WSU's Innovation Campus in Bloom
WSU's Innovation Campus in Bloom
Community Pond Management, Native Plants
Woolsey Hall, WSU Campus (Mid Campus Dr. & Perimeter Rd.), Wichita, KS
The gardens at Woolsey Hall blend sustainability with beauty on Wichita State’s Innovation Campus. Adjacent to a LEED (Leadership & Energy Environmental Design)-certified building, the gardens required the incorporation of native plants and water retention areas to meet certification standards. While limited water may be used to support the gardens, plant life is anything but lacking! Bold, winter-hardy hibiscus make a striking impression, artfully paired with grasses, perennials, greenhouse tropicals and houseplants.
Wander through terraced gardens, lined with concrete stepping blocks to discover a delightful mix of structured landscapes and free-flowing natural beauty. Glimpse back over to the nearby pond, surrounded by buffer strip plantings along the water’s edge that not only create a beautiful scene, but improve water quality, reduce algae blooms and enhance wildlife habitat.
Be sure to take a step back from the lush garden plantings and stroll across the Promise Bridge, a campus icon where students and parents exchange heartfelt promises, to enjoy a panoramic view of the garden.
Other garden highlights to look for:
- The expansive community pond
- A large horse sculpture that only looks like driftwood
- The best view of the entire garden is from the Promise Bridge
Educational Components Demonstrated in This Garden:
Parking Instructions:
On Friday please park in lot #39, #36 or #27, south of Woolsey Hall and the adjacent pond. Walk north across the Promise Bridge to enter the Woolsey Hall gardens. Drop-offs or individuals with limited mobility may park in lot #41 east of Woolsey Hall. Saturday and Sunday, visitors may choose from any of these lots.
Important Links
Contact Information
Have Questions? Contact:
Sedgwick County
Horticulture
7001 W. 21st St. North
Wichita KS 67205
(316) 660-0144
Debra Harries
MG Volunteer Coordinator
(316) 660-0138
[email protected]
Matt McKernan
Ornamental Horticulture Agent
(316) 660-0140
[email protected]
Abbey Draut
Food Crops Horticulture Agent
(316) 660-0142
[email protected]