University of Washington ? Summer, 2000 director’s notes: This has been a wonderful spring at the Washington Park Arboretum, Center for Urban Horticulture, and University of Washington campus with an extraordinary display of garden color. Arboretum Master Plan: . , . . The draft of the Environmental Impact Statement has been made public since the beginning of May. There will follow a 45-day public notice period, including public hearing. We encourage you to make your comments known during this process. For more information and up to the minute details call (206) 325- Programs: Dr. Sarah Reichard’s rare plant conservation program has found a name and a logo, RARE Plant CARE and Conservation, and hosted its first and very success- ful public conference in April. The Restoration Ecology Network (REN) is under the Seattle campus leadership of Dr. Kern Ewing. It is using restoration ecology as a mechanism to link programs at the three University of Washington campuses. The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest, (SERNW), has now taken up residence at the Center. Its presence here will provide better integration between restoration practitioners and students. Union Bay Natural Area: Fred Hoyt and Dr. Kern Ewing are continuing to implement the restoration plan for the Union Bay Natural Area. Over the last two years, the non-native Himalayan blackberries have been cut down. Now the restoration process is under way. Recently, native plant materials, including snowberry, ocean spray, and red flowering currant, have been planted. As part of the Restoration Ecology coursework, restoration activities are continuing in the eastern part of the E-5 parking lot. Administration: The review of the Center was completed by mid-February. Dean David Thorud responded to the review and in mid-April developed seven action items addressing the Review Committee’s recommendations. As a result of one of these actions items I will begin a three-year term as Director of the Center on June 16th. It will be nice to stop "acting” and be really involved. New Dean: On July 1 we will be welcoming our new Dean of the College of Forest Resources, Dr. Kristiina Vogt. Dr. Vogt is currently an endowed professor at Yale and has a very distinguished research and teaching career. We look forward to introducing her to all aspects of the Center and its constituency. Tom Hinckley, Director, Center for Urban Horticulture , i \ ' ’ , -V ’ The Home Page of the Center for Urban Horticulture http://depts.washington.edu/urbhort In recent months the Center for Urban Horticulture’s Web Page has been getting some new additions. Our general public, family and youth, and professional education programs are listed with descriptions and dates, and a registration form can be downloaded. (Sorry, we do not currently have the ability to do direct registration on-line.) Facility use and rental information will be available, with another printable form for requesting rental space. The “Events Calendar” pro- vides a good reference to discover or review when favorite activities and organizational meetings are occurring. One of the largest expansions of the web page will be the Center’s garden collections, displaying information about the Orin & Althea Soest Herbaceous Display Garden, Seattle Garden Club Entry Garden, Dorothy McVay Courtyard, Marilou Goodfellow Grove, and future plans for other garden areas such as the patio garden. The associated academic programs through the College of Forest Resources are highlighted with information on the different degree programs and course work taught by our affiliated faculty. The new research page will illustrate current projects in the Union Bay Natural Area, faculty research, and affiliated programs such as Dr. Sarah Reichard’s RARE Plant CARE & Conservation program at http://depts.washington.edu/rareplnt The Miller Library has made many of its excellent resources available - anywhere at anytime over the Internet. Besides looking up basic visiting information about the library, you can select from over 50 book lists that recommend sources to consider on a wide variety of topics. You can plan your schedule from calendars of plant sales and garden tours, see what new titles are available, or browse the most frequently asked reference questions (with answers!). During 2000, the library’s catalog will become available from this site, and when through searching it you can use the Directory of Horticultural Web Sites to explore the rest of the Web. You can reach the library through the CUH home page or at http://depts. washington.edu/hortlib A year ago the Washington