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UW Botanic Gardens Newsletter, May 2007, Vol. 2 No. 3
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UW Botanic Gardens Newsletter, May 2007, Vol. 2 No. 3
Having trouble viewing this email? View it on the Web
The "Speed Way" in 1908, along the site of the future Azalea Way. (1)
Azalea Way Before Improvement. Asahel Curtis glass slide of Olmsted Brothers Photo, 1934. (2)
Proposed treatment for Azalea Walk. Asahel Curtis glass slide, of Olmsted Brothers Drawing, 1936. (3)
"We hope that this plan… will prove one of the greatest displays of flowering shrubs and trees in the world…"
Dawson of the legendary Olmsted firm wrote regarding the 1939 plan for Azalea Way. (4)
This hope was realized. What started out as a carriage way and race track and then speedway, transformed into a three-quarter mile long grassy stroll through Japanese cherries, eastern dogwoods and azaleas. Azalea Way was a key feature of the Olmsted plan for the Washington Park Arboretum, and is the main attraction in springtime.
This year, you'll notice that flowering lilacs have joined the spring display. The lilacs were moved to make way for the new holly display, a component of the Arboretum's Master Plan. Find out more about the history of Azalea Way; and about its future.
(1) Source: Don Sherwood Parks History Collection, Seattle Municipal Archives, Photography Collection; printed in Washington Park Historic Review, BOLA Architecture + Planning & Karen Kiest; September 2003.
(2) Source: Arboretum; printed in Washington Park Historic Review, BOLA Architecture + Planning & Karen Kiest; September 2003.
(3) Source: Arboretum; printed in Washington Park Historic Review, BOLA Architecture + Planning & Karen Kiest; September 2003.
(4) Source: J. Frederick Dawson to Mrs. J.O. Gallagher, President, Seattle Garden Club, March 6, 1939, Library of Congress 2699 Washington Park and Arbroetum jFolder 4 of 4, Reel 97 (FSOP); quoted in printed in Washington Park Historic Review, BOLA Architecture + Planning & Karen Kiest; September 2003.
Volunteers joined Student Conservation Association, City of Seattle and UW Botanic Gardens staff and made a big difference! Earthday activities combined with the Student Conservation Association's 50th anniversary celebration made for a festive atmosphere in which the following took place:
According to David Zuckerman, Horticulture Staff Supervisor, you'll see one of the most dramatic site improvements where we mulched Serviceberries and Cherry tree rings, along Azalea Way by the Lookout Pond.
Thank you, volunteers, for all of your efforts!
Congratulations to Student Conservation Association!
We enjoyed a lively turnout at our Open House! UWBG staff and volunteers created engaging, fun, educational displays for adults and kids alike. Visit the Open House Photo Gallery.
You can find out more about upcoming classes including Orchids: Understanding the Plants and the Fever; Water Savings in the Garden, and family events, walks and tours from our Events Calendar webpage. The Seattle Garden Club is organizing their Garden Club of America Flower Show: “It’s Magic” on May 19, with horticultural displays, tours, and more.