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The Incredible Beauty Of Sunken Gardens – A Lincoln, Nebraska Treasure

Tucked away on the southwest corner of 27th & Capitol Parkway in Lincoln, Nebraska is Sunken Gardens. And is it ever a treasure of a garden to behold!

Overseen by the city of Lincoln, and powered by an amazing volunteer effort, the garden offers one of the most impressive displays of annual flowers around.

touring sunken gardens
The annuals on display at the gardens are breathtaking. Everywhere you turn, color and texture abound!

And the perennial flowers, ponds, trees and walkways that grace the grounds are certainly a sight to behold as well!

A Tour Of Sunken Gardens

We are so happy with today’s article to revive our popular “Featured Gardens” series, showcasing some of America’s most beautiful private and public gardens.

The gardens include ponds and fountains, as well as a stunning display of annuals and perennials.

And we couldn’t have picked a better garden to start with than Lincoln, Nebraska’s Sunken Gardens.

The History Of Sunken Gardens

Originally started as part of the Public Works Project in 1930, Sunken Gardens has grown into an into an incredible display that includes over 30,000 annuals.

The history
The gardens were started as part of the Public Works programs back in the 1930’s.

Each year, a mass of garden volunteers help to plant the garden in a chosen theme.

And nearly all of it is planted and created in a single day during their “Wake Up The Garden Event.” The event is held in May of each year. And in the spirit of volunteering, the public is always invited to join in to help for the day as well.

This past year’s theme was “Sun Salutations.” And the display of bright reds, oranges, and yellows were certainly the perfect salute to the fiery sun above.

Sunken Gardens
This year’s them of “Sun Salutations” was captured perfectly with the bright, hot colors of the garden.

It really is a sight to behold!

In fact, Sunken Gardens is the only Nebraska garden by National Geographic Guide to Public Gardens as one of the 300 Best Gardens to visit in the United States and Canada. And as you stroll around, it is easy to see why.

Perhaps the most amazing part of all is that the entire display is located on just 1.5 acres.

annuals and perennials
Mixed in with the annuals are a beautiful selection of perennials such as hostas, viburnum and hydrangeas. The garden even has a collection of tropical plants that are overwintered each year in greenhouses, and then planted back into the landscape each summer.

But as you walk throughout, you feel as though you are among a much larger “forest’ of flowers, trees, ponds and walkways. Everywhere you look, there is color all around.

Put The Beds To Bed Event

Sadly, as with all annuals, every good thing must come to an end. And the same holds true for Sunken Gardens every fall.

To do so, the garden hosts an annual “Put The Beds To Bed” event in late fall.

The event, like their spring planting, is open to the public. In a single day, the garden’s annual flowers are pulled and sent to the compost bins.

The fountain
The view at Sunken Gardens from the fountain area, with the gardens below.

At the same time, the entire garden is spaded, and a thick layer of fresh compost is added to rejuvenate the beds for the following season.

It is amazing to think in a single day so much can be accomplished in such a large space. And all with a massive volunteer effort!

ponds at the garden
Mixed in with all of the annuals are a wondrous selection of perennials like these hostas.

And then the wait is on again until the following May, when the beautiful process begins all over again!

If you ever happen to pass through Lincoln, Nebraska, it is certainly worth the stop to check out this treasure of a garden!

The stately entrance area to Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens is located at 27th and Capital Parkway in Lincoln Nebraska. It is open daily from 6 a.m to 11 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, you can check out their Facebook page here : LNKSunkenGardens

If you know of a backyard, city or botanical garden we should feature, email us at info@thisismygarden.com.

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