College of San Mateo Teaching Botanical Collection
2010 Proposal for Upgrading and Enhancing Aesthetics and Learning Activities
The botanical collection at the College of San Mateo provides instructors from across disciplines
a place to engage their students in learning activities not available anywhere else on campus. The
unique diversity of species, horizontal lawn surfaces and relative quietness of this location allows
instructors to engage their students in a quiet outdoor-classroom setting. The collection is an
indispensable source of reference material for instructors. The flat lawn area is essential for a
number of lab activities. Without it, a number of lab activities in biology and horticulture will be
severely impacted.
Faculty in a multitude of ways and in many different classes to augment the student learning
experience uses specimens from the collection. These include but are not limited to: general
biology, botany, paleontology, wildlife (birds, reptiles, insects), ethnic studies, ethnobotany, art,
floristry horticulture (tree, shrub, groundcover and vine identification, entomology, integrated
pest management, weeds, plant diseases, landscape maintenance and landscape design), data
collected by horticulture students for use in class projects has even been used by students in a
statistics class.
The collection includes plants from around the world, with representatives from Asia, Africa, the
South Pacific, Central America, South America, North America and Europe. Of particular
interest are plants from Mediterranean climates, winter-blooming plants from South Africa,
native California plants (including endemics), and native California bee plants.
Our botanical collection at the College of San Mateo dates back to 1963 when the campus was
opened. It is divided into four different areas surrounding and within Building 20: the Urban
Display Garden (consists of Beds 10-14 and The Cutting Gardens-Beds 1-9), the Eleanore Nettle
Garden, the California Native Plant Garden, the Building 20 Courtyard Garden, the "Hill 10"
area adjacent to Building 10, the "Hill 19" area adjacent to and east of Building 19, and the "Hill
12" area adjacent to and north Building 12 (The Hills). The eastern end of "Hill 12" contains a
section featuring California ceanothus and manzanita specimens. The total acreage for the entire
collection is about .75 acres, which comprises about 0.5% of the 153-acre College of San Mateo
campus. The Trustee's Grant that was used to create the California Native Plant Garden included
the purchase of a plastic sign maker. As time permits, plant identification signs have been made
by students and faculty and installed in the garden. Every effort has been made to include the
name, planting date, planting location, nursery of origin and size of plant at planting when a
plant is accessioned into the collection. Keeping the plant database updated is an ongoing
endeavor.
The gardens are long overdue for an upgrade and enhancement of the learning opportunities to
realize its full potential. We propose to use funds available from the District to upgrade and
replace plants, and provide educational signage around the complex, so all visitors to the gardens
can appreciate and learn about the collection. The general proposals for each area and their
educational goals are as follows:
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1. The Hills (“Hill 12, Hill 19”): The hills surrounding the grounds contain mature trees, shrubs
used for teaching, some rare and unusual plants, and even developed ecosystems with bryophytes
in the understory of these plant communities. Because a walk-way extends along the base of the
hill, there is a unique viewing area into the understory of the mature trees. We propose leaving
this hill undisturbed in many areas.1 However, the learning activities and aesthetics could be
improved by adding selected understory woodland or coniferous forest native plants and signage
about the communities represented here.
A. Ecosystem Educational Areas: Sections of this hill represent various ecosystems that
can be found in California, and also include some areas that have a mature plant
community from other parts of the world. We propose to retain these areas and add
understory plants that occur in these different ecosystems, creating an aesthetic display
from the understory up through the canopy.
