Splendor in the City

Exploring Public Gardens’ Vibrant Palette

Public gardens splash the city with a vibrant tapestry of colors, textures, and natural wonders, offering a peaceful escape for all who wander through their beauty.

A hidden treasure lies at the bustling intersection of 27th Street and Capitol Parkway. Discover the Sunken Gardens—a choreographed masterpiece of nature’s colors, nestled in the heart of Lincoln. Welcoming visitors at the entrance is the Rotary Pavilion, an exquisite structure adorned with laser-cut panels representing Lincoln’s skyline across the four seasons.

The delightful textures and alluring fragrances of the flowers and plants truly mesmerize visitors, drawing them closer for a more intimate look. Garden enthusiasts seeking fresh inspiration will find abundant ideas in the thoughtful design and diverse varieties of flowers and grasses. The gardens’ multilevel plantings showcase a harmonious blend of perennials and annuals, coexisting joyfully.

Immerse yourself in a breathtaking wonderland spanning 1.5 acres, where beauty embraces you from every direction. Marvel at the colossal elephant leaves that capture your gaze, and relish in the lush greenery and a lovely lotus pond that surrounds you in abundance. The best part? All this natural splendor is completely free for you to enjoy.

No wonder the Sunken Gardens is Nebraska’s only garden listed in the 300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada in National Geographic’s Guide to Public Gardens.

A kaleidoscope of colors emerges during summer, thanks to thousands of meticulously planted annuals. Dedicated volunteers partake in the Waking up the Beds event every spring, adorning the gardens with a new theme. One memorable theme in 2018 was Sun Salutations, where radiant yellows, fiery reds, and warm oranges represented the enduring spirit of fire and sun until the Put the Beds to Bed event in November.

The Healing Garden, also known as the White Garden, incorporated inside the Sunken Gardens, takes inspiration from England’s famed White Garden at Sissinghurst Castle. Here, clusters of white blossoms inspire tranquility, serenity, and meditation—best experienced on moonlit summer evenings.

Beyond the sheer visual delight, the gardens offer peaceful spots with benches for city dwellers seeking a little solitude amidst the beauty. People of all ages, including children, find joy around the koi pond. The Sunken Gardens is a splendid backdrop for outdoor weddings and photography sessions on balmy summer evenings. Creative minds find inspiration in the ever-changing colors and designs, whether for art projects, quilts, or engagement photos. Families visit to impart an appreciation of nature’s wonders to their children, and out-of-town guests are treated to the charm of Lincoln’s public gardens.—the Sunken Gardens are perfect for various activities.

A short walk away lies the Hamann Rose Garden, on 27th and C streets, enchanting flower enthusiasts for 75 years. With over 123 rose varieties, including Hybrid Tea Roses, Floribundas, Grandifloras, and mini roses, the garden presents a formal arrangement of boxwood hedges, perennials, and evergreens. A focal point is the Bicentennial Cascade Fountain with a bronze cherub, offering a serene spot for relaxation. The Joy Fountain, cast from an original by Edith Barretto Parsons, was donated by Walt Canney in honor of his wife, Louella. This intimate rose garden, updated in 2008, emanates timeless charm—a perfect place to wander, contemplate, and unwind in Nebraska’s capitol.

For those seeking a different experience, the Veterans Memorial Garden stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by veterans in preserving freedom. It is located in Antelope Park, east of the Auld Pavilion. Amidst Antelope Park at 3200 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, visitors can stroll through the garden with over 21 military monuments. The garden is a tranquil space for reflection and gratitude towards those who served our country.

The Rotary Strolling Garden is adjacent to the Rose Garden at 1250 South 27th Street. Covering an expansive three acres, this delightful garden showcases a captivating blend of perennials, grasses, and shrubs, complemented by striking sculptures, a charming gazebo, and a beautifully paved labyrinth, not to mention an abundance of hydrangeas that grace the landscape, adding their own touch of elegance.

The design of this garden is centered around inclusivity and accessibility, catering to the needs of the elderly and physically challenged visitors while warmly welcoming people of all ages. As you wander through its pathways, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant array of colors, ranging from the captivating purples of asters to the cheerful yellows of yarrow, encircling the garden in a lively display.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) campuses are beautifully landscaped with gardens, fountains, and lush greenery. The Maxwell Arboretum on UNL’s East Campus creates a serene woodland with towering oaks and evergreens. Named after Earl G. Maxwell, who planted trees over 50 years ago, this five-acre living-learning center inspires individuals and communities to enhance landscapes using attractive and regionally suited plant species. The arboretum houses specialized collections of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennial plants, along with sunny open prairies and sites for testing new cultivars.

The Karl Loerch Gazebo at the entrance offers a shaded resting place, while secluded benches and picnic tables invite contemplation and study. Guided walking tours are available from April to November on the first Tuesday of each month, led by Emily Levine, a horticulturist specializing in Community Forestry and Sustainable Landscape.

Nature enthusiasts will find many gardens to explore on both the East and City Campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Cather Garden on the city campus exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of prairie plants in an urban setting. Meanwhile, the Love Garden features elegant gates framing the traditional entrance to the University, bordered by ever-changing flowerbeds against the backdrop of Love Library. With over ten gardens scattered across the campuses, the UNL Gardens offer a delightful journey into nature’s embrace.

For reserving any of these gardens or other park spaces for special events or weddings, contact the reservation staff at 402-441-7847, opt 0, or utilize the online reservation system

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