The Horticulture Gardens at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus are a source of knowledge and beauty for students and visitors, alike.
The gardens are a living classroom. There, university classes meet, student workers and volunteers get hands-on training in garden maintenance, and visitors learn about garden plants and gardening techniques.
And the gardens are a retreat. Their beauty and soothing atmosphere make them as much a place to enjoy as to learn.
In just under half an acre, the gardens display a wide diversity of plants, including over 300 cultivars of annual flowers and garden vegetables. Vistiors can see how cultivars perform in side-by-side plantings featuring many new cultivars.
Since the gardens were established in 1982, collections have grown to encompass nearly 200 species of perennial flowers and foliage plants. Special collections include peonies, daylilies, hosta, spring-flowering bulbs, and ornamental grasses.
765-497-7158
1620 Lindberg Road, West Lafayette
Celery Bog is a unique wetlands area where visitors will find some unusual plants and the opportunity to view different species of birds as well as rabbits, opossums and other small mammals. This tranquil spot for wildlife has a 4 mile paved walking trail and a 1 mile footpath with interpretive signs. The Nature Center provides learning opportunities on wetlands and is open to the public Wednesday – Sunday. Educational programs are offered throughout the year
765-423-1325
1782 N. 400 E, Lafayette
The Jerry E. Clegg Botanical Garden overlooks and runs along side the Wildcat Creek offering a naturalistic setting including prairie and oak savanna restorations, with extensive beds of wildflowers, labelled trees, nature trails, and bridges. Open year round and offers a different experience each season. Open daily until dusk.
The Market meets on Wednesdays from 3 – 6:30 pm at Cumberland Park. The Farmers Market Director is Denise Dorsey-Zinn, 765-567-4131. A great way to support local farmers and artisans, and a fun way to do your grocery shopping too! Visit http://www.westlafayette.in.gov/department/division.php?fDD=8-164 for more information.
