The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center's Big Bloom plant sale to return - Caller Times

The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center's Big Bloom plant sale is back.

The garden center announced the return of the event in March and will hold it from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The popular community event drew about 6,000 in 2019.

Members can enter an hour early at no charge, but all other attendees only pay $2 for entry.

We put together a guide on what to expect at the Big Bloom event.

Plant sale

There will be hundreds of different plant varieties in colorful blooms. Aside from the popular Orchid Sale, which includes coconut orchids and Schomburgkia, people will be able to add new plants to their homes.

Wanting a plant to draw in hummingbirds, butterflies and bees? Be sure to pick up a Texas mountain laurel or lantana plant.

Self-guided tours

Head out to the Mary Hope Brennecke Nature Trail to see the wetlands habitat and try to spot owls, cranes, snakes or alligators.

Spoiler alert: There are no alligators at the moment, but the center hopes to bring one in soon.

Vendors and food trucks

Vendors will be selling garden- and landscape-related items, including rock yard art, lawn art, plant décor, bird houses and floral jewelry.

Food trucks will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be about three trucks, but attendees are also welcome to bring their own lunches to have a picnic in the gardens.

Butterfly and ladybug releases

Ladybugs will be released three different times at the event. The first is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. at the Hummer Garden, the next at 1:30 p.m. at the Sensory Garden and the last at 3:30 p.m. at the Rose Garden.

Butterflies will be released at noon and 3 p.m. at the Butterfly House. Guests will be given an envelope with a butterfly inside to release on their own.

Parrot Talk

A collection of about 30 rescued parrots resides at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.

The parrot talk show will be in the Animal Events Tent at 1 p.m. and will educate attendees on the birds' natural habitats and characteristics and give guests a chance to hear them talk.

Reptile show

Get ready to meet Ivan, Spyro, Ratatouille, Blueberry, Abigail and more in the Animal Events Tent.

The reptile show will educate attendees about the animals including green iguanas, beaded dragons, Great Plains rat snakes and African spurred tortoises. There will be two shows at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

IF YOU GO

What: Big Bloom plant sale 

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2

Where: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Cost: $2 admission

Information: 361-852-2100

MORE COVERAGE

More: Portland's 47th annual Windfest returns with live music, carnival and more

More: From mutton bustin' to dunking the mayor: Here's your guide to the 2022 Buc Days

John Oliva covers education and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva. Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.