Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Try this hobby to explore something new, de-stress + keep a local garden thriving
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Does anyone else feel overly absorbed by technology lately? If you’re looking for a way to touch grass (or at least get your hands in the dirt), gardening is a great way to unplug.
You can volunteer with Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG). You’ll dig up all sorts of exciting gardening knowledge while connecting with nature—no electronics required.
Read on for why you’ll love this opportunity.
1. You’ll get plenty of fresh air + sunshine
As a kid, I was always outside on some imagination-driven adventure. But somewhere down the line, staying indoors with air conditioning and electronics became the norm.
If you’re like me and need to boost your O2 and vitamin levels, volunteering with the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an easy way to make it happen.
This special place is a true outdoor paradise with enchanting pathways, rich greenery at every turn and gardens bursting with colorful flowers in bloom.
Yuwei Song is a Friends of BBG volunteer. As a UAB student studying genetics, she spends most of her time attending classes, but she sets aside a couple of hours each week unearthing new things at the Gardens.
“Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite places. I always come here to relax, take a walk or have a picnic. When I saw they accepted volunteers, I wanted to get involved.”
Yuwei Song, volunteer, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
You’ll find Yuwei spending her time in the Southern Living Garden.
This specific garden is designed to feel like an intimate Southern home garden. A few of its features include:
- Echo reflecting pool + terrace
- Emory Cunningham Native Azalea Walk with an iconic gazebo + pinecone fountain
- Southern Flower Border
One particularly interesting thing Yuwei gets to do in the Southern Living Garden is explore a variety of plants specially bred to thrive in the South.
Garden upkeep is another project Friends of BBG volunteers help with.
“I spend my time doing things like cutting back plants, pulling weeds and making sure the paths and grassy areas are free of trash and debris.”
Yuwei Song, volunteer, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
If you’re like me and aren’t always sure what’s classified as a weed and what’s not, BBG is a great place to boost your knowledge.
2. Digging in the dirt is therapeutic
Need a break from life’s daily worries? Earthing or “digging in the dirt” has been proven therapeutic to eliminate stress. Cue Friends of BBG!
While in the Gardens, you’ll discover various plants, flowers and gardening tips and tricks—all things that will clear your mind of personal hardships.
3. You’ll expand your social circle
New hobbies open doors to invigorating experiences and friends.
Friends of BBG welcomes a broad range of volunteers—no experience required! All you need is a passion for the Gardens and its mission and a little bit of time to pitch in.
Volunteers include:
- Adults + teens
- Master gardeners
- Plant novices
- Retirees
- Young professionals
Imagine how much you’ll learn from local volunteers who are master gardeners.
4. You’ll help keep a beloved community spot enjoyable for all
Gorgeous garden views (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
Located in the heart of Birmingham, BBG is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent local spots to visit. With more than 67 acres, it requires a lot of help and support to keep it thriving.
You may assume landscape companies are behind all the upkeep, but it’s mostly cared for by a mighty team of volunteers.
From tending to the many gardens to helping with events like the annual spring and fall plant sales, volunteers are essential to keeping the magic of the Gardens alive.
“We work on different projects each season, and my absolute favorite is taking a leisurely walk around the garden after finishing my tasks.
It’s so rewarding to see the beauty that results from helping out.”
Yuwei Song, volunteer, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The best part? Volunteers help keep BBG free for everyone to enjoy.
They also help grow plants specially selected for our region for their annual Fall Plant Sale. At the sale, you can meet other volunteers and learn expert gardening tips from them!
- When: Thursday, September 5-Saturday, September 7
- September 5: Priority shopping for BBG members
- September 6-7: Open to the public
- Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
- More info
Ready to try a new hobby? Find out more about volunteering with Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens by emailing volunteer@bbggardens.org or calling 205-414-3950.
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