United States of America -- Virginia -- Loudoun -- Middleburg
Scope and Contents:
The folder includes worksheets and photocopies of articles and images.
General:
The arboretum was created on the 132-acre farm that was donated to the private pre-K through 8th grade Hill School in 1992. A landscaping committee decided that the mission of the arboretum would be to grow examples of both native and alien trees that have adapted to the region to be used as an environmental teaching facility for children and as a community resource. The initial plan was broken into stages, planting was done over several years, and the vision for the arboretum was that it would look like a country estate in 100 years. Eight distinct areas were identified that would be planted over time with more than 200 species of trees and shrubs in combinations that emphasize differing leaf shapes and bark textures for the children to study. Planning included respect for the instinctive pathways of children pursing daily activities while also promoting appreciation and respect for the natural environment. The arboretum provides habitat for birds and wildlife, another aspect that would be incorporated into the curriculum of the school.
When there was dissatisfaction with the contractors hired for the work members of the committee took charge themselves. There were drainage problems in some areas and the location of differing stands of trees had to be determined in part by soil conditions. Young trees were purchased that were easier to transplant successfully and less costly, although some of the specialty trees had to be kept in the chairwoman's nursery for three years until they were ready to be planted out. Community support included donations of tons of manure and humus from nearby farms.
Persons associated with the garden include Stephen C. Clark, Jr. and Jane Forbes Clark (former owners, 1945-1992); Polly P. Rowley (arboretum designer and committee head, 1992- ); Barry W. Starke (ASLA), Earth Design Associates (landscape architect, 1992-1993); Ian Tindall and Susie Foster, HOH Associates (landscape architects, 1992-1993); Barbara Augenblick, Mike Morency and Karen Hoovler (Hill School committee, 1992-1995); Matthew Vella (gardener, 1992-1998); Bob Dornin and Greg Looney (Hill School grounds supervisor and gardener, 1992-1998).
Related Materials:
The Hill School Arboretum related holdings consist of 1 folder (22 digital images)
Collection Restrictions:
Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Collection Rights:
Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
Sponsor:
A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
