For anyone with more hand garden tools than kitchen utensils, there is a place in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin that you might just consider heaven on earth. Established in 1952, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens have been home to some of the most beautiful and passionately kept floral and fauna in the state. Within its 16 acres of green landscape, the Gardens are not only a sanctuary for plants and plant lovers, but one of Wisconsin's most treasured natural gems.

In 1921, Michael Olbrich purchased 3,500 feet of land surrounding Lake Monona in Madison. For the next 8 years of his life, Olbrich put his heart and soul into bringing life to his vision with the help and support of the City of Madison. Sadly, Olbrich died in 1929, but the garden which bears his name continued to grow, being officially established 23 years after its founder's passing. Today, the Olbrich Botanical Garden is one of Madison's best natural attractions, drawing visitors from catering services Toronto to New York financial advisors.

The gardens themselves are comprised of several different areas. The Sunken Garden, finished in 1997, takes after traditional English gardens with a large reflecting pool and tall hedges and is a favorite for wedding catering Mississauga. The Rock Garden, designed to mimic a mountain slope, showcases many alpine plants as well as a waterfall. Floral enthusiasts will adore the Rose Garden, with its hundreds of different varieties, and the Meadow Garden, which is cut only twice a year to allow its grasses and wildflowers to flourish. For a unique look into Asian culture, visitors can view the Thia sala in the Thai Garden, the only one of its kind in the continental United States. A small reflecting pool below the footbridge of the sala contains many small Thai sculptures, giving authenticity to the experience. The plants in this garden, though tropical, were selected to survive in Wisconsin's atmosphere.

Another great spot for tourists and garden enthusiasts alike is the Bolz Conservatory. With a variety of 750 different plants, the glass pyramid that houses this spectacle of tropic and sub-tropic plant life is a spectacle both inside and out. With a maintained humidity of 60 degrees Fahrenheit year round, the Conservatory is also home to several species of tropical bird, fish, and reptile, making it a unique experience for visitors.

One would believe that it was the waterers that keep the Olbrich Botanical Gardens flourishing, but in truth it's the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers that keep Michael Olbrich's vision alive. Headed by the non-profit Olbrich Botanical Society, and supported by the City of Madison, the volunteers give their time and sweat to keep the Gardens at their nationally renowned best. Manure handling takes a committed volunteer, and Madison has that in spades.