Vibrante - The Member Magazine of the San Antonio Botanical Garden (May - August 2024)

May – August 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

It’s a pleasure to write this message to you, the Garden’s members, now more than 13,000 households strong, in my new role as President & CEO. With your support, Spring arrived with great flourish.

At the Garden, we are about beauty, family, and fun as we celebrate our mission of enriching lives through plants and nature.

We now welcome 400,000 visitors and offer more than 960 programs annually for people of all ages. In 2024 we set a goal to elevate access programs to serve 50,000 people per year by year end 2026. First quarter reports reveal a significant increase in Title I School children attending tours, now comprising 61% of school groups. Coupled with the launch of our new Shuttle Access Program targeting areas with transportation needs, these efforts are integral to our Garden for All Initiative, aspiring to set a national standard for accessibility in public gardens.

Earlier this month, we opened the world

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premiere of Hunt Slonem’s Huntopia: Bunnies Birds and Butterflies. This is the largest exhibition at a public garden in the United States this year and certainly an exciting moment for our city. I invite you to come back and explore the exhibition over the coming months.

As summer begins, we hope you will join us for Garden Nights, summer camps, and Huntopia related programs. Thank you for making the Garden a part of your life and accessible to everyone in our community. See you in the Garden soon.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Katherine Trumble | President & CEO |

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IN THIS ISSUE 4 What’s Happening 10 Inspiration for Huntopia

A look into the inspiration behind the monumental exhibition

18 Blooms & Brushstrokes

By Layni Langham Explore the vibrant fusion of art and nature throughout the Huntopia exhibition

20 Lucile Halsell Conservatory

By Ashley Colwell Read the exciting developments of this massive restoration project

24 Shuttle Access Program

The Garden takes its first step into becoming a Garden for All

26 The Oak Collection

By Michael Eason Discover the importance of the Garden's living oak collection and its impact on conservation efforts

32 People Inspiring People

Interview by Chloe Blumenberg Read the inspiring stories and personal experiences of students volunteers and the dedicated team member who leads them

35 What's Blooming 36 Member Highlight:

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The FitzGibbons Family

Interview by Jami Jones The FitzGibbons reflect on their generational connection to the Garden

38 Donors & Perennials

ON THE COVER The Fluffle, 2023.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

SUMMER HOURS Daily | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sundays | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

NO NAME CREEK Daily | 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

FAMILY GARDENING WORKSHOPS WILD ABOUT WORMS Saturday, May 25 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

What has 6 hearts, but no eyeballs? Worms! Join Garden educators in this slimy, hands-on workshop to create vermiculture jars to kick-start your composting journey.

POLLINATOR FAIRY GARDEN Saturday, June 8 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Fly on over to design, plant, and decorate your own Huntopia-inspired fairy garden to take home for fairy friends. Participants are welcome to enjoy Huntopia before or after the workshop.

FAMILY ART WORKSHOPS

FAMILY & YOUTH CELEBRATE DAYS

FLOWER PRESSING Saturday, May 18 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Press flowers and leaves to create nature-inspired artwork in this hands-on workshop. Create and take home your framed floral artwork to enjoy.

Enjoy the Garden’s family-friendly events that offer guests a chance to explore a botanical theme at activity stations with Garden educators!

Free with Garden admission.

Celebrate Mud! | Saturday, June 1 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Celebrate Water! | Saturday, July 13 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Celebrate Birds, Bees and Butterflies! | Sat, Aug 10 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS From March through mid-November, parents and caregivers are invited to learn and grow alongside their little ones during the Garden’s weekly Early Childhood experiences: Little Sprouts

Hike (Tuesdays, 10 – 10:30 a.m.), Nature Exploration in the Family Adventure Garden (Wednesdays, 10 – 10:30 a.m.), & Storytime in the Garden (Thursdays, 10 – 10:30 a.m.). Little Sprouts Hike is sponsored by the Howard Family in honor of family and friends. Free with Garden admission.

FAMILY HIKES FAMILY NIGHT HIKES Fridays | May 17, June 7, July 5, August 16 | 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Discover the Garden’s creatures and plants at night on this guided walk! Bring a flashlight and explore the Garden to see nocturnal wildlife to identify bat species with a bat detector.

FAMILY MORNING HIKES Saturdays | May 11, June 8, July 6, August 3 | 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Join us and explore the Garden with a trained guide to discover garden wildlife and plants in the morning sunshine!

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ARTS & CULTURE SHIBORI WORKSHOP Thursday, May 23 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Shibori is a traditional Japanese tie-dye technique that create endless pattern variations using folds, bunching, and wrapping fabric. Using natural indigo dye, create your own shibori garden apron!

BOTANICAL PRINT WORKSHOP:

POUNDED FLOWER BANDANA

Thursday, June 20 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Learn to create vibrant botanical prints from the natural pigments of flowers. Flower pounding is hammering flowers and leaves to transfer flower “dye” to create patterns on fabric. Use different techniques and applications to create a one-of-a-kind bandana.

CYANOTYPE WORKSHOP: BOTANICAL TOTE BAG

BIRDS OF TEXAS

Thursday, July 18 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Saturdays | May 18, June 15, July 20 | 9:15 – 11 a.m.

Learn how to use cyanotype, the photographic printing process that uses the sun to print an image using leaves, ferns, flowers, and butterfly templates, and create a unique tote bag.

Learn about resident and migrant birds at the Garden. Discover bird characteristics and requirements, such as food, nesting, and protection. You can also learn which native plants can attract birds to your home landscape. Sponsored by San Antonio Water Systems.

ETHNOBOTANY OF NATIVE PLANTS Thursday, May 16 | 10 – 11 a.m.

Throughout history, people and cultures have used native plants for food, medicine, and shelter. Explore the diverse connections people have had, and will continue to have, with native Texas plants.

LUSH: TWILIGHT IN THE GARDEN

March, May, June, and November | 7 – 10 p.m.

Enjoy extended hours, live music, entertainment, and beautiful bloom displays as the Sun sets. Each LUSH event welcomes a playful new theme, and guests 21+ receive a complimentary cocktail to get in the spirit. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Featuring a market supporting local small businesses.

TICKETS PRICING

Adults $30 ($20 member) Children (3-13) $13 ($10 member) Children (0-3) Free VIP (Reserved for2 Guests) $75

LUSH SEASON PASS 2024 $80 ($60 member)

This passport is good for one ticket holder for the year, ID must match the ticket holder’s registration information. Lush Passport Includes admission to all LUSH dates.

