The Bridge | Fall 2019

The Bridge MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS FALL/WINTER 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Tree for All Set for November 9 Honoring Meg Salyer at Orchids in October, Wednesday, October 30

AT MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS

a u t u m n c a r n i v a l PRESENTED BY

OCTOBER 11-27, 2019 10AM-5PM DAILY

vision statement Myriad Botanical Gardens seeks to enhance the quality of life and vibrancy of downtown Oklahoma City by creating and sustaining a world-class public garden and offering year-round horticultural, cultural and recreational programs and events for all.

the cover

Staff member Lily Peppers is literally in the field teaching students of John Rex Middle School at the Gardens.

Photo by Joel Bramhall

THE BRIDGE EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR

on right

Susan Grossman

Photo by Carl Shortt Jr.

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND DESIGN

Leslie A. Spears PHOTOGRAPHY

Joel Bramhall Shannon Cornman Doug Hoke Carl Shortt Jr. Leslie A. Spears Nate Tschaenn

Myriad Gardens Foundation executive board of directors

community board

CHAIR

PRESIDENT

Larry Nichols*

Chris Fleming

CHAIR EMERITUS

James R. Tolbert III* TREASURER

Matt Cole* Mark Beffort Chris Fleming* John Hart Avis Scaramucci* Sean Trauschke EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Maureen Heffernan CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Chuck Davis DEPUTY DIRECTOR/SECRETARY

Debora Morey

* Also a member of the Community Board **Also Officers of Myriad Gardens Foundation Community Board and Scissortail Foundation Board

Brian Alford Robert Allee Regina Banks Tony Boghetich Gerry Bonds Lindsey Brock Andy Burnett Bob Calvert Janie Comstock James Everest Warren Filley Ginny Greenberg Linda Haneborg Seyan Hefner Dannie Bea Hightower Linda Horn Gail Huneryager Michael Laird Paul Lefebvre

Jean McLaughlin Robert Meinders Dee Morales Mussallam Allen Paine Morton Payne Kent Phillips James Pickel Christina Rehkop Andy Rine Lynn Robberson D. Joe Rockett Kim Searls Marsha See Carl Shortt Jr. Caleb Shough Beth Wells Roy Williams HONORARY

Dixie Jensen

The Myriad Gardens Foundation wishes to thank our sustaining partners, leaders in providing major ongoing annual support: The Chickasaw Nation Continental Resources Devon Energy Corporation Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings LaDonna and Herman Meinders Robert H. Meinders Jean and David McLaughlin Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort OGE Energy Corp.

Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust The City of Oklahoma City Avis Scaramucci

Letter from the President and CEO Dear Garden Friends: I want to highlight all the great work that our Education Department undertakes year-round to offer classes, workshops and an annual symposium to encourage all ages to garden, or at least gain a love and appreciation for plants. Led by Joel Bramhall, along with Lily Peppers, Olivia Dias and Kodi Clifford, this terrific staff coordinates and conducts a host of activities for children and adults, everything from weekly nature-themed story times, to leading school field trips to learning opportunities such as handling fresh herbs, digging potatoes and helping grow plants. There are classes on seed starting, tree planting, composting and more.

We educate thousands of people every year on how to become better gardeners and understand ecological connections.

Joel was recently recognized for the gardening program he developed for students who attend John Rex Middle School at the Gardens. In July he was a keynote speaker at an annual gathering of the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa. His talk, Future-Focused Learning for Growing Self-Reliant Communities, was a wonderful recognition for our program because we are the only botanical garden that houses a public school.

Our Education Department has planned a special lecture event this fall which will be held Saturday, October 26 the Park House. Benjamin Vogt is our speaker and his talk is entitled, Reprairie Suburbia: Creating a Drought Tolerant & Low Maintenance Pollinator Garden. Please don’t miss this opportunity to hear a fascinating speaker discuss this important topic area.

So many people have mentioned to me over this summer and early fall that our gardens and grounds have never looked more thriving and beautiful. This is a testament to time and talent. The time is the eight years we have had to steward the gardens and grounds since Myriad Gardens Foundation became the operator of the Gardens in 2011 following a complete redesign of the outdoor spaces. I look back at photographs and marvel at the changes – young trees now generous with shade, filled in terrace slopes now abloom in fall flower color and swaying grasses, and a prairie garden alive with butterflies refueling before their long flight to Mexico for the winter.

The talent comes from our skilled horticulture staff headed by Nate Tschaenn who during the last several years has been an incredible steward of the Gardens and maintains continuous improvement as his motto.

We are working on creating a new garden area behind the large boulder fountain at the corner of Sheridan and Robinson. We are calling it The Secret Garden as it is a kind of hidden area but one with great potential as an intimate spot for just relaxing and enjoying views of the Meinders Garden and Seasonal Plaza water fountains. It will be fully completed in the spring of 2020.

Eight years ago we celebrated the reopening of Myriad Botanical Gardens and this year, we are celebrating the opening of Scissortail Park which we are also now operating and managing. The new park adds a major green belt to downtown as it is just two blocks from the Gardens. We look forward to using Scissortail Park to extend our botanical garden mission. Our education staff will have an additional 36 acres of beautifully landscaped and diverse plantings to further inspire and teach the public about plants that thrive in our region and how gardening benefits mind, body and soul.

I hope to see you as well at our wonderful Pumpkinville running from October 11 through 27. You won’t want to miss this year’s carnival theme and all the incredible “curcurbitry” on display i.e. pumpkin wizardry!

Thank you for your support of Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Maureen Heffernan President and CEO

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a u t u m n c a r n i v a l PRESENTED BY

OCTOBER 11-27, 2019 | 10AM-5PM DAILY SPONSORED BY

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

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M E M B E R S GE T IN F R EE! NON-MEMBER admission: $8 each. children 2 & under free. PRICE INCLUDES RIDES ON MO’S CAROUSEL. Pumpkinville is one of the most treasured fall traditions in Oklahoma City and is scheduled for October 11-27, 2019 at Myriad Botanical Gardens. Presented by OGE Energy Corp., the popular Children’s Garden will be transformed into a vintage autumn carnival pumpkin fest featuring thousands of pumpkins, hundreds of gourds, a variety of fall foliage and tons of fun activities.