Current Prominent and Mature Plants include:
Plant List: (Existing mature plants)
1. Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
2. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
3. Italian Stone Pine (Pinus pinea)
4. Mahonia (Mahonia lamariifolia)
5. Species of Ceanothus, including: C. gloriousus; C. ‘Julia Phelps’
6. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos densiflora ‘Howard McMinn’
7. South African Shrub Daisy (Euryops pectinatus)
8. Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’)
9. Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Gold Coast’)
10. Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica)
11. Delavay Osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi)
12. Common Yew (Taxus baccata ‘Repandens’)
13. Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
14. Noell’s Grevillea (Grevillea ‘Noellii’)
15. Cherry (variety) Prunus
16. Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
17. Kauri Pine (Agathus australis)
18. Japanese Cedar (Cryptomaria japonica)(two varieties)
19. Japanese Cedar (Cryptomaria japonica)
20. She-oak or Common Ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia)
21. Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
22. Triple-leaf or Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
23. Mature Crabapples (Mallus sp.)
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This area has many mature trees and developed understory plant communities in place.
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B. Proposed Additions by ecosystem zones:
1. Redwood Forest
Description: This area will be used to educate students on the California Redwood Forest
plant community. The opportunities can be improved by leaving the understory, litter and
duff intact. Currently, the litter and soil is developed enough to support white coral
fungus colonies in the spring. Additions to this ecosystem to improve instruction and add
aesthetic value would include:
Scarlet Lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis)
Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregano)
Deer Fern (Blecham spicant)
Giant Western Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata)
Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
Bracken Fern (Pteridium spp.)
California Polypody (Polypodium californicum)
Five-Finger Fern (Adiantum aleuticum)
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aethiopicum)
2. Redwood Forest Edge/Oak Woodland
Description: This area is just adjacent-south and north of the redwood groves. It is an
excellent area to illustrate the ecology of forest openings and edges. Plants that occupy
these slightly sunnier locations can provide a bit of a flower show and contrast with the
shadier understories of the trees. A mix of native and ornamental plants that produce
flowers and seeds of botanical interest are already present at this site. Removal of the
sweet broom (Cytisus spachianus) and myoporum (Myoporum parvifolium), which are
invasive and doing poorly, respectively, should be done and plants added that are more
compatible with the space:
South Edge:
Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) (Varieties TBD)
Grevillea (Grevillea spp.) (Varieties TBD)
Wood Rose (Rosa gymnocarpa)
Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria californica)
Island Coral Bells (Heuchera maxima)
Canyon Pink Heuchera (H. ‘Canyon Pink)
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North Edge (featuring succulents):
Dudleya (Dudleya spp.) (Varieties TBD)
Sedum (Sedum spp.) (Varieties TBD)
Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) (Varieties TBD)
3. Douglas Fir Forest
Description: This area is dominated by the mature Douglas fir and is used to educate
students about the Douglas Fir Forest ecosystem. Douglas fir occurs in a different
microclimate than the redwood forest. It is valuable to compare and contrast these two
forest types. This area also has a mature understory supporting some unusual bryophytes,
including one genus: Anthoceros, (hornwort). This area should be left mostly
undisturbed. A few repetitions of some of the flowering species that occur in the redwood
forest could be added here to improve the aesthetics and provide some landscape interest,
while preserving the natural quality of the hill:
Giant Western Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata)
Island Coral Bells (Heuchera maxima)
Canyon Pink Heuchera (H. ‘Canyon Pink)
Hairy Manzanita (Arctostaphylos Columbiana)
Hoary Manzanita (Arctostaphylos canescens)
4. Seasonal Garden
Description: The retaining wall area can be used as a seasonal garden. The wells from the
retaining wall blocks can be planted with various bulb plants, particularly species
varieties, for a spring flower show. Seasonal gardens provide the opportunities to teach
about temperate climates and plant adaptations to the seasons of the year. This area
would be left dormant in the dry season. A variety of bulb plants already grow here.
Additional bulb plants would be added. Each well of the retaining wall could have a
different bulb display showing species, hybrids and bulbs from around the world.
