The Shangri La Botanical Gardens is preparing to reopen to the public this weekend after Hurricane Ike shut it down nearly six months ago.

The hurricane uprooted trees and damaged buildings on the property of the world class nature center.

Workers have spent months re-planting trees and flowers and rebuilding structures at the center.

Shangri La will open its doors Saturday, March 7 at 9 a.m.

Shangri La has more than 300 types of plants as well as a wide variety of wildlife.

Group tours are available.