Auburn University’s treasured gem, Samford Park, is undergoing a facelift to clear walkways, add more green space, and offer vibrant year-round color that will be very appealing to the eye. Steven Johnston, Facilities Management Landscape Services superintendent is overseeing the landscape improvement project. His crew recently began work by removing shrubs from plant beds in front on Hargis Hall. This much appreciated work will continue in phases, moving toward Langdon and Samford Hall and the famed Auburn University sign. Work will wrap up in early spring.
The historic park was completely redesigned following Hurricane Opal in 1995. Numerous hollies, camellias, evergreen azaleas and other plant species were incorporated into the landscape. Over time, these plants have become overgrown and are crowding walkways and blocking views of historic buildings lining the park.
The park’s redevelopment is being done in two stages. Phase I will be completed Feb. 14 with the planting of two live oaks at Toomer’s Corner, and Phase II, which begins in April and is scheduled for completion in spring 2016, will include the planting of 30 more special oak trees. The current project includes initial preparations for Phase II, which calls for live oaks, grown from acorns taken from the iconic Auburn Oaks, to be planted along a new brick walkway that will connect Samford Hall to Toomer’s Corner.
In preparation for Phase II, crews will begin to relocate some of the park’s famed Smitherman azaleas which are currently in the new walkway’s path. These beloved azaleas were bred by R.O Smitherman who is a former professor at the University. The azaleas are a signature staple on campus grounds which are why they will be relocated to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy their majesty for years to come.
Initial phases of the landscape improvement project can be viewed via Auburn University’s Samford Park webcam at www.auburn.edu/webcams.