The Gardens flourish
Rachel Carlson
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: News
In 2003, the Gardens staff began to create a new master plan for the arboretum in order to expand it. The site then became a Missouri Botanical signature garden. In order to be considered a signature garden, Conley said the area must show improving horticultural display and student and community involvement.
Conley said he was hired in 2005 and is the first full-time director for The Gardens. As director of The Gardens, Conley's prime responsibility is to implement the master plan through organizing volunteer and fundraising programs and raising grants.
The Gardens are currently made up of not only gardens of flowers and trees, but also sculptures. The wind forest garden displays kinetic sculptures that move and spin with the wind.
Other components already in place in The Gardens are the Myer Arboretum Plaza and The Gardens Center, which is the center of operation for staff and visitors. Conley said The Gardens Center, along with all the other structures and sites in The Gardens, was built through donated funds, materials and labor. The Gardens Center provides an area for classes, as well as special events such as weddings.
"It's allowed us to host a variety of events out there because we have a physical space," Conley said.
While the master plan was completed in 2007, Conley said The Gardens is continuously growing with the help of volunteers and donations.
"I've been very pleased with the participation across the board: students, faculty, community members," Conley said. "We've had a lot of people touch this property."
According to Conley, 750 volunteer hours were spent on The Gardens this spring, and time donations like these help the site plan and move forward.
Dunkierk said the increase in volunteers is helping more students become aware of the beauty and features of The Gardens as well as a better understanding of its location.
"I try to encourage students to come out and enjoy it," Dunkierk said. "If they enjoy nature they should definitely come out."
For more information on The Gardens go to www.siue.edu/gardens.
Conley said he was hired in 2005 and is the first full-time director for The Gardens. As director of The Gardens, Conley's prime responsibility is to implement the master plan through organizing volunteer and fundraising programs and raising grants.
The Gardens are currently made up of not only gardens of flowers and trees, but also sculptures. The wind forest garden displays kinetic sculptures that move and spin with the wind.
Other components already in place in The Gardens are the Myer Arboretum Plaza and The Gardens Center, which is the center of operation for staff and visitors. Conley said The Gardens Center, along with all the other structures and sites in The Gardens, was built through donated funds, materials and labor. The Gardens Center provides an area for classes, as well as special events such as weddings.
"It's allowed us to host a variety of events out there because we have a physical space," Conley said.
While the master plan was completed in 2007, Conley said The Gardens is continuously growing with the help of volunteers and donations.
"I've been very pleased with the participation across the board: students, faculty, community members," Conley said. "We've had a lot of people touch this property."
According to Conley, 750 volunteer hours were spent on The Gardens this spring, and time donations like these help the site plan and move forward.
Dunkierk said the increase in volunteers is helping more students become aware of the beauty and features of The Gardens as well as a better understanding of its location.
"I try to encourage students to come out and enjoy it," Dunkierk said. "If they enjoy nature they should definitely come out."
For more information on The Gardens go to www.siue.edu/gardens.
Be the first to comment on this story