[Advertise on Unearthed Outdoors]
Questions, comments, and bug reports should be directed to our forums.
This web page was written by Seth Price.
[159 views since Wed Nov 15 13:51:40 2006]
[render: 0.2 sec]
Photo: Sorbus Collection Sign
Related
- Point of Interest: Sorbus Collection
- Park: Washington Park Arboretum
Section: Photo
The Brian O. Mulligan Sorbus Collection
The cool, moist Puget Sound climate is well suited to growing Sorbus - commonly known as mountain-ash, rowan or whitebeam. This collection is the most complete in North America. Over 50 different types are displayed here, including a wide selection of species and cultivars. Plants in the genus Sorbus, together with apples (Malus) and pears (Pyrus) are part of a small tribe within the rose family.
The collection has been named to honor Biran O. Mulligan, Director of the Arboretum from 1947 to 1972. His dedication to the Arboretum over the years has been a major force in the development of its magnificent and diverse plant collections. His special interest in Sorbus guided the renovation and re-design of this collection.
The design of this collection reflects the Olmstedian character of the Arboretum, with gentle, curvilinear lines and naturalistic massing of plants. It provides better spaces for plant growth and greater education opportunities for visitors. Spruces and companion shrub collections of Deutzia and Philadelphus (mock orange) are interplanted here.