University to host fourth annual Garden Gala on June 14

The fourth annual Hahn Horticulture Garden Gala – "Blue Ridge Blooms" – will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the garden on Washington Street on the Virginia Tech campus.

The theme this year is “Blue Ridge Blooms” and the garden will be specially decorated for the gala, further enhancing what is already a beautiful location. Guests are asked to come in elegant casual attire for a festive evening.

Attendees will enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and live music by the Celtibillies. The Roanoke-based ensemble, with Celtic and Appalachian influences, was selected to represent the best of music from Appalachia at the 37th Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The evening will also feature the dedication of the Hahn Meadow Garden, which includes Peggy’s Meadow and the new amphitheater.

In addition to ticket sales, the fundraising effort includes silent and live auctions, featuring an array of unusual plants, art, and gardening goodies.

“This is our most important fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the gala are used for day-to-day operations, internships, and garden expansion and renovation,” said Holly Scoggins, associate professor of horticulture at Virginia Tech and director of the Hahn Horticulture Garden. “The garden is self-sustaining, raising all funds used for student workers, maintenance, plant acquisition, and new garden features.”

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is critical to the education of students in the horticulture and landscape architecture undergraduate programs as well as many other educational and outreach programs. “The garden and [the] garden staff are a wonderful community resource as well, educating gardeners of all skill levels and providing a lovely sanctuary on the Virginia Tech campus,” said Scoggins.

• Tickets are $50 per person. To request tickets or for more information visit the garden online, call (540) 231-5970, or contact garden staff via e-mail.