Greenhouse Takes Root — Ground Broken at Botanic Garden for Complex Honoring Hardins’ Contribution

By Christine Arpe Gang gang@commercialappealcom

The Memphis Botanic Garden broke ground on its new Greenhouse Complex in a ceremony Tuesday honoring Jabie and Helen Hardin, major contributors to the project.

” Their contributions for the greenhouse will allow us to increase our horticultural and educational programs,” said Jim Duncan, executive director. “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

The Greenhouse Complex, which will cost from $350,000 to $450,000, is the first of three projects to be built from funds raised in an ongoing $2.2 million capital campaign.

The Hardins gave $200,000 as a catalyst for the drive and have pledged to match funds raised up to $1 million. So far, the Memphis Botanic Garden Foundation has raised 65 percent of the $2.2 million goal, including the matching funds.

Since Duncan took the helm a little more than a year ago, the botanic garden has paid off $400,000 in debt and started planning new projects, including a children’s garden and a glass conservatory for displaying tropical plants.

The 6,000-square-foot Greenhouse Complex will have three connected greenhouses, 26-by-46 feet each, with arched Gothic-style roof lines. Another greenhouse structure, 75 feet wide and 30 feet deep, will be built perpendicular to the others.

The complex, scheduled for completion in February, will include:

A hydroponic system used for horticultural education, plant production and research.

A horticulture therapy workspace with potting tables accessible to wheelchairs.

A space where orchids can be grown and shown.

Space for growing plants and creating floral designs for various functions at the garden.

– Christine Arpe Gang: 529-2368