Florida State University's landscapes are a blend of rich history and ongoing development. Looking to the past, there are few records that remain concerning the planting of the campus. Photographs taken of various sites on campus dating back to the late 1800’s reveal what was growing in several key locations including Canary Island Date Palms along Convocation Way and near Westcott in the 1920s.
Trees play a significant role in FSU's history and scenery. In 1932, for the bicentennial of George Washington's birth, the Senior Class planted several Live Oaks, with a ceremony on February 22. These trees were part of a more significant effort to honor Washington through living monuments. The Florida Flambeau reported that five Live Oaks were grown from acorns for this occasion, and four of the trees were dedicated by the student body presidents of each class and the last by the Alumni Association.
Pine trees also hold a significant place in Florida State University's heritage. Numerous pine trees were located on the western and southern sides of the Administration Building's Auditorium, which is now known as the Westcott and Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Written in 1947, the Alma Mater pays tribute to the many pine trees on campus, starting with the lyric, "High o'er the towering pines our voices swell."
One iconic tree on campus towering in front of Strozier Library is the James P. Love Oak, named for the FSU Farm and Dairy Operations manager from 1920-1958. This oak pre-dates the university and has been a cherished spot for shade since the 1940s. Near Landis Hall, the Angel Oak, planted in 2000 by the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, is a living tribute to the ancient Angel Oak in South Carolina, known for its age and grandeur.
As FSU expanded, landscape architects worked alongside local contractors and the FSU Grounds and Landscaping team to shape the campus. Over time, aging plantings were replaced with new additions like the Friendship Garden at Mina Jo Powell Green, Music School Courtyard Garden, and Butterfly Garden. Under the leadership of experts like Scott Cisson and Anton Sonkin, the Grounds department has significantly improved the beauty and functionality of FSU's landscape through these thoughtful projects.
In these efforts, sustainability is key. The Grounds department often repurposes materials like concrete and tree debris and has a nursery for growing plants including hard-to-find species. Today, FSU's Grounds and Landscaping department is a well-organized unit with diverse crews, from pruning to irrigation, supporting the vibrant green spaces on campus.