The traditional fresh, lighted 20-foot fir tree, with hundreds of colored lights, on the Rose Garden lawn, is the centerpiece for four weekends of Holly-Days at the Gardens, Friday nights and Saturdays, starting Friday after Thanksgiving! And look for two larger than life 15-foot wooden reindeer near the Rose Pavilion. Smaller themed trees “spruce” up Conservatories and other exhibits, with light displays and cut-out photo ops scattered throughout the Gardens.

 
Local environmental artist Shelia Rogers’ five “Eco Christmas Trees,” an 18-foot inward-lit tree made totally of green plastic bottles, plus 4 smaller ones, represent the Gardens’ environmental and conservation mission in the winter-bare Plumeria Garden. Thousands of green bottles were collected by the community for these recycled, reusable trees named “The Emerald Forest.” Additions to this Recycled Christmas setting include a large “tire tree,” wreathes and snowmen crafted from old bicycle frames, and adorable holiday characters made from old stair rail bannister pieces.

 
The Botanical Gardens put out the call in a recent News Magazine for donations of pre-used Christmas décor to grow the Recycled Christmas display. Also underway is gradual conversion from incandescent to LED lighting to conserve energy.

 
All activities are covered by General Admission or your membership except Animal photo opportunity donations benefitting Vet Care; and prepackaged s’mores and cocoa, $5, thanks to Presenting Sponsor VALERO; and H-E-B, City Arts & Cultural Commission, Joyce Barnette and Wyldbyrds Construction.