Nl:WSLl:TT ER FOR MEf1BERS • VOLLIMI: o NO. 4 ~ WINT ER 1999
RalphTallant Stevens: A LegaCLJof Landscapes BLJSTtVt~l TIMBROOK
WHEN ONE THINKS of the many talented landscape designers who have helped make Santa Barbara and Lotusland the beautiful places they are, a name that must surely come to mind is Ralph Tallant Stevens. He was born December 15, 1882, at Tangle wood , the newly purchased nursery property and home of early Santa Barbara nurseryman and horticultur ist Ralph Kinton Stevens, known as 1nton, and his bride of one year, i.....aroline Lucy Tallant Stevens . Growing up on the property that ;;J ~ was later to become Cuesta Linda i1:: under the ownership of the E. Palmer zV, Gavit family and then Lotusland ~ when Madame Ganna Walska estab 3 lished her wonderful garden home ~ 0 there, Ralph, his brother Kinton g Burkill Stevens, and their sister u Barbara Caroline Stevens attended _ ...... _·,_;-f :c Cold Spring Schoo l, which at that ~ time was located south of Sycamore Canyon Road on the hillside that ~ was to become Arcady, the estate of =-:;;;;..:J~ George Owen Knapp, a few years RalphTallant Stevens stands in frontof a bloomingAgave attenuata, parrof his landscaping later. When the boys were old for tlzemain drive near the SycamoreCanyon Road entrance to Lot11sla11d. enough for 8th grade, they rode their horses to Santa Barbara to the school at the corner of Cota and Anacapa IN THIS ISSUE streets and then to high school in the RalphTallant Stevens : GardenersA ll! 9 old San Marcos Building. A LegaCllof Landscapes Bruno ReginatoCe lebrates 9 The influence of his father's nur TheLotus Pond 3 TwentLJYears a t Lotusland sery with its rich collections of palms Friendsof Lotusland ,4 New to the Collections 10 1d other exotic plants seems to have Privilegesof Membership DLJnamicDirt Lectureand Workshop II -:.et young Ralph on a lifelong career New... FamilLJ Tour s at Lotusland 5 HorticulturalHapp enings 12 in horticulture . In 1900 he enrolled in Monarch Mania 6 Springtimein the Garden 13 Michigan Agricultural College in East Birdingat Lotusland 7 LectureSer ies Continuedon page 2 Travelto the Gardensof Daris 0 2000 MemberEvents 15 did not get along well and, according THE LOTUSlANDNEWSIEITER FOR .tviEMBERS is published by to a family history by Kinton, he and GannaWalska lotusland Foundation Ralph traveled home each summer 695 Ashley Road on separate trains. Santa Barbara,California 93108 Following his graduation, Ralph (805) 969-3767 worked in Chicago for several years. BoardofTrusiees He and his sister traveled to Europe Carol L Valentine,President and the Mediterranean on a vacation MerrylBrown • ElizabethW Dake RobertEmmons • ArthurR. Gaudi trip in 1913, and a scrapbook of his Anne W. Jones • Stanya Owen in the archives of the Santa Barbara PamelaB. Pesenti • David Potter Historical Society is filled with snap Michael Towbes shots and postcards from his travels Steven Timbrook,Ph.D., E'(wttiveDirector that must have been inspirations for Anne Dewey, AssistantDirector his later landscape designs. He then VirginiaHayes, Curatorof theLiving Co!leaion Mike Iven, GroundsSuperintendent taught landscaping and horticulture at University of California at Berkeley Amanda Jones, Editor before returning to Santa Barbara Lindse Davis, Design Printedby VenturaPrinting about 1917. Stevens was the first paid Super YoungRalph TallantStevens. Printedon recycledand recyclablepaper intendent of City Parks and remained active with the Park Commission for Reginald Johnson, and the Royal Continuedfrom page 1 37 years as a member, chairman, and Hawaiian Hotel at Waikiki in 1927. Lansing (now Michigan State Univer then consultant. Some of the City Some of Stevens' contemporaries sity) and his brother, Kinton, followed projects for which he was responsible in Santa Barbara landscape design a year later. Ralph graduated in 1905 included the grounds of the Public were Florence Yoch, AE. Hanson 1 with a degree in horticulture, and Library, Hillside Park (now named Lucille Council, and Paul Thien Kinton received his engineering Orpet Park), the street plantings along Lockwood de Forest worked for degree in 1906. Although the two Cabrillo Boulevard, Alameda Park, Ralph Stevens for six months in 1920 brothers roomed together during Oak Park, and Franklin School Park. before setting out on his own. their college years, a necessary econ He also designed commercial land Stevens was very well known for his omy since their father had passed scaping for properties as diverse as the dramatic use of cacti and succulents. away in 1896 at the age of 4~ they Biltmore Hotet designed by architect Among his private commissions was the Neutra-designed 1948 home of Warren Tremaine, where Stevens took over after Lockwood de Forest's death and turned a dry hillside garden into a succulent garden. He was also responsible for some of the original landscaping at Casa del Herrero, working there with George Washington Smith and Peter Riedel. Although I have found no record to confirm it, Stevens may have done some design work for the Gavit family during the Cuesta Linda era of the estate. Reginald Johnson designed the original Gavit house, and he and Stevens both worked on the Biltmore Hotel project. It would be nice t think he worked at his father's nurs'- The Stevenschildren attended Cold Spring School in the 1880sand 190s when it was on the ery, then designed for the two im hillsidesouth of SycamoreCanyon Road overlooking the Stevensnursery. The rowof oak trees portant later owners of the property. at the rightmarks Ashley Road. Victoria Padilla wrote in 1961, "Santa Barbara's gardens of late years have been dominated by the wor k of vo men, Lockwood de Forest. .. and Ralph Stevens ..." She goes on to say that of all the gardens he designed, Stevens liked his work at Lotusland, his boy hood home, the best. For Madame Walska, Stevens designed a silver garden, wh ich later became known as the blue garden, an outdoor theatre, near it a grotto pool that Ma dame Walska top ped w ith a sculpture of battling roosters, her new swimming poo l with its sandsto ne wall and sandy beach, and finally a horticultu ral clock as a centerpiece of an extension of the formal garden remaining from the Gavit era. For these projects he wor ked with expert stonemaso n Oswal d Da Ros, who Stevensdesigned a swimmi11gpoo/ 1 sandy beach,and stonewall for Madame Wla/ska ca . '1947. also wor ked at Lotusland wi th Mastersto11emaso11 Oswald Da Rosbuil t the walland worked-x 1ith Stevenson severalother Lockwoo d de Forest before they landscapingpro;eas at Lotus/and. both enlisted during World War II. Stevens also designed the iron gates honored by the City of Santa Barbara Barbara Historical Society, Maria at the Sycamo re Canyon Road when the name of San Roque Churchill of the Montecito History :i.trance to Lotusland from sketches Canyon Park was changed to Stevens Committee,and Oswald Da Ros and done by Madame Walska. Park in recognition of his years of Ralph Stevens1 nephew Arden Stevens In 1957, the year before his death, service to the City Park Comm ission. for informationthat helped in prepara Ralph Stevens suffered the loss of his I would like to thank Michael tion of this article.Any errorsare my wife, Ann Klein Stevens, and was Redmonand KathiBrewster of the Santa own responsibility.
