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Art and Horticulture: The Unique Collaboration at Temple University

Philadelphia is witnessing an innovative intersection of agriculture and art, led by contemporary artist Sam Van Aken. His acclaimed project, the “Tree of 40 Fruit,” is set to take root on the main campus of Temple University. This remarkable work features a single grafted tree capable of producing a staggering 40 different varieties of stone fruits, including apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums. Over the coming two years, students at the university will delve into the synergy of horticulture and artistic expression, with plans for an additional “Tree of 40 Fruit” to be planted at Temple’s Ambler Arboretum. The initiative aims to educate students about the cultural significance of fruit varieties native to or introduced in the Philadelphia region.

In a recent lecture, Van Aken discussed his enthusiasm for the craft of grafting, which has a rich history that could date as far back as 1800 BCE. This technique involves propagating fruit trees by combining the flowering or fruit-bearing attributes of one tree with the hardier root system of another. According to the University of New Hampshire Extension, grafting is primarily employed for two reasons: first, because many fruit trees do not produce true offspring from their seeds, and second, due to the challenges of rooting cuttings from certain trees. The process involves attaching a piece of vegetative wood known as the scion to a robust rootstock, and although it demands significant skill and practice, successful grafting can yield extraordinary results.

Van Aken articulated a broader perspective on heirloom fruits during his discussion, stating, “These heirloom fruits aren’t just agricultural products; they are cultural objects embedded with the history of civilizations around the world.” This viewpoint underscores the intricate connections between food, culture, and history.

[ Related: Ecologists have declared war on this popular decorative tree. ]

While absorbing this rich historical narrative, students participated in hands-on grafting exercises to create their own pit fruit trees, offering them a practical chance to hone their skills in this delicate art of branch splicing.

Sasha Eisenman, an associate professor of horticulture and chair of Temple’s Architecture and Environmental Design Department, noted the importance of such opportunities, saying, “Bringing an artist to campus whose medium is trees is an exciting opportunity. Understanding the intersections of art, science, and nature is invaluable for students as they explore their careers and align their personal interests with professional goals. Horticulture can profoundly impact both the environment and people’s lives.”

In addition, Van Aken conducted a workshop on the creation of botanical cyanotypes. This artistic method utilizes a light-sensitive chemical solution and UV exposure to create stunning prints. Students utilized natural light to develop their cyanotypes on various materials, merging artistic endeavors with organic elements.

A botanical cyanotype. CREDIT: Photography by Ryan S. Brandenberg/Temple University.

Jami Deluca, a junior photography major, expressed her admiration for Van Aken’s expertise, saying, “I’ve been working with cyanotype for a few months in class, preparing for this visit, but witnessing someone so skilled in the process was incredible. Engaging with Sam revealed how he is like a detective—seeking out rare plants, uncovering their histories, and conserving them through his work. The cyanotypes represent the culmination of a complex scientific process behind the art, from material gathering to the chemistry involved in printing. It offers a fresh lens through which to appreciate art.”

Regarding the “Tree of 40 Fruit,” the initial grafting success can be assessed after approximately one year, but it may take another two to three years before the tree bears fruit. Van Aken explained, “It takes up to eight years to create just one of the trees. Each variety grafted onto the ‘Tree of 40 Fruit’ possesses its own distinct shape and color.”

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