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Sunday
Feb022014

Snowbound at Aldridge Gardens

I have heard many stories of people who were caught in last Tuesday's snowstorm that shut down Birmingham and all of its surrounding areas, but Audrey Ann Wilson has to be one of the more fortunate ones who were snowbound away from home. She is the Education Coordinator at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, Alabama and was at work when the snow started coming down. Shortly after she left her office, she realized she would not be able to make it home; so she decided to stay overnight at the Gardens inside the Eddie and Kay Aldridge Art and Historical Collections Museum. Not a bad place to be snowbound! The Museum once was the personal home of Eddie and Kay Aldridge.

With a kitchen with some frozen meals in the freezer, as well as some chairs, some tablecloths and a huge drop cloth with which to fashion a bed, Audrey Ann was much more comfortable than the poor souls trapped on the highways. Best of all, she had her camera! Aldridge Gardens is a 30 acre woodland retreat, tucked away only moments from the busiest shopping malls and roads in Hoover. Audrey Ann has given me permission to tell her story and to share her photos of Aldridge Gardens in the snow, a sight we don't often get to see. Enjoy!

Aldridge gardens is home to the largest publicly available collection of Frank Fleming bronze sculptures, including the pieces shown above.

You can learn more about Aldridge Gardens and see more of Audrey Ann's snowy photos at Aldridge Gardens.com.


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Reader Comments (15)

The garden, deserted and covered with snow has a pleasantly haunting atmosphere to it! Thanks for sharing this Debs!

February 2, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterMark and Gaz

So wonderful - or perhaps I should say, snow wonderful! That was certainly a better way to pass the time than sleeping in a car or on the floor of a supermarket or the local mall. I hope you're thawing out!

February 2, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterKris P

I know the snow is so unexpected in your area, Deb - but this lovely garden and property certainly show it off beautifully. Gorgeous!!

February 2, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterAstrid

Nice! I agree--not a bad place to spend an evening. Thanks for sharing Aldridge Gardens and Audrey Ann's story!

February 2, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterPlantPostings

She must have had the next best place to home during the storm! Aldrige Gardens looks like a beautiful place.

February 2, 2014 | Unregistered Commentersweetbay

Truly magical Deb. Audrey did the right thing. I am reminded of the time when a work colleague of mine back in the early 70s emigrated to Canada. Moving there in early Summer was so exciting for himself and his young family. In the first Winter whilst travelling home in horrendous conditions his car was engulfed in an avalanche, sadly he didn't survive.

February 3, 2014 | Unregistered Commenteralistair

If I were to be snowbound, that's where I'd want to be! Magical! In fact, I'm not sure I'd ever want to go home!

February 3, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterHolleyGarden

Lovely snowy scenes, she certainly made the right decision not to be caught out in the snow all night.

February 3, 2014 | Unregistered Commenterpauline

That is so very beautiful. Where would you most like to be snowed in if you could choose?

February 3, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterChristina

Hi Deb, poor Audrey, but this was probably one of the most beautiful places to get snow bound! I loved seeing the magical photos of the Aldridge Gardens. The bronze sculptures are very neat, too. I would be curious to see how these gardens look in spring as well. Wishing you a nice start of the week!
Christina

February 3, 2014 | Unregistered Commenterchristina

Beautiful pictures. I wouldn't want to be stuck in my place of work overnight, but she certainly made the best of it.

February 3, 2014 | Unregistered Commenterjason

I can see why the snow would endanger so many travellers. She was smart not to attempt the drive.

Hope it's all gone by now.

Jen

February 3, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterJen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Lovely photographs! I love the snow and your pond pictures are great :-)

February 4, 2014 | Unregistered Commentermichael

We have more of the white stuff than we know what to do with here. I can imagine though how frightening it would be to drive in it is you are not used to it. I am glad that Audrey Ann found a safe and comfortable place to wait out the storm. Her pictures are lovely.

February 5, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterJennifer

Deborah what a fabulous story and pictures. Smart for her to stay where she was. it is rare but stories like these have happened here especially North of me where you can get several feet in a day.

February 15, 2014 | Unregistered CommenterDonna@Gardens Eye View
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