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Fairy Garden Days: Enchanting Dragons and Whimsical Villages For A Chinese New Year Celebration
Step into a world where mystical dragons, like ancient guardians, weave their magic within the greenhouses. As the Chinese New Year dawns, these celestial creatures unfurl their wings, transforming our Botanical Center into a realm of wonder and enchantment. Here, young and old come together to witness a captivating event that transcends generations.
- Guardians of Native Seeds:
- This year’s theme revolves around the Chinese New Year, and our dragons have a noble purpose: safeguarding native seeds. Instead of hoarding gold, they cradle life’s essence—the promise of growth and renewal. Imagine these majestic beings weaving their protective spells over the precious seeds, ensuring prosperity for all.
- Handcrafted Havens:
- Community members contribute their creativity by crafting intricate houses. These miniature fairy housees nestle among the tropical foliage, forming hidden villages. Use your imagination and watch fairies flit about, gnomes peek from tiny doorways, and DRAGONS watch over it all. Each house whispers tales of imagination and invites discovery.
- A Child’s Delight:
- Picture a child’s eyes widening with wonder as they stumble upon their own creation nestled within the tiny village. It’s a true delight—an unexpected encounter with magic. The dragon’s presence infuses every nook and cranny, inspiring dreams and igniting curiosity.
- Artists and Performers:
- Check out the artisans and performers who conjure this enchantment. They are the weavers of spells, the architects of whimsy. Through their talents, the dragon’s protective spirit comes alive, bridging reality and fantasy.
As the dragon’s breath mingles with the fragrance of tropical blooms, let us celebrate unity, creativity, and the timeless allure of mythical creatures.
To learn how to submit a fairy house, please visit our instagram or facebook page.
Live Performances!
The Roger Williams Park Botanical Center is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host an array of captivating live performances this year. To kick off the festivities, the Chinese Folk Art Workshop of Boston will grace our opening ceremony on Saturday, April 13, in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Dragon. Expect mesmerizing traditional dances and vibrant costumes. But that’s not all! Mark your calendars for April 26 & 27, 2024, when the Providence Ballet Theatre (PBT) takes center stage. Their original production, titled “What Is, Was, and Will Be,” promises to transport audiences on a journey through time, memory, and dreams, tickets sold seperately for these performances.
And here’s something special for our young enthusiasts: Free workshops for young creatives. “Dragon Tales Dance Adventure,” a workshop specially designed for children ages 6 to 10 led by Providence Ballet Theatre invites young creatives to explore the enchanting world of dragons through the exploration of movement and playful expressions. Children can explore their creativity, twirl like leaves in the wind, and pirouette their way into the magic of storytelling through movement. Reserve your spot for the free workshops by visiting the Providence Ballet Theatre website.
Gather your little ones for daily children’s book readings by the acclaimed artist Michael Bryce at 1:00 pm. His enchanting tales will whisk them away to far-off lands, where imagination knows no bounds.
Featured Artists & Partners!
This year, the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center (RWPBC) is abuzz with creativity as we host a delightful array of featured artists, each weaving their magic into our enchanting world. Let’s meet these talented individuals:
- Cat Riker – The fairy house architect extraordinaire! Cat’s whimsical creations will grace our gardens, inviting you to explore their tiny wonders. Imagine enchanted abodes nestled among leaves and petals, waiting for curious eyes to discover their secrets.
- Mike Bryce – A Rhode Island painter whose brushstrokes bring color and life to our event. His work will be a visual feast, capturing the essence of nature and magic.
- Jessie Jewels – An immersive mermaid artist, diving into our Botanical Center to breathe life into underwater adventures. Picture shimmering scales, hidden treasures, and the soft murmur of ocean secrets.
- Claire Burke – An interdisciplinary illustrator, her digital paintings will transport you to a realm where whimsical dragons dance among the foliage. Claire’s art invites you to dream beyond the ordinary.
