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Greetings!
The new year brings exciting programs and exhibits to Texas Discovery Gardens. We have great things planned for the Sept. 12, 2009 grand opening of the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium.
 And our schedule of events until then is as busy as ever! See our updated Upcoming Events page on the Website.
Our Organic Fashion Show from August 2008 is still making waves. Check out the video released this month from the Dallas Morning News.
Read on for education updates, winter gardening tips, and a special offer from our rental department.
Happy Gardening,
The staff at Texas Discovery Gardens
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From the EarthKeepers® desk....
Texas Discovery Gardens is sharing the "green" with a community program.
 In January, Children's Education Coordinator Neli Spurrell kicked off the After-School Environmentalist program, working with after-school community programs of Park South YMCA and Jubilee Park Community Center.
The program is made possible with a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. After-School Environmentalist empowers teenagers to improve their communities. The program nurtures and develops environmental literacy and stewardship.
The importance of environmental issues and community service will be demonstrated through hands-on weekly activities throughout the school year. Students will use their environmental literacy and knowledge of their own community's needs to decide how best to serve their community.
The After-School Environmentalist program will conclude with Texas Discovery Gardens-guided and participant-led community service projects that will allow participants to use their own skills to become an environmental advocate in their own community.
If you would like to learn more or volunteer for this program, please contact Neli Spurrell at (214) 428-7476 x 27. To donate to the program, please contact Fran Anderson, Fundraising and Memberships Manager, at (214) 428-7476 x 22. |
February Events
The Garden Walk for Lovers ... of Roses!
Saturday, February 14 10 am to 11 am
Celebrate Valentines' flower with this always-exciting Garden Walk with Dr. Peter Schaar. If the thought of growing roses leaves you feeling grumpy, this is the Garden Walk for you! You'll fall right back in love with roses, pricks and all, as you learn how easy it is to have these gorgeous flowering shrubs in your yard. No registration necessary.
Winter Gardening Tip: Expanded Shale
 If your garden has clay soils, amend it now with expanded shale. The product breaks up your soil and allows for better water retention, among may other things. Incorporate expanded shale at the rate of one cubic yard per every 100 square feet. We are in the process of amending all of our garden beds with expanded shale. It's a one-time process. Once you add it to your soil, it will last for years to come. But be patient! Don't try to work clay soil if it's just rained, unless you want to make a large mud puddle. That also goes for when it's time to till or plant, as well. |
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In Cultivation ...
 Last minute event? Call our rental department for special pricing if you want to hold your event in February or March of 2009! (214)428.7476 x 29
Play in the dirt: volunteer at Texas Discovery Gardens! We need three more EarthKeepers Docents.
We also have room for more Greenhouse Volunteers. Sign up for training: Feb. 11 from 9 am to 11 am. Call Blake Morgan at (214) 428-7476 x 24.
Workplace donations: Earth Share of Texas represents Texas Discovery Gardens in workplace payroll contribution plans throughout Texas. For more information about how you can support Texas Discovery Gardens and other leading environmental groups at your workplace, call 1-800-GREENTX, or visit www.earthshare-texas.org.
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