Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Lauritzen Gardens is Omaha’s official arboretum and botanical garden center. As an arboretum and living museum, the botanical center features all-seasons plant displays and provides an urban garden oasis for the Omaha community.

  • What is the history of Lauritzen Gardens?
    • The vision for Lauritzen Gardens began in 1980 with Omaha World-Herald Garden Parade columnist Helena Street.
    • Official planning started in 1982, and a site was chosen on a bluff near the Missouri River.
    • Construction of the first garden, the Rose Garden, began in 1995, with new gardens added every year.
    • Today, Lauritzen Gardens spans 100 acres near downtown Omaha and attracts more than 220,000 visitors annually.
    • The gardens are privately funded and managed through a public-private partnership with the City of Omaha.
  • What are the main gardens and facilities at Lauritzen Gardens?
    • Lauritzen Gardens features dozens of themed gardens, with new additions continuously being developed.
  • What are some key gardens and exhibits?
    • Arrival and Parking Gardens: Features colorful displays of annuals and perennials, along with a gazebo, fountain tribute, and bronze statues.
    • Visitor and Education Center: A 32,000-square-foot facility housing an educational center, the ConAgra Café, a horticultural library, a gift shop, and a floral display hall.
    • Founder’s Garden: Established in 1993, showcasing more than 50 varieties of hostas, along with shade ferns and perennials.
    • Garden of Memories: A peaceful reflection area featuring a 40-foot reflecting pool and several memorial tributes.
    • Garden in the Glen: A tranquil space with a 300-foot stream and collections of Japanese maple, astilbe, and hostas.
    • Arboretum: A four-acre section incorporating Nebraska-native plants from oak-hickory forests, river margins, prairies, and savannahs.
    • Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory: A 17,500-square-foot facility featuring a 10-foot waterwall, Victoria water lily pond, and floral gallery.
    • Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden: Dedicated in 1997, featuring over 2,000 rose plants and a sundial centerpiece.
    • Model Railroad Garden: A hillside garden featuring seven model train lines winding through landscapes inspired by Omaha landmarks.
    • Victorian Garden: A mix of English and Victorian garden techniques, incorporating elements salvaged from historic Omaha buildings.
    • English Perennial Border: Features 300+ plant species in a traditional English-style arrangement.
    • Peony Garden: A 3,000-square-foot garden showcasing Chinese and Japanese peony trees.
    • Song of the Lark Meadow: Named after Willa Cather’s short story, featuring black-eyed Susans, red plains coreopsis, and poppies.
    • Spring Flowering Walk: A seasonal attraction featuring magnolias, dogwoods, crocuses, and grape hyacinths.
    • Herb Garden: A nine-bed garden featuring medicinal, culinary, and dyeing herbs, in collaboration with the Omaha Herb Society.
    • Conservation Discovery Garden: Focused on irrigation and conservation practices, utilizing plants that filter stormwater runoff.
    • Festival Garden: A large lawn area used for garden festivals and outdoor events, featuring geese fountains and floral displays.
    • Children’s Garden: A space dedicated to youth gardening classes and guided educational tours.

Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, Phone: 402-346-4002

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