Madison WI Gardens: Dazzling Dairy State Destinations

Welcome to our latest “Visiting Midwest Gardens” feature and discover the beautiful gardens of Madison, Wisconsin – join Flower Chick as we explore the sights and sounds of Wisconsin’s capital city on a late summer weekend …

It’s always a joy to visit The Dairy State and it’s particularly enjoyable to spend time in Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin.  This vibrant, welcoming city of 250,000 + is a popular weekend destination for visitors throughout the Midwest and beyond.  The seat of Wisconsin’s government, Madison is a lively blend of college activity, commerce, and scenic beauty …

We’ll go behind the scenes for an up close and personal exploration of six beautiful Madison public gardens, all here waiting for you to experience.  And of course, Flower Chick will introduce you to some of her favorite local businesses, including places to shop, dine, and relax with an adult beverage …

Join us as we spotlight Madison’s gardens and a whole lot more!

About Madison …

You’ll find Madison in south central Wisconsin along Interstate 90, about an hour west of Milwaukee .  As you approach the city, the first prominent feature you’ll notice is the striking State Capitol dome.   It’s the tallest building in the city and drew its design from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D. C.  The area surrounding the Capitol building comprises the heart of downtown Madison, which is located on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

Did You Know?  An isthmus is a narrow strip of land with bodies of water on both sides that connects larger parcels of land at each end …

Downtown Madison is bordered on the north by Lake Mendota and on the south by Lake Monona.  A one of a kind place, Madison and the surrounding communities are tucked around four lakes in the metro area.  Truthfully, it takes a bit of time to get your bearings and how to get around!  Luckily, Flower Chick’s tour guide / husband has been to Madison on business many times over the years. Even so, it still makes good sense to study a map before visiting …

Insider Tip:  Check out the Visit Downtown Madison website or stop in their State Street visitor center while in town.  They offer a handy pocket sized map / guide of the downtown area that’s really helpful …

Beyond all the requisite collegiate activities, Madison is bustling with events throughout the year.  The famous Dane County Farmers Market is held around the capitol square on Saturdays during the warmer months and there’s never a shortage of things to see and places to go.  A popular city with young people, Madison draws visitors and relocations from around the globe.  In addition to the university and state government, Madison’s largest employers include the headquarters for Lands End, Spectrum Brands, and many biotech companies …

Did You Know?  Madison is named in honor of America’s 4th President and Founding Father James Madison …

Gardens in Madison WI

Arriving from the Beloit and Janesville  area of southern Wisconsin, an ideal first stop is the expansive University of Wisconsin Arboretum, west of downtown and nestled around Lake Wingra …

From there, we’ll showcase the University of Wisconsin Botanical Garden on the UW Madison campus and the rooftop garden on Madison’s renowned Monona Terrace.  After some shopping and lunch, we’ll highlight the beautiful Allen Centennial Garden (photo at top of page), Period Park’s historical garden, and finally, Madison’s horticultural showplace, the well known Olbrich Botanical Gardens on the east side of town …

Discover The Best Perennials For Zone 5 Gardens … Easy Care & Low Maintenance Favorites

It’s a beautiful late summer weekend and a full agenda awaits … let’s explore Madison’s gardens!

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum – This 35-acre area near the Visitor Center is the premier collection of trees, shrubs, and vines in Wisconsin and includes 6,000 specimens suitable for Madison’s climate. More than 2,500 kinds of plants, including more than 100 species of Wisconsin’s native woody plants, are displayed.

Longenecker Horticultural Gardens hold one of the largest displays of lilacs in North America.  The initial lilac plantings from 1935 can still be seen today!  New selections are added to the garden every year, keeping the collection current. Next time we will visit in the Spring to see the lovely lilacs in full bloom!

You can also visit the collection of flowering crabapples, as well as shrubs, conifers, and other plant groups. Specimens in the gardens are labeled with a tag attached to a south-facing branch or a nearby post. This major resource for the study of landscape plants is available to educators, the public, and the nursery trade.

Explore The Beauty Of Spring Flowering Crabapple Trees … Click Here To View

The Wisconsin Native Plant Garden, designed by landscape architect Darrel Morrison, is a place where people of all ages participate in land care and learn about native plants, restoration, pollinator conservation, and ecological relationships.

