Myriad Botanical Gardens

But we weren’t through with Oklahoma City yet.  We had heard good things about the Myriad Botanical Gardens and its Crystal Bridge Conservatory, and wanted to see them before we left Oklahoma City.  The Conservatory is impressive not only inside, but outside as well.

Fortunately, Bill and Cec Burton had pulled into our RV park, so we had their company for our visit. 

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The day was cool and very windy, so we didn’t spend much time outside.  Inside, though, the tropical paradise of the Conservatory kept us busy for over an hour.  

The enclosed space covers 13,000 square feet, with a sky bridge so you can not only walk through, but look down into, the tropical forest.

It features over 750 varieties of plants, waterfalls, 

and even a few small terrariums holding critters you might find in the forest. 

Ball Python

Veiled Chamaleon

Poison Dart Frog

A few of the orchids were in bloom, 

and the cacti, succulents and other plants were putting on a show of their own.  

One of my special favorites was the Madagascar palm.  I have one of these at home, which I grew from a six-inch seedling over at least 20 years.  It's now over six feet tall.  I didn't know its name; mine has never bloomed, and I didn't know that it would grow branches. 

  

Good information, good fun and good fellowship.  We had a great day.