Offering a space for scientific inquiry, artistic examination, or a respite from our cold northern winter, the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Oexemann Greenhouse serves a multitude of purposes for students, faculty and community.

The greenhouse is arguably one of the most beautiful spots on campus. Its rich greenery and blooming flowers create a vivid Eden. Walking into the greenhouse, you are surrounded by hanging plants and flourishing vegetation, home to a collection of non-native tropical and desert plants.

Plants in the greenhouse originate from areas such as South America, Central America, Australia and much of the Borneo and African regions. Over 60 representative plant families are included in the mixed foliage.

Greenhouse manager, Kate Borealis, finds pride in the diverse range of plants represented in the greenhouse.

“The greenhouse holds plants from some of the different families that the students learn about,” said Borealis. “When students are learning about them, they have a hands-on and visual example of different morphology. Students can study different ways the plants have evolved and why the anatomy is the way that it is.”

Borealis works to introduce new plants to the greenhouse each year. Ever willing to assist our campus community, she is open to working with students and faculty in growing plants that align with their academic interests.

Professors on campus have utilized the greenhouse as a valuable resource for their work. Mark Grover from the Natural Sciences Department incorporates it into multiple courses.

“The greenhouse is an indispensable resource for me and many of the students in my classes,” Grover said. “I teach a Plant Taxonomy (BIOL 325) class that makes extensive use of the greenhouse. In addition, some of the students in my Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (BIOL 340) class conduct experiments in the greenhouse as part of a course requirement. I also use plant specimens in the greenhouse for individual lab activities in classes such as Biological Inquiry for Teachers.”

Independent student researchers at UWS also find the greenhouse a source of support. This past year, Grover mentored a student who examined the effects of greywater with varying soap concentrations on houseplants. Additionally, Trio McNair scholar Ryan Figueroa grew and experimented with species of mushrooms.

The Oexemann Greenhouse is open to faculty, students and the community. You can find Borealis working amongst the vegetation Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Whenever the door is open, people are welcome to come in,” Borealis said. “I would love to tell you about these plants if you’re interested.”

By Olivia Fleming, English major and student writer for UWS.