A small, but mighty botanical garden with everything free at your fingertips. This attraction did…read morenot disappoint. Upon walking into the garden, my friend and I were immediately greeted by one of the volunteers. She gladly gave us a map of the garden and asked if were interested in seeing a free movie to learn about the history of the garden and asked if we were wanting to go on the free boat tour as well. We gladly said, yes and was shocked that they so many payless amenities. I thought to myself out of all the botanical gardens I've visited over the years, this was by far the less expensive. The movie was fascinating. It was held in this big modernized auditorium. We were the only ones in there. Once the movie started, the room got really dark. Mr. Stark, a native and local of Orange, TX was inspired by the 1933 movie, The Lost Horizon (which can be found on Tubi), but Shangri La translates into utopia and paradise, so he sought out to make an impression in the small city by creating a place people can enjoy nature on 252 acres. The selection of plants are natives, annuals, perennials, some tropical plants (located in the greenhouses). The boat tour was a real treat! We were given instructions to remain safe on the water vehicle and put on life jackets. The tour was held on Adams Bayou where we saw ospreys, Christmas lichen on the trees, houses off the bayou, cypress trees with their huge roots, moss hanging from the branches, and even the bayou was filled with debris and trash. It definitely felt like we in a swamp. The boat ride was peaceful as the tour guides gave explanation of what we viewed. After the tour, my friend and I walked around the park observing all the beauties around. There wasn't a lot of plants in bloom yet, but nevertheless, the air was crisp and fresh. Great outing. They even have a restaurant/cafe on site. Shangri La exceeded my expectations!

April 18, 2024 [I forgot to check in]…read more But, we went to the sip & stroll tonight after the garden closed to release butterflies! Isn't that cool?! We paid $10 for a butterfly, fed it some oranges, and then released it. Wine from Free State Cellars was there, sandwichs and macarons were made by them, too. Fantastic! Now about this garden, it's beautiful. They have put a lot of work into it since Hurricane harvey... and are doing a great job in making it more lucious each year. LOVE this place

I love everything!! Got a custom cabinet made!! a garden bench, and potting table.. They just had a…read moreclass to make a succulent arrangement.. took 2 of my granddaughters.. was alot of fun! They are very knowledgeable about their plants, and about the furniture they make.. and just fun to talk to to

Very poor customer service. Went in asking if they had a specific "pest deterring" plant, was met…read morewith disregard. When the young lady worker walked in I tried asking her my question, she clearly saw me trying to talk to her but brushed me off/ignored me and instead went out to meet a food delivery driver for her milkshakes or sodas. She then went and helped two other people before allowing me to ask my question, even then I was met with a dismissive attitude. Young lady told me "we don't have those this time of year" as if I should have known that. I have never had plants before. Didn't even recommend anything similar to what I was looking for so I left and I won't be coming back.

Did not have what I was looking for, but we're very nice and gave me some other ideas where I could…read morefind what I was looking for.