Claude Monet, the famous French impressionist artist, was also a masterful gardener. Many of his most famous paintings were created in his own garden.  He planted his garden to paint, and painted what he planted.

A “Monet” garden is one that replicates the great artist/gardener’s use of special visual effects, color harmonies and garden accents.

The Monet Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens was dedicated in 2003. Roughly one acre in size, it features hundreds of varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, wildflowers and bulbs.

Tiers of colorful flowers cascade from arbors and trellises and over rock walls and paths, delighting visitors in a non-stop show from March through October.  Numerous benches located throughout the garden, also in the Monet style, allow visitors to sit and enjoy spectacular views in every direction. A graceful bridge spans upper and lower water gardens, providing an excellent vantage point for viewing the extent of the garden.

The Monet Garden is a cooperative effort of the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners.  Teams of extension master gardeners work in the garden most Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and are happy to field questions about the garden.