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MAY 2005

T H E T R A V E L E R S ’ M A G A Z I N E

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GOLFERS TEE OFF

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INSIDE: MAPS EVENTS ARTS SHOPPING DINING NIGHTLIFE ATTRACTIONS

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WHEN Alfred L. Boerner made plans for the Milwaukee botanicalgardens that now carry his name, he clearly stated his vision:

“It is not only for us, but for our children andgrandchildren who will reap the full benefit”

The nationally recognized landscape architect and general man-ager of the Milwaukee County Park System died in 1955, butthere is no doubt that Boerner Botanical Gardens today fulfill hisvision, offering a constantly changing array of visual delightsenhanced by an impressive new Education and Visitor Center.

Landscape architect Boerner designed the formal gardens andarboretum. During the Great Depression of the 1930s theywere constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), theWorks Projects Administration (WPA) and the Milwaukee ReliefProject. Wisconsin’s oldest remaining CCC project building islocated at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Located in Hales Corners, just 15 minutes southwest of down-town Milwaukee, the gardens today are entered through thenew Visitor Center, with its glass façade that recalls the elegantconservatories of the early 1900s. Featuring a two-story glassatrium, the center offers space for corporate events, weddingreceptions, banquets and special events. The center also ishome to Nell’s Café, presented by the Bartolotta RestaurantGroup. Bartolotta also manages the year-round Sunday Brunchin Boerner Hall.

The Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens organization supportsthe gardens, manages the center and is dedicated to preservingand promoting Boerner Botanical Gardens and Arboretum as anoutstanding regional resource and vital regional asset. By pro-viding quality educational programs, the Friends stimulatedinterest in, appreciation for and understanding of horticultureand gardening. Annually, the Gardens host more than200,000 visitors serving as a “living museum” and an outdoorclassroom, appealing to horticulturalists and botanists of all levels.

Laid out according to Boerner’s plan to provide aesthetic and edu-cational gratification, the grounds provide something for anyonewho enjoys natural beauty. Among the many features are:

• A walled garden displays long-blooming annuals.

• An Arboretum with native and woody plants from throughoutthe world, including the largest collection of crabapple trees inthe U.S.

• Lilac Lane providing blooms, fragrances and even a nut treecollection.

• The Bog Garden, a lush, green-blanketed fen that becomes anexotic, jungle-like escape as the season progresses.

• Day Lilly Walk, a curving path of pale yellow to rich purpleflowers, blooming at different times and peaking in July.

• The Herb Garden, a secluded assemblage of more than 300varieties of herbs.

• The Peony Garden offering a profusion of blooms from mid-May through late June.

• The formal Rose Garden, European-style garden displaying All-American Rose selections among more than 500 varieties ofroses. Massive stone and wood arbors to the south providesupport for climbing roses.

• Trial Gardens that provide a testing ground for All-AmericanRose selections and flower trials.

Upcoming Events at Boerner Botanical Gardens

Saturday, May 21Virginia Small, Editor Fine Gardening, LectureVirginia Small, Editor, Fine Gardening Magazine, will give a lectureentitled “Learning from Legendary Garden Designers: American

COVER FEATURE

Alfred Boerner’svision blooms in botanical gardens

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Landscape Visionaries and Their Legacies”.

Sunday, June 5Honor the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)During the Great Depression of the 1930s the gardens wereconstructed by the CCC, the Works Projects Administration(WPA) and the Milwaukee Relief Project. Meet living CCC mem-bers, view historical photos and enjoy a soup kitchen lunch.

Saturday, June 18Annual Garden Party – Fiesta de las FloresThe vibrant flavors of contempory Latin cuisine will be orches-trated by The Bartolotta Catering Company. A Voice Auctionfeaturing Katrina Cravy, of FOX Channel 6, will follow dinner.Corporate Tables and individual tickets are available.

Wednesday - Sunday, June 22 – 26Annual Festival of the RoseThis festival bursts into bloom each summer to celebrate theRoses with events, excitement and entertainment for all ages.Discover why people keep coming back, year after year, to bepart of this beautiful event.

Friday, September 30Annual Herb of the Year DinnerCelebrate the 2005 Herb of the Year – Oregano! Enjoy culi-nary masterpieces prepared by the Bartolotta CateringCompany. Each course will feature the honored herb.

Boerner Botanical Gardens are located in Hales Corners at 9400Boerner Dr. in Whitnall Park. The Gardens are south of W.Grange Ave. and north of W. College Ave. between S. 92nd andS. 108th Sts. More specific directions and a list of events areposted on the Friends' Web site atwww.BoernerBotanicalGardens.org or, for more information, call414-525-5650.

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