Homeowners aren’t the only ones who’ve had to break out the lawn mowers and garden gear on the early side this year. Staff members in the University of Iowa’s Landscape Services have been mowing the Pentacrest since March 21—a full month earlier than normal.

In fact, a mild winter that didn’t require much snow removal coupled with unseasonably warm spring temperatures have put the 38-member crew in a position to focus on projects like riverbank cleanup and prairie management, which don’t always command top attention. They also transplanted some of the vegetation surrounding Hancher Auditorium, which is slated for demolition.

And, “there is always tree work to be done,” says Shawn Fitzpatrick, supervisor of building and landscape maintenance.

“March can be gloomy, but we went from a mild winter to a beautiful spring. It’s been warm and colorful, and it’s fun to watch things change each day,” he says. “We’re very proud of the campus appearance.”

The staff’s planning and handiwork are evident as brightly colored foliage unfurls revealing living motifs of color and texture lining walkways and framing campus views. Click on the images below and have a look.

—photos by Tom Jorgensen