July 6, 2023
The Garden Doesn’t Slow Down in Summer
The Garden Doesn’t Slow Down in Summer
One of the most amazing things about the natural world is its ability to maneuver through change, and we are lucky to experience that up close at the Garden year-round. When a new season arrives, shifts begin to take place that are at first microscopic; what starts in the soil can eventually be seen through plant foliage and all of the living creatures that contribute to the ecosystem.
It's no secret that summer in our Gulf Coast region is hot and humid. But even during the heat waves, there is still so much to learn, discover, and appreciate in our well-planned corner of Houston. We hope you'll join us to admire the shade of palm trees, the birds dipping in for a refreshing bath, and the beauty of a blooming Luffa aegyptiaca.
Even during the hot Texas summers, life grows here.
The Board of Directors of the Houston Botanic Garden is pleased to announce the appointment of Houstonian and University of Houston graduate Katy Caldwell as interim chief executive officer.
Katy will lead the Garden’s phenomenal staff until a new CEO joins our organization later this year. Katy is an innovative leader with experience in the healthcare and government sectors. She has a demonstrated history of leadership development, fund raising, and strategic planning.
From 1996-2021, Katy was the CEO of Legacy Community Health Services, the largest federally qualified health center in Texas, providing high-quality health, social, and educational services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Under Katy’s leadership, Legacy expanded from a small neighborhood clinic into an organization serving 200,000 clients across more than 50 locations, including school-based clinics serving thousands of students.
Katy has received numerous awards and recognition for her commitment and leadership as a community health trailblazer, including several gubernatorial and mayoral appointments.
As we prepare for our next beer-and-bites adventure -- Sip, Sup & Stroll on July 14 -- Martina Bahr from event partner Equal Parts Brewing shares why collaborating with the Garden is one of her favorite parts of the job, and why next Friday evening is a can’t-miss for beer and nature lovers.
Tone up and slim down every Sunday from July 16 through August 6, with help from fitness trainer Bianca Davis. In addition to the weekly Garden workouts, the course includes virtual sessions, yoga, meal guides, and, most importantly, accountability.
Clear your mind with a simple meditation, then explore the Garden grounds finding inspiration for your organic art project. Collected botanicals will help you create the design of your cyanotype tote bag during this magical afternoon class on Saturday, July 15.
Spend Saturday night, July 22, celebrating the Houston Audubon with a craft beer from Eureka Heights Brewing Company and some bingo interspersed with bird facts and trivia. Learn a little more about our winged friends native to this area, and perhaps take home a bird-themed prize.
Calling all secondary teachers! Earn six hours of TEA-approved continuing education credits at our upcoming TEKS-aligned climate and wildlife workshop. Network with like-minded educators while learning how to make climate change more relevant in your classroom. The July 28 session runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and includes lunch, snacks, and refreshments.
Explore our Events Calendar for more opportunities to grow your gardening knowledge.
BotaniCamp is in full swing this summer. Designed for students K-5, these engaging camps offer campers a chance to explore nature, engage with experts and have some fun getting their hands dirty. The topics change each week and Gardening Mini-Camps can also be added to create a full day of discovery for your child.
In June, Beth Garver Black and Gretchen Garver Hilyard had a wonderful time meeting some of our BotaniCamp students, who love exploring the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden. For the sisters, it's great to see children enjoying the tribute to their mother and her lifelong passion for gardening and flower arranging. Beth and Gretchen -- who, along with their father Michael Garver, will be honored this fall at the 2023 Annual Luncheon -- recently explained why the Garden means so much to the family.
While many Houstonians might be hard-pressed to identify Houston’s seasons beyond “hot” and “rainy,” the local climate is actually a bit more complicated. Houston Botanic Garden's Director of Horticulture Fran de la Mota breaks down what he identifies as Houston’s five unique seasons, and what they mean for plants in the Garden, and in your home garden.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to give the Garden’s social media channels a follow. Harvest time is almost here for many of our edible plants. Keep an eye out for Friday posts announcing what will be up for grabs the following day in our Saturday morning harvest giveaways, when we share gifts from the Culinary Garden with visitors like you (on first-come, first-served basis).
Want the coolest venue for your event, regardless of the heat? Houston Botanic Garden has incredible rental discounts all summer long. Take advantage of up to 50% off the regular venue fee during July and August. Currently, the Woodland Glade, Global Collection and Culinary Garden tents, Emily Clay Water Walls courtyard, and Alcoves are available for half off.
You can also reserve the Petite Pavilion space and selected areas in the Global Collection Garden for micro ceremonies for a 20% discount. Contact our Venue Coordinator today to explore all of our venue options and learn more about the many amenities our facility offers.
Bookings subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other discount(s). Security fee, insurance, extra hours, custom venue spaces, and full garden buy-outs are not included in the sale.
You helped us raise more than $40,000 this spring!
Thank you to all the members and donors who supported the Garden’s 2023 Spring Annual Fund Campaign, particularly Joe and Cathy Cleary for their generous $25,000 matching donation. The funds will help us grow and continue our mission of discovery, education and conservation.
You can donate to the Houston Botanic Garden at any time by visiting our website or texting give2garden to 71777.
With just over three months to go, our Annual Luncheon co-chairs Kit and Carl Detering and April and Wells McGee are eagerly anticipating seeing their work come to fruition at the Garden’s premier fundraising event.
This year’s theme, “Like a child, a garden will grow,” is inspired by the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden, so we will honor C. Michael Garver, Beth Garver Black, and Gretchen Garver Hilyard.
Reserve your table or ticket for the Houston Botanic Garden's 2023 Annual Luncheon before it’s too late. The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 12-1 p.m. at River Oaks Country Club.
Membership Perks
Access 132 acres of amazing natural wonders and incredible works of art 362 days a year at no additional charge. Score member-exclusive class, event, and Garden Shop discounts. What are you waiting for? Start enjoying the benefits of Garden membership today!
Ready to meet like-minded Garden lovers who understand the importance of community? The Bloomers are an active group of young professionals driving many of our social events and volunteer activities. Join their cause and help raise awareness of the Garden and our critically important mission.
