Flora and horticulture have had an outsize influence on the murder mystery genre. Marta McDowell, a writer, gardener and avid mystery reader, explores the many ways writers have found inspiration in the sinister side of gardening during a campus lecture Thursday, Oct. 12 (6 p.m., Garden Room, Reiman Gardens). Admission is free.
Enjoy more than a thousand carved pumpkins, chemistry experiments and costumed characters at Reiman Gardens' annual Halloween celebration Friday-Sunday evenings, Oct. 13-15 and 20-22 (5-9 p.m. nightly). Fridays feature a cash bar; candy will be handed out Saturday and Sunday evenings. Tickets are time-specific and must be purchased online in advance: $15, $13 for members and ISU students with ID, $7 for children (2-12 years).
Enjoy four student choirs at one awesome concert Sunday, Oct. 15 (3 p.m., Stephens Auditorium). The collage includes the Iowa State Singers, Iowa Statesmen bass voice choir, Cantamus women's ensemble and Lyrica, a choir featuring treble voices. Tickets are $10 ($5, ISU students, seniors and youth 18 years and younger), at the door or in advance at the Stephens ticket office.
