UW Botanic Gardens Newsletter, Vol 8 Issue 4, April 2013
Registration is Open for 5th Annual Urban Forestry Symposium
It is now possible to register for the 5th Annual Urban Forest Symposium coming up on May 13 at the Center For Urban Horticulture. This year’s symposium explores the issue of trees versus views. There will be a variety of panels and speakers and Kathleen Day will give the keynote address on The Aesthetics of Views. The cost is $75 per person with lunches available for $15. The first 100 registrants will get a free lunch.
This event is hosted by by PlantAmnesty and the UWBG.
FlorAbundance Returns to the Arboretum
FlorAbundance, one of the region’s largest and best plant sales will be returning to the Washington Park Arboretum on Saturday, April 27, from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, April 28 from 10am to 3pm. Dozens of local specialty nurseries will be on-hand selling everything from trees to unusual perennials to vegetable starts. If you are a member of the Arboretum Foundation, you can get in on the Member PreSale and Party on Friday, April 26 from 5 to 7:30 pm. Ticket prices will be announced soon. All sales benefit the Washington Park Arboretum.
If you’re interested in helping out at the sale, you can email Volunteer and Outreach coordinator Randall Hitchin or call him at 206-325-4510.
Come to the Pacific Northwest Botanical Artists Group Show at the Miller Library
The Pacific Northwest Botanical Artists group is a chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting public awareness of contemporary botanical art. Starting April 5, they will have a group exhibit at the Miller Library, featuring artwork, prints and cards. The show runs through May 4. A portion of the sales will benefit the Library.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Arboretum
The Seattle Conservation Association (SCA), Seattle Parks and Recreation and the UWBG have a fun day of projects planned for Earth Day on Saturday, April 13. They will be working on a variety of projects around the Washington Park Arboretum. Something for everyone!
You can also join the Wilderness Awareness School on April 20th from 10am-1pm at the Washington Park Arboretum for a free, fun-filled afternoon of nature connection activities to celebrate Earth Day. Bring yourself, your buddies and the whole family for nature games that will expand your senses and enrich a deeper connection to the earth.
Head to the Garden Lover's Book Sale for Gently Used Plant Books
If you're looking to expand your gardening library, the best source is the 8th annual Garden Lover’s Book Sale. There will be tons of gently used tomes on plants, horticulture, garden design, edibles and pest control. Plus there is a special feature this year only: Hundreds of cookbooks! The public sale is free and runs from 9am to 3pm at the Miller Library at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Bring your own bags or boxes to load up on great deals. While you’re there, you can also take advantage of the NW Fuchsia Society Plant Sale taking place a few feet away in NHS Hall from 9am to 1pm.
There are still a few tickets left for the Preview Party and PNW Botanical Artists Exhibit Friday, April 5 at 5pm. Tickets cost $20 and include light refreshments plus first crack at the books. Purchase in advance by calling 206-543-0415.
All proceeds benefit the new materials budget for the Miller Library.
A Glimpse Into the Past
(A monthly column by Dr. John A. Wott, Director Emeritus) The title of this historic postcard is “LAKE WASHINGTON BOULEVARD AND MT. RAINIER, SEATTLE, WA.” It reads: ‘Lake Washington Boulevard and Mt. Rainier in 1903. Seattle Parks Commissioners hired the Olmsted Brothers to plan a comprehensive system of parks and boulevards for Seattle. Commissioner Edward Cheasty said in 1906, “To the tourist visiting Seattle, the boulevard system probably makes a more lasting impression than any other scenic feature.” U.S. President Taft described the Olmsted Brothers Boulevard system in Seattle as “One of the most magnificent combinations of modern city and Medieval forest, of formal gardening and nature’s handiwork, with the most beautiful vistas of lake, sea and snow-capped mountain peaks, that has ever delighted the eye of man in this or any other country.” ’
Make sure to have a look at the full size post card.
April 2013 Plant Profile: Akebia quinata 'Alba'
We have an increasing number of vines here at the Center for Urban Horticulture and this particular selection is one that’s been around the longest. Often dubbed the “Chocolate Vine”, the typical species flower is a deep purple with deliciously scented blossoms. It is a deciduous vine that grows quickly and requires support. This rare white form (possibly the same as the selection named ‘Shirobana’) is absolutely lovely, but often overlooked. It can cover the side of walls, spill over banks and climb over just about anything. Its pliable and supple vines can easily be trained and contained with regular summer pruning of excessive “whips”.
I’ve yet to see this white-flowered form set fruit, but it should be possible. It produces a large pod with gelatinous fruit that has a sweet pulp and many seeds. The flowers of Akebia are lovely and highly unusual. The large female flower dominates while the smaller, more prolific male flowers hold the pollen.
Common Name: White-Flowered Chocolate Vine, White Five-leafed Akebia
Location: CUH-Fragrance Garden, NHS Hall
Origin: China/Japan/Korea
Height and Spread: Can climb 25-30ft.
Bloom Time: Early Spring
twigs
UWBG Director Sarah Reichard went back to Cuba in February with a tour group. She talks about the experience in a recent post on our website. She also wrote a great article on birdwatching in Cuba. That's a Cuban tody (Todus multicolor) pictured at right.
April Story Time at the Miller Library will celebrate Earth Week with stories celebrating Mother Earth and some of the ways we can help preserve our planet's green beauty for future generations. After the stories, peer at a scoop of compost under a magnifier to see and sketch some of the life there. Saturday, 4/27, 10:30 - 11:15am.
E-Flora is a regular online newsletter of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens
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Sustaining managed to natural ecosystems and the human spirit through plant research, display, and education
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