Park Arboretum’s web page was renovated by a student from Shoreline Community College. Through this project, new graphics and a handy menu bar were developed for better navigation. A recent addition to the Arboretum web page is the “Plant Stewardship" page, which highlights work being done to preserve the valuable plant collections and provide visitor safety. You can reach the Arboretum web page directly at http://depts.washington.edu/wpa art from the garden Garden Photography Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: Saturday, July 22, from 8 a.m. to noon Dick McMahon, photo instructor Douglas Classroom, CUH $28, pre-registration required Come learn how to take great summer photographs of your beloved flowers and garden-scapes. Bring your camera, favorite film, tripod (if you have one) and paper for notes. A lecture will start out the morning, with demonstration and experimentation time out on the grounds of CUH. design studio These studios provide the opportunity to problem solve with a top landscape designer. They are not for those individuals interested in designing their garden from scratch, but rather are for persons working to correct or enhance existing landscapes. Each studio includes a brief discussion of the focus topic, followed by opportunities for each attendee to discuss their needs with the designer while the rest of the attendees listen to and participate in the problem solving discussions that ensue. In order to enhance the studio experi- ence, each student is asked to bring along a scale drawing of the garden area under consider- ation, as well as photos, illustrations or other relevant resources on the site to be discussed. Designing Your Own Patio Living Space Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: Wednesday, July 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m Daniel Lowery, garden design consultant and owner of Queen Anne Gardens Douglas Classroom, CUH $35, pre-registration Many of you may remember the award winning patio garden display at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show this past year. Daniel Lowery was a member of the WA chapter of the Association of Profes- sional Landscape Designers team that designed the garden. In this design studio class, Daniel Lowery and his staff will be providing creative inspiration to you, the designer of your own patio. Bring pic- tures, drawings, and ideas to this class to gain perspective and further inspire you to create your own patio living space. WSU practical gardening lectures Plants with Impact Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: Thursday, July 20, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m Vickie Galloway, WSU Master Gardener Douglas Classroom, CUH $5, pre-registration Wow! Isn’t that what you want to say every time you and your friends look at your garden? Learn about great plants that add an eye catching splash among your other favorite plants. Autumn Care for Your Lawn Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: Thursday, September 21, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dave Kingery, WSU Master Gardener Douglas Classroom, CUH $5, pre-registration With summer through, your lawn is starting another growth spurt before winter hits. Learn how to help your lawn recover from summer abuse, renovate and re-seed, and fertilize for later lush spring growth. WSU Master Gardener Plant Problem Clinics Don’t forget that WSU Master Gardeners are open for your gardening and horticulture questions at the Center for Urban Horticulture and Washington Park Arboretum. If you are interested in a complete listing for the rest of metro Seattle and King County it is available by calling 206-296-3900 and requesting a copy of the 2000 Master Gardener Plant Problem Clinic Schedule. In addition Master Gardeners are available by phone at 206-296-3440 Monday thru Friday from 10:00AM-4:00PM year-round. Washington Park Arboretum Graham Visitors Center Sat., Noon - 4:00 p.m., March-July 29 Sun., Noon - 4:00 p.m., year-round Closed all UW holidays. Center for Urban Horticulture Merrill Hall Mon., 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Wed., Noon - 4:00 p.m. Sat., 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., year-round, except July & Aug. Closed all UW holidays, and Dec. 18, 2000 - Jan.l, 2001 walks & tours Garden Tour of Miller and Dunn Gardens Thrusday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come join us for a day tour of the extraodinary Miller and Dunn Gardens, just north of Seattle. Both of these gardens are public estate gardens, preserving the creative inspirations