Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is there to see here?
A. The Arboretum is home to the
largest collection of boxwood cultivars in
Q. What did the main building used to be?
A. The oldest portion of the Quarters dates to about 1830 and is believed to have served as slaves’ quarters for the Tuleyries estate (see below). The central and west wings were added to the Quarters in the 1940s to provide laboratories, kitchen, dining room, library, offices, and dormitory space for students.
Q. What do you do here?
A. Blandy Experimental Farm is a research station for the University of Virginia Department of Environmental Science. The Arboretum is for public enjoyment and nature study, and also serves as a resource for the University.
Q. What’s that big house to the west? Is it open to the public?
A. The Tuleyries
is the original estate of Graham Blandy, the
Q. Are the greenhouses open to the public?
A. No, the greenhouses are for research and staff use only.
Q. When is the Arboretum open?
A. Every day of the year, dawn to dusk.
Q. When is the office open?
A. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Q. Do you sell plants here?
A. Yes, but only at select times. A huge selection of plants from the Arboretum and from high-quality growers is available during Garden Fair, on Mother’s Day Weekend, and at Arborfest in October. Periodically a small selection of plants is available in Our Shop.
Q. How do I find a tree or plant in the Arboretum?
A. There are many ways to find a particular tree. The collections database is online and can be accessed using this link. A kiosk at the Quarters also lets visitors search the collections database. In addition, faculty and staff are happy to help you and several trail guides locate specific plants.
Q. Can I take cuttings or dig up plants?
A. Absolutely not! This is a living museum; please respect the collection.
Q. How about leaves or pine cones? Can I collect them?
A. No, except with written permission from the Curator.
Q. What are the rules? Can I bring my dog?
A. Visitor guidelines are on the visitor map. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed within 200 yards of any building and must be under immediate voice command at all times.
Q. When is the gift shop open?
A. Our Shop is open from April through December, and during special events. Hours are Thursdays 11-2; Fridays 11 to 2; Saturdays 10 to 4; and Sundays 1 to 4. The shop stocks an excellent selection of books, souvenirs, seeds, tools and more.
Q. Can we bring a picnic?
A. Yes! The picnic area near the main parking lot has tables, trashcans and a water fountain.
Q. Is there stuff for kids to do?
A. Absolutely! Many school groups come to the Arboretum on field trips. Other programs for children include our winter Young Naturalist Series and our popular Summer Nature Camps. Of course, children can also explore the grounds with their families year-round.
Q. Does Blandy receive state money?
A. Blandy has three main sources
of funding: an endowment managed by the
Q. Do you have a web page?
A. Yes, the URL is http://www.virginia.edu/blandy
Q. Are there scheduled events?
A. Yes, lots of them. In addition to Garden Fair on Mother’s Day Weekend, we celebrate Arborfest in October. We also host the Blandy Summer Concert Series, and other workshops and special events throughout the year. Check our web site for details.
Q. Do you offer guided tours?
A. Guided tours are available on a reservation basis to groups of 10 or more. Please contact Steve Carroll at 540-837-1758 Ext. 287 to schedule a group tour.
Q. Can you put me on your mailing list?
A. We’d be happy to send a package of information, but to receive regular announcements of upcoming events and news about the Arboretum we ask that you become a member of the Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia (FOSA), a non-profit organization that supports the Arboretum and its programs.
Q. How can I become a member of FOSA?
A. Membership forms are on the back of event calendars, in the Arboretum visitor brochure, and on the web page.
Have a question we haven't answered? E-mail us!