Nestled deep within the concrete jungle of Houston proper exists the Houston Botanic Garden, an oasis of greenery and gardens that provides an escape for residents of the Bayou City. Designed by Dutch landscape architecture and urban design firm West 8, the Houston Botanic Garden is actually a collection of more than a dozen different gardens, each with its own carefully curated theme.
The B&D Landscape Contractors team was selected to bring three of these gardens to life: The Susan Garver Family Garden, Global Collection Garden and the Edible Garden, each during its own phase of a project that would span roughly one year.
Phase 1: The Susan Garver Family Garden
Phase One focused on The Susan Garver Family Garden. This Garden, designed with families in mind, features a boardwalk maze around a large lagoon, children’s play equipment and interactive water machines. Groundbreaking took place in September of 2019, and was completed in January 2020.
The children’s play equipment includes unique features you won’t find at your typical playground, including an Archimedes Screw, Nautilus Shell and See-Saw Pump. Water equipment was installed as a way to encourage developmental learning in children of all ages. Stroll through the garden, and you’ll find all sorts of water play devices, including pumps, dams and other simple machines perfect for little hands.
The Susan Garver Family Garden includes plenty of space for the young (and young-at-heart) to spread out and let their imaginations run wild. Loblolly pine trees provide shady spots for rest and relaxation, while a boardwalk maze encourages exploration. Enjoy an hour or an entire day at this garden. There’s plenty to do and see.
Phase 2: The Global Collection Garden
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 stone work, 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.
