Hor·ti·cul·ture
ˈhôrdəˌkəlCHər/
Noun: the art or practice of garden cultivation and management.
Bernheim boasts a long history of growing plants and creating beautiful landscapes. Adhering to ecologically sound practices in many endeavors, Bernheim's horticulture legacy continues to thrive in over 600 acres of arboretum collections and landscapes as well as beyond our borders.
Bernheim is best known for its impressive collection of woody plants (trees and shrubs) which are consistently referenced in horticulture manuals, publications, and magazines nationwide. Renowned collections include our American Hollies, Oaks, Maples, Ginkgo, Crabapples and Buckeyes. Along with these woody collections, Bernheim also surprises visitors with a variety of plantings of native and non-native herbaceous perennials, as well as areas that demonstrate plantings with unique ecological needs, such as our Sun and Shade collections and no-mow grasslands. Though the significant age of many of these collections require increased maintenance, this also adds value to Bernheim’s genetic stock. Bernheim's staff continually propagates existing plants, adding new specimens to the collections to ensure their continuance for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Our Horticulture team not only cares for the arboretum, but they also support an array of diverse cooperative programs in the surrounding community where they share experiences, inspire great ideas, and connect people with nature. These outreach programs and partnerships include:
- LG&E and KU –Bernheim Select Utility Trees
- LG&E- Plant for the Planet
- Green Roof consultations and maintenance
- Bullitt County Signature Tree Program
- Kentucky’s Least Wanted
- Community Lectures and Consultations
- Smart Garden & Landscape classes
Interested in learning more about these and other unique programs and partnerships? Contact our horticulture team today.
Construction Begins on Permeable Paver Parking Lot
You may notice some construction across the street from the Visitor Center. We know parking has been a challenge recently, so we're adding additional parking. BUT, it's … Read More »
Time or Place: What Makes a Plant Native
One of the major objectives of the Natural Areas team at Bernheim is to promote healthy plant communities in our forest. A practice that helps us accomplish this goal is … Read More »
Pathways to Purpose: Cole Alexander, Edible Garden Steward
Visitors to Bernheim get to experience many wonders, from trails through its vast forest to the Edible Garden and of course the Forest Giants. But not many visitors get … Read More »