24 minute read
Calendar of Events
THE SPOOKY FULL MOON BIKE RIDE AND RUN
Tuesday, October 27 Run - 6:30pm Ride - 7:30pm Meet at the Band Shell by the Great Lawn (just off Sheridan) Suggestion donation $5 per rider and runner All ages welcome
For the FINAL Full Moon fun, come ready to bike and/or run Since Halloween is just days away, celebrate by wearing your favorite costume! Ultramax Sports Oklahoma will be on site for FREE timed training runs. You’ll get your distance, time and pace results from Ultramax Sports Oklahoma. The run is supported by Red Coyote. For the bike ride, bring your bike and meet up for a leisurely hour’s ride. Downtown-area routes are specially planned by Schlegel Bicycles. We will gather at 7:30pm and head out once the moon shines bright. Don’t have a bike? Rent a Spokie! Lights and helmets are required.
Adults OCTOBER
YOGA SERIES
Tuesdays, 5:45pm Late arrivals not accepted after 5:50pm Inside the Crystal Bridge FREE M/$10 NM Must be 16 & older
This is a great, all-levels Vinyasa-style class led by Alexis Persico, who has a loyal following at the Gardens and This Land Yoga. Class participants should bring a yoga mat and water. We’ll meet under the Pavilion as weather permits; when it doesn’t we will meet inside the Crystal Bridge. Drop in for a session or two or enjoy the entire series!
INTRODUCING OUR PRAIRIE GARDEN!
Friday, October 2, Noon – 1pm Crystal Bridge South Lobby and Prairie Garden FREE
Join us for an introduction to our newly installed prairie garden. Casey Sharber, our Director of Horticulture, will discuss the process of planning and installing our prairie, prairie plant characteristics, and the benefits of prairies to pollinators.
The Prairie Garden would not be possible without the generous support of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust.
FABULOUS FALL CONTAINERS
Saturday, October 10, 2 – 3:30pm Pavilion or Garden Room Elizabeth Richardson, Owner of Adorn $30 M/$36 NM Register by Tuesday, October 6
Create a container to celebrate the splendor of fall and adorn your landscape or tabletop. Elizabeth Richardson, container garden expert, will walk you through the planting steps as she discusses design and maintenance tips. You’ll then design and plant your own faux pumpkin container to enjoy all season.
GARDEN GAMES HOSTED BY THE AVANT GARDENERS PRESENTED BY
Sunday, October 25, 3:30-6:30pm FREE for Avant Gardener Members $25 Non Avant Gardener Members Members begin regsitation Oct. 1
The Avant Gardener’s Garden Games is the best annual yard games event in OKC! Avant Gardener members attend for FREE! Mark your calendars for October 25 from 3:30-6:30pm on the Great Lawn for Garden Games. Registration opens October 1st.
Enjoy leisure games of crocket, ladder golf, and frisbee or participate in the Corn Hole tournament for your chance to win a great prize. Join the Myriad Gardens vibrant group of young professionals who are invested in improving Oklahoma City and who love the urban Oasis that is the Myriad Gardens as they host a Sunday Funday. Enjoy the musical magic of Born in November over a cold beer and a hot dog while you soak up the fall sun and play games with friends.
Find more information about purchasing a membership to the Avant Gardeners by visiting our website myriadgardens.org.
GARDENS WALKING TOUR Last Saturday of Every Month, 10am October 31, November 28 and December 26 South Lobby and Garden Grounds FREE / Walkups Welcome
Join us for our Myriad Gardens Walking Tour program! The tours, “Plants for Color” or “Plants for Water Conservation,” highlight plants in each season around the Gardens. Enjoy guided tours at 10am the last Saturday of each month or pick up a self-guided tour handout in our south lobby.
Kids & Families
BRINGING BOOKS TO LIFE
Wednesday’s in November, 10 – 11am Crystal Bridge South Lobby FREE Best for ages 2-5
Bring your youngster for story time each Wednesday at 10am. Books are nature-themed and selected based on the season. Children will also enjoy creating a small craft after the story.
NOTE: No program on November 26.
