Gunnar Thielst: Madame Walska's Right-Hand

BLOTUSLAND N E W S L ET T E R FO R M E M B E R S B VO L U M E 1 4 N O. 2 B S P R I N G 2 0 0 5

Gunnar Thielst: Madame Walska’s Right-Hand Man By VIRGINIA HAYES

IN THE EARLY YEARS of Madame Walska’s development of the gardens at Lotusland she struggled to ﬁnd the right kind of help in realizing her creation. In 1956 she writes, “But unfortunately it is not yet my destiny to have a responsible person in Lotusland, and it has lasted so long that I have lost hope even.” In her letters to friends this sort of lament was often repeated. But if she couldn’t

ﬁnd the kind of horticulturist she ARCHIVES Y desired, she definitely found in AMIL Gunnar Thielst the support she F needed to keep the infrastructure of the estate on an even keel. His many THIELST talents made him an indispensable OF member of her permanent staff. TESY

The projects that Thielst accom- COUR plished for Madame Walska ranged

from the sublime to the mundane. PHOTOS One that he was particularly proud Thielst fashioned shallow copper trays that were ﬁlled with colored gravel to announce the date of was the creation of the zodiac at special garden events. symbols that marked the hours on the horticultural clock. He spoke of them as “one of my best jobs.” And IN THIS ISSUE because some of them were stolen Gunnar Thielst: 1 Volunteer Profile 10 repeatedly, he was required to craft Madame Walska’s Right-Hand Man Richard Riffero: Lotusland Docent them more than once. His other Garden Tours with Virginia Hayes 4 with Real Staying Power accomplishments were to paint the Twilight Tour 10 custom cushions in the theatre LotusFest 4 garden, giving them an antique Horticultural Happenings 5 Michael Towbes— 11 patina, and mount and frame many The City College Connection Lifetime Honorary Trustee of the tile murals. Interspersed with New to the Collections 6 Lotusland Celebrates 11 these artistic endeavors were the The Plant Petting Zoo The Wizard of LotOZland chores of patching leaky roofs, Trustee Tom Hugunin Retires 6 Lotusland Inaugurates 12 plastering and painting walls in Junior Docent Program various buildings, hanging stained The Lotus Society 7 Digital Photography Workshop 12 glass and Tibetan banners in the Members’ Family Day 8 house, mending broken umbrellas, The Incredibles, Starring Garden Patrons and Garden 15 Continued on page 2 Lotusland’s Amazing Plants Benefactors Enjoy Special Benefits 2

day and “report what was needed, THE LOTUSLAND NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS is published by what was to be done and what was Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation ruined and so forth.” In one such 695 Ashley Road incident in 1961, grotesques were Santa Barbara, California 93108 (805) 969-3767 knocked down and arms broken, the www.lotusland.org massive globes that stand at the entrance to the blue garden were Board of Trustees Robert J. Emmons, President pulled from their plinths, and some Anne W. Jones, Vice-President topiaries were uprooted. Arthur R. Gaudi, Secretary Besides physical repairs and Kisa Heyer, Treasurer building projects, Thielst and Madame Ella Brittingham Merryl Brown Walska made many trips to nurseries Geoffrey Crane in southern California in search of W. Mason Farrell plants. Thielst himself had a small Sherry Gilson Linda J. Gluck nursery at his ironwork studio and Harry W. Kolb supplied her with bromeliads, cacti, Sandra Nicholson ferns and more. Thielst designed and Barbara Siemon Edward E. Stepanek built the 16-sided greenhouse in Thielst designed and built garden furniture, Amanda Waitt 1963 as well as two additional glass such as this umbrella stand and table, at his Nancy L. Wood houses in the following years. He studio in town. Michael Towbes built the ﬁrst of these for the orchid Carol L. Valentine collection that was his particular love. ornamental ironwork shop in El Paseo Lifetime Honorary Trustees A few years later the second one was (later relocated to Milpas Street). Steven Timbrook, Ph.D. added for cactus and succulents. The Though his specialty was wrought Executive Director greenhouses continued to be Thielst’s iron, he did other odd jobs and even Connie Buxton Director of Public Programs responsibility until the 1970s. held a taxidermist’s license. During Anne Dewey, CFRE Thielst, a native of Denmark, this period he did some work at Director of Development immigrated to California in 1927 and Lotusland (then called Cuesta Linda) Marguerite Gamo by the late 1930s had established an for the Gavits, setting some Spanish Manager of Administration and Human Resources Deanna Hatch Communications Manager Virginia Hayes Curator of the Living Collection Mike Iven Grounds Superintendent Printed by Ventura Printing Lindse Davis, Design A Printed on recycled and recyclable paper

