Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland.
MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities
VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive
Editor & Director of Marketing: Jessica Schneider
Editor & Content Manager: David Lardakis
Photography: Alex Faidiga, Amanda Hannah, Albert Jackson, Cherise Kent, Chris Langer, David Lardakis, Tom Masaveg, Ferole Parmalee, Bob Perkoski
Forests & Gardens (ISSN 2474-6371) is a class and events magazine published quarterly by Holden Forests & Gardens, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172.
Periodicals postage paid at Mentor, Ohio and additional offices.
Postmaster:
Please send address changes to Forests & Gardens Magazine
Holden Forests & Gardens
9500 Sperry Road Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172
Awe Inspired
As autumn settles over Northeast Ohio, something magical starts to happen. The trees light up, the air turns crisp, and our landscapes begin to hum with new energy and possibilities.
Fall is all about change, and we’re embracing that spirit with exciting updates that will enhance your experience and deepen your connection to the natural world. Much is afoot at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. This autumn and winter, we will be transforming the Costa Rica biome (pages 8-9); renovating the café and welcoming our new catering partner, Spice; and making exciting improvements to the entry experience. At the Arboretum, we're reimagining key natural areas to be more engaging, accessible and ecologically impactful, as described on pages 6-7. These are just the first steps in a much larger journey — and we can’t wait for you to see what’s ahead.
We’re also proud to share that two of our forests have been officially welcomed into the Old-Growth Forest Network (pages 10-11). This national recognition celebrates the ecological importance of our preserved spaces and the decades of care, advocacy and science that made it possible.
Of course, none of this happens without support! Generosity from corporate partners, individual donors and folks like you
power our work to connect plants and people. (You'll find a wonderful donor story on page 17.)
This fall’s programming is bursting with reasons to get outside and get inspired. Whether you’re here for Skeleton Grove, Fall Forest Fest, Boo-tanical Bash, a hike with our ecologists or a stroll through Winter Village Market, there’s something for everyone and every age.
And don’t miss our special fall feature inviting you to slow down and creatively reflect on the season. It's one more way we hope to connect you with the natural world (pages 14-15).
Thank you for being on this journey with us. Your membership, your visits and your generosity all make a real difference. I hope this season brings you beauty, joy and a moment or two of awe.
See you out there, Ed
September 20 –
November 2
at Holden Arboretum
Included with admission
This fall, the forest comes alive in the most unexpected way. Wander through Skeleton Grove at the Holden Arboretum, where towering, artist-designed skeletons strike playful poses among vibrant fall foliage. Equal parts spooky and spectacular!
Get Ready for Frost
Cleveland Botanical Garden will glow with winter magic again this year.
SAVE THE DATES: November 22 - January 4
Frost returns this winter to Cleveland Botanical Garden
Step into a season spun from storybooks and starlight. Frost is a shimmering, music-filled, gingerbread-scented celebration of winter’s magic.
Wander glowing gardens. Greet mystical animal friends. Lose yourself in lights, laughter, and the warmth of holiday wonder.
Beloved traditions return — the Gingerbread Competition, Garden Club Trees & Wreaths and family favorites like Krampus Night, and Storytime with Santa.
Don't let winter sneak up on you!
Transforming Holden’s Core Natural Areas
From Invasives to Edible Forests
By Rob Maganja, Horticulturist and Annie Rzepka Budziak, Senior Director of Arboretum Landscapes
The Core Natural Area (CNA) projects have emerged as one of Holden Arboretum’s most exciting new initiatives. Once neglected and overgrown, these small forest fragments have been transformed into vibrant, ecologically rich food forests, offering a striking example of how degraded landscapes can be restored to support biodiversity, natural beauty and meaningful public engagement.
Restoration efforts began in the latter half of 2021, fueled by collaboration across Horticulture, Arboriculture & Land Management, and Conservation & Community Forestry. Together, these teams worked to manage invasive species, prevent their spread into surrounding gardens and demonstrate how similar forest fragments — particularly in suburban areas — can be reclaimed, revitalized and repurposed for both ecological and educational value.
Invasive Control and Site Prep
Among the five Core Natural Area sites, two have seen the most dramatic transformation. One site unfolds across two acres, where streams wind past dawn redwoods, bald cypress and a towering American elm, creating a serene, immersive forest experience. A smaller site, roughly onethird of an acre, demonstrates how even a modest patch of land can be restored, offering a relatable model for residential backyard-scale restoration.
