Arboretum Review : Purdue University Arboretum

The Purdue Arboretum 
Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN 47907

http://www.arboretum.purdue.edu/
http://www.purdue.edu/buildings_grounds/trees/website/

Date Visited : 7 June 2013

During the summer of 2013 I spent a day at Purdue University to coordinate the design of a new science plaza.  Between meetings I took the opportunity to walk the "Green Trail" of the Purdue Campus Arboretum.

In addition to trees, I was pleased to find the Purdue Horticultural Garden.  The garden boasts an assortment of identified perennials, grasses, and other plants.  The space is utilized by students studying one of Purdue's many horticulture related degree programs.

Of particular interest along this tree walk was a fantastic Cedar of Lebanon.  The conifer is reminiscent of a large shaggy beast, hunched protectively over the collection of precious dragon eggs hanging within its sheltered boughs.  My only disappointment was the tree's less than romantic setting, situated between a street and a parking lot.

During my walk I was only able to explore a small fraction of expansive campus.  Across Purdue's grounds I witnessed a huge variety of flora; some of it young, much of it mature.  I hope to return again next year to explore more of the extensive tree walking tour.

Arboretum Review : University of Tennessee Gardens

The University of Tennessee Gardens
Department of Plant Sciences
252 Ellington Plant Sciences Bldg
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-8265
Fax: (865) 974-1947
Email: utgardens@utk.edu
Website: http://utgardens.tennessee.edu/

Date Visited: 04-26-2009

We visited the UT Gardens last spring on our way home from the Smoky Mountains. The Gardens are free to visit and pretty easy to get to from the highway. Had we known how big and beautiful the gardens are we would have allowed more time for our visit. We were able to spend a couple of hours there and still did not have enough time to see everything.

There is a large plaza at the entrance to the gardens. Families with picnics gathered around the tables on this beautiful spring day.

The gardens include a variety of spaces to explore with interesting plants and artwork around every corner. On the day we visited several photographers were taking advantage of the beautiful sceanery. We even saw a bride and her bridesmaids in full dress out for some photos.

Tucked under the shade of the trees is a large Outdoor Classroom.

Some local birds have taken up residency in a birdfeeder in the gardens.

One of the most interesting aspects of the gardens was the large collection of different cultivars. Nearly every tree in the gardens was a selected cultivar. Among these were over a dozen different Japanese Maples, several distinct Falsecypresses and a variety of Spruces, Pines and Redbuds, just to name a few.

For more photos of the UT Gardens visit Early Forest on Facebook.

