Being a plant enthusiast Aldridge, along with his father, patented Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake', a double-flowering form of Oakleaf Hydrangea. The Snowflake is the gardens signature plant. The Aldridge family continued for years to develop the verdant park as it exists today. The city of Hoover purchased the land from the Aldridge family in 1997. The city council passed a resolution making it a public space in perpetuity. It continues to be managed by a non-profit open to the public year-round. The landscape is rich with waterfalls as well as beautiful flowering and colorful plants. Among the many plants at Aldridge are hydrangeas, bonsai, azaleas, Japanese maples, and camellias, plus a five-acre lake with walking trails. The space is often used for educational opportunities and corporate team builders. Locals also claim the garden is an excellent location for bird watching, fishing and photo opportunities as well. This is an extraordinary break from city or urban life.
Aldridge Gardens is not the only place in Alabama to find rest and relaxation. There are twenty state parks across Alabama so there is no reason not to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There is always an outdoor place to explore close to home in Alabama. Yet, Aldridge Gardens proves to be distinctive as a park located in the center of an urban setting where new memories are made. Grab your walking stick and go!
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