In the Garden of Great and Good
The University of Virginia embraces a vision to be “great and good” — both great as an institution of higher learning and a force for good in the world. The recently named Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens located on the Goodwin Family Grounds in Charlottesville advance both aims with flying — often vibrant — colors.
Opening in April 2023, this expansive green space showcases Darden’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with the School’s mission to improve the world by inspiring responsible leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences. It also contributed to Darden’s No. 2 ranking for Carbon Footprint in The Financial Times‘ 2024 global business school rankings, tops in the U.S. in this category.
Designed by Waterstreet Studio, the arboretum and gardens boast a living library of 95 tree species and 105 shrub species among more than 8,250 trees and shrubs (and 114,385 plants in total). The biodiverse habitat spreads across 10.66 meticulously landscaped acres that include an outdoor amphitheater and classroom; learning and event spaces for Darden students, alumni and others; themed gardens; water features and bridges; walking trails; and connections to the UVA School of Law and popular Rivanna Trail.
The Duffy Leahy Japanese Garden, funded by Charles G. Duffy III (MBA ’87), reflects Japanese aesthetic and philosophical principles. It includes 17 species of Japanese Maples and features a Torii, an iconic arch traditionally marking the entrance to Shinto shrines.
The Carl Mason Franklin Footbridge — a gift of the Morris S. Smith Foundation, led by Sterling, Larry and Mei Kwong Franklin — is a visual centerpiece of the Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens for visitors to The Forum Hotel.
The Tahija Arboretum and LaCross Botanical Gardens boast 200 distinct tree and shrub varieties. Overall, the nearly 11-acre greenspaces include 114,385 plants, including trees, shrubs, perennials, vines and bulbs, showcasing Darden’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.
The Class of 1987 Amphitheater & Outdoor Classroom features tiered seating suitable for everything from lectures to concerts and was funded by the class’s collective efforts with a lead gift. from Robert W. Smith (MBA ’87).
The Chinese Garden was inspired by the experience of viewing Chinese scroll art. It encourages visitors to meander slowly as emblematic garden elements, such as the moon gate, the dry stream bed representing water (Yin) and boulders representing mountains (Yang), emerge during their stroll.
Get to know the Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens by visiting them in person or explore them in incredible detail online.
Photos by Melody Robbins.
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences. Darden’s graduate degree programs (MBA, MSBA and Ph.D.) and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs offered by the Darden School Foundation set the stage for a lifetime of career advancement and impact. Darden’s top-ranked faculty, renowned for teaching excellence, inspires and shapes modern business leadership worldwide through research, thought leadership and business publishing. Darden has Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C., area and a global community that includes 18,000 alumni in 90 countries. Darden was established in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a top public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Press Contact
Molly Mitchell
Senior Associate Director, Editorial and Media Relations
Darden School of Business
University of Virginia
MitchellM@darden.virginia.edu
