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As part of its Fortieth Anniversary apubetege the California Arboretum issue of CALIFORNIA ARBORETUM FOUNDATION NEWS. To be published by

the Foundation four times a year, Summer, Fall,

Winter, and Spring, the newsletter will report activities sponsored by the Arboretum and the Foundation that are of special interest to our members.

Lott 11 £28 al

Each issue of th f

column, Coloring California, designed to present the history of the development of an Arboretum introduction. The title of the column, Coloring California, was developed as part of the Foundation's Fortieth Anniversary celebration. It focuses on one of the primary goals of the Arboretum's founders: to bring color to the Southern California landscape. The Arboretum continues to work to meet this goal through the introduction of flowering trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers ithe around the world.

CALIFORNIA ARBORETUM

E .

FOUNDATION

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Published by the California Arboretum Foundation, a non profit corporation supporting the

Los Angeles State and County Arboretum.

Coloring California The Blue Hibiscus

Alyogyne huegelii, native to Australia, was introduced by the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum in 1968. In 1982, a cultivar with superior flower color, called “Santa Cruz,” was re- leased

This shrub, with its delicate, shimmer- ing, satiny, lilac-blue blossoms o spirally twisted propellor-like petals, was a very exciting Arboretum intro- duction. It is evergreen; it flowers periodically throughout the year, requires little water, little care and loves the sunny spots in the garden. It satisfies the delightful goal of the Arboretum to provide novel and superior ornamental plants for land- scaping in this and other mild climate regions.

Over one hundred species and culti- vars have been chosen from among the plants of the Arboretum for introduc- tion - they have been released to the nursery trade after years of evaluation (five to twenty) by the grounds staff, the superintendent and others. The plants are judged for size, form, vigor, resistance to disease and pests, quality and quantity of flowers. Plants and seeds new to the area are treasures brought back from Arboretum expedi- tions. They are also the product of domestic and international seed exchanges with more than 500 botani- cal gardens and plant specialists around the world.

The blue hibiscus comes from “down under,” the land of Waltzing Matilda, which sings of “sitting by a billabong under the shade of a coolibah tree.”

Summer 1988

Australia, a fascinating land below the equator, is the same size as the United tates with a similar, though smaller European population. But, it is oh-so-

different in many other ways.

Scientists believe that 200 million years ago the continental land masses were grouped in one super continent witha northern and southern part. One hundred eighty million years ago, the southern part, consisting of what is now South America, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, Australia and Antarc- tica, drifted apart. India moved north- wards to join the northern section. This is the theory of plate tectonics, and explains the many similarities in the flora and fauna of these continents.

Australia has been described as an empty bowl, as its edges are higher than its center - not wrinkled with age, but smoothed. The interior depression is broken by many uplifts of moderate height. It consists mainly of level

sandy and stony desert (gibber plain), covered with spinifex grass, and containing many salt marshes. Austra- lia has not been wall endowed by nature; it has been called “the last found and least favored continent.” The northern third is in the tropics. It has few mountains. The main source of water is underground and its soils are generally poor. All animals and plants have had to adapt to these conditions.

continued on page 7

Board Notes Alice Thoma

w & rh

Alice Frost Thomas, Presid

ent, California Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees

With the completion of the Master Plan for the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum, the Board has formed several new committees to carry out the recommended actions outlined b the plan. This is the Fortieth Anniver- sary year of the establishment of the California Arboretum Foundation and the Trustees have never been so busy. Many volunteer hours have been devoted to interviews, training and consultations. Trustees are studying the history of the Arboretum and the important role of the foundation in funding capital projects, maintenance, the horticultural intern program, education and other needed items to complete the Arboretum’s plans for the future.

Beverly Rouse, who became Director of Development for the Foundation in September 1987, has accomplished a great deal ina short ti nks toa new computer system, membership renewals and mailings will soon be accurate and timely. Under the leader- ship of Beverly and trustee Ron Betten- hausen, Operations and Administra- tion Committee Chair, an IBM compat- ible network has been established in the office. Joan Malafronte, Office Manager, and Lonna Brock, Assistant Director /Membership, have spent

ours in training and are now beginning to have friendly relation- ships with their computers.

A great addition to the Development Staff is Brooke Larsen Garlock. As the Foundation’s Assistant Director of Development, she is the editor of this newsletter, and will be handling many of the public relations responsibilities for the Foundation including the

and Fridays, and attends all Board and Development Committee meetings.

Brooke comes to the Arboretum with a good deal of experience working with poaseiaaal and boards in the Pasadena community. She is currently a board member of the Junior League of Pasad- ena and its Garden Club affiliate. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Westridge School and is the Executive Director of the Pasadena Oral History Project. Brooke left her position as Director of Community Relations at the Pasadena Historical Society to join the Foundation Development staff. She grew up in Pasadena, attending Polytechnic and Westridge Schools. After graduation from Mills College, Oakland, with a degree in History and Economics, she attended graduate school at the University of Southern California. Brooke’s husband Edward, an attorney, is Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for First Interstate Bancorp. They have two young sons, Grant and Trevor.

Brooke Larsen Garlock joins the Foundation staff as Assistant Director of Development| Public Relations.

