Featured Articles

Explore the Rock Garden

The popular illuminated displays return to the garden.

Watch the Video

 

Currently in Bloom

The popular illuminated displays return to the garden.

View Bloom Chart

 

About the Plants

https://boernerbotanicalgardens.org/about-the-gardens/

Visit the bloom schedule 

 

Plant Doctor

For answers to your questions about trees, shrubs, lawns, flowers, fruits and vegetables, visit the UW-Extension website. The site also contains information about bringing in plant samples for identification.

Note: with this link you will leave the Milwaukee County Parks site. The UW–Ex site will appear in a new browser window. To return to this page, simply close the UW–Ex window. 

 

Garden House Art Exhibits

Temporary displays of nature-inspired artwork are on view in the Exhibit Room of the Garden House, the quaint building constructed under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration. Learn more about Art in the Gardens 

 

Programs

• Adult Programs
• Children's Programs
• Horticultural Therapy

Individuals and groups can experience the restorative nature of gardens and gardening through programs offered by the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens.

As a member of the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens (FBBG), you help support one of Wisconsin’s most unique and beautiful natural spaces.

Your membership makes a difference!

The Gardens were developed as a place of beauty, an outdoor classroom and a living museum for all to enjoy. The Gardens are owned and managed by Milwaukee County.

Visit https://boernerbotanicalgardens.org/membership/

 

All Membership Levels Include

• Free Unlimited Admission to the Gardens
• 10% Discount in the FBBG Gift Shop
• 10% Discount in Nell’s Garden Cafe*
• Discounts on FBBG classes and events
• In Season Newsletter
• Membership Appreciation Event
• Reciprocal admissions to over 300 American Horticultural Society Gardens (www.ahsgardening.org)

*Zilli Hospitality Group

Memberships typically take up to two weeks from purchase to mailing. Temporary membership cards are available for pickup at the gardens between 9-4 Tuesday through Friday for those who wish to begin visiting the gardens right away.

Boerner Botanical Gardens offers variety in size, function and decoration. With expansive wide-windowed halls, as well as more intimate gathering spaces, the Gardens has options for every event, wedding or corporate. Located just 15 minutes outside of Milwaukee, the convenience of this location also impresses, especially with 300 free parking spaces. The elegance of the décor and setting in addition to the versatility of the spaces are unparalleled and readily adaptable for each event.

Breathtaking in every season, the Boerner Botanical Gardens is ideal for events with a winter wonderland backdrop, surrounded by autumnal colors and leaves, framed by the bright, green grass and fresh blossoms of spring or the lush gardens and warmth of summer. Enjoy your event at the Gardens with the splendor of nature showcased in every detail.

Boerner Botanical Gardens features a restaurant that offers brunch. Visit the Boerner restaurant page for more information.

Visit the Boerner Botanical Gardens for a quality dining experience.

• All catering at the Botanical Gardens is performed exclusively by Zilli Hospitality Group.
• For details, visit the Zilli Hospitality Group website 
• For availability or facility tours, call (414) 525-5635

The Zilli Hospitality Group also offers Sunday Brunches.

• For Brunch Reservations, call (414) 409-3959  

 

Room Rentals

Boerner Botanical Boerner Hall
9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners

Within the Education & Visitor Center of the Boerner Botanical Gardens is a formal reception hall with a view of the Gardens. Ideal for wedding receptions, horticultural exhibits, and corporate meetings.

• Available: Year round
• Rental Room Size:
• Capacity: 225 formal sit-down dinner; 320 theater style
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Amenities: Botanical Gardens, smoke-free environment, air conditioning, round tables, chairs, carpeting, on-site catering
• Add'l Amenities Available for a Fee: Coffee service, audio/video equipment
• Catering: Parks Division contracted vendor
• Parking: Ample parking in lot

 

Boerner Botanical Laboratory Classrooms
9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners

Within the Education & Visitor Center of the Boerner Botanical Gardens are four classrooms ideal for horticultural society or small business meetings – and also available as bridal party changing rooms or storage areas during your large event at the Center.

• Available: Year round 
• Rental Room Size: 
• Capacity: main-level classrooms, 36; lower-level classrooms, 45 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible 
• Amenities: One classroom equiped with sink and soil bins. Botanical Gardens, smoke-free environment, air conditioning, tables, chairs, on-site catering 
• Add'l Amenities Available for a Fee: Coffee service, audio/video equipment 
• Catering: Parks Dept. contracted vendor 
• Parking: Ample parking in lot 

 

Boerner Botanical Garden Room
9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners

Within the Education & Visitor Center of the Boerner Botanical Gardens is a formal reception hall with a view of the Gardens. Ideal for wedding receptions and corporate meetings.

• Available: Year round
• Rental Room Size: 
• Capacity: 88 formal sit-down dinner; 96 theater style
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Amenities: Botanical Gardens, smoke-free environment, air conditioning, round tables, chairs, carpeting, on-site catering
• Add'l Amenities Available for a Fee: Coffee service, audio/video equipment
• Catering: Parks Division contracted vendor
• Parking: Ample parking in lot

 

Boerner Garden House Exhibit Room 
9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI 53130

Nestled within Whitnall Park at the world-famous Boerner Botanical Gardens. The Garden House was constructed in 1935 using native fieldstone, hand-split by artisans to build the exterior walls and chimney. The Exhibit Room has hand-carved beams and wooden animals sculptures at the entrance, wooden furniture, and a beautifully inscribed fireplace mantel.