Located on 4 acres surrounding the Visitor Center, the WNPG includes 15 gardens and hundreds of native Wisconsin species. The Garden introduces visitors to ecological restoration and diverse communities in the Arboretum and the region … we spotted a multitude of pollinators enjoying the native plants.

It is a key teaching resource that demonstrates landscaping with native plants. They promote sustainable gardening practices: limited water use, minimal pesticide use, diversity in plantings, rain gardening, and pollinator conservation. There are paths leading through it so you can experience up close.  A real gem!

Grow A Greener Landscape By Practicing Sustainable Gardening – Details Here

Mystery To Me: Just minutes from the UW Arboretum is one of Madison’s most eclectic thoroughfares, Monroe Avenue. Traveling on an angle along the north shore of Lake Wingra, Monroe Avenue is filled with independent businesses for you to expore …

One of Flower Chick’s favorites is located steps away … Mystery To Me Books, one of the city’s most appealing independent bookstores. Mystery to Me is a general bookstore with a very specific name! They curate a wide selection of mystery (a broad genre) as well as general and literary fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, young adult titles, and a delightful children’s section.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, they are more than happy to find it for you if they can. In addition to a great selection of books, Mystery to Me hosts a wide variety of author and book-related events.

About a half mile down on Monroe is one of Madison’s many historic taverns. The Laurel Tavern has served Madison since the 1930’s. Well known in the area for their welcoming atmosphere and famous Friday fish fry, The Laurel Tavern earned a spot on Flower Chick’s lunch agenda for their great cheeseburgers …

Ample parking (a big plus in Madison) and a long bar with plenty of cold beer on draught make this a worthy stop for anyone checking out the Monroe Street area. The Laurel Tavern is about five minutes from the Henry Vilas Zoo … we stopped after paying a visit to the animals.

Insider Tip:  Check out Laurel Tavern’s soup of the day, made in house. Flower Chick’s hubby had a fantastic bowl of Chicken Gumbo, perfectly spiced and brimming with fresh hand pulled chicken …

Henry Vilas Zoo: The Henry Vilas Zoo is located at 702 South Randall Avenue just down the street from the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium. This is a 28-acre public zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Owned by Dane County, the zoo charges no admission or parking fees … one of only a handful of admission-free, community-supported zoos in the country.

The zoo is surrounded by Vilas Park, which features lush, open space for active play, as well as two playgrounds for children to explore. The park boasts a ball diamond, a beach, and a lagoon maintained for ice skating in the winter.

We were happy to see the Pollinator Garden buzzing with activity!  Many native plants were in bloom in August including swamp milkweed, butterfly weed, buttonbush, purple coneflowers, false sunflower, prairie blazing star, goldenrod and rudbeckia.

We enjoyed walking around the zoo and taking in the various exhibits both inside and outside. The day we visited the polar bears were especially active and putting on a show for the spectators.  Henry Vilas Zoo partners with Polar Bears International to help raise funds and awareness to save the wild polar bears and the sea ice they depend on.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Botany Garden The University of Wisconsin – Madison’s Botany Garden located on campus between University Avenue and Lathrop Drive is an important resource for both teaching and research, serving as reference for the different plant families, genera and species represented.

Attractively laid out with winding paths around a central plaza, the UW Botany Garden was still very colorful and full of pollinators when Flower Chick visited in mid-September. It’s a peaceful place to walk and take in the beauty of the robust plants represented.

It also provides an area for leisure where examples of plants from all over the world demonstrate the diversity and beauty of the plant kingdom. The UW-Madison Botany Garden was the first garden in the world to be based on the new Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APGIV) system of molecular classification of plants. I don’t quite know what that means … but it sounds important. ; )

The UW – Madison’s Botany Garden is maintained by the university’s Department of Botany.  This attractive garden features over 500 species of plants from around the globe …

There is a Botany Greenhouse close by that serves as a laboratory of learning and oasis of tranquility for generations of University of Wisconsin-Madison students.  Flower Chick was happy to see that it has reopened to the public!  A little tricky to find, but head to the Birge Hall – Botany Building and follow the signs to get downstairs for entry to the greenhouse.

The busy greenhouse consists of eight rooms, divided into 11 distinct climate zones and displays more than 1,000 species comprising distinct aquatic, desert and tropical communities.

