for easy passage depending on the user’s needs, allowing for a comfortable and safe experience. Installing sufficient drainage helps to prevent slippery surfaces and debris buildup, ensuring walkways stay safe and usable. Paved concrete pathways are also an option.

Raised beds and containers for easy reach

Traditional garden beds can pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility.

Raised beds offer a practical solution, bringing plants to a height that is easily reachable without bending or kneeling. These beds can be customized to different heights and widths accommodating various needs. It is often found that beds twelve inches or taller are the most accessible. Building beds with a lip or small ledge provides a space for sitting while working. A variety of raised bed kits are available on the market and can be customized for your needs and style preferences.

Some examples of raised beds can be seen at Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG) in the Wicks Family Garden, Tweetsville, Demonstration Vegetable Garden, and Herb Garden. It is important to make sure access and width are taken into consideration for reach while maintaining your space.

Typically, you want your beds to be no more than four feet wide and to have access from all sides.

Additionally, raised beds provide better drainage, warmer soil, and can be designed to prevent unwanted pests, creating an optimal environment for plant growth. Containers and hanging baskets are also components to consider that allow relocation and ease of access while enhancing the aesthetic and sensory experience.

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consider planting fragrant herbs

and easy to grip, with extended

like rosemary or mint near

handles or those designed for

pathways to provide olfactory cues

one-handed use. These make

for navigation around garden beds

gardening tasks more manageable.

and paths. Incorporating high

Adaptable tools cater to diverse

contrasting colors also allows for

needs and accommodate for those

distinguishing designs. Selecting

with varying levels of strength

plants that attract pollinators

and dexterity. Be sure to make

can add an extra layer of visual

selections that are easy to stow

interest and interaction.

and will not become tripping hazards on walkways.

Generally speaking, low maintenance selections are often

Comfort is key for a positive

perennial plant material. Choose

experience while working in the

natives that require minimal

garden which is why it is also

watering, pruning, or feeding

important to include areas for rest

such as Ratibida pinnata and

and relaxation. Comfortable and

Liatris scariosa, which will

convenient seating in strategic

reduce strenuous and ongoing

locations allows for enjoying the

maintenance.

beauty of the garden at your own pace. These rest areas can serve

Strategically arrange plants to

as places of respite, meditation, or

accommodate different heights

simply to soak in the therapeutic

Plant selection and layout

and reach capabilities. Ensure

benefits of nature. Ensure that

Choose plants that are not only

that low-lying plants are easily

the seating is secure and easily

visually appealing but also offer

reachable and taller plants do not

reachable, preferably in shade to

tactile experiences. It’s important

obstruct pathways or overshadow

provide relief from the heat while

to engage all of the senses in the

smaller ones.

working.

your design such as aromatic

These strategies enrich the overall

herbs like fennel and thyme,

garden experience and facilitate

Accessibility is key

textured plants like Stachys

therapeutic interaction. Some

with accessibility in mind is a

bizantia with its soft touch or the

non-plant additions may include

transformative journey that goes

cool smooth feel of succulents like

windchimes or incorporating a

beyond aesthetics and becomes a

Delospermum, and lastly colorful

bubbling water fountain to act as

canvas for promoting connection

flowers like Phlox or Gaura.

support for meditation or sensory

and inclusivity. By implementing

engagement. Be sure to keep

thoughtful design elements,

Native perennial grasses such

safety in mind when selecting any

considering diverse sensory

as Soghastrum nutans or

water-related additions to your

experiences, and embracing

Muhlenbergia capillaris blow

space.

adaptive tools, you can create a

garden. Integrate elements into

in the wind which is visually

Designing a home garden

space that nurtures both plants

Tools, utensils, and places to rest

and people. As we tend to our

When selecting tools, be sure to

where the benefits of horticulture

extending seasonal interest. For

choose ergonomically designed

can be experienced by everyone.

those with visual impairments,

utensils that are lightweight

engaging and encourages bird activity, creating visual interest as well as auditory stimulation while

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gardens let us cultivate spaces

Glass in Flight Lands at Huntsville Botanical Garden

By Laura McPhail

In the heart of Tucson, artist Alex Heveri has forged a dazzling interplay of art and nature. Her sculptures, inspired by pollinators and other garden creatures, come to life under the radiant Arizona sun, creating an enchanting spectacle that captivates both the eye and the soul. Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG) is proud to provide a temporary home for 21 pieces of her sculpture collection, as Glass in Flight, presented by Oasys, takes off in the Garden’s latest exhibit May through October.

