A Tour of the Buffalo Bayou: Part 3

It's Fall, ya'll! This morning was a perfect 72 degrees as I rode my bike through Buffalo Bayou Park. As you know, I started my journey by boat, then joined the runners pounding ground from bridge to bridge, and today, I spent two hours biking around the loop of the Park.  Full disclosure: when I say biking, I mean I pedaled my bright orange cruiser as hard as I could and tried to stay in a straight line. I get lots of waves from serious bikers (to which I smile because my hands must remain on the handlebars at all times).

I haven't named her yet. . . so if anyone has a suggestion. .

I found one of my favorite new parts of the Park today: the Wolff Family Grove. Perhaps, it was the gorgeous light streaming down through the trees, the sparkling dust in the air, the musky smell of fresh dirt and fallen leaves, or that there were two dogs sitting on a branch. . . whatever the reason, I felt a deep connection to this serene little grove.

 An unforgettable moment of calm in the Wolff Family Grove; Sculpture by Anthony Thompson Shumate

Just four Park walkers enjoying a rest on a sheltering tree

As you continue traveling East towards downtown, you'll pass several small gardens; including the Jane Gregory Garden and the Eleanor Tinsely Garden. Each one has it's own personality so make sure to stroll off the main path to investigate. You will also notice several large open grass areas:  Sandy Reed Grove, Hines Meadow, and the newly finished Eleanor Tinsley Park.

Spindle by Henry Moore in the Foundren Foundation Meadow

Eleanor Tinsley Park includes the Bud Light Amphitheater lawn, the Nau Family Pavilion, and a sand volleyball court. 

 

 

Ducks investigating the human explorers; Waterworks and the Skate Park can be seen in the background

One of the most magical sculptures in the Park, Portrait of Houston; It wasn't a Dream, It was a Flood by John Runnels,  speaks perfectly to Houston's relationship to rising waters

A flock of birds in the sky; dozens of turtles swimming in the water below; view from Sabine St Bridge

Graffiti outside of the Skate park; Fun Fact: Graffiti has been found around the world as far back as 1500BC on the Pyramids of Giza. We need to make our mark.

Two kayakers traveling down the Bayou

Houston Police Officer's Memorial by Jesus Bautista Moroles

I hope you will enjoy the Buffalo Bayou as much as I do! If you see a bright orange bike with a teal basket fly by, make sure to wave, and know that I am smiling back!

Keep Exploring!
xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist

A Tour of Buffalo Bayou Park: Part 2

For the second leg of the journey through the Buffalo Bayou Park, we start at the newly restored Lost Lake and travel to Rosemont Bridge (right past Montrose Blvd). Highlights: Lost Lake, Kayak Rentals at the Visitor's Center, Waugh Bat Colony, Wortham Grove, Johnny Steele Dogpark, and the stunning views from Rosemont Bridge.

Map of the Buffalo Bayou: Journey 2 from Lost Lake to the Rosemont Bridge

Lost Lake and the Visitor's Center; restrooms and Bayou City Adventures (kayak rentals) located inside Visitor's Center. The building also houses the Dunlavy a future restaurant and event space. A wonderful place to read a book. Looking forward to the restaurant opening!

Water lilies growing in Lost Lake: Lost Lake was a former pond that was lost in the 1970's when a dam failed; the new Lost Lake features wetland gardens, canopy trees, and a stunning multi-layered waterfall.

Boat and kayak launch: you can now rent kayaks at Lost Lake on weekends: see the website for more info: Bayou City Adventures

Jackson Hill Bridge connects the two sides of the Bayou

Bats of Waugh Bridge; you can smell the strong scent of Gunao as you pass. . .but you'd expect this to be the case when over 250,000 bats (Mexican Free-Tailed) live in the same location, the second largest bat colony in Texas.

Information about the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony and a great place to watch as the bats emerge at dusk each night

Johnny Steele Dog Park is a two acre oasis for your favorite 4-legged friend; the Dog Park has a large and small dog section

Photo taken in the first few weeks of the park opening; I've never seen happier dogs diving into the water

Tolerance Sculptures by Jaume Plensa at Rosemont Bridge

View of the Downtown Houston Skyline from Rosemont Bridge

Monumental Moments by Anthony Thompson Schumate, 2015 are a series of 6 four-foot words placed along the Kinder footpaths. This sculpture is hidden in front of the dog park; I love how these important words are placed in unexpected locations around the Park.

Wortham Grove fountain known as "Dandelion"; there is sheltered seating surrounding the circular fountain which makes this an ideal location for a relaxing moment or two

Detail of the fountain; whimsical and brilliant

I hope you're able to take advantage of all of these fantastic Buffalo Bayou locations soon! Next up: A Tour of Buffalo Bayou Park: Part 3!

Keep Exploring!
xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist

Buffalo Bayou Boat Ride

Since moving to Houston two years ago, I have watched the Buffalo Bayou transform into a vibrant and beautiful urban green space. Bikers and runners stream up and down the meandering paths; families have picnics and parties; hundreds gather for the bat colony on Waugh Drive every night; even the dogs have a ball splashing and running in the dog park. In celebration of it's official opening, I will be featuring a different part of the expansive Buffalo Bayou Park over the next several days. To begin, we go to water, the Buffalo Bayou, that led to the founding of Houston itself. While I have experienced the park as a biker, a runner, and a lounger, today was the first time that I have seen the park and other parts of the city from the water.

