Out and About in the Arboretum

Exciting news! Coming soon: improvements to the Atrium Garden in the Community Building. The big news is that the fountain will be renovated for both humans and fish to enjoy. And don’t worry — we have made accommodations for the turtles and the fish while the work is being done. Of the large trees already in place, just one tree that has been in decline needs to come down. While we will miss the crabapple, we know that trees don’t live forever. A wonderful native weeping redbud will replace this specimen.

The great thing about native plants is that often there is seasonal interest for all to enjoy. Winterberry, Ilex verticillata, is such a native shrub. During late summer green berries form on the shrubs. As we move into the fall and winter seasons, what are now relatively inconspicuous berries become bright red in color for all of us to enjoy and for birds to feast upon through the winter months.

There are over 75 species and 600 named cultivars of Hydrangeas that are native to a wide range of regions and countries, including Japan, Asia, Indonesia, Himalayan mountains, and the Americas. Hydrangeas can grow as climbing vines and trees, but are most commonly grown as a shrub. Hydrangea paniculata, commonly called Panicle Hydrangea, is a vigorous, upright, shrub native to China and Japan, with white blooms that will carry us into the early fall season.

The Crape Myrtle specimens are coming into bloom, giving us a vibrant shot of color throughout the Arboretum. These bursts of color start earlier in warmer climates, but the beginning of August is typical for our Burlington County location. These blooms thrive in the heat of the summer. Following the bloom, small brown seeded fruits form and remain through the fall and winter season.

The Medford Campus Farm is having an incredible year. Our residents have been practicing physical distancing as they tend their plots and the rewards keep coming in. Currently the Jersey tomatoes are coming on strong, as well as zucchini, corn and loads of colorful flowers and herbs. The bees and the butterflies are having a super season.

Court 16 on the Medford Campus is proof positive that you can have a thriving colorful garden in the shade. The hydrangea, begonias and Japanese Maple all give color to this woodlands style garden.