LEARN TO SKATE AT DEVON ICE RINK
Monday, November 16 and November 23 Monday, December 7 and December 14 7 – 7:25pm or 7:30 – 7:55pm Devon Ice Rink $40 M/ $45 NM
Lead by Artic Edge Ice Arena and Blazers Ice Centre professional staff. Class includes two 25 minute small group sessions, skate rental if needed, and a session ticket to practice on the Devon Ice Rink immediately following the participant’s lesson. Utilizing their finest coaches in the Oklahoma City community, the instruction will be well orchestrated and a sound foundation of skill set that introduces the general public to the basics of US Figure Skating and/or USA Hockey. Space is limited so please register online at www.myriadgardens.org by Monday, November 9.
Participants that cancel within 48 hours of the first scheduled lesson will receive a full refund. Participants that cancel less than 48 hours before the first scheduled lesson will receive skating passes to come back to the Devon Ice Rink to skate during normal rink hours.
WINTER SHOPPES PRESENTED BY PRODIGAL
November 27 – December 20 North Plaza by Great Lawn Open Thursday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm
They’re back and better than ever! The North Plaza by the Great Lawn will once again be transformed into a quaint winter shopping village. Wander amid charming clear-glass chalets featuring a curated collection of goods and gift ideas for everyone on your list, festive holiday lights and décor and even a few surprises this season. Visit myriadgardens.org to see the complete vendor list and more details.
KID-FRIENDLY HOMEMADE BREAD
Saturday, November 7, 11am – Noon Water Plaza Room Kelli McKay-Conrady, Prairie Thunder Baking Company Manager $11 M/$13 NM Best for ages 7 and up; great for both parents and kids! Register by Tuesday, November 3
This wonderful hands-on class is just what you knead to create delicious bread to enjoy. Join the pros from Prairie Thunder as they walk you through creating your own bread dough. Kids will take home dough for 3 loaves- enough to bake and share with friends and family!
Adults
PLANT WALK SERIES: PLANTS WITH THE BEST FALL INTEREST
Friday, November 6, Noon – 1pm Crystal Bridge South Lobby and Garden Grounds Mark Bays, Urban Forester FREE (Suggested $5 Donation)
Join Mark Bays, Oklahoma Forestry Services tree guru, as he discusses the best trees for fall color. Learn the conditions that make for the most brilliant falls and ways you can help Mother Nature along in your quest for fall color. Special thanks to program collaborator, OKC Beautiful.
HANDMADE SOAP WORKSHOP
Saturday, November 7, 2 – 4pm Water Plaza Room Charlotte and Dan Hayer, Soap Crafters, Laughing Rabbit Soap Company $30 M/ $35 NM Register by Tuesday, November 3
Learn the art of soap making in this hands-on workshop. Each participant will leave with one pound of customized soap, which makes four bars and great holiday gifts! We’ll collaborate on the soap base as a class then you can incorporate essential oils and fragrances that add a soothing or healing touch.
SKETCHING PLANTS WITH WATER COLOR
Saturday, November 21, 1 – 3pm Terrace Room and Crystal Bridge Debby Kaspari, Artist $25 M/ $30 NM Register by Tuesday, November 17
Draw your own piece of paradise in this class where you’ll learn the techniques involved in creating water color sketches. Following a demonstration we’ll practice with the materials and create our own tropical sketches with pencil and water color. This all-levels workshop will be fun and informative, with group and one-on-one instruction. Registrants will receive a list of materials to bring to class.
Kids & Families
BRINGING BOOKS TO LIFE
Wednesdays in December, 10 – 10:30am Crystal Bridge South Lobby FREE Best for ages 2-5
Bring your youngster for story time each Wednesday at 10am. Books are nature-themed and selected based on the season. Stick around for December Drop-Ins at 10:30 to create a holiday-inspired craft.
NOTE: No program on December 23 or 30.
HOLIDAY SERIES: DECEMBER DROP-INS
Wednesday December 2, 9 and 16 10:30 — 11:30 am Crystal Bridge South Lobby FREE Suggested $2 donation/child Best for ages 2-5 Groups of 10 or more contact Dr. Ann Fleener at 405-445-7094
After Bringing Books to Life at 10am, stay for holiday crafts, music, and hot chocolate! Children will make ornaments to take home for tree decoration or gifts. We’ll use natural items like twigs, dried seeds, fruits, acorns, evergreen cuttings, pinecones and craft decorations.
