University Garden Stakeholders: Student, Industry, and Community Connections

University gardens have a rather unique set of stakeholders, both internal and external, as compared to non-academic public gardens. Garden directors, staff, and college- and university-level development personnel can promote and enhance these stakeholder relationships; in the case of the Hahn Horticulture Garden, a six acre teaching and display garden, Horticulture undergraduates spend a significant amount of time learning in as well as assisting with the garden. These students potentially become active alumni with continuing interests in the garden. Landscape and nursery industry professionals, many of whom are graduates, parents of graduates, or employ graduates from the program, are in a position to assist with in-kind donations of plant material, equipment, and expertise. Community stakeholders exist on two levels: The campus community is comprised of faculty, staff, and students who come to the garden to relax and reflect. The greater civic or regional community views the garden and staff as a source of creative inspiration, expertise, and education. Both the campus and civic community value the garden and in turn contribute by volunteering their time as well as attendance to gardening workshops, seminars, and special events. The commitment or "buy-in" of all these stakeholder groups is essential to the efforts and success of the garden.