Built in 1962, the H.F. Thut Greenhouse serves as the Biology Department’s botanical conservatory and as a facility for growing plants for research and classroom use. The 3400 square foot building is located next to the Life Sciences Building on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. The greenhouse has eight rooms and two outdoor garden areas. To take a virtual tour of the greenhouse, click here.
Life Science Building and Thut Greenhouse location on campus
Thut Greenhouse public open hours
Spring and Fall Semesters: Monday - Thursday 8:30AM-10:30AM or by appointment
Summer: By appointment
Manager: Steven Malehorn
Greenhouse phone: 217.581.2513
e-mail: shmalehorn@eiu.edu
The Secret Garden
Nestled between the Thut Greenhouse and Life Science buildings is the most beautiful garden you (might) find on campus. The Secret Garden is concealed from campus view by adjacent buildings and is accessible from the main campus through a narrow passageway between the Life Science Building and Annex. The garden is a collection of nearly five hundred plant species and cultivar specimens growing in a diverse series of garden settings. These gardens range from full-sun to full-shade environments containing native and cultivated plants, perennials and annuals, flowering and foliage plants as well as trees and shrubs.
Amorphophallus titanum bloomed in the greenhouse. After six and a half years of vegetative growth, the largest flowering plant in the world bloomed for the first time in Thut Greenhouse in June, 2008. Its huge flower and powerful roadkill aroma attracted several hundred flies and three thousand visitors.
The Biological Sciences Graduate Student Association (BSGSA) has A. titanum commemorative T-shirts. If you want to buy shirts, fill out this form and send it back to the BSGSA with a check for the amount. Proceeds will support the BSGSA program.
Greenhouse documents and forms
Greenhouse access request form (MSWord) (PDF)
Greenhouse policy
Pesticide application request form (MSWord) (PDF)
Plant request form (MSWord) (PDF)
Request for project services (MSWord) (PDF)
Resources:
EIU Threatened and Endangered Plant Research Program
Landscaping and Restoration using Illinois Native Plants
Prairie Restoration - A Digital Aid Featuring Seeds, Seedlings and Fruit
Biology Department Virtual Gardens
