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The Arboretum
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| As far as its plant collection and setting is concerned, Seattle's
arboretum is among the best in the country. But right now most of us
don't know what an arboretum is. The word literally means tree place.
An arboretum is a collection of trees, as a zoo is of animals, or a library is
of books. People visit to get inspired, to learn, to revel in beauty,
or whatever. |
| Plant lovers and nature enthusiasts in general are the main fans of
both botanical gardens and arboreta. The collective term public garden is
more user friendly and meaningful. I wish the long-winded name
Washington Park Arboretum was more to the point, such as Seattle Public
Garden. Anyhow, our arboretum's history explains why it has the name it
does. It began as the brainchild of UW (University of Washington) professor Edmond S. Meany
(1862 - 1935). Meany did all he could to make the UW campus notable for
trees as well as academics and architecture. For all that, buildings have
prevailed there, and in the 1920s an arboretum role was decreed for
Washington Park, which lies essentially between Montlake and
Broadmoor, north of Madison street. |
| For many years practically nobody used the term Washington Park.
It was generally called the UW Arboretum. That is because although
the land is a city park, the arboretum component has been managed by
the UW. Over the years the arboretum staff, and thousands of
volunteers, have done more for Pacific Northwest horticulture than any other
entity or group. There's no space for elaboration here, but take my word for
it. The Japanese Garden, the Northwest Horticulture Society, and
the Center for Urban Horticulture are all outgrowths from the arboretum. |
| But not all is rosy in the tree place. Compared to the zoo, library,
and art museum, the arboretum is unknown and deserted. Some folks
think it a haven for mosquitoes and car prowlers. Although
internationally appreciated by tree experts, and a gem to local horticulturists, it does
not draw much general public. Neighbors go there to jog, swim, or
walk dogs; a few folks picnic there. On sunny weekend afternoons in spring
it draws respectable crowds to admire cherry and azalea floral displays.
But day in and day out, it looks like a big ordinary park, with relatively few visitors. Its outreach and educational efforts are modest. |
To boost attendance, increase its ability to serve, and make it
more attractive, a major master plan is underway. This undertaking, costly
and time-consuming, may help transform the arboretum into a great
place, just like our zoo. It is an exciting and challenging time. If you want to
see the arboretum in its pre-overhaul state, this fall may be a swell time
to visit. Kick through some leaves, pick up some pine cones. Enjoy
dramatic fall color. For visitor information such as hours or directions, call
543-8800.
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(originally published in The Seattle Weekly, October 1996)
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