By Lily Mihelich | Photo courtesy University of Wisconsin – Madison
Spring is in full swing, and so are Madison’s public gardens. Head to these strollable destinations for a leisurely afternoon of flower power.
UW-MADISON BOTANY GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE
The 8,000-square-foot UW-Madison Botany Greenhouse has eight greenhouse rooms featuring plants from diverse climates, including the tropics, desert, bog and fern forest. Outside, walk through the 1.3-acre gardens, which has a quaint pond and more plants to ogle, set amongst the UW campus.
Both the greenhouse and gardens are maintained by the Department of Botany to learn about and explore plant diversity. Open to the public weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Birge Hall, 430 Lincoln Dr., livingcollection.botany.wisc.edu
OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS
The city’s marquee botanical gardens has 16 acres to explore. Thousands of species thrive in themed display gardens, featuring woodlands, herbs, perennials, a rain and gravel garden, and more. Tranquil paved and gravel paths throughout encourage you to stroll and benches beckon you to stop and reflect. The Thai Pavilion & Garden is a show-stopping sight in the back of the property. On rainy days, the temperate Bolz Conservatory is always open. (It’s closed for maintenance until June 14, but open after that.) Olbrich always has classes and events going on too, so check their website. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, through September.
3330 Atwood Ave., olbrich.org
ATWOOD COMMUNITY GARDENS
The Atwood Community Gardens are situated along a bike path and stretches for four blocks from Waubesa Street to Jackson Street. Gardened by individual plot owners, this little piece of land is a community effort. Stroll or ride your bike to view the fruits, veggies and flowers in bloom. Gardeners are also encouraged to donate their extra harvest to the Goodman Community Center for families in need.
Waubesa Street to Jackson Street, goodmancenter.org/community-services/community-gardens
ALLEN CENTENNIAL GARDEN
This UW-Madison-operated campus garden boasts urban agriculture; a historic, 1896 Queen Anne-style home; and the Agricultural Dean’s house. Be sure to check out “A Well-Cultivated Bucky,” a temporary exhibition that launched on May 1 that showcases a 10-foot-tall Bucky Badger decorated with flowers, commemorating the university’s 175th anniversary. The garden also hosts events, tours, work- shops and a summer concert series. Open to the public, dawn to dusk.
620 Babcock Dr., allencentennialgarden.wisc.edu
PERIOD GARDEN PARK
Seek a sense of calm at this park, located in a quiet enclave right in downtown Madison’s Mansion Hill Historic District. This Victorian-themed garden has a three-tiered fountain, statues, lush foliage and flowers, and tidy hedges. Dedicated volunteers maintain this beloved piece of property.
110 E Gorham St., periodgardenpark.org
