ULTURE ESENTS Autumn 1995/Center for Urban Horticulture/Washington Park Arboretum/College of Forest Resources/University of Washington/Vol. 12, No. 4 HIGHLIGHTS THIS AUTUMN: Perennials Symposium Landscape Design Courses CENTER NEWS From Director Clement Hamilton the local Extension Horticulture Program moved into new quarters at the Center. Mary’s popular predecessor, George Pinyuh, remains active though retired, and we remain thankful for his continuing contributions and good cheer. BRADLEY'S URBAN FORESTRY BOOK HONORING GOOD FRIENDS Wo The past spring saw the passing of two persons who played very important roles in the development of the Center for Ur- ban Horticulture, as well as in regional horticulture in general. Colonel Leroy “Rip” Collins was active for many years with the Arboretum Foundation, serving in many capacities includ- ing President. He was also instrumental in founding and de- loping a volunteer tree-growing and tree-planting group nown as TREEmendous Seattle, whose impact is becoming greater each year. His service contributions went far beyond our community of plantspersons, as well, serving as an ex- ample of what heart and energy can accomplish. Last year Professor Gordon Bradley, an adjunct member of our faculty who adds greatly to our academic programs, orga- nized a national conference concerning urban forestry; that conference has just resulted in an outstanding book edited by Gordon. It is called Urban Forest Landscapes: Integrating Multidisciplinary Perspectives, published by the University of Washington Press, and includes twenty papers including one on fire-safe landscapes, by former CUH professor Jim Clark, and one on managing urban greenbelts, by UW professor Jim Agee. MORE RESEARCH IN THE ECOLOGICAL AREA Professor Stan Gessel of the College of Forest Resources con- tributed throughout his career at the University to the progress of the Center and of the Arboretum. Crucial university com- mittees that dealt with the Arboretum, with the Montlake fill (now the Ecological Research Natural Area), and with the Union Bay grounds of the Center all featured Stan as chair or active member. His prescient work helped lay the foundation for all that has transpired. In his latter years he served on the editorial board of the Arboretum Bulletin. Stan’s touches are to be discerned in many landscapes, especially around the College, where he encouraged people to try unusual woody plants, especially his favorite species of Eucalyptus. We will miss both Rip and Stan very much. MARY ROBSON TAKES WSU HELM The head of the Washington State University-King & Pierce County Cooperative Extension program in Horticulture has been named and it is our colleague, Mary Robson, who has •erved for many years as coordinator of the Master Gardener rogram in King County. We are very excited for Mary and 3r her program, and look forward to further increasing the WSU-UW collaboration that has blossomed so nicely since, CUH professor Kern Ewing and his students continue to con- duct research to advance our knowledge of ecological restora- tion, using our Ecological Research Natural Area. His work with native prairie species started last year with Idaho fescue, Festuca idahoensis, and now has been augmented by experi- ments in establishing Aster curtus (a forb species endangered by urbanization), Lupinus lepidus, Potentilla gracilis, and other species. Once he and his students determine what kinds of treatments are most successful in establishing these species in that stressful environment, more widespread planting will occur, to the benefit of wildlife and other organisms in the area. ANOTHER CUH GRADUATE Our most recent graduate was Mignonne Partington, who fin- ished her MFR program this past spring. Advised by Profes- sor John Wott, her work involved an audience assessment of perceptions of drought tolerant plants used in landscapes, and evaluations of “low water use” plant lists for their appropriate- ness. We hope her work will help us better design a low water use demonstration garden at CUH someday. Congrats on a fine academic career, Mignonne! s WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM NEWS From Director John A. Wott & Coordinator