|
|
History | What We Do | Friends of McCrory Gardens | Maps | Sights of the Gardens Children's Maze | Centennial Prairie Garden | Rock Garden | Tree Collections | Related Links A BRIEF HISTORY Development of the formal gardens at the site now known as McCrory Gardens began in the early 1960s. Most of the ornamental plant material used for research and teaching was located on SDSU's campus. The new 6th Street site was chosen because of its visibility, nearness to campus, and opportunities for expansion. In 1966 work began on a highly maintained two acre formal area utilizing annual, perennial, and ground cover plants. An additional ten acres was used for woody ornamental research and instructional purposes by the Department. It was also open to the public at no charge. This formal garden site was subsequently named "McCrory Gardens" to honor Professor S.A. McCrory who headed the Department from 1947 until his death in 1964. Professor McCrory had envisioned a research garden that would display trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers that were or could be a part of South Dakota's landscape. That vision, the selection, evaluation, and display of ornamental plants for South Dakota's climate, is still the prime directive for all the work done at the Gardens. McCrory Gardens is unique in the nation because of the variety of ornamental plants, all placed in harmonious settings to display them to their best advantage. From the beginning, the Gardens have been an All- American Selections (AAS) display site. Floral displays and evaluations continue today in the All American Display Gardens I and II. In 1982, the area north of the formal garden was dedicated to the planting and testing of ornamental trees and shrubs. The 45 acre site was designated the South Dakota State Arboretum in 1988. In 1985, faced with major fund cuts, a fundraising drive, supported by the local community, state and local businesses, and horticultural enterprises and associations throughout South Dakota, raised and continues to raise, funds to keep the Gardens open and growing. An endowment, managed by the South Dakota State University Foundation, was established in 1986 and, since that time, all maintenance and development at McCrory Gardens has been supported by public donations of money, equipment, labor, seed, plants, and other supplies. The 'Friends of McCrory Gardens' are a continuing source of enthusiastic support. Questions? Contact McCrory Gardens Martin.Maca@sdstate.edu |
