DOWNING CHILDREN’S GARDEN

BOTANICA, THE WICHITA GARDENS

The Downing Children’s Garden opened to the public in June 2011. Just over an acre, the $2.2M garden provides an immersive educational experience embracing Kansas culture and its ecology, while creating a whimsical new world at the scale of children. The garden welcomes children and their families alike with one-of-a-kind elements to discover and explore. Learning through play is the main purpose of the garden. Hands-on activities are at the heart of the small farm. A series of raised beds offer a place to dig in the dirt, find worms, plant seeds and discover the joys of gardening. A giant tree with tree house invites children to explore under the large roots to discover the vertical dimensions of our landscape, from ground to canopy and sky. Monster trees, Mushroom Glens and other hidden nooks trigger imagination and connect us to children’s literature: a playful invitation to story time.