New Exhibits and Favorite Events at Klehm

By Peggy Werner

Spring and summer at Klehm are not only about beautiful trees and flowering plants – they’re also about popular events, larger-than-life displays, great music and a brand-new water feature.

Alex Mills, executive director, says every season offers beauty and adventure at the 155-acre arboretum and botanic gardens, 2715 S. Main St., but spring and summer are an especially great time to be outdoors.

This spring, many people will get their first look at the new Bradley and Georgann Gummow Family Foundation Entry Water Feature, with landscaping, a pond, cascading waterfalls, and a patio and benches to enjoy the view.

Garden Fair is Saturday, June 3, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, June 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Choose from a wide variety of plants, flowers, garden décor and art.

Visit 60 educational and informational booths, listen to live music, and enjoy a meal from local food trucks.

The second annual seasonal exhibit is David Rogers’ Big Bugs: The Pollinator’s Exhibit, from June 10 through September 10. The large sculptures are made of reclaimed forest wood and other natural materials. Each sculpture represents a pollinator species and the critical role each has in supporting the natural ecosystem and food chain. All art work is visible from paved paths. The largest sculpture is an 18-feet by 20-feet Praying Mantis, weighing 1,200 pounds. Also represented are a Daddy Long Legs, ladybug, butterfly and insects.

An opening reception takes place Friday, June 9 with the artist, David Rogers, and includes appetizers provided by Franchesco’s Ristorante, a cash bar, and the Tony Vecchio Quartet from 6-8 p.m. in the Garden Pavilion.

“People will be taken by surprise at the large scale of these sculptures and marvel at the intricate detail on each one,” Mills says.

Klehm will also feature live music this summer. “Woodsong Concerts” are at 6 p.m. one Sunday a month from June through September. For more information on all events, visit klehm.org. ❚