l n

NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS VOLUME 6 NO 3 ~ FALL 1999

Gettingto the ROOTof the Problem: (LJcadGarden Restoration BlJV IRGINIA HAYES• Photos blJM lt\E IVEN

EXCELLENTRECORD-KEEPING done by staff over the last 11 years enables us to recognize trends in performance throughout the . One trend that has recently come to light has led the staff on a detective-style hunt for a potentially dangerous "criminal." It is one thing to know what a plant requires for success and some­ times quite another to determine just '- why it is struggling or even failing to thrive. When several otherwise healthy-looking at had fallen over with fungal infections and poor root systems, it was clear something had to be done . More than 30 specimens have died in the last 10 years . The committee, consisting oE Peter Schneider, John Lafleur, Mike Iven, and Virginia Hayes, began meeting over a year ago to discuss what might be the Preparationof the renovatedarea includes soil replacement, the installationof sub-surface drainagesystems, landscape rock placement, and pathway improvements. Soilimprovement causes and cures for the dismaying practicesare mostimportallt, and the additionof organicmatter, a temporarycover , trend in the cycad garden. Some mycorrhizal(imgi and otherbenefkial (imgi and bactenawill be ongoing. factors were easy to pinpoint. The floods of 1995 and El Nina's cool, 1 soggy winter just three years later N THIS •55~~'!: were obvious culprits. But it became Gettingto lhe ROOTof lhe Problem: HorliculluralHappenings II Ct1cadGarden Resloralion increasingly clear that there just SustoinabililllWorkshop II might be more going on, literally, New CUDAllows MoreVisitors 4 Rareand SpecimenDiani Fund 12 beneath the surface. CompostTea 4 CompletesFern Garden Project When the cycad garden, the last New lo lhe Collection5 5 Docent TrainingSlarts 12 garden created during Madame LoluslandStaff Attends 5 September13 Walska's lifetime, was first designed Ct1cadConference and installed in the late 1970s, tons Phil Jackson 13 DurbanBotanic 6 Lotusland's "Ministerof De-fence" of soil and amendments were brought ThinksGloballll, Acts Locallll RoseGarden Ded ication in and mounded up to provide the ChristmasTrees and TheirFriends 7 13 drainage and drama that these rare LotuslandCelebrates Les Deux 3 ReservationOffice Improvem ents 16 Continuedon page 2 Theatresd e MadameGanna Walska Calendarof Events 16 Continuedfrom page 1 been completely replaced and all THE LOTUSLANDNEWSLETIER FOR MEMBERS species deserved. The very real pos­ within these two areas were is published by Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundatton sibility that old tree stumps or other removed to the nursery. After theif ) 695 Ashley Road woody debris had been covered over transfer to the nurse1y, the cycad~ Santa Barbara, 93108 in the process could explain the pro­ showing infected roots or stems (805) 969-3767 liferation of Armilleria( root fun­ were pruned (some quite severely) gus) that feeds on roots and other and treated with . They are Bonrdo(Trustee.~ now recovering in a special new Carol L. Valentine,Prcs1de111 wood and attacks cycads as well as Menyl Brown • ElizabethW. Dake many other plants . What to do? with bottom -heated beds Robert Emmons • Arthur R. Gaudi After interviewing cycad experts while they develop new roots . Anne W. Jones • Stanya Owen around the country and drawing By removing all the soil in the Pamela B. Pesenti • David Potter upon our own staff's experience and affected areas, not only are the Michael Towbes expertise, the committee began to pathogens themselves removed, but several sources of continuing infec­ Steven Tunbrook, Ph.D., ExecuriveDircccor shape a plan to renovate portions of Anne Dewey, Assista111Direcror the cycad garden. Work is under way tion were uncovered and removed. VirginiaHayes, Curatorof rheLiving Cofleaio11 now on the first section in the plan. New soil was brought in and organic Mike {ven, Ground:;Supcrinte11de111 "Horridus Hill," so named by the staff and inorganic amendments were for its colony of Encephalartoshorridus, incorporated. In addition, the first Amanda Jones, Editor occupies the center of the garden section of a subsurface drainage Lindse'sGraphics, Design system that will eventually drain the Printed by Ventura Printing and was the site of the worst losses. Another nearby mound with species whole cycad garden was installed . • Printed on recycledand recyclablepaper of Ceratozamiahas had heavy losses Paths within the project area have as well. The soil in both areas has been regraded and widened where

Lotus/andstaff removedthe smallercyUlds from the renovationarea Heavy machinerycarefully removed larger plants and transported by hand digging. them to a nearbyinspection station. Inspectionsrevealed various degrees of root rotcaused by Arrnillaria(oak root fungus) in many plants.Lotus/and staff cutaway infectedportions of rootsand trunksback co healthytissue. Specific sanitation procedures werefollowed to avoidcontamination of tools and healthyplant parts.

possible. The addition of some large boulders and accent plantings with similar cultural needs as cycads will enhance che original design. Since our main goal is to return the cycads to good health and pro­ vide an environment in which they will thrive, they will be replanted in the new beds only when they have healthy root systems and show evi­ dence of new growth. In che interim, a cover crop of Sudan grass will be seeded in the bare areas. Not only will these plantings control potential porated in the final preparations. recent years chat are now in the erosion, they also will be tilled into These organisms are part of a healthy nursery. Soil tailored to these cycads the soil to provide nutrients and more soil ecology and help to suppress the will be mounded up to create new organic matter when their season has growth of disease. beds to display our ever-1ncreasing passed. Sudari grass is used commer­ The next phase of this ongoing, collection of these Australian natives. cially to grow mycorrhizal fungi, four- to five-year project will focus While some of the paths will which is then processed and sold as on the health of che soil in che area need to be closed from time to time a soil-building treatment. We will planted with Cycas and Macrozamia for visitor safety as che work pro­ inoculate the soil with a starter appli­ just south of the koi pond. It is gresses, staff will try to keep as much cation of fungi that will grow in unlikely that we will need to remove of the cycad garden as possible open symbiosis with the grass roots. The as many plants in chis area, but selec­ to visitors. We appreciate your coop­ end result should be a larger colony tive soil renovation around che large eration in staying out of the work .. of beneficial fungi available to che Cycas plants will improve their root zone, and hope you share our enthu­ roots of che cycads when they are zones. The adjacent Macrozamiaarea siasm for solving some serious plant replanted. Trichodermaand other will be re-designed to accommodate health problems and building a beneficial bacteria will also be incor- a large number of plants acquired in model sustainable garden. NewCo11ditio11al UsePermit Allows More Visitors

