Bartlett Arboretum - Belle Plaine, Kansas 14 acre Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, Kansas was founded in 1910 by Dr. Walter E. Bartlett. The Bartlett family operated the Arboretum until 1995. Robin Macy (a founding member of the Dixie Chicks) discovered the then neglected garden in 1997 and took it over as an act of love. Volunteers called the Soil Sisters and Brothers, tackle much of the gardening, design and maintenance. I had understood it was open the day I visited, but discovered that was incorrect. Robin Macy saw me taking photos through the fence and asked what was going on. After I explained, she invited me to come in and take a quick 20 minute look around. The arboretum has both formal gardens and experimental plots and nurseries with a total of 13 gardens and an 8 hive apiary. It is an events space for weddings and corporate events. The arboretum hosts concerts from April until November. TreeFest in early November is Bartlett Arboretum's annual celebration of The Great Outdoors and the last event before they close for the season. There are tours, an arboretum market, hardy trees for sale, and a concert. In 2024 the event is November 10 and Little Big Twang is providing the music at 4 PM. Admission is $10. Bartlett Arboretum is the home of 9 state champion trees (the largest of the species in Kansas) and one national champion. The site map lists 64 Trees of Distinction
Bartlett
Arboretum website
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