Children's Discovery Garden
Montrose Botanic Gardens is taking an exciting step forward in transforming its humble Happy Hollow into a dynamic Children’s Discovery Garden. Our volunteer planning team began working in April 2025 to develop a conceptual design to revamp the children’s area. After gathering input from our members and the general public, the team has gone through several rounds of draft plans with DHM Design, a landscape architect firm.
The Children’s Discovery Garden is going to be a game-changer for our gardens. Where Happy Hollow can only accommodate a handful of people at a time, the new garden will welcome whole classrooms and larger groups to connect with nature through a variety of learning and play experiences.
Happy Hollow today
Future view from south end of Promenade
Some important elements in the draft plan include:
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Reducing the depth of the “hollow” so the garden’s pathways will have a gentler, more accessible slope. In addition, the same area will have much more usable space.
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Providing more opportunities for kids to engage with nature – through both their senses and through physical movement. Features include adventure paths, a stream and rain garden, and the ever-popular faerie glen.
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Offering ample shade and seating for programs and activities, as well as casual picnics. The main shade structure is designed to accommodate up to 75 people in addition to smaller shade elements and trees.
Click here to view the draft Conceptual Plan. The final version with additional 3-D drawings will be available in early 2026.​