(The Communicator, August 1997)
After a cold, wet spring the display beds at the Botanical Garden have bounced back with a vengeance. The Rhododendrons, Irises and many species of flowering trees have never looked better. The greenhouse is full of tomatoes and peppers that are laden with flowers and quickly forming fruit. In the midst of all this natural beauty it is easy for people to forget that the garden is more than just a pretty place. It is a resource centre with an extensive program of events appealing to all ages. You don't have to be a fanatical gardener rhyming off Latin names as long as your arm to enjoy what the garden has to offer. All you have to do is be willing to come up and get involved. Some of the programs and special events coming up this season include:
Open House
Garden staff will be hosting our first
Open House on Saturday, Aug. 2, from
11 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting) and everyone is invited. There will be guest speakers and family activities. Staff will
be on hand to provide tours and answer questions about both your Botanical Garden and your home gardens. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. Take
this opportunity to get to know us and meet our new director, Dr. Wilf Nicholls.
Science Quest Camps
These three-day camps are tailored to the young naturalist or naturally curious child. Steve and Gina will lead the kids through discovery- and activity-based approaches to heighten their awareness of various types of local plants and animals and their im
portance in the ecological scheme of things. Limited space is available for this rain-or-shine event so early booking is advised. The dates are: Ages 10-13, July 30-Aug. 1
and Aug. 19-21; Ages 7-9, Aug. 12-14.
The cost is $30 for the three days. My own daughter attended last year and came home each day asking: "Dad, did you know that...?" I must admit that a
lot of it I didn't know.
Conservation Quest Camps
Designed for ages 12-15, these single-day camps are the place to take part in fun-filled activities and discuss ideas for saving the planet. It's a chance for teenagers to get their hands dirty and learn how to be "earth friendly." The camps run from Aug.
22-29 and the cost is $20.
Lunch and Learn Garden and Nature Sessions
Whether your interest is cultivated-display gardens or the natural environment, the Botanical Garden is the place to have your questions answered. Bring your lunch and join our guest speakers on Saturdays for an informal talk in the garden. Meet in the Fi
eld Centre at 1 p.m. Topics include: July 26, Dr. Antonio Martin on Bioconversion of Peat; Aug. 30, Dr. Bill Montevecchi on The Birds of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ecology walks
Join our interpreters for a casual stroll and a chance to heighten your awareness and appreciation of the web of life. Saturdays until November at 11:30 a.m.
Photography contest
Come and visually document the beauty of your Botanical Garden. Submit your photos for judging and be eligible to win a season's admission pass.
Sunday morning bird watch
Held every second Sunday until Oct. 19, the bird watch commences at 8 a.m. at the Field Centre.
Family Days
Join us on Family Days the first Thursday of every month. Admission is free.
Kids in the Garden Hour
This entertaining outdoor activity for children is open every Saturday throughout the summer at 2 p.m.
More information
All this and more is happening all season. The Botanical Garden is open daily until
the end of August. From September to November it's open Wednesday to Sunday. Opening hours are 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Call the garden for more details on all the events and programs, 737-8590 or 737-8591.
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