As the popular adage goes, "April Showers bring May Flowers." When the time for blooming flowers comes, you'll be glad you're in Wichita. With parks, gardens, and other outdoor areas full of flowers, you'll get wonderful photo-ops and a burst of color that only nature can provide. more 1. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Opened in 1987, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is Wichita's premier community gardens, featuring flora from across the globe. The gardens cover just over 17 acres, providing plenty to see as you wander the footpaths that wind their way across the park. Some of the highlights include a children's garden, a rose garden, a greenhouse full of succulents and cacti, and examples of local flowers and foliage. Botanica is located at 701 Amidon St. in Wichita. The gardens are open from mid-May to mid-September. Admission is $7 for adults (13-61), $6 for seniors (62+), and $5 for youths (3-12). 2. Great Plains Nature Center Located in the heart of Wichita, the Great Plains Nature Center is a city-owned reserve that demonstrates what Wichita was like before settlers arrived. While the park is mainly geared to the preservation of local mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and birds, it's also home to 800 species of non-woody flowering plants. This includes the iconic sunflower, which adorns Wichita's state highway signs and is one of the most striking sights throughout Kansas. The Great Plains Nature Center is located at 6232 E. 29th St. North. Admission is free. 3. Linwood Park Just south of downtown Wichita, Linwood Park offers a sense of community through its public swimming pool, basketball courts, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. However, it also has several trails that wind their way through the unspoiled wilderness. Along the way, you'll be treated to a colorful array of perennial and annual flowers that provide a calming getaway right in the middle of the city. You can find Linwood Park at 1901 S. Kansas St. 4. Sedgwick County Park Located just outside the Interstate 235 loop in western Wichita, Sedgwick County Park goes into full bloom during spring. With numerous hiking and walking paths, you can explore the flowers, trees, and shrubbery that are native to the park. The park is also home to ducks, geese, rabbits, and other wildlife, especially around one of the park's four lakes. Once you're done soaking in the scenery, check out the playground or the fishing areas. Sedgwick County Park is located at 6501 W. 21st St. North. 5. Chisholm Creek Park Chisholm Creek Park is one of the biggest parks in the city, covering 282 acres of relatively natural wilderness. There are few amenities here, but the natural beauty of the park more than makes up for a lack of playground equipment or ball fields. Head out on a bicycle to cover the park in a timely fashion while leaving enough time to take amazing pictures. From the well-manicured gardens of Botanica to the natural flowers and foliage of Wichita's city parks and reserves, spring brings a beautiful bouquet of flowers that provide a stunning visual and a much-needed respite from the long winter. Image via Flickr by RichardBH
