Issuu

The Bridge

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.

on the cover

We realize the pansy is a winter flower. But this image is so striking we decided to use it and make a summer connection. The pansy possess magical power in the Shakespearian comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Here are the Bard’s words from Act II Scene I, spoken by Oberon, king of the fairies.

Yet mark’d I where the bolt of Cupid fell: It fell upon a little western flower, Before milk-white, now purple with love’s wound, And maidens call it love-in-idleness.

Fetch me that flower. The herb I shew’d thee once. The juice of it on sleeping eyelids laid Will make or man or woman madly dote Upon the next live creature that it sees.

Photo by Sean Ball

Garden Pansy, Viola tricolor var. hortensis

Myriad Botanical Gardens, April 2020

Myriad Gardens Foundation

executive board of directors

CHAIR

Larry Nichols*

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

community board

PRESIDENT

Chris Fleming

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 BRIDGE EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR

Susan Grossman

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

Leslie Spears

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND DESIGN

Sean Ball

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sean Ball

Shannon Cornman

Doug Hoke

Carl Shortt Jr.

Leslie Spears

Nathan Tschaenn

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

Heartland Payment Services

Inasmuch Foundation

Robert H. Meinders

Jean and David McLaughlin

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund

Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort

OGE Energy Corp.

Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust

The City of Oklahoma City

Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation

Avis Scaramucci

Letter from the President and CEO

Dear Garden Friends:

I hope you are all doing well or well enough considering the unprecedented, anxious and disorienting times. My deepest sympathy to anyone who has lost a loved one, a job or experiencing financial difficulty, and for those who have lost the ability to visit a mother or father in a nursing home. There is also the loss of freely enjoying larger gatherings this year.

Who of us experiencing this shutdown will ever take gatherings for granted again?

However, we have also experienced how a community can come together over common goals of inclusion for all. The Gardens are committed to welcoming all in our community to our site and programs.

We’ve missed seeing our normal crowds at the Gardens. We’ve missed seeing school children fill our Crystal Bridge for field trips and ardent plant enthusiasts at our Oklahoma Gardening School. We’ve missed Dancing in the Gardens and Cinco de Mayo celebrations and weddings in May. But while classes and events had to be canceled, the grounds remained open, a safe green space to walk and relax.

While the city was shuttered, our thousands of multicolored tulips, sunny daffodils and germinating seedlings seemed exceptionally vivid and uplifting against that foreboding backdrop. No wonder many Americans took upgardeningduringthistime.Seedcompanies experienced unprecedented demand.

What better activity is there to do in the spring when you are homebound and have young children?

In March and April, our staff created Garden-in-Place Seed Kits for kids. Complete with seeds, pots, soil and labels, they were distributed curbside at no cost to more than 2,000 families. Check out our Instagram page to see dozens of photos of beaming young gardenersshowingofftheirgerminatedtomato, pepper, and cilantro seeds.

As we begin to reintroduce events at the Gardens, we are starting with a new Member Appreciation Weekend June 26-28 in our Children’s Garden. Its theme is Seeds and Stories to encourage kids to read and garden over the summer.

Like many nonprofits, we had a significant loss of revenue during the closure. Your support can help us rebound. One of the best ways to support the Gardens is to make a gift to our Annual Fund or purchase or renew a membership to attend our Member event and receive many other benefits. It’s easy to join or renew at myriadgardens.org.

During the shutdown, we were also busy creating a newly enhanced, somewhat hidden garden area located behind our Boulder Fountain in the Meinders Garden. We’ve nicknamed this spot, “The Secret Garden” like the book where an unused garden area is restored by children whose health in turn is restored by gardening.

There are other exciting renovations planned for the Gardens and we look forward to sharing them with you over the next several months.

Sincere thanks for your continued support,

Maureen Heffernan President and CEO

BRINGING STORIES TO LIFE

Celebrate summertime reading and gardening in the Children’s Garden at our MEMBERS-ONLY APPRECIATION WEEKEND.

Enjoy scenes from favorite children’s books centered on nature. Learn your letters, read, play and more as we bring Peter Rabbit, Tops & Bottoms, Goodnight Moon,AliceinWonderland,ChickaChickaBoomBoom and more to life. Come take a photo at the Frog & Toad Are Friends themed entrance, the winner of our member’s choice vote! We will have story times, seed growing lesson kits to take home, vendors and unlimited rides on Mo’s Carousel.

Purchase or renew your membership onsite or before June 25 to skip the line, and receive $10 off with code GARDEN20 at myriadgardens.org. For a limited time, get four tickets to the Sky Rink, a new outdoor roller skating rink at Scissortail Park ($32 value)! You must be a member of the Myriad Botanical Gardens to attend this event. Join or renew today!

June 26-28

Friday-Saturday: 10am-8pm

Sunday: 10am-5pm

ADMISSION

As a member appreciation event, admission is free! Not a member?

