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Blooming Purple and Gold: The Tradition of LSU's Landscape
"The landscape of this campus has become a symbol and a tradition," explains Robert Mirabello, an instructor with LSU's Department of Horticulture. "Plant life is one of the longest-lasting traditions at LSU." For good reason, LSU's alma mater hails, "Where stately oaks and broad magnolias shade inspiring halls." LSU's lush landscape is the crowning touch of the campus. A Foundation of Beauty
Link began his work on the LSU campus in the 1920s, after plans were already underway to move the campus from its downtown Baton Rouge location to a 2,000-acre area in what was then a pastoral section of south Baton Rouge. The Olmsted Brothers, a nationally regarded landscaping firm responsible for many prominent American parks and college campuses, had presented the initial designs for the new LSU campus in 1921. But the firm was removed from the project, and Link was hired to bring the plans to fruition in 1922. Funding constraints forced Link to scale down the designs, and he chose to build the campus around two intersecting quadrangles. But the construction of Middleton Library in the 1950s disrupted the flow of Link's designs and created LSU's now famous Quad. Link's visions and careful attention to detail created many of the campus's trademarks, including Memorial Tower, the red-tiled rooftops, 15th century-style buildings, and the arches. He also used green spaces, such as the Parade Ground, and courtyard settings to complement the structure and connect the audience to nature. While any of these images conjure thoughts of LSU, it is the landscape that puts the finishing touches on the campus.
Under Stately Oaks Perhaps the most characteristic landscaping element of LSU campus are the oak trees. Most of LSU's signature live oaks were planted in the 1930s and '40s by landscape designer and LSU philanthropist Steele Burden. LSU's campus contains nearly 1,200 live oak trees according to Fred Fellner, assistant director of LSU Landscape Services. The International Society of Arboriculture values LSU's oaks at $36 million. However, LSU's landscape includes more than its impressive oaks. At any time of the year, LSU students, faculty, and staff, as well as sports fans and campus visitors, can see an array of plant life on the campus.
As the weather grows warmer and the days grow longer, vibrant azalea and crape myrtle decorate the University grounds, and the soft scent of southern magnolia fills the air. Those on campus can even enjoy the fall colors of the swamp red maples lining the LSU Lakes and the Chinese pistachio near Memorial Tower and the Greek Theater. "We have such a diversity of specimens here on campus," said Mirabello. "It's all here." A New Take on An Old Tradition
During the fall 2004 semester, the Department of Horticulture steered LSU's traditions of landscape and football in a new direction. Mirabello and some of his students, along with the help of Todd Jeansonne, assistant manager of athletic facilities in the Athletic Department, and Jeff Kershaw, manager of the athletic fields, created an exact replica of Tiger Stadium one-sixteenth the size of the actual field. The grassy lawn behind Julian C. Miller Hall was too much for Mirabello and his team to resist, and the project that Mirabello envisioned in 2003 became a reality in 2004. The mini-field, complete with miniature goal posts and the famous eye of the tiger at midfield, was ready for the opening of LSU's 2004 season. "We definitely plan to make this an annual event," said Mirabello, who added that Tiger fans can expect to see the mini-field at the open of every football season. Beautiful Campus LSU's landscaping was called "a botanical joy" in its listing among the 20 best campuses in America in Thomas Gaines' "The Campus as a Work of Art." It is easy to see why this distinction was given to LSU after visiting the beautiful campus. Contact Erin Fink | Student Writer | LSU
University Relations Related Links Theodore Link's architectural drawings
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LSU's vast traditions range from Saturday night in Tiger Stadium and Mike the Tiger to the chimes of Memorial Tower and a competitive academic community. However, one tradition shapes the visual memories of every Tiger fan, LSU student, alumnus, and visitor—the landscape of the campus. 
The Italian Renaissance-style architecture reflected in many of LSU's original buildings is attributed to Theodore C. Link. Born in 1850, the architect designed the St. Louis Union Station and the Mississippi State Capitol before leaving his mark in south Louisiana. 
"The mature live oaks and crape myrtles contrast beautifully with the Italian architecture," said Van Cox, LSU professor of landscape architecture. "The combination of trees and buildings is wonderful. LSU is an urban campus with a rural quality to it." 
In the cool, winter months, the full camellia blooms add rich color to the campus, while the delicate Japanese magnolia blossoms can be seen near Pleasant Hall and in front of the LSU Law Center. 
