About Botanica
Established 1987
Botanica was opened to the public in May 1987 to generate enthusiasm for horticulture and enlighten people through educational, artistic, and cultural experiences. With this mission, Botanica’s gardens and programs expand public awareness of horticulture, educate Kansans about how nature can improve their daily lives, and assist in the promotion of community development.
In 1982, the Wichita Area Garden Council joined forces with the City of Wichita with a unified vision to provide area residents with a center for horticultural enjoyment and education within a landscape garden setting. For the next three years, plans were formulated for the establishment of Botanica as the community center for horticulture. With the assistance of the Wichita Park Board; site selection, building plans, and methods of funding were secured and finalized. Ground was broken in September of 1985 and nearly 2 years later, the group’s vision for Wichita had become a reality.
Since its opening with four gardens and a horticultural library, Botanica has added 30 additional themed gardens and exhibits. This botanical paradise on the plains comprises over 20 acres of stunning gardenscaping that features over 4,000 species of plants both native and new to the region. All gardens are designed to emphasize collections in display settings that feature plants particularly well-suited to south-central Kansas. In addition to the display gardens, an evaluation garden has been added for the specific purpose of introducing and evaluating plants that may be suited to the region. The Gardens are decorated with a collection of 50 elegant sculptures, flowing streams, fountains, and waterfalls that complement the beauty of plants and that create a visually stunning atmosphere.
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is open year-round, and repeat visits offer new surprises as The Gardens change with the seasons. In spring, more than 80,000 tulip bulbs and 125,000 daffodil bulbs bloom along with an assortment of wildflowers and flowering shrubs. Later bloomers include azaleas, irises, roses, peonies, and other perennials. More than 20,000 annuals combine with beautiful perennial color in the summer along with spectacular prairie wildflowers. In autumn, you’ll find asters, liriope, sedum, and more than 5,500 chrysanthemums amongst the backdrop of fall color from trees and shrubs. In winter, The Gardens feature 12,000 pansies, red-twig dogwood, witch hazel, and berried hollies.
As the gardens have grown, so have the educational opportunities. The diversity of the garden display areas provides a rich horticultural and visual learning environment for all visitors. This diversity allows for a consistent growth in the number and variety of youth and continuing education opportunities offered to the community.
Botanica also takes pride in developing the community. In keeping with its mission to promote community development and provide cultural experiences in a pleasant garden setting, Botanica has a wide-array of special events throughout the year. Special events are designed to bring visitors to the Gardens for a variety of activities that involve the community in garden-centered events, that provide entertainment for members, and that encourage attendance. Attendance at these special events accounts for approximately one-fourth of the annual attendance at Botanica.
Plans for continued cultivation include additional educational programming, enhanced special events, and plans for expansion of The Gardens, including consolidated administrative offices and new facilities with the opening of a new events center that opened in 2014, as well as the Chinese Garden of Friendship opened in Spring 2015.
With ever-changing scenery, educational classes for young and old, and special events to entertain and amuse, we invite you to visit Botanica often and take advantage of all that the Gardens have to offer!
Board of Trustees
President
Mark Douglass
Vice President
Bonnie Rausch
Immediate Past President
Lisa Miller
Treasurer
Laura Barnes
Maggie Ballard
Brandon Brungardt
Steve Castro-Miller
Daniel Clement
Courtney Darrah
Vincent Farha
Jason Fenoglio
Hilary Gerard
Kristen Jones
LaTonia Kennedy
Chris Kliewer
Derek Miller
Jon Schlatter
Lu Anne Stephens
Tonya Witherspoon
LaTisha Wood
Ex-Officio
Lindsay Benacka
Reggie Davidson
Pet Policy
Pets are NOT allowed at Botanica. However, service animals are permitted in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during operating hours. This DOES NOT include comfort or emotional support animals. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or your disability prevents using the devices. The animal must be under control at all times and stay on the paths. You are also responsible for prompt removal and disposal of waste in designated trash receptacles.
Publicity Waiver & Release
Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, is a facility that hosts various social events where photographs, videos, and audio recordings may occur. All persons entering the Botanica premises consent to the use of their photograph, video, image, voice, and/or likeness for promotion of such events in any and all media and on any and all advertising platforms, in perpetuity, without remuneration.
Smoking Policy
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited inside the Botanica buildings and gardens. There is a smoking area available by a bench in the main parking lot.
Botanica FAQ
General Information
Botanica spans approximately 20 acres, with room for future expansion. A full walk through the gardens covers a little more than a one-mile loop.
A leisurely stroll through Botanica typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. However, with diverse and interactive areas to explore, your visit can range from an hour to an entire day.
Yes! Keep your receipt and present it at the admissions window upon return.
