A sacred garden is one that can renew your spirit and calm your soul. This is true of the OKC Myriad Gardens which were a comfort to me as I visited my mother while she is in the hospital. While at the hospital, I noticed that this concept of "healing gardens" is one that is as ancient as it is necessary. At the hospital there is a beautiful "healing garden" that I visited and will visit again later this week. I will post pics from that visit then. I believe that there is a reason that every ancient religious practice has many key moments which happen in gardens. I believe that they are a place where the spiritual and the earthly combine giving those who visit them a refreshing and soothing place to laugh, weep and celebrate all of life's moments. 

A trip to OKC which included a stop at the Botanical Garden in OKC. The exterior gardens are filled with wildlife, like this turtle who is enjoying the warm (very warm!) sun.  

I'd like to write here that this is a pic from my back yard. But, it is from the entry of the OK Myriad Gardens as are many of the following pictures. 

My brother, Jon, trying to look tough, while hubby Dan trying not to hurl from the height. This is from the "Crystal Bridge" from the Myriad OK Botanical gardens conservatory. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet wide and a jungle paradise. It is made of seventeen tricord trusses which form the frame and 3,208 panes of Exolite acrylic which form the shell. These crystal clear, double-walled panes insulate the Conservatory's coolers to ensure a healthy and stable growing environment. They also protect the plants from the harsh winter climate while greatly reducing heating costs. This entire bridge where Jon and Dan are standing is actually suspended over a large pond, so these guys are not just towering over me and the jungle, they are also suspended over a large lake as well. Which is why Dan looks a little pekid.

There is is a joke here, and I have missed it, yet again. Whenever my brother is present (far right) there are always lots of jokes and laughter. Every family has one - crazy ole uncle Jon we call him. Even Dan is laughing which is a major accomplishment! Grinning even. WOW! 

So much of what makes a garden meaningful is the use of components, such as these rocks with bamboo. Some people think rocks have souls. Maybe so. I think they add a sense of solidarity, of permanence to a space. 

OCK Botanical gardens. I always learn a lot by observing gardens, such as the juxtaposition of wild colors - like deep oranges and yellows. I also like the movement of this garden. 

My daughter, flower child of the new millienium.