One of the wonders of the Fall season is the Ilex verticillata - the American Winterberry.
This shrub is prized as an ornamental plant with a splash of bright color from densely packed berries. The bare branches covered in berries are also popular for cutting and use in floral arrangements.
You can enjoy this plant on both campuses--just look for the bright red berries!
One purpose of the Arboretum is to promote the love and knowledge of horticulture. On November 6, as a component of our Pathways to Learning Program, Ken Hutz, arborist, provided a class entitled "Pruning in Your Home Garden." This course was attended by 22 individuals, a blend of residents and members of the local community. Ken was able to share his skills in pruning with the group and use the Medford Campus as his "classroom". We are so fortunate to have the ability to invite the local community in to the Arboretum to learn about good pruning techniques and to share knowledge on this topic.
Native to China and also called "maidenhair- tree," Ginkgo biloba is a slow-growing, deciduous tree that is often used as an urban street tree, since it has a tolerance to air pollution. The fan-shaped leaves have
turned a glorious golden yellow this past week.
You can enjoy a group of three of these trees at the intersection of Estaugh Way and Medford Leas Way, on the Medford Campus, as well, you can enjoy them along Main Street in the town of Lumberton.
The arrival of fall does not mean the end of blooms on plants and shrubs. Check out the Japanese Camellia, Camellia japonica "Snow Flurry" in Court 22. This flowering shrub, also known as the Rose of winter, is in bloom
now and will have blooms to enjoy for the next several weeks. Though a native of China, it has found a very happy home here in the Barton Arboretum in Court 22.