 

The Department of Botany and other university departments make extensive use of the greenhouse. This is a working facility, permitting UW faculty and students to undertake a variety of research projects in plant geography, physiology, anatomy, ecology, taxonomy and other related areas.

In addition to meeting essential teaching and research interests, the greenhouse is an aesthetic resource for students and the community. Botany Greenhouse staff assist numerous visitors seeking advice on plants for their homes and gardens.

The Tropical Rooms present a lot of eye candy with a pond, aquatic plants, ferns, cycads, bird of paradise, and banana plants.  Koi fish and goldfish spend the summer outdoors and winter indoors in the greenhouse.

Flower Chick spoke to an enthusiastic student watering the plants.  She said she is a botany major and loves spending time in the greenhouse and gardens learning about the flora.  Who doesn’t like being surrounded by plants?

Check out the pond plants in the Tropical Room – we spotted water lettuce, water hyacinth, floating ferns, parrot feather, water lilies and reed grass all enjoying the setting.  Bet this is a real treat during the winter months when the plant life outside is dormant.

These Flowering Groundcovers Will Make Your Garden Shine & Attract Pollinators!

Madison’s Gathering Place: The Memorial Union Terrace

Much like the hike to Picnic Point, spending a few hours at the UW Memorial Union Terrace is a must if you’re visiting in the warm weather months.

Boasting the best view in Madison, the Terrace dates back well over 100 years and is situated on the shore of Lake Mendota near the heart of campus. Primarily a student gathering place, the Memorial Union Terrace is also wildly popular with community residents and visitors alike. And why not? The setting is idyllic … tables surrounded by brightly colored sunburst chairs (a Memorial Terrace tradition), superb view, fresh lake breezes, and great people watching.

If you’re craving a bit to eat or a libation, it’s steps away to several outposts right on the grounds, including a brat stand, a rathskeller, and an outpost serving Babcock Dairy Store ice cream. Open long hours during the spring, summer, and early fall, the Memorial Union Terrace is a membership organization … but not to worry. Visitors can buy a one day pass for $1 to enjoy all there is to see and do.

If you’re arriving by car, there’s a parking garage just across the street. It’s quite a popular place, but there’s plenty of room and seating is rarely an issue. If you’re into water sports, there’s a small swimming area adjacent to the pier and small boat rentals are also available …

This was our first time here and it’s quite an inviting place! Make sure to put the Memorial Union Terrace on your list to visit …

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Monona Terrace – A Rooftop Garden in Madison The William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens were blooming with gorgeous, landscaped bursts of color with many pollinator friendly annuals and perennials. An inviting and beautiful community destination.  They created a low-maintenance, sustainable rooftop garden experience.

Did You Know? Madison residents are known as “Madisonians” …

Frank Lloyd Wright originally proposed a design for Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in 1938. His architectural vision for the City of Madison—a curvilinear gathering place linking the shore of Lake Monona to the State Capitol was finally realized in 1997. A vision 59 years in the making.

Add A Touch Of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Influence To Your Garden … Click Here

Lake Vista Cafe Monona Terrace – Enjoy sprawling views of Lake Monona and downtown Madison’s cityscape at the Lake Vista Cafe, located in the William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens. The cafe is open during the summer, and boasts a menu full of great food, summer drinks, and even their own private label wine.

The Cafe offers casual to gourmet fare, including appetizers such as Goat Cheese Potato Cakes and Cauliflower Fritters. On the menu you will find a variety of salads, sandwiches, desserts, and entrees, such as West African Peanut Buddha Bowl with Jerk Chicken or Tofu, and Thai Coconut Curry Noodle. From light and refreshing to warm and comforting, there is an option for everyone.

The Wisconsin Supper Clubs Story:  An Illustrated History With Relish …

Silver Dollar Tavern A low key tavern in the shadow of the Wisconsin State Capitol building, the Silver Dollar Tavern has been a Madison mainstay since 1933. Old school and traditional, it’s a cash only establishment that’s just perfect for a respite from the busy street scene downtown …

Can you just imagine all the political deals that have been hammered out over a few drinks at the Silver Dollar Tavern??