of the original homeowners. Be inspired and enjoy these wonderful gardens. Garden entrance fees and transportation are provided. Please bring your own bag lunch. A cooler of beverages will be provided. Tour group is limited to 14. Cost is $45 per person. Pre-registration is required at least a week in advance. Private Gardens of Snohomish Thursday, August 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit and explore four wonderful private gardens in the Snohomish area on this one day tour. Transportation and lunch is provided. Tour space is limited to 14 participants. Cost is $55 for each participant. Pre-registration is required at least a week in advance. construction demonstrations Programs in this occasional series each include a brief review of design considerations, a discussion of the supplies needed (including materials options, determining amounts needed, costs, and where to find them), a review of the tools required and their use, plus a demonstration of the construction techniques necessary to complete projects on your own. Water Features Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: Saturday, August 12, from 9 a.m. to Noon Daine Torgerson, owner of Oasis Garden Center Douglas Classroom & grounds, CUH $30, pre-registration required The spitting, splashing, and spewing of water are delightful sounds in the garden. But you don’t need to have a huge Italian fountain or lake to have a pleasing water feature in your yard. Come see and experi- ence creative containerized water features that can add a wonderful display to provide cool sounds for your garden in summer. prop shop Programs in this series include a discussion of featured propagation techniques, including when and with which plants each is best used, followed by a demonstration of skills, and hands-on practice by participants whenever possible. Budding Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: Saturday, September 30, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Dave Schmidt, owner of Langley Botanical Douglas Classroom, CUH $35, pre-registration required Budding is a propagation technique that is best suited for this season of the year. It entails a careful removal °f a scion bud to be placed on a stock stem. There are many different techniques which will be covered in this demonstration and hands-on workshop. arboretum explorations Summer Pruning Date & Time Two-part course, Thursday, August 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to Noon Instructor: Cass Turnbull, ISA Certified Arborist and Founder, PlantAmnesty Location : Graham Visitors Center, WPA and a participant’s home garden ^ee; $28 general public, $26 Arboretum Foundation members; pre-registration required Summer is an excellent time, even the preferred time, for pruning certain landscape plants. Plants that send out water- sprouts, bleed too much in the spring, or bloom in late spring or early summer are good candidates for summer pruning. Discover when, why and how in this introductory level lecture/demonstration course. Fruit Tree Pruning Date & Time: Saturday, September 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Instructor: Chuck Holland, Horticultural Instructor & Orchardist Location: Graham Visitors Center, WPA and local home orchard Fee: $28 general public, $26 for Arboretum Foundation members; pre-registration required Healthy, productive fruit trees require precisely executed pruning and training, along with proper fertility and pest management. Study how, when and why to prune your home fruit trees in this introductory level lecture and demonstration course. This is a follow-up pruning program from the successful March class. Native Plant Recognition for Your Mountain Hike Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: Saturday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to Noon Gayle Walters, Master Gardener Meet at the Graham Visitors Center, WPA $22 general public, $20 Arboretum Foundation members; pre-registration required Gayle Walters will be your guide through the Arboretum as you learn to recognize the Pacific Northwest native plants that you will most likely encounter on your summer hikes. Come learn about the exciting world of natives, how to appreciate them, and their importance to our environment. arboretum plant study program Each section of this ongoing study program focuses on a different set of trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers in the Washington Park Arboretum, and includes field work on plant identification, plus discussions of plant selection, placement, and function within the urban environment. Handouts