Perfectly perched on one of the highest points in the area, the Baker Arboretum overlooks beautiful Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is the perfect location to take in gardens, art, and nature for a short visit or a longer adventure. It is a popular venue for visitors from out of town as well as locals who return to see what is new. It is a 115-acre public garden, an art museum, a special place to hold meetings in a historic home, a wedding and photography venue, and a place to enjoy nature at its best.
At its heart the Baker Arboretum is a special type of garden that focuses on hardy, mostly woody plants but there is much more to discover when you visit. The plants on display are curated for this region and cultivated by professional horticulturists. Visitors to the garden can immerse themselves in the study of Japanese maples, charming dwarf conifers, and many other horticultural wonders. The plants are labeled for your reference information and for your education – after all, it is also a place of science and study. It is difficult to choose which ones are your favorites.
The plant collections are accessible in the main 15-acre gardens so getting around to see them is easy. The plant collections go far beyond the usual plants grown in typical landscapes. Many of them are rare or new to cultivation. Visitors can see exciting and wondrous specimens that have been collected through decades of trial and error. They are often surprised by the plant diversity and typically leave with a list of plants to try at home.
The Japanese maple collection is outstanding and regionally significant in its scope. Many horticulturists consider these trees to be the most beautiful landscape specimens. There are more than 150 types for your discovery and enjoyment. But that is just the beginning. There are collections of Hinoki cypress, dwarf ginkgo, spruce, redbud, and many others from around the planet. Some of these plants are one of only a handful that exist.
The Baker Arboretum is more than a garden. It is an outdoor classroom for nature and art lovers of all ages. Art, kinesiology, psychological science, and horticulture students are a few of the majors from the local university, Western Kentucky University, that use the venue for serious study.
Horticulture students and faculty especially utilize the arboretum to learn the names and culture of plants they might not otherwise see. The arboretum has a dynamic internship program which trains horticulture students for a successful career. Former interns can be found leading and working in horticulture around the country and beyond.
The garden houses outdoor sculptures that are fun to discover, too. The winding stone paths of the Baker Arboretum take you on a journey beneath the canopies of native trees to discover surprising and graceful garden venues. There are many fountains that represent art and nature in harmony and each has a story. The overlook fountain garden, the bridge garden replete with a waterfall and pond, and the pollinator gardens are but a few of the popular locations.
At the center of the gardens is the wonderful Downing Museum of Art that houses the paintings by the influential local artist, Joe Downing. It is also a dynamic nexus of art with constantly changing art exhibits by other artists, as well. The art inside the museum complements the outdoor setting and compounds the visitor experience.
If you are interested in stretching your legs, then consider a visit to our over four miles of paved trails through the rolling and scenic southern Kentucky hills. Runners, walkers, and strollers enjoy the all-weather trails. This 100-acre green space is adjacent to the gardens and easily accessible from the parking lot. The green space is also a diverse birding hotspot and one of the best in the county. The land offers forest, prairie, and water sources for many types of habitats to support bird life.
The Baker Arboretum, Downing Museum, and the historic Baker Home are very popular settings for weddings and other events. There is not a more inspirational and scenic setting. For more information contact our Event Coordinator, Paula Skaggs. Phone 270-529-1070. Email: paulaskaggs@jerryebakerfoundation.org.
Donations are always appreciated and accepted as they help make the arboretum and museum admission free.
-by Martin Stone
About the Author: Martin Stone, PhD is the director of the arboretum and a horticulture faculty member at WKU.
