National Park Service awards grant to Chickasaw Nation

With all new flooring materials and pathway layouts, the renovated first floor of the Conservatory features a reworked waterfall, a new reflecting pool and redesigned plant groupings to aid in the interpretation and understanding of the critical role of plants in the world.

A newly designed, two-level waterfall feature greets visitors as they enter the Conservatory with sounds of water cascading over natural stone. Tropical water plants are getting planted in the waterfall and in a small pool at the base. A new staircase has been built on the west side of the waterfall with a small lookout for visitors to enjoy the views as they walk up to the second level.

In contrast to the curving lines of the Conservatory, a striking vertical sculpture has been installed in the center of the main pathway to serve as a portal that divides the north and south ends of the space. Walking under it, visitors will experience beautifully framed views of the new waterfall at the south end and a reflecting pool at the north end.

The Root Wall on the north end of the Conservatory serves both form and function. In vascular plants, roots are the organ that supply water and nutrients for plant growth. While we don’t always see them, roots anchor plants to the ground. Here, the artistic depiction of roots serves an aesthetic purpose as well, covering the concrete anchoring wall near the staircase leading to the second level. At the base of the Root Wall is a reflecting pool that showcases exotic water lilies. This peaceful area offers places for visitors to pause and relax.

Visitors can take a rest and enjoy views of the north end of Myriad Botanical Gardens from this second-floor gallery-like space featuring improved lighting and seating, rotating exhibits and ambient nature sounds. The view of the Myriad Botanical Gardens offers glimpses of the seasons.

Children will have the opportunity to learn about the connection between plants and the many animals and insects that support the rainforest ecosystem with a stop in the second floor, interactive Discovery Room located on the second floor,

south end. Rotating hands-on activities will also be offered throughout the year.

Bromeliads are fascinating plants that have adapted to survive and thrive with a diversity of other plants, insects and animal species. This overlook area is surrounded by a variety of bromeliad species and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the views while learning about plants. This terrace is on the south end of the Conservatory, adjacent to the new waterfall.

• Adult: $10.50 • Senior: $9 • Military/Veterans: $9 • Student: $7 • Youth (5-17 years): $5.50 • Myriad Gardens Members: FREE • Adult Group (10 or more): $9.50 per person. Reservations required. Email info@myriadgardens.org. • Youth Group (10 or more; ages 4-17): $4 per person. Reservations required. Email info@myriadgardens.org.

Memberships to the Myriad Botanical Gardens are encouraged and help support the Myriad Gardens Foundation. Members’ benefits have never been better! They range from free admission to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory and festivals such as Pumpkinville to discounts on classes, free rides on Mo’s Carousel and free admission to more than 300 botanical gardens throughout the US through the Reciprocal Program with the American Horticulture Society. Lists of the participating botanical gardens can be found at ahs.org. Contact member@myriadgardens.org. • Individual: $45 • Duo: $65 • Family: $85 • Family Plus: $125

• Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday, 1.m. to 5 p.m. • Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. n