Penn State officially broke ground Friday (Nov. 2) for Phase I of the H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens -- a long-anticipated step in making The Arboretum at Penn State a reality. Made possible by a $10 million gift from Penn State class of 1948 alumnus and State College resident Charles "Skip" Smith, the botanic gardens are named in honor of his late father, a State College contractor and real estate developer and a 1920 graduate of the University.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

Spading up those ceremonial first shovelsful of dirt are, from left: Robert Steele, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences; Kim Steiner, Arboretum director; Penn State President Graham B. Spanier; Charles H. "Skip" Smith, donor; and Jim Broadhurst, chairman of the Penn State Board of Trustees. Phase I of the H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens will contain several key attractions, including an overlook pavilion and conservatory terrace to allow visitors to view the surrounding arboretum as it is developed, an event lawn, rose and fragrance garden, and horticultural demonstration gardens designed to benefit homeowners and industry.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

A number of Pennn State Horticultural Club members also took part in the ceremony. As symbolic members of the future generations, it is their responsibility to nurture the gardens.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007

Jim Broadhurst, right, chairman of the Penn State Board of Trustees, and Penn State President Graham B. Spanier, center, express their thanks to Charles "Skip" Smith, who gave the gift that makes the Arboretum possible. The gardens will be located on the Mitchell tract, a 56-acre parcel of land along Park Avenue, and will serve as the front door to the larger Arboretum. Construction is now under way, with completion of the first phase scheduled for spring 2009.

Photo Credit: Greg Grieco

Year Taken: 2007