Myriad Gardens say "Aloha" to new exhibit

[Keith]

Myriad Gardens says “Aloha” to new exhibit

Explore an island of paradise at the Myriad Botanical Gardens during Kilauea’s Coast, the explosive new exhibit opening June 1 in the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.

The exhibit focuses on Hawaii’s most active volcano, Kilauea (pronounced kee-lou-ey-ah) and the unique ecosystem and culture it supports. Kilauea, which means “spewing” in Hawaiian, sits in the southeastern corner of Hawaii’s Big Island and has been in a state of constant eruption since January 3, 1983.

Guests visiting the Crystal Bridge during the exhibition will get to enjoy the Kilauea experience with a misting, spewing volcano right inside. Standing at over 6 feet in height, the volcano will rumble and “smoke” like it’s Hawaiian big brother. This interactive centerpiece is sure to be a guest favorite.

“The horticulture staff has done as awesome job creating our own active volcano from scratch,” said Janet Latham, Myriad Botanical Gardens Horticulturalist. “Of course, we can’t quite equal Mother Nature, but we can create a nice facsimile.”

Kilauea’s Coast is about more than a volcano, however. The exhibit takes a closer look at the culture of Hawaii and how it has developed in conjunction with its volcanoes. Guests will discover the myth of Kilauea with a look at Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.

Latham and her staff have also said “aloha” to a number of new plants including flowering hibiscus, pineapple and coffee. “Hundreds of pineapple plants have been imported to represent the numerous pineapple plantations in Hawaii,” said Latham.

Another major feature of the exhibit explores Canoe Plants. This unique group of plants made the 2,400-mile journey across open ocean to help early Polynesian settlers make a new home on the islands of Hawaii. A variety of Canoe Plants, such as ginger, pepper and banana, will be on display.

Guests can also experience the island vibe in our Kona Coffee Shack, a laid-back, surfer style hut dedicated to the Big Kahuna of coffee, Kona. Kona is grown only on the Big Island of Hawaii, thriving in the rich, volcanic soil. Kona coffee beans will be sold in the Crystal Bridge Gift Shop during the exhibit.

The North Lobby has been transformed into an island oasis with fun, interactive activities for kids of any age. Guests can try their hand at a ukulele or traditional drum or don a grass skirt for some hip-shaking hula lessons.

Allan Storjohann, manager of the Gardens, knows guests will love the new exhibit. “Visitors will step out of the prairie into a tropical paradise when they tour Kilauea’s Coast. Hawaii brought to Oklahoma City - how could that not be a must see this summer!”

Crystal Bridge hours are 9 – 6, Monday through Saturday and noon - 6 on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children 4 to 12. Admission to the outdoor grounds is free. Call 297-3995 for information or visit www.myriadgardens.com.

[CCOKC]

My dad was here from Kona, Hawaii in April and we visited the Crysatl Bridge. The man who could not tell the difference between a pansy and a petunia the day before was identifying every plant in the place (before looking at the plant tags) because he has them in his yard. He will be so upset he missed this exhibit.