Gardening in Oklahoma City

One of the great things to do in Oklahoma City can be done in your very own yard. It's gardening. Oklahoma City is considered zone 7, which means that many, many different varieties of plants can be grown here.

When we first moved to Oklahoma City, our yard was basically a blank slate. There were some plants in the flower bed by the front of the house, but not much else. Since I love gardening so much, it wasn't long before I started planting everything I could get my hands on.

Many of the plants I have grown over the years have come to me from friends, plant swaps, and from asking for plants from other gardeners. It's a great way to create a garden that looks great and has special meaning.

Another way I have been able to obtain a lot of plants is to look for construction zones (or pending construction zones) and seek permission to dig the plants that are on the site. It may take 2 weeks and/or a dozen phone calls to get permission, but it is definitely worth it. Only one time have I ever been told "no" and that was due to liability concerns, but the rest of the time, I have been granted permission to dig up whatever my heart desires. It doesn't matter if you are gardening in Oklahoma City or anywhere else, this is a great way to get plants.

Translation: Free Plants

Of course, I buy plants at nurseries (and my favorite nursery in OKC is Marcum's), but I also buy them at Lowe's, Walmart and Home Depot. I'm careful to look for plants that do not show signs of stress, disease and/or pest problems. You usually get better plants at a nursery, but they’re often more expensive, too.

I learned a lot about gardening through the Cleveland County Cooperative Extension Service, too. Most folks in Oklahoma City will fall under the Oklahoma County Cooperative Extension Service, but if you live in the south part of the city, you may be in Cleveland County like us.

For 13 weeks, I took classes at the Extension Service offices in Norman in an effort to learn more about gardening, what plants grow best in Oklahoma, how to control pests and a myriad of other topics. After the courses were completed (and I took a final exam), I earned my Master Gardener certification. Each MG must also contribute a certain number of hours of volunteer work helping others in the community, too.

Anyway, gardening is something in which we can all find immense pleasure.

Want to see some pictures of flowers and plants I have grown? Gardening in Oklahoma City is as easy as this! Check out these pictures.

If you would like to know more about the best of Oklahoma City, try this link to one of the best family entertainment places in OKC, the Orr Family Farm.

More of the BEST of Oklahoma City

Return from this review of the Best of Oklahoma CIty to the home of OKC LIfe, your Oklahoma City Newspaper.