Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
Huntsville’s newest + largest resident (aka Mama Zelda the Troll) is coming to Huntsville Botanical Garden
Reading time: 4 minutes
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You read that right—Mama Zelda is taking form right now at Huntsville Botanical Garden as we live and breathe.
Let me make the formal introduction: Mama Zelda will be a whimsical, larger-than life troll installation made from natural and recycled materials. Keep reading to learn more about this “Mother Earth” life form and the world-renowned artist constructing her.
PSST…Mama Zelda doesn’t want to be seen ’til she’s done getting ready! If you want see what her siblings look like, check out the artist’s previous works.
Mother Earth Troll Garden taking root in Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville is lucky to be home to recycled art activist Thomas Dambo’s newest creation: a colossal troll named Mama Zelda, residing at the heart of the Mother Earth Troll Garden. This project is one of 100+ troll sculptures across seventeen countries (yes, it’s a big deal!).
Since last winter, Thomas Dambo’s team, the Huntsville Botanical Garden (HBG) team and community volunteers have been building the foundation for the new troll’s home: an enchanting maze garden.
Surrounded by delightful plants adorned with recycled bits and bobs, visitors can become one with nature alongside Mama Zelda. The most fun part of all? In the spirit of “nature play,” visitors must go on a hunt for Mama Zelda, seated at the heart of the maze
The magical 1-acre installation will feature:
- The star of the show, Mama Zelda— a whimsical 18-20ft seated troll
- Maze garden leading to the hidden troll
- Hidden surprises like a secret swing + cozy shaded seating spots
- Planted living “hair” that will grow over time
The environmentally-conscious Troll Garden is made of natural + locally-salvaged materials including:
- Cladding + shake offcuts from Hobby Hardwood (the troll’s fur)
- Locally-sourced wood, tree trunks + boulders
- Lumber from HBG’s recycle pile (troll body)
- Thousands of native trees, shrubs + perennials that will change color by season (maze walls)
Good news: Mama Zelda is here to stay. She will keep growing and weathering the elements with an expected lifespan of 10-15 years.
Troll construction now underway
Now that the maze has taken root, the troll installation by the Thomas Dambo team, HBG staff and community volunteers has officially begun.
It will be all-hands-on-deck for the next month as Mama Zelda takes shape. Once the human contributions wrap up in March, nature will take its course until it opens to the public on April 1.
What’s special about Huntsville’s installation? Mama Zelda is the first troll in Alabama, making the state one of 19 to have its own Thomas Dambo sculpture. While Dambo has constructed stunningly intricate trolls across the world, Huntsville Botanical Garden is the first and (so far) only troll located in a maze created by Dambo. Each troll has its own personality and theme, so we can’t wait to see the final product!
About the visionary: Danish artist Thomas Dambo
Now the world’s leading recycling artist, Thomas Dambo has made a name for himself decorating the earth with his whimsical trolls (a list of 100+ and growing).
Dambo got his start dumpster diving for materials while riding his cargo bike through the streets of his hometown, Copenhagen. What started as small recycled projects quickly grew to larger sustainability installations, earning him international recognition.
His art is made with the same philosophy of sustainability and recycling now as he leads over twenty full-time employees.
Get an inside look at Dambo’s Artist Talk
Hear from the artist himself at HBG’s Artist Talk with Thomas Dambo next week!
- Where: Isenberg Grand Hall at Huntsville Botanical Garden
- When: Wednesday, February 19 | 7-8PM
- Book signing to follow
- Reserve your spot
Meet the Troll on opening day April 1, 2025
It’s no April Fool’s joke: Mama Zelda’s long-awaited reveal will take place on April 1st.
- Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden, between the Garden of Hope and Fern Glade
- When: Opening Day April 1, 2025
- April Garden Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-6PM, Friday-Saturday 9AM-7PM, Sunday 11AM-6PM
- Admission: FREE for Garden Members, $20 for adults + $13 for children (FREE for kids under 2)
- Learn more about the exhibit + tips for visiting
Don’t miss your chance to be one of the first to explore the magical maze and find Mama Zelda at Huntsville Botanical Garden!
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