Visit These 4 Places for Garden Inspiration

March 20, 2014 3:00 PM

Beth Stetenfeld

Posted: March 20, 2014 3:00 PM

Updated: May 24, 2021 3:07 PM

by Beth Stetenfeld

Visit These 4 Places for Garden Inspiration — Allen Centennial Gardens is offering several classes this spring.

As we gear up for this year’s gardens, what better time to get out into the community to gather new knowledge and inspiration?

At Allen Centennial Gardens, 620 Babcock Dr., experience springtime in twenty-one individually themed gardens on 2.5 acres. Each year, the gardens have a new theme, so the plants and appearance are constantly changing. This year, the theme is “Fashionable, Functional, Fabulous & Fun,” celebrating the gardens’ twenty-fifth anniversary. Friends of Allen Centennial Gardens can participate in classes like For the Love of Trees, on Saturday, April 12, or What’s New for 2014?, on Saturday, April 26. Learn more at allencentennialgardens.org or call 608-576-2501.

The Dane County Farmers’ Market, Capitol Square, begins on April 19, and continues every Saturday until November 8. The Wednesday market begins April 23. Whether you’re shopping for fruits and vegetables, need flowers for a bouquet or looking for new perennials, you’ll find many options here. For a list of vendors, schedules, and other information, visit dcfm.org.

At Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., you can stroll the outside gardens enjoying the first flowering bulbs, spend a little money ($2) to visit the indoor Bolz Conservatory, or attend a workshop. Pick up a $6 pot of pansies, panolas or violas at the Spring Pansy Sale on Saturday, April 5. Each pot includes three plants, with proceeds benefitting the gardens. For more information on other events throughout the season, visit olbrich.org or call 608-246-4550, .

The UW–Arboretum, Arboretum Dr. at 1207 Seminole Hwy., bursts with new life in April. Hike the numerous marked trails, check out the native plant garden or admire the two thousand landscape plants on display at the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens. Learn All About Bluebirds on Saturday, April 12, or celebrate the end of Earth Week at the Spring Time at Teal Pond event on Sunday, April 27. Visit uwarboretum.org or call 608-263-7888, for information on classes, walks and other events.

These are just a few opportunities available in the community this month. And next month, we’ll be digging in the dirt!

Beth Stetenfeld is a McFarland-based editor, writer, master naturalist and creator of the gardening blog PlantPostings.com.