Continued from page 1 crafting stands to hold the bronze cranes in the pond and much more. His repair skills were tested on such various ornaments as the wooden carousel animals and stone statues, delicate items like antique tortoise- shell jewelry boxes, and irrigation systems and leaky toilets. Some of these damaged goods were just the result of normal wear and tear, while others were perpetrated by vandals. DEWEY

As Thielst characterized it, “that was B.

all during the hippie period” and his WM. job was to walk the grounds each This Scorpio is one of the original zodiac symbols that Thielst made for the hortcultural clock. 3

cross, weighing more than a ton, was dedicated in 1949 and is still standing in the courtyard of the complex off Gibraltar Road. During World War II, Thielst was called on to teach welding skills to Navy recruits, and he spent some months inspecting the welding and laying of 480 miles of gas pipeline just below the Arctic circle. It was around this time he completed his first project for Madame Walska repairing pictures that were made of semi-precious stones. Another customer, who had taken similar work to him before, had referred Madame Walska to Thielst. She had A 20-foot wrought iron cross that Thielst also been forewarned that Thielst Thielst among tall spikes of tower of jewels created was installed in 1949 at Mt. Calvary was a bit eccentric and that only “if (Echium wildpretii) in his garden at the Monastery. he likes you, he lets you in.” She was “red cottage.” pleased to pass muster and soon was tiles they had brought back from bringing more of her business to beach for a good soaking in the abroad. His gates, window grills, and him. One such repair job was an saltwater so it was uniformly rusted garden furniture appeared everywhere antique wrought iron gate. Although when she saw it. By degrees, Madame around town as well as across the Madame Walska expressed her doubts Walska came to depend on Thielst nation. One of his most ambitious and that he would be able to ﬁx it and for advice on many things and help intricate projects in Santa Barbara have it continue to look old, Thielst with the maintenance of Lotusland. was an openwork cross for Mt. solved the problem by mending the Though he continued to design orna- Calvary Monastery. This 20-foot piece and then taking it down to the mental ironwork, he was increasingly occupied with her projects and eventually closed his shop in town. By 1964 she was insisting that he and his wife Louisa come to live on the property where he would be immediately available to her at all times. In spite of their contentment in their new home, in 1965 they were persuaded to move into the “red cottage” that Thielst had remodeled and expanded. Both became a part of Madame Walska’s daily life. In fact, Gunnar recalled, “I did not have a vacation for ﬁve years. I could not go to town unless I phoned. She wanted me and my wife here!” The telephone calls from her came at all hours. “Mr. Thielst! S.O.S!” would be her cry and Thielst would immediately respond. As with many people who worked with Madame Walska, there DEWEY

B. were ups and downs to their relationship. Thielst was fired and WM. Detail of an iron gate that Thielst fashioned for Lotusland’s “red cottage,” where he and his rehired with some regularity. He family lived. Continued on page 4 4

Continued from page 3 work in the garden herself, “She garden. As Thielst recalled their always took it in stride until one was bright; she kept an eye on relationship in 1986 (after his retire- time, not only did Madame tell him everything.” He was among the few ment and her death), “We became he was ﬁred, she demanded all her who were trusted to take her out friends. Deep, sincere friends. She keys back. To keep food on the table in her wheelchair and show her the trusted me most of all.” and a roof overhead, Thielst accepted a commission to craft gates and other ironwork for Rancho San Fernando Rey in the Santa Ynez valley. He took some pleasure in telling Madame Walska when she ﬁnally called to ask him back that he had “a full-time job” and couldn’t come to her at that time. Of course, her persistence and his love of Lotusland soon brought them back together. Thielst’s involvement with the day-to-day operations at Lotusland lessened when Charles Glass and Bob Foster began directing the garden planning and planting. But he remained faithful to Madame Walska and recalled that even late in the Madame Walska (CENTER) and Gunnar Thielst (RIGHT) entertain a visitor from Thielst’s 1970s as she became less able to native Denmark. Garden Tours with Virginia Hayes SATURDAY, APRIL 23 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 4 • 9:15 AM TO 4:00 PM (GATES OPEN AT 9:00 AM)