LOTUSLAND1S 1WO-YEAREFFORT to gain been since Lotusland first opened to ---- 0 permission from the County of Santa the public in the fall of 1993. Members of Friends of Barbara to allow more people to Recognizing the educational value enjoy and learn from Madame of Lotusland , the Supervisors upheld Lotusland can make Walska's garden has borne fruit. We a special provision approved by the reservationsfor the are grateful to the many members Planning Commission that allows remaining 1999 season up to 5,000 Santa Barbara County of Friends of Lotusland who wro te and into 2000 by calling letters of support, contacted the Board students to participate in Lotusland's of Supervisors urging a favorable elementary school education program. the reservationoffice, decision, and appeared at hearings (Thanks to transportation and edu­ on Lotusland's behalf. cational material funding by the 805-969-9990, On July 16, Lotusland received Monroe Foundation, about 600 fourth between 9 a.m. and noon, the final OK to begin operating grade students from six local schools Monday throughFriday. under a new Cond itional Use Permit. have visited the garden in 1999.) Even with the expanded For 1999, 2000, and 2001, Lotusland Although students will not be counted will be allowed to serve up to 13,500 in the regular visitor limits set by the visitor limits, Lotusland's visitors per year, an increase of 4,500 Board of Supervisors, the transporta ­ popularity means that over the previous annual limit. Within tion they use must be within non-membersneed to that limit, Lotusland can expand two Lotusland's daily visitor vehicle limits. of its three special events to 500 As the resources that make the ele­ plan their visits months guests, while the third remains at the mentary school education program in advance. Non-member previous limit of 300 people. With possible increase, the garden will be reservationsare now being the exception of the two expanded able to accommodate students, with­ made for the 2000 season. .,,,-. special events, all of the daily vehicle out limiting access to other visitors. limits remain the same as they have -Steven Timbrook

CompostTea

of tea. Compost tea can be sprayed in areas with gravel or rock top dressings to inoculate the soil with microorganisms. Organic nutrients such as hydro­ lyzed fish powder and soluble kelp added to the diluted compost tea help provide a material that builds plant and soil beneficial microorganisms. Composting, mulching, the use of organic products, compost tea and other sustainable practices cultural care regime is a compost are not new, but recent research, tea maker . The Microb -Brewer technology , and tissue/soil food­ used at Lotusland is manufactured web analyses validate Lotusland's by a company in Oregon and is commitment to these methods of designed to efficiently produce a "Turnthe clod, cultural care and reduced worker consistent and reproducib le com­ andwhee l th4 composthom e." exposure to potentially harmful post tea. In 18 to 24 hours the William Cowper(1731-1800} substances. 15-gallon capacity brewer cultures -Mike !ven New to the CollectiortS

valued for their lush and interest­ inflorescence with a green spathe. ing foliage. Leaves of A polyphytumand another All are native to the tropics of the unnamed spec ies are variously Americas and may grow in the soil or segmented and dark green. epiphytically on trees in wet forests Another species new to the col­ at higher elevations. Even those with lection, A. podophyllum,has even more absorbent roots firmly embedded in segmented foliage with 11 to 15 the soil may crawl and clamber up narrow "fingers" on each palmate ly the nearest tree, clinging with wiry veined leaf. It and three other large aerial roots to the cracks of their specimens came from the collection hos t's bark. Their inflorescences are of Diane Foster. These all have simple typical of the Arum family to which leaves, but of a size to command they belong . An elongated spadix attention. You will have no trouble covered with small flowers, the "tail" finding them the next time you visit in their common name tailflower, the garden . - VirginiaHayes rises from a bract known as a spathe. In the florist's varieties, this spathe is Glossygreen foliage and an infiorescence the brightly colored, heart-shaped chatlooks like a rat'srail are characteristic structure we admire . In most other of many speciesof anthurium. species, it is narrower and often dull , .. brown, purplish black or green. Several new species of Anthurium To MOST PEOPLE,the name Anthurium have recently been planted in the conjures up an image of brightly Epiphyllum garden . Three were colored, unrea l-looking, hothouse propagated from seed donated by flowers . Florists sell the waxy red, Loran Whitelock from plants grow ­ pink, and wh ite beauties, but few of ing in his garden . His plants grew us live in a climate tropical eno ugh from seed he collected on one of his to produce such perfect specimens . many plant-collecting trips in Mexico These flamboyant members of the and South America. A berriozabalense, genus are in the minority, though, from Southern Mexico, has arrowhead with many more Anthuriumspec ies shaped leaves and an inconspic uous Anthurium podophyllum. LotuslandStaff Attends Cwcad Conf erence

