Woodward Park, Rose Gardens, and Garden Center by BixB
At anytime of the year, but particularly in the Spring, the Woodward Park area is an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of the city. Located on the Southeast corner of 21st & Peoria, Woodward Park's 40 acres of extensive azalea beds (15,000 shrubs), flower and herb gardens, lovely ponds, small waterfalls, and decorative bridges, make it a favorite place for photo shoots and outdoor weddings. It is also the location of a Tulsa icon, the bronze "Great Spirit" statue. Bring a picnic and then stroll the hillside paths; see if you can find the little art deco memorial to William Shakespeare hidden in a sheltered glade among the azaleas. South of the park is the Municpal Rose Garden. It is an All-American Rose Society test garden containing 6,000 individual rose plants in 250 varieties. The classical garden is laid out on five terraces that climb the hill from Peoria Avenue and each terrace centers around a pool or fountain.
Continuing south from the Rose Garden is the Tulsa Garden Center. The center consist of the 1919 David Travis Mansion, which is used as a headquarters for several gardening societies and is a popular location to rent for private parties. Behind the mansion is a victorian conservatory, and a 3-acre arboretum. There is a nice garden shop in the former garage. In June 2006, the Garden Center officially opened the beautiful new "Linnaeus Teaching Garden." Intended as a working showcase of gardening and landscaping tips and techniques, it is located northeast of the Garden Center, behind the Municpal Rose Garden.
