Center for Urban Horticulture / Washington Park Arboretum / University of Washington CENTER NEWS Brighten Your Winter Doldrums The expanded array of horticultural activities presented in this issue offer a wonderful op- portunity to beat the winter doldrums. And don’t forget the winter tours at the Washing- ton Park Arboretum and the Arboretum Foundation Book Fair. If you have a friend o isn’t on our mailing list, call us at !5-8033 to join 5,000 area subscribers! Slide Library The Continuing Education staff has been cat- aloging a collection of 10,000 slides that are now numbered and available for use. Persons interested in borrowing slides should make prior arrangements, if possible, by calling 545-8033. A nominal use charge, used for enlarging the collection, is made. Conference Facilities An expanded number of horticultural as well as community organizations are now making use of the conference facilities at the Center for Urban Horticulture and the Donald G. Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum. Both facilities feature meeting rooms, audiovisual equipment, and kitchens. A set of policies and regulations has been approved for each site and is available upon request. Persons/organizations should famil- iarize themselves with the regulations and by all means review the facilities. Nominal rental fees are necessary to maintain the facilities. ower Shows Don’t miss two of the earliest spring flower shows. The Primrose Show and Plant Sale is on Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And the Early Rhododendron Show is Saturday, April 4, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Sun- day, April 5, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Both are free. Tour Guide Training Washington Park Arboretum Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to in- crease your knowledge and learn how to share the plant world with others. There will be twelve weekly sessions from 9 a.m.-noon (most weeks) on Thursdays, January 8 to March 26, 1987. A $25.00 fee will be charged for the course, and a specific number of volunteer hours will be required upon completion of training. For information and application forms call Dan DeWald at 543-8800. The Elisabeth C. Miller Library Approximately 1,000 books were added to the library collection as a result of gift pur- chases and donations in 1986. Librarians cat- aloged and processed approximately 1,000 books this year; work has begun on the li- brary’s new on-line catalog, with the help of three volunteers and a new work-study student. A custom-made display case, the gift of Mrs. J. Pancoast Reath, has made it possible for us to display some of the old and rare books in the library’s collection. As spring approaches, remember our collec- tion of over 400 seed and bulb catalogs avail- able for browsing. To assist with your garden planning, the library will have a trial Saturday opening on March 28th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Another trial opening is planned for April 25th (watch the spring issue of CUH Presents for details). Botanizing the Arboretum The plant collections of the Washington Park Arboretum abound with interesting stories of natural history, evolution, ecology, and tax- onomy. Let the Center for Urban Horticul- ture plant materials staff lead you on a botani- cal tour, through class lectures and plant study on the grounds of the Arboretum’s ma- jor collections. Our first set will happen in April, so watch for the next issue of Urban Horticulture Presents announcing the topic and time. / Volunteers ! Don’t forget that the Center for Urban Horti- culture and the Washington Park Arboretum depend on the contribution of volunteers. Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to become involved in our expanding programs. Just a few of our opportunities: become an Arboretum tour guide (see “Tour Guide Training” announcement in this issue) or a receptionist, or assist in clerical backup, the seed exchange, herbarium, weeding, gift shop, or greenhouse. Interested? Call Dan DeWald at 543-8800. Continuing Education Staff John A. Wott, professor Van M. Bobbitt, coordinator Jan Davis, program assistant (CUH) Dan L. DeWald, program assistant (WPA) Rebecca Johnson, program aide Tom Kuykendall, graduate assistant Telephones CUH - 545-8033 9:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m. weekdays WPA - 543-8800 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. weekdays noon-4:00 p.m. Sundays FREE PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES These one-hour lectures are offered as a service to the public and cover a wide range of horticultural interests. The Plant Enthusiast The second Wednesday of each month, 10:00 a.m., at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Orchids January 14 by Jerry Sedenko, orchid specialist Orchids are often considered the most beau- tiful of all flowers, and many can easily be grown as houseplants. Learn more about growing these fascinating plants. Heathers February 11 by Arthur Dome, American Heather Society Discover the landscape versatility of heathers. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Heathers can be chosen to provide color at any season of the year — including the dead of winter! Bromeliads March 11 by Doreen Kost, The Enchanted Garden at the Pike Place Market These exotic plants from tropical America have beautiful foliage and colorful influores- cences. Many of them also make low-mainte- nance houseplants. Plants and Gardens of the World Third Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m., at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Gardening Around the World January 19 by Thomas Kuykendall, graduate student, Center for Urban Horticulture Mr. Kuykendall has worked as a gardener in England, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, California, and Pennsylvania. He will discuss the differing landscape styles and hor- ticultural practices in these countries. Ornamental Plants from the Appalachian Mountains February 16 by Timothy Hohn, curator of plant collec- tions, Center for Urban Horticulture The Appalachians offer a wealth of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that are su- perb for landscaping. Come see this fascinat- ing flora, from the Catskills, through the Blue Ridge, and into the Great Smoky Mountains. Plant Hunting in Nepal March 16 by Tamara Buchanan, The Sweetbriar Nur- sery, and Doug Benoliel, Native Landscape and Design Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Benoliel spent a month trekking through the Himalayas. They were on a seed-collecting expedition spon- sored by Great Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society. The Master Gardener Second Friday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Practical gardening information presented by the Washington State University Master Gardeners. Controlling Fruit Tree Pests January 9 by Robert Baines How do you prevent apple scab, peach leaf curl, wormy cherries, and other maladies of fruit trees? Mr. Baines will provide the latest in both cultural and chemical controls. Rose Pruning Demonstration February 13 by Ralph Taylor It’s rose pruning time again. Find out how to do it right for a more vigorous and floriferous rose bush. Mr. Taylor is also a consulting rosarian with the Tacoma Rose Society. Plant Tissue Culture for the Home Gardener March 13 by John Kleyn Learn techniques that can be used by the home gardener to grow plants through tissue culture. With minimal equipment you can set up your own micropropagation laboratory. Brown-Bag Garden Talks First and third Wednesdays of each month, 12:10 to 12:50 p.m., at the UW HUB. Bring your lunch and sharpen your garden- ing skills at these informal lectures and dem- onstrations. Jointly sponsored by the Center for Urban Horticulture and the Washington State University Master Gardeners. What’s Wrong With My Houseplant Houseplant Propagation January 21 by Sarah Reichard of the Center for Urban Horticulture Pesticides and Alternatives for Home Gardeners February 4 by Patricia Roome, WSU Master Gardener Campus Tree Walk — Winter Color February 18 by Van Bobbitt of the Center for Urban Horticulture Tips for a Greener Lawn March 4 by Hal Harrison, WSU Master Gardener Starting Vegetables and Flowers from Seed January 7 by Elaine Keehn, WSU Master Gardener March 18 by Mary Robson, WSU Master Gardener CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY - Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 1 2 3 4 7 p.m. CUH 5 NW Orchid Society 7:30 p.m. CUH King Co. Iris Society 6 12:10 p.m. UW HUB 7 Brown Bag Lecture “What's Wrong with My Houseplant?” 