Message from our President & CEO
Man in the Lucile Halsell Conservatory courtyard, circa 1989.
As we move through the second half of 2025, the Garden begins to bring our new Ten-Year Master Plan to life. At the core of this plan are two initiatives: becoming the statewide leader in plant conservation and a garden for all.
In July, we began construction on our first project of the new master plan— transforming the Exhibit Room of the Lucile Hasell Conservatory into the new Napier Family Orchid Pavilion. Scheduled for completion in fall 2026, this reimagined space will showcase over 600 species and varieties of orchids, including dozens of native Texas orchids.
In October, we’ll celebrate fall with vibrant marigold and pumpkin displays across the Garden, including a large-scale floral mural of monarch wings on the concert lawn. Children of all ages can enjoy Bootanica and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Fest. October also features festive weekends, a Beer Garden with live music, community ofrendas, and cultural programming that honors tradition and brings people together.
We continue to create new ways for our community to connect with the Garden. Illuminate returns for a second year in November with bold, immersive installations within our urban oasis. And members can enjoy Illuminate at a discounted rate on Member Mondays. Thank you for being a part of this journey and supporting our mission of enriching lives through plants and nature. See you in the Garden!
4 What’s Happening 8 Illuminate Returns
Back with more glow, more wonder, and all-new installations
10 Introducing Otherwild
Get a sneak peek of the Garden's 2026 Spring exhibition
12 Enriching Community through Plants & Nature By Learning & Education Staff
Stay up-to-date on the Garden's efforts to enrich our community
16 Seasonal Stars By Andrew Labay
Native and adapted plants for your home landscape
18 Where the Wild Things Root By Zachry Ritchie
An update on the Garden's conservation efforts from the field
22 Meet Bubba By Andrew Labay
Meet the Desert Willow that started it all
26 The Native Trail Goes West By Michael Eason
Take a closer look into the Garden's plan to expand the Texas Native Trails
30 Growing a Legacy of Philanthropy
Interview by Jami Jones
Discover Lou Celia Frost's partnership with the Garden to give trees
32 Nurturing Wonder By Hannah Roberts
In Memory of the Garden's inaugural President Hall Hammond
36 Eighteen Years of Splendor By Development Staff
Reminisce on the past 18 years of the Garden's annual Splendor in the Garden
40 Across the Pond By Hannah Roberts
A look back at the recent trip to the Chelsea Flower Show in London 41 Donors & Perennials
WHAT'S HAPPENING
ENCHANTED BALL
Saturday, August 16 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
DOG DAZE
July – September | All Day
VISITING HOURS
MARCH – OCTOBER
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sundays
NOVEMBER – JANUARY
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Daily
Step into a storybook celebration at Enchanted Ball brought to you by Once Upon A Party. Meet over 13 beloved royals, sing along with Mirabel, enjoy light refreshments, and dance the day away in the beautiful Betty Kelso Center. Tickets start at $20, with themed add-on experiences available. Perfect for families and little royals alike.
SPECIAL SHORT FILM SCREENING H-E-B OUR TEXAS, OUR FUTURE
Friday, August 8 | 7 p.m. Event Start 8 – 9:30 p.m. Screening
Enjoy an evening outdoors with a special screening of H-E-B Our Texas, Our Future, celebrating Texas’ wild beauty. Plus: DIY trail mix, watercolor painting, and hands-on conservation fun. Don’t forget your blanket!
FAMILY NIGHT HIKE
Friday, August 22 | 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Member Exclusive!
PUPPY PORTRAITS
Saturday, August 9 | 7 – 10 a.m.
Strike a pose, pup! Members are invited to book a 5-minute photo session for their fourlegged friend in the scenic Formal and Rose Garden. You’ll receive a gallery of sweet shots within a week—perfect for printing, posting, or just admiring your dog’s undeniable charm.
Pups are welcome at the Garden all day, every day this summer! Stroll the trails, sniff the blooms, and soak up the sunshine together during our Dog Daze of Summer. Just keep your furry friend leashed and out of restricted areas while you explore.
Experience the magic of the Garden under the stars! Enjoy a guided night hike led by Garden Educators and meet nocturnal plants and animals that come alive at night. We'll listen for bats, search for spiders, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Garden lit by moonlight. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable bottle.
CHILDREN'S VEGETABLE GARDEN
Saturdays | August 23 – December 6 | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Kids get their hands dirty and grow their own food in this fun, interactive gardening program for ages 7–16. With the support of educators and volunteers, each family tends to their own 3.5′ x 28′ plot and takes home the harvest. Saturday sessions feature planting activities and nature-based lessons that connect young growers to the power of plants, the joy of gardening, and the food on their plate.
CELEBRATE CONSERVATION
Saturday, September 13 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Celebrate the importance of conservation and the vital role native plants play in our ecosystems. Explore the beauty and resilience of Texas natives on guided tours, learn to create water-wise landscapes at interactive conservation tables, and discover the world or rare and endangered species. Get inspired by pollinators and the plants that support them.
FREE WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP
DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY GARDENING WORKSHOP
Wednesdays | September 3 – December 3 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers, this workshop is ideal for getting your hands dirty and connecting with educators, volunteers, and community members.
FREE WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP
EDUCATOR NIGHT
Wednesday | September 10 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Educators, this one's for you! Connect with fellow educators, enjoy light bites and drinks, and unwind to live music while exploring hands-on, TEKS-aligned programs for students of all ages. You'll walk about with fresh ideas and up to 2 hours of CPE credit.
FREE FOR ALL EDUCATORS!
POLLINATOR PATCHES & POCKET PRAIRIES
Saturday, September 13 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Support our local native flora and fauna while conserving water with a pollinator patch or pocket prairie! Join avid plant gardener and restoration ecologist Lee Marlowe as she teaches the basics for planning, designing, installing, and maintaining a little patch of pollinator paradise. Sponsored by San Antonio Water Systems.
PLANT SALE
Saturday & Sunday, September 13 & 14
Shop 200+ varieties of native plants, succulents, grasses, and pollinator favorites— perfect for refreshing your landscape this season. Reserve your 30-minute shopping window in advance. Plants are restocked throughout the two-day sale, so there’s always something new to discover. Garden admission is not required to attend the sale.
SEPTEMBER
Dementia Friendly Gardening
Mays Family Display Garden
CACTUS WEEK
MONDAY – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 – 21
Monday – Saturday| 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Experience the beauty of the desert without leaving the city! Explore our stunning collection of cacti and xerophytes from Texas and around the world. Enjoy special classes and programs throughout the week and shop a variety of succulents and xerophytes at our Garden Gift Shop.
CACTUS & XEROPHYTE SHOW AND SALE
FEATURING CACTUS COLLECTIONS FROM THE SAN ANTONIO CACTUS AND XEROPHYTE SOCIETY
Saturday, September 20 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, September 21 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate the striking beauty and resilience of desert plants during this weekend-long exhibition in partnership with the San Antonio Cactus and Xerophyte Society. Stroll through an impressive display of cacti and other drought-tolerant species, and chat with society members about cultivation tips and care. Select plants will be available for purchase.
MARIGOLDS EN MARAVILLA
OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 3
Celebrate the season with bursts of color, culture, and community. Meander through thousands of golden marigolds, snap a photo by the larger-than-life marigold mural, and enjoy a charming pumpkin patch. Seasonal classes, events, and vibrant ofrendas honor the traditions of Día de los Muertos all month long.
Member Exclusives!
DOG DAY
Saturday, October 11 | All Day
Members, bring your pup and enjoy the colors of fall together! Dogs must stay leashed and out of restricted areas, just like any Dog Day at the Garden.
