Arboretum Library 201 N sichwir ae CALIFORNIA ARBORETUM FOUNDATION i) OW Published by the California Arboretum Foundation, a non profit corporation supporting the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum. Summer 1989 Xeriscape for Homeowners Coloring California Lily of the Nile Agapanthus Native to South Africa Queen Anne, introduced April 1965 Mood Indigo, introduced May 1979 Walter Doty, introduced May 1981 Rhapsody, introduced May 1982 Ellamae, introduced September 1985 Agapanthus, the formidable botanical name of the beautiful Lily of the Nile, is most appropriate for the Summer selection of Arboretum introductions. “Agape” and “panthus” (Greek) mean love and flower. Equally romantic is the use of the plant by Xhosabrides of the Bantus of South Africa ic wear pieces of the root as necklac insure fertility and easy childbirth, The agapanthus is a native of South Africa, not the banks of the Nile. There are some twenty different types, from different areas, each with different characteristics. Those of the lowland (Capetown to Durban) are evergreen and non- hardy, while those of the inland mountains and high table lands continued on page / The Water Conservation Garden at the Arboretum features many examples of drought tolerant plants. A Water Conservation Symposium — “Xeriscape for H been designed and cooperatively sponsored by the California Arbore- m Foundation, the City of Pasadena Department of Water and Power, the Los Angeles State and County Arbore- tum, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. To be held on Saturday, July 22, the purpose of the day long seminar is to introduce the public to xeriscape, water conser- vation through creative landscaping. Those attending the Water Conserva- tion Symposium will learn how to use and care for plants that can be main- tained with low water application, and also provide a green and colorful garden. Symposium participants include: Randall Ismay Depienrn ae : National Xeriscape Video; Lisa Iw. “Xeriscape Designs for Homose ners”; John Dourley - “Plant Materials”; Tour of LASCA’s Water Conservation Garden by Steve Cohan, Assistant Superintendent of the Arboretum; William Caplinger - “Irrigation De- sign”; and Bob Baier - “Xeriscape Maintenance.” Water conserving plants will be on display and available for sale. Registration for the Water Conserva- tion Symposium is $15 per person and includes a box lunch. Please contact the California Arboretum Foundation office at (818) 447-8207 for information. Board Notes from Alice Frost Thomas, President As the Foundation’s fiscal year draws to a close and a new one commences, I want to extend great appreciation to members of the staff, the board of trustees and all the volunteers for their many valuable contributions of hours, creative ideas, drudgery, humor - all the stuff that has to be done and all the wonderful things that happen to make the Foundation grow bigger and better in its non-profit supporting role for the Los Angeles State and County Arbore- tum. My gratitude also goes to the many Foundation members who give books, plants, dues, donations, helpful hints, compliments and complaints. We like to hear from you. Many thanks also to members of the county staff who make the Foundation’s work easier with their cheerful help, coop- eration, greetings and smiles. We look forward to our 42nd year of teamwork supporting the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum. Welcome Nicholas George Rodriguez The California Arboretum Foundation welcomes Nicholas George Rodriguez to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Rodriguez, a partner with the law firm of Gronemeier and Barker, is an active member of the Pasadena com- munity. He was Staff Attorney for El Centro De Accion Social from 1977- 1983. He brings to the Foundation the experience of serving on the following Pasadena boards and commissions: Cal Tech Y, Finance Council St. An- drews Catholic Church, City of Pasad- ena Planning Commissioner; Charter Study Committee, Committee on Affordable Housing, and Overall Economic Development Program Committee. David Fraser, President of Swarthmore College, Pennsylvannia, congratulates Director Francis Ching, 1989 recipient of the Arthur Hoyt Scott Garden and Horticulture Award. Nicholas George Rod riguez joins the California Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees. Director Francis Ching Receives Scott Award A very significant honor has come to the Arboretum family with the an- nouncement that our Director, Francis hing, was awarded the Arthur Hoyt Scott Garden and Horticulture Award. The ceremony took place on Sunday, May 21st at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. Established in 1929, the Arthur Hoyt Scott Award is given as an ac- knowledgement of “achievement of