Marvels at Mac: The power of the plants at McMaster’s Greenhouse

A narrow walkway inside McMaster’s Greenhouse with numerous plants on either side.

The McMaster Greenhouse houses a rich and diverse collection of over 217 plant species. (Photo by Kevin Patrick Robbins/McMaster University).


Marvels at Mac follows a student’s point of view, exploring campus and uncovering some of the super-cool places that students might not know about.


A headshot of McMaster student Brandon Bernard
Brandon Bernard is a 5th-year communications studies student. He has also been a member of McMaster’s men’s basketball team for five years. When not studying or on the court, he serves on McMaster’s Black Student Athlete Council and the Athletics Anti-Racism Advisory Group.

Plants tend to have a way of brightening a person’s mood when they interact with them. With a collection of over 217 species from over 77 plant families, McMaster’s Greenhouse is bound to give you a lift.

The outside of the glass building fails to reveal the vast interior and the many plants within it. Step inside and not only will you be surprised, but you’ll feel a buzz of excitement.

Visit on a warm summer day and the greenhouse can feel like a jungle-like space filled with an assortment of eye-catching plants that grab your attention no matter which way you turn.

The plants found within the greenhouse come in all shapes, sizes and species, from bamboo trees, palm trees, to corpse flowers.

A visitor can learn more about the plants and the families they belong to thanks to the greenhouse’s helpful volunteers and the many informative displays.

The exterior of McMaster's Greenhouse
The greenhouse can be found on McMaster’s main campus between the Phoenix Bar & Grill and Hamilton Hall. (Photo by Tony Hoang/McMaster University).

The greenhouse also offers activities as well, such as pot painting, guided tours and viewings for students to come in and analyze the plants for their studies. A plant sale is also being held there in September, so if you want to become a plant parent, this is your calling!

And if you have a green thumb or would like to build your knowledge of plants, the greenhouse is always accepting new volunteers to help with tours and the upkeep of the greenhouse.

Come and check out the greenhouse in the upcoming school year. It is a great opportunity to learn something, plus it’s a spectacular experience you will not regret.

For Greenhouse hours and updates, follow them on Instagram.

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