Our Mission The Garden exists to connect people to plants to support a healthier quality of life for the region.
Fall Plant Sale
Members-Only Preview Sale
Thursday, September 19
8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Public Sale
Friday, September 20
8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 21
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Rain or Shine
Trees Perennials Native Plants
Pollinator Plants Fruits Herbs
Shrubs Cultivars from HBG’s Collections
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.
Greetings from the CEO!
Hello Everyone!
Transitioning from the vibrant summer days to the crisp, colorful embrace of fall, I am thrilled to share with you the latest edition of Garden Columns. This time of year invites us to reflect on the growth and beauty that each season brings, and the Garden has flourished in truly remarkable ways.
This fall, the Garden continues to be a haven of beauty and inspiration. As the summer blooms fade and the leaves begin their fiery transformation, we invite you to explore the delight that this season has to offer. Whether you’re savoring the cool, fresh air on a peaceful stroll or participating in our Festifall activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Larger-than-life glass sculptures currently grace the Garden from the stunning Glass in Flight exhibit by artist Alex Heveri. Celebrating pollinators, like butterflies and bees, these glass and steel masterpieces are captivating and adding a breathtaking dimension to the Garden. If you haven’t seen it yet make sure to visit before it leaves at the end of October.
Our fall festivities are designed to bring joy and create lasting memories. The spirit of autumn comes alive with cold brews at Festiv-Ale, Halloween kids’ fun at the Little Monsters Mash, BOOs and Beats dance party for adults, and a murder mystery dinner. As we move into November, the Garden will transform into a sparkling wonderland with Galaxy of Lights, a breathtaking display that illuminates the night and warms the heart.
In this issue, we delve into early childhood learning, exploring the concept of nature play where children learn through exploration and imagination. Discover tips and insights for planting woody species in your landscape. Delight in the beauty of Encore azaleas and learn more about their history.
Your continued support and participation make all our efforts worthwhile, and we are grateful for the community that surrounds and uplifts us. May this issue inspire you to cherish the beauty of nature, whether in our garden or your own backyard.
See you at the Garden!
Sue Wagner CEO,HuntsvilleBotanicalGarden
Board of Directors
Will Pylant
Chair
Wes Kelley Vice Chair
Lindsay Rice Vice Chair
Clinton Carter
Treasurer
Brandy Smith
Assistant Treasurer
Brenda Martin
Secretary
Elaine Alspach
Tracy Barrett
Carla Bossard
Lynn Collyar
Drew Davenport
Leta DeMaioribus
Kristina Hendrix
Michael Kirkpatrick
Angie McCarter
Eric Mills
Riley Parker
Thomas Petty
Lana Ritch
Julie Stephens
Carol Tevepaugh
Kathi Tew
Jennifer Wu
Argentinaaltissima
Camelliahiemalis‘Kanjiro’
Hamamelisvirginiana
Salviaguaranitica Malvaviscus
Program Calendar
The leaves are changing and the air is cooler...all signs point to Festifall at the Garden! Join us as we celebrate everything about this amazing time of year.
Pooches and Pupkins Sept. 19
Global Rhythm & Blooms Thursdays in September
Little Monsters Mash Oct. 12
BOOS & Beats Oct. 25
Galaxy of Lights 2024
Nov. 15 – Dec. 31
Fall Plant Sale
Sept. 19 – Sept. 21
A Killer 80s Homecoming Murder Mystery Dinner Oct. 11
Festiv-Ale Oct. 18
CATS & COSTUMES
Meow-o-ween Cats & Costumes Oct. 28
Galaxy Races Dec. 2 – Dec. 3 Click or scan code for registration.
Galaxy of Lights is closed Nov. 17, Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 2&3, and Christmas Day.
Azaleas Encore A Year-Round Symphony of Color
ByTobyGray,Ph.D.
Azaleas, with their vibrant hues and lush blooms, are a staple in the landscapes of the Southeastern United States. From the grand gardens of historic homes to the shaded understories of tall pines and hardwoods, these plants have long been celebrated for their springtime display. For most of the twentieth century, gardeners enjoyed a palette limited to pink, white, and red azaleas, with their blooms confined to the months of March through May. However, thanks to the innovative work of nurseryman Buddy Lee, azaleas can now be enjoyed from spring through fall. Read on to explore the story of the Encore series of azaleas and how you can experience their beauty at Huntsville Botanical Garden.
