Cultivating Connections with Nature: The Gardens of MSU

Green Walls at the Library Bridge

A walk across the Library Bridge on campus just got a bit greener. A  team of students  from the club Sustainable Spartans spearheaded the effort to  bring the first outdoor green walls to MSU . Green walls, vertical structures of living plants, are an innovative method of incorporating nature in built environments. 

MSU Pollinator Gardens

There are many pollinator-friendly gardens around campus, and MSU is working to create a pollinator corridor along the Red Cedar River. For example, the pollinator garden pictured here on the northwest corner of Wells Halls was part of a student-led project. Additional pollinator gardens can be found along the river trail, including a rain garden by Erikson Hall and a new pollinator garden north of Shaw Hall. The student club, Sustainable Spartans, is also working with IPF and the Office of Sustainability to establish another pollinator garden nearby in fall 2021.

MSU Rain Gardens

MSU is home to rain gardens, which help the university manage stormwater. Rain gardens have shallow surface depressions and are planted with native vegetation to capture and treat stormwater runoff from rooftops, streets, and parking lots. Rain gardens reduce the volume and rate of runoff while also provide pollutant removal and habitat benefits. See rain gardens in action by Erickson Hall, at Minskoff Pavilion, and at the Surplus Store and Recycling Center.

Old Horticulture Fountain

Looking for a quiet, relaxing space on campus? Stop by the fountain located behind Student Services. Enjoy the garden area and public art displays.

1855 Place Community Garden

The 1855 Place Community Garden was established by students for residents of the 1855 Place Apartments. The garden cultivates individual growth and neighborhood unity while also offering youth gardening education. The community garden plays an important role in providing spaces for residents to grow their own food, increasing their access to healthy foods. It also promotes a sense of community belonging and an opportunity for residents to be physically active.

MSU Horticulture Gardens

The  MSU Horticulture Gardens  promote an understanding of plants and the role they play in our environment and daily lives and provide a place for education, enrichment and delight of all ages. Located next to the Plant Soil Sciences Building, enjoy 14 acres of diverse gardens that showcase annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Continue on the tour to learn about featured garden spaces. The gardens are open daily from sunrise to sundown. 

Amien and Florence Carter Trial Garden

The  Trial Garden , part of the MSU Horticulture Gardens, grows and evaluates hundreds of new varieties each year including annual, perennials, and vegetables. Check out this video tour to learn more.

Judith DeLapa Perennial Garden

The  Judith DeLapa Perennial Garden  features the colors, textures and forms of flowering and nonflowering herbaceous perennials, bulbs and ornamental grasses. Ten island beds totaling 6,500 square feet informally display a multitude of diverse perennials. This garden is part of the MSU Horticulture Gardens.

Photo Credit: MSU Department of Horticulture

MSU 4-H Children's Garden

Expose your child to the enchanting world of the  4-H Children's Garden , part of the MSU Horticulture Gardens. A special place created just for children and the young at heart, the garden features over 56 theme areas. The garden is a perfect place to learn about horticulture, as it allows hands-on exploration along with several interactive activities.

Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum

The  Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum , part of the MSU Horticulture Gardens, is an instructional arboretum for students interested in landscape development. The site has its beginnings as the old campus nursery and as a result many remaining specimen trees lend a mature appearance to much of the arboretum. The arboretum continues to grow, providing learning opportunities for students, industry professionals, gardeners, and community members. Within the arboretum are over 15 featured garden areas, including the Kathleen and Milton Muelder Japanese Garden and the Yvonne V. Wilson Native Plant Garden. The arboretum is open all year, dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Radiology Healing Gardens 

Based on the vision of Dr. James Potchen, the  Radiology Healing Gardens  were established in 2000 to help meet the wellness needs of our community. The Radiology facility is surrounded by lovely gardens, ponds and waterfalls. The serenity of the landscape is the epitome of a holistic approach to patient healing and provides a calming space for visitors, students and employees. This hidden gem is worth a special trip.