GREENWOOD, SC - A prominent landscape architect, garden historian and author will share his horticultural expertise during Lander University’s third annual Arboretum Lecture, scheduled for this fall. Greenwood native Jim Cothran, author of the critically-acclaimed book “Gardens and Historic Plants of the Antebellum South,” will deliver a fascinating lecture on that topic Oct. 18 in Lander’s Cultural Center Auditorium.

A graduate of Clemson University, the University of Georgia and the Georgia Institute of Technology, Cothran is vice president of Robert and Company’s Planning and Landscape Architecture Division in Atlanta, Ga.

A recipient of numerous awards for his work in the area of landscape planning and design, Cothran has authored articles, reports and studies on topics relating to landscape architecture, planning, urban design and landscape preservation. The University of South Carolina’s Web site notes his book, “Gardens and Historic Plants of the Antebellum South,” focuses on gardens common to the Southern region in the mid-19th century, when Southerners’ growing wealth spawned lavish landscapes.

DeWitt Stone, chair of Lander’s Arboretum Committee and special assistant to the president at Lander, said the group selected Cothran because of his unique area of expertise, which should be interesting for both students and area gardeners.

“Each year, we try to select a speaker who is well-known in the region and will bring something different to the lecture series – something local gardeners and horticulturalists will enjoy,” Stone said. “For that reason, the committee felt Mr. Cothran would be a good fit for the lecture series.”
tone said Cothran’s recent lectures during Greenwood’s Festival of Flowers were well received. The arboretum lecture at Lander will differ in material and will begin at 7 p.m., with a silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the lecture and auction, which will feature a variety of flora, will benefit Lander’s ongoing arboretum project.

Formed in 2004 to coordinate landscaping projects on campus, the arboretum committee focuses on beautifying the campus and establishing a collection of native and non-native trees and plants useful for educational purposes, for both area students and community members. Committee members include Lander faculty and staff as well as area gardeners and community members. The group, with the help of local garden clubs, has already coordinated several planting projects on campus, including the addition of a number of species of oak, maple and crape myrtle trees around Centennial Hall, and the placement of several varieties of fringetree, palmetto, elm and other trees near the Grier Student Center Dining Hall.

Recently, Lakelands Master Gardeners have become involved with the project, donating expertise and manpower to beautify the ravine area near the campus’ pedestrian bridge. That project, under the direction of local landscape designer Daniel Nolan, included the placement of numerous dogwoods and native azaleas, and will eventually include a sizeable collection of magnolias and various nut trees.

The university’s new entrance boulevard, currently under construction, and its accompanying parking lots will receive landscaping attention from the committee in the coming months, and landscaping and sidewalk projects are planned along Durst and Willson Streets and Stanley Avenue. State Department of Transportation grants are helping to pay for those projects.
tone said renowned plantsman, author and retired University of Georgia horticulture professor Dr. Michael Dirr, a former arboretum lecture speaker and supporter of the university’s arboretum project, has donated a collection of hydrangeas that will soon be planted near Jackson Library.
There are numerous opportunities for community members to donate to the project, including having trees, benches or pedestrian rest stops placed in honor or memory of loved ones.
tone said the arboretum committee relies on donations received from the community, with the Arboretum Lecture and silent auction being the group’s largest yearly fundraiser. Area garden clubs are invited to be sponsors of the event, he added.

Tickets for the lecture are $5, and they can be purchased through committee members or at the door the night of the event. Admission for students is free.

For information about the lecture or giving to the arboretum project, contact Lander’s Office of University Advancement at 864-388-8350.