Chardin, the man, the garden

Pierre Tielhard de Chardin was a Jesuit priest, from France and for whom the residence hall is named. He was also a paleontologist and therefore it is somewhat fitting to have this garden in his name. Paleontology is the study of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, as represented by the fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms. Gardening, through the soil, is very much a reflection of the lands' history. Soil quality can vary greatly in nutrients, ph level, composition, ground temperature, and bacteria and other organisms. There is a history behind how these things came about through millions of years. They also can change through what is planted in the soil and the nutrients that are put back. With an understanding of how soil works, it helps inform us to what plants work well in the Northwest.