Now that summer has ended and school has started once again, your list
of things to do might look a little limited. For those of you seeking to relax
and enjoy some family fun, take a look at what’s going on at one of Owensboro’s best kept
secrets - the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens. Located near the
Thompson-Berry Soccer Complex off of Carter
Rd., this unique destination will entertain you
throughout the month of September with several interesting events and
festivals! Read on for more info!
Celebrate Labor Day
early on Sunday, September 6th when the Big Botanicals Picnic in the Garden kicks off this exciting
month!From 1-5 pm, bring your blankets
and lawn chairs and sit back and enjoy the sounds of Bluegrass,
Barbershop, and Gospel music throughout the event. Pack a picnic or purchase
some delicious food from the Gardens. You can also participate in this exciting
event by bringing your own “Big Botanical” for judging.Take a moment to slow down and enjoy a quite
country fair at the Gardens!
Next up is WKBG’s Walk & Talk & Lunch in the Garden
on September 8th at 11:30 am. Not only will you enjoy a delicious
lunch, but you will also gain some insightful information from Ms. Natalie
Mountjoy MS on the topic “Biotech for Dummies.” Fees for this interesting
luncheon are $10 for members and $12 for non-members.
On September 11, from 9
– 11 a.m., bring your preschoolers to The Gardens for some fun In the Playhouse! Baking bread, making
homemade ice cream, Storytelling, and bird watching are just a few of the
enjoyable activities that your youngsters will get to participate in during
this exciting yet educational experience.
One of the most
anticipated events at WKBG this fall is the annual Scarecrow Fest on Saturday,
September 19, from 1 – 5 p.m. There will be plenty of games for the kids, some
delicious food, and exciting entertainment. You can even get your picture taken
with “The Big Scarecrow!” In addition, individuals of all ages, families, and businesses
are encouraged to bring homemade festive Scarecrows to enter into the contest.
You could even win some $$ for your creative Scarecrow! If you choose to donate
your Scarecrow to the Gardens, it will be auctioned off in their Silent
Auction. You do not want to miss all the excitement at the annual Scarecrow
Festival!
To end September,
you’ll have to join the caravan and travel to the Baker Arboretum in Bowling Green as the WKBG
goes On the Road with speaker &
author Gary West. Not only will you get to see the truly beautiful “sanctuary
for nature and art” that is The Baker Arboretum, but you will also get to dine
at two delicious local restaurants and enjoy a “mystery stop.” Registration fee
for this exciting excursion is $25.
Over the past few years,
The Garden has grown by leaps and bounds, and I don’t just mean the plant life!
They have added several new garden areas such as the DaylilyGarden
and the Children’s Garden, which as several different gardens within it. They
are also working on their newest edition – The Luettgen Ericaceous Garden,
which will sprout many different varieties of
rhododendrons and azaleas. In addition to the many beautiful gardens, they also
have the pond, sandstone rock formations, wind sculptures, and several memorials.
Last year, they built the Bill and Marilyn Young Educational Classroom and The
Playhouse to enhance their educational program. From the enchanting Rose Garden
to the giant Preying Mantis to the lovely Vora Gazebo, The Western Kentucky
Botanical Garden has something to offer every member of the family!
Open
March thru November, time is slowly winding down to enjoy this enchanting space
in nature.General admission is $3 for
adults, $2 forseniors, and $1 for Students - *FREE* for members. Call (270) 852-8925, visit www.wkbg.org, or e-mail wkbg@bellsouth.net for
more information on event prices and enrollment details.
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