Out and About in the Arboretum

Genus Lagerstroemia, crape myrtle, consists of just over 50 species of trees and shrubs. While native to Asia and Australia, you will find it in our area, as well as the Southern States. The common crape myrtle was brought to this country in 1790 and first planted in Charleston, South Carolina. Vibrant hot colored blooms thrive in the heat of

One of the charms of the Courtyard Gardens on the Medford Campus is the variety of garden styles and designs. Right now, Courtyard Garden Ten is a vision of cooling white plant material. The white Buddleia and Petunias are attractive to the butterflies and provide a calm and tranquil setting. Keep an eye out for the Sweet Autumn Clematis which

As you enter the Ground Floor Woolman entrance from the parking lot on the Medford Campus, a lovely vitex tree (Vitex agnus-castus) adds a soft lavender blush to the landscape. This versatile plant can be trained as a large shrub or a small multi-trunked tree about 10 to 15 feet tall and wide. The cool-colored, lavender-blue spikes of vitex provide

As we experience extreme heat, it is always a good idea to keep in mind some basic tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress. Remember, the extreme heat does not last forever, but while we are in the thick of it, always good to keep these tips in mind: If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day. Do

Southern Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, is a large evergreen tree which may grow up to over 100’. It is truly a tree for all seasons, as the shiny dark green leaves have a wonderful yellow-brown underside throughout the year, and right now, creamy white flowers emerge from the tips of the branches.

Over the past several weeks, the Lumberton Campus Meadow has come alive with many wildflowers and grasses coming into bloom. In particular, the Penstemon digitalis (White Beardtongue), Blue Flag Iris, and False Blue Indigo have provided wonderful color for all to enjoy.