Landscaping in Blacksburg, Virginia

Hahn Horticulture Garden, Virginia Tech

Nestled within the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, the Hahn Horticulture Garden spans nearly six acres of cultivated landscape, blending education, sustainability, and natural beauty. Named in honor of Peggy Lee Hahn, the garden serves as both a teaching resource and a public sanctuary, inviting visitors to explore and learn year-round.

A Living Classroom and Community Resource

Established in 1984 by horticulture faculty members Robert Lyons, Richard Johnson, and Robert McDuffie, the Hahn Horticulture Garden began as a modest teaching garden and has grown into a vibrant living laboratory. It supports hands-on learning for students studying horticulture, landscape design, forestry, and entomology while offering the public an open, peaceful environment to experience nature.

The garden’s mission is built on three guiding principles: providing experiential learning for students, engaging the community through education, and demonstrating sustainable horticultural practices. All plant materials are composted or mulched onsite, and the use of chemicals is kept to a minimum to support ecological balance.

Garden Design and Key Features

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is composed of a series of themed spaces, each designed to highlight specific plant collections, design styles, or ecological concepts. Among the most notable areas are the perennial borders, shaded woodland gardens, a colorful spectrum border arranged by hue, and a xeriscape zone showcasing drought-tolerant plantings.

A signature feature of the landscape is the Jane Andrews Stream Garden, a 200-foot watercourse complete with ponds, a gentle waterfall, and aquatic plantings. The Trident Maple Allee offers a graceful walkway framed by maples and underplanted with seasonal perennials, while the conifer display garden presents a diverse collection of dwarf evergreens.

The Meadow Garden and Amphitheater, constructed with native perennials and Hokie Stone seating for about 75 guests, serve as a natural venue for outdoor programs. At the heart of the property stands the Peggy Lee Hahn Pavilion, a 2,300-square-foot multipurpose facility that functions as both an event space and an administrative hub for staff and volunteers.

Throughout the garden, many of the hardscape elements such as bridges, pergolas, walls, and decks were designed and built by students, faculty, and volunteers, reflecting the garden’s deep connection to the educational mission of Virginia Tech.

Community Engagement and Events

The Hahn Horticulture Garden thrives through the combined efforts of faculty, students, volunteers, and community supporters. Revenue from workshops, donations, weddings, and plant sales helps sustain daily operations. The Friends of the Garden program plays a vital role in funding ongoing development and maintenance.

Each year, the garden hosts a Spring Plant Sale that features annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees selected for regional suitability. Proceeds directly support student learning opportunities and horticultural programming.

Local Character and Heritage

Blacksburg’s Appalachian setting provides a rich climate for diverse plant life. The garden’s collections feature native and international species adapted to local soils and weather patterns, illustrating how thoughtful design and plant selection can create resilient, sustainable landscapes.

Renamed in 2004 to honor Peggy Lee Hahn, former first lady of Virginia Tech, the garden stands as a tribute to her love of horticulture and her lasting contributions to the university.

A Place for Learning and Inspiration

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is more than a collection of plants. It is a place where education, research, and community intersect. By demonstrating environmentally responsible practices and offering a welcoming space for exploration, the garden continues to inspire students, visitors, and gardeners across the region.