The Utah State University Botanical Center continues to manage specialized horticultural sites designed for regional plant research and public education, including the William A. Varga Arboretum and the H. Paul and Mary Jane Rasmussen Teaching Garden.
Varga Arboretum Legacy
The William A. Varga Arboretum serves as a showcase for various trees and shrubs specifically selected for their ability to thrive within Utah’s arid, mountain valley environments. The arboretum is described by the Utah State University Botanical Center as a growing, living legacy.
The site honors the work of William A. Varga, who served as the first director of the Utah State University Botanical Center and was a long-time educator in horticulture for the university.
Rasmussen Teaching Garden Features
Adjacent to the Utah State University Botanical Center Greenhouse, the H. Paul and Mary Jane Rasmussen Teaching Garden provides a critical field site for academic study. The garden is used extensively by more than 150 students enrolled in the university's off-campus horticulture program.
The garden's design features a series of planting islands that are intended to be visually striking from multiple angles and provide seasonal changes throughout the year.
Research and Botanical Collections
The Rasmussen Teaching Garden was established to honor the long-time support provided by Doctor Rasmussen and the late Mrs. Rasmussen toward the mission of the Utah State University Botanical Center. This mission focuses on conducting scientific research and demonstrating the wise use of both plant and water resources.
In addition to its educational role, the garden serves as a repository for specific botanical collections. It showcases the center's collection of iris and daylilies, which represent the annual award winners from Dyke dating back to 1947.
Artistic Contributions
The garden's landscape includes permanent artistic elements funded by private supporters. A water feature, designed by garden sculpture artist Allison Armour, was added to the site during the summer of 2008.
This specific piece of garden art was provided as a gift from Dan and Claudette Eastman, who are noted supporters of the Utah State University Botanical Center.
Future Expansion and Access
The botanical sites remain active through ongoing community and institutional engagement. The Utah State University Botanical Center provides opportunities for the public to explore these gardens, while also soliciting donations to help expand the reach of the arboretum.
