The Bridge | Fall 2020

The Bridge FAL L / W IN TER 20 20

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Holidays in the Gardens / Ice Storm Aftermath / Gardens Wins National Award

v i s i o n s tat e m e n t 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

Photo by Jimi Underwood Frozen Painted Blanket Flower Gaillardia pulchella Myriad Botanical Gardens October 2020

THE BRIDGE EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR Susan Grossman DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION Leslie Spears CREATIVE DIRECTION AND DESIGN Sean Ball PHOTOGRAPHY Sean Ball Susan Grossman Carl Shortt Jr. Leslie Spears Jimi Underwood

Myriad Gardens Foundation executive board of directors

community board

CHAIR

PRESIDENT

J. Larry Nichols*

Chris Fleming

CHAIR EMERITUS

Brian Alford

James R. Tolbert III* TREASURER

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

Maureen Heffernan CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Chuck Davis DEPUTY DIRECTOR/SECRETARY

Debora Morey

* Also a member of the Community Board

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 Linda Horn Gail Huneryager Michael Laird Paul Lefebvre

The Myriad Gardens Foundation wishes to thank our sustaining partners, leaders in providing major ongoing annual support: 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

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 CEO Dear Gardens Friends, We had just finished The Great Pumpkin Patch event on Sunday, October 25 and were planning our annual “Orange Monday� pumpkin sale to sell all manner of leftover Curcurbits, when an ice storm was forecast. We went from a beautiful fall day to a cruel freezing rain the next.

The ice storm left a disheartening amount damage to many trees at Myriad Botanical Gardens. Many of you experienced as well great tree loss and damage to your yards.

Magnificently mature and gracious trees that provided homes for birds and squirrels and offered leafy umbrellas of shade in the summer, were split in half like toothpicks. Their large branches that seemed so sturdy were strewn over the ground like acorns. These were generational trees. Trees that took decades to grow. It is a loss not easy to accept. We are saddened for these lost or damaged trees, so stately and reassuring, as seemingly permanent touchstones in our lives.

The chaos of mangled trees and broken branches after a storm seems overwhelming – where to start?

Our horticulture and facility teams were the first responders in this staggering mess. We cannot thank and appreciate them enough for their uncomplaining focus to work until order was restored.

When you see the disheartening void that the loss of so many trees leave in a storm like we just had, whether in your yard, neighborhood, roadways, parks or other spaces, your appreciation for trees is mightily enhanced. The only upside to losing trees is the ability to plant new and even better ones that may be hardier, more resistant to breakage and sustain wildlife.

After the Storm, a Time to Sow The timing of our fourth annual Tree for All sale event was fortuitous. Four hundred trees, specially selected to thrive in our growing region, were sold and picked up curbside on November 7. Thanks to our sponsor Cox, the Gardens have sold thousands of these affordable trees to help green Oklahoma City. On November 14, we offered a prairie plant sale with affordable, drought-tolerant and easy-to-plant plugsized seedlings that also sustain pollinators. On November 21, we distributed hundreds of free daffodil and tulip bulb kits, sponsored by Delta Dental of Oklahoma, for children and families to plant this fall to enjoy bright blooms in spring of 2021.

Planting trees, flowers and bulbs are acts of hope and optimism for the future. This next spring, the rewards of seeing them grow and bloom will be especially profound after 2020 and a difficult winter.

Thank you for your support that enables us to maintain the Gardens as a special place to visit for solace and joy this holiday season.

Maureen Heffernan Chief Executive Officer Myriad Botanical Gardens and Scissortail Park

2020 Annual Garden Fund Please consider making a gift to the Annual Garden Fund. A gift to this fund helps to pay our operating expenses to maintain gardens, facilities and offer educational and cultural programming for all in our community. Gifts of any size are sincerely appreciated. See page 7 for more information.

SPRING 2019 Education FALL/WINTER 2020 Garden Happenings

Merry & Bright at Myriad Botanical Gardens November 25-January 4

From mid-November through New Year’s Day, Myriad Botanical Gardens is a popular destination as visitors come to the Gardens to see our lights and festive décor.