IT’S BEEN A TOUGH winter in gardens spaces in each tour. The cost is $85 member pass may be used as partial all over the southland, but spring is for Lotusland members, $95 for non- payment for each individual reserva- here and plants are burgeoning with members, and covers admission to tion). Gates open at 9:00 AM and the new growth and bright ﬂowers. The Lotusland, bus transportation to the bus leaves promptly at 9:15, returning damage from record-breaking rains gardens, and a delicious lunch (one by 4:00 PM. has been repaired, and paths and borders have been spruced up for our pleasure. Once again, Curator SAVE THE DATE Virginia Hayes has organized a slate of stellar gardens to visit. Some will LotusFest! be small and intimate, while a few grandiose designs are also included. SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 NOON TO 4:00 PM All will serve to arouse our senses and inspire the gardener within. Come celebrate the legendary ﬂower These popular tours (different that is Lotusland’s namesake. gardens each date) are being held on Saturday, April 23rd and Saturday, Wine tasting from Santa Barbara County premier vintners, June 4th. Space for both is limited live jazz, and a scrumptious al fresco buffet luncheon and to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to sign up are just a few of the pleasures that will be offered for them, registration is by coupon during this fun, relaxing afternoon in the garden. only (see page 15). Coupons will be selected at So mark your calendar and join us for this very special event. DEWEY random on Monday, April 11th and Invitations will be mailed in July. B.

Monday, May 16th for the available WM. 5

HORTICULTURAL HAPPENINGS The City College Connection

STUDENTS ENROLLED in the Environ- practices employed at Lotusland are offers has been a priceless extension mental Horticulture (EH) program at explained, and students perform of my education. I have been able to Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) specific applications based on those attain my goals in the field, as well as earn units of credit for working in principles. A serious effort is made to put my competencies to use. A day paid or volunteer positions that include students in special projects at Lotusland may be a mixture of provide on-the-job experience and and other timely tasks that may mulching, weed eradication, pruning the opportunity to apply skills and occur over the course of the semester. or pathway repair; however, whatever knowledge learned in SBCC classes. The Lotusland–SBCC connection is it may be, I know these skills will Lotusland began offering part-time certainly a two-way street as students carry me to my higher education and paid positions to Environmental Horti- learn practical skills based on their through my lifetime.” culture Work Experience students in studies and Lotusland benefits from the mid-1980s and has continued their enthusiasm and much appre- that practice uninterrupted through ciated help. the years. Five thousand dollars Anyone may enroll in the EH provides one student a semester of classes; however, the EH program is Work Experience. Donations to sup- designed to prepare students for port Work Experience, Lotusland’s employment in some aspect of the oldest educational program, make “green industry.” Many past and the program possible. present members of Lotusland’s Work Experience students per- grounds staff either completed the EH form a variety of tasks at Lotusland. program or took selected EH classes. Over the course of a semester, a Lotusland has benefited directly and student will work in all areas of the is pleased to participate in the EH garden helping the grounds staff program by providing positions to with routine landscape maintenance motivated and interested students. tasks. Sustainable plant health care —Mike Iven

SPRING 2005 WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENTS JEFF GALLUP “HI. MY NAME IS Jeff Gallup and I just started working at Lotusland in February. I have lived in Santa Barbara my entire life. Plants have always been part of life for me because my father was in the nursery business in Carpinteria. I am especially interested in palm trees and have been germi- nating different species for the last couple of years. When I heard about IVEN the opportunity to be able to work at

MIKE Lotusland, I jumped at the chance, BY and here I am. In the short period of time I have been here, I have learned PHOTOS more about Japanese gardens, trans- EIRIN BAERIS invaluable. The EH program advocates planting water lilies, and how to “BEFORE ATTAINING my masters in horticultural practices using a sustain- drive a tractor than I ever had learned Landscape Architecture, I want to get able approach. Lotusland is a thriving in the past. Everyone at Lotusland is a horticultural base and background example of how the ideas the EH very helpful and friendly, which for my ﬁeld. Having the opportunity program promotes can succeed in makes it a lot of fun to be here. I to integrate my studies at school with the real world. Being able to have the hope to be able to learn much more experiences at Lotusland has been hands-on approach that Lotusland from all of the different gardeners.” 6

