Conceived over twenty years ago by a small constituency of local Houstonians, an island in the city’s expansive Bayou system has been expertly cultivated and re-imagined as Houston’s first botanic garden.

The first phase of what will ultimately be a 132 acre design, The Houston Botanic Garden has transformed the island, and the adjacent south gardens on the opposite side of the Sims Channel, into an oasis of learning, discovery and horticultural beauty. Outdoor gallery spaces display a collection of tropical, sub-tropical, and arid plants from around the world to showcase the biodiversity that thrives along the Texas Gulf Coast.

The intent of the site design is to seek balance in all aspects, from planting and soils, through topography and materials—the careful juxtaposition of order and chaos that is at the heart of enduring gardens. West 8’s Master Plan for Houston Botanic Garden amplifies the potential of the site’s qualities, setting the framework to support the future of the “only-in-Houston” garden experience.

This phase includes the completion of the Playground Lagoon, Global Garden, Alcoves, Welcome pavilion boulevard and the Edible Garden (coming early 2021).