When the Ozarks summer is at its peak and challenges plant life across the region, the Succulent Garden provides a respite that stands up to the climate.

One of the newest gardens, it was designed intentionally to tolerate the hot, dry south side of the Botanical Center with its large variety of hardy, fleshy-leaved plants featuring striking colors and shapes.

Its original sponsoring society has folded, so additional support is sought to maintain and enhance this feature that attracts much interest to the curious world of succulent plants. As a newer garden, its high-profile location offers a wealth of possibilities ahead for adding more varieties, visual interest and lighting to complement the adjoining building.