February Update

February has proven to be one of the wettest on record but at least the temperatures have moderated.  We have on site 1000 emerald green arborvitae seedlings for the maze garden and some additional trees and shrubs for planting.

Our tribute store now allows one to view the available tree list complete with pictures and description. As these trees are donated they will be removed from the list.  We have also added a list of the preferred trees that will be planted in the garden (linked here) to the menu on the right.  This list may change over time.

Our planting schedule will be posted as soon as the weather permits for anyone wishing to help. Volunteers who have contacted us will be notified personally.  Those interested in volunteering can contact us by email. We want to say thank you to those who have donated in the past few weeks and to those who will be donating in the coming days.  Now is a very critical time to have funding to ensure the garden stays on schedule.

We will have a ground breaking ceremony on April 17th.  Our thanks to the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for organizing this event.  Additional details will be posted in our March update.

The photo below is of our temporary sign which will be placed near the main driveway in the next week, weather permitting.

January Update

The extreme cold for the past few weeks has prevented outdoor work in the garden but time was well spent determining permanent plantings for some of the formal gardens.  Many have asked what our plans are for installing plants this year.  Permanent plantings (i.e., trees, shrubs, vines ) will be our main focus.  These will be in the garden long term and serve as a foundation for seasonal plants.

Three items have been placed in our Tribute Store for anyone wishing to donate one or more for the garden.  Donor’s who elect to purchase a tree for $100 will have a marker placed beneath the tree with their name or their designee.  Shrubs and vines may also be purchased for the garden from the store. We will be adding more items to the tribute store as we identify their need in the garden.

Approximately 1000 shrubs for creating the maze will be arriving very soon.  Due to the large quantity and to control cost we are planting seedlings but their growth is moderately fast.  Also, we will be planting trees in the west portion of the garden which is dedicated for native plants in our area.  We welcome volunteers to come and be a part of this project in the Spring.

We have marked the preliminary location of the west path as shown in the photo below.  The path is 1700 feet in length (0.3 miles).   

West path as seen from 400’

 

December Update

The last few weeks have been one of preparing for a major news media release for late December and early January.  We will have media coverage through newspaper and radio.   Also, our first garden brochure will be widely distributed.  The content of the brochure includes the garden’s organizational structure, contact information, master plan, garden features and opportunities to support. We wanted to provide a drone’s eye view of the garden’s development to date.  The photo was taken from a height of 400 feet and shows the 4 acre site.  An outline of the maze (center of garden) can be recognized by shrub markers.  Some trails can be seen leading from the maze to other areas of the garden.  Not as easily distinguished are 375 holly shrubs surrounding the garden perimeter and 12 red maple trees.

12/14/17

   

First Tree Planted in the Garden

Today is November 3rd and we have a very balmy 77 degrees in Leoma, Tennessee.  Our first tree, an “ autumn blaze” red maple was planted near the parking area as shown below.  Additional maple trees of this same variety will be planted in the next few days as these trees are fast growers and provide exceptional fall foliage.  Also, we have now completed the layout of the primary trails for the entire west section of the garden. This allows us to move forward with developing a selection of common and uncommon native trees and shrubs designated for planting in this area. The winter months are quickly approaching and much of our work during this time will be installing key areas of the infrastructure and building scale models of the speciality garden areas.  Our continuing progress will be posted regularly so check in often for the latest updates.

Autumn Blaze Red Maple

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October Milestone

Public gardens come to life in many ways.  Some are fortunate enough to receive endowments, others  receive gifts of property, buildings and other assets, and still others are recepients of philanthropic gifts.  These have not been the route for Hope Botanical Garden.  We are a public garden that will be dependent upon the gifts of monies and materials from the residents and businesses of our communities.

We have spent the last several months working diligently to acquire an organizational structure that would not only ensure the garden’s  permanence for generations to come, but also provide our supporter’s with a tax deductible investment that will be beneficial for all.

We are pleased to announce that we have been granted 501(c)(3) tax status by the IRS.  As a charitable, non profit organization, all donations are tax deductible.  We are looking forward to growing the garden together and we invite individuals and businesses alike to partner with us and share in this journey of providing a first class garden space for all to enjoy.

We have provided on this web page an easy way to support the garden.  Simply click on the donate button and follow the steps to help us get started turning a vision into a reality.

September Progress

We recently completed the driveway culvert installations and threshold connections for the maintenance base and the main parking lot.  The garden design team will be meeting in a couple of weeks to determine the locations for some large “autumn blaze” maple trees that will be planted near the end of October.  We are excited as this will mark the beginning of many more trees both native and exotic arriving at the garden in early spring.

Summer Update

Progress is being made at the garden site. This is literally a garden being built from the ground up. We started a few months ago with a vacant 4 acre site and have to date installed a perimeter hedge with irrigation system, marked trails surrounding the future site of a one acre maze garden, and most recently installed two street connections to access the garden. As the fall season approaches, tree and shrub planting will begin. We will continue to provide updates and include photos as the garden grows.