Myriad Botanical Gardens: Relax and enjoy the zen of the botanics
Open since 1988, the Myriad Botanical Gardens is home to 17 acres of beautiful gardens, trees and exotic animals. Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, this visually stunning paradise features the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory—a 224-foot long circular bridge complete with palm trees, exotic plants, waterfalls and animal life. In the Crystal Bridge, more than 1,000 species of plant life thrives in two distinct climates: the Tropical Wet Zone, which is at the south end and is watered daily, and the Tropical Dry Zone at the north end, which receives water from April through September, followed by drought from November through March.
The outdoor gardens include hundreds of trees and plants landscaped around a lake. The lake is home to several varieties of fish including goldfish and Japanese Koi—some of which weigh more than 20 pounds. In the heart of the gardens, you’ll find the Water Stage—an amphitheater that can seat several hundred guests. The Water Stage is a popular place for concerts, lectures, weddings and other events.
While visiting the Myriad Botanical Gardens, take a self-guided tour along the many shaded paths and enjoy a variety of fountains, exotic plants and flowers. Also, take note of the hundreds of zebra longwing butterflies—a black tropical butterfly native to the southern U.S. Among the natural beauty, a variety of art adorns your experience. The Flying Fish sculpture located at the east lake was created by Kenny McCage of Oklahoma City. Also, Childhood is Everlasting—an abstract sculpture by another Oklahoma City artist, Robin Orbach Starke— has found a home at the gardens.
The Myriad Botanical Gardens offers a variety of educational classes, tours and programs dedicated to teaching students about Rainforest conservation and ecology. There are classes available for one-day trips as well as longer study programs. The Fourth Grade REAP Classes allow kids to get an up-close experience with pollination and flower parts through the eyes of a bug. Through hands-on activities, students learn about the importance that color plays in pollination.
Visit the website for a complete list of educational programs and event offerings at the Myriad Botanical Gardens.
Posted by Jennifer Pruett