TheLotus Po11d
WHATFOL LOWS rs AN EXCERPTfrom an interview with Ralph Stevens' brother, Kinton 1 describing the construc
tion of a pond in what is now the Japanese garden. Around 1890, their father 1 R. Kinton Stevens, planted the pond with Indian lotus, Nelumbonucifera , which has thrived there ever since. Stevens's source for the plants was most probably a grower in New York named Stuyvesant.
Thinking back, it was the thrill of a lifetimefor us kids when father announcedthat we were to have a big pond on our property.It was a 11lake11 to us childrenand w,e always calledit by that name. Every day as we wem to schooland passed by the site, we would try to ffgure out how much longerit would take beforeit was ready for the water. Father built an earthen dam and dosed off a gap in the ravine and thus formeda largewater lily pond. He depended on the next winter rains to fill up the area but it actually took a few seasons to obtain enough water,as we had some very dry years about that date. One morning father told us he was going to make an island in our lake. r;; Fatherplanted many differentvarieties of bambooon the island, and in a few years ~ it began to look like a good place for a cannibalto hide out. Once our alligators got i"".______loose_____and lodged____there until______we caught them again. _, Frier1dsof Lotuslar1d Privilegesof Membership
numbers 11 on a regular basis. Spaces encouraged. This year, we can unused due to cancellations of larger accommodate more guests. group tours or for other reasons can be filled later on in the year by Self-guided tour dates reservations made on short notice by Four dates each year are set aside members and non-members. for any Lotusland member to make reservations to visit the garden for a
Preferred reservationsfor classes1 self-guided tour. Visit your favorite
lectures1 garden tours1 and events spots in the garden on your own. Notice of Lotusland classes, lec Tour dates appear in the Newsletter.
tures, garden tours 1 and events with Advance reservations are necessary. enrollment coupons or reservation instructions appear in each Friendsof The Lotus/and Newsletter Lotus/andNewsletter. If space is avail- Mailed each season to every able, they will also be open to the member 1 the Newsletter is a guide to general public at a slightly higher upcoming Lotusland events and a fee. Members are encouraged to record of recent goings-on. Each issue bring non-member guests. contains articles that focus on botany, horticulture, garden history or provide Members Family Day in-depth background for upcoming Lotusland throws a party lectures or classes. An updated for the Friends of Lotusland calendar of events and registration each April. Admission is free, and information is included. families are welcome. We will be able to accommodate more of you WE WANT TO REMINDALL of our this year, so save the date and watch members of the benefits they receive for the spring Newsletter for reserva as a Friend of Lotusland. If you have tion information. a question or a suggestion, please let us know. Call Amanda Jones, Two (total) free admission passes Membership Coordinator, at (805) Exchange these passes for a visit 969-3767, ext. 230. to the garden for you and your guest 1 or to cover the fee for a lecture LEVEL I, $40 or class. (The total number you Increased access to the garden receive depends upon your member for you and your guests ship level.) It has been Lotusland's practice to reserve a large share of its limited Invitationto Lotusland Celebrates gala visitor tour spaces for use by its All Friends of Lotusland are membership. It is often possible for a mailed a special invitation to the member at any level to schedule a Lotus/and Celebratesgala fund-raiser tour on short notice for dates that given each July. If you have been might be unavailable to non frustrated in the past due to restric members. Although the County of tions on the size of this party, be Become a Lotus/and Volunteer!
