This was the first garden donated to the Arboretum (1987). The gift was given by Dr. Albert vanFossen and his wife Bonnie to honor his mother, who was an environmentalist and very much involved in the preservation of habitats. The created wildflower habitats of this garden represent Ohio growing conditions and show that a wildflower garden can be successfully replicated in urban conditions. Included is the Ingrid Spillman Wildflower Planting, a demonstration area for hillside plantings of spring flowering bulbs.
This garden, which was originally planted in the Lane Avenue Gardens was relocated to the Learning Gardens on the east side of Howlett Hall and was re-dedicated June 7, 2003. Mayhew Scholars, who provide garden maintenance throughout the Arboretum were present at the dedication and included Michael Bridgwater, Doug Crabill, Matt Supler, Katie Ellis, Mike Hibner, Nicole Carine, Vinnie Tremante, Mike Boeck, and Karen Fulton. Dr. Albert van Fossen provided special remarks at the dedication as well as Professor Steve Still who coordinated the installation of this garden with former horticulturist Rich Pearson and then Annette Duetz.
The garden border was expanded again in spring 2006 and another bench added. This garden provides an intimate and shady respite in summer, and is also very popular in late winter when some of the earliest spring-blooming ephemerals begin to appear. The vanFossen family makes frequent visits to the gardens and continues to enthusiastically support the programs and operations of the Arboretum.