Did you know there was a Kentucky Garden Trail? Twelve gardens and arboreta throughout the state were selected to weave “a journey of gardens, forests, and experiences in the Bluegrass.” Delightful! Perfect for a garden club field trip.

Group photo of a large number of older women gathered outdoors in front of a red barn, smiling and wearing name tags.

On a beautiful spring day last week, the Valley Hills Garden Club of Madison, Indiana visited Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood, Kentucky – site #9 on the Kentucky Garden Trail. We had a wonderful guide, volunteer Fred, and he was assisted by volunteer Michelle and staff member Anna. We were full of questions about the flowers, shrubs and trees, and they were full of answers! They gave us a wonderful experience exploring the former estate of Theodore and Martha Lee Klein.

A group of people listening to a speaker outdoors at a garden center near a red barn, with various plants displayed on tables.

Many plants were in bloom that day, and although all were appreciated, the spectacular show of peonies was the most popular with our group. We learned that Yew Dell’s varieties were “intersectional” peonies – a cross between grandma’s old-fashioned beautiful-but-droopy peonies and the woody variety. The resulting cross produced show-stopping upright blooms! Here are a few of the beauties in bloom.

Two peony flowers, one pink and one creamy white with red markings, surrounded by lush green leaves.
A close-up view of a soft peach-colored peony flower surrounded by vibrant green leaves.
“Kopper Kettle”
Vibrant pink peonies blooming among lush green leaves, with a blue flower nearby.
A vibrant yellow peony bloom surrounded by lush green leaves.
Three vibrant pink peony flowers surrounded by lush green leaves.

Club members were also enchanted with the hardscape elements on site – curving paved paths, statuary & sculptures, water features and walls.

A weathered statue of a cherubic figure draped in cloth, standing amidst greenery and tree branches.
A charming stone cottage with a gothic-style entrance and surrounding landscaped garden featuring various greenery, including potted plants. In the foreground, there are large, round stone millstones partially submerged in a shallow water feature.
Millstone Water Feature
A curved concrete pathway surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a park.
A group of people exploring a lush garden with vibrant greenery and yellow flowers, near a small pond surrounded by stone walls.
A stone sculpture of a fox in a natural setting, surrounded by green grass and yellow foliage.

And we were intrigued with all of the buildings on the grounds – an historic 1800s cabin, a greenhouse with a succulent-covered roof, and a very cool little castle!

A rustic log cabin with a stone chimney, surrounded by green grass and a garden, under a clear blue sky.
1800s cabin
A group of people, mostly older adults, gathered outdoors near a building with a green roof. The scene is set in a lush environment with trees and a cloudy sky.
Succulent-covered greenhouse roof
A picturesque stone building with two towers, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers under a clear blue sky.
The Castle (former pool house)

And the trees – so many amazing trees!

A gnarled tree branch extends over a garden bed with lush green hosta plants, under a clear blue sky.
A pathway lined with tall trees featuring lush green leaves, surrounded by garden plants and a rustic wooden fence.
Beech Trees
A magnolia flower with creamy yellow petals and a burgundy center, surrounded by green leaves.
Magnolia Bloom
A large, green-leaved tree with a broad canopy stands prominently beside a path, while a group of people gathers and listens to a speaker nearby.
Water Oak

We all enjoyed the leisurely morning wandering the grounds with our guides, exploring the Secret Garden, and swooning over the Siberian Iris.

A group of elderly individuals walking along a garden path, observing flowers and a sculpture in a landscaped area under a blue sky.
A scenic path through a lush garden, flanked by trees and vibrant green plants, with a sign that reads 'The Jean Ohlmann Secret Garden'.
A vibrant display of purple Siberian iris flowers in a garden, with a sign identifying them as 'Iris siberica Lady Vanessa'.
A serene garden scene featuring lush greenery and colorful flowers, with two visitors observing the plants while others walk in the background under a clear blue sky.

When our tour was concluded, many shopped for plants and found interesting garden-related items in the gift shop housed in a converted tobacco barn. The barn was also where the Kentucky Garden Trail Passports were on display, and several of us picked up one of the free booklets and got our Yew Dell Botanical Gardens passport stamp!

A shop display featuring various handcrafted items, including pottery, home decor, and kitchenware, with customers browsing inside.
Gift Shop
A display featuring a red t-shirt with garden-themed designs, illuminated by a lamp. Next to the shirt, there is a canvas bag with similar designs and informational brochures about the Kentucky Garden Trail.
KY Garden Trail Display
A hand holding a brochure for Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, featuring location details, visitor information, and a photo of the garden's historical building.
KY garden Trail Passport

With months of summer and fall ahead, it’s the perfect time to get out and go on the Kentucky Garden Trail. I can’t wait to see which of the twelve gardens holds our next adventure!

Written by

sallymcw

One thing that makes my journey unique is that all of my interests are driven by a joyful and genuine curiosity. I delight in finding less expensive ways to make something or creative ways to enjoy something longer. Finding and creating joy - and sharing it - is core to who I am.