The Myriad Botanical Gardens are a 17-acre paradise right in the centre of downtown Oklahoma City. In addition to flourishing plant life, rolling hills, walkways, sculptures and a sunken lake, the gardens feature the seven-storey, circular Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, an architectural wonder that is home to exotic flora as well as lizards, parrots, butterflies and fish. Visitors can take a path that leads under the conservatory's 35-foot (11m) waterfall.

Address: 301 W. Reno

Website: www.myriadgardens.com

Telephone: (405) 297 3995

Opening times: Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory: Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm. Park grounds daily 6am-11pm.

Admission: Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory: $7 adults; $5 children 4-12. Other concessions available. Park entry is free.