The Garden Entry
G. Rollie White Garden Walk
As a main thoroughfare from the new White Creek Apartments, the Garden Walk is traveled by hundreds of students every day. The walk crosses White Creek via the Upstream Bridge, passes by the Food and Fiber Fields, winds through the Fruit Orchard, breezes past the German Heritage Garden and ends at the main entrance by the Event Lawn. Given by the G. Rollie White Trust.
Bobbitt Family Grand Arbor
This shady gathering spot is easily be one of the most picturesque places in the Gardens. Nestled between the colorful Butterfly and Bee and Texas SuperStar® Gardens, this metal arc provides some shade while looking into the heart of the Gardens. Given by Jackson, Kate Liv, Nora, Cassie and Matt Bobbitt ’99.
Dan D. Clinton Sr. ’21 Memorial Century Oak II
No one knows exactly how old the Century Oak is, but consensus is that it dates back to about 1900, not too long after the 1876 opening of Texas A&M University. While this stately tree is an iconic part of campus, and many hope it will last for decades to come, it’s no secret that all trees can be weakened by age, construction activities, disease or other stress. The Gardens has begun the work of preserving the legacy of the Century Oak and the traditions surrounding it by planting the Century Oak II. Given by Daniel D. Clinton Jr. ’52 and Kenneth B. Clinton ’53.
The Pavilion
Set to hold groups of up to 100 people, this octagon-shaped Pavilion is not only an iconic silhouette for The Gardens at Texas A&M University, but also an illustrious symbol for the community. The versatile structure is perfect for both outdoor and indoor events, such as banquets, cooking demonstrations, and receptions.
McCord Pavilion Plaza
Wrapping around the iconic pavilion, the Pavilion Plaza is the perfect place for reception overflow, cooking demonstrations, and outdoor classroom space. Given by McCord Engineering, Inc. and Jimmy D. McCord ‘69.
Kelleher Pavilion Terrace
Adjacent to the iconic pavilion and its plaza, the sloping Pavilion Terrace is a shady respite just steps from White Creek. The Terrace was given by J. Michael Kelleher ’81 and the Joan and Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation.
Joe & Shirley Swinbank Farmer’s Market
Students and visitors can enjoy monthly or weekly visits to the Farmer’s Market for fresh produce. This not only serves the community as a great source for nutritious groceries, but also provides a venue where students can put entrepreneurial theories into practice. Given by Shirley and Joe ’74 Swinbank.
The Overlook
The overlook provides a serene view of White Creek and the flora and fauna that reside in that area. It is the perfect place for students and visitors to be introduced to land management, water stewardship, and best practices to preserve endangered riparian areas.
White Creek
White Creek is a natural land-form asset on the West Campus of Texas A&M that extends from the front of the Horticulture/Forestry Sciences Building to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. In 1998, the Board of Regents designated the area as the West Campus Greenway. The Gardens at Texas A&M University project will continue to preserve this area for generations to come.
As green space in the Brazos Valley becomes more of a rarity, The Gardens has set out to repair and sustain natural habitats for flora and fauna. Preserving the White Creek and surrounding Post Oak Savannah is critical to sustaining native wildlife, including nearly 50 bird species.
The restoration of White Creek also created an outdoor teaching laboratory focused on conservation and preservation of riparian areas. Texas A&M has invested $1.5 million in the initial restoration efforts for White Creek. The Gardens project seeks additional funding to enhance this effort and create an educational demonstration for creek restoration.
Patty & Jow Hlavinka Jr. ’56 Farm Road
The Farm Trail winds through The Gardens and wraps around the Food and Fiber Fields. From this relaxing trail, visitors can learn more about production agriculture. Given by Sarah E. Hlavinka ’86 and Mark McConnell.
The Center-Pivot Irrigation System
Small sections of field crops, such as sorghum, corn, and cotton, demonstrate agricultural production for numerous crops throughout the year. Complete with a single-span center-pivot irrigation system, this feature gives a small glimpse into the production process for these crops.
Collinsworth Landscape Design & Construction Demonstration
The demonstration area is changed periodically as new classes put their landscape design and construction skills to the test. Given by Barbie ’99 and Ben ’99 Collinsworth.
TNLA Outdoor Classroom
The outdoor classroom is perfect for students of all disciplines, whether it be an accounting class that just needs some fresh air, or a horticultural class observing the natural environment. Given by the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association.
The Event Lawn
The Event Lawn serves as the main entrance to The Gardens and a gathering space. It is one of the primary outdoor event venues for the Agriculture and Life Sciences Complex and The Gardens. The Event Lawn currently exists as a spacious, green oasis for students and faculty for group exercises, picnic lunches, studying and setting up the occasional hammock. As part of the Gardens project, the event lawn has been preserved and improved. It now includes additional landscaping and flower beds on the perimeter, as well as a paved site for food trucks and caterers.
Events may include the annual College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Tailgate, weddings, receptions, banquets, and much more. The space is lined and scattered with statuesque post oaks that provide plenty of shade. During events, tents can be set up on the lawn to create additional sheltered areas.
