Summer. Many of us living in the South dread it every year. Triple digit temperatures. Scolding hot car seats. Ice cream that melts faster than you can eat it. Sometimes, it’s almost too hot to think, and activities outdoors under the hot sun can be out of the question. As a result, we often miss out on some of summer’s best offerings, not to mention some great quality time with families and friends.
What is the alternative? Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center has come up with a splendid one. Every Tuesday night in July, Shangri La will open its gates from 7-9 p.m. for members to stroll the gardens and take in the beauty of more than 300 species of plants without worry of the sun’s harsh rays. (The Nature Center, Star and Crescent Moon Café, and Garden Store will not be open during these extended hours.)
What can you expect to find in the gardens? Numerous plants in bloom, including: red caladiums and torenias, salvias, day lilies, lantana, verbena, cone flowers, society garlic, Butterfly bush, orchids, African iris, Texas star hibiscus, Lily of the Nile, shrimp plant, crocosmia, tropical foliage, and so much more. Even the Children’s Garden is in bloom. In addition to the flora are 14 species of birds that flock to Shangri La in the evening hours to nest. There is no shortage of wonder during the month of July, and members can enjoy it in the cool and calm of the evening hours.
Don’t have a Shangri La membership? You can still join in time to take advantage of these evening hours. Shangri La offers a variety of membership packages to meet your needs, whether you are a single, a couple, a family, or a group just looking to share the beauty of nature together.
How do you purchase a membership? You can print an application from the Shangri La Web site or contact the Shangri La office.
Even though the sun may be sizzling, Shangri La members don’t have to miss the beauty of the gardens thanks to the evening hours every Tuesday in July. It is a perfect chance to experience Shangri La at a very magical time of the day.
This message was also printed in the June 25, 2008, issue of The Orange Leader by guest columnist Nikki Sumrow.
Orange, TX
Orange CVB
Orange COC
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