Adams Garden
Pond No garden is complete without a water feature.
Adams Plaque At left, the plaque honoring the untimely death of Gregory Adams '81 is surrounded by spring flowers.
Summer Bench A bench invites guests to relax and enjoy the summer flowers.
Birdbath A birdbath welcomes the Adams Garden's feathered guests.
Early Spring The Adams Garden in early spring.
The Adams Garden is located opposite College Corner at the intersection of Richmond Rd. and N. Boundary St. It was dedicated in November 1986 in memory of Gregory S. Adams '81 and was made possible by more than 200 donors.
Originally planted as a bulb and azalea garden, the collection has held many iterations of plants showcasing tropical and semi-tropical species, thousands of bulbs, and unusual trees. Much of the garden's success is owed to Madelynn Watkinson, a volunteer who started weeding the garden in 1986 and subsequently cared for it intensively for many years. A prominent feature of the garden, besides its proliferation of flowers, is the Asian loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) flanking the west end. A member of the same family that produces apples, cherries, plums and peaches, the loquat tree also produces delicious edible fruit. However, it is unusual in that flowers are produces in autumn and the fruit produced in spring. Although the tree thrives in this garden, our winters are too severe for its native range so it has not produced fruit.
Other interesting woody plants in this space are the umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) against the north wall, and a Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis), noted for the brilliant display of autumn color. You may want to rest on a bench in this lovely garden to conclude your tour.