The URI Greenhouses contain a variety of flora and are open to all members of the URI community. Photo by James McIntosh.
As University of Rhode Island students begin their spring semester, many are facing the brunt of New England’s dreary and harsh weather. For those in need of a quick pick me up, look no further than the URI on-campus greenhouse.
Students, faculty and even the public can find great usage out of this sanctuary space.
The URI Botanical Gardens and Horridge Conservatory is located at 6 Greenhouse Road, situated between the Fine Arts Center and the Coastal Institute within the Kingston campus.
Although the building was established in the 1960s, since October of 2018, the greenhouse has operated as a self-service facility supported by the Coastal Center and CELS staff and students. It is meant to serve as a space for the production and maintenance of plants, with the botanical garden housing an array of diverse and flourishing types.
“The botanical garden is a great resource for all students as well as the surrounding community,” Gabrielle Torphy said, the head research assistant and gardener, who has worked for the department for 15 years. “We actually have multiple small-farm owners that rent out space in our greenhouse for their own crop cultivation.”
The space allows for hands-on teaching and research. It acts as an extension to many CELS and community programs, with this semester marking the garden’s second consecutive year hosting a spring festival. From modern medicine to fine arts classes, the gardens lendthemselves as a malleable resource for all class types.
The greenhouse’s space makes it a perfect spot for holding recreational activities as well. Its doors are also open for the invitation of leisurely activities.
“The first date me and my girlfriend went on was actually in the botanical gardens here on campus,” said freshman Matthew Donavan.
Whether in between classes or during a stressful week, their open access hours allow for students to take a much-needed break and reconnect with nature in a warm and inviting space.
This semester, in collaboration with the campus recreation team, students can enjoy mindful meditation in the botanical garden every Thursday from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and stop by to say hello to the garden’s live-in mascot, Frank the Turtle.
The conservatory operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and the gardens are open every day from sunrise to sunset. For those looking to keep updated on events and sessions taking place, visit the URI website as well as the IMLeagues app for more details. Take advantage of the URI Greenhouse and Botanical Garden this semester and rid yourself of those winter blues.