The Garden Becomes a Tropical Oasis

Last week, the Garden began an impressive transition from Southern Spring to Tropical Oasis even as local nighttime temperatures dipped into the 30s.

Beginning last Monday, a strong force of staff and volunteers began rolling through the Garden to begin the work of creating the display that will be featured from May 29 to Aug. 30. Tuesday, director of Grounds Jim Summey reported that progress was smooth and that the plantings will likely be complete for Memorial Day weekend. That, however, will only provide a taste of the spectacular display guests will experience this summer.

The tropical display of bold summer colors combined with our perennial displays will make you want to visit the Garden again and again. Bright bromeliads, colorful coleus and hot-colored lantana will welcome guests for a spectacular experience all summer long.

These vibrant colors and striking shapes and textures come from around the globe. Pentas from North Africa surround familiar salvia while the South African plumbago gives a cooler effect with its periwinkle blue flowers. Also featured are the bright magenta leaves of the Hawaiian Ti and the unusual foliage of a South American bromeliad.

There is of course, much more to the display and we'll let you in on more as the summer goes on, so check back here often. Or better yet, visit. In addition to our daytime hours, we're open Thursday nights June 11-Aug. 20 for Garden Nights.

In addition, one Saturday a month is set aside for our Wild About Summer series. The first event is "Bee-Wild" on June 13. Then July 11 is set aside for "Wild-Life" when we welcome the Carolina Raptor Center and the Schiele Museum. Finally, you can make plans to join us for "Wild Wings: Hummingbird Banding" Aug. 1.