In the first two winters, the team devoted more than 400 person-hours to clearing overgrowth, carefully cutting and chipping brush and applying targeted herbicide treatments — setting the stage for new growth and renewed ecological vitality.
Testing Herbicide Alternatives
After the initial clearing, the team faced a pressing challenge: how to control invasive species effectively without harming soil health or limiting native plant recovery. Synthetic herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup Custom) and triclopyr (Pathfinder II, Vastlan) offered quick results, but their persistence in the soil raised concerns about long-term ecological impacts. Natural, contactonly herbicides promised a safer alternative — they left no residual effects — but required more frequent application, forcing the team to weigh immediate effectiveness against long-term ecosystem health.
To explore this balance, the team launched an herbicide comparison study with support from a $1,000 grant from the Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership (LEAP) — inspired by previous research by Carreiro et al. (Kentucky study) — which suggested that repeated applications of natural products like Scythe and WeedZap (cinnamon and clove oil) could achieve results nearly comparable to synthetic herbicides (Nowak & Ballard, 2005).
The study unfolded across treatment blocks that included natural-only, synthetic-only and mixed applications. Over time, the team monitored species richness, ground cover and the Floristic Quality Assessment Index (FQAI) to gauge ecological health. By 2024, the FQAI had risen from 13.8 to 15.9, signaling meaningful progress in reducing invasives and supporting native plant recovery. The results told a nuanced story: Synthetic herbicides delivered stronger early control, while natural herbicides offered promising benefits for longterm soil health and seedbank regeneration, illustrating the thoughtful balance required in effective restoration work.
Introducing Native and Edible Species
In parallel with invasive control, the transformation into food forests continued. This strategy emphasized two complementary goals: integrating crop wild relatives to preserve genetic diversity and climate resilience, and introducing cultivated varieties that provide abundant, flavorful and disease-resistant fruit. The cultivars were chosen not only to draw public interest but also to deliver reliable yields in challenging conditions, while avoiding invasive risk and contributing both ecological and ornamental value.
To date, nearly 330 plants have been established. Wildcollected and native transplants include alders, raspberries, American persimmons, bladdernuts, Osage orange, swamp roses, flowering raspberries, native elderberries and
summersweet. These have been complemented by cultivated varieties selected for productivity and resilience, such as hybrid hazelnuts, persimmons, elderberries, red mulberries, northern pecans, chokeberries, figs and hybrid plums.
Future plans include the planting of an additional 100 native alders grown from wild-collected seed, along with continued incorporation of other wild-origin specimens. Additional cultivars will also be introduced to maintain the balance between ecological function and reliable food production, further advancing the vision of a resilient, productive food forest.
Aesthetics
The aesthetic appeal of the food forest areas has been a central focus. Trails have been added to encourage greater foot traffic and create scenic routes that guide visitors through diverse plantings and water features. A large hügelkultur mound serves as a striking focal point, drawing interest with seasonal displays of edible and ornamental plants.
These features enhance visitor engagement by combining ecological function with strong visual impact.
Landscapes as Models for Conservation
The Core Natural Areas have grown alongside Holden Arboretum’s Working Woods Learning Forest, with both projects championing practical, scalable approaches to land stewardship and habitat restoration. By sharing staff, coordinating interpretation and collaborating regularly, the two efforts have created complementary models that inspire landowners to manage properties of all sizes.
Through ongoing restoration and planting, the Core Natural Areas have begun to reveal the power of combining conservation, horticulture and public engagement. Visitors encounter food forests that are not only grounded in research but also thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and foster learning. Even in small spaces, these landscapes demonstrate how intentional design can produce meaningful ecological benefits while offering rich educational experiences.
References
New York State Department of Transportation. Carreiro, Margaret & Fuselier, Linda & Waltman, Major. (2020). Efficacy and Nontarget Effects of Glyphosate and Two Organic Herbicides for Invasive Woody Vine Control. Natural Areas Journal. 40. 129. 10.3375/043.040.0204.
Rainforest Layers: An Evolution in Motion
By Amanda Hannah, Director of Botanical Garden Horticulture
There’s a popular saying in evolutionary biology that “nothing in nature makes sense except in the light of evolution.” As we prepare for the next big change inside the Costa Rican biome, I’ve been thinking a lot about what that means — not just for plants, but for gardens, for spaces and for how we adapt.