In anticipation of continued social distancing and limited gatherings indoors, we will offer festive outdoor holiday décor in 2020 to ensure that the Gardens continue to be a place of peace and respite. As our grounds are free and open to the public, displays will be accessible to the entire community, day and evening, to see and enjoy.

Presented by

Sponsored by Sonic, Devon Energy Corporation, Tinker Federal Credit Union, R.K. Black, Inc., GEICO - Southwest, American StaffCorp, and Bank of Oklahoma

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SPRING 2019 Education

Mo’s Carousel: $3

Wednesday, November 25, 12-5 pm Thanksgiving, November 26, CLOSED Holiday Break, December 21-24, 12-6 pm Christmas Day, CLOSED New Year’s Eve, 12-6 pm New Year’s Day, CLOSED Mo’s Carousel has quickly become a beloved holiday tradition at Myriad Botanical Gardens. This charming attraction near the Children’s Garden is a must-do in downtown Oklahoma City.

Decorated for the holiday season, Mo’s Carousel provides a perfect picture moment sure to bring a smile for many years to come.

Family PLUS members ride for free all year long.

Join or renew today at myriadgardens.org

Santa Paws

Saturday, December 12, 11 am-3 pm Sponsored by Geico-Southwest Myriad Dog Park M $5; NM $10

Are you in need of a holiday photo of your four-legged family member this year? Join us for a photo session with Santa in our Dog Park. Meet the GEICO gecko and listen to holiday tunes by DJ Brian Smith from Mutt Radio. Barking Dog Bakery will provide doggie goodie bags. Pupcups provided by Stella Nova and dog character sketches by artist Lawrence Grech.

There will be a limited number of spots, and COVID protocols will be in place.

Santa at the Gardens

Saturday, December 5, 1-3 pm Saturday, December 12, 1-3 pm (MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT) Friday, December 18, 6-8 pm Meinders Terrace F RE E E VE N T PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED A family tradition comes to Myriad Botanical Gardens, courtesy of Devon Energy. Come by and meet Santa. Children can interact with Santa from a safe, social distance, drop off letters in his personal mailbox, and enjoy the wonder and beauty of his winter workshop.

There will be a limited number of spots, and COVID protocols will be in place.

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Garden Happenings SPRING 2019 2020 Garden Happenings FALL/WINTER SPRING 2020 Garden Happenings

Spring Smiles Bulb Giveaway

Hundreds of kits distributed for families to garden at home

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t a time when gardens are being prepared for winter rest and hibernation, there is one item on the late fall to-do list that every gardener anticipates – the planting of spring bulbs. Late fall is the time when these unremarkable little bundles go into the ground, tucked in and ready for a

splashy spring appearance. One can’t help but smile when they see festive and colorful tulips, daffodils and hyacinths bursting onto the scene after weeks of cold and gray.

Spring Smiles – Free Bulb Kits to Plant in Fall, presented by Delta Dental, featured three kit options: one with a dozen daffodil bulbs; another with 10 red tulip bulbs, and a third with eight yellow and purple tulip bulbs. Online planting instructions have been produced with our youth education coordinator and made available on the Myriad Botanical Gardens website. In addition, each kit included supplies to keep our smiles fresh and healthy, provided by Delta Dental of Oklahoma.

Available while supplies last at the front desk in the Visitor Lobby during regular hours. One per family.

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SPRING 2019 Garden Happenings

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yriad Botanical Gardens has been a part of the Oklahoma City community for more than 30 years. We are your gathering space, a place to come together safely outdoors and enjoy small and big moments. While 2020 has been an exceptional year, one thing you can always count

on is the Gardens are here for you.

This year we saw a substantial loss of earned and philanthropic revenue from the pandemic – a shortfall that could have lasting implications if we don’t close the gap. In addition, we experienced significant damage throughout the grounds from the October ice storm. Our large, beautiful shade trees, plants and shrubs, those things that combined make the Gardens what it is, took a big hit and we lost a lot in the ice.

