Philippi Hall (Area F)

          Turn west and head back toward Philippi Hall. This building was constructed in 2001 to accommodate the spatial needs of the resident student population. The construction of Philippi is part of the continued expansion of the original campus outward from its origin, namely Corthell Hall. Passing by the southeast corner of Philippi, walkers will encounter a row of three Dawn Redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) (F-1). The Dawn Redwood is one of the few needled trees that shed their foliage in the fall (the Eastern and Japanese Larches witnessed earlier in the tour are other examples). The Redwood is marginally hardy in this area; it is hoped that the microclimate created by the corner of Philippi will be enough to sustain the vigor of these trees.

          Continuing toward Philippi’s main entrance along its southeast wall are two examples of the lilac family, the Miss Kim Lilac (Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’) (F-3), and the James McFarlane Lilac (Syringa prestoniae ‘James McFarlane’) (F-4). The Miss Kim flowers in late May with purple buds that open to reveal icy blue flowers, while the James McFarlane flowers in June, with fragrant, bright pink blossoms. Nestled into a corner window, a Purple Fountain Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purple Fountain’) (F-5), with its cascading branches and purplish leaves, can be seen. In line with Philippi’s front and southwest aspect is a Japanese Pagodatree (Sophora japonicum) (F-6). One of the last large ornamental trees to flower, its creamy white flowers do not appear until late July or early August, which makes this tree an excellent addition to a flowering collection. This species is also rated among the highest for pollution and urban tolerances.

         A bit closer to University Way stands a row of Autumn Purple White Ash (Fraxinus american ‘Junginger’) (F-7). The row planting was undertaken with an eye to the future—the pyramidal rounded habit and glossy purple fall foliage of the mature Autumn Purple will provide a magnificent gate to Philippi’s front entrance. Turning to face Philippi Hall, a diverse garden of ornamental grasses, various perennials, and landscape trees provide a lovely introduction to the dorm’s front entrance. Specimens particularly noteworthy include the River Birch (Betula nigra) (F-8), which is the most trouble free Birch, and the Dwarf Bottlebrush (Fothergilla gardenii) (F-9) shrub.  If walkers follow the path to the front entrance of Philippi Hall they will see a Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliate) (F-10), exhibiting trifoliate leaves and a bushy habit.  The fruit, which persist into the winter, have been known to act as a substitute for hops.