HGTV is Among Sponsors as the National Garden Breaks New Ground by Jake Lauer
Scripps Howard Foundation Wire
WASHINGTON--Hoping to create a place where visitors can find comfort and peace, a handful of the country's leading gardening enthusiasts did their best on October 17, 2001 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the National Garden at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.
"This is a time when we especially need peace and beauty in our lives," said Bob Hansen, the National Garden Executive Director. "We hope to create a place that will bring learning, beauty and a place for restful peace for millions." Hansen led the ceremony Wednesday, which honored five organizations, including HGTV, for their respective $1 million contributions to the project.
"The Garden personifies everything our organization stands for: growth, rejuvenation, and making a home for yourself and the people you care about," Lila Everett said following the ceremony. Everett is the senior vice-president of marketing for Scripps Networks. "What the Smithsonian is to history, this garden will be to home and living." Everett pledged HGTV's continuing support for the project.
The National Garden, which will stand on three acres of land directly adjacent to the United States Botanical Garden, is slated to open in spring 2004. With a focus on the national flower, the rose, the finished product will also accommodate hundreds of species native to the U.S. and will include exhibits and educational programs promoting preservation. The project will cost approximately $13 million.
Other major contributors present at Oct. 17 ceremony included: the Teresa & H. John Heinz III Foundation, Ames Lawn and Garden Tools, Lowe's Companies and the Scott's Company.
Although Congress does not fund the design and construction of the National Garden, Wednesday's speakers expressed gratitude to Congressional leaders for their backing. In a show of support, Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and his wife attended the ceremony.
And at noon, the two, along with the National Garden chairman Teresa Heinz, drove three bright new shovels into a pile of dirt, turned them over and officially broke ground for the Garden.
Resources The National Garden
The National Garden includes:
The Environmental Learning Center, an environmentally sensitive facility for learning and discovery in horticulture, botany, and the environmental sciences.
The Water Garden, dedicated to all American First Ladies and their contributions to our Nation.
The Rose Garden, a showcase of the best historical and current roses, our national flower.
The Showcase Garden, displaying the great diversity of American plants - flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs that flourish in this region.
Butterfly Garden, consisting of aromatic and colorful plants chosen for their attraction for many butterfly species.
A Lawn Terrace, designed for receptions and special events including picnic lunches.
The National Garden
United States Botanic Garden
245 First St., SW
Washington, DC 20024-3201
Phone: 202-226-4083
Fax: 202-225-7910
URL: www.nationalgarden.org
The National Garden Founding Sponsors
HGTV is proud to be one of the sponsors of The National Garden. Click here for details.
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