 | |
| Nice and tidy in the front, but is there a party going on out back? In the center of the photograph, directly behind the sidewalk, we have two non-native gummi berry shrubs (Elaeagnus multiflora). Grass and weeds have been removed from around the bases of the trunks so that the shrubs are distinct from the surrounding landscape. Much of the arboretum is maintained in this fashion. |
The primary goal of the arboretum is to showcase trees and shrubs native to the southeastern United States. As exhibited in the above photograph, some non-natives are allowed. While we would prefer to have only native species, this is unobtainable. This problem is especially noticeable with our grasses. The commercial species of grass present in the arboretum tolerate mowing and have a relatively short growth-height: these grasses can be kept alive and healthy while remaining short enough to allow guests to see the trees and shrubs and their binomial placards. If we were to remove all the non-native grass species, we would be unlikely to find replacements that would prevent erosion without obscuring the trees, shrubs and signage. Our native grasses, such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), are typically clump-forming and tall—you will not get a lawn with these plants. Historically, the grass in the aboretum was kept more-or-less just as it is across the rest of campus, i.e. short. Over the last few years, however, one area has grown into a mini wilderness area, directly in the middle of campus.
 |
| This sidewalk marks the western edge of the arboretum. The grass is kept short next to the sidewalk, for a number of reasons. The uncut wilderness area is photographed in the center, with a sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) pictured on the left and a large, on-site native southern red oak (Quercus falcata) on the right. On the far right of the photograph we see a grouping of Mexican plums (Prunus mexicana). |
 |
| How many species are growing here? |
Near the Student Union Building, you may notice a large uncut plot. This area has not been mowed since spring 2021. Ms. Beavers, an art student, displayed her project in this area, so cutting was neglected to avoid damaging the artwork. After the project was concluded and the artwork was removed, wildflowers were blooming, so the area was given a further reprieve in order to complete its reproductive cycle. Once the wildflowers were gone to seed, volunteer trees had made their presence known by sticking their heads shoots up above the grasses. We then made the decision to leave the area alone for the foreseeable future.
 |
| A sycamore trunk is photographed center. The sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is properly labeled with a sign, but the sign is nearly overgrown. A diverse group of plants thrives beneath this one tree. What sort of volunteers are begging to be put into service? |
 |
| New trees must be replanted every season to replace those that die from old age, disease, or damage. In this photograph, we have two new trees staked, and the surrounding grass has been trimmed to draw attention to the new recruits. In the background, we see what the landscape looks like if allowed to grow without being trimmed. |
As often shown on this blog, trees and shrubs in the arboretum die off every season. Volunteers are an excellent insurance policy, and they have been naturally selected for vigor and suitability. The death of an American holly (Ilex opaca) created the sunlight and open space necessary for this "nursery" to form. Now, by 2024, there are numerous tall and healthy volunteers. Unfortunately they can't stay here forever; the time has to come to choose which to harvest for transplants. Then we will decide what to do with this area: clean it up or allow it to thrive as a semi-wild pocket.