great merit, recognition of work in creating and developing a wider interest in gardening.” The award, a gold medal together with $2,000, is made from time to time to an individ- ual who, in the opinion of the selection committee, has made an outstanding contribution to the science and art of gardening. This is the first time the award has been given to someone west of the Appalachian mountains. The California Arboretum Foundation is proud that Director Francis Ching was selected and that his many contri- butions to public horticulture have been recognized with this award. Thank you to the Metropolitan Water District CAF Benefactor, Affiliate, Sponsor and Sustaining members were recentl treated to a tour of Southern California’s water system as guests of the Metropolitan Water District. Guests began the trip with a stop at the Jensen Filtration Plant in Granada Hills. At the Tehachapi Pumping Station everyone donned a hard hat and descended several floors to see the enormous turbines. The final stop was at Castaic Dam, the terminal reservoir of the California Aqueduct’s West Branch. Trustee Suzie Miller summed up the expedition saying, “I learned that the MWD is a wholesale seller of water to 27 member agencies with 100 sub-agencies serving some 13 million consumers. When you see where your water comes from, you appreciate more than ever the compelling need to conserve it.” Development News Oak Tree Foundation Continues Its Support of the Arboretum Arbor Day Program With $5,300 Grant For the past nine years, Oak Tree Foundation has provided generous support of the Arbor Day program sponsored by the Arboretum. Through this program, trees are provided to approximately 700 elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Information packets are distributed to each participating school. The “hands-on” experience children receive, while planting a tree on the school grounds, is designed to emphasize the importance of man’s re- lationship to plant life and encourage interest in plant sciences as a career path. Arboretum Campaign Receives $50,000 Gift From The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust recently donated $50,000 in support of the Master Plan Campaign to enhance the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum. In making the contribution, Trustee, John P. Collins noted,the gift is “in support of your Master Plan, compris- ing a high element of practical instruction.” The Smith Horticultural Trust is located in San Francisco and provides grants to organizations for horticul- tural programs including education and research. The Master Plan Campaign is designed to upgrade Arboretum facilities through renovation and new capital construction and to establish an endowment fund for educational and research programs. With the ongoing support of Oak Tree Foundation, the Arboretum has been able to build an excellent educational program for local school children. Highlights of Recent Events < Baldwin Bonanza a Successful Sale The 19th Baldwin Bonanza, under Tom McDuffie’s able leadership, was a great success. The Members’ Preview Party was held on a balmy Saturday evening with 1100 attending. Veteran shoppers, on Saturday and Sunday, brought their own red wagons or dollies to wheel away their purchases. Plants featured this year included many edible plants: fruits, vegetables and an immediate sell-out, papaya “Babaco” that sets fruit in the Los Angeles area despite smog and winter cold. Xerophytic plants were also popular and were sold near the Arboretum’s colorful Water Conservation Garden. Buyers could match their purchases with the flowers in the display. Once again our special thanks to the Dedicated volunteers prepare for the Baldwin many (over 200) Arboretum volunteers — Bonanza plant sale. ; that each year make the Baldwin Bonanza possible. Foundation Trustee, Marilyn Brumder (1) visits with Hon. Richard Mountjoy (c) and George ? a Pee 4 = ~ m >) z Brumder (r) at the Baldwin Bonanza Preview Party. Drip Wall Bog Garden Dedication Foundation Annual Meeting Landscape architect Frederick M. Lang, designed the Entryway Vista, completed in the Spring of 1989. The Terrace is a popular site for weddings at the Arboretum. ; Foundation Trustees, Hannah Bradley (Second Vice President) and Alice Thomas (President) celebrate the completion of the Entryway Vista at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting in June. Virginia and Charles Stein, Benefactor Members of the Foundation, enjoy the reception honoring donors to the Entryway Vista project. Mrs. Stein is seated by a lamp designed for the Bog Garden Terrace by the Arroyo Craftsman. Topiary Day a Terrific Success — Barbara Gallup of Totally Topiary visits the Arboretum Tea in the Garden &y I nyeeid 4 FOMUOWING WING ire ana The Complete E i anor