The State Arboretum of Virginia (UVA)

Do you have a local University botanical garden, or arboretum?

Do you think it’s the best?

Well now we have a definitive list! See where yours ranks!

Each botanical garden and arboretum was  rated and ranked based on the following:

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Awards and Recognition
2 points—Major (national or international) award or recognition
1 point—Regional or local award or recognition
Variety of Species
3 points—Over 5,000 different plant species represented
2 points—Over 3,000 different plant species represented
1 point—Over 1,000 different plant species represented
Conservation and Education
1 point—Endangered plant species represented
1 point—Presence of educational outreach programs
1 point—Presence of horticultural library
1 point—LEED green building on site
Connected University Degree Programs
2 points awarded for school of agriculture (or related discipline) on site
1 point for presence of a connected degree program (i.e., horticulture, ecology, botany, etc.)
Wow Factor
1 point—1 point awarded for each unique feature that “wowed” us

For a totally unbiased perspective I have chosen to show photos of the University of Idaho arboretum (where I’m working on completing my PhD) and the University of Virginia arboretum (GO Hoos!).

University of Idaho Arboretum