Become a member today online at myriadgardens.org.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

CARICATURE ARTIST

Friday and Saturday 10am - 8pm

Sunday 10am -5pm

STORY TIME

11-11:30am & 4-4:30pm

SEED STARTING

All day learning

SWEET YIELD STUDIOS

Offering Kid’s Kindness Cardio

Friday, June 26, Noon-12:30pm Walk-up

VENDORS

· Duck Creek Farms

· Ice Cube

· Oklahoma Kettle Corn

· Utopia Gardens

Experience the Gardens in a New Light

Set up on a hill offering a panoramic view of the Gardens, Summer Firefly Suppers are small, intimate dinners created and served by local chefs. With its enclosed stone walls and shaded by trees, the terrace of the Meinders Garden is the perfect setting for a late evening summer supper enhanced by great food, fine wine and lively conversations. With the Oklahoma City skyline and lights serving as a backdrop, the setting will be accented by the softly blinking glow of more than two dozen giant fireflies placed amongst the foliage nearby.

Created by mixed media artist Nathan Pratt, these charming symbols of summertime come to life after the sun has set and the light is dim. Although we won’t be able to catch them in Mason jars to make homemade nightlights, these suppers are sure to conjure up memories of this favorite childhood activity. Diners will enjoy the evening at an appropriate social distance. See page 14 for an article about this art exhibit.

Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of several recipients of a grant from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund to create public art celebrating the opening of Oklahoma Contemporary in downtown Oklahoma City. The fireflies were produced with funds from this grant.

DATES: Thursday, September 10 and Friday, October 2, 2020

Tickets are $85 each with sponsorships starting at $500.

For more information contact Director of Development Shannon Davis,

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jil and Tony Boghetich are the 2020 recipients of the James R. Tolbert III Crystal Orchid Award. This award is an annual tribute to those who significantly impact the beauty and success of Myriad Botanical Gardens as well as Oklahoma City. This luncheon celebration will be held Thursday, October 15.

For more information please contact Debora Morey at (405) 445-7084 or dmorey@myriadgardens.org.

Recipients of the 2020 James R. Tolbert III Crystal Orchid Award, Jil and Tony Boghetich

GARDEN SPOTLIGHT

WRITTEN BY Susan Grossman PHOTOS BY Sean Ball

Farm Life Suits Community

Board Member and Owner of

Prairie Earth Gardens

A red enamel coffee pot sits atop a wood burning stove inside what serves as the office of James Pickel. The gravel floor, stone walls and tin ceiling create cozy warmth on a late winter day as sunlight pours through the multi-paned windows across the front.

Clad today in a flannel shirt, overalls and a fleece vest, Pickel presides over Prairie Earth Gardens where every Saturday he greets customers buying fresh eggs, honey, greens, herbs, and other seasonal produce. His office is inside what is called the Baby Barn, a 100-year-old stone structure situated at the front of his property.

Located northeast of downtown Oklahoma City at 8500 N. Eastern Avenue, Pickel often jokes that his farm is “the worst retirement plan in the world but a great way of life.”

Six years after selling the company that still bears his name – Smith & Pickel Construction – Pickel has slowly expanded his capacity. In addition to the weekly market, he provides naturally grown produce year-round to more than 30 Oklahoma City chefs and restaurants. Flats of microgreens and pea shoots sit on long tables in a greenhouse, ready to be prepared for delivery. Plants growing edible flowers are also on hand.

Continued on next page...

Pickel moved out to the property, situated less than 10 miles from downtown Oklahoma City, 41 years ago. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, and a stint living near Classen Boulevard, he chose to live close to the city but still in the country.

“I grew up in a small town, Duncan, and was raised by my grandparents who were gardeners,” he explained. “I have been gardening my entire life.”

The close proximity to Oklahoma City served him well during his construction career when he oversaw multiple projects. Pickel has been actively involved in nonprofit and civic organizations for years, up to a high of 22 at the same time. He is a longtime member of the Community Board for Myriad Gardens Foundation, for which he also has served as chair.

“When I first joined the Community Board, the beautification and improvement of downtown Oklahoma City was important to me,” he said. “At that time, there was not much to attract people. Things are much different now, of course, with the development of downtown, but I still serve to ensure that we continue this commitment to enhance our city.”

The Saturday Market at Prairie Earth Gardens is open 8 to 11 a.m. throughout the year. Purchases may also be preordered via email during the week for pick-up on the barn side. For more information follow them on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for weekly email updates at prairieearthgardens@gmail.com

Instagram @prairieearthgardens

Online facebook.com/prairieearthgardens

Editor’s Note

This story was written in late February before the COVID-19 closures. Prairie Earth Gardens continues to grow, and is now selling, naturally grown, warm weather produce.

BRINGING THE GARDENS TO YOUR HOME

While Staying at Home Staff Created Opportunity for Hands-On Learning

Our in-person education programs and public events may have been on hold during March, April and May but our education, programming and horticultural staff at Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park created free seed starting kits for local children and their families. The kits offered fun and educational activities about the art and science of growing plants.

Three types of kits were made available with materials to grow three individual plants in each.

A springtime kit featured Easter eggs filled with seed paper. Tomato, cilantro and sweet pepper seeds were included in the salsa kit, and seeds to grow zinnia, marigold and fennel plants to attract pollinators were included in a third kit. The kits were offered on three separate Fridays in April and May. Videos with step-bystep instructions were on the Gardens website, along with related items.

