Experience the plants, culture and sample food and drink of Southern Africa on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Boyce Thompson Arboretum when staff showcase the garden’s South African desert collections.

Horticulture Director Cathy Babcock and Horticulturist Tammy Knight will teach visitors about aloes and other plants of the region. Exhibitors will have models of hummingbirds made from wood of endemic trees; other craft exhibits include basketweaving, spinners and participatory crafts for kids. Sample traditional Boerewors (sausage), or learn about cuisine of the region from author Aileen Wilsen (“Cooking South African in the USA”) who will sign copies of her book starting at 11 a.m. in the Visitors’ Center. There’s also a 10 a.m. lecture and slideshow by Mike Hills on “Herbal Uses of South African Plants;” a presentation that include the chance to taste ‘bush tea’ from the native Buchu and Rooibos plants.

Events are included with daily admission of $9; read more at ag.arizona.edu/bta; connect with 3,600 fans at facebook.com/boycethompsonarboretum.

Coming Events:

• Found Objects from Nature Thursday art classes Feb. 21 and 28

• Geology walking tour with ASU Prof. Steve Semken Feb. 23 at 1:30 p.m.

• Bird walk with Kathe Anderson Feb. 24 at 8:30 a.m.

• Edible and Medicinal Desert Plants guided walk with ethno-botanist Dave Morris Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

• Bird walk with Troy Corman and Mark Ochs; also Carl Tomoff March 2 at 8:30 a.m.

• Arboretum History walking tour March 2 at 10 a.m.