Four Springfield Gardens to Visit this Weekend

Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

With so many different types of gardens to peruse, this is a wonderful spot for spending a full afternoon. Better yet, pack a picnic lunch! Some of the gardens to look out for this time of year are the hosta, English and wildflower gardens. Check out a full map of the gardens here. 

To Access: There are plenty of parking options around the grounds. Enter from Scenic Avenue and park right away in the first lot you come to, or take a right and park in one of the other two lots.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

When you're in need of some extra peace and serenity, head to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Springfield Botanical Gardens. This is the oldest garden on site and stretches for 7.5 acres. Take in the meticulously maintained landscaping, stop and relax by the koi lake and feel the full weight of meditation garden. 

To Access: Enter the Springfield Botanical Gardens from Scenic Avenue. Take your first left and follow the road all the way around the north-side of the park to the overflow parking lot right next to the stroll garden. Or, park in one of the first lots and walk east through the park to the entrance.

WaterWise Garden

This small but mighty garden at the corner of Linwood Drive and National Avenue was originally built as a demonstration garden to show how careful and deliberate landscaping can lead to efficient water usage. While you're there, spend some time at the Springfield Art Museum and Phelps Grove Park as well.  

To Access: Take in the full beauty of the area and park at Phelps Grove Park. Then meander your way east past the Springfield Art Museum before heading south on Linwood Circle toward the garden. In a hurry? There's also a small parking lot along Linwood Circle near the tennis courts on Bennett Street.

Stretch of the South Creek Greenway

While not technically a tended garden, the natural beauty of the South Creek Greenway between Campbell Avenue and Kansas Expressway is worth a stroll. The landscape around the creek was naturalized a few years back, but before the restoration project, the creek wasn't much more than a barren, concrete slab with water trickling through. Now this stretch of the trail is a lush haven for native plants, birds, butterflies, bees and many other types of wildlife.

To Access: There are two main points of access, and for both, you should plan to walk or ride a couple of miles round trip. The first option is to park at the McDaniel Park Trailhead and head west on South Creek Greenway. The second option is to park at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park (and take advantage of the many gardens along the way!) and head east on South Creek Greenway.