Bama in bloom: Spring has sprung at the University of Alabama
Each spring, the University of Alabama transforms into a stunning showcase of color with fresh blooms, greenery and meticulously manicured lawns. The seamless integration of natural beauty into all facets of the campus can make it easy to forget the year-round effort, but it takes an expert team to maintain every flower bed, tree and lawn. The university’s Grounds Department is devoted to making the campus a place of pride for students, alumni and visitors.
Tulips are a favorite sight for many University of Alabama students and visitors. (The University of Alabama)
The team behind the beauty
Maintaining UA’s 1,400-acre campus is no small feat. The Grounds Department — nearly 100 strong — is divided into 12 maintenance zones, and includes specialized teams for flowers, chemicals and irrigation. Their work ensures the entire campus, from busy walkways to quiet green spaces, looks its best year-round.
Horticulturist Chrissy Plowman leads a crew of five who focus solely on the university’s flowers. They handle everything from cultivating and planting to pruning vibrant annuals and perennials that fill beds, containers and hanging baskets across campus.
“We start pruning very hard and cleaning up beds in November and December to get ready to plant what will eventually bloom in the spring,” says Kim Byram, director of the Grounds Department. “We planted pansies and tulips in November, and the tulips have already bloomed. Those are everyone’s favorite.” Planning starts as early as November with tulips and pansies, ensuring that when spring arrives, the campus bursts into life.
The Grounds Department’s almost 100 members are dedicated to keeping the University of Alabama looking its best year-round. (The University of Alabama)
An iconic contribution
One of the most iconic symbols of UA’s landscape is the elephant topiary in front of the Rose Administration Building. UA’s assistant vice president of facilities and grounds traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando to find out how it creates topiaries of characters like Mickey Mouse.
Carefully sculpted and mounted on a wheeled platform, the life-sized animal was made from creeping fig and weighs 2,000 pounds. The topiary is moved and stored during harsh weather to reduce wear and preserve its shape. The elephant not only showcases the team’s skill but embodies the spirit and tradition of the Crimson Tide.
Thanks to the hard-working grounds team, it’s easy to find a good spot for a photo on the University of Alabama campus. (The University of Alabama)
Snap-worthy spots
Looking for an Instagram-worthy location on campus? The Grounds Department makes the search easy. High-traffic areas include the President’s Mansion, the Walk of Champions and University Boulevard. These areas are maintained with special attention to detail and offer some of the best-loved backdrops for photos, particularly with springtime blooms. Other go-to locations include Denny Chimes, the Gorgas House lawn and the quad’s tree-lined paths.
With the grounds team’s strategic planting, sustainable practices and attention to high-traffic areas and landmarks, the campus remains a place for students, faculty members and visitors to feel like they’re home.
Schedule a tour of the University of Alabama campus this spring. View the calendar and select a date to register here.