But with your help, we will rebuild. Please consider a gift to the Annual Garden Fund. Your support will truly make a difference, now more than ever.

You can count on us to be a place of respite and connection with nature and community. Can we count on you to help us sustain the Gardens for the future of all Oklahomans? Please give today.

Three ways to make your year-end gift of support • Online at myriadgardens.org

We invite you to take advantage of the CARES Act charitable giving incentives, including an above-the-line deduction for

• Contact Shannon Davis, development director, by phone at (405) 471-3612 or email

total charitable contributions up to $300 as well as a 100 percent deduction for those who itemize

at sdavis@myriadgardens.org

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• Use the envelope enclosed in this publication

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SPRING 2019 Garden Happenings FALL/WINTER 2020 Donor Spotlight If you would like to honor Jil and Tony Boghetich and financially support Myriad Botanical Gardens, contact Deputy Director Debora Morey, dmorey@myriadgardens.org.

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SPRING 2019 Garden Happenings

James R. Tolbert III Crystal Orchid Award Honorees Recognized for Supporting Spring Bulb Displays

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ach spring more than 40,000 tulip,

The couple continue to give generously to the

daffodil, hyacinth and scilla bulbs bloom

Gardens in many ways. In 2019, they served

in Myriad Botanical Gardens, creating a

as co-chairs of the biennial spring luncheon

cheerful and dazzling sea of bright color.

This display annually draws thousands of visitors who enjoy the spring flowers.

Longtime supporters of the Gardens, Jil and Tony Boghetich were enchanted by the community’s enthusiastic response to the bulbs that were first planted in 2012 and shared the vision of the Gardens to offer a stunning floral display each spring in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City that is free to view.

fundraiser, Art of Flowers, helping the Gardens raise grant funds to fulfill the Rapp Foundation match requirements. Tony also serves on the Myriad Gardens Foundation Community Board.

“Myriad Botanical Gardens is a treasure our city has embraced,” Tony Boghetich said. “The annual display of spring blooms brings great joy to many of our citizens and visitors. Jil and I personally have supported this effort on our own and through the Robert Glenn Rapp

Residents of Oklahoma City and La Jolla,

Foundation, where we serve as trustees. We are

California, the Boghetiches, who both serve on

truly honored to have been a small part of this

the board of the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation,

effort.”

facilitated a matching grant award that is now fully realized. As a result, we have established a $400,000 permanent endowment funding which continues to grow, ensuring a dazzling display of spring bulbs in perpetuity.

As we plant thousands of bulbs this winter, the Gardens remain deeply grateful for the extraordinary gift that keeps giving to the multitude of visitors who look forward to visiting each year to celebrate the arrival of spring.

“The foresight and generosity of Jil and Tony Boghetich to secure the bulb endowment made a lasting impact on the Gardens,” said Maureen Heffernan, CEO of Myriad Gardens Foundation. “The Gardens’ incredible and vibrant spring bulb displays have become a treasured attraction in Oklahoma City, a moment each year when our downtown explodes with color and beauty. This wouldn’t be possible without the Boghetiches championship and the support of the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation and donors who helped us make the match.”

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SPRING 2019 Garden Happenings FALL/WINTER 2020 Education

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 6-8PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 10AM-NOON

Gingerbread House Workshop M $40; NM $45 (includes frosting and candy) All ages welcome. Children ages 8 and under will need chaperone help.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, 10AM

Reading Wednesdays Visitor Center Lobby, Crystal Bridge FREE Best for ages 2 to 5 Bring your toddler for storytime every Wednesday.

Books are nature-themed and selected based on the season. We’ll begin with an interactive song and some weeks will include a small craft after the story.

Fitness in the Gardens BOTANICAL BALANCE FREE YOGA TUESDAYS 6PM AND SATURDAYS 9AM LOWER LEVEL OF THE CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY FREE - registration required Instructor provided by the YMCA. Best for ages 16 and up.

Bring your mat and water. As we move into winter, yoga will be held in the lower level of the Crystal Bridge Conservatory. As a result, space is limited and advanced registration is required. All attendees must social distance on their mats and wear masks in order to participate.

