Spring Weekends in the Botanical Garden in City Park

Jeanne Nathan

504.218.4807

After a fantastic first run of events this weekend, the New Orleans Botanical Garden anticipates another two great weekends of special events including Children's Days in the Garden, Sunday Brunch with Pastries and Po-Boys, and Summer Sippin' Wine Tasting held at various locations within the Garden.

The Children's Day in the Garden program kicked-off on Saturday May 17 and was a big hit with young New Orleanians who enjoyed face painting, cotton candy, sno-balls and spacewalk jumping among the Train Garden as miniature trains chugged through recreations of the famed neighborhoods of the city. During the next two weekends, kids and their families are invited to join us for more of the same and some new event additions including listening as experts talk about trains, neighborhoods, trees and plants, posing for pictures by local photographers and even taking small plants home. There will be both kid and adult-friendly food options as well. (Free entry)

The sun shone and the breeze blew throughout the first ever Pastries and Po-boys: Sunday Brunch in the Garden event on May 18 during the morning and early afternoon. Charmed by airy jazz music with a funky backbone by the Kevin O'Day Band, it was a perfect day for reading any one of the complimentary papers (from The New York Times to Antigravity), sipping coffee, a bloody Mary or mimosa, tasting picture perfect pastries and sampling shrimp cocktails and po-boys in the shade of the garden oaks. Last weekends guests are already looking forward to again spending their Sundays with local bands Groovesect and the Joe Krown Band during the coming weeks (May 25 and June 1) tasting pastries, po-boys, cocktails and some new vendor additions including smoothies, crepes and authentic Mexican dishes. Come bring your friends, family, latest book or even a beach blanket to the Plano Demonstration Garden Patio in Botanical Gardens. (Free entry.)

The first Summer Sippin Wine Tasting was held on the evening of May 18 at The Conservatory as the evening air set in on a divine early summer night in New Orleans. Don't miss the experience on the next two Sundays (May 25 and June 1) as Swirl Wine Market representatives offer a flight of six new wines paired with gourmet cheeses from St. James Cheese Co. Mingle with both wine connoisseurs and garden experts among a backdrop of complimentary music by the University of New Orleans Jazz Combo band. ($20 entry covers wine and cheese.)

Saturdays May 17, May 24 and May 31

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New Orleans Botanical Garden in the Train Garden

1 Palm Drive

New Orleans, La. 70124

Sunday, May 18, May 25 and June 1

9 a.m. to 3p.m.

New Orleans Botanical Garden at the Plano Demonstration Garden Patio

1 Palm Drive

New Orleans, La. 70124

Sunday, May 18, May 25 and June 1

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

New Orleans Botanical Garden at The Conservatory

1 Palm Drive

New Orleans, La. 70124

New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park

Local food and beverage vendors

The Kevin O'Day Band

The University of New Orleans Jazz Combo band

Groovesect

Joe Krown

New Orleans Botanical Garden, as the center of horticultural excellence in the Gulf South, hopes to acquaint regular and new visitors with the garden through these fun and informative spring events. Featuring classic staples of New Orleans culture from café au laits to po-boys and jazz, the events are designed to offer fun activities tailored for both children and adults. Children's Day in the Garden offers a day of fun, food, music and education in the historic Train Garden for the entire family to enjoy. Pastries and Po-boys: Brunch in the Garden offers the classic New Orleans brunch with coffee, pastries, po boys, shrimp cocktails, crepes, smoothies, bloody Mary's and other brunchy style libations, in a new and unique setting under the oaks. Visitors can enjoy Sundays at the Garden eating and listening to music with friends, family, or blissfully alone just reading the Sunday paper surrounded by natural beauty. A special news cart has plenty of newspapers and magazines for those looking for a quiet moment. Summer Sippin offers an innovative take on the traditional wine tasting, taking it outdoors to a relaxing and elegant Garden setting. Visitors will enjoy this early Sunday evening sipping exceptional wines paired with delicious cheeses from local markets. What a great date or place to meet someone new!