Woodland Walk
& Frank Smith Woodland Glade

The Woodland Walk is a perfect garden to visit for those looking for shade-loving plants for their home landscapes. Many of the plants and shrubs in this garden are perennials, so they will keep coming back year after year. A quarter-mile trail through the Woodland Walk beautifully displays three distinct layers of vegetation; large trees form the canopy, shrubs and small trees in the wider story, and seedlings, low plants and small shrubs in the understory. The Frank Smith Woodland Glade rests along the way. A calm, quiet space with deep shade brought to life by a tranquil waterfall. Relax on the rustic benches and reflect in this secluded space.

A variety of native and migratory birds, foxes and other animals make their home in Botanica’s wooded area. It is a favorite stop for squirrels drinking from the pool. You might even be lucky enough to see an eagle or hawk soaring overhead. Delight your eyes and ears while enjoying wildflowers along the trail. Springtime brings Crocuses, Azaleas, Daffodils and Tulips. The prominent flowers of summer are Windflower, Columbine, Wild Sweet William, and Arum. Low-maintenance Hostas fill in shady flowerbeds. The natural sand hill environment utilizes existing vegetation in landscaping.

Dedicated: 1997

Art In the Garden

The No Greater Love sculpture was commissioned by the sons of Botanica volunteer Betty Tanner. Located in the Frank Smith Woodland Glade, a life-sized mama fox looks over her four cubs frolicking in a soft, bubbling waterfall.

Feature Facts

Near the Woodland entrance, look up at the Tulip Poplar Tree in early spring. Its flowers resemble Tulips. A hardwood tree native to most of the eastern United States, it is also known as the Tulip Tree and Yellow Poplar. In some regions, they grow to more than 160 feet tall. Actually a member of the Magnolia Tree family, it is not a Poplar by genetic definition.
All Hosta plants grow best in shade with filtered sunlight. Some flowers are fragrant while others are not. White flowers smell sweeter and stronger than purple varieties. The plant contains essential oils and compounds very irritating to the skin.
The Woodland Glade is dedicated to Frank B. Smith, longtime City of Wichita Park and Recreation Director who was instrumental in making the dream of Botanica a reality.
The Greek word for wildflower, anemone, comes from anemos, meaning wind. In Greek mythology, some believed that flowers grew from the tears of goddess Aphrodite. Other stories claim flowers grew from Adonis' blood.
Other noteworthy trees to look for include the Chokecherry, Star Magnolia, Kobus Magnolia, Chinese Juniper, Shamrock Little Leaf Linden and the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood with its tiny yellow blooms.
Shade-loving perennials with fun names like Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Scalywag Holly, Toad Lily, Bear’s Breeches, Foamy Bells, and Bishop’s Hat can be found along the meandering walking paths.
Don’t forget to look for the tiny False Forget-Me-Nots with its airy, sky-blue flowers against its green foliage.