What is blooming on UBC’s Vancouver campus?
There are many advantages to studying, working, and living at UBC’s Vancouver campus. World-class academics, a sustainable community design, the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, and a fresh ocean breeze are a just a few.
But at this time of year, one in particular always stands out: spring starts early here.
By early February, the first signs of spring begin with the fragrant blossoms of Himalayan Sweetbox, Witch Hazel, Camellia and Plum. As spring advances, daffodils and crocuses begin to brighten up the campus. And as we near the calendar beginning of spring on March 21, magnolias, cherries, and pears all display an array of color.
“One of the most appealing features of UBC’s Vancouver campus, particularly those of us who come from places with ‘real winter’, is that it’s a lushly green all year round. With the arrival of spring, the campus transitions into a wonderful period of floral abundance,” says Dean Gregory, UBC’s Campus Landscape Architect, a member of the Campus and Community Planning team.
One of the special features of UBC’s campus are the Cherries and Rhododendron that have been planted across the campus.
“People love Cherry blossom season and the riot of colour provided by the massive blossoms of Rhododendron. To enhance the unique character of our campus, we make a special point of planting these in all new landscape projects – and take care to steward the wide range of mature specimens, some almost as old as the campus itself.”
While there are a couple of Rhododendron that bloom in the winter months, and some that even bloom twice a year, the vast majority peak in April painting the campus landscape with every colour of the rainbow.
April is the start to perennial season. Along University Boulevard, the wetland reeds begin to grow in the stormwater cascade. The reeds shoot up to their full 6-9’ height within a month providing a habitat for birds and insects in the heart of campus.
Pink and white Dogwood trees (the white being native) bloom in late April followed by the emergence of their leaves. Oak trees along the iconic Main Mall start to leaf out in mid-April providing a shady canopy for a noon hour picnic, conversation with a friend, or a little study time.
When asked what his favourite blooming flower or tree was this spring, Gregory states:
“One of my favourite trees on campus is a yellow blossomed Magnolia Tree, which was moved from Memorial Road in 2012 to a space adjacent to the Woodward Library, and which blooms in April.”
Most Magnolias are pink or white or purple but this one is distinctive both for its color and the fact that the leaves come out before the flowers.
Be sure to take extra time while out and about on campus to notice the abundance of blooming trees and plants and remember, in many parts of the country, snow is still in the forecast!
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