Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is the city's polished garden showpiece, set on the shore of Lake Monona a few minutes east of the Capitol. The outdoor gardens cover roughly sixteen acres and are organized as a series of themed spaces, from rose and perennial gardens to rock gardens, herb plantings, a shady hosta collection and wide lakeside lawns. The standout is the Thai Pavilion and Garden, a graceful gold-trimmed pavilion set in a landscape of ponds, bridges and tropical-leaning plants that was a gift from Thailand and is a surprise to find in the middle of Wisconsin. The other showpiece is the Bolz Conservatory, a glass pyramid housing a warm, humid tropical garden with a waterfall, orchids, bananas, birds in the canopy and a path that winds through the greenery. In January the contrast of snow outside and orchids within is exactly why locals bring their grandmothers. It is both a calm morning for a stroll and a detailed place for gardeners.

A typical visit begins with the outdoor gardens, which are generally open to the public without a ticket, while the conservatory has a modest admission fee and shorter hours. Strolling through the garden rooms takes about an hour, and it is easy to extend that with a bench and a thermos. The Thai Pavilion is the photographic centerpiece, and a quiet lap around the pond reveals details in the carved and gilded woodwork.

Inside the conservatory, plan for warm, humid air and a tour of the lush layers: giant leaves, blooming orchids, cacao and coffee plants and sometimes free-flying birds. Seasonal exhibits, plant sales, garden walks, summer concerts and holiday displays appear throughout the year, so check the calendar if you want to plan around an event.

The gardens fit a slow day. They are close to the Capital City State Trail, so cyclists often stop by for a break, and the nearby neighborhoods of Atwood and Willy Street have cafes and bakeries for a snack. It is a smart rainy-day choice because the conservatory stays warm and dry, and a smart winter choice for the same reason. Summer evening garden events and weddings can close parts of the grounds, so confirm the schedule if you want a quiet stroll.

Families will find open lawns and plenty to look at, though the narrow conservatory paths can be crowded with strollers at peak times. Photographers should bring a macro lens for the orchids and a wide lens for the pavilion. Combined with the Arboretum and Henry Vilas Zoo, Olbrich completes a trio of green stops that show Madison at its most relaxed.

Gardeners will find plenty of ideas to take home. Labels identify many plants, the plantings change with the season, and staff and volunteers are generally happy to answer questions about what grows well in the region's climate. In winter, the contrast between the snowy grounds and the warm conservatory is part of the appeal, and holiday displays often add lights and seasonal color.

In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen for the open gardens, and consider arriving in the morning when the light is soft and the paths are quiet. A small shop offers plants, books and gifts for anyone who wants a souvenir.