Richard Grant, first Vice President of

e Board of Trustees, is the hard working chair of the Development Committee. The members of the committee are identifying prospects, organizing special events, building the structure for a multi-million dollar capital campaign.

Chaired by Trustee Nancy McCull- ough, the Peacock Pavilion Restaurant Committee is planning the remod- elling of the interior and the addition of several outside terraces. The committee is in the process of revising the menu under the direction of one of our new trustees, Susan Kranwinkle, a gourmet cook, who has taught classes, written a cookbook, and writes a food column for the STAR NEWS.

Building Committee Chairman Hank Jordan led his committee members, Art Crowe, Ruth Mary Larson, and Nancy McCullough, through countless pages of proposals from ten Southern Cali- fornia architectural firms, each of which outlined its plans for the implementation of the Arboretum’s Master Plan. Campbell and Campbell, a Santa Monica based architect and landscape architect team, was selected at the May Board meeting. They are known for their imaginative design concepts. Examples : — work in the Southern Californ

area include the Santa Montes Pier Carousel Park and the Beverly Hills Civic Center.

The Finance Committee, chaired by Bob Powell, has made some changes in the format of the finance reports.

the fiscal year for the Foundation ends June 30th, the budgeting tong for 1988-89 is currently in proc e annual audit is done Hate the sum- mer months.

Ron Bettenhausen, with fellow Opera- tions and Administration members Phil Silcox and Art Crowe, has produced job descriptions for the Foundation staff and a policy and procedures manual for the Foundation Office.

The Gift Shop Committee Chair, Ruth Mary Larson, continually reports excellent profits from that operation.

e Shop’s Manager, Norma Johanson, has an excellent selection of merchan- dise from books and greeting cards to garden pottery and plants. She has a wonderful staff of volunteers who make your shopping experience pleasant. We congratulate the Gift Shop Vols for mastering the computer- ized cash register system.

Suzie Miller, Second Vice President and Special Events Chair, is busy making plans for the Los Angeles Garden Show Preview Party to be held Thursday evening, October 13th. The party will be the grand opening of a spectacular flower show that will be open to the public for ten days begin- ning Friday, October 14. Benefactor members of the Foundation will be our honored guests at the Preview Party.

At the June 8th Annual Meeting and Fortieth Birthday Party Celebration, Hannah Bradley, the Nominating Committee Chair announced the new appointments and three year renewal appointments to the California Arbore- tum Foundation Board of Trustees. Serving with her on the Nominating Committee are Susan Kranwinkle and Sharon Thralls.

The Nominating Committee works throughout the year identifying and interviewing Board prospects. Mem-

ers wishing to propose someone for a Board position, should submit the name to the Nominating Committee, in care of the Foundation, with a brief summary of the candidate’s expertise. The letter should include the name and telephone number of the proposer so that additional information can be obtained, if needed.

Hannah Bradley also serves as Bene- factor Chairman. Working with Bev Rouse, she has revised the solicitation and appreciation letters and started a series of late afternoon tours that conclude with refreshments in the Peacock Pavilion Restaurant. The concepts for the Master Plan are on display, and Director Francis Ching gives a brief explanation of the Arboretum’s needs for the Nineties and the 21st Century.

The Board’s Legal Advisors during the past year, Cheryl Doyle, Ed Renwick and Bob Paradise, have been on call by every chairman. They have been ve generous with their time and expertise.

Looking toward the future, the Trus- tees are focusing their attention on implementing the Master Plan. They are working with the Development Committee to design the capita campaign that will finance it. During our Fortieth Anniversary year , Board members have responded

well to the request for personal contri- butions to the campaign. To date, the Trustees have donated or pledged almost $100,000. A successful capital campaign must first have the personal and financial support of the organization’s board. I am pleased to report that your Foundation’s Board has made that committment.

Trustees, Hannah Bradley (1) and Cornelia Hopfield chat at the Annual Meeting.

Director’s Message

In the Chinese language, the character for “crisis” is actually a combination of two words, “danger” and “opportu- nity.” The complex decade just past at the Los Angeles State and Coun Arboretum is much like that Chinese Ideogram.

Beginning with the passage of the tax cutting initiative in 1978, every pub- licly supported cultural institution absorbed revenue cuts that at first seemed disastrous. The Arboretum administration was forced to face a

only the continued existence of the County-operated public gardens, but also preserve as much as possible the unique role the gardens had played in Southern California horticulture over the previous 30 years.

Trustees (1 to r) Marla Carter, Hannah Bradley, and Paul Engler meet with Board Vice President and Development Committee Chairman, Richard Grant for a Saturday morning Development minar.

In addition to budget reductions, inflation hovered around 7 percent, causing the Arboretum budget to be locked into an essentially static figure. Every year the budget fell behind in terms of real purchasing power. constant economic pressure forced the administration to scrutinize carefully established priorities.

Overall, the staff dropped by almost 40 cent with the Research Division beanie the biggest reductions. Arbore- tum resources were directed toward survival of — se oe projects and maintenance of the gardens and visitor’s athontstes.