PRESENTED BY

SPONSORED BY

‘Tis the season to decorate a beautiful gingerbread house. 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 17, 6-7PM

Family Workshop: Natural Ornaments and Decorations M $10; NM $15 Best for ages 6 to 12 Add a personal touch to your Christmas tree and home this season with ornaments and decorations made from natural materials. Enjoy holiday music and warm cocoa as you craft one planned decoration and then spend the rest of your time making a few of your own creations.

ADULTS PICK-UP DECEMBER 11-13

Lasagna Bulb Planter DIY To-Go Kit M $28; NM $32 Pre-registration is REQUIRED Pick-up during Crystal Bridge hours 9am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm Lasagna bulb planting is a clever way to layer your bulbs so you can create a container that is constantly blooming from early to late spring. This DIY togo kit will include over 20 bulbs in four different varieties, a large container and all the necessary soil. Also included will be a link to an instructional video of how to assemble your lasagna planter and written instructions and care tips.

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SPONSORED BY

SPRING 2019 Education

All classes and locations subject to change. Please check our website for the most current updates.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 10AM-NOON AND 1-3PM

Holiday Workshop: Evergreen Wreaths M $45; NM $55 Kaitlin Bacon, Horticulturist, Children’s Garden Manager Design a fantastic, modern evergreen wreath in this seasonal, hands-on workshop. Receive specialized instruction from our Children’s Garden manager who will lead you to create a beautiful 18-22-inch wreath fit to adorn any holiday display.

Evergreen wreaths are suited for indoor or outdoor décor.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Come to the Gardens to reflect upon and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Due to pandemic restrictions, this year our event will be outdoors. Check our website for further details as they become available.

LAST SATURDAYS OF THE MONTH, 10-11AM

Guided Walking Tour FREE - registration required Expand your knowledge of Oklahoma plants and find inspiration for your own garden with an educational walking tours, led by one of our knowledgeable horticultural staff. Although geared towards adults, children and leashed dogs are welcome.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2021

Tropical Paradise Photography Workshop Last chance to photograph the Crystal Bridge Conservatory before renovations!

M $20; NM $25 Doug Hoke, Director of Photography, The Oklahoman Escape the cold weather and take part in photographing the plants inside the Crystal Bridge Conservatory before it undergoes a complete renovation. Learn how to capture vibrant photos of the desert and rainforest ecosystems that live in our conservatory. Bring your own mobile phone or camera. Program begins in the Gardens classroom.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2-3:30PM

Homemade Holiday Herb Gifts Debbie St. John, Master Gardener M $30; NM $35

SPONSORED BY

Learn creative ways to use herbs and other natural ingredients to make your own holiday gifts this season.

We’ll discuss a bit about herb preservation and various benefits of herbs then dive into examples of how you can craft healthful and thoughtful treats for friends and family. We’ll end the class by making one herb infused cooking oil and one herb infused body oil to head home with along with other recipe and gift ideas.

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Register online myriadgardens.org

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SPRING 2019 Horticulture FALL/WINTER 2020 Garden Happenings

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SPRING 2019 Education

ART IN THE GARDENS Works by Virginia Sitzes

DECEMBER 3 – JANUARY 12, 2021 SOUTH LOBBY OF THE CRYSTAL BRIDGE Virginia Sitzes is a printmaker, painter, and muralist living in Oklahoma City. She has exhibited regionally, taught workshops, been the drawing and painting liaison at Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain and is also a printmaking mentor for Artspace at Untitled’s high school mentorship program. In addition, Sitzes is an active arts organizer, co-founding the emerging artist collective, Art Group OKC in 2017, and serves as operations coordinator for the Connect:Collect international print exchange. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Sitzes earned a bachelor’s degree in printmaking in 2017.

Afrikanation Artists Organization and Djaspora Productions JANUARY 13 – MARCH 2, 2021

Still Here: The Cosmology of Black Resilience

SOUTH LOBBY OF THE CRYSTAL BRIDGE “We come together as Black artists to acknowledge our place in the African diasporic continuum as flesh, blood, and spirit.