HORTICULTURAL HAPPENINGS The Plant Petting Zoo

EACH YEAR FOURTH GRADE classes from local schools are involved in Lotusland’s Outreach Program, which includes an introductory lesson in the classroom followed by a tour of Lotusland. On their tour, students are able to see and learn about the garden’s many unusual plants, but touching them was strictly off-limits. A new feature recently installed in the Butterfly Garden opens up an opportunity for these children to have some hands-on interaction with the plants. This new attraction is the Plant Petting Zoo, an area where students gather on their tour to touch, smell, BUXTON and feel the plants while an outreach CONNIE docent explains how the plants’ Lotusland’s new Plant Petting Zoo invites school children to get a feel for the qualities that unique features help them adapt to allow plants to survive in various environments. Pictured above are fourth grade students from their environments. Current zoo Peabody School enjoying a close encounter with various plants from the Petting Zoo. inhabitants include several varieties of scented geraniums that release a water. Several of these have been cut walls can support the heavy weight lemon or peppermint fragrance in half so that the students can see of a water-filled cactus stem. when their leaves are rubbed, the their Styrofoam-like air pockets. A The new zoo offers students the panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) that cactus stem has been cut open so opportunity to interact with these has soft fuzzy hairs on its leaves, and that a cross-section of the interior interesting specimens while allowing blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae) can be seen. Alongside it is a piece of their counterparts in the garden to with its waxy cuticle that can be dried cactus “skeleton,” which clearly grow without interference. scraped off with a fingernail to see the shows how a network of woody cell —Jennifer Wilbanks true color of the plant underneath. Also in the zoo are demonstra- tions of plant adaptations that cannot be seen up close during a tour in the Trustee garden. For example, water hyacinth Tom Hugunin (Eichhornia crassipes) has air-filled leaf stalks that allow it to float on the Retires

LOTUSLAND IS GRATEFUL to Tom Hugunin for his diligent service as a member of the board of trustees. Since joining the board in 2002, Tom has served as chairman of the Development Committee and as a hard-working member of both the

WILBANKS Public Programs and The Lotus Society committees. Though he is retiring from the JENNIFER DEWEY

The fuzz on the leaves of this panda plant board, we are pleased that he will B.

(Kalanchoe tomentosa) reﬂects the harsh continue as an active member of The WM. sunlight in its desert home. Lotus Society Committee. Tom Hugunin 7

Bob, who is a retired Santa Barbara real estate leases and gifts of real high school teacher. estate from all over the country and George filled that sketchy picture even abroad. He then was the in for me when we got together after administrator for a series of three his Pacific island trip. The first thing small electronics firms in the Palo we talked about, of course, was the Alto area, returning to Santa Barbara Palau trip, and I asked if he enjoyed after retiring in 1991. snorkeling or scuba diving. “For George is as busy as a volunteer about 10 years, from 1992 to 2001, in retirement as he was during his I volunteered to work on projects career. He serves as president of the with Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich, Lobero Theatre Foundation, trea- everything from birds and butterflies surer of the Santa Barbara Zoo and in Costa Rica to reef fish off St. chairman of the board of Sansum Croix. Little was known about the Diabetes Research Institute. I asked The Lotus activities of the French Grunt. They about his Lotusland volunteer just seemed to stay in one place on interest. “I started in 1996 after Society the reef all day long, not really doing talking with Janet Eastman (then anything. So, using scuba gear and Lotusland’s Volunteer Coordinator.) lights, I followed them at night as they After a couple of years working with GEORGE BURTNESS left the reef and learned where they Mike Furner and Esau Ramirez on WHEN I CALLED George Burtness a fed. I’ve continued to be interested garden maintenance projects, I couple of months ago to see if he in reef fish and that’s why I went joined Lynn Kirby at the Butterfly was willing to be interviewed for a to Palau.” Garden and have been there ever I asked George where he was off Lotus Society profile, he said, “Sure, since.” I asked what it was that to next, since it seemed clear that he but I’m leaving tomorrow for Palau convinced him to make a bequest enjoyed travel. “I try to do one and it’ll have to wait until I get to Lotusland’s endowment. “I joined serious trip, often with Earthwatch, The Lotus Society back.” All I knew about George was because of my and one ‘fun trip’ every year. Palau love for the garden and because I that he joined Friends of Lotusland in was a ‘fun trip,’ and I plan to do an wanted to help perpetuate some- 1996 and has been a volunteer since Earthwatch archaeological dig near thing that Madame Walska felt so then helping out on the grounds, Cuzco, in Peru, later this year. I also strongly about.” With all George and that he convinced about a dozen hope to take part in a bird census trip does for Lotusland, it’s obvious he Santa Barbara County vintners to to Las Islas Secas, off the Pacific coast cares strongly about it, as well. have wine tastings as one of the of Panama, later this spring. With —Steven Timbrook features of LotusFest in 2003 and Earthwatch I’ve been on a mammoth Cactus Caper last year. I also knew dig for Oxford University and a study NEW MEMBERS he became a member of The Lotus of everything that eats fruit on a Society in 2004 and has a brother, research site inland from Brisbane. Thank you to these additional new Some of the other ‘fun trips’ have members for their generous support. been to New Zealand, which I especially like, the Antarctic, the Sea The Cramblit Family Foundation of Cortez, southern Africa, and the Eric Nagelmann Seychelles Islands.” in memory of Betty Nagelmann George was born in Santa Barbara, Estate of Margo F. Osherenko as was his centenarian mother, still doing well at 101. His late father was Lifetime membership in The Lotus a Santa Barbara physician, and he has Society is reserved for individuals who another brother, Bill, who is a retired help preserve and enhance Lotusland banker. George took a B.S. degree in as a unique botanical treasure by Psychology at Stanford and joined contributing $10,000 or more to the the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Endowment Fund. era, serving in a communications unit To learn more about The Lotus TIMBROOK in Alaska. He returned to Stanford Society, please call Anne Dewey, for his M.B.A. and worked 15 years for Lotusland’s Director of Development, STEVEN George Burtness Stanford managing the University’s at (805) 969-3767, extension 105. 8

