Gardens of Ill-Repute

Every year the ISU Horticulture Center has a different theme that brings attention to a specific horticultural topic.  This theme carries into all the Center’s scheduled events, gardens and flower beds, and speaking engagements.

 

The Center’s theme for 2012 is GARDENS OF ILL-REPUTE: SHOWCASING WICKED PLANTS AND THE VILE ACTS THEY COMMIT.  The theme brings attention to the fact that many of the plants in our homes, landscapes and even parts of plants found in the foods we eat are poisonous.  Other plants may have wicked parts such as thorns, are irritants to the skin or are carnivorous. 

 

This theme was inspired by a book written by New York Times bestseller, Amy Stewart, a couple of years ago called, Wicked Plants: The Weed that killed Lincoln’s Mother and other Botanical Atrocities.  After reading her book many of us were not only inspired, but we also started dreaming of all the possibilities that could be created at the Center.

 

As we continue to plug away at planting throughout June, install our insect sculptures and prepare for our fall events we welcome you to come stroll through the gardens.  This summer when you visit you will view the mysterious ambiance of our annual theme beds, the dark side of our permanent gardens, our collection of insect sculptures and best of all, tour our GARDEN OF ILL-REPUTE.

 

Amy Stewart will share her knowledge and passion for the dark side of Mother Nature’s botanical creations in culmination of our theme, when she visits Illinois State University on September 7, 2012. 

 

Ms. Stewart will present three separate Features.

Feature 1: Wicked Bug Presentation by Amy Stewart at the ISU Alumni Center

Wicked Bugs: The Louse that Conquered Napoleon's Army

9:30 am on Friday, September 7th, 2012

 Tickets for General Public $10.00

ISU Students Free but must Register

 

To Register for This Event go to: Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/HorticultureCenter

 

 

 Feature 2 & 3: Midwestern Night in the Garden of (not so) Good and Evil

For More Information:

Midwestern Night in the Garden of (not so) Good and Evil

Friday, September 7th, 2012

 

Feature 2: 4:00-6:00 p.m. Garden Soiree with Amy Stewart at the Horticulture Center

Ticket price $50 ($25 tax deductable)

                   

6:00-7:00 p.m. Garden of Ill-Repute Market Place FREE

 

Feature 3: 7:00pm Wicked Plant Presentation by Amy Stewart at the ISU Alumni Center

Ticket price $25 ($15 tax deductable)

 

COMBINED EVENT PURCHASE $65 ($30 tax deductable)

 

To Register for These Two Events go to: Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/HorticultureCenter