A marquee moment for the Hahn Horticulture Garden
Generous alumni and friends are helping Virginia Tech’s Hahn Horticulture Garden blossom into a premier destination for learning, celebration, and community connection.
A major milestone came last year with the opening of a 2,800-square-foot covered event space known as the garden marquee. Nestled beside the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion, the marquee accommodates up to 184 guests for weddings, tailgates, university gatherings, and more — all with sweeping views of the garden.
“The marquee has been a game-changer,” said Scott Douglas, director of the garden. “It not only fills a need for event space on campus, but it also generates revenue that helps sustain our daily operations and student learning opportunities.”
The marquee was made possible through private and institutional support. Leading donors included Mike Hildebrand ’74, owner of James River Nurseries, and his wife, Susie.
“I’ve watched the garden develop over the last 40 years,” Hildebrand said. “The marquee space will be a catalyst for getting more visitors to the garden. James River Nurseries’ – and my – success has been supported for many years through the horticulture program, so giving back has been a privilege.”
New projects take root
This fall, work began on a formal garden that will showcase strong architectural lines and clipped boxwood hedges. Sponsored by the Saunders family — alumni behind Saunders Brothers Inc. farm market and nursery in Piney River, Virginia — the project gives Agricultural Technology students a chance to apply their skills. As part of their hardscaping class, students are installing pavers and sidewalks, merging hands-on practice with service learning.
Another enhancement is a new digital app, sponsored by longtime Master Gardener and garden supporter Patricia Ceperley. The app will help visitors identify and learn about the garden’s plants, making the experience more interactive and educational.
“One of the main questions visitors ask is, ‘What is this plant?’” Ceperley said. “It's important to be able to answer that question so they can use the information to develop their own gardens.”
Open daily, the Hahn Garden is the largest public garden in western Virginia and a living laboratory for students and faculty in horticulture, landscaping, and environmental science. A planning study has outlined future enhancements, including a Zen garden, greenhouse, rain gardens, and a catering hut.
“Each of these new features reflects the garden’s mission as a space for teaching, inspiration, and community,” Douglas said. “It’s exciting to see these new spaces coming to life, especially as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the garden.”