By the time you read this, the Strangler Fig installation will be gone. For years it held space as a focal point — part sculpture, part ecosystem, part memory. Like the tree it’s modeled after, it grew into something far larger than itself: a habitat, a teaching moment and, for many visitors, a "wow" they never expected to find in Cleveland.
After 20 years, the Strangler Fig replica tree has come to the end of its lifespan. As with all living systems, even static ones, there comes a time for succession.
From Canopy to Forest Floor
The rainforest doesn’t stay still. It builds, collapses, regenerates. A tree falls and sunlight pours in, triggering a cascade of growth and competition. Vines climb toward the light. Orchids bloom on borrowed bark. Insects, frogs, fungi and birds all shift their strategies to make the most of the new opening.
We’re taking a page from that same playbook.
In the coming months, our team will be working on a new, immersive display: Rainforest Layers: From Canopy to Forest Floor. It’s a project that embraces change not as an interruption, but as a creative force. One that gives us the chance to reimagine what this space can offer — visually, botanically and experientially.
We’ll be layering plant stories vertically, much like nature does. There will be floating floral spheres — our nod to Longwood Gardens’ showmanship — suspended in the upper reaches of the biome. These will mark the start of a new horticultural program for us, one that brings dramatic seasonal display to a vertical format in a way that’s never been seen before in Cleveland. Mid-level, we’ll introduce modular displays — affectionately dubbed our “caterpillars” — that feature both horticultural and butterfly-focused elements to animate the space beneath the canopy walk. And below it all, a reshaped ground plane of movable planters, built-in seating and updated plantings will form a new gathering area, complete with space for programs, butterfly releases and moments of awe.
It’s ambitious. It’s flexible. And it’s rooted — literally and figuratively — in what makes rainforests so mesmerizing: complexity, connection and constant change.
The Art (and Science) of Controlled Chaos
One of the joys of working in public horticulture is embracing the paradox that gardens, like rainforests, thrive on structure and spontaneity.
We don’t have all the details mapped out yet. We’re still in the process of identifying the right collaborators — designers, builders, engineers — to help bring this vision to life. What we do have is a strong concept, a lot of excitement and a deep commitment to doing this in a way that reflects the quality and care our visitors have come to expect.
Because ecosystems — and exhibits — are not static installations. They are relationships made visible.
Rainforest Layers is, at its core, about relationship: between plants and place, between people and plants, and between the past and the future of this biome.
Looking Up (and Around and Beneath)
What excites me most about Rainforest Layers is that it allows us to invite people into something they might not have realized was possible in a garden: vertical wonder.
We talk a lot in public horticulture about making gardens more relevant — more accessible, more alive. This project is our way of saying yes to all of that. Yes to drama. Yes to curiosity. Yes to plantings that make people stop mid-step and look up. Or crouch down. Or lean in to ask a question.
And yes to evolution — not just as a scientific principle, but as a design strategy. As a way of being with plants. As a way of making room for what’s next.
Evolution Isn’t Just for Plants
Evolution, in a rainforest, isn’t a solo act. It’s collaboration on a grand, messy, miraculous scale. Trees adapt to lift others. Fungi trade nutrients for news. Insects, birds and flowers write each other’s survival stories.
The same is true here. This project is the result of dozens of conversations across teams throughout the Garden. It’s about infrastructure and storytelling and finding beauty that works under pressure.
But it’s also about our relationship with you. The visitor who marvels at the iridescent butterfly; the member who finds quiet in the warmth of the Glasshouse in winter; the supporter who believes in the mission of plants and people; and the creative collaborators — both within and beyond our Garden walls — who make it all possible.
While this transformation will take months to complete, its success will unfold over years. How long this new installation lasts will depend on how it lives — how it serves visitors over time, adapts with the seasons, supports programming and surprises people who thought they’d already seen it all.
It’s a long-term investment in wonder.
Come see what’s growing next.
MEET THE STAFF
Amanda Hannah is the Director of Horticulture at Cleveland Botanical Garden. A Longwood Fellow with a background in horticultural leadership and strategic advising in Seattle, she brings a collaborative, design-minded approach to public gardens and believes deeply in their power to connect people to place, nature, and one another.
