Mobile Botanical Gardens

Fall Plant Sale 2025
2025-10-11 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | MBG MarketPlace, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
This may be the BEST Fall Plant Sale at MBG yet!
With hand selected plants chosen specifically for our Gulf Coast region, you can’t go wrong! AND We are happy to introduce NEW hours on Thursday, October 9th – come early and shop late with us from 1 PM – 7 PM.
The sale will continue on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 & 11, from 9 AM – 4 PM.
Click Here for More Information & For the List of Plants Available at the Sale

Preschool Storytime: Tales and Trails in the Gardens
2025-10-16 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-30 10:30 - 11:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Tales and Trails in the Gardens Preschool Storytime Returns!
Tales and Trails preschool storytime returns to Mobile Botanical Gardens thanks to the generous support of the Lilian S. Woolford Charitable Trust.
Join us on Thursday mornings beginning at 10:30 am in various locations throughout MBG’s 106 acres to enjoy preschool storytime together. MBG Docents will read aloud specially selected stories and lead nature-based activities perfect for preschoolers. Parents and children alike will learn and have fun in our gorgeous garden setting.
Tales and Trails in the Gardens Fall 2025 dates:
September 25 – Trees ‘If I Were a Tree’ by Dar Hosta
October 2 – Full Moon – ‘Hello, Harvest Moon’ by Ralph Fletcher
October 9 – Apples – ‘The Apple Pie Tree’ by Zoe Hall
October 16 – Seeds – ‘Planting the Wild Garden’ by Kathryn Galbraith
October 23 – Pumpkins – ‘Pumpkin Jack’ by Will Hubbell
October 30 – Halloween – ‘The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything’ by Linda Williams
Tales and Trails in the Gardens is FREE for MBG members (Membership Benefits) (Join MBG Now) or with regular admission. But registration is required; register for Tales and Trails here.

Sketch Club in the Gardens
2025-10-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-31 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-05 14:00 - 16:00 and 3 more dates | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
What: A casual sketch club experience with oversight from Derek Norman, botanical arts instructor
When: Friday afternoons, 2-4pm*
Where: The Larkins Classroom OR at Magnolia Hill Studio
Cost: FREE for MBG Members, regular admission for nonmembers. (Benefits of membership) (Join Now!)
*The sketch club generally meets on Friday afternoons, subject to availability of space. Contact the office at 251.342.0555 to verify hours of activity on specific dates.

-=-The drawings and paintings shown here are by recent members of the Gardens Sketch Club and botanical art students of the MBG. They serve as examples of what can be achieved by those with none or very little previous experience drawing and painting.
We invite you to visit the Garden’s Sketch Club and to enjoy the therapeutic rewards of learning to draw and drawing to learn! Learn how art can transform and enrich your life plus enhance your physical and mental well-being.
We meet each Friday afternoon in an open studio where we usually work, study, draw and paint. We exchange information relevant to the business of botanical art, art in general and to the consideration of individual botanical art concerns.
Join the MBG Sketch Club. – a whole new world of infinite possibilities! -=-
-Derek Norman, Educator, Designer, Artist, Author, Curator & sometime Writer. 5th October 2024
Join Derek and several of his Botanical Arts students for an enjoyable afternoon of sketching the collections of MBG.

Fall Fling!
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
WHAT: Fall Fling
WHEN: Saturday, October 18th, 10 am – 1 pm
Join us for our fall open house! Enjoy hands-on activities, yard games and browse the newest seasonal art in our gift shop. Fall snacks will be available for purchase. The Environmental Studies Center will be presenting nocturnal animals at 11:00.
Free with general admission and for members.

Annual Membership Meeting
2025-10-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Email Jessica to RSVP Here

Macrame with Deidre Sanders
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Macrame Plant Hanger WorkShop
Saturday, November 1
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
$40 for Not-Yet Members
$35 for Members (difference refunded after purchase)
Join Deirdre Sanders of Small Craft Studio for a fun and creative Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop! Learn the art of knotting as Deirdre guides you step by step through making your own macrame plant hanger. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, you’ll find this hands-on workshop to be a relaxed, inspiring environment. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with a finished piece ready for your beautiful hanging plants.
Please note: Pots are not included.
Register Here
Meet Your Instructor:

Deirdre Sanders is an artist living in Mobile, AL. Originally from New York, Deirdre lived in Baltimore and Marietta, Ohio, before moving to the Gulf Coast. An educator for many years, Deirdre left academia in the early 2010s to pursue her interest in sewing and art. In addition to making custom clothing for clients in the Mobile area, Deirdre offers workshops in sewing, art, and polymer clay through her business, Small Craft Studio.
Website: www.smallcraft.studio
Facebook: Small Craft Studio
Instagram: smallcraft.studio

1st Saturday for Families
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
First Saturday for Families • November 1, 10am-12pm
Bring the whole family to the Gardens from 10am-12pm. There will be a LEGO building station in the gift shop, a nature-based fall craft and a new scavenger hunt to take with you while you wander through the Gardens.
Free with general admission and for members.