CONSERVATION & GARDENING GUIDED TOURS DROP-IN: NATIVE PLANTS IN THE GARDEN

GARDENING WORKSHOPS Dive into our gardening workshops where you will explore a range of topics from rain gardens and rose care to lawn maintenance, pollinators, and beyond. Each session offers hands-on learning and expert advice to help cultivate a thriving, diverse garden.

LAWN CARE AT THE GARDEN Monday, June 3 | 10 – 11 a.m.

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Saturday, June 8 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.

RAINSCAPING AND RAIN GARDENS Saturday, June 29 | 12 – 2:30 p.m.

SUMMER COLOR AT THE GARDEN Friday, August 5 | 8 – 9 a.m.

Tuesdays | May 14 & 21 | June 4 & 11 | 9 – 10 a.m.

Explore the Texas Native Trails and the Garden and identify native plants. Learn how these plants conserve water, adapt to their local environment, and how to grow them in your home garden.

Free with Garden admission.

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING Fridays | June 7 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Join this seasonal walking tour in the Garden to discover sustainable practices, including native plants, rain gardens, and eco-friendly architecture. Learn about methods to conserve local resources sustainably.

MYCOLOGY 101: INTRODUCTION TO

MUSHROOMS!

Saturdays | May 18, June 1 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Join SamtheFungi to explore the importance of mushrooms in the environment. Learn the basics of mycology and how to begin exploring their wild world!

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INTRO TO COMPOSTING AT HOME

Sunday, May 19 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Learn about different composting methods, tools, and systems that make residential composting possible. Get ready to turn food scraps into a home garden resource!

CONSERVATION CORRIDOR SPEAKER SERIES:

WATER, LAND, SKY

Saturday, June 15 | 1 – 4 p.m.

From karst aquifers and bird migrations to cool cacti and blind salamanders. Central and South Texas has it all. Join us for the Conservation Corridor Speaker Series where a variety of panelists showcase their work to preserve water, land, and sky.

WORKSHOP SERIES: TEXAS FLORA BY

ECOREGION BY MICHAEL EASON

Join Michael Eason, Associate VP of Conservation and Collections, for this series of workshops about the flora of Texas by ecoregion. Come ready to learn curious tidbits on pollination biology, etymology, seed dispersal, and the biogeography of the plants of each ecoregion.

FLORA OF THE CHIHUAHUAN DESERT Saturday, May 25 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

FLORA OF EAST TEXAS Saturday, June 1 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

FLORA OF COASTAL TEXAS Saturday, June 22 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

LECTURE & RECEPTION: A MASHUP OF THE

HISTORY OF MESOAMERICAN AVOCADOS

Wednesday, May 29| Lecture at 6:30 p.m., Reception at 7:30 p.m.

Join Jennifer P. Mathews, Professor of Anthropology at Trinity University, for an engaging lecture on the development of the avocado in Mesoamerica and its transformation into a valued commodity in California during the 19th and 20th centuries. Discover the historical roles avocados played among the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec peoples, and their subsequent introduction to California.

The event includes a Q&A session and a reception featuring avocado-inspired light bites!

About the Speaker: Jennifer Mathews is a Professor of Anthropology, teaching archaeology and physical anthropology, and conducting research in Mexico studying the ancient and historic Maya. She is the author of six academic books, and numerous book chapters, essays, and articles. For the last fifteen years, she has focused on food studies, including the history of chicle (chewing gum), sugarcane, and rum, and her most recent obsession, the avocado.

She is the recipient of the Z.T. Scott Faculty Fellowship and Piper Professorship awards for teaching, and she is currently a Term Murchison Professor.

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FLORA OF NORTH TEXAS Saturday, July 13 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WELLNESS DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY GARDENING WORKSHOP

Select Wednesdays | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Come ready to get your hands dirty, learn from caring occupational therapists, educators and volunteers, and spend time with others!

Hands-on activities include planting, pruning, and exploring plants at your own pace. Free with Garden admission.

MEDITATION IN THE GARDEN

Select Saturdays | 10 – 11 a.m.

Practice presence in nature through this secular, guided meditation session. Learn to calm the mind and relax the body to promote a healthier, more productive life.

FOREST BATHING IN THE GARDEN

Sunday, May 26 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Experience a guided mediation aligning your senses with the outdoors, engage in nature connection invitations, and unwind with tea under trees.

CREATIVE COCKTAILS: MOJITOS

Wednesday, June 19 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Harvest garden botanicals, roots, or herbs to craft your own mojito using fresh herbs and fruit in this mixology class. Savor your creation alongside light bites, and feel free to explore the inventive Huntopia exhibition before starting.

DATE NIGHT: HUNTOPIA FEAST Friday, June 21 | 7 – 9 p.m.

Enjoy a romantic cooking date in the Garden, where you’ll create a feast of a charcuterie board with herb dips, local meats, and cheese products, paired by wine.

LIVE IN THE GARDEN

Save the Date | Fall 2024

Enjoy local and national live entertainment at the Garden, featuring the sounds of all genres! Food and beverages available for purchase.

GARDEN SPEAKEASY: MANHATTANS Wednesday, June 26 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Meet us in the Garden’s speakeasy to make prohibition-style classic cocktails while enjoying the Dirty River Jazz Band.

CULINARY FOODIE CINEMA: BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (1961) Friday, May 17 | 7 – 9 p.m.

During this classic film, enjoy a cocktail and several delicious, themed food items prepared by our Garden Chef. Films are shown in our indoor setting with a garden view. Sponsored by Kroger.

HERBOLOGY: CREATE A STEAK & VEGETABLE RUB Wednesday, May 22 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Harvest herbs from the Culinary Garden, create herb and spice blends to take home, and make a flavorful recipe! In this class learn about steak rubs and how to use them on meat and vegetables.

CREATIVE COCKTAILS:

BUTTERFLY PEA AND BUNNY 'TAILS

Thursday, May 30 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

In celebration of Huntopia we are making butterfly pea and “rabbit food” cocktails and mocktails. In this class, learn to add fresh juices to your cocktail to add a health kick to your night in the Garden.

GARDEN NIGHTS

Select Wednesdays | May – September | 6 – 9 p.m.

Discover the enchantment of Garden Nights in the Garden every other Wednesday night from March through September. Enjoy extended hours, savor delicious food and beverages, explore a vibrant vendor market, and enjoy captivating entertainment!

Also, once a month, enjoy local indie and jazz artist courtesy of our partners KRTU! Free with Garden admission.

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MEMBER ONLY

Events & Classes

MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION MONTH

Month of May

In May, we’re rolling out the green carpet to celebrate the heart of the Garden—our esteemed members! This month-long celebration will be filled with special member-only events, discounts, perks, and exclusive Garden tours, including discounts on LUSH, Turtle Tuesdays, and Bring-a-Friend Wednesdays!