5. Chaparral
Description: This area of the hill, now adjacent to Building 12, presents an opportunity to
display shrub ecosystems, particularly chaparral. This area currently includes some
mature shrub specimens, in addition to some important botanical genera (Mahonia,
Agathus). Additions of shrub species here, in groupings for color, will add additional
botanical specimens and improve the aesthetics. Salvias are an important group of
Mediterranean plants that occur in a variety of shrub/chaparral ecosystems. They also
provide a nice color show with other plants and are important habitat plants. A collection
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of Salvias, mostly native cultivars, along with other showy plants, including upright and
spreading forms, would be a compatible addition to this area:
Cleveland Sage Hybrid (Salvia ‘Whirly Blue’)
Bees Bliss Sage (Salvia ‘Bees Bliss’)
Red Velvet Sage (Salvia confertifolia)
Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
Black Sage (Salvia mellifera)
Sticky Monkey Flower (Mimulus aurantiacus)
California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum or hybrids)
Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)
Deer Weed (Lotus scoparius)
Bush Poppy (Dendromecon rigida)
6. Mixed Conifer/Mixed Evergreen
Description: This area of the hill is dominated by an unusual and mature Italian Stone
Pine. The understory is acidic due to the needles dropped from this tree. This area gives
the opportunity to discuss some of the mixed conifer ecosystems found in California and
in the Mediterranean climates and to highlight acid-loving plants. There is room here to
introduce some understory native plants that can produce showy flowers, seasonal color,
and fruits. These additions would be spaced so that their growth forms, flowering and
fruiting habits could be shown:
Sweet Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans)
Holly-leaf Osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’)
Spice Bush (Calacanthus occidentalis)
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp) (Variety TBD)
Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica)
Western Burning Bush (Euonymus occidentalis)
Baneberry (Actea rubra)
California mock orange (Philadelphus californicus)
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
7. Scrub Oak
Description: This area contains some shrubby oaks (Quercus agrifolia) and some mature
shrubs. Oaks are an important component of many California ecosystems. This area
should be left intact, with the addition of some additional examples of shrub-form oaks.
The Ceanothus collection that will be removed at the end of this area due to construction
should be moved here. Some possible additions are:
Blue Oak Quercus douglasii (control height)
Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia)
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California Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa)
Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.). (Deer-Resistant Varieties TBD, ex. C.g. ‘Julia Phelps’ C.
‘Dark Star’)
C. Water Feature:
As part of this area, we propose re-activating the water feature that is in the corner of the
property. This feature includes stone waterfalls and cascading pools. This area still has
some streambank/riparian features and an interesting complex of bryophytes. The basic
ecosystem could be left intact. If the water feature is re-activated, and some native
riparian plants added, it will be a lovely feature with the ability to show how streambank
communities function. The stairway in this area will be closed at the top. Part of the
pathway could be converted to an observational area for the fountain and plant
community. An additional water garden is proposed adjacent to the
1. Water Feature: Riparian/Streambank
Description: This area includes the functional but non-operational fountain. Even though
the fountain is not operational, there are mature plants and bryophyte and lichen
communities that exist in the understory. The overstory has a nice collection of conifer
trees (Conifer Corner) that shade the water feature and support shade plants. This
fountain could be upgraded and would be a lovely aesthetic addition to the complex. The
re-addition of moisture would maintain the existing community. Species that prefer a
moist environments and typically occur in riparian or streambank conditions could be
added:
Leopard Lily (Lilium pardinalum)
Native Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum spp.)
Stream Orchid (Epipactis gigantea)
Western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale)
Horsetail (Equisetum telmatea)
2. Water Garden:
Description: An area of the putting green could be converted to support aquatic plants:
Mosquito Fern (Azolla sp.)
Lotus (Nelumbo sp.)
Horsetail (Equisetum sp.)
D. The Native Garden: Plants in the native garden are just beginning to mature. The garden is
proposed to be left undisturbed. Some additional native species could be added to improve the
scope and the educational opportunities in this garden, along with signage about California
natives. There are a number of prostrate forms of native plants that could be added to next to the
walkways, increasing the diversity and aesthetics of the garden.
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E. Lawns: Leave the lawns and demonstrate grass cycling or sustainable lawn management.