6:30 p.m CUH Seattle Rhododendron Society 9 a.m. CUH 8 Guide Training 7:30 p.m. CUH NW Hybridizers 7:30 p m. CUH NW Rock Garden Society 7:30 p.m. CUH 9 Public Lecture “Controlling Fruit Tree Pests” 10 11 7:30 p.m CUH 12 Seattle Rose Society 7:30 p.m. WPA 13 Japanese Garden Society 10 a.m. CUH 14 Public Lecture “Orchids” 9 a m. WPA 1 3 Guide Training 16 17 18 M.L. King \Q Birthday 7 p.m. CUH Public Lecture “Gardening Around the World" 20 12:10p.m. UW HUB 21 Brown Bag Lecture “Houseplant Propagation’’ 9 a.m. WPA 22 Guide Training 7 p.m. CUH* Dwarf Conifers 7:30 p. m. WPA AF Herb Study 23 9 am. CUH* 24 Fruit Tree Pruning 1 p.m. WPA ?5 Winter Tour 26 7:30 p.m. WPA 27 AF Center Circle Rock Gardens 10 a.m. WPA 28 Explorers' Walk 7:30 p. m. WPA AF Perennial Study 9 am. WPA 29 Guide Training 7 p.m. CUH* Dwarf Conifers 30 9 am. CUH* 31 Wreaths from Dried Material FEBRUARY i 1 7 p.m. CUH 2 NW Orchid Society 7:30 p.m. CUH King Co. Iris Society 3 12:10 p.m. UW HUB 4 Brown Bag Lecture “Pesticides and Alternatives for Home” 6.30 p m CUH Seattle Rhododendron Society 9 am. CUH 3 Guide Training 7p.m. (Call for Location) Propagation from Seed* 6 7 1 p.m. WPA 8 Winter Tour 7:30 p.m. CUH 9 Seattle Rose Society 7:30 p.m. WPA 1() Japanese Garden Society 10 a m. CUH 1 1 Public Lecture “Heathers” 9 am. WPA 12 Guide Training 7 p.m. Propagation from Seed* 7:30 p.m. CUH NW Rock Garden Society 7:30 p.m. CUH NW Hybridizers 7:30p.m. CUH 13 Public Lecture “Rose Pruning Demonstration” 14 15 7 p.m. CUH 1 8 Public Lecture "Ornamental Plants from the Appalachians” 7 p.m. CUH* 17 Troublesome Urban Wildlife 12:15 p.m. UW HUB 18 Brown Bag Lecture “Campus Tree Walk” 9 am. WPA 19 Guide Training 7 p.m. Propagation from Seed* 7 p.m. CUH* Urban IPM 7:30 p.m. CUH* Chrysanthemum Society 20 9 am. WPA* 21 Tree and Shrub Renovation 1 p.m. WPA 22 Winter Tour 1 p.m., 7 p.m. CUH* Puget Sound Bonsai Assoc. Workshops by John Naka 6:30p.m. CUH 23 Puget Sound Bonsai Assoc. Gen. Meeting with John Naka 7 p.m. CUH* 24 Pesticides for the Home Gardener 7:30 p.m. WPA AF Center Circle Rhododendrons 7:30 p.m. WPA 25 AF Perennial Study 10 a.m. WPA Explorers' Walk 9 am WPA 26 Guide Training 7:30 p.m. WPA AF Herb Study 7 p.m. CUH Common Insect Pests 27 28 MARCH 1 7 p.m. CUH 2 NW Orchid Society 7:30 p.m CUH King Co. Iris Society 7 p.m. WPA “The 60 Minute Gardener” Charles Cresson (tentative) 7p.m. CUH* 3 Weed I D. 12:10 p.m. UW HUB 4 Brown Bag Lecture “Tips for Greener Lawns” 6:30 p.m. CUH Seattle Rhododendron Society 9 am. CUH 5 Guide Training 7 p.m. CUH* Diseases of Fruit Trees and Ornamentals 6 10 am.— 4 p.m WPA '] Arboretum Foundation Book Sale 10 a.m. -4 p.m. WPA 8 Arboretum Foundation Book Sale 1 p.m. WPA Winter Tour 7:30 p m. CUH 9 Seattle Rose Society 7 p.m. CUH* 10 Grapes and Wine 10 a m. CUH 1 1 Public Lecture “Bromeliads” 7 p.m. CUH* Culinary Botany 9 am. CUH 12 Guide Training 7:30 p.m. CUH NW Rock Garden Society 7:30 p.m. CUH NW Hybridizers 7:30 p.m. CUH 13 Public Lecture “Plant Tissue Culture for Home Gardener” 10 a.m.* 14 (Call for location) Grapes and Wine 15 7 p.m. CUH 16 Public Lecture “Plant Hunting in Nepal" 17 12:10p.m. UW HUB 18 Brown Bag Lecture “Starting Vegetables and Rowers from Seed” 7 p.m. CUH* Starting Your Garden 9 am. CUH 19 Guide Training 7 p.m. CUH* Perennial Garden Maintenance 7:30 p.m. CUH Chrysanthemum Society 20 9 am. CUH* 21 Perennial Garden Maintenance 22 23 7:30 p.m. WPA 24 AF Center Circle “Wild Flowers” 10 am. WPA 25 Explorers’ Walk 7 p.m. CUH* Seed Selection to Harvest 7:30 p.m. WPA AF Perennial Study 9 am. WPA 26 Guide Training 7:30 p.m. WPA AF Herb Study 27 9 a m CUH* 28 Hanging Baskets 10 am. -5 p.m. CUH Annual Chapter Primrose Show and Plant Sale 29 30 31 APRIL 6:30 p.m CUH Seattle Rhododendron Society Meeting 2 3 1 p.m.