Allerton’s Memorial & Dedicatory Gift Program offers individuals the opportunity to recognize or remember a loved one, celebrate life’s achievements and milestones, or thank a special friend.

Peony- $100
The peony garden, restored in 2005, showcases 68 varieties of peony blooms, from the softest pink to the deepest red. Your donation will ensure the long-term maintenance of this loved garden. Small stands line the sidewalk at the front of each row of peonies. The stands, updated before the bloom each spring, display your personal message (65 characters or less) commemorating your donation. For a list of available varieties, click here.

Tree- $1,500
Trees offer shade and beauty to our visitors, and provide habitat for numerous wildlife. Tree locations are based on availability, and Allerton Park staff will provide assistance in picking out the perfect tree in an area of your preference. A commemorative bronze plaque with the wording of your choice will be installed at the base of the tree. Your donation provides on-going maintenance for your tree and funding for our tree nursery, located at the Diversified Farm. While we intend to maintain these trees for their entire life span, longevity of plants varies by species and environmental conditions. Since trees are living organisms that need replacement from time to time, Allerton guarantees commemorative trees for a minimum of ten years.

Bench- $2,500 (log) / $5,000 (concrete)
Dedicating a bench at the Garden is an extraordinary opportunity to honor a loved one, offering a quiet resting place to enjoy the beauty of Allerton. A plaque inscribed with the wording of your choice will be affixed, and your bench is guaranteed for a minimum of five years (log) or twenty years (concrete). Due to existing benches or long-range plans that would displace your bench, some sites are not appropriate for placement. Allerton staff is happy to recommend sites where benches are needed.

For more information on making a memorial or dedicatory gift, contact Katie Walden at 217-333-3287 or kmblacke@illinois.edu.