Celebrate Public Gardens Day at Morton Arboretum

To celebrate National Public Gardens Day on Friday, May 6, the Morton Arboretum is offering reduced admission and an opportunity to take part in educational activities highlighting the importance of public gardens.

Admission May 6 will be $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for youth ages 2-17 at the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

Activities will include:

• 10 a.m.: Ground Cover Garden Nature Walk. The arboretum's Ground Cover Garden features more than 350 different plants. Explore those that grow alongside the winding pathways of the garden, including seasonal highlights such as the Virginia bluebells of spring.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Wheel of Curiosi-trees. Spin the wheel and answer a "tree-via" question to receive a special prize.

• 11 a.m.: Acorn Express Adventures. Hop aboard the tram to explore the grounds and make a craft in this family-friendly offering.

• 11 a.m.: Garden Story Time. Visit the Children's Garden to hear a nature story told out loud.

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Frogtastic Play. Enjoy frog-themed activities and imaginative play time during this drop-in activity in the Children's Garden.

• Noon: Tour of Arbor Court and Meadow Lake. Join a horticulturist-led tour through the arboretum's courtyard featuring lush container gardens. Then head to Meadow Lake, which is encircled by colorful native plants and trees.

• 1 p.m.: Children's Garden Tour. Learn about the trees and plants that fill the Children's Garden from an arboretum expert. Discover the perennials, shrubs and ornamental grasses that beautify the four-acre space and would be right at home in a backyard garden.

• 7 a.m. to sunset: Ribbit! The Exhibit. Explore a collection of 23 larger-than-life copper frog sculptures enjoying a variety of activities, including playing instruments, catching butterflies, and meditating. Look for these sculptures along pathways within walking distance of the Visitor Center.

Visitors also can celebrate National Public Gardens Day by taking in all the bloom and color throughout the arboretum, especially in the Flowering Trees Collection, the Crabapple Collection and Daffodil Glade. All offerings, with the exception of Acorn Express Adventures, are free with arboretum admission.

For details, visit mortonarb.org.