This was one of our holy grails of locations. Not because it is hard to get to, but because the garden is only open 1 hour a day, 5 days a week. Miss the 11am tour Tue-Saturday and you’re out of luck. But you absolutely should view Linmar.

What started out as a garage on an inhospitable bit of land, covered in junk and on a steep hill, has become a showcase garden. Years of work and dedication have made a wonderful and unique haven. Paths wind over man-made streams, past waterfalls, and flower-beds filled with thousands of annuals. There are unique decorations, including old tombstones and artwork by local artist John Martinson. A de-consecrated church foundation has been made into a sunken garden with a water feature. The garden sprawls over the top of the hill, with an open grassy area that is sometimes used for church services. This winding garden is a labor of love and a must-see for any plant-lover.

Linmar Gardens
504 S Prospect St.
Galena, IL 61036