The greenhouse at Seton Hill has been known, used and loved by Setonians for decades. A renovation last summer brought the greenhouse up to date for future generations. 

An anonymous donor gave the funds to complete the update and asked that the greenhouse be named for Sr. M. Muriel Flamman, SC, to honor her love of plants and her decades of service to Seton Hill. Sr. Muriel was an associate professor of biology specializing in botany from 1935 to 1952, academic dean from 1952 to 1968 and dean of administration from 1968 until her death in 1982.

Upon Sr. Murielʼs death, Seton Hill College President Eileen Farrell said, “There is no way one can estimate her influence on the manners and customs of Seton Hill. If there is a special quality of warmth and welcome that pervades Seton Hill, it is there in large measure because of Sr. Muriel.”

The late Bernadette R. Fondy, Ph.D., who served Seton Hill as professor of biology, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Natural and Health Sciences among other roles during her 40-year career at the institution, spearheaded the design of the greenhouse renovations prior to her death in 2020.

Assistant Professor of Biology Renee Rosier, who manages the greenhouse, shares both Sr. Murielʼs passion for plants and welcoming spirit.

“My vision for the greenhouse is that it will become a place where people can escape the hustle and bustle to reconnect with nature – a true campus gem. We will be focusing a lot of our efforts on growing native species and more of our distinctive Seton Hill Drive London Plane trees,” Renee said.

Jenna Neri works on a mural of the Hill in the greenhouse entryway as part of her Honors Capstone project in the fall of 2022. 

The renovation of the greenhouse added new functionality to the space. An updated concrete floor allows for easy configuration for different uses and systems to control temperature and air circulation allow for two distinct habitats and growing conditions. 

The greenhouse contains plants used in biology labs, student and faculty research projects, and starter plants from heirloom seeds for Seton Hill gardens. The nutrition and dietetics program also makes use of the area.

In addition to the leafy residents, the greenhouse also has a full-time four-legged friend. A webcam is in the works for resident box turtle, Suzie, so that the community can interact with the greenhouse from anywhere.

“This greenhouse has been beloved by many and our hope is that even more people will come to cherish the peace and healing offered by plants and soil,” Rosier added. “This is just the beginning for this beautiful space, and its limit is only set by our imagination.”