The Brenton Arboretum: A Personal Story

This was my rudimentary theory.
This was my goal: to establish these
groupings in some sort of a tree garden. I
explained much of this to the
Bickelhaupts. They enthusiastically
endorsed my stance. Although their
underlying philosophy for creating their
arboretum may have been different than
mine, they understood and told me to do
it: create my vision.
But they also offered me some
strong advice, which I heeded. Internal
Revenue Service clearance was needed to
move forward. This had been a lengthy
and expensive process for Bob and Fran,
who paid accountants and lawyers. They
gave me their two-inch-thick file to use as
a model. Fortunately, by now, the 1990s,
the process of getting a 501(c)(3)
clearance had been simplified. Dave
Midtlyng, my accountant, saw no
problems as long as the proposed arboretum
was open to the public on a regular basis. This was really the main test for clearance and resultant
tax deductibility when it came to contributions to the new organization.
This image is a close-up of the grid system established to
position and record tree locations throughout the arboretum.
Fran and Bob also strongly encouraged me to hire a landscape architect to create a master
plan before I turned the first shovel of dirt. I had made contact with others, but they suggested
Anthony “Tony” Tyznik of the Morton Arboretum. This became a profoundly important referral.
The Bickelhaupts were also emphatic that I understand the watering needs of young plants.
Bob’s rule was to water all trees that had been in the ground for two years or less with one gallon of
water per foot of height on any given week in which rainfall was less than one inch. This was
maintained until the soil froze. Although we learned to modify this fine rule, depending on the
species and other conditions, it also has become our regime.
The Bickelhaupts next encouraged me to create a land grid system that would make it easier
for staff and visitors to find plantings in the field. Then they told me to visit other arboreta to gather
ideas. Through all of this, I was learning what an arboretum was. My initial idea of a tree garden
featuring a series of native species, separately arranged in individual, distinct groupings, was
evolving into a broader concept. I now was envisioning an arboretum with an expanded palate of
trees and shrubs, including some non-natives. I wanted to plant what would grow, but retain the
20