The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky

06/24/2026

Summer has come to The Arboretum, and many of our native species are putting on their summer show, like this jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), spotted blooming in The Arboretum Woods. Jewelweed grows best in moist, shady areas and can often be found along streambanks or in wooded understory habitats. Perhaps you will spot these plants blooming on your next visit to The Arboretum.

Photo credit: Craig Sargent

06/23/2026

There may be difficulty parking at The Arboretum due to roadwork. Caution is advised.

06/23/2026

In The News… The Arboretum is featured in Kentucky Monthly’s article on The Kentucky Garden Trail, the only garden trail in the country with a passport visitation and reward program.

*Correction. This article states that The Arboretum has 90 species of plants. The Arboretum, in fact, hosts around 750 taxa (including cultivars) of woody plants in our collection.

The Kentucky Garden Trail invites visitors to explore vibrant landscapes and seasonal beauty

06/19/2026

The Arboretum Visitor Center and the Kentucky Children’s Garden are closed today, Friday, June 19th, in observance of the Juneteenth academic and administrative holiday. The Arboretum grounds are open and accessible on Friday, June 19th.
We will re-open tomorrow, Saturday, June 20th, for normal hours.

06/18/2026

The Kentucky Children's Garden is closed for the rest of the day (June 18th) due to the weather. We will also be closed tomorrow due to Juneteenth. The Kentucky Children's Garden plans to be open on Saturday, June 20th.

06/18/2026

Join us for this exciting, upcoming Beginner Bonsai course at The Arboretum, in collaboration with the Central Kentucky Bonsai Society (CKBS). Timothy Weckman, president of the Central Kentucky Bonsai Society and proprietor of Berea Bonsai Studio and Nursery in Berea, KY, will lead participants in this introduction to the styling and care of tropical bonsai. Participants will take home a Golden Gate ficus bonsai, with instructions and guidance for its care.

$95 Per Person
Saturday, July 11th
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
At The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
500 Alumni Drive

Registration is through CKBS; please visit the link below to learn more and register:
https://app.joinit.com/o/central-kentucky-bonsai-society/pN5KjavDrQ8QdAA4W

06/17/2026

The diverse range of flowering plants at The Arboretum helps support a wide range of native insect species, like this pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor). Pipevine swallowtail caterpillars feed on native species of pipevine in the Aristolochia genus and serve as important pollinators as adult butterflies. You can often spot pipevine swallowtail butterflies, and many other native pollinators, feeding at various flowers throughout the Arboretum collection.

Photo credit: Craig Sargent

06/15/2026

For the gardener or plant enthusiast, ‘weeds’ can present unique challenges in your home garden or landscape. Join us for this upcoming Arboretum event, Thursday, June 25th from 5:30-7:00 pm, where Arboretum staff will lead participants on a walk around the Arboretum to observe weeds in situ, with discussions led by experts on their biology, ecological significance, and practical implications for gardeners.
Email us to register: [email protected]

06/11/2026

Spring is in full swing at The Arboretum, and summer is just around the corner. Many of our native shrubs have begun to bloom, like this Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana) currently blooming in the Cumberland Mountains and Appalachian Plateau regions of the Walk Across Kentucky. What will you see on your next visit to The Arboretum?

Photo credit: Craig Sargent