1966: Patterson Gardens Honours Extraordinary Individual
In 1966, work began to create a garden with over 600 different
varieties of plants, on a four-acre parcel of University land. The gardens were dedicated to C.F.
Patterson, who had joined the faculty in 1921, and served as head of the
department of horticulture from its creation in 1922 until his retirement in
1960.
During his tenure at the University, Patterson developed over 52 new
varieties of hardy fruits for the prairies and over 18 varieties of hybrid
hardy lilies, as well as several varieties of ornamental plants. Indeed, he is “credited with originating
fruit breeding work on the prairies,” effectively extending the growing
potential of gardens across the west.
His experimental–and non-irrigated--nursery was believed to be the
world’s largest. In addition to his
plant-breeding research, from 1922-1948 Patterson was responsible for all
landscaping on campus.
As his colleagues on faculty noted, “on his retirement [Patterson] had
served the University for 39 years, practically without a holiday and without
sabbatical leave. His apparently
unlimited energy, his loyalty to the University, and his devotion to the
students are almost without parallel in the history of this University.”
Dr. Patterson died in 1961, a year following his retirement. Patterson Gardens were formally dedicated in
August, 1969.
| Related Collections |  |
Department of Horticulture fonds, RG 2105.
A.R. Brown (“The Prairie Gardener”) fonds, MG 68.
| Images | |
1966a: C.F. Patterson. Photograph Collection, A-8656.
|
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