Every facet of Arboretum operations was reevaluated with a view toward cutting costs and maximizing re- sources. It was during this crisis that the competence of leadership was most tested as new ground was broken. Long range plans were developed that called for innovations setting the stage for better things to come.

Among the most pressing pore was that of finding methods maintaining the grounds at ase to

revious levels with a reduced garden- ing staff. The solution included con- tracting out to private firms for basic Se phen such as lawn

ontrol and major tree

seuiiae By utilizing specialists in these areas, the Arboretum not only cut costs but also freed the trained Arboretum grounds staff to care for the botanical garden’s plant collec- tions.

Other innovations were built into strategies that would affect the Arbore- tum far into the future. With the support of the California Arboretum Foundation, a master plan was devel- oped that would provide orderly progress as the Arboretum moved toward the 21st century.

In an effort to make the public gardens self-sustaining, an admission fee was instituted in 1978 for the first time. Each year revenues increase. In addition, the California Arboretum Foundation in its previous years provided funding in support of the Arboretum budget. In the most recent budget year, the California Arboretum Foundation allocated $245,000 for retum operational expenses.

Our stance in the past decade has not been solely defensive, directed at holding our heads above water. Even during the worst of the fiscal crisis, bold new projects were brought to fruition, inspiring confidence that the Arboretum would survive and flourish in spite of short-range setbacks. At a time when Arboretum finances seemed to be approaching the nadir, a new Hall of Environmental Education dedicated to Dr. Samuel Ayers Jr. and his wife, Helen, was constructed. Since then this much needed facility is in almost constant use oe everything from flower shows to communi meetings. It also enabled the Arbore- tum to inaugurate a major Garden Show which has nat on finest sponsored by an arbore

Francis Ching, Director of the Department of Arboreta and Botanic Gardens.

In the natural world nothing remains static — anything that does not increase inevitably declines, especially at a botanical garden. Therefore, every effort has been made to constantly improve and increase the Arboretum plant collections. The cycad collection has more than doubled as the result of donations and acquisitions. Similarly, the collection of species orchids has also increased in quantity and quality.

A Water Conservation —— — tion of the Sunset Demonstra

Home Gardens, and a Saircony

Garden were also completed during this period.

Even during the most unsettled periods in the past decade, construc- tion of needed buildings was not neglected. The library building was enlarged and, on the lower level, the old lecture hall was redesigned to get twice as much use from the area. Dramatic changes for the entrance included enclosing the rotunda for

ticket sales and turning the former gatehouse into a visitor orientation center. A new gift shop built beside the exit has increased sales greatly.

New interpretive centers placed among specialty plantings in the garden give visitors background information on the Australian Section, the Koi Pond, the Herb Garden and the African Section.

Near the African Section, two identical greenhouses were built with the help of the California State Air Resources Board, one greenhouse filled with ambient air and the other with air

Comparison of plants grown in the two greenhouses gives schoolchildren and the general public graphic evi- dence of the damage that smog inflicts upon plants in Southern California.

In the next decade, the Arboretum will continue to develop, both in depth and breadth. The adopted Master Plan calls for additional new amenities for our future visitors, including a larger restaurant, restrooms and a new library to house our respected collec- tion of horticultural and botanical publications.

A new orchid greenhouse will be constructed, and the research division will be carefully rebuilt along prag- matic lines. Using a computer system that catalogs plants already on the grounds, Arboretum botanists can determine how to shape the plant collections for the future.

After 10 years of crisis, the Arboretum is emerging not only changed but tempered, ready to develop into a garden that is both different and better, with the support of man organizations and individuals that was previously lacking. As we see the light at the end of a very long tunnel, we can be heartened by the way we transformed danger into opportunity.

Calendar of Events

July 1 — 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7 Gin Shop Sale begins

July 1-3 — Sat. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 Cactus and Succulent Show Cactus sa Succulent Society of Ameri

July 19 — 4:00 p.m Foundation Executive Committee M minar

July 30-31 — Sat. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. onia

hs Gabriel Valley Begonia Society August ge oe an a to 4:30 p.m. Mid Valley Art League August 16 — 4:00 P

Foundation aay of Trustees Meeting, Seminar Room

August 20-21 — 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cactus and Succulent Show Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Societies

August 20 — 6:00 p.m. Picnic Summer Picnic and Concert featuring Louise Mandrell

8:00 p.m. Concert

September

September 3-5- — 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fern Show Los Angeles International Fern Society

September 8 — 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. n House for Prospective Volunteers, Lecture Hall Room B

September 13 — 9:30 a.m Orientation Provisional Volunteers

September 15 — 9:30 a.m Orientation Provisional Volunteers

September 20 — p-m. Foundation Executive Committee , Seminar Roo

September 24-25 — 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bonsai Show Akebono Bonsai Society

September Field “pore Training Begins

October

October 13 — Evening Los Angeles Garden Show Preview Party California Arboretum Foundation

October 14-23 — 10:00'a.m. daily

rden Show

Los Angeles Ga Southern California Plant Industry

October 18 — 4:00 p.m. Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting, Seminar Room

Save the date

Saturday, November 12

Sunday, November 13 Christmas n House at the Gift Shop

1988 Summer Concert Planned

Country and Western singer Louise Mandrell will be the star of the 1988 Summer Concert on Saturday evening, August 20. Co-sponsored by the California Arboretum Foundation and the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, the performance will take place on the grounds of the Arboretum. The evening will begin witha “Picnic in the Park,” a competition for the best picnic setting, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Bring your own picnic supper and join the fun of the contest! The concert will begin at 8:00 south the picnic. Tickets at $15 per per: may purchased at the CAF Offic ce, the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Office at 388 West Huntington Drive, and at Hinshaw’s Department Store, Arcadia. Come enjoy an evening under oo mae and support the Arboretu

Concert guests will enjoy an evening on the lawn facing the Bauer pool and the mountains.

