The Whiteside Garden, Charleston

About The Whiteside Garden

The Whiteside Garden is a five-acre botanical collection in Charleston featuring thousands of plant species and cultivars on the former residence grounds of Dr. Wesley Whiteside, a botany professor at Eastern Illinois University. Visitors walk the garden paths to explore an extensive collection of daylilies, magnolias, and hostas alongside rare and threatened plants seldom found in other Midwest botanical gardens. Dr. Whiteside developed late-blooming daylily cultivars now available commercially, viewable during summer and fall months when they flower. The garden's pathways and grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. A Welcome Center operates seasonally with regular hours. Guided tours take place on the first Saturday of each month, with additional tours available by request. General admission is free. The garden is located on County Road 1820E on the east side of Charleston.