(CLEVELAND) May 16, 2024 – The Cleveland Botanical Garden comes to beautiful life this summer with new sights and experiences all season long. A full calendar of summer events awaits including concerts on the terrace, a fairy tea party, yoga, and so much more. 

Summer at the Cleveland Botanical Garden 

SUMMER NIGHTS AT THE CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN 

Each Thursday from June 6 through August 31, the garden will be open late until 9 p.m. Enjoy the café, Glasshouses, your favorite outdoor gardens, and special evening events. New this year, The Cleveland Botanical Garden will offer discounted admission after 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Cost is $10 per adult and $7 per child ages three to 12 (free for children two and under). Admission is free for Holden Forests & Gardens members. Discount does not apply for evening ticketed events and already-discounted admission including student rates, Museums for All, and member guests. Tickets can be purchased in person or online at holdenfg.org. 

Gourmets in the Garden featuring Cleveland chefs returns on Thursday, June 20, July 11, August 15, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Guests are invited to enjoy delicious light bites from some of Cleveland’s best chefs from Marigold Catering, Creative Feasts, and Doinks Burger Joint. Advanced registration is required. Gourmets in the Garden Registration. 

Live Music and Performances in the Gardens on Select Thursday, from 6 – 8 p.m. Cleveland is home to many talented musicians and creative performers.  To showcase Cleveland’s greatest artists, the Garden will host fun live events on Thursday evenings all summer long. Visit holdenfg.org for the performance lineup. 

Yoga with Bottoms Up! | Thursday, June 13, July 25, August 8 & August 29, 6 – 7 p.m.     

It won’t be a stretch to enjoy yoga outside in the gardens this summer. Featuring instructors from Bottoms Up! Yoga. Registration for Yoga with Bottoms Up! 

NEW DISPLAYS 

Steadfast Lands with Leila Khoury in the Allee 

أرض صمدة : Steadfast Landsa collaboration between local artist, Leila Khoury, and our horticulturists in the Allee.  أرض صمدة, pronounced ard samda in Arabic, describes the deepest form of understanding, patience, and harmony that one may hold toward their land, ancestral farming practices, and preservation of all life forms. One of the chosen plants, the red poppy, symbolizes perseverance and celebrates rain, growth, and rebirth. Khoury has teamed up with our Exhibits Horticulturalist, Sommer Tolan, to create a display that weaves together live plants and ceramic sculptures to tell a story of perseverance. Ceramic bowl structures will collect and cascade rainwater feeding the surrounding plants, which were carefully chosen for their symbolism and beauty. 

Boruca Masks with Christian Romero – Eppig Gallery 

The Boruca, also known as the Brunca or Brunka, are the indigenous people living in Costa Rica. The tribe of around 2600 members are known for their art and craftwork, especially their distinctive painted balsa wood masks. These masks are important elements in the Borucas’ annual Danza de los Diablitos (The Dance of the Little Devils) festival, celebrated each winter. Although they may seem frightening or sinister, the Boruca view these masks as a symbol of wellbeing and protection. The beautifully crafted masks on display can be purchased in the Garden Store to help support indigenous women of Costa Rica and their community. 

Artistic Jungle with Georgio Sabino III – Perennial Playspace 

For Sabino, art is not just a medium of expression; it’s a gateway to self-discovery. With accolades as a painter, photographer, designer, author and educator, he has woven a rich tapestry of artistic innovation and inspiration. Sabino’s project, Artistic Jungle, is a bold fusion of painting, fashion, and technology, seamlessly weaving together traditional mediums with cutting-edge innovations. 

WHAT’S IN BLOOM?  

Spectacular flowering plants, shrubs and trees all throughout the 11-acre grounds including spirea, peonies, flowering dogwood, lilacs, roses, and so much more! Visit holdenfg.org to see what’s blooming each month and read our weekly “It’s Poppin’” blog for updates. 

SUMMER CLASSES & EXPERIENCES  

Farming Fungi at Home | Saturday, June 1, 1 – 3:30 p.m.                                  

Have fun with fungi as you learn an easy way to grow oyster mushrooms at home! We’ll start with a brief introduction to different ways to cultivate edible mushrooms before getting hands-on with pink oyster spawn. Each participant will make a 5-gallon bucket for fruiting their own mushrooms. All tools and supplies will be provided. Cost: $25 per member, $30 per nonmember. Recommended for adults and teens 16 & over. Please note this program will take place outdoors in an area with limited shade. The Kitchen Garden is approximately 0.25 miles from the Botanical Garden entrance. In the case of a downpour, the program will relocate indoors. 

Garden Tool Maintenance for Beginners | Saturday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.                                  

Get handy with hand tools! A sharp, well-maintained tool is a safe tool—for you and your plants. In this beginner-level class, participants will learn how to clean, replace, and sharpen basic garden tools like hand pruners, loppers, and trowels. We will also discuss how to clean tools to prevent the spread of plant pests and pathogens. Participants are welcome to bring their personal tools to sharpen, but there will be examples on hand for practice. Cost: $15 per member, $30 per nonmember. 

Ecoprinting on Silk | Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.                              

