Published on: November 21, 2023

Construction Update and Topping-off Ceremony

Construction on the next garden project – the Jim and Cherry Bost Arboretum started in January and progress has been swift. Most pathways have been marked out and grading and base material is beginning to be installed.  

On Monday, March 25 we celebrated the installation of the 20′ by 20′ pergola with a topping-off ceremony which included planting a tree nearby and tours for Arboretum supporters and media.  Constructed with quarter-inch steel, the pergola stands over 12 ft. tall and features a tree motif that wraps around the exterior columns and beams. 

The pergola was designed and built by Midwestern Manufacturing Company.  Jim Bost was Chairman of the Board of Midwestern at the time of his death in 2020. The pergola roof incorporates nine panels custom-cut with leaf silhouettes of trees sentimental to the Bost family, including redbud, dogwood, maple, gingko, tulip tree and oak. The leaf silhouettes were traced by Jim and Cherry’s grandchildren. 

Arboretum Design

Located in areas between the Garden’s Visitor Center, Children’s Discovery Garden and Tandy Floral Terraces, the Bost Arboretum will encompass about one and a half acres and include a mix of over 100 trees, as well as shrubs, pathways, a donor plaza with paths winding across a small stream and up a hillside near the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces.

An entry donor plaza will mark the mid-point of the Arboretum with a 24ft. diameter circular concrete plaza with seating areas, donor recognition stones and pathways radiating out to explore different areas of the Arboretum. Leading up the hillside, a switchback, accessible pathway will follow a shallow stream to a small pond. Nearby steps will lead up to the pergola with views overlooking the Garden. 

Plantings in the Arboretum have been designed to provide year-round dramatic seasonal color and habitat for birds. Native trees as well as trees from other countries with similar ecologies will be displayed including oak, ginkgo, redbud, willow, sassafras and dogwood. Understory shrubs will include witch hazel, hydrangeas, azaleas, and beautyberry. Along the hillside leading to the pergola 30,000 daffodils will be planted for early spring blooms.

Construction started in January and estimated completion is fall of 2024. Cherry Bost gave the lead gift for the Arboretum in memory of her husband, Jim Bost. Other donors include: Midwestern Manufacturing, Susie Hentschel, Lee and Pam Eslicker, Janice and Bill Chevaillier, John and Ludi Beasley, David and Tracey Eastin, Ken and Amanda Lawrence, Jeff and Connie Cope, Liz Hagans, Bryan Close, Sharon Bell and Greg Gray, and Tom and Joanie Atkinson and Barbara Sturdivant.  Donors who wish to contribute to the project including sponsoring a tree can find out more by contacting Nancy Moore, Director of Development at the Garden.

The Jim and  Cherry Bost Arboretum was designed by Wallace Design Collective (Tulsa) with consultation from 3.Fromme Design (Sanford, FL). JonesPlan, LLC (Tulsa) is the general contractor on the project.

Be a part of our newest addition, the Bost Arboretum, by sponsoring a tree for a donation of $1,000.

Your tax-deductible contribution will be recognized on a sign with other tree sponsors in the Arboretum.

To sponsor a tree or make a contribution, please contact Nancy Moore, Director of Development at 918-289-0330 or via email

Not able to sponsor a tree? Donations of any amount are appreciated and will help provide for this important addition to the Botanic Garden.

Thank you to Arboretum Donors:
Cherry Bost, Midwestern Manufacturing, Susie Hentschel, Lee and Pam Eslicker, Janice and Bill Chevaillier, John and Ludi Beasley, David and Tracey Eastin, Ken and Amanda Lawrence, Jeff and Connie Cope, Liz Hagans, Bryan Close, Sharon Bell and Greg Gray, and Tom and Joanie Atkinson and Barbara Sturdivant. 

Thank you to Tree Sponsors: 
Hall Estill, Hogan Taylor, JONESPLAN, Joe Howell/Wallace Design Collective, Denny Lee, Barbara Smallwood, Karen Mildren, Frank and Evelyn Schmidt Foundation, Larry Rooney, Anne Millspaugh, Michael and Mary McGraw, Leslie Pritchard, Sullivan Charlotte (Liv) Carter, Carter Elise Sherry, Rowan Walter Carter, Rosalind Louise (Rosie) Sherry, Finnegan Stone (Finn) Carter, William Stone (Liam) Sherry, Lael Louise Carter, Phil Marshall, Joe and Ja Ann Beffer, Marisha Moore, Bill and Mary Snow, Sarah Watson, Eddie and Lioudmila Abbott, Richard and Jean Ziettlow, Roy and Toni Bliss, Robert Norman, John and Karen Power, Lance Woolsey, Craig and Lindsay Ziettlow, Wilma Caudle, and Carolyn Caudle and Brett Goodwin.