After years of fundraising and planning, The Houston Botanic Garden opened to the public in September 2020. The garden, which used to be the site of a 130-acre golf course, is now home to a wide variety of plants, fun events, and awe-inspiring nature to get lost in. Justin Lacey of the Houston Botanic Garden helps us get to know this special oasis near Hobby Airport.
Go around the world in acres, not days
The global collection of approximately 1,000 taxa includes tropical, subtropical, and arid plants from every continent except Antarctica. You can be enveloped by banana leaves one minute, and then walk among colorful boulders and drought-tolerant agaves in a dramatic desert landscape just a few steps away. In a nod to the city's culinary reputation, you can find edible and medicinal plants central to cuisines and cultural traditions of Houston's diverse populace.
Deepen your understanding of the natural world
At the Garden you can do more than simply look at nature. Its comprehensive educational programs include classes on home gardening, arts and crafts workshops, and activities focused on physical and mental health. Rotating exhibitions complement the Garden's plant life and draw attention to conservation and other environmental issues in our changing world.
Get your hands dirty and make a difference
Volunteers from all walks of life -- serving individually or in groups -- help the staff advance the mission of the organization. Those with green thumbs can work in the Garden, while others greet visitors, assist with programs, or do administrative tasks. Simply purchasing an admission ticket or becoming a member, so you can visit often as the Garden changes seasonally and support the continued development of this new community asset.
Have you visited the Houston Botanic Garden before? Do you have a memory to share? Email me.
