Huntsville Botanical Garden, Huntsville

I wasn't impressed with the school field trip here. The children were never taken into the Butterfly House or the rest of the Gardens. They were only shown the Children's Garden and the Pond. For the amount charged, I don't think we got our money's worth.

I'm an artist and I find the place very nice.I have recommended the gardens to many people, one friend, in particular, has recently called my attention to this forum, asking me if one of the contributors was a person I was familiar enough with to have relayed my personal experience to her about. Yes! indeed. And I am delighted to see such a post in a place I might add some light about! I have seen "A" certain photographer from time to time, who seems to get a certain " frowned faced pleasure" out of attempting to ruin such peace for others, in the garden, by bullying, and assertion, beyond what seems rational to me. Perhaps it seems irrational to others, as well, but one cannot expect a polite person to say so. The staff is nice. They do more than their job. Many photographers come and go to the garden. There is one who is very rude, however.

I am a North Alabama native and a professional photographer. I pay a photographer's fee to use the gardens from time to time for bridal sessions and so forth. I have never had a problem until this past weekend. The staff was unbelievably rude to me when I asked if there was a spare room my bride could change in. They directed me to the public restroom that was in deperate need of cleaning. Needless to say, I asked for a manager and they refused to call one. I pay a $100 fee for 2 hours of shooting time and I am treated horribly. There were 4 women manning the front desk and all of them teamed-up on me and my poor bride. We were nothing but polite, and we were treated like dirt. One of the women actually said they "didn't have time to deal with photographers." One word of caution for other photographers thinking about using the gardens: "Beware!"

There's nothing I disliked. It's very beautiful, especially in the spring. It's a gorgeous walk among all those beautiful flowers. I felt I could move there and spend the rest of my life admiring the beauty of nature. The people are extremelly friendly. Every single person says hi and smiles. Of course, I recommend it. It's worth the time and the money.

The Botanical Garden is beautifully landscaped, as any garden should be. The paths are varied between sidewalks, brick paths, and gravel paths through the woods. Mass plantings of flowers are very striking along the main sidewalks and every time we go, there is something new and different in bloom. The Children's Garden is one of the newest attractions and our children 13, 9, and 10mos all love it! There are educational activities in each distinctly different area and it is a welcome retreat from the typical park-type outings most children are used to. The Butterfly house is breathtakingly beautiful. It's a seasonal attraction, but it is worth waiting to see! We enjoy coming to the garden about once a week, sometimes more to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and beauty of nature. We recommend getting a membership if you enjoy the gardens, once you've made just a couple visits, it has paid for itself! Our membership was definitely the most used present I have ever received.