WOTrk 1k of Topiar Calendar of Events July Saturday, July 22 Water Conservation Symposium — see cover story Saturday and Sunday, July 29, 30 American Begonia Society Show 9:00 — 4:30 p.m August August 5 -— Mid Valley ae oe a Show & Sale 9:00 — 4:30 p.m Monday, August 7 Volunteer Board Meeting 9 A.M. — Noon; Lecture Hall B Tuesday, August 15 California Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting 4 P.M. ; Seminar Room Sproiicae and Sunday, August 19, 20 Lon ch, San Gabriel, & Los pecs Ces and Succulent Societies Show and Sale; 9:00 — 4:30 p.m. September — Monday, September 2-4 Los Angeles International Fern Society Show & Sale; 9:00 — 4:30 p.m Thursday, September 7 Volunteer Fall i i House 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p Monday, September 11 Volunteer General Meeting Ayres Hall ; 9 a.m. — Noon Tuesday and arabes September 12 and September 16 Las Voluntarias Fall Orientation Lecture Hall B ; 9-3 p.m. Tuesday, September 16 Orchid Symposium; 9:00 — 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, ot pacer 19,21, 26, 28 Volunteer Field Leader Training 9:00 — Noon; Lecture Hall B Tuesday, ie eco a 19 Saturday and Sunday, September 23,24 Akebono Bonsai Show; 9:00 — 4:30 p.m. October Monday, October 2 Volunteer Board Meeting 9:00 — Noon; Lecture Hall B Tuesday, Thursday, October 3,5,10, 12,17, & 19 ee Field Leader Sie iaae 9: oon; Lecture Hall B Tuesday, October 17 California Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting 4 p.m. —Seminar Room Thursday and Friday, oe 19,20 Los Angeles Garden Sho Preview Parties October 20-29 Los Angeles Garden Show Notice Early Morning Arboretum Walkers/Joggers One of the privileges of CAF membership is accessibility to the members are wiveegnandids to come on the grounds to ex gro before 8:00 am. The following organizations and societies meet monthly at the Arboretum. The meetings are open to Foundation members: Akebono Bonsai Society Second Friday, 7:30-10 pm Arcadia Garden Club Second Wednesday, 9-12:30 pm Arboretum District Garden Club First Monday, 9:30-12 noon California Rare Fruit Growers, Foothill Chapter Second Sunday, 10:00-12 noon Cymbidium Society of America Fourth Tuesday, 7-10 pm Epiphyllum Society of America First Tuesday, 7:30-10 pm Herb Society of America First Thursday, 8:00 am-3:00 pm International Geranium Society Third Thursday, 6:30-10 pm Los Angeles International Fern Society Third Friday, 7:00-10:00 pm Pacific Rose Society First Thursday, 5:00 - 10:00 pm San Gabriel cet os Orchid Hobbyists, In Third Thursday, 6:00 - “10:00 pm San Gabriel Valley Cactus & Succulent Society Second Thursday, 7:30-10:00 pm Santa Anita Bonsai Society Second Sunday, 7:30 - 10 pm Shohin Bonsai ae of Southern Californi Second Wetncacy, 7:30 - 10 pm Southern California Camellia Society Second Tuesday, 6:30 - 10 pm and Amaryllis Society Third Saturday, 9:00 - 3:00 Southern California Iris Society First Saturday, 9:00 - 4:00 Special Events at the Arboretum All Foundation members will receive invitations and reservation informa- tion to all of the following events in the Fall CAF NEWS. Orchid Symposium aa September 16 To celebrate the opening of the retum’s new, state-of- the-art tures on the Trail of Cattleya dormani- ana;” Jim Folsom - “Heyday of Orchid Discovery;” Jack Fowlie - “China: Awash in the Bitter Sea;” and Earl Ross, the Arboretum’s Orchid Specialist, - “Orchids: Their Botany and Culture.” Following the talks, orchids are on display. Registration is $17.50 and includes lunch. Please contact the CAF office at (818) 447-8207. Flyers will be sent to all members later in the summer. 1989 Los Angeles Garden Show October 20 - October 29 “At Home in the Garden” is the theme for this year’s Los Angeles Garden Show to be held at the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum. The show will feature exhibits by land- scape architects and designers, that will be located on the Arboretum grounds. In the early Fall, Foundation members will be sent two complimen- tary tickets to the Garden Show. The tickets may be used for admission to the grounds any time during the show except for the Preview and Opening Night festivities. Extra tickets for the show will be available for $6 per person for adults and $3 for children, students and seniors. Preview Party of the Los Angeles Garden Show Thursday evening, October 19, is the date set for the annual Preview Party of the Los Angeles Garden Show. “The evening will celebrate the extensive ex- hibits of the Garden Show,” says Suzie Miller, Foundation Trustee and Preview Party Chairman. The party will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and guided tours of the garden show exhibits. Dinner catered by Julienne of San Marino will follow at 6:30 p.m. The gala is a major fundraiser spon- sored by the