Amarillo Botanical Gardens | Amarillo

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens, located in Amarillo, Texas, is a well-developed horticultural and educational attraction set on 4.4 acres near the Medical Center Park. Originally founded in 1968 as the Helium Centennial Time Columns Garden, it has since evolved into a year-round destination showcasing native and exotic plant life, indoor conservatories, and seasonal events.

Features and Gardens

1. Mary E. Bivins Tropical Conservatory
A glass pyramid structure that serves as the heart of the gardens. It houses a lush indoor rainforest with:

Tropical plants from around the world

A waterfall and koi pond

Orchids, bromeliads, banana trees, and palms

Cracker the macaw and Stan the tree frog (resident animals)

2. Outdoor Themed Gardens
Each garden is landscaped with attention to both aesthetics and regional relevance:

Harrington Fragrance Garden: Features aromatic plants designed to stimulate the sense of smell.

Wagner Japanese Garden: A tranquil setting with water features and Japanese maple trees.

Bev’s Garden: A formal garden space often used for events and photos.

Xeric Garden: Demonstrates water-wise gardening with cacti, yuccas, and other drought-tolerant plants.

Butterfly Garden: Includes native flowering plants to attract butterflies and pollinators.

Texas Native Plant Garden: Highlights species indigenous to the Texas Panhandle.

Events and Programming

The Gardens are not just a plant showcase-they are an active hub for community events, educational outreach, and seasonal festivals.

Major Annual Events:

Music in the Gardens: Weekly concerts in summer (usually Thursdays June–August), featuring local and regional musicians.

Christmas in the Gardens: A December tradition with over 500,000 lights, walk-through displays, visits from Santa and the Grinch, s’mores, and hot cocoa.

July Jazz: Live jazz concerts in collaboration with local musicians.

PumpkinFest: Fall-themed celebration with pumpkins, games, and family activities.

Monster Masquerade and Haunted Carnival: A Halloween celebration suitable for all ages.

A Day with the Butterflies: Educational event focusing on pollinator awareness and butterfly conservation.

Education and Community Engagement

School Field Trips: Programs aligned with Texas educational standards.

Gardening Classes: Occasional workshops on xeriscaping, container gardening, and composting.

Master Gardener Collaborations: Partnered with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for workshops and outreach.

Volunteer Opportunities: From event staffing to garden maintenance.

Facilities and Accessibility

Visitor Center: Includes restrooms, gift shop, and rental space for weddings, meetings, and parties.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with paved paths and ramp connections.

Photography: Permitted; popular for family portraits and wedding photos (some restrictions or fees may apply for formal shoots).

Hours and Admission (as of 2025)

Hours:

May–October:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

November–April:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Admission Fees:

Adults (13–59): $5

Seniors (60+): $4

Children (6–12): $2

Children under 6: Free

Active military (with ID): Free

Contact

Address: 1400 Streit Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106

Phone: (806) 352-6513

Parking: Free on-site

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural programming, and educational outreach, making it a valuable green space in the Texas Panhandle.