Olbrich Botanical Gardens

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United States of America - Wisconsin - Madison

Institution Code: OLBR

BGCI Member: No

About the Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Olbrich Botanical Gardens features 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and a year-round tropical conservatory. The Sunken Garden features regional prairie style terraces, a mix of perennial plants, and an 80-foot reflecting pool. In the two and a half acre Perennial Garden, a meandering stream weaves through a colorful mix of perennial plants hardy to the upper Midwest. Visitors can experience the exquisite artisanship and exotic culture of Thailand in Olbrich’s Thai Pavilion and Garden. The Pavilion is the only one in the continental United Sates. The unique Thai-style garden uses Midwest hardy plants with a tropical feel. In June, 2005 the 50th Anniversary Rose Garden will open to the public with innovate mixed borders of Midwest hardy shrub roses and perennials. Other gardens include the Herb, Rock, Meadow, and Wildflower Gardens. The Bolz Conservatory, a sunny glass pyramid, houses a diverse collection of tropical plants and blooming orchids year-round.

Main Address:
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Avenue
Madison
Wisconsin 53704 United States of America

Telephone: (608) 246-4550
Fax: (608) 246-4719
URL: www.olbrich.org
Primary Email: scybart@cityofmadison.com

Staff Details

  • Director's Name: Roberta Sladky, Director
    Curator's Name: John Wirth, Conservatory Curator
    Plant Records Officer's Name: Kate McWhirter, Plant Recorder
  • Total Staff:
    Horticultural Staff Number: 9
    Educational Staff Number: 2
    Research Staff Number:
    Administration Staff Number: 6

About the Garden

  • Institution Type: Botanic Garden
  • Status
  • Status: Municipal: Yes
  • Date founded: 1952
  • Physical Data
  • Landscaped Area: Yes
  • Total Area: 6 Hectares
    Latitude: 43.0926010
    Longitude: -89.3346750
    Altitude: 236.00 Metres
    Total area of glasshouses: 6 Metres

Features and Facilities

  • Arboretum: No
  • Computer Plant Record System: Yes
  • Open to public: Yes
    Friends society: Yes
    Retail Outlet: Shop: Yes
    Retail Outlet: Plant Sales: Yes
    Disabled access: Yes
  • Number of Visitors: 250
    Number of Volunteers: 500

Plant Collections

  • Special Collections:Herbs, perennials, roses and All-America Rose Selections Display gardens.

Conservation Programmes

  • Ex Situ Conservation Programme: Yes

Research Programmes

  • Data Management Systems and Information Technology: Yes
    Horticulture: Yes

Education Programmes

  • Visitor/Education Centre: Yes
    Education Signs in Garden: Yes
    Public Lectures/Talks: Yes
    Education Booklets/Leaflets: Yes
    Guided Tours: Yes
    Permanent Public Displays: Yes
    Special Exhibitions: Yes
    Courses for School Children: Yes
    Courses for General Public: Yes