will include complete cultural information for all the plants studied, plus a map will be provided so that students can mark favorite plants for future visits. In each section you will study at least 20 plants not covered in any other section during a year; over 240 plants will be covered in the 12 sections annually. Plants will be studied in the season of their most distinguishing characteristics (flowers, fruits, cones). Arboretum Plant Study Program Section A Date & Time: Instructor: Location: Fee: July 29, 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Scott Conner, Consultant Horticulturist, Conner Enterprises Graham Visitor Center, WPA $22 for general public, $20 for Arb. Foundation Members, pre-registration required Arboretum Plant Study Program Section B Date & Time: September 16, 9 a.m. to Noon Instructor: Robert Corletta, Graduate Student, Center for Urban Horticulture Location: Graham Visitor Center, WPA Fee: $22 for general public, $20 for Arb. Foundation Members, pre-registration required youth & family programs For more information or to schedule any of the following programs, please contact the Arboretum Education Office, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (206) 543-8800/8801. ARBORETUM FAMILY PACKS Looking for ways to enjoy beautiful summer days? Investigate the wonders of the Arboretum using a selection of easy-to-follow activities, complete with maps and field guides. Wetland Wonders Take a safari to Foster Island and the Waterfront Trail. Go on a scavenger hunt, collect aquatic insects, and conduct mini-experiments that demonstrate why wetlands are important. Family Tree Feel like seeing the forest for the trees? This pack is full of seasonal and year-round activities: use magnifiers to look at trees up close, play a game to identify trees by their bark, or learn about pollination by doing it yourself! Family Packs are available year-round from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., at the Graham Visitors Center Front Desk. A two-hour rental fee is $5; FREE to Arboretum Foundation Members. ARBORETUM EXPLORER PACKS Lead your own group on an exploration of the Arboretum with chosen theme packs filled with fun activities and stuff to learn with. Tree-tective Trees are terrific! Learn amazing facts about trees as you explore the Arboretum’s urban forest. This pack includes hand lenses, magnifiers, field guides, games, and even “tree cookies”! Marsh Madness What’s in a wetland? Dive in and discover the ecology of an urban marsh. This pack includes dip nets, aquaria, field guides and other materials Available year-round, 7 days a week. Cost: $15 per pack for 2-hour rental. Suitable for 15 chil- dren, or for 30 children working in pairs. Two-week pre-registration required. Self-Guided Learning Opportunities Use the Arboretum as your outdoor classroom. This 230-acre, centrally located urban forest offers a wealth of study material and experimental opportunities. We will assist you in planning your visit by offering information on specific subject areas and plant collections free of charge. Groups of 10 or more must schedule their visit with the Education Office by phoning (206) 543-8800. volunteer news & opportunities Information Desk Volunteers at WPA Needed: Greet people from all over the world; answer questions about the Arboretum; interact with staff and other volun- teers in a stimulating environment. Front desk volunteers are needed for the Graham Visitors Center. Positions are either half day or whole day shifts once a t week. Please call the Building Manager at (206) 543-8801 for information. Arboretum Maintenance Volunteers Needed: “Tuesdays In The Garden” work parties for the fall are set and awaiting your participation! Upcoming projects include Rhododendron Glen on July 13, the Pinetum on August 10, and the Viburnums on September 14. Each work oartv is from 12-30 to 3-30 n m r^n Christina Pfeiffer at (206) 328-4182 to sign up. ’ • p. . Front Desk Volunteers: The Center for Urban Horticulture urgently needs front desk volunteers for weekday shifts from 9 a.m to 1 d m and 1 tn 5 n m rw^t Ray Larson at (206) 616-9113 for more information. ' ■ • p. . Slide Collection Volunteer: The slide collection at CUH needs assistance in organization. Work would involve caring for glass slides, viewing and cataloging Call Laura Zybas for more information at (206) 685-8755. ’ ’ s s Seattle Youth Garden Works: Seattle Youth Garden Works is looking for volunteers to work with youth-in-need to cultivate self-reliance and integration with the community. Volunteers are sought at both the South Park garden