- Jim Verity (Verity Design) – With a touch that dances between elegance and innovation, Jim Verity brings enchantment to Fairy Garden Days. Expect surprises—from soaring dragon sculptures to hidden wonders that only Verity’s imagination can conjure.
- Jenny Sadler (Love of Plants) – Jenny celebrates the tiniest inhabitants of our green world. Each house she touches transforms into an intricate beauty, where leaves whisper secrets and petals bloom with wonder. Jenny’s magic extends beyond individual abodes; she weaves tiny villages, connecting these miniature communities into a tapestry of delight.
- Emma Phaneuf (Shickasheen Farm) – Emma, Co-Owner of Shickasheen Farm, understands the beauty of nature from seed to flower. Emma joins the decor team to enhance fairy houses by infusing magic into each creation.
- Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races –Discover a real dragon boat—check out a dragon boat used in the Annual Dragon Boat Races and Taiwan Festival held in Pawtucket, RI! These boats are not only beautiful, but they’re also rarely seen up close. During our enchanting Fairy Garden Days, we’ll have one of these magnificent dragon boats on display in our gardens. Come and witness this captivating piece of culture and history!”
Mark your calendars! These artists’ contributions are woven into the fabric of our Fairy Garden Days. For specific dates and event times, explore our calendar under the Fairy Garden Days tab. Come, be part of the magic and purchase tickets here!
Private Goat Tours
Indulge in an exclusive goat adventure! Book a private goat walking tour for your family and friends, and immerse yourselves in the charm of our Botanical Center’s furry celebrities: Salvador, Vincent Van Goat, and Jean Ralphio.
During this personalized experience, you’ll:
- Stroll alongside these delightful goat brothers, their hooves padding softly on the path.
- Share cuddles with these gentle creatures, feeling their warmth and curiosity.
- Learn their captivating stories: how they became local legends and why they play a vital role in our Parks Department’s sustainability program.
Tickets for these exclusive tours tend to vanish quickly, so secure your spot today!
Dragon & Fairy Wing Wednesday Parades
Calling all magical beings! Whether you’re young or young at heart, spread your wings and join us for an enchanting experience. Don your finest costume, complete with ethereal wings, and let your inner fairy, pixie, or dragon soar! Every Wednesday, our mystical garden awaits your presence. Parade through the hidden pathways, where tiny wonders await discovery. Perhaps you’ll find the sparkling gemstones nestled among the petals or catch a glimpse of the whimsical creatures that call this place home. Remember: YOU are the magic that brings our garden to life. So, dance, twirl, and immerse yourself in the wonder of Fairy Garden Days. Secret garden pop-up parades will surprise and delight throughout the day. Join us, and let the enchantment unfold!
Fairy Seed Releases!
The dragons, guardians of forgotten magic, have safeguarded precious native seeds—tiny vessels of potential. Each seed carries the promise of life, waiting for the right moment to burst forth. Join us Every Thursday at 1:00 PM, and close your eyes and make a wish—a whisper to the universe. And then, with reverence, release your own fairy. Watch your fairy flutter from your palm, carrying your wish on fragile wings and once she lands upon the soil, she will grow with your wishes.
Scavenger Hunts, Crafts & Merch!
Embark on daily scavenger hunts, where every nook and cranny holds a delightful surprise. Create magical wands with textiles, weaving spells of imagination and wonder. Write a letter to a fairy, penning your wishes and dreams. And for the little ones, allow them to explore their creativity by building their own fairy house using natural building materials. And don’t forget to wander through our new merchandise! Fabulous tees from Cinder + Salt, sun protecting hats from Walleroo and lots of fun crafts from Heidi Boyd!
Fairy Houses!
Open 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Did you build a fairy house and bring it to the RWPBC? Enjoy a scavenger hunt made just for you! Come and explore the gardens and seek out where your home is nestled in the lush world of the greenhouses! To learn how to submit a fairy house and our building guidelines, visit our instagram or facebook page and see the pinned posts.