Cache is not at the posted coordinates - but the first clue is!
The David C. Shaw Arboretum at Holmdel Park was established in the fall of 1963 & is administered by the Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission with the cooperation of the Monmouth County Park System. Its 22 acres contain hundreds of species, cultivars & varieties of ornamental trees & shrubs.
The Arboretum is an educational & horticultural display devoted to the culture & study of many kinds of tress, shrubs & other woody plants that grow in Monmouth County. The goal is to educate homeowners about the many excellent varieties & cultivars of woody plants that can be used in their own landscapes. The Arboretum is named for David C. Shaw who served as Monmouth County Shade Tree Commission superintendent from 1963 to 2002. The installation of the Arboretum was one of Mr. Shaw’s first projects.
This cache - basically a five short two stage stroll through the arboretum - will guide you through a colorful array of trees, plants & shrubs. From the Yellow Alvarez Synoptic Garden to the Rose Crabapple Collection past the Blue Dwarf Conifer Garden, through the Yellow Handleman Garden & and beyond the White Magnolia Collection. Collect the clues along the way & don't be bashful about walking on the grass or gently touching the trees, leaves & seeds. No climbing or digging is necessary as all "stages" are visible & in plain sight. The posted coordinates will lead you to the Gray Dogwood collection. There you will find that the Shade Tree Commission has marked many of the trees with a silver metal tag hanging prominently around a lower trunk branch. Find the Japanese Dogwood variant & there among the Latin names you'll have your clue. The Shade Tree Commission tags are almost all gone now but you'll find one at the posted coordinates. Adjust your coordinates from what you find there & you will be led to the next stage. Along the way be sure to keep an eye out for the plentiful groundhogs that thrive in the enclosed space, the mystery holly that sports both rounded & serrated leaves & the magnificent white birches that stand near the Purple of the Rhododendron section. The Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana contains the last clue that will lead you to the final. It is a smallish Lock&Lock that is residing in shell of a former giant. Nature has taken its toll since the cache was hidden so you now have to use some imagination to see the tree for what it once was.
- Cornus Kousa
- Malus CV Vanguard
- Ilex X Meschick
- Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana Cv Nana
This cache has been in the works for several months & I originally placed the "Arboretum Corner" (GC1K16G) cache as a placeholder intending to archive that one so I could place this one. It has been well received however so I decided to try & keep both. This required making the new one a mystery cache & using what the arboretum already had to offer as a way to build clues leading to a final. Though it took extra work, I found it rewarding. As a bonus, this method doesn't require anyone to rummage through the trees for a hidden cache - just to spot the tags that are already meant to be found. Enjoy your walk through the gardens & remember to stop & smell the flowers. That's why they - and you - are here.
This cache is certified Central Jersey!
