Mercer Botanical Gardens has a slate of exciting activities planned for summer gardening enthusiasts.
May
Lunch Bunch: Think Outside the Box–Succulent Art. Wednesday, May 9 from noon to 2 p.m. Love the minimalist look of the succulent? These low-maintenance plants come in a variety of colors and textures that are perfect for terrariums or mini living walls. Lee Rowell, owner of Exotics, Plants & Treasures, will demonstrate the basics of succulent design. Bring your own succulents, rocks, and a pot, or buy one of Lee’s Do-It-Yourself Kits for a hands-on experience. Succulents of all sizes will be for sale. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s West Side Arboretum in the Post Oak Pavilion that is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
An Evening with Author Michael Eason at Big Stone Lodge. Wednesday, May 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join Michael Eason, author of the field guide Wildflowers of Texas, at the Piney Woods Wildlife Society monthly meeting to learn about his book-writing experience. Included will be plenty of Texas plant and landscape images. Michael will discuss photography, research, and writing, including range extensions, new species, and much more! Purchase the Wildflowers of Texas field guide through AmazonSmile, supporting The Mercer Society online at www.smile.amazon.com. Then, bring your field guide to the presentation for Michael to sign. This Mercer Botanic Gardens event will be held at Big Stone Lodge: 709 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring.
June
Libraries Rock! Harris County Public Library Summer Reading Program at Mercer Botanic Gardens. Wednesday, June 6 to Wednesday, Aug. 1. Get your fingers, voices, and stomping feet ready, because this summer is going to rock! Children’s programming each Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by the summer feeding program, noon–1 p.m. Each Wednesday will consist of the summer feeding program from noon to 1 p.m. followed by teen activities from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. To receive additional information, call Baldwin Boettcher Library at LSC-North Harris at 281-765-7726 or email
Children’s Garden Grand Opening. Saturday, June 9, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Children and families are invited to the Grand Opening of the Children’s Garden at Mercer Botanic Gardens! Join us to celebrate with fun activities and learning experiences for the whole family. To receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Lunch Bunch: Butterfly Gardening. Wednesday, June 13 from noon to 2 p.m. “If you plant it, they will come.” Make your backyard a haven for pollinators including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Presented by Nancy Greig, director emeritus of the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s West Side Arboretum in the Post Oak Pavilion that is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Summer Garden Club. Saturdays, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, and Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to noon. Participate in monthly hands-on workshops conducted by experienced artisans and gardening professionals. Topics include orchid care; butterflies and host and nectar plants; the art of kokedama; and terrariums. Pricing for members of The Mercer Society: $35 per workshop or $125 for all workshops. Non-members: $40 per workshop or $145 for all workshops. Workshops will feature a plant sale that corresponds to the workshop theme. Enrollment fees cover all project materials. To register or receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
July
Lunch Bunch: Putting Wetlands to Work in Your Hometown. Wednesday, July 11 from noon to 2 p.m. Find out ways to use the natural benefits of wetland plants and soil in our cities and suburbs while also providing much-needed habitat. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s West Side Arboretum in the Post Oak Pavilion that is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Summer Garden Club. Saturdays, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, and Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to noon. Participate in monthly hands-on workshops conducted by experienced artisans and gardening professionals. Topics include orchid care; local and migratory butterflies and host and nectar plants; the art of kokedama; and terrariums. Pricing for members of The Mercer Society: $35 per workshop or $125 for all workshops. Non-members: $40 per workshop or $145 for all workshops. Workshops will feature a plant sale that corresponds to the workshop theme. Enrollment fees cover all project materials. To register or receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
August
Mercer Botanic Gardens Student Research and Education Symposium at Big Stone Lodge. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 5:30 p.m.to 8 p.m. Mercer Botanic Gardens partners with colleges, universities and high schools to find motivated students who wish to conduct botanic research. Mercer is proud to showcase the work of these student partners. Refreshments are provided. This Mercer Botanic Gardens event will be held at Big Stone Lodge: 709 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring.
Lunch Bunch: Skins and Skulls. Wednesday, Aug. 8 from noon to 2 p.m. Explore skins and skulls of Texas mammals to learn about adaptations and predator-prey relationships. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s West Side Arboretum in the Post Oak Pavilion that is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. To register or to receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Summer Garden Club. Saturdays, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, and Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to noon. Participate in monthly hands-on workshops conducted by experienced artisans and gardening professionals. Topics include orchid care; local and migratory butterflies and host and nectar plants; the art of kokedama; and terrariums. Pricing for members of The Mercer Society: $35 per workshop or $125 for all workshops. Non-members: $40 per workshop or $145 for all workshops. Workshops will feature a plant sale that corresponds to the workshop theme. Enrollment fees cover all project materials. To register or receive additional information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Ongoing Events
North Side Greenhouse Team. Daily, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.to 3p.m. Join a plant committee and grow plants year-round for various events and sales, or help with various projects from construction to irrigation! Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160.
Gardening. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Seek out what’s blooming and learn about plant grooming, pruning, and weeding in the Pollinator and Conservation gardens. Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring sunscreen and water. Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160.
Gardening. Thurdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Take part in plant grooming, pruning, weeding, and mulching in the Prehistoric and Shade gardens. Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring sunscreen and water. Contact Mercer’s volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160.
Lunch Bunch. Second Wednesday of the month from noon to 2 p.m. Join fabulous speakers at these free presentations covering diverse topics. Participants should bring a lunch and dress for the weather. Lunch Bunch is a free program offered at Mercer’s West Side Arboretum in the Post Oak Pavilion that is recommended for participants ages 12 and older. For more information, call Mercer Botanic Gardens at 713-274-4160.
Storytime in the Gardens. Every Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In partnership with Harris County Public Library, Mercer presents a unique Storytime in the natural setting of Mercer for parents and children to enjoy together. Storytime locations vary each week, so please check the Visitor Center first. Call 713-274-4160 to find out the location or to check for cancellations due to weather or holidays.
Stroller Strolls. First Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Join other parents and their children for an interactive walk in a family-friendly outdoor setting. The stroller-filled group will tour Mercer Botanic Gardens with a member of staff once a month. Meet at the steps of the Visitor Center. Call 713-274-4160 to check for cancellations due to weather or holidays.