site and the U district office. Advisory Board Members are also sought. Please contact Mandy at (206) 525-1213, ext 3133 or email upstart@halcyon.com for more information. Volunteers Recognized: The Center for Urban Horticulture, Washington Park Arboretum, and Arboretum Foundation joined together this past February to host an evening Dessert Reception to recognize volunteers of the past year for their great service and commitment to our organizations. Donald Gowing volunteer in the Hyde Herbarium and WPA curatorial office, and Russ Kurtz, volunteer with the Arboretum grounds crew, were recognized with the Brian Mulligan Volunteer Award for their dedicated service. Marty Wingate, noted garden writer and CUH graduate, spoke on "Elizabeth Lawrence: The Life of a Gardener " t New Education Assistant at WPA The Washington Park Arboretum wel- comes Monica Ravin as the new full-time Education Program Assistant. Monica has a BS in Biology from University of Oregon, and she has been a lead naturalist and instructor with the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, and the King County Parks and Recreation Department. She has grant writing and program development experience as well as a wide variety of K-12 teaching experiences. In addition, she volunteers as a keeper’s aide at the Raptor Center at the Woodland Park Zoo. The Arbore- tum school and family programs will benefit from Monica’s diverse experi- ences and overall enthusiasm for environmental education. calendar of events inly. 23 9am to 3pm, NHS Tour: Water in the Garden 10 7pm. CUH Orchid Society 7pm, CUH WA Butterfly Association 26 6:30 to 9pm, CUH* Designing Your Own Patio Living Space 20 7:30 to 9 pm, CUH* WSU Master Gardener Practical Lectures: Plants with Impact 15 10am to Noon, 27 9am to 4pm, CUH* Garden Tours of Miller and Dunn Gardens WPA* Native Plant Recognition For Your Mountian Hike 22 8am to Noon, CUH* Garden Photography 8:30am to 4:30pm, Museum of History & Industry, NHS Symposuium: Water ii the Garden 29 9:15am to 12:15pm, WPA* Arboretum Plant Stud august 20 2:30 to 4:30pm, CUH Cascade Cactus & Succulent Society 7 to 9pm, CUH WA Butterfly Association 10 9 7 to 9pm, CUH Plant Amnesty 7 to 9 pm, WPA* Summer Pruning, Field Class on Sat. 12th 24 8am to 5pm, CUH* Tour: Private Gardens of Snohomish 12 9am to Noon, CUH* Water Featues 10am to Noon*, Summer Pruning Field Class September LI I 17 2:30pm, CUH Cascade Cactus & Succulent Society n 7pm, CUH Orchid Society 24 12 to 4pm, CUH Northwest Perennial Alliance 7:30pm, CUH Iris Society 12 7:30pm, CUH Pugent Sound Mycological Society 6 7 to 9pm, CUH WA Butterfly Association 14 7:40pm, CUH Rock Garden Society 25 7:30pm, CUH Bonsai Assoiation 19 7:30pm, CUH Rose Society 7:30pm, CUH Seattle African Violet Society (see below) 13 7:40pm, CUH NHS Lecture Series: “Cool New Perenni- als" 21 7pm, CUH Audubon Society 26 6:30pm, CUH Association for Women In Horticulture 7:30 to 9pm, CUH* Master Gardener Practical Lectures: Autumn Care for Your Lawn 15 3 to 7pm, CUH NHS Plant Sale 16 9am to 4 pm, CUH NHS Plant Sale 23 9am to Noon, WPA* Arboretum Plant Study 8:30am to 12:30pm, WPA* Fruit Tree Pruning 30 9am to Noon, CUH* Prop Shop: Budding Seattle African Violet Society has been meeting since the 1950s and invites any interested parties to their monthly meeting now at CUH. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Library, raffle plant table, and interesting programs are benefits of membership. Contact rohm@foxinternext.net for further information. CUH = Center for Urban Horticulture WPA = Washington Park Arboretum * = Fee iversity of Washington center for urban horticulture The University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture is dedicated to research, teaching, and public service concerning the selection, management, and role of plants and of ecosystems in urban landscapes. Urban Horticulture Newsletter, Vol 17. No. 3 Thomas Hinckley, Director CUH/CFR Continuing & Public Education Staff Thomas Smarr Jr., Interim Education Coordinator (Adult & Professional Programs), Newsletter Editor Julie DeBarr, Education Coordinator (Youth & Community Outreach Programs) Jean Robins, Program Coordinator Monica Ravin, Education Program Assistant Robert Corletta, Graduate Education Assistant CUH Building & Rentals Management Staff Becky Johnson, Union Bay Facilities Manager Lisa Jones, WPA Facilities Manager Ray Larson, Union Bay Assistant Facilities Manager Continuing and Public Education Douglas Research Conservatory Elisabeth C. Miller Library Otis Douglas Hyde Herbarium Undergraduate and Graduate Education Union Bay Gardens