Within each of the forest formations, a well-developed ecogeographic exhibit will represent a corresponding plant community found in the maritime Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon west of the Cascades). The IMS-funded study examining the existing native tapestry will influence the precise location of these exhibits. The native deciduous/broadleaf forest represenation will occupy a lowland Puget Sound riparian forest community, with native poplars, alders, willows, ashes, etc., along the banks of Arboretum Creek.

In addition to ecogeographic exhibits of native plants, a special set of collection exhibits will permit the Arboretum to grow, showcase and compare woody plants form other cool winter rain regions of the world, as well as from wetter places, such as Eastern Asia and New Zealand, that are yielding successful landscape plants. Four such geographic clusters are proposed:

• The Asian Hillside, presenting the best introductions from China, Korea, and Japan, grown in a naturalistic landscape.

• South-central Chile, one of the principal sources of new, ecologically appropriate landscape plants for the Northwest.

• New Zealand, incorporating a relocated assemblage of hardy plants from the Southern Alps.

• The Mediterranean Slope, a naturalistic arrangement of specialized plants which thrive in the Pacific Northwest climate.

Each of these geographic clusters (plus the Pacific Northwest mixed coniferous/broadleaf forest representation), envelop a transect that illustrates changes in vegetation with increased elevation. Some transects begin with shrub communities at their lower slopes and ascend into forests (e.g., Cascades/Olympics; Andes), while others begin with forests and ascend into shrubland (South Alps; Central China).

Other cool mediterranean climates for small displays will include South Africa, Southern Australia, and Tasmania.