University of Wisconsin–Madison

Category: Uncategorized

A History of the the Agricultural Dean’s Residence

By ACG History Intern, Samantha Hertel The Victorian Gothic mansion nestled within the grounds of the Garden has been referred to as Lake Dormer, the E.B. Fred House, the Agricultural Dean’s Residence, or simply 10 Babcock Drive throughout its nearly 130 year history. Residence at the house was reserved for the current Dean of the …

From Plants to Tie-Dye

Earlier this month, I (Martha) collaborated with both Wisconsin Hoofers and the Wisconsin Union Directorate Art Committee to host a natural plant-based tie-dye event open to all UW-Madison students. ACG was excited to take part in this collaboration and hoped to give students the opportunity to make wearable art in a fun, creative, and sustainable …

Eucalyptus and Lavender: Student Workshop

Join us on Monday, October 18 to melt away your stress and enjoy the sweet smells of dried lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus grown at the Allen Centennial Garden. Make your own bundle of herbs to enjoy at home. Registration is required for this event so we can ensure enough supplies for everyone.  This event is …

Welcome Week 2021

Students, join us this week (September 13-17, 2021) for Welcome Week events in the garden! All workshops offered at 4, 5, and 6pm. Online sign up required (but there may be last minute spots available if you come to the garden). Workshops are for students only, so please bring your WISCARD. Here’s what to expect: …

Summer Sundays in the Garden

Summer concerts in the garden are back! Disrupted last summer by the pandemic, Allen Garden’s popular Sunday concert series returns for its fifth season starting this Sunday, June 20 and continuing through Labor Day with an all-star lineup of local jazz artists.  This popular series has enjoyed steady growth since its inception, and this year …

Intern to Horticulturist to Leader in Conservation

Josh is going back to school! I’m returning to school here at UW in June to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Conservation. I’m pumped! A major influence in this decision was observing the amount of water usage, plastic and waste in the horticulture industry. I also think about our constant developments in roads, homes and …

Teaching in the Garden

When I tell people I teach plant ID the first thing they ask these days is, “Can you even do that remotely?” While I guess it’s possible, it will never be my first choice. Since last spring I’ve racked my brain for ways to teach this topic while protecting my students’ health. If this class …

A Garden Gone Virtual

Almost every characteristic you see when you look at plants in and around your home is a direct result of how that plant adapted over time to better suit its environment. Plants with vines are able to creep and grow on more surfaces than just the ground. Flowers are bright, colorful, and scented to attract …

A Farewell and New Directions

Greetings from the (home office) of the Allen Centennial Garden. As we’ve moved through the last several months, we’ve certainly been learning a lot about ourselves and our place in the world. We’ve seen more people spending time outdoors, embracing nature, and reconnecting and growing closer with family and friends. It is in this spirit …