Botanical garden offers Spring Break camp for youth, tips for adults
HUNTSVILLE – Spring is in the air, and Huntsville Botanical Garden is prepared with a weeklong adventure for children and a three-session overview for a home garden for adults.
The botanical garden’s camps are immersive experiences designed to foster a child’s connection to the natural world. With engaging STEM activities, their certified instructors will guide campers to explore nature, ask questions, solve problems and grow into thoughtful, environmental stewards. Campers will participate in various outdoor projects and play activities that inspire curiosity, creativity and exploration.
The “Spring Into Gardening” STEM Camp during Spring Break on March 16-20 will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden staff will coordinate time to dig into soil science, plant growth and even explore bugs’ helpful role. (hsvbg.org/camp/ spring-into-gardening-2026) Spring is the ideal season for planting. Campers will discover gardening methods, including hydroponics and square-foot gardening, which they can try at home. By week’s end, students will have the skills needed to design and create their own unique garden.
The staff designs all activities as age-appropriate. They will group students who are 4 and 5 years old; 6- through 8-yearolds; and 9- through 12-yearolds. Camp fee for garden members is $275. Fee for families who aren’t members is $400.
In addition, extended care will be available. Do you need to drop off your camper early or extra time in the afternoon? Parents can register a camper and sign up for extended-care options.
Morning extended care is available for half-day and fullday programs. Afternoon extended care is limited to full-day programs.
Time for morning extended care is 7:30 to 9 a.m. For extended care in the afternoon, time is 4 to 5 p.m. Fee is $50, regardless of membership.
For more information or waitlisting for Youth STEM Camps, call 256-830-4447, ext. 241 or 270; or email stemcamps@hsvbg.org.
For grown-ups, the botanical garden has a series that will help anyone interested in gardening but unsure where to begin. The “Gardening 101 Series” will help prospective gardeners to reach success with their plantings.
Rebecca Turk will instruct the classes. Turk earned a master’s degree in horticulture from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Stephen F. Austin State University. At Huntsville Botanical Garden, she serves as Director of Learning and Public Engagement.
Sessions will cover the basics, including light exposure, bed preparation, plant selection, soil quality, watering, tool selection and tips/tricks to yield better results. This series will include both lecture and demonstrations, so all attendees should come dressed for the outdoors. (hsvbg.org/calendar-event/gardening- 101-series/2026-03-26) Sessions will be held on March 26, April 2 and April 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This three-part series is designed for beginners looking to build a strong gardening foundation. Capacity is limited, so reserve a seat early.
When classes end, attendees will take home seeds to kickstart a home garden.
The class will begin promptly at 6 p.m.; arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to reach the class location.
Fee is $90 for garden members. Anyone who isn’t a member will pay $160.
