Agriculture News

August 26, 2019

Garden honors horticulture professor's contributions

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Jules Janick’s career at Purdue University has spanned nearly seven decades, from 1951 when he began as a graduate student, to today as the James Troop Distinguished Professor and director of the Center for New Crops and Plant Products. Janick’s commitment to Purdue, the College of Agriculture and his department was honored with the dedication of the Jules Janick Horticulture Garden on Friday (Aug. 23).

The space will teach horticulture students about plant identification, said Michael Dana, a professor of horticulture. Dana teaches a course on herbaceous ornamentals, one of the many classes that will use the garden, and he says Janick has had a profound impact on the university and its horticulture program.

“Jules has an international reputation in the world of horticulture,” Dana said. “He gained this stature as editor of several major horticulture reference journals and expanded it through his teaching and research program.”

While an upgraded teaching garden was planned for several decades, Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, and Aaron Patton, interim HLA department head, said it was Jules’ leadership and generous contribution that brought the garden to fruition.

“One of the great things about this space is that it is for everyone,” Plaut said. “It’s a really selfless gift.”

Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity and former dean of the College of Agriculture, revealed that the master plan for campus involves the introduction of more green spaces and several beautification projects. This garden is an important contribution to that vision, he said.

Janick was delighted to see the vision for the teaching garden realized and said he hoped it would serve professors and students alike for many years to come.

“I am honored that this jewel box will forever be known as the Jules Janick Horticulture Garden,” he said.

The Jules Janick Horticulture Garden is located at Marsteller Street next to the Horticulture Building. 

Writer: Emma Ea Ambrose, 765-494-2406, eeambros@purdue.edu

Source: Michael Dana, 765-494-5923, dana@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu  

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