Santa Barbara increased Lotusland's Every other year 1 a 14-week allowable number of visitors late docent training course incorporates this summer, spaces are still limited lectures by Lotusland staff, members and do not meet the demand. As a UonnttWi1ls!m l.ofuskim! rournkilion of the community, and speakers frot result, there has been no significant itirndsof Lotusland academic and horticultural insti> ONC FREEADMISSION - ADMITS ONE change in availability of tours to tutions. Garden volunteers work ,'lrnihrr:;,'ia-,1 c'lo!i:· flr5,l\'tt/Km, non-members. Our visitor services :k:-t;\'tliionP!w)1~· tfumhn: i005J 9Gi>~9990 with our staff in the maintenance of lksr1volionomcc !lour-': ~, .. r. 9 A.'l·tkx>n department does re-evaluate 11the our living collection. Some areas of current interest are Japanese horti LEVEL 111,$500 cultural techniques, water gardening, All of the above, plus ... nd sustainable gardening practices. Givea Giffof There are volunteer opport unities in Six (totaOfree admissionpasses our Garden Shop, Archives, and LotuslandThis Admin istrative Office as well. Expanded accessto the garden You may visit the garden any HolidaLJSeason Opportunitiesfor planned giving time it is open to the public for a self tax-deductibledonations , and guided or docen t led tour and bring grant sponsorship up to three guests for each visit. ri~ Make an important contributio n Reservations are required, but space Do YOU KNO W SOMEONE to benefit one of our world's most will always be available. who should be a member of enchantingly beautiful and horticul Eight days have been set aside Lotusland? A relative or turally significant gardens . Mo re during the holiday season this year friend who wants to visit ... than half of our operating expenses for you to visit the garden for self this year. Someone special each year depend on tax-deductible guided tours. Call (805) 969-9990 whose life would be donations and gifts, including your to make reservations, and bring your enhanced by our programs, mem bership fees. guests to Lotusland this winter. A events, lectures , and volun mailer announcing a schedule for teer opportunities? LEVEL II, $100 these special visiting oppo rtunities Consider making them All of the above, plus ... was mailed in Novembe r, or call a Friend of Lotusland. A the reservation number above for special gift Membership information. Four (total)free admission passes package will be sent to you Expanded self-guided tour dates LEVEL IV, $1000 or directly to the recipient , complete with literature on An additiona l two dates each All of the above, plus ... ) onth are set aside for Level II (and the garden and a gift card. above) members to make rese1va Unlimitedfree admissionsto the garden Membership fees bene tions for self-guided tours. Up to for you and your guests fit the garden and are fully three guests can be accommodated tax-deductible. for each visit. A schedule of these LEVEL V, $5000 For details , call (805) dates is sent out in November. You GARDENBENEFACTOR 969-3767, extension 230 and can use your time on your own to All of the above, plus ... speak with Amanda Jones, paint, sketch, photogra ph, stroll, or Specialrecognition for your contribution Membership Coordinator. simply sit and enjoy the garden. to the preservationof Lotus/and New... FamilLJTours at Lotusland
IN AN EFFORT TO BETitR SERVEour family members and families from the community , Lotusland is pleased to begin offering tours for families starting February 16, 2000. Currently only children 10 years of age and older can accompany their parents on a guided tour. Because of the nature of our garden tours -l ots of information, narrow pathways, sharp plants, and 1½ hours in length-it was felt that some children might not be able to appreciate the visit, which could take away from the enjoyment , of others in the group. Unfortunately , this made it impossible for some parents with small children j', ' to visit Lotusland at all. We hope to change that now . 'IJJ.'' Our family tours will be offered the first Thursday morning of each month (10 AM) A /' and the third Thur sday afternoon of each month (1:30 PM) . Reservations are required, >on ~ and the reservation office is open from 9 AM to noon , Monday through Friday, (805) 969-9990 . , r~- The admission fee is $10 for adults (or a membership pass), $5.00 for children under 10, and tJ· 1 free for those 2 and under. The family tours will be separate from the regular tours, which will fl: /1 · also be offered during the same time slots . Docents will be specially trained to do modified and f .·1/,. iJ... faster (or slower !) tours as necessary to accommodate children and parents carrying infants. · ~ JUST AS THE METAMORPHOSIS from Aside from the pest control caterpillar to butterfly is one of aspects, another benefit of an insec nature's wondrous feats, the meta tary is that butterflies are attracted to morphosis of a somewhat bedraggled these same plants as a food source ... area of the garden to the spectacular hence the term "Butterfly Garden." display of flora and fauna known as On a warm day many colorful the Butterfly Garden/Insectary has butterflies can be seen fluttering from been one of Lotusland 1s wondrous flower to flower feeding on nectar. In volunteerfeats. With the help of Lynn 1999 a separate planting area of non
Kirby, Michael Delgado 1 and other native milkweed (Asclepiascurassavica) Just out of the chrysalis1 the monarchpumps dedicated and creative volunteers 1 to serve as host plants for monarch liquidfrom its abdomeninto its wings and this garden has become a dynamic larvae was added to the garden. then sunbathesto let the wingsdry and and exciting area. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs hardenfor fiight.
In the spring of 1998 1 this all only on milkweed plants, and the volunteer project was initiated in an female monarch lays just one egg per area of the property that, by all plant. Several females may lay their accounts, ''looked pretty pathetic. 11 eggs on the same plant, creating a This half-acre plot beyond the lemon "monarch nursery." When the eggs arbor was selected for an insectary hatch, the brightly colored larva and now £eatures a potpourri of (caterpillar) feasts on milkweed many varieties of flowering plants leaves and grows at a very rapid rate. that attract beneficial insects. These Milkweed does more than just plants provide a food source for provide food for monarch larvae; it insects that will eventually move also protects monarchs by making into other areas of the garden either them horrible tasting (and poi to eat pest insects or to lay their eggs sonous) to predators. on plants. When the eggs hatch, the Butterfly Garden volunteer Life as a caterpillaris completeas the emergent larvae will eat insect pests Michael Delgado is part of Monarch butterflyfiies to a tasty fiowerto fuel up such as thrips or aphids. This plot is Watch, a monarch tagging program afier weeks in the chrysaliswithout food. one of several insectaries planted initiated by educators and butterfly around the periphery of the property. enthusiasts, and has brought our the eucalyptus trees-the majority garden into the program both by of which had tags on the wings. Tags the planting of milkweed plants and can become damp and soggy, by installing a framed netted area becoming an extra burden of weight around one of the milkweed plants. to migrating butterflies. When the caterpillars pupate, they Tagging is done for various pur do so from the top of the netting or poses, one of which is to track the on the milkweed plant. After meta monarchs' extraordinary migration morphosis, the emergent butterfly is patterns and study its orientation and prevented from flying away by the navigation to determine the physical netting, thus enabling Michael to tag cues and behavioral responses that them. The butterfly is gently held by underlie the monarchs' migration. its wings, a peel off tag is verycarefully Monarchs cannot live where temper attached to one of the wings, and the atures are below freezing. To survive butterfly is placed on a flowering the winter, monarchs originating east milkweed plant to briefly recover of the continental divide migrate to before flying off The downside of Mexico. Those west of the continen tagging is that it is sometimes done tal divide migrate to the west coast, incorrectly by untrained people and including the largest of west coal poses a definite threat to the monarch wintering grounds-rignc Milkweed providesfood for monarchlarvae butterfly. During a recent south coast here in Santa Barbara (technically in as it protectsmonarchs by them aggregation site count, many dead Goleta) at Ellwood. horribletasting and poisonousto predators. butterflies were found at the base of The fascinating life cycle and How do you tel{the mamaand papa monarchsapart? Look to the wingsfor the answer iVlonarchmales (left) have Mo blackdots, or scent glands,on theirhind 1i;1ings;female monarchs (right} have no dots.
