Orchids Galore! is for Children & Families too!
Guess what’s going to go in the top of the crayons!? You guessed right! Orchids — in every shade of color!
by Jonah Holland, PR & Marketing Coordinator, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
When most people think of orchids, they don’t think of something that’s kid-friendly. We’re about to change that! We want to let Richmond Families know, it’s not just the Children’s Garden that is kid -friendly at Lewis Ginter. We’ve put a whole family-focus on Orchids Galore!, and the Children’s Garden staff will feature children’s crafts and activities every week! Which totally makes sense, ’cause when I think about who really loves to enjoy colorful blooms, my kids are right at the top of the list.
Here’s the run down:
Self-Directed Activities: Monday- Friday, *10-4 pm; Weekends, 11-3
View select Reichenbachia prints and create your own botanical illustration on easels set up in the West Wing. Learn about the science of color while exploring our brand new light table.
* (March 18-29, Self-Directed activities 1-4pm)
Orchid Quest | Daily
After picking up an Orchid Quest brochure at admissions, (or downloading one now) families use clever clues and mapping skills to find their way to a hidden treasure in the Conservatory. Along the way, children and their adults are encouraged to record the names of plants they encounter. Once the quest is completed, children receive a collectible button.
Weekend Activities: 11-3pm
Feb. 16 & 17
Explore the fruit of the Cacao plant and use a metate to grind Cacao nibs.
Make your own set of binoculars with rainbow yarn.
Feb. 23 & 24
Discover the hidden color of plants with a petal pounding activity.
Create a coffee filter flower.
March 2 & 3
Use plant material to make a sweet smelling sachet.
Make a star and moon ribbon stick.
March 9 & 10
Gather in the Conservatory for an eco-friendly, fun seed activity.
Make a rainbow plant stake.
March 16 & 17
Go green for St. Patrick’s Day with hands-on recycling crafts.
Make Leprechan’s gold.
March 23 & 24
Make your own tea bag in the Conservatory using plant material.
Create a ribbon stick.
March 30 & 31: Easter Weekend
Join us back in the Children’s Garden for family crafts in the Breezeway!
Saturdays; February 16- March 31, 11-12pm
Think Like a Plant! Animator Tyler Rhoads will engage children in an interactive drawing game based on plant evolution. Select drawings will be used in an animated video that will be showcased during our 2013 Butterflies Live! exhibit. All ages are encouraged to join. All activities are FREE with Garden admission.
