UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 5
October 3, 1996
New entrance under way for Botanic Gardens

     The University's Botanic Gardens, in front of Townsend Hall,
are currently being enhanced and enlarged by the creation of a
new entrance garden, according to James Swasey, Longwood Graduate
Program, who chairs the Botanic Garden Operations Committee.
     "The entrance garden will feature a large terrace, built
near the south side of Townsend Hall, that can used for different
functions at the college and for outdoor classes. A center of
attraction will be a gazebo, built by students in a landscape
construction class a few years ago. The entrance garden will be a
launching point from which to visit and view the rest of the
gardens," Swasey said.
     The entrance garden was designed by Gary Smith, plant and
soil sciences, and honors Charles Dunham, professor emeritus of
plant and soil sciences, who has been involved in developing the
Botanic Gardens over the years.
     The project has received donations from gardening circles
throughout the state. Most recently, Swasey was presented with a
check for $2,000 from the Wilmington Federation of Garden Clubs
at its meeting and flower show at Clayton Hall on Sept. 18.
     Friends and former students of Dunham also have contributed
to the entrance garden.
     A volunteer organization, Friends of the UD Botanic Gardens,
pledged some of the proceeds of its annual plant sale to the
terrace project. Paul Foreman of Interlock Paving Co. contributed
labor, and Chris Ross of Oldcastle Architectural Products Group
of Balcon donated paving materials. Famed throughout the area for
their beauty and collection of unusual and native trees, shrubs,
plants and flowers, the gardens serve as an official test site
for the American Holly Society and also are recognized for their
extensive assortment of magnolias and viburnums.
     The gardens include a herbaceous/perennial garden, a native
meadow garden and the Clark garden, a gift of Emily Clark
Diffenback, a former president of the Delaware Federation of
Garden Clubs.
     For further information about the project or to make a
donation, call Swasey at 831-2517.