Posted: January 26, 2026
By: Stephanie Rogers
The Agriculture Class of 1975, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, has contributed a custom iron arch at the entrance to the campus Herb Garden, turning a long-envisioned beautification project into reality.
“The Alumni Gardens remain a consistent experience for students both past and present and is a known public feature in the community,” explained Class representative Brian Crouse. “This is another touchpoint in the Gardens the Class of ’75 has had a proud hand in helping to establish.”
Contributions from classmates surpassed expectations, reflecting strong enthusiasm for creating a meaningful and enduring class gift. The handcrafted arch features botanical motifs inspired by the garden, along with a plaque honouring the Class of ’75.
This latest addition to campus was custom-made by Ruben Irons, an artist blacksmith from Pictou, N.S., who also constructed the arch framing the main entrance to the Alumni Gardens, a generous gift from the Class of ’54 in 2009.
"It was a great honour to create another archway piece for Dalhousie Agricultural Campus,” said Ruben Irons of Back Road Farm & Forge. “My wife Raina and I collaborated on a design that incorporated some of the elements growing nearby. Also, we wanted to tie in the Gothic form of the incredible stone archway on the north side of the herb garden. I look forward to seeing the plant life envelope the new archway over the coming years as it welcomes visitors in to experience this beautiful space."
The arch shape was selected to replace a wooden one that was destroyed during a storm.
“This design was a collaborative process that involved our Botanical Garden Unit staff, the Class of ’75, and Ruben,” explained Jordan Leurdijk, Outdoor Classroom and Landscape Manager on the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus. “The design incorporates plant and floral motifs with a timeless look and will be allowed to develop a natural patina to complement the other metal elements constructed by Ruben in the Alumni Gardens.”
The patina process on the iron arch.
The Botanical Garden Unit is also finalizing a plan for the revitalization of campus benches which is hoped to begin next spring. Alumni or other interested groups (or individuals) will be able to donate a bench with a commemorative plaque, which will be installed in various locations across campus.
This project will help to unify the aesthetic of benches across campus, will be long lasting and easy to maintain. The Class of ’75 generously contributed two new benches as well.
“We are always looking for other ideas or suggestions from our alumni community, students, faculty, and staff,” Jordan added.
The iron arch was unveiled in October during Homecoming celebrations.