The Azalea: A Brief Botanical Overview
Azaleas have been cherished for centuries, admired for their stunning floral displays and ease of cultivation. Gardeners in 17th-century Japan selected, hybridized, and planted them, especially as bonsai plants. One of the first books about azaleas was published in 1692 by nurseryman Ito Ihei. It was printed from handcut wood blocks in five volumes and attempted to organize and describe the hundreds of varieties of azaleas available at that time.
Azaleas belong to the genus Rhododendron, a name derived from the Greek words rhodo (rose) and dendron (tree). With over a thousand species worldwide, Rhododendron ranges from ground-covering alpine species to towering tropical trees.
Within this genus, azaleas are typically divided into two main types: deciduous azaleas, found in the subgenus Pentanthera, and evergreen azaleas, in the subgenus Tsutsusi. Deciduous azaleas, native to the Southeastern United States, are known for their long, honeysucklelike flowers, while evergreen azaleas, predominantly from Asia, exhibit a variety of flower shapes, mostly funnel-like and sometimes tubular.
and are always evergreen. Azaleas have smaller, softer leaves and can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on species.
Such a diversity of taxa within the genus offers breeders an essentially infinite number of genetic traits to exploit. The Encore series of azaleas, which boast repeat blooms from spring through fall, are derived from evergreen azaleas.
The Birth of Encore Azaleas
Nurseryman Buddy Lee revolutionized the azalea world by extending their bloom period. Lee began growing azaleas as a teenager on his family’s dairy farm in Folsom, Louisiana. By the time he graduated from college, he was an accomplished nurseryman specializing in evergreen hybrid azaleas. He was able to get a lot of autumn blooms, but not at a level consistent enough to mass produce for the market.
In July 1981 – a month when one would not expect to find an azalea blooming – Lee came across
Rhododendron oldhamii, native to Taiwan, flowering in the garden of a fellow plant enthusiast. Over the next ten years he hybridized R. oldhamii with approximately 40 cultivars he was growing, producing tens of thousands of seedlings.
When he moved his nursery to Loxley, Alabama in 1991 he brought 11,000 selections. In addition to repeat blooms, he selected for tolerance of environmental stressors, good root systems, and ease of propagation. He named the first cultivar to meet these standards “Autumn Rouge.” He began selling his repeat blooming azaleas under the trade name Encore in 1997. He sold out almost immediately, and the demand has been strong ever since.
Buddy Lee ultimately quit the general nursery business to focus entirely on managing the company that sells Encore azaleas. The patent makes production of the Encore series the exclusive purview of the grower, thus, propagation by others is prohibited by law, a common practice in the nursery business.
Encore Azaleas at Huntsville Botanical Garden
At Huntsville Botanical Garden, visitors can experience the splendor of Encore azaleas firsthand. The Garden showcases twelve of the thirty-five named cultivars from the Encore series, each with its unique charm and beauty.
One of the most striking varieties is ‘Autumn Royalty,’ known for its large, bright, reddish-purple flowers. These azaleas are prominently displayed at the Garden’s entrance, creating a stunning welcome for visitors.
Walking from the Green parking lot to the Guest Center, you will encounter several Encore varieties, including ‘Autumn Lilac,’ ‘Autumn Sangria,’ ‘Autumn Amethyst,’ ‘Autumn Coral,’ ‘Autumn Debutante,’ and ‘Autumn Sweetheart.’ Among these, ‘Autumn Sangria’ stands out with its neon pink blooms that defy photographic capture, while ‘Autumn Sweetheart’ offers a more subtle beauty with its variable white and pink flowers.
In the Volunteer Tribute Garden, the ‘Autumn Twist’ azaleas add a splash of drama with their bicolor blooms,
Caring for Encore Azaleas
Encore azaleas are as easy to care for as they are beautiful. These plants thrive in well-drained soil and need about six hours of sunlight daily to ensure prolific blooming. While they tolerate shade, sufficient sunlight is essential for their vibrant flowers.
Encore azaleas come in various sizes, from intermediate to dwarf, and typically maintain a compact form that rarely requires pruning. Some varieties, like ‘Autumn Amethyst,’ ‘Autumn Carnation,’ ‘Autumn Fire,’ ‘Autumn Jewel,’ and ‘Autumn Princess,’ also feature attractive purple foliage in winter, adding year-round interest to your garden.