Plaza Tavern You’ll find the popular Plaza Tavern on Henry Street downtown, just a half block off State Street. This is the oldest tavern in downtown Madison! It dates back to 1930 …

Back in those days, National Prohibition prohibited sales or manufacture of alcoholic beverages (my husband shudders at the thought!). At the Plaza Tavern though, if you knew the owner (and were in his good graces), you’d be escorted to an adjoining speakeasy room where the beer and conversation flowed freely …

This downtown institution has been going strong ever since. They’re especially known for their wonderful Plaza Burgers, which are grilled burgers with special “Plaza Sauce” added. So what exactly is Plaza Sauce?

Well, it’s a closely guarded secret, but there are some educated guesses. First, some history … Plaza Burgers (with Plaza Sauce) were first served in 1964, some 34 years after the tavern first opened. The sauce itself is somewhat creamy, with two confirmed ingredients being mayonnaise and sour cream. The rest of the ingredients, those which give the sauce its signature “zing”, are anybody’s guess. Garlic salt? Maybe chives and celery salt? Hard to say …

Nevertheless, having a Plaza Burger and a cold one at the Plaza Tavern is a Madison right of passage. Flower Chick ordered two Plaza Burgers to go and warmed them up under low heat the next day … fantastic!

A Taste Of Wisconsin … You Can’t Go Wrong With A Cheese Variety Pack

Wisconsin Cheese Mart You’re in Wisconsin and you’re looking to take something home as a reminder of your visit. Say cheese! And there’s no better place to do just that in Madison than at the Wisconsin Cheese Mart on State Street …

Flower Chick has long been acquainted with the Wisconsin Cheese Mart … their original location is in downtown Milwaukee on Old World Third Street. This outpost in downtown Madison offers the same expansive selection. Wisconsin made cheese, Usinger sausages, gift packs, and more are here for you to get your fix. The perfect spot for a gift for whoever waters your plants at home while you’re away!

Did You Know? State Street in Madison wasn’t always a pedestrian focused thoroughfare. It was converted from a traditional four lane road in 1974 …

ReThreads   Rethreads is a locally owned and operated eco-friendly, sustainable fashion boutique located at 410 State Street. They are a buy-sell-trade establishment where all incoming inventory is purchased outright from their customers and the general public.

They have a carefully curated selection of top fashion labels and styles in an attractive setting … making Rethreads a fun and unique place to shop for clothing.

Think Prada, Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Valentino and more.  You get the idea!

The collection is on-trend, fun, and strives for one-of kind items including, vintage, collectibles and iconic pieces.

Stop in and find treasures for your unique style at good prices and feel good about shopping resale and repurposing.

 

 

Period Garden Park – Madison’s Historical Garden – Located in the Mansion Hill District (at Gorham and Pinckney Streets), Period Garden Park is a Victorian era neighborhood park with beautiful period appropriate flower gardens. This labor of love is planted, supported and maintained mostly by local volunteers.

You’re surrounded by scent and color in this garden oasis.  The area has a fascinating history too … known variously as Yankee Hill, Aristocrat Hill, and Big Bug Hill, the area north of the Capitol Square near Lake Mendota was selected by Madison’s business, political, and academic elites in the 19th century for their homes.  Successful bankers, timber barons, real estate promoters, railroad lawyers, University regents, professors, governors, judges, and mayors resided on the Hill.

Large residences of dressed stone, fancy brickwork, and elaborate carpentry fill the neighborhood with many individually designated as landmarks marked with plaques.  The entire district reflects the fabric of an upper-class turn of the century neighborhood.

This Classic Three Tier Design Fountain – Will Be The Focal Point Of Your Garden

The vintage wrought-iron fence, lampposts, urns and fountain all add to the ambience. It must be beautiful in all seasons … there are over 5,000 spring blooming bulbs planted in the beds.

Did You Know? Phlox flowers symbolize harmony, compatibility, unity, partnership, and agreement. They represent united hearts and souls. Additionally, fragrant phlox flowers symbolize sweet dreams.

Allen Centennial Garden-  Named after Ethel Allen, a former member of the UW faculty, she was a renowned naturalist and international authority in her field.  A Madison resident, she was instrumental in providing support for the early phases of Garden construction in the mid- 1980’s.  The centennial part of the name comes from the commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of the Department of Horticulture in 1989.

