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Aloe Spike by Tim Baggs
Experience the plants, food, crafts, culture and people of Southern Africa with a visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) on Sat., Feb. 22 .
Pinal County gardeners and landscapers know they can always find a wide variety of colorful and drought-tolerant aloes and other plants from Southern Africa available for purchase at BTA.
On Feb. 22, attend a 10 am talk by world traveler and herbal cuisine gourmande Mike Hills, to learn more. Mike will talk about historical cultural and herbal uses for South African plants, including many that grow well in Pinal County.
Mike’s presentation includes a taste of common South African “bush tea”, from the native Buchu and Rooibos (pronounced “Roy-Bosh”) plants. Want to sample African cuisine for lunch? Organizers plan either a potjiekos competition or a Southern African curry lunch in the Picnic Area. Visit BTA’s website next week for more complete lunch details, or call Lacey at 520-689-2723.
At 1 pm, the South African theme continues, with an African Drumming concert by Valley-based Raggadrum.Audience members will be invited to participate, using the artist’s drums and singing South African chants.
Events are included with $10 daily admission for adults, or, $5 for ages 5-12. Lunch will cost extra. For complete information, check out ag.arizona.edu/bta.
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