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UW Botanic Gardens Newsletter, Vol 12 Issue 7, July 2016
July E-Flora: Take a Stroll on the Boardwalk
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Upcoming Events
Free Weekend Walks
July Weekend Walks:
Mid-summer is the time for Hydrangeas to shine. Come along to look at large, pretty flowers and learn about the varieties to be found in this genus
Join us every Sunday at 1pm at the Graham Visitors Center.
On Exhibit in the Miller Library
Early Birds, an exhibit of small paintings done on location around the Center for Urban Horticulture by three local landscape artists, runs through July 28th.
New Books in the Miller Library
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Yesler Swamp Boardwalk is Complete!
Photo courtesy of Friends of Yesler Swamp
A Washington Conservation Corps crew has been hard at work building a boardwalk in Yesler Swamp over the last three years. Just two weeks ago, they completed their work on the project. This final phase of construction started back in February, and now that it is complete we are thrilled to offer this beautiful and accessible trail to the public. Come by and take a stroll through this peaceful summer oasis.
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Student Project Improves Access to Oral History Documents
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When listening to audio files in which oral history narrators reminisce about the Washington Park Arboretum, one might wonder what the heck they are talking about. Why was there a debate about the purpose of the Arboretum?
In an effort to give listeners historic context, the Miller Library invited UW Information School graduate student Katie Mayer to create a digital collection drawn from the Library’s archives.
Now the Oral History Complementary Documents allow you to view documents related to the oral history narratives, offering insight into decision-making processes and important actors in the UW Botanic Gardens history, including influential plantswoman Elisabeth Miller. Learn more about the project.
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Get to Know the Majestic Oak Family Trees
Photo by Niall Dunne
Oak trees evoke everything we seek in majestic, long-lived shade trees. More than 60 species of oak grow in the United States, and the oak was designated as the official national tree in 2004.
The oaks comprise one of the oldest collections in the Arboretum. Join us for an interactive class on July 20 to examine different species of oaks and their close relatives in the Fagaceae family, including how to identify them and use them in the landscape.
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| July Plant Profile: Phormium cookianum |
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This summer is the first year our Phormium cookianum is blooming here in our nascent New Zealand garden at the Washington Park Arboretum, and the show is not to be missed. In the United States we mostly use Phormium as a strong architectural element in the garden and a fantastic hummingbird attractor, but in New Zealand this monocot’s connection to the history of a nation cannot be unwoven. Learn more in this month's plant profile.
Botanic Name: Phormium cookianum (syn. Phormium colensoi)
Family: Asphodelaceae
Common Name: New Zealand Flax, Wharariki in Māori
Location: New Zealand Garden in the Pacific Connections, Washington Park Arboretum
Origin: endemic to New Zealand
Height and Spread: 4-5 feet tall; Mature clumps can be 8-10 feet wide with leaves 2-3 inches wide
Bloom Time: June/July in Seattle, November in New Zealand
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| Glimpse into the Past - Arboretum Club House |
In the early days of the Washington Park Arboretum, the Arboretum Club House and Floral Hall exhibit space was the venue for many flower shows, exhibits and functions. It was the only facility where public functions could be held in the Arboretum. Learn more about the clubhouse and its fiery fate.
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Think all monocots are grasses? Think again! Let our horticulturists introduce you to the Wonderful World of Monocots.
Night time is special in the Arboretum. Come out to see our amazing spaces in a whole new light. Twilight Tram Tours and Park in the Dark family night hikes continue this month.
Celebrate our long days and learn about summer highlights in the Arboretum in a Talk & Tour with Curator of Living Collections Ray Larson.
Speaking of summer, the season is in full swing at the Washington Park Arboretum! See what plants our horticulturists are featuring in the Graham Visitor's Center this week.
Get ready to love your veggies even more. Student farmers will lead our free August "Monday Night Lite" class with a UW Farm Talk & Tour (tasting included!)
The programs of UW Botanic Gardens are supported in large part by private donations. Please consider supporting our work with a gift.
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