THE TRIENNlALCONFERENCE of cycad worldwide were presented by re­ enthusiasts and researchers was held searchers from around the globe . August 7-10 at Fairchild Tropica l Another do zen topics were dis­ Garden in Miami, Florida. Lotusland's played in poster form, including a Specialist for cycads Peter poster on cycad coning cycles in Schneider and Curator Virginia Hayes southern California by Ms. Hayes . attended the four-day conference. Lotusland donated three items to the Sessions on fertilization, pollination, Cycad Society auction to raise funds propagation, and other horticultural for cycad research. In all, more than topics, as well as tours of the cycad 130 attendees and presenters &om collections of Fairchild and adjacent about 20 different countries partici­ Montgomery Botanical Center, filled pated in the conference. The next Curatorof PlantCollections at Fairchild the first two days . Two more days cycad conference will be held in TropicalCarden Chuck Hubbuch leads of talks on conservation, diversity, 2002 at the Nong Nooch Tropical a tourof the cycadcollection . physiology, and phylogeny of cycads Garden in Thailand. Durban Botar1ic CJardellSThir1 RSCJloballLJ, Acts LocallLJ LOTUSLAND'S THREE Encephalardos 0 \'(loodii,the centerpieces of Madame Walska's spectacular cycad collection, belong to a species now extinct in the wild . A single male specimen dis­ covered in Zululand , South Africa in 1895 by then Curator John Medley Wood and planted in the Durban Botanic Gardens is the source of all (cloned and therefore genetically identical) E woodii growing today. The circumstances that led to their loss in the wild are unclear, but by nurturing them, Lotusland helps guarantee the E. woodii'ssurvival. The Durban Botanic Gardens still takes an active role in plant preser­ The cityof Durban{population ,f,200,000} is the capitolof KwaZuluNatal, SouthAfrica . vation, but has moved beyond the curatorial goal of collecting specimens predicted that trade in medicinal centive to conserve plant resources. to an ambitious program that will plants would diminish with accelerat­ The demand for existing vegetation ensure the survival of indigenous ing urbanization. The opposite proved is so great that certain plants have plants now threatened with extinc­ true. It is now estimated that at least become extinct in the wild, such as tion due to their importance in local 80% of black city dwellers consult Natal (Siphinochilusaetheopicus) medicine. Chris Dalzell, curator at traditional healers who prescribe and the Mathithibala plant (Haworthia - Durban, described this program in medicinal plants (or mutht) as part of sp.), an age-old prescription to ward a lecture at Lotusland in July under­ a cure. Before urbanization, these tra­ away evil spirits and purify the blood. written by an anonymous donor. His ditional healers collected their own Presently in the Durban area message was of interest to anyone plants and observed conservation there are: concerned with plant preservation practices that were a part of their • Six million indigenous medici­ and practical ways to encourage it. culture. Today collection is left to a nal consumers. Ten years ago in South Africa, middleman who is paid in cash • More than 400 plant species tribal remedies were regarded by according to the quantities he can traded in the marketplace . some as a cultural curiosity, and many deliver and who has little or no in- • 300,000 plants removed from the wild each week. • 4000 Strangeriaeriopus cycads being sold in the muthimarket each week. We have two speci­ mens at Lotusland . • Between 20 and 30 thousand people supported by the medi­ cinal plant industry. In response to this crisis, the Durban Botanic Gardens began grow­ ing medicinal plants at its Silverglen Medicinal Nursery in 1986 . The nursery now propagates about 400,000 medicinal plants a year and makes them available to medicinal IV, 2 :c gatherers, encouraging them to grow u The SilverglenMedicinal Nursery grows more than 400 speciesof indigenousmedicinal plants their own muthi. As most indigenous thatare traditionallyharvested from the wild. Expansionwill allow for theprotection of many plants are perfectly adapted to arid morewild plants now beingharvested to the pointof extinctionfor sale in the muthi market. conditions and poor rainfall, they do V, ~"' :i:: z< ~ u ...... -"-'--~--...:..-...... :....--~...as..-....i Groupsof healersand collectorsattend workshops at Silverglenwhere A muthi marketin Durban. The medicinalplant industryinvolves they learnto propagateand growmuthi pla1tts.Their participation approximately4,000 tonsof plant materialper yearand supports ensuresthat fewerplants are taken fromthe wild. morethan 20,000 peopleIn KwaZulu Natal.

not require special conditions to With the success of this program the strain off wild plant populations. grow . The former gatherers (now comes a need to expand it. A Local people would be employed in farmers) can grow the plant starts to proposal made by Chris Dalzell and a way that contributes to an existing a salable size and then harvest a crop the Durban Botanic Gardens would economy, and an ecological disaster for the market place. Since 1997, a provide that plants grown through for the world at large could be averted. three-day course at Silverglen has tissue culture by the Durban Parks If you would like to know more about introduced more than 500 healers/ Department could be made freely the work at Silverglen Medicinal collectors to the skills necessary to available to the newly trained growers Plant Nursery or are interested in grow and market medicinal plants and that there would be land for contributing to its future, Steven with the nursery's help. School groups their muthi gardens. An expanded Timbrook or Virginia Hayes would '- are tutored on the importance of program would mean that the wild be glad to put you in touch with medicinal plants and the Silverglen sources of many plants could be Chris Dalzell. program's role in their preservation. replaced by cultivated ones, taking - AmandaJones

ChristmasTrees ar1d Their Frier1ds

AT THE RISKof mentioning the winter Send in the coupon on page 15 holidays while we're still enjoying to enroll in Christmt1sTrees and Their summer, it's time to announce a Friends. The class fee is $10 or use special botanical class that will take one of your free member passes. place at lotusland on Saturday after­ As with all Lotusland noon, November 13, from 1:30 to programs, enrollment 4:00 PM. University of California at is limited so please Santa Barbara Geology Professor Dr. respond promptly to reserve your place. Bruce Tiffney, whose paleobotanical -Steven Timbrook research focuses on the evolution of plants in the Northern Hemisphere in the last 65 million years, will help get us into the spirit of the season by sharing his special knowledge of v those evergreen icons, the conifers. Have you wondered how to tell spruce from , redwood from cedar; what lets evergreens keep LOTUSLANDTHANK S U.S. TRUST COMPANVOF CA LIFORNIAAND N l:W Jl:RSl:V ANDT l:Nl:T Ht:ACTHCARI: CORPORATION Lotusla11dCelebrates 0 LesDeux Theatres de MadameCJan11a WalsRa

