Outdoor Gardens,
Lobby + Gift Shop
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bolz Conservatory
10 am – 4 pm daily
Schumacher Library
10 am – 4 pm, Mon - Fri
10 am - 1 pm, Sat
Breathe in the fresh smells of spring at Olbrich's annual Spring Flower Show featuring The Wonder of Seeds. Olbrichs Atrium is transformed into a flowering paradise celebrating everything seeds!
Spring Show Admission includes entry into the Bolz Conservatory March 4 - 5 and March 18 - 26. The Bolz Conservatory is CLOSED for maintenance March 6 - 17.
No advanced tickets required. Atrium capacity limited to 40-50 visitors at any given time.
All proceeds directly support the mission and daily operations of the Gardens!
Marlette Larsen
"A seed is sleepy. It lies there, tucked inside its flower, on its cone, or beneath the soil. Snug. Still."
—from A Seed is Sleepy, by Diana Hutts Aston
Every seed has a story. Take an educational journey into the history, culture and significance behind different seeds. Seeds have their own intricate beauty that rivals and sometimes even surpasses the beauty of their flowers. From tiny poppy seeds to giant coconut seeds, spikey poisonous castor beans to pods of fluffy milkweed, a remarkable variety will be highlighted in all their beauty and wonder.
Not only are they impressive in shape, size, color and texture, you will learn about different dispersal mechanisms. From wind and water to wildlife, even dehiscence (explosive dispersal!) It’s safe to say you will never look at a seed the same way again.
One-of-a-kind items are sourced through collaborations with local businesses and artists to construct truly unique and authentic displays. Very special thanks to our members, volunteers and community who donate items and purchase products we need from our registry.
Select plants from Olbrich's Spring Flower Show will be available for purchase in the Evjue Commons. Until the show concludes we will not know which plant types and quantities will be available for sale.
Please bring your own bags / boxes to transport your plants.
Olbrich’s production greenhouse staff grow many spring annuals displayed in the show. They use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system that involves beneficial insects, such as Amblyseius cucumeris, a predatory mite. Staff sprinkle the mite-sawdust mixture on the foliage of the plants and the mites feed on immature thrips. These beneficial insects, coupled with preventive cultural practices and close monitoring, allow us to keep our homegrown Spring Show flowers synthetic pesticide-free!
Wisconsin is home to over 400 species of wild bees, and more than 120 species of butterflies. As the moon rises, over 1,500 species of moths awaken, ensuring round the clock pollination and these are just the more well-known pollinators! These tiny superheroes pollinate over one-third of our food, making their health and survival a critical component of earth’s ecosystem. Every little bit helps – don’t have space to dig in the dirt – create a pollinator focused container for your patio! Olbrich’s Pollinator Plant Sales offer a variety of perennials with plentiful amounts of nectar and pollen, making them very appealing to pollinator insects! Plant pickup is June 20.
Grab a refreshing beverage and take a relaxing stroll in the Gardens with your sweetheart, create in community workshops, play a friendly game of bocce ball or cornhole with your pals, or start a dance party in the Thai Garden. Whether you're 2 or 102, there's something for everyone at this feel-good summer tradition.
On June 25, the community is invited to celebrate the 190th anniversary of U.S. - Thai diplomatic relations with a day of food, music and dance performances, and workshops and demonstrations. Unique opportunities to experience the rich cultural heritage of Thailand will be available for all ages to enjoy throughout the Gardens. Admission is free; food and beverage are an additional cost. More details coming soon!