Botany classes use the current lawns with their grass and species mix for labs.
F. Building 20 Courtyard Garden: This courtyard garden contains some unusual, rare and
mature species that could not be grown outside of a protected area. We propose to leave these
plants intact for the time being and install an irrigation system. The center courtyard is an
opportunity to grow low-growing tender seasonal color plants that can be protected from deer
and put on a color show.
G. The Lath House: The Lath House is the container-growing area for the complex. Currently,
it is used as a nursery area for supporting classes and grounds staff. The lath house protects
young container plants from deer and is the only place to protect containers on the campus. The
lath is in need of repair, but otherwise the lath house is sound and functional. We propose using
some of the space, particularly next to the lath walls to put various container plants on display.
Some examples are staghorn ferns, slab-mounted orchids (suitable for outdoor growing), hanging
plants, displays of patio plants. Production pots (of patio and suitable interior plants, and outdoor
plants) can continue to be grown here.
H. Container Plants: Various locations around the garden could have additional aesthetic
interest by adding plants in containers and/or artwork. The container plants would provide
learning activities for the Interior Plantscape class, and offer opportunities to grow some species
of plants used for interiors, courtyards and patios.
I. Building 20: We propose to leave the landscape intact around Building 20. Most of the
landscape is mature and in good condition. Many of the specimens next to the building are
currently used for classes. Some shrubs need to be trimmed. A few plants could be added in
some spots, particularly around the south side of the building and at the pergola.
J. The Urban Display Gardens-Beds 10-14: This garden is proposed be upgraded to feature the
current plants from Mediterranean climates, in keeping with its original purpose. The displays
can be upgraded with additional plants/new materials from the different Mediterranean regions.
This area offers a unique space to display a sustainable/drought tolerant/low water and deer
resistant landscape.2 Additionally, this garden has featured deer resistant. Enhancement will
include adding of representative plants from the Mediterranean regions as above (South Africa,
Australia, Europe, etc.), but grouped in country of origin groups in an aesthetic arrangement
showing seasonal color, and plant life cycles. Plants will be selected based on color, seasonal
interest, production of seeds and fruits within each community zone; with attention to high
performance and low maintenance. Beds would be somewhat dedicated to different
Mediterranean regions, with educational signage about the different regions to be used by botany
and biology classes.
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Many Bay Area Water Districts are actively encouraging sustainable and low water use gardens. Most of these
types of gardens feature plants selected from the Mediterranean Regions of the world.
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Examples of additions:
Australia:
Banksia (Banksias pp.) (Variety TBD)
Australian Fuchsia (Correa sp.) (Variety TBD)
Bottlebrush (Callistemon cintrinus ‘Little John’) (Dwarf)
Australian Bluebell Creeper (Sollya heterophylla)
Oven’s Wattle (Acacia pravissima)
California/Mexico/South America:
Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum)
American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
Island Bush Poppy (Dendromecon rigida harfordii)
White-flowering currant (Ribes indecorum)
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum sp.) (Variety TBD)
Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata)
Cuphea (Cuphea spp.) (Variety TBD)
Gunnera (Gunnera tinctoria)
Lip Fern (Cheilanthes spp.)
