The Mission of the Hahn Horticulture Garden

The mission of the Hahn Horticulture Garden is three-fold.

1. As part of the inclusive Virginia Tech community, the HHG provides experiential and service learning opportunities for students. It serves as a living laboratory for instructional faculty and staff to better serve the landscape, nursery, and public horticulture sectors
2. We strive to enrich and enlighten both youth and adults of our community and region with diverse educational programs.
3. We apply sustainable horticultural and environmental principles in the acquisition and dynamic display of plants from the world over.

All leaves, branches, and other plant debris are chopped and used as mulch or composted either onsite or at the Virginia Tech composting facility. We do not use insecticides or fungicides. Herbicides are used minimally.

Support for operations and maintenance:

The Garden is self-sufficient; funding comes from donations to the Friends of the Garden membership program, educational workshops and seminars, special events such as our annual Garden Gala, gifts of plants and supplies from the green industry, revenues from weddings held at the garden, income from the annual plant sale, and outright gifts. Brains and brawn for maintaining, upgrading, and developing garden areas and collections are provided by garden personnel as well as Horticulture students, faculty, and volunteers from the community. Learn more about supporting the garden.

New River Valley Master Gardeners have helped fulfill their volunteer hours helping maintain the garden since 1987; the garden hosts the state Master Gardener College finale picnic complete with a plant sale for attendees. Many of our staff participate in Master Gardener training courses. Many Master Gardeners in turn are members of the Friends of the Garden.