Out and About in the Arboretum

Just this past week, the Meadows on both Campuses got their annual early spring mowing. The reason for the mowing is to stimulate new growth for the season to come. We were fortunate to find just the right time for this task to be done. Already, blue birds have been spotted in both Meadows and a flock of very happy red wing black birds were enjoying the Oak trees in the Medford Campus Meadow.

Leatherleaf Mahonia, Mahonia bealei, belongs to a class of shrubs entitled broadleaf evergreens. This shrub provides year round interest with its spiky leaves, but right now is a great time to enjoy its fragrant yellow flowers.

While you may encounter a number of Hellebores, Lenten Rose plants on the Medford Campus, the easiest to spot and enjoy are the ones in the Atrium near the Reception Desk in the Community Building. Helleborus orientalis are not roses at all, instead they are perennial flowers that derived their name from the fact that the blooms resemble a rose. These plants often bloom during the Lent season. They make a wonderful addition to a shade garden, or naturalized area. In addition to the blooms in the Atrium, you will find them in Court 13.

As you traverse through the Medford Campus from the New Freedom Road entrance on your way to the Community Building, you go through a lovely wooded area composed primarily of Fagus grandiflora, American beech. The smooth, silvery bark adds to the beauty of this native tree, but the leaves also make a statement, especially in the winter.

Always a first sign of spring to come, the Galanthus, commonly known as snowdrops, are currently in bloom, You will enjoy these in the Atrium of the Medford Campus community Building. These tiny plants, just 3-6 inches tall, produce one small white flower that hangs from its stalk. These perennial plants often multiply over time and are a treat to see in bloom. They seem especially full of flowers this year-perhaps because of the mild weather.v

Who says you can’t enjoy some outdoor color in February? Check out Courtyard Garden 28 on the Medford Campus to enjoy the Erica x darleyensis “Darley Dale.” This vigorous plant has clouds of bright pink flowers which are sure to brighten a dark winter day.