Details

• Available: Year round, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. (May through September rental allows Botanical Garden access at regular admission rates)
• Rental Room Size: 830 sq. ft.
• Capacity: 45
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible, though a ramp can be provided upon request
• Amenities: Botanical Gardens, smoke-free environment, tables, chairs, projection screen
• Catering: Renters may bring in beverages, home-prepared food and light snacks. Any formal catering must be done through Zilli Hospitality Group, (414) 525-5635.
• Alcohol will be allowed at the site with the purchase of an Alcohol Permit  
• Parking: Ample parking in lot

Booking the Facility

• Advance Booking: Book up to one year in advance and pay the current year's rate.
• Booked in 2017 (prices listed include sales tax): 
• Note: Decorating, catering, setup, and cleanup must be completed within your rental time.
• $105.60 for up to 2 hours
• $211.20 for 2 to 6 hours
• Add'l time over 6 hours may be available at $52.80 per-hour
• Dressing Room: $36.96 per hour
• In-season Gardens Admission fees charged. Group rates available. 

Booked in 2017 Package Rate (price listed include sales tax)

• $396.00 for up to 6 hours with Garden Admission for 45 adults included
• $501.60 for up to 6 hours with Garden Admission for 45 adults and Dressing Room included
• Note: Decorating, catering, setup, and cleanup must be completed within your rental time.

Sales Tax: Read more about it

For availability, reservations, or a tour, you must call (414) 525-5601.

Garden House Exhibit Room Rental Permit Application  (fillable pdf)

Alcohol Permit Application (fillable pdf)

You'll be surrounded by the beauty of the gardens when you select from the wedding sites at Boerner Botanical Gardens.

 

Boerner Botanical Gardens Ceremony Sites   

9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners, WI 53130

Ceremony Site Map (pdf)

Whitnall Park Map (pdf)

Google Directions

 

Ceremony Sites/Capacity:

1. Annual Garden & Gazebo – Suited for groups of up to 30 people.
2. Rock Garden Vista – Suited for for groups of up to 200 people.
3. Rose Garden Overlook – Suited for groups of up to 80 people.
4.  *Not available after mid-October due to the installation of rose shelters.  
5. Shrub Mall – Suited for groups of up to 200 people.
6. Fragrance Garden Terrace – Suited for groups of up to 200 people
7.  *Only available with rental of Boerner Hall through Zilli Hospitality Group, (414) 525-5635

Please Note:

• None of these sites is completely private because the Gardens are open to the public.
• All sites become less colorful after mid-October due to frost and winter preparation of the Gardens. Prior to June, few flowers are blooming in the sites.
• Although your permit does allow for a specific outdoor wedding site, it does not include indoor rental space. You are encouraged to reserve the Exhibit Room in the Garden House as an alternative in case of inclement weather.

Available:

Spring–Fall, except during festival dates

Times:

Permit times for ceremonies are available during the following 2-hour time periods

• 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• 1:00 p.m. – 3: 00 p.m.
• 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Accessibility:

While access to sites is wheelchair-accessible, sites themselves may be lawn areas.

Parking:

Ample parking in lot

Restrictions:

• Your site is available to you only during the time period of your permit(s).  
• Dressing facilities are not available unless rented. The Garden House or Education & Visitor Center may be rented for this purpose or as an alternate ceremony site in case of inclement weather.
• Chairs must be rented from Boerner Botanical Gardens at least 2 weeks prior to your wedding date.
• No furnishings that require staking are allowed. Small structures may be used and weighted to stay in place. Rice, confetti, birdseed, and flower petals are not allowed.
• Props must be approved 2 weeks prior to your event.
• Low volume music/sound amplification is allowed at your site. Sound must be "contained" to your site, so as not to impose on other areas.
• Electrical hook-ups are available for an additional fee. There is no electrical hook-up available in site #2, The Rock Garden Vista.
• Alcohol will be allowed at the site with an Alcohol Permit
• Please refrain from horn-honking in the vicinity of the Gardens

Advance Booking:

Book your event up to 12 months in advance and pay the current year's rate.

Booked in 2017 BBG Wedding (non-taxable)  

Note: the Wedding Permit includes admission to the gardens and photography within the wedding site for a 2-hour period.

If additional time is needed for photographs in the Gardens, a BBG Photo Permit must be purchased.

• 2-hour period for 1-50 people $400
• 2-hour period for 51-100 people $550
• 2-hour period for 101-150 people $725
• 2-hour period for 151-200 people $925
• Each add'l 50 people $200 
• Additional Hours may be available for photography with a BBG Photo Permit. Contact BBG for availability.

Wedding Photos ONLY

If you are interested in using the Boerner Botanical Gardens for your wedding photos only, see the Photography page for more information.

For additional information, call (414) 525-5601 or email Boerner Botanical Gardens