UChicago's botanic garden in bloom

In 1997 the American Public Gardens Association gave the University campus an official botanical garden designation. The botanical garden beds, which now number about 20, beautify the space and educate the visiting public about flora with labeled plant selections.

In the years since that honor was given, the beds have continued to grow and change as University groundskeepers introduce new plants and tend to the established ones. The Julie and Parker Hall Botanic Garden Endowment supports the design and maintenance of the garden, and registered landscape architect Richard Bumstead, Associate Director for the Campus Environment for Facilities Services, oversees the garden plantings.