Gardens

Following a recent 22-month long renovation, the gardens at Philbrook are more delightful than ever. Students and visitors of all ages will find dramatic sculpture, inviting trails and living works of art at every turn.

Guests are invited to take a walking tour of the gardens or listen to a free audio tour that provides a history of the home, the Phillips family, and information about the landscape architects and their design. The essence of the garden design continues to be Italianate, complementing Villa Philbrook with outdoor spaces for viewing nature. The new south garden boasts a sensory garden complete with meditative niches, created from plant materials and wrought iron featuring similar arch designs found in Villa Philbrook.

Visitors can observe many newly planted native Oklahoma plants, and benefit from new outdoor restrooms, a variety of pathways, bridges, a sculpture walk, and a refurbished creek. Ease of access has improved on many levels with all trails connecting and ADA accessibility available throughout the gardens.

The formal gardens to the east that descend to the tempietto were part of the original design and construction, while the gardens extending to the summerhouse at the south of the property were conceived later and completed in 2004. Reading stations are located at key points along the walking paths and help discuss various aspects of the history and design of the gardens .