California Arboretum Foundation. Please call the Foundation office at (818) 447-8207 for invitations and reservations. me og Christmas Floral Demonstration Wednesday, November 29, 1989 Floral designer, Rene van Rems, will present a two-part Christmas floral sphohen alae and workshop. The mornin will offer a lecture/ demonstration ee Christmas decorating ideas. The afternoon workshop, with limited registration, will be hands-on work with the resulting arrangements becoming the student’s own. Mr. van Rems is the founder of Bloomen International, a floral design studio located in Encinitas. Originally from Holland, he has been teaching classes in European floral design at UCSD and has lectured across the United States and in Europe March 3, — 6, 1990 Flower Show Tour Spend a weekend touring historical Philadelphia and its beautiful gardens culminating in a visit to the incompa- rable Philadelphia Flower Show, March 3 —5. For those interested, extensions to the New York and Boston Flower Ows will be available. 2 HOW _Look for details in the Fall newsletter. ta : AT Home IN THe GARDEN SEPTEMBER 16, 1989 \y SYMPOSIUM eO- = 45 KAN \ OH ee 9a.m.-2p.m. SPECIALISTS SPEAK Denis Duveen - "Adventures on the Trail of Cattleya dormaniana’. Jim Folsom — - "Heyday of Orchid Discovery" Jack Fowlie = - "China: Awash in the Bitter Sea" Earl Ross - "Orchids: Their Botany and Culture" 2p.m.-4p.m. Tours of greenhouses, more than 10,000 orchids on display Los Angeles State and County Arboretum 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA (818) 446- 8251 $17.50 Registration - includes box lunch i ORCHID SYMPOSIUM Please return this registration form by Sept. 8, 1989 Please reserve seats at $17.50 perperson. Total enclosed $ Registration fee includes one boxed lunch. Name Address City State Zip Make check payable to: California Arboretum Foundation 301 North Baldwin Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006-2697 4 1: OMAN OSS soit ee 2 0 L¥ Sa C. O Seeks ROSS 5 COME - GET ACQUAINTED tre” ree * FOR A YEAR OF LEARNING, ARBORETUM A LIFETIME OF INTERESTS YOU CAN: ¢ Lead Tours e Preserve History e Organize ¢ Garden ¢ Make Craft Items e Receive Training e Arrange Flowers ¢ Map the Grounds ° Assist Staff ¢ Propagate Plants ¢ Meet People e Enrich your knowledge at General Meetings WHILE YOU SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY BY BECOMING AN ARBORETUM VOLUNTEER For more information, call (818) 447-8207 Or write: Las Voluntarias y Los Ayudantes 301 North Baldwin Avenue Arcadia, California 91006 Volunteer Open House at the Arboretum: Thursday, September 7, 1989; 9 am — 3 pm Fall Orientation dates at the Arboretum: Tuesday, September 12, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, September 16, 9 am-3 pm Field Leader Training: : Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am - Noon September 19 - October 19 New Members The California Arboretum Foundation welcomes the following members: Groundskeeping Family * Robert C. Ackerman, Sr. ~_ i Mrs. Charles Adolph ¢ Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Agress Jeanne J. Alexander Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Allen « Ms, Nichole Alves ¢ V.R. Al Ms. Haifaa Al-Moammar ¢ William C. s. A. Mery agate Mary Beth B lorf * Mrs. Bimmerman ¢ Mr. and Mrs. Colin Bing ¢ Craig Black « Mrs. F. Rene Blalock ¢ Mrs. Helen E Blan chard ¢ Mr. and Mrs. ee Bolin ¢ Mr. an A.B . Bradish © Robert B Brastoff . as er Brier « ° Hardy B rogdon . » Kurt} rotherso: ae RITE ickner @ Mr. and Mrs. oCa ra © Mrs. casas — d berlain ¢ W. P. Chang * Ms. A hilcoat * Ms. J.C rei ° Donald Clark * Mr. nd Mrs Clark ¢ Mrs. Susan Clark * Nel Cohen Ms. Beverly A. ottrell ¢ Mr. and Mrs. J euerhelm Mr. and Mrs. Bra radley J. ckes * Mr. and nea . David s Fickewirth . * Mr. and Mrs. iierd Firestone and Mrs. Felix oie a A. Forest © Mr. and Mrs. Gary Foster Ms, ea . a and Mrs. | Robert Frede: ticks Mr. ani Mrs. Jose} * Ms. Karen Gelb Me WW aes ‘ A Philip L. Giroux ¢ Mr. and Mrs. Irwin L. Goverman * Mr. and Mrs. Randall W. Graham ¢ Ms. Violeta Gratianne ¢ Ms. Lillian ome . scr S. Gregg, le * Ms. June A. Gregson © Mrs. Margaret man ¢ Ms. Olga a Guerra Leo A. Guevara ¢ Richard Bones ld Mr. and Mrs, John aap Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Haeske * Mr. and Mrs, Mart: acoob ¢ Ms. James Doig ¢ Ms, Lucille J. Jenkins * Ms. rine Jenner ¢ Naza Wolde Johannes ° Mr. -and Mrs. David Johannsen r. and Mrs, L Homaiowk« Ernest P P.Jo ihnson * Misses E Johnson © Mr. and Mrs. Aida ° rg Tanioe “1 jones oL. an e Mr. and Mrs. Richard Jung ] fr. and Mrs, Paul Keese + Mr. and Mrs. Leda ape = Killian Ms. a rlie at Bee ° ‘AlKisner. ° “Mis Anne P. Knoll « Mr. and Mrs. Alrich : engi Kranen ° Mrs. . Erica M leyer urta ¢ ep rig veined es Mrs. Paul rade is ° i. — re a Lane ¢ Mr. m ® Mr. and