San Antonio Botanical Gardens opens 'Holidays in Bloom' exhibit

SAN ANTONIO – Normally in December, people don’t really think of flowers, but that’s not the case at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. The staff has been busy decorating for their newest exhibit, “Holidays in Bloom.”

Cynthia Klemmer, the garden’s director of programs, said it’s truly magical.

“The 'Holidays in Bloom' is when the gardens really come to life for the holidays,” Klemmer said. “It’s all about holiday horticulture. Poinsettias, trees, garland, all of these things are plant-based symbols for the holidays.”

There’s a little something for everyone at the gardens.

“Being outside and being in nature is just something that works no matter what the age or what the interest. There’s always something to see,” Klemmer said.

A favorite among the younger generation is the “Big Garden, Little Me” exhibit, where kids can play with larger-than-life picnic tables, chairs and even a chess set.

This weekend, visitors can even bring their favorite four-legged friends.

“It’s our December dog days, called ‘Happy Howl-idays,’” Klemmer said. “So folks can bring their favorite pups and experience the garden with their dogs.”

This really is the perfect time of year to bring the whole family to the gardens, and it makes a beautiful back drop for those family photos.

“It’s just a wonderful place to come and enjoy being together and that’s one of the most important aspects of the holidays,” Klemmer said.

The gardens are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit sabot.org.