New honor for South Seattle College Arboretum: Ceremony tomorrow

A new distinction for the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Arboretum will be celebrated tomorrow, and you’re invited. SSC shared the photo above and this announcement:

On Saturday, October 11, the Coenosium Rock Garden feature at South Seattle College’s Arboretum will be inaugurated as an American Conifer Society (ACS) Reference Garden, with a dedication ceremony running from 1-3:30 p.m.

The celebration starts with welcome messages from Seattle Colleges Chancellor Dr. Jill Wakefield and Van Bobbitt, lead faculty member of South’s Landscape Horticulture program. To follow, special recognition will be given to individuals who helped make the Coenosium Rock Garden possible. The feature is known as one of the largest dwarf conifer collections in the United States. The inauguration will wrap up with remarks from David Olszyk, president of the ACS Western Region, followed by refreshments and tours of the Coenosium Rock Garden.

South’s 5-acre arboretum, established by the South Seattle College Foundation in 1978, functions as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for the college’s Landscape Horticulture students. Professional horticulturists, hobby gardeners and other college programs are often found exploring the free garden sanctuary as well.

6 Replies to "New honor for South Seattle College Arboretum: Ceremony tomorrow"

  • Chas Redmond October 10, 2014 (12:42 pm)

    For folks who have never visited this garden, it’s right on 16th Avenue SW right at the north entrance to South Seattle College – it is a noteworthy collection of dwarf and alpine conifers and is a great walk for anyone in that area. Chinese Garden abuts the conifer garden to the east.

  • enid October 10, 2014 (3:06 pm)

    I hope that Margaret, the gardener who has cared for the Coenosium for many years, is honored as well. She does an awesome job, yet few even know that such a person exists.

    • WSB October 10, 2014 (3:19 pm)

      Enid – there was a media-advisory type footnote in the e-mail from SSC, with schedule specifics for tomorrow. It mentions Margaret Shroeter as one of the people to be commended for their dedication to the gardener. Hope that’s who you’re referring to!

  • Enid October 10, 2014 (6:55 pm)

    Thanks, WSB! Yes, that’s her. I’m so glad she’s being recognized.

  • Pibal October 11, 2014 (4:23 pm)

    The Coenosium Rock Garden was a donation to the college by Bob and Dianne Fincham of Eatonville.

    This garden was also designated as one of 16 international Gardens for Peace in 2010.

    See these links for more information:

    http://www.westseattleherald.com/2010/11/01/news/peace-garden-sscc-campus-gets-international-desig

    http://www.southseattle.edu/arboretum/

    The South Seattle College Arboretum is one of West Seattle’s true jewels…

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