Huntsville Botanical Garden- Yay or Nay?

[madisondad78]

For my family, the annual membership is what makes the garden worthwhile. Back when I had to pay admission every time, I felt obligated to stay for several hours and visit every corner of the grounds. Even if it was hot and my kids were grumpy, I'd push on and get my money's worth. Now I can pop over for 30 or 45 minutes, let the children run around, and exit at the first sign of boredom. We go at least once a month.

As far as quality is concerned, its not as large or well established as a lot of big city botanical gardens. But the amount of growth and improvement I've seen in the past ten years has been impressive. And it's a really nice way to spend an afternoon. For a town of this size (and I've lived in several) it's better done than you might expect.

[OmarLittle]

Second (or third or fourth) the annual membership at HSV HBG.

We go once a month or so, and enjoy the sense of community and contemplation
(check out the garden of hope).

[D.Diego]

Well I went, and I loved it. So I bought the family membership, there were so many things to REALLY look at that I knew it would take several trips to enjoy the full scope of things. I am really glad I posted here and got feedback about going. It was worth every penny! My family loved it, and the giant painted butterflies on display were so cool.

I look forward to the lights on display this December as well. Thanks everyone.

[zenjenn]

My family loved it, and the giant painted butterflies on display were so cool.

That is a seasonal thing. One thing that is great about the HBG it is very cyclical and they have something new almost every season. Butterflies in the spring, summer there's usually some kind of exhibit (once it was dinosaurs, once giant insect sculptures, last year it was treehouses with water features which made the whole garden a summer playground) fall there is the scarecrow trail and they add a sorghum maze, and in winter of course the Galaxy of lights.

Then there's events for kids... there's a Halloween event "Boo-tanica!", and egg hunt, "Wacky Wednesdays" in the summer there there is a snack and afternoon activity for kids. All are free with garden entry (and as a member you just walk in, so..) As a member you'll get invited to member walking nights - still have to pay a small entry fee but they have cocoa and cookies for free for members. Usually during spring and fall breaks they have a visitor come doing educational wildlife demonstration, which is great for the kids. If you have a dog, during the lull in winter they have "Dog Days" when people can walk their dogs in the gardens.

So now that you're a member, keep an eye on their calendar and remember to catch as many opportunities as you can!

[juliet108]

If you just want to try it out, keep an eye out for free days. Occasionally they'll offer free admission in exchange for coats, school supplies, etc.

We've got a family membership and small kids who love to go there and play.

In the summer they're open until 8pm on Thursday nights. We take a picnic dinner and avoid the summer heat.

[D.Diego]

Originally Posted by juliet108

In the summer they're open until 8pm on Thursday nights. We take a picnic dinner and avoid the summer heat.

What a great idea!