{"id":216701,"date":"2023-09-11T10:50:27","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T16:50:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.wpengine.com\/?page_id=216701"},"modified":"2025-03-14T11:25:26","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T17:25:26","slug":"our-gardens","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/gardens\/our-gardens\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Gardens"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row el_class=&#8221;mark-right-dark&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2>The Botanical Garden is All Around the Zoo<\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The gardens offer prominent seasonal displays, including a large and popular tulip display in the spring and, perhaps, the largest combined annuals trials\/display planting in the country. Trialing plant species for selections for home garden and landscape use in Midwestern urban conditions is also an important focus for the Zoo&#8217;s horticulture team.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gardens_Map_Attractions_10-2-24.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Gardens_Map_Attractions_10-2-24.jpg\" alt=\"gardens zoo map\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 10605px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 10605\/9076;\" \/><\/a><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;hide mark-right-dark&#8221; el_id=&#8221;hide&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<a class=\"button\" data-aos=\"fade-up\" href=\"https:\/\/map.cincinnatizoo.org\/map\" target=\"_blank\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"\" title=\"\">Visit our Mobile Interactive Garden Map<\/a>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><a href=\"http:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Garden-Map-2023.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Garden-Map-2023.png\" alt=\"map of cincinnati zoo gardens\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1553px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1553\/1075;\" \/><\/a><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/53870052109_a1e338d94a_k.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/53870052109_a1e338d94a_k.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2048px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2048\/1365;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Asian Waterfall Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"None\">The <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"None\">Zoo\u2019s <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"None\">horticulture team has designed and planted <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"None\">one of the most unique gardens in the Midwest. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"None\">The beauty begins as visitors enter <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"None\">Elephant Trek <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"None\">through the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"x_x_msonormal\" data-ccp-parastyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;60690f3b-420c-4aa4-abdf-0c6298b151df|96&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469777841,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777842,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777844,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469769226,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,335559740,&quot;240&quot;,201341983,&quot;0&quot;,335559739,&quot;0&quot;,201342446,&quot;1&quot;,201342447,&quot;5&quot;,201342448,&quot;1&quot;,201342449,&quot;1&quot;,469777843,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,201341986,&quot;1&quot;,268442635,&quot;24&quot;,335559704,&quot;1025&quot;,335559705,&quot;1033&quot;,335551547,&quot;1033&quot;,469775450,&quot;x_x_msonormal&quot;,201340122,&quot;2&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;xxmsonormal&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,134233118,&quot;true&quot;,134233117,&quot;true&quot;,469778324,&quot;Normal&quot;]}\">Komminsk<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"x_x_msonormal\"> Family Asian Waterfall Garden\u202f<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW206652909 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"x_x_msonormal\">and continues throughout. <span class=\"TextRun SCXW191533222 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW191533222 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"x_x_msonormal\">The idea was to create a forested habitat that followed the streams to the open grasslands where the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW191533222 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"x_x_msonormal\">e<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW191533222 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"x_x_msonormal\">lephants would be grazing by the watering hole. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW191533222 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"x_x_msonormal\">As you enter the space you feel a heavy presence of tropical plants including large elephant ears, tropical bananas and Chinese Fan Palms which are native to Southeast Asia.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section el_class=&#8221;bg-grey wave-bg&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Untitled.png&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Untitled.png\" alt=\"look at the reptile house with purple yelllow and orange tulips in the foreground\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1301px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1301\/872;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Floral Garden Displays<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is the large circular bed between the Vine Street Village Plaza and the Reptile House. In addition to a wide range of trees shrubs, and perennials, this garden is where a great many of our tulips and annuals are planted.<\/p>\n<p>Our spring tulip display is among the best in the nation. As the tulips finish, they are followed by annuals. Our annuals displays are also a trialing program, which, again, is one of the best in the country. Plants are evaluated for beauty, performance, and for their ability to provide pollen and nectar to pollinating insects throughout the entire growing season.<\/p>\n<p>Quite a few other beds in the Vine Street Village Plaza are similarly designed and planted.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dino-2.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Dino-2.jpg\" alt=\"garden of ferns and green plants featuring prehistoric type plants\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2500\/1667;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Dinosaur Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Located next to the Reptile House, this garden features ferns and conifers. See if you can spot the petrified log![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section el_class=&#8221;bg-tan wave-bg&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Roo-2.jpg\" alt=\"garden at the exit of Roo Valley featuring purple flowers and a path circling between the flowers\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1500\/1125;\" \/><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Roo Valley Exit Gardens<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As you exit Roo Valley you\u2019ll notice a number of beds that include many perennials. This is a good place to enjoy their beauty but to also observe how they are used in gardens\u2014front or back, sun or shade, and more. The collection here includes hyssop, yarrows, baptisia, epimedium, ferns, and more. Additionally, there are quite a few newer shrub varieties being trialed, such as the Kodiak series of diervilla and hydrangea. Many interesting young trees will continue to grow and will eventually create a shadier garden which will require the perennial selections to change.