Many college campuses have arboreta or like to say, “The whole campus is an arboretum!” At Hofstra, they take their arboretum to the next level, adding diverse, intensively planted gardens around every corner. I was truly blown away. Each evening after workshops and a happy frenzy of socializing, I strolled around the campus grounds by myself, mouth agape at the beauty and diversity, and took hundreds of pics.

For background, check out this terrific short video interview of Hofstra Arboretum Director Fred Soviero. Fred was truly on fire when giving us our tours; we loved his energy and great sense of humor! Then read on to the pictorial that follows.

Patrice Dimino is the very talented landscape designer for Hofstra. On the tour we had the occasion to applaud Patrice and crew, who were planting a new garden.

Patrice Dimino is the very talented landscape designer for Hofstra. On the tour we applauded Patrice and crew, who were planting a new garden.

Blue atlas cedars grow beautifully at Hofstra, either in allees...

Blue atlas cedars grow beautifully at Hofstra, either in allees…

... or as specimens.

… or as weeping specimens.

Most of the trees on campus are labeled, something we urban foresters really dug.

Most of the trees on campus are labeled, something we urban foresters really dug.

An entrance into the Sondra Rudin Mack Garden, with a mature, pink-flowering yellowwod on the right.

An entrance into the Sondra Rudin Mack Garden, with a mature, pink-flowering yellowwood on the right.

Stunning crape myrtles throughout campus

Stunning crape myrtles throughout the Zone 7b campus

The Hofstra pinetum at dusk.

The Hofstra pinetum at dusk.

Long Island's third largest katsura tree, 14 feet DBH, can be found on Hofstra's Roosevelt Quad.

Long Island’s third largest katsura tree, 14 feet DBH, can be found in Hofstra’s Pinetum.

The Sensory Garden

The Sensory Garden

To be continued!