Escape to the SMO Gardens! Explore native plants, meet the museum's bunnies and koi fish, learn about horticulture during 'What's Growing On?' events, play yard games, and much more.
The Gardens at Science Museum Oklahoma are made up of native and Oklahoma-proven plants. You'll find a kids’ garden, herb garden, native plants garden, a Monarch Waystation, a vegetable garden and orchard, a water garden, a Japanese garden, a hobby greenhouse, lawn games, spacious picnic tables, miniature excavators, a bunny hutch that demonstrates permaculture and aquaculture, and a whole lot more!
The gardens at SMO are a typically a serene escape with picnic tables and four lawn spaces perfect for a lunch or lawn games. The gardens are often an ideal location for sensory-sensitive guests who may need a quieter, more predictable environment. The gardens can be accessed through Pavlov's Cafe or through the doors on the south central side of the Science Floor.
Learn how our (and your!) garden grows! During SMO's regular What's Growing On programs, guests will learn about gardening techniques, maintenance, and follow along as gardens and grounds staff take care of the SMO Gardens.
Events are included with general admission unless noted and take place at 11 a.m. on select Saturdays. Check out the dates and activities below:
What's Growing On: Gardening 101
Gardening 101
Gardening 101 is a 7-part What's Growing On gardening series leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in April. Do you want to start a home garden, have a “black” thumb, or just want to learn more about gardening? This is perfect for you! Whether you attend all of the events or just a few, you'll have a new appreciation for gardening and nature.
Gardening 101 is included with admission and free for museum members. All Gardening 101 events will start with a 30-minute talk at Sideshow Science, followed with the hands-on portion from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SMO Gardens. In the event of inclement weather the activity will move inside.
Jan. 18, 11 a.m. talk; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on component
Soil and Composting
Get the dirt on the minerals in top soil, how to improve a garden’s soil and find out what plants need to grow, plus make a worm home and find out how to start home composting for your garden.
Feb. 1, 11 a.m. talk; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on component
Roots
Uncover the different types of roots, how to establish a healthy root system and find out which plants have the deepest roots, plus explore what is growing in the SMO Gardens through nature weaving.
Feb. 15, 11 a.m. talk; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on component
Seeds
Dig up information about the different types of seeds, how seeds develop and how to start seeds of all kinds at home, plus make a “seed bomb” to take home.
Feb. 29, 11 a.m. talk; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on component
Stems
Not STEM, stems! Learn about different stems and surprising stems like potatoes as well as the purpose and parts of stems, plus decorate sticks with yarn and garden elements to take home.
March 28, 11 a.m. talk; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on component
Leaves
Learn about the importance of leaves, their parts and purpose, and what leaves have to do with water intake, plus explore different leaf textures through leaf rubbings.
April 4, 11 a.m. talk; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on component
Flowers
There's more to flowers than their good looks — explore the four parts of a flower and what they do, the importance of flowers, plus use flowers to make a painting.
April 18, 11 a.m. talk; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on component
Fruit
All flowers make fruit — learn all about fruits that float, fly and taste great, plus create an art piece from the colors in various fruits.
April 18 and April 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Earth Day Celebration
Celebrate Earth Day with SMO! Participate in a variety of special Earth Day activities alongside SMO partners. Check back for more information.
A Message from the SMO Gardens Team:
The Gardens at Science Museum Oklahoma sustained significant tree and other damage following the powerful ice storm in October. We know we are not alone.