Five things to look for at the Mizzou Botanic Garden

Aug. 21, 2024
Contact: Courtney Perrett, [email protected]
Photos by Hanna Caldwell, Sam O'Keefe and Abbie Lankitus

When you think of a registered botanic garden, what comes to mind? Maybe it's the Missouri Botanic Garden in St. Louis or the Smithsonian Gardens in Washington, D.C. What you might not know, however, is that there's a botanic garden right beneath your feet. The University of Missouri campus was established as a certified botanic garden in 1999.

As we celebrate 25 years of MUBG, discover flora, curious critters and hidden campus retreats. Read on to embark on the botanical journey that is Mizzou.

1. Explore your penchant for plants.

Covering 1,252 acres of campus, MUBG is home to hundreds of herbaceous perennials, ornamental shrubs, annual flowers and trees, including the white oaks that line the historic Francis Quadrangle - the most visited part of the garden. Keep an eye out for the butterfly bush and fountain grass that adorn the Missouri School of Journalism's courtyard. Stop and smell the roses on the Mel Carnahan Quadrangle.

In the fall, stroll through Peace Park to experience a kaleidoscopic blanket of color in the canopy of trees. Enjoy the health benefits of the great outdoors, which research has shown enhances mood, improves self-esteem and lowers blood pressure.

2. Don't miss the wildlife.

While you might not see them during the heat of the day, MUBG has six or seven herds of deer that roam the gardens. And deer aren't the only animal friends you'll find on the campus grounds: Be on the lookout for the bees and butterflies that bring to life the garden outside of Eckles Hall, which includes various nectar-producing shrubs and perennials that create a perfect pollinator habitat, especially during the springtime.

If you're strolling the MUBG, you're bound to notice the squirrels - familiar furry friends that thrive in the gardens. And, if you happen to be out and about early in the morning, you might get lucky and spot a fox!

3. Greet a groundskeeper.

MUBG has three maintained trails that offer pedestrians a pleasant stroll through campus. On your walk, say hello to the friendly groundskeepers who care for the gardens and keep them pristine year-round.

For experienced groundskeepers like Colleen Thomas, watering plants precisely, freshening the soil and transitioning garden beds are all important activities to maintain MUBG year-round. The 29-person Landscape Services staff team prioritizes sustainability, focusing on replacing grassy areas with pollinator plots, composting leaf waste and implementing rainwater management practices to protect the gardens.

4. How many gardens did you say?

Well, 18, to be exact. MUBG has a host of gardens with interesting themes, plants and landscaping to match. If you're into trees, be sure to visit Lowry Mall during the fall semester for a flourish of color from Red Maples and Japanese Cornel Dogwoods. Winter is the best time to visit one of MUBG's hidden gems - the wildlife pond. Nestled between Stephens and Lefevre Halls, this pond was created in the 1920s from a spring and is now home to native Missouri vegetation including water lilies and River Birch trees. For flower fanatics, don't miss the Don Hollingsworth Peony Collection - a garden with eight different species of multi-colored blooms to enjoy.

5. Collect your botanic merch.

Commemorate your MUBG visit by picking up a charming keepsake from The Mizzou Store. In 2023, the store launched a new merchandise collection to celebrate and support MUBG. Now, the 2024 collection is available in-store and online. Floral-themed shirts, coffee mugs, stickers and more are available for purchase.

Bonus fact: The masterminds behind MUBG.

The catalyst for the creation of MUBG was Barbara Uehling, Mizzou's first female chancellor. Through her vision to unify and beautify, a team of designers and engineers set out to create the historic and spectacular campus we enjoy today. Keeping with Uehling's vision, former chancellor Richard Wallace gave MUBG its designation as a botanic garden.