Louise Mandrell Concert Advance Ticket Sales

Name Phone

Address

I would like to reserve tickets at $15each. VISA/MASTERCARD

Enclosed is my check for $ Signature Bip.

Coloring California For orty Years

Balloons and a very special birthday cake were part of the decorations heralding the fortieth birthday celebra- tion of the California Arboretum Foundation. The Festivities were held on the lawn west of the Queen Anne Cottage. Foundation Board President, Alice Thomas and Director Francis Ching welcomed Foundation members to the late afternoon festivities.

Events on the agenda included board reports and an enlightening introduc- tion to her book, Lucky Baldwin: A Southern California Visionary by Sandra Snider, LASCA’S Historical Curator. Informative guided tours of the Queen Anne Cottage and Coach Barn were offered by our dedicated group of volunteers. Nominating Committee Chairman Hannah Bradley introduced the new members of the Foundation’s Board, Robert Henigson, Vera McKee(Mrs. Kingston) and Fred Schoellkopf III.

Our sincere thanks go to the many volunteers who helped facilitate the day’s festivities from flowers and food to tours and gift shop sales.

4

ARCADIA’S ANNUAL PICNIC CONCERT

Presents

LOUISE MANDRELL

IN CONCERT

LOS ANGELES STATE & COUNTY ARBORETUM 301 N. BALDWIN AVE., ARCADIA, CALIF SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1988 Sponsored by CALIFORNIA ARBORETUM FOUNDATION

and

ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PICNIC 6:00 PM. CONCERT 8:00 PM.

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT: ARCADIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE — 447-2159 HINSHAW’S — 446-4681 — ARBORETUM — 447-8207

DONATION $15.00

The CALIFORNIA ARBORETUM FOUNDATION cordially invites our members and their guests

to a special tour of 3 Gardens

of the Department of Arboreta and Botanic Gardens Featuring:

A morning walking tour of South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula

Luncheon and tour of the Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills

A late afternoon tram tour of Descanso Gardens in La Canada with tea in the Japanese Garden

DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 1988

TIME: 9:00 a.m. - Depart from Descanso Gardens 5:00 p.m. - Return to Descanso Gardens

MEETING The group will leave from Descanso Gardens PLACE: parking lot at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada.

ATTIRE: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes.

COST: Foundation members - $50.00 per person Non-members - $60.00 per person

Reservations are limited to the first 40 received. No refunds after September 1. Proceeds will support the Children’s Education Program at the Arboretum.

Questions? Call the Foundation Office at (818) 447-8207.

. RESERVATION FORM Field Trip to South Coast Botanic Garden, Virginia Robinson Gardens and Descanso Gardens NAME : PHONE # _ ADDRESS My guests will be _

_________ Member reservations at $50.00 each _____. Non-member reservations at $60.00 each

_ Totalenclosed$_______—~—_Total reservations ___VISA/MASTER CARD #___ we _ Exp. Date

Check payable to: California Arboretum Foundation, Inc. eee" 304 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006-2697

ce he NG RNR NNN AOI EN ht mee ee SBA * swan li Sea hla nici

continued from page 1

The popular and well known exotic animals are the platypus, the dingo, the kangaroo and the koala. Birds include the beautiful lyrebird to the amusing kookaburra. Trees range from the ever pervasive eucalyptus (cooli- bah) to the wattle.

Thousands of wildflowers thrive in Australia; intriguing examples are the mulla mulla, the rattle and the yellow billy button. Western Australia has the largest number of species of wild flowers. The blue hibiscus is native to both Western and South Australia, though it will grow (in the sun) everywhere in the country. The climate of coastal Western Australia and South Australia is Mediterranean, similar to that of Southern California.

The botanical name of the blue hibis- cus is Alyogyne huegelii. It was intro- duced in 1968 by the Arboretum as Hibiscus huegelii. In 1976, the name was changed to Alyogyne huegelii. The flowers are so like that of the hibiscus that the common name will undoubt- edly persist. The technical difference in the flower from the true hibiscus is in the styles, thickened at their tops and grooved or lobed. The foliage is quite different.

The Alyogyne huegelii is a member of the Malvaceae (mallow) family, which is a cosmopolitan family of herbs, shrubs and trees often recognizable by large, showy, hibiscus-like flowers. It is most abundant in warm temperate and tropical climates. The Malvaceae are light loving. They are known for supplying cotton, the edible okra, the ornamental hollyhock, the Chinese lantern, and the cultivated hibiscus. Some members of the family are regarded as weeds.