Every second Saturday of the month, you can take a boat down a small section of the Buffalo Bayou. The 30 minute boat ride also comes with a very informative tour guide who highlights fascinating tidbits from present day and historical Houston.

The Basics:   Where: Sabine St Boat Launch across from the Wortham Visitor's Center 
                      When: Second Saturdays from 10AM- 2 PM every 1/2 hour, last depart 1:30
                      Parking: There is parking at 212 Sabine Street
                      Cost: $7 for adults/$5 for children (ages 4–12)
                                Cash only; payment taken when boarding.
                       What to Bring: sunscreen, water, camera, $7 fee

The newly completed Wortham Insurance Visitor's Center; the top section is a stunning patio area, while the bottom has a bike rental shop, beverages, and restrooms.

To get to the boat ramp, walk down the steps across the street from the visitor's center all the way down to the water

Artwork by John Runnels, 2014

There are 11 canoes throughout the park marking eastward bayou access points

Waiting for the boat to arrive; make sure you arrive early to get a good place in line; it gets busy pretty quickly

Sharing the waterways with kayakers; you can now rent a kayak from Lost Lake

"Seven Wonders" by Mel Chin outside of the Wortham Theater Center commissioned to celebrate the sesquincentennial; 7 70 ft Pillars;  each is made up of 150 children's drawings etched in steel. Apparently, there is also a mysterious red button you can press inside the pillar located next to the Preston St Bridge that causes a giant bubble to emerge in the middle of the Bayou (Big Bubble was created by artist Dean Ruck in 1998). I can't wait to find that button.

Joined by a few ducks as well

Welcome to Houston, "THE TOWN OF HOUSTON"; building in background to be the future home of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Bikers on the Bridge waving to us below

 While you're in the area, also check out the newly completed Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area that offers a multi-layered tree house, climbing ropes and logs, a long slide, and sand box all in a natural and playful setting. The entire area has blossomed into one of my favorites in the park. I certainly know where I'll be enjoying a picnic in the future.

Tree house/boat decks, climbing net, and climbing logs at the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area

Sand Box; part of the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area

For all you skaters out there, visit the Lee and Joe Jamail Skate Park; open Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

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Behind the Wortham Insurance Visitor's Center is a two acre green space; perfect for an afternoon picnic

I hope you're all able to enjoy the Buffalo Bayou from the water soon!
 Keep exploring!
xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist

Discovery on the Green

Every time I go to Discovery Green in downtown Houston, it's bustling with activity and unique events for both children and adults alike. The adventurous can try their hand at a kayak or guide a model sailboat along the lake (both $5). You can attend a zumba class, a yoga class, or a Circus Arts Class (seriously). You can watch movies, concerts, learn a new language, or search through a Flea Market for a new treasure. You could stop by the park every day and try something new. . .

Discovery Green has wonderful events for our furry friends including this fun dog jumping event DockDogs. 

Take a moment to cool down!

Kayak, paddle board, and model boat fun!

John P. McGovern Playground was designed to resemble migrating birds and has a soft place for children to land. 

Just walking the dog and the pig at Discovery Green

Deck made from eco friendly Brazilian Ipe Wood with tables and chairs for lounging

There really is something for everyone. So do yourself a favor and don't skip this beautiful green space due to its petite size, because it carries a big punch of fun.

Check the website for up-to-date events: http://www.discoverygreen.com/




Keep Exploring!
xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist

The Poetics of Japanese Gardens

For the next two days, you have the opportunity to view the special exhibition, I Am Content with What I Lack: The Poetics of Japanese Gardens at 4411 Montrose Blvd. The exhibition features the work of three Houston artists Terry Hagiwara, Mari Omori, and Masaru Takiguchi and was designed by Houston landscape architect Keiji Asakura 

Entrance to "I Am Content with What I Lack: The Poetics of Japanese Gardens" 

Upon entering the space, you are at once aware of the smell of moss and the slight rustle of air against paper.  The attention to detail is extraordinary; a visitor will carefully follow "stone paths" of various shapes and sizes through paper shrouded rooms. Images of fields, forests, and stones are located at the bottom of the paper scrolls so the viewer's eyes will stay focused on the ground and each careful step. There is an anticipation as you walk around each space teased by glimpses of what lays ahead. 

Read a full description of the exhibition here . 

I Am Content with What I Lack: The Poetics of Japanese Gardens was curated by Christine Starkman, curator of Asian art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and was made possible by the generous support of the Japan America Society of Houston (JASH). 

Salt is placed by the entrance of Japanese homes to purify those as they enter 

Mari Omori, akari/paper lantern, 2009, Mino washi paper, archival paste, metal and lighting fixture

A view into the first large space

Notice the careful placement of stones,  the wave like patterns of the moss, and the images at the bottom of the scrolls

Glimpses into the connected spaces

The first view of the rock garden

Masaru Takiguchi, Night Ocean, 1995, Brazilian black granite

The rock garden has two benches for visitors to enjoy a few minutes of reflection 

Hanging paper of hidden scenes 

Japanese Illustrated Books on loan from a private collection

My photo doesn't capture the beauty of these bowls;  Terry Hagiwara, Tea Bowls, 2005-present, Stoneware with glaze

Careful steps and contemplation

You have two days to see this stunning exhibition. Although I wish it could exist as a permanent installation, there is beauty too in its transience.

Exhibition hours:
Friday and Saturday 11:30am- 5:30pm  --- Admission is free 

While you're in the building, be sure to also visit Katja Loher's brilliant exhibition Where Does Time Begin? across the hall at Anya Tish Gallery.

Keep exploring!
xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist