Greenery has always enjoyed the pride of place in our college. WCC has one of the most beautiful campuses in the city, and boasts of a number of stately trees like the Tabebuia, Copper Pod, Golden Shower, Frangipani, Apple Blossom, Cardboard Palm, Cannonball or Nagalingam, Ashoka, Java Plum, Crepe Myrtle, Indian Coral, Horse Chestnut, Red Bead, Fig, Alexandrian Laurel, Portia, Gulmohar, Tamarind, Neem and Cycas, to name a few. Generations of staff and students have enjoyed the splendour and goodness of these trees as many of them were planted by missionaries in the early years as well as the first Principal of WCC, Ms Eleanor McDougall.
A keen observer will notice that the trees and plants on campus are positioned strategically. The aesthetics and appearance are always considered while identifying suitable spots to plant them. From the entrance of the campus to the Science Block, and from Doveton to Holyoke Hostel are two long driveways that are mostly covered by a breathtaking canopy of trees. The oldest tree on campus is the Tabebuia or Rosy Trumpet tree, planted by Ms Eleanor McDougall, and fondly called by her name. It is also the tallest tree on campus, making its towering presence felt in the foreground of Doveton House. When in bloom, trumpet-shaped, lavender coloured flowers fill the tree and leave a pretty carpet on the ground.
Varied flora of WCC
All the Principals of WCC have taken special care of the greenery on campus. Dr Lilian I Jasper, the current Principal, personally instructs gardeners regarding maintenance of campus greenery and constant efforts are taken by gardeners to nurture the flora.
Dr Jasper believes that it is people who make a place beautiful, with their thoughts, ideas and efforts. She has loved greenery and gardening from her childhood, she says. Trips to foreign countries and universities have also inspired her.
The Principal also believes that everyone’s contribution is important when it comes to maintaining the greenery on campus. She believes that students should make efforts to not litter the place. Instead they should collectively preserve our greenery. And the rewards are rich - shade for all, a green campus with plenty of oxygen, aesthetic delight and blossoms of varied sizes, shapes and hues. What’s more, these majestic trees are a haven for diverse species of birds, both native and migratory, as well as other fauna such as squirrels, bats, butterflies and insects.
PS: Accompanying this report are a collection of photographs taken by the Principal, Dr Lilian I Jasper, who enjoys photographing the fauna and flora of WCC in her leisure time.
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