Purity Point

State Route 13 is a major thoroughfare, connecting the city of Ithaca to points north including Cortland and Syracuse, and points south including Binghamton and New York City. Where the road divides into separate lanes just north of Cascadilla St. is an extended triangle of land with a mixed planting of perennials, trees, and shrubs.

Traditionally our focus for this planting had been large swaths of colorful zinnias, however we have shifted this focus in an effort to reduce damage caused by wildlife (a few groundhogs now take refuge in this garden!) and create a more self-sustaining, drought-tolerant planting. In spring, displays of daffodils, tulips, and allium shine in clumps and drifts throughout the garden. Foxtail lilies, iris, agastache, catmint, gallardia, mix with colorful daylilies throughout late spring and summer. Beautification Staff has been working hard to identify perennial and self-seeding plants that can survive in such a difficult environment. The addition of a water faucet in 2026 will help us establish new plants more effectively.

Last updated August 16, 2026