Arboreta and Botanic Gardens

Summer 1990

Volume 2, Number 2

A Publication of the Los Angeles County Department of Arboreta and Botanic Gardens

South Coast wins land reclamation award

South Coast Botanic Garden was one of
four projects recognized for innovative and
creative land reclamation by the California
Mining Association at its April meeting in
San Francisco. The Excellence in Reclamation
awards, the first of their kind, were presented
for “significant achievement in planning,
practice and environmental protection.”

Winning entry for “Best Second Use” of a
mine was submitted jointly by the South
Coast Botanic Garden Foundation and Grefco,
operator of a mine at the site of the present
garden. A million tons of diatomite, a porous
material used for filters, insulation and insec-
ticide, was extracted before it became a
county sanitary landfill in 1956.

The second—actually third—use began in
1961 when large scale plantings transformed
the closed landfill into South Coast Botanic
Garden.

Other awards went to M.J. Ruddy & Son
Inc., submitted on behalf of the Central Valley
Rock and Gravel Association Inc. in Merced
County; Los Banos Gravel Company owned
and operated by Ted Falasco in Merced
County; and CalMat Company for a sand and
gravel operation in Ventura County.

Judges for the awards were Professor
Robert Twiss, UC Berkeley, landscape ar-
chitecture; Johanna Wald, senior attorney,
Natural Resources Defense Council; Robert
Grunwald, State Mining & Geology Board;

Tom Parillo, Nevada County Planning Direc-
tor; and Dave Brown, consultant, Environ-
mental Solutions, Inc.

The California Mining Association, head-
quartered in Sacramento, represents the
state’s major mineral producers. The indus-
try records nearly $3 billion annually in
production of commodities from gold to
gravel.

Although the lake and stream look natural, they were
actually created atop tons of trash.

"All Year Garden " blooms at Arboretum

Colorful swathes of perennials have begun
blooming year around at the Los Angeles
State and County Arboretum since the Grace
Kallam memorial garden was completed in
May. The garden is located between the
western road and stream in the Meadow-
brook area.

The first garden at the Arboretum en-
dowed by an individual covers about 7,000
square feet. A bequest by Mrs. Kallam’s
family includes funds for both the initial
planting and for future maintenance. A
gardener will spend about 20 hours a week
keeping the thousands of flowering plants in
top condition.

The "All Year Garden” incorporates many
of the features that made Mrs. Kallam’s home
garden one of the most visited in Pasadena
before her death in 1970.

The purpose of the memorial garden at
the Arboretum is to show homeowners sea-
sonal displays that blend colors of the trees,
shrubs and perennials throughout the year.
Many of the plants were donated by local
nurseries including Desert to Jungle, Monro-
via Nursery, and Norman’s Nursery.

Shirley Kerins, a Huntington Beach land-
scape architect, designed the area as a series
of special interest plantings bound together
by a system of interlocking paths. As the
small gardens swing through the seasons,
different plants will predominate as their
blooms blend and contrast for a constant but
changing display.

Flowers in warm hues are concentrated in
a roughly circular bed near the tram road.
Cannas mirror the yellows and oranges of
lion’s tail, coreopsis and chrysanthemum.

Hedges along the northeast boundary
separate the Rainbow Garden from the grassy
hummocks of Meadowbrook. In summer, the
blue of Cape plumbago, salvia and blue
hibiscus shades into the yellow of iris and

A changing panorama of perennial blooms provide constant
color in the "All Year Garden.”

coreopsis. Silvery leaves of lamb’s ears and
the white flowers of shrubs like spiraea clus-
ter under the airy white blooms of the Chi-
nese fringe tree.

A dianthus collection occupies much of
the space within the rounded outline of the
Rock Garden. Other plantings there include
thymes, yarrows and junipers.

Pastel tinted flowers subtly divide one
long, narrow bed across the center. The south
section is devoted to drought tolerant plants,
contrasting with moisture loving perennials
to the north. Water-thrifty plantings include
lavendars, cistus and penstemons. In the
moister, “dished” portion of the bed lythrum,
abutilon and tradescantia thrive.