Gardens & Plant Life
Botanica features over 4,000 plant species, including native and newly introduced varieties. Seasonal highlights include:
- Spring: 125,000+ daffodils, 80,000+ tulips, azaleas, irises, peonies, and roses
- Summer: 25,000+ annuals, prairie wildflowers, hardy and tropical water lilies, and vibrant perennials
- Fall: Asters, liriope, sedum, and 5,500+ chrysanthemums
- Winter: 10,000+ pansies, red-twig dogwood, witch hazel, fruiting shrubs, ornamental grasses, and evergreens
Every season offers something special:
- Spring: Tulips, irises, azaleas, Asiatic lilies, and peonies
- Summer: Roses, annuals, wildflowers, daylilies, and water lilies
- Fall: Asters, liriope, sedum, and chrysanthemums
- Winter: Pansies, berried hollies, witch hazel, snowdrops, and nandina
Botanica has 30 unique gardens. Highlights include:
- Downing Children’s Garden
- Koch Carousel Gardens
- DeVore Family Game Garden
- Chinese Garden of Friendship
- Butterfly House
- Project Beauty Shakespeare Garden
- Gene E. Spear Railroad Garden
- Jayne Milburn Aquatic Collection
Attractions & Features
There are over 50 sculptures and artistic installations, from Shakespeare’s Bust (1988) to the Mosquito Hawk dragonfly (2011). Be sure to visit Sleeping Troll Hill and Murphy the Shaggy Dog topiary in the Koch Carousel Gardens.
The Butterfly House is home to butterflies from June through September. Monarchs also migrate through Botanica in mid-to-late September.
The Gene E. Spear Railroad Garden operates from late March through October and also runs during Illuminations events.
Visitor Policies & Etiquette
- Respect plants as you would other works of art.
- Use the One-Finger Rule when touching plants.
- Stay on pathways and grassy areas.
- No running, climbing, or picking flowers.
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Trained service animals are welcome; no pets (except on designated pet-friendly days).
- Dispose of trash and recyclables properly.
No, guests cannot enter the ponds. However, children may play in Salamander Spring & Stream in the Downing Children’s Garden.
Yes! We offer group tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and specialty tours (e.g., carousel or bee & honey tasting tours). Tours must be scheduled in advance.
Accessibility & Rentals
Yes! Features include:
- Accessible parking and pathways
- Wheelchairs and scooters available for checkout
- Accessible restrooms
- A sensory herb wall
- A wheelchair-accessible chariot on the Khicha Family Carousel
Yes! Wheelchairs and scooters are available at the lobby information desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters are not available after dark. There is a small fee to rent wheelchairs and scooters.
Permitted & Prohibited Items
No. For the safety of guests and plants, bikes, skates, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards, and Segways are not allowed. Motorized scooters for mobility assistance are permitted.
No, but service animals are permitted under ADA guidelines.
Yes! Guests may bring snacks, drinks, and picnics. Alcohol is permitted during general hours (21+ only), but outside alcohol is prohibited at events with alcohol vendors.
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited inside the Botanica buildings and gardens. There is a smoking area available by a bench in the main parking lot.
No, flying drones is not permitted in the gardens.
Photography & Events
Yes! General photography is allowed with paid admission. Be mindful of other guests.
Visitors consent to potential photography, video, or audio recordings for promotional purposes.
Admission & Discounts
Yes! Discounts are available for seniors, military, youth, and members of various community programs. Botanica also participates in Museums for All and Blue Star Museums.
Yes! Additional street parking is available along Amidon and Murdock. Special events may include extra parking at the River’s Edge lot west of Cowtown.
Yes! Botanica participates in the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program, granting free entry to members of over 380 gardens across North America.
Amenities & Additional Information
Yes! Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building (just ask at the front desk). Expansion to the entire gardens is in progress.
- Tornado Watch: Guests will be notified.
- Tornado Warning: Botanica will close, and guests must seek personal shelter (nearest secure shelter is at Sim Golf Course).
Yes! Keep your receipt and present it at the admissions window upon return.
Supporting Botanica
Yes! Donations are welcome to support Botanica’s mission to educate and inspire the community through horticulture. Memorials can be made to our living collections in recognizing a loved one’s legacy. For more information, contact Ellen Mosley at emosley@botanica.org or 316-264-0448 ext. 105.
Gift Shop & Attractions
Our shop offers clothing, gardening tools, books, jewelry, home decor, toys, puzzles, souvenirs, seasonal items, and more. No admission is required to visit the gift shop.
Yes, snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the Garden Café, located in the main building behind the lobby. There are also snacks available in vending machines in the Downing Children’s Garden and carousel building.
The Khicha Family Carousel costs $3 per ride. Tokens can be purchased at the admissions desk, gift shop, or token machine.
Yes! Our garden staff and Sedgwick County Master Gardeners are happy to assist.
For more information, call 316-264-0448.
Yes! Keep your receipt and present it at the admissions window upon return.
Find Beauty in the Fall Garden
