We would like to introduce you to our client, Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.  This beautiful place is owned and operated by the City Of Madison Parks Division in partnership with the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society.

In 1921, Michael B. Olbrich purchased the first parcel of land along Lake Monona which would eventually become Olbrich Park.  In 1952, the first structures were constructed in what is now Olbrich’s Sunken Garden.  Today, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is comprised of 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and the indoor tropical Bolz Conservatory. 

Much of the Botanical Gardens’ focus is on sustainability, which they teach by example, conserving resources and using environmentally friendly gardening methods.  By growing plants appropriate to the specific location in which they are planted, the plants need less water, less chemical pesticides, and less chemical fertilizer to flourish.  Beneficial insects are introduced to provide protection from destructive insects and their damage.  Staff and volunteers pull weeds by hand to minimize the use of chemicals.                                                            

Olbrich Botanical Gardens has won numerous awards including the Award For Garden Excellence in 2005, The American Hosta Society Display Garden Award in 2004, The Honor Award for the Sunken Garden from The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society Of Landscape Architects in 1998 and was named one of Horticulture Magazine’s 10 Most Inspirational Gardens In North America in 2004. 

The Gardens are open to the public for tours every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and June 19th for “Rhapsody In Bloom”.  Outdoor garden admission is free, while admission to the Bolz Conservatory is $1, with children under five being free.  They also offer many special events throughout the the year.                                                               

Olbrich also provides a 12-passenger electric tram (purchased from GatorMoto Utility Vehicles) which has been modified to accommodate a person in a wheelchair.  The tram travels a circular route around the Gardens, allowing riders to get on and off at a number of stops to enjoy various areas.  During the ride, passengers hear an interpretive message about Olbrich’s history, gardens and sustainable gardening practices.

To learn more about Olbrich Botanical Gardens, visit their website at: http://www.olbrich.org/.

GatorMoto Utility Vehicles is proud to support Olbrich Botanical Gardens in their sustainability program.  We urge you to pay them a visit if you are in the Madison, Wisconsin area.  It is sure to be a family outing you will not forget!