The "All Year Garden” is an apt tribute to
Mrs. Kallam. Her enthusiasm and vast
knowledge of horticulture proved invaluable
as she held offices in the Southern California
Iris Society, Los Angeles Garden Club and
Little Garden Club of Pasadena. She won the
Silver Medal of the American Iris Society
many times and was awarded Honorary Life
Membership in the Southern California Iris
Society.

Annual volunteer award goes to Alice Thomas

Alice Frost Thomas, the Department’s
Volunteer of the Year, first became involved
with the Los Angeles State and County Arbo-
retum more than two decades ago. In 1967
she responded to a plea by Maria Stewart,
wife of then-director Dr. William Stewart, for
volunteers to help in the historical area.

“I was the only one drafted that way, Mrs.

Thomas recalls. “We took field trips to learn
what other groups were doing in forming
volunteer organizations and in historical
preservation...I eventually became the first
president because no one else would take the
job, “ she continues with her typical self-
effacing humor.

This small group of women who called
themselves “Las Voluntarias” cared for the
restored buildings at the Arboretum. Soon
they began to give historical tours for school
children, later diversifying to include infor-
mation about plants. By the time Mrs. Tho-
mas passed the leadership to Margaret Grif-
fin-Jones in 1969, the group had grown to 30
members. The next year she chaired the first
Baldwin Bonanza plant sale to raise funds for
the Arboretum.

In 1970 she was elected to the California
Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees.
During her next three years as membership
chair the Foundation increased from 700
members in 1970 to more than 3,000 in 1973.

Mrs. Thomas was elected the first woman
president of the Foundation in 1972. After a
busy year that included the celebration of the
25th anniversary of the Foundation and the
Arboretum, family obligations called her
away from the Arboretum and eventually
Southern California. When she returned in
1986, Mrs. Thomas was again elected presi-
dent and headed the Foundation for another
four years. The Board of Trustees has
changed a great deal under Mrs. Thomas’
leadership.

“No longer is it a caretaker’s job,” she
says. “All trustees must be involved in one or
more committees and are expected to make a
contribution to the capital campaign.”

Although Mrs. Thomas emphasizes team-
work among Board members, her modesty
dissolves when she talks of the cooperation
she fostered among the Department gardens.
A new Patron of the Gardens or Four Garden
Express Card that she proposed entitles
members who purchase a special membership
in any one garden to visit the other three free.

In 1986 Mrs. Thomas led the Foundation
in funding a feasibility study and master plan
for the future development of the Arboretum.
Beverly Rouse was hired as development
director and a fund raising program was
initiated. In the next three years the
Foundation’s revenue increased almost 90
percent—from $814,592 in 1985 to $1.5 million
in 1989. With a new orchid greenhouse com-

Alice Thomas (center) receives scrolls from Mrs. George
Deukmejian and Supervisor Deane Dana at the Los Angeles
County volunteer recognition luncheon.

Photo by John Torrey

pleted and renovation of the Peacock Cafe
underway, the Foundation is now raising
funds for a $4 million Education, Library and
Research facility.

When Mrs. Thomas assesses her con-
tinuing dedication to Arboretum projects, her

words apply to the future as well as the past.

“Perhaps it is a symbiotic relationship that I
have with LASCA,” she says. “If I have
contributed to it, LASCA has contributed
enormously to the quality of my life and that
of other County residents.”

New Superintendent named for Descanso Gardens

Dr. Steven Cohan has been appointed
Superintendent of Descanso Gardens, ef-
fective July 1. Dr. Cohan has served as Acting
Superintendent for the past two months,
replacing George Lewis who retired after 19
years at the garden.

Dr. Cohan was chosen for the position
following a nationwide search that attracted
22 applicants. Seven finalists from across the
country were interviewed by a selection

Dr. Steven Cohan

committee which included Dr. Mildred
Mathias, Director Emeritus of the UCLA
botanical garden. Dr. Cohan emerged as the
top candidate.

