Another feature of the MSU campus is their botanical garden. This was begun in 1872 when Professor Beal established a nursery on campus. It is situated just along the river, slightly hidden, beneath some rather epic trees. The plants are arranged in themed beds and the idea, the one guide told me, is to create an encyclopedia of plants – an idea which I just love. I got excited at all the different wheat varieties they were growing, as well as the unusual looking herbs. And I took some time out from the heat to sit awhile by the pond…