Garden Ambassador Program Information Station Locations and Talking Points 2026

Introduction Please reference the Historic Tour Notes for context and additional information! These talking points are general for all-season. The Volunteer Coordinator will communicate additional information such as upcoming events, new initiatives, or specific educational/scientific information about the gardens throughout the season to the Garden Ambassadors!

1. If you are in the 1. Main path under Fern Leaf Beech Where is it?

It is spot number 1

What to talk about:

Klein History and Original Entrance, and Arboretum!

Talking point 1. Klein History and Original Entrance

1. The original property (a 40-acre tract) was purchased by Theodore & Martha Lee Klein in 1941 when the majority of the property was primarily pasture and a few trees. The original entrance to the farm was here along this pathway!

2. Klein established his nursery business here and built the house between 1947 and 1949.

   1. He purchased plans for the house but modified them considerably.

   2. He crafted all the interior woodwork and salvaged floors joists from the Confederate Soldiers Home in Pewee Valley.

3. The house now serves as Yew Dell’s administrative offices.

4. Theodore Klein passed in 1998 at the age of 93.

5. In 2001, Yew Dell, Inc. acquired the property to restore it and develop a botanical garden.

6. Open to the public in 2005, this 61-acre property operates as an active botanical garden. We honor and share the history of this site, strive to continue the legacy of Theodore and Martha Lee Klein, and this site serves as a cultural 1 connection to the agricultural heritage of this rapidly-developing part of Kentucky.

Talking point 2. Arboretum

1. This 8-10-acre area has one of the most diverse tree and shrub collections in the region (around 400 specimens!).

2. Tree labels all contain: common name, Latin name, cultivar, family common, distribution, and accession number or year of planting. If the accession number contains “0000,” that means Theodore planted it but we don’t know exactly when. If it contains “1000,” that means it was planted before Sayde arrived on staff!

3. Specific trees:

   1. Fern-Leafed Beech

      1. There are other beeches in this area, European Beech, Columnar European Beech, Weeping European Beech

      2. Kentucky is about as far south as you’ll see beeches. Mostly a northern species.

      3. These beeches were probably planted in the 1960s.

      4. Chelsea, Theodore’s great-granddaughter’s favorite tree because she remembers climbing it as a child.

   2. Big Leafed Mag

      1. Magnolia macrophylla (bigleaf magnolia. This native magnolia is found growing in the woods of eastern Kentucky. 3’-long leaves give the tree a tropical appearance. Blooms (late May) are creamy white, highly fragrant and up to 1’ in diameter - the largest single bloom of any tree in North America!

      2. This tree is monoecious, meaning its blooms are both male & female. Another example of a monoecious plant is corn!

      3. Bigleaf mag is pollinated by beetles (usually scarab beetles)

      4. The name of Magnolia trees comes from the 18th century French botanist, Pierre Magnol

      5. Indigenous people from this region, specifically the Eastern Band of Cherokee used the inner bark of the bigleaf magnolia as an analgesic for toothaches and upset stomachs.

2. If you are in the 2. Fairy Forest. Where is it?

It is spot number 2

What to talk about:

Engagement and Community involvement, Nature play, and Fairy rings and plantings

Talking point 1. Engagement and Community involvement

1. Founded in 2016, Yew Dell’s Fairy Forest has been cared for by staff, volunteers, and community members alike as a dedicated space for creativity, imagination, self-reflection, and whimsy

2. Each year, our community helps construct homes to welcome fairies into this space and create a little magic along the way.

3. We celebrate Fairy Day on the first Sunday of June each year with a parade, crafts, photo opportunities, and a special menu from Martha Lee’s Cafe!

Talking point 2. Nature play

1. In this space, families can use natural materials to make creations of all kinds!

Talking point 3.Fairy rings and plantings

1. Check out the fairy ring plantings, specifically curated and cared for by our staff.