When people think of evergreen shrubs, typically you think of Pines, and Firs, but there is another category of evergreens--Broadleaf Evergreens. This category of shrubs/trees includes boxwoods, Japanese hollies, and
pyracantha.
Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei) is yet another example of a broadleaf evergreen. We have a number of them in the Arboretum, but you can easily find one in the garden in Court Four. The foliage is coarse and
distinctive and does not drop its leaves in the fall. In late spring large clusters of electric blue "grapes" grace this plant. Check this shrub out
now and visit it again to see its "grapes" in the spring.
In front of the Nature Center on the Medford Campus, you will enjoy seeing the Yellow -fruited American Holly--Ilex opaca 'Xanthocarpa'. A wonderful characteristic of this holly is the yellow berries that adorn this tree.
This medium-sized evergreen tree with its bright yellow berries is a treat to the eye, when so many trees have lost their leaves for the winter season.
As you meander through the Atrium in the Medford Campus Community Building, be sure to look for one of the first blooms of 2014--Snowdrops (Galanthus) are a bulb that produces one small white flower, which hangs down off its stalk like a "drop" prior to opening. You will find a patch of these blooming alongside the stone walkway in the Atrium. These perennial bloomers give us hope that spring will come.
In addition to human inhabitants within the
Barton Arboretum & Nature
Preserve,
we also enjoy many species of birds--flying friends who make
their
home on both campuses.
The
Eastern Screech-Owl is one such bird who has been sighted on both
campuses.
The owls are well camouflaged and hide in nooks and crannies of
trees through
the day--many living in owl houses that have been
constructed
by our residents. The photo below was taken by Jane
Bourquin a few years ago. If you train your ear to their call, you may catch them in view at dusk.
Check out this link to hear the mysterious trill, which may sound spooky,
but is sure to catch your attention.
Take a special look and enjoy the River Birch Trees which are sited on both campuses. As you enter the Lumberton Campus, the River Birch greet you on both sides of the entry and on the Medford Campus, one of the easy spots to find them is in the Front Parking Lot. These trees are native to North America and make a wonderful addition to the Arboretum. The textured, beige bark provides a unique winter interest to enjoy.