The blue hibiscus (five feet) is smaller than its Chinese cousin, the hibiscus rosa-sinensis (the hibiscus so seevabent in this area); it is hardier, requiring less water and surviving lower tempera- tures. It needs occasional pruning. Its leaves are bright green and deeply lobed. It is propagated by cuttings.

The species epithet which distin- guishes the blue hibiscus, huegelit, honors an Austrian titled gentleman, Baron Karl von Hagel, who pioneered in the popularization of Australian plants for the garden on the European continent.

The Blue Hibiscus, Alyogyne huegelii, native to Australia was introduced by the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum in 1968.

The earliest botanical collections in Australia were probably made in 1697 from the Swan River area (Perth) by members of a Dutch ship under the command of Vlamingh. The first large consignments of plants and seeds were collected in 1770 by Captain James Cook, with his English botanist, Joseph Banks and Swedish naturalist, Daniel Solander. Our particular interest lies with the visitor to the fourth settlement made in Australia by the British in 1830 on the Swan River (Perth), called the Swan River Colony. Members of the colony were drawn from the gentry and professional classes. In November, 1833, young Baron von Hugel of Austria, who had been travelling the world for six years to heal a broken heart, visited the colony for a few weeks. The Baron’s beloved, of a noble but impoverished Hungarian family, had been betrothed by her parents to the widowed and wealthy Prince Metternich, chancellor of Austria, and friend to the Baron. Von Hugel was enchanted by the horticulture of the Swan River Valley, and when he returned to Vienna, he introduced many of the plants into the garden of

his great estate. Banksia, "Aah dryandras, hakeas, bottlebrush

Florence). As a close friend of the Austrian royal family and Prince

etternich, he was serarriag placed to influence horticulturists

At about the same time, Georgiana young bride of Captain John Molloy, packed as much as she could of her English cae when she left for the new colony in the Swan River area. She and her hasan established a home in nearby Augusta on the Blackwood River. She became inter- ested in cultivating native anger: Captain James Mangles, R.N., retired Naval Officer and Fellow of the: Royal Society, had visited the Swan River Colony between 1829 and 1831. In 1836 he requested Mrs. Molloy to collect plants and seeds for him in England. These were to find their way into a number of public and private collec- tions in England.

Sir Joseph Banks, with his consignment of seeds from the Endeavour, an Captain John Mangles, with his seeds from Augusta, played the same role in England as Baron von Hugel did in Europe - introducing and popularizing Australian plants and creating an interest in Australian flora.

It was the golden age of the English country house. Landscape gardeners were brought in to adorn the parks with walks, rides, temples, follies and carefully contrived prospects. Plant collectors were sent to search the world because it was fashionable to grow “outlandish” plants. In many cases, too little was known of the native climates for success to be possible. Today, with the assistance of such establishments as the Los Angeles State and County Arboretum, we are assured of success in trying to plant the world in our gardens!

Material for this article was made available to the writer by Joan DeFato, Librarian, Los Angeles State and County Arboretum. Additional material was from the Sierra Madre Public nie and the writer’s collection

Membership Opportunities Do you know... that the Arboretum is one of four

ty Botanic Gardens? The opportunity to

visit each of the gardens throughout the

year can be yours with the 4 GARDEN EXPRESS CAR

D. Available to Founda-

tion members at the Sustaining level ($100) and above, the 4 GARDEN EXPRESS D

e door to hundreds of acres of lush greenery and colorful plants.

Located throughout the greater Los Angeles area, each garden offers the visitor a different horticultural experi- ence. The Angeles State and

County Arboretum features plants from around the world displayed in sections

based on their geographic origins. Several historic landmark buildings portray periods of California history , from the Gabrielino Indians, to the mission period of Rancho Santa Anita, through Lucky Baldwin’s era.

Developed in 1960, South Coast Botanic

Garden is one of the first botanical gardens designed to cover a landfill

site. A visit to the garden offers a man-

made lake, a winding stream and man

creative horticultural displays featuring

plants that grow well on the Southern California peninsula.

Descanso Gardens provides the visitor with the peaceful atmosphere of a native California oak forest. A beauti-

ful Japanese garden with pools, water- falls, and ornamental stones is designed

around a teahouse. The Gardens feature over 600 varieties of camellias and a four acre All America

Rose Selection garden and a History of Roses garden.

Located on six hillside acres in Beverly Hills, the Virginia Robinson Gardens

were originally a private estate. During its sixty years of residence on the estate,

the Robinson family supervised the innovative landscaping that created a series of patio gardens on terraced slopes. The hillside garden portrays flowers, shrubs and fruit trees. An exotic palm grove features tropical and subtropical specimens.

Current Foundation members are cordially invited to purchase a 4 GARDEN EXPRESS CARD by increas- ing their membership status to the Sus- taining level ($100) or above. Further benefits of a Sustaining membership include a private Docent guided tour of the Arboretum and a 10% discount in all Gift Shops. Please call the Foundation office, (818) 447-8207 for further information on our newl created membership levels and their corresponding benefits.

