The design for this little "pocket garden" at the south end of Group 1 was inspired by a miniature forest, stream and pond at about 12,000 feet in the Wind River Range of the Wyoming Rockies. Many of the plant and geologic forms seen there are represented here: e.g., the 'pond' surrounded by rocks and a small waterfall, originally represented here hens and chicks (Sempervivum), but now overtaken by the blue star juniper which is also growing across the 'pond'; dwarf trees by the Swiss pine (Pinus sembra) which are root-pruned every few years to keep it small, and grasses of the high meadows.
The most conspicuous part of this planting is the Boston ivy (Parthenocisus tricuspidata) that has completely covered the cavernous walls and now is ascending the outside walls. Because most of this garden does not receive rain, an automated sprinkler system was installed. The warm southern exposure and regular watering accounts for the lush growth of most of the plants here. Jim Sears was assisted in planting by Landscape and Garden student Donna Willard in 1995. She also planted hundreds of crocus bulbs for early spring bloom, but a resident squirrel seems to have eaten most of them. We notice that litter in this area, and in the garden itself, has decreased dramatically since this garden was installed.
