After skipping 2025 Big Bloom, with continuing drought, we present an educational Water- Smart Plant Sale, 10 am-5 pm, Saturday, April 25—a $2 ‘Blooms & Birds’ Community Day!
Re-shaping the usual thirsty plant collection to a WATER-THRIFTY INVENTORY of natives, xeriscape, succulents, low-water perennials, blooming nectar and larval pollinator plants, and cacti; (adding orchids from our collection and plumeria) we also welcome private art and plant vendors! Like Big Bloom, the day includes traditional butterfly and ladybug releases, animal ambassadors, membership specials, food trucks! Enjoy Raptor Project presentations and Exhibitor Tent from “Birdiest Festival in America!” Members enter FREE at
9 am. “People are gonna’ buy plants—we’ll teach you the most water-saving ways to conserve!”

REGISTRATION and FULL SCHEDUE is now online, for Corpus Christi’s ninth BIRDIEST FESTIVAL in AMERICA, April 22-26! Birders have traveled from Alaska, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands for this festival, with species counts from 250-284 not counting 2 Pre-Trips or 1 Post-Trip! We proudly announce
personable veteran birder, author, guide and photographer DAVID SARKOZI as keynote speaker, April 24! Explore six exclusive Full Day field trips, 13 Half-Day trips, four U-Drives, guided bird walks, presentations, workshops and events at www.BIRDIESTFESTIVAL.ORG
and register today! Proudly presented by FLINT HILLS Resources.

A new outdoor Bonsai Exhibit with Asian Meditation & Zen Garden, funded by City of Corpus Christi Arts & Cultural Commission and Corpus Christi Bonsai Club, will be dedicated Saturday, May 2. From 10 am-4 pm, a celebration in partnership with Texas State Museum for Asian Cultures at start of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month will feature martial arts demonstrations, drum team, origami crafts, Asian Culture games and children’s activities, plus a “Bonsai Basics” arts class teaching how to train bonsai trees.

MOONLIGHT & MARIPOSAS in the GARDENS entertained more than 500 people, with comments like: “This is my all-time favorite event;” “What a perfect, enjoyable evening;” “So glad we came again after missing a couple of years;” “Congratulations, you did it again;” “We’ll definitely be back next year!” The Botanical Gardens thanks Presenting Sponsor CITGO, plus dozens of supporting sponsors you’ll see on large signs in the Gardens until MOOONLIGHT ‘26! Click SEE MORE for those generous sponsors, entertainers, our Event Chair Kitty Hommer, restaurant and beverage sponsors, plus volunteers. . . with new Moonlight slideshow in the works!

PRIVATE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS—parrots back! PRIVATE ENCOUNTERS now for longer time periods, either parrots or reptiles! Small groups can enjoy fun interactions with either THREE parrots or THREE reptiles with guests holding each animal, giving them snacks, taking photos in private setting. A great party, birthday, anniversary, or friend treat! Funds go to Animal Enrichment and Emergency Funds.

For your convenience, we’re providing a schedule of SATURDAY MORNING Horticulture & Environmental Education classes! All begin at 9:30 am, Education Station classroom, with spaced seating for 40. Unless noted, all are covered by that day’s general admission, membership, or $5 each. Educational, fun, meet new friends. Make your reservation at 361-852-2100.

This is a first! The Botanical Gardens is looking for VOLUNTEERS to work with Grounds Staff helping with daily hand-watering, mowing, weeding, edging! Coastal rains made the grass grow, and watering restrictions still make us hand-water! We’ll work with your schedule, except (watering must be done before 10 am), other work between 9 and 6. Please call Kathie for details, 361-852-2100, x 225.

Guests visiting Saturdays or Sundays are treated to REP-TALES,10:30 am, on the Festival Lawn. Meet and learn about some our Reptile Animal Ambassadors including tortoises, iguanas, snakes and other creatures (specific animal ambassadors and species vary daily). Included with membership or general admission. Feed these reptiles for additional fee.