Don't let the snowflakes dancing across tomorrow's weather forecast fool you. Today is the first day of spring and, if you'd like a reminder of what that elusive season looks like, head to Madison this weekend.

There, at the city's Olbrich Botanical Gardens, you can escape the chill in a world that is bright with yellow daffodils, fragrant with the scent of hyacinths, and soothing with the gurgle of water flowing from a garden fountain. All of this, and more, can be found in Olbrich's spring show which runs through this weekend.

Called "Springtime Skyline: An Urban Oasis," the seasonal show is designed to look like a city rooftop garden, complete with a skylight, a bistro table for two and views of an urban skyline off in the distance. Wandering along its indoor path, you will find flower beds and containers filled with spring blooms, including primrose, cineraria, tulips, azaleas and violas. There is also plenty of greenery, from bamboo palms to asparagus ferns, along with park-bench style seating where you can kick back and let all that springtime fill your senses.

The spring show is just one of the draws at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, which is a hop, skip and jump off Interstate 94 in Madison. With 16 acres of outdoor display gardens, Olbrich may not be the largest botanical destination in this part of the Midwest, but it does pack a lot of interest into the space it has.

Hot stuff

While winter's end isn't the best time for strolling the outdoor garden paths, it is perfect for touring Olbrich's Bolz Conservatory, where the temperature ranges between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Inside the 50-foot-tall glass pyramid - the design of which was inspired by the prairie-style architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright - visitors are immersed in a tropical paradise featuring more than 700 plants, representing 80 different plant families.

From orchids to coffee and banana plants, this rainforest-like oasis offers such a variety of sights and scents that you will need at least two trips around in order to take it all in. And, the two-level design of the conservatory allows visitors to get a close-up view of what's growing near its roof, as well as on the ground.

Keep in mind, as you wind your way through, that there is wildlife among the plants - from free-flying canaries, waxbills and coturnix quail to geckos and koi (large, colorful carp) swimming in pools. Especially nice for kids, is the Exploration Station, where you can touch and explore various plant parts, while sitting in what looks like a thatch-roofed hut.

Together, the Bolz Conservatory and the Spring flower show (which will cost you a total of $3) make a trip to Olbrich worth while at this time of year. These indoor offerings, however, are only part of what make up the botanical gardens. As the snow melts and the days grow longer, Olbrich's outdoor gardens will come into bloom as well, adding to the lure of this urban getaway.

Outdoor offerings

One of the jewels of Olbrich's outdoor gardens, is its Thai pavilion - a structure initially assembled in Thailand and later reconstructed in Madison by Thai artisans. The pavilion, now surrounded by a Thai garden with reflecting pools and an arched ornamental bridge, was a gift of appreciation given to the University of Wisconsin and its surrounding community in 2001 by the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. One of only four such pavilions located outside of Thailand, the 30-foot high teak structure is stunning with its high lacquer finish and gold leaf etchings.

Jeff Epping, horticulture director at Olbrich, described the pavilion as equalling those he has seen on his travels to Thailand.

"I have yet to see another pavilion that is any more ornate than this one," said Epping, who is the main designer at the gardens. "The craftsmanship is top notch."

Epping is also very proud of Olbrich's newest garden, the Rose Garden, which opened in 2005. When creating this area, which features winter-hardy, environmentally friendly shrub roses, Epping said he took inspiration from a couple rose gardens he had studied in England.

"We wanted to create something different than the typical, all-roses garden," he said. "We wanted to make it interesting at every time of year."

By incorporating spring bulbs, colorful perennials, ornamental grasses and small, flowering shrubs with a variety of roses, the Rose Garden becomes a place worth visiting throughout the year, Epping explained.

"I am big believer in mixed plantings," he said. "I think they make any garden more interesting."

Epping also believes in using local elements in the design of the gardens, whenever possible. From incorporating stone that is native to the area, to featuring the work of local artists among the plantings, the Wisconsin flavor at Olbrich helps make it a unique place to visit, he said.

Even the conservatory and visitor's center buildings - which were designed by Stuart Gallaher - reflect area influences in their prairie style architecture. Not far from Madison is Spring Green, the home of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen estate - a fine example of the world-famous architect's signature prairie style.

"We try to carry some of that style through to design of the gardens as well," Epping said.

In addition to Thai and rose gardens, Olbrich's outdoor grounds include hosta, rock, herb, perennial, rain, and wildflower gardens, as well a grape arbor, a flowering cherry grove and a meadow reminiscent of English meadows.

Look and learn

If you have any questions while at the gardens, stop at the Schumacher Horticultural Library, located in the central visitors area (near the gift shop) between the Conservatory and the flower show. The library offers a great selection of gardening books and horticultural magazines, as well as a children's book corner and a reference service. Only garden members may check out books, but all are welcome to use the materials on premises. You can also have gardening questions answered via e-mail by librarian Lynn Jacobson at ljacboson@cityofmadison.com

With all it has to offer, it is no wonder that Olbrich received the 2005 Award for Garden Excellence from the American Association of Botanic Gardens and Arboreta, a professional organization of approximately 500 gardens across the United States and Canada. Each year, the award is given to the public garden "which best exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown commitment to supporting and demonstrating the best gardening practices."

Don't just take their word for it. Plan some time to go and see for yourself.

At any time of year, there is much to see and do at Olbrich.

But, if he had to pick just one time to visit the gardens, Epping said he would recommend late August/early September.

"That's when all of our summer annuals are at their peak," he said. "Our Thai Garden - with its tropical plants, annuals, perennials and lush foliage - is really at its best then too."

If You Go

WHAT: Olbrich Botanical Gardens

WHERE: 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison

WHEN: Outdoor gardens are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April through September; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in October; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. The Bolz Conservatory is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

NOTE: The Bolz Conservatory will be closed March 24 through April 4, for annual maintenance and preparation for a special exhibit called "Light Gaps" which will run from April 5 through June 30.

COST: Entry to the outdoor gardens is free. Admission to the Bolz Conservatory is $1, and free from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Suggested donation for the Spring show is $2.

INFO: More information, including directions, maps and calendars of events are available at http://www.olbrich.org

Information is also available by calling (608) 246-4718.

Staying close to home

If the price of gas is keeping you closer to home, you can also get a spring fix at Milwaukee's Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), 524 S. Layton Blvd.

The Domes' spring show, "Appalachian Springtime," will open Saturday and run through June 15.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Don't wait until summer, however, to visit the Mitchell Park Conservatory, as it will be closed from June 16 through Sept. 19 this year for facility improvements.

For more info, including a schedule of special events between now and mid June, visit http://www.county.milwaukee.gov/MitchellParkConserva10116.htm or call (414) 649-9800.