Union Bay Natural Areas Washington Park Arboretum Center for Urban Horticulture University of Washington Union Bay Campus Box 354115 3501 NE 41st Street Seattle, Washington 98195-4115 (206) 685-8033 phone (206) 685-2692 fax Washington Park Arboretum Box 358010 2300 Arboretum Drive East Seattle, Washington 98195-8010 (206) 543-8800 phone (206) 325-8893 fax Visit our web site at: http://depts.washington.edu/urbhort/ Plant Sales Hours Expanded Greenhouse Work Parties Member Discounts An excellent variety of plants, including plants propa- gated from Arboretum collections or donated by Arboretum Foundation members, is available for sale weekly at the Washington Park Arboretum. Greenhouse sales (propagated plants) are every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, year-round. The Donations department will sell donated plants Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through October 25. Both donated and propagated plants will be sold on second Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through October. Learn propagation and help out at the Pat Calvert Greenhouse every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon. Call Lynn Schueler at (206) 243-6784. Interested in Volunteering? Volunteers are welcome at the Arboretum and Arboretum Foundation. Help is needed for special events, the Foundation office, education programs, and special projects around the Arboretum. Call Elaine Anderson at (206) 325-4510. lorthwest horticultural society news Arboretum Foundation members enjoy a 10% discount in the Arboretum Gift Shop, discounts on selected CUH programs, & receive invitations to members-only events. Call (206) 325-4510 to join! For further information on the events listed, call Tour, "Water in the Garden” the NHS office at (206) 527-1794. July 23, 9:00-3:00 $50 members $70.00 non-members. Symposium, "Water in the Garden" July 22, 8:30 to 4:30; Museum of History & Industry. $65.00 members $85.00 non-members. Annual Fall Plant Sale Annual NHS Fall Plant Sale, Friday, September 15, from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, September 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., CUH. Over thirty-five growers with thousands of exciting and unusual plants for sale. Don’t miss this last major sale of the year! Speakers: Rick Darke, James Van Sweden, Anita Nelson, Eamonn Hughes, and James Lawrie. Mail payment and registration to: Urban Horticulture Courses University of Washington Box 354115 Seattle, Washington 98195-4115 Or you may register in person at the Union Bay campus, 3501 NE 41st St., M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please make checks payable to the University of Washington. No bank cards. Registrations are filled in the order received. Enrollment is limited, classes fill rapidly so register early. A portion of fees may cover refreshments and speaker expenses. Refunds: Requests for refunds on events not attended must be made in advance in writing, by phone or fax, or in person. Requests received fewer than 7 days from the first class meeting have a $5 handling fee deducted. No refunds can be made after the first class meeting. If a program is cancelled for any reason a full refund will be made to all enrollees. Refunds may require four weeks for processing. Returned Checks: An $18.00 service fee will be charged for returned checks. Special Needs: To request disability accommodation, please contact the Office of the ADA Coordinator at least ten days in advance of an event: (206) 543-6450 (voice); (206) 543-6452 (TDD); or by e-mail at access@u. washington.edu. Class Locations and Parking: Program locations are listed with each program description. The Graham Visitors Center at Washington Park Arboretum is located at 2300 Arboretum Drive East; free parking is located adjacent to the building. Douglas Classroom, NHS Hall and the other meeting facilities at Union Bay are located at 3501 NE 41st Street; prepaid parking is located adjacent to the buildings. Center for Urban Horticulture registration form program fee members # spaces total fee Construction Demonstrations Water Features $30 Design Studio Living Patio Space $35 Prop Shop Budding $35 wsu Practical Gardening Lectures WSU Practical Gardening Lectures: Plants With Impact WSU Practical Gardening Lectures: Autumn Care for Your Lawn $5 $5 Creative Arts Garden Photography $28 Walks & Tours Miller and Dunn Gardens $45 Snohomish Private Gardens $55 (cut here) program fee af members # spaces total fee Arboretum Explorations Native Plant Recognition for Your Mountain Hike $22 $20 Summer Pruning $28 $26 Fruit Tree Pruning $28 $26 