Memphis Botanic Garden | Memphis

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a 96-acre living museum of plants located in Audubon Park at 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tennessee. It is one of the most expansive and diverse horticultural centers in the southeastern United States, blending natural beauty, educational programming, and community engagement. It offers over 30 specialty gardens, multiple walking trails, interactive exhibits, and thousands of plant varieties that appeal to both casual visitors and serious horticulturists.

Origins and Development

The foundation for the Memphis Botanic Garden was laid in 1953, when the Ketchum Memorial Iris Garden was first established. By 1957, the W.C. Paul Arboretum was created, followed shortly by several themed garden spaces. Over the next few decades, it expanded significantly through public investment and volunteer support.

Many of the gardens reflect historical and regional influences, with designs that embrace both traditional and contemporary landscaping principles. The entire garden was officially unified under the name Memphis Botanic Garden in 1966.

Garden Highlights

🌸 Japanese Garden of Tranquility

Designed initially in the 1960s and later refined by Japanese landscape architect Dr. Koichi Kawana, this peaceful retreat blends native Tennessee plants with traditional Japanese design principles. It features:

A classic red bridge over a koi pond

Carefully pruned trees, rocks, and water features arranged in symbolic harmony

Zen-style landscaping that provides a contemplative atmosphere

🌹 Rose Garden

This formal garden includes dozens of hybrid tea roses, floribundas, grandifloras, and old-fashioned varieties. It is arranged with symmetrical walkways and arbors that bloom in vibrant colors from late spring through early fall.

🌿 Herb Garden

An aromatic and educational space featuring herbs used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Visitors can see and smell lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, chamomile, and others grouped by function and historical use.

🦋 Butterfly & Pollinator Garden

A specially curated habitat that includes nectar-producing plants like milkweed, echinacea, aster, and zinnias, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Educational signs explain pollination, plant-insect relationships, and conservation.

🌼 Iris and Daylily Gardens

These gardens showcase hundreds of iris varieties and a vast circle of colorful daylilies. The iris garden pays homage to Tennessee’s state flower, and the collection is especially impressive in April and May.

🌳 W.C. Paul Arboretum

Recognized as Tennessee’s first Level 4 Arboretum, this area features more than 170 distinct tree species, including rare and native specimens. Among them are 19 species of oaks, and several labeled trees offer a self-guided “Notable Trees” tour.

🌵 Cactus and Succulent Collection

Set within a dry, rocky landscape design, this garden contains hardy varieties of agaves, prickly pears, and desert plants adapted to the regional climate. Initially established in 1983, it was expanded and updated in 2009.

💧 Water Garden

A serene corner featuring aquatic and marginal plants such as lotus, water lilies, and cattails, surrounded by weeping willows and benches. It doubles as a gathering space for events and classes.

My Big Backyard (Children’s Garden)

Opened in 2009, this 2.5-acre interactive garden is a whimsical, imaginative space designed for children’s education through play and discovery. Highlights include:

Theme gardens such as a Pizza Garden, Wormville, and Pollination Station

Splash areas, bridges, a treehouse, and hands-on exhibits

Outdoor classrooms and musical play zones

Focus on STEM learning, environmental awareness, and sensory development

Events and Programs

Live at the Garden

This popular outdoor concert series, held in a natural amphitheater within the gardens, has featured renowned performers such as John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and Earth, Wind & Fire. It offers a unique picnic-in-the-park experience with premium sound in a lush setting.

Seasonal Events

The garden hosts year-round community events, including:

Spring Plant Sale and Daffodil Dash

Family Egg Hunt (Easter)

Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch

Holiday Wonders at the Garden – a winter light display with themed areas and festive decor

Wine tastings, farmers markets, and yoga in the garden

Educational Offerings

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a hub for learning, with programs for all ages:

School field trips: Over 40,000 children visit annually through partnerships with Memphis-area schools.

Adult classes: Horticulture, landscape design, photography, wellness, and cooking with herbs.

Master Gardener programs, professional training, and workshops.

Volunteer opportunities: Docents, garden helpers, and event support roles.

Event Rentals and Facilities

The garden serves as a scenic venue for weddings, meetings, and private gatherings, offering multiple indoor and outdoor spaces:

Hardin Hall: A modern hall for receptions and corporate events.

Goldsmith Civic Garden Center: With meeting rooms and a water garden view.

Outdoor pavilions, sculpture gardens, and trails perfect for open-air events.

Thomas W. Briggs Conservatory: A greenhouse and classroom space used for hands-on horticultural learning.

Visitor Information

Open daily: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (winter)

Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission:

Adults: ~$12

Children (2–12): ~$7

Children under 2: Free

Discounts available for members and groups

Annual Visitors: Around 260,000 people per year

Summary

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a vibrant blend of nature, culture, education, and community spirit. Whether you're seeking a quiet stroll through flowering landscapes, a fun family outing, a deeper understanding of horticulture, or an unforgettable venue for a life celebration, the garden delivers a unique and enriching experience across all seasons. It’s not only a sanctuary of beauty but also a vital community resource deeply rooted in the heart of Memphis.