The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens showcases a few of the many faces of nature through themed areas within its expansive grounds. In fact, the themes are so authentic that many societies and organizations have endorsed the gardens. Wander through the grounds to appreciate their changing beauty during every season of the year.
A pretty peony collection covers seven beds, with over 70 named cultivars. This garden has earned recognition from the American Peony Society. View over 1,200 varieties of hostas in the Hosta Shade Garden. See and smell the rose collection of 450 plants representing 80 varieties.
If you value plants for their utilitarian purposes, the formal herb garden offers both educational and attractive content, with a lovely fountain as its centerpiece. Learn about herbs for all occasions. Plants are divided into areas of culinary, medical, aromatic and tea. No matter how well you know herbs, you may find a few surprises about how plants can be used for amazing purposes.
The rise of home and community gardens has skyrocketed over the years. The Garden of Eat’n is a wonderful showcase of edible plants. Get ideas for your own kitchen garden from the masses of vegetables, fruits and nuts.
Wherever you go in the gardens, look for monarch butterflies, as this spot is part of the Monarch Watch organization network. These pretty orange-and-black beauties help with pollination as they flutter between plants.
Stroll through other garden sections, such as the formal English and artistic Japanese gardens. Admire deciduous and coniferous tree specimens in the arboretum. Pay respect at the Veterans Memorial Garden, with monuments honoring those who have served in the military. Let the kids have fun at the children’s playground or take a guided family tour on a motorized cart.
Watch for wedding ceremonies that frequent the idyllic setting and its pretty gazebo. Visit the welcome center and gift shop for nature-focused merchandise that is also tax-free. Admission is free. Reserve a tour by calling Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
Find the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens on Dubuque’s Arboretum Drive. It is open year-round except certain holidays.