“It’s a pleasure to appoint someone of Dr.
Cohan’s calibre,” said Leon G. Arnold, Acting
Director of the Department of Arboreta and

Botanic Gardens. “I’m sure he will provide
Descanso Gardens with outstanding leader-
ship qualities and a personal cooperative
attitude.”

Dr. Cohan joined the Department last year
as Assistant Superintendent at the Los Ange-
les State and County Arboretum in Arcadia.
His impact on that facility was immediate and
important, Mr. Arnold said. In addition to his
regularly assigned management responsibili-
ties he developed an outline for a formalized
garden maintenance training program and an
activities outline for the summer internship
program.

As Superintendent of Descanso Gardens
Dr. Cohan plans to emphasize youth pro-
grams, water conservation classes for home-
owners and the role wildlife plays in the
garden’s environment.

Before joining the Department, Dr. Cohan
spent four years directing a plant breeding
research program for a commercial seed
company, two years on the faculty of Cal Poly
Pomona, seven years as owner and operator
of a commercial nursery and one and a half
years as Horticultural Director of Rancho
Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

Dr. Cohan has also written a series of
garden books and conducted garden pro-
grams on radio. He is affiliated with several
local and national professional organizations.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science in
horticulture from Iowa State University, he
earned a Masters of Science degree in horti-
culture and a PhD in plant genetics from
Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Cohan lives in Upland with his wife
Diane, and their two children, ages 11 and 16.

Virginia Robinson Gardens mansion refurbished

The historic home of Virginia Robinson
now looks much as it did when her father,
architect Nathaniel Dryden, completed it 78
years ago. Underscoring the timelessness of
beauty, the reproduced color scheme looks
surprisingly modern compared with the
institutional gray that covered the residence
when Los Angeles County inherited the
Virginia Robinson Gardens a decade ago. It
also blends well with the time-mellowed
tones of the courtyard walls and playhouse
facade.

Historically accurate colors were chosen
after building restoration specialist Ron Reed
completed extensive studies. Mr. Reed and
historical architect Raymond Gireigian even
obtained specimens of the paint first applied
in 1912.

The team determined that stucco surfaces
of the house and walls had been a shade they
describe as “bittersweet beige.” A paler tint
of the same color was applied to the balcony,

balustrades and columns. Wood trim around
doors and windows was painted forest green
and ironwork a blackish green.

The new paint finishes eight months of
restoration work on the exterior of the main
residence. Before painting, fissures in the
surface of the cast concrete building were
cleaned and filled with epoxy forced in under
pressure. Badly deteriorated concrete balus-
trades edging the roofline were repaired or
replaced. Weathered wood around windows
and doors was restored and refitted.

Restoration of the interior and furnishings
continues. So far 10 Persian and Islamic rugs
have been cleaned and repaired with funds
from the Friends of Robinson Gardens. The
entire project has been financed with a
$65,000 grant from Los Angeles County and
$110,000 from the Friends.

—

Ca “a =

Peacock Cafe renovation progresses

Concrete walls will buttress dining terraces when renovation of the Peacock Cafe is completed in late summer.

*

Solving problems of gardening

Development of the South Coast Botanic
Garden on the site of a former landfill was
from the beginning a bold experiment in
urban horticulture and land reclamation. The
site presented many unusual challenges
because of its history and also because its soil
consisted largely of heavy, nutrient-poor
alkaline diatomaceous marine sediment. This
article addresses the problem of irrigation,
one of the many unusual challenges associ-
ated with such a site.

Decomposition of the organic matter in a
former landfill generates methane gas and
ground subsidence, causing roadways and
buildings to sink and crack. It also wreaks
havoc with long, straight, stationary pipes
carrying water through a garden.

During the first two years of the recent re-

Solar power helps keep remote areas green by activating
moistu where electricity can’t reach.

development period, the desperate condition
of the pipes became apparent when the staff
began testing abandoned portions of the
irrigation system. Each day for the first year
or two an average of four to five separate
leaks or breaks in the irrigation lines required
repairs. The “great breaks” of ’84 and ’86,
when main lines ruptured, are documented
with Polaroid photos on an office wall. Re-
pair problems were compounded by the fact
that some lines had been buried up to eight
feet deep with fill dirt, spread as the land had
settled.

