Spring has sprung and that means it is time for some of my favorite flowers to start blooming. The warm air and bright sunshine after a long and often dull Oklahoma winter always makes me eager to get outside in the gardens. The first nice Saturday is usually an enthusiastic one filled with shopping trips to Lowe’s and local nurseries to pick out my favorite annuals. Sometimes, though, it is nice to enjoy other people’s work. Especially since their work is infinitely better than my own.
Spending the day meandering along flower filled pathways and meticulously landscaped terraces is always a treat. While many parks are typically lauded (and rightfully so) for the dramatic bursts of color from early bloomers like bright daffodils and cheerful tulips, summer and fall offers plenty of its own pizzazz. These Oklahoma gardens are what I may consider the best in the state and full of reasons to visit no matter the season.
Unwind at this beautiful garden at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Trees, flowers, herbs and many other plants fill roughly 100 acres to create a beautiful year-round botanical escape. Among the wide variety of annuals and perennials that cover the grounds, visitors can enjoy yearly themed gardens as well as display gardens. To name a few, The Botanic Garden includes a Japanese Tea Garden, a Butterfly Garden and a Rock Garden. Normally, activities like yoga or concerts in the park are hosted on good weather days; however, all activities are currently suspended due to Covid 19. Until then, you can still spend a colorful day outdoors in Stillwater.
The Philbrook is probably best known as a museum and on nearly every visitors list of things to do in Tulsa. In addition to the art collection, the property also includes 25 acres of beautiful garden space reminiscint of a Tuscan Villa. After perusing through the galleries inside this stunning mansion, take time to explore outdoors. A trip to Villa Philbrook wouldn’t be complete without strolling the paths through wrought iron arches and across bridges. Among an array of flowers and plants, you will find a beautiful tempietto, the secret garden, and relaxing areas to rest and reflect. If your lucky, you might score a visit with the resident cats.
This OKC park boasts 30 acres of beautifully landscaped garden space. Will Rogers Gardens is one of Oklahoma City's oldest parks dating pack to 1912 when city leaders purchased land from an old dairy farm. Today is serves as a peaceful urban escape. In the spring, you will see vibrant displays of azaleas, iris, peonies and other seasonal flowers; however, there are reasons to visit year round. The Victorian-era style Ed Lycan Conservatory is home one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in the state while the Charles E. Sparks Garden bursts with color from nearly 1,000 rose bushes set among a variety or annuals and perennials. This Oklahoma garden also features a 10-acre arboretum as well as art installations dating back to the 1930's. If you're interested in horticulture, the Gardens offer a variety of educational classes for individuals and classes.
This Oklahoma garden is 170 acres of spectacular beauty just 8 miles from downtown Tulsa. It's still under development but, because there's so much to see, you will hardly notice. Four terraces, a lakeside promenade, and the Bumgarner Lotus Pool will provide plenty of leisurely enjoyment. For the more active and adventurous, the Cross Timbers Trail looping to and from the Persimmon Grove is a nice hike to discover some of the area's flora and fauna.
There are also trails in the popular Children's Discovery Garden. Here, kids can search for lizards and caterpillars or watch the butterflies and hummingbirds flutter. This area of the garden also offers plenty of outdoor fun as well as opportunities to learn about plants and wildlife. The spitting animal fountains and art wall are sure to entertain and who wouldn't love watching a Venus fly trap snatch their lunch?!
Spend the morning strolling along the shady paths at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove, Oklahoma. Unique to this garden are the number of false cypress varieties (over 80!) making it one of the largest collections in the US. Lendonwood is also home to one of the largest displays of rhododendrons in the region. These, along with other beautiful perrenials such as azaleas and dogwood, make Lendonwood a colorful treat in the spring. Add in the assortment of annual spring and summer plants and the impressive Japanese maples that show their color in the fall, there is reason to visit any time of year. While you’re here, don't forget to visit the Oklahoma Garden! This installation is full of "Oklahoma Proven" annuals and perrenials to provide inspiration for your own garden at home. Who doesn't want to find the perfect plant that will withstand the tricky Oklahoma weather year after year?
The Cann Memorial Gardens are part of a 10-acre estate in Ponca City. Built in 1908 as a private home, the namesake property was later donated by the family of Lester, a prominent city leader, and his wife Mary. There were strings attached to the donation and that was a commitment to maintain the estate as a garden for the use and enjoyment of the community. Unwind outdoors with a stroll along the peaceful walkways that weave together beds of colorful annuals and perennials, a flowing wisteria arbor and the calm lily pond. If learning is your thing, the garden attendants are happy to answer questions or you can attend one of the workshops held inside of the impressive two-story home. This Oklahoma Garden also hosts an annual herb festival each June.
The Myriad Gardens is a breath of fresh air in the middle of downtown Oklahoma City. With 15 acres of lush landscaping dotted with art installations and various water features, there‘s no question why residents love to visit.
There’s almost always something going on making it easy to head outdoors on a nice day. Free outdoor yoga classes, Reading Wednesdays and various workshops are a few of the popular ongoing activities. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is also host to many well-loved seasonal activities such as the annual Flower and Garden Fest in May, Pumpkinville in October, and, of course, the Holiday Markets complete with an ice rink. Sonic Summer Movie Nights in July is perfect if your looking for family-friendly activities in OKC.
Although closed for renovation from April 18, 2021 - Fall 2022, the Crystal Bridge Conservatory is 13,000 square foot addition featuring stunning displays of tropical and desert plant life. While the outdoors grounds are free, there is a fee to visit the Conservatory.
Woodward Park is another cherished outdoor space in Tulsa. Having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the oldest and most well-known areas in the city. Even the locals never get tired of visiting the fairytale-like Upper and Lower Rock Gardens or the ever impressive Rose Garden.
The historic Snedden Mansion at Woodward Park is now home to the Tulsa Garden Center, a dreamy location for the community to engage in horticultural education. The Linnaeus Teaching Garden just east of the mansion is also popular among garden lovers. This particular garden is not only impeccably maintained and lovely to view, but also demonstrates various gardening techniques throughout and is manned with staff ready to share their love for plant life. Most people who visit Woodward Park probably don't think to wander into this space, but it truly is hidden treasure.
Be sure to take your camera! The colorful Koi Pond, prominent archways, and peaceful waterfalls along the stream are just a few of the design aspects that make the Linnaeus Teaching Gardens a perfect place to capture beautiful photographs.
Jenna Walker is a travel writer from Oklahoma who lives with her husband, two children, and three rescue pets. While out and about in the world, she loves spending time outdoors, exploring local culture, and trying new foods. Jenna knows that, often, we overlook our own backyard. You can also find her stories and guides on the website, The Oklahoma Experience.
Hey! I'm Jenna Walker and this is where I share stories and guides about adventure, culture, and good food. I hope this website inspires you to live your best travel life and encourages you to explore the world with an open mind and adventurous spirit.