Field Trip to Three Department Gardens Offered

CAF will sponsor a field trip to three of the gardens operated by the Depart- ment of Arboreta and Botanic Gardens on Wednesday, September 28. This is an excellent opportunity for Founda- tion Members and their guests to enjoy a day visiting the other 3 gardens operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Arboreta and Botanic Gardens.

The group will begin the day travelling to South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. We will enjoy a special guided walking tour of the grounds.

Luncheon will be in Beverly Hills in the Pool House of the beautiful Virginia Robinson Gardens. The grou will tour the house on the estate with Ivo Hadjiev, who was the late Mrs. Robinson’s major domo. The gardens are particularly desirable as a micro climate, excellent for growing tropicals.

The last stop will be Descanso Gardens in La Canada for a tram tour of the

We hope you will join us. For reserva- tions, please complete the enclosed form and return it to the Foundation Office. The tour is limited to the first 40 reservations.

1988 Membership Benefits Change

New Membership Rates:

The following new rates became effective January 1988: Individual Membership $30; Couple $40. Family Membership $50.

New Membership Categories: A new Senior Citizen cate s been added that includes special rates and benefits for CAF members 62 and older: Senior Citizen Individual Membership $25; Senior Citizen Couple Membership $30.

Gift Shop News

With the approach of summer, our thoughts turn to outdoor living. A beautiful selection of Isabel Bloom figures for the garden has just arrived at the Arboretum Gift Shop. The figures are now available in a new color, a rosy terra cotta tone. The collection includes a variety of animals. - hedgehogs, frogs and birds - as well as children.

Summer brings special prices to CAF members! Two books will be offered to CAF members at a special price of $14.50 each. The Principles of Gardening by Hugh Johnson is a classic guide to the gardener’s art. Unavailable until recently, the book has been issued in paperback for $17.95 and limited quantities are available at the Arbore- tum Gift Shop.

The Book of Pressed Flowers by Penny Black offers the reader beautiful flower pictures as well as practical informa- tion on pressing techniques. There is a step by step guide to crafts with flowers from flower samplers and greeting cards to perfume sachets. Currently available to the general public at $17.95, Foundation members will pay the special price of $14.50. Flower presses are also available at the Arboretum Gift Shop. Both the book and the flower presses make excellent gifts.

Friday, July 1, is the opening date for the Gift Shop’s annual clearance sale. To ready the shelves for new Fall and Holiday merchandise, the price of many current items will be reduced by 50%. The sale will continue through the month of July.

Mark the days on your calendar from February 10th through February 24th for a garden lovers' trip to Hawaii.

We are planning a very special tour for Foundation members. The first stop on the tour is the beautiful new Mauna Lani Hotel on the Kona pate 4 the Big Island of Hawaii. Exten

ardens surround the hotel, “besiatifalty situated beside a bay. Then we plan to visit Volcanoes National Park (optional helicopter ride over the craters), anthu- rium and orchid farms, and Akaka Falls. On February 14th we will be guests of the Kona Outdoor Circle, Kona's branch of the Outdoor Circle, an influential and very active garden club in the islands. Members will host a luncheon and a tour of private gardens for our group

The next day will be spent on Kauai, touring the Pacific Tropical Botanical Gardens and the Allerton Estate. We will then fly to Maui for 3 nights at the Stouffer Wailea Beach Resort.

During our stay on Maui, a sunrise visit to Haleakala crater is planned that will include, for the athletic among our group, a bicycle ride down into the crater. Bikes and bikers will be driven back out of the crater. On the last day on Maui, the group will drive along the coast to Hana and stay at the famous Hotel Hana Maui, enjoying its lush gardens.

The night of February 20th finds us comfortably housed on Waikiki Beach at the wonderful Halekulani Hotel. Oahu pleasures will include a day as guests of the Director of the Harold Lyon Arboretum, and a second day hosted by the Director of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. The Honolulu Garden Club will sponsor a visit to 3 private gardens, lunch and an after- noon tour of the Academy of Arts. Visits to Waimea Arboretum and the Polynesian Cultural Center are also planned

Even though this reads Pe a crowded itinerary, we promise leisurely morn- ings (except "3 sunrise at Haleakala), and plenty of time to swim, snorkel and shop. What a wonderful way to enjoy the islands! Watch for more details in the September issue of arden Magazine.

Volunteer News

I Remember When... Los Vols Honored

wife of then Arboretum Directo William Stewart, Las Voluntarius y Los Ayudantes have performed many services at the Arboretum. On June 13, at the Los Vols Annual Meeting, the

10, 15 and 20 year members were hon- ored. President Jane Feldstein infor- mally interviewed several of these longtime Arboretum volunteers and put together their reminiscences for the following article.

Founded in 1967 by Maria Stewart, the r

I remember when... “The full mem- bership of Las Vols sat around two tables in the Lecture Hall. I would be working in the barn and there would hardly be anybody on the grounds. No visitors. Once in a while there would be a filming, and that was fun.

“It was back in 1968; I got an invitation to something in the Hugo Reid court yard, and I was taken on a tour of the history section at the Arboretum. We got over to the Coach barn and had to wait in line to get to the loft. Alice (Thomas) was at the foot of the stairs. She said something about needing volunteers and asked my name.

