Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens, Corpus Christi, Texas

The Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens are called the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center now. The gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission into the gardens is $5 for adults, $4 for students, seniors and military, and $2 for children five and under. They have a membership for residents, and anyone using the visitor center only can enter for free. The Botanical Gardens are at 8545 South Staples in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Corpus Christi's Botanical Gardens cover 180 acres of land showing many native species of plants, an Orchid House, Plumeria Garden, Bromeliad Conservatory, and Butterfly House. The Conservatory and Butterfly house are new for 2009. The gardens are situated on Oso Creek near the south side. The area is known for its King Ranch. Gator Lake, the shaded Bird and Butterfly Trail, birding tower, Palapa Grande, wetland walks, and Oso Loop trail also make the gardens a wonderful place to visit. It is possible to hear the shore birds and woodland birds make songs.

As part of the gardens there is a Hummingbird Garden, Rose Garden, Arid Garden, Sensory Garden, and Earth Kind demonstration Trail Garden. Reader's Choice has called the South Texas Center the best of the best gardens in the United States for many years. It is also located near the Texas State Aquarium, Lexington Museum, and beach areas Corpus Christi is known for.

Fun facts about the gardens include that Gator Lake is no longer populated by the ancient creatures. Instead it is empty of the massive creatures. There are several vantage points in the garden to view the 180 acres so that guests do not have to walk the entire 180 acres. The Orchid Exhibit has 2000 orchids, which is one of the largest public collections in existence. The Rose Garden has 100 varieties and 300 plants to honor the national flower of Texas. It is also possible to have a wedding or reception at the gardens, especially now that there is a bridal path in the Rose Garden. Lastly for fun facts the palm fronds of the palm trees are not trimmed because they make a home for bats that tend to stop over at certain times of the year.

Tours are offered to guests if you wish to pay a little more for the privilege. Group tours must have 12 to 20 people depending on the group before discounts will apply. There are also set fees for rentals for guests who wish to have parties or weddings on site.

Before leaving the gardens visitors can explore the gift shop. The gift shop provides a number of garden artifacts like turtle statues, bird feeders, shirts, jewelry, totes, angels, butterflies, and much more. The shop carries gifts for a range of budgets and is open every day that the gardens are open. At Christmas time the shop will carry gifts like ornaments based on the garden theme. Lastly there are meeting rooms for educational purposes such as garden club meetings or seminars.