By Derek Munyon
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
You don’t have to be a horticulturalist to appreciate the Lauritzen Gardens, which is located at 100 Bancroft St.
The Gardens provide 100 acres worth of attractions such as an herb garden, a rose garden, model train display and a currently unfinished, Japanese garden.
Lauritzen Gardens hosts several classes for adults and children as well. The park provides a nice, tranquil spot in the city to escape or get some exercise.
If exercise isn’t your thing though, the gardens also provide a narrated tram tour for $3 a person.
Currently on display is an exhibit from sculptor Dan Ostermiller called “Gone Wild!” It features a number of animal sculptors, from bears to deer to frogs, scattered throughout the park. The exhibit runs through Oct. 4.
On the weekend of Oct. 3 and Oct. 4, the gardens will host the Japanese Ambience Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is a salute to Omaha’s sister city – Shizouka, Japan. The show will feature a Japanese doll display, traditional Japanese dance and music, calligraphy, martial arts show, and a bonsai display. Break-fast and lunch will be available at the café.
The gardens also host holiday specials, including a Halloween event called Ghoulish Garden Adventure. Patrons wear costumes and explore the spider’s lair, a ghost town and a scarecrow scavenger hunt. The Lauritzen Gardens also has an amazing poinsettia show, live holiday music and meeting with Santa all around the Christmas season.
The Lauritzen Gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but offers extended hours through mid-September. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children age 6 and younger are free. Membership discounts are offered. Most events have no extra cost after price of admission.
Visit LauritzenGardens.org for more information about upcoming events.