P U MPKIN V ILLE E V E N TS OCTOBER 11

Pumpkinville Sensory Night, 6-7:30PM

OCTOBER 12

Sketching Pumpkins and Gourds with Debby Kaspari, 1PM

OCTOBER 13 & 20

Golden Hour Photography, 5:30-6:30PM

OCTOBER 18

Carnival Pop In Painting with Wine & Palette, 1-3PM

OCTOBER 25

Pumpkinville Party, 6-8PM

OCTOBER 26

Fanastic Fairy Gourds, 1-2PM

Spooky Pooch Parade, 3-4PM

ONGOIN G EV E N TS

DAILY

Storytime, 10:30AM Free Crafts Face Painting, $4-$8 Paint A Pumpkin, $5

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS Pumpkinville Express Train, 1-5PM MONDAYS

Mommy and Me Yoga, 1PM

TUESDAYS

Tasty Tuesdays, 1PM

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

Wednesday Wonders, 1PM Theater Thursdays, 1PM

V i sit m y riad gard en s .org for m ore d etails

SPRING 2019 Garden Happenings

NOVEMBER 27, 2019-JANUARY 5, 2020

ILLUMINATIONS Starry Starry Night

PRESENTED BY

Our immersive light installation celebrating the holidays returns to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory Wednesday, November 27.

The entire Bridge serves as a canvas for moving lights choreographed to music, inviting visitors inside for a curated and creative experience. Inspiration for this year’s show is the swirling blue and gold PHOTOS

BY DOUG HOKE images of the painting The Starry Night, by Vincent Van Gogh.

Illuminations: Starry Starry Night will be designed to capture the unique lighting of a winter sky. Features this year include a lighted tunnel along the upper walkway and a planetarium feel in the area on the west side of the Bridge called the Oculus Room. Highlighted in this experience are the rare and beautiful plants inside the Conservatory.

CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS, 6-9PM

A must-see event for the entire family, Illuminations: Starry Starry Night is sure to become a holiday tradition in downtown Oklahoma City.

HOLIDAY HOURS CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY NEW YEAR’S EVE, 6-9PM $6 FOR MEMBERS $8 FOR NONMEMBERS CHILDREN 2 AND UNDER ARE FREE

Photo taken last Illuminations 2018.

SPONSORED BY

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ILLUMINATIONS: STARRY STARRY NIGHT EVENTS All entertainment during regular hours is from 6:30-8:30pm.

Meet, greet, take photos and more!

DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 7 DECEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 30

Sugar Plum Fairy Nutcracker Reindeer Elf on a shelf

DECEMBER 14

Anna and Elsa DECEMBER 15 Reindeer DECEMBER 20 Platt College-Cookie Decorating DECEMBER 21 Hooplahoma and Elf DECEMBER 22 Mrs. Claus DECEMBER 28 Meet Olaf DECEMBER 29 Sugar Plum Fairy DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve, last entry at 9pm JANUARY 1 Snow Globe Ballerina

Closed DECEMBER 24 & 25 for Christmas Eve and Christmas

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Orchids in October Meg Salyer Named 2019 Honoree

UNDERWRITER

Luncheon Planned for October 30

The Chickasaw Nation

Accel Financial Staffing Jean and David McLaughlin

We are delighted to announce Meg Salyer as the 2019 recipient of the James R. Tolbert III Crystal Orchid Award.

The luncheon celebration, which pays tribute to an individual who has impacted the progress and success of Myriad Botanical Gardens, will be held at noon on Wednesday, October 30.

Salyer is a native of Long Island but has made MEG SALYER Oklahoma City her home for more than 35 years. Throughout these years Salyer has devoted her time and talent to our community in a variety of ways.

She has led Accel Financial Staffing for 24 years and is principal of Broadway Realty investing in and repurposing historic properties while establishing the Automobile Alley Main Street Program. Salyer took her community service commitment to a new level when she successfully ran for City Council in Ward 6 in 2008. In this capacity she advocated for the Gardens and was a great ambassador for its many amenities.

In addition to her Council duties, she served several terms as Vice Mayor, as a member of Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority and was a Mayor’s appointee to the Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has served as a member of the Council Finance Committee, Council Economic Development Committee, and as chair of the Council Social Service Committee.

She was the first woman president of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.

Bob Meinders Nancy and George Records Southwestern Stationery and Bank Supply, Inc. PLATINUM

BankFirst Calvert’s Plant Interiors Devon Energy Corp.

Jean I Everest Foundation LaDonna and Herman Meinders Beth and Jim Tolbert GOLD

Sally Dasovich Mercedes Benz of Oklahoma City SILVER

Although she retired from her City Council post in April, Salyer continues to serve on many boards including the Myriad Gardens Foundation on which she has served for many years. We are fortunate to have her support, experience and knowledge in the continuing growth of Oklahoma City.

Registration for Orchids in October begins at 11:30am in Park House Event Center with valet parking available. The program begins at noon in a tent on the Devon Lawn.

American Fidelity Foundation Anne and Bob Calvert Karen and Warren Filley HoganTaylor LLP Leslie and Cliff Hudson Total Environment, Inc. BRONZE

Bank of Oklahoma Annie Bohanon Corner Energy LLC Crowe and Dunlevy Nancy and Page Dobson Ginny and Bob Greenberg

Tickets are $85 each.

Corporate sponsorships are available.

For more information, please email dmorey@myriadgardens.org or call (405) 445-7084

Maureen Heffernan Dee Morales Musallam Debora and Ronnie Morey June and William Parry Stacey and Andy Rine Marsha and Carson See Beth and Eddie Wells As of September 30, 2019

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PHOTOS Mayor David Holt with Taylor and Blake Griffin. (Inset) Blake assists a young girl with basketball tips.

TOGETHER SQUARE

Opens with NBA Star Blake Griffin WRITTEN BY Steven Vekony, Manager of Together Square

Oklahoma City residents are taking full advantage of all that Together Square has to offer since opening June 2. Located on the corner of Sheridan and Hudson Avenues across from Myriad Botanical Gardens, the green space features a basketball and futsal court.

As a collaborative effort between OGE Energy Corp., the Energy Assist Foundation, Team Griffin Foundation and Myriad Botanical Gardens, Together Square has quickly become a community gathering spot.

NBA star Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt kicked off the opening of the space with a tip-off at center court and a first kick on goal on the futsal court. Team Griffin Foundation held clinics for kids on the basketball court while players from OKC Energy, the city’s professional men’s soccer club, did the same on the futsal court.