FALL FAMILY PHOTOS
Saturday, October 11 | 8 – 11 a.m.
Snap a picture-perfect moment among marigolds and pumpkins! Each 5-minute session on the Concert Lawn offers a stunning fall backdrop. Edited photos will be delivered within a week.
BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOO FEST
OCTOBER 10 – 11
Trick-o-treat your way through a fairytale lane at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Fest! With over 25 costumed characters, live animal encounters, live music by the Skeletones, and a spectacular villain stage show, this Halloween celebration is packed with magic and mischief. VIP and VIP+ packages offer elevated like cocktails and private character experiences. Tickets starts at $40.
PLANT SALE
Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19
Shop 200+ varieties of native plants, succulents, grasses, and pollinator favorites— perfect for refreshing your landscape this season. Reserve your 30-minute shopping window in advance. Plants are restocked throughout the two-day sale, so there’s always something new to discover. Garden admission is not required to attend the sale.
OCTOBER BEER GARDEN
EVERY FRIDAY – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 – 27
Friday & Saturday | 1 – 6 p.m. Sunday | 1 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 4 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Celebrate marvelous marigolds and the final month of Reflections of Nature! Enjoy all-ages activities inspired by art and nature, learn from Garden educators about the contemporary murals on display, and view our stunning marigold landscape plants on concert lawn. Bring the whole family!
BOOTANICA
Celebrate Halloween and the fall season at the Garden with hands-on nature play and outdoor exploration. Dress up in costume, trick-or-treat, and stop by botanical-themed educational stations, perfect for learners of all ages.
FREE WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
Saturday,
FREE WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP FREE WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP FREE WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP FREE WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP
Raise a glass to fall weekends at the Garden! Guests can enjoy cold beer, wine, live acoustic music, classic concessions, and rotating interactive activities every weekend throughout the month. This casual and scenic hangout is perfect for a laid-back afternoon outdoors.
WITH GARDEN ADMISSION OR MEMBERSHIP
Bring family and friends to learn all about organizations that make a big impact in our city and enjoy collaborative, hands-on activities and live music. Bring the whole family for this educational event and explore a botanical theme at a variety of activity stations with Garden Educators.
Robert and Helen Kleberg Desert Pavilion
MORE OFFERINGS
DROP-IN GUIDED TOURS
Explore conservation topics with our expert guides! Learn how native plants and watersaving species support sustainable gardening, spot local birds, and discover the beauty of native grasses. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to create eco-friendly gardens that support biodiversity. Our tour options include:
• Native Plants in the Garden
• Texas WaterSaver Garden
• Birds of Texas
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
From March to November, parents and caregivers are invited to learn and grow alongside their little ones during the Garden's weekly Early Childhood experiences.
LITTLE SPROUTS
HIKES Tuesdays | 10 – 10:30 a.m.
NATURE EXPLORATION Wednesdays & Saturdays | 10 – 10:30 a.m.
STORYTIME IN THE GARDEN Tuesdays | 10 – 10:30 a.m.
WELLNESS PROGRAMS CULINARY CLASSES
Reconnect with yourself in a peaceful, natural setting through wellness classes designed for all experience levels. From energizing yoga and gentle chair yoga to calming meditation and forest bathing, each session offers a chance to slow down and recharge. Offerings include:
• Garden Run Club
• Meditation in the Garden
• Morning Flow with Krystal
• & More!
PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS
Take a closer look at the natural beauty and native plant life that make this place special. Led by a knowledgeable docent, this private tour explores scenic trails and highlights the vibrant diversity of Texas flora, along with insights into sustainable gardening and conservation practices. It’s a personalized way to connect with the landscape and learn how native plants thrive in our region.
New! Field Trip for High Schoolers
PRIVATE CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Cook, connect, and savor the flavors of the season with an intimate culinary experience set in the heart of the Culinary Garden. Guided by Garden chefs, your group will prepare a curated menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Perfect for team building, celebrations, or special gatherings, these exclusive classes offer a memorable and delicious experience.
DIGGING DEEPER: SOIL, WATER, AND BIODIVERSITY
Elevate your culinary skills and nurture your well-being with hands-on Culinary Classes. Prepare delicious dishes using fresh, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers harvested straight from the Garden. From farm-to-table creations to herb-infused sauces, these classes celebrate seasonal flavors and connect you with nature's bounty.
Member Exclusive!
COFFEE AND CHAT
Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving ecosystems, clean water, and biodiversity. Through field research and soil testing, students will learn ways in which land, water, and plant natural resources are related. By digging through the layers of the earth, students will uncover the essential role soil plays as part of the ecosystem gaining insights into how land impacts biodiversity and water. This program is designed for groups of up to 60 students in grades 9-12. Program available beginning in September 2025. This program is available September 2025 – May 2026, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 2 pm. Digging Deeper: Soil, Water, and Biodiversity in San Antonio is generously presented by the Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation.
Meet other members, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, and learn more from the people behind the magic of the garden. Join us every month for a new speaker and theme.
Glow Up, Round Two
The lights are back—but not as you remember them. Illuminate returns to the San Antonio Botanical Garden with over 90% all-new installations, transforming the Garden into a dazzling landscape of light, color, and wonder.
From glowing tunnels to towering sculptures and immersive projections, this year’s experience is bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever before. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or making it a tradition, Illuminate is the must-see event of the season.
DATES & TIMES:
Every night from Friday, November 21, 2025 through Sunday, January 11, 2026.
TICKETS:
Tickets starting at $25 for adults and $19 for children. Member pre-sale starts on Tuesday, September 2 and general sale starts on Friday, September 5.
Otherwild invites visitors into a vivid world where wonder takes root and the sky comes alive. This large-scale, immersive exhibition features the visionary work of artist Patrick Shearn and his studio Poetic Kinetics, known for transforming public spaces into places of magic, movement, and awe.
The experience unfolds in two parts: Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics is a grove of ten kinetic sculptures that merge storybook whimsy with futuristic design. Each sculptural tree has its own personality, crafted from shimmering, reflective materials that respond to sunlight and materials that respond to sunlight and wind, creating ever-shifting plays of color, shadow, and motion. Meanwhile, overhead, Flora Borealis, a newly commissioned Skynet sculpture by Shearn, floats and dances on invisible currents. Made from ultra-lightweight materials and animated by the breeze, it mimics the fluid choreography of birds in murmuration or fish in motion, while revealing the unseen forces of nature.
Together, these two series transform the Garden into a surreal and luminous landscape—a portal to the Otherwild, where nature and imagination entwine.
About the Artist
Patrick Shearn is a Colorado-based artist known for his large-scale, kinetic installations that transform public spaces into immersive, interactive experiences. Inspired by nature and science, his work evokes a sense of wonder and invites play and connection.
With a background in animatronics and visual effects from a 30-year career in the film industry, Shearn founded Poetic Kinetics, a studio celebrated for its bold, boundary-pushing public art. The studio’s work spans interactive projection, pyrotechnics, mobile sculptures, and permanent installations—all rooted in creative experimentation and audience engagement.
Shearn is best known for his Skynet Art Series, which captures the motion of natural phenomena like flocking birds or schooling fish. Since 2016, more than two dozen site-specific installations have appeared around the world, including Liquid Shard (Los Angeles, 2016) and Visions in Motion (Berlin, 2019; DMZ, 2022).
In 2025, the studio debuted Enchanted Trees, a series of sculptural trees that reinterpret natural forms with light, movement, and craftsmanship. A permanent installation from the series is now on view at Denver’s 16th Street.
Poetic Kinetics is also widely known for its iconic works at Coachella and Burning Man, where ten massive, animated sculptures have helped define the visual identity of both festivals.