Extreme inspiration

the smallest of garden insects in

its malleability under skilled

One could say that Alex Heveri

larger-than-life sculptures. Her

hands, becomes the permanent

works her artistic magic in a world

chosen mediums, steel and Dalle

and durable framework for her

of extremes.

de verre slab glass, also seem to be

sculptures. Glass introduces color

polar opposites, the combination

and light, transforming each piece

For example, look no further

of which embodies the fusion of

into a radiant masterpiece.

than her artwork. She represents

strength and light. Steel, with GARDEN COLUMNS

17

“It is hot and heavy and requires

A garden gallery

intense focus and caution,” said

Heveri’s sculptures find their

Heveri of the arduous physical

home in botanical gardens, where

process of creating one of her

they are more than art; they

pieces. “The effort required fully

become part of the vibrant setting.

engages me with the sculpture.”

“It is a true honor to exhibit my Her hometown of Tuscon is also

work at botanical gardens because

known for both extreme heat and

they are outdoor art galleries,

artistic expression. The vibrant

tended to with care and visited by

city, with its natural desert habitat

many people,” Heveri enthused.

and perpetual sunlight, serves as

Extremes are also present in

a muse for Heveri’s creations. The

Heveri’s day-to-day life as she

Heveri’s hope for visitors extends

sculptures, strategically placed in

balances her career and artistic

beyond aesthetic pleasure.

a garden setting, come alive as the

passion. As a busy lawer by day,

She envisions her exhibit as a

sun’s rays play upon them.

Heveri sees parallels between law

source of joy and inspiration,

and her art. Her artistic mindset

encouraging people to explore

“Sunlight makes my sculptures

infuses creativity and passion into

botanic gardens as adventures

radiant and come alive,”

her legal pursuits, demonstrating

and appreciate the transformative

said Heveri. “In creating my

that the worlds of law and art are

power of art.

sculptures, I focus on how

not mutually exclusive.

sunlight will engage the viewer.”

“Law is much like steel, it appears Long hours of summer sunlight

rigid and fixed. But with skill

are just one reason why Glass in

and artistry, it can be molded

Flight will have a fitting home

and shaped to address changing

at HBG. Another reason is her

times, the need for compassion,

focus on pollinators. Heveri’s

and the basic acknowledgment of

fascination with bees, dragonflies,

humanity—which ideally, should

birds, beetles, and other

be the foundation of our laws,”

pollinators stems from the joy and

said Heveri.

wonder they evoke in people.

“Flowers are stunning alone, but when a butterfly or a dragonfly lands on one, people usually exclaim ‘Look at that!’

In creating pollinators for Glass in Flight, I wanted the viewer to react similarly and say, ‘Look at that!’” said Heveri.

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“It’s a celebration of the

inspires young people and future

delicate dance between nature’s

generations to want to address the

wonders and human fascination,

issues caused by the population

inviting onlookers to marvel

decline of some of the planet’s

at the intricate beauty of these

tiniest — but most important —

wonderous insects.”

pollinating inhabitants.

Inspiring future generations Heveri’s sculptures serve a dual purpose as science exhibits, emphasizing the vital role of pollinators in the planet’s health and survival. She aims to shift perceptions and foster a positive emotional connection with these crucial insects.

“My hope as an artist of insects is to engage viewers in a positive emotional fashion to want to care about the conservation and future health of insects, especially

Presented by

See Alex Heveri’s colossal pollinators in person while Glass in Flight is on exhibit at Huntsville Botanical Garden May-October 2024.