Observed Trees:
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' - Dancing Peacock Maple
Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' - Butterfly Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Emerald Lace' - Emerald Lace Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Goshiki Kotohime' - Goshiki Kotohime Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Ko No Ito' - Ko No Ito Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Orangeola' - Orangeola Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Orido Nishiki' - Orido Nishiki Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' - Sango Kaku Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Tana' - Tana Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Villa Taranto' - Villa Taranto Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum 'Bloodgood' - Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Tamukeyama' - Tamukeyama Japanese Maple
Cedrus deodara 'Snow Sprite' - Snow Sprite Dwarf Deodar Cedar
Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Pendula' - Weeping Katsuratree
Cercis canadensis 'Covey' - Covey Weeping Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' - Forest Pansy Redbud
Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold' - Hearts of Gold Eastern Redbud
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Van den Akker' - Van den Akker Nootka Falsecypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Spiralis' - Spiralis Hinoki Cypress
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'White Pygmy' - White Pygmy Sawara Falsecypress
Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Meth Dwarf' - Meth Dwarf Atlantic White Cedar
Cladrastis kentukea 'Perkins Pink' - Perkins Pink American Yellowwood
Cornus kousa 'Kristin Lipkas Variegated Weeper' - K. L. Var. Weeper Korean Dogwood
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' - Contorted Filbert
Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' - Red Corkscrew Hazel
Cotoneaster microphyllus 'Cooperi' - Cooper's Rockspray Cotoneaster
Cryptomeria fortunei - Fortune's Japanese Cedar
Cryptomeria japonica 'Taisho Tamasugi' - Compact Japanese Red Cedar
Cupressus arizonica 'Blue Spire' - Blue Spire Arizona Cypress
Ginkgo biloba 'Chase Manhattan' - Chase Manhattan Dwarf Ginkgo
Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point' - Blue Point Chinese Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka Variegata' - Variegated Hollywood Juniper
Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone' - Gold Cone Juniper
Kerria japonica 'Picta'- Variegated Japanese Kerria
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Aureomarginata' - Variegated Tulip Tree
Magnolia acuminata x 'Brenda' - Brenda Hybrid Cucumbertree Magnolia
Magnolia acuminata x 'Yellow Bird' - Yellow Bird Hybrid Cucumbertree Magnolia
Magnolia 'Sun Sprite' - Sun Sprite Magnolia
Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Miss Grace' - Weeping Dawn Redwood
Picea abies 'Acrocona' - Acrocona Norway Spruce
Picea abies 'Cupressina' - Fastigiate Norway Spruce
Picea omorika 'Pendula' - Weeping Serbian Spruce
Picea orientalis 'Skylands' - Yellow Oriental Spruce
Picea pungens 'Glauca Globosa' - Globe Colorado Blue Spruce
Picea pungens 'Mesa Verde' - Mesa Verde Colorado Spruce
Pinus bungeana 'Temple Gem' - Temple Gem Lacebark Pine
Pinus mugo 'Corley's Mat' - Corley's Mat Mugo Pine
Pinus ponderosa 'Big Boomer #111' - Big Boomer Ponderosa Pine
Pinus thunbergiana 'Thunderhead' - Thunderhead Japanese Black Pine
Pseudolarix amabalis - Golden Larch
Sciadopitys verticillata - Umbrella Pine
Taxodium distichum 'Peve Minaret' - Dwarf Bald Cypress
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' - Green Giant Arbotvitae
Ulmus parvifolia 'Bosque' - Bosque Lacebark Elm
Viburnum plicatum tomentosum 'Summer Snowflake' - S. S. Doublefile Viburnum
Wisteria flori 'White Blue Eye' - White Blue Eye Wisteria

Arboretum Review : Pleasant Run Creek

Pleasant Run Creek Arboretum
Stadium Street
Pulaski, Tennessee 38478
City of Pulaski 931-363-2249

Date Visited : 11 Oct. 2009

The last Arboretum that I visited before moving from Tennessee to Indiana was the Pleasant Run Creek Arboretum in Pulaski, Tennessee. It was a short drive south down I65 from where I was living near Nashville at the time.
When I arrived in Pulaski I was excited to find a beautiful little town with great character and a charming old main street. The Arboretum is just a few blocks southeast of downtown. You can park in the lot off Stadium Street at the Trail of Tears Interpretive Center.

The Trail of Tears Interpretive Center

In front of the Interpretive Center is a massive map showing the path of the Trail of Tears.

Through out the park information signs give a brief history lesson.

Charming Features such as this direction sign along the trail really show the city's commitment to making the park beautiful.

Each tree plaque has an informative paragraph detailing everything from identification and characteristics to uses and history. In addition, each tree stands as a memorial to a beloved member of the community.

Most of the trees in the park can be found along this stretch of the Pleasant Run Creek. While I was visiting several people from the community stopped at the picnic tables.

At the far end of the sidewalk a tunnel passes under the road. The creek continues on the other side where the park opens up into a large field. More trees can be found along this portion of the trail as well.

While somewhat small and simple, I am impressed with the quality of this park. It is well maintained and had a friendly atmosphere. It is a perfect example of how a small to medium sized arboretum can be incorporated into an existing community. The choice to make each tree a memorial is an excellent approach to funding the project and tying in a bit of local history as well. It fits comfortably along the small creek without taking up land that would be otherwise used for other purposes. In fact, it emphasises and brings attention to a creek that would, in other communities, be left in a state of neglect.