About three years ago, a plan was initi-
ated to systematically overhaul the entire
irrigation system. Phase 1, now about 40-50
percent complete, involves abandoning or
removing all deeply sunken and worn-out
pipes and replacing them with new lines in
an effort to again provide water to all parts of
the garden. The second phase calls for instal-

on a former landfill

lation of water-conserving drip irrigation
tailored to the requirements of the new land-
scaping.

Subsidence will continue, so safeguards
have been designed into the updated system.
The amount of pipe under constant pressure
has been reduced to a minimum. Increasing
main valves from two to seven allows broken
lines to be isolated while water moves
through the balance of the system. Fittings
and pipe sizes have been standardized. Con-
trollers have been grouped in twelves around
timers to reduce the network of electrical lines
that formerly went to each valve in the field.

New technologies have been used where
appropriate. For example, a recently devel-
oped slip joint for connecting sections of pipe
will provide three or more inches of horizon-
tal movement at the joint before leaks occur.
In remote locations without electricity, solar-
powered computerized timers deliver water

New irrigation lines being installed incorporate slip joints
that allow pipes to move several inches without leakin ng.

Grouping irrigation controllers around timers helps reduce
the ssh of electrical lines going through the grounds.

to lateral lines. Moisture sensors in the

ound at some stations signal the controllers
when soil moisture reaches a low threshold
level.

Maintaining a garden on a landfill is
similar to trying to grow plants for drought-
tolerance. The more water that is applied the
faster the ground subsides. In an effort to
reduce water use, large areas of thirsty lawn
and acres of groundcover are gradually being
replaced by colorful collections of trees and
shrubs.

Polymer granules that swell and hold
moisture at the root zone are added to fill dirt
of new plantings. Chipped material from the
garden is routinely used as mulch to hold
moisture and reduce weed competition.
Accepting only high-quality fill dirt helps
reduce the amount of moisture reaching the
landfill zone.

The combination of appropriate plants, a
new irrigation system, and other water-
conserving strategies will make it possible to
save water while providing visitors with a
more attractive garden. Ideas that work at
the South Coast Botanic Garden will have
wider applications for Los Angeles County
and other municipalities with similar areas.

Photo by John Torrey

Veteran Superintendent retires at Descanso

George Lewis retired April 30 as Super-
intendent of Descanso Gardens, a position he
held for the past 16 years. Beginning 33 years
ago as a gardener with the Department, he
advanced to nurseryman, senior gardener at
the Arboretum and Assistant Superintendent
at Descanso Gardens four years later.

More than 500 people gathered at a retire-
ment party to honor Mr. Lewis and read his
congratulatory letters from President George
Bush, Governor George Deukmejian, Con-
gressman Carlos Moorhead, Senator Pete
Wilson and the California State Legislature.

Pr ; _. err
ae

George Lewis

Other commendations came from the Los
Angeles County Board of Supervisors, City of
Pasadena, City of La Canada Flintridge, and
La Canada Valley Beautiful.

Members of the Descanso Gardens Guild,
who cooperated with the Department in
staging the party, praised Mr. Lewis’ commit-
ment to the garden.

“In a world that’s not always gentle, we’ve
come together to honor this gentle, dignified
man who’s contributed so much to making
Descanso Gardens the oasis of peace, serenity
and beauty for which it is famous, “” said
Mary Ann Arnett, Guild President.

Mr. Lewis responded by describing his
career as one of deep fulfillment.

“I never missed a day of work due to
illness in my entire career,” he said. “The
secret is that I looked forward to each day
spent in such beautiful surroundings. I sang
and spoke to the flowers, and believe me,
they do understand.”

His most notable achievements while
Superintendent focused on the thousands of
tulips and other flowering bulbs he planted
each year, his annual Christmas wreath
creations and demonstrations, the Descanso
Gardens Plant Propagation Society that he
founded, and the many hours of expert con-
sultation he gave to local organizations.

