HOUSTON – This spring, the Houston Zoo is blossoming with colorful plant displays and special zookeeper chats that focus on pollinators. It’s all part of ‘Zoo Bloom,’ a chance to learn more about the plants that play an important role both here at the zoo and throughout our city.
Along with making up animal habitats, the plants also create food, shelter, and safe pathways for birds, bats and pollinators.
Plus, for the first time ever the zoo will host a public plant sale so you can take home plants from your favorite animal habitat.
“The best part about the ‘Zoo Bloom’ plant sale (is) everything comes from the zoo; everything was either from cuttings, or seeds we collected rather than purchased,” said Mel Stockseth, the Houston Zoo’s Horticulture Supervisor, who has a degree in Foresty and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree.
Some of the cuttings currently in the greenhouse were taken from the zoo’s gorilla exhibit.
“You’re with literally you taking a piece of the zoo and that’s so cool. That’s my favorite part,” said Stockseth.
Watch the full video as Houston Life’s Derrick Shore goes behind the scenes at the zoo’s greenhouse, where baby cuttings are springing to life.
‘Zoo Bloom’ is happening Saturday, April 4th at the Houston Zoo, starting at 9am. Members get early access at 8am. Plan your visit and find out more about their public plant sale by visiting HoustonZoo.org.