“Through the years, I have served on the Volunteer Board as Second Vice President. I kept the hours and got to know everybody. I was History Chairman three times, when there wasn't much to chair. The history volunteers were few and far between. I was the first volunteer at the Depot. The History Office was there, and it was as cold as the barn. I started cataloging and organizing the histori- cal pictures and when Sandy (Snider) came we worked together and now the picture file is beginning to take shape.”

Congratulations, Mary Atkinson on your twentieth year of volunteer service at the Arboretum. You and the dedicated volunteers who have followed have established some lofty ground rules for volunteering.

I remember when...“Work was slow in coming. I had filled out one of those interest sheets when I joined the volunteers — but it took a while to find the kind of work I was trained to do. I am a graduate Micro-Biologist and I wanted to work in the Research

10

is

Members of Los Vols (left to right)

Theresa Bruce, Dorothy Aylstock, Eileen Hume (Mailing

Chairman), Ruth Griefe and Alicia Woodall prepare membership mailings at t

Foundation Office.

Department. I finally got to work with Dr. Cheo until he retired. Then Jan Pennycook suggested helping in the Herbarium. After that, Suzanne Granger came and I got involved with the computer work that Iam now doing.”

Congratulations, Carolyn Toomb on your fifteen years of volunteer work at the Arboretum.

I remember when...“The Garden for all Seasons was very small. George Jack was in charge, and I helped to dead-head the flowers and do some weeding. I went from there to a greenhouse which is no longer being used. We raised plants for the Gift Shop. We were growing African violets, but had some bad luck. Storms that year broke the glass, and the summer heat killed off the plants. I went from there into Crafts. We made things for the Gift Shop out of plant materials we picked up off the grounds. Recently, I have been helping

with the mailings.”

Congratulations, Dorothy Aylstock, for fifteen years of volunteer work.

I remember when...”The Arboretum was a great hide-out for kids. It was like a jungle. It was a fun place to be. I started out working in the big green- house. John Provine was in charge then, and he taught us propagation. I learned a lot about plants under John. There has always been a Bonanza Plant Sale in the Spring. Everyone helped with it, and some of the money we made went to build Ayres Hall. After the Preview Party crowd left, the volunteers would have a gathering. It

has been interesting to see the Arbore- tum grow. Recently, I have enjoyed the Botanical Information job at the Research Building.”

Congratulations, Ronnie Virgadamo for fifteen years as an Arboretum volunteer.

I remember when...”The Garden for

All Seasons was much smaller. When Bill Hager came the garden really

grew. I liked working with Bill. He is good at planning, and knows what he's doing. We have noticed what an impression the garden makes on people when they come through. They always stop to talk to us and ask questions.”

Congratulations, John Pujol on fifteen years as an Arboretum volunteer.

The Arboretum will also honor the ten year volunteers: Marie Alexander, Gift Shop; Eileen Carnahan, Library; Jeanne Crum, History Records; Marie DeNoon, Crafts, Mailing, Flower Ar- ranging; Mary Hager, Co-Chair, GFAS and Botanical Information; Bill Hager, Chairman, GFAS; Marian Heath, Gift Shop; Ethel Howells, former Gift Shop Chairman; Dorothy Murset, Mapping Chairman; Milt Murset, Propagation Nursery, Mapping; Virginia Stein, former Bonanza Chairman, former Chairman: Hours, Botanical Informa- tion; Mary Thomas, Crafts; Eleanor Wigley, Volunteer Greenhouse, Chair- man; Virginia Williams, GFAS.

Volunteers are an important and integral part of the work at the Arbore- tum. Their years of service are greatly appreciated.

Volunteer Opportunities LASCA’S Field Leader Program

Field trips to the Arboretum are a popular event with school children from all over Los Angeles County and surrounding communities. These trips are made possible by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, trained to guide groups of school children, third through sixth grades, on one and one- half hour walking tours of the Arbore- tum. The new curriculum material to be developed for the classes is titled “Man andHis Environment. It will combine the information from the “Plants and Man” and “California History” field trips. As the material includes both history and natural science, it should be interesting to a wide range of third to sixth grade students. A volunteer committee will be working on the content of this new tour through the summer in prepara- tion for the field leader training classes in the Fall.

During a school tour, students experi- ence Early California History by visiting the historical sites of the retum. These include the Wicki- ups, Hugo Reid Adobe, Queen Anne

curriculum emphasizes historical changes in land use and the lifestyles of early Californians.

During school tours, Field Leaders present examples of the educational and scientific aspects of the Arbore- tum. Children learn about the relation-

cal Greenhouse and the Water Conser- vation Garden. Methods of scientific research — use of controls, measure- ment, and record keeping — are learned in the Air Pollution Control Greenhouses. Favorite places for studying plant and animal interrela- tionships, adaptations and the recy- cling of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are the Upper Lagoon (pond ecology), Meadowbrook and Tallac Knoll areas.

