Specialty Gardens

Discover the spectacular views and abundant plant life in the newly established Adaptive/Native Plant, Butterfly, and Cottage Gardens.  Be a part of the future by helping develop the Alumni Garden, Campus Creek Garden, Conservatory Garden and Children's Garden.

With a large variety in our gardens, there isn't anyone who won't be able to find a comfortable spot! Whether you are a student doing your homework, or a visitor wondering about, there will be lots to see and enjoy in our many gardens.

The Adaptive/Native Plant Garden

Sponsorship of the Adaptive/Native Plant Garden was the wish of the late John E. Tillotson Sr. His estate allows for this generous contribution enabled the 2000-2001 construction establishment of this unique specialty garden. This garden emphasizes plant material that can be found growing in natural areas throughout Kansas and the Great Plains Region and should be used in a commercial or residential landscape design.

The Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden is located on the south east side of the Historic Conservatory. It is home to hundreds of native butterflies which gather during the hot calm days of summer. Many assorted plants in the garden provide the needed food for larval and adult butterflies.

The Cottage Garden

The Cottage Garden recalls the use of space and plants surrounding country homes. It provided herbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers for daily use. A large variety of plants were grown on nearly every inch of soil with space left between gardens for a path leading to the front door.