By Emma Loura

Surrounded by the peaceful backdrop of water fountains and colorful flowers in K-State’s botanical garden, party guests sipped gin and tonics while socializing before dinner on Friday night. The summer soirée showcased the hard work of K-State’s gardeners and raised money for the future of horticulture.

“This is our 150th anniversary of having the gardens on campus,” Scott McElwain, director of the K-State gardens, said. “This party tonight is actually an annual fundraiser.”

Horticulture is one of the university’s oldest departments. The original garden was located outside of Dickens Hall, formerly the school of horticulture, where Bluemont Hall now stands. In 1978, the Horticulture Department moved the garden to its location on Denison Avenue.

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Cheryl Yunk, Friends of The Gardens president, proposes a toast Friday night during the 20th annual Garden Party at the K-State Gardens in Manhattan.
Staff photo by Lewis Marien
A fireworks show at the reflecting pool capped off Friday night’s 20th annual Garden Party at K-State Gardens in Manhattan. See a video of the fireworks show at themercury.com.
Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Guests eat dinner under a tent as the Adaptive-Native Plant Garden bursts with color Friday night during the 20th annual Garden Party at K-State Gardens in Manhattan.
Staff photo by Lewis Marien
A light green-colored bench with a matching coffee table and pillows was auctioned off Friday night during the 20th annual Garden Party at K-State Gardens in Manhattan.
Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Ian Dobson, of Seattle, brought the sounds of both steel drum and ukulele to his musical entertainment Friday night during the 20th annual Garden Party at K-State Gardens in Manhattan.
Staff photo by Lewis Marien
Rolando Blackman, left, greets K-State President Richard Linton on Friday night during the 20th annual Garden Party at the K-State Gardens in Manhattan. Blackman is a former Wildcat men’s basketball player and was one of about 300 people who attended the party.
Staff photo by Lewis Marien

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