A SHORT HISTORY OF THE
WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN
1993-present
In 1993 a Master Gardener’s class in Daviess County, Kentucky dreamed of creating a botanical garden. Pursing this dream Dr. and Mrs. William Tyler donated approximately 8.5 acres to the City of Owensboro for the start of the garden and the 501(c)(3) organization was born and named the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. A few years later another acre was purchased to create a separate entrance to the Garden.
Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and many local horticultural professionals and enthusiasts, The Garden is becoming a center for the growth and display of hundreds of outstanding plant selections as well as a beautiful location for social gatherings, weddings, receptions and meetings. Special events, educational tours and classes are provided for all ages and a new library reference center serves the community with information on plant life. The Garden demonstrates practical solutions to the gardening problems of our region.
Educational programs have been developed for seniors, area schools and groups such as the Girl Scouts, etc. Botanical, horticultural and environmental information is offered through our newsletter, library, special events and classes.
An 1890s Country Doctor’s Office was moved to The Garden in 2006 and is located in the Fruit and Berry Garden. This building is being preserved for displays to show the use of herbal medicines at the time the building was in use during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
In 2006 McIlwain & Associates, a Kentucky Landscape Architect firm, which has extensive background in designing gardens, developed a revised Master Plan for the Garden. This plan includes a conservatory for a butterfly garden and rotating programs and an amphitheatre. Plans are being made for other gardens such as a Kentucky native plant garden.
In 2008 The Garden has ten themed gardens including the expanded Moonlite Children’s Garden sponsored by the Bosley family. The Bill and Marilyn Young Educational Classroom has been finished providing for expansion of the educational program to a year around program. The Playhouse In The Garden in honor of Morton Holbrook is providing great fun and educational opportunities for children at The Garden. To learn more about each garden please reference the Walking Tour Guide, which describes each in detail.
Come visit and watch The Garden continue to grow.
Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and many local horticultural professionals and enthusiasts, The Garden is becoming a center for the growth and display of hundreds of outstanding plant selections as well as a beautiful location for social gatherings, weddings, receptions and meetings. Special events, educational tours and classes are provided for all ages and a new library reference center serves the community with information on plant life. The Garden demonstrates practical solutions to the gardening problems of our region.
Educational programs have been developed for seniors, area schools and groups such as the Girl Scouts, etc. Botanical, horticultural and environmental information is offered through our newsletter, library, special events and classes.
An 1890s Country Doctor’s Office was moved to The Garden in 2006 and is located in the Fruit and Berry Garden. This building is being preserved for displays to show the use of herbal medicines at the time the building was in use during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
In 2006 McIlwain & Associates, a Kentucky Landscape Architect firm, which has extensive background in designing gardens, developed a revised Master Plan for the Garden. This plan includes a conservatory for a butterfly garden and rotating programs and an amphitheatre. Plans are being made for other gardens such as a Kentucky native plant garden.
In 2008 The Garden has ten themed gardens including the expanded Moonlite Children’s Garden sponsored by the Bosley family. The Bill and Marilyn Young Educational Classroom has been finished providing for expansion of the educational program to a year around program. The Playhouse In The Garden in honor of Morton Holbrook is providing great fun and educational opportunities for children at The Garden. To learn more about each garden please reference the Walking Tour Guide, which describes each in detail.
Come visit and watch The Garden continue to grow.
