Arboretum Committee
Annual Report 1978-1979
The Arboretum Committee has met regularly during the academic year 1978-79 and has dealt with a
variety of issues, some arising in the course of normal reviews and some initiated within the Committee itself.
The Lower Lawn. For several years the Committee has been concerned about the condition of the Lower
Lawn. As pedestrian traffic has increased, the stress on that portion of the grounds has become acute. During the
year the Committee, in cooperation with the Planning Department, completed work on plans and
recommendations for widening the walks and increasing the radii on corners. These recommendations have been
transmitted to Mr. Catlin.
The West grounds. Another area of major concern is the portion of McCormick Road between Emmett
St. and the new Commons. The Committee studied the multiple problems represented here and decided that a
concerted effort must be made to improve the landscaping in the area. To this end we have requested and
received permission from the Physical Planning Review Committee for a study by the Planning Department of the
overall problem with particular attention to several sub-areas. The Committee has expressed its willingness to
undertake the funding of some of the changes in the near future.
Lambeth Field Apartments. At the suggestion of Mr. Peter Stoudt, the Committee has interested itself in
improving the amenity of the Lambeth complex. 'The problem appears to be one of coordinating efforts by the
students, the Housing Division, the Department of Buildings and Grounds, and our Committee to improve this
rather intractable situation. A beginning has been made on the problem.
The Rotunda-Alderman Axis. In order to bind up the wounds of the
restoration -of the Rotunda, the Committee has been engaged in planting in
this area. It was decided that the site offered am opportunity to increase
the numbers and kinds of maples on the grounds, with due regard for making
coherent ensemble of trees. Three new varieties have already been planted,
a Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum), a Sycamore Maple (Acerpseudoplatanus), and .a cut-leaf variety of the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). Other species will be sought.
A number of sets of plans, originated elsewhere, have been reviewed by the Committee:
Law School, Phase II. The plans for landscaping and for the planting of the roof garden were reviewed
and approved. The Committee suggested that some alternative material be substituted for the Elaeagnus
proposed.
Primary Care Center. The landscaping plans were reviewed on the ground and approved, with the
suggestion that the larger trees be concentrated on the sensitive sides next to Jordan Hall and the proposed
parking garage.
Student Recreation Complex. The plans were approved, with the suggestion of a Sycamore (Platanus
occidentalis) on the front corner and a screen of pines along the south side.
Executive Program Center. The preliminary concept for landscaping was approved.
Three new memorial trees were approved by the Committee and two have been planted. A Sweetgum
(Liquidambar styraciflua) was placed in the garden of Pavilion I by the Albemarle Garden Club in memory of
Mrs. Margaret Speidel and a Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus near the Chapel in memory of Mir. Frank
Hartman. The students of the Law School will plant a Japanese Maple (Acer palmatun) in memory of their
classmate Ms. Burke.
The Committee discharged its final duty with a visit to Blandy Farm on May 3d. Mr. Ewert has made
notable progress during the past year. The Committee made the rounds of the Orland E. White Arboretum and
noted that extensive clearing and pruning has recently been accomplished. A major reorganization of the
boxwood collection is in progress, and the renovation of the old greenhouse is nearly complete. Mr. Ewert is
anxious to begin restoring the brickwork on the old quarters. Apparently the arrangement with Fairfax
Community College has resulted in the development of an effective animal husbandry program at the farm.
The Committee plans to keep in touch with plans that are being developed this summer and will meet
once or twice before the beginning of the next academic year.
Respectfully submitted,
J.J. . Murray, Jr., Chairman
For the Committee