Strangler Fig
Why Old Forests Matter
Holden’s old-growth sites serve as living laboratories, helping researchers understand how forests grow, change and recover.
By Anna Funk, Science Communications Specialist
To protect these ancient woods, public access is limited. Keep an eye on upcoming Arboretum events to sign up for a guided group hike in Stebbins Gulch! VISITING HOURS
Walking into an old-growth forest at the Holden Arboretum can feel like stepping into another world. Surrounded by towering trees, you know right away — this forest is different. “It’s very cool,” says Dr. Sarah CarrinoKyker, a postdoctoral research associate in the David Burke lab. “We say a lot that it feels like Lord of the Rings. Just these giant trees you can’t wrap your hands around.”
The Arboretum is home to two of these special places, Stebbins Gulch and Bole Woods, both of which recently received official designation from the Old-Growth Forest Network. Stebbins, for instance, includes almost 200 acres that have never been cut or plowed. Some trees have been dated as far back as the early 1600s.
The more we learn about how long it takes forests to recover after they’ve been disturbed, the clearer it becomes how important these sites are. Comparisons between the old growth and nearby stands that were in agriculture a century ago are striking. It’s also important to know what a healthy, mature forest looks like without disturbance from humans so that we know what to aim for with forest management and restoration.
That’s why the Arboretum’s old-growth sites are so important — not just for conservation, but for research. And by monitoring these intact systems over time, researchers can track how climate change and other forces are reshaping even our most pristine ecosystems.
The Legacy of the Past
In Stebbins Gulch, researchers are investigating how a history of agriculture has lingering effects on soil fungal communities today. Even in patches of forest that have been regrowing for nearly 100 years, the fungi that live in the soil still differ significantly from the fungi in the old-growth core.
One reason for this is likely the tree species themselves. Oldgrowth areas tend to be beech, oak and sugar maple dominated, while younger spots are more likely to contain red maples and tulip poplars — these different types of trees associate with different types of fungi. Another is that crop-associated pathogens can linger in the soil, even decades later, further altering the fungal communities.
The good news is these differences may not matter to the forest wildflowers. In another experiment, the Burke lab planted native Jack-in-the-pulpit and false Solomon’s seal into the younger sites, with and without soil inoculations to introduce the missing fungal species from the old-growth forest. Both sets of plants grew well. In fact, the plants seemed to grow better in the younger sites than they do in old-growth areas — Carrino-Kyker suspects this is because the sites offer more light and mutualistic soil fungi better matched to those plants.
Wildflowers,
Weather and White-Tailed Deer
In Bole Woods, researchers in the Stuble lab have been monitoring wildflowers growing on the forest floor since 2018. They are interested in plant phenology — the timing of life cycle events like sprouting, flowering and fruiting — and how it’s being impacted by changing weather patterns caused by climate change.
To study this, they focus on spring ephemerals — like trout lilies, trilliums and dutchman’s breeches — which sprout, bloom and disappear before the tree canopy leafs out. Because they’re so finely tuned to temperature cues, they’re especially vulnerable to climate shifts. Stuble’s team has shown that the wildflowers shift earlier in the season as the weather warms, but the leaf-out of the tree canopy is more erratic. If the wildflowers get out of sync with the trees, it could hurt their long-term survival.
Nearby, Holden scientists and collaborators have just concluded a long-running study on deer herbivory and soil chemistry. Fences installed in 2007 kept deer out of experimental plots to test how deer impacted plant communities at forest edges compared to the interior. The team also manipulated soil pH and phosphorus levels, and planted over 1,300 Jack-in-the-pulpit plants grown by Burke in the Long Science Center greenhouse. Preliminary results suggest that adding phosphorus had the greatest effect on the plants.
How Fast Is the Forest Changing?
Back in Stebbins Gulch, researchers in the Burke lab have been sampling soil fungi four times a year since 2006. The long-term dataset, combined with data from a weather station installed out in the woods, helps the scientists understand how fungal communities respond to changes in climate and soil chemistry over time. Their results so far have shown that soil nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, are a much stronger driver of fungal diversity than temperature.
Even in these old, seemingly stable ecosystems, change is happening fast. Carrino-Kyker says that in the 20 years she’s been studying these forests, the biggest changes have come since beech leaf disease has arrived. “We’re seeing the forest change in very real time,” she says.