Youth Educator Coordinator Lily Peppers waves hello during seed kit pick-up at the Gardens. Above, seed paper from the Springtime seed kit.

Photo by Doug Hoke

“Although that was an uncertain time for all of us, we remained committed to our mission of offering quality programs to our community,” said Maureen Heffernan, executive director of Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park.

“Nature is always there whether for sanctuary, health or plant cultivation. These kits were a wonderful way to introduce the simple process of starting seeds and growing plants at home. The fact that we ran out of kits is a testament to the support of the community during a time when we all needed connection.”

Thanks to the support of our sponsors Tinker Federal Credit Union and Gray Blodgett & Company, PLLC for making the Garden in Place program possible.

Above, happy children with their Garden In Place seed kit.

Below, A pair of skates from the new Sky Rink outdoor roller skating rink at Scissortail Park, delivers a seed kit.

Photo by Doug Hoke

DOZENS OF SOFTLY BLINKING LIGHTS

PARTNERSHIP WITH OKLAHOMA

CITY

Softly blinking fireflies will grace the grounds of Myriad Botanical Gardens as part of a metro-wide public art experience celebrating the grand opening of Oklahoma Contemporary.

Taking inspiration from the golden flashing light of fireflies on a warm summer night, Oklahoma artist Nathan Pratt has created more than two dozen mixed media fireflies.

The installation taps into the innocence of childhood where the golden haze of a setting sun plays with the enchanting glow of fireflies.

Pratt has created hundreds of sculptures in numerous mediums during his career. For the Gardens fireflies, he assembled concentric metal tubes that were cut in varying lengths to resemble the gradient shape of the bug. The tail containing a lightbulb is acrylic. There are two sets of wings. One is water jet cut and the other solid metal, hammered into a curve to cover up the inner wing.

A remote control will program the pulsating and intermittent flickers of the tails. Mounts will fit seamlessly into existing foliage in the Gardens and look as natural as their surroundings.

“There is a storybook aesthetic to these fireflies,” Pratt said. “The whimsical rendition communicates the idea of carefree characters that would be just as at home in a Pixar film as they would be in a wooded area.”

The fireflies will be installed in the Meinders Garden and later move to the Oklahoma Prairie Garden where they will be on display through fall.

The Gardens is one of several recipients of a grant from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund to create public art in downtown Oklahoma City.

Nathan Pratt

Born into a family of artists, Nathan Pratt started making and selling small ceramic sculptures at 10. Over the course of 30 years, he has produced hundreds of sculptures in a variety of mediums including acrylic, aluminum, and bronze, ceramic, concrete, fabric, foam, glass, ice, LED lights, paper, and steel, stone and wood. His continual experimentation with new materials led him into the intersecting spheres of art, engineering, invention, prototyping, fabrication and diverse manufacturing processes.

After obtaining a marketing degree from the University of Oklahoma, Pratt briefly spent time as an agent with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. He is a prolific inventor and for the last two years has been working to commercialize a product line of tape dispensing tools for artists, painters and crafters.

For several years he has worked as a teacher, mentor and administrator in visual arts after-school programs for inner city youth. Collaborating with his students, Pratt has produced numerous public art exhibits for the Gardens, including the firefly exhibit. As a recent graduate of a city-wide leadership program, he is passionate about public art that strengthens the community and ignites economic development.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Learning about a new medium is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist. It is a gift to be able to explore new tools, techniques and technologies. The malleable nature of light is something I hope to consider more in the future. I am thankful for each opportunity that I have to participate in the creative process.

Metal wings and telescoping thorax parts of artist Nathan Pratt’s fireflies.

Bird-Friendly Garden Takes Flight at Park House

As a middle schooler, I took an interest in birds and often checked out the same book about bird gardening from the library. I liked it so much that I convinced my parents to let me install a bird garden in the front yard.

Although I didn’t grow up to be an ornithologist, I have maintained an interest in birds and bird gardening which is why I’m excited about starting our next“gardenwithin-the Gardens”project; an ornamental bird garden around the Park House Event Center.

Rather than birdfeeders, this garden will use ornamental plants with berries, seeds, and/or nectar that attract birds, as well as plants that attract insects which are an important but often forgotten, part of a bird’s diet.

This new garden is funded by a grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. It will replace the horsetail rush that has surrounded the Park House and includes two interpretive panel signs discussing bird gardening.

Removal of the horsetail rush can take some time, so look for the garden to be completed later this fall. In the meantime, check out our great new interpretive exhibit in the Children’s Garden highlighting nest boxes, aka birdhouse, of many different native bird species.

Colorful songbirds feeding on a birdfeeder .

A GARDEN WITHIN THE GARDENS

For the past year, we have been quietly planning a new garden space within Myriad Botanical Gardens, and we are excited to spread the word. We have transformed a 7,000 square foot area from an underutilized space into a destination for picnics and quiet relaxing. The secluded and natural aspect of the space reminded us of the garden in the book The Secret Garden.

Tucked away on the northeastern corner of the grounds, the new garden will serve as an oasis between the bustle of a downtown intersection and the year-round activity of the Seasonal Plaza.