metamorphosis of monarchs is the state, so now there's plenty of butterfly gardeners often feel com threatened by human encroachment atala caterpillar food to go around. pelled to rescue eggs, rear caterpillars, into formerly unpopulated areas. Adding "caterpillar plants" to our and then release adults to improve Because of native milkweed habitat gardens lures butterflies and helps the butterfly population's long-term degradation or destruction through them by producing egg-laying sites chances. You start out thinking cater out the west (housing tracts, shopping for female butterflies. pillars are going to eat up all your malls, agricultural use), monarchs Caterpillar plants are the best plants, but you end up wishing for face diminishing potential egg-laying way to attract butterflies to our caterpillars. sites. Fortunately, there are groups gardens, but some gardeners confuse In 2000, Lotusland's Educational such as the North American Butterfly voracious with omnivorous and Outreach Program will be helping Association, a nonprofit organiza- think these caterpillars will eat prized monarchs by educating area school ion that promotes public awareness plantings. But caterpillars are actually children on the life cycle of mon and conservation of butterflies. It quite picky eaters, and most have archs and the need for habitat preser extends their shrinking habitat and evolved to depend on only one or vation and restoration. Students will can even bring a species back from two host plants and eat nothing else. be creating their own backyard but the brink. The atala, a beautiful Caterpillars also have many natural terfly gardens and insectaries and metallic blue hairstreak butterfly, is predators. Birds, spiders, wasps, will be touring Lotusland's Butterfly
a good example. Once common in lizards, and rodents eat them 1 and Garden to learn more about this fas Florida, then believed to be extinct, parasites finish off most of the rest. cinating and beautiful insect. the species has staged a comeback. The odds against any single cater -Connie Buxton The cycad, its host plant, has become pillar making it to winged adulthood PHOTOS: Monarch Magic by Lynn M. a popular landscaping specimen in are slim. Once this is understood, Rosenblau,lflilliamson Publishing Co. 1 1998
Birdingat Lotusland
JEFF CHEMNICK,LOTUSLAND VOLUNTEER, cycad expert, and fanatic birder, will team with Executive Director Steven Timbrook to lead a winter bird walk at Lotusland on Saturday morning, January 8, 2000. Jeff has built an impressive life list while birding the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australia; and Steve is nearly there on his continent list, if not as far along on his bird list. Both know their local birds and Lotusland well and t look forward to flushing out the garden's avifauna with any interested birders. Beginners are welcome, and we will have two or three pairs of binoculars to loan if you need them. See coupon on page 15 to register. of ris ar\da . . 1se1 0 rg WITHANNt: \XI. JONt:S • JUNt:14-24, 2000
on a relaxing cruise on the Canal de Bourgogne aboard the 20-passenger
luxury barge La Litote1 arranged by Abercrombie and Kent. Some of the highlights of the trip are: • Accommodations at the lovely The 20-passengerLa Litote. five-star HotelLe Bristolin the heart of Paris. One of the top-ranking BY NOW/ HOPEFULLY/you have hotels in the world 1 it is sump received in the mail the invitation tuously decorated with works of to join a very special and small art and offers an enclosed rooftop Lotusland group to visit the gardens swimming poot sauna, solarium, of Paris and enjoy a six-night cruise and gym. in Northern Burgundy. We encour • Sightseeing in and around Paris, a age you to act quickly as we can dinner cruise on the Seine, special take only lucky members for gala dinners, and evening events. this extraordinary experience. For • Visit the Jardin de Bagatellein the more information, a complete itiner Bois de Boulogne, famous for its Ancy-le-Franc. ary1 and costs, please contact Robin superb rose garden where an Inter Jones atTravelWorld (805) 963-6521. national Rose competition is held Yonne River and the Canal d. Lotusland Trustee and garden every other year-in June the roses Bourgogne 1 which will highlight enthusiast Anne Jones will accom are at their peak and the Shakespeare the very best of this beautiful pany members of Lotusland on Garden is particularly beautiful. region in central France. From this one-of-a-kind adventure. The • A charming drive to see the master Auxerre 1 capital of Lower Bur 1 itinerary 1 designed by Anne (past piece of France s greatest landscape gundy and gateway to many world-renowned vineyards, travel President of the Garden Club of gardener 1 Andre Le Notre, at the Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara famous Vaux-le-Vicomte-often de to Ancy-le-Franc, site of a beauti Botanic Garden, and Lifetime Flower scribed as the most beautiful private ful Italian-influenced Renaissance Show Judge for the Garden Club of chateau in France; the garden is chateau ... stopping at wine cellars, America), takes you to some of the the finest in the Paris area with a churches 1 and medieval towns along the way. La Litote is re more interesting gardens of Paris and magnificent succession of terraces 1 nowned for its excellent service ornamental lakes and fountains, 1 accommodations and cuisine. descending to a formal canal. 1 • After the cruise return to Paris for • Visit St. Germaine-En-Layeon the 1 a one-night stay at the five-star Hotel bluffs above Paris where nobility Meurice1 including a special gala din built their homes in the 18th ner and evening of entertainment. Century and now the site of one Assist Lotusland1s garden programs of the most famous prehistory while you enjoy the gardens of Paris museums in France that houses and France. This trip is sponsored pre-Roman and Celtic collections. by Ganna Walska Lotusland for its
• In Paris, enjoy Les Invalides1 a 17th members and arranged by Travel Century church built by Louis XN World of Santa Barbara. TravelWorld 1
where the tombs of Napoleon and an important supporter of -'-''-"'-'-'-UiUiJC'-+
his family are located, surrounded fund-raising activities I will make by wonderful grounds sweeping donation to the Foundation for down to the Seine. member of Lotusland who partici • Leave Paris for a cruise on the hotel pates in the trip to France. The gardensof Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte. barge La Litote sailing on both the -Anne Dewey BrunoRe ginatoCe lebratesTwentw Years at Lotusland
