information from South Seattle College

On Saturday, Oct. 11, the Coenosium Rock Garden feature at South Seattle College’s Arboretum will be inaugurated as an American Conifer Society (ACS) Reference Garden, with a dedication ceremony running from 1-3:30 p.m.

The celebration starts with welcome messages from Seattle Colleges Chancellor Dr. Jill Wakefield and Van Bobbitt, lead faculty member of South’s Landscape Horticulture program. To follow, special recognition will be given to individuals who helped make the Coenosium Rock Garden possible. The feature is known as one of the largest dwarf conifer collections in the United States.

The inauguration will wrap up with remarks from David Olszyk, president of the ACS Western Region, followed by refreshments and tours of the Coenosium Rock Garden.

South’s 5-acre arboretum, established by the South Seattle College Foundation in 1978, functions as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for the college’s Landscape Horticulture students. Professional horticulturists, hobby gardeners and other college programs are often found exploring the free garden sanctuary as well.

Quick Facts:
Location: South Seattle College Arboretum, located on the north end of the North Parking Lot (map)
6000 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126

Schedule:

1 – 2 p.m. – Welcome from Van Bobbitt and Dr. Jill Wakefield; Recognition of Steve Hilderbrand, Margaret Shroeter and Dianne and Bob Fincham for their dedication to the Coenosium Rock Garden; ACS and Reference Garden Program with David Olszyk; Acceptance of the recognition by Donna Miller-Parker, Vice President of Instruction at South.

2-3:30 p.m. – Refreshments served and information tables in the Chan Education Center; Tour of the Coenosium Rock Garden with founder Bob Fincham.