Mehlquist Garden

Mehlquist Garden

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In 1966, the so-called Ericaceous Area No. 1 was established by Dr. Gustav Mehlquist, a noted plant breeder at the University of Connecticut. He developed a rough map for the records of several hundred plants in 15 sections defined by a system of paths. Since this inauspicious beginning, several employees and volunteers have taken on the task of mapping and remapping the Garden, which was dedicated to Dr. Mehlquist years later. He is credited with developing hardy high-quality rhododendrons and azaleas. The garden is also home to highbush blueberries, Japanese andromeda, enkianthus, and mountain laurel, the Connecticut state flower, under the canopy of several hardwood trees.