THE GENEROUSSPONSORSHIP of U.S. create a wonderful bit of history. by UCSB's Director of Dance Dr. Trust Compan y of California & Bryant & Sons Jewelry under­ Frank W.D. Ries, as well as memo­ New Jersey w ith Ten et H ealth care wrote the invitation, graced with rabilia from Lotusland's archives . On as the Benefactors helped make the images of Isadora Duncan. The design special loan from Hania Tallmadge July 18th gala Lotus/andCelebrates the of the program, sponsored by F.B. was a paste copy of Madame Walska's most successful and spirited in the Vand erhoef Jr., harkened back to eye-popp ing emera ld and diamond event's five-year history . Under the the open ing of the Theatre in 1913 necklace and the actual French medal direction of chairperson Pam Pesenti, by incorporating a contemporary of the Legion of Honor, both worn the Lotus/and Celebratescommittee drawing of the event. exclusively for her ou tings to the embued Madame Ganna Walska's Upon registering at the make­ theater. The sunken draw ing room already extraordinary garden with believe ticket booth, guests were continued the theme of the lavish the spirit of the Theatre de Champs­ ushered through the , theater foyer with red carpe ts, black .Elysees, the opu lent art deco theater where they were treated to a daz­ velvet curtains, and a re-creation of a in Paris owned and frequented by zling performance of le jazz hot by Pablo Picasso costume design . Madame Walska from 1923 to 1939. Joseph ine Baker (impersonated by the After mingling on the ma in lawn Under her ownership, the Theatre de beautifu l Windy Barnes with key ­ among golden gazing balls, guests Champs -Elysees became the toast of board accompaniment by Clarence were heralded by a major domo to Paris, featuring such legendary artists McDonald) . The exh ibit in the wa tch a tribu te to Isadora Duncan by as Josephine Baker, Igor Stravinsky, entryway of the main house, under ­ her "Isadorables .11 Danced with true George Balanchine, Isadora Duncan, written by a donation &om Mr. and inspiration to the music of Chopin Anna Pavlova, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Mrs. Monte Brown and arranged by by six dance students, the perform ­ and Vaslav Nijinsky, to name a few As Karen Kolb, recalled the lobby of the ance evoked another era in which a tribute to this golden age of music, Theatre de Champs-Elysees, with col­ barefoot girls in grecian robes dance, and theater, and to Madame's orful poster art by Paul Colin, original danced on the lawn of Madame own outdoor theatre garden, the photographs of the Ballet Russes, Walska's chateau at Galluis . Guests commi ttee worked tirelessly to re- fabulous costume and set designs lent were treated to more enchanting

Lotus/andBoard President Carol Valentine Dr. FrankRies and Lotusland Celebrates committeechair Pam Pesenti work the crowdduring thanks thegala's sponsors, donors, patrons, the auctionof RichardSchloss's beat1t1fit! oil painting Madame Walska's Theater Garden and committeemembers . at Twilight. The majordomo(Daniel Nelson) assisted in everyaspect of the enterrainmem. HaroldSimmons successfully bid for a privatedinner at Lotus/and,and A passionateperformance by the lsadorablesenchants guests on the MarleneVeloz outlasted the competitionto take homethe painting by main lawn. Dr. FrankRies reconstructedthe dancefrom work done by RichardSchloss. IsadoraDuncan eighty years ago. entertainment in the theatre garden, Airlines , with accommodations at the Dinner commenced under the where Anna Pavlova and her partner fabulous Hotel Le Bristol in Paris, trees, with a menu of savory French performed a lovely pas de deux. Both ending with a six-day cruise on the cuisine perfectly complimented by an performances were choreographed Dutch -built barge Mirabelle,provided excellent 1997 Pinot Noir from the by Dr. Ries and were reconstructions by Premier Selections. Second up for Wild Horse Winery & and of the original dances . He was auction was an oil painting by re­ an equally delicious 1998 Sauvignon assisted by Valerie Huston of the nowned Santa Barbara landscape artist Blanc from the Buttonwood Farm UCSB Dance department. Lotusland Richard Schloss of Madame Walska's Winery. "Josephine Baker" made a ,- is grateful for a dona tion from Mr . TheatreGarden at Twilight,donated by second appearance under the giant oak to serenade the guests as dessert and Mrs. Herbert Kendall to assist the artist and The Easton Gallery and cafe au lait were served. with the evening's music and enter­ with framing by Montecito Frame & As the final curtain closed at tainment and is deeply indebted to Gallery . Third was a private dinner sunset and guests of Madame Dr. Ries for so generously lending for ten in the theatre garden with an Walska's Deux Theatres wound his time, energy, and expertise to extraordinary menu sugges ted by their way through the foyer and ensu re that the music, choreography, Julia Child and catering donated by down the main drive, it was certain staging, costumes, and dancing the Four Seasons Biltmore that a splendid time was had by all. we re absolute perfection . with chef Martin Frost. -Deidre Cantrell For the second year, the pre-dinner auction was a great success . Pam Pesenti and Frank Ries solicited bids for this year's three items . The first, a trip for two to Paris in the fall, was arranged by Travel World of Santa Barbara. The lucky bidder will travel business class on American

.... Anna Pavlova(Christina Sorokou)and herpartner (AustinMcCormick) dance a pas de deux in the idyllicsetting of Madame Walska'stheatre garden. Harryand eventcommittee member Karen Kolb enjoy the festivities. Lotusland wishes to thank the fol­ lowing Patrons of Lows/andCelebrates : Les Deux Theatresde Madame Ganna Walska, whose support ensured the success of Lotusland's premier fundrai sing event:

