By Steve Elliott
Managing Editor

With today marking the first day of spring, what better way to celebrate than taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

The spring weather and colorful blooms beckon guests to stroll through the gardens and bring in a picnic lunch. And the Easter Bunny will make an appearance as well!

You don’t have to worry about Yogi Bear stealing your picnic basket in this park, as visitors are welcome to bring their own basket and enjoy lunch with their family in the beautiful natural settings of the garden.

Visitors can also stop by the newly remodeled Carriage House Bistro to have a meal inside this historic building. Restaurant hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you’re looking for snapshot material, the Easter Bunny will “hopping” around the garden this weekend. Kids will be able to pose with the Easter Bunny free of charge in Fountain Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.

The Old Fashioned Garden and Formal Gardens make interesting backdrops for spring photos as well. If you’re in the mood for sculpture, venture over to the Lucille Halsell Conservatory for shots with outdoor sculptures by James Surls and Katie Pell.

For a more whimsical photo, kids can pose on the Concert Lawn with brand new wooden cut-outs specially decorated for the spring.

A good way for kids to enjoy all the areas of the garden is by going on a scavenger hunt. There are scavenger hunt maps available at no charge at the front desk. After completing the game, children can bring the map to the Garden Gate Gift Shop to pick up a prize.

Garden admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3 to 13, $5 for seniors and military; San Antonio Botanical Society members have free admission. Group rates for groups of 15 or more are available.

The Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The garden is located at 555 Funston at North New Braunfels Avenue with free parking. For more information, visit the Web site at www.sabot.org.