Glass in Flight is included with regular admission.

pollinators,” summarized Heveri.

“I made each insect as close in

“And I hope to engage

representation to the real insect

future generations

as possible, within the confines of the steel and glass medium, but larger than life,” explained Heveri. “In doing so, I was hoping

to learn how to solve problems vital to the survival of the planet.”

that people would reflect on the beauty of insects and have a

Heveri leaves a powerful message

positive experience, realizing that

– anything is possible with

insects are beautiful instead of

passion, and balance between

being fearful of them.”

extremes is achievable. Botanical gardens, built with fervor and

By showcasing some of the

reverence of nature, stand as a

smallest garden critters in a

testament to this truth.

larger-than-life representation, Heveri hopes that her artwork

GARDEN COLUMNS

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Cultivate In the dynamic education landscape,

Cultivate: Growing STEM Educators

By Laura McPhail

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the quest to enhance STEM (Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

education for K-6 students is an ongoing

challenge. To address this, a groundbreaking

program led by Huntsville Botanical Garden

(HBG) called Cultivate has emerged, offering

a comprehensive guide to educators on how to

effectively teach STEM-based curriculum.

“We hope to build the self-efficacy of teachers so they are confident in their ability to teach STEM lessons related to plant and environmental sciences,” said HBG Manager of STEM Curriculum and Programs Karen Colvin.

Based on Understanding by Design by Wiggins and McTighe and the 5E Instruction Model (as recommended by the Alabama Department of Education via the Science Course of Study), Cultivate sessions start with information about how to develop an effective STEM lesson, including incorporating literacy and differentiating for all learning levels in a classroom.

Next, teachers participate in hands-on STEM activities to practice what they will be doing with their students. Finally, teachers participate in a guided nature walk, giving them the opportunity to experience science in a living laboratory.

“We demonstrate how you can teach plant science using any tree, shrub, flowers, herbs, or even turf grass,” said Colvin.

To date, more than 200 K-6 teachers in Alabama have attended the Cultivate program since the pilot started. Teachers leave the session with curriculum, a bin of STEM materials, and a certificate for three continuing education units (CEUs).

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A clear need

The data provided by the Alabama State Department of Education Report Card illustrated a clear need for a program like Cultivate.

According to the Report Card,

From this wealth of information,

“Through the Cultivate

Cultivate transitioned from a

program, we hope to

pilot to a steady program. One

give teachers the tools

of the key takeaways from the

and support they need to increase the

63% of students were not

proficiency in their

proficient on the science portion

students’ future test

and 73% were not proficient on

scores,” explained

the math portion of the Alabama

Colvin.

Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP).

“In a state like Alabama with several high-quality colleges and universities, many industry leaders in aerospace, biotechnology, automotive manufacturing, and agriculture, there is no reason for our students to be behind in science and math,” Colvin asserted.

Colvin, along with HBG’s Director of Learning and Public Engagement Rebecca Turk and Chief Executive Officer Sue Wagner, recognized the STEMrelated gap and sought to test a hypothesis: Many teachers, both those who are established and those who are new to the career, are not comfortable teaching required STEM-related lessons, yet the teachers and their students are both held accountable for the learning outcomes through state testing.

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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2

pilot phase was the importance of catering to the time constraints faced by teachers during the school year. To address this, Cultivate will continue to offer special summer sessions designed to provide quick STEM challenges aim to equip educators with

From pilot to program

practical tools and resources that

Developed through a meticulous

can be seamlessly integrated into

pilot phase conducted from

their curriculum.

October 2022 through October 2023, HBG teamed up with

“Teachers all across the state of

Bellingrath Gardens & Home and

Alabama need support teaching

Birmingham Botanical Garden

STEM in the classroom,” said

to reach better effect statewide.

Turk. “With the amazing support

Through the pilot, the original

provided by the State of Alabama

seed idea for Cultivate has grown

legislature, over 200 teachers

and evolved, incorporating

experienced this program in the

valuable insights from educators

pilot year and we anticipate much

to tailor the program’s approach

growth ahead.”

for optimal impact.