Several nooks where people can gather and relax are part of the new garden. Flagstone is set into the grass at the entrance where it slowly dwindles into lawn. The center of the garden space is opened up and the sloping grade of the lawn is friendly and welcoming. Flowering shrubs and trees have been added to the perimeter to help enclose the space.

PLANT LIST

Sweetspire, Itea virginica

Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius

Smooth hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens Incrediball

Blue grama grass, Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ Fothergilla, Fothergilla gardenia

Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis

Smooth sumac, Rhus glabra

Arrowwood, Viburnum dentatum

Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana

Winterberry holly, Ilex decidua

Panicle hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quick Fire’

Hardy hibiscus, Hibiscus sp.

Autumn sage, Salvia greggii

Summersweet, Clethera alnifolia

Emphasis on seasonal plants that support wildlife will contribute to the atmosphere, with the planting palette largely focused on North American native plants that are wildlife-friendly.

The garden will serve as a demonstration garden of ornamental plants such as sassafras (Sassafras albidum), winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) and American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens). The garden will include plant labels and mounted interpretive signage about ornamental and habitatfriendly plants and will include tips for selecting plants, designing ornamental gardens for seasonal interest and caring for ornamental plants.

Funding for the Secret Garden is provided by Oklahoma City Community Foundation and its Parks and Public Space Initiative via the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, and Kirkpatrick Family Fund.

Artist rendering of the Secret Garden, top, and newly placed stones in the new gardenscape.

WRITTEN BY Jimi Underwood

PHOTOS BY Carl Shortt

Last year Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) overtook large portions of the Oklahoma Prairie Garden, located on Reno Avenue just east of the entrance to the Visitor Center of the Crystal Bridge. As one of the many gardens within Myriad Botanical Gardens, the Oklahoma Prairie Gardens fosters prairie plants native to Oklahoma and supports native insects and wildlife. This goldenrod is not a native of the state and can be extremely aggressive, tending to form monocultures that exclude other plants. In an attempt to help other prairie plants, the Garden’s horticulture team attempted to remove it. If anyone seeing the prairie garden during winter thought it looked thinner than normal, this is one of the reasons why.

To help the garden thrive, this year we will focus on reestablishing the prairie grasses, so here are a few new things to keep an eye on in the prairie garden this year. First, we will reintroduce and add seed from a variety of different prairie grass including:

• sideoats grama (Bouteloua curipendula)

• blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)

• buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)

• little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

• big bluestem (Andropogon geradii)

• Indiangrass (Sorgastrum nutans)

• switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

• eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

• Virginia wildrye (Elymus virginicus), and

• prairie wildrye (E. canadensis)

Throughout the spring and summer, the prairie garden will be mowed and trimmed to help many of these grasses establish. This does not mean the prairie forbs, or flowering plants other than grasses, won’t be present this year. Plugs of favorites and common prairie forbs will be planted as well, adding to the existing diversity and color throughout the year.

If you have questions about the prairie garden, please feel free to contact Nate Tschaenn, director of horticulture, ntschaenn@myriadgardens.org.

Ever wonder why plants have both common names – goldenrod – and scientific Latin names –Solidago canadensis?

A Swedish naturalist named Carl Linnaeus developed the two-name system in the mid-1700s. As a universal language, Latin ensures uniform plant identification that can be recognized by gardeners and scientists around the world. The system groups plants by similarity, combining the genus and species of the plant.

The Value Of Volunteers

The Gift of Time is Priceless

Easter eggs to stuff. Bulbs to plant. Events to set up. Tours to give. These are just a few of the many vital roles volunteers play at Myriad Botanical Gardens. Theircontributionstoourdevelopment,education, events, and horticultural departments save the Gardens in several ways.

In 2019 we had a ratio of approximately 17 volunteers for each paid member of the staff.These volunteersassistedwitheverythingfrompreparing mailings to creating exhibits for festivals. In turn, volunteers benefit by being actively engaged with the Gardens in their areas of interest and participating in educational experiences. It is the ultimate “insider” experience and opportunity to see how our 17 acres operate year-round.

A full-time staff coordinator is dedicated to providing support, matching volunteer skills and interests to promote success for an individual as well as the organization. Our volunteers choose shifts at preferred events and departments. Some opportunities require additional training which we are happy to provide.

Without our invaluable occasional, corporate, partner and teen volunteers it would be difficult to achievethequalityofprograms,eventsandgardens our visitors have come to expect.

Visit our website to sign up for our monthly volunteer newsletter, search for opportunities, and learn about the benefits of volunteering at the Gardens.

Myriad Botanical Gardens Welcomes New Event Volunteer Coordinator

Laura Gipson

Laura Gipson is excited to join Myriad Gardens Foundation as volunteer coordinator. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, she began her career in nonprofit organizations with Lake McMurtry Friends, Inc. in Stillwater, OK, before moving to Oklahoma City.

Having experience in outdoor recreation and conservation, she believes in the importance of accessible green spaces for the community and visitors alike. For information about volunteering with the Gardens, contact Gipson at 405-708-4041 or email lgipson@myriadgardens.org

Nature’s Best Hope

by Douglas W. Tallamy

In this follow-up book to Bringing Nature Home, author Douglas Tallamy makes the case that current conservation efforts through government or nonprofit programs can’t do enough to stop the continuing catastrophic loss in biodiversity caused by development. Instead, a massive, collective shift in thinking is needed in how we approach conservation that includes how we view and manage our privately owned lands.

