The University of Vermont

Horticulture Research Center

This facility, begun in 1952 and consisting of just under a hundred acres in South Burlington off Shelburne Road, serves the University of Vermont, and in particular the Plant and Soil Science Department for teaching, research, and outreach.  As needs change in these areas over the years, so do some of these projects, although some collections have existed for several decades.  Previous projects and demonstrations have included ones related to agronomy, turfgrass, cut flowers, vegetable crops, blueberries and other small fruits, All-America Selections flowers, invasive woody plants, and hops among others.  This facility has a manager, and is operated under the campus farms facilities.  Much of the current outreach is now conducted by the Friends of the Horticulture Farm.

The Friends of the Horticulture Farm is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and promoting the significant plant collections and natural areas of the Horticultural Research Center in South Burlington, Vermont for education, research, and public enrichment. 

The group, composed of interested citizens, local garden club members, professional horticulturists, and landscape architects, is working in partnership with the University of Vermont to develop both short-term and long-term plans to provide for the stewardship of this wonderful and important resource. The Friends also sponsors public programs, and engages in fundraising and collections preservation. Collections are overseen by curators.  Volunteers are needed for these and other activities.  The Friends publish a newsletter bimonthly and a calendar for the year.

Current Major Collections and Projects:

Apples—By far the largest acreage, this encompasses several projects related to best management production practices for growers and is run by Dr. Lorraine Berkett and the Apple Team.  These projects include testing new varieties for our climate and conditions, and organic apple production. 

 CSA—This large area to the left as you enter the gates is run by students in summer. Similar to Community Supported Agriculture projects nationwide, this one grows produce for members of the UVM community who buy shares, with most of the produce going to the Burlington Food Shelf.

 Crabapples—Surrounding the grassy paths in the front half are crabapples, many older varieties planted originally in the 1950s and 1960s.  These are spectacular in midMay.

 Lilacs—This collection, with most planted in the early 1960s, has many traditional varieties as well as some newer ones recently planted.  It is showy in mid to late May.

 Perennials—This collection, dating from the mid1980s, has served to test new perennial varieties and roses as part of the research of Dr. Leonard Perry, and is now coordinated by a curator.

 Cary Award Winners—These woody plants just north of the main Blasberg building, are winners in this awards program featuring the best of these plants for the northeast.

 Elms—south of the main complex of buildings is a trial, run by Dr. Mark Starrett, in cooperation with other sites in the U.S. of new elm replacements for the American elm.

 Greenhouses—These serve for research such as on nursery production, and one for the student horticulture club and CSA students.  These are now run by the campus greenhouse team.

 Burlington Tree Nursery—In the back southeast section is a tree nursery in which volunteers grow young trees for annual planting throughout Burlington.

 Woody Plants—Also near the tree nursery are woody plant trials and research of Dr. Mark Starrett, including a trial of new winterberry varieties.

 Rhododendrons—This collection, the result of years of research and testing of this genus by former professor Dr. Norman Pellett, is still maintained and is showy in early June.

 Grapes—The newest research at this facility, coordinated by Dr. Lorraine Berkett, is a trial of grape varieties for the emerging wine industry in the state.

 Trails—Trails through the woodland and meadow habitats are used for educational events, and along which are located a fern collection, conifers, and various tree collections including new selections from the University of Minnesota.

 
To find out more about the Horticulture Research Center, the Friends program and events, to join, or just visit:

MAIL: Friends of the Horticulture Farm, PO Box 64788, Burlington, VT 05406-4788
EMAIL: info@friendsofthehortfarm.org
WEBSITES:  www.friendsofthehortfarm.org |  pss.uvm.edu/dept/hort_farm/
PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 65 Green Mountain Dr, So Burlington, Vermont
PHONE: (802) 864-3073

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information current as of Aug. 2007