The newly named Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech will blossom even more at its newest social fund-raising event, a Garden Gala from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at the garden on Washington Street. The event is to raise funds to support garden operations and expansion.

"Guests are asked to come in 'garden party attire,' for a festive evening. You’ll enjoy good company, music, hors d'oeuvres and drinks, as you stroll through the garden,” said Peggy Lee Hahn, honorary chair of the Gala. Hahn added that if it rains, perhaps rubber boots would be appropriate.

"The garden will be specially decorated for the event, further enhancing what is already the peak bloom time for many of our perennials," said Holly Scoggins, assistant professor of horticulture at Virginia Tech and director of the Hahn Horticulture Garden.

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is used by students in the horticulture and landscape architecture undergraduate programs as well as many educational and outreach programs. The garden has hosted groups from throughout the world who come to learn from as well as enjoy the different features of gardening on display there.

The garden and garden staff have been a source of training for gardeners of all skill levels from “dabblers” to Master Gardeners. Master Gardeners are those who enjoy horticulture and want to improve their communities through volunteer service.

The fund-raising will include a silent auction that features an array of plants, art, and garden goodies in addition to the sale of tickets to the Gala. Proceeds from the Gala will go toward day-to-day operations and will help with expansion construction. The garden is self-sustaining, raising all funds used for student workers, maintenance, plant acquisition, and new garden features. Construction of the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion, an educational and special events facility, will begin this summer. This feature is funded through a generous bequest from Hahn.

Cost to attend is $45 per person or $80 for two. Request tickets by calling the garden at (540) 231-5970 or e-mail vtgarden@vt.edu. A ticket request form also is available at the garden's website: http://www.hort.vt.edu/vthg/.

Share this story