This Hidden Destination In Kentucky Is A Secret Only Locals Know About

As Kentuckians, we are all well aware of the natural beauty of our home state. From the Olmsted Parks in Louisville, to Cumberland Falls, and everywhere in between, our state has some breathtaking scenery. One of these places is the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood. This historical site may have national recognition for plant research and education, but not many people outside the world of horticulture know about this hidden destination, unless of course you’re a local.

Facebook/Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

The property that the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens now occupies used to be the home, nursery and gardens of Theodore Klein, who now has an award named after him at the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture. Klein and his wife bought the land in 1941, and developed it into a booming farm and arboretum. After Klein’s death in 1998, the land was threatened to be developed. Thankfully, a group of volunteers realized the importance of preserving the property, and raised enough funds to purchase it.

In 2010, Yew Dell was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grounds are now protected as a Preservation Partner Project of the Garden Conservancy, which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the best gardens in the country.

Destination_Partners/TripAdvisor

It may not have been the home of kings and queens, but it’s an iconic sight associated with Yew Dell. Originally it was built as Klein’s pool house. Now you can rent it out for meetings or special events, including weddings. Imagine getting ready for your big day in a CASTLE.

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Facebook/Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

The staff at Yew Dell works to not only ensure their plants grow beautifully, but also study new kinds of plants and learn the best ways to help keep our natural areas, well, natural. Their gardens showcase well-known, popular plants, as well as ones that aren’t seen in other nurseries yet. Events are held to educate people about the importance of horticulture, and how to start and maintain their own gardens.

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Facebook/Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

The Sunken Rock Garden is one of the oldest gardens at Yew Dell. It is home to plants from as far away as the Himalayan Mountains and Central American deserts. Obviously Kentucky’s climate is quite different from what these plants are used to, so the workers at Yew Dell replaced the soil with sand and granite grit to help the plants flourish.

Flickr/Anthony

With just over a mile of hiking trails, this isn’t a place you would go hiking to get some serious mileage, but it’s serene place to take a nice walk and destress. There are three picturesque ponds you might encounter, all of which used to be a water source for Klein’s livestock. It’s likely you’ll also come across some wildlife like deer and wild turkey, plus it’s a gold mine for bird watching enthusiasts.

Flickr/Anthony

Flickr/Anthony

Keep your eyes peeled for unique sculptures and other pieces of garden art. Yew Dell has even hosted art shows that benefited both Yew Dell and the participating artists.

Whether you’ve been to this hidden gem of Oldham County dozens of times or just once, it’s a place that is sure to lift your mood and brighten your day. You’ll probably see a plant you had no idea existed, and the surrounding landscapes and architecture will make you feel like you stepped out of Kentucky and into a proper English garden.