Dana Kirley ARBORETUM FOCUS WALKS Informative lecture-walks exploring the Washington Park Arboretum. Fees are $5 PER WALK, PAYABLE AT THE DOOR (unless otherwise noted). All walks de- part from the Graham Visitors Center. JAPANESE MAPLES Tuesday, October 17, 10 a.m. to Noon Join Annemarie Bilotta, Gardener II, on a journey through the Woodland Garden and explore unique com- panion plantings, color varieties, forms, and design as- pects associated with Japanese maples. Cultural and disease problems will also be discussed. SEEDS ACROSS THE GLOBE Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. to Noon The Arboretum participates in a worldwide seed ex- change. Join Tracy Omar, Registrar, and learn strategies on deciding what and when to collect, how the program fits into the goals of the Arboretum, and how you can get involved! HOLLIES! HOLLIES! HOLLIES! Wednesday, December 6, 10 a.m. to Noon David Zuckerman, Interim Horticulturist, will explore the amazing diversity of hollies in the Arboretum. Look at deciduous and evergreen hollies, fruiting and non- fruiting forms, and pruning and cultural aspects of these winter beauties. ARBORETUM FOUNDATION EVENT GREENS GALORE The Arboretum Foundation's annual Greens Galore Sale will be held at the Graham Visitors Center on Saturday, Decem- ber 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (2300 Arboretum Drive East). A large variety of fresh greens, wreaths, swags, dried materials and crafts will be available. Great for gifts! SAPLINGS TIME AGAIN! a Arboretum staff and volunteers are gearing up for their great-^ est Saplings season yet! Designed for 3rd through 5th graders, Saplings teaches children about nature and their environment through tours and hands-on activities. This fall, Saplings will be held Monday-Friday during the month of October. The pro- gram is FREE and space is always limited, so encourage your child’s class to sign-up early. To register or for more informa- tion please call 543-8800. FRONT DESK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Front desk volunteers act as ambassadors for our Arboretum by answering phones and greeting the public. If you have a passion for the Arboretum and work well with people, please call the building coordinator at 543-8800. SUMMER SEASONALS & INTERNS It, indeed, would have been a long, hot summer maintaining col- lections and supporting new projects, if it were not for the efforts of our largest summer seasonal staff yet! Assignments of our eight temporaries and three interns were quite varied. Richard Robohm, CUH graduate student, provided key support for our pond and greenhouse renovations. Julie Neff and Susanne Friedman, both UW Landscape ArchitecLire students, designed and implemented improvements for the Puget Sound Rhododendron Hybrids Garden. Japanese maple collection im- provements were conducted by Susan Papanikolas, CUH grad!^^ ate student. General collections support was given by the above individuals and Kate Lewis, Neal Bonham, John Ison, and Jody Blecksmith. Also, many thanks to Sally Stobo for volun- teering her time as an intern from Australia. Finally, interns Eliza Habegger, Cornell University, and Heather Dawkins, Univer- sity of New Hampshire, spent eight weeks mapping, labeling, evaluating, and conducting inventories of arboretum collections. GIFT FOR RHODODENDRON GLEN The Arboretum Foundation recently received a gift of $25,000 from Mrs. Carl Ellerbeck, long-time Foundation member and supporter. The money has been designated for renovation of the upper portion of Rhododendron Glen. TEMPORARY STAFF CHANGES We all miss Chris Pfeiffer, Arboretum Horticulturist, who has been on maternity leave that continues through October, 1995. In the interim, David Zuckerman has assumed the duties of Horticulturist and John Schaeffer has served as Gardener Lead. NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Arboretum Foundation has named Susan Hebert as its new Executive Director. Ms. Hebert is a self-taught gardener with a passion for horticulture. Her professional experience includes program development, marketing, and communica- tions. We are all excited to have her aboard. ' ' s ‘ v ' T- ' . ) ^ CUH PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES PLANT ENTHUSIAST Regional experts present in-depth slide lectures on specific plant groups or plant use topics. BULBS THROUGH THE SEASONS Wednesday, October 25 7:30 to 9 p.m., CUH $5, pre-registration required Learn how to use new and unusual bulbs, as well as old favorites, to pro- vide year-round interest to your gar- den. Barbara Flynn, author and WSU Master Gardener, presents this infor- mative slide lecture. PRACTICAL NW UNIVERSITY BROWN GARDENING GUIDE BAG TALKS Ideas for beginning and intermediate General interest horticulture and for- level home gardeners planned in coop- estry talks for University faculty, staff, eration with WSU Master Gardeners. & students. BE YOUR OWN DESIGNER Thursday, October 19 7:30 to 9 p.m., CUH 1 j $5, pre-registration required WSU Master Gardener Keith Mastenbrook demonstrates how to create your own beautiful landscape in a step-by-step process. Learn the ba- sics of site analysis, design elements, and plant selection considerations. FALL COLOR WALK \ S- Wednesday, October 4 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., Free Meet at the Red Square entrance to Suzzallo Library Join CUH graduate student Rob Bell on this walk featuring plants with out standing fall color and learn what causes them to change. Hot colors and cool breezes! PLANTS & GARDENS OF THE WORLD Slides and stories of people, plants, and gardens from around the world. GARDENS OF GREAT BRITAIN & HOLLAND Monday, October 23 7:30 to 9 p.m., CUH $5, pre-registration required View great gardens of Great Britain and Holland in their spring colors as presented by Patti Chambers, herbalist from Redmond. Sites highlighted will include Wisley and Saville (gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society), Scotney Castle, and Sissinghurst Castle. Also shown will be numerous private Dutch and English allotment wardens, some of which have been in Re same family for three generations. Along the way, see colorful flower shops and markets. PRUNING BASICS Thursday, November 16 7:30 to 9 p.m., CUH $5, pre -registration required Pruning ornamental plants correctly is an important step in keeping them healthy. Master Gardener Cass Turnbull will review the basics of pruning techniques, including when and why to prune, and how to reno- vate ornamental plants. CFR Continuing & Public Education Staff: Dave Stockdale, CUH Education Director Dana Kirley, WPA Education Coordinator Beverly Gonyea, CFR Continuing Education Manager Jean Robins, CUH Program Coordinator Rebecca Johnson, CUH Facility Manager Martha Parish, CUH Public Education Intern FALL & WINTER INTEREST WALK Wednesday, November 1 12: 10 to 12:50 p.m.. Free Meet at the Red Square entrance to Suzzallo Library Late fall through winter is often over- looked as a time when one can enjoy plants. Susan Papanikolas. CUH graduate student, will discuss trees and shrubs with winter interest. Learn to appreciate interesting forms, fruits, flowers, and bark. The Center for Urban Horticulture is dedicated to research, teaching, and public service in urban horticulture, urban forestry, and urban ecology. URBAN HORTICULTURE COURSES PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS - " 1 Dates & Times : Two-part course; Mondays, October 2 & 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. each night. Instructor: Dr. Martin Meyer, Professor Emeritus of Horticul- ture, U. of Illinois, and Visiting Scientist, UW Department of Botany Fee : $25 Learn the basics of plant propagation by stem and root cut- tings. Study how, when and where to collect cuttings, and how to provide a favorable environment for root development. Hands-on activities are included in this introductory/interme- diate level course. TREE & SHRUB MANAGEMENT Dates & Times: Two-part course; Thursdays, Octobers & 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. each night. Instructors: James “Ciscoe” Morris, Director of Grounds Care, Seattle University Fee: $25 Study how to select and properly install trees and shrubs in your landscape. Review plant needs and techniques of water- ing, fertilizing, pruning, and environmentally sound pest man- agement practices in this introductory level