KAYSVILLE—The USU Botanical Center is hosting a unique series of events starting the end of July, and extending all the way to October. Taste, Tour and Ta-Dah promises to show residents of Davis and beyond a new side to the gardens there, as well as offering some valuable information on home planting in the process. 

Starting July 31, at 6:30 p.m., attendees can show up to the Botanical Center in Kaysville, and, together with trained and trusted volunteer docents, take a tour of the edible flora section of the garden. Not only will the attendees be able to learn about the many different varieties of edible plant life there, but they will also be able to sample “what’s currently on in the harvest,” according to Alex Zesiger, Outreach Manager at the USU Botanical Center.

This means, at the end of July, varieties of raspberries will be available to taste as guests learn more about what it takes to cultivate each type. That way, “you don’t have to spend three years growing a variety only to find out you don’t like it,” said Zesiger. It’s a great way to find out what edible plants not only can survive in Utah, but thrive as well. 

As the season progresses, the offerings from the garden will change as well. Berries, tree fruit and others will all be available as part of the taste and tour portion of the event. But, what about the “Ta-dah”? That, explained Zesiger, comes into play with the over 10 performing groups that will be bringing their musical talents to the garden following the tours. From Broadway to indie to rock, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

The musicians will be performing on a spot where someday Zesiger and the Botanical Center plan to build an amphitheater, “It’s a way of looking toward the future,” said Zesiger. It’s events like these, said Zesiger that help educate the public on the importance of green spaces, and, in an increasingly suburban environment, give them the opportunity to visit a green space without having to travel too far out of the way. 

The USU Botanical Center serves as an educational environment for horticulture in Utah: what plants can grow here, which plants thrive here, as well as many different classes, workshops and events to help those in the region. Taste, Tour and Ta-Dah goes a long way to helping those in attendance learn more about what they can bring to their home gardens beyond flowers and shrubs. 

Taste, Tour and Ta-Dah begins July 31, at 6:30 p.m., and runs Wednesdays through Oct. 2 featuring different tastings and different musical performances each week. The concert portion will start at 7:30 p.m., following the tours. More information on this and other events at the USU Botanical Center can be found at extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter.