Emerging from the 2023 master site planning process (also led by 3. Fromme Design and HDLA), the proposed Discovery Garden reimagines and doubles the existing decade plus old Family Garden. The intent was to have every experience, feature, and element, support and express the organization’s desire to encourage nature-based learning through surprise and delight.

This complement to the Wicks Family Garden provides learning experiences unique to the region and creatively expresses the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s mission, identity, and brand. The design provides safe, accessible, and comfortable experiences for visitors of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. It is a place to say “Yes!” to exploration and imaginative play. Every element supports interconnected learning themes and goals while delighting visitors through enjoyable adventures. The youth and adult experiences are integrated to spark interactions between the age groups.

Three outdoor spaces invite children and their caregivers to explore interpretations of three regional ecosystems: meadow, forest, and wetland. The interfaces of these create additional unique ecotone habitats such as a wet meadow and a wet forest.

The design team developed initial detailed ideas for participatory visitor engagement, key interpretive stories, planting intents, and visitor amenities to bring the Garden’s mission and curriculum to life. The schematic design process also developed a comprehensive written architectural program and bubble diagram for the proposed learning building complex.