Tim McLaughlin, Founder and President of Fields & Futures, which was a driving force behind Together Square.

OKC Energy hosted a FIFA Women’s World Cup watch party July 7 on the green space of Together Square. Hundreds gathered to watch Team USA defeat the Netherlands and earn back-to-back World Cup titles.

The Futbol Factory hosted the Footy Festival – a 12-team futsal tournament – at Together Square in August. The tournament lasted two days and the winning team took home a $1000 grand prize.

Together Square is the site for a new fitness class hosted by Koda CrossFit. The class is held each Thursday through November from 5:45-6:45 pm and is a bodyweight class for all experience levels.

Free and open to the public daily from 8am to 10pm, the courts and green space also can be rented for corporate events, birthday parties, tournaments, and other events. Cost is $25 per hour. Reservations can be made at myriadgardens.org/ togethersquare/ or by contacting Steven Vekony at (405) 445-7089.

A great crowd assembled at Together Square to watch the Women’s World Cup this summer.

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Tree For All Returns Presented by Cox Communications Saturday, November 9, 9am-12pm

3 GALLON SAPLINGS Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum Shumard Oak Quercus shumardii

Our annual tree giveaway and sale, Tree For All, returns for a third year with a greater variety of smaller trees and range of prices. Trees will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pre-registration is not required.

This program is designed to assist homeowners as they promote natural beautification and improvement of the environment through the planting of trees. Our goal is to diversify the green canopy in Oklahoma and ensure a sustainable and biodiverse landscape.

Moonglow Magnolia Magnolia virginiana Trident Maple Acer buergerianum

1 GALLON SAPLINGS Autumn Blaze Maple Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze® October Glory Maple Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ Chinese Pistache Pistacia chinensis

The first 100 patrons of the morning will receive an Eastern Redbud seedling provided by Oklahoma Forestry Services.

Bare root and one-gallon saplings, along with three-gallon saplings range from $2 to $24 each.

New this year is a partnership with American Heritage Trees who are providing three historic trees. Patrons will have the opportunity to enter to win one of these trees which include a Pecan from the Alex Haley Museum and Interpretative Center, a Redbud from George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, and a Red Maple from the Henry David Thoreau Walden Woods Project.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Cox Communications, along with Arbor Day Foundation, American Heritage Trees, Oklahoma Forestry Services, and Tree Bank Foundation.

Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa

Check myriadgardens.org/tree-for-all for details, as well as planting and care instructions.

River Birch Betula nigra

BARE ROOT SEEDLINGS Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia sp.

Hackberry Celtis occidentalis

A great variety of seedlings will be sold at Tree For All for a low cost.

Prairifire Crabapple Malus x ‘Prairie Fire’

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The line waiting for the start of Tree for All 2018.

Garden School in Session WRITTEN BY Joel Bramhall, Director of Education

John Rex Middle School at Myriad Gardens expands another grade John Rex Middle School began its second year as the only onsite public school at a botanic garden or arboretum with 126 students in the redesigned classroom spaces of the McGee Education Center, located in the lower level of the Crystal Bridge Visitor Center.

Last year, sixth grade students were introduced to Garden Groundbreakers, a first-of-its-kind experiential enrichment program designed by Joel Bramhall, director of education for Myriad Botanical Gardens. This interdisciplinary program fosters academic achievement, enhances environmental stewardship and encourages healthy living while building social and community ownership.

A new crop of sixth graders will be led in weekly hands-on lessons by Gardens education department staff, while the seventh grade will activate prior knowledge from last year’s program by partaking in quarterly lessons taught by local representatives from The City of Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust, Integris Health, Closer to Earth, and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

Olivia Dias, Children’s Garden manager, leads students in identifying native plants in the Oklahoma Prairie Garden. Photos by Carl Shortt Jr.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 1PM

REPRAIRIE SUBURBIA

With National Speaker and Author Benjamin Vogt

Creating a Drought Tolerant & Low Maintenance Pollinator Garden

FREE

RATION PRE-REGIST ED ENCOURAG

JOIN US SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 1 PM

Come hear national speaker, Benjamin Vogt.

For more information and to register visit myriadgardens.org/benjamin_vogt or email kclifford@myriadgardens.org

Come see national speaker, Benjamin Vogt,

PARK EVENTGardens CENTER presentHOUSE at Myriad Botanical on

AT MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS October 26 at 1pm. Local author, Connie

Scothorn, will also be in attendance and signing 10

copies of her new book.

Sponsored by

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1PM

THOUGHT LEADER SERIES

An evening with Benjamin Vogt, PhD Learn how to find the right native plants for your landscape, strategies to design a space that is functional as well as beautiful year-round, and discover a season-by-season guide on management to keep pollinators and neighbors happy. Join us in the Park House on Saturday, October 26 at 1p.m. for a talk by Benjamin Vogt, PhD, owner of Monarch Gardens, author and speaker. Pre-registration encouraged, but not required at myriadgardens.org. In addition, local landscape architect Connie Scothorn will be on hand signing copies of her new book, Oklahoma Plants: A Guide to Designing Landscapes to Attract Birds & Butterflies.

ABOUT BENJAMIN VOGT Benjamin Vogt is owner of the prairieinspired design firm Monarch Gardens and for five years wrote an award-winning column for Houzz that had more than 3 million readers. He holds a doctorate from the University of Nebraska and is the author of A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant Compassion for an Uncertain Future. He speaks nationally on sustainable landscape design and environmental philosophy. Benjamin is an Oklahoma native now living in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife and son.

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FA L L E D U C AT I O N C A L E N D A R YOUTH & FAMILY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 6-7:30PM FALL LEAF SCIENCE M $6; NM $8 Best for ages 7 to 11

Join us as we explore why leaves shed their green for more colorful hues in the fall and what makes them green in the first place. We’ll play a game, do an experiment with leaves and make a craft that captures the natural magic of color-changing leaves.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 10-11:30AM FAMILY WORKSHOP: ART IN THE WINTER GARDEN M $7; NM $9 Best for ages 6 to 10

EVERY WEDNESDAY, 10AM ongoing

READING WEDNESDAYS

South Lobby Visitor Center FREE, Best for ages 2 to 5

Learn about artists who use natural materials to make art outdoors, then head outside and do it ourselves.