The disease hasn’t killed the big, 200-year-old beech trees yet, but they’re sick enough that their thinned canopies are letting a lot more light than usual down to the forest floor.
This has triggered a boom in early-successional species, like tulip poplar. “Five years ago, there was nothing larger than a seedling in the understory, but now the tulip poplars are over my head and I can barely see what’s in front of me,” says Carrino-Kyker. “This is going to become the new normal.”
Community Roots Run Deep
By Tom Masaveg, Community Engagement Education Coordinator
Several weeks ago, our team joined forces with the Cleveland Cudell Fine Arts Center, Home Depot, dedicated volunteers and 150 enthusiastic first and third graders to transform a neighborhood green space into a vibrant, welcoming garden oasis.
For the past three years, we’ve worked alongside Cudell staff and local residents to rebuild and reimagine the center’s garden. This spring marked a meaningful milestone: With strong support from the neighborhood, Cudell officially launched a new garden club and named HF&G’s longtime volunteer, Miss Lee, as the garden’s first manager — a testament to her dedication and connection to the space.
Thanks to Amanda, the center’s manager, Home Depot joined the project with materials, tools and volunteers. Together, we laid gravel paths, refreshed mulch and enhanced the garden’s structure to make it more accessible and inviting.
The day’s highlight came as our team led the students in planting new garden features. Together, they created two colorful petunia beds, three thriving vegetable plots and an aromatic herb garden. They also established a monarch waystation — an essential habitat to support pollinators and connect children with nature in a meaningful way.
The celebration didn’t stop at planting. Students participated in activities such as chalk art, birdhouse decorating, crafts and garden games, which brought the entire space to life.
This project is a powerful reminder that when we invest in green spaces, we’re also cultivating pride, connection and stewardship.
Sometimes, gardens grow more than plants; they grow people too.
Next-Gen Green
Holden Forests & Gardens interns explore the world of conservation.
By Cherise Kent, Green Corps Program Manager
On a wet, cold Saturday morning in May, 12 of HF&G’s high school interns found themselves traipsing into the deep woods of Kelsey Ravine Preserve. Under the guidance of Garret Ormiston, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Manager of Preservations, the interns joined local naturalists’ embroiled battle against garlic mustard. After hours of removing hundreds of specimens of the invasive plant, they walked away with a deeper understanding of how crucial and detailed conservation work is. “Each plant produces up to 1000 seeds,” recalled Green Corps intern, Ari.
“Removing just one invasive plant significantly reduces the competition native plants encounter in this ecosystem.”
Shannon M pulls weeds and invasives at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation as the site's naturalist prepares to plant a native, pollinator garden.
In addition to removing invasives, Green Corps’ 2025 cohort learned from local environmental experts and helped plant trees with Doan Brook Watershed Partnership to improve air quality, reduce runoff and erosion, and boost carbon sequestration.
Interns also served organizations that strive to address food equity concerns. While at Spice Field Kitchen, they helped to erect a hoophouse which will extend the operations’ season and productivity. Meanwhile, at Shalom and Tranquility Community Garden, they constructed several raised beds so the garden’s tenacious leader, Eboni, can guide community members in growing food.
Participating in these service-learning opportunities awakened some interns’ awareness of horticultural tasks and conservations efforts. For others, Green Corps is just another steppingstone to aid in exploring lifelong interests in botany, ecology and conservation. Of the 22 young people who joined the cohort this year, three are already committed to studying environmental science this upcoming fall at college. We’re excited to see the knowledge and experience they’ll take from their 6-week summer placements with HF&G.
In collaboration with Doan Brook Watershed Partnership and Scouts, interns Kalena and Danya joined a group of community members in planting, watering, mulching and caging trees.
‘Nitschke
Let the Leaves Lead
Nature has a mysterious and profound way of provoking contemplation, establishing connections and initiating healing. In Northeast Ohio, we are fortunate to be surrounded by unique and beautiful green spaces.
We encourage you to try out the activity on the next page and explore our new Nature Meditation Guide using this QR code.
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Cream’ dawn redwood
Ilex verticillata ‘Chrysocarpa’ winterberry
Tricyrtis ‘Sinonome’ toad lily
Hamamelis virginiana witch hazel
Lindera benzoin spicebush
Liquidambar styraciflua sweetgum
Sassafras albidum sassafras
Cotinus ‘Flame’ smokebush
I vigilantly tread the Arboretum grounds
I search for sights and sounds
Sights and sounds that soothe
Sounds to soothe my thoughts
Sights to soothe my blind spots
That I may return home with peace newfound
(Tip: try rearranging the lines above to make your own version)
Allison Lanzilotta, President and CEO, Fleet Response, explains why they got involved with Holden Forests & Gardens.
