Saturday, August 27, 2011

Chesapeake Arboretum


Lake Hughes at Chesapeake Arboretum



Chesapeake Arboretum is located at 624 Oak Grove Rd., Chesapeake, Virginia. Forty-eight acres “dedicated to promoting horticultural and environmental awareness through displays, education and research.” It is a pretty spot with well-maintained trails in a beautiful area of Virginia just 10 to 20 minutes from Virginia Beach.




From a large River Birch, Betula nigra, with cinnamon colored exfoliating bark









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To a young Live Oak, Quercus virginiana, with its leathery, evergreen leaves, well-marked native trees and shrubs line wide paths.


A map and plant list to the Native Garden Woodland Walk can be picked up at the kiosk near the 18th century farmhouse headquarters. The arboretum also includes a Camellia Grove, Holly Garden and Stewartia Grove.


Chesapeake is the second largest city by land area in the Commonwealth of Virginia with sophisticated shopping centers and excellent restaurants amid large fields and rural farms. With hurricane Irene bearing down on this beautiful area, I hope any damage is minimal.


See Clemson University Extension information on River Birch and Live Oak

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