Spring is a very busy season at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens with something to offer all ages. To kick off the season, Taste of Paradise, a fun, tropical-themed cocktail party, is planned for March 31. Opening April 1, the Spring Flower Exhibit will indulge visitors in the beautiful colors and fragrances of spring. Through a collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County and 4-H, the Botanical Gardens will host the 4-H Farm daily from April 1-23. During the Spring Season the Easter Bunny will also make a special appearance on April 14 and 15. The traditional Easter season would not be complete without the annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 15 and from March 18 to May 7 come and see Joan Saba’s stunning oil painting exhibit that expresses the colors of spring in the Botanical Gardens’ Archangel Gallery.
On March 31 from 6pm-9pm, soak in the vibrant colors and tastes of the Botanical Gardens while you sip tropical cocktails from Captain Morgan at Taste of Paradise. Enjoy the spring atmosphere while tasting herbs, fruits and savory delights as you listen to the tropical sounds of paradise. As part of the fun, Buffalo Aerial Dance will delight the crowd as they swing through the main palm dome. Tickets include full cocktails from Captain Morgan, wine, beer and delightful tidbits from; Country Club Catering, Curly’s Bar & Grille, Ilio DiPaolo’s, Lucarelli’s, Avi Catering, Oliver’s Salvatore’s and Tonawanda Castle Catering. Purchase tickets online at www.buffalogardens.com or by calling 827.1584 ext. 219. Tickets for Botanical Gardens’ members are $35, the general public $40, and after March 19, all tickets are $45. Taste of Paradise is sponsored by: M&T Bank, Captain Morgan, Buffalo Spree, Star 102.5 and Backyard Party Supply.
Beginning April 1 and running daily through April 23 the Spring Flower Exhibit and 4-H Farm, Western New York’s favorite Easter tradition, will return. The Botanical Gardens will be dripping with color; over 22,000 bulbs will be on display as well as fragrant shrubs and flowers of every kind! Included with the exhibit from 10am-4pm, is the 4-H Farm which features a live farm of bunnies, chicks, pigs, ducks and more. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County (CCE Erie) 4-H program is proud to partner with the Botanical Gardens Spring Flower Exhibit. Stop by the 4-H Farm and take the time to talk with some 4-H members and view the animals, learn about the program and how to become involved by becoming a leader or 4-H member. On April 14 and 15 the Easter Bunny will also visit the Botanical Gardens from 10am-5pm.
The Spring Flower Exhibit (10am-5pm) and the 4-H Farm (10am-4pm) are included with admission to the Botanical Gardens and can be purchased at the door or online at www. buffalogardens.com. Prices are; $11 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and over , $9 students 13 and over with ID, $6 for kids 3-12, Garden Members and kids two and under are free. The Spring Flower Exhibit and the 4-H Farm are sponsored by: M&T Bank, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, 4-H, Buffalo Spree and Star 102.5.
The Easter Egg Hunt is one of the most popular events at the Botanical Gardens selling out every year. Kids ages seven and under are eligible to participate. The hunt begins at 11am and this is a pre-registration only event so be sure to register early to ensure your spot. The Botanical Gardens will be full of activity the day of the hunt and other activities include; the spring flower exhibit, a scavenger hunt, games, the 4-H Farm, prizes, food trucks and more! Food trucks will also be on site - Cheesy Chick and Frank’s Gourmet Hot Dogs. Registration can be done online at www.buffalogardens.com. Botanical Gardens’ members pay $8 for the hunt, the general public pays $10 for the hunt and after April 2, all Easter Egg Hunt tickets are $12. Pre-registered hunters are also admitted free to the Botanical Gardens this day. The Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by: M&T Bank, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, 4-H and Star 102.5.
Joan Saba will present her brilliant oil paintings in the Archangel Gallery at the Botanical Gardens from March 18 through May 7. Titled, Art In Bloom, this exhibit will showcase Joan’s original larger than life oil paintings of vivid spring flowers. The colors and depths of these painting will give you a true sense of spring as well as an appreciation for nature. This exhibit will be open 10am-5pm and admission to the Arcangel Gallery is included with Botanical Gardens admission.
Exhibit and event organizers would like to make a special note to the public that the Botanical Gardens will be closed March 30-31 during regular hours in preparation for the Spring Flower Exhibit, 4-H Farm and Taste of Paradise.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Erie County 4-H program offers hands on learning opportunities to youth between the ages of 5-19 focusing on life skills. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adult volunteers and mentors who inspire young people in 4-H to work collaboratively, take the lead on their own projects and set and achieve goals with confidence. 4-H’ers chart their own course, explore important issues and define their place in the world and stand up for themselves and their communities. For information about CCE Erie County 4-H program, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/erie.
Use #SpringInTheGardens and @Buffalogardens when posting and tagging on social media. Proceeds benefit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire curiosity and connect people to the natural world through its historic living museum.