Why the Weeds?

You may have noticed the state of our arboretum area surrounding the greenhouse and wondered, Why the weeds? Over the last several months, we’ve certainly grappled with the same question.

The area houses plants that are indigenous to Utah, and the intended ground cover is meant to be a wild Utah grass. In many areas, the grass is really doing quite well. In most areas, however, it seems overrun by weeds. We’ve worked in close partnership with the Granite grounds crews, the landscape architect, and the landscape contractor in analyzing the area’s progress and its needs. We’ve had a professional crew spend two full days helping to separate the weeds from the wild grass. Unfortunately, the projection for this type of a habitat is three years before it really takes hold, so we may fight an eye sore in the meantime. However, in the end, all parties are committed to making the area as attractive as the rest of our beautiful school. We’re also preparing larger planter boxes for the uncultivated area on the west and east sides of the greenhouse for students’ use.