One of the visions of the Mobile Botanical Gardens is to bring the community into this beautiful oasis to explore and to learn.  It is a place where families, school groups, and organizations can come to spend an hour or a day to learn and enjoy. Check out the Calendar for all the events.

In addition, school classes, clubs and organizations may schedule a guided tour of the Gardens or a special focused program.  Frequently requested activities are listed below.  To discuss a special reservation, contact the gardens at 251-342-0555 or email mbg2@bellsouth.net and you will be contacted by the Education Coordinator to arrange your visit.

GUIDED GARDEN WALKS (Group sizes are limited to 18 or two subgroups of 18 each)

General Tour of the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Focus and features vary with the season, the age of the group and any special requests. Good for clubs, gardening groups, the general public and school classes. Time: 1-11/2 hours.

The Green World or It’s Easy Being Green. General biology and ecology of flowering plants.  Assumes some prior exposure to plants and can be adjusted to the grade level of the group.  Time: 1-2 hours.

Ferns, Mosses and Lichens. Using the Fern Glade and the Fragrance and Texture Garden>, general characteristics, biology and ecology of these unique plants are highlighted.  Time: 1 hour.

Garden Scavenger Hunt. Customized to the group and the anticipated outcomes.  A fun way to learn without even realizing it! Time: 1-1/2 hours.

Stop, Look and Listen. A woodland walk punctuated by marked station where participants are challenged to make and discuss their discoveries and observations.  Time: 1-1/2 hours.

GARDEN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

The Five Senses. An experiential, hands-on challenge to use all of your senses to experience nature and gardens.  Conducted in the Herb Garden.  Time: 1-1/2 hours.

Grocery Store Botany. An “edible lab” !  Participants become aware of the wide diversity of plant types and parts that are standard fare on our dinner tables.  Lots of surprises and gee-whizzes!  Conducted indoors.  Time: 1-1/2 hours.

The Birds, the Bees and the Flowers. The science and wonders of pollination and plant-animal interactions.  Includes seasonal examples available at MBG and a special session on butterflies (large model demonstrates!).  Time: 1-1/2 hours.  Visit may be extended to include learning games.