What do Winnie the Pooh, waterwise gardening, topiary, and self-actualization have in common? How might they improve our lives in the Salt Lake Valley?

These are themes that Red Butte Garden and Arboretum’s new speaker series, "Cultivating Wisdom & Wonder", will bring this year to ongoing conversations about challenges and opportunities in local and global environments. Four guest experts offer unique guidance into better understanding the world of plants and their connection to the health and well-being of humans, our communities, and the planet.

The series kicks off Tuesday, March 26, at 6 pm with Kathryn Aalto, author of the New York Times best-seller The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh (2015). Aalto’s book tells the story of the real landscapes and rare plants and animals that inspired the fictional "Hundred Acre Wood,” the setting for the iconic teddy bear’s many adventures. Aalto will also teach a Nature Writing Workshop at the Garden on Wednesday, March 27, 10 am-noon.

“This exciting new series brings internationally known authors and experts to Utah to help us engage in some of today’s most pressing questions about life and our world,” says Jasmine Millard, adult programs manager at Red Butte Garden.  “As the place where Utahns of all ages come to connect with plants and the beauty of living landscapes, Red Butte Garden is the ideal setting for deeper conversations that will educate and inspire. If you care about plants, living landscapes, or your family’s well-being, you won’t want to miss a single one.”

Registration is required to attend. Prices vary. Details at redbuttegarden.org/speaker-series.