Looking at the past, present, and future, our work asks the maker and the viewer, ‘What does it mean to be Black and resilient?’

We improvise to survive. We improvise to thrive. This is how we understand our place in the cosmos.”

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SPRING 2019 Education Support FALL/WINTER 2020 Horticulture SUMMER 2020

Inasmuch Foundation makes lead gift to renovate Crystal Bridge at Myriad Botanical Gardens

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nasmuch Foundation has committed $2.5 million to the second phase of a capital campaign to renovate the Crystal Bridge Conservatory at Myriad Botanical Gardens. This phase features a complete renovation of the interior conservatory spaces to enhance visitor engagement with a more diverse plant collection, interactive educational exhibits, improved ADA accessibility, and a museumquality gift shop.

From left, Larry Nichols, chair of Myriad Gardens Foundation, Jim Tolbert, chair emeritus, and Bob Ross, chairman and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation.

The Visitor Center lobby of the Crystal Bridge was renovated as part of the first phase of the capital campaign and completed in 2018, made possible by a major gift from Devon Energy. Phase one also included renovation of lower-level classroom space for use by John Rex Middle School and a new horticulture classroom, funded by Inasmuch Foundation.

Since its opening in 1988, the Crystal Bridge Conservatory has remained largely unchanged. As the centerpiece of the Gardens, it is home to thousands of tropical and desert plants within 13,000 square feet, divided into two distinct climates: wet and dry.

including an elevator, will enable people of all ages and physical abilities to fully enjoy the space.

“The Crystal Bridge at Myriad Botanical Gardens is such a recognizable structure in downtown Oklahoma City,” said Bob Ross, chairman and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. “Staff at the Gardens continually strive to create wonderful spaces and learning opportunities for Oklahoma City. When I learned of plans for reimagining the tropical plant conservatory to create a superb visitor experience, I knew Inasmuch Foundation would want to support this initiative.

Maureen Heffernan, CEO of Myriad Gardens Foundation, said she appreciates the visionary leadership demonstrated by the Inasmuch Foundation and its major giving support. “This gift enables Myriad Botanical Gardens to significantly improve our Conservatory experience so it is as transformational as the outdoor renovation that was completed in 2011. An updated and more engaging Conservatory will help attract visitors from all of the major downtown development near the Gardens including Scissortail Park, and the Convention Center and Omni Hotel.

The forthcoming renovation will update aging infrastructure, allow for a more diverse plant collection with both permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as new and enhanced water elements, circulation paths and sitting areas. A terrace feature will overlook the conservatory and add much-needed educational programming and venue space. Improved accessibility,

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SPRING 2019 Horticulture

Children’s Garden blends play-based learning with horticulture to seed curiosity about plants and nature Written By Kaitlin Bacon Children’s Garden Manager

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Garden Happenings Happenings SPRING 2019 Horticulture Horticulture SUMMER 2020 FALL/WINTER 2020

O

ur Children’s Garden exists at a sort

around them. And, they can bring their parents into

of crossroads. In an urban landscape,

that circle of exploration as well. Kids are welcome

it can be hard to imagine that the

to go digging in our compost bins or the plant beds

natural world is anywhere nearby, when in

for dirt they can pack into their mud pies. They can

fact it’s all around us! It just takes training the

scoop water from our rain barrel, or take a pitcher

eye to find it. When kids first arrive, they see

over to the pond and fill it there.

fun and interactive playground equipment, surrounded by natural plantings, which lends itself aesthetically to being a part of the garden.

As their curiosity begins to unfurl, they will find a pond, our raised plant beds, a pollinator pocket, and so much more to explore. With educational interactive pieces placed all around, these spaces encourage exploration and making connections from this natural world to theirs.

