USU Extension Botanical Gardens Receives Grant

The Utah State University Extension Ogden Botanical Garden (1750 Monroe Blvd., Ogden, Utah) is the recipient of a $5,000 donation from the Kiwanis Club of Ogden for the development of a new water-wise garden.

The service club donates to projects and organizations for the purpose of improving the community, according to Ogden Kiwanis Club President Richard Minnich.

 

“We wanted to support a program that is both educational and inspirational, and the Ogden Botanical Garden fits those goals,” he said. “A water-wise garden will offer help to the community. Our club frequently works with high school students, and these students will have the opportunity to participate in establishing the gardens.”

 

The garden will be filled with perennials and a few shrubs that will demonstrate to the public how attractive a water-wise landscape can be, said Jerry Goodspeed, USU Extension horticulturist and Ogden Botanical Gardens director. It will be one of the few water-wise demonstration gardens in northern Utah.

 

The garden will be designed by Susie Jones, Ogden Botanical Gardens lead gardener, and Dorinda Jones, garden manager. Goodspeed said both are experienced designers and are excited to be part of the project.

 

“This water-wise garden will add a new dimension to the Ogden Botanical Gardens and will help us fulfill our responsibility to educate and assist the residents of Utah,” said Goodspeed. “The garden will show just how beautiful a water-wise perennial garden can be. We will have numerous plants to help visitors see firsthand what can look good in their own landscapes.”

 

A ribbon cutting and open house for the new garden will be Friday, June 13, at noon. There will also be an “open garden” where visitors can browse through all the gardens at the center.

 

 

 

Writer: Julene Reese, 435-797-0810
Contact: Jerry Goodspeed, 801-399-8200