Gardens within the Hahn Horticulture Garden

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is the sum of several smaller gardens and features, spread over nearly six acres. Many of the hardscape features, such as pergolas, arbors, walls, and bridges, have been constructed by students in hands-on Landscape Construction classes. Students, volunteers and garden staff have created and planted the display beds. Scroll down for a sampling of our main features - many more await discovery on your next visit!

The garden features hundreds of species of woody and herbaceous plants from around the world, showcased in various features: a shade garden, “hot” perennial border, spectrum mixed border, xeriphytic garden, two water features including the Jane Andrews Memorial Stream Garden, meadow garden, the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion (special event facility and staff offices) and the new Garden Marquee open-air event space.

Meadow Garden in the Fall featuring brown grasses and plants

Hahn Meadow Garden

Dedicated in June 2008, the Hahn Meadow Garden is our newest garden feature, situated between Duck Pond Drive and the Garden Pavilion, and includes the Hahn Amphitheater and Peggy's Meadow. The amphitheater is constructed of Hokie Stone and provides hillside outdoor seating for up to 75 people. The meadow property covers two- thirds of an acre and features native perennials, grasses, trees, and shrubs planted in the sweeping "New American Garden" style. A "swale"dry stream was completed in 2013.

benches sitting on the edge of a pond surrounded by plants.

The Jane Andrews Memorial Stream Garden

The Jane Andrews Memorial Stream Garden is an extraordinary 200' long water garden, built in 2002 under the guidance of Dr. Robert Wright of the Department of Horticulture. A Hokie Stone bridge provides a view of the 10' water fall and pool below. The stream widens to a large pond with an overlooking deck. Goldfish and large koi swim among more than twenty species of emergent (bog) and aquatic plants.

a sidewalk with trees on either side, forming a shaded space

Trident Maple Allee

Ten trident maples (Acer buergeranum) form the Trident Maple Allee - a towering arch of branches that welcomes visitors to our shade gardens. The trees were mere 6' tall whips when planted by Robert Lyons and students back in the early days of the garden. Here also resides our "garden sprite" - a sandstone rendition of Frank Lloyd Wright's "Maid in the Mud", donated by Warren and Margie Kark. Paved and grass paths wind through mature shade gardens taking our visitors past hundreds of trees, shrubs, and perennials from all over the world. Benches throughout create an inviting place to linger, eat lunch, or read a book, all within earshot of a small, burbling water garden.