What inspired Fleet Response to support Holden Forests & Gardens?
“Our company is deeply rooted in our community. We saw a natural alignment between HF&G’s commitment to environmental stewardship and our values of giving back and sustainability. We also place high value on learning and growth. HF&G’s efforts to educate the public and engage young minds through environmental learning align deeply with our purpose and values.”
What advice would you give to a local business considering sponsorship?
“Don’t underestimate the power of purpose-driven partnerships. You’ll find that the return comes not just in brand awareness, but in employee pride, stronger community ties and a greater sense of impact. Being a sponsor allows us to visibly demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and the environment. We’ve built meaningful connections through these partnerships, both with other businesses and with individuals who share our passion for making a difference. It also provides our employees with pride and purpose. These intangible benefits — morale, engagement and goodwill — are truly invaluable.”
Fleet Response is a national leader in customized claims management services, specializing in vehicle accident claims, safety programs and subrogation.
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
(August 1, 2024 — July 31, 2025)
Adventure Subaru LLC
KeyBank
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Fleet Response
Cres Cor
Tour Lake County
Oswald Companies
S.A. Comunale
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
Ashton Technology Solutions
BakerHostetler
Bartlett Tree Experts
Eaton Corporation
Gillmore Security Systems
LNE Group, LLC
Maloney + Novotny LLC
RPM International Inc.
Sherwin-Williams Company
PARTNER WITH US!
Contact Samantha Lengel at 216707-2805 or slengel@holdenfg.org to get started. We’re also happy to work with you to develop a custom partnership that suits your needs!
Tools to optimize your philanthropy
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have some similarities in concept to private family foundations but are generally simpler and less expensive to administer. You establish a DAF by making a taxdeductible donation to a qualified administrator that you select, such as The Cleveland Foundation — one of the most experienced in the area. The administrator manages the fund investments, distributes donations and completes the necessary record keeping for a small administrative fee.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow individuals aged 70½ or older to make tax-free donations directly from their IRA, without it counting towards taxable income. And if you’re over 73, your charitable contribution can satisfy your annual required minimum distribution, without pushing you into a higher tax bracket or affecting Medicare premiums.
Planned Giving enables you to support charities you care about in a lasting way with a simple bequest in your will or trust. It will not affect your cash flow during your lifetime, and it’s easy to revise if your situation or goals change. You can also name a charity as the beneficiary of your retirement plan, financial account or annuity.
Chris and Bill Robertson
How to Be a Strategic Philanthropist
Get expert tips for how to maximize your giving opportunities.
Charitable giving isn’t just a transaction; it’s a way to expand your goodwill by financially supporting organizations whose missions are consistent with your philosophy and who will multiply your positive impact to current and future generations.
To optimize your giving plan, first evaluate your finances along with these tools and strategies to see if any are right for you: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and Planned Giving.
Bill and Chris Robertson, long-time supporters of Holden Forests & Gardens, have incorporated these strategies to optimize their giving. They say:
“Our personal philosophy is that we view philanthropy as the rent we owe for the quality of life we enjoy that is provided by the various organizations in our area. Our passions include enjoying nature and education and we have been involved with Holden Forests & Gardens for over 40 years. In addition to supporting the wonderful experiences Holden Forests & Gardens provide us, our family and the community, we recognize the importance of also supporting the educational opportunities they provide for our children and young people as they strive to find a productive career path.
When we attend various functions, it’s fulfilling to meet the staff, volunteers, interns and kids and to witness their enthusiasm and great achievements. You never know, that high school intern we met at the Cleveland Botanical Garden or that child we encouraged after they told us what they learned about butterflies, might one day become the doctor who treats us, our care giver or someone who makes a breakthrough that changes the world — and we were a part of it.
If you are a current donor, we encourage you to continue your support in line with your philosophy and budget. If you are considering becoming a donor, please review the programs and educational opportunities Holden Forests & Gardens provides. We believe you will find they are worthy of your support.”
