With the weather looking up, a tour amid the gardens and groves of the Washington Park Arboretum could be just the chance students have been waiting for to snap them out of the doldrums of midterms and rainy weather.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the staff at the UW Botanic Gardens is offering their Nature of Love tour this Saturday from noon to 2:30 p.m.

“The tour is about discovery as well as conveying to people that plants are at the backbone of our thoughts about sex and love,” said Lisa Sanphillippo, a program assistant with UW Botanic Gardens. “While plants might be considered as providing for much of our material needs, they’re also primary in how we think about sex, beauty and love.”

Shawna Hartung, an education supervisor and tour guide, offered similar sentiments.

“Participants will be encouraged to use their imagination toward seeing forms in nature related to love and sexuality,” Hartung said. “We include lore from Greek and Roman mythology, linking nature and love through storytelling. There’s a nice balance between information, creativity, interaction and levity.”

In addition to walking through the winter flowering gardens, the guides will offer insights into plant anatomy and identification.

“We’ll dissect a flower, illustrating its desire to get dressed up to attract a suitor. If you’ve ever been to a club or bar, people do the same thing,” Sanphillippo said.

Developed last year by Hartung and Sanphillippo, the tour has been given to a limited collection of groups.

“[The tour] had a great initial reception, and we’ve continued to offer it,” said Elizabeth Loudon, education and outreach manager with UW Botanic Gardens. “Last year one woman liked it so much, she brought a whole group of friends back to participate.”

Tour-goers should expect to see aspects of the Arboretum that they may or may not be familiar with, including romantic spots. At its conclusion, participants are invited to warm up with hot tea and cider while making cards for friends and loved ones at the Graham Visitors Center.

“The Nature of Love” is among a series of seasonal tours the Arboretum offers to groups of 10 or more. Others include guided walks through the winter gardens or along the wetlands adjacent to Lake Washington.

Loudon noted that while pre-registration is preferred, staff will be prepared to accommodate people who simply show up at noon. Tickets are $12 per person.

“Why not spend a lovely day at the arboretum?” Sanphillippo said. “Whether you’re a couple or single, come learn something that you can share.”

[Reach reporter Brian Smoliak at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]