Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison features over 16 acres of outdoor gardens along with an indoor tropical paradise. It is home to the only Thai Pavilion in the continental U.S. and is a winner of the national Garden of Excellence Award. Guests can stroll through the gardens or take the accessible tram that travels from garden to garden either on the weekends or daily, depending on the season. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sites at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison.
The Rose Garden
Make sure to take your time exploring the Rose Garden at Olbrich. This is one of the most popular gardens. It covers 2 acres and features a wide variety of roses of all colors and sizes on display. It also has ornamental trees, spring blooms, and annuals to see while you wander through. The Prairie-style design of the Rose Garden features simple geometric designs made from natural materials. The most prominent feature in the Rose Garden is the Rose Garden Tower. It is a two-story tower offering visitors who climb up spectacular views of the garden and more.
Thai Pavilion and Garden
The Thai Pavilion and Garden is unlike any garden you will see in the continental United States. The sala, or pavilion, is a traditional Thai structure, but the one you’ll see at Olbrich is more ornate than most salas you would see in Thailand. The garden that surrounds the pavilion is lush and tropical with hearty plants that can withstand the Wisconsin climate. Some of the ornamental grasses reach up to 12 feet tall, and you’ll also see many bamboo plants that are essential for this tropical garden. You’ll also find glazed water jars and clipped tree art known as mai dat throughout the gardens that represent a traditional horticulture feature in gardens throughout Thailand.
The Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden is another unique garden at Olbrich. It is a traditional formal English-style garden surrounded by shrub hedges and limestone terraces. All of these elements give guests in the Sunken Garden the feeling that they’re in an outdoor room. An 80-foot long reflecting pool is a key feature in this garden, while the border features mixed flowering bulbs in a variety of colors and shrubs that bloom starting in the spring and offer their beautiful colors until late in the autumn.
Tours
Olbrich offers a variety of different tour experiences, from adult-only tours to self-guided visits for groups and guided garden strolls. The adult group tours give visitors an inside look at the outdoor gardens and require a reservation. The guided garden strolls are more relaxed and available for drop-ins only. The volunteer-led tour provides a casual overview of the gardens, and if you prefer to explore the gardens on your own, you are always welcome to wander through the gardens at your own pace.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a must-see for anyone who lives in or visits Madison. Make sure to stop by the gift shop after your visit, and also check the schedule for any special events.
Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay
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