What is an arboretum?

An arboretum is simply an area with trees and shrubs. At Reflection Riding, we use the term more broadly: many acres of trees, shrubs, flowers, ponds, etc. As a Level 4 Arboretum, we have at least 150 trees identified. If you are interested in learning trees, now is a good time to start, before the leaves drop. A good way to start would be to walk on some of our roads or trails and find trees with identifying plaques. Take paper and pencil with you and make notes about the tree you are seeing: About how tall is it? What does the bark look like? What is the shape of the leaves? How do the leaves grow (two on opposite sides of a stem, alternating sides of the stem, etc.)? Are the edges of the leaves toothed, smooth, or -? Better still, sketch one or more leaves. You do not have to be an artist to do this.

Red Maple

Bitternut Hickory

More about our trees later