Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is an arboretum and botanical garden on the James Madison University campus, located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States in the Shenandoah Valley. Groundbreaking for the arboretum took place April, 1985, under direction of Dr. Norlyn Bodkin,[1] who is credited the first scientific botanical discovery along the Eastern Seaboard of Virginia since the 1940s, Trillium: Shenandoah Wake Robin, presently found at the arboretum[2]. The only arboretum located on the campus of a Virginia state university. Exhibits include a developed trail system through 125 acres (0.51 km2) of mature Oak-Hickory Forrest with two identified century specimens and a species on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Threatened Species list protected at the arboretum: Betula uber, Round-Leaf Birch.[3]
Its gardens include:
- Andrew Wood Memorial Garden (1994) - 92 species including .
- April Walk Daffodil Garden (1988) - a variety of daffodils.
- Ballard Memorial Planting (1991) - dogwood and blackhaw tree, Viburnum prunifolium.
- Wetlands Garden (1999) - Equisetum, horsetail, and bald cypress.
- Drury Planting (1993) - forest pansy dogwood, and dwarf barberry.
- Fern Valley - on ravine slopes, marginal shield fern.
- Glen Dale Azalea Experimental Planting (1996) - hybrid azaleas.
- Heath Family Plantings - rhododendrons, azaleas, mountain laurel, and Leucothoe.
- Herb Garden (1996)
- Larkin Smith Rock Garden (1991) - features 7 of 15-plus endemic species to the shale barren: shining sumac.
- Mid-Atlantic Azalea Garden (1996)- azalea natives including pinxter flower, flame azalea, rose azalea, plumleaf azalea, and hybrid crosses.
- McDonald Azalea and Rhododendron Garden (1995) - Azaleas and rhododendrons of many varieties.
- Norlyn L. Bodkin Oak Hickory Forest (1998) An approximate 20 acre mast producing forest named to honor the arboretum founding director.
- Sinclair Garden (1996)- a variety of shrubs and perennials, including cherry laurel and rhododendrons.
- Viette Perennial Garden (1992) - 18 varieties of Siberian iris, hostas, and Eupatoriums.
There is no conservatory on the grounds. The Frances Plecker Education Center is staffed and open Monday through Friday, generally from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See also
- List of botanical gardens in the United States