The Yanaguana Gardens at Hemisfair Park is new and different thanks to a beautiful, blooming garden that is a gift to the city from Whole Foods Market.
Planners say that the flowers are for both pollinators and people. The addition is such a hit, organizers are already talking about expanding the project.
The ribbon cutting party Saturday morning was a lively celebration of all flying things.
Little Kayleigh Jones, who came to the party with her aunt, was flitting around the grounds of the garden spreading the wings of a beautiful butterfly costume.
Long lines formed at the face painting booth, where everyone wanted to sport colorful wings. Balloon magician Curt Parsons was also a very popular attraction, creating butterflies made from balloons.
Joseph Richardson picked up a balloon creature as he carried his daughter to each activity station.
"I brought my daughter out here so she could be able to get outside and play a little bit, and she seems to be enjoying herself," Richardson said of his toddler.
As the ribbon was cut, Jennifer Molina of Whole Foods Market told the crowd:
"It's an absolute dream come true! We're so excited. We're so happy to be here."
Stephen Lucke of Gardopia Gardens, in east San Antonio, manned a booth giving away free butterfly-friendly plants, as well as advice about how to care for the garden additions.
“They're all free. Everything's free!" Lucke repeated to each new guest.
Anne Krause of the Hemisfair Conservancy said
"It's beautiful and it's educational and we're going to incorporate it into our programming here so children are more aware of the impact of pollinators. It can be fun and educational at the same time,” said Anne Krause of the Hemisfair Conservancy. “We have a wonderful relationship with Whole Foods Market. They believe very much in our mission and our mission is a good match for their corporate values.”
Krause added yjay the new garden has more than 500 nectar and host plants of 16 different varieties.
For more about the new additions to the Yanaguana Garden, you can visit the official website here.