Peabody estate, Cima Linda. Bruno's minutes later, when Bruno dis aunts had also worked for Madame covered he needed a pair of pruning over the years. Mario told Bruno the shears, he carefully planned his route specifics of the job and that he to the tool shed to avoid running into should treat peop le at the house with Madame . His plans went awry respect ...a very traditiona lly Italian there she was . "Bruno again?" she kind of conversation that ended in said. He had to admit he was Bruno . Bruno signing on. "Walk with me." She was on her way He was to help Mario with his to the cycad garden to meet with her duties-garden maintenance from maintenance man. When he didn't the blue garden to the front gate . appear promptly at 2:00, she sen t Bruno also mowed the great lawn Bruno to get him. Sensing Madame's once a week and took on a variety of displeasure, Bruno sprinted to the jobs delegated to him as the newest main house and found the mainte and youngest employee. Chief among nance man, who in turn jumped into these feats of strength was the brush a 1964 Falcon and roared up the main MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED by and clipping detail. Every week he drive, hoping to rescue the ruined Lotusland. Its visitors, its volun would take Madame's windowless meeting. Madame's impatience with teers, Friends of Lotusland, staff, and 1957 International Harvester truck tardiness was legendary Trustees each enjoy a slightly dif from garden to garden, loading it up Not long after chis, Madame ferent experience of the garden . We with debris from that week's work. Walska was confined by her final love Lotusland, and it is generous He would unload the "army tank" in illness to the pavilion, and Bruno's in its gifts to us. But what would it the wasteland beyond the Green contact with her ended. He still felt )! like to work in this garden for Cottage in the northern part of the the effect of her generosity (another twenty years? What would it mean property . Within a few months, legendary quality of Madame's), and to us then? several acres would be ·covered, and during the holidays, a formal celebra There have been many changes the local haulers would be called tion was held in the dining room for at Lotusland since Bruno Reginato to remove it. (Today we call this the staff, complete with dinner served began working here in 1979, but compost and treat it with respect.) on fine china and silver and his uncle for the most part, his days are spent Work at Lotusland took on a Mario's wine in crystal glasses . taking care of the garden in the same routine punctuated only very rarely Twenty years have passed, both ways as ever. He had spen t two by sightings of Madame Walska. Mar io Franceschini and Madame years in the Navy traveling the world Early on, Bruno had encounte red Walska are gone, and Bruno has his and was working as a gardener at the Madame as she made the rounds of own family now. Life in the garden Biltmo re Hotel when his uncle, her garden. He formally introduced goes on, with a few important Mario Franceschini, told him abou t a himself to his new employer and changes. Nowadays, when he mows job at Lotusland . Mario had been was relieved when, after a polite the lawn, Bruno's clippings become employed by Madame Walska since exchange of welcome and thanks, compost. 1970, after work ing 20 years at the she proceeded on he r way. A few - Amanda Jones GardenersAll! IN AN EFFORTTO FOSTERunders tand of Lotus pond, rose garden, and
V, ing and encourage goodwil l between cycad garden. Ma intenance was the z: g the "insiders" and "outsiders" at rule of the day. Huge heaps of clip ,..., Lotusland, the grounds staff orga pings, cuttings and dead foliage were nized a day of hands-on gardening collected by enthusiastic teams of :J participation for the administrative Lotusland employees, bonding along
V>< ci staff. Pale, weak creatures used to the the way. The day was a success on InsiderAnne Dewey assistsoutsider Corey shelter and monotony of the office all levels and promises to become a Wellesin theRose Garden. were thrust into the exciting arenas regular part of life at Lotusland. IN THE TRADITION of Kinton Stevens) nursery (see cover article), Lotusland continues to be the starting point for a number of species never before grown in Santa Barbara. Seeds of potentially suitable trees) herbs, and shrubs are sown in the hopes that someday they will prove to be useful and beautiful additions to the gardens. Sources for these seeds vary from yearly offerings by other botanical gardens in the form of index semina, lists of seeds collected either at the offering institution or by their collectors in native regions, to donations from nurserymen and visiting botanists from around the world. Some recent acquisitions from Kirstenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa include several new very much part of our m1ss1on to species of Bauhinia (Hong Kong preserve the legacy of Lotusland's Orchid Tree, Bauhinia blakeana, is a creators and to ensure that future familiar Santa Barbara street tree), visitors will experience an equally Dombeyaburgessia, and Podocarpusfal vibrant garden of exotic specimens. catus.A specimen Schotiabrachypetala, Of course, when a tray of seeds grown from seed) is already lifting its is started, the uncertainty of just how crown above the hedges surrounding many will germinate and survive to the cycad garden. While it may seem be planted in the ground leads us to somewhat unrewarding to plant hedge a little. 11Safety in numbers)) seeds of trees that we will personally applies to any new seed trials. Often) never see in their mature state, it is this over-planting results in a surplus
Beaucarnea recurvata seedlingsand maturetrees.
of plants, a pleasant dilemma of having 10 (or more!) pots of some thing that) because it will eventually tower 100 feet in the air, there is really only room to plant one of. Donations to plant society sales, educational institutions such as Santa Barbara City College and Cal Pol San Luis Obispo) the Santa parks department) and trades with other nurseries and botanical gardens Rhopalostylis baueri seedlingand maturetrees. usually relieve the situation. Other seeds and cuttings arrive to ensure their survival should a trade, and preserving this stock Jrom collectors on various expedi- natural disaster in one region wipe in several locations helps to secure ons . A recent batch of palm seeds out that collection. their future. was forwarded from the Mont Cycad seeds from South African Seeds and cuttings from our own gomery Botanical Center in Florida. and Australian gardens continue to plantings are started in much the Their researchers spent some time in enter our collection in this manner . same spirit. Historic trees, succulents, Belize this summer and shared their Recently the Morton Arboretum in and cycads may be perpetuated on wealth with us. Other botanical Lisle, Illinois offered other botanic site by timely propagation. Young gardens also propagate material from gardens cuttings of cultivated palms, agaves, ferns, cycads, and their own collections for distribution conifers from trees and shrubs that more are waiting in the wings to take to interested parties. Spreading the were old and in decline at their their place in the garden. genetic material of endangered facility. These species are no longer -Virginia Hayes plants around to separate sites helps generally available in the commercial Photosby VirginiaHayes
Furcraea roezlii seedlingsand maturetrees .
