Aldridge Gardens - Hoover, AL - a refuge for animals and plants

Father and son team Eddie and Loren L. Aldridge formed the thirty acre Aldridge Gardens. The Hydrangea quercifolia which is a form of the Oakleaf Hydrangea that double flowers was not only formed by patented by the two. A formal dedication of the garden to the public was done during 1997 and the facility is now under the management of a non-profit organization.

The Coxe Family Estate was first seen by Eddie Aldridge when he was hired to plant magnolias on it during 1966. He and his Father both were nurserymen that shared an appreciation of beauty and were in agreement that the property in Hoover's center would be ideal for a botanical garden.

It was another eleven years before the Coxe Family decided to sell the property. Eddie bought it during 1977 and began to slowly turn it into what it is today. The facility currently has eleven main attractions for the enjoyment of visitors. Among them are the Loblolly Pines with picnic grounds and the Alabama Croton Thicket.

The Urban Forest, a thicket below the dam, a lake and shore line can also be found at the Aldridge Gardens. The Wild Flower Garden can be seen from the overlooking observation deck, there is a woodland hillside and pavilion. There are also the Aldridge home and lake house on the property in addition to new area that will be added soon.

There are one hundred and seventy-five species of hydrangea and cultivars at the garden. There are a number of birds native to the Aldridge Botancial Gardens which provides the three main requirements for their survival. The facility offers them water, food and a reproductive area. The birds at the garden are free to move between the lawns, water sources, shrubs and trees that feed them.

During Spring of 2006 there were eight next boxes for Eastern Bluebirds installed as a part of the Blue Bird Project to make up for them losing the habitat they used to nest. The nesting boxes were at full capacity at the end of nesting season. There are also a number of animals not normally seen during the day found at the gardens.

The facilities at the Aldridge Gardens can be rented for events. The Aldridge House which opens to a view of a six acre lake from a large brick patio can be rented to hold gatherings. There are hardwood floors in the dining and living rooms, an antique fireplace, library shelves and a tray ceiling. There is a sun room with brick floors and a patio that gives a view of the lake.

The house at Aldridge Gardens can accommodate a maximum of 150 people when used with the patio, without the patio it holds 100 people. There can be fifty people for a reception for thirty-six for a seated dinner in the living room and dining room as well as in the sun room and conference room. Those wishing to obtain additional information about the facilities and rentals should contact the gardens directly.