Visitors will see at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden a wide variety of trees and plants unlike anywhere else in the world. The Taylor brothers operated the Rockford Nursery on this site and had a strong interest to diversity. They introduced plants from all over the world. If this was just a naturally occurring midwestern forest, you might find 50 woody plant species; Klehm Arboretum has over 300.
Rediscover your zen in the pristine Fountain Garden with its lush perennial plantings, trellised gazebo, playful water fountain, all highlighted by a magnificent backdrop of conifers that provide a quiet and restful gathering place.
The Nancy Olson Children’s Garden is located inside the East Loop of the Arboretum. Just cross over the bridge at the koi pond—you’re there! Named in honor of a devoted Klehm member, the garden is designed to encourage children to explore the many wonders of nature. Children love navigating the hedge maze to find the surprise waiting for them at journey’s end. The rainbow and alphabet gardens are colorful delights and no one leaves the childrens’ garden without stopping to visit with the garden’s bovine mascot Cow-Li-Flower.
Wander through these five display gardens designed for inspiration. Gardens include a Butterfly Garden, Herb Garden, and Daylily Garden. In 2011 we planted a Quilt Garden to highlight the Botanical Quilt Exhibition displayed in the Visitor’s Center at the same time.
The romantic Peony Garden features over 40 varieties of peonies that bloom in May and early June. For 3 generations the Klehm family has been cultivating peonies and a wide range of their varieties make up the favorite springtime garden
Some are tall, others short and ranging in colors from deep green to blue, yet they’re all hosta. Grown for their lush and attractive foliage Over 50 varieties of hosta are presented in our shady hosta garden. Hosta offer great ground cover and a wonderful fragrance while in bloom.
This garden showcases some of the trees and plants which grew in prehistoric times including the highly recognizable ginkgo. As an added delight for the family, you’ll also find Klehm’s Dinosaur mascot Flora-Fauna.
Where are the flowers? The Grasses Garden is an example of a xeric garden. Xeric refers to a dry environment, one that needs no supplemental watering. Xeric gardens have a natural beauty in Spring, Summer and Fall.
In the Woodland Wildflower Garden it’s not unusual to spot flowers as early as March. Home for many of spring’s earliest blooms, please tread lightly along the winding trail as you search for these tiny gems. List of Woodland Flowers in Vi Bates Garden
In the Rhododendron & Azalea Dell there are currently some 80 species and cultivars of the Rhododendron genus on display. Peak blooming time for these beauties is May and June although some cultivars bloom in the late summer.
Klehm plants rows of vegetables every year to help support our local pantries and shelters with feeding the hungry. Last year the garden produced 1,700 pounds of produce. “Plant-a-Row” is a national program and was started in 1995. Everyone with a little bit of land can make a difference. Find out more about this program.