Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

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The Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Alabama is a 67.5-acre botanical garden located on the southern slope of Red Mountain, adjacent to the Birmingham Zoo.

Established in 1962 and opened to the public in 1963, the gardens were created through the vision and efforts of Mayor James W. Morgan, who sought to build a large public garden that provides a serene natural escape within an urban environment.

The gardens feature more than 25 themed areas and over 10,000 native and exotic plants, as well as a large conservatory, ponds, bridges, walking trails, and more than 30 original outdoor sculptures. It also houses the largest public horticulture library in the United States, educational centers, and family-friendly zones such as the Arrington Children’s Plant Adventure.

Throughout its history, the garden has continually expanded and evolved, with highlights including a floral clock, Japanese Garden with bonsai and a teahouse, and specialized gardens like the Fern Glade and Rhododendron Species Garden.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens welcomes over 350,000 visitors annually and stands as Alabama’s largest free-admission attraction, serving as both a recreational refuge and a center for botanical conservation and education.