For more information on planned giving, contact Carrie Pinney, Philanthropic Advisor, Holden Forests & Gardens at cpinney@holdenfg.org.
Upcoming Programs
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Oct. 4
Oct. 7 –Nov. 4
Botanical Stamp Making with Tahm Lytle
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Adult, teens 13 & over with adult
$50 per member, $55 per nonmember
Botanical Painting & Drawing
Tuesdays, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Adult
$125 per member, $165 per nonmember
Nov. 1
Dec. 13
Hand Painting on Silk 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Adult
$62 per member, $102 per nonmember
Botanical Wreath Workshop 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Adult
$48 per member, $63 per nonmember
Holden Arboretum
Stebbins Gulch Hike
Oct. 5, Nov. 9
Oct. 18
11:30 am. – 3:30 p.m.
Adult
$12 per member, $22 per nonmember
Pierson Creek Hike
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Adult
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember
Oct. 19, Nov. 22, Dec. 30
Oct. 24, Nov. 14
Little Mountain Hike
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Adult
$12 per member, $22 per nonmember
Wine & Cheese Night Hike
7 – 10 p.m.
Adult, 21+
$32 per member, $47 per nonmember
Oct. 25
Art with Heart: Fall Paint & Snack 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Adult
$48 per member, $63 per nonmember
Crafting with Cones 10 a.m. – noon
Nov. 22
Adult
$40 per member, $55 per nonmember
Wintergreens Wreath Workshop
Dec. 8, 10
Dec. 10
1-3 p.m. or 5-7 p.m.
Adult
$77 per member, $92 per nonmember
Evergreen Happy Hour 5 – 8 p.m.
Adult, 21+
$65 per member, $75 per nonmember
Upcoming Events at the Cleveland Botanical
Garden
Western Reserve Herb Society Herb Fair
October 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Included with admission
Celebrate all things herbal at the 78th Herb Fair! Shop handcrafted teas, jams, wreaths, baked goods, and more — made with love by the Western Reserve Herb Society.
Books & Blooms
September 20, 6 –9 p.m. & September 21, 12 – 5 p.m.
Saturday Tickets - $10 per member, $20 per nonmember
Sunday Tickets – included with admission
Meet authors and craft vendors, participate in a book swap, writing activities, board game room and more!
NEW! Botanical Garden After Dark
October 24, 7 – 11 p.m.
$30 per member, $35 per nonmember
Come dressed in your favorite costume for this adults-only party. Shop with spooky vendors and explore themed experience stations.
Boo-tanical Bash
October 25, 6 – 9 p.m.
$25 per member child,
$20 per member adult
$30 per nonmember child, $25 per nonmember adult
Little wizards and witches will meander their way from the seasonally decorated Geis Terrace to the Kitchen Garden gathering treats along the way. Ghoulish games, activities and dance music will await them throughout the grounds.
Upcoming Events at the Holden Arboretum
Fall Forest Fest
October 11 & 12
Included with admission
Enjoy festival feels at the Arboretum with marshmallow roasting, food trucks, crafts, and garden games. Check out our “spooky scientist lab” to discover how weird and wild plants can be. And new this year, get tickets for familyfriendly mini tram tours so the whole family can see the Skeletons’ Grove exhibit! Enjoy a variety of alcoholic (Saturday only) and nonalcoholic drinks for purchase.
Winter Village Market
November 15 & 16
Included with admission
A winter marketplace — but inside. Enjoy seasonal shopping from local artisans alongside a toasty fire. Enjoy a variety of alcoholic (Saturday only) and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase.
Think the Office OUTSIDE
Because nature brings out the best in you.
Launching in September 2025, Spice Catering Co. will bring a brand new café and catering experience to the Cleveland Botanical Garden. We are now accepting Spicecatered bookings for fall 2025 and beyond. Whether planning a wedding, corporate retreat, or community gathering, guests can reserve their space now to experience the garden’s breathtaking seasonal landscapes and top-tier event services.
Whether you're planning a team retreat, leadership summit, client meeting, or holiday celebration, the Cleveland Botanical Garden offers a setting that’s anything but ordinary.
Every rental includes access to our stunning glasshouse and beautifully maintained grounds—an unforgettable bonus that turns a meeting into a memorable experience.
Nature has a way of sharpening focus, sparking fresh ideas, and developing meaningful relationships.
Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland.
MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities
VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive
