The Arboretum at Penn State hosted an open house in Phase I of the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens on June 19 for Penn State faculty and staff who have been supportive of the Arboretum in various ways since the 1970s. The invitees included Penn State employees and retirees who have served on Arboretum committees during the planning and design stages, donated through payroll deduction, done volunteer work, or contributed ideas and expertise to further the Arboretum.

"Without the gifts in kind, moral support, and individual efforts of many individuals in the Penn State community, we would not have reached this stage in the Arboretum's development," said Kim Steiner, director of the Arboretum. "Although much of the planting and some minor construction details have yet to be finished, we thought that a 'sneak preview' of the gardens would be an appropriate gesture of appreciation for those at University Park who have helped so much along the way."

Encompassing 33 acres with approximately five acres of gardens, Phase I contains 17,000 plants representing 700 species and cultivars. An esplanade flanked by annuals and perennials, a rose and fragrance garden, lotus pool, fountain and overlook pavilion are expected to be major attractions in this phase. In addition to restrooms, an office and parking lot, facilities include an event lawn and terrace featuring subtropical plants.

For photos from the open house, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/2088 online.

This story appeared on Penn State Live on June 22, 2009.