In 1996, the Erickson Water Garden opened as the first of the Botanical Gardens' displays. This part of themeadow garden is home to bird and butterfly plants (including a Buddleia collection), wildflowers and ornamental grasses. Relax on benches and enjoy the sound of water tumbling over falls in the background.

Color peaks here in mid-summer. The combination of color, water and our Garden Bell fills the senses.

The Legacy Garden and Ailie's Glade includes shade plantings in a natural environment. Our grape arbor offers a quiet spot to enjoy the garden. Don’t miss our spring show of dogwoods and redbuds and join us as we watch our Bald Cypress Grove develop. The waterfall and streamway provide action and serenity in one.

The three-acre Marder Woodland Garden features regional native trees, shrubs and wildflowers, woodland hybrids, and a variety of ferns near a koi pond. Massive stone pillars support wooden arbors at the garden's entrance and overlook. Numerous water features provide the sound of falling water that resonates through towering trees. The Marder Garden's emphasis on native trees, shrubs and wildflowers serves as a wonderful transition into areas of the Arboretum kept in their natural state.

The Monet Garden attempts to capture the subtle blending of soft colors and shapes typical in the original Monet gardens. Willow trees, perennials, and annuals surround ponds, creating a colorful palate that will make you feel as though you are in one of Monet’s paintings.

Xeriscape (zer-i-scape) gardens are based on key principals demonstrating that water-efficient gardens can not only be practical and functional, but visually pleasing. Plants are selected for and grouped by their water needs. Our demonstration xeriscape garden is adjacent to the EEVC.

Dedicated in 2000, this garden is a whimsical and insightful experience for young visitors. Visitors can:

• Climb to the top of the Sky Watch
• Explore the switchgrass maze
• Walk through the vine covered Shrinking Tunnel
• Visit the Story Tree and Council Ring
• Check out the inhabitants of the Frog Pond including Copper Hopper Chopper, donated by FOTA in 2005.

Dedicated in 2007 as our newest addition, this garden at the entrance of the OPABG on 179th Street features a colorful array of shrubs and flowers with stone signage welcoming visitors to the facility.