The Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) recently announced plans to construct a new Youth Education and Tropical Plants Glasshouse, an approved project by its board of directors to include an outdoor classroom, horticultural prep house, and large event patio.
With a $2.2 million budget, construction of the 3,400-square-foot building will begin in April, and will be located directly along Cherry Road, just west of the Canale Rose Garden. The glasshouse will be the second project (of four) undertaken as part of the Garden’s $5 million “Rooted at Park and Cherry” capital campaign. “Our fundraising efforts have now surpassed 67% of our $5 million goal, giving us the confidence to move forward on this next project,” said Michael D. Allen, executive director of Memphis Botanic Garden. It is scheduled to open to the public in the spring of 2024.
Fleming Architects
MBG hosts a diverse range of programming for children and families throughout the year, including classes, campfire parties, holiday happenings, storytime, and more. Serving a multitude of school-aged children annually, and hosting 260,000 visitors each year, it is dedicated to being an exemplary center for horticulture and environmental enrichment. The primary goal of the glasshouse project is to significantly expand MBG’s youth education efforts while providing a new, accessible, home for its tropical plants collection. “Today, we work with about 40,000 school children annually from across the Memphis metropolitan area, and we hope to grow this by 30% to 52,000 kids in the years to come,” said Allen.
"Entering our new tropical house will be like stepping into a different world,” said Daniel Grose, director of horticulture for MBG. “Several, in fact, with plants from South America, Africa, Asia, and beyond. It will be lush, colorful, and vibrant with big leafed tropicals, ferns, rare orchids, fruit trees, and more. A truly unique experience for our guests!"
Fleming Architects
“This new glasshouse will be an exciting addition to the Memphis architectural landscape,” said Allen. “It will be easily seen by passersby on Cherry Road, especially at night, as we employ a colorful lighting system to tastefully illuminate the structure in a constantly evolving rainbow of colors to celebrate holidays, local sports teams, and other special events. Additionally, the interior of the glasshouse will be illuminated at night for special events like our annual Holiday Wonders at the Garden light show and proposed new seasonal displays featuring Poinsettias, Amaryllis, Orchids, and more,” Allen concluded.
With 30 specialty gardens over 96 acres, and a diverse selection of year-round events and programming, there is sure to be something for everyone to explore at MBG.
Partners in the MBG project include: Prospiant Greenhouse Manufacturing and Design (Cincinnati, OH), Fleming Architects (Memphis), Dalhoff Thomas Design Studio (Memphis), and Grinder Taber Grinder - General Contractors (Memphis).
To learn more about Memphis Botanic Garden and its exploratory programs and spaces, visit membg.org.