MEMBER OPENING CELEBRATION OF HUNTOPIA Thursday, May 2 | 5 – 8 p.m.

Enjoy an exclusive first look at the Garden’s newest exhibition, Huntopia: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies. Featuring music, food, and refreshments for purchase!

MEMBER SIP & SHOP Friday, May 3 | 5 – 8 p.m.

Celebrate Huntopia: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies and the Garden’s 44th birthday at our Member Sip & Shop! Enjoy signature garden-themed cocktails and a market featuring vendors who are also members of the Garden. Free with membership.

BEGINNER’S BONSAI WORKSHOP Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Start your own bonsai journey! Learn about soil, equipment, possible species, and techniques used to nurture bonsais at home.

SPRING FLORAL BOUQUET WORKSHOP Saturday, May 18 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Learn to design a stunning spring floral bouquet! Receive a beautiful selection of flowers and a vase to take home. Learn tips on how to arrange and keep your bouquet vibrant.

LOYAL MEMBER MOVIE NIGHT Friday, May 24 | 6 – 9 p.m.

As a thank you to our amazing members of 5+ years, we are hosting our annual loyal member celebration! Enjoy a showing of the 1992 film A League of Their Own. Ballgame fare is available for purchase, as well as complimentary snacks and popcorn. Free with membership.

SUMMER PROGRAMMING MIDSUMMER SIP & SHOP Sunday, July 14 | 5 – 8 p.m.

CONSERVATION & COLLECTIONS GUIDED TOUR WITH MICHAEL EASON Tuesday, May 14 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Spend a summer evening in the Garden enjoying cocktail and a member-exclusive 15% discount in the Garden Gift Shop. Free with

Join Michael Eason who will guide you through the Garden’s efforts to preserve rare plant species in South Texas. Explore the region’s flora and ecology and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Southwest’s biodiversity. Free with membership.

SUMMER FLORAL BOUQUET WORKSHOP Saturday, August 17 | 10 – 11 a.m.

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membership.

Learn to design a bright and refreshing summer bouquet! Receive a beautiful selection of flowers and a vase to take home.

Experience the wonders of nature at Summer Camp at the San Antonio Botanical Garden! Campers will delve into the world of plants through engaging activities, interactive games, creative recipes, and exciting experiments. Registration now open. Limited availability.

Pollinator Palooza (Ages 5-11) Come and see what all the buzz is about! Campers will learn all about pollinators through hands-on, interactive activities like creating a native bee home, surveying pollinators, and planting a pollinatorfriendly plant to take home.

Water Adventure (Ages 5-11) Dive into a week of watery fun! Campers will engage in water play, explore the wonders of water science, and learn how to be guardians of our precious water resources.

Eco Explorers (Ages 5-11) Get ready to explore! Campers will spend the mornings learning, observing, and identifying connections between plants and animals.

Birding, pond dipping, and butterfly surveys await!

ARTopia (Ages 5-11) Embark on an artistic journey while exploring the Huntopia exhibition at the Garden for creative inspiration! Campers will create art projects inspired by the beauty of the natural world including canvas painting, a sculpture, and a screen-printed piece.

Junior Cooking (Ages 8-12) Let's get cooking! This culinary camp focuses on kitchen safety, cooking basics, and using healthy ingredients. Campers will harvest seasonal garden produce and use them in recipes.

Teen Cooking (Ages 13-17) Let's get cooking! This culinary camp focuses on taking cooking skills to the next level, finishing out the week with a cooking challenge.

Campers will harvest seasonal produce and use them in recipes.

Contact jwolanski@sabot.org or 210.536.1434 with questions!

Inspired People

HUNT SLONEM'S INSIGHTS INTO THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE MONUMENTAL EXHIBITION

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BUNNIES The Fluffle

"I first started painting bunnies in the 1970s by including them in the saint paintings I was making at the time. The rabbit form quickly took on its own interest for me and, over the years, they have taken me places I could never have been otherwise. They have huge personalities and are all so different. My mosaic bunny sculptures, shown here as a Fluffle, convey the same power and spirit of my beloved muses."

Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 13

BIRDS Toco Toucan

"The Toco Toucan is based on a mosaic sculpture of toucans I created back in the 1990’s and I consider this sculpture to be one of the most significant works in this exhibition as it served as an early impetus for pursuing an outdoor exhibition.

When it was complete, I just knew it needed to be experienced in a lush garden setting."

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Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 15

BUT TERFLIES "The Butterfly realm is a constant source of inspiration for my work. As a young exchange student in Nicaragua years ago, I witnessed a Morpho migration for the first time and I nearly passed out from the experience. It was transcendent. The vivid experience of intense color, everywhere, made such an impression on me. That overwhelming sense of awe fills me with a deeply felt connection to the Butterfly and I experience that sentiment every time I revisit this magical form."

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Ascension I, 2023

Passing Through, 2023

Water Wings, 2023

Jester's Crown Fern Nephrolepis obliterata

Blooms & Brushstrokes

By Layni Langham, Horticulturist

A

Truffula™ Pink Globe Amaranth Gomphrena pulchella

Profusion Red-Yellow Bicolor Zinnia marylandica

midst our botanical oasis, a whole new world of artistry comes to life with the unveiling of Hunt Slonem's world premiere exhibition, Huntopia: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies. This immersive experience transforms the San Antonio landscape, bringing the artist’s imaginative vision to reality.

Featuring larger-than-life bunnies, birds, and butterflies, this exhibition draws inspiration from Slonem’s deep love and admiration for nature. Across 38 acres of curated landscape, visitors are treated to over fifty original artworks never before seen by the public.

The garden landscape is essential in complementing the artwork. Designing the garden beds, a journey that began in early fall, took months of meticulous planning. Garden horticulturists carefully compiled a list of plants tailored to meet specific needs, prioritizing bold and vibrant varieties capable of thriving despite the challenges of San Antonio's arid summers and water restrictions.

To guarantee the availability of quality plants, over ninety percent of the selections are cultivated in on-site greenhouses, where dedicated staff, supported by volunteers, nurture the plants to maturity.

Sage 'Mystic Spires' Salvia longispicata x farinacea

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The selection of plants resembles a painter's palette, carefully chosen to endure the scorching Texas summers.

Among them are vivid zinnias, salvias, sedums, and purslanes, each contributing to the beauty of the landscape while fulfilling a crucial role in supporting our ecosystem as essential food sources for

pollinators such as bees and monarch butterflies. Inspired by the artist's own palette, the colors of these plants echo the artist’s use of gem-toned hues, enhancing the overall impact of his artwork within a curated botanical setting.