34 Observed Trees including 13 different Oak:
Acer rubrum - Red Maple
Alnus serrulata - Hazel Alder
Betula nigra - River Birch
Carya glabra - Pignut Hickory
Carya laciniosa - Shellbark Hickory
Chionanthus virginicus - Fringetree
Cladrastis kentukea - American Yellowwood
Cornus alternifolia - Pagoda Dogwood
Cornus florida - Flowering Dogwood
Cornus oracenosa - Gray Dogwood
Cotinus obovatus - American Smoke Tree
Crataegus phaenopyrum - Washington Hawthorn
Koelreuteria paniculata - Goldenrain Tree
Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum
Liriodendron tulipifera - Tulip Tree
Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia
Magnolia soulangeana - Saucer Magnolia
Prunus serrulata - Japanese Flowering Cherry
Prunus x yedoensis - Yoshino Cherry
Quercus coccinea - Scarlet Oak
Quercus imbricaria - Shingle Oak
Quercus lyrata - Overcup Oak
Quercus macrocarpa - Bur Oak
Quercus marilandica - Blackjack Oak
Quercus michauxii - Swamp Chestnut Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii - Chinkapin Oak
Quercus nigra - Water Oak
Quercus palustris - Pin Oak
Quercus phellos - Willow Oak
Quercus rubra - Northern Red Oak
Quercus shumardii - Shumard Oak
Quercus velutina - Black Oak
Salix babylonica - Weeping Willow
Tilia americana - American Basswood

Arboretum Review : Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville TN, 37205
(615) 356-0501 / 1-800-270-3991
http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/

Date Visited : 10 Oct. 2009

Natalie and I went to the Belle Meade Plantation today for its Fall Festival. It is always a joy to see parks and gardens on days that they are full of life and activity. The Fall Fest had art and craft vendors, games & rides for kids and live music & wine tasting for adults.

Guided tours of the mansion are available for guests that are interested in learning the history of the plantation.

Festival goers stop to watch a magician pull a rabbit from his hat.

A huge Southern Magnolia stands between the house (off camera left) and stables. There are several old and beautiful Southern Magnolias throughout the grounds.

Interpretive signs throughout the grounds tell the history of the plantation. Each building and landmark on the plantation has an information sign posted by it.

Behind the house a live band played music while people sampled wine in the boxwood lined garden.

At the Gardener's House a sign marked the arboretum's 1988 designation.

Natalie and I found a few trees throughout the grounds that were labeled "Belle Meade Plantation Tree Walk", but were disappointed with the overall lack of information available on the gardens. When we asked the clerk in the gift shop if she had any information she was rude and offered no assistance. When we later asked the guides at the mansion they indicated that there used to be maps available, but did not assist us in obtaining any. If you only have time to visit one garden in Nashville's Belle Meade Neighborhood I strongly recommend visiting Cheekwood over the Belle Meade Plantation.

Observed Trees:
Acer saccharum - Sugar Maple
Catalpa speciosa - Northern Catalpa
Celtis occidentalis - Hackberry
Cornus florida - Flowering Dogwood
Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo
Ilex opaca - American Holly
Juglans nigra - Black Walnut
Juniperus virginiana - Eastern Red Cedar
Liriodendron tulipifera - Tulip Tree
Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia
Metasequoia glyptostroboides - Dawn Redwood

Arboretum Review : Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
1100 South Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
http://www.botanicalconservatory.org/

Date Visited : 18 September 2009

While staying in Fort Wayne this September I made a point to visit the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. I can recall visiting the conservatory a handful of times over the years. Each time I return I see it in an entirely different light. As a child the conservatory seemed like an endless labyrinth of tropical waterfalls and vast open spaces. As a teen the whole experience was slightly lackluster, taking only minutes to stride though without a second glance at what I was missing. As an adult I am really able to appreciate what a rare collection of plants the conservatory offers for this part of the country.

The conservatory is in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is tucked in between the Embassy Theatre, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Grand Wayne Convention Center. From Calhoun Street the three glass-roofed atriums stand out prominently.

The entry foyer

The Tulip Tree gift shop offers a large selection of odds and ends including an assortment of house plants, bonsai trees, and educational resources.

Upon entering the Conservatory you are greeted by a slightly disturbing tree who stands guard over the Discovery Gallery. A collection of activities and resources are available to children as they learn and explore.

The Discovery Gallery

A quick skip down The Yellow Brick Road from the Discovery Gallery brings you to the first atrium titled "The Showcase Garden". On the day we visited there was literally a yellow brick road along with an entire collection of Wizard of OZ themed exhibits throughout the gardens.