Although Mr. Lewis plans to devote more
time to his family now, he will maintain his
association with Descanso Gardens. He has
been elected to the Guild Board of Trustees
and will continue his popular weekly lectures
for the Plant Propagation Society.

Employee of the Year thrives on change

Janice Golden, personnel officer, was
named 1989 employee of the year by the
Department of Arboreta and Botanic Gar-
dens. She was also nominated as the Los
Angeles County Employee of the Month for
April. A scroll honoring Ms. Golden’s out-
standing achievements was presented at
ceremonies April 17 at the County Hall of
Administration.

During her 22-year career, Ms. Golden’s
greatest asset has been her capacity to change.
After one year with Los Angeles County, she
transferred to the Department in 1969 as an
intermediate stenographer, later filling differ-
ent assignments—including executive secre-
tary— and taking advantage of on-the-job
training. When she was appointed personnel
officer in 1985, Ms. Golden did not have
formal credentials, but her knowledge of the
Department’s methods and procedures had
already prepared her for the new challenge.

When Los Angeles County decentralized
its personnel program recently, Ms. Golden
took responsibility for duties that in the past
had been processed by the Chief Administra-
tive Office. She now handles recruitment,
selection and classification procedures, often
accomplishing in days what in the past took
weeks moving through channels.

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Ms. Golden has also increased produc-
tivity within the Department by changing
hidebound personnel practices. Because she
now has control over testing and hiring, Ms.
Golden helps select each employee to fit the
needs of a particular garden. Then she fol-
lows up by monitoring and classifying that
employee’s area of responsibility. Improved
materials such as an updated personnel
manual are also in process.

Morale boosters Ms. Golden initiated —a
monthly employee newsletter, discount
tickets for local attractions and safety train-
ing—have fostered a sense of unity within the
Department. In turn, she encourages employ-
ees to contribute to the community by coordi-
nating programs from blood donor drives to
walk-a-thons.

Not only does Ms. Golden do a 40 hour
job in 30 hours every week, she and her
husband, Bob, are also full-time parents to
their daughters, Kelly and Michelle. She is an
assistant coach for soccer and softball teams
and assistant room mother for each girl. She
is also active on the school’s Parent/Teacher
Fellowship Board.

Ms. Golden will probably be undaunted
by any future changes in the Department
because this energetic lady has specialized in
adaptation for more than two decades.

Acting Director Leon G. Arnold (left)
and Supervisor Peter F. Schabarum
congratulate Janice Golden, Employee
of the Year for the Department.

John Provine honored by alma mater

The Ornamental Horticulture and Park Administration
Alumni Association at California State Polytechnic In-
stitute, Pomona, named John Provine as Outstanding
Alumnus at its annual banquet May 19. Mr. Provine
was founding president of the association, serving from
1976-78. In making the award the association com-
mended Mr. Provine for his continuous support of the
school and his involvement in professional and commu-
nity horticultural activities. As Arboretum Superin-
tendent, he encourages students to use the Arboretum,
and initiated the horticultural internship arrangement
between the garden and Cal Poly. Mr. Provine is also
guest lecturer at the school and often advises local beau-
tification committee groups.

Winning essay outlines public service goals

An essay by Dr. Steve Cohan earned him
one of nine awards presented during Public
Service Recognition Week in early May. Dr.
Cohan, who was recently promoted to Super-
intendent of Descanso Gardens, gave this
prize-winning answer to the question” What
role do I play in providing quality service to

gratifying because of the positive
impact on conserving one of the
county’s most limiting resources.

In my role as the Assistant Super-
intendent with the Los Angeles nevis

ensure that the plant collections fulfil

County residents?”

I am fortunate, in my position, to
come in contact with hundreds of
county residents who visit the Los
Angeles County Arboretum ona daily
basis as well as those attending special
functions hosted at this facility. In
both instances Imake every effort to be
courteous, informative and at their
service so that their visit will be a pleas-
ant and rewarding experience.