We’ll take photographs of our creations to share with friends and family.

Books are nature-themed and selected based on the season. We’ll start with an interactive song and story, then finish with a craft. Last Wednesdays of the month are with the Downtown Library.

LITTLE SAPLINGS FALL SESSION

October 8 and 22, November 5 and 19 December 3 M $3; NM $4 Best for ages 2 to 5

Join us for an hour of songs, games, and interactive nature fun. Toddlers (and parents!) will get to learn about the exciting world of gardens in an engaging and educational way. Each week features a new theme with corresponding activities and learning opportunities. Every Little Saplings event begins with a song, ends with a sensory bin, and includes a hands-on craft.

LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, 10AM ongoing

Expand your knowledge of Oklahoma plants and find inspiration for your own garden with our educational walking tours. Each month will feature different plants from our outdoor collection that make great choices for our region – from year-round color to drought tolerant choices and more. Geared towards adults; children and leashed dogs welcome.

PAINTING POTS AND PLANTING HERBS M $15; N $17 Best for ages 6 to 12

Families will learn about the indoor herbs to grow during the chilly months to use in tasty holiday meals.

Each child will paint an 8” terra cotta pot and plant an herb of their choice to take home. Learn how to take care of our new herb plant and talk about some tasty, healthy ways to use our herbs as they grow.

Love your events for children! My grandchildren love them even more and talk about them weeks later. Great ideas and presentations!

–Christy Cronin

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Olivia Dias, Children’s Garden Manager & Ryan Morehead, owner of Bees Excel M $12; NM $15 Best for ages 7 to 11

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 6-7:30PM

GUIDED WALKING TOUR

FREE Meet in Visitor Lobby

FAMILY WORKSHOP: INSECT HOTELS

Join us as we learn how to attract beneficial insects, such as bees, lacewings, and ladybugs to our gardens by providing shelter for them.

Participants will go on a nature walk to collect items that they will use to create their very own insect hotel.

EVERY OTHER TUESDAY, 10AM ongoing

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 10-11AM

AT MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS

a u t u m n c a r n i v a l PRESENTED BY

OCTOBER 11-27, 2019 10AM-5PM DAILY For a list of Pumpkinville events, visit pages 5 and 6.

EN F A L L FEAV LE LN TESV C A LTESN D A R

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 6-9PM; MOVIE AT 6:30PM DIA DE LOS MUERTOS | DAY OF THE DEAD The Devon Lawn FREE

ongoing

TUESDAYS, 5:45PM AND SATURDAYS, 9AM

BOTANICAL BALANCE FREE YOGA Tuesdays 5:45pm and Saturdays 9am Beginning in November, Saturdays 8am Instructors provided by This Land Yoga Recommended for ages 16 & up

Practicing yoga in the Gardens has the added benefit of connecting you with nature. Classes are open to all levels, whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi. The Gardens offer a space of beauty and tranquility to help relieve stress and quiet your mind.

Peruse our market vendors and purchase your own marigold flower crown. We will host a special screening of Disney-Pixar’s Coco on the Devon Lawn. Coco tells the story of young Miguel who despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, RIDE 7PM; RUN 7:30PM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, RIDE 7PM; RUN 7:30PM

SPONSORED BY

FULL MOON BIKE RIDE

Suggested donation $5 per person Meet at the Band shell, north plaza Bring your bike and meet up at the Band Shell stage on the Devon Lawn for a leisurely hour’s ride through Downtown. The Full Moon Bike Ride and Run is a casual monthly event where friends and families can enjoy a leisure one-hour bike ride or 5K run, through downtown OKC as the sun sets. OK Runner leads the run leaving at 7pm. Steve Schleigel leads the ride, which leaves at 7:30pm. Don’t have a bike? Rent a Spokies or reserve a bike through Ride Share OKC.

ongoing

THURSDAYS, 5:45PM

KODA CROSSFIT

Together Square Through November 21, 2019 Instructors provided by Koda CrossFit $5 per person Recommended for ages 16 & up Together Square is the perfect spot to discover the benefits of the incredible Koda CrossFit workout.

By performing a wide variety of movements in a range of intensities, CrossFit practitioners develop broad functional fitness that translates into increased performance in tasks, from elite sports to military service to simply being able to lift heavy objects safely around the house.

CrossFit can benefit people of all ages and fitness levels because the program targets each individual athlete’s current ability level.

Register at myriadgardens.org

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W I N T E R H O L I D AY C A L E N D A R

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 6:30PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 10AM AND 1PM HOLIDAY WORKSHOP: LIVING WREATHS (EVERGREENS) M $45; NM $55

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1PM AND 3PM SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 10-11:30AM SPROUTING CHEFS: HOLIDAY GIFTS IN A JAR

M $17; NM $20 Donna Jung, FCS Extension Educator with Canadian County For families, preferably kids ages 5 and up

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP: LIVING WREATHS (SUCCULENTS) M $75; NM $85

Design a fantastic, modern succulent wreath in this seasonal, hands-on workshop. Specialized instruction will lead you to create a beautiful 18-22” wreath fit to adorn any holiday display. Succulent wreaths perform best indoors.

Learn how to create simple, thoughtful and tasty Mason jar DIY treats to give as gifts during the holidays. We’ll make a couple gifts in a jar and sample a few already cooked. All supplies will be provided.

SATURDAYS, NOVEMBER 23, DECEMBER 7, JANUARY 4, 9AM-10:30AM LEARN TO CURL

Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Gardens M: $20; NM $25 Bring your family and friends and join Oklahoma Curling Club members as they walk through the etiquette and rules of curling. Dress warm, wear rubber soled shoes, and prepare for a fun morning on the ice. All other equipment will be provided.

Book now before it sells out!

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Design a fantastic, modern evergreen wreath in this seasonal, hands-on workshop. Specialized instruction will lead you to create a beautiful 18-22” wreath fit to adorn any holiday display. Evergreen wreaths are suited for indoor or outdoor display.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AND 8, 10AM-4PM WEEKEND WITH SANTA FREE EVENT

A family tradition returns with Devon’s Weekend with Santa. Children can visit Santa and other holiday characters, make crafts in Santa’s workshop, ride the holiday train, listen to live music, shop local merchants and paint ornaments. In addition, families can take advantage of the Devon Ice Rink, complimentary rides on Mo’s Carousel, and children get in free with a paying adult into the Crystal Bridge.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 6-7PM WILD BIRD HOLIDAY DECORATIONS M $8; NM $10 Best for ages 6 to 10

Learn about the best ways we can help birds during winter while we make bright and tasty treats for them.

