Tulsa Botanic Garden facts for kids
The Tulsa Botanic Garden is a huge garden area, about 170 acres (69 hectares) in size. It's still growing and developing! You can find it about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of downtown Tulsa, in Osage County, Oklahoma. The main goal of the Tulsa Botanic Garden is to show everyone how beautiful and important plants and nature are. They want to help create a world that is more balanced and good for the environment.
Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne, a well-known expert in growing plants (a horticulturalist), is the leader of the Garden. He became the President and CEO in 2011. Before coming to Tulsa, he worked at other famous gardens, like the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in North Carolina and the JC Raulston Arboretum.
The Story of Tulsa Botanic Garden
How the Garden Began
The idea for this amazing garden started way back in 1999. It was first called the Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden Research and Education Center (OCBG). In 2003, Pat Woodrum became the first Executive Director. A big step happened in 2004 when Persimmon Ridge, LLC gave 170 acres (69 hectares) of land for the garden to be built on.
In 2006, the Oklahoma Centennial Commission gave the OCBG $2.2 million to start building. This was a huge help! A special ceremony called a "Blessing of the Land" was held in 2007 by the Assistant Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, which was a meaningful moment for the project.
Early Openings and New Names
By 2008, a 7-acre (2.8-hectare) lake and a visitor center were finished. These areas opened to the public in 2009, letting people visit for the first time. In 2011, F. Todd Lasseigne was chosen to lead the garden. A big change happened in 2013 when about 1,200 new plants were added. At this time, the garden also got its new name: the Tulsa Botanic Garden (TBG). The garden kept growing and getting ready for its big reopening in April 2014.
Making the Garden Better
During the summer of 2014, important water and electricity lines were built for the garden. Before this, water had to be brought in by trucks, and a portable generator was used for power. Also in 2014, a large outdoor shade structure was completed. This structure, covering 3,200 square feet (297 square meters), helps protect plants that need less sunlight to grow. The garden plans to build an indoor structure of the same size in the future.
Exciting New Gardens and Features
Raising Money for Growth
On October 2, 2014, the Garden announced a big fundraising effort called "Reaching for Generations." Their goal was to raise $17 million to build four new, beautiful gardens. These new areas would make the Tulsa Botanic Garden even more special.
The A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces
One of the first new gardens planned was the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces. This will be a formal garden, covering 3 acres (1.2 hectares). It's designed to show off many different colors and textures of plants throughout the year, using flowers, shrubs, and bulbs. Construction for this project started on November 13, 2014. It cost $3 million to build and officially opened to visitors on October 3, 2015.
The Children's Discovery Garden
Another exciting addition is the Children’s Discovery Garden. This area is made to be a "wonderland" where kids and families can learn about nature through fun, hands-on experiences. This special garden opened its doors on May 15, 2016.
The Lotus Pool and All Seasons Garden
The plans also include a Lotus Pool, which will feature beautiful water plants like lotus flowers and water lilies. This pool will be surrounded by the circular All Seasons Garden, which will always have plants blooming throughout the year.
Garden of Lights Festival
Every winter since 2018, the Tulsa Botanic Garden hosts a special event called the "Garden Of Lights" festival. It's a wonderful time when the garden is lit up with many beautiful lights, creating a magical experience for everyone who visits. You can find more information about it on their website: "Garden Of Lights".
