August 4, 2006
2006 Third Annual Penstemon Festival and Sale
This really nice event is Saturday, August 5, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
And it is free with admission fee
Scheduled Activities:
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Penstemon Sales
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. Gardens tours, focusing on Penstemon
10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. Children's activities, including penstemon crafts and face painting
12:00 & 2:00 Live Birds of Prey Programs
3:00 p.m. Penstemon Planting Demonstration
For more information, go to the Arboretum web page for the Penstemon Festival, or call 928.774.1442.
The South has its azaleas. The Midwest has its corn. Maine has the maple, and Portland, Oregon has its roses. Flagstaff? Why not the mighty penstemon?
Penstemons are the largest genus of flowering plants endemic to North America, and more varieties grow around Flagstaff than just about anywhere else. Botanists have classified 272 species throughout the continent, with dozens occurring in the Flagstaff area. So it makes sense that The Arboretum should be the place to honor this uniquely American wildflower.
The highlight of the event will be displays of blooming penstemons in our Courtyard throughout the day. Many of them will be for sale. We will also have special tours of the garden, focusing on our penstemon collection, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Children’s activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including penstemon-themed crafts and face painting. The festival is free with general admission or an Arboretum membership.