Arboretum Plant Study Program Section A (July 29) $22 $20 Section B (September 16) $22 $20 ■ f Mail registration forms to: CUH Courses Box 354115 Seattle WA 98195-4115 For more information, call (206) 685-8033 Check enclosed for: (Please make checks payable to the University of Washington) Name Address City State Phone - (day) (evening) Fax University of Washington College of Forest Resources Center for Urban horticulture Box 354115 Seattle, WA 98195-4115 09-9615-122 summer 2000 notes from the library New Publication: The staff of the Miller Library is very pleased to announce their first publication, Nature is visible, art concealed: A selection of rare and old books from the collections of the Elisa- beth C. Miller Library. Released in April, this small book leads the reader through the history of botanical and horticultural publications by profiling over 30 of the library’s most important holdings dating from 1629 to 1929, with reproductions of some of the wonderful illustrations found in these works. Please stop by the library for some pleasant reading or to pickup your own copy of this treasure. New Library Computer: Visitors to the Miller Library now have two computers to choose from for browsing the Internet, running CD-ROM programs or, in the near future, searching the library’s catalog. A color printer, new desk and chairs complete the rede- signed public workstation, all made possible by a grant from the Miller Charitable Foundation. news and events New Rhododendron Garden Wisteria Collection The Washington Park Arboretum celebrated the unveiling of the Puget Sound Rhododendron FHybrid Garden on May 14th. This garden is dedi- cated to the work of many Rhododen- dron hybridizers since the 1940’s. Please, go out and visit this wonderful new garden and read the interpretive signs that tell the story of rhododen- dron breeding in the Puget Sound. Pinetum Renovation The Arboretum Foundation raised $10,000 for the continuing renovation of the Pinetum on the west side of the Arboretum. This summer, the staff will prepare plans for replacing several older pine trees with newer ones of better germ plasm, as well making the site much more acces- sible for park users. The intention is to keep the current ambience of a mixed conifer collection in a park-like setting. The WPA curatorial office recently pub- lished an intrepretive brochure for the Arboretum Wisteria Collection. This publication is the result of an indepen- dent study completed by Jenny Mears, a recent CUH graduate. The brochure presents the taxonomy, biogeography and ethnobotany of the genus and highlights the species and cultivars in the Arboretum's collection. The devel- opment of this collection and brochure was made possible by the generous donation of Mrs. Bessie Okada, in memory of her mother, Mrs. Yayoi Inouye. Seed Exchange The WPA curatorial office recently com- pleted its annual Index Seminum mail- ing. Index Seminum is an international seed exchange program, primarily between Botanical Gardens and related institutions. The Arboretum currently has about 460 exchange partners in 67 countries. The total seed distribution for last year was 1104 seed packets, in response to orders from 119 institu- tions in 35 countries. Nonprofit org. U.S. Postage PAID Seattle, Wash. Permit No. 62 Library Summer Flours: The Miller Library will be closed on Saturdays for the summer starting on July 1st. Satur- day hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will resume again after Labor Day. In the meantime, the Library will be open regular hours the rest of the week: Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Plant Collecting in Chile Randall Hitchin, plant recorder for the Washington Park Arboretum, traveled to Chile this past winter to collect plant material for the Arboretum. His trip was coordinated with other botanists and guides to collect and research plants in regions of Chile with climates similar to those of Pacific Northwest. Randall has developed a web page on the WPA web site under the Plant Collections heading. Seattle’s Japanese Garden Celebrates 40 Years Seattle’s Japanese Garden is celebrating its 40th Anniversary during 2000. Many programs have been planned throughout the year: July 8, Tanabata Festival; July 16, Art Event: Water Color in the Garden; July 23, Music Event; August 12, Moon Viewing; August 20, Literary Event; August 27, Music Event; September 10, Music Event; September 17, Literary Event; and September 24, Family Event: Arts and Crafts of Japan. For additional information on these or other programs, call (206) 684-4725. CENTER /orURBAN HORTICULTURE