A public botanical gardens is set to come to Louisville according to the city's website. Named Waterfront Botanical Gardens, the project has been at least a decade or two in the making and is well on its way to a realization for the waterfront.
According to the website, the idea for the botanical gardens began in 1993 when three Louisville plant societies joined forces and began a new group called Botanica. Those three societies were The Louisville Area Iris Society, The Louisville Area Daylily Society, and Hostas of Kentuckiana. Their dream was to form an umbrella organization for the local gardening community, and they planned many events over many years. In 2001, Botanica became the beneficiary of a trust made possible by member Helen Harrigan. Her gift helped shape the vision and future work for Louisville Waterfront Botanical Gardens.
In November 2014, the Master Plan for the gardens was revealed. There will be several experiences at the gardens, including a gorgeous entry, visitors center, water filtration garden, a planted trellis, an overlook at Beargrass Creek, a children's garden, a tropical conservatory, and an educational pavilion. The botanical gardens will be located at the former Ohio Street landfill, closed by the city in the sixties. This space is located on River Road near the Frankfort Avenue connection. Its location and proximity to Waterfront Park, downtown Louisville, the Big 4 Bridge, and Southern Indiana make it vastly appealing to residents and visitors alike.
A Founders' Garden has been created and is located near Frankfort Avenue and River Road. This area is a small space compared to the 23 acres that the entire gardens will encompass, but it is a place to see the gardeners' horticultural skills showcased and see the future of the beauty that the gardens will possess.
According to the website, the mission and vision of Botanica and the Louisville Waterfront Botanical Gardens is " to develop experiences that promote appreciation and understanding of plants for a more harmonious and sustainable world and to create a botanical garden and conservatory of extraordinary beauty that engages, enlightens and inspires people about plants and nature."
You can read more at waterfrontgardens.org. To get more involved or make a donation to show support, click here to be added to the mailing list or to volunteer your time. Also find information on the Facebook page, Botanica.
Photos courtesy of waterfrontgardens.org
