a history of horticultural innovation
Photovoltaic solar panels , green roofs , and a 30,000 gallon underground cistern for capturing rainwater are just some of the features that are anticipated . In addition to housing horticulture staff , conference rooms , and public classrooms , the Center will contain a state-of-the-art growing facility .
What this means for Mount Auburn ’ s horticulture program is essentially a transformation . Having sophisticated plant production capabilities , especially for woody plants ( trees and shrubs ), is necessary if we are to preserve and enhance this landscape . The proposed facility will offer both economic and ecological sustainability in our efforts to diversify the plant collections , respond to natural disasters , bring out certain styles in our Landscape Character Zones , find alternatives for grass , and pass along this historic landscape to the generations that will follow . Those who came before us might recognize some of these efforts , such as the production and application of compost . They might also recognize the spirit of innovation that seems integral to Mount Auburn ’ s history . Perhaps they would struggle with some of the technological advances being contemplated today . On the other hand , it was Dr . Jacob Bigelow himself who brought the term “ technology ” into common use with his 1840 publication The Useful Arts Considered in Connection with the Applications of Science . Somehow I think he would approve !
Above : Note the line of blue rain barrels along the greenhouse wall . Left : A bold red hollyhocks ( Alcea rosea ) growing next to a speedwell ( Veronica spicata , ‘ blue bouquet ’) in the E-Garden .
Dennis Collins has worked at Mount Auburn for over two decades and is currenty Horticultural Curator . He recently stepped down as Board President of the Ecological Landscaping Association after a four-year term .
Maintaining Wildlife at Mount Auburn
Horticultural efforts to enhance wildlife habitat have been greater in recent years than any other time in Mount Auburn ’ s history . The most recent projects , and perhaps the most visible , are the Wildflower Meadow installed at Washington Tower ( left ) and the Butterfly Garden along the south shore of Willow Pond . One of the largest , which may not be as noticeable since it only progresses incrementally with each year , is the woodland restoration at Consecration Dell . Here , we attempted to reverse the impact of an invasive tree species ; built a system to control stormwater and stop soil erosion on the steep , forested slopes ; planted thousands of native plants with wildlife food and habitat value ; restored the paths that crisscross the slopes ; and rebuilt a proper amphibian habitat in the area surrounding the vernal pool . One of the biggest breakthroughs in this project was the novel system of using the paths to divert stormwater and prevent erosion . Long burlap tubes , pinned to the slope and filled with compost , create a temporary planting medium . Plants are installed directly into the tubes , which begin to degrade after a year . Ultimately , the plant roots become the means by which the slopes are held in place .
6 | Sweet Auburn