Saying goodbye to an old friend 

The famous giant flowering dogwood that graces the front cover of Inside Huntsville is not expected to live another year. It was transplanted to its current location to avoid destruction from a highway in 1995 and has succumbed to drought and freezing conditions, disease and, most importantly, its age.

Estimated to be 120 years old, the dogwood seems at home in its tranquil setting at the south end of the Aquatic Pavilion. So much so, that many Huntsville residents and most visitors are surprised that it ever stood off what is today a section of Old Madison Pike near thriving Cummings Research Park.

The effort to move the enormous tree brought city officials, agencies, landscapers and even school children together in an unequalled show of support and cooperation. Steve Clark, a consultant who directed transplanting operations said, “The City of Huntsville is not your normal city. The team effort here was fantastic.” And Clark has worked all over the country.

Now is a great time to stroll down memory lane at the Botanical Gardens, photograph this glorious tree that has surpassed the lifespan of most dogwoods, living more than twice as long. It is a horticultural wonder that will forever be a part of our heritage.

Towering 25 feet tall with a crown of almost 40 feet, this aged dogwood cannot help but make us reflect on what we, in Huntsville, have aspired to and do achieve.

When we work together, from rockets, to missiles, the arts and engendering family values, our community can all stand a little taller, as we stretch and reach toward our future goals.

We are honored to be a recipient of the Huntsville/Madison County #1 Best in Business Award!