M. J. * Michael Lipshultz ¢ Russ A. iow « ie and Mrs, Warren H. Lockyear * Don Lorenzini * Alex Lundring * Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lyon rs. Mary Ellen Nacfias ¢ Frank Nagee * Ms. Marlene ehaginsh ° is fad Mrs. John J. Mance ¢ thleen M. Ma ° Ms. irs. Milton Myers ¢ mi Nagai ¢ Mr. an Joseph R. ederburgh ¢ Mr. and Mrs. George F. Neilson ¢ Steven Nestle is. Nancy Newton ¢ Mr. and Mrs. Jay Niehaus * Ms. Linda inomiya ¢ Mrs. Bevbery Nix ¢ Ms. W. ble ¢ Mr. and irs. Maurice J. Nocle « Mr. and Mrs. Ken ge vas ° > Ms. Julie “ Norman ¢ Ms. _— pv ¢ Ms. Caroline S. Norris and Mrs. Novakow m Olin « ie. and Mrs. rs. To J aa B. Olson, Jr. * Ms Jud yOpl « Mrs. recaps ig a tuth O’Grady ¢ Mr. and Mrs. George Paepeghem . Paul nba ay . Mr. and Mrs. a D.Pa 2ed Palmer ¢ Ms. Ma dead ullin ¢ M tley A. Petersen e Ms. agen mph e Be 7 — rge' W. Prim and Mrs. tc y Ramaker ¢ Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Mrs. rd Rayl ¢ Mrs. Ann cr rand Mrs. Kirk Reinholtz « ° Ms) Julie M. Reiz : ¢ Mrs. Clare: and Robert Roge! rs° Frank mbaoe ° Ms Rach Mr. ne Santo « Ms. Sauer ¢ Mr. Carl Sautter « Savage Mr. Mitchell Scaff e Mrs, {r. James pag oastieps nga ee Ailette Silva © Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sintov * Mr. Robert M. Sklar ¢ Ms. Maril Sl ognd *L.E. Tan rs. Mark Tiffany * Mr. and Mrs. Micha n Ulrich Mrs. Carol Lapham Valentine ¢ Mr. and M rs. James Valentine ¢ Tot Van Phan ¢ Kurt B. Vangelish Mrs. Linda aaah ¢ Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Verti Ms. Antonette M. Vinock ¢ oe iene . ag Susan K. Weaver gold ¢ Ms. Dima nd Mrs. Harvey apace ¢ Troy Williams * Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Williamson Mr. and Mrs. Nartin A. Woll ¢ Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wolman « Wong ¢ Mr. k nd Mrs. Lewis Yedinak, Jr. ° es A. Young * William]. Yurik ° Dr. D. Colin Zavitz * Dale D. Zizi Coloring California continued from page 1 (Cape peninsula east into the Transkei) are deciduous and quite agapanthus is seen in almost every garden in South Africa. The agapanthus was one of the first plants from South Africa to be grown in Europe. The earliest record of the plant described it as “Hyacinthus africanus tuberosus” in 1679. The second, in 1687,was a listing in the Catalogue of Plants, the Leydon Botanic Gardens. The third, in 1692, was an illustration published by Plunkenet, of an agapanthus that flowered at Hampton Court Palace Gardens in England. In 1753, Linnaeus listed “Crinum africanum” in “Species Planitarium.” Genus agapan- thus was established by L’Heriter in 1788 and was placed in the lily family (Liliaceaetribus Allieae) by Bentham and Hooker. The plant is spectacular. The flowers are beautiful, long lasting and wonder- ful in floral arrangements. It is one of the most rewarding and adaptable of summer flowering plants. The aga thus grows froma fleshy root stalk, and as it grows, it accumulates masses of roots that enable it to survive lon periods without water. It is suitable for container planting. Wooden tubs, not ceramic are recommended. Agapan- thus are known as “pot busters!” did polars: are easy to grow. They need goo il, good drainage, sun or slight hae and little attention. The clumps ee Pe divided every few risa rounded, um- brella-like ace of from fifty to one hundred blossoms, either erect and short with widely spreading — or long and pendulous with slightl flaring petals. The many varieties give one a choice of height from one to five feet; colors from white to almost every shade of blue. The flowers produce many small black winged seeds in capsules. The dark green strap-like leaves grow ina tuft at the base of the plant with no apparent stem. The deciduous varieties are without leaves for a brief time. Agapanthus, prolific in the production of seeds, and with a propensity to ridize, ge around parents and farther afield, if subjected to wind. Agapanthus now come ina pes of colors, sizes and even leaves triped). There are dainty agapanthus on one foot in height (rock gardens) to five foot giants bea flower heads as large as salad bowls! The resource material for this article has been provided by Joan deFato, librarian of the oe i ia eae State and County Arbore Horticultural News Demonstration Smog Greenhouses For the third year, the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum opened the doors to the demonstration smo greenhouses where plants offer a close- up view of the damage caused by air pollution. April through October, visitors to the Arboretum can walk through the two side-by-side green- houses. Air in one cleaned by charcoal filters that remove about 90 percent of pollutant gases, mostly ozone. The other greenhouse pulls air directly from the outside, the same air that people in Southern California breathe. Ozone, a