HOME
SIMS GARDEN
Catherine Sims
About Sims Garden
Ms. Sims left the garden to the City of Homewood with no supporting funds or guidelines, so in addition to committing annual maintenance funds when possible, the City relies on the Miss Sims' Garden Foundation (501c3) to fundraise and manage the property. The garden is in great need of landscape improvements to manage increased stormwater run-off, restore Miss Sims' Heirloom plants, and create accessibility for all. The Foundation is actively fundraising for these plans and hopes to close a $50k shortfall in 2024. If you would like to contribute, you may donate through their Go Fund Me Page (hyperlinked), PayPal , or Venmo (@sims-garden). You may also mail a check to the Miss Sims' Garden Foundation, Inc., 908 Highland Road, Birmingham, AL 35209
You can read Miss Sims' obituary HERE.
Keeping the Garden Growing
"Catherine was passionate about gardening, and appreciated even the smallest detail of each flower."
Sims Garden is a pocket garden in the Edgewood Neighborhood of Homewood. It is the legacy of Catherine Anville Sims, known as the plant lady. In her will, she deeded her property to the City of Homewood, with the stipulation that it be maintained as a botanical park. Open Daily for self-guided tours. Email simsgarden@homewoodal.org if you have questions or wish to arrange a guided tour or event.
Our Blooming Garden
Here are lists of what's blooming in..
February: Edgeworthia (Chinese Paperbush), Early Daffodils, Early Hyacinth, Japanese Magnolia, Lenton Roses. Witch Hazel, Spring Snowflake/Snowdrops
March: Fruit trees & shrubs (plum, peach, apple, blueberry) and Dogwoods, Camellias, Native Azaleas, Lacecap Hydrangea, Witch Alder, Alabama Croton, Lenton Roses, Spring Star, Butterwort, Bloodroot, Buckeye, Violets, Daffodils, Hyacinth and Tulips.
April: Fruit Trees, Azaleas, Itea, Candytuft, Trillium, Rain Lily, Phlox, Tulilps, Carolina Silverbell, Daisies, Roses, Sweet Shrub, Iris, Onions
May: Ajuga, Cotton Lavendar, Coneflower, Dahlias, Daisies, Hydrangeas,Spanish Lavendar, Magnolias, Salvia, Peony, Blue-eyed grass
June-July: Ajuga, Bee Balm, Black-eyed/Brown-eyed Susan, Blue-eyed Grass, Dahlias, Day Lilies, Hydrangeas, Marigolds, Parrot/Peruvian Lily, Milkweed, Sunflower, Zinnia, Coreopsis, Gladiolas, Surprise Lilies
August: Black-eyed/Brown-eyed Susans, Marigolds, Lilies, Sunflowers, Roses, Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus; Lantana
September:
Sunflowers, Marigolds, Chrysanthemums, Beauty Berry, Lantana, Golden Rod, Ornamental Grasses