Allen Centennial Garden is the artful living laboratory and public botanical garden of the Horticulture Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Garden serves as an outdoor classroom for UW-Madison students and the surrounding communities, providing meaningful learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

This captivating Garden is constantly evolving. Around every turn you’ll encounter jaw-dropping beauty … the varied topography and exposures of the 90,000 square foot site allow for a great diversity of plantings and riveting hardscapes. The major emphasis within the Garden is on herbaceous ornamental perennials but the site features many other plantings including annuals and woody plants.

The Garden is built around a stately brick Queen Anne-style home built in 1896 nestled on the agricultural campus. The house was one of the first buildings on the agricultural campus and served as home for the college’s first four deans. In 1984, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Allen Centennial Garden is a living museum showcasing exceptional and sustainable ornamental horticulture. In recent years, the Garden has become a hub for culture, connection, creativity and belonging.  On our last visit, a wedding / reception was being set up on the grounds.  What a lovely spot for their nuptials!

Check Out These Extended Bloom Perennials For A Garden Full Of Color All Season Long …

Babcock Dairy Store There are a few college campuses across the United States with their own dairy store. University of Nebraska (Lincoln NE) and Michigan State University (Lansing MI) are two, but arguably none are as well known or beloved than the Babcock Dairy store in the heart of the UW-Madison campus …

Flower Chick loves it for a variety of reasons … first of all it’s student run, and it’s a pleasure to witness young students gaining work experience in a valuable endeavor. Second, it’s within steps of the Allen Centennial Garden, and most of all, the ice cream and cheese made here is some of the best in the Midwest!

The Babcock Dairy Store has been a UW campus favorite since 1951. There are many tasty cheeses to choose from including: brick, cheddar, gouda, harvarti, monterey jack, and swiss.

The icecream is delicious! It’s hard to decide which ones to try … The Dairy Store typically has 22 flavors on hand so you can enjoy an ice cream treat at the store or take a pint, half-gallon or a three-gallon tub with you to enjoy at home.  This visit we had a salted caramel toffee and a blueberry swirl. Both were scrumptious!

Try Your Hand At Making Icecream At Home … It’s Easy With This

More Downtown Madison Favorites

We’re big fans of supporting independent local businesses, and there’s ample opportunity to do so in downtown Madison. Always on the lookout for a great casual place for dinner, here are two of Flower Chick’s favorites. They’d love to have you pay them a visit!

Parthenon Gyros: A State Street staple since 1972, this family owned Greek spot is a legendary stop for students and visitors alike. And it’s the real deal …

Specializing in traditional gyros, Parthenon is in the heart of busy State Street just a couple blocks from the Capitol. You can order your gyros (pronounced “YEER-ohs”) either stuffed into a warm pita like a sandwich or served on a platter with fresh tomatoes, onions, and house made tzatziki (cucumber) sauce …

When you arrive, just place your order at the front counter and they’ll call your number in no time. Flower Chick likes heading upstairs to Parthenon’s rooftop deck to oversee all the hustle and bustle of the foot traffic on State Street below …

Flower Chick’s hubby, kind of a connoisseur of Greek food, noted the gyros here rivaled any he’s ever had over the years. Open for lunch and dinner, Parthenon is a friendly, easy on the wallet outpost on State Street …

Echo Tap & Grill: If you like outdoor beer gardens boasting a floral environment, you’ll love The Echo, a long time tavern / casual restaurant about 5 blocks southwest of the Capitol on Main Street …

In business since 1941, this family owned outpost is the very definition of a neighborhood bar and grill. Popular with in the know locals and UW students, you’ll find an approachable, casual menu, plenty of TV’s to catch the game, and a wide variety of libation. Flower Chick enjoyed her Wisconsin favorite here, an Old Fashioned, and loved it!

Did we mention Echo Tap & Grill’s beer garden? The picture here does it justice – beautiful flowers and greenery everywhere … kind of an urban oasis. A great place to spend a quiet hour or two in downtown Madison …

Old Sugar Distillery: On our visit to Madison this year, we vowed to visit and spotlight a few great places we ran out of time to see last year. One at the top of our list is Old Sugar Distillery, an independent local distillery and tasting room located east of downtown not far from Olbrich Park.

