Jackson's Garden

Begun in the 1830s by Captain Isaac Jackson of the Mathematics Department, Jackson's Garden is eight acres of formal gardens and woodlands. In the garden are Hans Groot's Kill, the brook that bounds through Union's grounds in the College song, as well as the Robison Herb Garden and the Stanley and Geraldine Levine Wildflower Garden. Kappa Alpha Gate, one entryway to the garden, is well known for its motto: "Climb high, Climb far; Your goal the sky, Your aim the star."

John C. Van Voast '87 Evergreen Garden

A portion of Jackson's Garden has been designated as the John C. Van Voast '87 Evergreen Garden. A Schenectady attorney, Mr. Van Voast was for many years the volunteer supervisor of Jackson's Garden. Many of the plantings there came from his evergreen nursery. Funds for the memorial, created in 1936, were contributed by the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, of which he was a member.

Robison Herb Garden

Just east of the Kappa Alpha Gate and in the lower area of Jackson's Garden, the Robison Herb Garden is a gift of Mr. And Mrs. E.H. Robison of Troy, New York. Mr. Robison was president of John L. Thompson Sons and Company of Troy and a former president of the Board of Trustees of Albany College of Pharmacy of Union University. Included in the Robison Herb Garden, dedicated in 1976, are herbs that are used for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic purposes.

Library Court

Completed in 1968, the forecourt of Schaffer Library was furnished and landscaped in part with gifts from parents of Union College students. Benches in Library Court were provided by members of the Class of 1967.

Levine Wildflower Garden

Given by Ron Levine, '55, and Liz Kanof Levine in memory of Sidney and Geraldine Levine. Located in the southeast corner of Jackson's Garden, this tiered garden contains many native and woodland species.

Mrs. Perkins Garden

Located at Stoller Circle as an entrance to the Rathskeller. Mrs. Annie Perkins lived with her husband, Maurice Perkins, a professor of chemistry, in Hale House in what is now Milano Lounge until their deaths-his in 1901, hers in 1922.

Harlow Thyme Garden

Located in Jackson’s Garden, given by Betty McMath to honor Gil Harlow, professor emeritus of civil engineering. Professor Harlow was instrumental in many of the modern campus tree plantings.