The Gardens at SIUE

The Gardens at SIUE is a botanical garden on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). It originated as an arboretum and occupies a 35 acres (14 ha) tract of the university's 2,660 acres (1,080 ha) campus at Edwardsville, Illinois. It serves as a twofold function as a living laboratory dedicated in support of the educational and research missions of the university and as a place of beauty for the university community to share with the general public. In light of this duality, the gardens' master plan calls for the creation of a "public garden featuring spectacular horticulture, event spaces, areas for social gatherings and contemplative gardens" to be continuously enhanced over the coming years. The Gardens at SIUE was recognized by the Missouri Botanical Gardens as a "Signature Garden" until the MOBOT program was discontinued.