The Botanic Garden at OSU hosting multiple events in September

Friday, August 19, 2016

As the heat of summer winds down, events at The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University are heating up.

September is packed with activities for the entire family, said Laura Payne, OSU Cooperative Extension associate/volunteer and events coordinator at The Botanic Garden at OSU.

“We kick this month off with a few enchanting places to stroll through with family and friends before heading to your favorite tailgate party,” Payne said. “All those football fans who come to town to cheer on the Cowboys are encouraged to come out and enjoy the peace and serenity of the garden before heading to the game. For those not taking part in the gridiron action, plan to visit the garden and become one with nature.”

Payne said the garden hosts several Open Houses throughout September, including Sept. 3, Sept. 10 and Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. TBG Ambassadors will be in the garden to welcome visitors and answer your gardening questions. In addition to the main entrance off of Highway 51 west of Stillwater, the West Virginia Avenue entrance will be open for additional parking and handicap access.

For those who enjoy music in an outdoor venue, load the picnic basket with a nice dinner, grab a blanket or lawn chair and nestle yourself under the beautiful sycamore allée to enjoy an evening with the OSU Jazz Ensemble Sept. 9 starting at 5:45p.m.

“This laid back atmosphere and wonderful music is a great way to start the weekend,” Payne said.

If you have young children who are music enthusiasts, make plans to attend The Botanic Garden at OSU’s inaugural kid’s concert, Lil’ Tots and Tunes. This event is slated Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon on the Event Lawn. Bring some breakfast or brunch and enjoy a fun concert with Andrew and Polly. This dynamic duo has developed a new brand of thoughtful, imaginative and playful music based on their experiences with children and families.

In 2012, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers members Andrew Barkan and Polly Hall were honored with the ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award. Joe Raposo was one of the creators of Sesame Street and its first and longtime musical director.

“We’re so glad we can offer these concerts to the public free of charge thanks to our generous sponsors,” Payne said.

The concerts at The Botanic Garden at OSU are sponsored by the OSU Office of the President, Hideaway Pizza, Kicker, Arts and Humanities Council of Stillwater, Daddy O’s Music Company and Flourishes Flowers Decor and More.

Events at the garden also are educational. On the second Tuesday of each month, the Payne County Master Gardeners host a Gardening Series in the Educational Center. September’s topic will be Tree Selection, led by Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension floriculture specialist. In addition, the Payne County Master Gardeners will share information about transplanting perennials and dividing daylilies. This event will begin at 6 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The grand finale of the September events calendar at The Botanic Garden at OSU is the annual GardenFest and popular mum sale, both slated Sept. 24. This year’s theme for GardenFest is Urban Horticulture.

“We’ll have educational presentations on raising goats, chickens and plasticulture, along with music and food,” Payne said. “Oklahoma Gardening host, Casey Hentges, also will lead guided tours through the garden.”

The mum sale will begin at 10 a.m. GardenFest activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information about these and other events please contact Payne at laura.payne@okstate.edu or visit the website botanicgarden@okstate.edu. Be sure to check out The Botanic Garden at OSU’s Facebook page.