“Funky Fungi: Nature’s Curious Creations” is our summer exhibit about the magical world of mushrooms and their awesome ecological importance.
From June 1 through September, local artwork of all kinds, from lifelike to playful and imaginative, will be featured in a display throughout the Baker Hall Visitor Center and the adjoining Education Hallway. Outside in the Enchanted Forest, we’re featuring dozens of larger-than-life-sized mushroom sculptures ranging from the realistic to the whimsical, all created by local artists and our staff. Throughout the outdoor exhibit is signage highlighting all sorts of fascinating mushroom facts.
Wondering why we chose mushrooms for our summer exhibit? Well, mushrooms are really cool. They spark curiosity with their incredible array of sizes, shapes and colors. There’s also an air of mystery to them — what are they really up to? One day your lawn is pristine, and the next, it’s hosting a mushroom festival.
So what exactly is a mushroom? Let’s delve into a little science to unravel the mystery. A mushroom is the fruiting body or reproductive structure of a fungus that’s growing in soil or other substrates (like wood or compost). When the weather is just right, a fungus will produce a mushroom above ground to spread its microscopic spores (analogous to seeds) and start the next generation. Not all fungi, however, produce mushrooms.
Though it’s mushrooms that grab our attention, the real action is happening underground in the soil or inside that old stump at the edge of the woods. That’s where the mycelium — a massive network of filaments — is working its magic, decomposing organic matter and absorbing nutrients. This intricate web also connects to trees and plants, enabling each to share nutrients and information. This symbiotic exchange, called a mycorrhizal relationship, helps maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Some mushrooms have an incredible superpower: They can clean up the environment. Through a process called myco-remediation, certain fungi can break down and neutralize contaminants like petroleum, heavy metals and even certain types of plastics. In some cases, the mushrooms emerge free of contaminants. This cleanup method holds great promise for our future.
Mushrooms also shine in the kitchen. They’re packed with nutrients and umami flavor, making them a favorite in many dishes. Cooking mushrooms breaks down their tough cell walls, making their nutrients easier to absorb. But remember: “Never munch on a hunch!” Always thoroughly identify any wild mushrooms before you eat them.
In medicine, mushrooms are remarkable. Various species contain compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which are known for their antioxidant, antibacterial and neuroprotective properties. Certain species of mushrooms are even being studied for their therapeutic potential in cancer treatments.
Curious to learn more? Visit our “Funky Fungi” exhibit, a fun and educational dive into one of nature’s curious creations. Plus, save the date for our first Mushroom Festival, on Sept. 8.
Wild Green Yonder is a regular feature of Norfolk Botanical Garden, where Theresa Augustin is vice president of education. Send any gardening questions you may have to askaplantquestion@nbgs.org.
___
IF YOU GO
What: “Funky Fungi: Nature’s Curious Creations”
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through September
Where: 6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk
Tickets: Included with admission
Details: norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/funky-fungi/
LOOKING AHEAD
Sept. 8: The first mushroom festival at Norfolk Botanical Garden
