Nestled snugly between the south soccer fields and the University president’s house is a floral oasis, a place to relax and take a break from bustling campus life. The Arboretum is a 160-acre green space comprised of five major gardens, several open fields and a number of tree-lined paths.

The Miles C. Hartley Garden is the Arboretum’s largest garden. Its geometric pathways, vivid flower beds and lush grassy sections make it the area’s central emblem. With over 1,200 species of plants grown within the borders of the Hartley Garden, its vibrant colors and strategic layout draw in observers year-round. 

In addition to being an aesthetically pleasing public space, the Arboretum serves as a place to experiment with native plants, non-native plants and their likelihood of cohabitation in the area.

“Essentially, we view the Arboretum as a living laboratory,” said Diane Anderson, ground supervisor and horticulturalist of the Arboretum. 

Small and woody plants alike are tested over a specific period of time, and if they pass the test of living in the Midwest, they are then replanted in their allotted sections of the Arboretum.

“It’s a trial garden, so we’ll get plants given to us by about 30 companies, and Diane makes all of the contacts from around the world,” said Bill Kruidenier, director of the Arboretum. “They want them trialed here to see whether or not they can survive our climate.” 

A number of horticulture classes incorporate the Arboretum within their curriculum.  

“In the beginning horticulture class, the professor puts out flags and has people go out and look around at various (species) … that he flags,” Anderson said. “The annual (plant) identification class — they are out there every Wednesday for two hours.”

Brian Anderson, director of the state Natural History Survey, works primarily in the fields of native and invasive species as well as the appropriation of the facility’s civic uses. 

“We want to make sure that there are opportunities to promote and showcase native species, specifically native to Illinois,” he said. “But the reality is, there is a dynamic tension out there with the natives and having to showcase plants from around the world.”

Since the regulation of invasive species is not as big of a problem as it has been in the past, Brian Anderson’s role has shifted more to the public uses of the Arboretum. These include weddings, cross-country meets and other events. His 20-year experience with the Department of Natural Resources helps him allot these affairs within public green spaces.

It takes a dedicated team to keep the Arboretum looking its best. Two full-time staff members help Anderson with different maintenance duties, from watering plants to relocation of experimental species.

The work does not let up in the winter — Anderson and the rest of the Arboretum staff are active year-round.

In the colder months, there are tours and seminars, and many of the trees and shrubs need to be pruned. In addition, landscape planning is being amended from an administration standpoint throughout the year.

The master plan, which was developed by Boston-based landscape architecture firm Sasaki Associates, was created in the early ’90s, Kruidenier said. While this lays out the full extent of the Arboretum land, minor alterations have to be made to fit changing opinions and board decisions. Just this year, a landscape architecture student contributed to a new plan revision.

Before the Sasaki plan was in place, the Arboretum had existed for over 100 years. Its history reaches as far back as the late 1800s. Originally, the Arboretum was located where the Engineering Quad is now.

“Then as the campus developed, they moved the Arboretum south,” Kruidenier said. “And as this area developed on (the) south campus, they finally moved it down to the southeast corner of Lincoln and Florida, and that happened in the ’80s.”

Since then, the Arboretum has transformed into what it is today, an expansive, multipurpose area that comprises the Noel Welcome Garden, the Idea Garden, the Japan House, the Hosta Garden, the Sen Cherry Tree Allee and the Hartley Garden as the major attractions. Each project is possible through donations and endowments from donors. 

The Sen Cherry Tree Allee is a sight to see when the trees blossom in March or April. When they are in season, they transform into frosty white blooms, lining a pathway toward the Japan House with their flowered branches. 

To keep these trees — and the rest of the plants in the Arboretum — looking neat and well-kept through the summer, the Arboretum staff receives seasonal help from four to six people who are hired each year. Volunteers are always appreciated to help with maintenance and general upkeep.

All in all, the Arboretum is much more than just a display of pretty flowers. According to its mission statement and objectives, it focuses on teaching, research, conservation, public education and enjoyment.

“I think it’s important to actually encourage students to take advantage of it,” Brian Anderson said. “It’s a beautiful place and an opportunity to relax. Campus can be pretty full of hustle and bustle, and I think probably not enough students spend time there.”

Ultimately, this multiuse floral sanctuary is free to be used by the public, whether it serves as a picnic area, a lacrosse field or simply a place to take a peaceful stroll on a calm afternoon.

Reema can be reached at [email protected].