University of Wisconsin–Madison

Blog Posts

Building an Islamic Garden – The Beginning Stages

Have you heard? Allen Centennial Garden is working on a project to transform part of our space into an Islamic-style garden. Naturally, you might have some questions about how this project, so here are some answers.   What is an Islamic garden? Just like there is no one kind of Italian garden, there is no …

What is it like? Questions and Answers with Past Interns

The title “intern” can mean a lot of different things. You might wonder what it’s like to be an intern at Allen Centennial Garden. Will I mostly be making copies or actually getting practical work experience? We’ve gathered some feedback from our 2024 interns that we hope will help answer your questions. My summary is …

How to apply for an ACG Internship

Howdy all, After a few years of reading intern applications we have drafted a short how-to letter to you, future interns. We hope reading this may help you think up, remember, and/or explain better why you might be a fantastic intern.   Hiring is hard.  It is important to keep in mind applications and interviews …

Intern Project – Composting Communication

Post written by Urban Agriculture Intern, Lizzy Burkhalter. My name is Lizzy Burkhalter, and I am the Urban Agriculture Intern at Allen Centennial Garden. In my unique role, I have had the opportunity to work part-time at Allen Centennial Garden, where I manage the Wymann Kitchen Garden and collaborate with our team of interns and …

Archipelago Exhibit Grand Opening

Members of the UW–Madison, Madison and broader community are invited to celebrate the grand opening of Allen Centennial Garden’s art exhibit Archipelago on Tuesday, September 24 from 4-6pm in a free on-campus event in the Garden.  Tory Tepp’s Archipelago features three lifeboats carrying plants that will help us adapt in a changing world. Each boat …

Intern Project – The Guided Meditation Walk

Post written by ACG programs and events intern, Margaux Rierson  In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding moments of peace can often feel like an intangible goal. Yet, amidst the chaos, there exists a sanctuary of calm waiting to be discovered right around the corner. Imagine stepping into a world where each breath …

Intern Project – Nature Play Space

Post written by ACG programs apprentice, Pearl Pincus  “Reba, why are the stumps no longer in the ground?” I asked.  “You can ask him that,” she answered, gesturing towards a four-year-old who was busy digging in the soil. For the rest of the time the preschool class was there, I got regular reports on the …

Intern Project – Hosta Walk Curation

  Post written by ACG horticulture apprentice, Josh Nisleit I have been working with hostas since the moment I started working as the horticulture apprentice in October 2023. Specifically, I began curating the Hosta Walk as my intern project for summer 2024. To start the project, I made some observations about the space. Most of …

Intern Project – Tree Stump Planters

Post written by ACG horticulture intern, Sydney Stohr Throughout the summer, I have been working on creating tree stump planters. My vision was to create a low-maintenance planter that aligns with the naturalness of the Wisconsin woodland garden and seamlessly blends into the landscape. We use many containers to add a visual dimension to other …

Intern Project – The Bird Plant Tour

Post written by ACG horticulture intern, Molly Zimmermann The sounds of birds calling and flying through the air frequently fills the garden. Have you ever wondered why they’re so drawn to the space? Or do you wonder what plants we have in the garden that help support our avian friends? Well, now that my internship …