In 1929 a troop of women met together and decided they would start a garden club. This was a very ambitious goal due to the severe conditions of the high and dry plains climate, but they proved it was not impossible. They soon realized if they enhanced the pH level and work loose the heavy compact soil, the plants would better adapt to the local soil and excessive sun. As a result of their flourishing success the Amarillo Garden Club grew to 125 members by the mid 1940’s. Due to some mixed feelings the garden club dispersed into 13 separate garden societies during the following decade. The Garden Center went through many facelifts over the past 30 years thanks to a tremendous amount of hardwork and effort from directors, volunteers, and donors. Today, the center is known as the Amarillo Botanical Gardens and is located in the Harrington Regional Medical Center Park north of I-40.
Mary E. Bivins Tropical Conservatory
Step into another world as you explore inside the glass pyramid of the Mary E. Bivins Tropical Conservatory! This tropical oasis is a splendid relief from the dry, windy, and hot climate of the southwest. Enjoy the wonderful waterfall and placid pond filled with fish surrounded by beautiful exotic plants from the rainforest. Be sure to listen for Stan the singing tree frog and Cracker the young Macaw. The conservatory is named after the late philanthropist, Mary E. Bivins, who had a joyful devotion to her own gardens. The Mary E. Bivins Tropical Conservatory is classified as a “green building” which means that is a self-sufficient structure that uses the least amount of energy possible.
Wagner Japanese Garden
Experience the peace and tranquility of an Eastern-style landscape garden as you visit the Wagner Japanese garden. Designed for aesthetic purposes these gardens have a natural ability to invoke the wonders of meditation and reflection. Equipped with pagodas, lanterns, bamboo, and a bridge the Wagner Japanese Garden is sure to take your breath away.
Harrington Fragrance Garden
Stop and stimulate your senses as you make your way through the Harrington Fragrance Garden! Here you can recall on a memory as these sensational fragrant flowers fill the air. Just rub a few leaves and release the astounding aromas!
Xeric Garden
Learn about an accelerated alternative to traditional gardening as you tour the Xeric Garden. Fully equipped to survive the driest conditions these plants have a reduced need for supplemental water from irrigation making them the ideal choice for regions with little to no water supply.
Butterfly Garden
Enjoy the bevy of beautiful butterflies as you travel through the Butterfly Garden. Enveloped with larval and nectar plants, mud and water, rocks and other choice features the flourishing butterfly garden is surely a special treat for any visitor!
Bev’s Garden
Given in memory of Beverly McMennamy, by family and friends, this newly added garden is a unique cascading four level terraced garden with a recirculating pool that spills out in a step stair fashion. Located in the Attebury Amphitheatre this memorial garden integrates a large water feature around a bronze statue named Melodious Toadius. Adorned with vibrant annuals and flashy perennials Bev’s garden is a must see!
Be sure to bring your camera. There will be plenty of amazing photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is wheelchair accessible. If you or someone in your party is handicapped, let your reservations agent know ahead of time, so that the garden can be sure to accommodate your group in the most convenient and comfortable setting possible.