Out and About in the Arboretum

Chinese Seven-Sons Tree, Heptacodium miconioides, is a fountain-shaped tree that features clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late summer to early fall. Flowers appear in clusters, with each containing 7 tiny flowers (hence the common name). Exfoliating bark adds another layer of interest. This plant, native to China, is rare; but you can find it on the Medford Campus in

Truly a tree for all seasons, Cornus kousa, also known as the Kousa Dogwood, delights us throughout the year. Through the winter season, the patchwork designed bark is in easy view. The spring brings forth lovely white flowers and now as we go into the fall season, the spherical red-pink fruit is forming. This fruit has been described as a

Callicarpa dichotoma, commonly known as beautyberry, is a small, rounded, deciduous shrub, and is included in the landscape for its showy fall display of lilac-violet berries. Clusters of small, pink to lavender flowers are in bloom right now, along the stems. The flowers are followed by clusters of berries which ripen in September and put on their best show through

Just this past month, work has proceeded with the restoration of the Medford Campus Meadow. Under the guidance of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, (LWA), the first step has begun to eliminate invasive non-native weeds that have engulfed areas of the Meadow. Over the next month, another application of spray will take place, followed by a second mowing. Remember, the goal

Hydrangea paniculata, commonly called Panicle Hydrangea, is a vigorous upright shrub that is native to China and Japan. You can find it in full bloom on the Medford Campus in the Atrium to the left as you enter the Community Building. This winter hardy shrub is in full bloom now with white blooms that will carry us into the early

A fenced boardwalk at the North corner of the Medford Campus Community Building parking lot leads to a pond with an overlook and some chairs. This shady retreat has some noteworthy inhabitants–a family of frogs. Close inspection reveals at least five individuals by the edge of the pond or floating on a lily pad. They are Northern Green frogs (Rana