The Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden celebrates Earth Day on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in conjunction with The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). The School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics at UTD has planned dozens of science and mathematics activities for children throughout the Children's Adventure Garden. Each activity is run by a different group with more than 50 participants from among UTD STEM faculty and students, as well as external STEM collaborators. This lively, interactive, and educational program is free for paid guests of the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. In case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled.

Dr. Bernine Khan, Assistant Dean, UTD's School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, said, "We had such an amazing time doing a similar event last year during the first full year of the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden that we wanted to expand on that to offer more topics of science this year. It works well to tie it into Earth Day because the garden is the perfect place to learn about science, nature, the earth and habitats. The more children and adults learn about these topics, the more likely they will care for the planet."

The groups will have stations throughout the Children's Adventure Garden offering hands-on activities about Biology, Chemistry, Electricity, Energy, Geosciences, Marine Science, Mathematics, Robotics, Space Science, and Physics. A sampling of the hands-on activities and discussions include the following:

• the geology of rocks and minerals;
• chemistry experiments exploring density, endothermic and exothermic reactions, and more;
• the marine wonders of whales, their eating habits, and how they survive in their cold water habitat;
• the mathematics of fractals;
• fun static electricity experiments;
• a space science trip around the solar system;
• a circus of physics demonstrations, such as the Bernoulli effect and how to use the oscilloscope to show the waveform of voices;
• craft-making activities such as a ladybug necklace and "plantable" paper;
• all about robotics, renewable energy, and much more!

Caelie Dunn, Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden public programs manager, added, "Children will take the things their brothers and sisters learned in the garden to the next level of science on this one day." 

About the Dallas Arboretum and the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden:

Located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum is among the leading display gardens in the country, set among 66 acres at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas, 75218. Officially debuted by the Dallas Arboretum in September 2013, the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is an 8-acre interactive garden designed specifically to address state and national education standards in life, earth and environmental science. Children and adults learn about life and earth science in the 17 galleries that teach the areas in the K-6 grade curriculum standards that can best be taught outdoors. These include photosynthesis, pollination, the solar system, erosion, energy and more.

The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum. For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org. 

To celebrate the Easter holiday, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has planned a weekend full of exciting activities including music, festive treats, children’s activities and a garden full of floral backdropsperfect for those Easter photos.Easter weekend is sponsored by Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate.

Mary Brinegar, Dallas Arboretum president, said, “Families have made visiting Easter weekend a tradition because it’s during Dallas Blooms, one of the most glorious moments in the garden. The last weeks of March usher in the blossoming of the 150 cherry trees, and the first weeks of April showcase the 3,000 azaleas, so it’s a beautiful time to visit.” The largest floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms runs through April 12.

Eddie Coker Children’s Concert, sponsored by DallasChild

Friday, April 3 | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn

Children’s activities include face painting, crafts and a petting zoo on Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. A roving bunny rabbit in costume will also be making rounds in the garden for family photo opportunities.

Matt Tolentino's Cement City Ramblers – Special Musical Concert

Saturday, April 4 | 1 p.m. | Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn

To carry out our theme “Deep in the Hearts of Texans,” the Dallas Arboretum welcomes the musical selections that are going to hearken back to the traditional Texas western swing bands of the 1930s and 1940s. Combining elements of jazz, blues, folk, and swing, this delightful music has kept Texas dance halls swinging for generations.

Pony Rides

Sunday, April 5 | Noon – 4 p.m. | Pecan Grove

Complimentary with paid garden admission.

On Saturday and Sunday, guests can relax on the lawn near the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn, listen to the music being played and enjoy a picnic.

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden Activities:

Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5

Storytime

10 a.m. | Moody Oasis

Children will be able to enjoy bunny themed stories while participating in a crafts where theycan make their very own bunny ears.

Dyeing Easter Eggs

1:30 p.m. | Plant Lab

Children are invited to dye Easter eggs using all natural dyes.

Springing Up Shapes

3:30 p.m. | Kaleidoscope Gallery

Children can design their own paper Easter egg and decorate it using fun shapes, patterns and colors.

Plant Lab: “Seeds on the Move” Experiments

11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. | Plant Lab

OmniGlobe Presentation: The Quest for Life in Our Solar System

11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. | Exploration Center

Learn about the solar system during a demonstration using the OmniGlobe.

Meet Betty the Bee

12:30 p.m. | Moody Oasis

She will answer the question, “Betty, Are You a Pollinator?”

Wetlands Wonders

2 p.m. | Texas Native Wetlands

Learn about aquatic life at this special program.

You Are What You Eat

4 p.m. | Incredible Edible Garden

Learn from this informative discussion.

Discounts:

Tom Thumb is selling discount tickets for $1 off the regular price. Group discounts for 15 or more are available with advance registration by calling 214.515.6520. Check the Dallas Arboretum website for additional discounts.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.