Despite their non-native origins, Encore azaleas are not invasive and do not self-propagate outside of cultivation. They are readily available at local garden centers, making them accessible to gardeners eager to add a touch of prolonged elegance to their landscapes.
Encore azaleas offer more than just a stunning autumn display; they bring the promise of extended bloom periods and low-maintenance
At Huntsville Botanical Garden, these azaleas are a testament to Buddy Lee’s vision and dedication, allowing visitors to enjoy their vibrant colors and diverse forms throughout much of the year. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a newcomer to the world of azaleas, the Encore series provides an opportunity to cultivate and appreciate these remarkable plants in your own space. Visit the Garden to witness the splendor of Encore azaleas, and perhaps, find inspiration to start your collection.
Inspired by the Garden
FALL 2024 GARDENING CHECKLIST
Use the checklist below to ensure a happy and healthy home garden. For a full list of tips to use yearround, including important tasks for keeping lawns of various grasses lush and healthy, visit hsvbg.org/garden-checklist.
September
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.
Keep strawberry beds weed-free and plant cover crops by mid-month. 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.
October
Save seeds from non-hybrid flowers like marigolds by drying them on newspaper and storing in a cool, dry, dark place. Direct sow wildflower seeds like Nigella, Poppy, and Larkspur for cold stratification.
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. Monitor weather and harvest remaining summer produce before hard frost.
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.
November
Sow wildflower seeds like poppies, hollyhocks, bachelor’s buttons, and regional mixes. Plant any remaining spring-flowering bulbs now.
Plant new trees and shrubs, including roses.
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.
Empty, clean, and store planters in a dry place. Empty and store rain barrels, and reconnect downspouts to direct winter rain away from foundations.
Check houseplants for insects that might have come indoors. Spread compost and shredded leaves over your vegetable garden and plow them under.
InspiredbytheGarden
Nature’s Table
Pumpkin Bisque with Grilled Gouda Croutons
Bisque
4 slices of bacon, chopped
½ sweet onion, diced
Ingredients
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp brown sugar
Grilled Cheese Croutons
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1-15oz can of pumpkin puree
4 slices of bread Softened brown butter for spreading
3.5 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp chives for topping
6 ounces of gouda cheese
Directions
1. Heat a pot over medium-low heat and add bacon. Cook until crispy and fat is rendered. Remove bacon and place on paper towel to drain grease.
2. With same pot over medium-low heat add onions and garlic. Stir in salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and nutmeg. Stir well. Reduce heat to low, cook until onions are browned, roughly 8-10 minutes.
Bisque Croutons
3. Add pumpkin puree and stock. Stir and combine. Turn off heat and use immersion blender or transfer soup to blender to puree until smooth. Over medium heat bring puree to simmer for 10 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, stir in the cream. Heat till warm through. Serve topped with bacon, chives and cheese croutons.
1. Spread browned butter on outsides of bread. Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Top bread with cheese. Place bread over top of cheese butter side up. Cook sandwich till golden brown, 5-6 minutes each side. Let them cool slightly and then cut each sandwich into croutons with serrated knife.
Celebrations
Fall is the new Spring!
Spring has always been a popular time for weddings, but Fall is now just as favored, thanks to its deep, rich colors and cozy atmosphere. At the Garden, we’ve observed that September through November has become just as desirable for weddings as the Spring season, with couples embracing the vibrant hues and seasonal charm of Fall.
Here are some tips for planning a Fall wedding:
1. Book early! – Since Fall has become so popular for weddings, make sure to book early before your date gets booked by someone else. However, weekday weddings are often available and can be a great alternative if you’re set on a Fall wedding.
2. Work with your season – Using colors in your wedding that match Fall leaves such as reds, golds, and darker greens help bring the beautiful colors outside into your wedding.
3. Football season scheduling – College football is hugely popular in the South, so make sure your wedding doesn’t fall on the same day as any major matchups such as Alabama vs. Auburn. Some weddings also choose to incorporate their favorite teams into their wedding by using their team color pom-poms for a festive send-off!