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Native-Pigeon-5.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Native-Pigeon-5.jpg\" alt=\"native plants surrounding historical passenger pigeon building\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2500\/1667;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Native Plants Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This garden, located near the Passenger Pigeon Memorial contains many interesting native plants, many of which would have been favorite food sources for passenger pigeons. From early spring ephemerals to trees such as the bigleaf magnolias (Magnolia macrophylla), you can see and enjoy a smattering of native plants in a naturalistic garden.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the plants are host plants for butterflies and moths. You might notice a colony of pawpaw trees (Asimina triloba), which is one of just a few host plants for the Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin), which hosts the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio Troilus).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section el_class=&#8221;bg-lightgreen wave-bg&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Butterfly-3.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Butterfly-3.jpg\" alt=\"yellow pollinator flower blooming by world of the insect building\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2500\/1667;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Butterfly Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Walking downhill, the Butterfly Garden extends from the Passenger Pigeon Memorial to the World of Insects on the left side of the path.<\/p>\n<p>This garden features many favorite plants of butterflies. Of particular note is the Dutchman\u2019s Pipevine (Aristolochia tomentosa) that grows up into the pines at the back of the bed. This vine is the host to the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) and sometimes you will see them up feeding on the perennials and annuals and then flying up into the vines to lay eggs. Somewhat hidden in this garden are two rare native plants, prickly ash (Xanthoxylem Americanum) and hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata), which host the Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/World-of-Insect.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/World-of-Insect.jpg\" alt=\"daisies blooming on a hillside by world of the insect building\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2500\/1667;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>World of the Insect Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This new garden was planted in 2021. It is on the bank immediately to the right of World of Insects. Filled with a wide array of blooming plants, it is a continuation of the nearby Butterfly and Pollinator gardens.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section el_class=&#8221;bg-darkgrey wave-bg&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P4P-garden-with-sign-1.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/P4P-garden-with-sign-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1292px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1292\/969;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Pollinator Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This garden features a number of plants that are popular with pollinators. It is especially active in late summer.<br \/>\nWhy Plant for Pollinators? As you can see, pollinator gardens are dynamic and beautiful and do much to beautify our landscapes and communities. They are also the single most effective and easy way for people to do real conservation.<\/p>\n<p>Because of habitat loss, over-use of pesticides, and other factors, pollinator numbers are down, and this should be a concern for all of us. Not only are the pollination services of insects responsible for a large percentage of the food we and wildlife depend on, but many pollinators are vital for maintaining ecological balance by controlling pest insect populations. Starting, growing, or expanding a pollinator garden is a win-win-win![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/crew-building1.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/crew-building1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 445px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 445\/305;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Endangered Species Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The <a href=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/conservation\/crew\/exceptional-plant-signature-project\/\">Plant Division of the Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW)<\/a> conducts research dedicated to propagating and preserving endangered plants. The Endangered Species Propagation Program uses tissue culture to grow rare species which have challenged traditional methods of propagation. In 2005, the Cincinnati Zoo &amp; Botanical Garden became a member of the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC). By partnering with the Center for Plant Conservation and botanical gardens around the country, CREW is applying these techniques to make plants available for research and reintroduction.<br \/>\nThe horticulture Department via the Native Plant Program works closely with CREW, often growing plants in our nursery to use in our gardens and to plant back into the wild.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section el_class=&#8221;bg-tan wave-bg&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Wings-of-Wonder-2.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Wings-of-Wonder-2.jpg\" alt=\"purple and yellow daisies blooming on the top side of the bird amphitheater\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1500\/1125;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Wings of Wonder Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is also a new garden, which was planted at the same time as the Insectarium Garden. It extends up the slope behind the Wings of Wonder grandstands and also features many pollinator-friendly plants. You\u2019ll also notice a lot of conifers. Conifers provide winter interest and wind protection to the garden. They also provide refuge, habitat, and food for wildlife.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/rain-garden.png&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/rain-garden.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1950px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1950\/1295;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Education Rain Garden<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Located outside of the Harold C. Schott Education Building is one of the area\u2019s biggest and best rain gardens. Containing a tremendous diversity of mostly native plants, this garden provides continuous beauty while also attracting insects, birds, and other wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>If you look closely, you\u2019ll spot three shallow basins within the garden. All of the rain that falls on the Education building\u2019s roof, much of the parking lot, and the garden itself is directed into these three depressions. The water then percolates into the soil rather than emptying into Cincinnati\u2019s combined sewage system, which overflows untreated into the Ohio River during heavier rain events.