By allocating your donation to one of the projects below, we can make significant strides toward achieving our mission and creating a lasting positive impact. Each project contributes a unique aspect to our overall strategy, and together, they form a cohesive approach to driving our mission forward.
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Below are shown some projects that require substantial funding. Some of the projects have overlapping pieces so as one project is funded, the burden on another project may be lessened.
Event & Education Meeting Hall $$$$$
The purpose for this is to provide public meeting area which could be used for educational classes on rhododendrons and also be used by small groups such as local garden clubs. It satisfies one of Kathy's dreams of a place to provide education on rhododendrons. Providing a place for small meetings is badly needed in our area and could result in a small amount of income from room rental. This project would replace the current office and loading dock with a large meeting area with bathrooms and a small office space. Off street parking for up to 20 cars is essential to lessen the burden of parking on the local neighborhood street. Since the parking area will displace some of the current greenhouses, we would construct new ones elsewhere on the property. Donations to this project would also need to cover architect plans, city permits, demo and a temporary office building. The new building would house our growing collection of donated rhododendron books.
Pavilion for small events $$$$
To engage the public more with the rhododendron garden, a small public area would be created for small events like wedding or small parties. The pavilion would be large enough to cover approx 20-30 people at tables and have a concrete or paving stone floor. Off street parking would be necessary which would displace several greenhouses. Those greenhouses would need to be rebuilt on a different part of the nursery. Revitalizing garden paths to the west of the pavilion with a walking display area would complete the landscaping for such events.
Vireya Display House $$$
Vireyas are a newer rhododendron on the property. A display house that is pleasant for the public can educate them about this subset of the rhododendron world and fits our overall mission. Some off street parking will be needed which would displace a greenhouse that would need to be rebuilt on a different part of the nursery.
Garden Updates $$
The entrance to a garden sets the mood when you enter a property. The current garden gate would be replaced with a sturdy decorative gate that might include the new logo of the Van Veen Heritage Garden. Part of the garden updates would include a new updated sign showing people of the Van Veen Nursery/Van Veen Heritage Garden marriage. This update would also include a new logo for the garden - THIS PART OF THE PROJECT IS FUNDED!!!!
Greenhouse replacement - $20,000 FUNDED!
The old Dutch style greenhouses have sturdy foundations but the older style of roof trusses have deteriorated over time allowing the original glass to loosen, fall and break. Glass removal, bench and old soil removal and a specialized system for inserting the new hoops will be fabricated by a local company. This helps increase greenhouse space.
Pruning/trimming of the giant Sweet Gum tree near the office. Details: This tree has many branches that need to be pruned for the health of the tree. This will also help with some of the excessive mess that the tree creates in the public area of the garden.
Project #3 - $3000 Partially FUNDED ($500 more needed!)
Creation and installation of a new sign combining Van Veen Heritage Garden and the Van Veen Nursery info. Details: The current sign lists only the Nursery and by listing the Heritage Garden as well, it will be more evident that the property will be used in a different manner.
Project #4 - $20,000
Restoration of our propagation house including glass removal, new roof supports, plastic installation, updated benches and new heating/air system. Details: The propagation house, also known as House 30, is where all the cuttings for the nursery/customers start their journey and arguably the most important house. The current glass supports are aging causing a safety hazard. It also needs all new white poly, updated rooting benches and a new heat/air system similar to the ones we had installed in the Vireya House and Greenhouse 1.
White 6 ml poly vinyl on six greenhouses to eliminate the need to double cover the houses with less efficient products. Details: Currently we have clear plastic on at least six greenhouses with shade cloth over that clear plastic. This creates a double layer that would not be necessary if we can replace both layers with the white poly.
Improve or repair watering systems in five of our greenhouses. This will save much in employee labor by automating more of the watering. Details: Watering systems need to be specific for the type of plants in our greenhouses. Our two newer greenhouses need systems better suited for the types of plants inside.
Glass removal on 5 greenhouses would pave the way for refurbishing multiple greenhouses and increase the area open to the public. Details: When Theodore first built the nursery in 1926, glass panels were used on all the greenhouses. Over the years, these panels break and create a hazard for public and employees. Removing the glass has happened over the years but we have 5 houses left to complete the project and make the area
safe for all. This job would be done by a professional.