Their fun, vibrant tasting room showcases several house produced spirits, including rum, bourbon, various brandies, and more. Sidle up to the bar and order a cocktail featuring their products, including a very tasty Old Fashioned. When we visited, the distillery was abuzz with locals who know a good place when they see it. They’ve got an outdoor seating area for the warmer months along with inside seating adjacent to the bar and distillery work area …

Old Sugar Distillery is located on Main Street about ten blocks east of the Capitol and a couple blocks north of the every popular Williamson Street, one of the city’s premier destinations for food, drink, and shopping …

A Hike To Picnic Point

Ask any UW Madison student or alum and they’ll tell you the hike to Picnic Point is a Madison right of passage. Picnic Point is actually a narrow peninsula jutting out into Lake Mendota that’s easily accessible from the UW campus area …

Clocking in at just under two miles round trip, it’s a relatively flat and comfortable hike, just perfect to get your blood flowing first thing in the morning. Along the way, you’ll encounter areas for picnics … you can practically reach out and touch the water on both sides of the peninsula!

Upon reaching the tip of Picnic Point, you’ll be rewarded with invigorating lake breezes and a spectacular view of Madison’s downtown and the Capitol dome across the lake. Administered by the university, Picnic Point is actually a part of the larger Lakeshore Nature Preserve …

To reach Picnic Point, take Observatory Drive to Parking Lot 130. There’s ample parking and you’ll be steps away from the beginning of the trail …

Hiking Wisconsin: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hikes … See The Here

Olbrich Park Gardens – Botanical & Beer

Olbrich Botanical Gardens – Located at 3330 Atwood in Madison, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is a wonderful 16+ acre outdoor botanical garden … plus a 10,000-square-foot conservatory.  The outdoor gardens are free. There is a small fee to enter the conservatory.  Let’s explore some of the highlights …

Don’t miss the tropical multi-level Bolz Conservatory, filled with exotic plants, orchids, birds, and a waterfall! Just inside the Visitor Center the entrance is close to the welcome desk. Over 750 plants representing over 70 families and over 550 different species and cultivars are housed here.  The temperature is maintained between 65 and 80 degrees fahrenheit (between 18 and 26 °C), although the sun may warm it to 100 °F (35 °C) in the summer.

You may see canaries, waxbills, diamond doves and various finches. There is also a koi pond featuring colorful koi and goldfish.  Frogs, toads and geckos are also present in this tropical paradise …

Discover The Wonderful World Of Air Plants – The Easiest Care Houseplants Around!

Escape To The Tropics At The Bolz Conservatory Within Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Flower Chick recommends touring the conservatory first then heading out to the outdoor gardens.  They’re easy to navigate with paver pathways winding about to the many themed gardens.  Plenty of benches are peppered throughout the garden so you can relax and take in beauty of the grounds.

If you up for walking, don’t miss the Thai Pavillion and gardens across Starkweather Creek.  You’ll feel like you’ve travelled to faraway lands … serene and photogenic. The pavillion was a gift to the University of Wisconsin-Madison from the Thai Government and the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. UW-Madison has one of the largest Thai student populations of any U.S. college or university.

Olbrich was chosen as the site for the pavillion because of its garden setting and its proximity to water. Water is important to Thailand because of its implications for good health and prosperity.

There are many gardens to linger in and savor at Olbrich including a hosta garden, wildflower garden, herb garden, meadow garden, rose garden, rain & gravel garden, sedge meadow, serenity garden, moonlight meadow, sunken garden and more …

View hundreds of blooming bulbs in spring, interesting annuals & hardy perennials in the summer, colorful asters and mums alongside swaying ornamental grasses in fall, and colorful bark, berries, evergreens in the winter months at Olbrich.  All season interest abounds …

The Sunken Garden is a formal, traditional, English-style garden. Mixed borders of cool colored flowering spring bulbs, annuals, perennials, and shrubs bloom from spring through autumn. The Sunken Garden is Olbrich’s oldest garden. It was originally a rose mall in 1952 and has since been transformed into the present day garden.

Olbrich’s Perennial Garden is a an informal, two-acre, garden filled with bulbs, perennials, shrubs, vines and trees, all chosen for year round interest. Winding paths meander through this garden creating a sense of mystery. A 200-foot long stream, three pools and a bog are home to a wide variety of aquatic plants and insects, including waterlilies, carnivorous plants, dragonflies and numerous butterfly species.

