Garden Events

Even with the heat as bad as it is, it's hard to stay inside. If you want to get out and stroll through a cool garden, here are some ideas.

The Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park is having a green fashion show this week. Local designers show off the latest styles in fabrics and accessories made from organic and sustainably harvested crops. Susanne Taylor of Susanne Taylor & Associates and Mary Wills of Strada Verde will discuss the process from design to your door. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door and include hors d'oeuvres, wine, and a gift bag. The show is being held on Tue, Aug 5, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

The Heard Natural Science Museum in McKinney has a variety of exhibits going on now: the largest collection of live native Texas snakes, twelve exotic animals in their "Animals of the World: A Conservation Exhibit", a beehive exhibit where you can see how bees make honey firsthand (the bees are on the other side of the glass), and an 800-square-foot butterfly house full of native butterflies.

• Saturdays, 11 a.m., live animal presentations from "Animals of the World".
• Tuesdays, 3 p.m., "Meet a Snake" animal talk, followed by a snake craft at 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays, 3 p.m., snake feedings.
• Thursdays, 3 p.m., "Meet a Snake" animal talk, followed by a snake craft at 3:30 p.m.

Besides the temporary exhibits, the Heard also has 6.5 miles of nature trails winding through their 289 acre wildlife sanctuary and a native plant garden. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 3-12. Children under three and members of the Heard get in free. The Heard Museum is located at One Nature Place in McKinney.

The Fort Worth Nature Center has programs several times a week. Every Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, a naturalist leads a leisurely nature hike through the center, pointing out blooming wildflowers, local wildlife, and other things of interest. Hikes are $5 (admission is not included) and be sure to bring water and dress appropriately.

• Aug 2, 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m., join a hike along the most challenging trail at the center. Meet at the Greer Island parking lot. Hike costs $5; admission is not included.
• Aug 3, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., learn about native landscaping -- how to do it and what resources are available in the area. This is a free talk; admission must be paid separately.
• Aug 15 and 22, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., preschool kids and their parents learn about animal homes. These classes cost $10 and include admission. Registration is required. Call (817) 237-1111.

Admission costs $4 for adults, $2 for children 3-17, and $3 for seniors 65 and older.