Founded in 1974, the Mobile Botanical Gardens strives to instill a passion for learning. It stretches over 100 acres and is where you can see the largest collection of plants on the Gulf Coast. Here is some of what the gardens offers near our University of South Alabama housing:
Katherine Shropshire Nature Trail
Dedicated to one of the garden's earliest supporters, the Katherine Shropshire Nature Trail offers a short quarter-mile adventure through a wooded area. It follows the bank of a small stream, and you never know what wildlife will wander by.
Longleaf Pine Forest
The Longleaf Pine Forest is where you will find one of the last remaining stands in Mobile. Its colorful wildflowers are a visitor favorite, and they're located along the forest's meandering trails. Longleaf Pine is called a "Treasure Forest" by the Alabama Forestry Commission, and its diverse habitat features 72 woody species and 175 vascular plant species.
Garden Sketch Club
Held on Fridays between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., the Garden Sketch Club invites everyone to come and hone their skills. It's led by skilled artist Derek Norman. He has won gold and silver gilt medals at London's Royal Horticulture Society, and his works hang in private and public collections.
Georgia Roussos Boxed Lunch
If visiting on a Wednesday or Friday, don't miss sampling Georgia Roussos' boxed lunch. It includes an entree, rolls, dessert, and a drink. Placing an advanced order is highly recommended.
The Artful Garden Gift Shop
Finally, end your visit at The Artful Garden Gift Shop. It features the work of many local artists, and you can shop for blown glass, metal art, and gifts for your favorite gardener. The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday.
For another way to get out and explore, head to the GulfQuest National Maritime Museum. Finally, to become a resident of Traditions at South, please contact us. Our team will show you everything our apartments near the University of South Alabama have to offer.