March 31, 2022
Join Us In Tending To Planet Earth
Blue Marble 2002 | Source: NASA's Earth Observatory
This April, you will likely see many images of planet Earth, as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2022. The Blue Marble image taken by the crew of the Apollo 17 spacecraft in 1972 is one of the most reproduced images in history. Not only is it an awe-inspiring reflection of our shared humanity, but it's also a useful tool for understanding the vegetation in the world's macro-garden.
NASA’s more recent series of images are taken by Suomi NPP, a research satellite. With satellites across the globe, scientists are working together to monitor the Earth’s vegetation, which is the primary energy source for nearly all life on the planet. Using these images, scientists can see that 1/3 of land cover of Canada and Alaska changed from 1985 to 2021, they can measure the health of plants, and they can quantify the impact of changing ecosystems.
One of the great privileges of working at a botanic garden is the incredible, global collaboration with other botanic gardens that share a similar view of our interconnected world. The Houston Botanic Garden has begun participating in some of these international efforts to understand and care for the Earth. For example, the Global Conservation Consortium for Oak is a macro-collection of oaks, North America’s most powerful native tree, including species from across the world.
So, when you see one of these beautiful photos of our planet Earth, I hope you’ll be reminded that we are all working together – in our home gardens, at the Houston Botanic Garden – as we dig, plant, propagate, and prune in the global garden of our sacred world. Happy Earth Day!
Claudia Gee Vassar, President & General Counsel
The Garden’s next generation group, the Bloomers, invites the public to its upcoming The Secret Garden party! On Thursday, April 28, experience the Garden as you’ve never seen it before. Use a map to find hidden surprises, pop-up cocktail bars, garden games, and special tastings. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for members, $40 for non-members.
Join us on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at River Oaks Country Club for our Annual Luncheon!
Our Honorees this year are:
Susanne M. & Melbern G. Glasscock
As two of the Garden’s most ardent advocates and visionaries, the Glasscocks were involved in site selection and have influenced the Garden’s themes and design. They are passionate about creating opportunities to introduce more people to the Garden and have a keen interest in ensuring the Garden has partnership programming and events throughout the year.
Honorary Chairs of this year’s luncheon are Linda Anderson, Kathleen & Bob Clarke, and Elizabeth & Albert Kidd. Co-Chairs are Elle & Clarke Anderson and Tammy & Bob Casey. Please mark your calendars and join us to celebrate and support the Houston Botanic Garden!
Sunday Concert Series
Come jam with us this spring! Performances begin at 3 p.m. each Sunday, April 3-May 8. Concessions, table rentals, reserved seating, and VIP packages are available for purchase. Check out details for our first four concerts below.
April 3: Houston’s newest reggae sensation Dem Roots Music
April 10: Cristina Amaro’s tribute to Female Tejano Icons
April 17: Texas-tinged, traditional Irish music by the Blaggards
April 24: Susan Hickman, the Texas Country Music Association’s Singer of the Year
Earth Day Wellness Walk
Exercise with us on Earth Day! On April 22, certified teacher and nutrition coach Laura Conely of Urban Paths will lead a wellness walk. The mid-day stroll through the Garden is sure to get your blood pumping and enhance your appreciation of the natural world. All paces are welcome!
Entry, which includes general admission to the Garden, is $20 for non-members and $10 for members.
Making Memories at the Garden: BotaniCamp
Spots are filling up fast for our Summer BotaniCamp so don’t wait — register your kids today!
Explore our Events Calendar for more upcoming opportunities to grow your gardening knowledge.
Volunteering isn’t just for individuals with green thumbs. We love hosting corporate teams, service groups and families. And we can’t wait for the Sam Houston Council of BSA to wrap up its Spring of Service with a big volunteer event at the Garden this month to celebrate Earth Day.
Want to schedule your own group volunteer days?
Contact us at volunteers@hbg.org or call 713-715-9675 ext. 152.
Angela Roth might be one of our most well-rounded donor members! As a former U.S Naval Officer with both formal culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu in London and agricultural training as a Texas Master Gardener, Angela now teaches Urban Agriculture at Pin Oak Middle School in Bellaire.
“My biggest thrills are seeing our little seeds grow into beautiful flowers and vegetables that nourish us,” she said in a recent interview — an apt metaphor for the work she does teaching children about nature, caring for animals, and protecting the environment.
With Earth Day approaching, she shares why she supports the Garden and the work it does to educate Houstonians to be stewards of the natural world.
Roth next to her family's donor plank along the bayou bridge at Houston Botanic Garden
You can make a donation to our annual fund at any time by clicking here or texting give2garden to 71777.
