In July 2022, the Boerner Botanical Gardens held their grand opening of a new garden space designed specifically to delight young children and their families: Margie’s Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
What is Margie’s Garden?
“Margie’s Garden” is a touching tribute to the life and passions of Margie Kezman who passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2019. She was a beloved local teacher and long-time gardener.
Kids will be drawn to explore the playhouses, skip through the ABC garden, cautiously cross the troll bridge, discover a new story from one of the many little libraries, and ‘interact’ with the bug sculptures. Because every gardener knows the joy of mud between their fingers, encourage the kids to get messy using the planting tools at the mud garden.
Adults will marvel over the attention to detail in crafting and maintaining this magical new space. Each of the themed gardens are thoughtfully curated. The ABC Trail, for example, includes a plant or flower that starts with each of the letters of the alphabet.
Pack a picnic and dine under the shelter surrounded by color, whimsy, and playfully happy children.
Before you leave Boerner Botanical Gardens, check out one more kid favorite located outside the fenced in area of Margie’s Garden. The Koi Pond is located behind the rose gardens and has the biggest Koi this mom has ever seen. My son and I agreed the largest white one reminded us of Sisu from Raya.
| NEW IN 2024: WHEN: Wednesday, May 1st; Botanical Gardens open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Education and Visitor Center open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Garden House open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Margie’s Children Garden open 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. WHERE: Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr, Hales Corners, WI 53130 WHAT: Milwaukee County Parks is! pleased to announce that Boerner Botanical Gardens will officially open for the 2024 season on Wednesday, May 1st! “Our Milwaukee County Parks offer an array of budget-friendly activities for residents and families from all neighborhoods to enjoy, including at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I am encouraging folks to visit Boerner Botanical Gardens this year to enjoy the floral views, activate this beautiful space, and become inspired by everything our Milwaukee County Parks have to offer. ”Thousands of plants bring the seasons to life at the Botanical Gardens, with colorful and fragrant displays laid out in 12 formal gardens. Explore a rose garden, peony garden and daylily garden; stroll under blossoming crabapples; and enjoy the view while at an event in the Garden Room. Take in the beauty of Margie’s Garden, a flower-themed children’s play garden that includes an “enchanted village” complete with a playhouse, twig hut, and mushroom chair rings; a big garden with interactive, friendly bug sculptures; and a ‘troll bridge.” “Boerner Botanical Gardens will officially open for the 2024 season this Wednesday, May 1st, and I couldn’t be more excited,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director at Milwaukee County Parks. “Boerner is a gem in the County Parks system, and I can’t think of a better way to spend a day with loved ones than to do it at the Botanical Gardens. With thousands of plants, 12 formal gardens, Margie’s Garden, and so much more, there’s a little something for everyone at Boerner. See you there!” Boerner Botanical Gardens is located just 15 minutes outside of Milwaukee in the Village of Hales Corners. Visit throughout the year to see the different gardens in bloom. Hours of Operation Botanical Gardens Nov. 1 – April 30: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week May 1 – Sept. 10: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week Sept. 11 – Oct. 31: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week Education & Visitor Center May 1 – Oct. 31: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week Nov. 1 – April 30: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday only Garden House *May 1 – Oct. 31: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week Nov. 1 – April 30: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 7 days a week *Hours may vary due to special events or rentals Margie’s Children’s Garden **May 1 – Aug. 31: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week **Sept. 1 – Oct. 31: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week Nov. 1 – April 30: CLOSED **Thursday nights, in preparation for Concerts in The Gardens, the Children’s Garden closes for the day at 4 p.m. Admission Prices (May 1 – Oct. 31) Milwaukee County Resident, with IDAdult (18-59) – $8.00 Senior Adult (60+) – $6.00 Junior (3-12) – $6.00 Adult (Group of 20+) – $7.00 (per person) Junior (Group of 20+) – $5.00 (per person) Non-Milwaukee County ResidentAdult (18+) – $9.00 Junior (3-12) – $6.00 Adult (Group of 20+) – $8.00 (per person) Junior (Group of 20+) – $6.00 (per person) Fee Regardless of Residency, with IDStudent (any age) – $6.00 Military (Veteran or Active Duty) – $6.00 Person with Disability – $6.00 Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens Member – Free American Horticultural Society Member* – Free *Note: Each AHS card will admit only the individual whose name is listed on the card and one other person. In the case of a family, couple, or household membership card that does not list individual names, the Botanical Gardens will admit a total of two of the members. A photo ID is required. Additional DetailsTo learn more about Boerner Botanical Gardens, visit the website  here |