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bacon, Jr. Be Bop Burgers Mrs . Louise D . Brant Mr. & Mrs. Neil F. Campbell Ruth & Tom Crawford Tom & Nancy Crawford, Jr. Mr. & Mrs . George Eagleton Dr. & Mrs. Robert} . Emmons Mrs. Maur ice E. Faulkner Mr. & Mrs . Alvin W. Friedman Arthur R. Gaudi Me linda & Marvin Goodman Carla & Stephen Hahn Bernie & Rosemary Parent We would like to thank the Mrs . Richard H. Hellman Frank & Pam Pesenti following additional Contributors: Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hugunin Nancy & David Potter Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Jones Lord & Lady Ridley-Tree Anonymous Kim & Soren Kieler Mr. & Mrs . C. William Schlosser Mr. & Mrs . Tom Barrack Mrs. JoAnn Lewis Dorothy & Stan Shaner Ms . Mary Cheadle Robert M . Light Mr. & Mrs . Harold Simmons Ms. Cecelia Dalsemer LLWW Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Victor Tacconelli Mr. & Mrs . Harry Kolb Eli & Lea trice Luria Hania P.Tallmadge Mr. & Mrs . James McIntyre C Mr. & Mrs . Keith Palmer Marston Jeanne Thayer & Mr. & Mrs . MaxE. Meyer Montecito Bank & Trust Tom Thayer Mr. & Mrs . Gene Montesano Mr. & Mrs. James P. Owen Michael Towbes Ms. Margaret Mosher Carol L. Valentine Mr. & Mrs . John Rex Dr. & Mrs . H. Wallace Vandever Mr. Sandy Saunderson F.B. Vanderhoe f, Jr. Mrs. Elman R. Service Mr. & Mrs . Robert Veloz Mr. & Mrs. John Waugh Harriet & Albert Zukas Ms. Jeanne Woods

Lotusland is grateful for the following additional Donors :

American Airlines jazz singerW1t11dy Mr. & Mrs. Monte T Brown Barnesin cos/Ume Bryant & Sons Jewelry as the legendary Buttonwood Farm Winery JosephineBaker. Jerome & Joan Dalseme Four Seasons Biltmore Hote l Le Bristol, Paris Mr. & Mrs . Herbert Kendall Mr. & Mrs . Frank Pesenti Premier Selections, Inc. Dr. Frank W.D. Ries C Swaggedgazing ballsreconstruct a lawn Travel World decorationused by Madame Walskain F.B. Vanderhoef, Jr. the 1960s. Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards HorticulturalHapper1ir1gs

0 ouR SUMMER INTERNS AND ships in the area of arboreta, botanical Tu::r111 gardens, and public gardens . As a fre­

1 quent visitor to Lotusland over the LOTUSLJ\NDS GROUNDS MAINTENANCE years, Mr. Eltzroth is familiar with the summer intern program provides grounds and the cultural care pro­ practical experience to students cur­ vided. He is therefore able to encour­ rently enrolled or recently graduated age not just any student, but the right from accredited horticulture pro ­ student, to apply for Lotusland's grams. Seven Cal Poly San Luis internship. Recent Cal Poly students Obispo horticulture students have selected as interns based largely on participated in the program since its Mr. Eltzroth's recommendation have inception in 1986. This year Damon proven to be very bright, curious, V, Cockerham, a senior Cal Poly SLO wz knowledgeable and motivated stu­ Q. Environmental Horticulture Science Mr. dents of horticulture . Eltzroth '------" <.. major with an emphasis in the commented on the Lotusland/Cal Damon Cockerham,this summer'sgrounds landscape industry, worked with Poly internship connection: maintenanceintern. Lotusland horticulturists and curators 11In a general sense we want all on a variety of projects throughout interns from Cal Poly, regardless of different supervisors and to interact the garden. The cycad garden where they intern, to be exposed to a with several grounds workers. They renovation project, the creation of a wide range of horticultural and man ­ are exposed to real problems that new planting bed with automatic agerial activities under the direction require immediate and practical solu­ irrigation in the garden, an of several people so they experience tions, giving them an opportunity to introduction to niwake a broad cross-section of horticulture put into practice their classroom and techniques in the Japanese garden, and interact with several supervisors laboratory learning. On yet another preparation of the garden for and numerous co-workers. Lotusland level, there is the special cachet Lotus/andCelebrates, and mulching, has certainly met these expectations accompanying an internship at mulching, mulching are some of the for our recent interns including Mike Lotusland. It is truly a distinctive and activities Damon experienced during Souza, Eric Martin, and Damon I'm unique experience and one that is his internship . The entire Lotusland sure . An internship atLotusland gives highly regarded by employers. The staff enjoyed working with Damon the student exposure to situations Lotusland internship experience and wish him great success in his we aren't able to provide in depth at certainly helps put the successful future horticultural endeavors. Cal Poly. For example, working with intern in the 11blue chip" category. Cal Tom Eltzroth teaches Plant extensive plant collections such as Poly's Environmental Horticultural Materials and at Cal the cycads and the Japanese garden, Science Department appreciates the Poly SLO, oversees the department's and working with specialists such as Lotusland internship program as we Leaning Pine , and is the in the area of IPM. Additionally, the feel it is beneficial to the student, Environmental Horticultural Science intern has the opportunity to work to the horticulture profession, and Department's coordinator of intern- under the direction of a variety of to Lotusland ." -Mike lven

