Gardens Exclusives are scheduled March through June, are limited to a small group of 15 or less people per session and take place in a completely private and exclusive setting. They are a perfect way to get the most out of a visit to the Botanical Gardens by adding an educational and interactive element on top of the included admission to the conservatory. Whether it’s a family outing, a date, or a private group of 15 or less, feeding the koi fish or creating a garden in a jar is an exciting, educational and engaging experience for all. Gardens Exclusives take place on specific days and require reservations and, of course, compliance with all Botanical Gardens Safety Guidelines.
Feed the Fish was launched in late summer of 2020 and has become extremely popular for all ages. This exclusive event takes place on select days at 9:30am before the Botanical Gardens opens to the public at 10:00am. Participants will meet in the Main Palm Dome of the Botanical Gardens and be greeted by one of our educators. Participants will receive their own cup of koi fish food, a potted plant, an exclusive button and, of course, time to feed the fish. During the feeding, participants will learn about the different types of koi, their habits, some fun stories about them and can ask the educators questions. Feed the Fish sells out very quickly, so the Botanical Gardens continues to add more available dates as they fill.
Garden in a Jar was launched in January of 2021 and takes place on select days at 1:00pm in the Botanical Gardens Administration Building. Participants will receive an assigned seat based on the party they are attending with in order to maintain proper social distance. Garden in a Jar allows participants to take a small piece of the Botanical Gardens home with them by creating a small tropical terrarium. Learn how terrariums work, how to create an efficient, enclosed ecosystem and how to care for this tropical plant. All materials will be supplied, but participants are welcome to bring their own wide-mouthed, quart-sized jar in place of the plastic “jar” provided.
Gardens Exclusives require advanced registration in order to maintain the limited capacity of each session. The cost for both Feed the Fish and Garden in a Jar is $18.50 for members, adults, and students ages 12 and up, $14.50 for kids ages 3-12 and kids 2 and under are free but must have a ticket. All attending parties must have a ticket and all kids must be accompanies by an adult. On top of the selected program, admission to the conservatory is also included. Organizers ask interested participants to review all safety guidelines before registering. Register online at buffalogardens.com.
Use #BuffaloGardens and @BuffaloGardens when tagging on social media. Proceeds benefit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to inspire curiosity and connect people to the natural world through its historic living museum.