The Mays Family Display Garden, dappled The Fluffle of with mosaic bunnies, is transformed as blooms paint the landscape, breathing new light into Slonem’s creations. This garden, along with the Formals Garden, draws inspiration from the natural world’s rhythmic movements and Slomen’s distinctive thick, lavishly colored brushstrokes. Large mass plantings reflect the grandeur of Slonem's sculptures. In one of the oldest gardens, the ornamental Formals Garden, horticulturists designed a flowing river of flowers leading to a striking silver butterfly medallion, Passing Through. The harmony of repetition is a theme across the garden, allowing for the unity of art and nature.

Approaching the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, visitors are greeted by a stunning display of huge butterflies rising from the garden bed just outside the Exhibit Room. These butterflies, Ascension I, hold special significance for Slonem, symbolizing transcendence. The landscape within the concrete rotunda, coupled with the presence of butterflies, evokes a feeling of transcendence from the ordinary and a welcoming path leading to the conservatory rooms.

Entering the Conservatory, visitors are transported to another land. Amidst

Jester's Crown Fern

Phalaenopsis Orchid Bromeliad

Inf luenced by the vibrant hues and bold strokes found in Slonem's artwork, we've extended the art beyond the canvas. the lush greenery of the jungle-themed Exhibit Room, you'll encounter two captivating paintings from Slonem's Glowbox series. These pieces, inspired by the luminescent quality of blown glass, elevate a two-dimensional painting into an experience of shifting colors and lights.

Surrounded by a living frame of lush tropical foliage, moss is the foundation, enveloped by sweeping ferns, dracaenas, and bromeliads with clusters of orchids.

Influenced by the vibrant hues and bold strokes found in Slonem's artwork, plantings extend the art beyond the canvas. Opting for a neutral monochromatic green palette, the

plantings emphasize texture and form, creating a seamless confluence of art and nature, where each element enhances the other.

The challenge of designing a vertical landscape that maintains its allure for five months demands innovative planning and selection of resilient plants suited to thrive in this unique environment. Bromeliads and orchids, flourishing without soil, exemplify the unconventional approach, ensuring the exhibition’s vibrancy endures.

Pavilion, playful bunnies, graceful birds, and colorful butterflies adorn the landscape, infused with a unique San Antonio, Texas twist. Slonem’s artistry not only transforms the Garden itself, but also emphasizes the profound connection between art and nature.

We invite you to join us on this journey of exploration and discovery, where the allure of art intertwines with tranquility of nature.

From the Hill Country Meadow to the living fossils of the Palm and Cycad Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 19

Inspired Places

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The restoration of the Conservatory revitalizes Emilio Ambasz’s architectural vision and promises to inspire future generations with its sustainable beauty and innovation.

LUCILE HALSELL CONSERVATORY

By Ashley Colwell

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Gretchen Northup Tropical Conservatory

Robert and Helen Kleberg Desert Pavilion

Exhibit Room

N estled in the heart of the city, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is home to a remarkable structure that has captivated

visitors for decades: the Lucile Halsell Conservatory. Designed

by Emilio Ambasz, the Conservatory is an emblem of harmony between architecture and nature, a theme that pervades Amabasz’s work. As we begin a vast restoration project over the next two years, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the Conservatory’s history, design, and the legacy of Emilio Ambasz.

Emilio Ambasz, an Argentine architect and designer, emerged in the late 20th century as a pioneer of green architecture. His work is characterized by its innovative integration of nature, predating the contemporary green and sustainable design movements. Ambasz’s philosophy centers on the reconciliation of nature and architecture in a style he’s described as “green over grey.” His designs are not just structures but are intended as living entities that breathe life into their surroundings.

Opened in 1988, the Lucile Halsell Conservatory is a testament to 22 Vibrante

Ambasz’s design ethos. The ingenious design of the Conservatory utilizes the earth, minimizing the visual impact on the landscape and creating immersive environments beneath its glass domes. Each glasshouse is climate-controlled, featuring an array of plant life from different ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. This design allows for a seamless flow between outdoor and indoor spaces, inviting visitors to embark on a botanical journey that is as educational as it is beautiful.

After more than three decades of enchanting visitors, the Lucile Halsell Conservatory is poised to undergo a significant restoration.

Planned over the next two years, this project aims to preserve the architectural integrity of Ambasz’s design and ensure the Conservatory can continue to inspire future generations.

The $8.3 million project began in March, starting in the Fern Grotto. Restoration will be completed in five phases, one glass house at a time. This ambitious project includes replacing over 1,000 glass panes, upgrading environmental controls in the house, and updating hardware on mechanisms that allow the greenhouse vents

Fern Grotto

It’s about creating a space that continues to inspire, educate, and delight all who visit the Garden. to open and close. All these improvements are vital for regulating each environment housed in the Conservatory, controlling the temperatures and humidity levels. The meticulous attention to both aesthetic and functional aspects of the Conservatory underscores the ongoing commitment to a design that harmonizes with nature, reflecting Ambasz’s original vision of a seamless integration between architecture and the natural environment.

Palm and Cycad Pavilion

pioneering vision of a world where architecture and nature exist in harmony,” said Katherine Trumble, President & CEO. “It’s about creating a space that continues to inspire, educate, and delight all who visit the Garden.”

As the Lucile Halsell Conservatory undergoes transformative restoration, it is more than just a project; it’s a reaffirmation of the Garden’s core values. Under the stewardship of the Garden’s leadership, this ambitious endeavor is about renewing a commitment to innovation, education, and sustainability for generations to come. The Conservatory continues to be a source of innovation and stands a living legacy, inviting us all to envision where harmony between built environments and nature isn’t just possible—it’s a foundational principle.

“This project is our pledge to future generations, ensuring they have the opportunity to witness and draw inspiration from Ambasz’s Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 23

Garden For All

SHUTTLE ACCESS PROGRAM 24 Vibrante

Conservation, education, inclusion, innovation, and stewardship are the five core values of the Garden.

At SABG, inclusion means being a Garden for All and treating people with dignity and respect. This value significantly influences the Garden's operations, particularly in our efforts to make the Garden accessible. Earlier this year, the leadership team committed to a new goal of expanding visitation access, aiming to welcome 50,000 people through our annual access program by the end of 2026, aspiring to set a standard for access in public garden nationwide.

The first step towards increasing access to the Garden this year is to launch the Shuttle Access Program this spring! With a newly acquired shuttle that seats 24 passengers and accommodates wheelchairs, we're ready to roll.