DL.JoamicDirt Lecture aod WorRShop
WITH THE INCREASING information health of the soil in which they grow. See examples of the benefits of mycor surfacing about detrimental long-term Healthy soil contains a complex web rhi.zalfungi, earthworms, compost cea, effects of toxic pesticides, fungicides, of beneficial soil life. Identifying the and mulching. Visit our beneficial and chemically-based fertilizers, components of this soil food web insect plots planted with species that members of Lotusland's horticultural and learning how to make it thrive attract and keep good bugs in the staff have been attending seminars, has increased our wonder about the garden. Take home practical guides reading the latest scientific papers, complexity and beauty of nature . to pest management, lists of the and searching the internet for better We'd like to share our knowledge most successful materials, and and experiences with you. solutions to pest and disease control. sources of products and information. As our knowledge grows , so does Join us for a lecture and work Bring your own lunch or purchase a our commitment. All materials used shop on Saturday, February 12, 2000 scrumptious box lunch from Fresco today in the garden are certified from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A slide (only $11.00) when you register for organically based and the lease harm lecture outlining the principles of ful alternatives available . One of the sustainable gardening and introduc the class. Beverages will be provided . most important ideas co surface is ing the concepts of soil food web Cost is $10.00 for members (or use that healthy plants are better able to operation will be followed by one of your passes) and $12.00 for ; sist disease and pests. Improving demonstrations in the garden. Learn non-members. Reservations are re the overall health of our collections how you can establish colonies of quired and space is limited . Use the is a top priority. symbiotic root fungi, how good coupon on page 15. Raindate is The best way to improve the compost is made, and how to use it Saturday , March 25th. health of plants is by improving the to improve the health of your garden. - Vi,giniaHayes Horticulturalappe11111gs SUPPORTFOR SUCCULl:NTS - CABLINGAND BRACING LARGL SPl:CIMl:NS
THE WEEPINGEuphorbia ingens, which WHEN WARRANTED,the branches of guard the courtyard and entrance to some large cacti and euphorbias are the main house, are marvelously engi selectively removed in order to bal neered. Twisting, growing branches ance the weight, preserve the mother eventually spiral on the ground and plant 1 and protect the existing land support themselves and the structure scape. These branches or cuttings are of the whole tree, much like aerial saved and rooted in the nursery or roots of a banyan tree that turn into directly in the garden planting bed. trunks. The E. ingensand other large Cabling and bracing are methods succulent specimens create the drama used in conjunction with selective and add to the effectiveness of the pruning to preserve large specimen main drive landscape. These plantings plantings of succulents in the land are not without their horticultural scape. The cabled collars around suc challenges. Regular monitoring of culent plants must be checked and plant health and cultural conditions readjusted at least every few years to is absolutely necessary in order to allow for plant growth and to pre offset and treat disease, pest, and soil vent permanent damage or scarring. problems caused by the inherent Historically 1 the large succulents at environmental stress to susceptible Lotusland were secured with collars plants grown outside their native made of pieces of garden hose or old In this case Lotus/andstaff devisedan habitat. Also, plants in cultivation 1 radial tires and cables or wire 11 A-frame with pipes1 rope and a hoistto often look better" (larger better 1 attached to various sized pipes in th 1 supportand lowera large healthypiece of 1 ground. An ongoing program t" color, straighter, faster growth rate, the plant. After soilpreparation the 11-foot etc.) than they do in habitat because longcutting will be rootedon-site and cabled standardize cabling and bracing with they receive regular cultural care. It's for support. strong new materials will improve possible for a plant to become too the appearance of the cactus and euphorbia garden while helping to big and heavy for its own root sys assure the longevity of those impres tem to support. As strange as it may sive succulent specimens.
