Whether the weather seems like it or not (looking at you, Midwest), spring is upon us: Greenery is popping out of the ground; trees have new budding leaves; campus gardens are becoming the places to be once again. Here are just a few (of the many) colleges with gorgeous campus gardens.
Georgia Southern University – Statesboro, Georgia
Flickr user B W
Georgia Southern University’s Garden of the Coastal Plain is a wonderful 11 acres where one can relax and enjoy nature. It is home to 20 of Georgia’s protected plant species, along with many others. The garden is open to the public and students alike. Hummingbirds and butterflies can be found among the flowers to the enjoyment of observers.
University of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
Flickr user imitemzgbo bzatfzbtlz
The botanic garden at the University of Chicago is a welcome break in the cityscape. The garden came to be twenty years ago and has been thriving ever since. Rather than having a separate area for the garden, the entire campus is a part of it. Various plots and flowerbeds dot the campus. It changes and evolves constantly.
Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa
Flickr user SD Dirk
Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University is open year-round. The 17 acres contains hundreds of plants, insects, and various architectural beauties. the gardens are available for the public to visit, though classes and lectures are often held there. Places to visit include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, Joey and Jesse’s Herb Garden, the Trial and Display Garden, and many others.
Berry College – Mt. Berry, Georgia
Flickr user Bernard Wan
The Oak Hill Gardens at Berry College is 90 years old this year (for the first designs, at least). There are several distinct gardens: a formal garden, a sundial garden, a flowered path, a goldfish garden, and a sunken garden. The hours of operation are from 10 am to 5 pm.
University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah
Flickr user Amy the Nurse
If large events are more your gardening style, consider visiting the Red Butte Gardens at the University of Utah. Educational programs are frequent, but the gardens also play host to a series of concerts in the summer. There are also poetry walks, readings, and open houses throughout the year.
Interested in any of these colleges? Check out College Raptor’s free match tool to discover if they’re a good fit for you!