TheTurnsNatureNavigator One!
Enriching Commity Plantsthrough & Nature
This July marks the one-year anniversary of the Nature Navigator, our 24-passenger shuttle bus designed to provide free transportation to the Garden for community partner groups in Bexar County and beyond. More than just a ride, the Nature Navigator experience includes a guided class or tour, enriching the visit with educational engagement.
We’ve loved hearing what participants have shared:
"This is one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever seen."
- YMCA Participant
Springtime in the Garden is a celebration of new life and community connection. As the flowers bloom and the air warms, the Garden comes alive with activity—from guests riding the Nature Navigator, to volunteers tending tomatoes, to curious schoolchildren exploring the natural world. It’s a vibrant season where we deepen our mission of connecting people, plants, and nature in meaningful and inspiring ways. Here’s a glimpse into three exciting initiatives that are cultivating these connections.
"The Nature Navigator Program has affected the lives of our individuals by giving them appreciation for the Garden. Their eagerness to learn and engage with the activities [is inspiring]."
- Advantage Care Services
"Thank you so much for creating such a special day for our families. It was perfect, and y’all are the perfect host!"
- Magdalena House
Volunteering & Growing the Next Rodeo Tomato
The Garden is proud to partner with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and their dedicated Bexar County Master Gardeners (BCMG), who bring agricultural education to life for youth, adults, and educators alike.
This spring, we were one of several trial sites across Texas for a prestigious and tasty project: selecting the next “Rodeo Tomato.” The trial includes ten promising varieties and two controls— Celebrity and Tycoon—tested over three seasons for vigor, fruit quality, pest resistance, and consistency.
Care for these tomatoes is done with low-input, sustainable practices—caging, weeding, watering, and organic pest control— all overseen by BCMG volunteers and our Garden team. By June, AgriLife staff will evaluate the trials and take one step closer to naming the next tomato champion. With home gardening ranked as the #1 leisure activity for homeowners, this project couldn’t be more timely or delicious!
Burst Tomato Confit
by Chef Erik Perales, Culinary Coordinator
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1-3 hours
Ingredients:
• Excess tomatoes
• Olive oil
• 5-6 garlic cloves
• Optional: sprigs of rosemary or thyme
Instructions:
1. In an oven-safe pot or casserole dish, layer tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
2. Cover completely with olive oil, then cover the dish with foil or a lid.
3. Bake at 325˚ F for 2-3 hours, or until the tomatoes burst and soften.
4. Cool and store in the fridge.
Pro-tip: the confit oil doubles as a delicious base for vinaigrettes or pasta sauce. Try your burst tomatoes on ricotta toast or folded into rustic pasta dishes.
Three Years, Three New Water Conservation Field Trips
Thanks to the generous support of the Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation, the Garden has introduced three new TEKS-aligned field trips focused on water conservation:
• Aquifer Adventure: Journey Through San Antonio’s Watershed
• Engineering a Healthy Ecosystem
• Digging Deeper: Soil, Water, and Biodiversity (launching Fall 2025)
The new Digging Deeper program is designed for grades 9–12 and focuses on the role of healthy soil in sustaining ecosystems and water quality. Students will engage in hands-on research and soil testing to explore the interconnections between natural resources.
Educator Night at the Garden
September 10 | 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Educators, this one's for you! Connect with fellow educators, enjoy light bites and drinks, and unwind to live music while exploring hands-on, TEKS-aligned programs for students of all ages. You'll walk about with fresh ideas and up to 2 hours of CPE credit.
45th Anniversary Bucket Hat - $26
45th Anniversary Tee - $30
45th Anniversary Pocket Tee - $32
Hand Painted Ceramic Butterfly - $20
Illustrated Garden Bandana - $12
Take a Piece of the Garden Home
Every colorful tee, mug, or keepsake you buy helps support the Garden you love. Shop with a purpose at the Garden Gift Shop—no admission required.
Members save 10% every day!
Seasonal Stars
Summer Blooming Plants
MEALY BLUE SAGE Salviafarinacea
ROCK ROSE Pavonialasiopetala
COWPEN DAISY Verbesinaencelioides
SKELETON-LEAF GOLDENEYE Viguierastenoloba
TEXAS SAGE, CENIZO Leucophyllumfrutescens
When designing a home garden or landscape, it's important to incorporate plants that offer seasonal interest throughout the year. This not only enhances visual appeal with year-round color but also provides critical support for pollinators across different seasons.
The intense heat of the Texas summer can be tough on many plants, but there are several standout native species that thrive under these conditions and bring vibrant life to the landscape. Likewise, fall in South Texas can be a stunning time of year, with cooler temperatures and a fresh burst of color from plants that bloom late in the season.
The following lists highlight recommended native and ornamental plants that perform especially well in our WaterSaver and pollinator-friendly gardens during the summer and fall. These selections are both beautiful and beneficial, supporting a healthy, sustainable landscape.
Fall Blooming Plants
GOLDEN ROD Solidagospp.
AMERICAN BEAUTYBERRY Callicarpaamericana
WHITE BONESET Ageratinahavanensis
FROSTWEED Verbesinavirginica
GAYFEATHER, BLAZING STAR Liatrispunctatavar.mucronata
Where the Wild Things Root
Documenting the resilient beauty of Texas flora through dirt roads, floods, and desert bloom.
Story by Zachary Ritchie
You ever feel like it’s worth getting a little muddy to get something important? Yeah, me too.
We go to some pretty far lengths to find plants. You see, Texas is a big place. That’s a lot of ground to cover. You have to spend a lot of time on the road, and just between us, it’s not all beautiful. But wow, is there beauty here.
Texas is home to around a quarter of the biodiversity in the U.S., spread across twelve different ecoregions. How many species from those regions do you think can thrive here on the edge of the rocky Hill Country and the South Texas heat? We’re poised to be the bridge to countless institutions, scientists, conservation groups, and growers everywhere. It’s through our marvelous diversity of flora that we can support our fauna, food chain, commerce, and ourselves.
West Texas Reveals What's Hidden
We’ve been to a few interesting places these last few months, but when you talk about the start of the year, it’s always cold. We do quite a bit of digging around West Texas, and the winter peels back a curtain for certain plants and animals. The dormant season reveals things that persist or stand out in unique ways.
Peniocereus greggii var. greggii, queen of the night, is a cactus that stands totally upright, thin and skeletal. Sounds easy to find, but in West Texas it doesn’t grow quite as tall and blends in perfectly with the cover of the small woody shrubs that blanket the landscape.
The desert outside Terlingua has a special brutality about it. It’s called the badlands because it’s dry, sandy, rocky, and hot. Shallow canyons and tricky terrain are about all you’ll come across out here. The perfect place, it turns out, for Mortonia sempervirens, Rio Grande saddlebush—a shrub with tenacity that was practically covered in a dusty layer of the local particulate. A small population can be found along a narrow drainage through the rock, surrounded by desert scrub. The coyotes here are also quite fond of jerky sausage.
South Texas experienced a record flooding event this year, and it was quite a stunning sight to behold. There was near constant rain, causing the roads to be flooded up to
18 inches. Because of this once-in-a-decade weather event, this area has been a high priority. Imagine all the growth, the flowers, the dormant seeds all coming up amongst a chorus of toads. Ephemeral wetlands are quite impressive, especially when you don’t associate the local ecoregion with water. It’s easy to forget sometimes that the valley is heavy with alluvial deposits that retain quite a bit of moisture.