Combining play-based learning with the

I change recipes in the kitchen regularly and if kids choose to follow, there are acorns, certaincolored petals, smooth rocks, and more to hunt, as well as food to forage from our raised beds. We have a seating area so caregivers can patronize their child’s pop up restaurant. On more than one occasion I have been offered a seat myself. This play encourages practice with numbers, measurements, food, color, and more. My favorite part, and motivation, is getting children out in the garden – exploring, inventing, and asking questions.

horticultural side of our Children’s Garden has been one of my biggest goals since becoming manager. For example, this past summer I installed a mud kitchen under the pergola next to our raised plant beds. It has done wonders for getting children to connect with the garden 16

Children play in the mud kitchen.

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SPRING 2019 Horticulture

Come by to see experiments in vertical gardening, upside-down planters, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Look for an updated weather station in the near future. Read a book on the porch or in our nature break spots, like our hyacinth bean teepee.

Most importantly, just come play and explore.

My hope for our Children’s Garden is that kids and adults alike leave with more questions than when they started. I want them to embrace nature and find a place within it. As environmental educator David Sobel so wisely says: “Give children a chance to love the earth before we ask them to save it.”

A vertical planter grows a variety of plants in a small space.

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Children’s Garden Manager Kaitlin Bacon plants garlic bulbs in an elevated planter.

SPRING 2019 Garden Happenings Award FALL/WINTER 2020 Horticulture SUMMER 2020

Gardens Festival Earns National Award The annual Bringing Books to Life festival at Myriad Botanical Gardens earned a national Program of Excellence Award from the American Public Gardens Association. The award is given to an association member who has displayed an innovative spirit in the development of an original program, and demonstrated leadership in public horticulture.

With one-time funding from the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Gardens CEO Maureen Heffernan launched Bringing Books to Life in 2013. Visitors to the annual festival have since stepped through a giant keyhole into The Secret Garden, taken a wild rumpus with Max and his merry monsters from Where the Wild Things Are, sat beside Piglet and Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood, and enjoyed the bare necessities with Baloo, Mowgli and friends from The Jungle Book.

“The national American Public Garden Association promotes and provides information resources for botanical gardens throughout North America,” Heffernan said. “We were thrilled to have our annual spring family festival, Bringing Books to Life, selected to receive their top award for program excellence. Our staff and local artists work hard to make this annual festival as educationally engaging, creative and inspiring as possible to motivate children and their families to read books and plant a garden. Both have the power to gain insights and lessons for a lifetime.

Local painters, sculptors and storytellers help transform the Children’s Garden into a magical world based on a classic children’s book with a garden or horticultural theme. This festival has become an anticipated late spring tradition for thousands of families who look forward to walking through re-imagined garden spaces brought to life.

Literacy components are woven throughout the festival with storytelling, scavenger hunts, hands-

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Top: Winnie the Pooh with Piglet, sculpture by Nick Bayer.

Below: The Secret Garden keyhole gateway made by artist Hugh Meade.

on activities and other interactive educational opportunities as well as theatrical and musical performances based on the book.

Since the festival’s inception, the Gardens has partnered with Metropolitan Library System and the Oklahoma City Thunder to promote literacy and summer reading.

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SPRING 2019 Membership

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aking Myriad Botanical Gardens the beautiful space that it is takes a lot of people. Like many things that run well, perhaps not a lot of thought is given to exactly how the grounds are so well maintained and manicured, how seasonal plantings come and go, or the kind of skill required to keep the many plants in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory thriving.

Behind the scenes are a host of talented individuals with varied backgrounds and education.

Whether you are interested in art, business, education, science or technology, a career in horticulture might be worth considering. Making an impact in the world of plants involves a lot. In fact, there are more than 140 career options to choose from when looking across the horticultural spectrum.

Seed Your Future is a movement to promote horticulture – the business of managing, growing and using plants – to inspire people to pursue careers in the field. Supported by more than 150 partner organizations, Seed Your Future envisions a country where everyone understands and values the importance of plants and the people who work in horticulture.

