Talk a Walk Through a Book on the Garden’s Pollinator Pathway

Seniorita Mariposa Storywalk on Pollinator Pathway

School is out for the summer, and caregivers are always looking for fun activities to keep kids happy, busy–and learning. One suggestion from the Garden’s family education team: go on a StoryWalk®. “In a StoryWalk, the pages of a book are placed along a pathway to propel the reader along,” says Early Childhood Program Manager Cheryl Potemkin. “It makes reading an active experience involving movement, attention and reflection.”

Beauty Bus an Immediate Hit with Guests Excited to Visit the Garden in Comfort

Botanic Garden Beauty Bus

The Garden’s new free shuttle service, the Beauty Bus, has been celebrated as a wonderful addition by guests, who are taking to social media to share their excitement. “Just what the Garden needed!,” wrote one poster on Facebook. “Wonderful!” said another, and “Wow! That’s awesome!” wrote a third poster.

For Reliable Summer Color, Look to Red Yucca

Many plants flower in May and into June, but as the temperatures rise, the blooms fade away and then stop altogether. Not red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora.) This Texas native combines easy care and drought tolerance with reliable color all summer long. “It’s one of the most carefree plants you can find,” says Sr. Horticulturist Steve Huddleston.

Turn to Nature to Support Mental Health in Children

Girl in field blows dandelions

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, when Americans are urged to recognize the toll of mental illness, fight stigma and advocate for better support for the millions of people affected. One increasingly important area of focus: Children. Mental illness among children is caused by a bewildering array of factors, but no matter the exact situation, parents and other caregivers can adopt one simple strategy to buttress the mental health of the children and adolescents they love. They can foster a connection to nature.

Connect with Nature to Find Healing and Wholeness

So much of modern life is conducted in artificial spaces–offices, cars, stores, parking lots. Individuals can spend days–perhaps even weeks–without their feet ever touching soil. We lose something when our connection to nature is severed, says to Sara Southerland, holistic coach and sound healing practitioner.