Blandy Experimental Farm: State Arboretum of Virginia
The Quarters, housing the visitor's center, offices, dormitories for students and scientists, and headquarters for several societies.
The University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm is home to the State Arboretum of Virginia, also known as the Orland E. White Arboretum. Located along Route 50 in Boyce, Virginia, the grounds are open from dawn to dusk throughout the year, giving plenty of time to explore their 172 acres.
A Japanese Beetle perched on a flower.
A small butterfly on a group of flowers.
A rose near the entrance to The Quarters.
A flower in the gardens beside of The Quarters
The arboretum’s website says they have over 5000 woody trees and shrubs from around the world. They also maintain several types of gardens and trails connecting it all together. A loop drive lets you tour part of the property in your vehicle. A bridle trail is available if you have a horse. And, of course, you can hike their trails on foot.
Map of Blandy Experimental Farm (a photograph of one of their displays).
The arboretum is a beautiful location. It’s nice to get away from the hectic busy movement of cities and spend a little time in a more peaceful location like this. I would very much like to visit here again and spend more time exploring. I have to imagine it will look different at different times of year as the plants and flowers change and bloom through the seasons.
The Arboretum has many gardens, this one being a pollination garden.
This was my first visit to Blandy, and not a planned visit. We happened to be in the area and stopped by because we’d passed the arboretum several times and were always curious about it but had never stopped. This time we had the time so we stopped. I’m glad we did.
The courtyard behind The Quarters
If you live in the area or happen to be passing through and love plants, trees, flowers and outdoor spaces then look up Blandy Experimental Farm. It’s worth the visit.
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