Search

This week's blog has been kindly written by our Curation team's very own Plant Records Assistant, Drew Freshour. Drew is an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology graduate from the University of Tennessee and a strong LGBTQ+ ally.

In the middle of June, it’s easy to spot a whole rainbow of colors on a stroll through the garden. Blooms of all shades and forms line our walkways. During our Blooming with Pride event today, we invite guests to celebrate the pride that the rainbow pride flag represents.

Roses in the Red Garden

The pride flag’s red stripe is meant to represent life. Our Red Garden is alive with crimson blooms from a variety of red roses, petunias, geraniums, and rose mallow. This area of the Rose Garden is a real standout this time of year!

Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold)

The pride flag’s orange stripe represents healing. These bright orange Calendula officinalis in the Herb Garden have a long history of medicinal use. Calendula has been used to heal cuts and scrapes, and you may find Calendula extracts in the ingredients in your skincare.

Zinnia grandiflora (Rocky Mountain Zinnia)

The pride flag’s yellow stripe represents sunlight. Zinnia grandiflora is a southwest native wildflower that thrives in the hot desert sun. This small, flowering groundcover can even bring the sunshine on a cloudy day. The Acoma Pueblo and Laguna Pueblo tribes use the flowers to make a yellow fabric dye. Find this flower in the Water Conservation and Children’s Gardens.

Cercocarpus legifolius (Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany)

The pride flag’s green stripe represents nature. Cercocarpus ledifolius is all over the garden, and some in the Natural Area. It stands out as a native evergreen tree that doesn’t have needles or cones like evergreen conifers. Although it grows slowly, this little tree holds on to its leaves through harsh mountain winters.

Lysimachia monelli (Blue Pimpernel)

The pride flag’s blue stripe represents serenity. The blue ring along the lower portion of the Floral Walk is filled with the serene royal blue color from Lysimachia monelli.

Salvia daghestanica 'Platinum' (Platinum® Sage)

The pride flag’s purple stripe represents spirit. Lively pollinators buzz from one flower to the next all summer in the garden. This bumblebee found the Salvia daghestanica 'Platinum' in the Water Conservation Garden. If you look closely, you can see the pollen baskets on her legs are quite full. Busy bee!

Whether you come to the Garden today to celebrate your own journey, support someone you love, or just to enjoy the beauty of the Garden, Blooming with Pride welcomes you.

Guest blog written by, and photographs by Drew Freshour