The Shuttle Access Program team is comprised of a compassionate group of educators and operators led by Katie Erickson, the VP of Learning and Interpretation. Katie has been instrumental in establishing this initiative, working to enhance accessibility and inclusivity at the Garden.

Essential to establishing this program was to hire a dedicated individual as the Garden's first Community Access Coordinator.

Lulu Castillo joined the team at the end of March 2024 to fulfill this need. As a bilingual museum educator with nine years in nonprofit education, development, and communications, she's perfectly equipped for the role.

In the program's first year, we aim to welcome 3,120 people of all ages. As the Community Access Coordinator, Lulu will work directly with partnering community organizations,

DONOR SPOTLIGHT Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation

arranging visits for their clients and audiences for an experience of their choosing including classes, tours, workshops, or simply a day to wander and explore. The program includes admission and transportation to and from the Garden and is offered at no cost to participants and organizations, removing financial and logistical barriers.

Katie Erickson shared her thoughts on the program's impact, "The Shuttle Access Program is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and community connection.

By providing accessible transportation and tailored experiences, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for nature and foster a sense of belonging for all our visitors."

LULU CASTILLO

In anticipation of the program's launch, Lulu is, "so excited to be part of this great effort in creating better access to the Garden for our San Antonio community. I hope that through the Shuttle Access Program we can welcome more visitors and show them the great life-long connections they can form with the natural landscapes that surround us.”

The Shuttle Access Program will operate approximately three days per week with a goal to serve individuals from at least 50 partnering organizations in Bexar and surrounding counties in the first year.

To request a visit for a group or to suggest an organization to partner with, please visit sabot.org/learn/shuttleaccessprogram, email lcastillo@sabot.org, or call 210.577.0605.

Nancy Smith Hurd's enduring impact in philanthropy and community support is a beacon of her lifelong dedication to improving education, healthcare, and arts and culture in San Antonio.

Her foundation's significant contribution to the San Antonio Botanical Garden's Shuttle Access Program demonstrates a unified effort to connect people with nature and enhance lives. This initiative brilliantly reflects a collective commitment to inclusivity, aiming to make the serene beauty of the Garden accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or physical abilities.

With the support of the Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, the Shuttle Access Program is set to

KATIE ERICKSON

enhance the Garden's reach, offering a wheelchairaccessible shuttle service and programs designed to cater to a wide range of visitor needs, including language interpretation and adaptive experiences.

Anticipating to welcome around 3,120 individuals each year, the partnership is poised to significantly impact the community over its initial three-year pilot, aspiring to bring over 9,000 people closer to nature. This endeavor not only showcases the foundation's and the Garden's shared values of inclusivity and well-being but also sets a precedent for community engagement and the importance of connecting with the natural environment.

Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 25

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Buckley's Oak Quercus buckleyi

Inspired Plants

THE OAK COLLECTION

By Michael Eason, Associate VP of Conservation and Collections

Discover the challenges and strategies in conserving oak species through seed collection, vegetative propagation, and the cultivation of a diverse living oak collection at the Garden, highlighting the importance of oaks in ecosystems and conservation efforts.

In the last issue of Vibrante, I wrote about seed banks and how they are an important tool when it comes to plant conservation. If you remember, I mentioned that there are generally two types of seed – orthodox seed, which can withstand long periods of desiccation and thus are ideal candidates for seed banking, and recalcitrant seed, which cannot withstand desiccation. Essentially, seed of recalcitrant species need to germinate within one season, or they will die. One may think that having recalcitrant seeds is a disadvantage. Orthodox seed can linger in the soil seed bank for years until conditions are conducive for germination, which would give a better chance at species survival.

On the other hand, recalcitrant seeds rely upon conditions at the time of seed dispersal – typically adequate precipitation or landing in the proper environment for germination. In other words, if the seed does not end up in the right habitat and there is not adequate moisture after the seed germinates, the outlook is grim.

Enter the oaks (Quercus spp.), which are, perhaps, the most common of all recalcitrant species. A genus of plants found only in the northern hemisphere, but with an impressive estimated 500 species.

The highest diversity of oaks is found in North America, with Mexico housing an estimated 160 species, while the US has approximately 90 species. Texas has 58 species within its borders (although with recent research that the Garden has been involved with, this number is sure to increase), with the highest diversity found in the Chihuahuan Desert region of the State – 28 species.

As we all know, Oaks produce acorns. In some years, like the fall of 2023, trees were exceptionally rich with acorns. When this happens, typically every 2-5 years, botanists refer to this as a mast year. While the reasons behind masting are not entirely known and are probably a culmination of factors, what we do know is that wildlife benefits enormously from this overabundance of acorns. Given that each mature tree can produce upwards to 10000 acorns during a mast year, it’s a wonder why we do not have more oaks in our natural landscapes.

Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 27

Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii

Conserving Recalcitrant Species Since seed banks are not an option, we must consider alternatives when conserving Oaks. Of course, we collect acorns when we can, which we have been doing over the past few years. Those acorns are then germinated at the Garden and grown until they reach a large enough size to be planted within the living collection, which may take several years, depending upon the species. But what about the oaks that do not produce acorns, or very few, or access is so limited that we have a short window to visit a population? In these cases, we turn to vegetative propagation.

Grafting and Cuttings One option is to obtain scions (small twigs) during winter prior to new buds emerging. Here in Texas, that usually happens in January or February, depending on the location. These scions are then grafted to a closely related understock (root material). This was the situation for the presumed extinct Late-Leaf Oak (Quercus tardifolia). In January of 2021, a small team returned to the site in Big Bend National Park

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to collect scion material. Ryan Russell, one of the team members, grafted the scions to a variety of root stock – including Texas red oaks such as Buckley’s Oak (Q. buckleyi), Graves Oak (Q. gravesii), and Shumard’s Oak (Q. shumardii). Additionally, other grafts were made on root stock from further east, most notably the common Red Oak (Q. rubra). By selecting a variety of understock, these trees would be better adapted to different soil types throughout the United States.

Thus, many institutions could become stewards of this species and not have to be concerned with specific soil needs.

Cuttings, while similar to grafting in that material is removed from the plant in the wild, differ in that no understock is used. Many species of oaks produce root sprouts or suckers. In some cases, this is simply genetics. Species such as the Mohr Oak (Q. mohriana) are rhizomatous, meaning they spread by roots, forming thickets; these types of thicket-forming oaks are generally referred to as Scrub Oaks.