SATURDAYS WITH SANTA
Saturdays, December 5, 12, 19, 10am – 4pm Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory and South Lobby FREE
The Gardens has partnered with Devon Energy to make this year’s holiday season even brighter! Devon’s Saturday’s with Santa will expand into the Gardens again this year, where families can enjoy FREE admission to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, crafts, performances and treats. Holiday decorations, floral arrangements and festive displays will adorn the Bridge, while the outdoor Meinders Terrace will be decked with boughs of holly and greenery, making for a fa-la-la-la-lovely backdrop for family photos. While you’re here, be sure to visit the Devon Ice Rink and our other holiday attractions.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP
Saturday, December 5, 10am – Noon Terrace Room Dr. Ann Fleener, Garden’s Director of Education $25 M/ $30 NM Register by Monday, November 23 All ages welcome! Children ages 8 and under will need chaperone help
Tis the season to decorate a beautiful gingerbread house. Come to the Gardens and create your fragrant masterpiece. All supplies provided including gingerbread structure, frosting, candies for decorating and a little help if needed.
MERRY & BRIGHT FREE ADMISSION SUNDAYS PRESENTED BY
Sundays, 6 – 9pm December 6, 13, 20, 27 Crystal Bridge FREE
The beauty of the Crystal Bridge takes on a whole new glow at night. Thanks to our friends at OGE Energy Corp., we are pleased to offer FREE admission on Sunday evenings in December to the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Come enjoy charming holiday light displays and beautiful plant exhibits designed especially for the holiday season. It will be cold outside, but you will think it’s Christmas in July in the balmy warmth of the tropics.
ART CAMP IN THE GARDENS
Friday, December 18, 9am – 4pm Terrace Room Abrakadoodle Art Educators $25 M/ $30 NM Best for ages 6-10 Register by Monday, December 14
Kids will have a blast kicking off their winter break with a day filled with art lessons, games, stories, and FUN with the pros from Abrakadoodle OKC. They’ll use tempera, watercolors and model magic as they learn different painting techniques and develop their unique creations. Bring a sack lunch.
Adults
LIVING WREATH CLASS
Saturday, December 5, 2 – 4pm Terrace Room Dr. Ann Fleener, Director of Education and Kerry Rapp, Children’s Garden Manager Succulent Wreath $75 M/ $85 NM Evergreen Wreath $45 M/ $55 NM Register by Monday, November 23
Choose from a fantastic, modern succulent wreath or the classic, traditional evergreen wreath in this fun, hands on holiday workshop. Participants will receive group and one-on-one instruction as we walk you through creating your own beautiful 18 – 22” wreath to adorn your wall, mantel, or other focal point in your home.
HAND-CRAFT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Saturday, December 12, 1 – 3pm Terrace Room; Monica Arndt, Herbalist and Owner of Sky Ridge Farms $15 M/$18 NM Register by Tuesday, December 8
Create a therapeutic holiday gift basket for your favorite host, or perhaps for yourself after a company-filled house! Join Monica as she discusses healing herbs and walk us through creating a sleep pillow, bath bomb, and calming herbal tea blend.
BOOK A TOUR and/or CLASS! To book a program from our calendar of events call (405) 445-7080. To book a school group, call (405) 445-7094.
Education Continues Momentum
By Ann Fleener, PhD, Director of Education
Exciting things are happening in the Myriad Gardens Education Department right now! We have a great lineup of programs for this season, with everything from cider making for kids to container creating for adults to gingerbread house decorating for all. Check out the rest of the calendar for further info on these events and more.
We’re wrapping up our seventh month with Education Intern, Awen Clifford, who has been an invaluable addition to the Gardens and a tremendous help in my department. Awen has grown in her understandings, abilities, and interests over the past several months and is now leading several projects. These include planning and running our Bringing Books to Life program, inventorying our education supplies, and researching a new self-guided tour option that will launch in the spring. The self-guided tours are called Adventure Packs, and will be available for school groups and families to check out for use as they explore our Children’s Garden. The packs will encourage participants to explore parts of the garden they might otherwise miss and will encourage self-led learning.
Another offering we’ve been developing and improving is our school group programs. This spring we began offering a new program, Plants We Eat, which was very well-received. We’ve continued to evaluate and improve it since its launch. We also are working to develop a new school program, Plant Adaptations, which will teach grades fourth through sixth students about the adaptations plants need to survive in their given environment.