-5 p.m. CUH 4 Early Rhododendron Show 1 p.m.* (Call for location) Colorful Salads 10 a.m -5 pm CUH 3 Early Rhododendron Show 6 7 8 9 10 11 CUH = Center for Urban Horticulture WPA = Washington Park Arboretum HUB = Husky Union Building = Fee URBAN HORTICULTURE COURSES Dwarf Conifers ^Discover how dwarf conifers can add year- round interest to your garden or patio. This course offers an introduction to selecting and caring for these low-maintenance garden gems. Learn the dwarf conifers’ many advan- tages and how to properly place the plants in containers or in your garden. Class includes a slide lecture of available conifers, their culture, use selection, and available sources. INSTRUCTOR: Gordy Hallgren DATES: Thursdays, January 22 and 29, 7 to 9 p.m. FEE: $20 Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Learn the proper methods for training, prun- ing, and renovating your fruit trees. After an introductory lecture, participants will get hands-on experience in pruning fruit trees of various ages, sizes, and variety. Participants interested in having the pruning demonstra- tion at their homes should call Jan Davis at 545-8033. INSTRUCTOR: Gary Moulton DATE: Saturday, January 24, 9 a.m. to 3 .m. EE: $30 Dried Wreath Arrangements See a demonstration of dried wreath making from a variety of landscape plants. Partici- pants will have the opportunity to make a wreath, choosing between a grape wreath, a valentine’s heart from red-osier dogwood, and other materials. Participants may either use the materials provided or bring their own materials. INSTRUCTOR: Rosina Mclvor DATE: Saturday, January 31, 9 to 11 a.m. FEE: $12 Seed Propagation This course will address the principles and practices of starting new plants from seed. This beginning class will cover the topics of collection, storage, pretreatment, sowing, germination, and early care of seedlings. The course includes lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice in the greenhouse. INSTRUCTOR: Doug Ewing DATES: Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19, 7 to 9 p.m. FEE: $30 REGISTRATION FORM Urban Horticulture Courses COURSE FEE NAME(S) TOTAL $ . CHECK ENCLOSED FOR $ Checks payable to University of Washington. No bank cards. Registrations filled in order received. Limited class enrollment; classes fill rapidly, so register early. Refunds: Requests must be in writing or in person. Requests received 7 days or less from first class meeting have a $3.00 handling fee deducted. No refunds after first class meeting. NAME Phone: Day Evening ADDRESS Street Mail payment and registration to: Urban Horticulture Courses, GF-15 University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98195 City State ZIP A Gift of Learning: Give a Gift Certificate in the amount of one of the courses. Call Jan Davis for details (545-8033). * Troublesome Urban Wildlife Problems with wildlife in your backyard? This class will cover the effects of urbanization on wildlife, focus on the natural history, and con- sider control methods for animals often deemed pests by homeowners or gardeners. Animals to be included are raccoon, moun- tain beaver, opossum, skunk, squirrel, mole, pigeon, starling, sparrow, crow, and coyote. Laws, regulations, and resources available to help you with your problems will be discussed. INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Penland DATE: Tuesday, February 17, 7 to 9 p.m. FEE: $10 Renovating Trees and Shrubs Wondering what to do with your overgrown trees and shrubs? This workshop will teach you to improve the health and beauty of your trees and shrubs through proper renovation. Following an introductory lecture, partici- pants will have an opportunity to prune a shrub and a small tree. INSTRUCTOR: Phil Renfrow DATE: Saturday, February 21, 9 a.m. to noon. FEE: $15 Grapes and Wines of Western Washington Gerard Bentryn of Bainbridge