The Gadabout group
Sharon Tuntland
Eleven women from The Preserve Gadabout Club enjoyed perfect weather as they toured the Tucson Botanical Gardens on April 26. Jan, the knowledgeable tour guide, explained that the plural term “gardens” is used because the 5.5-acre grounds consist of a collection of 16 distinct planting areas. The goal of the Tucson Botanical Gardens is to connect people to plants and nature through the use of art, science, history, and culture.
“I really enjoyed the Nature Pop! Display,” said Gadabout leader Paulette Kasperski. Scattered throughout the gardens were 40 whimsical sculptures made from more than 800,000 Lego bricks. Artist Sean Kenney’s stylized creations represented mostly animal, bird, and insect life. The yellow father and son Lego planting team and the green Lego lawnmower were also eye-catching. Other highlights included blooming plants, the butterfly garden, and the colored pencil art display. Edna’s Eatery served a wonderful seasonal lunch under the shade trees.
The Preserve Gadabouts are a group of ladies (and sometimes men) who are relatively new to SaddleBrooke and want to explore Tucson’s attractions. In the last two years, the group has toured the Sonoran Desert Museum, the Gem and Mineral Show, Tohono Chul, La Hacienda, the Jewish History Museum, the Blown Glass Art Studio, and DeGrazia Art Studio. They have attended the Pet Network Fashion Show and many DesertView performances.
The Gadabout group consisted of Lisa Thai, Linda Berg, Paulette Kasperski, Victoria Turley, Patty Stark, Emily Tillotson, Barbara Miller, Betsy Steen, Barbara Rutt, Paula Arnold, and Sharon Tuntland.