The Idea Garden, located on the University of Illinois Arboretum in Urbana at 2000 S. Lincoln Ave., is 18,000 square feet of planted space. Volunteers work more than 4,500 hours each year in the garden to provide a source of inspiration, relaxation, and continuing education for our community and its visitors. Since 1997, the Idea Garden has been maintained as an educational tool to demonstrate garden design and maintenance ideas, to encourage novice and experienced gardeners to experiment with new plants and techniques, and as a site for public workshops.

Visit our website to find more information on the idea garden. View our plant lists, organized by section (North Border, South Border, East Border, West Border, Children's Garden, Serenity Garden, Vegetables and Herbs, Rock, Conifer and Crevice Garden, Gazebo Container Garden, "Block I" Theme 1, Pollinators Theme 2, Trial Garden, Tropical Garden, Shed and Rain Garden, Compost Demonstration, Small Fruits and Roses).

Click here for history behind the Idea Garden.

Click here to donate or get involved with the Idea Garden.