Members’ F The Incredibles, Starring L SATURDAY, APRIL Lotusland wishes to thank you, our members, for your support by hosting our eighth GENEROUSLY S Thomas & Nancy Crawford, Jr. i

Activities w

Mark Collier performing juggling acts PHOTO Games, face-painting, caricatures, and crafts f TESY Dress up in costumes and take home a free silly souvenir photogra

COUR Live music by JT an Members’ Family Day is FREE! But you must make a reservation by mailing the reservation form to save space for your family and to purchase box lunch tickets. One vehicle per membership. Please reserve early as we expect this event to ﬁll quickly.

Bring your own picnic or pre-purchase box lunches catered by FRESCO. Box lunches include a choice of chicken salad on sundried tomato bread, black forest ham and smoked mozzarella on ciabatta bread, turkey on nine-grain bread, or very vegetarian on a soft roll; fresh fruit cup; and Sun chips. Tickets for box lunches are available until April 25. (Sorry, it will not be possible to buy lunch tickets on the day of the event.) A limited number of picnic blankets will be available, or you can bring your own.

Complimentary juice, soft drinks and water are available all day.

Complimentary ice cream cones at the ice cream booth NOON TO 2:00 PM. 9

Family Day otusland’s Amazing Plants 30 • 10 AM TO 4 PM h annual Members’ Family Day. Everyone is invited, especially children of all ages! SPONSORED BY: in Honor of Their Grandchildren will include: CAMPBELL NELL PHOTO BY TESY COUR PHOTOS s and magic in the theatre garden • 11:30 AM TO NOON AND 2:30 TO 3:00 PM from the garden for children and adults • 10:00 AM TO NOON AND 2:00 TO 4:00 PM aph by the incredible photographer extraordinaire Bob DeBris • 10:00 AM TO NOON AND 2:00 TO 4:00 PM nd the Zydeco Zippers on the main lawn • NOON TO 2:00 PM

RESERVATION INFORMATION: Due to the popularity of this event and to allow as many members as possible to attend, Lotusland requests ONLY ONE VEHICLE PER MEMBERSHIP. Admission to Members’ Family Day is free, but reservations are required. No phone reservations, please. Please return this reservation form to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Your conﬁrmation and a map will be mailed to you upon receipt of your reservation form. Bring your own picnic or order prepaid box lunches below. Your box lunch tickets will be mailed with your conﬁrmation. RESERVATION FORM

Member Name No. of adults ______No. of children under 2 ______

Address No. of teens ______No. of children 2 to 12 ______Please specify: Payment Method: Ⅺ Check enclosed Ⅺ VISA Ⅺ MasterCard NO.) = $______Total Enclosed $ Exp. Date) ______ן Chicken salad sandwich $12 ______$ = (.NO) ______ן Ham & cheese sandwich $12 Card Number ______$ = (.NO) ______ן Turkey sandwich $12 NO.) = $______Signature) ______ן Vegetarian sandwich $12 10 Volunteer Profile: Richard Riffero LOTUSLAND DOCENT WITH REAL STAYING POWER

