Our first out-of-state field trip was to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens' Kaul Wildflower Garden. We carpooled from Hwy 27 in Bremen that morning and met more members at the gardens. The curator of the garden, John Manion, was our host as we walked the trails. John gave us the history of how the trails were designed by the famous Swiss landscape architect, Zenon Schreiber. He also pointed out the non-natural aspects of the garden that were installed during its construction, but done so well that they almost appear to be natural. Of course, we enjoyed the whole wildflower garden, but the fern glen at the end was spectacular and John gave us an impromptu lesson on fern identification while we rested under the nearby pavilion. It was an enjoyable trip and John was a very gracious host. It was obvious that he loves his job and the Kaul Wildflower Garden and he gave us a special appreciation of what it takes in terms of volunteers to maintain such a lovely trail. We are very grateful to have had a guided tour as it truly enhanced our experience.

	On our way to the native plant garden, we passed through the formal rose garden.		Fern glade.
	Northern Maidenhair Ferns		Shuttleworth Ginger
	Waldstenia		Native Lily, possibly a hybrid.
	Walking the trail.		John explains the difference between Sensitive and Netted Chain ferns.
	Fieldtrip participants.		Bridge across a stream.
	John showing fern sporecase distribution.		Looking down the stream.
			Big Leaf Magnolia with seedpod.
			Northern Maidenhair Fern.
	The stream flowing through the native gardens.
	Carolina Wild Petunia.		Native Lily
	Southern Maidenhair Fern.		Florida Anise seedpod.
	Native Crabapple.