About Us » History
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks has a unique history—unlike many public gardens, the gardens you see today are the result of a volunteer-led, grassroots effort.
The Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks (BGSO) was incorporated in January 1994 as a non-profit organization. The founder and first Director was Donna Porter who worked tirelessly to see her vision materialize, serving on a volunteer basis for five years before acquiring a grant from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust in 1997 to support a paid position for one year. The high points of Donna's tenure were the signing of an agreement with the City of Fayetteville, in January 1997, for use of around 90 acres conveniently located off Highway 265 on the bank of Lake Fayetteville, and the selection of the Portico Group (specialists in designing botanical gardens, from Seattle, Washington) to design a Master Plan.
Because of lack of funds, realization of the dream had to wait for Carl Totemeier, Vice President Emeritus of the New York Botanical Garden, who served as the Garden's volunteer Director from the spring of 2001 until his death in 2004. Carl provided inspiration, valued experience and a clear roadmap for Garden construction and operation. The Master Plan was completed in October 2001, and in September 2003 the Fayetteville City Council approved the Plan and a revised lease agreement that permits the Botanical Garden to use the site for a minimum of 100 years.
Construction of a timber-framed horticulture center began in 2003, and in July 2004 the Fayetteville City Council approved a grant of $750,000 to be used to complete construction of the center of the parking area.
There was one final obstacle to starting work on the garden—hiring someone to supervise the day-to-day operations and construction of the gardens. Ed Clement, a friend of the Garden, rose to the challenge and offered to pay the first year's salary of the Garden's first Director of Operations. Scott Starr was hired in June 2005.
Other grants and donations from regional donors supported early construction and operations. In 2005, a grant from the Arkansas Forestry Commission supported hydrological studies and development of a plan for stream and riparian zone restoration, and in 2006 a grant from the State Outdoor Recreation Program was designated by the City for Garden construction. Other major donors prior to 2007 included Tyson Foods, Inc., the Tyson Family Foundation, Barbara Tyson, Ed Clement, the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, Wal-Mart/SAM'S Foundation, and the Arkansas State Legislature. Other donors provided funds for theme garden construction.
The Carl A. Totemeier Horticulture Center and Phase 1 gardens were dedicated October 6, 2006 with retired U. S. Senator Dale Bumpers providing the keynote address.