4. Check the weather – Weather is usually drier and cooler in the Fall. Temperatures can sometimes be unpredictable in Alabama, so keep an eye on the weather leading up to your wedding and consider renting heaters if guests are outdoors during the reception.
5. Holiday weddings – Many wedding parties have started opting for holiday-themed weddings such as Halloween. Consider three-day weekends such as Labor Day or Veteran’s Day that could allow guests more time to travel to a wedding.
6. Seasonal food and drinks – Bringing in seasonal foods and drinks, such as pumpkin pie or apple cider, can help incorporate the season in your celebration. Spiked ciders or pumpkin-flavored beers can be offered for adults and hot chocolate bars can be offered during colder weather for everyone to enjoy.
The Fall season is a wonderful time of year, especially at Huntsville Botanical Garden, where the cooler weather doesn’t stop our beautiful blooms! Enjoy this season by booking your wedding, bridal shower or rehearsal dinner here at the Garden by contacting rentals@hsvbg.org.
InspiredbytheGarden
GIFT SHOP
Stay stylish and trendy this Fall with our festive branded merchandise, accessories, and gift shop items. Every purchase supports the Garden.
▲
up any space with unique home decor— perfect for adding a touch of elegance!
▲ From t-shirts to magnets and more, take home a memorable keepsake.
Liven
▲ Add a touch of nature’s beauty with real butterfly wing earrings—stunning and unique!
▲ Grab a t-shirt from this year’s Glass In Flight exhibit by Alex Heveri —get yours while you can!
Thank you Corporate Partners!
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 Aviagen
y Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
y Huntsville Hospital
Bronze
y Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
y Ashford Advisors - Shane Stromei
y Barrios Technologies
y Blue Origin
y Cadence Bank
y Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis
y CFD Research
y Global Ties of Alabama
y Huntsville Utilities
y Mission Driven Research
y MTSi
y PeopleTec
y Radiance Technologies
y Redstone Federal Credit Union
y Schoel Engineering
y Turner Construction
y Venturi
y Vulcan Materials
Supporter
y Van Valkenburgh & Wilkinson Properties, Inc.
Planned Giving
Leave a lasting legacy at Huntsville Botanical Garden through planned giving. You can contribute to the endowment fund for the Garden’s long-term care or make a planned gift as part of your estate planning. This support ensures the Garden’s future growth and sustainability for generations to enjoy. Members of the Perennial Gift Society, recognizing legacy donors, receive special acknowledgments and invitations to exclusive events.
To make a planned gift or give to the endowment fund, please email development@hsvbg.org or call 256-830-4447 ext. 246.
Connecting Children with Nature Through the Power of Play
ByRebeccaTurk
For many of us, playing outside as a child conjures many fond memories. Skipping rocks, digging for earthworms, playing with roly-polies, picking wildflowers, making mud pies…you name it. Those moments were full of play, discovery, wonder, and excitement.
As kids we engineered natural forts, figured out the fastest way to make our leaf flow through water, and collected nature objects that intrigued us. These moments of childled nature play included STEM learning concepts such as problem-solving, engineering, creativity, and teamwork. The best part is, we had no idea we were learning so much because we were playing.
Unfortunately, today’s youth do not all experience these same opportunities due to increased screen time, high academic expectations, and competing priorities. This results in a lack of play, specifically in nature.
The importance of people spending time in nature is a large field of research that has been studied for decades. Studies have proven that immersion in nature positively impacts people’s cognitive function, emotional well-being, stress reduction, and overall mental health. Research also shows that a lack of interaction with nature not only reduces mental health benefits but also discourages positive emotions, attitudes, and behavior regarding the environment. As these studies have shown, there is a crucial need for interesting opportunities for people to venture outside to encounter and appreciate the natural environment around them.
The benefits of venturing outside go even further with children. According to research by the Children and Nature Network, today’s kids (on average) spend up to 44 hours per week in front of a screen and less than 10 minutes a day playing outdoors. Their research shows that spending time in nature enhances educational outcomes by improving a child’s academic performance, focused behavior, and interest in learning, in turn preventing nature-deficit disorder.
Furthermore, the National Research Council states that young children have the capacity for conceptual learning and the ability to use reasoning and inquiry skills as they investigate how the world works. Allowing children to use these skills and abilities can provide helpful starting points for developing scientific reasoning and an overall affinity to science.