We hope to see you at the gardens soon for one of these exciting offerings!
To book a program from our calendar of events call 405-445-7080. To book a school group, call 405-445-7094.
Education Intern Awen Clifford with Preston and London Le at Bringing Books to Life this summer. Photo by Diana Ngo Le.
-Dr. Ann Fleener
First VolunTeen Class Graduates
By Toni Lee, Director of Volunteer & Visitor Services
The Myriad Gardens kicked off our first teen volunteer program this year! Our inaugural VolunTeens gave over 400 hours. These nine fantastic VolunTeens greeted over 10,000 guests in the Crystal Bridge and helped over 2,000 kids with crafts in the Children’s Garden. In addition, received over 50 hours of training with our horticulture staff while helping maintain our 15 acre public garden.
We are so proud of each of our 2015 VolunTeens!
RACHAEL BILLINGSLEY ALLISON GARRETT GABBY GOMEZ KENNEDY JOHNSON BETHANY RANNE RICARDO ROOPNARINESINGH JOHNATHAN TAYLOR ABBY WHITAKER
Front row: Casey Sharber, Carson Schlittler, Johnathan Taylor, Ricardo Roopnarinesingh, Kerry Rapp Second row: Rachael Billingsley, Allison Garrett, Kennedy Johnson. Back row: Toni Lee, Gabby Gomez
The VolunTeen Program was created to allow teens the opportunity to learn more about horticulture and public gardens as a potential career opportunity. So often, kids are exposed to horticulture and plant science while in elementary school, but after middle school, plant science education often declines. Our program is directed toward teens in hopes to expose them to a
CARSON SCHLITTLER
career that is exciting, rewarding, and a viable option for those with an interest in plants.
Our ten week experience provides students with an opportunity to gain leadership and communication skills, practical horticulture experience and become part of a team. Our VolunTeen’s work in our Children’s Garden on education walk-up programs, greet and lead guided tours in the Crystal Bridge and receive one-on-one training from our expert horticulture staff as they learn about maintaining our 15 acre public garden.
We hope you and your teen will think of us as your plan your summer activities. The 2016 VolunTeen Program will be June 6-August 12, 2016. Teens entering 9th through 12th grades can apply online today! Application deadline is February 1, 2016. Please visit myriadgardens.org/volunteens
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Roger Quinn
Dr. Roger Quinn has been a dedicated Myriad Gardens volunteer for 3 and a half years. He joined the team to be a part of the beautiful “oasis” in downtown Oklahoma City. He has a love of plants and has volunteered in the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, in our 15 acre outdoor gardens with our horticulture staff and with our annual plant sales. In addition, he gives a fantastic guided tour! Roger said, “My favorite part of volunteering is interacting with the staff and the visitors in a peaceful garden setting.” This makes perfect sense since he is always friendly, welcoming and helpful to both the staff and visitors greeting them, answering questions and lending a hand at any opportunity.
Roger has been married to Joy Quinn for more than 50 years. They have four daughters & seven wonderful grandchildren. The Quinn’s moved to Oklahoma City, from Illinois, in 1965 for a planned three year OB/GYN residency at The OU Health Sciences Center. Then, they lived in Idaho for a year and spent two more years in California while Roger served in the US Navy. After returning to Oklahoma City, he practiced as an OB/GYN physician with The Oklahoma City Clinic for 27 years and then transitioned to The OU Health Science Center as a Women’s Clinic teacher. Once Roger retired from medicine, his love of plants became a focus as Roger Quinn, Gardens volunteer. he worked to become a Master Gardener in 2011.
In addition to the Myriad Gardens, Roger also volunteers at Breakfast on Boulevard, in Edmond, two or more times per month and volunteers at their church, The First Christian Church in Edmond. When asked if he could have coffee with anyone in the world, his answer was simple: “My wife Joy, because she is my best friend and supporter.”
