The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden

Bright flowers, inspirational plantings, tranquil gathering spaces, and a spectacular vista invite visitors to gather and relax among the trees.

A central attraction for gathering and enjoyment, The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden showcases the beauty and diversity of plants with paved paths, intimate seating areas, sparkling fountains, and spaces for celebration.

It is a long, two-acre rectangle divided into three spaces: the central Centennial Plaza, the Joy of Plants Garden to the west, and the Celebration Garden to the east. All are connected by paved, accessible paths with plenty of benches and seating areas where guests can gather. The commanding vista extends from the Jane Morton Berry Plaza near the Administration and Research Center to the historic Four Columns.

Centrally located a short distance from the Visitor Center, The Grand Garden is near other attractions, including the Maze Garden, the Children’s Garden, the Ground Cover Garden, the Sterling Morton Library, the Plant Clinic, the Firefly Pavilion, the Conifer Walk, and the Meadow Lake trail. Accessible restrooms and the Ginkgo Restaurant and Café are nearby in the Visitor Center.

The Grand Garden opened in 2022 in a space formerly occupied by a garden of formal hedges. It is named for the Arboretum’s former president and CEO.

Important Information

Hours: The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden is open daily during Arboretum operational hours. The garden may close early for private event rentals or ticketed special events.

Parking: The nearest available parking is in parking lot P-1, next to the Visitor Center.

Restrooms: Accessible, heated restrooms are available nearby in the Visitor Center.

Seating: Benches are available in Centennial Plaza and in front of the Administration and Research Center. Seating and picnic areas can be found in Arbor Court. An outdoor dining area is located on the south side of the Visitor Center.

Shelter: Shaded pergolas can be found in Centennial Plaza. No rain shelter is available.

Accessibility: All paths in The Grand Garden are paved and ADA accessible. Accessible parking is available in parking lot P-1, an environmentally friendly parking lot with uneven pavers. The accessible parking spaces and pathways from P-1 to the Grand Garden feature smooth pavers. There is a drop-off area near the Visitor Center’s main entrance.

Admission: The Gerard T. Donnelly Grand Garden is included with Arboretum admission. The garden may close early for private event rentals or ticketed special events.

Water: Drinking fountains are available in the Visitor Center.

Ornamental Grasses

Plants with Blue Flowers

Plants with Pink Flowers

Plants with Purple Flowers

Plants with Red Flowers

Plants with White Flowers

Centennial Plaza

This central circle is the entrance to the garden, providing access in all directions by paved paths. It is ringed by lush beds of colorful blooming plants and flowering trees, and framed by a shady pergola with climbing clematis, wisteria, and honeysuckle vines. Nearby fountains provide a backdrop of soothing water sounds. The circle provides places to gather, sit, and relax.

The plantings in the beds that surround the plaza are changed multiple times each year. To learn more about the plants chosen for display beds and containers, see Seasonal Display and Container Gardens.

Joy of Plants Garden

This garden to the west of the main plaza is designed for beauty, relaxation, and inspiration. It is divided into a series of garden rooms showcasing combinations of small trees, shrubs, and perennials at a home garden scale. These garden rooms, united by a lush green lawn, are shaded by tall trees and lushly planted for color, beauty, and variety, with many places to sit and enjoy their loveliness throughout the seasons. Water flows through sculptural water features, and at the west end a large fountain anchors the Jane Morton Berry Plaza.