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Come for the dendrobium and rain lily. Stay for Lucinda Williams, abstract kinetic sculpture and the full bar. There are many reasons to visit Atlanta Botanical Garden this spring and summer. Here are a few blossoms plucked from the May calendar of events.

Michael Halsband/2005 photo (ENLARGE)
Lucinda Williams (July 25) is among the performers on the schedule for the Concerts in the Garden series.
Atlanta Botanical Garden (ENLARGE)
Sculpture in Motion includes Roger Phillips' 'Split Disk in Rectangular Frame.'
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ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN $12 adults; $9 seniors and children 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays and Memorial Day through October. 1345 Piedmont Ave. 404-876-5859, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. RELATED LINKS • Find fun things to do outdoors • Blog: Outdoor Life

Cocktails in the Garden

A cocktail, a little nosh, the garden at sundown. What better way to breathe in the best of the season and get a jump on the weekend? A cocktail is paired with a plant or blooming flower for a combo that showcases different areas of the garden. The seasonal program begins May 1, with magnolias, mimosas and light tastings by Tap. (6-10 p.m. every Thursday through September. $12 for non-members. Free for members. Beverages from a full bar available for purchase.)

Sculpture in Motion: Art Choreographed by Nature

Sixteen artists have created 25 sculptures that use natural energy — wind, solar power, sound waves, human energy or water — to create movement. Part art, part engineering marvel, the artwork includes such head-scratchers as a 5-ton boulder a child can spin or giant stainless steel whirligigs that flutter in the wind like petals. (May 3-Oct. 31. Installations will be illuminated during Cocktails in the Garden.)

Concerts in the Garden

The Garden lures some of the best in blues and Americana, from John Hiatt to KT Tunstall. Bring a (low-to-the-ground) chair and a blanket and head to the Great Lawn, but leave the cooler at home. No outside food or drinks are permitted, but you can pre-order meals from Sun in My Belly and purchase beer, wine, soft drinks and water on site. The series kicks off at 8 p.m. May 30 with Buddy Guy. $35; $31.50 for members. Rain or shine. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. May 9 at the Garden gift shop, at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 404-249-6400. 8 p.m. Visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org for a dinner order form. Shuttles run from parking ($5) at Colony Square, 188 14th St. N.E.

Tuesday tours

Volunteers escort visitors through the garden, pointing out all that's new and in bloom. (1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Free with regular admission. Meet at the admissions area five minutes before tour begins.)

Bonsai show

Expert demonstrations and sales of plants, tools and pots for these beautiful little trees. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 17-18. Free with admission.)