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There’s something special blooming in Birmingham—and it’s more than beautiful flowers. The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens just wrapped up the inaugural Rooted in Community program, an initiative helping locals turn grassroots ideas into thriving projects that benefit our local neighborhoods.

Read on to see how this new program is helping the Magic City grow stronger, greener and more connected.

About the Rooted in Community program

Rooted in Community, a new initiative from the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens (FBBG), empowers Birmingham residents to make a lasting impact in the communities where they live and work.

The program provides tools, encouragement and funding to help participants bring grassroots projects to life, from community gardens and pollinator habitats to sustainability and beautification efforts.

Each program participant receives a $500 award to kickstart their project, whether that means buying seeds and soil, adding plants to an existing garden, or stocking up on supplies for a neighborhood cleanup. It’s also a great way to build community connections.

“Rooted in Community participants will gain access to a network of community organizations that have similar interests and goals, a connection to community resources and receive a free one-year membership with the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.”
Ianthe’ Smith, Community Engagement Associate, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Gardening with purpose: Dorothy Leonard’s story

One participant from this year’s inaugural program is Dorothy Leonard, Program Director for the Midfield-Holt Community and a master gardener.

With a passion for youth education and healthy living, Dorothy started the Midfield-Holt Community Garden about a year ago—a space she’s transformed into a hands-on classroom for local kids.

When the opportunity to be part of FBBG’s Rooted in Community program came along, she jumped at it.

“I wanted to be involved in the Rooted in Community program as a way to further impact local children. I am an educator. I know how to teach and I love children. I understand the importance of nutrition in their lives.”
Dorothy Leonard

The garden has already made an incredible impact.

“The students didn’t know carrots and potatoes came out of the ground. They didn’t know about pollination or how fresh vegetables taste. Now, I see them tasting herbs in the garden—it’s great!”
Dorothy Leonard

For Dorothy, every seed planted is a chance to nurture healthy habits and curious minds.

“Youth are very impressionable and thirsty for knowledge. If we expose them to new skills, they’ll learn it’s fun, relaxing and great therapy. Can you dig it?”
Dorothy Leonard

Other Birmingham groups digging in

The Midfield-Holt Community Garden isn’t the only Greater Birmingham group to take part in Rooted in Community’s inaugural program. Others participants include:

CSM Gardener Center–Christian Service Mission
Project Full Plate–Creative Enrichment, Inc
Alphabet Garden Upgrade–PreSchool Partners
Therapeutic Horticulture–South Highland Adult Day Care Center

How you can take part in the next Rooted in Community program in Birmingham

Feeling inspired by Rooted in Community? Plan ahead for the next program, running March–October 2026.

“The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens is committed to serving the Gardens, the community, our visitors and inspiring a passion for plants, gardens, and the environment.

We want to encourage local neighborhoods in their eﬀorts to grow a greener Birmingham and foster a stronger connection between the people of Greater Birmingham and the natural world. Launching this program was our way to raise awareness of our resources while uplifting our mission.”
Ianthe’ Smith, Community Engagement Associate, Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Whether you’re dreaming of a pollinator garden, tackling food insecurity or just want to make your street a little greener, now’s the time to start planning your project.

Learn more and become a member of the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens to help programs like Rooted in Community thrive and keep Birmingham blooming.

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