1975
I thought it was about time someone did something for the ol’ town. So many take so much from Dubuque, but leave so little behind.”
-JACKSON (MAC) MARSHALL
In 1975, “Mac” Marshall (1894-1977) donated 51 acres of land — 36 acres of meadow and about 15 acres of walnut timber — to the City of Dubuque with three stipulations:
1976
In 1976, Jim Schwarz formed the Tri-State Garden Club with the purpose of establishing a botanical garden in Dubuque and learning about gardening together. Also, at that time, Frank Hardie had an interest in establishing an arboretum. A collaboration began.
1980
City leases 16 acres of land
The Dubuque Parks Department initially leased 16 acres of Marshall Park to seven Tri-State Garden Club members (Jim Schwarz, Gene Heinemann, Mel Gottschalk, Ambrose Hoeger, Marlyn Bausman, Jack Frick, Frank Hardie) with each member contributing $20. These visionary volunteers started it all by planting the trees, bushes and plants, and erecting fences and arbors.
At the time, there were just two structures on the property:
The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens had begun.
1981
Nurseries donated plants + barn renovation
1982
Volunteers began to build and plant
Frank Hardie, first Dubuque Arboretum Association President.
1983
Leadership + Greenhouse + Plantings
New officers were elected: Gene Heinemann, President; Ted Kopper, 1st Vice President; Dave LaRue, 2nd Vice President.
Membership grew to 144.
A greenhouse was added on the south wall of the Visitors Center. Jim Schwarz (in charge of growing) donated the greenhouse.
More plantings were added:
1984
Volunteers + More Plants + A Wedding
Volunteers Ambrose Hoeger and Mel Gottschalk were spending about 60 hours per week (each) tending the rose garden.
We were designated by AARS as an All-American Rose Garden Selections Public Display Garden.
Hard-core volunteers came to work sessions twice a week, doing what was needed indoors and out.
The McAleece Center was built.
Donations from local businessmen and others were published in the newsletter under the “Good Guys Directory” as givers of good gifts.
Some members planted special gardens:
The first wedding was held in the Arboretum.
1985
Visitor Center created
After completely renovating an old barn into a visitor center for guests, a new foundation was poured in 1985, and a porch, offices, restrooms, and a meeting room were created. Ron Jungers designed and spearheaded this construction and went on to build the wedding gazebo and round shade structure in the Hosta Garden.
1987
First burnoff + more plantings
1988-1990
Waterfall + more plantings + technology
1989
Greenhouse + trellises + deck + porch
1991
Amphitheater + Music in the Gardens + Veterans Memorial
1992
Sounds + an Herb Garden + pools + water lines + a greenhouse
1993
Japanese Garden planning + a Butterfly Garden + the Herb Society of Dubuque
Jim Grady spearheaded this garden.
1994
Japanese Garden construction began
1995
Two “firsts”: a conifer collection + HerbFest
1996
A second Conifer Collection was added + more construction
1997
Another storage building was constructed
The Tri-State Garden Club erected a 24’ x 24’ storage building in the northeast corner of the grounds.
1998
Roses + McKay Memorial Plaza
1999
The Visitor Center was renamed
2000
First Children’s Party + Koi Pond filled
2001
A bridge + roads + a garden
2001
The Formal English Garden was created
The concept of the English Garden was developed in 2001 as a tribute and memorial by the children of Georgette (1913-1989) and Frank Hardie (1911-2000), first president of the Dubuque Arboretum. The English Garden was completed and dedicated in July 2004.
2003
The Memorial Walkway was created
A new memorial brick walk was extended from the parking lot to the Herb Garden.
2004
English Garden completed + new president
2005
The entrance gate received a makeover
The stone pillars and metal arboretum sign were erected at the entrance gate.
2015
The Garden of Eat’n was created
Some call it a “food forest,” this aptly-named garden (Garden of Eat’n) is an educational display of a sustainable garden … demonstrating foods we can grow beautifully in our own backyards.
2017-2018
The Heinemann Center was remodeled
With the most recent Heinemann Center remodeling, the building (which houses the the Visitor Center, the administrative offices, and the Gardens Gift Shop):
2019
Conifer Collections + Garden added
2021
Improvements continued