How A Landfill Became A Local Treasure

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos by Matt Johnson 

Turning a former landfill into a botanical garden isn’t exactly atypical landscaping project, but that’s exactly what the team at Waterfront Botanical Gardens set out to do. Now, five growing seasons in, the space has blossomed into something truly special, filled with thriving plants, curious visitors, and plenty of community spirit. In this Q&A, we caught up with Andrew Hagerty, the Gardens’ Director of Horticulture and Facilities, to talk about the unexpected hurdles, exciting progress, and what’s next for this one-of-a-kind green space.

VT: What were some of the most unexpected challenges you faced when transforming a former landfill into a thriving botanical garden, and how did your team overcome them?

AH: One of the biggest surprises was how lifeless the soil was when we first got started. As we were finishing up construction of the Greaser Family Education Center in 2019 and beginning to plant those first thousand plants, we quickly realized the clay soil on top of the landfill’s cap was so compacted that roots couldn’t grow properly and even worms and insects couldn’t get in. I’d never seen anything quite like it, and that’s when it hit me that we had a lot of challenges ahead.

Little by little, we started turning things around. By adding organic matter and using techniques that improved airflow and nutrient movement, we slowly began to bring the soil back to life. It’s been amazing to watch how that effort has paid off. Many different species of plants are now thriving, and the space has transformed into a place of beauty.

VT: Now in the fifth growing season, how have you seen the landscape physically mature, and what signs of ecological resilience are most exciting to you?

AH: The Gardens have been transformed in the last 5 years. What started as buildings surrounded by beds of mostly mulch has become vibrant spaces filled with shades of green and layers of brightly colored blooms. The trees planted 5 years ago were barely more than 4 feet tall, and they are now surpassing 15 feet or more, providing wonderful shade along the paths. Seeing the plants in the Gardens flourish has been incredibly rewarding. 

Equally exciting is seeing species of insects that are threatened with extinction finding a home here at the Gardens. We also see migratory birds stopping here for food. These are some of the most exciting signs of ecological resistance. It has taken a lot of effort to repair this land that was damaged by decades of human activity, but in our 5 years of work, I get to see nature’s gratitude as it rebounds and renews right in front of us.

VT: How has the community’s relationship with the Gardens evolved over the past five years, and in what ways are you measuring that growing impact?

AH: The Gardens have really started to weave their way into the fabric of our community. Every year, I see us becoming more andmore entwined in Louisville’s arts, culture, and environmental network. We have more visitors, not just from our immediate community, but from around the country, coming to the Gardens for special events or simply to see the garden being built on top of a landfill. Last year we had over 61,000 visitors. At our 2024 Bonsai Weekend, we had guests travel from 18 different states to experience the bonsai exhibit. The number of students increases year after year, with over 3,000 students in 2024, including school kids taking a field trip, all the way up to adults attending arts or horticulture workshops. 

VT: Looking ahead, what are some long-term dreams or untapped potentials you see for the Gardens as the site continues to evolve? 

AH: I believe the Gardens is a project filled with untapped potential. The restoration work being done on the site will only gain more attention as we continue to show success and develop partnerships with the ability to take the science even further to refine and discover the best ways to restore the environment on abused land. As we continue to grow, so will the Gardens’ ability to host larger events and conferences, bringing more people to enjoy and connect with nature and our city. I also dream of finding solutions to the problems we face on site that will benefit more than the surrounding environment but will also be shared with others to benefit the health of people, plants, and animals around the world. 

VT: Your bonsai program is gaining momentum. What inspired its creation, and how has it become a bridge for community education and engagement? 

AH: The idea for the bonsai training program began when I was searching for a feasible way to develop and maintain a world class bonsai collection, which will eventually be on display in the future Graeser Family Bonsai Garden. There is a solid foundation of bonsai enthusiasts in our community and people want to learn more, thanks in large part to the Greater Louisville Bonsai Society. The bonsai training program is a great way for individuals to learn directly from knowledgeable practitioners in our region and to work with unique bonsai that they may not otherwise have the chance to. 

VY: Can you share what visitors can expect from the future Bonsai Garden and how this dedicated space will elevate the art form within the Louisville community? 

AH: Visitors can expect to experience bonsai in a way that will be unique to Waterfront Botanical Gardens. The Graeser Family Bonsai Garden and the adjoining Joe and Debbie Graviss Bonsai House will showcase and care for a collection of approximately 120 trees. One advantage of being a new botanical garden is that we can reimagine how visitors interact with the space. The Bonsai Garden includes five outdoor “rooms” designed with a thematic interpretation of the five great elements according to Japanese philosophy - earth, water, wind, fire, and void, or aether. Our goal is to create an experience built upon the tried and true traditions of long established botanical gardens, while providing a singularly unique experience for our guests. 

VT: Bonsai Weekend has become a staple for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. How has the festival helped shift perceptions or generate excitement around this intricate horticultural practice?

AH: Bonsai is an art form and horticultural practice that has been around for thousands of years. It has withstood the test of time, which speaks to how people connect with, view, and interact with the trees. Bonsai Weekend is a chance for anyone, whether they have bonsai trees of their own or just want to come and appreciate their beauty, to come and tap into that longstanding connection that has inspired people for millennia. 

VT: How do programs like the Bonsai Training Program reflect the Gardens’ larger mission of hands-on education and environmental stewardship? 

AH: The bonsai training program is a great demonstration of one way the Gardens plans to achieve its larger mission of education and environmental stewardship. It takes the approach to not only educate participants with lectures and demonstrations, but empowers the students with hands-on training and resources to further explore the topic on their own. This approach also presents them with the opportunity to have their work appreciated by visitors and envelop them within the Gardens’ mission. 

VT: What role does volunteerism or local collaboration play in maintaining and growing the space, especially given its unique history and terrain? 

AH: The Gardens would not have achieved nearly as much success as it has in the last five years without our volunteers and local collaborators. It is a complicated site and still in its early phases of development. We depend on the talents and experience to help navigate the challenges we face and ensure we continue to reach our goals. We have a dedicated cohort of over 200 volunteers who share their time and talent with us, allowing our staff team to focus energy on strategy and operations. We also work closely with community partners to multiply our impact. Collaboration is incredibly important to our success. 

VT: As Director of Horticulture and Facilities, what has been the most personally rewarding part of watching this once-overlooked site become a vibrant, living classroom and sanctuary? 

AH: It is incredibly rewarding to be a part of this project. I not only have a role in transforming a landfill into a living landmark for my hometown, but I get to spend my day seeing people from all walks of life enjoying the place I am helping to build. This is only the beginning of Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ journey, and having an opportunity to be a part of the community that helps it along its way is an experience I am grateful for.