Rebek gives presentation for Rotary

Roscoe Rouse, Rotary

June 27, 2008 05:48 pm

— One of the gems of which Stillwater can be proud is the nationally known OSU Botanical Gardens. “It is probably the premier teaching botanical garden in the country,” said OSU’s Assistant Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Kimberly Rebek.
A recent speaker at the Stillwater Rotary Club, Rebek brought the audience up-to-date on activities and planning of the staff at the OSU Botanical Gardens. Rebek is also the 10th host of the television show, Oklahoma Gardening.
Rebek teaches in the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, coming with a background of studies and practical experience in horticulture. She recently arrived in Stillwater with her husband who joined the faculty in entomology. Rebek holds the B.S. degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin and the M.S. in entomology from Purdue University. She has also won a certificate in environmental studies which she said has guided her gardening philosophy. She worked in the horticulture industry for a period of time.
She said she strives toward low-impact gardening methods by reducing chemical methods and encouraging natural pest management. She spoke of her interest in the preservation of wildlife in all forms and said she has a “green” interest in landscape gardening.
In reference to the OSU Botanical Gardens, located west of the campus, Rebek mentioned a little known feature which is an attractive part of the garden: A Riparian Corridor. Asked if the gardens had a stream or creek, she responded that there were two of them flowing through the gardens.
The gardens include an Education and Research Center which is used to search out data for students and others. It is housed in a building available “to students of all ages, growers and produce companies.” The center is used for small and large research purposes. Rebek said Master Gardeners and plant enthusiasts work there.
“Outdoor classrooms” are required for numerous purposes, including plant identification.
Field days and workshops are scheduled for professional gardeners and landscape architects. Youth programs are separately offered, as well.
Rebek spoke of the individuals who give of their time to work in the gardens and in the turf fields. These ambassadors, volunteers, serve as representatives of the Botanical Gardens as well as the television show, Oklahoma Gardening. They assist in further expanding outreach programs and to build stronger ties between the community and OSU. In her discussion of ambassadors, Rebek flashed a photograph on the screen of the group, all wearing blue jackets which identify them as workers in the gardens. Some of their assignments include cook-outs, plant rewards, the summer Garden Fest, the progessive dinner, a pot luck luncheon, clean up duties and plant identification during open house. Actual planting and judging are assignments for long-term workers. Other assignments are to serve as guides to the public, participate in educational workshops, plant labeling and plant records and spring and fall clean-ups.
The turf grass plots, experimental acreages, have been described as one of the five best in the United States. Other particular areas in the gardens that are outstanding include its ornamentals, the showcase of proven plants, the walking trails, the use of botanical conservation and scientific exploration.
Plans are in the making for several features in the gardens. One is a Learning Center for the Environment. Another is the preparation and care for wetlands for birds and animals. There will eventually also be an Integrated Environmental Research and Educational Site. Another feature to be added is a Green Education Building. The control of stormwater is a “must” on the list of future needs. A utility garden is expected to be placed near the Grand River Dam Authority, in cooperation with that utility. A “hands-on” Landscape Construction Yard is also on the list of future developments.
Bioretention will be a unit of storm water control and use, i.e., treating storm water before it becomes infiltrated or discharged for use in the soil.
Goals named by Rebek for the teaching program include the use of community resources, managing gardens and a living laboratory in horticulture. Her classes will be imbued with the development of a sense of stewardship and responsibility, while enjoying a pleasing environment.