South Africa:
Pink Protea (Protea neriifolia)
Crane Flower (Strelitzia juncea)
Leucodendron (Leucodendron sp.) (Variety TBD)
Pincushion Flower (Leucospermum sp.) (Variety TBD)
Cape Heath (Erica cerinthoides)
Silver Tree (Leucodendron argenteum) (Replace silver dollar Eucalyptus)
New Zealand:
Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium)
Bronze Sedge (Carex comans ‘Bronze’)
New Zealand Flax (Phormium sp.) (New Varieties)
Alpine Totara (Podocarpus nivalis)
Asia:
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) (Cultivar TBD)
Mahonia (Mahonia fortunei)
Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta)
Holly-leaf Osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’)
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K. The Urban Display Gardens (Cutting Gardens-Beds 1-9): This garden features materials
for cutting (shrubs and perennials) for floristry. The garden is severely limited by materials that
are deer resistant. This garden has potential for a community garden. We propose an aesthetic
deer fence be installed around the perimeter of Beds 4-9. The fence could be extended into the
lawn a short distance for addition of food crops in raised beds (designed for ADA access). With a
fence, tender perennials, flowers, herbs, and edibles can be grown throughout the year. Beds can
be alternated with the seasons and with new materials. A multi-purpose educational garden can
be used by horticulture, floristry, botany, health sciences, and also provide an educational
community garden for students, faculty, and the public to view and enjoy. Dwarf fruit trees will
also be added to the fenced area. Examples of additions:
Yarrow Achillea (Color Varieties)
Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta)
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Monkshood (Aconitum spp.)
Bittersweet (Celastrus orbuculatus)
Delphinium (Delphinium hybrids)
Foxglove (Digitalis hybrids)
Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrids)
Iris (Iris hybrids)
Lillies (Lillium hybrids)
Rose Coneflower (Isopogon formosus)
Summer and winter edible crops
Seasonal annuals
L. Conversion of the Putting Green to an Ethnobotany Garden: The need for a putting green
has gone away, due to cancellation of some golfing classes. We propose to add an additional
learning activity by setting up a garden that has plants with ethnic and ethnobotany values. This
area would include plants from tropical and subtropical areas and include a small area of
submerged and damp soil plants. Plants have been selected that would provide living examples
of plant specimens for botany and ethnic studies classes. Some of the plants are tropical floristry
specimens.
Banana: Musa acuminate ‘Zebrina’(in container)
Sugar Cane: Saccharum (Sunset does not list a species)
Pineapple: Ananas bracteatus ‘Tricolor’
Taro: Colocasia esculenta
Giant Bird of Paradise: Streletzia nicolai
Black Bamboo: Phyllostachys nigra
Ginger: Alpinia purpurata
Tree Fern: Dicksonia antarctica
Australian Tree Fern: Cyathea cooperi
Gunnera: Gunnera tinctoria
Coffee: Coffea arabica
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Cardamom: Elettaria cardamomum
M. The Eleanore Nettle Garden: This garden is a contemplative garden constructed in memory
of a long-time CSM District trustee. This garden features many textures and colors of
Mediterranean and native shrubs and perennials. This garden is also extensively used for plant
identification classes. A Hopi labyrinth was recently installed as a student project, adding to the
contemplative nature of the garden. We propose to enhance this garden by adding additional
color plants and removing or trimming some overgrown species. Improving the look of the
labyrinth and adding additional seating will greatly enhance this space. This garden puts on an
interesting color and texture display through the seasons. Signage can be installed to describe the
labyrinth and the flower displays. These improvements will enhance this garden’s aesthetic,
multi-cultural, and educational appeal:
Purple Orchid Tree (Bauhina purpurea)
Cape Fuchsia (Phygelius x rectus ‘Moonraker’ (Mite-resistant varieties)
Cape Fuchsia (Phygelius x rectus ‘Salmon Leap’(Non invasive variety)
Darwin Barberry (Berberis darwinii)
Australian Fuchsias (Correa alba, Correa pulchella, Correa ‘Sister Dawn’, Correa
‘Wyatt’s Wonder) (Research other varieties)
Lily Turf (Liriope muscari ‘Silvery Sunproof”)
Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)
Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Himalayan Flowering Dogwood (Cornus capita)
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) (Variety TBD)
Sedge (Carex albula ‘Frosty Curls’) (tolerates dry-non invasive if dry)
Fuchsia (Fuchsia triphylla 'Gartenmeister Bonstedt')
Bishop’s Hat/Fairy Wings (Epimedium x perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’) (Shade)
Blue Moon Grass (Sesleria caerulea)
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