Silver Threads: Getting Busy with March

Surely Charles Dickens was talking about England when he penned, “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”

We southern Americans are more fortunate with our springtimes. March days are quite balmy (mostly) in the sun and the shade, with many locals convening at garden centers to snatch their pick of the plants for their yards.

That excludes those engaged in an activity closer to their hearts than the views from their windows – watching TV coverage of the annual NCAA college basketball tournament, or enjoying our city’s March festivals. We have things to do this March, and here is the line-up.

First up is Lark in the Park, opening on Friday, March 4, at 8 PM
Lark in the Park is featuring live music by the Young Pinstripe Brass Band and Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, and samplings of dishes from more than 40 of New Orleans’ best restaurants. This year’s Lark will benefit the expansion of the New Orleans Botanical Garden Conservatory. The party will end at 11 PM Tickets: General admission $100; Friends of City Park members $90; Party Flock (35 years and under) $75. For more information, visit the City Park website.

This is a community volunteer event attended by groups from the community – including high schools, colleges, churches, service groups, and individuals. Work assignments and tools are handed out at the Volunteer Center at 9 AM, and volunteers work until noon doing various tasks, including painting, pruning, raking, mulching, planting, and maintaining areas around City Park.

– Where to be: Volunteer Center at 1009 Harrison Avenue

– When to be there: 8:45 AM (work begins promptly at 9)

– Who to call with questions or to sign up: Tyler at (504) 483-9459

– What to bring: Close-toed shoes or boots, a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, a brimmed hat, and snacks (if you’d like some).

Wow. If I were 35 or under I could afford the Friday Lark tickets for myself and a friend and also join a work detail on Super Saturday.

This is a time to improve the dismal March view of my yard from my back porch by being at the park’s Pelican Greenhouse at 10 AM Saturday. I’ll bring a wagon – surely my grandsons, now in their late teens, have one hidden in a corner of their garage. This plant sale will take place from 10 to noon, and in the past I’ve acquired some specimens that have grown taller than my tall back fence. My daughter’s purchase in 1997, a crepe myrtle, now towers above her own home, and the trunk is the size of one that supports a palm tree. For additional information call 504-483-9464 or e-mail plants@nocp.org for a list of plants that will be available for sale.

The attendees must be over 21 — a stipulation I can meet. It will take place at 4 PM Saturday in the Carousel Gardens and you get “all the rides you can handle for one low price, with beer included.” There will be food – some included in the price of admission and some on sale. Visit the park website now, as they expect to sell out.

I’d love to ride the carousel again, but I’m not sure I could get on one of the horses. And sitting in a seat just seems so tame. I used to like to gallop.