Myriad Botanical Gardens and Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory

The first time I drove by the Myriad Botanical Gardens, I knew I had to visit. Just look at the plants in this picture! I mean, REALLY. It's a gardener's paradise.

Ok, so I am an avid gardener.

Even so, there is something about Myriad Gardens that is just very special. I suppose that part of it was the fact that all the lush greenery and flowers were located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Some of it, though, was the actual architectural allure of the buildings and structures interspersed within the 17 acre garden.

At any rate, it exceeded my expectations the moment I stepped into Myriad's amazing landscape. The whole experience was peaceful and beautiful. The lake, with a variety of birds and fish, was so serene. As the winding paths dipped in and out of the delightful collection of foliage and flowers, it was as if I were transported to another place entirely. I simply could not believe this place existed in the middle of a big city.

The outdoor gardens are free for anyone to enjoy. What a treat for visitors to the Myriad Botanical Gardens. The only fee encountered was to visit the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, which boasts plants from around the entire world. It is seven stories high – and it was worth every penny of the admission price. I saw plants that I never even knew existed – and I am a master gardener.

There is a 35 foot waterfall, butterflies and 224 feet of paths throughout the exotic plant paradise. Just for fun, the conservatory is made from over 3,000 acrylic panels that reflect world that surround it.

Before I left, I knew that becoming a member of the gardens was something I needed to do, so for a small $25 fee, I joined with a family membership, which took care of entrance to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory and parking. It was an awesome deal as I knew I'd want to go back again and again.

There are over 1000 plant species at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. One species, the Camperdown Elm, really caught my attention. It isn't that the tree is all that beautiful, but it is how it came about that made me stop and take notice. I'll be sure and add that story to the site as soon as I can.

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