The NAPCC is part of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA).  The NAPCC is an advocate for raising plant curation, plant records, and collections management standards.  It is also a seal of approval for plant collections found in botanical gardens and arboreta that exhibit exemplary collections of plants  throughout North America.

James R. Frorer Holly Collection is located on a south facing slope along the Crum Creek. photo credit: D. Mattis

The Scott Arboretum holds three NAPCC collections including Ilex, hollies; Quercus, oaks; and Magnolia. Our first collection to get NAPCC status was the holly collection.  The lion’s share of this collection is found in the James R. Frorer Holly Collection on the south facing slopes along the Crum Creek. This collection was donated by Swarthmore College graduate, James R. Frorer in 1974 from his property in Wilmington, Delaware.  Today, the collection represents over 290 different kinds of hollies.

There are some great rest spots found among the blossoms of the Magnolia Collection. photo credit: J. Jin

Another significant collection with NAPCC status is our Magnolia Collection. Historically, the “collection” existed around Mertz Dormitory, Worth Health Center, and the Benjamin West House.  Over the last 15 years due to growth of the collection we have expanded out magnolia plantings to the West Garden, Tree Peony Garden, Sharples Dining Hall, and the Pinetum.  The collection is rich in species, cultivars, and hybrids, representing over 150 taxa.

Fall color of the majestic Quercus phellos. photo credit: R. Manduca

Our most recent NAPCC collection is the oaks. We are part of a multi-institution group which represents the genus, Quercus in North America.  Because oaks are found in many  geographical regions of the world it is prudent to have a variety of institutions collectively hold this collection.  For example, the UC Davis Arboretum can grow the California and Mexican oaks while the Scott Arboretum can focus on Eastern U. S. native species along with European and Asian species and cultivars.

Quercus bicolor with lovely fall color. photo credit: R. Manduca

Each of the three collections span the entire Arboretum.  Exploring any of these collections will open your eyes to the range of plants growing here at Scott Arboretum.

Theresa Lang Garden of Fragrance. photo credit: D. Mattis

Travel & Leisure cited our “idyllic gardens of hydrangea, lilacs, and tree peonies” and “courtyard devoted to fragrant trees and shrubs” among the reason to be named to their list of America’s Most Beautiful College Campuses.

Display labels can be found on woody plants throughout the Arboretum. photo credit: R. Robert

Philadelphia Inquirer Garden Writer Virginia Smith also noted on her recent visit to the Arboretum that “I was struck, as I am every time, at the obvious care and affection that goes into everything here – from the containers in front of the Arboretum offices to the labels identifying plants and trees.” Look for a piece by Virginia Smith in the Inquirer next Friday about our organic lawn.

To help you envision fall colors and cooler weather, here is a delightful video developed by WHYY about the Scott Arboretum. Look for this video to appear on your local WHYY TV station.

Here are the totals for trash we took out.

3 tires

2 fibergalss poles

45 bags of trash

1 metal strap

1 large concrete blob

Picnic table parts

Various wood

1 Wooden bear

The Scott Arboretum has published a brochure detailing the concept, practices and research behind the Organic Lawn Initiative. You can view it online at http://www.scottarboretum.org/publications/OrganicLawnBrochure2-11.pdf or pick up a copy from the brochure box at the organic lawn, installed just below the stairs of Magill Walk.

Four Swarthmore College biology majors are studying the biological diversity in our soil and the effects of our organic and conventional landscape maintenance practices on soil organisms. Such knowledge will improve our ability to maximize soil fertility and plant health by harnessing natural ecological processes. Organisms including fungi, bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, and earthworms are the key to organically improving the structure and chemistry of the soil– the life support system for plants. On April 6th, Elaine Ingham, Ph. D., — internationally respected soil microbiologist, Chief Scientist for the Rodale Institute, and President and Director of Research at Soil Foodweb Inc.– will spend the day at Swarthmore training students, as well as several of the College’s science faculty and horticultural staff, in the use of a light microscope to identify microbes and analyze the quality of soil, compost and other biological materials. We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse group of constituents to learn with and from one another.

Haegele also leads Nature’s Narratives, a book discussion group at the Scott Arboretum, once a month on Monday evenings. Participate in the next discussion on Monday, January 10 from 5 to 6 pm.

The Scott Arboretum’s Wister Education Center and Greenhouse which opened last fall, recently received gold LEED certification for new construction from the U.S. Green Building Council. The award – which identifies the Center as a “pioneering example of sustainable design” – is the culmination of an effort that began during the earliest stages of the project.

“I feel a real sense of pride that the educational and horticultural work of the Arboretum is housed in a way that exemplifies beautiful and sustainable design and a sensible use of resources,” says Scott Arboretum Director Claire Sawyers. “While we aim to inspire good gardening efforts at a grassroots, regional level, this building demonstrates the Arboretum and College also aim to inspire careful stewardship of the planet as the ultimate garden.”

View into the Terry Shane Teaching Garden from the Wister Center. photo credit: R. Robert

“I am very pleased to extend my congratulations to Claire and her team for working so diligently to make the Wister Center a model of green design,” adds President Rebecca Chopp. “Our community is increasingly enriched by the excellent work and care that this facility fosters.”

Metasequoia glyptostroboides shingles on the Wister Center. photo credit: R. Robert

Construction and design of the 5,200-square foot structure – including a classroom, exhibit areas, greenhouse, and support space – focused on innovative energy efficient green building techniques. One technique is the reuse of Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) trees that were cut down during the construction of Alice Paul Hall. The harvested trees were made into shingles that were used for almost a third of the Center’s siding. Another  technique involved the use of concrete containing fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants that is usually dumped in landfills.

Light tubes and fluorescent bulbs line the hallways of the Wister Center. photo credit: R. Robert

The building also uses an energy-efficient lighting system. The design opens the building to daylight as much as possible using large windows and “light tubes” that bring light down through the ceiling. Energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs are controlled by occupancy sensors and a building-wide timing system. A green roof is planned and storm water runoff is directed into a cistern used for watering plants surrounding the building.

The Scott Arboretum’s Garden Seeds has been named in the top 100 great sites for gardeners by XRAY Technician Training. While this not a traditional gardening blog, we are listed with the garden blog giants like Garden Rant, A Way to Garden, and Sustainable and Urban Gardening. Let us know what you would like to read more about on Garden Seeds.

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the 2009 Perennial Plant Conference, check out this recap by the Garden Lady. To read about another great Echinacea, E. ‘Rubinstern’, visit the July 2008 Plant of the Month.

Almost a year after planting Swarthmore College’s and Scott Arboretum’s third green roof, the plants have grown together to create a striking tapestry of color. Check out what Jennie Love had to say about our green roof after visiting this summer.

A tapestry of sedum on the Kemp Hall green roof. photo credit: D. Mattis

There are two more green roof tours left this season. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26 and Thursday, October 22 to experience the parade of colors created by Sedum, Talinum, Delosperma, Campanula, Allium, and Dianthus. We hope to install our fourth green roof on the Wister Education Center and Greenhouse this fall. Stay tuned to Garden Seeds for updates.