Sustair1abilitLJWorRShop

Do YOU WA.ITT TO available at a workshop at Lotusland techniques. A short introduction will KNOW which plants on Saturday, September 18th, at be followed by tours of demonstra ­ attract beneficial 10:00 in the morning . tion areas around the garden. There insects to your garden? In the past few years, Lotusland's will be lots of handouts and free Have you ever wondered just what staff has moved from dependence on information as well as a sale of in­ goes on in your compost pile and chemical fertilizers and pest control sectary plants and organic what those microscopic organisms to an entirely organic approach to books. (Refreshments, too !) really look like? What fertilizers and plant health. Join them for a behind ­ Please use the coupon on page pest control materials are the safest the-scenes look at some of the 15 to register for the class. Cost is to use? Answers to these and many innovative new treatments as well $10.00 per person or use one of your more of your questions will be as some tried and true gardening member passes. Rare a11dSp ecime11Pla11t Fu11d Completes Fer11Gard e11Proj ect 0

EARLIERTHIS YEAR Lotusland's horti­ of paths that the old oak had dictated, to take advantage of the Rare and cultural staff had to make the difficult a more interesting route has been Specimen Plant Fund, which had decision to remove a large coast live created, and adjacent palms that were been established by several generous oak (Quercusagnfofia) from the fern formerly too close to the path now donors in 1998. One thousand dollars garden. Over time, the oak had have ample space to be appreciated. was allocated to bring in three tree developed a severe lean, and the The crisis presented by the need , completing the project, but Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) to for instant shade provided an oppor­ dropping the balance in the Fund which it had been cabled a number tunity to visually connect the original below its ideal level. The Fund of years ago was now itself showing fern garden and the fern garden is an important safety net for horti­ signs of impaired health . Faced with extension by continuing the plantings cultural emergencies and allows a potential hazard to visitors and of Australian tree ferns (Sphaeropteris Lotusland to respond to opportunities damage to surrounding landscaping coopen)from one area into the next. if unusual plants become available should the oak topple, we decided it Nthough the horticultural staff was for purchase. had to come out. able co realign the path (resetting If you would like more informa­ The newly opened space offered blocks of sandstone weighing 60 tion about donating to the Rare and an opportunity to realign the main pounds each) without significant Specimen Plant Fund or other horti­ path from the original fem garden extra expense, additional large cultural programs at Lotusland, into the fern garden extension that Australian tree ferns were needed, Executive Director Steven Timbrook had been designed and planted in and there was no money for their would like to discuss Lotusland's 1986-87. By creating an offset from purchase in the operating budget. needs and opportunities with you . the original "crossroads" configuration This was a perfect opportunity He can be reached at 805-969-3767.

VISITORSTO LOTUSLANDare treated to botanical and historical information about the estate interpreted by docents who have undergone extensive training to prepare them for giving public tours. Every other fall, a fourteen-week docent training course presents all necessary information for conducting a tour of the garden. Instructors are drawn from the staff atLotusland, the Santa Barbara com­ munity, and other California academic and horticultural institutions. Anyone who is interested in receiving informa­ tion about becoming a docent, please call Connie Buxton, Education and Volunteer Coordinator, at 969-3767, ext. 227. 1999 DocentTraining is funded C by a grant from the WilliamE . Weiss Foundation. VOLUNTEERPROFILE 0. PhilJa cRSon:Lotu sland's "Minister of De-fence"