We’ll create garlands and outdoor ornaments for the Children’s Garden and our own backyard.

HOLIDAY HOURS: Wednesday and Thursday, 3-7pm; Friday, 3-8pm; Saturday, 11am-8pm; Sunday, 1-8pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday. $2 per rider, Free for Family Plus members.

W I N T E R H O L I D AY C A L E N D A R THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 6:30PM GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATION

M $39; NM $45 Recommended for adults

All supplies provided, including gingerbread structure, frosting, candies for decorating and a little learning as well.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 8:30-10AM SENSORY SANTA MORNING

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 9:30-11AM POLAR EXPRESS PJ & PANCAKE PARTY Park House Event Center Member with skates: $25 Nonmember with skates: $30 No Ice Skates: $20

SPONSORED BY

Join us for a morning of holiday festivities in the Park House Event Center. Ticket includes skating at the Devon Ice Rink, hot cocoa and delicious pancakes. We’ll have holiday crafts, too! Our special guest, Santa, will also make an appearance to read the Polar Express to children in the audience.

Crystal Bridge Conservatory M $8; NM $10 Accompanying adults FREE

SPONSORED BY

This is an event tailored to families with children with special needs. Join us inside the Crystal Bridge Conservatory for a morning with Santa. We will have festive booths with activities for children. Santa will be in a designated spot for photos throughout the evening. No loud music.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 6-8PM GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP

M $39; NM $45 (includes frosting and candy); additional frosting bags $5 All ages welcome. Children ages 8 and under will need chaperone help.

We’ll learn about the flavorful ginger root – where it comes from, how it grows – and then discuss the history of gingerbread. We’ll finish by decorating our fragrant masterpieces. All supplies provided including gingerbread structure, frosting, candies for decorating and a little inspiration if needed.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 10AM-12PM DECEMBER DROP-INS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 3PM THE GIFT OF BOTANICAL DRAWINGS M $29; NM $34 Debby Kaspari, Artist & Illustrator

Escape winter by immersing yourself in drawing holiday card gifts with pencil, cardstock paper and white compressed charcoal. Begin with a group instructional warmup session, and then stroll into the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory to discover your own spaces and subjects to draw.

South Lobby Visitor Center and Garden Classroom M $6; NM $8 (1 free adult Crystal Bridge admission per paying child) All ages welcome Between 10am and noon guests will have the opportunity to make a natural ornament, learn about winter plants and animals at the education table, play games, read a holiday book, and embark on a scavenger hunt in the Crystal Bridge and Children’s Garden.

Then, make a cup of hot chocolate and join us in the Garden Classroom for more holiday festivities!

ILLUMINATIONS Starry Starry Night

PRESENTED BY

OPEN NOVEMBER 27, 2019 -JANUARY 5, 2020

For a list of Illuminations events, visit pages4 and 5

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November 8, 2019 through February 2, 2020 ADMISSION $13 per person, includes skate rentals $8 per person with your own skates $8 per person for military Gardens Members skate for $7, includes skate rental Group Rate (10 or more guests) is $9 includes skates. Advanced reservation required for groups.

MEMBERS GET FREE SKATE RENTAL

HOURS Monday-Thursday, 3-9 Friday, 3-11pm Saturday, 11am-11pm Sunday, 11am-7pm HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Thanksgiving, November 28, 3-9pm Black Friday, November 29, 11am-11pm CHRISTMAS BREAK December 16-January 3, 11am-11pm Sundays, 11am-7pm Christmas Eve, December 24 and Christmas Day, 12-6pm Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20, 11am-9pm

Book your birthday party at Devon Ice Rink this winter!

Reserve today! Contact (405) 200-1547 or email rentals@myriadgardens.org

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CRYSTAL REVERIE Rachel Hayes PHOTOS BY

DOUG HOKE

Rachel Hayes is a nationally recognized artist whose fabric structures explore painting processes, quilt making, architectural space, light and shadow. She has received a number of awards and fellowships, including most recently the prestigious Joan Mitchell Foundation Award for Painters and Sculptors.

She creates art installations with textiles outside in nature, responding to and highlighting attributes in sites ranging from canyons, deserts, forests, lakes, and more. The architecture of the Crystal Bridge and all the beautiful colors and textures found inside are both distinguished collaborators and muse.

In addition to the installation inside the Crystal Bridge, Hayes created a piece for the band shell that was displayed during the 1969 tribute to 50 years of Woodstock in August.

ON V I E W Through October 21, 2019 Inside the Crystal Bridge View during business hours with Crystal Bridge admission.

9am –5pm Monday–Saturday 11am –5pm Sunday Rachel’s work of art “Altered States” was featured on the Devon Lawn band shell during the 50th anniversary of Woodstock celebration in August.

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OCTOBER 12, 19 & 26, 9AM-1PM

LOCATED AT STAGE PLAZA, CORNER OF OKC BOULEVARD AND ROBINSON Come out and enjoy the lovely weather at the new Scissortail Park Fall Market. Offered each Saturday morning in October from 9am to 1pm, shop directly with local producers and vendors.

