Mission
The UD Botanic Gardens contributes to an understanding of the changing relationships between plants and people through education, extension, research, and community support.
Serving as a research center and classroom for studies in plant biology, botany, and landscape design, the Botanic Gardens are a living laboratory for experiential learning. The gardens feature a vibrant living plant collection with more than 3,000 taxa, promoting an understanding and appreciation of plants in the environment.
History
At-a-Glance
1950’s – Initial plantings are installed around Agriculture Hall (now Townsend Hall).
1973 – Emily B. Clark Garden is established.
1992 – The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens is recognized as the formal name; Herbaceous Garden added.
1990’s – Worrilow Hall Garden is created.
2000’s – Lepidoptera Trail and Wetland Garden introduced.
Present – UDBG spans 15 acres with ten garden areas supporting various facets of education and research.
“Digging” deeper
The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens (UDBG) began in the late 1950s with the planting of specimen trees and shrubs around “Agriculture Hall,” now Townsend Hall, the primary building for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Originally established as a supportive resource for teaching horticultural science, the gardens have evolved into a valued asset for the public, green industry professionals, and campus life.
UDBG serves as a living laboratory where students in horticulture, plant science, entomology, and landscape design can gain hands-on experience in areas such as our herbaceous trials and extensive woody plant collections. Experiential learning has been a core tenet since the gardens’ establishment, providing opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge and develop skills adjacent to their program of study.
The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens name was officially adopted in 1992 following the addition of the Herbaceous Garden. A dedicated volunteer base later formalized to found the UDBG Friends, a group that evolved into the garden’s current membership program which continues to support and advocate for the garden.
Independent installations have shaped UDBG’s collections into a dynamic outdoor laboratory. A 1996 donation from Emily Clark Diffenback established the Emily B. Clark Garden in front of Townsend Hall, which houses primarily conifers and holly trees and contains some of the gardens’ oldest specimens. Later additions include the Lepidoptera Trail, and the Wetland area (2000s). Through its history, many experts and faculty have significantly contributed to the advancement of the collections including Dr. Richard Lighty, Dr. Charles Dunham, Mr. William H. Frederick, Jr., and Dr. John Frett.
Today, UDBG spans 15 acres surrounding the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Support from plant sales and donors enable UDBG to employ summer interns and host students from area high schools, nurturing the next generation of horticulturists.
With over 50 years of history, UDBG continues to inspire appreciation for horticulture and serves as a vibrant resource for education and engagement across various communities.