Enjoy a night under the stars

See spring in bloom and help keep Aldridge Gardens free by attending the annual Hydrangeas Under the Stars garden party on June 6. The event, hosted by Mayor Gary Ivey and his wife Carolyn, will feature dinner, music and live and silent auctions to raise funds for the Gardens’ programs.

“These funds help Aldridge Gardens to continue to maintain and grow our beautiful public gardens, fund our educational programs and provide a serene space for visitors to enjoy without charging an entrance fee,” Aldridge CEO Tynette Lynch said.

A silent auction and reception will start at 6 p.m. in the Pavilion, and the items will include hotel packages, artwork, gardening items, golf and spa packages and jewelry. The auction will be followed by a dinner under the Gardens’ tent, prepared by students from the Culinary & Hospitality Institute of Jefferson State Community College. Lynch said the Gardens will present a scholarship to the Institute for one of its students.

Local artist Raquel Lilly, who played at the PAWS at the Garden event in March, has volunteered to provide music for the event. A live auction will also take place, and items going up on the auction block will include vacation and sports packages. 

Vacation destinations include the Galapagos Islands, Pensacola Beach and Gulf Shores Plantation. The sports items include a Barons’ game suite experience for up to 18 people and a VIP Sports Package with tickets to the 2016 SEC Tournament, the 2016 Indy Grand Prix of Birmingham and the 2016 Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf and Country Club.

To learn more about Hydrangeas Under the Stars, visit aldridgegardens.com.