VENDORS TO DATE

A1 PET EMPORIUM

MUSTANG CREEK ALPACA COMPANY

All natural, healthy pet foods

Hats, gloves, socks and toys made out

AWESOME ACRES ‘PACAS & PYRS

of alpaca fleece

Alpaca yarn and goods made from alpaca fiber

NATIVE SPIRITS WINERY

BARKING DOG BAKERY

Wine and wine jellies

Dog treats and similar products

ONE WORLD TUITION

BUZZ ART

Items from Nicaragua and Ghana

Yard ornaments, planters, small sculptures

PECAN ALLEY

and steel tables

Pecans

COOP Ale Works

PET WANTS EDMOND

Canned craft beer

All natural dog and cat food and chews

England’s Catering

PLANT WISDOM GARDEN CENTER

Baked goods

Fall flowers, pumpkins, tropical plants, trees and shrubs

Goodies Unlimited

PRAIRIE WIND NURSERY

Handmade all natural soaps, lotions, face masks,

Landscape perennials, grasses, native plants and herbs

essential oils and more

RASCAL PACK

H&M Pottery LLC

Art focused on local creators

Handmade functional pottery

SA STAINED GLASS CREATIONS

Hall’s Beekeeping LLC

Handcrafted stained glass sun catchers, wind

Local Honey

chimes, wind spinners and night lights

Hints4Wood

SAVOIR SAVON APOTHICAIRE

Handmade wood items

Green, nontoxic soaps, body butters, lotion bars,

Iris Rhizomes

and The Boujee Beard men’s grooming products

Iris bulbs

SIGNATURE BAKERY

Kenny McCage

Croissant, Danish, cookies and pies

Garden sculptures, planters and bird baths

SKYRIDGE FARM

Leap Coffee Roasters

Herb plants and scented geraniums

Fresh roasted coffee, mugs, t-shirts

SUGAR BODIES

Little Red Barn Orchard

Natural skin care

Fruit from no-spray orchards

SWEET SPIRIT FOODS

Lovera’s Handcrafted Foods

Make in Oklahoma products

Artisan, handcrafted Italian cheeses

TINROOF STUDIOS

and jarred goods

Torch-worked glass jewelry, garden sculpture and

Lucky Lulu

home décor

Handmade buffalo nickel jewelry

THE LOTUS POTTER

Marcella Spice Company LLC

Wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery

Spices

THE WANDERING BLOOM

Miss Sally’s Cookies

Cut flowers

Custom decorated sugar cookies

580BEEF

Ms. Nettie’s Herbs Spices &Teas

All natural beef including: fully cooked beef jerky,

Seasoning, rubs, dip mixes and teas

frozen ground beef, frozen hamburger patties, steaks, and roasts

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*Vendors subject to changes

Families stroll along the Promenade at Scissortail Park.

Grand Opening posters are available for purchase. Signed posters are $50 each. Unsigned posters are $20. Gardens’ members $18.

Visit scissortailpark.org for the latest information

HORTICULTURE HAPPENINGS New: Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass.

Barefoot in the Gardens

New Turfgrass Variety Developed at OSU Makes Debut WRITTEN BY Mathew Janda, Associate Director of Horticulture and Grounds, Scissortail Park

In September, our Pavilion Lawn – the area west of Mo’s Carousel – was converted from ‘Meyers’ Zoysia to Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass.

Tahoma 31 is the newest and most improved variety of Bermuda grass, developed by Oklahoma State University. The lawn has been ‘Meyers’ Zoysia since the renovation of Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2011.

While this is still a good warm season grass, we are choosing to put down a new type of Bermuda grass for a number of reasons.

The biggest reasons behind the investment include drought tolerance, winter hardiness, and water conservation. An extensive deep root system allows this grass to be better equipped to handle extreme

Waiting for new sod.

temperatures, thus requiring less water than the most common and newer varieties of Bermuda grass.

Tahoma 31 will also turn green before any other warm season turf, which is a part of the winter hardiness. We also added a crown and a French drain to the area to ensure the lawn no longer holds water after rain.

On your next visit to the Gardens, be sure to take a stroll by the Pavilion Lawn to see the latest and greatest developments in turfgrass.

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Hardy Hibiscus

Big Colorful Blooms Astound WRITTEN BY Nate Tschaenn, Director of Horticulture

When it comes to hibiscus plants, it seems tropical hibiscus gets all the attention.

There are hardy hibiscus plants, though, and they are my absolute favorite perennials. Not only do they return each year, unlike the tropical hibiscus, they can grow to the size of a medium shrub in a single season and have huge flowers, as big as 12” across! Hardy hibiscus are also related to rose-of-Sharon, another hardy species of hibiscus native to China that grows into a large shrub, but hardy hibiscuses are native with larger flowers and die back to the ground each year, reemerging in late spring.

There are five species of hardy hibiscus, all native to swampy areas of the United States. Decades of hybridizing of these various species has produced many fantastic cultivars. Flowers are available in various shades of red, white, pink, and purple/ plum, some having multiple colors or patterns in each bloom. A few cultivars have dark purple foliage, which nicely contrasts with the big, colorful blooms.

While hibiscus plants prefer moist soils, they are easy to grow and can tolerate occasional droughts. They will grow in full sun, but a bit of afternoon shade will keep the flowers looking fresh longer. Each flower only lasts a day, but a mature plant can produce numerous, dinner plate-sized blooms each day from midsummer all the way to first frost.

Currently we have four cultivars of hibiscus growing in the Gardens. My favorite is the cultivar ‘Peppermint Schnapps’. This six-foot shrub-like perennial has light pink blooms speckled with flecks of red. I brought it to Myriad as a division from a plant in my own garden, which was a division from my grandparent’s farm taken six years ago. It grows quickly and is easy to divide in spring.

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FALL 2019

Inside the

CRYSTAL BRIDGE New Signs Highlight Unusual and Notable Plants As nice as it would be for every visitor to have their own personalized tour guide to take them through the Gardens and Conservatory, it simply isn’t always possible. Some people even prefer the self-paced and selective nature of self-guided tours and interpretive signs to tours. With this in mind, we’ve recently been working on a major overhaul of the interpretation inside the Crystal Bridge. We are replacing large, outdated interpretative signs with many smaller signs that highlight the many notable plants in the Conservatory.

We are currently up to 35 of these signs and are working on more.

MEMBERS RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION TO THE CRYSTAL BRIDGE ALL YEAR ROUND

Currently included are fruits like guavas, pineapples and bananas; nuts and spices like black pepper, macadamia and nutmeg; interesting flowers like plumeria, lobster claws and joy perfume tree; and many other medicinal plants or commodities like coffee and chocolate. Each sign includes a photo of the fruit, flower or most interesting part of the plant along with a couple of very short and easy-to-read paragraphs highlighting the most interesting and important information about each plant. If you haven’t been through the Conservatory lately, come take a look, and you will probably learn about several cool plants you didn’t even know we had.

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Jackfruit

WRITTEN BY Nate Tschaenn, Director of Horticulture

Indonesian Fruit Flowers Inside Conservatory

Five years ago we put together a small tropical fruits exhibit in the Crystal Bridge and purchased about a dozen fruit trees to complement the existing ones. Many, if not most, tropical fruit trees on the market cannot be purchased in fruiting size in Oklahoma, so some plants would need several years to grow and produce fruit if we could get them to fruit at all. But what is professional horticulture if not a test in patience and skill?

