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Going Green? Go to the Shangri-la Botanical Gardens

It seems like everyone is going green these days, but the Shangri-la Botanical Gardens & Nature Center in Orange, Texas has really gotten it right. The Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center has earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum Certification for LEED®-NC. This means that every step was taken to make sure that this facility’s design and construction follows green ideals. From solar panels to reclaimed materials to an overall design that works to efficiently use light and reduce energy use and cost, the Shangri-la Botanical Gardens is a shining example of what it means to protect our environment.

The Shangri-la Botanical Gardens has somehow managed to pack in earth friendly construction and maintenance that works side by side with the most beautiful plants and even some surprising little creatures. A visitor can see thousands of plants, both common and unusual, such as orchids, honeysuckle, clematis flowers, and coral bean. Many types of creatures can be found here like insects, amphibians, reptiles, and spiders.
Visiting the Shangri-la Botanical Gardens has inspired me to go green in my own yard. Living in a desert like I do, water is a precious resource. By using desert plants that need less water, I can conserve water and save money too. I’ve also decided to install some solar lights around the garden. They’ll add a little sparkle to my garden in the evening, and, because they are solar, I won’t be using any additional electricity.

The city of Orange, Texas is a great place to visit, and the Shangri-la Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a crowning jewel in the city. This Botanical Garden will be enjoyed by all; children, adults, nature lovers or even those just out for a stroll through beautiful scenery. To learn more about the Shangri-la Botanical Gardens & Nature Center visit www.shangrilagardens.org. And to learn more about the great city of Orange, Texas visit www.orangetexas.org.

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