Jim Henson Statue and Memorial Garden

This garden features a bronze statue of Kermit the Frog perched on a red granite bench with creator and Maryland alumnus Jim Henson. The spot, a popular photo opportunity on campus, was dedicated on September 24, 2003. The 450 pound statue was created by artist Jay Hall Carpenter and funded through the generous support of the classes of 1994, 1998, and 1999. The garden layout is a series of semi-circular beds, with curving hedges of red-flowering shrub roses, boxwoods, and pink-flowering variegated weigela (Weigela florida ‘Variegata’). Pink-flowered crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) and redbuds (Cercis canadensis) provide shade, along with two towering sycamore trees (Platanus occidentalis). Henson, who graduated from the University of Maryland in 1960, was known the world over for his creation of the Muppets and his work in television with Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. His work in film included six movies starring the Muppets and two fantasy pieces, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.