One of the plants we purchased for this display was jackfruit, which is known for having the largest tree-borne fruit. I had the opportunity to see some truly giant fruits, which can weigh up to 80 lbs, in Indonesia where they are quite common.

Considering the large size of the fruits and the relatively small size of the sapling tree we received five years ago, it was doubtful

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if we would ever get fruit. The tree has grown well over these few years but not very fast, so it was a surprise and delight this summer to find three flowers on the lowest branch of our little jackfruit tree. The flowers looked like green potatoes and contained thousands of tiny flowers.

Only one of these flower clusters went on to produce a fruit, which is growing well and about 10 inches long at the moment.

When it’s fully grown and ripe the fruit can be split open to get to the sweet-tasting arils, which are the fleshy seed coatings.

The taste is unique among fruits but has been described as being similar in flavor to Juicy Fruit gum. They are sweet enough to be used in dessert or made into juice.

Nate Tschaenn holding a mature jackfruit (left) and newly grown jackfruit in the Conservatory.

Jackfruit has also become a popular meat substitute.

The unripe fruits have a meat-like texture and more mild texture. If you’d like to try jackfruit for yourself, they are commonly sold at Super Cao Nguyen in the Asian District of Oklahoma City.

MEMBERSHIP Support the Gardens with a Family PLUS Membership In addition to all the benefits of membership to Myriad Botanical Gardens, the new Family PLUS level includes unlimited rides on Mo’s Carousel during operating hours. Join us as we turn the seasons on Mo’s, located near the Children’s Garden. The merry music, festive lights and crisp air put a new spin on riding our popular carousel.

And for those hard-to-buy-for people on your holiday shopping list, consider giving a gift of membership. It’s the perfect gift because a membership can be used all year long, providing unlimited visits to the Crystal Bridge, free admission to Pumpkinville and the Children’s Garden Festival, discounts on education classes, reciprocal admission to other gardens and conservatories across the country, and so much more.

There are many ways to become a Gardens member including online at myriadgardens.org (click on the Support tab), by contacting Member Engagement Manager Lindsay Dennis via phone at (405) 4457087 or email ldennis@myriadgardens.com, or in person at the Visitor Center of the Crystal Bridge.

Members of the Gardens help support our mission of enhancing the quality of life and vibrancy of downtown Oklahoma City by creating and sustaining a world-class public garden.

MO’S CAROUSEL HOURS Monday and Tuesday, closed Wednesday and Thursday, 3-7pm Friday, 3-8pm Saturday, 11am-8pm Sunday, 1-7pm Closed for winter in January and February.

Members’ Holiday Party Saturday, December 21 from 5-7pm South Lobby at the Crystal Bridge

We invite our members to a free holiday party to enjoy family-friendly activities, cookies, cocoa, a visit from Santa and a reduced entrance fee to see Illuminations: Starry, Starry Night, our holiday light show inside the Crystal Bridge. Adults receive 50 percent off the admission fee and children 10 and under are free with a paid adult.

RSVP member@myriadgardens.org

Download Membership Cards Now you can always have your Myriad Botanical Gardens membership card on hand when you use our free app available from the App Store or Google Play. Search for the name in the store, eMembership Card, download and open. Next, choose your institution, in this case Myriad Botanical Gardens, and select Find My Membership Cards. Enter the phone number associated with your membership along with your last name.

Then choose Download My Cards and view the benefits associated with your membership level, as well as reciprocal benefits at other gardens and museums nationwide. Also remember to select Accept Notifications so we can send important updates via the app.

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SUPPORT

Annual Giving

Gifts of all Sizes Help Keep the Gardens Beautiful and Vibrant WRITTEN BY

Sarah Carson, Development Operations Coordinator

What is the Annual Garden Fund?

The Annual Garden Fund is our annual giving program, the vehicle for financial support from individuals who enjoy Myriad Botanical Gardens and want to contribute to our ongoing success. Annual gifts come in all sizes, from $5 to $5,000 on up.

Truly every gift counts. The Annual Garden Fund is the lifeblood of our organization, providing unrestricted funding that keeps the Gardens running smoothly.

Explain unrestricted funding.

Unlike grants and sponsorships, which are designated for specific projects and events, unrestricted funding can be spent as it comes in and directed wherever the need is greatest. It allows flexibility to allocate resources strategically and enables the Gardens to take advantage of emerging opportunities and to respond to unanticipated needs and challenges.

Why is that important?

While we rely on our partnerships to provide quality education, fun public events and innovative garden projects, grants and sponsorships generally only cover direct costs. They pay for the performers we hire, materials for classes or plants for an updated garden. Unrestricted funding from the Annual Garden Fund covers expenses such as permits for events, new mulch or soil, storm cleanup, building maintenance, security, and expert staff to oversee everything.

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Is Myriad Botanical Gardens a city park?

Why do you need donations?

While the Gardens began as a city park and remains unfenced and open to the public, we are a 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organization and responsible for raising nearly $2.4 million each year to make our budget. To do this, we rely on memberships, grants, sponsorships, private donors and our Annual Garden Fund.

What is this year’s Annual Garden Fund goal?

For fiscal year 2019-2020, our Annual Garden Fund goal is $58,000.

Annual gifts from individuals are vital to sustain the Gardens’ core mission to provide a beautiful urban greenspace that is free and open to the public while offering quality horticulture education, events and festivals for the community to enjoy. Funds raised are also used to help us meet a $50,000 matching grant with the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation for our spring bulb display endowment.

Give today

Ways to give to the Annual Garden Fund •

Online at myriadgardens.org

•

Contact Sarah Carson by phone at (405) 445-7088 or via email at scarson@myriadgardens.org

•

Use the envelope enclosed with this publication

PHOTO BY Doug Hoke

BECOME A VOLUNTEER Gardens Volunteers Celebrate at Annual Lunch Myriad Botanical Gardens celebrated our Partner Volunteers and VolunTEENS with an appreciation luncheon in the Park House Saturday, Aug. 24. Partner Volunteers dedicate at least 36 hours to the Gardens each year helping with everything from public events to planting bulbs. Staff thanked volunteers and rewarded them for the amount of time that they spent to improve the Gardens.

Volunteers received certificates, as well as plaques, displaying the amount of hours they devoted this year. Georgia Lamirand volunteered 142 hours for the 2019 fiscal year and was awarded the top honor.

