With Rhodes College already recognized for its stunning Collegiate Gothic architecture and its myriad of tree species, the campus is set to nurture its botanical richness further. According to an article published last Wednesday by Rhodes News, two new tree species are slated to join the arboretum's diverse flora through the efforts of the ROOTS Gardening Club. Both fruit-bearing, the new additions underscore the college's Level IV Arboretum status—its enduring testament to urban forestry excellence.
The event, scheduled for February 22, will commence with the planting of three pawpaw trees near the East Village C parking lot. Rhodes News reports that the placement, by the North Parkway fence line, is deliberate and another two persimmon trees are to take root in the ROOTS’ North Garden. The latter will be positioned behind the Fargason Athletic Fields, favoring the left side by Stauffer Field. Rhodes College's community has been invited to participate in this green initiative.
Anna Tilley ’25, ROOTS president and Rhodes Student Associate at the Lynne and Henry Turley Memphis Center for Community Engagement shared the provenance of the new tree additions. "The trees were sourced from Memphis Native Tree Works through a Turley Scholars Fellowship project," Tilley told Rhodes News. She emphasized that the native trees are "critical for pollinators to thrive," highlighting the project’s ecological implications.
The arboretum’s historical narrative is rich with passionate caretakers, beginning with John Rollow's 1924 Rollow Avenue of Oaks and on through Dr. Arlo Smith's stewardship since the 1950s. Rhodes News recounts the diverse species that have been planted over the years, ranging from the Southern magnolia to the Japanese maple. Engaging the college community, the arboretum plays a role beyond sheer aesthetics; it serves as an educational resource for both university students and visiting elementary school kids, eager to understand the natural world that envelops them.
For those interested in the tranquil beauty and botanical diversity of Rhodes College's trees, the college provides a self-guided tour with an accompanying brochure. This helps students, staff, and visitors alike recognize and appreciate the confluence of cultural and ecological valuables. The meticulous labeling of trees with both common and scientific names not only aids in educational pursuits but also ensures the arboretum’s esteemed recognition by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council remains intact.
