A Former Trash Lot Is Now One Of Wisconsin’s Most Beautiful Gardens

Sometimes, incredible beauty can bloom in an unlikely place. The Janesville Rotary Botanical Gardens is one of those places. It’s an amazing spot, filled with gorgeous flowers and picturesque garden features. But once, it was a site that was anything but beautiful. Read on to learn about the history of the Janesville Rotary Botanical Gardens and why you need to plan a visit.

Rotary Botanical Gardens was founded in 1988 by Janesville Rotary Clubs on the site of a former sand and gravel quarry. The property was owned by Janesville and it was a mess, filled with debris and old equipment.

A multi-year cleanup project commenced. Workers removed a mountain of trash and added gardens, walkways, benches, and gazebos. It became an attraction that draws people from Wisconsin and beyond.

The garden looks nothing like an old trash lot now. It spans 20 acres and includes a variety of themed formal gardens, including Japanese, Scottish, French formal, Italian, and English cottage gardens.

The park also has gardens that are less formal, including a fern and moss garden, and shade, prairie, and woodland gardens. They are tranquil and relaxing spots.

The gardens are incredibly popular, drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year. The gardens are also a popular place for weddings and outdoor photography.

Every winter the gardens host a holiday light celebration that draws large crowds. It’s a spectacular show - the gardens are lit by more than a million lights.

The gardens are open daily during the growing season. There’s an admission fee required, but free parking is available. You’re welcome to bring a picnic into the park. Interested in exploring more beautiful gardens? Here are eight of the most beautiful you’ll find in Wisconsin.