One of the big ideas of the book is the suggestion that each homeowner converts half their lawn to native plant communities. Tallamy suggests we call these 20 million combined acres “Homegrown National Park.” Landowners would all be collectively responsible for taking action in this grassroots approach to conservation.

While it’s not a “how-to” gardening book, Tallamy provides thoughtful advice for landowners wishing to help and convincing arguments for why we all should. A primary focus is planting or protecting native plants that provide food sources for native insects that in turn feed birds and other wildlife, but it also includes topics like removing invasive species, reducing chemical use, and increasing diversity.

While I can’t say I fully agree with every conclusion or idea in the book, I do agree that a fundamental change in how individuals approach conservation at home and work is indeed nature’s best hope, as well as ours. This book should be required reading for homeowners and anyone involved in plant selection. It will certainly have an impact on my approach to gardening.

- Review by Nate Tschaenn

The Overstory

by Richard Powers

Every now and then a book comes along that is so beautifully written, you want to read as slowly as possible so the magic will last. The Overstory by Richard Powers is one of these books. In this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, a host of American characters and their experiences with trees are woven together to address the changing environment and forests. The intricate lives of a variety of trees are intermingled with those at the center of the novel. At times moving and sad, The Overstory offers a unique perspective on the natural world.

- Review by Susan Grossman

I Will Never, NOT EVER, Eat A Tomato

by Lauren Child

Charlie’s little sister, Lola, is a VERY picky eater. She won’t eat peas, or carrots, or fish sticks, and CERTAINLY not tomatoes. Find out how Charlie uses the power of silliness to overcome his sister’s apprehension and get her to eat a healthy meal.

- Review by Kodi Clifford

The Curious Garden

by Peter Brown

In a drab, gray city, a little boy stumbles upon a neglected garden high up on the train tracks. Follow Liam as he learns the best ways to be a gardener, and watch the plants explore far and wide, transforming his home forever.

- Review by Kodi Clifford

Jennifer Dell

Jennifer Dell is a Family Level member of Myriad Botanical Gardens. She has been a patron since 1990, and as her family has grown, so have her experiences at the Gardens. She is a professor at the University of Oklahoma Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. She lives in Norman with her husband, 11-yearold daughter, 7-year-old son, and two dogs.

Why did you become a member of Myriad Botanical Gardens? Myriad Botanical Gardens is such an Oklahoma City gem. Our family wanted to be sure to take advantage of all that the Gardens has to offer. With our membership, it is possible to stop in for a short visit or extend the experience by also checking out the Children’s Garden, ride Mo’s Carousel, and play in the Thunder Fountain during hot summer months.

What do you like the most about your Gardens membership? Discounts on the terrific class offerings and the ability to visit festivals on multiple occasions!

What is your favorite event or class that you’ve participated in and why? There have been so many over the years. It seems like every season has its unique offering. My daughter and I have been to the breadmaking and marshmallow-making classes. We love all the festivals on the lawn and have attended the Chinese New Year and the Martin Luther King Day celebrations. These are great opportunities to enjoy the gardens, learn about the history of each holiday and understand diverse perspectives. We also love Sonic Summer Movies.

What is your favorite benefit and why? Free admission to the Children’s Garden Festival and Pumpkinville, both family favorites every year. We love seeing the theme that will be chosen each spring for the Children’s Festival and the Gardens during the fall are our absolute favorite. Being members allows us the opportunity to easily visit multiple times during each of these multi-week events.

BECOME A MEMBER!

Purchase or renew your membership and receive $10 off with code GARDEN20 at myriadgardens.org and get four tickets to the Sky Rink, a new outdoor roller skating rink at Scissortail Park. That’s a $32 value!

ART IN THE GARDENS

Myriad Botanical Gardens is proud to host a variety of local artists in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory throughout the year

Jarica Walsh

Using the same formula originally discovered in 1842, Jarica Walsh was first introduced to cyanotype on a middle school field trip. This monochromephotographicprintingprocess,which combines two simple chemicals and ultraviolent light, has not changed in all those years and is the focus of her current exhibit, Dreaming in Blue, currently on display in the Visitor Center of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.

Photographers have been using cyanotype – its name comes from the blue color the process produces – to mostly record plant life. Walsh created more than 60 pieces featuring a variety of plants from the Conservatory and her own yard.

Originally scheduled to open in March, the twomonth postponement changed the work that she had planned to create. Rather than photograph only botanicals collected during routine pruning in the Bridge and clippings from the Gardens, Walsh used the extra time to connect to what was happening in her yard and neighborhood park. Dreaming in Blue became a combination of both.

“A lot of my peers have struggled with motivation during this time of quarantine and isolation due to the pandemic,”she said of her time at home.“What helped me was to have this show coming up at the Gardens. The work had to be prepared and I kept pushing forward.”

The result is a composed, calming collection of white botanicals outlined in royal blue. While the shade of blue can be changed, Walsh prefers the deep blue in this collection.