Island Winery and Vineyard has been experimenting with grape varieties and cultural methods best suited for the Puget Sound region. Learn tips on how to grow quality European wine and table grapes. Discuss how and why our par- ticular climate affects the quality of wine. This fun and informative class includes a field trip to Bainbridge Island Winery for a tour and wine tasting. INSTRUCTOR: Gerard Bentryn DATES: Tuesday, March 10, 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to noon. FEE: $25, wine included. PEST CONTROL SERIES Having problems with tent caterpillars, apple scab, or horsetail? Get an early jump on your adversaries while you still have a chance for control. This comprehensive series will help you identify your problem, plan a realistic strategy, and implement your control in a safe, effective manner. Take the entire series or attend individual lectures. A must course for the homeowner and the professional alike. I. Urban Integrated Pest Management This course offers an introduction to inte- grated pest management (IPM) for the urban environment. You will learn to detect and control troublesome pests that affect your trees, shrubs, lawn, fruits, and vegetables. The class will discuss each step in the IPM process and give examples of how to apply these steps to specific pests commonly found in our local landscapes. INSTRUCTOR: Bob Baines DATE: Thursday, February 19, 7 to 9 p.m. If. Pesticides for the Garden This survey of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides available through retail garden centers will answer the following questions: How do you select the right pesticide for your problem? How toxic are common garden pesticides and how do they affect the en- vironment? How can 1 use these chemicals safely and effectively? INSTRUCTOR: Van Bobbitt DATE: Tuesday, February 24, 7 to 9 p.m. III. Common Insect Pests This class will discuss the most common pests infesting Pacific Northwest landscapes. Em- phasis will be placed on correctly identifying the source of plant damage and selecting ap- propriate pest management strategies. INSTRUCTOR: Bob Baines DATE: Thursday, February 26, 7 to 9 p.m. IV. Weed Identification and Methods of Control Identifying weeds correctly is the first step toward choosing effective control measures. This course will help you identify weeds, se- lect the best methods of control, and help you time your efforts for the best results. INSTRUCTOR: Catherine Hovanic DATE: Tuesday, March 3, 7 to 9 p.m. V. Common Diseases of Ornamentals and Fruit Trees Controlling plant diseases is a difficult, but not impossible, task in wet western Washington. Learn how to diagnose and identify the most common diseases in our area. Lecture will include the major management alternatives and available resources. INSTRUCTOR: Walt Bubelis DATE: Thursday, March 5, 7 to 9 p.m. FEES: $10 per individual session ($40 for sessions I, II, III, IV, and V). Perennial Garden Maintenance March is the best time of the year to prepare your border, start new plants, and divide ex- isting perennials. An evening lecture will cover site preparation, planting your peren- nial garden, and seasonal maintenance re- quirements. A follow-up workshop will dem- onstrate propagation techniques. Partici- pants are encouraged to bring and exchange clumps for dividing and seed for sowing in this hands-on workshop. INSTRUCTOR: Susan Buckles DATES: Thursday, March 19, 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 21, 9 to 11 a. m. FEE: $25 Hanging Basket Workshop Add a little color to your entry or patio. This hands-on workshop will demonstrate the techniques for planting, establishing, and maintaining a colorful hanging basket. An- nuals will be planted together according to their sun and shade requirements, moisture needs, and color schemes. Participants will have a chance to make one basket for sun and one for shade. Materials provided. INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Buck DATE: Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to noon FEE: $25 VEGETABLE GARDENING SERIES I. Culinary