Live Oaks (Q. fusiformis and Q. virginiana) commonly produce suckers; when you see a grove (or copse) of large Live Oaks, all of these trees may share a common root system, which makes them susceptible to Oak Wilt. Due to stress or other factors, some trees

Hinckley Oak Quercus hinckleyi

Inspiring People, Places, & Plants

29

Blackjack Oak Quercus marilandica

30 Vibrante

Canby Oak Quercus canbyi

By further enhancing the diversity of Oaks in this area, we aim to realize the original intent of this area and now, nearly 40 years later, plant trees for the next generation may produce basal sprouts. This is commonly seen in trees where the trunk is killed during a fire. Many vigorous sprouts will occur from the live material at the base of the tree. Eventually, some of these sprouts, whether they originate from the roots or the base of the trunk, will reach maturity. This plant material is collected in the field, stored in coolers, and transported back to the garden. Once at the Garden, the material is further processed and placed on a mist bench for several months until vigorous root systems have developed. Root suckers, which typically have small roots attached when collected, have a better success rate than basal shoots, but both are used as methods of conservation.

Growing our Living Collection The Garden currently holds several species of Oak propagated through cuttings and grafting. Hinckley Oak, Mexican Dwarf Oak, and Vasey Oak are examples of three species we’ve been able to propagate via cuttings; we also hold several species, including the Late-leaf Oak, that have been grafted. Once mature, we can further divide these plants, producing more clones and sharing those with other gardens.

In all, we hold over sixty species of Oak in the back-of-house.

Some of these trees will be planted this year, and others will have to wait until they are large enough. These trees will help enhance our Oak Collection, which currently has about thirty species growing throughout the Garden. The highest concentration of Oaks can be seen in the new WaterSaver Community. This area of the Garden was originally named the Oaketum – a place for oaks, by garden staff in the 1980s.

Here, those trees planted in the 1980s and 1990s thrive and are some of our most cherished oaks. You’ll find Oaks from western Texas and northern Mexico, including Canby Oak (Q. canbyi), Graceful Oak (Q. graciliformis), and our lone Arizona oak (Q. arizonica). Look for plantings in the near future as some of our most prized back-ofhouse specimens, such as the Chihuahuan Oak (Q. chihuahuensis), Cucharillo Oak (Q. urbani), and the Mexican Oak (Q. greggii) are installed in this section of the Garden. By further enhancing the diversity of Oaks in this area, we aim to realize the original intent of this area and now, nearly 40 years later, plant trees for the next generation.

Inspiring People, Places, & Plants

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A

People Inspiring People Interview by Chloe Blumenberg

healthy group of volunteers is critical to the Garden's mission of enriching lives through plants and nature.

While organizations tend to focus on the value that volunteers provide to the organization, it’s important to remember that the benefits flow both ways. Volunteering helps individuals expand their connections and feel good. Studies show that volunteering can improve physical health, fight social isolation, reduce stress, and teach new skills. Likewise, paid employees

My favorite community service was the Botanical Garden. The first time I went, we were divided into three groups. One group was in charge of cleaning up the plants and their area, the second group was in charge of replacing the dead flowers with a new one, the last group watered the plants. I like to do activities where I help others as community service, which makes me feel better about myself.

32 Vibrante

experience and witness similar benefits through their work with volunteers. The narratives of students from the Academy for Creative Education (ACE) program, along with insights from staff member Monique Garza, provide a window into the program's advantages.

Here are reflections from six students engaged in the ACE program, detailing their most valued community service activities:

A community service opportunity I got to participate in was going to the Botanical Gardens with my English teacher. I got paired with four other classmates and a staff member to pull weeds, spray paint numbers on the sidewalk, plant plants and got to eat breakfast tacos.

Everyone who worked there made me feel super invited and relaxed. At the end of it, I even got to take my own succulent home. Despite it being windy, it felt nice being outside and walking around to get some fresh air.

We helped take old mulch out of the garden beds in the Rose Garden and take it somewhere else. I liked how everyone got together and worked on the job we had to do. It was fun, so I would do it again.

At the Botanical Garden, I participated in potting small plants and numbering garden rows with spray paint. I enjoyed working with plants and giving my time to help others. It made me feel really relaxed.

Everybody was nice, and working with plants and stuff was cool.

I went to the Botanical Garden twice. I had a super fun time. This was definitely my favorite trip I've been on at school. I loved how we got to be outside all day because the gardens are very beautiful. It was also nice to get out of my seat and get fresh air. The first time was very hard work. At the end, I was tired and sore afterwards, but it felt good knowing I'm making a small difference to make our Earth nicer. The teacher I went with made the whole experience very fun and enjoyable as well. The only thing I disliked was how cold and windy it was the second time we worked. I would love to do more work in the Botanical Garden. I would even like to work there.

I went to the Botanical Garden, and we helped pick up mulch and transferred it around. I liked that the weather was nice and pretty comfortable besides on my hands – they were freezing. The experience gave me a feeling of altruism. Based on this experience, in the future I would honestly do any type of service that I could to help put smiles on people’s faces right in front of me.

Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 33

Monique Garza, our esteemed Senior Gardener and Volunteer Supervisor, shares her experience in a recent interview:

Q. What does work with volunteers mean to you and how do volunteers help with your job?

A. I love working with volunteers. They are very helpful in my area. They help me to multitask in different areas. They mean a lot to me because it’s not only about working in the garden. We’re also working with our feelings and our problems and lots of people come here to just get away and decompress, and I love that I can help assist with that.

Q. Our volunteers are diverse and have different abilities, skills, and interests. How do you make adjustments and accommodate volunteers in the Garden?

A. First I find out what their needs are and find out a little bit about them and what they can do and can’t do. Some people can’t lift a lot or can’t pull hoses so I’ll pull the hoses for them, and some people can’t bend over so I make sure that they’re only doing projects standing up depending on who they are. I get to know them.

Q. What do you think of students volunteering in the Garden?

A. I love working with the kids in the garden; I think they’re very special. I think what we do here is very important. I love that we get to introduce them to horticulture therapy.

Being able to teach them about pollinators and about how important it is to take care of their environment. They are the future so it’s better to teach them now.

Q. You specifically are really good about working with our student groups, what makes those groups special to work with?

A. I see myself in a lot of those kids. I figure one person can make a difference in one person’s life. So if I can be that one difference, then I really hope that is something I can do.

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What's Blooming?

MEALY BLUE SAGE Salvia farinacea

DESERT WILLOW Chilopsis linearis

CENIZO Leucophyllum frutescens

BLACKFOOT DAISY Melampodium leucanthum

FOUR-NERVE DAISY Tetraneuris scaposa

ESPERANZA Tecoma stans

ENGELMANN DAISY Engelmannia peristenia

GOLDENBALL LEADTREE Leucaena retusa

SKELETON-LEAF GOLDENEYE Viguiera stenoloba

ZEXMENIA Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida

FIREBUSH Hamelia patens

PRIDE-OF-BARBADOS Caesalpinia pulcherrima

Some like it hot!

