Natural History Wanderings

Many Botanical Gardens aren’t what they used to be.

Botanical Gardens are finding the need to have  a “make over ” in their programing.  They find there is  less interest in traditional flower gardening .    Interest has increased in environmental concerns, food and health, nature and family activities. To encourage visitors and increase participation, gardens are altering their emphasis and  expanding their programs.    To attract visitors, gardens have developed new programs such as edible gardens, cooking classes, children and family activities, interactive children’s gardens, and even social and musical events, often in the evenings.  To read more go to Botanical Gardens Are Turning Away From Flowers in the N.Y. Times.  To see some of the changes locally in the Bay Area look at the UC Botanical Garden Calendar.

UC- Berkeley Botanical Garden by Sandy Steinman

Related Articles

• At Botanical Gardens, Flower Shows Fade as New Lures Bloom (nytimes.com)
• UC Berkeley Botanical Garden rich in variety (sfgate.com)