Ah, the 4th of July approaches! I am always reminded of the remarkable freedoms we enjoy in America, including how we want to enjoy our precious free time. Did you know that more Americans choose to spend their time gardening more than doing any other hobby? Our first lady is at the helm of making this movement a healthy and environmental choice for leisure time, which you'll read about further along in this issue. Here, we celebrate this special connection between people and plants every day. The botanical collection thriving beneath our 1879 glasshouse bursts forth with a spectacular array of floral beauty and blooming marvels... in fact, you could say the Conservatory is known for 365 days of Grand Openings! The Conservatory of Flowers will also be open on July 4th to welcome visitors, from those who consider Golden Gate Park their backyard to people from all corners of our magnificent global garden! As you celebrate this summer holiday heralding our independence, please stop by and be dazzled by the flower power of our Red, White, and Bloom!