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Oasis Under Glass explores the rich history of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens; a cultural asset in Western New York for over 120 years. This programs highlights the key people who helped bring it to fruition, the highs and lows it has faced over the years, and plans for renovation and expansion that will allow it to continue to serve the people of the community for years to come.

Watch • 16:48
Oasis Under Glass: Buffalo's Botanical Gardens
Oasis Under Glass: Buffalo's Botanical Gardens
Oasis Under Glass tells the 120-year history of the Buffalo & Erie Co. Botanical Gardens.
Special: 16:48

BTPM PBS, in collaboration with the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, presents a new three-part digital video series, Oasis Under Glass - Buffalo’s Botanical Gardens. Hosted by Tafik Muhammad, this series tells the story of the Botanical Gardens throughout its history and reveals expansion and renovation plans that will continue to serve the people of Western New York for generations to come.    

At the turn of the 20th century, Frederick Law Olmsted, conservatory designers Lord & Burnham, and city leaders worked together to give a community in desperate need of green space – South Park – complete with an arboretum, and a conservatory, featuring plants from all over the world.   

This space, known as the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, has weathered a history filled with challenges, and only a few know the story. Using historic images, contemporary footage, and interviews with leadership, volunteers, and historians, this series uncovers the wondrous journey of one of Buffalo’s oldest cultural institutions. 

In this series, you will learn about the key players that helped to establish the Botanical Gardens as a park, conservatory, arboretum, and a functioning society of volunteers, docents, horticulturists, and staff.

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Collaboration with the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

3-Part Digital Series

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens from above.
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The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens from above.
Botanical Gardens postcard, circa 1900.
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Botanical Gardens postcard, circa 1900.
Woman in Main Palm Dome, early 1920s. Professor John F. Cowell and his team around 1910.
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Woman in Main Palm Dome, early 1920s. Professor John F. Cowell and his team around 1910.
Botanical Gardens gardener, early 1900s.
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Botanical Gardens gardener, early 1900s.
Created from the visions of extraordinary people; David F. Day, Frederick Law Olmsted, John F. Cowell, Frederick A. Lord and William A. Burnham, this masterpiece opened in 1900.
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Created from the visions of extraordinary people; David F. Day, Frederick Law Olmsted, John F. Cowell, Frederick A. Lord and William A. Burnham, this masterpiece opened in 1900.
Lord & Burnham, premier designers of Victorian glass houses brought these visions to life with their unique design that was based upon the famous Crystal Palace in England.
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Lord & Burnham, premier designers of Victorian glass houses brought these visions to life with their unique design that was based upon the famous Crystal Palace in England.
Over 140,000 people visit annually to enjoy the amazing architecture and the indoor and outdoor garden sanctuaries.
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Over 140,000 people visit annually to enjoy the amazing architecture and the indoor and outdoor garden sanctuaries.
The Botanical Gardens is a national historic site, education center and tourist destination full of exotic horticulture treasures from around the world.
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The Botanical Gardens is a national historic site, education center and tourist destination full of exotic horticulture treasures from around the world.
Standing at 67' tall, the Palm Dome is full of magnificent palms and tropical fruit trees.
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Standing at 67' tall, the Palm Dome is full of magnificent palms and tropical fruit trees.
Visitors get up close and personal with a family of koi fish.
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Visitors get up close and personal with a family of koi fish.
When you visit the Botanical Gardens you will embark on a self guided tour throughout the greenhouses, each displaying a different exhibit and collection of plants.
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When you visit the Botanical Gardens you will embark on a self guided tour throughout the greenhouses, each displaying a different exhibit and collection of plants.
The Botanical Gardens’ schedule is packed with amazing flower exhibits, special events, educational programming, workshops and so much more!
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The Botanical Gardens’ schedule is packed with amazing flower exhibits, special events, educational programming, workshops and so much more!
Rendering of future renovations as part of the Botanical Gardens Master Plan.
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Rendering of future renovations as part of the Botanical Gardens Master Plan.