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Sitting on a bench on a warm day with eyes closed, one can hear the sounds of children in the distance, birds foraging for food and a wind chime tinkling in a light breeze.
Groundskeepers hum with their weed eaters and mowers trimming grass and shrubs.
Water in the fountains splashes, and sprinklers sound their distinctive cadence of chit, chit, chit, chit, dah, dah, dah, dah, chit, chit in the distance.
When the water lands on the shrubs and grass, the clean aroma of freshly mown grass wafts from garden to garden.
Occasionally, a light mist takes flight, launching rainbows and soft droplets that let visitors forget that the hilltop gardens are really in the middle of the city in the 21st century.
This oasis is the San Antonio Botanical Garden on 33 acres next to Fort Sam Houston at 555 Funston operated by the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department.
The entrance to the garden is the Sullivan Carriage House, which was built of limestone blocks downtown in 1896.
It was moved from the corner of Fourth and Alamo and reassembled in its present location. It now houses a restaurant, gift shop and ticket sales for the garden.
The botanical center includes at least eight distinct gardens.
The Lucile Halsell Conservatory includes exhibits of rain forest, cloud forest, jungle and desert.
Three nature trails representing different parts of Texas - the East Texas Piney Woods, Hill Country and South Texas - beckon visitors.
A Japanese garden was a gift from the city's Sister City, Kyoto, Japan.
Thousands of plants - most identified with small brass signs or temporary plastic signs displaying the common name and scientific name - fill the gardens.
Park benches abound for quietly enjoying the sights, sounds and smells.
Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children 13 years old and under, and $5 for seniors, military and students. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. For more information, call 207-3250.
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