Bowling Green Gears Up for Kentucky Garden Trail
Bowling Green, Ky. is joining in on an exciting new adventure with the launch of the Kentucky Garden Trail. This botanical journey features a total of 12 stunning gardens and arboreta spread across nine counties, and Bowling Green’s own Baker Arboretum is proud to be one of these key attractions.
A Hidden Gem
For many locals, the Baker Arboretum may be a hidden gem. Dennis Williams, a horticulturist with the arboretum, expressed his excitement about the trail. “It’s very special to us. We want to share this with Bowling Green,” he said. Williams highlighted that the arboretum is more than just a place to see beautiful plants. “It’s a place to come and learn, reflect, to relax.” The arboretum has been a site for various activities such as art classes and drawing events, making it a versatile spot for both relaxation and creativity.
Exploring the Trail
Visitors to the Kentucky Garden Trail can engage in a fun passport program. This initiative allows them to document their visits to each location on the trail while earning rewards. “At Baker Arboretum, we have collections of unique plants,” Williams shared, noting they contain over 550 conifer species as well as collections of Asian maples and ginkgo trees. What makes the arboretum even more special is that it houses the largest collection of Joe Downing’s artwork in the world.
Supporting the Initiative
The Kentucky Garden Trail project was made possible by federal funds from ARPA and a collaborative effort among nine local tourism offices with Oldham County Tourism taking the lead. Marissa Butler, the Hospitality Services Director for the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We’re very excited that Bowling Green will have its place on this trail.” Butler explained that while the garden trail itself is new, the idea of tourism trails isn’t. “We’ve all been kind of inspired by the success of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” she added.
How to Participate
For those eager to join the adventure, obtaining a passport is the first step. Interested participants can pick one up at their local tourism office or at any of the participating gardens. Butler described the passport as “a beautiful keepsake.” After visiting each garden, participants can receive a stamp to mark their visit. Once visitors collect their sixth stamp, they can claim their first prize: a packet of seeds designed to attract butterflies.
Grand Prize Awaits
For those who complete all 12 garden visits, there is an exciting grand prize waiting. After collecting all the stamps, participants can upload a photo of their completed passport to receive a t-shirt or a colorful canvas tote bag. Butler believes projects like the Kentucky Garden Trail not only encourage repeat visits but also add a new layer of activities for tourists. This is crucial, especially for regular visitors such as car clubs and Corvette groups who may seek new experiences each year.
Exploring the Gardens
The garden trail is an excellent way for visitors to discover some lesser-known attractions in the Bowling Green area. As Butler emphasizes, “This is a great opportunity to expose some of our lesser-known attractions to that audience.” The excitement surrounding the trail reflects a desire to promote local treasures and encourage residents and visitors alike to explore.
Visit the Kentucky Garden Trail
Whether you’re a local or visiting, the Kentucky Garden Trail promises to be a delightful experience filled with beauty, learning, and relaxation. To check out the list of all 12 locations and to download your passport, visitors are encouraged to explore local tourism resources.