Research on “play philosophy” shows that early childhood educators are key actors in how children engage in play in a nature-based environment. Educators can support young learners to discover the conceptual, social, technical, and metacognitive aspects of these environments. They need to expand children’s independent mobility to encourage them to explore the environment and mediate between the child and the environment.
The Garden’s STEM education programming is centered around K-12 immersive experiences designed to foster a child’s connection to the natural world. As the research shows, starting the foundation earlier for Pre-K students is not only recommended, but essential for future cognitive development, stewardship understanding, and health benefits. Children need opportunities to play in nature.
Huntsville Botanical Garden is thrilled to open our newest early childhood education program this fall: Garden Sprouts Pre-K. This program transforms the Garden into an outdoor living classroom, offering a unique learning experience for 4- to 5-year-olds throughout the school year. Garden Sprouts’ approach integrates nature play, enabling children to observe, explore, and engage with the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder and encouraging discovery and experimentation.
Through this hands-on, experiential method, children are introduced to essential Pre-K topics, preparing them for the transition to Kindergarten. The Garden Sprouts Pre-K is taught by certified instructors, focused on a philosophy that states:
y Children should learn in a nature-based, childcentered atmosphere that is positive, peaceful, and productive.
y Children are in “flow” when they are immersed in a dynamic blend of learning freedom and structure.
y Children learn early science (STEM) concepts both through spontaneous exploration and in guided experiences.
y Teachers support an environment conducive to improving children’s critical and cooperative thinking, cognitive skills, and social and emotional communication.
y Children are allowed to interact with and observe nature, thereby increasing their self-confidence and growth mindset through exploration.
y Teachers support the children’s progress throughout their learning journey with thoughtful planning, observation, documentation, evaluation, and reflection.
y Activities encourage children’s personal growth based on their individual abilities and interests.
y It’s essential that children are valued, nurtured, and respected as individuals, appreciating the uniqueness of each child and celebrating a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.
y It’s essential for teachers to partner with families, providing a solid base of communication, support, and encouragement for each child.
y Teachers are positive role models who display emotional intelligence and conscientious actions, and align with the Garden’s Core Values.
This program is different than other Pre-K programs because it takes place in the Garden’s living “classroom,” spending at least 70% of their time outdoors each day. Built on the tenets listed above, this learning experience is hands-on, encouraging discovery and experimentation for children at a young age. This program design also allows children to enjoy freedom in learning, guided by parameters set by the instructors.
Young children are natural STEM investigators, embracing their curiosity for what’s around them and how things work. Offered three days a week, Garden Sprouts Pre-K will ignite the minds of our young learners in the outdoors, preparing them for Kindergarten while playing in nature.
For more information about Garden Sprouts Pre-K, visit https://hsvbg.org/gardensprouts-prek/. And no matter what age or stage of learning, all are invited to enjoy the wonders of nature with a visit to the Garden!
Planting Woody Plants
Practical Considerations for Your Landscape
By Mike Shelton
Trees and woody shrubs are essential elements of any residential landscape. These plants not only add height, depth, and structure but also offer shade, vibrant blooms, fruit, and beautiful fall colors.
Unlike annuals that are switched out with the seasons or perennials that can be easily transplanted, woody plants typically find a spot and remain there for years. Therefore, selecting the right woody plants and their locations involves more than just aesthetic preferences; practical considerations are paramount. Let’s delve into several key factors to keep in mind when selecting and planting woody plants for your landscape.
Understanding Hardiness Zones
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is an essential tool for gardeners. It divides the country into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperatures, helping gardeners determine which plants are most likely to thrive in their region.
Recently, the USDA updated the hardiness zone for north Alabama from 7 to 8. Some higher elevation areas remain in zone 7.
This change opens new possibilities for planting shrubby coastal plants like saw palmetto palm tree (Serenoa repens), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), which are excellent boxwood substitutes. Choosing native trees and shrubs adapted to Zone 8 will give your landscape the best chance for success.
Size and Space Considerations
Trees and shrubs are typically the largest components in a landscape, so it’s crucial to consider their mature size. For instance, the shumard oak (Quercus shumardii) can grow up to 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide, making it suitable for large spaces. Large shrubs like coastal leucothoe (Agarista populifolia) or multi-stemmed trees like witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) also require ample space to spread out.