Membership Q&A with Misty Sheriff
Left to right: Misty, J.E.B., Anabelle, grandpa Rick Bradley holding Vivienne and grandma Gloria Bradley
By Jessi Riesenberg, Membership Manager & Development Associate
Misty Sheriff (pictured far left) is a young wife and mother of two, a 2 ½ year old and 1 year old. She lives in Norman Oklahoma, where her husband teaches at the University of Oklahoma. Misty and her family have been Myriad Gardens members since early 2015! When I met with Misty for this interview she brought her kids and their grandma to enjoy the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory while we talked.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MEMBER WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMBER BENEFIT? OF THE MYRIAD GARDENS? “We have enjoyed the Bug Out, and the Charlotte’s Web
“We became members because of Bug Out, the lady bug festival. Having the membership allows us to come and go as release in the Tropical Conservatory. We thought that the price we please while not having to pay admission over and over was great and the difference in paying admission verses the again.” membership cost for a year made sense. We didn’t really know what to expect out of our membership beyond that, but having HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT THE GARDENS? it inspires us to come more.” “Usually weekly! We come to Wednesday story time and HOW MANY CHILDREN DO YOU HAVE, AND is great for my small kids too.” WHAT ARE THEIR AGES? WHAT DO THEY LIKE ABOUT THE MYRIAD GARDENS AND WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE MEMBERSHIP? A CURRENT MEMBER WHO IS
“I have very young children, only 2 ½ years old NOT SURE HOW TO USE THEIR and 1 year old. At first, looking at social media, MEMBERSHIP, OR WHO HASN’T USED
I thought that the Gardens would not be young THEIR MEMBERSHIP YET? kid-friendly. Then I realized that the programing “Like the Facebook page. That is where I for young children is good and different. We started and it has been a great tool to stay can make most of the activities work for us informed about what is going on in the even though my kids are really young. In the Gardens and how to use your membership conservatory they can start observing a little at a to get discounts.” time and there is somewhere to grow in learning from there. The kids’ favorite parts are being IF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GOT STUCK able to run and play freely. ” IN THE CRYSTAL BRIDGE MYRIAD WHO DO YOU BRING TO THE GARDENS CELEBRITY WHO WOULD YOU WANT WHEN YOU VISIT? “When we come to the Gardens we bring Vivienne Sheriff was in the Lady Bug spirit at the Bug Out last June. IT TO BE? “Emily Sutton. My husband was born
Grandma a lot. Even though they live in Mustang she travels and raised in Oklahoma so he thinks he knows all about the over here to be with the kids and come to the Gardens. weather.”
Grandma and Grandpa recently went to Dancing in the
Gardens night without the kids and loved their time and the ANY LAST THOUGHTS?
Gardens.” I saw a picture of what it used to look like, closed off. The WHAT MEMBER BENEFITS HAVE YOU TAKEN ADVANTAGE about the gardens on the east coast. When I come here I feel OF? safe – there is a sense of community.
“We just spent a few weeks on the east coast and discovered the reciprocal program! That was a great way for us to get our money out of our membership - that alone was worth it.” weekly walk ups. The seasonal splash pad GARDENS ELEVATOR WITH A LOCAL public garden aspect of the Myriad Gardens is what we love
New Tulip Variety to Bloom Year-Round in the Children’s Garden TULIP FEVER CONTINUES!
The Netherlands knows tulips. Breeding, growing, shipping, displaying, arranging, painting, you name it, the Dutch are the world’ tulip super power. When you think the Dutch cannot further innovate tulips, they do. What have they come up with now? Take a walk in our Children’s Garden to find out.
Director of Education Ann Fleener demonstrates the new tulip chairs.
Thanks to a donation by Miles and Molly Tolbert, we recently were able to acquire, direct from the Netherlands, three tulip-shaped chairs for our Children’s Garden. Miles and Molly were searching for the perfect birthday gift for Miles’ father, long-time Gardens supporter, James Tolbert III. They found these whimsical chairs and asked if we would like to have them at the Gardens as a gift to us and Jim Tolbert.
Visitors of all ages are delighted to discover these witty ever-blooming tulips. Their bright red ‘petals’ peal down to make a seat that swivels around. It’s great fun to watch kids and adults discover how to turn the flower into a seat. We can also boast that Myriad Gardens is the first public site in the U.S. to have these chairs.
