Captain Joseph Lapsley Wilson once owned the land on which the Gallery and the Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation are situated. He began planting a number of trees as early as the 1880s. When Dr. and Laura Barnes purchased the property in 1922, they agreed to preserve Wilson's plantings, which became the nucleus of the Arboretum. Laura Barnes, with the support of Dr. Barnes and Dr. John Fogg, carefully enhanced the living collections to over 3,000 species/varieties of woody plants gathered from different sources around the world. The diversity of species and varieties growing in such a modest area is one of the most noteworthy features of the Arboretum.

Ranging in form, texture, color, and shape, the woody plants in the Arboretum supplement the educational programs offered by the Foundation, which focus on aesthetic experience. Moreover, the whole garden is a fine example of an approach to landscaping that balances aesthetic values with botanical and horticultural interests. Laura Barnes also established the Arboretum School in 1940, the first of its kind in the region, to guide students to better appreciate the aesthetic appeal of plants and gardens while providing a sound scientific base in botany, horticulture and landscape design. A well-maintained herbarium housing 10,000 specimens, a library of 2,500 volumes, and a greenhouse with controlled conditions and propagation facilities supplement the plant collections.

The Arboretum features many rare and mature plants not common in this region. Araucaria araucana (Monkey-puzzle tree), Fagus sylvatica 'laciniata' (Fern-leaf Beech), Franklinia alatamaha (Franklin tree), Prrotia persica (Persian Ironwood), Pinus bungeana (Lacebark Pine), Chionanthus retuses (Chinese Fringe tree), Trochodendron aralioides (Japanese Wheel-tree), Sequoia sempervirens (Coastal Redwood) and Davidia involucrata (Handkerchief tree) are a few examples. Extensive collections of species and varieties that are extremely significant as genetic resources and as conservation materials such as Lilacs, Peonies, Magnolias, Crab apples, Rhododendrons, Stewartias, etc. make this Arboretum invaluable among other public gardens. Representative specimens of different species of Maples, Horse chestnuts, Dogwoods, Oaks, Euonymus, Hollies, Honeysuckles, Barberries, Cotoneasters, and Viburnum are added attractions. Very primitive plants and the Gymnosperms are represented by Equisetum (horsetail), a good collection of ornamental ferns, and notable specimens of Ginkgo, Cedars, Incense-cedar, China-fir, Dawn Redwood and many species of Fir, Spruce, Pine and Yews. The Arboretum also includes a formal rose and perennial garden, woodland, lawns, a pond, and a greenhouse.

The Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation is an excellent informal learning center for people of all ages.

Click here for more information about the history of the Arboretum.

The Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation is a member of the following organizations.