seem, TLC can lead to conditions -Mike Jven1 photos by Mike Jven that threaten plant health. If a large Trichocereuscactus breaks or falls over in a desert in South America, who cares? The fallen plant part will probably root, and multiple branches will grow from remaining rootstock, resulting in a most inter esting and spectacular looking plant. I( however, a 15-foot talt 500-pound columnar Trichocereusplanted among the Echinocactusgrusonii in the main drive planting bed in front of the pavilion were to £alt someone could get hurt, other plants in the vicinity would definitely be destroyed, and a large and valuable specimen would Many of the largesucculents at Lotus/and be lost from the landscape. Vigilant This multi-trunkStenocereus dumortieri grow in areasinaccessible to heavy equip attention to plant health and timely requiresa lot of support.Notice the extent ment. When rootrot was discoveredin this and varietyof cablingand bracingused on maintenance by the horticulturists are fifteen-foot-tallTrichocereus 1 an innovative the largesucculents and otherspecimens courseof actionwas requiredto save as the only ways to preserve Lotusland's throughoutthe Garden the next time you much of the plant as possible. display and botanical collections. visitLotus/and. Sprirtgtime irtth e Ciardert Lecture Series n SPONSORl:DBY LOTUSLJ\NDAND THI: SANTABARBARA MUSl:UM OF ART Invitations and registration informationwill be mailed to all members in early January. BEAUTIFULAMERICAN authority on garden ornaments and • MorningAmerica and Sunday Morning one of the foremost dealers in the Today. Her new book , "Antique ROSEGARDENS field today. She has served as consul Garden Ornaments: Two Centures With Mary TonettiDora tant to the Metropolitan Museum in of American Taste" done in col Wednesday,January 26, 2000 2:00 PM New York for its collection of 19th. laboration with well-known garden Santa Barbara Museum of Art century ornamenta l cast iron. She photographer Mick Halles, has Local author Mary Tonetti Dora has been interviewed and quoted in recently been published by Abrams follows her gorgeous and successful Martha Stewan Living, the New York and will be available for signing after "Beautiful American Vegetable Times,Art and Auction,and Winterthur her lecture . Gardens" with this delightfu l look at Magazine and has appeared on Good -Anne Dewey American rose gardens. Mary has been active in the Santa Barbara Garden Club since 1972, lectured extensively for the Garden Club of LotuslartdCirat efullLJ America, and written for such publi AcRrtowledges DortatiortS cations as Gourmet1 the New York Times,and HouseBeautiful. Mary will AugustS eptember, October 1999 sign her new book, "Beautiful Ameri can Rose Gardens," after the lecture . MISCELLANEOUS Andrew & Adrianne Davis Amgen, Inc. for Mr. & Mrs. Alvin W. Friedman GREATAMERICAN Mr. James Martin Ms. Mary Anne Lischer Mr. & Mrs. William Borthwick Mrs. Elise Mudd Marvin
LEVEL I Ms. Cynthia Harada Ms. Kathy Salazar & Ms. Jean Shiner Mr. & Mrs. Fred A cha tz , Mr. & Mrs. Jack Harvey Mr. & Mrs. Robert Santoro Ms. Laurie Anderson Dr. & Mrs. Edward Hayes Ms. Karen Schnell Ms. Joyce Appleby Ms. Genevieve Marie Healey Ms. Janet Shapiro Ms. Christine 0. Atkinson Mr. Richard Herbst Mr. Paul Shoemaker Mr. Charles Avery Ms. Michelle Hobel Ms. Diane J. Siegman Mr. Louis R. Baker Ms. Joan Hoffman Mr. Michael Sims & Mr. Dayne Navaro Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Banish Ms. Enid Hyde Ms. Elaine Smith Mr. Thomas M. Barron Dr. & Mrs. James S.L. Jacobs Ms. Patrice Smith Ms. Katherene Barshay Ms. Amy Jones Ms. Kristin Snyder-Heath Mrs. Anita Bates Ms. Joann Katsuda Mr. Frank Sovich Mr. & Mrs. Roy Batista Dr. Ro bin Kay Ms. Susan Springer Ms. Linda Bennett & Mr. David Cohen Mr. Martin H. Kelley Ms. Toby Sternlieb Mrs. Hugh Best Ms. Linda Kelly ·Ms. Barbara Stevens Ms. Gloria Betz & Mr. Peter Cohen Ms. Karen Kerma th Mr. Bill Stone Ms. M.J. Birchard Ms. Beth Kohs Ms. April A. Strasbaugh Mr. & Mrs David Birenbaum Ms. Bette Krushell Ms. Sally Swift Mr. & Mrs. Bob G. Black Ms. Hannah Kully Mr. Roger C. Taft Ms. Angela Blake Mr. & Mrs. Keith Landenberger Mr. & Mrs. Joe Tillotson Mr. & Mrs. Randolph Blossom Mr. & Mrs. Barry Lang Ms. Linda Tow Mr. Robert Bonner & Mr. & Mrs. Todd Leigh Dr. Marla Berns, Director Ms. Cathy Bonner Ms. Edith W. Leopold Mr. & Mrs. Dan Upton Ms. Sonja Bowker Mr. Clark Lien Mrs. W. D. Van Atta Ms. Teri Boxwell Ms. Mei-Ye L. Lin Mr. & Mrs. Jack Vandernoot Ms. Belinda J. Burns Ms. Susan Loughman Mr. Reed Vickerman Ms. Julie Bush Ms. Ellen Waddell Mrs. Bruce Calder Mr. Lester Manchester Mr. & Mrs. Tim Manley Mr. & Mrs. Kail Wathne Mr. Jim Candy Mr. & Mrs. Gary Marlotte Mr. & Mrs. Carl White Mr. Jeff Carmody Ms. Mindi White Ms. Jacqueline W. Cervin Gail & C.R. Marshall Mr. Tom McDonald Ms. Nancy Whitlock Ms. Elizabeth Chang Mr. & Mrs. Irving Witt Mr. & Mrs. Vic Meyer Mr. Stephen Chase Ms. Lora Woods Mrs. Judy Milbrodt Mr. John Clark Ms. Laura E. Woodward Mr. & Mrs. Rand Molnar Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Cole Ms. Mary Woodward Dr. David Kuehn Ms. Leah Colberg Mr. & Mrs. Bill Wyckoff Ms. Betty M. Naszody Ms. Gail Copley Mr. Kyle Yoniemura Mr. Zev Nathan & Mr. Neal Mazer Ms. Patricia Cox Ms. Hsiao Jung Yu Ms. Barbara T. Crawford Ms. Ellen O'Shea Ms. Sonia Crestfield Ms. Malchia Olshan & LEVEL Ms. Marika Davidek Mr. George Jaidar Ms. Joanne Agoglia Ms. Jean De Muller Ms. Julia A. Osborn Mr. & Mrs. R.M. Alex Mr. Mark De Wit Ms. Susan A. Oxholm Ms. Veree H. Alexander Ms. Virginia Mason Dittmer Ms. LeeAnn Palmer Ms. Anna Bailey Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Doherty Mr. Henry Panian Mr. Robert R. Beasley Ms. Mary Anne Donner Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Parletto Ms. Judith Bennett & Ms. Judith Dorrenbacher Ms. Nancy Pepper Mr. Stephen Schweitzer Ms. Lauraine Effress Ms. Louise Pierson Mr. James Berg & Mr. Frederick Fulmer Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Ellison Mr. & Mrs. Harold 