Reveal the hidden hues and delightful dyes of common garden plants and cut florals in this full-day botanical art workshop with local artist Maggie Latham. Participants will learn how to prepare silk for dyeing, then try their hand at the eco-printing method. While the dye bundles are processing, participants are welcome to explore the glasshouse and outdoor gardens. Finished pieces will be unrolled onsite, and extra supplies will be available to take home to continue experimenting. Cost: $55 per member, $75 per nonmember. 

A Celebration of Seeds | Saturday, August 8, 6 – 8:30 p.m.                              

Our Seed Bank is celebrating its first anniversary! Join Holden Forests & Gardens in marking this happy occasion with seed leaders from across northeast Ohio. Experts from HF&G, Project Wingspan, Cleveland Metroparks and more will discuss the value and joy of native seeds in a panel moderated by Eco Speaks Cle podcast host Diane Bickett. Come early to enjoy a drink (credit card bar) and socialize with fellow plant-lovers while learning how you can get involved in conserving native plants in your community. The informal social hour begins at 6 p.m. The panel discussion will start at 7 p.m. Cost: $10 per person. 

Programming in the Hershey Children’s Garden 

The education team is excited to be able to offer fun and exciting programs this summer to engage the young minds visiting our properties. Check out this summer’s Hershey Children’s Garden daily programming: 

• Morning Sun Salutations, Tuesday – Sunday: Each morning, children can meet in the Four Seasons Fountain Court at the entrance of Hershey Children’s Garden to discuss the four seasons and do some sun salutations before the fountain turns on for the day. 
• Pond Explorer, Tuesday & Thursday: Although the pond is under construction, come learn about the diversity of the animals that call Hershey Children’s Garden home. 
• Turtle Time, Saturday & Sunday: Come meet our resident Box turtles as they explore the Grassy Knoll. 
• Insect Investigation, Wednesday & Friday: Use a net, a pooter, or even a potato to explore some of the tiniest residents of Hershey Children’s Garden. 
• Art in the Garden, Wednesday & Friday: Enjoy the beautiful ambiance of Hershey Children’s Garden as you dive into a craft or art project. 
• Scavenger Hunt, Tuesday – Sunday: Always check the mini library just outside the gates to pick up a seasonal scavenger hunt or book. 

FAIRY TEA 

Immerse yourself in the magical world of fairies on Sunday, August 18 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Fairy Tea. During this magical morning, children will have the opportunity to explore the Hershey Children’s Garden, make a nature-themed fairy wand, enjoy a light “tea”, and make a teacup planter to take home, all in the company of our garden fairies. This program is suited for any children 3+. Children under the age of 3 are free with an accompanying adult/child ticket. Visit holdenfg.org for updates. 

BOOKS & BLOOMS BOOK FAIR | Friday, July 12 from 6 – 9 p.m. & Saturday July 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Explore a diverse array of book vendors alongside other vendors offering plant-related merchandise, creating a unique atmosphere that celebrates both reading and botanical beauty. Friday, July 12 from 6 – 9 p.m. is an exclusive adults-only experience. Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. welcomes families and enthusiasts of all ages. Delight in adult story time on Friday and child story time on Saturday, promising captivating tales for all ages. Registration for Books & Blooms. 

HARVEST MOON 

Join Holden Forests & Gardens on Friday, September 13, for an enchanting evening where mysticism meets philanthropy at our only fundraising event this year, Harvest Moon. Enjoy live music setting celestial vibes and captivating decor designed to ignite the imagination. Explore the early fall splendor of the Botanical Garden campus while experiencing seven food stations serving small plates from some of Cleveland’s most notable chefs. 

At the heart of Harvest Moon, this event directly supports HF&G’s mission to connect people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire actions for healthy communities. Each ticket contributes to our conservation & education programs that help to preserve the magic of the natural world.  

As the sun sets, our afterparty will guide you to an extended evening of bewitching enchantment with a dessert station, drinks, live music, and tarot card readings. This otherworldly experience is included with event tickets or can be purchased separately. 

VIP access 5:00pm | Event opens to all at 6:00pm | Afterhours party at 9:00pmCost: Individual Ticket- $220, VIP Ticket (2 tickets)- VIP $1,000, After-hours Ticket (included with individual ticket levels and up) $50. Event Sponsorship ranges from $2,500 – $15,000, includes a reserved table and other benefits. Visit holdenfg.org for more information. Registration for Harvest Moon. 

SUMMER HOURS  

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exceptions of Thursdays when we are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission before 5 p.m. is $20 per adult and $14 per child ages three to 12 (free for children two and under). Admission is free for Holden Forests & Gardens members.  

About Cleveland Botanical Garden and Holden Forests & Gardens 

Cleveland Botanical Garden, located in Cleveland’s University Circle cultural district, is an ever-changing 10-acre urban oasis where visitors find enrichment and inspiration through fabulous gardens, an exotic Glasshouse, and seasonal events. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is part of Holden Forests & Gardens along with the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio. Holden Forests & Gardens is making an impact in Northeast Ohio through urban greening and forestry initiatives, environmental research, educational programs, and world-class visitor experiences at its two campuses. For more information, visit holdenfg.org.