SIMS GARDEN
Mahjong in the Garden March 7
Join us in the garden for a morning of Mahjong, brunch, and time together in one of Homewood’s most special spaces. Mahjong in the Garden is set for March 7 at Miss Sims Garden Botanical Park, 908 Highland Road in Homewood. Brunch begins at 10:00am and play starts at 10:30am. This event supports the continued care and growth of Miss Sims Garden, a peaceful retreat and learning space in the heart of Edgewood.
Sponsorships are also available for the 2026 event season. Partners can support signature events like Mahjong in the Garden, the Centennial Plant Sale, the Pumpkin and Mum Sale, and the Fall Gala, with recognition across printed and digital promotions and unique opportunities to engage with the community.
2026 Volunteer Days
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