Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Discussion, collaboration and enlightenment were part of the founding vision of the Academical Village, UVA’s original Grounds, to cultivate an environment in which students and faculty could live and learn from one another. Now, as the School elevates its learning spaces to new levels to rival peer business schools, Darden is taking the lead to ensure those ideals are exemplified on North Grounds.
A five-acre arboretum will serve as the centerpiece of a green space designed to create outdoor collaboration and study areas for the Darden and UVA community. This new space will provide contemplative spaces to:
- Increase health and wellness
- Provide outdoor meeting spaces
- Dramatically improve the experience of our guests
- Increase opportunities for lifelong learning
Creating Connections That Enhance the Darden Experience
Connecting the School, UVA School of Law, and the new inn and conference center, the arboretum and adjoining botanical gardens will reflect the global nature of the Darden School. Plants, shrubs and trees will be sourced from various parts of the world. Through signs providing information about the plant life and its origins, the gardens will provide additional educational opportunities about nature and sustainability and enhance global understanding. The gardens will advance the founding vision for the living learning community of UVA Grounds, as early plans for the University included a botanical garden near the historic Lawn that was never realized.
Once complete, the arboretum will serve to inspire within an unparalleled space that enhances the overall educational experience for students, faculty, alumni, guests and the entire community.
“ The renewal of these spaces will catapult the experience we offer to the next level and truly make Darden an oasis for lifelong learning like no other. ”
| Arboretum and Botanical Gardens |
|
|---|---|
| Featured Spaces | |
| Arboretum – RESERVED | |
| Botanical Gardens | $5 million |
| Aquatic Oases | |
| Pond | $1.5 million |
| Belvedere Fountain and Waterfall – RESERVED | |
| Restored Stream | $500,000 |
| Communal Spaces | |
| Conference Event Lawn | $1 million |
| Belvedere Terrace – RESERVED | |
| Outdoor Classroom Amphitheater – RESERVED | |
| Witch Hazel Council Ring | $250,000 |
| Arrival Points | |
| Smith Alumni Gateway | $1 million |
| Arrival Gardens, Allées and Upper Grounds Entrances | $750,000 |
| Duffy Gateway and Promenade | $500,000 |
| Law School Entrance Esplanade | $500,000 |
| Nash Law Gateway | $250,000 |
| Benches (50) – 5 RESERVED | $10,000 each |
| Bricks at Key Gathering Points (500) | $5,000 each |
| Varietal Thematic Gardens | |
| Japanese Garden – RESERVED | |
| Chinese Garden – RESERVED | |
| International Edibles Garden | $250,000 |
| International Garden | $250,000 |
| L'Orangerie Garden | $250,000 |
| Magnolia Garden | $250,000 |
| Prehistoric Plants Garden | $250,000 |
| Riparian Garden | $250,000 |
| Spicebush Bramble | $250,000 |
| Thomas Jefferson Garden – RESERVED | |
| Viburnum Garden | $250,000 |
| Wetland Garden | $250,000 |
| Walks and Trails | |
| Bridge Canopy Walk – RESERVED | |
| Lower Arboretum Trails | $500,000 |
| Upper Arboretum Trails | $250,000 |
| Lower Foot Bridge | $250,000 |
| Upper Foot Bridge – RESERVED | |
| Spring Ephemeral Walk | $150,000 |
| Woodlands and Clearings | |
| Azalea, Kalmia and Rhododendron Knoll | $250,000 |
| Fern Glade | $250,000 |
| Sassafras Hill | $250,000 |
| Pinetum and Redbud Glen | $250,000 |
| Beech Grove | $150,000 |
| Tulip Poplar Thicket | $150,000 |
*All naming and naming levels subject to UVA approval
For more information on the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, please contact Interim Vice President for Advancement Samantha Hartog at HartogS@darden.virginia.edu or +1-434-982-2151.
Be a part of Darden’s fulcrum moment.