Over the last few months, I’ve made several trips to the sand sheet, valley, and Gulf coastal plains to see how the land has responded. It’s incredible to see Asclepias prostrata, prostrate milkweed, in habitat to really get a reference for how this endangered milkweed grows. Seeing it crawl through the sand has a much different effect than watching it pop up in pots. It’s just not enough to see it in cultivation.
The silty dirt roads are also home to a wide variety of legumes. Mimosa texana, Texas mimosa, grows quite close to the milkweed in the dry zone, while Mimosa pigra var. asperata, black mimosa, can be found right off the river in the ephemeral wetlands. Two targets of ours to bolster the APGA Fabaceae collection, and two plants that I was dying to collect. Love me a nice Mimosa.
Why the Rare Matter
Another genus that has been of interest is Manihot, which has been popularized in South America as cassava, a starchy food made from the cooked root of M. esculenta, cassava. This is a regular crop for many but suffers in the same way all food crops do. Climate adaptability and disease resistance are essential for large-scale production. Enter South Texas. In just a few counties, you’d be lucky to find M. walkerae, Walker's manioc, or M. subspicata, Spiked manihot. The former is listed as a rare plant and are tricky
| Terlingua Badlands
| South Texas Ephemeral Wetland
“We’re poised to be the bridge to countless institutions, scientists, conservation groups, and growers everywhere.”
to find in the thick brush they call home. These species could inject a healthy dose of new genetics into the staple crop’s gene pool, making this already rare species all the more valuable. We’re fortunate to have this in our collection and even more fortunate that they produce seed. The populations we know of are barely making a living for themselves, so we monitor them closely.
Suffice it to say, we’ve seen and done a whole lot so far this year, and it feels like we’re just getting started. There are so many parks to visit, collections to make, and populations to document. If you’re interested in following along, we have a monthly newsletter where I rant about whatever I feel like about the past month.
Though, if there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s not to take our dwindling wild spaces for granted.
Life is a precious, delicate thing to cherish and experience. Go outside and see some of it.
| Peniocereus greggii var. greggii
| Sabal Sanctuary Ephemeral Wetland
| Zach and furry friend
Meet Bubba
A Drought-Hardy Texas Native With Charisma and Color
By Andrew Labay, VP of Gardens
This is Bubba
The desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) is an ornamental, drought-tolerant, native tree that is highly suited for the arid and semi-arid landscapes of central and south Texas. Though commonly referred to as a willow due to its long, slender leaves, it is in fact a member of the Bignoniaceae family— placing it closer to trumpet vines, Esperanzas, and catalpas than to true willows. Native to the southwestern United States, from West Texas to southern California, and extending into northern Mexico, the desert willow thrives in hot, dry climates and poor soils where many other trees struggle.
This graceful, deciduous tree has an open, airy growth habit and typically reaches 15 to 25 feet in height, rarely up to 40 feet. While not considered a shade tree due to its loose branching structure and thin leaves, it is highly valued for its ornamental characteristics, particularly its profusion of showy, trumpet-shaped blooms that appear in terminal racemes from mid-to-late spring and persist through the scorching summer months. These nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and bees, making the tree an excellent choice for pollinatorfriendly and xeric landscapes. Recent breeding and selection efforts have yielded a range of flower colors, from pale pinks and lavenders to striking deep burgundy tones and even pure whites. Among these, the ‘Bubba’ cultivar has risen to prominence for both its aesthetic appeal and improved landscape performance.
A Superior Selection: Origins of 'Bubba'
The ‘Bubba’ desert willow was selected by horticulturist Paul Cox at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, where he served as assistant director and was known for his deep commitment to native plant conservation and sustainable landscape design. Cox identified ‘Bubba’ as a fast-growing, upright selection with relatively large, deep-green foliage. Its flowers are distinctively two-toned—pink and burgundy—and it produces fewer seed pods than typical varieties, making it tidier and more desirable in managed landscapes.
World's Tallest Bubba
Today,
‘Bubba’ has become the standard desert willow cultivar in the nursery trade, widely available and favored by homeowners, landscape architects, and city planners alike for its toughness, beauty, and low maintenance requirements. It is
commonly used in arid garden designs and is even planted along roadsides and median strips. Furthermore, it has been used as a basis for breeding programs for desert willows, notably by Civano Growers, who have released cultivars such as ‘Sweet Bubba’ and ‘Bubba Jones'.
What's in a name?
The upright, stout growth habit of ‘Bubba’, along with its bold flower color, likely contributed to the name of this spectacular cultivar. Paul Cox was also known to use the term as a nickname and it was said that while some in the nursery industry suggested changing the name, Paul stood his ground. David Rodriguez (Bexar County Horticulture Agent with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension) recalls a walk with Paul Cox, visiting the original ‘Bubba’ specimen at the San Antonio Botanical Garden when Paul mentioned that the name was actually given in honor of James Keeter, a well known landscape architect whose projects included the landscape of the Texas Govener’s Mansion in Austin, the 1968 extension of the San Antonio River Walk and the 1976 master
plan for the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Mr. Keeter was well respected in the region and Cox mentioned that he commonly referred to everyone as ‘Bubba'.
Notable Bubbas
The original ‘Bubba’ desert willow specimen, grown from seed by Paul Cox, is still growing in the central area of the San Antonio Botanical Garden at the base of the Overlook Garden. Additionally a specimen located at the Mast Arboretum on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) received the honor by Paul Cox to be the world’s tallest ‘Bubba’. Planted in 1996 the tree has grown to over 40 feet tall and, according to Dr. David Creech (Director of SFA Gardens), is still going strong, with a consistent floral display, having received no supplemental irrigation for its entire life.
Desert willows are an excellent choice for watersaver and pollinator gardens. For those looking for unique specimens, SFA Gardens propagates and sells seedlings of the ‘Bubba’ specimen from the Mast Arboretum during their spring plant sales – they call the seedlings ‘Sons of Bubba’. Additionally, our San Antonio Botanical Garden staff has begun propagating the original ‘Bubba’ specimen and will have a limited supply at Fall 2025 plant sales.
Blooms from a Bubba
The Native Trail Goes West
By Michael Eason, VP of Conservation
Rendering of the future West Texas Garden
Established in 1980, the San Antonio Botanical Garden has long served as a vibrant showcase of Texas’ extraordinary botanical diversity. One of its signature features is the Texas Native Trail, an 11acre landscape designed to represent the state’s major floristic regions: the South Texas Plains, Central Texas Hill Country, and East Texas Pineywoods. Each section features native plants, naturalistic habitats, and historic structures, offering visitors a rich and immersive experience of the state’s natural heritage.
Originally gifted to the people of San Antonio by the Ewing Halsell Foundation, in the past forty-five years the Texas Native Trail area has seen various improvements. Initially designed with a main perimeter pathway with a myriad of connecting pathways, much needed improvements came in the mid-2000s when the area welcomed a better designed trail system originating from the central TNT Pavillion,
Texas Native Trails Grand Opening, 2008
upgraded signage and diverse plantings throughout highlighted the plant diversity in each region. Other amendments followed – Bird Blind, additional trail improvements & bridges, as well as further plantings throughout.
However, one critical region has remained absent, but was always a consideration -–West Texas. As part of the Garden's 10-year master plan, that oversight will finally be addressed. A new West Texas garden is now in development, completing the original vision of the Texas Native Trail.
This addition will highlight the rugged beauty and ecological significance of the low Chihuahuan Desert and Sky-Islands, home to some of the most unique and threatened flora in the state. Many of the rare plants found in Texas are located in this area of the State, and this area houses plants found no-where else in Texas, or in some cases, the United States. This new garden will be rich in plant diversity and will showcase rare and endemic species, including those from the Garden’s special collections: native oaks, legumes, milkweeds, and the rare plants of Texas. Additionally, this area, like the other native areas, will emphasize the geology and culture of West Texas that makes it so special to all Texans.
