Agricultural News
OSU Botanic Garden Grand Opening
Wed, 18 May 2011 13:40:18 CDT
One of the best kept secrets in Stillwater soon will be much easier to find. The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University will officially open the new entrance off of State Highway 51 west of town June 18. The grand opening will be held in conjunction with the 10th Annual GardenFest, slated 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This project has been several years in the making, said Dale Maronek, head of the department of horticulture and landscape architecture at Oklahoma State University.
"We developed a master plan for the garden in 2004 and we are now seeing that original plan, and much more, come to fruition," Maronek said. "This new entrance off the main road into Stillwater will provide a new gateway to our community. The garden truly is a shining example of the land grant mission of integrating research, Extension and teaching, and it serves as an educational and recreational resource to the community."
Established as an arboretum in 1935, The Botanic Garden at OSU is an oasis of thousands of species of herbaceous and woody plants set on about 100 acres. The garden is home to many different research plots that reflect ongoing research projects by OSU professors, as well as housing a world renowned turf program. It also is home to the studio garden of the popular television show Oklahoma Gardening that airs weekly on OETA.
There are many new elements in the garden that have been developed over the past several years. An Integrated Environmental Research and Education Site (IERES, pronounced iris) was developed to support The Botanic Garden's commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Maronek said the mission of IERES is to be one of the most comprehensive collections of environmentally sensitive and energy efficient practices in Oklahoma. The development for IERES required two years of comprehensive planning involving many different plant, landscape, engineering businesses, state and federal agencies and numerous cities/municipalities. Also, the OK Stream Team played a vital role in ther on-going planning process.
"In helping to promote the IERES initiative, the GREEN Cottage employs a variety of alternative energy and resource conservation techniques that are applicable to the home landscape, including passive solar heating, a renewable energy system that provides electrical power to the building, as well as rainwater collection and reuse," he said. "This facility serves as a prototype for area commercial and residential developers trying to gain a competitive edge in today's soaring energy market while playing an important role in landscape management, environmental planning and water reuse."
Another aspect of IERES is a trail system that encircles the garden area. It was built along an enhanced riparian corridor and will eventually connect to Stillwater's existing trail system, providing Oklahomans an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural landscape.
A pervious pavement and bioretention system at the entrance of The Botanic Garden allows storm water runoff to permeate through the pavement's surface, where it reaches an underlying stone reservoir for temporary storage. The stored water can be allowed to infiltrate into the subsoil or it can be released slowly at a lower surface elevation through the use of an underground drain system. The water also can be stored for use in the landscape. This project is a precursor to a comprehensive environmental road system planned for the garden.
"Pervious paving in an effective application for reducing flooding and can even treat storm water for certain pollutants," Maronek said.
Another wonderful addition to The Botanic Garden is the Sensory Garden. This garden is designed to excite the five senses and prove cathartic to not only visitors who have developmental and/or physical limitations, but to all other individuals ranging the entire human lifespan. There are plant materials to smell, touch, taste, see and hear, and all are planted in accessible beds that can be enjoyed by everyone. Ornamental and edible plants are featured.
The Water Conservation and Irrigation Training Center will help educate the public about conserving and using water and create a greater understanding of the need to conserve water for future generations.
"Our goal here is to develop an understanding of new irrigation technologies, as well as experience how the latest technologies are utilized to deliver and conserve water provided to plants growing in a variety of landscape applications," he said. "The Center will play a critical role in providing opportunities for students, industry professionals and the general public to learn more about irrigation practices and proper construction and installation methods."
The Botanic Garden Grand Opening/GardenFest will be a wonderful time for the public to come out and explore the many different garden areas. This year's keynote speaker is Tres Fromme, a landscape architect with the Dallas-based firm Studio Outside. He brings a vast knowledge of horticulture, garden precedents, aesthetics and design to his projects and is known for choreographing relationships among people, spaces, communities and plants.
Other activities that day include a children's gardening activity station, cooking/canning demonstrations, information booths and much more.
"We'll have many of our horticultural specialists on hand to provide information about the Oklahoma Proven Plant Promotion Program, the Cow Creek Restoration project, nursery research, cedar mulch studies, flower and vegetable gardening, plant trials and more," Maronek said. "We are so excited about this grand opening and encourage everyone to come see all of the new elements of The Botanic Garden at OSU. I guarantee you'll like what you see."
All events are free and open to the public, however, donations are appreciated. For more information, please contact Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404.
Click here for more information on the OSU Botanic Garden.
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