Blandy Experimental Farm Historic District, Research facility and historic district in Boyce, Virginia.
Blandy Experimental Farm Historic District is a research facility with historic buildings, laboratories, and botanical gardens near the Blue Ridge Mountains. It spans over 700 acres with diverse plant species including oaks, chestnuts, and conifers arranged in organized garden areas and greenhouses.
The site was donated by Graham F. Blandy to the University of Virginia in 1926, transforming former structures into scientific research facilities. This gift allowed the university to conduct work on agricultural improvement and natural history in the region.
The arboretum displays plants native to the region, and visitors can observe how the site serves as a learning space for people interested in local flora. The way the gardens are organized reflects the value placed on sharing knowledge about nature with the public.
Visitors can explore the gardens and laboratory areas on marked trails that pass through different plant collections. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are large and partly hilly.
A collection of around 340 Ginkgo trees grows on the grounds and represents one of the largest concentrations of this ancient species outside its native China. These trees are particularly noticeable in autumn when their leaves turn bright yellow.
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