Lauritzen Gardens has begun an $8 million, privately-funded project that will add a 24,000 square-foot plant production facility.

The facility is a key component in improving garden operations and supporting the garden’s growing plant collection, and the garden’s most significant addition in nearly a decade.

At a private groundbreaking ceremony held Nov.18, it was announced that the Claire M. Hubbard Plant Production Center would be named in recognition of a lead gift given by the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation, according to a news release.

“Lauritzen Gardens has become such a treasured attraction and the new plant production facility is a mission-critical project to continue the growth of Omaha’s public garden,” said trustee Bruce Lauritzen.

Located between the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden and the herb garden, on the site of the former children’s garden, the new project aims to weave the operating engine of the garden into the landscape.

To support the valuable behind-the-scenes garden operations, the complex will include two collection greenhouses, two production greenhouses, a service yard for vehicles and equipment, and horticultural enhancements. The project features an expanded conservation laboratory, a state-of-the-art seed bank, support space and increased storage.

“This project will greatly increase our growing capacity with energy efficient greenhouses and laboratory space for our expanding conservation program,” said John Newman, executive director of Lauritzen Gardens. “That means we can better meet the needs of the plants in our current collection, diversify our future plant acquisitions, enhance the capacity of our conservation program, and ultimately grow more plants to showcase to our community.” 

Lauritzen Gardens selected the architectural expertise of AO, working with landscape architect Chalk Site Design and project manager Project Advocates.

The horticulture complex will be the first new construction at Lauritzen Gardens since the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory was dedicated in 2014. Construction of the first greenhouse is scheduled for completion in July 2022, with the remaining structures to be completed next year.

The Claire M. Hubbard Plant Production Center is part of the garden’s multi-phased “Play and Grow at Lauritzen Gardens” campaign. The $26 million campaign will also fund two additional projects: a 6,500 square-foot “Oasis” building and a new children’s garden. The Oasis will be a hub of activity and guest amenities in the back half of the garden that will provide an education greenhouse for student tour groups to experience hands-on learning, an indoor public space for visitors to cool off, grab a snack, and use the restroom, and a lush outdoor plaza.

The 1.1-acre children’s garden will be built on the site of the garden’s current greenhouses.

With an anticipated groundbreaking in 2022, the children’s garden will be designed for all ages and abilities, providing opportunities for creative play and both interactive and immersive experiences in nature, engaging all senses and reflecting the uniqueness of our region.

“These transformative projects will ensure the garden’s long-term vitality and will facilitate future growth opportunities that will help our community to grow together through shared experiences in nature,” Newman said.