Phase II of the Houston Botanic Garden project focused on creating the Global Collection Garden, which is located on an island within the greater Garden complex. Construction started in March of 2020, and was completed in September. Though it comprises only three acres of the entire Garden, The Global Collection Garden is one of the most diverse when it comes to plant life and consists of three different climatic zones: Tropical, Subtropical and Arid. Each climatic zone features plants from around the world, including staghorn ferns, lilies and African grasses.
Our team was tasked with installing the key elements within the Global Collection Garden. At the entrance of the Global Collection Garden, guests are greeted by a large entry fountain made of custom stonework, which gives it a natural look. A mosaic tile paving creates a pathway through the garden, guiding visitors through the Collection while adding visual interest to the surrounding landscape.
Precast stools and benches adorn the path, offering visitors a place to rest and take in the beauty of the plant life around them. We installed walk-in Curiosity Cabinets for the Garden’s youngest visitors, which are used to house a variety of natural objects to stimulate sensory play for children. Fog misting systems were implemented as a way to not only keep guests of the garden cool but to offer much-needed moisture for plant life in the gardens.
The Global Collection Garden provides an international botanic experience right in the heart of Houston. We are proud to play a part in bringing this collection to the Houston community. Our next issue of the Houston Botanic Garden series will focus on The Culinary Garden – stay tuned. If you missed the first installment, check it out here.
