The board of directors for the Montgomery Botanical Gardens is proud to announce that the new gate has been fabricated and installed in the new Pedestrian Entrance on Forest Avenue. The gates as well as the arched sign above were constructed by Cole Turner of Turner Fabrications. As was shared during the official ribbon cutting for the entrance, the location of this entrance provides convenient and safer access for visitors to the gardens. It is an especially useful benefit to people connected to Jackson Hospital, staff, patients, families, etc. who can now easily enter the gardens and enjoy a time of respite and beauty without having to drive a vehicle into the park. The gate will be locked and unlocked on the same schedule as the other entrances to Oak Park.
Plantings around this entrance and pathways to guide your walk are planned for 2026. This entrance opens into Phase II of MBG where the first half of the Japanese Maple Garden donated by Mr. Lee Moore was installed last year. Installation of the second half of this garden is planned for 2026. This Japanese Maple Garden softly winds around the existing large trees. Camellias donated by Mr. John Davy of Milton Florida are also planted among the Maples along with the beginnings of the Hosta Garden donated by the Jasmine Garden Club.
Plans for 2026 also include installing the Janney-Crane Fountain in an appropriate location in Phase II. When the fountain is installed and operational and the pathways, plantings and seating are in place, they will enhance the relaxing and natural beauty in this part of the gardens that will be available to those who enter and visit…