Lendonwood Gardens

Six acres of lush green gardens packed with brilliant blooms from over 1,500 plant species await you at the Lendonwood Gardens in Grove. Take a leisurely walk through paths shaded by towering oak trees or visit the Japanese Pavilion, located in the central part of the main garden, for an overlooking view of the koi pond and surrounding gardens. Other highlights of the botanical gardens include bonsai, Japanese maple, hosta, dogwood and one of the largest chamaecyparis trees (false cypress) and rhododendron collections in the Midwest. The Angel of Hope statue and surrounding garden area provide a peaceful place of healing.

Six acres of lush green gardens packed with brilliant blooms from over 1,500 plant species await you at the Lendonwood Gardens in Grove. Take a leisurely walk through paths shaded by towering oak trees or visit the Japanese Pavilion, located in the central part of the main garden, for an overlooking view of the koi pond and surrounding gardens. Other highlights of the botanical gardens include bonsai, Japanese maple, hosta, dogwood and one of the largest chamaecyparis trees (false cypress) and rhododendron collections in the Midwest. The Angel of Hope statue and surrounding garden area provide a peaceful place of healing.

There are six distinct garden areas including the display garden, oriental garden, Japanese pavilion, English terrace garden, American backyard garden and the azalea garden. The display garden is located near Lendonwood Garden's entrance and features eye-catching colors. This is also the location of over 75 varieties of Japanese maple trees. The oriental garden features plants that thrive in the shade like hostas and over 25 kinds of dogwoods. A 150-foot stream also winds through the area.

The English terrace garden, as the name suggests, features plants that are popular in England such as rhododendrons, a weeping katsura tree and a magnolia tree complete with giant, glossy leaves and white, fragrant blooms. The American backyard garden is the only garden at Lendonwood that doesn't have water irrigation, so the plants in the area must be able to thrive with minimal water. Among the plant varieties located in the area are knockout roses, marigolds, zinnias and daylilies. There is also a charming white gazebo located in the center of the garden, which is a popular spot for photos. The azalea garden is a full acre of blooming red, white, pink, lavender, yellow and orange azaleas, which thrive in the shaded areas. Take a walk around the area during the spring when the plants are most fragrant.

The Angel of Hope statue, located on Lendonwood's west side, is intended to bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones, especially children. Surrounded by tall trees, this peaceful spot is calming and secluded. During spring, the area comes alive with bursts of color from rhododendrons and azaleas. Each year on December 6, a remembrance ceremony is held at the statue complete with flickering candles and flowers.

Lendonwood Gardens got its start in 1995 when Dr. Leonard Miller designed and built the garden. Miller's work with the garden lasted about 18 months before the gardens became a non-profit corporation. Since then, numerous plants have been added and additional land adjacent to the original garden has been purchased.

No matter the time of year, there is always something to see at Lendonwood Gardens. The spring brings in bright bursts of color with crocuses, daffodils, azaleas, dogwoods, flowering cherry, rhododendron and peonies. Summertime plants are no less vibrant with a dazzling array of daylilies, hostas, annuals, zinnias and impatiens. Fall ushers in one of the things that Oklahoma, especially, is known for: fall foliage. Wintertime at Lendonwood Gardens is also magical with the sharp smell of evergreen trees in the air and, occasionally, a blanket of snow.

Guided and group tours are available with advance notice.