My association with the water con-
servation garden on the premises en-
ables me to share my knowledge with
county residents. I have spent several
hours, directly with visitors and
through the Arboretum’s water con-
servation symposium, providing
guidelines for implementing water
conserving measures in their home
landscapes. This effort is particularly

the objectives for which they were
established:

1. To provide county residents
with new land materials that are
well adapted to the Southern Califor-
nia climate.

2. To provide an outdoor class-
room for county educators, which
enables them to expose their students
to plants from around the world.

3. To create an environment that
will serve as an oasis from the rigors of
a metropolitan existence.

In essence, my role is to provide
county residents with an apprecia-
tion of nature’s creations, and Los
Angeles County for making it all
possible.

10

Consolidation Study Discontinued

At its meeting June 26, the Los Angeles
County Board of Supervisors, on the recom-
mendation of Supervisor Michael D.
Antonovich, instructed the Los Angeles
County Citizens Economy and Efficiency
Commission to terminate its study of poten-
tial consolidation of the Department of Ar-
boreta and Botanic Gardens with other
County Departments.

Supervisor Antonovich's recommendation,
which was unanimously approved without
discussion, also instructed the Chief Adminis-
trative Officer, Richard Dixon, to begin the se-
lection process for nationwide recruitment of
a new Director of the Arboreta and Botanic
Gardens and report back with a recruitment
plan which will incorporate input from the
arboreta and botanic gardens' major support
groups regarding leadership characteristics
for a new Director.

Grading on the $350,000 lake project at Descanso Gardens
is almost complete. When water fills the enlarged excava-
tion, the lake will cover about 1.5 acres. Officials expect that

“ : Summer Concerts at ‘the gardens
= July 29 :

= 230 p.m.
= Flute concert by Pioneer Youth S
S ‘Under re tere ot Descanso Gardens
Free

Anger 5
2:30 p.m.
‘Big Band music by Verdugo Swing Society ee
Entry Way Vista Lele at Arboretum

August 5

2:30 p
“Woodwind concert = Laurel Quintet
Under the Oaks at Descanso Gardens

ie Carden See =

the lake will be ready when the first migrating waterfowl
arrive this fall. A nesting island in the center will provide a
protected bird habitat.

Missouri Botanical Garden L

GARDEN EVENTS

Begonia Show
Arbo:

retum
Sat. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sun. 9 p.m. to 4 p.m.
San Gabriel Valley Begonia Society
displays unusual species, bonsais
and colorful clusters. Plants on sale.

Shakespeare on the Meadow
South Coast Botanic Garden
“Taming of the Shrew” performed
by New Place Theater Company
Reservations call (213) 544-0404.

Bromeliad Show

South Coast Botanic Garden

Sat. noon to 4:30 p.m.

South Bay Bromeliad Associates

pa on-going demonstrations,
and exotic plants for sale

Verdugo Swing Society
Arboretum

2:30 p.m.

Big Band Music in

Entry Way Vista Gardens
Admission to concert is free.

AUG

18-
19

SEPT

13-
14

Cactus and Succulent Show
Arboretum

Sat., Sun. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
San Gabriel Valley, Long Beach,
Los Angeles societies show off
oddities. Plants will be on sale.

Free Picnic and Concert

South Coast Botanic Garden

4:30 p.m. to dusk

Palos Verdes Symphonic Band takes the
labor out of the day with a free concert.
Bring a picnic and relax.

Fern and Exotic Plant Sale

Arboretum

Each day 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Los Angeles International Fern Society
fills Ayres Hall with hundreds of displays.
Young specimens of show ferns for sale.
Plant Sale

Descanso

Each day 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1,000 extraordinary plants
Chinese grape, Angel's Trumpet and more

Los — pa Board of Su
Supervisor P

Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, 5th District

Los Angeles State & Coun
North Baldwin Avenue

Arcadia, CA 91007-2697

Descanso s
1418 Descanso Drive
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Blvd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Virginia Robinson Gardens
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

ARBORETA AND BOTANIC GARDENS