Here are some unique items and facts about the MSU plants and gardens.
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Symphony No. 4, “The Gardens” debuted on campus on February 5, 2000 in Wharton Center. A gift by Jack and Dottie Withrow, MSU alums, enabled MSU to commission the Pulitzer Prize-winning Zwilich to write the piece to celebrate the beauty of the MSU campus and gardens. The symphony includes four movements: I. Introduction: Litany of Endangered Plants; II. Meditation on Living Fossils; III. A Pastoral Journey; and IV. The Children’s Promise. Leon Gregorian was the conductor.
'The Gardens' Symphony Premieres at Wharton Spring 2000 by Kathy Walsh. MSU Alumni Magazine, Spring 2000.
Jackson & Perkins released its 'Spartan' rose in 1955 in honor on MSU's centennial. (Dennis, p. 77)
"Spartan" USDA Plant Patent No. 1,357
"Spartan" Rose description from Help Me Find Roses, Clematis and Peonies and everything gardening related.
LIFE Magazine advertisement for "Spartan" from Feb 6, 1956.