Together, these revitalized trails will offer a fuller, more compelling portrait of Texas’ botanical treasures and bring much needed biodiversity to our native areas.
Susan Lane in the South Texas Garden
Growing a Legacy of Philanthropy
Interview by Jami Jones, Membership Manager
Lou Celia Frost and her family have been long-standing members and close partners of the Garden for many years.
As a previous board member at the Garden, Lou Celia has cultivated a relationship that has led to a beautiful collaboration over the years. One of her most recent projects with the Garden is a shared goal to hand out 5,000 free trees to the San Antonio community. I had the privilege of sitting down with Lou Celia and her grandson Holden to learn the story behind this generous giveaway.
Jami: Thank you for sitting down with us today to talk about this amazing tree giveaway. How did you first come up with this idea?
Lou Celia: A few years ago I was watching a Nova show on KLRN and they were talking about capturing carbon and 10 different ways it can be done. The first eight ideas they listed were big things that could only be done on a very large scale with very large sums of money and government assistance, but then they got to their last two ideas which are the easiest ones, plant trees and compost. I brought this seedling of an idea up to the leadership team at the Garden at the time and proposed the idea of me funding some kind of tree giveaway. Next thing I knew they had 500 trees ready to go.
Jami: Wow, that’s amazing.
Lou Celia: This was a few years ago and my grandson Holden was about six at the time. I told him about the 500 trees and he said, “Oh Lou Lou I think you can add a couple more zeros behind that.” So he challenged me and I decided to add another zero in there and make it 5,000 trees that we would give away.
Jami: How long have you been doing this tree giveaway?
Lou Celia: For about 5 years because Holden was six when he proposed this challenge and now he is eleven. After 5 years of handing out free trees at the Garden we are looking at about 3,000 trees that have been given away to members of the community.
Jami: Why is the tree giveaway special for you?
Lou Celia: I grew up on a ranch climbing trees and just being surrounded by them. Trees have always been special and a big part of my life. They are such a vital part of life so putting more out into the community is so important. The Garden is doing such an amazing job having Texas native trees available for people to plant in their own yards with these giveaways and because they are native they have the best chance of surviving and thriving in this Texas landscape.
Jami: Once you hit that 5,000 tree mark what would you like to do next?
Lou Celia: I was just discussing this with my grandson, but I think it
would be wonderful to do something with fruit trees. Fruit trees are great pollinators and provide food. This would be an amazing way to feed the community and help keep the pollinator community up.
Jami: I think that is a wonderful idea! I know we are so excited to see what we collaborate on next with you.
Nurturing Wonder
Hall Hammond’s Legacy and the Garden that Inspires Our Iпner Child
22,
Upon my joining the San Antonio Botanical Garden last September, Board Member Bill Orr introduced me to his dear friend Hall Hammond, the Garden’s first president. Our initial purpose was to record Hall’s oral history for Lewis Fisher’s forthcoming book, a vital project preserving the Garden’s rich legacy. These conversations marked the beginning of capturing a remarkable story that continues to inspire.
Our interview began with Hall poring over a map of the Garden from its earliest days. As he studied the map with a smile, Hall shared a vivid memory from his childhood as he pointed to the location that became known as the Garden’s Overlook: “When we were riding bikes, we called this Rattlesnake Hill. There was nothing. There were no trees.”
As a young boy, Hall explored the land that now makes up our 39 acres when it was still wild and undeveloped, long before it became the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Decades later, he would help lead the effort to transform that open space into something extraordinary. It was 1981 when Hall was invited to lead the Garden’s first board of directors by Patsy Steves. As Hall put it, “When Mrs. Steves asked you to do something, you listened.”
As our first president, Hall rallied partners, raised funds, and helped bring the Garden to life, notably the Lucile Halsell Conservatory—a landmark of botanical architecture designed by Emilio Ambasz with architectural support from Dan Wigodsky. Yet Hall rarely spoke about these achievements in terms of his own leadership. Instead, he consistently emphasized the people whom worked beside him and who he witnessed in adoration over the years. People like Mary Pat Stumberg, Nancy Zachry, Jeff Rochelle, Ann Huddleston, Candace Andrews, and Claire Alexander…to name just a few. To Hall, the Garden was a collective effort: something built together, for the benefit of others—an enduring gift to inspire curiosity and joy in generations to come.
The Conservatory stands as a feat of remarkable design innovation, the first of its kind. Reflecting on the years of planning and execution, Hall shared with humble pride: “Just because it hadn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done.” He added, “Nobody would have thought of doing anything like Ambasz did. If I’m proud of anything, it’s that we did it. And the reason we did it is we didn’t give up.”
By Hannah Roberts, Chief Development Officer In Memory of Hall Street Hammond (August
1936 – March 28, 2025), San Antonio Botanical Garden Inaugural President
Reflecting on the Garden’s success and all it took to make the Garden dreams a reality, Hall said, “You get into these things, and they get you. When you do something, you never know what the effects are going to be.”
Our visits to follow shifted from history to the present and the future. During those visits, Hall would ask me: “How does the Garden inspire your inner child?” As in, curiosity, joy, and the ability to be awed.
Later, I got to meet Hall’s wonderful wife Pat, and together, the topic of the inner child was deeply woven in all of our conversations to follow. They wanted to know everything I could share about the Garden’s 10-year master plan and how the Garden is growing now, every day—especially in its service to children. Like a dream realized, I could feel their glow in learning that nearly 30,000 school children come to the Garden for field trips every year.
Throughout our conversations, Hall often returned to one beloved corner of the Garden: the East Texas Pineywoods Lake. He spoke with wonder about the acequia that feeds the lake, reflecting on their historical significance. He often recalled the visionaries who made this space possible, like Zachry Construction who transported sandy clay and loam from East Texas to recreate the region’s signature acidic, well-drained soil. This foundation was essential to support the towering native pines, hardwoods, cypress, spicebush, and other characteristic species that now thrive there. At the heart of this setting stands a log cabin brought in from Post, Texas—a site at the Garden where many early board meetings were held and where Hall spent quiet, meaningful moments observing, journaling, and simply being present in the landscape he helped bring to life. When I visited Hall one final time, he handed me two gifts with a grin on his face: a generous donation to support the Garden’s mission, and a leather-bound journal filled with his handwritten reflections from 2012-2015. The notes were written from what Hall called “The Spot,” or the bench at the north side of the East Texas Lake. His notes included things he noticed, like:
“Turtle on rock just below me – head up. Very still today – slight breeze. Must be mid-90°s but still ok.”
“Plan to return and bring a book – this bench is an ideal place to read with few interruptions.”
Hall with supporters, his wife, Pat Hammond, and Mary Pat Stemberg
“This will be a great place for meditation but not today because of the numbers of visitors.”
Helen Hogan
“No sign of drought – lots of shrubs blooming as well as tall trees with red and white blooms. Makes me determined to learn about Texas Trees.”
“After we began eating lunch, two ducks who seemed to be friends approached us and came inches away wanting some morsels which we did not provide. They just kept looking and waiting, and as we departed, they began to follow us. Lovely!”
Both gifts are deeply meaningful. One a commitment to the Garden’s future and the other a glimpse into the heart of someone who stayed in touch with his sense of curiosity, joy, and the ability to be awed (his inner child).
Hall Hammond will be honored at the Garden through a new bridge over the acequia at the East Texas Pineywoods Lake to recognize Hall’s role in bringing us to life in a spot that invites others to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty around them.