For more information visit seedyourfuture.org

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Myriad Botanical Gardens staff planting, teaching and distributing plants at this year’s successful Prairie Plant Sale

FALL/WINTER 2020 Book Reviews The Tea Dragon Society

by Katie O’Neill Follow a young blacksmith’s apprentice as she learns the dying art of tea dragon caretaking in this enchanting graphic novel. Gentle and inclusive, this story explores the elements of friendship, tradition, and craft as Greta makes friends and opens herself up to a world near-lost but enriching. This book is fantastic for all-ages and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Review by Kaitlin Bacon

The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature

by Sue Stuart-Smith The healing effects of gardening are explored in this work by psyschiatrist and gardener Sue StuartSmith. Using case studies of those struggling with a host of traumas, she shows us how spending time outdoors in the natural world can transform lives. A powerful case for discovering, or rediscovering, a relationship with the earth, The WellGardened Mind is a book worth reading as we hunker down for winter in anticipation of spring.

ROXABOXEN

by Alice McLerran

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

A hill in the desert becomes anything you could want it to be. From a town square to the site of great battles, Roxaboxen is a place of imagination come to life.

Using old crate boxes, sea glass, sticks, and more, the children of Roxaboxen create their own world, one that can be revisited and reimagined as whatever you can dream.

Roz has no idea how she got on this wild island or what her purpose is. Her best hope for survival is to learn to adapt to her surroundings and find her place with the creatures and wilderness around her.

But what happens when her past catches up to her?

And what does home really mean? Heart-warming and action-packed, this novel is wonderfully suited for children in elementary and middle school.

Review by Kaitlin Bacon

Review by Kaitlin Bacon

Review by Susan Grossman

Urban Forests: A Natural History of Trees and People in the American Cityscape

by Jill Jonnes Given the recent unexpected ice storm, Urban Forests: A Natural History of Trees and People in the American Cityscape, by Jill Jonnes is a timely read. A celebration of urban trees, Jonnes cites their civic virtues while tracing the natural history of trees and Americans. Read about the invention of Arbor Day, the famous cherry trees of Washington D.C., tree doctors, the establishment of arboretums and the value of trees for public health and more. Urban Forests examines one of the most beautiful natural resources we have.

Review by Susan Grossman

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SPRING 2019 Education

GIVE A GARDENS MEMBERSHIP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON For those on your list who value experiences more than things, consider giving a membership to Myriad Botanical Gardens this year.

Recipients will enjoy a host of benefits including: • Year-round admission to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory during regular business hours* • Reciprocal admission to more than 300 public gardens nationwide; visit ahs.org for a complete list • Admission to the Children’s Garden Festival in June and Pumpkinville in October • Free ice skate rental with purchase of admission at the Devon Ice Rink • Discounts on educational programs and seasonal activities • 10 percent discount on children’s birthday party rentals • Access to all our Living Well and Green Thumb Benefits • Exclusive opportunities for members-only events • Complimentary subscription to Better Homes and Gardens OR Martha Stewart Living ($30 value) • Half off admission to Sky Rink at Scissortail Park • Free rides on Mo’s Carousel all year (Family PLUS members) *The Crystal Bridge Conservatory will close for renovation in spring 2021.

Support the Gardens and downtown Oklahoma City’s world class public garden. Scan this QR code to learn more and purchase a membership.

Or go to myriadgardens.org/membership

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MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES FREE RIDES ON MO’S CAROUSEL (For Family PLUS members)

A GYM MEMBERSHIP THAT WORKS OUT FOR ALL The Y offers a different kind of gym membership: • 15 safe, clean and regularly disinfected locations throughout central Oklahoma • Youth sports, developmental sports free with household membership, including team sports and low-risk individual sports • Personal Training • Community outreach through emergency childcare, year-round feeding programs, financial assistance and more • Free group exercise classes, childcare while working out and fitness tracker and challenge app

Adult membership $40 per month and Household memberships starting as low as $65 per month, with no contract.

This pansy, planted in the containers on the west plaza, looks black but isn’t. Photo by Leslie A. Spears

Join today at ymcaokc.org/join

SPRING 2019 Education

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

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

Please Support the Gardens today by giving to the Annual Garden Fund.

Make your year-end gift by going online at myriadgardens.org