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Greetings!
As we move into the heat of the summer, we've got some exciting new changes. Stay tuned for an updated, more user-friendly website, and mark your calendars for two upcoming events: our Butterfly Festival Aug. 14 and the Dallas Green Festival Sept. 18!
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A Note from the Executive Director
Dear Friends of Texas Discovery Gardens,
I recently sent you an appeal to discuss the relevance of Texas Discovery Gardens with your City Council representative. As you know, the City was faced with another budget deficit and many services and organizations will be affected when the final budget is voted on in the fall.
The good news is that I have heard back from so many of you about your conversations with your Council member. It is always so wonderful to know that our volunteers, members and donors show such a great deal of support to us when there is a need. As a non profit organization, Texas Discovery Gardens exists to serve you and it is good to know how much you value what we do here.
Although we won't know the outcome for quite a while, I wanted you to know how much I, the Staff and Board of Texas Discovery Gardens appreciate your efforts. And, if you haven't had time to call or e-mail your City Council member and/or Park Board representative yet, please do so now. Your voice will be heard.
I will get back with you as soon as I hear of the outcome. In the meantime, thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Melissa Martin
Executive Director
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Summer Education Programs
 Sat. July 17: Garden Walk - Herbs 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Free with garden admission. New! Earlier (and cooler) time!
Tour our raised herb garden with Dallas County Master Gardener Marian Buchanan and see both common and unusual herbs throughout our Gardens. Also learn about container herb gardening and companion planting. No registration required.
Sat. July 24: Organic University -- Native perennials and shrubs 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. $20; $16 members. 
Texas offers a unique challenge to gardeners with our many soil types and climates. Learn how to improve your gardening success by choosing proven species of perennials and shrubs that naturally thrive here; bring your garden questions--led by our Director of Horticulture, Randy Johnson.
 Sat. July 31: Fascinating World of Butterflies 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sizzling Summer Discount -- Now only $15! (A 50% discount!)
Immerse yourself in the world of butterflies with Dale Clark, founder of the Dallas County Lepidopterist Society. The class ends with a carpool field trip to Dale's butterfly farm south of Dallas. Bring a bag lunch for a garden picnic!
Register for programs online or call Barb at (214) 428-7476 x 343!
And don't miss our Butterfly Festival August 14! We'll have a butterfly photography class, butterfly release and breakfast, Caterpillar Crawl Garden Walk, and much more!
Stay tuned for the Dallas Green Festival September 18, including our Smart Car Butterfly Rally! Come Move to a Greener Life with us ... Details soon!
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New Caterpillars on Display in our Butterfly House!
 They look like miniature dragons, but the new additions to our Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly house and Insectarium are Caligo caterpillars! You've seen their adult form as owl butterflies, and we are happy to begin displaying their larval stage as an educational display.
We are raising the caterpillars in one of our emergence chambers, as USDA regulations prevent free-roaming caterpillars inside the house.
 As adults, owl butterflies fly in the evening and often stay still throughout the day. They're great for photographing in the Butterfly House. Owl butterflies are native to Mexico and Central and South America.
Entomologist John Watts plans on adding additional caterpillar species in the upcoming months. We also have native caterpillars on display, including gulf fritillary and black swallowtail larvae. |
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Special for Texas Discovery Gardens Members: Enjoy a day at the Arboretum!
On Saturday, July 10, 2010, Texas Discovery Gardens members are invited to enjoy a relaxing day at the Dallas Arboretum for free! Please show your current Texas Discovery Gardens membership card to receive free admission. Parking is $7.
Dallas Arboretum members are welcome to bring their cards to Texas Discovery Gardens for free admission to our butterfly house July 10, as well! Find details here! |
| Summer Fun at the Gift Shop |
We love summer at our Gift Shop! Buy last minute gifts like our colorful T-shirts (30% off) or gorgeous glassware -- perfect for that summer cocktail party. We have new children's crafts and educational toys to banish summer boredom, as well as great books and insect guides. | | Stop by our Gift Shop to purchase. Check out our clearance items, too! Open Daily 10 am - 5 pm. |
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