Landscaping History

Illinois Central College opened in 1967 in temporary buildings on the 400-acre site on the bluffs overlooking the Illinois River in East Peoria. The Horticulture Program began offering classes in the fall of 1970. The curriculum emphasized turf and landscape topics. Classes were held in the Marquette Building located on the Interim Campus (what is now the Dingledine East Campus). The educational emphasis was on practical, hands-on application, which has remained the focus for the program.

In the 1970's, Agriculture Land Lab and arboretum were initiated and this area continues to develop. It is based on a seven-acre tract of land and contains a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials that are hardy to central Illinois. Several collections have been added over the years. These include collections of crabapples, hosta, and dwarf conifers. The arboretum expanded over 25 years to include a variety of student designed and constructed architectural features. Included are a patio garden, arbor, stonewall seating, and a pond and waterfall. A gazebo and entrance arbor was purchased through donations and added in the new millennium.

In recent years, a new Horticulture Building was built at the Land Lab that would include a classroom, Construction and Mechanics lab, and work and storage areas. A new greenhouse range was added to this building in 2001 and all plant production moved to this facility.