Passionvine by Patricia Zane Edwards

(c) 2010 Patricia Zane Edwards

   news from   TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS

 June 2011

Newsletter contents
Exhibitions
June Calendar
Donor Spotlight

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Greetings! 

  

 

The plants are thriving and the caterpillars are out in force at Texas Discovery Gardens. Enjoy a summer day outside, and don't miss new longwing butterflies inside our Butterfly House. For the past few months, we've been adding some vibrant species from Suriname.

 

Speaking of butterflies and plants, we're re-opening our greenhouse gates for a 2-hour Plant Sale Extension Saturday, June 4, from 10 am to noon. Don't miss the chance to grab some more drought- and heat-hardy native/adapted plants!     

 

On the educational side, we are working on installing new garden signs over the next few months.  

 

We are also excited to host our first Summer Camps since we re-opened in 2009!  

There are still limited spots available, so sign up today:

 

July 11-15 Backyard Buddies(c) INI Photographics

Discover more about our animal friends that live in a garden. Each day, we'll go on a safari to discover new creatures and learn how they help our garden grow. Make animal crafts, read stories and even make homes for our new wildlife friends in this animal-focused week!

 

July 18-22 Garden Scientists

Our garden is the perfect place for a budding mad scientist! Discover stinky bugs, pioneer plants used as medicine, and poisonous butterflies! Learn how plants grow, how they attract pollinators, and how they even help some bugs out.

 

July 25-29 Urban Investigators

Explore your urban habitat! Be surprised at how much life there is in your backyard! We will dig deep into a compost pile and explore soil life, leaving no stone unturned on our quest to see how our own habitat works.

 

Details and pricing can be found here! 

 

Happy Gardening,

 

Texas Discovery Gardens

 

 

 
 Blue and White Longwing by Phil HudsonNew: Photo Canvases by Phil Hudson

 

You can now take home our tropical butterflies--on canvas, at least! Nature photographer and frequent Texas Discovery Gardens visitor Phil Hudson has been capturing the colorful species inside our butterfly house since our grand opening in 2009. See five of his favorite shots and learn more about the butterfly species, all on display in our lobby. The gallery wrapped canvases are for sale for $250 and may be purchased through the gift shop.  

 

Broccoli
Broccoli
  


Outside the Back Door ...

A vibrant exhibition by Carroll Swenson-Roberts

 

Discover what lies "Outside the Back Door" with Texas Discovery Gardens' summer art exhibition. Using pencil, ink, pastel and natural objects like leaves and seeds, artist Carroll Swenson-Roberts captures the essence of a summer garden.

Stop by and see the work, and try to identify the natural objects. Carroll incorporates strawberries, grasses, leaves and more. Her whimsical bug tiles will make you smile. Make sure you head outside to the gardens and see if you can spot any of her bugs in real life!

The exhibition is curated by Janet Reynolds.

Exhibit runs through Aug. 27, 2011. Free admission Tuesdays.

 

    

 

June Activities/Workshops 

  

  

Butterfly Plant Sale EXTENSION
Saturday, June 4, 10 am to noon 

Looking for the perfect plant to take home
Texas Discovery Gardens is offering a bonus day to shop for butterfly host and nectar plants Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. This is your final opportunity to buy native and adapted plants that attract pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. No admission; drive around the back of the gardens to the greenhouse (park by WRR and the Planetarium).

  

Butterfly House Discovery Tour 

Saturday, June 4, 11 am to noon  

Go on a guided tour of the Butterfly House and get a behind the scenes look at these winged wonders. Included with admission ($8/adults, $6/seniors 60+, and $4/children 3-11). Pay at door.

 

Fancy Nancy Butterfly Tea ParyFancy Nancy

Thursday, June 9, 10 am to noon

 

Enjoy Fancy Nancy activities, tea, snacks, and more as we celebrate the fun children's book, "Bonjour Butterfly!" We'll end our party with crafts and special edition of our noon butterfly release. $15/child; $10/TDG members. Parents: you can pay regular TDG admission at the door! (Member parents get in free). Register online now; spots are filling up fast! 

 

Garden Walk: Birding for Children

Saturday, June 18, 11 am to noon  

Discover local native birds like the colorful cardinal or the sonorous mockingbird. Bring your binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. Appropriate for ages 5+. Included with admission ($8/adults, $6/seniors 60+, and $4/children 3-11). Pay at door.

 

Butterfly Seasons: Summer  

Saturday, June 18, 1 pm to 2 pm  

Don't miss the second installment in this new series on butterflies by Dallas County Lepidopterist Society's co-founder Dale Clark. Summertime in Dallas brings not only long, hot days, but also so many new butterflies onto the scene. Swallowtail populations increase, returning emigrant species from the south begin to repopulate the area, and everywhere you turn there are caterpillars chowing down on seemingly everything in sight. Surviving -- and thriving -- in the Texas heat is no problem for our native species. See how they survive and grow during the hottest time of the year. $15, $10 for TDG Members. Register online.

 

70th Anniversary Lecture Series  

Tuesday, June 21, 7 pm to 8 pm  

This educational series covers gardening and ecological topics of interest. Our first of the season kicks off June 21 and covers "the other pollinators." We go beyond butterflies and find out about insects that are drawn to the light, just not the limelight. Admission is free as we celebrate our anniversary! All ages welcome; targeted to ages 12+. 

 

See the full calendar online. Registration is open for all of our events. If you prefer to register over the phone, you may call (214) 428-7476 x 343.    

Congratulations to Linda Smithhisler for winning a native Bur Oak tree, generously donated by Preservation Tree Services for our Plant Sale Membership Drive!

 

Supporters who renewed or bought a new membership for the plant sale were automatically entered into the contest.    

 

Don't forget to plan some summer entertainment with our friends at Shakespeare Dallas and Turtle Creek Chorale! They have some exciting events coming up!

 

 

The 2011 Summer Season of Shakespeare in the Park features Cyrano de Bergerac By Edmond Rostand (starting June 15) and As You Like It By William Shakespeare (starting June 23). Become a Shakespeare Dallas member today and save $10!

   

And don't miss the Turtle Creek Chorale's "Cirque" gala and auction on June 4. This annual event drew in 350 people last year--get your tickets online now and check out some exciting auction packages!

 

 

Stock up on hostess gifts
for the summer.
Laura Ashley
Need a hostess gift for a summer barbecue, or a thank you to the neighbors for watching the dog or picking up your mail while you're out?

Enjoy a selection of new garden-themed bath soaps, moisturizers and more from Laura Ashley, as well as bluebonnet and butterfly stained glass displays.    
Stop by our Gift Shop to purchase.  Open Daily 10 am - 5 pm. The Gift Shop is closed June 2 for inventory. 

              

Texas Discovery Gardens is a nonprofit educational organization supported in part by the Dallas Park & Recreation Department. 

 

Become a Gardens Member           Texas Discovery Gardens         Donate to Texas Discovery Gardens 

 

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