FLAME ACANTHUS Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii

HEART-LEAF HIBISCUS Hibiscus martianus

Texas summers are long and brutally hot for both people and plants. Some landscape plants, however, will bloom reliably, even in the heat. Above are some recommended plants for color in the landscape during the hot summer months.

Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 35

Member Highlight

INSPIRATION AT ALL AGES The FitzGibbons Family on their Generational Bond with the San Antonio Botanical Garden Interview by Jami Jones

For the FitzGibbons family, the San Antonio Botanical Garden isn’t just a place to admire plants—it’s a vibrant tradition, a wellspring of creativity, and a multigenerational educational haven. Ann and Bill FitzGibbons introduced their children to the Garden’s 38 acres, and now their grandchildren, Maggie, 10, and Elliott, 8, eagerly anticipate each visit.

I caught up with Bill, his son Sean, and his grandchildren to explore the deep roots of their connection with the Garden.

The Garden obviously holds a special place for your family. What about the Garden inspires you?

Bill: “We’re regulars at the Garden, drawn back time and again by its ever-changing scenery. With each visit, there’s always something new to discover, which we often bring back as inspiration for our own garden. It’s our living classroom.”

Maggie: “The Garden inspires me to create art.”

What do you love most about the Garden?

Bill: “The Garden is a cultural gem for San Antonio, from the stunning architecture of the Emilio Ambasz greenhouses to its inviting new entrance and expansions—it truly is a city treasure.”

Elliott: “I really like the sculptures.”

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What made you want to make the Garden a part of your family tradition?

Bill: “The Garden is always our go-to whenever family visits. It offers us a breathtaking backdrop of scenery and plant life, sparking great conversations about our natural surroundings and providing endless educational and inspirational opportunities.”

Sean: “It’s a place that’s always been a part of our lives. Even as it evolves, it remains a comforting, familiar space that feels like home.”

Adding to the family anecdotes, Bill shared a memorable experience of his son Sean’s discovery at the Garden: “One of my favorite memories was when Sean ‘discovered’ the log cabin next to the lake. He was thrilled because it felt like stepping out of San Antonio and into a different time and place, almost like being in the countryside. It was like traveling back in history!”

Sean’s fascination didn’t stop at the log cabin; he was equally captivated by the greenhouses and particularly enchanted by the waterfall in the fern garden. “I remember how he kept walking under the waterfall, amazed by how awesome it was,” Bill recalls with a smile.

These personal stories underscore the Garden’s role as a cornerstone of family tradition and highlight its ability to enchant visitors of all ages.

SA V E T H E DA T E

S E PTE MB E R 18 - 1 9

Y O U R S UPPO RT MA KE S A D I F F E REN CE By participating in Big Give 2024, you can help fund the Garden's access programming, including our Shuttle Access Program. Mark your calendars and be part of something special. Together, we can create a Garden for All. Don't miss the opportunity to make a BIG difference during Big Give 2024!

I N A P P R E C I AT I O N Donations made December 31, 2023 - March 31, 2024 $75,000+ Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992 Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation Jane Cheever Powell

$25,000 - $49,999 Gabrielle Conlee | Larry Conlee Dickson-Allen Foundation Gretchen Swanson Family Foundation Barbara C. Kyse Louis H. and Mary Patricia Stumberg Foundation Mays Family Foundation Dacia and Lanham Napier The Nordan Trust Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation Paula and Herb Stumberg

$10,000 - $24,999 80/20 Foundation Claire and John Alexander The Brown Foundation, Inc. C.B. and Anita Branch Trust Cavender Auto Family Circle Bar Foundation Gayle and Walter Embrey Fern Lee Finck Frost Bank H-E-B Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation Kanaly Foundation Carolina and AJ Lewis Martha Mares Lebo Children's Education Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation McCombs Foundation Connie and Sandy McNab Nancy Moorman Evangeline Myers Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Trust The Rachel and Ben Vaughan Foundation Corinna and JB Richter, Jr. Wallace Rogers Shield-Ayres Foundation Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Valero William Knox Holt Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999 Ann and Forrest Word Family Foundation Ann Ash Capital Group- San Antonio

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Katy and Ted Flato Lou Celia and Don Frost Barbara and Michael Gentry Hixon Properties Incorporated Jefferson Bank Lisa and Edward Kopplow Monica and Ryan Maney Carol and John McGuire Vicki L. McLaughlin Melody P. McMahon Cynthia and Forrest Miller Whitney Solcher and Joe Miller Janet Montagne Angel and Robert Myers Lisa and Mitch Nichols Joannah and Christopher Pickett Prestige Motorsports Cathy and Phil Sagebiel Paige and Clayton Shafer Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. Mary West and Richard Traylor Jordan Vexler Patrick Williamson

$1,000 - $4,999 Molly and Michael Amini Margie and Morton Baird Vivienne and Chris Bathie Tisha and B. Kyle Beck Michael Bolner Judy H. Branch Lauren and John Browning Katherine and Walter Brown Brownsville Community Foundation Inc. Caroline and William Carrington Suzanne and Rick Cavender Barbara and Gabriel Durand-Hollis Julia and William Edwards Kathann E. El-Amin Melanie Evans Mariana and William Fisher Burkley and Jonny Fitzsimons Jana and Jeff Galt Anne and Marco Gamboa Laura and Burnell Gates Peggy and Paul Geibel Lilliana and Ignacio Gonzalez Rocio and Ron Heller Marty and Steve Hixon The John and Florence Newman Foundation John and Sue Jockusch Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation Lily and Jeffrey Johnson Jessie and Richard Kardys Susan and John Kerr Margaret and Bill Klesse Cally and Will Kothmann Karen and Kerry Krause Marline and Clint Lawson

Carrie Gray and Christopher Lefelhocz St. Luke's Episcopal Church Luther King Capital Management Susan Martin Claire and Easton McNab Rebecca and Scott Nathan Jana Orsinger and William T. Orr III Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. Susan Mooberry and Gregory Patterson Jill and Gardner Peavy Stacy Phillippe Candace Andrews and Uwe Pontius Angela Portugues Mary Quandt Rialto Studio, Inc. Jacqueline Roberts Jan Jarboe Russell and Lewis Russell Jr. The Ruth and Edward Austin Foundation Sandra and George Salinas Meagan and Adam Shadfan Silver Eagle Beverages Gary Cox and Michael Simon Lauren and Jeremy Smyth Weston Miller and Ryan Theuninck The Tim and Karen Hixon Foundation Abby and Brad Tolin Kimberly and Matthew Traxinger Troy Jessee Construction Trudy and Ed Moore Charitable Fund Katherine and Kristopher Trumble The Vaughan Foundation Bette and Jack Vexler Ann B. Watson Stephanie and Christopher Wilde Julie and Peter Zacher Mollie Zachry

