We are a consortium of several public gardens and arboreta from around the Greater Cincinnati, Tri-state area. Our region has a tremendous heritage of commitment to parks, green space, public gardens, arboreta, and tree canopy conservation. From the ability to immerse yourself in color at the Krohn Conservatory to engaging the children in the Highfield Discovery Garden within Glenwood Gardens, there are many places and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Cincinnati has played an integral part in the history of plant conservation. John Warder, a local doctor-turned-horticulturist, joined with others in 1875 to form the American Forestry Association. Warder's leadership led to Cincinnati hosting the first American Forestry Congress on April 25, 1882.
For Arbor Day that year (the holiday having started only a decade earlier), Cincinnati Schools Superintendent, John Peaslee, sent students to begin a reforestation effort within an abandoned vineyard. Today that former vineyard is known as Eden Park. Another unique forest restoration project involved planting around 1 million trees in Mount Airy Forest.
In 2014, a consortium of regional gardens came together to cross-promote their gardens and encourage visitation at each throughout the area. Although still in the early stages, this combined effort has already produced this website and an inclusive Facebook page. Other exciting projects are on the horizon.
Whether you are an area resident or a visitor from out of town, plan to spend some time visiting as many of our area gardens as you can.