Virginia Tech Horticulture Gardens Begin Expansion

BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 14, 2002 -- It will be an improved teaching resource, a larger facility for research projects, and a permanent Extension exhibit. It will also be a larger and more diverse setting for quiet wandering by visitors.

The Virginia Tech Horticulture Garden is expanding to six acres, creating many more opportunities than the current two acres. When completed, the project will provide a stream garden, a home demonstration garden, a terrace garden, a meadow garden, and a visitor center. The existing two acres will become the lawn and border garden.

Robert Wright, professor of horticulture, is directing the current project developing the stream garden. This project is possible thanks to a donation from Preston Andrews (class of 1950) of Altavista, Va., in memory of his wife Jane Andrews.

The Jane Andrews Memorial Stream Garden will provide a valuable teaching asset for the university as well as the public. A bridge constructed of Hokie stone and heavy timbers will serve as a connection between the existing gardens and additional acreage, as well as an overlook to the stream garden. The 200-foot stream will include a waterfall and a variety of water environments.

Completion of the stream garden is expected this spring. As funding becomes available, the remaining planned features will be developed. The overall cost of expansion is projected between $3 million and $4 million.

"I consider the garden as a unique and valuable gem; there is no other place like it on campus. I hope to raise awareness of this tremendous asset to both Virginia Tech and the New River valley community, in part to help generate the funds to make this expansion happen," said Holly Scoggins, assistant professor of horticulture and director of the garden.

As an academic resource, the horticulture garden serves as an integral function in 16 classes in the Horticulture Department and the Agriculture Technology Program. Students study and research plant species found in the garden, but they also receive experience with landscaping, plant propagation, and working with hardscape, the non-plant elements in a landscape such as decks, walls, and arbors.

Stephanie Huckestein (Horticulture, '98) became the head horticulturist for the garden last June. She brings with her experience gained as owner of a landscaping business. In addition to Scoggins and Huckestein, Alex Niemiera, associate professor of horticulture, serves as the curator of the woody plants collection.

"These resources expose students to the fundamentals of horticulture, and provide a hands-on acquisition of skills, problem solving, and an appreciation of the various aspects of ornamental horticulture and the role of community gardening," said Niemiera.

There is also an element of research found in the garden. It serves as a test site for the Landscape Species Evaluation Program for the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association. This includes possible use of seed species from China in the expansion area, as well as hybridization of these species with native species. This hybridization will yield landscape species with traits such as disease resistance and aesthetic characteristics.

The resources provided by the garden to horticulture students as well as other programs, such as entomology, serve as a living laboratory for hands-on education. This experience in education and enjoyment is also a tool for community members and primary and secondary school students.