Plants in particular, Walsh added, remind us we are all connected with deep roots.

“Our togetherness surpasses the boundaries we create, and remind us we are always one, despite our physical distance.”

While ceramics is her primary medium Walsh has been making cyanotypes for the past year. Whatever the medium, however, circles are a longstanding focal point of her work. A handful of pieces in this show capture leaves in precise circles.

“Explaining the influence of circles is like having a favorite color,” Walsh explained. “It’s a longstanding connection for me. I think our entire universe is full of circles.”

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Walsh received a degree in media arts with an emphasis in filmmaking. As a multidisciplinary artist, she is motivated by the core principles of optimism, appreciation and inclusion. She serves as director of art in public spaces for the Oklahoma Arts Council and maintains a studio in the Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City.

Dreaming in Blue will be on display through July 7.

UPCOMING ART IN THE GARDENS

Jason Wilson and Sarah Atlee

July 9 through August 9

Bryon Perdue Jr. and William Walker Larason

August 11 through September 7

Emma Difani

September 8 through October 11

Fitness in the GARDENS

TUESDAYS 6PM & SATURDAYS 9AM

Botanical Balance FREE Yoga

Instructors provided by Best for ages 16 & up

Bring your mat and water. Saturdays classes return July 11.

JULY 16, AUGUST 20, SEPTEMBER 17, OCTOBER 15, 5:45-6:45PM Zumba

Third Thursday, July-October

Instructors provided by The Devon Lawn FREE Bring water

MONDAYS, JULY 6, AUGUST 3, SEPTEMBER 14, OCTOBER 5, 5:45-6:45PM Ultimate Frisbee

First Monday, July-October Instructor provided by Together Square

Recommended for ages 16 & up

SATURDAYS, JULY 25, AUGUST 29, SEPTEMBER 26, OCTOBER 31, 10-11AM Guided Walking Tour

Last Saturday of every month, 10am Garden Grounds FREE

SATURDAYS, JULY 25 & SEPTEMBER 26, 11AM-NOON Urban Hike

Depart from the Visitor Lobby of the Crystal Bridge Led by YMCA Instructor

Guided Walking Tour through downtown FREE

JULY 6, AUGUST 4, 7-10PM; SEPTEMBER 3, OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 30

Full Moon Bike Ride & Run

Suggested donation $5 per person

Meet at the Devon Band Shell, north plaza

The Full Moon Bike Ride and Run is a casual monthly event where friends and families can enjoy a bike ride or 5K run through Downtown OKC as the sunsets. OKRunner leads the run portion and Steve Schlegel leads the bike ride, which departs thirty minutes after the run.

July and August: Run @ 8pm; Ride @ 8:30pm September-November: Run @ 7pm; Ride @ 7:30pm

Editor’s Note: As we continue to live with COVID-19, please check our social media platforms and website in advance of scheduled events.

Entertainment on the Lawn

Dancing in the Gardens

Youth & Family

JULY 6–AUGUST 12, MONDAY–WEDNESDAY, 10AM-NOON

Weekly Walk-Ups

Children’s Garden Porch Drop-in activities; $2 suggested donation per child

Come to the Children’s Garden for some fun activities that explore the world of plants.

MAKE-IT MONDAYS Children will “make and take” something home using a variety of natural and humanmade craft materials.

PLANT-ASTIC TUESDAYS Learn about what plants are blooming that week in the Children’s Garden. Then go on a hunt to find that plant yourself!

READING WEDNESDAYS It’s that time of year when Reading Wednesdays moves back outside. We’ll be reading nature-inspired books that connect children with what is growing and changing in the Garden each week.

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 6-7PM

Family Workshop: Marvelous Mallards

The Garden Classroom

M $7; NM $9 Best for ages 6 to 10

Do you and your kids love feeding the ducks at the Gardens? This is the perfect class for your family. We will learn about our resident water birds and what foods are best for their health and happiness. Then we’ll visit our feathered friends and feed them a healthy little feast.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2PM

Family Workshop: Fall Monarch Gardens 101

M $16; NM $18

Best for ages 6 to 10

Learn a bit about monarch butterflies, visit some example habitats in the Gardens and learn how to help monarchs in your backyard and neighborhood. Everyone will head home with one milkweed plant and one nectar plant for their home garden.

Adult

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 10AM

Soil: The Key to a Healthy Garden

M $9; NM $14

Malarie Gotcher, The City of Oklahoma City, Water Utilities Dept.

Kelly Dillow, Oklahoma Dept. of Environmental Quality, Land Protection Division

Learn the basics of soil structure, soil testing, and how to amend problem soil. Then unearth the essential ingredients and steps in preparing, maintaining, and utilizing organic compost.

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1PM Fall Beginner Gardener

M $4; NM $9

Learn the bedrock essentials in choosing the right location, testing and sustaining soil health, and selecting the most suitable cool season vegetable and flower varieties. Also, learn proper plant care and maintenance. This class will serve as a wonderful refresher for any level of gardener.

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 6:30PM Identification & Weed Control for Home Lawns

M $10; NM $15

James Underwood, Horticulturist, Myriad Botanical Gardens

Learn how to identify common weeds, how to manage and selectively remove weed pressure, how to reduce populations through techniques (both chemical and mechanical), and how to properly assess and make adjustments in your own home lawn.

