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
Plants are great, but it's the people that make our garden special.
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.
Have you ever wondered what life is like inside a honeybee hive? Or perhaps what it might be like to keep bees? Using Olbrich's honeybee hives as a live demonstration, Kurt Runzheimer of Country Bee Apiaries and beekeeper of Olbrich's hives will explore first hand the life cycle of the bees, their daily activities, and routine summer care of the hives.
“Move like a great river; be still like a mountain” instructs the age-old description of the meditative exercise and movement art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. This class offers standing movements and seated practices rooted within the Chinese tradition of Tai Chi and Chi Kung for the enrichment of body, mind and spirit. All physical abilities welcome, including those in need of chair-based practice.
This informal tour by Herb Garden horticulturist Erin Presley is sure to delight both experienced and aspiring herbies! Join us for a preview of the summer’s plans and the techniques that contribute to the garden’s bountiful, beautiful displays. This session is a prequel to a later fall session in September and will touch on selection, design and planting techniques, harvesting early season herbs, and plans for the Hmong Garden.
Little Sprouts programs are nature and literature-based early childhood programs designed to meet the multidimensional learning and developmental needs of children ages 2-5 years. Each class is designed for children to work side-by-side with their adult caregiver as they engage in hands-on, fun, age-appropriate experiences that support the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
Draw inspiration for your own home, no matter what age or style, as we explore garden design evolution in the Midwest from the time of settlement. Learn about design trends, the rise of the suburban lawn, foundation plantings, cottage gardens, moon gardens, heirloom plants, Victory Gardens and much more.
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!
Enjoy an evening concert in one of Madison's most delightful outdoor venues! Concert attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Carry in picnics and beverages are allowed. No concert on July 4th.
“Move like a great river; be still like a mountain” instructs the age-old description of the meditative exercise and movement art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. This class offers standing movements and seated practices rooted within the Chinese tradition of Tai Chi and Chi Kung for the enrichment of body, mind and spirit. All physical abilities welcome, including those in need of chair-based practice.
From pre-settlement to today, discover the many ways humans, birds, animals and insects have used and treasured maples. We will examine where these trees are typically found in nature, their myriad uses over the centuries, folklore and stories, plus faunal partnerships. Ages 16 and over.