Path Improvements Enhance the Fern Grotto Sculpture Along the Woodland Walk

Since October 2024, visitors to Rotary Botanical Gardens have been able to enjoy a striking metal sculpture created by local artist Jason Harvey and dedicated by the Bower City Garden Club of Janesville. The piece depicts a fern grotto, complete with some of the small creatures you might find tucked among the ferns, like centipedes and grasshoppers.

Now, we're excited to share some updates that make the area even more special. We've added an accessible path leading right up to the sculpture just off the Woodland Walk, making it easier than ever for all visitors to enjoy this piece up close. The fern grotto sculpture is set within a woodland planting of Bloodroot, Jack-in-the-Pulpits, Helleborus, hosta and Meadow Rue, allowing it to blend in naturally with its surroundings. Color blocks of annual coleus circle the sculpture, helping to highlight the area and draw visitors in as they walk by.

Looking ahead, ferns will be transplanted into the space this fall, once temperatures cool down and the fall rains arrive to help them get established.

We're grateful to the Bower City Garden Club of Janesville for their generous donation of this sculpture and for helping us create a space that continues to grow and welcome visitors. Come see the fern grotto and its refreshed setting on your next visit to the Gardens!