Flower Power
Lynette Zimmerman, EdD’23 (Metro)
By Kenna Caprio
As executive director of Botanica, Lynette Zimmerman, EdD’23 (Metro), is responsible for curating and leading the botanical garden in Wichita, Kansas, which boasts more than 4,000 species of plants across more than 20 acres.
“I want visitors to feel inspired, connected to nature, and refreshed. Whether they come for a quiet walk, a family outing or a special event, I hope they leave with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the gardens,” she says.
Growing up in Kansas, she felt surrounded by nature, and learned about conservation, land management and water stewardship. When the opportunity at Botanica arose, she felt excited to head back to the Great Plains, to the gardens at the heart of a community.
“Botanical gardens play a crucial role in preserving plant species, educating the public about sustainability and serving as living laboratories for scientific research. They bridge the gap between the public and the natural world.”
She suggests visitors start in the Shakespeare Garden, then head to the Margie Button Memorial Fountain and Garden followed by the butterfly house, the woodlands garden and the wildflower garden, ending with a ride on the carousel.
“Beyond their beauty, botanical gardens offer space for relaxation, learning and cultural enrichment.”
Botanica also hosts a variety of events: gardening, yoga and Tai Chi; symphony performances; a tulip festival; Illuminations, a winter lights display; fall festivals; curriculum-based field trips and in-classroom science activities; and more.
“Botanica’s educational programs ensure our students have the experience and knowledge of plant biodiversity and pollinators and understand the importance of our daily interactions with nature,” says Zimmerman. “Our team works hard to design immersive experiences with natural elements including soil and light, creative works and interactive features.”
Previously, Zimmerman worked at Kean University in New Jersey as associate vice president of the Liberty Hall Academic Center and the Galleries. “My background in arts management, nonprofit leadership and education led me to opportunities in arts and culture.”
She’s looking forward to an upcoming exhibit, The Hidden Beauty of Seeds and Fruit: The Botanical Photography of Levon Biss, from The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh collections and organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
“My passion for nature and living collections has deepened over time, as I’ve seen how they bring people together, inspire creativity and contribute to environmental sustainability.”
IN BLOOM
Her favorite flowers and plants include hostas, golden rod, Mexican heather, Rembrandt tulips, tea roses and peonies.
BUCKET LIST
“I’d love to visit some of the world’s most famous gardens, like Kew Gardens in London, England, or Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, Canada; write a book; and play golf at every championship course in the U.S.”
WATER FEATURE
The centerpiece of the gardens is the Margie Button Memorial Fountain and Garden, which “showcases a stunning water feature and tropical plants that grow to be over 15 feet tall in the summer.”