TJC breaks ground on Gatewood Garden

Tyler Junior College held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the James F. and Virginia Hawkins Gatewood Garden project on Friday behind Jenkins Hall on the TJC main campus.

The garden is part of the privately funded TJC Botanical Gardens project, which includes the development of seven educational gardens across the interior area of TJC's main campus.

Projected cost for the entire project is estimated at $3.8 million.

Mrs. Gatewood was present for the groundbreaking.

During his life, James Gatewood generously supported various educational initiatives at Tyler Junior College including its horticulture programs and its developing botanical gardens.

He was a Tyler resident, a retired land man, an active community volunteer and an advocate for education.

He believed that the community should help others help themselves and that education was the key to success.

The development of this garden in the Jenkins Hall courtyard area was underwritten by an anonymous contributor.

"We are deeply grateful to the contributor for this significant gift and truly appreciate the investment in the Tyler Junior College Botanical Gardens," said TJC President Dr. William R. Crowe.

This is the second garden project funded through private donations for the TJC Gardens.

The first project, expansion of the Brundrett Azalea Garden, was underwritten with gifts from area garden clubs and individual contributors and was officially dedicated in September.

The design for the Jenkins courtyard area will convert unused green space into a tranquil seating and study area for students and visitors.

Garden plantings will feature a variety of ground covers including six types of Asian jasmine and 17 varieties of liriope.

New planting beds will be highlighted with various perennials including blooming lilies and daffodils.

Pond Cypress trees will shade the area that will also feature new tables and chairs for student and visitor seating, a raised planter with sculpture and planters with seasonal color.

The entire garden will be surrounded by a hedge of azaleas and nandina. The project also includes a new irrigation system, lighting and plant labeling.

"This garden is a wonderful addition to the TJC Botanical Gardens and will help us provide horticulture educational opportunities to our students and community horticulture enthusiasts, as well as enhance student life on the TJC campus," said Mitch Andrews, TJC director of principal gifts.

The TJC Botanical Gardens project has been designed by nationally renowned landscape architect, Naud Burnett, whose firm is based in Dallas.

Burnett was chosen for the project because of his experience with educational garden development. He is a chief consultant for the Dallas Arboretum and designed its Trammell Crow Visitor Education Pavilion.

Construction of the Gatewood Garden will begin during TJC's winter break.