|
UW Botanic Gardens Newsletter, Vol 10 Issue 11, November 2015
November E-Flora: Rare Plant Finds
|
Upcoming Events
Free Weekend Walks
In November, we present a new tour topic; Forest Ecology. We will talk about forest ecosystems and how they work from trees to soil to fungi and animal participation.
Join us at 1pm every Sunday in the Arboretum. See details.
On Exhibit
in the Miller Library
Enjoy the watercolors and block prints of Molly Hashimoto this month.
Join us for an opening reception on Thursday, November 5, 5-7pm.
New Books in the Miller Library
|
|
Rare Care Reports on 2015 Monitoring Efforts
The Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation program trains volunteers to monitor rare plant populations in order to assess growth trends and determine population threats across Washington. In this year's reports, rare plant monitoring volunteers found new sites of pygmy saxifrage (Saxifraga hyperborea), the endangered sagebrush mariposa-lily (Calochortus macrocarpus var. maculosus), the threatened Washington polemonium (Polemonium pectinatum) and the sensitive common bluecup (Githopsis specularioides). Read about these finds and more in the 2015 Fall/Winter edition of the Rare Care newsletter.
|
Molly Hashimoto Exhibit Opens Thursday
Seattle artist and teacher Molly Hashimoto explores the flora and fauna of the West, from both garden and wild habitats, in watercolors and block prints. This year's exhibit features all new work, including many birds, and prints of Western conifers of the coast and timberline plus watercolors of favorite flowers playfully painted from her own garden. Molly's work is published by Pomegranate as cards, calendars, puzzles and books; many of those items will be offered for sale with the prints and paintings.
Molly's work will be on display in the Miller Library November 5 through December 28, and she invites you to an opening reception Thursday, November 5 from 5 to 7pm.
|
John Wott Fellowship Award Announced
|
|
Christopher Watson, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Environmental Horticulture (MEH) degree, has been named as the recipient of the Wott Fellowship, given annually to a student whose work is associated with the Washington Park Arboretum. Chris has completed a GIS analysis which defines the storm water drainages and watersheds in and around the Arboretum. He will be continuing his research and using the information gathered to craft management recommendations for staff. Chris is also currently working full time as the Assistant Manager of Horticulture at UW Botanic Gardens. He was also the award recipient in 2013, when he began his graduate work.
Photo (left to right): Sarah Reichard, Orin and Althea Soest Professor and Director, UW Botanic Gardens; Christopher Watson, MEH graduate student; John A. Wott, Director Emeritus, UW Botanic Gardens
|
Travel to South Africa in 2016
|
|
Looking to embark on an exotic botanical adventure in the coming year? Join UW Botanic
Gardens Director, Dr. Sarah Reichard, to explore the gardens, people, and
culture of South Africa in August 2016. Learn more.
|
|
| November Plant Profile: Danae racemosa |
|
Danae racemosa, also known as Poet's Laurel, is a rare jewel that brightens the November garden. In the right shade, its fine, arching, bamboo-like mass of lush green foliage shines all year. Take a closer peak at the “foliage” and you might notice something odd. The leaves are actually just flattened stems called phylloclades.
Danae is closely related to Ruscus which also uses phylloclades rather than leaves. While the foliage of both Danae and Ruscus is quite long lasting even when cut, the fruit set of bright orange-to-red berries of Danae tends to be much more impressive than Ruscus, mostly because Ruscus requires both a male and female plant to be present, while Danae does not. Learn more.
Name: Danae racemosa
Family: Asparagaceae (prev. Ruscaceae, Liliaceae)
Common Name: Alexandrian Laurel, Poet’s Laurel
Location: Witt Winter Garden, Washington Park Arboretum
Origin: Turkey, Iran
Height and Spread: 3’x4’
|
Glimpse into the Past - Remembering Joan (Jan) Pirzio-Biroli
By John A. Wott, Director Emeritus
On August 19, 2015, one of the original staff members of UW Botanic Gardens (Washington Park Arboretum) left this earth to tend to her new garden “in the sky.” Joan Pirzio-Biroli, known to everyone as “Jan” or “JPB” was officially employed as a research/extension program assistant at the University of Washington from November 10, 1980, until her retirement on November 1, 1991. Learn more about Jan's life and contributions to our organization.
|
|
UW | 360, as production of UW-TV, recently highlighted the botanic gardens on their show. Watch the video.
Mark your calendar now for the Miller Library's annual Holiday Art, Craft & Gift Sale, opening on Friday, December 4.
Fall is a great time for planting! The Society for Ecological Restoration-UW Chapter will be holding a Native Plant Sale on Sunday, November 15. Many of the students involved were recently featured in The Seattle Times.
Did you know we offer newsletters that cater to your specific interests, including the Miller Library's collections, family education programs, professional development and more? Sign up here.
The Elisabeth C. Miller Library's Plant Answer Line is your free resource for gardening help. Got a question? Ask the Plant Anser Line!
|
| |
|
|
KEEP IN TOUCH: 