Ensuring adequate space prevents competition for resources and minimizes the impact on smaller, understory plants.
Proximity to built environments should also be considered. The lateral roots of large trees and shrubs can extend far from the trunk, potentially affecting driveways, sidewalks, and building foundations. Underground infrastructure such as irrigation systems and septic tanks can also be infiltrated or damaged by roots.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Source: USDA
Providing this Shumard Oak with plenty of elbow room to grow both up and out.
The multi-stemmed Witch Hazel had space to spread and achieve a dramatic effect.
For more confined spaces, consider smaller cultivars that offer similar aesthetic benefits, like the “Little Gem” Magnolia, which provides deep green foliage and large white flowers similar to its larger cousin, the Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), but in a more compact form.
The Importance of Proper Planting Techniques
The success of your woody plants often comes down to how well they are planted. The health of the soil, the amount of sun or shade, and drainage conditions are all critical factors.
A well-prepared planting hole is vital, especially for larger plants. The hole should be roughly twice the width of the root ball to encourage lateral root growth. The depth of the hole is crucial; a hole that is too deep can be detrimental. The top of the root ball should be at or slightly above the level of the surrounding soil to account for settling.
All burlap or wire wrapping should be removed before planting. When backfilling, ensure the top of the root ball remains uncovered, as it was in the pot or burlap. These careful steps in hole preparation and planting are key to the success of your woody plants.
Seasonal Planting Tips
Fall is considered the best time for planting woody plants. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help new plants establish strong root systems before the stress of summer heat. Take this time to educate yourself on the specific needs of the plants you are considering. Resources like the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service’s publication on managing landscape plants and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook provide valuable information on woody plants and their care.
Plan Today for Tomorrow
Incorporating trees and woody shrubs into your landscape adds beauty and structure, but it requires thoughtful planning and consideration. By understanding your hardiness zone, considering the mature size of plants, ensuring proper planting techniques, and choosing the right time to plant, you can create a vibrant, sustainable landscape that will provide enjoyment for years to come.
A young Magnolia “Little Gem” shows off with deep green foliage and bright white bloom.
Well planted tree with top of root ball at the native soil level and not choked by over mulching.
Cultural
The Personal Significance of Plants in Our Lives
By LauraMcPhail
For someone with little formal knowledge of horticulture (like me), it can be easy to think of plants as impersonal. They are pretty, they are fascinating, and they delight the senses, but they don’t greet you at the end of a long day, they don’t tell stories over a shared meal with you, and they don’t give you a hug when you’ve had a rough time. But as I conducted research for this article, I found myself thinking more and more about how plants play such an important role not just in cultural traditions, but in forming cherished and deeply personal memories and even ties to one’s identity—and that’s about as personal as it gets.
Small Peas and Big Memories
Let me give you an example.
I recently saw a notification on social media from one of my favorite produce stands announcing that they had unshelled purple hull peas for sale. I jumped up, grabbed my keys and rushed to the stand, determined to get my hands on some of those peas before they sold out. This wasn’t just a desire for one of my favorite vegetables that always seems hard to find outside a grocery store freezer—this was important to my soul.
How could something as simple as a little field pea hold so much significance? My parents’ families both hail from central Mississippi, and purple hull peas are a staple there. Some of my most treasured core memories are of visiting my grandparents and those peas played a significant role in those visits.
My grandfather, the embodiment of the Greatest Generation, spent his military retirement farming a couple of acres. He grew a variety of vegetables, including those purple hull peas. Every morning of our long summer visits, my brother, cousins, and I would gather in the living room where my grandfather—who had been up and in the field since daylight—had deposited several 5-gallon buckets of unshelled peas and we were put to work.
Cultural Roots
My grandparents didn’t have cable, so we watched the game shows and soap operas my grandmother loved while all our little fingers were busy shelling peas, snapping beans, picking peanuts off the vine, or shucking corn with her. Bushels and bushels, which she would later “put up” in sandwich bags in the deep freezer.
Our thumbs and forefingers would turn purple from the hulls, but the reward was eating the bounty. Every day at lunch we sweltered in the heat of a non-air-conditioned old farmhouse in central Mississippi, dining on delicious fresh vegetables that we had a hand—literally— in bringing from the soil to the table. I can smell the aromas as I write this, and I can also hear my grandparents’ voices though both of these dear people have been gone for several years now. Mere mention of those peas brought it all back to me. See what I mean about plants being personal?