The lively Herb Garden is a series of smaller gardens meant to delight the senses and illustrate the historic and contemporary importance of herbs.

Specialty gardens within the Herb Garden include the English Courtyard,  Touch & Smell Garden, Medicinal, Dye , Kitchen & Sinister Gardens …

When in Madison,don’t miss Olbrich’s 16 acres of outdoor stunning landscapes and Midwest-hardy plants.  Indoors you’ll find the tropical Bolz Conservatory, filled with exotic plants, orchids, birds, and a waterfall.  A paradise for gardening enthusiasts!

Olbrich Park: A Boat Ride & A Beer Garden

In addition to the beautiful Olbrich Park Botanical Garden featured above, you’ll want to carve out time to head across Atwood Avenue to the park itself. In the summer months, join the locals at the scenic Biergarten at Olbrich Park. A throwback to days gone by when beer gardens dotted the Madison scene, this lively locale is right on the Lake Monona lakeshore …

What a great place to spend a warm summer Sunday afternoon! You’ll find a rotating selection of locally made beer on draught, local bakery pretzels, brats, and other refreshments. The view of Lake Monona with the Capitol off in the distance will make you linger – there’s plenty of picnic tables around for seating and you can bring your own picnic if the mood strikes …

Staffed by a group of friendly young people, the Biergarten is managed and operated by the Madison Park District. It’s open every day in the summer from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. M-F & 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. on the weekends … plus free live music is often featured.

A few hundred yards away from the Biergarten is the Olbrich Park boat dock, and on select days, the Madison School and Community Recreation organization features one hour pontoon boat rides on both Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. These highly enjoyable boat rides take you out onto the lake for a one hour narrated cruise for a super low price … $5 per person when we cruised.

The pontoon boats have a capacity of around 20 people. There’s two boats ready to cruise and on the day we arrived, a Monday, both filled up. Check the schedule as to times and locations, but we recommend arriving 20 minutes early for the first cruise. If it’s filled to capacity, which happened to us, the staff let us sign up for the subsequent cruise. There’s two afternoon cruises on rotating days and locations, some from parks on Lake Monona and some from parks on Lake Mendota …

If you don’t have your own boat, this is the next best way to get out on the water in Madison!

Ken’s Meats & Deli –   Known for their delicious homemade brats and sausage, full service bakery, and deli featuring homemade soups, sandwiches, salads and more … Ken’s has been in business for over 40+ years. Located at 5725 Monona Drive, this delightful store promotes and sells many local products from local small businesses.

We purchased several deli salads, breaded pork tenderloins, bratwurst, and a bottle of Wisconsin wine.  Stop in and treat yourself!

Fraboni’s Italian Specialties & Deli – Fraboni’s is a Madison tradition since 1971. Their wonderful deli offers fresh pasta, soups, homemade sandwiches, and prepared entrees.  Stock up your kitchen with gourmet olives, oils, and spices; imported and domestic meats, cheeses, wine and homemade sauces.

We purchased some delicious deli salads and two sandwiches – an Italian Sausage and a Meatball. Yum! You can eat there on their outdoor patio or take to go.

Fraboni’s is conveniently located in Monona on Owen Road, right off of Monona Drive.  Stop by this 3rd generation family-owned business … you won’t leave empty-handed!

Madison WI Gardens: Summary

It’s always great fun to be in Madison! This is a city that appeals to visitors in all four seasons … though we must say Madison’s gardens make summer an especially fine time to visit.

Best of all, the Madison gardens we’ve spotlighted are easy to reach – they’re all within 10 minutes of each other. You can easily explore them all in a day, but we recommend at least a weekend stay to experience the city …

It’s likely you’ll be drawn back to Madison again and again. The youthful exuberance permeating the Madison area is refreshing, especially in the summer months when everyone is out and about …

From the gardens on the UW campus to Olbrich and the Monona Terrace rooftop garden, you’re sure to be captivated by Madison’s dazzling green spaces. Thanks for coming along with us and be sure to check out our other “Visiting Midwest Gardens” features, some of which you’ll see linked below …

Do you have special places you like to visit in Madison? Tell us about them on our Contact page …

As always, thanks for reading!