Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
The Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Rockford, Illinois is a hidden gem. This 155-acre property has more than 4,000 different kinds of plants, trees, and shrubs. This makes it a great place for people who love nature and gardening.
Klehm Arboretum has been around since the early 1900s when William and Helen Klehm bought the land. The Klehms loved to garden, and over time, they turned their land into a beautiful garden with many different kinds of plants.
In 1986, the Klehm family gave their land to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District on the condition that it would stay a public garden for everyone to enjoy. Today, people come from all over the Midwest to visit Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
The garden is made up of several different areas, each of which has its own style and beauty. One of the most popular parts of the garden is the Fountain Garden, which has a large circular fountain surrounded by colorful flowers and shrubs.
Another popular spot is the Nancy Olsen Children’s Garden. This area is set up with interactive exhibits and activities, like a butterfly garden, a musical garden, and a water play area, to keep kids of all ages interested.
For people who like this plant, the Hosta Garden is a must-see. Over 800 different kinds of hostas are on display at Klehm Arboretum, making it one of the best places in the Midwest to see them.
The Butterfly Garden, the Rose Garden, and the English Walled Garden are also interesting parts of the garden. People can also walk through the wooded trails and natural areas that surround the garden. These areas are home to a wide variety of native plants and animals.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is more than just a pretty garden. There are also educational programs and events on the property that help people learn more about plants and gardening.
The Master Gardener Program is one of the most popular things Klehm has to offer. This program gives in-depth training on a wide range of gardening topics, such as the health of the soil, how to care for plants, and how to get rid of pests. After finishing the program, participants can become certified as Master Gardeners and volunteer at Klehm and other public gardens in the area.
Throughout the year, the garden is also the site of many different events, such as plant sales, art shows, and music concerts. One of the most popular events is the Garden Fair, which happens every June and has many vendors selling plants, gardening tools, and other items related to gardening.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is committed to sustainability and taking care of the environment, in addition to its educational programs and events. The garden has put in place a number of eco-friendly practices, such as composting, collecting rainwater, and landscaping with native plants.
Overall, anyone who loves nature and gardening should go to Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. It is a real gem in the middle of Rockford, Illinois, thanks to its large collection of plants, educational programs, and beautiful setting. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a great place to visit whether you are an experienced gardener or just want a quiet place to get away from the busyness of everyday life.