Editor’s Note: During this period of social distancing, Group Tour magazine will continue to provide group travel inspiration. Many attractions and destinations are closed at this time; please contact them directly for updated information.
Just outside of downtown Tulsa is the Tulsa Botanic Garden — home to two gardens, a 7-acre lake and numerous plant displays.
“We are a fairly new garden, and we are still building gardens in our master plan,” said Lori Hutson, director of communications & outreach at the Tulsa Botanic Garden. “Stay tuned, we’re always growing!”
The garden works with group operators to provide informative experiences that boast both regional and non-regional scenery showcased at the garden.
“We can offer a greeting and overview/orientation with the option of a tour or time to explore on their own,” Hutson said. “Tours include more information on background, design and details of plants, hardscape and art elements in the garden areas.”
Encircled with rich vegetation, the Lakeside Promenade surrounds the garden’s 7-acre lake and is the central pathway leading to the main garden.
The 3½-acre A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces is an ornamental hillside garden that includes water features, over 8,000 plants and a seasonal display area covering about 5,500 square feet. The four terraces include the Lawn, Rose, Perennial and Mediterranean terraces.
Tulsa is known for its art deco architecture, with details of this style popularized in the 1920s found throughout the garden.
Next, step out of the colorfully designed space and into vast Oklahoma terrain; The Persimmon Grove is where native flora and fauna mingle in both tallgrass prairie and deciduous forest. The Cross Timbers Trail begins in and loops back to the grove for a scenic, 1½-mile trek.
Tulsa Botanic Garden is currently looking to expand its grounds with the Lotus Pool, where visitors will enjoy a short walk around calm waters while admiring water-loving plants.
“Visitors recognize the quality of design and planning that has gone into our gardens,” Hutson said. “It’s never the same view twice as the garden is always changing.”
Tulsa Botanic Garden can accommodate up to 50 for a tour and suggests groups plan to spend at least one hour to experience the beautiful grounds.
For more information call 918-289-0330 or go to tulsabotanic.org.
