Friday is the grand opening of the first phase of Texas A&M’s multi million dollar nature area on the west campus.
Program Manager Julie Wilson at A&M’s college of agriculture and life sciences, speaking on WTAW’s The Infomaniacs says the first phase of “The Gardens” is a seven acre plot of different gardens that can be recreated at home.
Examples in the first phase are a vineyard, a German and Czech heritage section, a rose garden, and a herb garden.
In addition to what Wilson calls vignettes, the development has event spaces that includes a pavilion and a Mexican heritage garden that can host small weddings.
Wilson says the idea originated with the retired dean of the agriculture college, Dr. Mark Hussey, and has involved all the AgriLife divisions.
When completed, the development will cover 40 acres along White Creek.
“The Gardens” is located behind the AgriLife Center at the intersection of John Kimbrough and Penberthy, across from Reed Arena.
Friday’s ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony starts at 9:30 a.m. Parking for Friday’s event is available at Reed Arena.
There is no admission charge, and it is open to the public daily between dawn and dusk.
Click HERE to be directed to The Gardens website.
Listen to “Phase One of Texas A&M's "The Gardens" outdoor area opens Friday” on Spreaker.
Additional information from Texas A&M AgriLife Communications:
The Leach Teaching Gardens at Texas A&M University, a multi-million-dollar centerpiece on west campus in College Station, will debut with a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. June 15.
Phase I, The Leach Teaching Garden, is named for donors Tim and Amy Leach of Midland.
A rose garden is one of the many features of the new Leach Teaching Gardens at Texas A&M University, a multi-million-dollar centerpiece on west campus in College Station.
“Amy and I knew that the Gardens at Texas A&M would be a transformational project the first time Doug Welsh, professor and AgriLife Extension horticulturist emeritus, described it to us,” said Tim Leach. “We are delighted to support The Gardens project and believe it sets the standard for green space across campus.”
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp said, “Thanks to the generous gift from Amy and Tim Leach, the true beauty of Texas A&M is showcased in the magnificent collection of flowers, vegetables and gardens available for everyone throughout Aggieland, Texas and nationally to experience.”
The Gardens include a variety of themed spaces for teaching, research and community involvement and enjoyment. The 40-acre complex includes a pavilion and thematic installations such as a rain garden, food and fiber field, vegetable beds, Earth-Kind planting and more.
“The Gardens at Texas A&M is truly a unique experience,” said Dr. Patrick Stover, vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M. “This living classroom is educational, inspirational and recreational for all individuals to appreciate and enjoy.”
“What a welcoming and comfortable place for Aggies and local community members to come and enjoy the beauty of nature,” said Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young.
“Apropos of our land-grant history, this wonderful project will not only enhance green space on our campus, it will provide educational and research opportunities about food production, landscape management and the environment for our faculty, students and the public for generations to come.”
At least 25 years ago, the Texas A&M University System’s board of regents designated the area along White Creek a greenbelt, meaning that no permanent construction could be built there. When the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service relocated to the land south of White Creek, the concept of an extended garden began to take shape.
Faculty and students from other colleges and a group of landscape architect graduate students in the College of Architecture devised the larger plan for 27 acres, which was then overseen by Welsh, also a former horticulture department associate head.
The Gardens features a Mexican Heritage Garden, with native plants found in Mexico and a hand-carved stone fountain; the Leach Vineyard with a comprehensive viticulture exhibit; a pavilion for indoor classroom educational activities; and the Food and Fiber Fields quadrant, featuring a center-pivot irrigation system.