SPONSORED BY

Photo by jimweaver.ok on Instagram

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.

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

e D ito R’s note

This issue of The Bridge was deep into production when the world stopped in mid-March. Like so many of our peers, we hit pause. We appreciate your support, and that of our advertisers, during this intermission. Summer in the Gardens will look different. But we remain committed to our mission of providing a welcoming green space for all to enjoy. See you in the Gardens.

– Susan Grossman, Editor

Thank You!

$50,000+

The Chickasaw Nation

Continental Resources

Devon Energy Corporation

Inasmuch Foundation

Robert H. Meinders

The Meinders Foundation

OGE Energy Corp.

Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation

Scaramucci Foundation

$25,000 - $49,999

BancFirst

Jean and David McLaughlin

Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund

Tinker Federal Credit Union

$10,000 - $24,999

Ad Astra Foundation

Delta Dental of Oklahoma Downtown OKC, Inc.

E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation

The McGee Foundation, Inc.

Miller Pro Audio

Oklahoma City Community Foundation

SONIC, America’s Drive-In

$5,000 - $9,999

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health

Arnall Family Foundation

Mark Allen

Cox Communications

Floyd’s Recreational Vehicles LLC

Fowler Holding Company

Goldfish Swim School

Josephine Freede

Lingo Construction/Greenshade Trees

Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc.

RK Black

SSM Health Care of Oklahoma

Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust

Stephenson Cancer Center

Becky and Barry Switzer

Beth and Jim Tolbert

$2,500 - $4,999

American Fidelity Foundation

BancFirst

Anne and Bob Calvert

Crossland’s A&A Rent-All & Sales Company

HoganTaylor LLP

Lopez Foods, Inc.

Midtown Vets

Kent E. Phillips

Tiffany Self

Jeannie and Ted Strickland

Tapstone Energy, LLC

The Jean I Everest Foundation

Total Environment, Inc.

$1,000 - $2,499

American Plant Products

AT&T Fiber

Pat and Van Barber

BC Clark Jewelers

BKD Foundation

Annie and Richard Bohanon

Rob Braver

Lindsey Brock

Michael J. Carrier

Kitty and Richard Champlin

Thank you! Listed are financial and in-kind donors to Myriad Gardens Foundation from January 1, 2019 to June 2, 2020.

Clean Oklahoma Commercial Cleanning LLC

Colcord Hotel

Sally Dasovich

Dobson Technologies

Nancy and Robert Ellis

Enable Midstream Partners

Karen and Warren Filley

FIS Foundation, Inc

Fred Jones Family Foundation

Chip Fudge

GE Johnson Construction

Gray, Blodgett and Company PLLC

Ginny and Bob Greenberg

Grooms Irrigation Company

Maureen Heffernan

Seyan and John Hefner

Joy Heiman

Cynde and Kenny Holloway

Howard Family Charitable Foundation, Inc

Hudiburg Subaru

Leslie and Cliff Hudson

Gail Huneryager

James H. Everest Family Trust

Marvin Jirous

Don A. Karchmer

Michael S. Laird

Minick Materials

Debora and Ronnie Morey

Morgan Stanley - The Cary Group

Jeaneen Naifeh

Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort

Oklahoma Humanities

Darlene and Allen Paine

Platt College

D. Joe Rockett

Marsha and Carson See

Beth and Carl Shortt

Smith & Pickel Construction, Inc.

Super Cao Nguyen

Sweet Mary Jane

Tango Public Relations

THN Insurance Solutions, LLC

TLC Florist & Greenhouses, Inc.

University of Oklahoma Confucius Institute

Viridian Marketing

Visionary Oklahoma Women

Williams, Box, Forshee & Bullard, P.C.

Contributing Members at the Benefactor Level

The Meinders Foundation

Gina and Jim Vidmar

$250–$999

JADG, Inc

Cheryl and Sterling Baker

Bank of Oklahoma

BOKF Foundation

Gerry and Ken Bonds

Kathy and Larry Bookman

Guy Bramble

Karen and Robert Browne

Calvert’s Plant Interiors

Center For Economic Development

Carolyn and Jim Clark

Janie and Bill Comstock

Corner Energy LLC

Crowe & Dunlevy

Dean A. McGee Eye Institute

Shirley E. Dearborn

Karen Delaney

Nancy and Page Dobson

Elizabeth Eickman

Irma B. Elliott

Energy FC LLC

Tricia Everest

Joan Frates

Full Circle Bookstore

Connie Fuller

Susan Grossman

Nancy and Barry Grove

Hall Estill

Linda Haneborg

William Henson

Bette and Frank Hill

Missy Hoehn

Teri Hopkins

Brenda and Larry Johnson

Bill King

Linda Kissler

Ledco Construction LLC

Jamie Lewallen

John Lippert

Judy and Tom Love

Steve Mason

Davalene and Bob McDonald

Ben McInturff

Metro Technology Centers

Mocedis Food LLC

Dee Morales

Charles Oppenheim

OSSM Foundation

June and William Parry

Paycom

Glenda Payne

Plant Wisdom Garden Center

Kathy Potts

Red Earth

Stacy and Andy Rine

Caleb Shough

Katherine and John Spaid

Julia Summers

Superior Security & Investigations, Inc.

