University of Saskatchewan campus
The University of Saskatchewan campus has been referred to as one of the most beautiful in Canada. Its cohesive architecture, with buildings covered in Tyndall stone and native limestone, along with the high degree of importance in the landscape design and maintenance during the first century of the campus, is what earned the campus this prestigious reputation. Much of the beautiful plantings and unique trees on the campus today must be attributed to the innovation, perseverance and foresight of Dieter Martin, Grounds Supervisor on the campus from 1957 to 1976.
Stately American Elms and Scots Pine are staples on the campus proper. Bur Oak, Silver Maple, Green and Mancana Ash trees, and rare pines are scattered throughout the campus landscape. Ornamental crabapples burst forth with bright pink and white blossoms each spring. Unique specimens of Amur and Ginnala Maples provide rich red colour in fall. Winter is cheered with Balsam Firs near the John Mitchell Building, tall elegant Sub- Alpine Firs between the Agriculture and Ag. Canada buildings, stately Colorado Spruce on the drive to the President's residence, and possibly the city's largest Ponderosa Pine in a grouping of Scots Pine directly west of the Veterinary Medicine building. A small fruit garden south of the Agriculture building highlights haskap, sour cherry and apple releases from the U of S fruit breeding program.
Limited funding for permanent staff and summer students in recent years has put a strain on the health, appearance and maintenance of the campus landscape. Landscapes like the U of S campus are like any living entity: as it ages, continuous maintenance, rejuvenation and expertise are required to maintain its beauty and health so that it will continue to uphold its reputation as one of the most beautiful university campuses in Canada.
Written by Jackie Bantle, Dept. of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan
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