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Aldridge Gardens
Now open to the public, the property is located on the corner of Lorna Road and Rocky Ridge Ranch Road. For more information, visit the Aldridge Gardens website. Opened June 1, 2002, Aldridge Gardens is one of only very few botanical gardens that specialize in hydrangeas.
About the Aldridge Family
Aldridge Gardens is a 32-acre woodland garden nestled in the heart of Hoover. For many years the property was the home of noted nurseryman Eddie Aldridge (1933-2018) and his wife Kay. Aldridge Gardens is laden with hydrangeas, camellias, Japanese maples, azaleas, bonsai, and native Alabama plants, all planted along walking paths surrounding the Gardens’ 5 acre lake.
Eddie was introduced to the Coxe estate, located in the heart of rapidly expanding Hoover, in 1966 when he was hired by Mrs. Coxe to plant two magnolia trees on the property. Eddie instantly recognized the beauty and potential of the land as a garden, and in 1977 purchased the estate. That step began the development of the property as a public garden.
In 1997 the City of Hoover purchased the estate, and the Council passed a resolution to ensure the property would remain public space in perpetuity. In 2002, twenty years after Eddie acquired the property, Aldridge Gardens opened as the public garden Eddie and Kay envisioned.
Today, Aldridge Gardens stands as one of the City of Hoover's great outdoor spaces. Home to events such as Taste of Hoover, Hydrangeas Under the Stars and other public gatherings, the Gardens is also a much in demand venue for weddings, receptions, showers, corporate meetings and gatherings of all kinds. As a venue, Aldridge Gardens has several incredible facilities including the Aldridge House, our open-air Pavilion, the NaphCare Education Building and the Field Trip Garden Shelter.
The Gardens maintains over ½ mile of walking paths, the majority of which are around our 5 acre lake. On the lake's dam is the Veterans Memorial Arbor and Pentagon Plaza, a stunning tribute to those who have served our country in the armed forces.
The Gardens is also a source for adult's and children's education sessions and classes. One of our most popular offerings are Childrens' Summer Camps in June.
Aldridge Gardens, a City of Hoover facility, is open free of charge year round except New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (and other special events days). The Gardens opens at 8am and closing time varies seasonally.
Visit Aldridgegardens.com for updates on special events and happenings.
Snowflake Hydrangeas
Aldridge, a noted nurseryman, had specialized in hydrangeas and he and his father Loren, for whom the Gardens are named, discovered the Snowflake and planted hundreds on the property.
It is now the trademark flower for Aldridge Gardens, a serene escape in the bustling and growing City of Hoover.
Other Plants & Features
A number of other types of plants, trees, and flowers can be seen at Aldridge Gardens year-round.
The first of several water features at Aldridge Gardens is Kay's the Woodland Stream that flows through the Shade Garden into the peaceful and placid five-acre lake.
Aldridge Gardens' is used for weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. For more information, call the Gardens at 205-682-8019.
Annual memberships and tours are available.