About Us

Unique to the world of garden railways, Applied Imagination’s installations have garnered nationwide acclaim for over 30 years. Inspiring audiences of all ages through our inventive use of botanical materials to create iconic botanical models and sculptures, perfectly paired with universally beloved G scale model trains that transport visitors to an immersive celebration of the natural world.

These exhibitions and botanical artworks are created at our workshop located in the rolling hills of Alexandria, Kentucky just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. Founder Paul Busse is retired and his artistic vision lives on, continuing to elevate through their inspired creative team under the direction of Paul’s daughter, Laura Busse Dolan, President / CEO, Stephanie Winters, Creative Director (M.Arch), and Jarrod McNertney, Lead Engineer, who work alongside a team of 15 full-time artisans, fabricators, and model train experts. In Paul’s own words ‘They are taking my vision farther than I ever dreamed possible.

Since 1991 Applied Imagination has created countless award-winning garden railway displays across the country, many of which have been running for two to three decades, including current installations at:

New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, NY since 1992
United States Botanic Garden in Washington D.C.
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC
Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH
Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL
Morris Arboretum in Philadephia, PA
Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, IN
Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville, TN
Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, OH since 1992

Applied Imagination continues to break attendance records with their unique creations. Most notably, at The New York Botanical Garden, who will celebrate the 31st anniversary of their Holiday Train Show this year. New York City's Mayor Bloomberg declaring this show one of the top 5 things to see in New York City during the holidays.