lifestyle
Lifestyle: KSU Gardens Hidden gem showcases school’s horticultural legacy
Nestled on the campus of Kansas State University is a lush, magical adventure. The botanical gardens boast a serene experience where art deco, wrought-iron arches and gates suspend from a limestone wall. Here, this treasure is a garden oasis, decades in the making. Magical escape Through the gates, the garden’s centerpiece is revealed—the historic Glenn H. Beck Dairy Barn that at one time was home to milking classes as part of K-State’s dairy curriculum. Adding to the lasting experience, the limestone façade creates a sense of timelessness and relaxation; meanwhile, a fountain is flowing, centered between the gates and the Quinlan Visitor Center. The center offers a look into the past and present with historic displays and graphics of plans yet to develop. There are also informational brochures and staff offices. A garden gift shop, a reception area and a conference room are in the foreseeable future. Here long annual beds, 12 feet wide, feature a variety of flora and fauna year to year. The flower beds are meant to impress visitors by showcasing new awardwinning plants grown by K-State students. A circular paved path that leads around the gardens begins here. Flanking the visitor center are cottage gardens reminiscent of gardens from another place in time where dairy barns and their farmers may have settled. Herb and vegetable gardens rest on the south side of the visitor center leading to a berry patch. The bounty of vegetables is sold at the farmers’ market or in a cart on the grounds.
160 acres were purchased for the new Kansas Agriculture College in 1875 forty of those acres were the Gale farmstead and plant nursery, which in 1877 were developed into the first KSU Gardens. 9
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