I will always cherish the brief time I had with Hall and the window into the Garden’s origin story. May we all follow Hall’s example— embracing the childlike wonder he kept with him—and carry forward his legacy of working together to do things that haven’t been done before and not giving up.
Hall summed it up simply: “Really, we had some of the great best people all this time.” He was referring to the Garden’s board and staff, a testament to a shared vision and collective effort.
Eighteen Years of Splendor
By Development Staff
Since its inaugural year in 2007, Splendor in the Garden has blossomed into one of the San Antonio Botanical Garden’s most beloved and anticipated traditions. More than just a celebration, this signature evening honors the Garden’s role as a cornerstone of the community and generates vital operational support to advance our mission of enriching lives through plants and nature.
This year’s theme—A Legacy Rooted in Texas—celebrates the Garden’s 45-year impact in plant conservation, education, and community building on Thursday, October 23rd. Over 18 years, Splendor has evolved into a vibrant expression of stewardship and connection, raising essential funds that sustain day-to-day operations and fuel programs serving more than 400,000 visitors annually.
We are especially proud to honor the legacy of the William Scanlan, Jr. Family whose deep roots in the Garden and in San Antonio’s civic landscape make their leadership especially poignant in this milestone year.
"Since 1980, the Garden has been more than a beautiful place—it has become part of San
Antonio's story and mine. It is where we gather with loved ones, watch our children explore, reflect in nature's quiet, and learn how to better care for the world around us," shares William Scanlan, Jr.
The Scanlan family's enduring legacy of service spans legal, philanthropic, and civic contributions to San Antonio and beyond. William Scanlan, Jr., a founding shareholder of Schoenbaum Curphy & Scanlan and a decorated U.S. Army veteran, has helped shape the legal field through decades of leadership in estate planning and taxation.
Mr. Scanlan was a founding member of the Garden's board of directors. His board service also includes the Ewing-Halsell Foundation, San Antonio Museum of Art, and Main Plaza Conservancy. Notably for the Garden, he served as Honorary CoChair—alongside Claire Alexander—of GROW, the capital campaign that launched a transformative new chapter in the Garden’s development.
Now, as Chairs of the 18th Annual Splendor in the Garden Gala, the Scanlan Family invites the community to join them in championing this living treasure. Their leadership is not only a tribute to their longstanding dedication, but a powerful call
to invest in the Garden’s next chapter—for the health of our ecosystem, our city, and generations to come.
Join us in honoring this tradition while supporting a cause that touches lives and fosters a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact the Development team at splendor@ sabot.org.
2007
Gala
2008 Gala
2009 Gala
2011 Gala
2012 Gala
2014 Gala
2013 Gala
2015 Gala
2018 Gala
2016 Gala
2017 Gala
2019 Gala
2021 Gala
2022 Gala
2024 Gala
2023 Gala
Across the Pond
Exploring the Great Gardens of the UK
By Hannah Roberts, Chief Development Officer
This spring, a group of San Antonio Botanical Garden supporters embarked on a remarkable journey to explore some of the United Kingdom’s most iconic and inspiring gardens. As part of our ongoing donor travel experiences, this expedition was our most ambitious yet, designed with one clear purpose: to gain insight into the world’s great horticultural traditions and bring that inspiration back home to San Antonio.
Over the course of our travels, we experienced a rich variety of landscapes and garden styles—from the sweeping beauty of Kenwood to the royal splendor of Kew Gardens. We strolled through the deeply personal gardens of Winston Churchill’s Chartwell Estate, soaked in the pioneering spirit of Longbarn (once home to Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson), and were dazzled by the innovation on display at the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show. At every turn, we learned from the past and imagined what the future of gardening could be.
These experiences weren’t just enjoyable— they were purposeful. They offered new perspectives on garden design, plant conservation, and visitor engagement, all of which we bring back to strengthen and grow our own San Antonio Botanical Garden. This journey was a celebration of learning, discovery, and the shared joy that gardens bring.
One unforgettable highlight was witnessing the rare bloom of the endangered titan arum, also known as the “corpse flower.”
To see this massive plant in flower—a botanical event that happens about once a decade and lasts only a few days—was awe-
inspiring. Moments like these remind us of the incredible power of nature to surprise, connect, and inspire.
Whether it was reflecting in Churchill’s peaceful garden retreat or marveling at the ingenuity of Chelsea’s designers, we were constantly reminded that gardens are not only beautiful—they are essential. They are places of restoration, education, community, and imagination. And just like the gardens we visited, our garden here in San Antonio is shaped by the people who believe in it and support it.
To all of our donors and members: thank you. Whether you were with us in England or not, your support makes it possible for the Garden to learn, evolve, and dream bigger. Your generosity fuels our growth and allows us to bring the best of the horticultural world back to the heart of South Texas.
As we look to the future, one question is already blooming: Where will we go next? Plans are already beginning for our 2026 Garden travel experience—another opportunity to explore, connect, and be inspired. Will you be there with us?
Stay tuned. The next great garden adventure is just around the corner.
IN APPRECIATION
Donations made June 1, 2024 – July 24, 2025
$100,000+
Amy McNutt Endowment Fund for the Gardens of the Southwest
Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation
City of Austin
City of San Antonio
William and Louree Greehey
Mays Family Foundation
Dacia and Lanham Napier
Susan Naylor
Simons Foundation
Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
$50,000–$99,999
Molly and Michael Amini
Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992
Elma Dill Russell Spencer Foundation
H-E-B
International Motors
Kronkosky Charitable Foundation
Elizabeth and Robert Lende
William Scanlan, Jr.
The TND Family Foundation
Valero
$25,000-$49,999
Anonymous
Candace Andrews and Uwe Pontius
Bank of America
Carla and John Brozovich
The Brown Foundation, Inc.
Capital Group - San Antonio
Dickson-Allen Foundation
The Greehey Family Foundation
H-E-B Tournament of Champions
Charitable Trust
Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation
Klesse Foundation
V.H. McNutt Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Mission Restaurant Supply
The Palme Family Charitable Fund
Joannah and Christopher Pickett, M.D.
Ashley and Conner Quintanilla
Corinna and JB Richter
Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts
William and Salomé Scanlan Foundation
Stumberg Foundation
Paula and Herb Stumberg
Gretchen Swanson
Family Foundation
University Health
The Carroll and Marguerite Wheeler Foundation
$10,000–$24,999
Claire and John Alexander
James Avery
Alamo Colleges District
Elise and Craig Boyan
Bexar County Master Gardeners
Cavender Auto Family
Cielo Strategy Group
City of San Antonio Department of Parks and Recreation
Kira Dell
Burkley and Jonny Fitzsimons
Frost Bank
Lou Celia and Don Frost
Pat and Hall† Hammond
William Knox Holt Foundation
Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation
Edwards Aquifer Authority
Jefferson Bank
Estee and Luke Kellogg
Jamie and Travis Kowalski
Carolina and AJ Lewis, IV
Susan and Steve Lewis
Luther King Capital Management
Madelline Mathis
McCombs Foundation
Nancy Moorman
Judy N. Morton
Patricia and Mark Mays
The Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation
The John & Florence Newman Foundation
Barbara and Thomas O'Connor
Joan Cheever and Dennis Quinn
Roxana and Bruce Richardson
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
Sallie and Jonathon Schneider
Shield-Ayres Foundation
Megan and Tres Steves
Steves and Sons
Allen Schwetner
Daniel J. Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation
Rajia Tobia
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc.
