Rady Park Arboretum
Rady Park Arboretum is a botanical garden that displays over 90 different trees and woody plants of scientific and educational interest. The Arboretum serves to educate visitors about alternatives to common trees and shrubs. Many of the plantings are native species that are suited to Virginia soils and climate.
All trees and shrubs are identified by common and Latin botanical names, region of origin, and a QR code that links the plant via the visitor’s phone to a plants map website. The plant map has individual (seasonal) pictures, and information about each plant.
The plantings are arranged in such a way that one can visualize how a tree or shrub would look in a garden setting, with underplanting of herbaceous plants and spring flowering bulbs. The Arboretum is organized in beds and gardens with occasional specimen trees. Gardens have benches where one can sit, rest, read or just observe the natural beauty of the park.
Visiting the Arboretum is not only an educational opportunity; it is a tranquil 7 acres, complete with a picnic pavilion, sports fields, walking paths and a state-of-the-art playground for children! In short, an ideal spot to spend some leisure time for all.
More Information:
Collection: The Arboretum is a botanical garden that contains 90 different trees and shrubs that can serve as alternatives to commonly planted landscaping choices. Placed in planting beds to simulate residential garden areas, many of the plantings are native and well suited to local soil and climate. Walking trails and benches make the collection accessible and enjoyable.
History: Since 1999, when under the aegis of Virginia Tech’s Extension Service, Master Gardener volunteers established the Arboretum, it has been maintained by the Fauquier Rappahannock Master Gardeners.
The Arboretum has grown with the dedicated care of many volunteers, achieving special recognition in 2017 when it received accreditation from ArbNet, an international organization that lists arboreta that fulfill certain requirements. It is 1 of 457 arboreta to be certified globally.
Address: 725 Fauquier Road, Warrenton, Virginia.
The Arboretum is located in Rady Park at the northwest edge of Warrenton at the end of Fauquier Road, with neighboring Fenton Farm and along Cattail Run.
Open dawn till dusk daily. Plenty of parking is available.