We drove into Madison today, Wisconsin’s state capitol, and visited the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Wow, what a wonderful and most unexpected visit …. the gardens are spectacular!

Within the Botanical Gardens is a beautiful pavilion which was a gift from the Thai Government and is only one of four located outside of Thailand. The gift was approved by Thailand’s royal family and the pavilion bears the Royal seal of the Thai Crown.

The pavilion was originally built in Thailand, then disassembled and packed in shipping crates which traveled seven weeks by sea to the US, then by rail to Chicago, and finally to Madison by truck. Nine Thai artisans traveled to Madison and spent three weeks re-assembling the structure.

Amazingly, the pavilion can withstand the winter weather of Wisconsin with no protection because it is constructed of plantation-grown teak and weather-resistant ceramic roof tiles. The pavilion features gold leaf etchings, a lacquer finish, and intricate decoration, however, the gold leaf is unable to withstand the oils from the human hand and so you are no longer able to touch it.

The Thai Garden surrounding the Pavilion emulates a lush, tropical garden with Wisconsin-hardy plants. Ornamental grasses, some reaching up to 12 feet tall, and several hardy bamboos are essential in creating a tropical look. Large-leafed shrubs and trees are pruned to give them the look of plants in a typical Thai garden.

The pavilion is crafted without nails or screws.

The Thai Garden is connected to the central gardens by a 155-foot arched, ornamental bridge that spans Starkweather Creek which leads into Lake Mendota.