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section el_class=&#8221;bg-lightgreen wave-bg&#8221;][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Shade-Trees-1.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Shade-Trees-1.jpg\" alt=\"large tree providing shade and a rock with \"who will speak for the trees\" quote etched into it\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2500px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2500\/1735;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Shade Trees<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Throughout the Zoo, you\u2019ll find beautiful shade trees that provide relief from the hot sun. The bigger trees are not hard to find but if you might also notice many oaks, maples, lindens, zelkovas, elms, and other large species that were more recently planted and are still young. Although we monitor and care for older trees, and do our best to protect them from construction projects and other causes of stress, we know that a certain number of them will fail in future years. This is one of the reasons we so plant so many new shade trees. They will carry on the important job of shading the Zoo\u2019s guests and animals into the future.[\/vc_column_text]<details class=\"simple-expander\" data-aos=\"fade-up\">\n        <summary>More<\/summary><div>Perhaps the best place to enjoy taller shade trees is around Swan Lake. The bald cypresses (Taxodium distichum) line the pedestrian bridge. These deciduous conifers that can grow on land or in water hail from the American Southeast, but are well-adapted to Cincinnati\u2019s winters. Ringing the opposite side of the lake are large catalpas (Catalpa speciosa), which were planted in 1875 when the Zoo was created or are the offspring of those original trees. There is another beautiful bald cypress as you exit Cat Canyon and also another beauty as you approach the Education Building. Centroid is rich with a diversity of fine trees, as is Wolf Woods and Jungle Trails.<\/div><\/details>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_section][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"image-block themed\"><div class=\"image-crop lazyload\" style=\"background-image:inherit;padding-top:66.6666666667%;\" data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bamboo-Groves-4.jpg&#039;)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Bamboo-Groves-4.jpg\" alt=\"tall bamboo shoots creating cover overhead\" class=\"screen-reader-text lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 666px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 666\/888;\" \/><\/div><\/div><!-- .img-block -->[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h4>Bamboo Groves<\/h4>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]You\u2019ll notice a lot of bamboo growing at the Zoo. While bamboo is not a plant for home landscapes because of its aggressive spreading, it is\u2014if sited correctly and contained\u2014a great plant for the Zoo. Not only does it provide geographically appropriate ambiance to Asian and African exhibits, but it is also terrific at screening buildings and service areas, which helps create a better visitor experience. But even more than that, bamboo is a favorite food for many of our animals and, with guidance, our keepers often cut shoots as special treats.[\/vc_column_text]<details class=\"simple-expander\" data-aos=\"fade-up\">\n        <summary>More<\/summary><div>It is interesting to note a new bamboo shoot (or culm) emerges from the ground in the spring its full width and rather soft and vulnerable to damage. Amazingly, it will achieve its full height (depending on the species, up to 30\u2019) within a month or two. The culm will then live 2-3 years before it dies and becomes brown and woody.<br \/>\nAlthough most species of bamboo are endemic to warmer regions, several species are hardy in Cincinnati. Although they mostly come through our winters still green and foliated, a bad winter might cause them to lose their leaves and a really bad winter might cause them to die back to their roots.<br \/>\nThe best places to see bamboo are at the Red Panda Exhibit and in Jungle Trails.<\/div><\/details>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row el_id=&#8221;hide&#8221; el_class=&#8221;hide&#8221;][vc_column]\n    <div class=\"large-portal\" data-aos=\"fade-up\">\n        <div class=\"large-portal__image\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/Zoo-Blooms-Reptile-House.jpg\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 466px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 466\/700;\">\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"large-portal__content\">\n            <h3 class=\"large-portal__title\">Ornamental Tree Tour<\/h3>\n            <p>Take the self-guided ornamental tree tour as you walk through our botanical gardens<\/p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/map.cincinnatizoo.org\/places\/1306-self-guided-ornamental-tree-tour\" target=\"_blank\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"\" title=\"\">Interactive Map (Mobile)<\/a><\/div>\n        <svg width=\"0\" height=\"0\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\">\n        <defs>\n            <clipPath id=\"large-portal-clip\" clipPathUnits=\"objectBoundingBox\">\n            <path d=\"M 1,0 L 1,1 L 0.04,1.002 C -0.002,0.898 0.098,0.304 0.03,0 L 1,0 L 1,0 L 1,0 L 1,0 L 1,0 L 1,0 L 1,0 L 1,0 Z\"><\/path>\n            <\/clipPath>\n        <\/defs>\n        <\/svg>\n        <svg width=\"0\" height=\"0\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\">\n        <defs>\n            <clipPath id=\"large-portal-clip-mobile\" clipPathUnits=\"objectBoundingBox\">\n            <path d=\"M 0,0.038 C 0.236,-0.002 0.698,0.068 1.002,0.022 L 1,1 L 0,1 L 0,0.038 Z\"><\/path>\n            <\/clipPath>\n        <\/defs>\n        <\/svg>\n    <\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row el_class=&#8221;mark-right-dark&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text] The Botanical Garden is All Around the Zoo [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The gardens offer prominent seasonal displays, including a large and popular tulip display in the spring and, perhaps, the largest combined annuals trials\/display planting in the country. Trialing plant species for selections for home garden and landscape use in Midwestern urban conditions is also [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":168213,"parent":44,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/page-full-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-216701","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Our Gardens | Cincinnati Zoo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cincinnatizoo.org\/gardens\/our-gardens\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Our Gardens | Cincinnati Zoo\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"[vc_row el_class=&#8221;mark-right-dark&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text] The Botanical Garden is All Around the Zoo [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The gardens offer prominent seasonal displays, including a large and popular tulip display in the spring and, perhaps, the largest combined annuals trials\/display planting in the country. 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