1st Friday Presentation: "The Secret (and Essential) Lives of Moths"
2025-11-07 10:00 - 23:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
WHAT: First Friday Presentation – The Secret (and Essential) lives of Moths
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 7th @ 10 AM
WHERE: Larkins Classroom
In this talk, artist Rachel Wright will discuss the magnificent moth and how it has gotten all the bad publicity. Join us to discover how moths are an essential part of the ecosystem, hear fascinating stories about moths and their biology, and see some downright beautiful moths.
There is no cost to attend the presentation but please RSVP by emailing Jessica here.

Precious Metal Clay Jewelry Design Class
2025-11-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Introduction to Precious Metal Clay Fine Silver Jewelry Design
Saturday, November 8
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
$295 for Not-Yet Members
$285 for Members (difference refunded after purchase)
Class is limited to 6 students so be sure to sign up today!
This 5-hour class will introduce you to the interesting life of design through the application of fine silver metal clay.
In this class you will briefly learn the history of PMC, and the unique characteristics of the process and materials that make it both challenging and rewarding. We will sculpt, sand and dry the fine silver pieces to prepare for firing. During this class, you will be able to design at least one pendant and one or two pair of earrings. The price of the class includes all materials including the fine silver clay, the consumables needed to design the pieces, the firing and tumbling of your work.
The instructor, Kathryn Whetstone, is a Level 3 Certified PMC Instructor who was trained under well-known jeweler and PMC designer, Teva Chaffin of Nashville, Tn. Kathryn began her training at William Holland School of Lapidiary Arts in Georgia in 2006 and then continued studying under Teva in Nashville for at least 5 more years.. Kathryn has taught metal clay classes in the Auburn-Opelika area for the last 10 years and has studied more recently under the tutelage of Laurie LaMarca, a celebrated Metal Clay artist from Louisiana.
Please Note: Students are responsible for bringing their own lunch and snacks.
Register Here

Candle Making Class
2025-11-08 16:00 - 18:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Candle Making Class
Taught by Seanna Mongon – Humble Hope Candle Co.
Saturday, November 8th , 4 – 6 PM
$50 for Not-Yet Members
$45 for Members (difference refunded after purchase)
Register Here
Bring a friend and come and create your own glowing masterpiece!
Join us for a hands-on, sensory candle making experience! You will craft your own signature candle using a coconut wax blend and customizing the fragrance with premium fragrance oils. Embellish your candle with creative touches like shimmering mica powder, dried herbs and flowers and handmade wax embellishments.
After creating and naming your one-of-a-kind candle you will have a chance to submit your signature name to Seanna. Each season she chooses a custom scent and name from the submissions to include in the Humble Hope candle line!
What is included:

learn the basics of candle making
how to safely melt, scent and pour your candle
phthalate, sulfate and prop 65 safe premium fragrances
create and decorate with mica powder and wax melt embellishments (flowers, shapes, textures)
a personalized candle to take home

A portion of class fees go to support Love All Food Pantry in Mobile, AL.
About Your Instructor
Seanna Mongan is the founder and visionary behind Humble Hope Candle Co. and Humble Hope Cozy Cottage, located at Central Midtown at 1260 Dauphin St. With a deep-rooted passion for community and justice, Seanna was inspired to create a space where creativity and compassion could work hand in hand. Drawing on years of community outreach and her belief in second chances, she launched the Cottage to highlight local artisans, support sustainable practices, and create job opportunities for those in need.
Her mission is simple but powerful: build bridges through small acts of hope. Whether through a candle, a conversation, or a connection, Seanna’s heart for others is the soul of the Cottage — and the reason it feels like a hug the moment you walk in.
Register Here

Fall Floral Class with Susan from LUSH Florist
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Fall Bouquet Class
Saturday, November 22
10:00 AM – 12:00PM
$85 for Not-Yet Members
$80 for Members (difference refunded after purchase)
Come join the fun and let the experts from LUSH teach you the basics of floral arranging! This is an informal floral design class where you will learn some simple design concepts and create a bouquet of your own. You will leave with a beautiful fall-inspired arrangement perfect for your Thanksgiving tablescapes! All supplies are included.
Register here.

Holiday Market 2025
2025-12-05 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
MBG Holiday Market 2025
December 5th – 6th, 9 am – 3 PM
More Info to Come Soon!

Festive Nights in The Garden
2025-12-11 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-12 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-18 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-19 17:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Festive Nights in the Garden
December 11 & 12, 18-20 • 5-8pm
Introducing our first Festive Nights in the Garden! Come enjoy an evening of holiday lighting, nature-themed hands-on crafts, a mini wreath making station and marshmallow roasting around fire pits.
Santa will be stopping by on the 11th, 12th, 18th and 20th, with a break to feed the reindeer on the 19th! Personal photos are allowed, no photo fee.
Stop by the gift shop for holiday gifts and a coffee and hot cocoa bar with coffee generously provided by Carpe Diem!
All activities, the coffee/hot cocoa bar and Santa are included in the ticket price. Pre-sale tickets coming soon!
Adults:
MBG Members: $15
Non-members: $18
Youth (5-17):
MBG Members: $6
Non-members: $8
Children 4 and under are free.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Come join the festivities!
Send an email to cklemmer@mbgardens.org to find out more info.
