Monday, May 5, 2014

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center :: Luci and Ian Family Garden Ribbon Cutting




This past Sunday, May 4th, the Luci and Ian Family Garden at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center opened to public.

Named after lead donors Luci Baines Johnson and her husband Ian Turpin, the $5 million Family Garden will double the maintained garden acreage at the 279-acre Wildflower Center that is part of The University of Texas at Austin. 

"The Wildflower Center is on the cutting edge of sustainability,” says Luci Baines Johnson. “Our hope is that the Family Garden will be a place where families go to play and discover the wonder and importance of nature.”



During this momentous occasion, I had the pleasure of capturing the private ribbon cutting ceremony with Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, her husband, Ian Turpin, and their family.






This 4.5 acre hands-on garden welcomed children and their families from all over Texas. Featuring a lesson on the water cycle, giant birds' nests, a waterfall grotto and more, the Luci and Ian Family Garden is sure to please.




Providing multi-sensory play, the Luci and Ian Family Garden creates a fun exploratory environment where children can hide behind a waterfall, walk across the river on carefully place stones, and use their imaginations while learning about cave art.




In addition, the Family Garden provides children the opportunity to meander through a maze,get creative using products of nature to build, and discover wetland creatures.






Beyond the children's garden lies the remainder of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Visitors can stroll through meadows, a butterfly garden, a woodland garden, an inspiration garden for homeowners and more.
 

 








In addition, the Wildflower Center offers a lovely plaza with an accompanying cafe, classroom and gift shop.The next time you visit Austin, make sure to stop by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and stroll through the Luci and Ian Family Garden!