10 Spots You Don't Want To Miss When Visiting Olbrich Botanical Gardens In Wisconsin
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published July 24, 2020
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Did you know one of the country’s best gardens is here in the Badger State? It’s true. According to Horticulture Magazine, Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens is one of the top 10 most inspiring gardens in North America. And with 16 acres of outdoor gardens and an indoor conservatory, we have to say we agree. The grounds are brimming with incredible sights. And just to make sure you get the most out of your visit, we comprised a list of 10 can’t-miss sites. Take a look:
As the name implies, this garden is a popular space for wedding ceremonies and other private events – and with stunning annual and perennial displays, it’s easy to see why. The best time to visit is May through September since that’s when the garden comes to life with crabapples, lilacs, peonies, and roses.
Designed to stimulate a dry, rocky mountain slope, this garden is filled with an array of colorful alpine plants and vibrant conifers. To further set the scene, two streams meander through the garden and converge to form a soothing waterfall.
Sure to delight the senses, this garden is brimming with an array of aromatic herbal plants. What’s more, it’s surrounded by trees and shrubs that capture the myriad of fragrances given off by the plants. Only adding to its allure is the fact that it’s comprised of a series of specialty herb gardens.
Offering an authentic glimpse into the Asian culture, Olbrich’s Thai Pavilion was constructed in Thailand, then disassembled and shipped to Wisconsin. Adding to its authenticity is the fact that it’s surrounded by a typical Thai garden – complete with 12’ ornamental grasses, hardy bamboos, and large-leafed shrubs. It should also be noted that it’s the only Thai pavilion in the continental U.S. and the only one outside of Thailand surrounded by a garden.
Every last inch of this 2-acre garden is brimming with lovely hues – and it’s all thanks to the bulbs, perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees that fill it. But the garden’s features don’t end there. It also features a 200-foot stream, three pools, and a bog, which are home to a variety of aquatic plants as well as dragonflies and butterflies.
Stop and smell the roses…in Olbrich’s Rose Garden. A year-round favorite since opening in 2005, the 2-acre garden features all types of roses, along with colorful perennials, ornamental grasses and trees, shrubs, annuals, and bulbs.
You’re sure to feel as if you’ve traveled across the pond when visiting the Sunken Garden, which is a formal, traditional English-style garden. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms aren’t the garden’s only significant features, though. There’s also an idyllic 80-foot-long reflecting pool.
With a fescue meadow, a canopy of large eastern cottonwoods, and a grove of more than 30 Accolade flowering cherries, the Serenity Garden truly lives up to its name.
Get a taste of the tropics all year long with a visit to the Bolz Conservatory. The 50-foot-high glass pyramid is home to a varied collection of tropical plants, free-flying birds, blooming orchids, and a cascading waterfall. The temperature inside the Bolz Conservatory, which ranges from 65-degrees to 95-degrees, only adds to the tropical vibe.
Each season brings something new to the Wildflower Garden. In the spring, it’s brimming with a menagerie of colorful blooms. Visit in the fall, and you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, colorful berries, and vibrant seasonal hues. Summertime is just as impressive, as native trees and shrubs create a soothing woodland environment.
In response to COVID-19, Olbrich Botanical Gardens are open to the public with reduced hours. Visit the gardens free of charge Tuesday – Sunday, from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. On Mondays, the gardens are open to members only. The Bolz Conservatory is closed until further notice. For more information, call (608) 246-4550. You can also visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens website or Facebook page.
So, did you know about Olbrich Botanical Gardens? Or about all of the great things to see at the gardens? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Know of another great garden? Tell us in the comments section.
These aren’t the only must-visit gardens in the state. Read about another here.
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