By: Krys Kromer, Vallo Vision News
“Our campus is made beautiful the year round by the great variety and profusion oi shrubs and trees. There are many specimens oi spireas, sweet shrub, honeysuckles, arbor vitae, deutzia, abelia, lilacs, hydrangeas, privets, euonymus, lobelia, flowering quince, syringa, sweet-scented olive, magnolia fuscata, and the crepe myrtle that welcomes us in September.” – Technala, 1921
MONTEVALLO – Montevallo is beautiful on and off campus. A brief walk through the Main Quad or a stroll down Main Street is a great way to relax and take in the town’s natural beauty. Alongside that, some could take the opportunity to learn about the rich history of some of the university’s fauna.
Wisteria
Come early May, one may notice the blooming wisteria over the arches leading to the entrance of Main Hall. According to The Red Brick Tours, the wisteria “forms a cascading ‘blanket’ of lavender flowers across the building.”
Freshman Abigail Weber recalls seeing the Wisteria blooming on campus last year. “I saw all of the vines connecting and they were really pretty,” she says, “it makes me feel warm inside, happy for a moment being able to see them.”
The Wisteria plant is a member of the pea family and has over 20 recognizable species. When Summer comes, the blooms will shroud Main Hall, providing scenic views, shade and the perfect Instagram photo.
Bald Cypress
Located in King Cemetery near Harmon Hall and behind Hill House, the Bald Cypress is rumored to feed on the bones of the King family, who rest there.
The Red Brick Tours states that “this species occurs naturally in swamps and river banks along the coastal plain.”
According to the National Wildlife Federation, cypress trees are valued for their wood in many builds, but have recently fallen in popularity due to not having enough resources.
The Oaks
At the front of Main Hall stand two Red Oak Trees that were planted not long after the building was built.
Blooming between March and May, red oaks produce acorns every other season and are wind pollinated. These trees can be associated with strength, endurance, and power.
Vallo Vision News 