From pretty to prettier: Plans for campus gardens under way

Projects this spring will include enlarged planting beds along the Main Quadrangle walkway, enhanced shrub plantings around the Administration Building, yew hedges defining the perimeter of the Main Quadrangle, new plants within the planters outside Regenstein Library, pruning of canopy trees and planting of new trees in the Main Quadrangle to replace those lost through the years to disease or old age.

"The campus has always been beautiful, and our goal is to make it truly spectacular," said Richard Bumstead, University Planner in Facilities Services. "We will be using the distinctive architecture on campus as an organizing framework to distinguish plant collections and individual gardens."

The improvements will in no way limit the quadrangles' availability as popular gathering places for students, faculty and staff during warm weather, Bumstead said. "All of the projects will be designed to accommodate the current formal and informal uses of the quadrangles."

A comprehensive plant labeling system and a brochure outlining walking tours and the history of the campus landscape are under development. "These elements tie into the educational aspirations for the gardens, which can serve as an outdoor classroom as well as a community resource," Bumstead said.

He said plans also are being made to provide gift opportunities through the landscaping project. "Alumni and friends of the University will have a chance to make contributions to the University and beautify campus at the same time by having a tree planted, or an entire garden named, in their honor."

Improvements planned for this spring should be in place by the end of May. For more information about the project, contact Bumstead at richard_bumstead@fpm.uchicago.edu or at 702-1700.