Magical Gardens

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
—Audrey Hepburn
Lincoln’s lush public gardens infuse the city with vibrant colors, textures, and natural wonders, providing a tranquil retreat for all who explore their beauty.
Discover a hidden treasure in the heart of Lincoln at the bustling intersection of 27th Street and Capitol Parkway: The Sunken Gardens, built in 1931, a choreographed masterpiece of nature’s beauty. Public gardens paint the city with vibrant colors, textures, and natural wonders, offering a peaceful escape for all who wander through them.
At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by the Rotary Pavilion, an exquisite structure adorned with laser-cut panels that depict Lincoln’s skyline across the four seasons. The garden’s enchanting textures and alluring fragrances draw visitors in, inviting them to take a closer look.
For garden enthusiasts, the thoughtful design and diverse varieties of flowers and grasses offer abundant inspiration. The gardens’ multilevel plantings showcase a harmonious blend of perennials and annuals, coexisting in joyful splendor.
Immerse yourself in this breathtaking 1.5-acre wonderland, where beauty surrounds you at every turn. Marvel at the colossal elephant leaves that capture your gaze, and revel in the lush greenery and serene lotus pond. The best part? This natural splendor is completely free for you to enjoy.
It’s no wonder the Sunken Gardens is Nebraska’s only garden featured in National Geographic’s “Guide to Public Gardens,” listed among the “300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada.”
The gardens burst into a kaleidoscope of colors in the summer, thanks to thousands of meticulously planted annuals. Every spring, dedicated volunteers participate in the Waking up the Beds event, adorning the gardens with a new theme. A memorable theme one year 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 gardens have a different theme every year and are always creative.
Within the Sunken Gardens lies the Healing Garden, also known as the White Garden, inspired by England’s famed White Garden at Sissinghurst Castle. Here, clusters of white blossoms create an atmosphere of tranquility, serenity, and meditation—best experienced on moonlit summer evenings.
Beyond its visual delights, the gardens offer peaceful spots with benches for those seeking solitude amidst the beauty. People of all ages, especially children, find joy around the koi ponds.
The Sunken Gardens are a splendid backdrop for outdoor weddings and photography sessions on warm summer evenings. Creative minds find inspiration in the ever-changing colors and designs, whether for art projects, quilts, or engagement photos. Families come to share the wonders of nature with their children, and out-of-town guests are treated to the charm of Lincoln’s public gardens. Their convenient location is an ideal destination for many activities.
Just a short walk away at 27th and C Streets, the Hamann Rose Garden has been enchanting flower enthusiasts for 75 years. With over 123 varieties of roses—including Hybrid Tea Roses, Floribundas, Grandifloras, and mini roses—the garden offers a formal arrangement of boxwood hedges, perennials, and evergreens. A highlight of the garden is the Bicentennial Cascade Fountain, featuring a bronze cherub, providing a serene spot for relaxation. The Joy fountain, cast from an original sculpture by Edith Barretto Parsons, was donated by Walt Canney in honor of his wife, Louella. This intimate rose garden, updated in 2008, radiates timeless charm, making it the perfect place to wander, reflect, and unwind in Nebraska’s capital.
For those seeking a different experience, the Veterans Memorial Garden, located in Antelope Park at 3200 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by veterans in the pursuit of freedom. Amidst the park, visitors can stroll through the garden, adorned with over 21 military monuments. The garden serves as a tranquil space for reflection and gratitude toward those who served our country.
The Rotary Strolling Garden, situated next to the Rose Garden on 27th Street, spans an impressive three acres. This enchanting space features a captivating mix of perennials, grasses, and shrubs, enhanced by striking sculptures, a charming gazebo, and a beautifully paved labyrinth.
The garden’s landscape is further adorned with a stunning array of hydrangeas, adding a touch of elegance to the serene setting. 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.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) boasts beautifully landscaped campuses filled with gardens, fountains, and abundant greenery. On the East Campus, the Maxwell Arboretum creates a tranquil woodland oasis with towering oaks and evergreens. Named after Earl G. Maxwell, who began planting trees over 50 years ago, this five-acre living learning center inspires individuals and communities to enhance landscapes using attractive, regionally suited plant species. The arboretum features specialized collections of trees, shrubs, vines, perennial plants, sunlit open prairies, and sites for testing new cultivars. The Karl Loerch Gazebo provides a shaded resting place at the entrance, while secluded benches and picnic tables invite quiet contemplation and study. Guided walking tours are offered from April to November on the first Tuesday of each month, led by a UNL horticulturist specializing in Community Forestry and Sustainable Landscape.
Nature enthusiasts will find a wealth of gardens to explore on both the East and City Campuses of UNL. The plantings on East Campus began with the acquisition of the Culver farm, where Culver planted trees that continue to grace “the Porch,” the site of the original farm cottage.
Charles E. Bessey’s influence led to further additions, including the planting of Holdrege Street frontage, the mall, and other landscape spaces, enriching the campus landscape. Earl Maxwell continued with plantings during the 1940s, which are now evident in the mature trees of the arboretum.
On the City Campus, the Cather Garden showcases the harmonious coexistence of prairie plants in an urban environment. Nearby, the Love Garden features elegant gates framing the traditional entrance to the university, with ever-changing flowerbeds set against the backdrop of Love Library. With over 10 gardens scattered across the campuses, the UNL Gardens offer a delightful journey to visitors and residents. You can check their locations on maps.unl.edu. Admission is free. The gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.
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