Organic Methods
Our gorgeous landscape has been maintained without the use of chemical pesticides since 1998. Our gardeners brew compost tea and spray it on plants, release good insects to eat the bad ones, and let leaves decompose where they fall. Learn more.
Greenroofs
The large pine trees between Bannan and the Quad grow in a greenroof over the biology labs. The greenroof over the Admissions & Alumni Building’s lobby has trays growing grasses in 6 inches of soil. Greenroofs absorb heat and insulate the building, reduce rainwater runoff, and provide wildlife habitat. Watch a video.
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are landscaped depressions that collect rain water runoff from streets, sidewalks and roofs. The soil and plants remove pollutants as the runoff slowly infiltrates the groundwater table. The rain garden in front of Lynn was created to prevent basement flooding in the neighboring 4 buildings.
Rain falling on the original library’s roof flows into rain gardens on either side of the west entrance. The library’s east entrance has a rain garden for water from the new library’s roof and patios. About 100,000 gallons of rain are contained in the rain garden during a peak storm event.
Themed Gardens
Medicinal plants are grown in our Healing Garden. The Shakespeare Garden has plants mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. The Ethnobotanic Garden highlights plants used by Northwest indigenous peoples for food, utility and sacred purposes. And Fujitaro Kubota designed many of our gardens. Learn more.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Since 1989, our landscape has been designated a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary. Our gardens provide water, food and shelter for birds and insects. Diverse plants bear seeds, berries, pollen and nectar. Layered trees and shrubs provide shelter with a seamless, dense cover. Learn more.