Out and About in the Arboretum

A meadow can be described as a field habitat consisting primarily of grasses and other non-woody plants. These ecosystems play a crucial role in the well-being of nature. Within the Arboretum we are fortunate to have two Meadow areas, one on each Campus. The Meadows provide shelter for animals that are unable to seek refuge in trees, such as rabbits and land-dwelling birds. In addition, the insects that find homes in the Meadows are often pollinators that grow amongst the grasses.

Silphium perfoliatum, commonly called cup plant, is a sunflower-like plant which as you are out and about in the Arboretum, you can find along the side of the Medford Campus Community Building parking lot. It typically grows on tough, strong stems to 4-8′ tall and is distinguished from the other silphiums by its square/quadrangular stems and pairs of cup-forming leaves.

As you are out and about in the Arboretum on the Medford Campus, check out the tabletop gardening located to the rear of the Lois Forrest Nature Center. This area is now home to 20 tabletop gardens, thanks to the work of Eagle Scouts in the local area. Just the other day you could see tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers in the beds.

If you have been out and about in the Arboretum recently, you may have noticed the new plantings in Courtyard Garden 11. This Court has had a “refresh” for all to enjoy. The design allowed the large specimen trees to stay in place, along with a number of shrubs. Added to the design are assorted shrubs, grasses, and ferns, along with a bluestone patio. The Stewartia, with its white flowers which resemble camellias, is now in bloom.

This past month, the Lumberton Campus Meadow displayed a wonderful show of color. In early June, a group of residents gathered to enjoy a walk guided by our resident, Miriam Swartz, who is our “guru” on the topic of wildflowers. Of particular note was the White Beardtongue, Penstemon digitalis, and the Carolina Pea, Thermopsis villosa. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/dwOmEBC1eBc on for an “up close and personal” tour.

Even on a cloudy day, the Cornus kousa dogwood will brighten your day. This tree is a cousin to the American Dogwood. Native to China and Japan, it is theorized that over the millennia the Kousa Dogwood developed fleshy fruits which were appealing to the monkeys in these countries. Here in the Arboretum, this tree is a fan favorite for its seasonality, providing varied interest throughout the year.