Huntsville Botanical Garden and Mama Zelda

Soon after I finished touring the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, I made my way to the Huntsville Botanical Garden by way of Walmart. Due to poor planning, I didn’t have the correct cord to charge my phone nor did I bring my charging block with me. I thought I had placed both of those items in my backpack, but reality did not match my intentions. My phone’s battery life had been drained, so I did my best to add some juice before I entered the Botanical Gardens. I almost made it too!

The beautiful entrance opened immediately to the gift shop (funny how that works), so I dallied and searched for a Dambo t-shirt. The only shirts remaining fit young children, so I headed, empty-handed, to the ticket counter. They assured me the shirts were on order, but I know I’ve missed out.

The Botanical Gardens processed my multi pass attraction app, but the company I used, “Get Your Guide”, seems to always change the way their app works. In this instance no barcode was attached. The ladies recognized the app, so they tallied my trip using another method. Technically my pass has not been voided, so unless they fix the app, each multi pass could be used over and over again.

The ladies directed me to a sign with a QR code. This sign gave me access to the grounds map. Yes, I wanted to see everything, but my first stop needed my immediate attention…Mama Zelda. She’s found at #15 on the map. It took less than seven minutes to arrive, but I saw a few things along the way. For example, I learned how the Botanical Garden formed and delighted in the blue bottle tree.

Mama Zelda

I could see her from afar and grew giddy. I snapped some pictures because, well, Zelda is unique. The brush and brambles surrounding her body form her hair. If I hadn’t known, it might have seemed like an overgrown art installation. As it was, I looked on with fascination.

With winter upon us, Mama Zelda is quite easy to see, but I’d love seeing her in different seasons. According to the website, she will have beautiful flowers and greenery that will take over her hair as the seasons progress.

Thomas Dambo left a few signs to help the troll hunters. First and foremost was the welcome sign.

I had heard stories about Mama Zelda’s hair, but she hid so much more. First and foremost, Mama Zelda’s hair created a maze. People walked through the paths and found swings, seats, and seeds.

The detail work that goes into each troll amazes me each time I visit one. Kids loved running through the paths, and several adults sat within the sculpture enjoying her beauty. As for me, I went on a Scavenger hunt. Thomas Dambo hid ten seeds throughout the sculpture, and I wanted to find them all!

I walked the maze multiple times, trying to count all ten seeds. Each time I lost track of which seeds I had seen, so I referenced my photos and finally…I did it!

Now, you’ve seen her hair and her hidden treasures, let’s learn a little more about Mama Zelda. Who better to tell you than Thomas Dambo himself? If you click watch on YouTube, you’ll see it!

I can’t express how amazing the work and effort made by the many people who volunteered to help Dambo’s dream was. Each detail was perfect, and the hidden features just added to the joy!

Other Areas

Reluctantly, I left Mama Zelda and decided to explore the many other areas. I think an area of healing, “Garden of Hope”, provided thoughtful reflection time. I read the signs, observed the sculptures, and felt a great sense of peace. My solo quest turned into a time of self-reflection and self care. Best of all, I had the place to myself.

My travels continued through the winding paths, and I watched the water trickle in the creek as birds flew by. If I did run into people, their respectful quiet added to the experience. As it was with the Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, I realized the beauty of summer would highlight another time for a visit. Thank you to the Huntsville Botanical Garden for filling my soul. What a joyful day!