By Emma Ea Ambrose

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

The garden is located near the Horticulture Building on Marsteller Street on the Purdue campus.

The space will serve as a teaching garden for horticulture students to better learn plant identification, according to Michael Dana, professor of horticulture. Dana teaches a course on herbaceous ornamentals, one of the many classes that will utilize the garden. He is also a longtime colleague of Janick’s who, he said, has had a profound impact on the university and its horticulture department.

“Jules has an international reputation in the world of horticulture. 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 the space for several decades, Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Purdue 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, Purdue University provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity and former dean of the College of Agriculture, revealed that the masterplan for campus involves the introduction of more green spaces and several beautification projects. This 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 added.”

Photography by Tom Campbell

Photography by Tom Campbell

Photography by Tom Campbell and Kelsey Getzin