Outdoor Gardens,
Lobby + Gift Shop
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bolz Conservatory
Closed March 11 - June 14 for Planned Maintenance
Schumacher Library
Permanently Closed
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Closed March 11 - June 14 for Planned Maintenance
Permanently Closed
Plants are great, but it's the people that make our garden special.
Olbrich’s Woodland Garden puts on a spectacular spring floral show every year around this time, and you’re invited! Join Olbrich horticulturist Erin Presley as we look for bloodroot, trilliums, Virginia bluebells, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and other early bloomers, and might even spot a lady’s slipper. We will also talk about plants and creative ideas to extend the season of interest for your woodland garden throughout the entire year!
Time to get into summer beach read mode with the charming novel, The Simplicity of Cider. This story features a prickly cider-maker whose routine is disrupted by the arrival of a handsome farm hand and his young son at her family’s orchard. Set in Door County, this book will have you ready to celebrate being home in Wisconsin. Participants are encouraged to read the selected book prior to the discussion. Books are not supplied but are available at Schumacher Library, partner libraries, and the Madison Public Library system. Ages 16 and up with an adult This discussion will be held at the UW Arboretum Visitor Center on Wednesday, May 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Instructors: Eva Stefanski, Horticultural Librarian at Olbrich Botanical Gardens; Marian Farrior, Restoration Work Party Manager at UW Arboretum; Karen Dunn, Librarian at Steenbock Library
In this class, you will learn how to paint four different types of butterflies found in the state of Wisconsin: a Monarch, a Giant Swallowtail, an Orange Sulphur, and a Red-Spotted Purple. During our 2 hour class, I will guide you step-by-step in painting this 5x7 inch painting. This class is perfect for beginners as your design is printed directly on your watercolor paper and all supplies are included. Learn to paint with professional, quality supplies!
Whether you are planting, digging, or weeding, your body needs to stay strong and mobile to prevent injuries. Join this 5-week series that will prepare your body for gardening season and make you feel your best! This no-impact practice will help your flexibility, range of motion, and improve posture by gently strengthening and stretching all your muscles and joints. This series is suitable for all levels.
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. Ages 2-5 with an adult; adult attends free.
Roses dazzle, delight, and romance us in many ways. Fall in love with roses as we dive into the commonly available varieties as well as explore hardy heirlooms, species, and climbers. Learn basic culture and care, plus what rose to match with your space and expectations.
Join us in Olbrich's Frautschi Family Learning Center for a FREE member appreciation bee-themed bingo night! Did you know Olbrich Gardens is home to over 55 species of bees!? Discover the buzzing world of bees and play for a chance to win a sweet-as-honey prize pack!
The Badger Bonsai Society will host their annual exhibit featuring trees from the private collections of club members. Explore the art of bonsai with this unique opportunity to view some amazing miniature trees and talk with the bonsai artists who grew and cultivated them.
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. Ages 2-5 with an adult; adult attends free.
Want to learn more about beer brewing? The Wine and Hop Shop's homebrewing classes can be the perfect place to learn! During this two hour beginner homebrewing class, we will brew a beer together while discussing the entire brewing process from brewing to bottling, the ingredients and equipment utilized in brewing, a little of the chemistry behind it, and any questions you may have.