The Showcase Garden

Moving on from the Showcase Garden you enter the second atrium titled "The Tropical Garden". From the overlook at the top of the Tropical Garden you can see straight into the tree tops.

We had to dodge a few Flying Monkeys as we passed under the waterfall.

The Tropical Garden spirals down from the overlook to a quiet little Koi Pond shaded under fruit trees.

Perhaps the most unique tree in the entire collection, this piece of art is quietly tucked into the Tropical Garden. Constructed entirely from railroad spikes, this tree is surprisingly easy to miss at first glance. While the trunk is made of iron, the foliage is quite alive. Bromeliads cover the branches gathering water and nutrients from the air without the need for soil.

Moving on from the roar of the waterfall in the Tropical Gardens, the Desert Garden is quiet and relaxing space. The air is noticeably drier and the decor transitions toward the American South West.
Some of the cactus varieties look fairly tame after observing the thorns in the Tropical Garden. Small children should be kept close throughout the conservatory. Thorns, poisonous plants, and some pretty dramatic water features all pose very real dangers.

Stepping outside from the Desert Garden you enter the Exploration Garden. Trails curve through the shade of the overhead maple canopy. Benches and tables await those who seek to escape to a quiet retreat.

Adjacent to the Exploration Garden, the Terrace Garden is setup for a wedding. Stepping patios, seating walls and water features surround a large event space.

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is really a rare gem for Northern Indiana. No where else in the area offers the opportunity for people to experience plants like this. In the middle of winter visitors have the ability to escape to a tropical rainforest or airid desert landscape.

Observed Trees:
Acacia willardiana - Palo Blanco
Araucaria bidwillii - Bunya-Bunya
Artocarpus altilis - Breadfruit
Brugmansia x candida - Angel's Trumpet
Camellia japonica - Camellia
Cananga odorata - Perfume Tree
Caryota mitis - Clustered Fishtail Palm
Citrus sinensis - Common Orange
Eriobotrya japonica - Loquat
Ficus benjamina - Weeping Fig
Ficus deltoidea - Mistletoe Fig
Ficus pumila - Creeping Fig
Fortunella margarita - Oval Kumquat
Guaiacum sanctum - Lignum vitae
Kalanchoe beharensis - Feltbush
Lysiloma thornberi - Feather Bush
Murraya paniculata - Orange Jasmine
Musa acuminata - Edible Banana
Musa acuminata spp. zebrina - Blood Banana
Myrciaria cauliflora - Jaboticaba
Olea europaea - Olive Tree
Punica granatum - Pomegranate
Prosopis juliflora velutina - Velvet Mesquite
Simmondsia chinensis - Jojoba

Arboretum Review : Christy Woods

Christy Woods

Ball State University

Muncie, Indiana

http://www.bsu.edu/map/bldngs/woods/

View Location on the Arboretum Map

Date Visited : 17 August 2009

Earlier this week I stopped into my old Alma mater, Ball State University, to have lunch with some friends and explore Christy Woods. I first visited Christy Woods several years back while taking a freshman course in the Natural Resources department. The 18 acre site, located on the edge of campus, is host to a variety of educational activities and serves as a sort of outdoor classroom.

Hesitant to park in any campus parking lots, (thanks to a particularly efficient ticketing team) I chose to park along West Riverside Avenue. Entrances exist on multiple sides of Christy Woods making it easy to access and pass through.

Information boards greet visitors at each entrance and offer some information on the woods.

The map above shows the layout of the woods. We entered near the orange arrow and progressed south through the Conifer Garden and into the Prairie.

The Prairie

While exploring the pathways through the Prairie it is easy to forget that you are in the middle of the city. Just south of the Prairie are the green houses that hold the Wheeler Orchid Collection.

The Wheeler Orchid Collection

Thousands of Orchids cover every surface of the greenhouse.

Just outside of the orchid house is the East Woods. The East Woods trails cut through thick Indiana forest. Watch out for the abundant poison ivy that creeps up to the trail edge.

The East Entrance

I was disappointed to observe that the trees in Christy Woods are not identified, though it makes sense considering teachers use these trees to quiz students on identification. All in all the woods offer students a place to learn about the natural world without leaving campus. It has been a great resource to the University that I hope will remain for generations to come.