University of North Dakota Prepares Campus for Winter Transition

As the fall season draws to a close, the University of North Dakota (UND) is preparing for a transition to winter landscaping. Horticulturist Melissa Grafenauer and her team are set to replace vibrant autumn arrangements with seasonal greens, including chrysanthemums, burgundy grasses, corn stalks, and pumpkins. This changeover will enhance the campus’s aesthetics as temperatures drop and winter approaches.

Grafenauer leads a dedicated team of nine full-time staff members, with seasonal workers swelling that number to as many as 60 during peak summer months. Since joining UND in 2019, she has prioritized innovative designs to keep the campus fresh and inviting. “If I do the same thing every year, then I kind of get stuck in that rut,” Grafenauer explained. Each year, she introduces new arrangements to create a dynamic visual experience for students and visitors alike.

Maintaining the university’s landscaping is no small feat. The team plants approximately 12,000 annual flowers across various campus locations, with a particular focus on enhancing the visual appeal of University Avenue. Grafenauer emphasized the importance of this area, stating, “If you’re driving down University, chances are you’re not a student. I think it’s really important to have the face of University Avenue looking spectacular so people can really see it.”

Recognition for Campus Beautification Efforts

Meloney Linder, UND’s Vice President for Marketing and Communications, praised the landscaping team’s contributions to campus beauty. “People always comment on how beautiful campus looks, and landscaping plays a really big part of that,” Linder noted. She acknowledged the effort and dedication of Grafenauer and her team, describing them as “amazing individuals who take their work so seriously.”

The landscaping team’s responsibilities extend beyond planting. They spend considerable time weeding, designing, mulching, trimming shrubs, and ensuring proper watering of the plants. Grafenauer shared that the introduction of self-watering planters has reduced the time needed for irrigation. Out of an estimated 80 planters on campus, only about 30 require more frequent attention, allowing the team to work more efficiently.

In addition to their summer and fall duties, the team prepares for winter by managing snow and ice removal to keep sidewalks safe and accessible. Grafenauer enjoys the diverse responsibilities of her role, which allows her to remain active while exploring creative design possibilities.

Future Aspirations for Campus Landscaping

While University Avenue garners the most attention, Grafenauer pointed out that several lesser-known spots on campus also deserve recognition. She highlighted areas like Second Avenue and Centennial, which have been transformed into inviting walkways. One of her favorite walking routes spans from the Memorial Union archway down to the English Coulee near the chapel.

Looking ahead, Grafenauer and the university’s arborist have ambitious plans for enhancing the campus landscape, including new beds and possibly a gazebo by the coulee. “We have hopes. We have some dreams,” she said, reflecting on the potential for further beautification of the university grounds.

As the seasons change, the efforts of Grafenauer and her team play a crucial role in maintaining the University of North Dakota’s reputation for beauty and welcoming spaces, ensuring that both students and visitors can enjoy an inviting campus year-round.