pungent but colorless gas, is highly toxic. It forms in the atmosphere when unburned fuels mix with nitro- gen oxides. Automobiles, powerplants, oil refineries and industrial processes are just a few sources of this highly reactive gas. Last year a renewed grant from the California State Air Resources Board rovided a new digital readout screen that illustrates the ozone level numbers registered on monitors inside the greenhouses. For the 1989 display a new Macintosh computer screen will be hooked up to the air pollution monitor to provide color graphics of the levels of air pollution in each greenhouse. “The greenhouses are educational displays showing the varying degrees of smog damage. They are not meant to tell people what plants to plant or not to plant,” says Superintendent John Provine. The purpose of the a ta is to make people more aware of ai pollution and how it affects slants The demonstration greenhouses will also provide information and photographic documentation on the effects of air pol- lution. Workers in the greenhouses are available to answer questions seven days a week. Gloria Shams works in the Arboretum nursery | and has helped roe the opened. According to Ms. shame — common garden flowers are grow camellias, carnations, hibiscus, roses and petunias — for the demonstration. Camellias, miniature roses and pansies showed little smog damage while regular roses, petunias and marigolds have shown damage in the past. Shams explained, “The petunias suffer the most. Damage to the plant and flowers is usually visible within a couple o weeks after a smog episode.” Those interested in vegetable gardens can see the effects of smog on some commonly grown vegetables. Celery, carrots, parsley, beans, corn and tomatoes are just a few that will be on display. All of these have shown damage in the past. Squash was one of the few vegetables that wasn’t affected. Although the greenhouses only show the damage air pollution inflicts on plants, people should also realize that it can affect their health. Not only does FILTERED) the smog directly affect people’s health by making it more difficult to breathe, but people are also indirectly affected as our food supply is lowered. Smog damaged plants not only produce less vibrant foods, they produce lesser amounts. Therefore, a long range effect of smog can be a diminished economy due to poorer food supply. The California Air Resources Board and the Arboretum hope that visitors to the greenhouses realize the implica- tions of smog. The new equipment will help visitors to better understand the effects of smog by gaining insights about the deadly pollutants hovering above our city. The leaf on the left shows the severe effects of growing in smog conditions. CLEAN AIR (FILTERED) wo d % CLEAN AIR (FILTERED) The SS on the left grown in the unfiltered air greenhouse is one half the size of the plant grown in filtered ai Ask Rose Green Q. My tomato plants were producing but in hot weather the blossoms dry up and fall off. What is wrong? A. Blossoms don’t set fruit if tempera- tures are near 100 degrees F. Q. My orange tree leaves are black and mildewed. How can I correct the problem? A. The problem is sooty mold which grows on honeydew excreted by aphids, scales and whiteflies. Spray with an appropriate insecticide to solve the problem. Q. Why are the leaves on my Palo Verde tree turning yellow and drop- ping off? A. It is perfectly normal for the leaves of the Palo Verde to be early decidu- ous. They drop off as soon as they encounter drought to conserve water. . My persimmons are falling off the tree. How do I prevent fruit drop? A. Early fruit drop is normal, however, later fruit drop is not. Most late fruit drop is caused by overwatering. Deep water an established tree about once a month. Don’t water after June. Q. I’m thinking of planting an orna- mental fig tree near my house. What is the nature of the ayo system? Could it yee my house A. YES! Don’t plant webs Chinese Banyan, Rubber Plant, Bo-Tree or any ornamental tree with fig or ficus in the name. The edible fig is not a problem. ve victoriae-reginae bloomed. The leaves have died and all I have left is a stalk with seed pods. Why didn’t it have © pups? . Agave victoriae-reginae does not form | pups, but the seeds germinate readily. Q. I’m growing Gazanias and some plants turn yellow and die. I have had this problem for two or three years. A. You either have Phytophthora, which can be controlled with Subdue, or Rhizoctonia, which can be con- trolled with Benomyl. To avoid using these chemicals, water less, ie. once a week or even longer intervals. Q. Is the Cast-Iron plant, Aspidistra elatior, poisonous? A. No. Q. My ground cover Myoporum parvifolium is dying. I have maintained € same care aaa as before. What is the problem rum