I had the pleasure of attending the NW Flower & Garden Show Preview Gala last night, hosted by the Arboretum Foundation in partnership with Seattle Audubon. It was a good time and I was given the honor or saying a few words to drum up donor support for the UWBG Education & Outreach Program here at the Arb. One of the questions that Dick, the emcee, fired my way had to do with the value of getting kids outside into places like the WPA. I fumbled a bit, but said something about how being in nature can at once calm the mind while stimulating it, and how volumes have been written about the benefits associated with being outdoors.
I thought about this question some more on my bike ride to work this morning (when I normally do my best thinking). It dawned on me that the ultimate goal of environmental education has got to be establishing a sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself – to feel a kinship with the world around us. We humans are not above or separate from life on earth; we’re merely part of it, “cogs in a wheel” as Aldo Leopold would say.
The value of getting kids outside and allowing them to explore the world around them is crucial in establishing this kinship. When it doesn’t happen, a disconnect results and we end up with a citizenry that thinks food comes from grocery stores, and energy from light switches. We end up with economies based on perpetual growth that don’t calculate true costs and carrying capacities. And we end up with governments that only look out for their own best interests; forests, reefs, and ice-caps be damned! Contrary to popular practice, natural resources like clean air/water/soil, petroleum/wood/fish, are not limitless. Those who see the birds and trees as equals know this and act accordingly, but unfortunately, we are a minority.
But we’re still here and we’re recruiting! If you’re picking up what I’m putting down, join us in any way that works for you. Send your kids to our upcoming Spring Break Camp; take a Weekend Walk with us any Sunday of the month; volunteer with us to lead School Fieldtrips or remove invasive weeds; become an Arboretum Foundation member; or simply step outside and take a hike! John Muir perhaps said it best, “in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” And after receiving, think about how you can give back to ensure that generations to come have something to receive as well.

A Preview of the Arboretum Foundation Display Garden at the NW Flower and Garden Show (Feb. 8 - 12, 2012)

1) Arbutus menziesii    (Pacific Madrone)

• Found throughout the west coast of North America.
• The bark is a rich orange that peels away on mature wood. Mature trees provide nesting cavities for birds.
• Many birds feed on the berries including American Robins, Cedar Waxwings and Varied Thrush.

2) Corylus maxima   ‘Atropurpurea Superba’

• The purple leaf filbert is known for its beautiful burgundy foliage and festive catkins.
• Related trees include alder, birch and hornbeams.
• The nuts are often referred to as cobnuts, indicating something round and plump.
• Birds and wildlife are very attracted to the nuts and catkins of the hazelnut bush.

3) Berberis aquifolia    (Oregon Grape)

• A beautiful, tall, native evergreen related to barberry, frequently used as an ornamental shrub.
• They have tough evergreen leaves, edible dark blue fruit and attractive yellow flowers.
• Birds are attracted to the food and cover that the Oregon Grape provides.

4) Picea abies    (Norway Spruce)

• The Norway spruce is one of the most widely planted spruces both inside and outside of its native range in Europe.
• The cones of the Norway Spruce are the longest of any spruce.
• Birds love the habitat the dense foliage spruce provides for nesting and cover.

5) Vaccinium ovatum    (Evergreen Huckleberry)

• A remarkable native evergreen shrub that grows in sun or shade.
• It produces beautiful light, pink bell-shaped flowers followed by edible blue berries.
• The berries, produced in late summer, are eaten by a wide variety of birds.

The future health outlook bodes well for what many consider to be our finest native conifer in the PNW, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Port Orford cedar and its many cultivars.   Port Orford cedars have been under seige for many years from its worst enemy Phytophtora lateralis, a soil-borne pathogen that is especially virulent in wet soils, and essentially spells a death-sentence to this majestic tree once its roots are infected. There is no cure, but there is a preventative practice known as plant resistance. Dr. Everett Hansen at Oregon State University has developed a Phytophthora lateralis resistant root stock. And now, thanks to the development and research labs of Monrovia, they have introduced into the trade numerous Port Orford cultivars grafted with the phytophthora resistant root stock. These grafted Port Orfords are known as The GUARDIAN ™ Series .

Through a generous donation from Monrovia, the Washington Park Arboretum will be trialing 6 GUARDIAN ™ Series Port Orford cultivars, as well as, the type species grown on its own root. We have chosen 5 known “hot-spots” (either cultured or symptomatic of phytophthora infested soils) throughout the arboretum. There are 2 specimens each of the cultivars and the type. We’ll be monitoring and reporting on their growth and health for a period of 5 years. Knowing the extensive research and development that has gone into The GUARDIAN ™ Series Port Orfords, after the 5-year trial, I expect a 100% survival-rate. Stay tuned for periodic updates on this exciting plant trial study.

A 60-foot Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) uprooted, damaging another Canyon Live Oak and a Huckleberry Oak (Quercus vaccinifolia). The structure and foliage of these evergreen oaks provides a unique feel to this area of the Arboretum.  Preserving these trees was a high priority as losing them would be a dramatic loss.  In fact, the large Canyon Live Oak and the Huckleberry Oak are listed among the best specimens in the city in Arthur Lee Jacobson’s Trees of Seattle.

The tall Canyon Live Oak has an interesting history, as well.  Plant records indicate that this tree was grown from seed collected by Carl English Jr., for whom the botanic garden at the Ballard locks is named.