Plants and Cultural Identity
Mine is just one story in a million similar stories from around the world throughout the millennia that humans and plants have been coexisting. Horticulture, the art and science of cultivating plants, has played an integral role in human civilization for millennia. From ancient rituals to modern environmental stewardship, the influence of plants and gardens spans across cultures and epochs.
Think about the different ways people have used plants and the significance of those associated acts, rituals, and traditions. Take, for example, the art of bonsai and ikebana. In Japan, these are more than just hobbies; they are profound expressions of cultural heritage and personal reflection. Bonsai involves meticulous care and patience, symbolizing harmony, balance, and the beauty of nature. Each tree becomes a personal masterpiece that reflects the grower’s dedication and aesthetic sense.
6 In Hawaiian culture, hula dancing and lei making are integral traditions that involve deep relationships with native plants. The lei, a garland or wreath often made from flowers, leaves, seeds, or shells, is a symbol of affection, respect, and celebration. Each type of lei and the plants used carry specific meanings and are often crafted for significant life events like births, weddings, and graduations.
6 In India, the tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum), also known as holy basil, holds a sacred place in Hindu households. It is commonly grown in courtyards and temples, and daily worship rituals involve watering and adorning the plant with flowers. Tulsi is believed to bring health, prosperity, and spiritual purity.
This personal relationship with the plant is a reflection of its revered status in Hindu mythology and its importance in Ayurvedic medicine.
Many Native American tribes have intricate relationships with local plants, which are used for food, medicine, and spiritual practices. Ethnobotanical knowledge is often passed down through generations, creating a deeprooted connection between individuals, their heritage, and the plant world. This relationship underscores the importance of plants in the cultural identity and survival of indigenous communities.
6 In many African cultures, the baobab tree is revered as the “Tree of Life” due to its ability to provide food, water, shelter, and medicine. Communities often have personal and cultural ties to baobab trees, which serve as landmarks and gathering places. The fruit, leaves, and bark are used in various traditional remedies and as food sources. The baobab is also woven into local folklore and spiritual beliefs, symbolizing resilience and longevity.
Source: Ron Ardis/Flickr
6 In Mediterranean cultures, olive trees are symbols of peace, prosperity, and continuity. Families often have olive trees that have been passed down through generations, with the annual olive harvest being a significant cultural event. The process of growing, harvesting, and pressing olives for oil involves the whole community and strengthens social bonds.
During Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in Mexico, marigolds (cempasúchil) are used to honor deceased loved ones. The vibrant flowers are believed to guide the spirits back to the living world with their bright colors and strong fragrance. Families create elaborate altars (ofrendas) adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs, and favorite foods of the deceased. This tradition cultivates a personal connection to the marigolds and reinforces cultural beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife.
These few examples illustrate how people across the world can form profound personal relationships with plants, grounded in cultural traditions and heritage.
More Peas, Please
I am pleased to report that I made it to the produce stand in time to purchase a half bushel of purple hull peas. I took them home and delighted in showing my 3-year-old son how to peel the hull apart and extract the peas into his own small bowl. He sat in his little rocking chair while I sat in my big chair and we watched TV while our fingers worked.
Later, he watched with rapt attention as I washed them, blanched them, and set them out on a towel on
the kitchen table to cool before bagging them, just like my grandmother used to do. And I felt profoundly connected to my grandparents in that moment, proud that I could share this tradition with my son. My heart was full.
Here’s some food for thought as the Garden’s Global Rhythm And Blooms event series comes to a close in September: People across the world form profound personal relationships with plants, grounded in cultural traditions and heritage. These connections are not merely practical but are imbued with spiritual, emotional, and communal significance.
At Huntsville Botanical Garden, visitors are invited to explore this legacy through diverse gardens and exhibits that celebrate the beauty and importance of plants. Whether it’s through the educational programs that teach sustainable gardening practices or the stunning seasonal displays that showcase the diversity of the plant kingdom, the Garden fosters a deeper connection with the natural world.
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Galaxy engagement packages are available for Dec. 13, 14, & 15 and Dec. 27, 28, and 29.
Contact rentals@hsvbg.org for more information.
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