During the pilot phase, Cultivate

Branching out

Looking ahead, there are

staff explored various strategies,

ambitious plans to expand

including weekend sessions, full-

Cultivate’s reach and impact.

day meetings, and condensed twohour sessions. This experimental

“Most of the teachers who

phase served as a testing ground

participated in the pilot are from

for understanding the preferences

Huntsville City, Madison County,

and needs of educators, with

and Madison City Schools, but we

a consensus that a three-hour

have been happy to see the reach

duration strikes the right balance

extend to Marshall, Jackson, and

between depth and efficiency.

Morgan counties,” said Colvin.

Recognizing the challenges faced

If teachers successfully complete

by educators in counties unable

the online scholarship application

to easily access the program,

(located at hsvbg.org/cultivate),

Cultivate staff aim to take the

they receive 90% off the

show on the road.

program cost— for just $10!

“We plan to take Cultivate to counties that cannot easily come

“This application process gives

visit the Garden,” said Turk.

us the opportunity to collect valuable information from the

By reaching out to underserved

teachers prior to the sessions so

areas, the program aspires to

we can tailor the program to the

bridge the gap in STEM education,

needs of the current participants,”

ensuring that all educators have

said Turk.

“Any teachers who work with children in the State of Alabama are encouraged to participate in our program.”

What’s next for Cultivate?

The next round of Cultivate sessions are open for registration.

access to the tools they need to inspire the next generation

Colvin is quick to point out that

of innovators.

Cultivate is not only for public school teachers.

As a means to this end, HBG is offering a scholarship for

“We invite teachers who

educators interested in attending

homeschool or work in private

Cultivate. The Cultivate program

schools in the area to attend a

is valued at $100.

Cultivate session,” said Colvin.

Teachers interested in attending a session should visit hsvbg.org/cultivate and choose an upcoming date and time for their grade level.

Grade

June 20

June 21

July 18

July 19

K-3

8-11 a.m.

12-3 p.m.

8-11 a.m.

12-3 p.m.

4-6

12-3 p.m.

8-11 a.m.

12-3 p.m.

8-11 a.m.

In addition to summer sessions, Cultivate staff will host the 2nd Annual STEM Night for Teachers, on Sept.

10, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at HBG. This free event is open to K-6 STEM teachers and will be an evening filled with hands-on activities, a guided interpretive hike, and delicious refreshments from the Garden Café.

Stemming from the success of the inaugural event, this year’s STEM Night for Teachers aims to foster a sense of camaraderie among educators and provide them with valuable resources to enhance their teaching methods.

As Cultivate embarks on its next phase, the program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and adaptability in shaping the future of STEM education. By combining the insights gleaned from the pilot phase with an unwavering commitment to innovation, Cultivate is sowing the seeds for a brighter, more engaging future for STEM education across diverse communities.

Funding for this program is provided by the State of Alabama Legislature with additional support from The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, BAE Systems, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and other philanthropic assistance.

GARDEN COLUMNS

23

May 9 • 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Doors open at 10:30 AM

Dust off your hats and find those fabulous fascinators because the Spring Hat Luncheon is back and better than ever!

This annual spring fundraiser is a lunch to remember, featuring cocktails, a silent auction, and meal catered by Grille on Main, followed by a program and book signing by floral designer Cathy Graham.

Register today at hsvbg.org/spring-hat-luncheon.

Proceeds benefit Huntsville Botanical Garden Butterfly Program.

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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2

4747 Bob Wallace Ave. Huntsville, AL 35805

“From experiential education, to biological stewardship, to access for thousands to events and unique entertainment, the Garden increases the value of living in our community. As a hometown company, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing appreciates the Garden for the way it enriches our community.”

Jessica Luther

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing

Summer STEM Camp

June - July 2024 • 9 AM to 4 PM Ages: 4-12

Registration and information at hsvbg.org/camps

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