course. LIVING WREATHS Date & Time: Tuesday, October 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. Instructor: Dave Stockdale, Education Director, CUH Fee: $20, all materials provided Create your own living wreath using moss and colorful succu- lent plants such as sedum. Start now and you can have an at- tractive, decorative wreath for holiday display or gift giving. FOR THE BIRDS Date & Time: Wednesday, October 18, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Instructor: Keith Geller, Landscape Architect & Instructor Fee: $15 Want to attract birds to your home landscape? Study how to develop a home landscape that provides food, cover, water, and nesting sites that will invite and retain our feathered friends. This course has been planned in honor of the exhibit featuring illustrations from the John J. Audubon book Birds of America that is on display at the Seattle Art Museum. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES Date & Time: Saturday, October 28, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Instructor: Eric Nelson, Ornamental Grass Enthusiast Fee: $20 Dry sunny spot? Shady moist spot? There is an ornamental grass for every site. Learn how to select and incorporate these versatile plants into your garden. Review how to care for these high-interest plants and take a short field trip to see ma- ture specimens in this introductory level course. LANDSCAPE DESIGN BASICS Dates & Times: Four-part course; Monday, October 30, and Wednesday, Nov. 1, and Monday, Nov. 6, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each night, and Saturday, November 4, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Instructor: Keith Geller, Landscape Architect and Instructor Fee: $55 Learn how to create your own basic landscape design by de- veloping an understanding of design principles and median- a ics. site analysis, plant selection principles and more. This ^ course is intended for beginners only and includes lectures, homework assignments, and one field trip. CONIFERS: Identification, Selection & Uses Dates & Times: Two-part course; Thursday, November 9, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., & Saturday, November 1 1, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Instructor: Art Kruckeberg, UW Professor Emeritus of Botany Fee: $30 The Northwest is an ideal climate for many conifers. Over 30 native and introduced conifers will be discussed in this combi- nation lecture and field-trip introductory/intermediate level course. Emphasis will be on identification, selection, place- ment, and function within the urban landscape. 'j' GREENERY WREATHS Date & Time: Monday, December 4, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Instructor: Dave Stockdale, Education Director, CUH Fee: $20, all materials provided Take home some holiday cheer with the scent of a fresh green- ery wreath. Create a seasonal wreath of fresh cut fir, cedar, holly, pine and broad-leafed greens, plus cones, pods, and other natural items. 1995 PERENNIALS SYMPOSIUM THE PERENNIAL PUZZLE: FITTING PLANTS TOGETHER Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $45, includes catered lunch, morning & afternoon breaks & parking pre-registration required Choosing plants which fit together in the perennial garden and provide seasons of interest is always an exciting challenge. Learning about new plants and plant combinations as well as studying plant growth requirements can help us solve the perennial puzzle. RETHINKING THE ROLE OF NATIVES IN THE BORDER Ann Lovejoy, author and lecturer from Bainbridge Island, rethinks our view of native plants in the border. Finding the right fit for plants with special needs allows us to keep plants in the garden picture. PLANT PARTNERSHIPS: CONSIDER THE LEAF AS WELL AS THE FLOWER Garden designer and lecturer Edith Eddleman, from Durham, North Carolina describes how she combines foliage forms with flowering performers to create beautiful perennial plant tapestries. EAST MEETS WEST: BEAUTIFUL BULBS FOR MIXED COMPANY Compare notes with Edith Eddleman and Ann Lovejoy and discover which of their favorite bulbs match your perennial border plans. NEW PERENNIALS FOR NORTHWEST LANDSCAPES Dr. Wilt Nicholls, Research Scientist with the University of British Columbia Botanic Garden in Vancouver, sleuths but new plants for use in the landscape and manages the British Columbia Native Plant Introduction Program. Catch a sneak preview of plants not yet on the market. CALENDAR OF EVENTS October 1995 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9 a.m., CUH NHS Fall Plant Sale 29 9 a.m., CUH NHS Fall Plant Sale 9 a.m., CUH Miller Lib. Open House 30 & a 7 p.m., CUH 2 Ornithological Society 7 p.m., CUH* Propagation by Cuttings 7:30 p.m., CUH Iris Society ? 