cacviewieist is drought resistant. Gradually cut back watering to once every two weeks. The Great Egret The Great Egret on the edge of Arboretum lagoon. It is unusual to bird the lagoon or upper pond at the Arboretum without seeing a member of the Heron family (Family Ardeidae). For months a Great Egret - a 39" tall white heron with heavy yellow bill and long dark legs has been provoking much curiosity,comment and amuse- ment. This patient and sometimes fearless stalker may be seen wading, perched at water’s edge, in the reeds or on branches overhanging the lagoon or pond. If one is fortunate to see the Great Egret catch a fish and juggle it into position for “the big swallow,” it is not only interesting but usually very amusing! Photographers find this heron an excellent subject with its striking appearance; it often remains motion- less for long periods of time. Other members of the heron family that have been seen at the Arboretum include: Least Bittern, American Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron’, Green-backed Heron’, Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret and Great Blue Heron’. The Arboretum provides an unusual opportunity for obser t clo range of this interesting group of birds with ae optima: variations of behavi *(Seen throughout much of the year). Gift Shop News For the Summer season, the Arbore- tum Gift Shop will feature books for the Southern California gardener interested in drought tolerant plants. Trees and Shrubs for Dry California Landscapes, Plants for Water Conserva- tion; author, Bob Perry; $23.50 is an introduction to 360 California native and introduced plants that survive with limited water. The book is designed to provide the information necessary to help Californians achieve successful landscapes within the limits of water conserva- tion. A wide range of plants are discussed and documented by more than 500 color photographs. Listed and illustrated are many of the plants growing in LASCA’S Water Conservation Garden. For a drought resistant colorful perrenial garden, buy this paperback. HP Books has published “Plants for Dry Climates,” by Mary Rose Duf- field and Warren D. Jones, $12.95. Offered are complete descriptions and color illustrations of more than 300 species,including many low maintenance and drought resistant plants. Not emphasizing drought tolerance, but a good reference for California gardeners is “Trees and Shrubs for Temperate Climates,” by Gordon Courtright, $45. For those living in Zones 6 through 10, this new edition contains more than 770 color photo- graphs that clearly illustrate the important characteristics of the chosen plants. For mail order information, please contact the Arboretum Gift Sho manager or the Foundation Office at (818)-447-8207. Volunteer News Volunteers Induct New President at Earthshaking Meeting As a 4.5 earthquake, followed by a 4.3 aftershock shook Ayres Hall on Mon- day, June 12th, Jane Feldstein, — going President of the Arbor volunteers, handed the jevetnontial gavel to her successor, Betty Watson. What this earthshaking induction portends for the future will only be revealed with the passage of time. Following the installation of the new Board of Las Voluntarias y Los Ayudantes, volunteers who have served 10, 15 and 20 years were re- warded with special nametags and pins. While statistics show that five years is the average duration of a volunteer’s service with one institution, dedicated Arboretum volunteers continue to defy any attempt to label them as average. They work in a wide variety of jobs and have a low rate of attrition. Twenty year volunteers receiving their pins are: (1 to r) Grace Robinson, Jean O'Toole, Marilyn Bochte, Winifred Henke, Louise Jackson, Aileen Martin and Mary McBroom. Not pictured: Ruth-Mary Larson, Margaret Dean, Phyllis Soza and Betty Wall. Alice Thomas, President of the Califor- nia Arboretum Foundation, expresse great appreciation to Jane Feldstein, Jane Kaler, Betty Watson, Bea Miller and all the committee chairman for their fine leadership and many hours of toil this past year. Our congratulations to the new Executive Board of Las Voluntarias y Los Ayudantes: Executive Committee: Betty Watson, President Virginia Stein, First Vice President Betty Houke, oe iis President Eileen Hubbard, Secretary Jane Feldstein, eaent s Advisor Jane Feldstein, out- going president of the volunteers hands gavel to Betty Watson, 1989-90 president Committee Chairmen: Carol Overturf, Volunteer Newsletter Eileen Hume, Assistan John Shepard, Baldwin Bonanza Aileen Martin, Botanical Information Ruthe Betti, Assistant Jean O'Toole, Courtesy Inger Dix, Crafts Barbara Williams, Depot Marlene Saccaro, Field Leaders Dorothyjean Spoelstra, ging Beatrice Hart, Assistant Harry Nissen, Assistant Adeline McElroy, Gift Shop