The beautiful Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens employs deliberate landscaping that respects the surrounding ecosystems. About 85 percent of the 300 acre park near Kansas City is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of eight natural ecosystems.
One of many special features is the one-acre Monet Garden, which captures the subtle blending of soft colors and shapes seen in in the Impressionist's work. Willow trees and a variety of flowers surround ponds, creating a painterly landscape. A pleasant wooden bridge connects the upper and lower water gardens.
The three-acre Marder Woodland Garden features regional native trees, woodland hybrids and a variety of ferns near a koi pond. There is an impressive array of shrubs, wildflowers, and water features.