7:30 p.m., CUH* NHS Lecture: Japanese Gardens 12:10 p.m., UW Brown Bag Walk: Fall Color 7 p.m., CUH* Tree & Shrub Management & a 7 p.m., CUH* Propagation by Cutting: 7 p.m., CUH Orchid Society 7 p.m.) CUH* Living Wreaths 7:30 p.m., CUH Puget Sound Mycological Society 10 6 p.m., CUH Am. Soc. of Landscape Architects 7 p.m., CUH PlantAmnesty 11 7 p.m., CUH* Tree & Shrub Mgt. 7:40 p.m., CUH Rock Garden Society 12 13 9 a.m., CUH* 14 Perennials Symposium & A 2 p.tn., CUH Cascade Cactus & Succulent Society 15 7 p.m., CUH Miller Memorial Lect.: Ghillean Prance 16 17 6:30 p.m., CUH* For the Birds 18 a- m. 6:30 p.m., CUH Audubon Society 7:30 p.m., CUH* NW Gardening Guide Lecture: Be Your Own Designer 19 20 10 a.m., CUH* Puget Sound Mycological Society 21 & 10 a.m., CUH* Puget Sound Mycological Society 22 23 a 7:30 p.m., CUH* Plants/Gardens of the World: Great Britain/ Holland 7:30 p.m., CUH Puget Sound Bonsai ? Association ' — ' — ! 24 9 a.m., CUH CUH/WPA Vol. Orient. 6:30 p.m., CUH Assn, for Women in Landscaping 7:30 p.m., CUH* NHS Lecture: New Plants from Mexico 7:30 p.m., CUH* 25 Plant Enthusiast Lecture: Bulbs Through the Seasons 7 p.m., CUH Primrose Society 26 27 9 a.m., CUH* Ornamental Grasses 28 * 29 6:30 p.m., CUH* Landscape Des. Basics 30 31 a November 1995 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday - 12:10 p.m., UW 1 Brown Bag Walk: Fall/Winter Interest 6:30 p.m., CUH* Landscape Design Basics 2 3 9 a.m., CUH* 4 Landscape Design Basics 5 a 6:30 p.m., CUH* Landscape Design Basics 7:30 p.m., CUH Iris Society 6 I 7 8 7 p.m., CUH* 9 Conifers 7:40 p.m., CUH Rock Garden Society Holiday 10 CUH closed 9 a.m., CUH* 11^ Conifers $8 Noon, CUH* 12 NW Perennial Alliance a 7 p.m., CUH Orchid Society 13 ? 7:30 p.m., CUH 14 Puget Sound Mycological Society 15 6:30 p.m., CUH 16 Audubon Society 7:30 p.m., CUH* NW Gardening Guide Lecture: Pruning Basics 17 18 # Noon, CUH* 19 NW Perennial Alliance 2 p.m., CUH Cascade Cactus & . — . Succulent Society + 20 a 21 22 Holiday 23 CUH closed Holiday 24 CUH closed 10 a.m., CUH* 25 Puget Sound Mycological Society # 26 a 7:30 p.m., CUH Puget Sound Bonsai Association 27 a 6:30 p.m., CUH 28 Association tor Women In Landscaping 7:30 p.m., CUH* NHS Lecture: New Asian Plants 29 30 & December 1995 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 * 3 a 7 p.m., CUH 4 Ornithological Society 6:30 p.m., WPA* Greenery Wreaths , — 13 5 6 7 8 9 * Noon, CUH* 10 NW Perennial Alliance a 7 p.m., CUH 11 Orchid Society 3 7:30 p.m., CUH 12 Puget Sound Mycological Society 7 p.m., CUH 13 PlantAmnesty 7:40 p.m., CUH 14 Rock Garden Society 15 16 & 17 a 18 3 19 20 21 22 & 24 a Holiday 25 CUH closed 26 27 28 29 30 t CUH = Center for Urban Horticulture UW = WPA = Washington Park Arboretum University of Washington Campus = Fee Sundays at One Tour [T] Every Sunday 1 p.m. WPA Washington Garden Clinic Every Monday 4 p.m., CUH Master Gardener Clinic, Every Saturday 10 a.m. WPA LIBRARY NEWS From Librarian Laura Lipton In celebration of the Miller Horticulture Library’s 10th birth- day, there will be an Elisabeth C. Miller Memorial Lecture held on Monday, October 16, featuring Professor Ghillean Prance. Director of the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew. Dr. Prance will speak on “Plant Diversity and Conservation from Brazil to Kew Gardens.” Reservations are required as seating is limited. Please call Martha Ferguson in the Library at 543- 8616 to inquire about reservations. The Library will also have a special open-house on Saturday, September 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. in honor of our tenth anniver- sary. This will be an opportunity to use