Houston Botanic Garden was established in 2002 as a non-profit organization to bring space to life. This garden features 132 acres of the natural ecosystem, walking trails, horticultural displays, and thousands of plant species worldwide. Formerly, it was part of Glenbrook Park Golf Course but later was established as a serene garden of its 30-year master plan. It is one of the top Houston greenspaces featuring various gardens, beautiful destinations, and learning programs.
Address: 1 Botanic Lane Houston, TX 77017
Phone: (713) 715-9675
Website: https://hbg.org/
Opening Hours: Monday- Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day
10 Reasons to Visit Houston Botanic Garden
Below are beautiful gardens, activities, and accommodations you can explore while spending time at Houston Botanic Garden.
1. Enjoy ROCO Live Performance on the Go in the garden
There is nothing more magical than listening to music after a long day. The Houston Botanic Garden offers live performances by ROCO, a Houston-based professional chamber orchestra. The music played is aligned with cultures from different countries that signify plants in the garden.
With advanced technology, you can listen to ROCO performances even at home. You scan a QR code in your phone at an admission cost and continue enjoying the music.
2. Dine at Picnic Grove
Houston Botanic Garden has plenty of spots to relax. Picnic Grove is a nice place to spend quality time with your loved ones. This spot has plenty of picnic tables and oak trees that provide shade during sunny days.
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy yourself here. The Picnic Grove allows people to bring their food but outside beverages are not allowed. In addition, there are refreshments offered and a place to refill water bottles.
3. Discover the Global Collection Garden
The Global Collection Garden is an incredible place with serene nature. The garden has six magical gallery spaces and two distinct areas designed by landscape designers West 8. This large three acres garden has different zones with a hundred plants.
Each zone boasts global greenery that thrives in the warm climate of Houston. There is a nearby rainforest that offers a misty ambiance with a section of its exotic vibrant leaves. In the subtropical area, you will find species of bamboo and azaleas. The mid arid are at Global Collection Garden you will discover cacti and succulent plants.
4. Have fun at the Botanic Garden Island
Right at the entrance of Houston Botanic Garden is a beautiful island surrounded by plants of all species. The 70-acre island is surrounded by Sims Bayou meander on the three sides channeling to Bayou Greenway.
Alongside the island is a bustling outdoor corridor that allows individuals to stroll while enjoying nature. In addition, the island offers fun activities including running trails, hiking, biking, and walking trails.
5. Walking Trails
Much of the former golf course park, Houston Botanic Garden features numerous walking trails. This garden has unique paved trails where people can walk through the garden including prairie and wetlands. Dogs are not allowed.
The 2.5 miles of walking trail allows you to explore the whole garden in your comfort. Additionally, there are pavilions with shaded pine groves and bistro tables where you can rest. The walkways have benches and green grounds to relax while walking.
6. Experience nature in the Susan Graver Family Discovery Garden
Susan Graver Family Discovery Garden is a five-minute walk from the botanic garden established by the end of 2019. It has a lovely boardwalk maze with ducks, geese, and ducklings. Meander through the boardwalk that surrounds a lagoon filled with natural trees.
Also, there is a natural play structure and play areas to entertain kids. Nearby there are the Stormwater Wetlands to spot native wetland plants. The Stormwater Wetland is a natural habitat drenched with water, plants, and trees. These plants are important in extracting bacteria, pollutants, and metals from water.
7. Take a stroll at the Woodland Glade
Need a stroll? The Woodland Glade is an intimate spot surrounded by sculpted hedges and magnolias perfect for strolling. The stunning scenery has an education center, restaurant, and a conservatory with butterflies and exotic trees.
If you are planning a wedding or a special event you can rent space at the Woodland Galde. There are serene oases and exotic flowers for photography.
8. Discover edible plants in the Culinary Garden
The Culinary Garden at Houston Botanic Garden offers edible and medicinal plants such as prickly pear, Turkish sage, and sunflower. The garden has a beautiful waterfall and elegant design forming a major attraction.
The Culinary Garden allows individuals to participate in outdoor events to raise funds for their projects. In addition, there are plants from other countries here. Within the garden you will discover grapes and aromatic herbs from Mesopotamia, Roman, and Greek; and a Mediterranean terrace for olives.
9. Plant and grow produce in the Community Garden
If you are interested to learn about different plants, visit the Community Garden. The Community Garden offers supplies and classes teaching people how to grow organic produce. Nutrition lessons are also offered inclusive of paperwork at a fee of $55 per person.
Education programs in horticultural and gardening are offered to learners of all ages and backgrounds. Book a ticket with Houston Botanic Garden and learn more about plants.
10. Dining and other accommodations
Around Houston Botanic Garden are major restaurants where you can spend your night. In addition, they serve delicious dishes from different cuisines. They include Street to Kitchen 4.2 miles from the garden serving Thai dishes; Gatsby’s Grill 6.2 miles serving American Dishes.
Other restaurants for accommodation include Gotti’s, Davis Street and Kulture Restaurant.
Conclusions
Houston Botanic Garden features a collection of themed Gardens, Coastal Prairie, Culinary, and Stormwater Wetlands. Visit this incredible greenspace and discover nature, natural ecosystems, and natural habitats. Bring your family and enjoy nature while bonding. In addition, Houston Botanic Garden offers classes for individuals interested in learning about nature and other ecosystems.