On Sept. 10, the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens formally announced that they will be merging together, becoming the 13th largest public garden in the United States.

With the support of charitable foundations and individual donations, the $5.6 million integration, which has been in the works since June, is finally becoming a reality.

The Holden Arboretum, located in Kirtland, Ohio, is an outdoor living museum featuring 3,600 acres of plant life. The Arboretum attracts over 90,000 annual visitors with its wide collection of diverse trees from around the world, over 20 miles of hiking trails and beautifully themed gardens.

The Cleveland Botanical Garden, which Case Western Reserve University students have free access to, has been facing financial troubles for the past six years, which this merger will eliminate. Both organizations hope that this merger will create an enhanced visitor experience and improve both gardens.