WNED 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.

Collaboration with the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

3-Part Digital Series