North Carolina School Update The Arboretum at UMO: A Hidden Gem

The University of Mount Olive (UMO) is known for many things, with academic excellence and award-winning athletics near the top of the list. However, a lesser-known marvel sits on the south side of campus. Just past the soccer field and tennis courts lies the entrance to what is simply known as the Arboretum. First conceived of in 2012, this hidden treasure is an ever-changing work in progress featuring more than 150 plant varieties, along with tranquil areas that encourage rest and reflection.

From season to season, the three-acre Arboretum showcases a variety of color and splendor, with annuals and perennials sprinkled throughout its winding paths, as well as large rocks, sculptures and benches that add to its appeal. Agriculture students use the space as an educational learning lab to study plant varieties, and visitors regularly take advantage of the Arboretum’s peaceful environment for walking, thinking, reading and simply taking in nature’s beauty.

Below is an interview with Tim Warren, director of agricultural facilities operations at UMO. Warren’s interest, insight and instruction—coupled with hard work and perseverance—have in recent years helped shape a oncebarren section of the campus into a beautiful and everevolving destination.

Q. How did the Arboretum come about?

A. The idea for the Arboretum was born in 2012 from Dr. Sandy Maddox, dean of the School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. As part of that brainstorm, the space was envisioned for use by agriculture classes for plant identification purposes and as a teaching tool, as well as a park-like space for the surrounding community to enjoy. When I started at UMO in fall 2014, I was asked to implement the plan.

Q. Who came up with the design?

A. The original design by Edith Chestnut, a professional landscape designer, was subdivided into formal, children’s, native and Japanese gardens. Since that initial phase, the basic design has been maintained, with some adaptations made to meet our specific needs.

Q. How has progress on the Arboretum unfolded since then?

A. In 2013, the area was cleared, and walkways and irrigation lines were installed. In early 2015, some of the larger trees and beds were established, along with turf grasses. That same year, student-constructed benches were added to the space. Plantings continue to take place annually, and the space is forever a work in progress, as plants continually come and go.

Q. How many plant varieties are grown in the Arboretum?

A. The Arboretum features at least 150 plant varieties. Our plan is ultimately to have specimens of all the plants that grow in our climate and are included on the Certified Plant Professional (CPP) list, which changes every few years as the green industry introduces new plant materials for landscape use.

Q. What is the main goal for the Arboretum?

A. Our primary focus is educating our students on the identification and care of various plant material. The Arboretum allows students and student workers to develop skills that are necessary to be successful in the plant industry. Each student who has worked in the space has left his or her own mark, so the Arboretum serves as a true point of pride for the UMO community. The secondary goal of the space is to create and maintain a pleasing outdoor area in which visitors can exercise and relax.

Q. Which classes utilize the Arboretum, and what are they learning there?

A. The main course that uses the space is AGE 321: Plant Identification Utilization and Management, which prepares students to take NCNLA’s CPP test, during which students answer 100 written questions and then must identify at least 70 of 120 plants in order to be certified. Another class, AGE 240: Introduction to Horticulture, uses the Arboretum for instruction on how to prune, plant and care for plants in the landscape setting.

Q. What are some of the Arboretum’s unique aspects?

A. A variety of large rocks have been installed as accents along the paths. There’s also an arbor—built by students in my AGE 150: Wood and Metal Technology class—featuring vines that bloom in fall and spring, and providing a favorite spot for students to relax out of the sun. The Arboretum’s pergola, also constructed by students, will eventually be covered with wisteria to provide another shady resting space. The Zen garden and Tori gate define the Japanese garden. We rake the rocks to give it a pattern similar to those in Zen gardens I have seen firsthand during trips to Kyoto, Japan. The Katakana writing on the Tori gate sign translates as “Mount Olive University.” My favorite place is what I call the “thinking rock” just outside of the Zen garden, where I can sit and reflect on things of concern or joy. We also recently added a “fire ant” sculpture in the butterfly garden area—this novelty item seems to be a conversation piece for visitors of all ages.

Q. How do you showcase the differing plant varieties each season?

A. The plants put on a show all by themselves. Some flowers are short-lived, while others stay around for a while. There is usually something blooming—or close to blooming—throughout the year. The cherry blossoms were beautiful in 2022.

Q. How often do students work in the Arboretum?

A. It just depends. This semester I have eight student workers available four days a week. They do most of the work in the Arboretum and also work in our shop and fitness garden. Student workers are the key to development and maintenance of the Arboretum. Their main responsibilities are weeding and mulching beds; weed eating; cutting grass; and planting, watering and pruning plants.

Q. What advice do you offer to individuals thinking about visiting the Arboretum?

A. Anyone is welcome to come visit the Arboretum! It’s a great way to see which plants thrive in this area and which plants are challenged. There are numerous benches and places to sit to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. However, since there are no lights, you would want to visit the Arboretum between dawn and dusk. I do plan to add some accent lighting in the future to allow for some use in the evenings, when it’s cooler for walkers. Also, visitors should be aware that some days the irrigation doesn’t turn off until 8 AM.

Q. Have any special events taken place in the Arboretum, and is it open for such occasions? How can people find out more?

A. I have seen several photographers use the Arboretum for graduation, engagement and general photography. As of now, there are no permit requirements, and it is open to anyone for that type of use. Before planning an event, however, please contact us for preapproval—and remember to leave the Arboretum as you found it.

Q. If someone wanted to donate time, money or plants to the Arboretum, how would they do so?

A. Our students, staff and faculty volunteer to work at the NCNLA Green & Growin’ show each year, and many of the plants in the Arboretum have been donated by nurseries from that show. Of special interest to many people is the option to make a donation toward a memorial plant, in honor or memory of a loved one. All donations of time, money or resources are welcomed—anyone interested in donating time or money to the Arboretum can contact Edward Olive or Dr. Sandy Maddox.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?

A. The Arboretum is a collective effort that has encompassed thousands of hours of labor, and as a team we have accomplished a great deal in the past 10 years. None of what we have at the Arboretum would have been possible without the vision of Dr. Maddox and our UMO leadership team, as well as the hard work of our students. As the Arboretum continues to change and grow, we hope it will continue to be place for people to enjoy for many years to come.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The university is sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

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