Cleveland Botanical Garden

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is a nonprofit organization located in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It was established in 1930 as the first civic garden center in an American city, initially known as the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland.

History

The garden's origins trace back to 1916 when Eleanor Squire donated her collection of horticultural books to the Garden Club of Cleveland. This donation led to the establishment of a library in a former boathouse near Wade Lagoon. In 1966, due to flooding and outgrowing its initial space, the Garden Center relocated to its current site in University Circle, which was once part of the old Cleveland Zoo. Remnants of the old bear pit remain in the Ohio Woodland Garden[1][2].

In 1994, the organization's Board of Trustees renamed it the Cleveland Botanical Garden to reflect an expanded mission. A major capital campaign was launched to develop new facilities, culminating in a $50 million expansion that opened in 2003. This renovation included the addition of the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, designed by Graham Gund Architects[1][2].

In 2014, the Cleveland Botanical Garden merged with the Holden Arboretum to form Holden Forests & Gardens, a large public garden system in Northeast Ohio[2][3].

Gardens and Attractions

The Cleveland Botanical Garden spans over 10 acres of outdoor gardens, including:

• The Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse: Features two biomes, the spiny desert of Madagascar and the cloud forest of Costa Rica. This facility is home to over 350 species of plants and 50 species of animals.
• Hershey Children's Garden: The first children's garden in Ohio, offering interactive nature experiences.
• Japanese Garden: Designed for tranquility.
• Rose Garden: Known for its vibrant rose flowers.
• Western Reserve Herb Garden: Maintains a historical charm.
• Ohio Woodland Garden: Includes remnants from the old Cleveland Zoo[1][3].

Programs and Events

The garden hosts various seasonal activities, educational programs, and community events, such as plant shows and art exhibitions. It supports environmental research, urban farming initiatives, and provides a healing environment for visitors[3][4].

Distinctions

Featured in popular culture, the Cleveland Botanical Garden appeared in a fifth-season episode of Supernatural. It contributes to the Wade Park Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places[1][2].

Integration

As part of Holden Forests & Gardens, the organization collaborates with the nearby Holden Arboretum, offering a comprehensive experience that combines both urban and natural landscapes across Northeast Ohio[2][3].