0. Pool, Jr. Ms. Carolyn Bordofsky Ms. Sheila Enlow Mrs. Eleanor Precoda Mrs. John L. Bradley Mr. Gary Farr Mr. & Mrs. Neville Price Ms. Terri Chernick Ms. Janice Feldman Ms. Kathleen Quinn Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Colin Ms. Marguerite Fernandes Ms. Sandra Raisen Mr. & Mrs. Larry Diehl Ms. Marilyn Fordney Ms. Hannah Rappaport Ms. Sarah Stapelton Dobbs Mr. & Mrs. Martin Fuchs Ms. Meredith Reeback & Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dockendorf Ms. Leslie Fuller Mr. Tom Hughes Mr. & Mrs. David Dvorak Mr. & Mrs. Jim Gibbs Ms. Sheena Ricchio Ms. Denise Feldman Dr. Robby R. Gordon Ms. Hawley Roddick Dr. & Mrs. John Findley Ms. Lucia Grossberger Mr. & Mrs. Pier Rossi Ms. Betty Franklin Ms. Colette Hadley Mr. & Mrs. Robb Rothman Ms. Carol Garcea Mr. & Mrs. Stefan Hagopian Ms. Linda J. Saba Ms. Marion Grassi & Ms. Ann Grassi r------, ~ Birdingat Lotusland GonnaWal ska LotuslandR egistrationForm \ J With STEVET IMBROOK I and JEFFC HEMNIK PAYMENTMETHOD: 1 Saturdm-1, JanuarLJ3, 2000 D Check enclosed D Free admission pass enclosed D VISA D MasterCard 1 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM • $10.00/person Expiration date ___ Card number ______I Number of people attending __ _ 1 Member name ______I I Dl)namicDirt Address ______I Lectureand Workshop ______Phone ______I With LOTUSLANDSTAFF I SaturdaLJ,Febr uarLJ12 , 2000 Signature ______I 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM • $10.00/person Feesare refimdable only if cancellationis received one week beforeclass or lecture . ~ Box Lunch • $11 I If minimumenrollment is not reached,classes and lecturesmay be canceled. I Number of people attending _ _ _ No phone reservations, please. I Number of box lunches ____ _ I Mail to:Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, I Total enclosed $------695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 L------~ Ms. Robin Hanson & Mr. Ast0r Hayes Mr. & Mrs. David Hardee Mr. FrederickE. Harrison 2000 MemberEvents Mr. & Mrs. Tim Hixon Mr. Phil Jye Ms. Phyllis Karr Man y Lotus/and events are open to non-members. Ms. Maria Katz A lso, this year there are more opportunities to bring Ms. Jane Kellard children to the garden. Kids and grandkids are welcome Ms. Susan Keller j . & Mrs. Randall King at some events, and can visit the gard en with you on our 1vfa.Lori Kraft Meschler new Fa mily Tour days, announced on page 5. Mr. Elmer W. Langham We hope you enjoy tliis year at Lotusland. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Marino Mr. & Mrs. John McCormick Reservotions: Ms. Judy McKee Ms. Margaret Mosher 969-9990 Ms. Marta Nunez M onday-Frid ay, 9:00 AM to noon Mr. & Mrs. Ray Osburn Mr. Douglas Powers Ms. Vicki Pratt Saturdlll.J,Jonuarl.J 3 Soturdlll.J,februort.J 12 Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sardisco Birding at Lotus_lattd Dynamic Dirt Mr. Rabinder Sekhon in the New Millen11ium 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM Mr. & Mrs. Arlie M. Skov withJeff Cftemnickand Illustrated lecture with Lotusland Mr. Phillip Sotel Steven Timbrook horticulture staff, followed by Mr. & Mrs. Cochran Supplee 9:00-10 :30 AM lunch and hands-on in the Ms. DeAnna Timm & Coffee and snacks served. garden . See page 11. Mr. Michael Garrigan See page 7. 1\.1BMBERS $10 or free admission Mr. & Mrs. RichardTrautwein MEMBERS $10 or free admission Ms. Katy Travaille pass, NONMEMBERS$12 pass, NONMEMBERS $12 Mr. & Mrs. Ross Waddell Mr. Dave Walker Soturdal.J,April 3 Mr. Mark A. Weaver SoturdotJ,Jonuorl.J 22 Private Gardens with Mr. James Whiting Self-guided Toursfor All Members VirginiaHayes Mrs. Linda Wood 1:00- 4:30 PM 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Mr. & Mrs. James Yankopoulos All members can make a reser 1 vation to enjoy the garden on The curator of Lotuslands living LEVEL Ill collection offers her justifiably their own . Paint, draw 1 stroll, i Pat Lucas take photographs, sit and enjoy, popular tour of local private A s. Nancy Power read- whatever you wish to do. gardens. LEVEL IV MEMBERS$10 or free admission MEMBERS $75, NONMEMBERS$80 Baroness Leni Fe Bland pass Continued on next page Ms. Jerri Harrison GcH1r1a\ValsRa Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Lotuslar1d1Dur1datior1 PAID Santa Barbara 695 Ashley Road California Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Permit No. 160 Address Correction Requested Forwarding Postage Guaranteed
r.Events Continued :,Satµrdaq,Ap.rO ~p: · strating niwaki techniques in.•·· Lunch will be available for /f/Je,mbers/Fat11ily Daf · · thejapanese Garden~·... ·· .. · .··· '. purchase or bring a picnic. ADULT MEMBERS$20, KIDS UNDER . 10:00 AM-:4:00PM · . ·... ··a··.'..:. . .·. . .: · Fun and edmiational activiti.es ; · · ··.ME:·.·.·.MB··...·E .. R· ..··s ...$1•2, .NON.::····ME· .....· ·.MB··.· .....•E·.:R.. S ...· ..·$··· ..···.1· .• ·.'·•. 5···· ..·.·•·.·· 10 $10, KIDSUNDER 2 Free, AD.ULT SaturdttlJ,June 17 · •·· NONMEMBERS$25 for the entire family. Picnic . .· Self-gpided Toursf<:tAllMembers , lunch on the lawn:witli music :. 1:00-:c4:30PM. < .•. .· ...... ··· ·. •. • Sundaq,.TBA : and entertainment. · MEMBERS$10· or fiee admissrorr · •Music in.the Theatre Garden ·:· Free lo:members. pass· MEMBERS$40, NONMEMBERS$45 .SqfuNlatJ, M.atJ ll Satl!f