Phase 1D | The Garden Expansion Continues
The planned focus of Phase 1D is the development of the Japanese Garden, Tree Allée and Beargrass Creek Overlook. A tree allée of 24 American Dream Swamp White Oak trees will lead to the Overlook which has a beautiful view of Beargrass Creek. The Japanese Garden was designed by Nakane & Associates of Kyoto, Japan. Fundraising is under way for this authentic Japanese Garden.


japanese GARDEN
The two-acre Japanese Garden will include a waterfall and pond, tea house, summer house, authentic bridges, a cherry tree promenade, a bonsai garden and more. Shiro Nakane of Nakane and Associates has been designing gardens for decades, following in the footsteps of his father. This will be a garden of meditation and peace, a respite from the busy world around us. Plants used in this garden will be both native and non-native. Large rocks will be placed throughout, which is typical in a Japanese garden.
DONATE TO THE JAPANESE GARDEN TODAY

GRAESER FAMILY BONSAI GARDEN
The Bonsai Garden has been designed to balance the traditional design of the adjacent Japanese Garden and the surrounding contemporary design of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, weaving in design aspects from both spaces.
The garden includes outdoor “rooms” that are designed with a thematic Interpretation of the five great elements through the use of materials, form and approach to bonsai.

beargrass creek overlook
The Beargrass Creek Overlook will showcase a beautiful view of the creek and the wetlands beyond.
The Tree Allée will be filled with two dozen American Dream™ Swamp White Oak trees, benches, and a paved walkway. This path sits between the Graeser Family Education Center and the Japanese Garden, and will lead to the Beargrass Creek Overlook.
DONATE
Your financial support of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens project is critical at this early stage.
BECOME A MEMBER
Join us today! You’ll support a great cause and get an inside view as we realize our vision of building Louisville’s botanical gardens.
VOLUNTEER
Find out how you can join other members of our community as we roll up our sleeves to make the gardens a reality.