Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 31, 1995 TAG: 9507310101
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAURICE A. WILLIAMS III STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"We wanted to do more for the schoolchildren, to make it more enjoyable and educational," said J. Lee Hipp, the college's head of horticulture technology. He said the idea for the garden arose last winter to create an added attraction for schoolchildren who visit the arboretum as a field trip.
Hipp said construction of the garden should begin in the fall, when the weather is more favorable and more funding is available. So far, supporters have raised half of the $18,000 needed to finish the garden, with funding coming from federal grants, local governments and private donations.
"We've had real valleywide support," Hipp said. Although the arboretum, which opened in 1993, is located on the college campus, Hipp said it isn't for students only.
"It's open to everybody in the community," Hipp said. "It's open every day, sunup to sundown, free of charge."
He said the public is gradually realizing it can visit the 2-acre garden, which features 500 plant species.
"I think it's a good place for people to use to get out and relax. It's a real peaceful setting," Hipp said.
The college also has plans for those interested in horticulture and the environment. The Natural Science Center also is under way and is scheduled to be completed in May 1996.
The 2,000-square-foot building will have a resource center as well as a storage area and place for planting. It also will house a library with information on computer software.
Hipp wants Roanoke Valley residents involved in the center and its events just as they are with the arboretum.
"We're planning it for community use. We'd like it to be a center for environmental concern with community development in mind as well," Hipp said. "We envision it being a place where we can look at it from both sides."
Without aid from the state, the center has raised $50,000 of its projected $190,000 cost. The Bierne Carter Foundation led the fund raising with a $15,000 gift.
Although additions to the arboretum are designed to encourage public use, students in the horticulture program also benefit.
"They learn through the arboretum," Hipp said. "That was one of our primary reasons in building the arboretum. It's an excellent laboratory for them."
Susan Barton, a graduate of the horticulture program, agrees. She said the arboretum is ideal for someone planning a career in horticulture.
"If they're interested in working outdoors, that's a good place for them to be," said Barton, who has worked at the arboretum since 1988. "They can do a co-op and that takes them into a business they're interested in."
Students in the horticultural department have worked on campus landscaping and started work on the Children's Garden by moving conifer trees.
Individuals can join Friends of the Community Arboretum. Membership benefits include a newsletter, lectures, workshops and advanced plant sales.
Visitors to the arboretum may request a guided tour, Hipp said. Garden centers carry most of the plants found at the arboretum.
For those interested in learning more on horticulture as a hobby, Barton said, the college offers a pass-fail course for home gardeners.
"It's more hands-on than lecture," Barton said.
by CNB