T-Mobile

Joyce Tseng

Beth and Ed Wells

Charles M. Zeeck

Contributing Members at the Patron Level

Christine and Josh Rankin

Sue Alberti and Steven Welch

$1 - $249

Jane and Eric Abraham

Diana Beeler

Eloise Bentley

Margaret and John Biggs

Debbie and Bob Blackburn

Every effort has been made to present a complete and accurate list of donors. We invite corrections or omissions. Contact sdavis@myriadgardens.org

Gwendolyn Booker

Sharon and John Bozalis

Phyllis L. Brawley

Connie Bright

Jane Bronnenberg

Lori Burson

Mike Carrier

Nancy and Andrew Coats

Erin Cowan

Millie and William Cress

Glenda and Greg Crotchett

Cathy and Charles Davis

Shannon Davis

Mary Ann and Rowland Denman

Dig and Hope Garden Club

Max D’Souza

Kelly and Travis Dunn

Susan Edwards

Ashley Elkins

Jeanette Elliott

Nicole Emmons

Fitzsimmons Architects

Foundation Mgmt, Inc

Sue Francis

Kris and Bill Frankfurt

Jamie and Preston Gaddis

Jane and Gerald Gamble

Sue Hale

Brooke Haneborg

Aimee and David Harlow

Jamie and Joe Harrison

Mary Ann and Don Haskins

Sue Ann and Dudley Hyde

Nancy Izfar

Shirley Kennedy

Paula and David Kerrigan

Leah and Alan Kirkpatrick

Sherry Knight

Peg Kunneman

Julie and Steve LaFollette

Kristin and David Lam

Linda Lambert

Georgia Lamirand

Lisa and Stanley Lewis

Jennifer Lewis

LimeLight Productions

Sue and James Loftis

Karen and Robert Luke

Steve Lunsford

Margaret and David Luza

Laura Mackie

Patti and Richard Marshall

Becky and David McCubbin

Frank Merrick

Mike Wofford Law LLC

Millwood Public Schools

Teresa Moisant

Valerie Moore

Kayla Nguyen

OKC Beautiful

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

Alyce and Ronald Page

Suzanne Peck and David Neff

Gus and Emily Pekara

Brett Price

Joy and Roger Quinn

Ride OKC

Lynn and John Robberson

Edie Roodman

Carl and Deborah Rubenstein

Meg Salyer

Savory Spice Shop

Amy and Dean Sergent

Paula and David Severe

Mary and John Seward

Shirley and Ben Shanker

Anne and Gregory Skuta

Jeanne H. Smith

Lisa Synar

The Kerr Foundation, Inc.

The Oklahoman Media Company

Leslie Tippett

Tom Johnson Investments

Tropical Plant Leasing Service

Nancy H. Tucker

United Way of Central Oklahoma

Jade Urash

Vicki VanStavern and Don Narcomey

Millar White

Renate and Charles Wiggin

Benjamin Williams

Janet and Wiley Williams

Kathy and John Michael Williams

Carol and Harry Woods

Kristy Yager

Nancy and James Yoch

YWCA Oklahoma City

Carolyn and Don Zachritz

Claranell Zimmerman

Carolyn and Don Zachritz

Claranell Zimmerman

Contributing Members at the Patron Level

Laura and Kenneth Ainsworth

Sonja and Tom Capucille

Corey Farmer

Kate and Matthew Frankforter

Mary Beth and L Michael Guard

Bette and Frank Hill

Jennifer and Tony Puckett

Jackie Salisbury

Isaac Spear

Jessica and Judson Tompkins

In-Kind

822 Broadway Salon Haircut

9th Street Barking Lot

A1 Pet Emporium

Accel Financial Staffing

American Heritage Trees

Angry Scotsman Brewing

Bar Cicchetti

Bark Box

Bedré Fine Chocolate

The Black Scintilla

Brickopolis

Bricktown Water Taxi

Calvert’s Plant Interiors

Cantebury Voices

Colcord Hotel

Crossland’s A&A Rent-All & Sales Company

Devon Energy

The Electrolysis Clinc

Full Circle Bookstore

Goldfish Swim School

Maureen Heffernan

Hey Day Mini Golf and Laser Tag

Dr. Jeffrey Hirsch

Farooq Karim

Kendra Scott Design, Inc

Labeled Living

Limelight Productions

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma

Injectable Aesthetics

Johnston Seed Company

Midtown Renaissance

Millar Pro Audio

Minick Materials

The Mule

Neighborhood Jam

Oklahoma City Energy FC

Oklahoma City Thunder

Packard’s New American Kitchen

The Painted Door

Parking Management Company

Parkside Dentistry

Prairie Artisan Ales

Savory Spice Shop

Science Museum Oklahoma

Skirvin Hilton

Southwest Stationary and Bank Supply

Super Cao Nguyen

Sweet Mary Jane

Trader Joe’s

Nathan Tschaenn

Udånder

University of Oklahoma

Vanessa House