Co-chair Dee Uhl, Gift Shop Co-chair Gordon Smith, Historical Garden Ginny pang Historical Preservation Co-c Joyce Travis, Historical Preservation -chair Jane Kaler, Hospitality Betty O’Neill, Hours Carol Butler, Library Marie Ryan, Mailings Dorothy Murset, Mapping, Programs Dolores Keller, Programs Co-chair Dorothy Lynn, Propagation Nursery Perry Minton, Publicity Betty Sheld, Rotunda Siby Minton, Speakers’ Bureau Laveta Strong, Tropical Greenhouse Eva Shepard, Volunteer Greenhouse Frances Beck, Assistant Cora Raybin, Assistant Leslie Larson, Walking Tours Arboretum Volunteers Honored The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was a great success. Over 200 volun- teers and staff were honored for their commitment to the Arboretum by the Foundation’s Trustees. Trustee Susan Kranwinkle was in charge of the food and brought her talented friend, Annamarie Mitchell to help. Annamarie Mitchell’s Rosemary Raisin Rolls were appreciated by all who attended, and she has graciously shared the recipe with us. Annamarie’s Rosemary Raisin Bread 11/2 cups buttermilk 1 package or 1 tablespoon dry yeast 1/4 cup sugar 2 eggs slightly beaten 1/2 cup butter, melted 5 to5 1/2 cups unbleached white flour 1 1/2 teaspoons sal 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup golden raisins 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 3 tablespoons melted butter Heat buttermilk to warm (105 to 110 degrees), add yeast and sugar, stir until yeast is dissolved. Mix together eggs and cooled butter. Stir into yeast mixture. Sift dry ingredients together, add by thirds to yeast-egg mixture, beating well after each addition. Remove to well-floured board and rise ina warm place until double in bulk (about 1 hour). Punch down, divide in half and place on floured board. Shape into loaves or rolls, let rise again. Put on cookie sheet, paint with egg mixture and bake in preheated oven (375 degrees) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Loaves of bread will take longer to bake. If you like you can slash the rolls with a razor blade before baking. Volunteer Field Leader Alice Ferl (r) chats with Suzanne Granger, LASCA Herbarium Curator at the Annual Field Leaders Luncheon. Marlene Saccaro will become the new Field Leader Chairman. Letters to the Editor Dorothy Bohannon writes, “In answer to the questions on lilacs, [CAF News Spring 1989] I have found the attached articles to be very helpful. I work as a volunteer at South Coast Botanic Garden and have had beautiful lilacs for years.” Ms. Bohannon sent a copy of the article, “Lilacs for Warm Climates,” by George Lewis, Superintendent of Descanso Gardens, published in the Winter 1988 issue of Pacific Horticul- ture. The following paragraphs are reprinted from that article. the lilacs at all until the first feeding around the beginning of February. Withholding water forces the plants into a state of dormancy, ensuring a good flowering crop next season. Because of the need to restrict water, it is best to avoid planting lilacs near lawns or in any other area that receives regular irrigation. Lilacs require alkaline soil and benefit from an application of agricultural lime broad- cast each fall. This intensifies the color of the flowers. Lilacs also thrive with applications of barnyard manure or nitrohumus applied four inches thick around each shrub. Fertil- ize three times a year, beginning in February at the onset of watering and then twice more at five week intervals. A 5-3-1- formula is suitable.” Peacock Café RGR: 4 aed ih At the Arboretum Delicious Salads stale Ga 6 ean, ase we rues Sandwiches Muffins _ Fresh Baked Cookies At home in the Arboretum lagoon are two Tasmanian black swans donated by Megan Timothy. The view is unequaled. Watch the Peacock Parade. Open daily 9:00 am — 4:00 pm . aa Foundation California Arboretum Foundation ard of Trust 301 North Baldwin Avenue Arcadia, California 91006 Mrs. Dudley W. Thomas, Presiden Non Profit Richard A. Grant, a Vice Presiden Organization a Hannah a Bradl eh Vice President U.S. Postage rt L. Pow ary/Trea ret John Hopfidla, pens Rascal Hesse: Permit No. 528 Ron Bettenhausen Arcadia, Aaa oe _ i e Brumder rter Clifton C atl Sr. Mrs. James mean Arthur L. Cro James Curry David M. Davis Paul B. Engler Robert Henigso: Mrs. Schuyler Hollingsworth Mrs. C. Do oe winkle Gary Ma Mrs. Ra T. McCullough dward S. Renwick Nicholas George Rodriguez th Rogers Fred Schoellkopf III ilip L. Silcox Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, Volunteer President Newsletter Staff Editor Contributors Photographs Design Brooke Larsen Garlock Lonna Brock Joan Malafronte Brooke Larsen Garlock Tom Mossman Joan DeFato Beverly Rouse Ken Quigley Barbara Cohen Virginia Stein Alex Scettrini Norma Johanson Alice Frost Thomas Alice Frost Thomas Constance Wood