A self-taught artist, Ben created a wonderland of structures, people and animals made of rock and concrete. Walking through the rock garden can be somewhat overwhelming, as the viewer’s eye hardly knows where to linger. The general themes that prevail are religion, patriotism and pop culture, forming a unique tapestry. Hartman’s reproductions of Freedom Hall, Valley Forge and the White House live in harmony with Christ, the Virgin Mary and the Madonna of the Trail, as well as cultural icons like Mae West and the Seven Dwarfs. Hartman’s wife, Mary, was a masterful gardener who brought vivid color and life to Ben’s “hobby.”

For decades after Ben passed away, Mary continued to maintain the garden and welcome visitors. With her passing, the couple’s children, Ruth and Ben, Jr., found themselves unable to manage the incredible amount of upkeep required. The garden and sculptures had begun to fall into decay, when Ruth had the inspiration to contact the Kohler Foundation, Inc., a private foundation in Wisconsin with a keen interest in the preservation of folk architecture and art environments.

The Kohler Foundation purchased the property and brought in experts to perform much-needed restoration work to save Ben Hartman’s masterpiece, also undertaking research on and documentation of the property. The foundation then gifted the site back to the community. In 2009, the Friends of the Hartman Rock Garden was formed as a nonprofit organization, charged with the continued development and maintenance of the garden for the public’s education and enjoyment. With the help of historical photographs, work is now underway to restore many of the same plants that were original to the garden. Neighbors who received plant cuttings from Mary Hartman have graciously returned cuttings from these legacy plants.
 
Mark Chepp, director emeritus of the Springfield Museum of Art, is one of the Friends board members working to give the Hartman Rock Garden new life. Himself a collector of outsider art, Chepp had heard of the garden back in the 1980s, before moving to Springfield. “People can relate to hobbies and the need for a creative outlet,” he says. “Ben Hartman clearly had a giant need.”

Rod Hatfield is the artist in residence at the Hartman Rock Garden. A working artist, he will be living in the Hartmans’ former home and serving as a caretaker for the garden while at the same time being inspired by it. He has already given dozens of informal tours to people who have found the garden through word-of-mouth and through websites like Roadside America and Detour Art. He continues to be amazed by the new details he discovers each time he explores the garden.

In the grand tradition of Ben Hartman, visitors are welcome at the Hartman Rock Garden 365 days a year during daylight hours. Admission is free or by donation. For now, visitors are invited to explore the garden on their own terms. In the coming months, the Friends of the Hartman Rock Garden hope to offer more formal tours.

The Hartman Rock Garden will celebrate its Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, June 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The garden is located at 1905 Russell Street in Springfield, and on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. Tours will be available following a short presentation at 1:30 p.m.