Claire and George Vaughan
Ann and Forrest Word
Family Foundation
Julie and Warren Wilkinson
$5,000–$9,999
Anonymous
Anonymous
Amazon
Karol Antrim
Alturas Foundation
Alamo Colleges Foundation
ADKF
Kenneth Busch
Caroline and William Carrington
Anita and John Comander
Circle Bar Foundation
Gayle and Walter Embrey
FastSigns Northeast & Downtown
Barbara and Michael Gentry
Carrie Gray and Christopher Lefelhocz
CeCe and James Griffin
Hixon Properties Incorporated
Holt Atherton Educational Fund
Barbara Kyse
The Lisa and Mike Kelleher Fund
Brian T. Kelleher
Martha Mares Lebo Children's Education Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation
Marie and Ryan Mays
Carol and John McGuire
Vicki L. McLaughlin
Claire and Easton McNab
McNeal Nursery
Melody P. McMahon
Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation
Cynthia and Forrest Miller
Janet Montagne
Meredith K. Morrill
Native Plant Society of Texas
Lindheimer Chapter
The National Society
Ladies of the Thistle
Lisa and Mitch Nichols
Noisy Trumpet Communications
Catherine and Ben Payer
Eleanor and Scott Petty
Emilie and Christopher Petty
Petty Hefte Family Foundation
Prestige Motorsports
Allison and Alan Pyle
Angela and Trey Rabke
Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation
San Antonio Area Foundation
San Antonio Water System
Scott Petty Family Foundation
Serrano Wine LLC
Whitney Solcher and Joe Miller
Kay and Dennis Stein
SwipeTrack Solutions
Sunbelt Waterproofing and Restoration LLC
SWBC PEO
The Muriel F. Siebert Foundation Inc.
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
Sandi and Scott Teeter
Dina and Jeff Tom
Katherine and Kristopher Trumble
Mary West† and Richard Taylor
Lorrie and Arthur Uhl
Vaulkshire LLC
Stephanie and Christopher Wilde
Joan and W. Reed Williams
Lorien and Marc Whyte
Mary Wieser
Julie and Peter Zacher
$1,000–$4,999
1900 Wealth Management
Ann G. Ash
Caroline Miller Alexander
Deborah and Rex Amini
Ruth and Edward Austin
Helen C. Alexander
Kennedy Hatfield Asel and Aaron Asel
Lara and Sheridan August
Lissa and Paul Allen
Shelley and John Bass
Andrea Bohn
Beverly Bryars
Martha and Carlos Bazan
Eveline Bethune
Katie and Tyson Becker
Lauren and John Browning
Courtney and John Beauchamp
Margie and Mote Baird
Mary Bancroft
Katherine and Walter Brown
Ruchi Bhandari
Susan Bhatia
Kathleen and Jeff Bolner
Mary Pat Bolner
Matthew Ballard
Matthew Benavides
Tisha and B. Kyle Beck
Bucheck Landscape & Irrigation LLC
Carol Tyrrell Kyle Foundation
Tricia Cavazos
Laura Caravetta
Martha Castrejana and Richard Ketola
Center for Plant Conservation
Emily Christy
Leigh Craft
Ann and Matthew Cross
Charlotte A. Creamer
Rhonda and Frank Coleman
Jeffie Casarez
Jody and Larry Cochran
Sarah and Jon Cochran
John Cornell
Gary Cox and Michael Simon
Roberta Churchin and Bob Webster
Wiede and Jon Cutshall
DOCUmation
Dos Perros Coffee
The William S. De La Garza Fund
Linda and Edgar Duncan
Ellie and Chuck Du Val
Karen Dawson
Kate and Taylor Dawson
Enterprise Mobility
Joel K. Erben
Brittany Estes-Garcia
Melanie Evans
Gary Francis
Lisa and Guy Fielder
Kay Fitch
Mary and Lewis Fisher
Katy and Ted Flato
Caroline A. Forgason
Mariana Munante
and William Fisher
Christe and Timothy Fretthold
Jana and Jeff Galt
Magdalena and Raul E. Gaona, Jr., M.D.
Laura and Burnell Gates
Jill and Carlos Garcia
Lata and Murthy Gedala
Renee and Evan Gerald
Melanie and Donald Gerber
Susan and David Gragg
Cheryl and Steven Green
Kathy Griesenbeck
Adrianna and Christopher Grossman
Toni and Richard Goldsmith
Marina Gonzales
Gonzales Wolff Business Solutions
Karen and Jim Greenwood
Cindy Griffin
Lindsay and Jack Guenther
Emory and Frederic Hamilton
Elisabeth and Erik Hanson
Happithy Marketing
Mary Henrich
Nancy Higuchi
Henrietta P. C. Hildebrand
Christopher C. Hill
Karen J. Hixon
Marty and Steve Hixon
S M Hixon Family Foundation
The Tim and Karen Hixon
Foundation
Hoffman Reporting & Video
Juana E. Hollin-Avery
Emily Hoover
Meredith and Anson Howard
Jeanette Howe and Max Trautner
Rachel and Troy Jessee
John and Sue Jockusch
Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation
Joeris General Contractors
Susan and John Kerr
Jamie and Wes Kimball
King Family Foundation
Margaret and Bill Klesse
Bonnie and John Korbell
Cally and Will Kothmann
Karen and Kerry Krause
Mary Kunz
Susan and William Lane
Catherine and Richard Lange
Anne-Marie Langevin
Thomas Leopold
Billy Long Enterprises, Inc.
Norma Lozano
Susan Martin
Melissa Martinez
Lila and Mitchell Malone
Mary Marino
Diana Martinez
Amelita and David Mauze
Callie Mayo
Marie and Ryan Mays
Celeste and William McEntire
Jane and Joe McFarlane
Melinda McFarland-Hartson and Reid Hartson
Lauren and Peter McLaughlin
Hannah and Jeff McManus
Connie and Sandy McNab
Holly and Philip Miller
Susan Moczygemba-McKinsey
Ana Leah and Sergio Montemayor
Ana Montoya
Susan L. Mooberry
and Gregory Patterson
Trudy and Ed Moore
Trudy and Ed Moore
Charitable Fund
Laura and Lewis Moorman
Lew and Laura Moorman
Charitable Fund
Raymond Morrow
Susanna Morrow and Ross Olsaver
Morgan Stanley Gift Fund
Barbara and Jeffrey Moss
Motorola Solutions Foundation
Sydney and Gregg Muenster
Native Plant Society of TexasWilliamson County Chapter
Billy Nelson
John Newman Family
Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation
James Noonan
Jana Orsinger and William T. Orr, III
Elena and Luis Oseguera
Londi Paige
Patricia and Henrik Palme
Suzanne and Rusty Palmer
Rose Parham
Margaret and Ryan Pape
Anne and Charles Parrish
Heather Parkhurst
Camilla Parker
Laura and Atlee Parr
Carolyn and Allan Paterson
Hannah Roberts and Charles Packard
Kris and Bruce Petersen
Eleanor and Scott Petty
The PM Group
David Prichard
Mary Quandt
Rialto Studio, Inc.
Jane and Brooke Rames
Mari and Jimmy Rabinowitz
Rikli Family Foundation
Candy Roach
Anne and Jeff Rochelle
Heather and Randy Rodgers
Lisa and Jeff Rosenbloom
The Arch and Stella Rowan Foundation, Inc.
Heather Maverick Rubsamen and Rollins Rubsamen
San Antonio Audubon Society, Inc.
Jenny and Rick Schimpff
Lyn and Peter Selig
Sendero Wealth Management
Meagan and Adam Shadfan
Maurine Shipp
Cindy Simpkins
Marc Smith
Deb Sovereign
Penelope Speier and Edward E. Collins, III
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Starbucks Foundation:
Neighborhood Grants Fund
Sarah and Sam Bell Steves, II
The Barbara and William Sullivan
Charitable Fund
Shirley and Michael Swanson
Jenny Tang
TBG Partners
Donald Test
Ryan Theuninck and Weston Miller
Thomas Charitable Fund
Amber Thomas
Sharon and Carter Thurmond
Susan and Larry Todd
Bonnie and Stephan Tompsett
Alisa Travis
Kimberly and Matthew Traxinger
John and Alice Troy
John S. Troy, Landscape Architect Inc.
