Join Dr. Peter Del Tredici as he dives into the world of roots and fungi beneath the soil. How are tree roots structured, and how do they get water and nutrients from the soil into the tree itself? How do symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi promote the growth and survival of both individual plants and entire forests? Understanding the structure and function of a tree's root system will not only help the audience become better gardeners but will enhance their appreciation of how forests work.
This half-mile Introductory Tour features stories about the Arboretum’s history, mission, and research endeavors. If you’re at the Arboretum, click here to take a version of this tour with Expeditions, our mobile web app.
Experience the Arnold Arboretum’s world-class living collections from Director Ned Friedman’s perspective. Take this tour online or use the page for self-guided exploration while visiting the Arboretum in person.
Take a virtual walk with Michael Dosmann, the Keeper of the Arboretum’s living collections. Take this tour online or use the page for self-guided exploration while visiting the Arboretum in person.
Walk with Landscape Architect Rosetta S. Elkin and Arboretum Archivist Lisa E. Pearson.
Bearing the largest simple leaves and flowers of any temperate species in North America, bigleaf magnolia is a striking native of the Southeastern United States. Its exotic foliage, fragrant flowers, and showy fruit make it a popular specimen tree in gardens and arboreta.
‘Merrill’ is an outstanding early white flowering cultivar. It is reliable bloomer and was hybridized at the Arnold Arboretum in 1939.
There are not many other places where I could study such a diverse group of species. I love having such an exceptional collection next door to the lab, and despite spending so much time in the landscape, I still keep finding wonderful new spots with plants from around the world.
What’s not to love? The ever-changing landscape and the opportunity to learn new things every day from passionate and caring people are the two most extraordinary aspects of the Arboretum.
My title is Horticulturist, but I would probably characterize my role here as being the caretaker to the roses, living mulch specialist, and native plant enthusiast. The Arnold has an incredible history of plant-loving people that I really relate to. I feel lucky to work here and look forward to it every day.
For me, the Arboretum has both tangible and intangible impacts. As a scientist, I see the concrete potential our collections have for addressing important questions about biological diversity, changing climate, species interactions, and more. As someone who has spent hours simply wandering through the landscape, I know the impact this space can have on my sense of well-being, wonder, and connection with the world around me.
