Spring has sprung!

Howdy gang,
I hope you all have been enjoying our spring especially our amazing Eclipse! For many of us, this experience was absolutely awesome. Just remembering the moments of the moon’s shadow passing in front of the sun and then TOTALITY can still bring us that sense of joy and wonder!! How wonderful to have been given this gift.

As we move in to May, the gifts of nature keep on giving. With our April showers, it definitely brought our May flowers and many creatures too. Whether it is in your own yard or visiting different places to get in touch with the beauty that north Texas offers us, I encourage you to get a dose of nature.

Research has shown that when we are out in nature, we release dopamine to help us relax, our stress hormones diminish and our mood, confidence and self esteem are boosted. There has even been evidence that it helps with our cognitive functions especially attention, memory, and creativity. Lastly, it helps with sleep and getting our circadian rhythm in order as well as reducing blood pressure and heart rate. How amazing that just by stepping outside and taking in the moment, we can help both our mental and physical states!
There are many opportunities to get out to encounter all the plants and creatures that come with this time of year. Here are a few I hope you consider, especially the one on Saturday, May 11th 🙂
Native Plants & Prairies Day at White Rock Lake - Saturday, 5/4 10-3 - FREE
This is always a fun event with tours of the prairie around the Bathhouse as well as fun lectures and booths. Great for kids too! Here’s a link. https://ntxnppd.org/
Open Garden at our House - 1309 Magnolia Dr., Richardson - Saturday, 5/11 from 2-4 - FREE
The front yard is always open to visitors and on this day, we open the back yard too.
The spring garden is really spectacular and so different from the fall garden. We have been on many garden tours including the City of Dallas and Richardson’s Waterwise Landscape Tours. We’d love to see you. Feel free to bring kids as well. 
The Dallas County Master Gardeners tour - Saturday, 5/18 from 10-5. $18
This is a fun self guided tour. There are always Master Gardeners on site so you can ask lots of questions. It’s a great way to get ideas for your own yard or just enjoy the sites. This year it is in East Dallas/Old Lake Highlands area.
https://dallascountymastergardeners.org/garden-tour/?mc_cid=53aa68f411&mc_eid=e3f7adbc75

White Rock East Garden Tour 2024 - Sunday, May 19 from 10-5 $20
This tour features home gardens, local artists, and a plant sale! This annual fundraiser has been a highlight of East Dallas for over 20 years. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/white-rock-east-garden-tour-2024-tickets-850053411637
I hope this list inspires you to adventure out and see how folks are bringing nature to our area. 
We especially hope you visit our garden. I promise it will bring a smile to your face!
May this May be full of blooms and beauty that bring delight and wonder.
Love and peace,
Chrissy