Reagan Tucker
Lisa Uhl
The Vaughan Foundation
Elky and Mark Van Es
Bette and Jack Vexler
Catharine and Jeff Vexler
Jordan Vexler
Suzanne and Dick Wade
Franze and Chuck Wall
Peggy and Myron Walker
Dawn and Bruce Walker
Robin and Jason Warman
Kelsey Waters and Bryan Litchford
Ann B. Watson
Amanda Whalen
Laurie and John White
Heidi and Mac White
Sylvia and James White
Whole Foods Market
Whole Kids Foundation
Susan Wilkins-Geery
Winn Family
Ellen and Don Weinacht
Williams-Chadwick Family
Charitable Fund
John Williamson
Patrick Williamson
Bartholomew Wilson
Jessica and Robert Clinton Worth
Ashley and Justin Yarborough
Mollie Zachry
The Barbara and William Sullivan
Charitable Fund
Williams-Chadwick Family
Charitable Fund
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
THE PERENNIALS GIVING CIRCLES
Members June 2024 – July 2025
Quercus fusiformis & Lupinus
Hibiscus Circle
Carla and John Brozovich
Laura and Burnell Gates
Valerie † and Jack Guenther
Barbara C. Kyse
Elizabeth and Robert Lende
Carol and John McGuire
Cynthia and Forrest Miller
Meredith K. Morrill
Judy N. Morton
Roxana and Bruce Richardson
Elizabeth and Barry Roberts
Sandi and Scott Teeter
Mary West † and Richard Traylor
Joan and W. Reed Williams
Esperanza Circle
Michael J. Adams
Susan and Ernie Altgelt
Ann G. Ash
Tisha and B. Kyle Beck
Kathleen and Jeff Bolner
Emily and Patrick Brooks
Katherine and Walter F. Brown
Lauren and John Browning
Suzanne and Richard H. Cavender
Anita and John Comander
Wiede and Jon T. Cutshall
Ellie and Chuck Du Val
Jana and Jeff Galt
Lindsay and Jack Guenther
Marty and Steve Hixon
Abigail and George Kampmann
Cally and Will Kothmann
Estee and Luke Kellogg
Leigh Ann and Greg King
Margaret and Bill Klesse
Cally and Will Kothmann
Holly and Philip Miller
Laura and Lew Moorman
Nancy Moorman
Londi Paige
Eleanor and Scott Petty
Jenny and Rick Schimpff
Meagan and Adam Shadfan
Kay and Dennis Stein
Weston Miller and Ryan Theuninck
Kimberly and Matthew Traxinger
Claire and George Vaughan
Bette and Jack Vexler
Robin and Jason Warman
Stephanie and Christopher Wilde
Patrick Williamson
Susan Wilkins-Geery
Lantana Circle
Ruth and John Agather
Lyn and Omar Akhil
Claire and John Alexander
Deborah and Rex Amini
Molly and Michael Amini
Kennedy Hatfield Asel and Aaron Asel
Margie and Mote Baird
Matthew Ballard
Katie and Tyson Becker
Susan and Navin Bhatia
Liza Binkley
Mary Pat Bolner
Elise and Craig Boyan
Judy H. Branch
Laura A. Cavaretta
Allyson Cavender
Kelly and Stephen Cavender
Jane Cheever Powell
Barbara Clark
Jody and Larry Cochran
Sarah and Jon Cochran
Rhonda and Frank Coleman
Penelope Speier and Edward E. Collins, III
Gabrielle Conlee
Leigh Craft
Charlotte A. Creamer
Karen Dawson
Joane and James Drought
Peggy Walker and Myron E. East
Julie and William D. Edwards
Lynnette and Trey Embrey
Joel K. Erben
Melanie Evans
Fern Lee Finck
Mariana Munante and William Fisher
Mary and Lewis Fisher
Kay Fitch
Burkley and Jonny Fitzsimons
Katy and Ted Flato
Mercedes and Philip Fletcher
Caroline A. Forgason
Lou Celia and Don Frost
Anne and Marco Gamboa
Magdalena and Raul E. Gaona, Jr., M.D.
Jill and Carlos Garcia
Melanie and Donald Gerber
Toni and Richard Goldsmith
Lilliana and Ignacio Gonzalez
Marina Gonzales
Cheryl and Steven Green
Karen and Jim Greenwood
Cindy Griffin
Emory and Frederic Hamilton
Melinda B. McFarland-Hartson and Reid Hartson
Allison and Jaimie Hayne
Kristin Held
Mary Henrich
Henrietta Hildebrand
Karen Hixon
Mary Arno and Peter Holliman
Emily Hoover
Meredith and Mike Howard
Rachel and Troy Jessee
Lily and Jeffrey Johnson
Jessie and Richard Kardys
Susan and John Kerr
Kate and Bill Kingman
Bonnie and John Korbell
Karen and Kerry Krause
Susan and William Lane
Catherine and Richard Lange
Beatriz Lansdale
Debbie and Matt Layton
Carrie Gray and Christopher Lefelhocz
Kelsey Waters and Bryan Litchford
Mary Marino
Susan Martin
Diana I. Martinez
Melissa Martinez
Christine and Paul Mayer
Marie and Ryan Mays
Patricia and Mark Mays
Lynda McCombs
Celeste and William McEntire
Jane and Joe McFarlane
Vicki McLaughlin
Melody P. McMahon
Claire and Easton McNab
Connie and Sandy McNab
Janet Montagne
Trudy and Ed Moore
Barbara and Jeffrey Moss
Sydney and Gregg Muenster
Dacia and Lanham Napier
Leslie Negley
Ann and John Newman
Lisa and Mitch Nichols
Barbara and Thomas O’Connor
Elaine Olivier
Susanna Morrow and Ross Olsaver
Jana Orsinger and William T. Orr, III
Elena and Luis Oseguera
Vanessa and Brent Oxley
Margaret and Ryan Pape
Anne and Charles Parrish
Susan L. Mooberry and Gregory Patterson
Kris and Bruce Petersen
Joannah and Christopher Pickett, M.D.
Candace Andrews and Uwe Pontius
Julianne and Michael Posey
Mary Quandt
Joan Cheever and Dennis Quinn
Angela and Trey Rabke
Corinna and JB Richter
Candy Roach
Kay and Steven Robbins
Jacqueline Roberts
Anne and Jeff Rochelle
Heather and Randy Rodgers
Lisa and Jeff Rosenbloom
Stacey and James Rubin
Jan Jarboe Russell and Lewis Russell
William Scanlan, Jr.
Lyn and Peter Selig
Gary Cox and Michael Simon
Martha and John Sheesley
Deb Sovereign
Megan and Tres Steves
Sarah and Sam Bell Steves, II
Paula and Louis Stumberg
Kirk Swanson
Donald Test
Dina and Jeff Tom
Bonnie and Stephan Tompsett
Alisa Travis
Katherine and Kristopher Trumble
Lisa Uhl
Elky and Mark Van Es
Jordan Vexler
Suzanne and Dick Wade
Franze and Chuck Wall
Ann B. Watson
Roberta Churchin and Bob Webster
Amanda Whalen
Julie and Warren Wilkinson
Joan and Richey Wyatt
Julie and Peter Zacher
Mollie Zachry
Sherri Zimmerman
