Wildflower Garden at .......

The original Wildflower Garden was planted on the west border of the arboretum under Bur Oaks that afforded the necessary shade for these native plants. One huge, old Bur Oak was severely damaged in a bad storm and was removed. Because of the loss of shade, this collection is being moved to the south side of the arboretum under another very old oak tree. The plantings contain wildflowers indigenous to the Midwest, offering an opportunity to view our natural environment, somewhat as the original residents and settlers might have seen the hills and prairies in this area of Iowa and Illinois. You will see more than 30 varieties of woodland flowers, such as Solomon's Seal, Trillium, ferns, wild Geraniums, Ginger, Jack-in- the-Pulpits, violets of all colors. Blooms begin in March and continue through October with some stalwart varieties. The height of the blooming season is early to mid Spring, although the great variety of leaf and plant structures continues through the summer. Near are the Prairie Grasses, with the colors, shapes, and textures one might have seen beyond the woodland settings of the wildflowers. In the distance are varieties of native and other trees, the brook, and the hills of the arboretum. All in all, our part of the Midwest has its own glories - please come out and see them! To view photographs of the garden and select plantings, click HERE.

The Nordine Wildflower Garden was officially opened and dedicated on June 2, 2006, prior to the annual Board of Director's Meeting. Speakers at the event included Dr. Ed Hasselkus who explained the origin of the name of the garden, Co-chairpersons Carol Mabee and Linnaes Koch, and Arboretum Director Francie Hill. A brief walk-through of the garden preceded the ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors participated in the ceremony. To view photographs of the event, click HERE