[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDEN DISPLAY IN OUR CAPITAL

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                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2019

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tucson 
Botanical Gardens for their achievement in bringing a piece of Tucson's 
rich cultural heritage to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and 
recreating their Barrio Garden in the U.S. Botanical Gardens. For 55 
years, the Tucson Botanical Garden has demonstrated an unwavering 
commitment to connecting people with plants and nature through art, 
science, history, and culture, and I'm proud their work will be shared 
in the heart of our nation's capital.
  As the oldest botanical gardens in North America, the U.S. Botanical 
Garden's displays include plants and visual elements to provide 
visitors with a deeper understanding of the variety of flora and garden 
cultures found across the country--including their styles, regional 
characteristics, and missions.
  The theme of this year's exhibit is Gardens Grow Diversity, and I can 
think of no better representative of this than the Tucson Botanical 
Gardens. As one of only 14 public gardens to be selected, the Tucson 
Botanical Garden will share Tucson's own Barrio culture and the rich 
local heritage it represents with the millions of guests who visit 
Washington, D.C. every summer.
  Founded in 1964, the Tucson Botanical Garden has been committed to 
creating a garden that was aesthetically appealing and educational. 
Containing an extensive collection of over 5,400 plants, this garden 
serves to showcase the local community and the diversity it reflects. 
The Tucson Botanical Garden has received numerous honors and was named 
one of the top ten gardens to visit in North America by Readers Digest 
and the Canadian Garden Council.
  I am especially grateful for their dedication to creating a community 
resource for Tucson's learners of all ages, knowledge levels, and 
abilities. In hosting events such as farm to fork feasts, dog days, and 
exhibits showcasing local and national art, the garden has lived up to 
their mission, and is an invaluable resource to the Tucson community.
  I congratulate the Tucson Botanical Gardens on being selected for 
this honor, and am excited to see a piece of Southern Arizona's Sonoran 
Desert culture in Washington, D.C.

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