library resources for those unable to come during regular hours, plus there will be a sale of used and withdrawn books. Plan to come and view dis- plays and pick up booklists on a variety of topics. If you would like to donate to the Library’s book fund to commemo- rate the 10 years of the library, contact one of the librarians for a special donation form. New resources in the Library include the Morton Arboretum's Tree Care Handbook , Gordon Bradley’s Urban Forest Land- scapes, the 1995 editions of The Pacific Northwest Weed. In- mect, and Disease Control Handbooks , several new books on roses, and Glen Hunt's Creating Good Landscape Design- do- nated by co-author Eugene Smith. Also new are booklists on garden construction, shrubs, and native plants. The Miller Library (along with the Center) will be closed No- vember 10. 23 & 24 and December 25. VOLUNTEER NEWS More than 75 Arboretum and Center volunteers, staff, and students toured Woodland Park Zoo on a warm June morning during our spring volunteer enrichment event. Zoo horticul- turists explained bio-spheres and pointed out the wide variety of authentic and exotic plantings in the new Northern Trail exhibit and the Tropical Rainforest exhibit. Bears cavorted, parrots screeched, all of us picnicked, and a fun and educa- tional time was had by all. Mark your calendars for the next Volunteer Orientation, scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, October 24. All new volunteers are required, and all continuing volunteers are invited, to attend an orientation to meet staff and learn about program areas and job opportunities. This is your chance to tour such normally non-public areas of CUH and the Arbore- tum as Hyde Hortorium. Douglas Conservatory, and the plant records area. f REGISTRATION FORM Urban Horticulture Courses COURSE FEE STUDENT NAME(S) TOTAL s CHECK ENCLOSED FOR S_ Checks payable to University of Washington. No bank cards. Registrations filled in order received. Limited class enrollment; classes fill rapidly, so register early. Portion of fee may cover refreshments and speaker expenses. Refunds: Requests must be in writing or in person. Requests received 7 days or less from first class meeting have a S3. 00 handling fee deducted. No refunds after the first class meeting. NAME ADDRESS Street Mail payment and registration to: Urban Horticulture Courses University of Washington Box 3541 1 5 Seattle, Washington 98195-4115 Phone: Day_ _Evening_ City State ZIP Code To request disability accommodation contact the Office of the ADA Coordinator, at least ten days in advance of an event: 543-6450 (voice) 543-6452 (TDD); 685-3885 (FAX) access@u. washington.edu (E-mail) NORTHWEST HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY NEWS Call the Northwest Horticultural Society office at 527-1794 for information or to register for any of these events (please do NOT call CUH, as we are unable to register you for NHS events): NHS FALL PLANT SALE The annual NHS Fall Plant Sale will be held Friday, Septem- ber 29, and Saturday, September 30 at CUH. An amazing variety of trees, shrubs, bulbs, ferns and other plants will be available. Call 527-1794 for exact hours. NHS FALL LECTURES Secret Teachings in the Art of Japanese Gardens Slide lecture by DAVID SLAWSON, Author & Japanese Garden Expert, Tuesday, October 3, 7:30 p.m., NHS Hall; fee is $7 for NHS members, $10 for non-members. University of Washington College of Forest Resources Center for Urban Horticulture Box 354115 Seattle, WA 98195-4115 AUTUMN 1995 09-9615-123 New Introductions from Mexico Slide lecture by DR. JOHN FARLEY & CARL SCHOENFIELD™ of Yucca Doo Nursery in Texas, Tuesday, October 24, 7:30 p.m., NHS Hall; fee is $7 for NHS members, $ 1 0 for non-members. New Asian Plants Slide lecture by JAMES COMPTON, British plant expert & ex- plorer, Tuesday, November 28, 7:30 p.m., NHS Hall; fee is $7 for NHS members, $10 for non-members. TELEPHONES CUH: (206) 685-8033, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays; fax (206) 685-2692 WPA: (206) 543-8800, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, and Noon to 4 p.m., weekends. # NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Seattle, Wash. PERMIT NO. 62 *v