The Field Leaders review the material presented by questioning the students. Teachers are supplied with follow-up materials and samples of native plants

used by the Indians and/or plant parts (leaves, fruit, pods an

specifically collected on the tour for use in the classroom. Hundreds of thank-you letters are received. Most mention the peafowl, ducks, the Queen Anne cottage, and the hope that they can bring their families to the Arbore- tum to share their experiences.

Individuals who are interested in becoming part of the Arboretum’s educational experience, including prospective Field Leaders,are invited to attend two Volunteer Orientation Sessions, September 13 and 15, 1988. Following the introductory sessions, ten Field Leader training classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sep- tember 27 through November 3. Train- ing will emphasize touring techniques and introducing the Arboretum as an outdoor laboratory, plant and tree museum, an historical preserve, and bird sanctuary. Field leaders volunteer one day a week from 9:45 a.m. to noon, November thru the end of school in June. Please call the Foundation Office for further information, 818 447-8207.

. } _ 7 1 4 ar Lew nc 9 Lo Avharetiem sinth a oni nh ctaunow Field leader Maris Grannell shares his enthusiasm for the Arboretum with a group of students

Volunteers Make a Difference... Baldwin Bonanza a Great Success

Our special thanks go to that fearless leader Thomas “Mac” McDuffie, Baldwin Bonanza Chairman, who led his team of volunteers through the successful 18th Annual Baldwin Bonanza Plant Sale. The volunteers’ donation of hundreds of hours is a very valuable gift to the Foundation.

Save The Date

Friday evening, September 30

The California Arboretum Foundation and the Junior League of Pasadena will co-sponsor a delightful party for their members in the Arboretum’s Sunset Home Demonstration Gardens. The Cookbook Marketing Committee will proudly present the League’s new cookbook, California Heritage Continues. Refreshments for the evening will be prepared from recipes featured in the new cookbook. Look for your invita- tion in the mail!

Membership News

CAF Salutes Charter Sponsor Members

In conjunction with the Foundation’s Fortieth Anniversary Celebration, the Membership Committee pita gg a new membership support group - Sponsor members. Those fntividiials who join this membership group or renew at the $250 level in 1988 will officially be our Charter Sponsor Members. To date 62 members have increased their contribution to the

cally recognized as Patrons of the Baldwin Bonanza. Sponsor members will be honored annually during the Baldwin Bonanza and will receive complimentary tickets to the Preview Party and Plant Sale. Other benefits include a 4 GARDEN EXPRESS CARD and VIP tickets to special presentations and lectures sponsored by the Founda- tion. The Membership Committee Shera presents the 1988 Charter Sponsor Members and gratefully preg eee hig generous support of the Arbore

Mrs. Domenica Ashton

Baikoen Bonsai Kenkyukai

Mrs. Iona Benson

Mr. and Mrs. George E. Bjerke

Mr. and Mrs. Willard A. Bochte Mrs. Evelyn Lewis Bray

Mrs. Roy Bushee

Mr. and Mrs. Warren T. Buschmann Mr. Ken Carmichael

Mr. and Mrs. Rex Christensen

Mr. Hugh Colvin

Mr. and Mrs. Clifton C. Comstock Mr. Earle E. Crowe Mr. and Mrs. Michael Doyle Ms. Maxine Alice Dull

Mr. and Mrs. Paul B. Engler Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Fish

Mrs. Anna J. Foley

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Freeburg Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Frenchick Mrs. Ruth Valadon Gilb

Mr. and Mrs. William T. Gimbel Ms. Ruth Greenberg

Mr. Harry W. Gorst

Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Hardies Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Heather

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Hetherington

Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffman

Mrs. Preston Hotchkis

Mr. and Mrs. David L. James

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Julien

Mrs. Miriam Kirk

Mr. and Mrs. John Kirkland

Mr. and Mrs. C. Douglas Kranwinkle Ms. Frances S. LaMar

Mr. and Mrs. Laudell Ludwig

; agle Mr. Dwight Addison Newell

Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Newhouse Dr. and Mrs. Gary Overturf

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ray

Mrs. Sue Redman

Mr. and Mrs. Lex Rooker

Mr. and Mrs. Earle J. Sample

Mr. John Howard Steensen

Mrs. Clare E. Sleeter

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon S. Smith

Ms. Christine Van Maanen

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Williamson Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J. Whitney, Jr. Ms. Mattie I. Wood

Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Yendreyczyk Dr. and Mrs. Murray C. Zimmerman

California Arboretum Foundation Board of Trustees

Mrs. Dudley W. Thomas, President Mr. Richard A. Grant, Jr., Vice a Mrs. Richard F. Miller, Vice Presiden Mrs. John Hopfield, Sichubiss Tesanaiet

Mr. Ron Bettenhausen

L. Mrs. Jane R. Felice Volunteer President

Newsletter Staff

Editor Brooke Larsen Garlock

California Arboretum Foundation 301 North i cadia, California 91006

Contributors Lonna Brock Joan Malafronte Francis Ching Beverly Rouse Jane Felds Alice Frost Thomas Maris Grannell Constance Wood Norma Johanson

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 528 Arcadia, California

Photographs Design Ken Quigley Tom Mossman Alice i owigrs Debra Dick Classen Brooke Larsen Garlock