Full of wonder and awe, life-size sculptures of bunnies fill the “Huntopia” exhibit open from May 4 through Nov. 3. Guests can park for free at the Garden’s on-site parking, check in at the entrance and purchase a day ticket when they arrive. Students and the military receive a discount, while children and members can enter for free. Guests can stop at the gift shop with merchandise inspired by the sculptures from the “Huntopia” exhibit, such as pins, stickers, totes and art prints. If visiting in the early season, guests can buy refreshments with ‘Dos Perros,’ which makes homemade lemonade with fresh lemons, and have a bowl of water for dogs to rehydrate.
Nonetheless, when first entering, visitors are instantly greeted with the exhibits featuring breathtaking, unique, colorful outdoor sculptures in the shape of giant bunnies, tropical birds and butterflies. Along the way, children and parents can find and explore the family adventure garden as visitors enter. The exploration begins at the garden lawn near Prickly Pear Pavilion and past the entrance archway. The garden is recommended for early childhood, ages five and under. Each week, nature exploration features different interactive activities within the garden, engaging in a sensory experience outdoors.
Furthermore, “Huntopia’s” large-scale sculptures are joyous and create a feeling of childlike wonder. They are a glittering array of unique creativity and eye-opening. The pieces come in various mediums and include works featuring tens of thousands of hand-cut and hand-applied glass fragments. As for the garden, one can explore the vibrant colors of the Fall flowers that are ever-changing throughout the season. In the Center for Plant Conservation, the Garden ensures regional plants do not face extinction. The research varies with each species but may involve the collection of propagules from as many sites as possible, such as storing seeds here and at the National Seed Bank lab in Colorado.
Learning how to devise propagation and growing protocols for each species is an ongoing research objective for our community. Growing plants to maturity, displaying them in the Garden, and allowing open interpretation of their value to the public is also part of the experience and intent. A few plants listed are South Texas Ambrosia, Prostrate Milkweed, Kidney Petal, Texas ayenia, Plains Gumweed and Walker’s Manioc.
Finally, as one walks through the garden, guests can witness fresh fruits grown in large-scale volcanic rock pots, including Limes, grapefruit, avocados, oranges and Kumquats. Guests are prohibited from picking the fruit but can sign up for a garden community class on Sept 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Bexar County Master Gardeners and learn the tips and techniques to establish your wildly wonderful wildflower garden. Master Gardeners will be available at the end of the workshop to answer gardening questions.