how beautiful everything looked, license and flew for many years, but Phil realized it must take an incredible these days he doesn't take to the amount of work to maintain. He has air anymore with the explanation, since learned first-hand just how "There are too many people who much work it entails and says when don't know what they're doing up working with the horticultural staff he there ... myself included!" is "inspired and amazed at the dedi­ Lotusland is honored to have cation that these people have. They PhilJackson's dedicated commitment are self-starters who just go out and to making the garden the beautiful, work their tails off; real go-getters!" well maintained, and fascinating Phil's twice-weekly schedule place it is. Phil is so much a part of originally corresponded with his the horticultural and grounds main­ wife Millie's art classes at the Schott tenance staff that they depend on Center. When her classes finished, him as an integral part of the overall BEINGA CALlFORNIANATIVE is a rarity however, he was already hooked on picture, and he enables them to get in itself, but Phil Jackson possesses working in the garden and continued their work done and complete pro­ other unique qualities that make him his schedule, much to the benefit of jects in a timely and efficient manner. such an indispensable asset to Lotus­ Lotusland. Millie Jackson is a multi ­ Our sincere thanks, Phil, for all you land. Every Tuesday and Thursday media artist who is in the Carpinteria do for Lotusland. he arrives around 6:30 a.m.- well Valley Art League and a charter -Connie Buxton before even the hardiest members of member of Step One Gallery. She the horticultural staff-to begin works in pastels and oils, and also working on a variety of grounds does computer-generated painting . maintenance projects. He describes Phil and Millie have three sons, two RoseGard en his duties as "doing whatever they of whom live in Southern California, DonorR ecognition want me to do," but the fact is that and the third one in Australia. Phil's wide-ranging talents offer in­ The Jacksons have recently com­ CELEBRATINGIN LOTVSlAND'S valuable expertise in everything from pleted remodeling two adjacent garden are (from left) electrical and plumbing projects to houses in Carpinteria, and they live Charles W. Fairbanks and weeding and garden maintenance. in both of them. One house serves as Pamela and Aubert de One of Phil's major contributions studio/office, and the other is the Villaine, whose donations involved repairing and replacing the "official residence." Phil says that in memory of Henri chainlink fence around the entire when house guests come for a visit, Gaudin de Villaine make perimeter of the property. It had it's really quite convenient because possible its spring 1998 renovation . been badly damaged or completely the guests take over the residence, destroyed from a variety of abuses, and Phil and Millie retreat to the fully and it took eight weeks to complete equipped studio/office. "A tale of this task ... during which time he was two houses" sounds like the best of appropriately dubbed "Minister of both worlds and prevents any need De-fence." A recent project involved to mend fences after the visit. replacing plumbing for the irrigation The Japanese garden is Phil's system in the Aloe garden. The pipes favorite because of "the serenity of it were old and rusted out, so Phil dug all; you feel like you're 1,000 miles a trench and cut into the main line, from everything." He is very much in­ put in new hose bibs, and did the terested in Japanese culture and owns necessary replacements with PVC. several books on Japanese history and Phil's involvement with Lotusland culture, including the military and began in 1995 when he was on a tour airplanes ... £lying being another one with docent Jayne Murray Burton. of Phil's talents and something he Enjoying his tour and appreciating truly loves. He possesses a pilot's Frie11dsof Lotusla11d We WelcomeNew Members \Xll'm Jo ir1ed in MaLJ,Jun e, JulLJ1999 0 Ms. LeslieFuller Ms. Linda Pender Ms. Lois Adair Ms. Arleen Garcia Ms. Louise Pierson Mrs. M.S. Amestoy Mr. & Mrs. Jim Gibbs Ms. Judy Pochini Ms. Joyce Appleby Ms. Anita Goldstein Ms. Barbara P. Poer Ms. RebeccaAtwater Mrs. Horace Gray Mr. & Mrs. NevillePrice Mr. Louis R. Baker Ms. Laura Guneau Ms. Meredith Reeback Mr. Donald W. Banas Ms. Colette Hadley Mr. Jon Reeve Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Banish Mr. & Mrs. Stefan Hagopian Ms. Nancy L. Reinesto Mr. & Mrs. William Beasley Ms. Cynthia Harada Mr. Byron Reynolds Ms. Mona Behan Ms. Kathy Harmon Ms. PamelaJ. Rich Ms. Jean Beirne Mr. & Mrs. William R. Hawley Ms. Marybeth Rinehart Ms. Linda Bennett Ms. Arlene Henry Ms. Hawley Roddick Ms. Judith Bernstien Mr. & Mrs. Craig Herrin Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Roehrig Dr. & Mrs. Maurice Beugelmans Mr. Michael Hillerman Mr. & Mrs. Robb Rothman Ms. Denise Bielby Ms. Betty Howell Ms. Linda J. Saba Mr & Mrs David Birenbaum Dr. & Dr. Herbert Hyman Ms. Carol Schaeffer Mr. Jim Blascovich Ms. Lory Johansson Mr. David N. Schultz Mr. & Mrs. David Blitstein Mr. & Mrs. Charles Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Homer Shapiro Ms. Monica Bootcheck Ms. Sarah Johnson Ms. RebeccaShaw Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Bornholdt Ms. Michele Kaplowitz Ms. Alisa Shorr Ms. Teri Boxwell Ms. Franl(aveney Ms. Joan Tapper Siegal Mr. & Mrs. Stan Braun Dr. Robin Kay Mr. Michael Sims Ms. PatriciaBrennan Ms. Mary Ellen Kazmark Mr. Daniel Smargon Ms. Marilyn Brunsdon Mr. & Mrs. Pat Kelly Mr. Willam C. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Frank Busic Ms. Deborah Kirsch Mr. Morris Squire Ms. Eileen Caba Ms. Laura Knauss Ms. Joanne Stephanatos Hetzel Ms. Marilyn R. CaldweU Ms. Lauren Krasco Mrs. Donald Stivers Ms. Lorraine Cass Ms. Bette Krushell Dr. ElizabethSullivan Ms. Elizabeth Chang Ms. Susan Kuroda Mr. & Mrs. John Swift Ms. Robin Chasteen Mr. Gordon Kurtis Mr. & Mrs. Joe Tunner C Mr. & Mrs. Frank Chein Mr. & Mrs. Daniel LaPorte Ms. Lisa Vitale Ms. Amy Clark Ms. ScephanieLanda Mr. BillWalkup Ms. Ellyn Clark Mr. & Mrs. Keith Landenberger Mr. & Mrs. Jack Waltman Drs. Julie & William Coburn Ms. Stephanie Landregan Ms. Freda Weegar Ms. FelicityCocker Mr. & Mrs. William Lavin Mr. & Mrs. Lee Weinberg Ms. Anne Coffey Ms. Marie S. Lichauco Mr. & Mrs. Carl White Ms. Patricia Cox Ms. Mei-YeL. Lin Ms. Mindi White Ms. Lisa Taylor Crouse Ms. Andrea Lipson Ms. Laura E. Woodward Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Dawson Mr. Clarence McDonald Mr. & Mrs. Bill Wyckoff Mr. & Mrs. Joel Day Mr. & Mrs. Hugh McGonigle Ms. VirginiaMason Dittmer Ms. Cherie Mignone ~E '- Ms. Lucy B. Dobson Ms. Cydney Miller Ms. Anna Bailey Ms. Joyce Donchak Ms. Laura Miller Ms. Laura Barnes Ms. Myra Douglass Ms. Joyce Mohun Mr. & Mrs. Chris Barreca Mr. & Mrs. Richard Drosendahl Mr. & Mrs. RickMohun Ms. Judith Bennett Ms. Penny Dutton Mr. Alfred Moore Mr. James Berg Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Ellison Mr.& Mrs. frank More Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bernes Ms. Jenny Erickson Mr. Michael Nash Mrs. John L. Bradley Ms. Bonnie Fenton Ms. Sybil Nisenholz Mr. & Mrs. Bob Calabrese The Ferris & Roan Family Ms. Dee Norton Ms. Sharon T. Cherry Ms. Pat Fletchall Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Omdahl Mr. & Mrs. Richard Cirincione Mr. & Mrs. Ron Fox Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Ostrand Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Colin Mr. & Mrs. William H. Freudenstein Mr. & Mrs. A,J. Parletto Ms. Claudia Elmes Mr. & Mrs. Martin Fuchs Ms. Barbara Parrillo Dr. & Mrs. John Findley

