Starting the Sill Garden

The Sill Garden surrounds the Office of Undergraduate Studies on campus at the University of Utah.

Dr. Fred Montague, previously professor of biology and academic advisor, started the Sill Garden in 1996. Montague wanted to use a garden as a teaching tool for Global Environmental Issues and Ecological Principles of Organic Gardening, courses he taught.

Montague went to Sue Pope, Landscaping Manager at the University, and requested the area in front of the Sill center. It was ideal for use as an outdoor laboratory as it had the fewest shrubs and it was easy to change the landscape for what he needed it to do.

John Francis, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the time, was Montague’s next resource. Francis was responsible for the Sill Center; he presented the garden idea to campus officials responsible for grounds and maintenance. It was initially rejected.

Francis said campus officials objected to the gardens because, “First, the garden would detract from the beauty of the campus. Second, the students would soon lose interest and the grounds personnel would need to take over the space and new landscaping would cost money. Third, students might plant seeds that might result in plants that would cause harm to the campus.”

Although they objected to the idea, Montague assured campus officials the gardens would be maintained as a serious academic enterprise. Francis also promised to pay out-of-pocket for grass seed or sod if the garden did not work out. Both Montague and Francis argued that students learn best by doing.

The resulting Sill Garden turned out to be quite successful, leading to the creation of the Pioneer Garden in 2002 – much closer to the biology building on campus. Montague retired in 2010, and one year later FYI newsletter conducted an interview with him concerning his gardening and Earth Day views.

Francis said, “My impression has been that gardening at the U has grown in sophistication as both students and faculty have become increasingly committed to the value of urban gardening and local farming.”

Volunteering opportunities at the Edible Campus Gardens are available through the Office of Sustainability.