After a careful inspection, no root decay or extensive damage was observed on the large Canyon Live Oak.  Through the use of ropes, pulleys and a tractor, the tree was pulled upright, and supported by cables to a nearby tree.  After carefully installing a couple of braces, or steel rods, the smaller live oak will be spared a severe pruning.  As for the huckleberry oak, a minor crack in the main stem will be supported with a cable.

News stories following winter storms are often portray trees in a negative light.  However, through proper care and maintenance, most trees can withstand our seasonal storms.  Sometimes, when given a chance, the trees that receive the brunt end of Mother Nature’s fury can be given a new lease on life.  After all, trees are not only a vital component of our urban forest; they are one of our regions defining characteristics.

• An upright to spreading shrub or small tree with elliptical, dark green leaves and bearing single cup-shaped flowers, C. sasanqua is one of many camellia species native to Japan.
• Known to flower early in the season when colors are greatly appreciated, it is considered a less spectacular shrub than the spring-flowering C. japonica.
• Located in the Witt Winter Garden.

2)  Daphniphyllum macropodum

• The large evergreen leaves of D. macropodum are similar to those of many rhododendrons throughout our region, but it is the red petioles and the bluish-black fruit which give this plant its distinguishing appearance.
• Native to China, Korea, and Japan.
• Located west of the Upper Trail, just south of the Lookout Gazebo.

3)  Hamamelis x intermedia    ’Winter Beauty’

• The crimped petals or “ribbons” on the bare branches of the Chinese Witch-hazel are always a welcome sight during the winter season.  The orange spider-shaped flowers displayed here are no exception.
• One’s sense of smell is also rewarded by the cold-resistant, fragrant flowers.
• Located in the Witt Winter Garden.

4)  Berberis    ’Arthur Menzies’

• An erect shrub with pinnate leaves and sharply-toothed dark green leaflets.  Yellow flowers occur in 5-to-10 inch long inflorescences in December-January.
• Located near Arboretum Drive in the Rhododendron Glen.

5)  Quercus suber   (Cork oak)

• Native to the western Mediterranean and North Africa, Q. suber is a rounded evergreen tree with thick, corky bark.
• Located along Arboretum Drive near the rock roses.

In the managed landscape, there are several species and cultivated varieties of Salix that are highly attractive. Salix alba, a European species, comes to mind along with the cultivars ‘Golden Curls’ and ‘Scarlet Curls’ derived as hybrids from S. matsudama ‘Tortuosa’, the famous “corkscrew willow”. These plants are fast growing and are often best coppiced in the winter or late springtime to get the slimmest stems with the most intense color the following year. This is achieved by taking down the shrub to about 6-10 inches tall and allowing new growth to develop from the base.

Common Name: Pacific Willow
Family: Salicaceae
Location: Union Bay Natural Area
Origin: Pacific Northwest Native
Height and spread: 20-30ft. high and 10-15ft. wide.
Bloom Time: Late winter

Imagine your wedding reception at the beautiful and affordable UW Botanic Gardens

Our wedding packages include tables, chairs, catering kitchen, parking and staffing.  The surrounding gardens and patios further enhance your event and are included in the package.  Other social event rental packages such as memorial services, auctions and parties are available – ask our reservationists for pricing tailored to your event.

Where would a wedding or other event take place?

Answer:  We have two sites to choose from.  The CUH is a distinctive Northwest event destination with a hall, classrooms and outdoor spaces that can be configured for conferences, weddings, meetings, exhibits, auctions and more conveniently located just blocks from the University of Washington (UW) main campus and the University Village shopping center.  The Graham Visitor Center is a unique urban woodland destination with a hall, classroom, conference room and outdoor patio for weddings, meetings, parties and more located in the 230-acre WPA amongst the UW’s collection of plans from around the world.

Perfect for an intimate party

To book your wedding or other social event for 2012 or beyond, please contact the Rental Team to discuss your plans, available dates and personal site visit.  Please phone 206-221-2500 or 616-3994.  We look forward to working with you to plan a truly memorable event!

Book Your Events Now for 2012 at UW Botanic Gardens!

1)  Hamamalis mollis    (Chinese Witch-hazel)

• Hamamelis mollis is a species of witch-hazel native to central and eastern China.
• It is the most fragrant of all witch-hazels and worth growing for that characteristic alone. It is disease resistant and easy to grow.
• Located in the Witt Winter Garden.

2)  Hamamalis x intermedia ‘Hiltingbury’

• Hamamelis x intermedia hybrids are crosses between Japanese witch hazel (H. japonica) and
  Chinese witch-hazel (H. mollis).
• The brilliant orange, coppery, scarlet and red fall colors of this large spreading shrub are
  striking; its early spring flowers are pale copper, suffused with red.
• Located in the Witt Winter Garden.

3)  Rhododendron bureavii

• R. bureavii occurs in the wild in two fairly limited areas in northern Yunnan,
  China, in open pine forest and rhododendron thickets. Discovered by Père Delavay in
  1896.
• Its handsome glossy dark green leaves are thickly felted with rusty-brown, very noticeable
  on the young growth.
• Located at the top of Rhododendron Glen, near the hydrangeas.

4)  Rhododendron degronianum

• Growth habit is very tight and compact with deep glossy green leaves that are covered on the
  undersides with soft, fawn-colored indumentum.
• Located by the upper pond in the Rhododendron Glen.

5) Rhododendron galactinum

• Native to Sichuan, China; discovered and introduced by E.H. Wilson in 1908.
• Has large leathery leaves, up to 20 cm. long, with a buff-gray or cinnamon-brown indumentum
  underneath.
• Located on the upper trail near the top of Loderi Valley.