More and more arboretums are including significant cascades and waterfalls to highlight their floral displays and establish a restful, relaxed environment to increase the enjoyment of their visitors. Botanica, 'The Wichita Gardens', has the usual multi-environment displays among which is their Martha Parriott Terrace Garden.
A 'reflecting pool' at the east end of the garden features a lovely fountain from New Orleans while a very present cascade is the centerpiece at the west end. Surrounded by a Terrace Garden which is a kind of rock garden with geraniums, mums. tulips, and other flowers you'll probably find very familiar. Usually there are a lot of chairs and tables on the limestone patio so you can sit, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds.
This is a popular setting for weddings which can make it difficult, if not impossible, to get up close to the cascade. Weddings are usually on weekends, however, and they are closed to the general public anyway on weekends from Thanksgiving through Saint
Patrick's Day (March 17). They are open, Monday through Friday, from 9a to 5p. During the summer months they are open, Sundays and Holidays, from 1p to 5p; they also stay open until 8p every Tuesday in the summer.
There are several other specialty gardens including their Butterfly Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Rose and Wildflower Garden and their award-winning Sally Stone Sensory Garden so there is really a lot to enjoy over and above the waterfall.
How to get there:
From the US-54/400 freeway:
Exit at Seneca Street and drive north on Seneca, crossing the Arkansas River bridge. Turn left onto West Sim Park Drive (first traffic light after the bridge) and follow the signs to Botanica's main entrance (about 0.5 mile on your right).
From I-135:
Take exit 8 (13th Street) follow 13th Street west about 4 miles. You will drive by North High School on your right and the Little Arkansas River on your left. Watch out for the split of N River Drive - you want to stay on 13th Street. The third street on your left after the N River Drive split is Perry. Turn left and follow Perry 6 blocks to W. Murdock. Turn right on Murdock and Botanica's entrance will be just a half (on your left).
For more information:
Botanica - Wichita Gardens
701 Amidon
Wichita, KS 67203
316-264-0448
e-mail: botanica@botanica.org
web site: www.botanica.org
