Welcome to the Arboretum at Johnston Community College

The mission of the Arboretum at Johnston Community College is to promote prudent and responsible use of cultivated plants and to promote the conservation of native species through the acquisition, evaluation and aesthetic display of selected plant materials in an educational environment for students, visitors, the green industry, and local citizens.

Please enjoy your visit to our site. Come back and visit us often. For more information, contact Lin Frye, Arboretum Director.

College Arboretum receives $500 donation

The Arboretum at Johnston Community College has received a $500 donation from Joan Jones of McGee’s Crossroads.

The donation will be used to initiate a stained-glass window project for the entrance of the Arboretum’s main building.

“I think the Arboretum will serve as a beacon to the campus, especially once College Road is changed,” Jones said. “The Arboretum will become the star of the campus and I’d really like for it to shine.”

JCC President David Johnson thanked Jones for her support to the Arboretum, which features 16-acres of educational gardens including the centerpiece Southern Garden currently under development.

“We sincerely thank you,” Johnson said. “This project will be a wonderful signature mark for the college at the Arboretum and will make JCC a more beautiful place to be.”

A graduate of JCC, Jones currently serves on the Arboretum’s Advisory Board. She is also a former college trustee and employee.

ARBORETUM 2010 FALL LECTURE SERIES

September 2010

September 15, 8:30 am-5:30pm – North Carolina Viticulture and Winery Tour (Hinnant Vineyard and Duplin Winery) - $25.00 (Meet at Arboretum Mobile Unit, Lunch on own at Duplin)

Grapes were found growing in North America when the first explorers landed; in fact, there were some early discussions about calling this new country ‘Vine-land!’ Growing grapes and making wine has become one of North Carolina’s leading industries, especially as farmers move from tobacco as a cash crop to alternative markets. Join us as we visit two vineyards to see how grapes are grown, harvested, and produced (samples included).

September 22, 6:30-8:30 pm – Preserving by Dehydration – $20.00 – Lin Frye – (Arboretum Brick Building)

While preserving the summer bounty can be done by freezing and canning, most f olks rarely consider dehydrating as an alternative method to avoid soggy vegetables and freezer-burned foods. Foods taste fresher, last longer, take less space, more nutrient-rich, almost as delicious as fresh, and the process if very economical! Join Lin as she demonstrates the hows and whys of this wonderful preservation method. Participants will have an opportunity to sample home-dehydrated foods and several recipes for their use.

October 2010

October 6, 8:30am -5:30 pm – Tour of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and Waynesborough Historical Village – $25.00 (Lunch on Own – Meet at Arboretum Mobile Unit)

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is dedicated to sustainable agriculture research including swine, beef, organic research, farming system research and the small farm unit. This tour will concentrate on the farm unit as it relates to sustainable agricultural activities, local farms and produce and sustainability.

Following lunch at Logan’s Roadhouse, we will tour Waynesborough Historical Village, a dip into yesteryear. This site is a recreated village of antebellum Waynesborough. We’ll explore the general store, law and doctor offices, blacksmith and school.

October 13, 6:30 pm -8:30 pm – Soap Crafting 101 with Lin Frye – $35.00 (Arboretum Brick Building)

Back by popular demand, this ‘hands-on,’ class will discuss various soap making methods, and will focus on glycerin ‘melt and pour’ as participants create their own soaps. Each guest will bring home at least two pounds of delightfully fragranced, moisture-rich, unique soaps. Sign up early – classes fill quickly.

October 20, 8:00-5:00 pm – Raulston Arboretum and NC Museum of Art – $15.00

We’ll begin this tour by exploring the JC Raulston Arboretum. We’ll look at flower design, flower trials, garden aspects. Following lunch, we’ll tour the new buildings at the NC Museum of Art and, under the canopy of forest trees, we’ll walk their outdoor park to see some amazing ‘art in the gardens.’ (Arboretum Mobile Unit, Lunch on Own. This is a rescheduled tour)

Read more on the Blog!