Botanical gardens feature plants, more

One of the Coastal Bend’s popular visitor destinations is the 180-acre South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. The center, at 8545 S. Staples St. in Corpus Christi, showcases nine floral exhibits and gardens, including the acclaimed Orchid House and Plumeria Garden. The Bromeliad Conservatory and Butterfly House opened last fall.

Among other exhibits are the Hummingbird Garden, Arid Garden and EarthKind Demonstration Trial Gardens. The new 100-plant Plumeria Garden, with its viewing platform, is thought to be one of the largest public displays in the continental United States.

The Garden Shoppe is open year-round and offers a variety of unique merchandise.

A variety of classes in birding, holiday floral design, planting and more are offered at the gardens.

The gardens are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Visit www.stxbot.org for more information, or call (361) 852-2100.