Tour Description: Vives Verdes is a hidden gem. This spectacular botanical garden features hundreds of plants laid out in an artistic array. The garden is a labor of love created over eight years by Francisco Martinez Carasco, an architect and botanist. Vives Verdes transformed a

neighborhood garbage dump into a paradise with more than 200 species of plants. Located in Xoxocotlan, it is 95% sustainable based on a system of collecting rainwater. Francisco will be on hand to explain his vision of uniting architecture with nature using recycled items. Be sure to bring your camera! Explore the garden slowly to see and appreciate the myriad wood and metal sculptures scattered throughout the garden, all made from discarded items.

Next, we will move on to Antiguas Maravillas founded in 1977, the home and workshop of generations of the Salgado family who are famous for creating intricate silver jewelry. They use the delicate filigree method of making their metal jewelry, including an array of necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, religious art, belts of silver, combs, and more.

Finally, the group will visit the home, studio, and museum of Angelico, Isaish, and Mañuel Jimenez, who proudly carry on the family tradition of carving and painting wooden figures/alebrijes. Their father Mañuel Jiménez Ramírez was a visionary who is credited with creating the Oaxacan version of “alebrijes. The family museum was established to preserve the history of this art form.

Lunch: Lunch will be in a local restaurant or the Zaachila mercado. Expect to pay about 200 pesos for food and drink.

Note: Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring water for our time in the garden.

Not included: Cost of lunch, any items bought on the tour.

Additional cost:

This tour will depart on time at 9:00 am  from Calle Los Libres behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.

Online ticket sales end at 7 pm the day before the tour. If the tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.

No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.