Cenizo Legacy Circle Fern Lee Finck Barbara C. Kyse Elizabeth and Robert Lende Candace Andrews and Uwe Pontius Kathleen Kingsley Robertson Mary Marshall Sidorsky† Gary Cox and Michael Simon Patricia A. Trenton

Hibiscus Circle $5,000 Carla and John Brozovich Laura and Burnell Gates Lindsay and Jack Guenther Valerie and Jack Guenther Abigail and George Kampmann Barbara C. Kyse Elizabeth and Robert Lende Carol and John McGuire Cynthia and Forrest Miller Meredith K. Morrill Judy Morton Roxana and Bruce Richardson Elizabeth and Barry Roberts Kay and Dennis Stein Sandra and Scott Teeter Mary West and Richard Traylor Joan and W. Reed Williams

Esperanza Circle $2,500 Michael J. Adams Susan and Ernie Altgelt Ann G. Ash Tisha and B. Kyle Beck Emily and Patrick Brooks Lauren and John Browning Paula and Jim Callaway Suzanne and Rick Cavender Anita and John Comander Wiede and Jon Cutshall Jana and Jeff Galt Marty and Steve Hixon Estee and Luke Kellogg Margaret and Bill Klesse Cally and Will Kothmann Holly and Philip Miller Nancy Moorman Londi Paige Allison and Alan Pyle Jenny and Rick Schimpff Adam and Meagan Shadfan Weston Miller and Ryan Theuninck Kimberly and Matthew Traxinger Bette and Jack Vexler Stephanie and Christopher Wilde Susan Wilkins-Geery Patrick Williamson

Lantana Circle $1,000 Lyn and Omar Akhil Claire and John Alexander Molly and Michael Amini Mary Arno Kennedy Hatfield Asel and Aaron Asel Margie and Morton Baird Matthew Ballard Katie and Tyson Becker Liza Binkley

T H E PE R E N N I A L S G I V IN G C IRC L E S Members as of March 31, 2024

Mary Pat Bolner Elise and Craig Boyan Judy H. Branch Katherine and Walter Brown Laura A. Cavaretta Jane Cheever Powell Barbara Clark Sarah and Jon Cochran Rhonda and Frank Coleman Penelope Speier and Edward Collins Gabrielle Conlee Charlotte A. Creamer Karen Dawson Joane and James Drought Ellie and Chuck Du Val Lynnette and Trey Embrey Joel K. Erben Melanie and Barrett Evans Fern Lee Finck Mary and Lewis Fisher Mariana Munante and William Fisher Kay Fitch Burkley and Jonny Fitzsimons Blair and Joseph Fitzsimons Mercedes and Philip Fletcher Caroline A. Forgason Lou Celia and Don Frost Anne and Marco Gamboa Jill and Carlos Garcia Toni and Richard Goldsmith Lilliana and Ignacio Gonzalez Cheryl and Steven Green Karen and Jim Greenwood Cindy Griffin Melinda McFarland-Hartson and Reid Hartson Allison and Jaimie Hayne Mary Henrich Karen J. Hixon Janet and Robert Holliday Corinna and JB Richter, Jr. Laura Cheng and Dean Hull Lily and Jeffrey Johnson Jessie and Richard Kardys Susan and John Kerr Leigh Ann and Greg King Karen and Gary Kittrell Bonnie and John Korbell Karen and Kerry Krause Susan and William Lane Catherine and Richard Lange Marina Gonzales and Gerald Lee Carrie Gray and Christopher Lefelhocz Allan Lewis Kelsey and Bryan Litchford Elizabeth and Madison Marceau Paul B. Martin Susan Martin Diana I. Martinez Melissa Martinez Marie and Ryan Mays Celeste and William McEntire Jane and Joe McFarlane

Vicki L. McLaughlin Connie and Sandy McNab Claire and Easton McNab Janet Montagne Trudy and Ed Moore Barbara and Jeffrey Moss Sydney and Gregg Muenster Leslie Negley Ann and John Newman Lisa and Mitch Nichols Elaine Olivier Susanna Morrow and Ross Olsaver Jana Orsinger and William T. Orr III Elena and Luis Oseguera Suzanne and Rusty Palmer Margaret and Ryan Pape Anne and Charles Parrish Susan Mooberry and Gregory Patterson Carol and Kirk Patterson Eleanor and Scott Petty Candace Andrews and Uwe Pontius Julianne and Michael Posey Mary Quandt Joan Cheever and Dennis Quinn Angela and Trey Rabke Steven Robbins Jacqueline Roberts Anne and Jeff Rochelle Heather and Randy Rodgers Stacey and James Rubin Jan Jarboe Russell and Lewis Russell Jr. Cathy and Phil Sagebiel William Scanlan, Jr. Deb Sovereign Sarah and Sam Bell Steves, II Megan and Tres Steves Paula and Herb Stumberg Kirk Swanson Dina and Jeff Tom Stephan and Bonnie Tompsett Alisa and John Travis Katherine and Kristopher Trumble Lisa Uhl Elky and Mark Van Es Claire and George Vaughan Jordan Vexler Suzanne and Dick Wade Ann B. Watson Roberta Churchin and Bob Webster Shari Mao and Erik Weitzel Julie and Warren Wilkinson Thomas Wirth Joan and Richey Wyatt Julie and Peter Zacher Sherri Zimmerman

For more information, about Perennials, visit: SABOT.ORG/SUPPORT/GIVING-CIRCLES Inspiring People, Places, & Plants 39

For a limited time, save 20% on all venue spaces for the months of June through September 2024!

Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, the Garden provides the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available, we can accommodate events of all sizes.

CONTACT US TODAY | RENTTHEGARDEN@SABOT.ORG | 210.536.1409

LISA CORBETT, VP OF VISITOR EXPERIENCE & MARKETING | JAMI JONES, MEMBERSHIP MANAGER | ASHLEY COLWELL & MACKENZIE BRODERICK, DESIGNERS

555 FUNSTON PL ACE SAN ANTONIO, T X 78209 210.536.1400 SABOT.ORG @SABOTGARDEN

GARDEN AND GIFT SHOP HOURS March - October Ever yday | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sundays | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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