When asked why she volunteers, Lamirand replied, “You make a living by what you get.

You make a life by what you give.”

Membership Engagement Manager Lindsay Dennis, left, and Volunteer Coordinator Steven Vekony, right, with top Gardens Volunteer Georgia Lamirand.

We are seeking volunteers for ILLUMINATIONS: STARRY STARRY NIGHT November 27-January 5. Contact Steven Vekony.

Myriad Gardens offers a variety of fun volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups: Occasional Volunteers: Volunteering once or twice a year Partner Volunteers: Dedicating 36 hours or more a year VolunTEENS: Summer program for youths, dedicating 60 hours Corporate/Group Volunteers: 4 or more people volunteering together

For more information contact Steven Vekony at (405) 445-7089 or

Steven Vekony is the new Volunteer Coordinator for Myriad Botanical Gardens. He steps in to the role previously held by Lindsay Dennis who has been promoted to Membership Engagement Manager. Steven is a recent graduate of Oklahoma State University, a former State FFA President and for two years served as the university’s mascot, Pistol Pete.

svekony@myriadgardens.org

Splendor in the Gardens Set for Spring 2020 on the Devon Lawn Join us to celebrate the Myriad Botanical Gardens – our community’s garden oasis on Thursday, May 21, 2020 when our biennial gala Splendor in the Gardens returns. Enjoy a sponsor champagne reception, then make your way through the Gardens to a spectacular table spanning the entire length of the Devon Lawn. Set for a multi-course meal featuring an array of farm-to-table offerings prepared by talented local chefs, guests are treated to delightful evening of great food, spirited conversations, and entertainment. As the sun sets against the beautiful backdrop of the Gardens and the Oklahoma City skyline, twinkle lights come on to create a magical time for all.

Sponsorships are available now. For more information contact Shannon Davis, Director of Development, sdavis@myriadgardens.org 25

DONOR PROFILES

Floyd’s RV

Supports Camping and Outdoor Family Events When the opportunity came to sponsor a camping-related event on the Devon Lawn at Myriad Botanical Gardens, Floyd’s RV of Norman jumped at the chance. After all, the family-owned business was founded on a love of the great outdoors, family and, of course, camping. Since sponsoring the successful #CampOutOKC in the summer of 2018, owner Robert Floyd signed on to sponsor a variety of events in 2019 including Dancing in the Gardens and the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock concert celebrated in the Gardens.

Patrons of events at the Gardens are a perfect audience for the Normanbased company that carries a large selection of new and pre-owned fifth wheel campers, tent trailers, toy haulers and travel trailers, all clearly visible from its location on Interstate 35 just south of Norman.

In 1969, Rex Floyd started a business that a half century later is a landmark in Oklahoma which is now owned and operated by his son Robert.

“Our mission is to provide our customers with the right RV that will sustain and fulfill their traveling adventures through this great nation, from the beaches of Florida, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the vineyards of California,” Floyd said. “We do not just provide our customers with a place to sleep and eat, we give them tools to accomplish their dream and experience things outside of their home state.”

Bubbles the mascot for Goldfish Swim School has made dozens of appearances and delighted children at the Gardens including Livia Rae Hlubek in this photo.

Gardens Perfect Partnership for Goldfish Swim School With a goal of keeping children safe in, and around, water, Goldfish Swim School - Edmond quickly discovered the benefits of supporting Myriad Botanical Gardens. The school has been a partner and sponsor of many events and programs at the Gardens focused on children and families.

Owner Natasha Neumann describes her commitment to supporting the Gardens and the teaching philosophy of the cheerful swimming center.

“The Gardens have been a fixture in the Oklahoma City area for years and provides many educational experiences to the young minds of our city,” she said. “We are proud to support and partner with the Gardens as they continue to flourish.”

Opened in fall of 2017, the Edmond location provides swim instruction to children of all abilities, including those with sensory disorders, aged four months to 12 years. The school not only emphasizes swimming, but water safety as well. With so many activities available for families, Neumann stresses that learning to swim is an important skill because it can literally save lives.

Robert Floyd at #CampOutOKC

Robert is continuing his dad’s passion for camping with his family and looks forward to one day teaching his grandchildren the love of the road. He is also following his dad’s example with philanthropic giving by supporting organizations like the Gardens because it promotes families getting out in nature and being together.

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The behind-the-scenes life skills kids learn during swim lessons include learning, observing, actively doing, building trust, confidence, independence, and peer relationships.

Supporting Myriad Botanical Gardens goes hand-in-hand with the philosophy of Goldfish Swim School and has been a key partnership for Neumann.

Getting married in 2020?

Now is the time to book your dream wedding at Myriad Botanical Gardens.

Contact (405) 200-1547 or email rentals @myriadgardens.org.

For information on the multiple location options in the Gardens and rates visit myriadgardens.org/rentals

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A Summer to Remember Myriad Botanical Gardens celebrated summer and the 50th anniversary of Woodstock by observing the legacy of this legendary event on Saturday, August.

17. More than 2500 people of all ages filled the Devon Lawn to tie dye t-shirts and put flowers in their hair. OK Sessions assembled some of Oklahoma City’s finest musicians who paid tribute to the artists that performed at the 1969 concert.

Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Ad Astra and to additional sponsors Floyd’s RVs, Sweet Mary Jane’s, and Oklahoma Humanities for making this wonderful event possible.

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Your One-Stop Business Solution Printing

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405.525.9411 • SouthwesternOK.com

full circle As the largest independent bookstore in Oklahoma, we invite all members of Myraid Botanical Gardens to receive a 10 percent discount on all gardening books by showing your membership card when you visit.

1900 Northwest Expressway 50 Penn Place, 1st floor (405) 842-2900 www.fullcirclebooks.com Mon-Thurs, 10am-9pm; Fri & Sat, 10am-10pm Sun, 12-5pm @FullCircleBookstoreOKC 29

Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Okla. City, OK Permit No. 100

301 W Reno Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73102 myriadgardens.org

NOVEMBER 27, 2019 THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2020

ILLUMINATIONS Starry Starry Night

PRESENTED BY

Crystal Bridge Conservatory Wednesdays through Sundays, 6-9pm Closed Mondays and Tuesdays $8 for nonmembers, $6 for members.

Free for children 2 and under

SPONSORED BY