The corpse flower blooms only two or three times during its average 40-year life. | Photo by Michael Rothbart via UW-Madison University
A titan arum (aka the “corpse flower”) blooming at Australia’s Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is making headlines. These putrid plants bloom infrequently and unpredictably, so it’s kind of a big deal.
But did you know Madison has had its fair share of corpse flower blooms?
Campus corpse (flower)
On June 7, 2001, this flower bloomed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Botany Greenhouse. The plant, nicknamed “Big Bucky” reached a gargantuan size of 8 ft 5 inches before collapsing on June 12.
The Botany Garden and Greenhouse is home to several corpse flowers of various ages. Visit these foul flowers Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Odor at Olbrich
Olbrich Botanical Gardens hosted two malodorous blooms. Four corpse flowers have lived at the garden, and two of them bloomed — one in 2022 and the other in 2023. None are currently in bloom, but the Bolz Conservancy has plenty of strange plants and free-flying birds.
Events
Events
Thursday, Feb. 6
Winter Carnival 2025 | Thursday, Feb. 6-Sunday, Feb. 9 | Times vary | Terrace at Memorial Union | Free | Students, alumni, and Madisonians alike are all welcome to this festival that includes pond hockey, ice skating, live music, fireworks, and soooo much more.
Friday, Feb. 7
Adult Swim: Heart Attack! | 5:30-9 p.m. | Madison Children’s Museum | $20+ | This adults-only night of fun includes romantic performances from the Madison Shakespeare Company, a scavenger hunt, crafts, cocktails, and more.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Frozen Assets 5K Run/Walk | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Edgewater | $45+ | Yes, you will freeze your assets off during this run that not only happens entirely on the frozen lake, but helps support improvement projects for the lake.
Boneyard Chili Cook Off | 1-4 p.m. | The Boneyard | $20 | Well, you know, someone’s gotta try the 10+ chilis to determine which one’s best — might as well be you.
Yelp’s Elite Squad is the place for local movers and shakers. | Photos provided by Yelp
Meet your new favorite club.
If you love food, Madison, and meeting people who also love both, get to know Yelp’s Elite Squad.
As a member, you’ll be invited to special events, get to know more Madison businesses, and have a genuinely good time with other Elites who write “chef’s kiss” reviews.
The Livingston Inn, a historic 1850s mansion that’s served as a bed and breakfast for the last 13 years, is up for sale. The home, with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a glass conservatory, has an asking price of $2.29 million. (The Cap Times)
Traffic
Bumps be gone — the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is investing $100 million to fix and upgrade rural roads that are critical for the state’s farmers. The Agricultural Roads Improvement Program will fund 55 projects. (Channel 3000)
Civic
Deforest will no longer add fluoride to its water after the village board voted on the matter. There is no exact timeline for when fluoridation would end, but residents will be expected to use dental products with fluoride in them to protect their teeth instead. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Pet
Looking for a new cuddle buddy? The Dane County Humane Society is looking to rehome 18 cats that were recently rescued from a hoarding situation. Several other cats are currently receiving care from other organizations. Keep an eye on the humane society’s website for adoption info. (WMTV)
Holiday
Sunday, Feb. 9 is National Pizza Day, and we’re planning to celebrate with a big slice from Ian’s Pizza. If that’s not your style, our pizza guide is sure to satisfy your appetite.
Read
Rebecca Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” — the third book of the “Empyrean” series — recently become the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years. Pick up a copy for yourself at one of these local bookstores. (The New York Times)
Health
Discover unparalleled speech clarity with this advanced, state-of-the-art hearing aid. Featuring a sleek, discreet German design, it ensures crystal-clear speech + sound with minimal background noise. Try the 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Finance
Tackling debt is crucial for many Americans in 2025. This trending card — “worth its weight in gold,” according to experts — offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026. (Read: More than a year of interest-free payments.) Apply.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers makes hitting your goals simple and personalized. Answer a few questions online, and a medical provider will design a plan just for you — medications, follow-ups, and all. Plus, it’s the least expensive 12-month GLP-1 plan around†. Ready to get started?Take the free assessment.*
Shop
If your favorite part of Super Bowl Sunday is watching the commercials, we’ve got just the thing for you: commercial bingo cards. Bonus: This is the perfect prize for the winner.*
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter.
City Guide
City Guide
🥞 Who’s hungry? (It’s us.)
It doesn’t get more classic than The Curve. | Photo by @ramblin_eats
In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy but it’s necessary. Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or mind-blowing bloody marys, we’ve got some ideas for you.
Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas.
$ ~ $20 or less per person
$$ ~ $20-40 per person
$$$ ~ $40+ per person
Circ | Saturday+ Sunday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | $$ | Locally-sourced ingredients is the name of the game. Enjoy delicacies from a menu that changes with the seasons.
The Curve | Daily, 6 a.m.-1 p.m. | $ | The quintessential greasy spoon is as classic as it gets with bottomless coffee + cash-only payment.
DLUX | Saturday + Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Mimosas, bloody marys, and boozy shakes – plus, grab a bag of burgers to-go on your way out.
Sardine | Saturday + Sunday, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | $$$ | Coastal fare with a Lake Monona view. Try the baked creamed eggs.
Not to be too cheesy, but the US Cheese Championship scheduled for next month in Green Bay has almost a record-breaking number of entries this year with 2,414 submissions. The highest number the competition has ever received was 2,555 in 2019. Expect a lot of gooey goodness from it.
}})
