cactus exhibit
FEATURED THROUGH JULY 30

The cactus exhibit on display in our greenhouse features over 80 cacti, varying in species, size and type of bloom. This collection was gifted to our gardens by Mr. Allen Dieter, founding member of the Quad City Botanical Center who was chairman of the board in 1998, and cut the ribbon during the center’s grand opening in June of 1998. During his time as a driving force behind the growth and eventual sustainability of our gardens, Mr. Dieter was pivotal in both the original construction of the Center and the process behind our Children’s Garden master plan, which continues its expansion here in 2023.

​Today, he resides in the Chicago suburbs to be closer to his family and enjoys knowing his collection is in good hands in our greenhouse while serving our mission of bringing people and plants together. Stop by to see his amazing collection of cacti in our educational greenhouse. The collection will remain in the greenhouse for viewing year-round at the conclusion of this special feature.

Plants of the world: people behind the plants
featured through December 2023

Plants of the World honors the personal stories told by Quad Citizens from around the world who now call the Quad Cities their home. Travel through the Sun Garden and learn about their personal connections to plants in our collection such as the banana, papaya, cacao, coffee, and more.

Sponsored by The Adrian and Debra Rantilla Family Charitable Foundation, BankORION, Rock Island Community Foundation

​Content Partners include World Relief, Tapestry Farms, Blackhawk College ESL Program

the children's garden
FEATURED MID-MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER ANNUALLY

​This whimsical garden is a playful interpretation of the Mississippi River. Surrounded by greenery, flowering perennials and native prairie plants, the intrigue of water play allows children to be carried away by their imaginations. Continue through the garden to the new Headwaters area representing the starting point of the Mississippi River in Lake Itasca. ​Splash around and learn at the same time!​ 

​We offer many activities throughout the garden to keep kids engaged in interactive play and even have spots for the adults to relax while kiddos splash around and explore. The Children's Garden features a mock Mississippi River water feature, spraying water features, interactive play elements, natural Headwaters pond, giant Connect 4 games, native and flowering plants, sandboxes, and more. 

storybook landscapes
UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
​COMING LATE FALL 2023

This one-of-a-kind exhibit is designed to encourage exploration and imagination, to elicit memories of storybooks from adult’s childhoods while creating new ones for today’s youth. Complete with a shaded picnic area, a QCBC story-themed photo opportunity, life-sized lincoln logs, a millhouse, wishing well, costume hut and acting area, spider net arbor, a bedtime story plaza and a group reading structure and storyteller’s chair, there is something for both the young and the young at heart. Its location will be right off the garden’s mini-Mississippi river for quick access and is designed to be accessible within ADA standards, leaving no barriers to experience the garden.

The new Storybook Landscapes exhibit was designed by Eric Hornig of Hitchcock Design Group and will be constructed by The Weitz Company. Made possible by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Capital Grant Program.