Pepper Palooza part of summer fun

It’s hot in Dallas, so it’s time for Christmas in July, August Dollar Days and Pepper Palooza at the Dallas Arboretum, where plenty of shaded trees and misters will keep people cool. July admission is $5. In August, the garden offers $3 general garden admission, $3 admission to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden and $6 for parking. Named one of America’s most gorgeous botanical gardens by Thrillist, the Dallas Arboretum has many floral beds blooming with impatiens, lobelias, begonias, salvia, marigolds, zinnias, caladiums, lantana, cannas, vinca and pentas. Jim Ryan, Dallas Arboretum board chairman, said: “It’s the dog days of summer, and we invite you to hear aspiring artists perform, get your photo taken with Santa and sample peppers at Pepper Palooza. The garden has many shaded areas, and the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden has plenty of water misters and water features that children flock to this time of year.” Tickets can be pre-purchased online by calling 214-515-6615 or visiting dallasarboretum.org. — Terry Lendecker