Botany Learn about the food plants in your life. They are found in your garden and local produce aisles, yet many come from distant parts of the world. About 3,000 plants provide you with food. Now you can learn how to grow them at home and how to select them in the market. See and taste them in this fun and informative class. INSTRUCTOR: Brant Rogers DATE: Wednesday, March 11, 7 to 9 p.m. II. Starting Your Garden — Soil Preparation and Garden Planning Get a head start this spring on your garden. This class covers the various types of garden layouts, including raised beds. Learn the proper size, location, maintenance, drainage, and suitable watering systems for your par- ticular site. Soil preparation, soil testing, ad- ditives, and compositing will be covered. Learn how to keep track of your garden’s progress and maintenance by using a garden yearbook. INSTRUCTOR: Gayle Schilling DATE: Wednesday, March 18, 7 to 9 p.m III. From Seed Selection to Harvest Discover how to best manage Northwest garden vegetables and small fruits. This course will introduce you to vegetable vari- eties that perform best in the Puget Sound region. Learn how to divide your garden for various crops and proper rotation for a year- round harvest. Tips and tricks of planting, watering, weeding, pest control, and harvest- ing will be covered. INSTRUCTOR: Gayle Schilling DATE: Wednesday, March 25, 7 to 9 p.m. IV. Salad Gardening In this workshop we will gather and eat a salad made of various wild and cultivated salad greens and edible flowers. Discussion and handouts will cover strategies for year- round production (season extension, varietal selection, and successions), harvesting tech- niques, and salad making. INSTRUCTOR: Robin Stern DATE: Saturday, April 4, 1 to 4 p.m. FEES: $10 per individual session ($32 sessions I, II, III, and IV). Urban Horticulture Presents.. WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM Alert — Tentative Lecture — WPA At press time we are trying to arrange a spe- cial public lecture at the Graham Visitors Cen- ter, WPA, for Monday, March 2, 1987, at 7:00 p.m. It will feature Mr. Charles O. Cresson, author, lecturer, and nurseryman who will speak on “The 60 Minute Gardener.” Call 543-8800 for verification and details. Arboretum Foundation Book Sale The second annual Arboretum Foundation Book Sale will be open to the public March 7 and 8, 1987, 10 a. m. -4:00 p.m. All types of books will be available. Come early, shop late. Donald G. Graham Visitors Center Please note the correct name (as approved by the City of Seattle) for the new Visitors Center. We will continue Sunday open hours (noon-4:00 p.m.). Do you wish to volun- teer? The Master Gardeners will continue to offer free Sunday clinics. And don’t forget the Gift Shop with its expanded array of hor- ticultural gifts. TOURS The Arboretum’s winter landscape has a very special quality. The air is moist and fresh; the temperatures are invigoratingly chilly; and the fair-weather crowds have gone, leaving the mood quiet and introspective. After the leaves fall, you notice the subtle beauties of the plant world — the intricate branchwork patterns, colorful fruits and twigs, and the textures of bark. Yet there are many early bloomers that remind us that a new cycle of creation is already upon us. We encourage you to experience this special season in the Arboretum, either on your own or with a guided tour. At The following guided tours are FREE am^^r begin at the Graham Visitors Center. Reser- vations are not required. Call 543-8800 for more information. Sundays at One These IV2 hour tours begin at 1:00 on the following Sundays: January 25, February 8, February 22, and March 8. Explorers' Walks — for the Plant Enthusiast Study the seasonal change in the Arboretum with our own plant experts. The Explorers’ Walks take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 10:00 to noon. Upcoming walks will be on January 28, February 25, and March 25. lO » — 1 I u_ a c o O) CC O ll CC LU H z UJ O H z < CQ DC o -> 1—1 S 00 On 3 0 < V u* ’(/> CC a) n- -F ^ J- D (/)