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The Lay Family Garden reopens Saturday, February 28, the first day of Dallas Blooms, providing guests a newly interpreted two-acre garden to visit at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The renovation was made possible by generous gifts from Mimi Lay's two daughters, Susan Lay Atwell and Dorothy Lay, and by additional gifts from the Estate of Ward Lay and Anthony Atwell. The Dallas Arboretum held a ribbon cutting with the family and friends on February 26.

According to the Lay family, “About 25 years ago, the Lay Ornamental Garden was created through the joint efforts of our mother, Mimi, and the Dallas Arboretum.  The garden was one of the first named areas at the Arboretum, and through the years has been one of the most popular sites for everything from casual visits to weddings. In honor of our mother and father, Herman W. Lay, we thought it was time for a reinterpretation of the garden, now named the Lay Family Garden, with new features, while still preserving many of its most popular elements.  We enjoyed the privilege of working with the creative geniuses of the Arboretum staff and are very happy that the garden will soon be open for everyone to enjoy."

Mimi Lay Hodges was known for her own personal breathtaking gardens where she grew many azaleas, so her initial gift was critically important in the early days of the Arboretum.

Restoration work began in early 2014. Noted local landscape architect Warren Johnson of Fallcreek Gardens performed the design and installation of the new garden elements. Renamed and reinterpreted, the Lay Family Garden preserves original iconic elements, such as the waterwalls fountain.  It also features a larger pond, a new grotto and waterfall, and beautiful new horticultural embellishments.

Pathways and Entrances:

The renovation of the Lay Family Garden required several important considerations, all while keeping the original footprint of the garden. The first step was to address the pathways leading to the garden. Before renovation, visitors often missed seeing this gardenas it was somewhat hidden from the Paseo de Flores (main path). The second step was to address the entrances into the garden. Three new entrances now feed into the garden from the Paseo extension linking the Camp House Circle with the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Open parkland connects the garden with the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn. Lastly, the Arboretum preserved the former entry courtyard, but it has now become a pocket garden and more of a destination than a passageway. 

Water Features:

One of the most popular features is the native limestone wallswith waterfalls cascading from them. Complementing the waterwalls is a new grotto with a 12-foot waterfall directly across from them. Guests can walk inside the grotto and sit on the benches behind the waterfall for a completely different view. The water gardens are also of great interest and include a large lagoon for aquatic plants, a stream with three weirs and a Koi pond. The mood of the stream changes at each weir division.

Plants:

The best of the original plants were preserved and planted in the revised planting scheme including Texas mountain laurel-Sophorasecundiflora and Sweet Viburnum-Viburnumawabuki ‘Chindo.’ Interesting new ones were added as well and include Osmanthus x fortunei ‘Carl Wheeler,’ Chinese Snowball-Viburnum macrocephalum, and Spreading Plum Yew-Cephalotaxusharringtonia ‘Prostrata.’ Much space has been dedicated to seasonal plantings, including the Floral Allee that allows a beautiful visual penetration into the heart of the garden.

According to Bill Graue, Dallas Arboretum board chairman,“This truly is an iconic garden, and the Dallas Arboretum is grateful for the Lay family’s continuous involvement and long-standing support.”

About Dallas Blooms:

Dallas Blooms, the largest floral festival in the Southwest, has been a tradition for 30 years, and this year’s theme plays homage to the beloved state: Dallas Blooms: Deep in the Hearts of Texans. The floral festival begins on February 28 and continues through April 12.  This year’s Texas-sized extravaganza features more than 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs along with life-size Texas themed topiaries, entertainment, food and special activities celebrating Texas. Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of Dallas Blooms, with Park Place Dealerships, Celebrity Cruises, Kimberly-Clark, C.C. Young and Tom Thumb as supporting sponsors.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.

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For families planning a staycation or visitors coming to Dallas for spring break, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has something for everyone. Tickets are now on sale for a special spring break concert featuring The Molly Ringwalds on March 12.

Special Spring Break Concert:

The Molly Ringwalds: The World's Greatest 80's Tribute Band

Thursday, March 12, 7 p.m.

Hailing from Sheffield, England, this legendary quintet has been able to combine their individual and very formidable talents to create the true essence of the most radical decade to ever be called "The 80's."

Tickets: $27 per person for adults (Members $17); $25 per person for seniors age 65 and older (Members $15); $10 per person for children ages 3-12; free for children under 3.

Dallas Blooms: Deep in the Hearts of Texans

February 28-April 12

As one of the signature festivals of the garden, Dallas Blooms will be in its second week.  The largest floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms has been a tradition for more than 30 years, and this year's theme plays homage to the beloved state: Dallas Blooms: Deep in the Hearts of Texans. Presented by Bank of America, the floral festival features more than 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs along with life-size Texas themed topiaries, entertainment, food and special activities celebrating the state.

