Horticulture Club History

In 1955, Professor of Ornamental Horticulture, John Culbert, was charged by the Illini Union Student’s Fine Arts Committee with the task of beautifying the Student Art Show with floral accents. His efforts did not go unnoticed: the following year, a full-scale flower extravaganza was proposed. The first annual Mom’s Day Flower Show was held on May 19th, 1956, and in 1964, the show was moved from the Illini Union to the Ornamental Horticulture Buildings. Soon after, the show expanded from floral arrangements to full gardens and greenhouse tours, and in 1967, plant sales were added. Since then, the show has moved to the crosshouses of Turner Hall and later to the Stock Pavilion where it has been held until 2019. The legacy of the Flower Show now lives on as the UIUC Horticulture Club Spring Plant Fair!