Visual Highlights

• The Japanese Garden is a serene garden featuring a meditation house, reflecting pool and strolling & pond garden. Walk across the stepping stones or look out onto the islands while imagining yourself in a garden in Japan.
• Bridges and boardwalks help guide you through 14 acres of the Conifer Glen. Miniature, dwarf, compact, intermediate and full-size species of conifers are abundant throughout this exceptionally landscaped collection.
• A trek up our Outlook Tower will amaze you! Not only can you see for miles, you also get the best view of our 2040' Hedge Lettering, spelling out "Dawes Arboretum."
• Bonsai is the art of nature in miniature. The trunk, branches, styling and pot are essential in this ancient Asian art form that conveys deep symbolism and reverence of nature. The Bonsai Collection is located in the courtyard adjacent to our Visitors Center and features over 100 bonsai plants.
• Explore the Central Grounds any time of year! This area highlights exceptional trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. A walk through the herbaceous gardens surrounding the founder’s historic home will no doubt give you ideas for your gardens at home.
• We have one of the northernmost native Bald-cypress Swamps in North America. It is complete with “knees” and a boardwalk. If you come during late winter through spring, you might just see some Jefferson and Spotted salamanders swimming in the water.