NOTlff TO f:M -o, AN DONORS

IN LIGHT OF THE RECENTnational attention given to non -profits sharing their donor lists with other organizations , C the Lotusland Foundation would like to reassure our supporters that we have never shared our donor list, and have no intention of doing so in the future. Your trust in the confidentiality of our donor list is very important to us. Sust<1in<1bilitlJWorkshop GonnaWalska LotuslandRegistration Form With CURATORVIRGI NIA HAYES PAYMENTMETHOD: D Check enclosed D VISA D MasterCard n SaturdalJ,September 13, 1999 10:00 AM • $10.00/person Expiration date __ _ Card number ______Member name ______Number of people attending __ _ Address ______Christm<1sTrees ______Phone ______<1ndTheir friends With PROFESSORDR. BR UCETIFF NEY Signature ______Saturd<1lJ,November 13, 1999 Feesare refundableonly if cancellationis received one week before class or lecture. 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM • $10.00/person If minimumenrollment is notreached, classes and lecturesmay be canceled. No phone reservations, please. Number of people attending __ _ Mail to:Ganna Walska Lotusland, Atm: Member Events, Total enclosed $ ------695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Ms. Lisa Ford Ms. Betty Franklin LotuslandGratefullLJ Mr. & Mrs. Roger Friedland Mr. & Mrs. Robin Graham Mr. Jamie Greenleaf AcR11owledgesDo11ations Ms. Kennedy Hansen Maw,J urte, Julw1 999 Mr. & Mrs. David Hardee Mr. & Mrs. Walter Harris Mr. FrederickE. Harrison LECTURES Mr. & Mrs. Tim Hixon 11 •ns::n i'/nlTifN Ms. Phyllis Karr Ms. Sara Baum Ms. Susan Keller Ms. Elizabeth L. Calmer Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. John 0 . Lewis in honor of Carol Valentine Mr. Arthur Gaudi Ms. Barbara Macari Ms. Julia Emerson Mr. & Mrs. Frank Marino Mr. & Mrs. John C. Hunter Mr. Jerry Markota Ms. Joanne Kirby Mr. & Mrs. John McCormick Mr. & Mrs. Keith Landenberger Ms. Carol Valentine Ms. Judy McKee Ms. Marion D. March Ms. Lena Meurling Mr. James Martin ~-r J -~ w-r -... ~· ICE Ms. Margaret Mosher Ms. VictoriaNobles Mr. & Mrs. Norman Hillemann Ms. Sandra Nash Mrs. Norman Schuermann Mr. & Mrs. Joe Nida Ms. Marta Nunez Mr. Arthur W. Schultz Mr. James Rolfe Ms. Alice M. Sheldon Mr. John R. Ruffin , Jr. Mr. & Mrs. William P. Tennity William E. Weiss Foundation Mr. Paul A. Secrest Dr. & Mrs. Steven Timbrook LLWWFoundation Mr. & Mrs. David Shaheen Ms. Patty Smith Ms. Ruthanne Rose Smith Mr. & Mrs. Peter Steiner Mr. John L. Stern MembersWho Have Increased Mr. & Mrs. Cochran Supplee Ms. Christina B. Thielst TheirLevel of Support Ms. Felice Willat Maw,Jum :, JulLJ1999 Ms. Beata Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Edward Yoon Ms. Jean Olsen LEV-; II Mr. Charles Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sanford Mr. & Mrs. Daniel R. Ledbetter Ms. Joane Hagen Ms. Marcia Schoettle Mr. & Mrs. Steven W. Lew Ms. Karen Kanatzar Mr. & Mrs. James Selbert Ms. Carol A. Schleck Mr. Ron Keating Ms. Carla Whitacre Ms. Karin Young Mr. & Mrs. Robert McFarland Ms. Elizabeth Nava L ; Mr. & Mrs. Peter Ochs Mr. & Mrs. Bob Temkin Mr. Stephen R. Harrison (ldl\l\cl Nonprofit Org. \X'cl'~l~o U.S. POSTAGE I J )tll">kll\CI I( >un

Forwarding Service Requested

Reservati of\ Office Improvemef\ts

As INTERESTIN L0TUSLANDcon­ tinues to grow, and Lotusland's Conditional Use Permit allows MemberEvents C more visitors to see the gardens, Space is always limitedfor activitiesat Lotus/and, improvements are under way so please respondquickly to sign-up fostructions. to make it easier to reach the Lotusland Reservation Office. SaturdatJ,September lo We are adding a new Visitor Building a SustainableGarden 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Services position during the Cost is $10. See workshop description on page 11; use coupon 9 AM to noon, Monday through on page 15 to sign up. Friday, Reservation Office hours. SaturdaLJ,October 9 We are also adding two tele­ Member's Self-Guided Tour 1:30-4 :30 PM phone lines to the existing two Enjoy the garden on your own- no guided tours . Spend a lines, all of which are reached relaxing afternoon in the garden. Docents will be available to by calling Lotusland Reserva­ answer your questions, and refreshments will be served in the main house. Call Lotusland reservations at 969-9990 tions at 805-969-9990. (M-F,9 :00 AM to noon) to sign up. We apologize for any diffi­ culty you may have had in SaturdalJ,November IJ reaching the Reservation Office Christmas Treesand Their Friends during peak periods of reser­ Illustrated Lecture by Dr. Bruce Tiffney, UCSB Geology Dept . See article on page 6; use coupon on page 15 to sign up. vation calls. We want a busy signal to be a rare experience SaturdalJ,December 11 and to reduce the time you may Member's Self-Guided Tourand Holiday Shopping have to be on hold while earlier 1:30-4 :30 PM Enjoy the garden on your own- no guided tours. Spend a relax- calls are being served. ing afternoon in the garden and shop for unique holiday gifts ( There are still spaces avail­ in Lotusland's Garden Shop. Docents will be available to answer able for members of Friends of your questions, and refreshments will be served in the main Lotusland to visit in 1999. We house . Call Lotusland reservations at 969-9990 (M-F, 9:00 AM look forward to your call for to noon) to sign up. reservations.