MSU Horticulture Gardens | Lansing

The Michigan State University (MSU) Horticulture Gardens represent a 14-acre living laboratory and public garden located on the MSU campus in East Lansing, Michigan. Established in 1993, the gardens serve multiple purposes: they are a center for horticultural education and research, a serene green space for the campus and community, and a venue for seasonal events and outreach programs. The gardens are freely accessible year-round, making them a valuable resource for both academic and public audiences interested in plant science, sustainable gardening, and landscape design.

Comprehensive Overview and Purpose

The MSU Horticulture Gardens function primarily as a teaching and research facility affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. The gardens allow students, faculty, and researchers to study plant varieties, growth habits, and sustainable gardening techniques in a real-world setting. Simultaneously, they provide a diverse, scenic environment for visitors to learn about plant diversity, horticultural practices, and ecological stewardship.

Major Themed Gardens and Their Features

The gardens are organized into several distinct sections, each highlighting different plant types, design concepts, or educational themes:

Amien and Florence M. Carter Annual Garden: This area showcases over 1,000 varieties of annual flowering plants. It is designed to demonstrate vibrant seasonal color schemes and creative planting combinations, offering inspiration for gardeners looking to brighten landscapes with yearly blooms.

Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum: Established prior to the gardens’ official opening, the arboretum is an outdoor classroom featuring a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials that thrive in Michigan’s climate. It emphasizes plant selection for landscape use and sustainable environmental practices.

Frank’s Nursery Rose Garden: A major highlight of the horticulture gardens, this section contains more than 700 rose cultivars. The garden is designed to display the diversity of roses in color, form, and fragrance. Peak bloom occurs in late spring to early summer, attracting rose enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden: This interactive garden is specially designed for children, featuring 55 themed areas that encourage hands-on learning about plants, ecology, and the natural world. Notable sections include the ABC Kinder Garden and Storybook Garden, which integrate educational themes with playful design elements.

Judith A. DeLapa Perennial Garden: This extensive garden features ten island beds planted with over 400 species of perennials suited to the Michigan climate. It provides visitors with an evolving palette of textures and colors throughout the growing season, illustrating perennial combinations and garden planning principles.

Trial Gardens: Part of a national plant evaluation network, the trial gardens test thousands of new annuals, perennials, and shrubs for characteristics like disease resistance, drought tolerance, and ornamental appeal. These trials help gardeners and industry professionals make informed plant selections.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Education and outreach are central to the MSU Horticulture Gardens' mission. The gardens host a variety of events, workshops, and programs tailored to different age groups and interests:

Annual Plant Sales: These highly popular events offer a wide variety of plants for purchase, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, succulents, and hanging baskets. The sales attract gardeners looking for high-quality, well-adapted plants grown by MSU students and staff.

Plant Geek Series: This workshop series delves deeply into specific horticultural topics such as soil health, pest management, container gardening, and sustainable landscape design, providing practical knowledge to gardening enthusiasts and professionals.

Volunteer Programs: The gardens rely on a dedicated team of volunteers who assist with garden maintenance, event coordination, and educational activities. Volunteering provides hands-on experience and strengthens community ties.

Youth Education: The Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden and associated programs offer experiential learning opportunities that teach young people about plant biology, environmental stewardship, and the importance of nature through interactive exhibits and activities.

Commitment to Sustainability and Research

The MSU Horticulture Gardens embody sustainable horticultural practices and contribute to ongoing scientific research:

Sustainability Initiatives: The gardens employ organic gardening methods, water conservation strategies, integrated pest management, and promote the use of native plants to create environmentally responsible landscapes.

Research Platform: The gardens serve as a testing ground for horticultural research projects on plant adaptability, pest resistance, and climate resilience. This research supports the development of plants and gardening techniques optimized for Michigan’s specific environmental conditions.

Collaborations: The gardens work closely with MSU’s academic departments and extension services to translate research findings into practical advice for home gardeners, landscapers, and commercial growers.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Visitors to the MSU Horticulture Gardens can enjoy a tranquil, visually rich environment suitable for casual strolls, photography, or educational visits. The diverse plantings provide seasonal interest from spring through fall, and the gardens remain an attractive, peaceful green space year-round.

Location: 1066 Bogue Street, East Lansing, Michigan, on the MSU campus.

Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk, with free admission.

Parking: Available in adjacent parking lots, including Lot 54 on Bogue Street. Parking is generally free, though restrictions apply during home football games or special events.

Accessibility: The gardens are designed to be accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, with paved paths and seating areas throughout.

Significance and Impact

The MSU Horticulture Gardens play an essential role in connecting the university’s educational and research missions with the public. They foster a deeper appreciation of plant science and sustainable gardening while serving as a valuable community resource. By combining beauty, education, and research, the gardens enhance quality of life and environmental awareness for students, residents, and visitors alike.

The gardens stand as a model for university-affiliated public gardens, offering a living classroom where science, art, and nature converge to inspire and educate across generations.