Mama Zelda’s First Birthday!

Join us in celebrating one year of our larger-than-life troll watching over the Garden. On April 1, 2025, Mama Zelda by artist Thomas Dambo, was unveiled to the world. Over the past year, she has stood watch in the Mother Earth Troll Garden, her plants and “hair” growing, changing, and embracing the wild beauty of nature.

On her first birthday, we invite you to visit and celebrate with us! Enjoy a variety of special activities throughout the day:

• Sign Up for a Guided Troll Tour
  11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
  Enjoy an educational guided walk through the Mother Earth Troll Garden. Learn behind-the-scenes details about Mama Zelda, her recycled materials, and how she came to life. Available as an add-on to daily admission.

• Coloring Sheets for Little Ones
  Stop by the Propst Guest Center to pick up a take-home coloring sheet—printed on recycled paper and featuring a line drawing by Thomas Dambo.

• Participate in the Troll Scavenger Hunt
  Thomas Dambo has hidden 10 bronze seeds throughout the Mother Earth Troll Garden. See if you can find them all! A clue sheet will be available via QR code at check-in.

• Special Offers For All Guests (April 1 Only)
  • 20% off at Fern & Feast Bistro
  • 10% off in The Chrysalis

Special Appearance

Don’t miss the L.L.Bean Bootmobile from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Come celebrate Mama Zelda and experience the magic of the Garden!

About Mama Zelda and the Mother Earth Troll Garden

Towering 18-20 feet tall, Mama Zelda is more than just a sculpture—she’s a guardian of nature, a symbol of renewal, and a reminder of the beauty that comes from repurposed materials. Seated among the winding paths of the maze, she watches over the land, her lush, planted “hair” blending into the living landscape around her. Over time, the maze will grow and evolve, creating an immersive, ever-changing natural experience.

Mama Zelda and the Mother Earth Troll Garden were conceptualized by Thomas Dambo and the Huntsville Botanical Garden team, with the help of dedicated volunteers and community members.