Donor Recognition & Benefits
Donor & Volunteer Recognition
We turned over a new leaf on July 1, 2020, and transitioned from accepting membership dues to recognizing all donors and volunteers for their annual contributions. This helps keep our valued donors and volunteers connected to the gardens and programs, and advances The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. Donors and volunteers (both Arboretum Friends) may give to or volunteer in any part of The Arboretum to receive recognition and benefits.
Donor & Volunteer Benefits
All Arboretum Friends will receive benefits! Donors will be recognized during the University of Kentucky's fiscal year in which their gift is made. Volunteers will be recognized after the calendar year of their efforts, and their benefits will be distributed after the calendar year in which volunteer hours were contributed.
- Free or discounted admission to over 330 member gardens throughout North America through The Arboretum's membership in the American Horticultural Society (AHS) and access to the Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP). Visit the AHS's page to view participating gardens.
- Discount on regularly priced items at participating garden centers and nurseries in Central Kentucky* (see list, below)
- 10% discount on items purchased in The Arboretum Gift Shop**
- 10% discount on season membership to the Kentucky Children's Garden**
- Free 1-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens magazine through The Arboretum's membership in the American Public Gardens Association (APGA)
For more information, call (859) 257-6955 to speak to an Arboretum staff member.
Current Merchant Discounts
- Bi-Water Farm & Greenhouses
- Glynn Young's Landscaping & Nursery
- Kings Gardens
- Louis Flower Power Shops
- Michler's Florist & Greenhouses
- Pemberton's Greenhouses
- Redmond's Garden & Landscaping
- Springhouse Gardens
- Wilson's Nurseries (Lexington and Frankfort)
*Merchant participation may change without notice.
**Must present current Arboretum Friend benefits card to receive discount.