Since 1946, the Linda Hall Library has cultivated its grounds, transforming it into a cherished urban arboretum. Samantha Sanchez, Grounds Manager for the Arboretum, leads the effort to nurture native and rare species within this living collection. Today, the grounds boast roughly 300 trees, representing 48 genera, 130 species, and 16 champion trees, alongside its renowned peonies.
“Selecting and acquiring new trees for the Arboretum is a thoughtful process,” says Sanchez. “I look for native and exotic species that enhance the diversity of our living collection and also thrive in our climate and soil conditions.” Key considerations include growth habits, disease resistance, and long-term sustainability, ensuring new additions complement the collection’s mission to showcase unusual and underutilized trees.
One notable champion tree is the Amur Maackia (Maackia amurensis), a small, deciduous tree originating from the Amur River region of northeastern China, Korea, and Russia. The silvery-green leaves emerge in spring, changing to medium green in summer. White, spiky flowers appear in midsummer when little else is flowering. The Amur Maackia, though uncommon in the United States, has been adapted to the Midwestern climate and is a unique focal point in the Arboretum.
“Caring for champion trees is both an honor and a responsibility. These giants are living witnesses to history, and preserving their health requires a deep understanding of their unique needs. One of the challenges is ensuring they have adequate resources, like water and nutrients, without disturbing their established root systems,” Sanchez explains.
The Groundskeepers are diligent in caring for the collection, working through the extreme Midwest seasons to protect the Arboretum’s vitality. Visitors will see them pruning, maintaining the lawn, and nurturing new plants in the greenhouse, demonstrating their commitment to establishing the Arboretum as a premier living collection that educates, inspires, and connects people to the natural world.
Through the integration of sustainable practices, educational programming, and community engagement, the Library aims to deepen appreciation for trees and the environment.
“I hope visitors leave with a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world, seeing trees not just as landscape features but as vital, living organisms that play a crucial role in our ecosystem,” says Sanchez, “Ultimately, I want visitors to realize that each tree has its own story, and preserving them is crucial for our future.”
The Library encourages the public to visit the Arboretum, which is open from dawn to dusk. Learn more at lindahall.org/arboretum.