Scent-Sational Plants in the Conservatory By Nate Tschaenn, Conservatory Specialist
In the Crystal Bridge Conservatory we recently put out some new interpretive signs highlighting some of our plants with fragrant leaves or flowers. There are many different and wonderful fragrances to be found in the Conservatory, but sometimes you have to know where to look. These signs will help our guests know which flowers to lean in close to for a whiff and which leaves they should gently rub to find these olfactory treats. Here are my top three favorite fragrant plants in the conservatory:
CHOCOLATE DAISY (Berlandiera lyrata) – True to its name, if you lean in close and smell the flowers of this sprawling perennial they will smell just like a freshly opened can of cocoa powder. It is native to Oklahoma growing as far north as Colorado and Kansas and south to Mexico. It flowers from spring to fall in Oklahoma and continuously in frost free environments like the Conservatory.
CHOCOLATE DAISY
PLUMERIA (Plumeria obtusa)– In my opinion, the plumeria, or frangipani, is the most pleasantly perfumed of all flowers. Not too overwhelming and not too faint. It’s a popular choice for making Hawaiian leis. I remember being greeted outside a crowded and hectic airport in Indonesia by someone handing out leis. The fragrant garland necklace was so pleasant that it made the experience so much less stressful. Although it gets large, plumeria is easy to grow in a pot and can be brought indoors for the winter.
POPCORN SENNA (Senna didymobotrya) – A gentle brush of the leaves of this small tropical tree and your mouth will start to water as the scent of hot, buttery popcorn fills your nostrils. Even the yellow flowers resemble buttered popcorn. Popcorn senna is a quick grower and can be planted as an annual in the spring. It will reach six feet or more over the summer and flower profusely. Just be careful; if you plant it near a path, you will be craving popcorn every time you brush by it.
PLUMERIA
POPCORN SENNA
Cary Grenrock Joins the Community Board
We are delighted to welcome Cary Grenrock to the Myriad Gardens Foundation Community Board.
Cary moved to Oklahoma City from Southern California with his wife and 3 children. He is a tax partner with James R. Minnix, CPA, Inc., PC with more than 23 years of public accounting experience.
Cary focuses his work primarily in the healthcare, construction, and manufacturing and technology industries. He works with clients on corporate restructuring, merger and acquisition transitions and international and multi-state tax planning Cary expressed great interest in learning about and supporting the Myriad Botanical Gardens. “I’ve been an avid gardener since high school and believe a top notch botanical garden is an important part of any metropolitan area.”
Stephanie Currey Director of Public Events
Stephanie Currey joined the Gardens in August as the Director of Public Events and is excited to begin planning all of the Gardens’ wonderful year-round events. Stephanie is from Yukon, Oklahoma and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. While she moved to New York City to pursue her training and love of ballet, she has since moved back and appreciates Oklahoma even more as a wonderful place to live. Before coming to the Gardens, Stephanie was the program operations director for the Oklahoma Arts Institute and the assistant artistic director for the Central Oklahoma Ballet Company. She lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Ben, and is known to throw a really great dinner party.
Tatianna Cannon Director of Development
Tatianna Cannon is the new Director of Development for the Gardens. Tatianna is an alumna of the University of Oklahoma and earned her bachelor’s degree in Letters and her master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education. Prior to this position, Tatianna served as an adjunct professor for University College on OU’s Norman campus, and a Director of Development at the OUHSC College of Allied Health. She comes to the Gardens most recently from serving as a Manager of Development at Teach for America in Central Oklahoma. Caleb Hanan Horticulturist
Caleb Hanan is a native Oklahoma, born and raised in Purcell Oklahoma. He comes from a long line of farmers and horticulturalist including his great grandfather, and grandfather who were both farmer. His father worked as an OSU Extension agent at McClain County for 25 years and would take him to work with him in the garden. This is where Caleb’s passion for plants grew at a very young age. He loves learning about native plants and learning how the Native Americans use those plants in their medicines and rituals. He loves to walk the creeks in Ada, Oklahoma and find Native American artifacts. Having a passion for plants, Caleb studied horticulture at OSU-OKC and continues to enjoy learning something new every day.
Leslie A. Spears Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Leslie has been a contractor with the Myriad Gardens since 2012 as digital media consultant. She was officially named Director of Marketing and Communications in August. Her background includes being the Communications Manager for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art from its opening in 2002 until leaving in 2012 to start her own business, Leslie’s OKC. Other previous jobs include publications manager with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and work in radio. Through her work as the digital media consultant, Leslie has successfully grown the Gardens’ digital media outreach to impressive levels.
