Out and About in the Arboretum

Commonly called heavenly bamboo, Nandina domestica, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that is grown for its interesting foliage and bright red berries. Native to Japan, China and India, this shrub is also at home here in the Barton Arboretum in a number of Courtyard Gardens, including Nine, Eleven and Twelve.

What a great way to begin the New Year! Why not make a visit to the Haddon Greenhouse, easily accessed from the Ground Floor of Haddon. The colors are sure to brighten your winter day with thoughts of spring and summer to come.

Right now is a great time to enjoy the many Poinsettia plants decorating areas of the Campuses. Poinsettias are native plants in Mexico, where they flower during the winter. These colorful plants are named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first Ambassador from the US to Mexico in 1825.

It’s December, but the weather cooperated so that we could have a new look installed in Courtyard Garden Six on the Medford Campus for all to enjoy. A pleasing combination of evergreens, shrubs, a new patio and a wonderful Cherry tree make for a great garden for all to appreciate.

With the change of the weather, and as we turn the page on our calendars, our thoughts go to the tradition of hanging a holiday wreath to enjoy.

Just over the past week, a wonderful combination of trees and shrubs have been planted to the rear of Rushmore Building 64 on the Medford Campus. This will provide a delightful view of color, especially in the springtime as the forsythia takes hold, followed by the dogwoods and magnolias. Spaced in between are evergreens and native viburnum to fill in the mix. Take a look now as you are out and about in the Arboretum, but hold on until spring to really see the impact.