Dallas Blooms includes tulips, daffodils, Dutch Iris and hyacinths, pansies, violas and thousands of other springtime annuals and perennials that bloom throughout the entire festival, so the garden changes all the time. The finale of this celebration is the mass flowering of the garden's collection of 3,000 azaleas and 150+ cherry trees that bloom normally at the end of April.

Gracing the garden are life-size topiaries featuring the great symbols of Texas including two longhorns, two horses and the Texas Star-the perfect backdrops for photos and videos.

Lay Family Garden Reopens:

Reopening during Dallas Blooms is the beautiful Lay Family Garden, which was developed in 1989 and one of the first large gardens originally named the Lay Ornamental Garden. It was given as a gift from Mimi Lay Hodges in honor of her late husband, Herman Lay. Renamed and reinterpreted, the Lay Family Garden preserves original iconic elements such as the waterwalls fountain and features a larger pond, a new 12-foot grotto and waterfall, and beautiful new horticultural accents. This renovation is made possible by the Lay's two daughters, Dorothy Lay, Susan Atwell and her husband Anthony, and a gift from the estate of Ward Lay.

Mommy and Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays:

March 9 and 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This family favorite activity is perfect for young children. Children's activities include face painting, petting zoo, nature art and Kindermusik.

Daily:*

-Western-style photo opportunities around a Chuck Wagon, pulled by two horse topiaries located at Café on the Green.

-Themed menus at Café on the Green feature classic and new Texas cuisine.

Weekends:*

-Varied "Texas" musical acts -live - Country/western, "vintage" Texas swing, Spanish style guitar, banjo music. Check website for schedules.

-Pony Rides, 12p.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 14

-Trick Roper, Sunday, March 8, 15

Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden:

February 28-December 31

Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the north end of the Arboretum

This 8-acre scientific children's garden is where science and fun become one. There are 150 interactive exhibits, many of which include technology, where guests can learn about pollination, habitats, photosynthesis, electricity and more. Special daily activities take place throughout the garden as well as in the 9, 100-square-foot Exploration Center that houses the iconic OmniGlobe, plant labs, CSI-inspired mysteries and 3-D Mini-Theater.Check www.dallasarboretum.orgfor daily activities.

Seated Spring Festival Tea:

March 2-April 10

A favorite tradition during Blooms is the Spring Festival Tea held at the Restaurant DeGolyer by Gil's Elegant Catering. Seatings are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily in the DeGolyer Tea Room.  The price ranges from $47 to $57 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214.515.6511 or online athttp://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/dining/seated-teas. The seated tea is for adults and children ages 13 years and older.

Discounts:

Discounted Tickets:

Save $1 on each regular price ticket when you purchase them in-store at local Tom Thumb locations.

Group Discounts:  

Group discounts for 15 or more are available with advance registration by calling 214.515.6520.

C.C. Young Senior Thursdays:

$11 general garden admission plus 20% discount at the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Valid for visitors age 65+ during festivals. Discounted Senior Thursday tickets may be purchased at the ticket booth only. 

Discounted Parking:

Pre-purchased online parking is  $8. Regular parking is $15.

For more information about the Dallas Arboretum, call 214.515.6500 or visitwww.dallasarboretum.org.

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under.  There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15 or $8, if purchased in advance online. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  More information can be found athttp://www.dallasarboretum.org/ or on Facebook.

During February, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden will "share the love" by offering $5 admission through February 27 for tickets purchased at the gate.

Bill Graue, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, said, "February is a starkly beautiful time at the Arboretum, and the quality of the garden and landscape design shows off well year-round. With warming temperatures later in the month, we often get a sneak-peek at the glory of Dallas Blooms."

As guests stroll throughout the garden, they can also watch the horticulture staff build the Texas-themed topiaries that will be on display for the opening of the 31st annual Dallas Blooms festival on February 28. That date also marks the reopening of the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, which has been closed for winterizing and maintenance.  The Lay Family Garden, which was the first named garden at the Arboretum, will also reopen during Dallas Blooms.

From February 13 to 16, the Dallas Arboretum will celebrate President's Day weekend by honoring active and retired military with free admission (with proper identification at the gate). Amidst patriotic music throughout the garden, the Arboretum will also offer visitors $1 hot dogs and $2 cherry pies.

Graue added, "With the perfect backdrop of lake, sculpture and gardens, the Dallas Arboretum is the most romantic place to be for Valentine's Day. We have a place in A Woman's Garden called The Pulpit that is heart-shaped with beautiful vines and that overlooks White Rock Lake. It's a popular place for proposals and intimate weddings."

At the end of February, the early spring blooms, like the daffodils, will begin blossoming.

Guests are welcome to bring picnics or have lunch or seated tea at Restaurant DeGolyer. Reservations for seated tea are required and can be made by calling 214.515.6511 or online at http://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/dining/seated-teas.The seated tea is for adults and children ages 13 years and older. 

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About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under.  There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15 or $8, if purchased in advance online. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.  More information can be found athttp://www.dallasarboretum.org/ or on Facebook.