Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens e-Newsletter May 2017

HAPPENING THIS MONTH!

Arboretum Gates Open 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM -7:00 PM

Volunteer Workday Saturday, May 13 8 AM-11 AM

Nature Walk Saturday, May 13 9:30 AM-10:30 AM

Discovering Nature Nearby Saturday, May 20 9:30 AM-10:30 AM

***** Photo by Chuck Hubbuch

SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS Indigo

When I hear the word indigo, I think first of Roy G. BRONZE PARTNER Biv. This is a memory device for the colors of the rainbow that I learned so many years ago in Stuart & Haze Bergman Laurence Gierum elementary school. The "i" in Biv stands for indigo, Anthony John Rigney, a color between blue and violet. Indigo is also the PA & Rigney Family name of a blue dye that is obtained from in of Jacksonville, FL Russell Blueberry Farm the . Archaeological records Dr. Todd Sack & Barbara indicate that early use of indigo dates back Sharp Denise Trad-Wartan of thousands of years and started in South America, the Trad's Garden Middle East and in Asia. The use of indigo dye Center/Trad's Pest Control became widespread in Europe when the New World Allen Skinner colonies began producing the dye. Today, indigo may be best known as the dye for blue jeans. Now, SILVER PARTNER however, indigo is no longer a product but a synthetic dye. Eldon & Martha Bekkum Kotas Family Foundation/ One species, Indigofera caroliniana, is native to GE Foundation Florida and much of the southeastern United States. Mary Anne & Anwar It produces indigo dye but it is not a vigorous plant Saadeh Southern Wine & Spirits and seems difficult to cultivate. Two other species Pat & Cliff Jeremiah were imported to expand production of the dye, Robb & Pam Mitchell Indigofera suffructosa from Central and South America and Indigofera tinctoria from Asia. Indigofera suffructosa escaped cultivation and can GOLD PARTNER still be found in natural areas of northeast Florida. Neither of the indigo dye plants are cultivated bestbet Jacksonville Kevin Driscoll - widely in gardens today. The are not very The Driscoll Group showy and the plants tend to be tall and leggy. David & Bonnie Foster Marcia Mederos However, a few other species of Indigofera are cultivated as ornamental plants. Chinese indigo, Indigofera decora, is an attractive that grows For Donor Programs to about three feet tall. Pendant spikes of pink Information, click flowers are produced through the summer. This Donor species is not used to produce dye but, reportedly, Thank you! the seeds of this plant are edible. A ten year old plant in a private garden was the source of the

Arboretum's plant. It has never produced seeds. Shop at Amazon Smile The Jacksonville Chinese indigo spreads by suckers to form a colony. Arboretum & Gardens is It should be planted where that spread can be registered with Amazon controlled. Smile, a foundation that A small clump of Chinese indigo can be seen on the donates a portion of all north side of the lake loop path. They should be sales to a shopper's easy to find when they - usually starting in favorite charity. Using your normal account and April and continuing through the summer. settings you will find the same low prices and . availability. Enjoy shopping and supporting us by visiting smile.amazon.com

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JAG Membership By becoming a member or donor, you are supporting the Arboretum's operations and improvements. All donations are tax- deductible. Details are available on our website.

Membership Levels $ 40 Single $ 55 Dual $ 70 Family $100 Friend

Supporters & Corporate Partners Bronze Partner $250 Silver Partner $500 Gold Partner $1,000

John Bartram Society Gatekeeper $2500+ Steward $5000+ President's Council $10000+

To join or purchase a gift membership, click JOIN Thank you!

Discovering Nature Nearby Programs for 2017

Photo by Alice Shinkos

Photo by Alice Shinkos

Native Pollinators April 15

The April Discovering Nature Nearby program was a huge success with over 75 people in attendance. With over half of the participants being children, we are sure to have some budding naturalists in the Jacksonville area. Joan Kramer, University of Florida Master Beekeeper and Master Naturalist told the audience about honeybees, native bees and butterflies. She talked about their life cycles and habitat needs. 50 butterflies including Painted Ladies, Zebra Longwings and Julias were presented to each child in an envelope to release. Photos of the butterflies on the children's palms or hands are because they were "waking up" before they flew away. Joan provided many posters, insect collections and handouts and had a honey tasting that was enthusiastically received. After the program, many children and some adults made nature journals to record their sightings or experience at the gardens. It was a beautiful day for a butterfly release.

National Public Garden's Day

Skip the bouquet! Give mom the gift that blooms all year. Arboretum memberships are 10% off at the Friend and Family level on Saturday May 13, 9AM- 12PM at the Arboretum.

Show the World You Love the Arboretum

Show the world you love us, by posting your Arboretum photographs at #jacksonvillearboretum & www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleArboretumGardens We appreciate it!

OUR MISSION Cultivating a unique environment for recreation, education, and inspiration.