Jazz in full bloom

Mellow music in a mellow milieu.

Jazz in the Garden launches its popular series tonight at 6:30 and continues it on Thursdays to Aug. 20 in Toledo Botanical Garden.

Bring your own blanket or chair (preferably low) and picnic, and nab a spot on the broad lawn near the shade garden. No seating is provided.

On tap tonight is the traditional jazz of Ragtime Rick and the Chefs of Dixieland. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. The series is organized by the garden and the Toledo Jazz Society.

The gate opens at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission (including parking) is $7 for adults, $6 for students and people 60 and older, and free for children younger than 12. The garden is at 5403 Elmer Drive, off Reynolds Road. Information: 419-536-5566 and toledogarden.org.

Here's the rest of the Jazz in the Garden schedule:

•July 16: Kelly Broadway

•July 23: Hepcat Revival

•July 30: Urban Jazz Collective (Toledo School for the Arts)

•Aug. 6: Toledo Jazz Orchestra (Kickoff for Arts Gone Wild)

•Aug. 13: Ramona Collins

•Aug. 20: Los Gringos