the years. His 90th birthday party service, including the ﬁrst-ever Santa saw Richard cutting the rug with Barbara Beautiful Lifetime Achieve- a bevy of beautiful women, and ment Award in 1999. This honor was probably exhausting them all. given to him for the 200 monthly Richard’s staying power is not columns he wrote for the Santa limited to his physical prowess; he Barbara News-Press garden pages. In has been an active Lotusland docent the columns, he described attractive since 1988, just recently retiring this homes and gardens he scouted in the January. While most of us can’t area from Sheffield Drive to Turnpike remember where we last put our Road and the Paciﬁc Ocean to Santa car keys, Richard takes great pride Ynez Mountains. “I’ve been a horti- in his memory. Lotusland docents culturist all my life. I was asked to do are scheduled for tours months in the columns in 1979 because I could advance and receive a reminder identify the plants,” Richard says.

PHOTO call by Visitor Services staff two Richard says to tell everyone

TESY days prior to each scheduled tour. “arrivederci,” but we know he will Richard’s instructions to the staff continue his relationship with COUR Lotusland Docent Richard Riffero gives a were to not call him because he Lotusland as a docent emeritus and lively presentation for visitors on tour in the always remembered his tour dates. continue sharing his love of the Japanese Garden. Amazingly enough, this proved to be garden with family and friends. true throughout his many years of Thank you, Richard, for your DOCENT RICHARD RIFFERO’S connection service as a docent. dedicated service to Lotusland over to Lotusland goes back many years. Richard has had long runs pro- these many years. His father was the grounds foreman fessionally as well as volunteering. Author’s note: Several years ago I for the Gavit estate (Cuesta Linda) in He served as Superintendent of Parks half-jokingly asked Richard if he had the 1920s and 1930s, before Madame and Grounds for Santa Barbara a “beauty secret” for his remarkably Walska purchased the property in County for 25 years, supervising a young-looking skin. Without the 1941 and renamed it Lotusland. As a crew of 20 men who maintained slightest hesitation, he blurted out, youngster, he used to pull weeds on 20 areas, including the courthouse, “almonds!” I’ve been eating them for the main lawn. Of all his impressive which he called “his jewel.” He has lunch nearly every day since. resumé of volunteer work, he says received 22 awards for community —Connie Buxton Lotusland is the “dearest to his heart” because of his lifelong affiliation with the estate. CELEBRATE SUMMER His passion for horticulture was instilled in him by his grandfather Twilight Tour and father and is evidenced by his membership in the Santa Barbara SATURDAY, JUNE 25 • 6:00 TO 8:15 PM County Horticultural Society for more than 50 years. Join us for an enchanted evening in the garden at twilight, At 92 years young and still going an especially beautiful time at Lotusland. strong, there can be no doubt that Richard Riffero is an extraordinary person. He reports doing isometric You may take a self-guided or docent-led tour of the garden exercises for one hour each morning and enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres on the terrace and walking three to four miles a midway through your leisurely stroll. day. He is also an accomplished Sunset is at 8:15 PM, signaling the time to depart. ballroom dancer who has “danced Docents will be available throughout the garden to answer questions. his way around the world 15 times” Space is limited, so reserve early. while serving as a dancing and social Please use the coupon on page 15 to sign up. host aboard cruise ships throughout 11 Michael Towbes—Lifetime Honorary Trustee

AT ITS FEBRUARY meeting, the Ganna in creating Lotusland’s master plan Walska Lotusland Foundation Board and guiding its Finance Committee. of Trustees recognized retiring The crowning achievement in Trustee Michael Towbes’ 12 years of his long tenure on Lotusland’s Board outstanding service by naming him was Mike’s role in making the new a Lifetime Honorary Trustee. This Cactus Garden possible. His pledge is only the second time in the of $200,000 and Eric Nagelmann’s Foundation’s 20-year history that this donation of design services set the honor has been awarded. Michael stage for a successful initial funding joins founding Trustee Carol L. effort for this $500,000 project. Valentine as a continuing resource of Grants from the Wallis, LLWW and wise counsel based upon many years Castagnola Family foundations and of leadership for Lotusland and the a gift by Carol Valentine raised an Santa Barbara community. additional $160,000. PHOTO

In 1992, as they were preparing To honor Mike for his dedication TESY

to open Lotusland to the public, Mike and generosity to Lotusland and COUR was the ﬁrst person the three remain- countless other Santa Barbara not- Michael Towbes ing founding Trustees thought of as for-proﬁt organizations, and to raise they sought to broaden the scope of the $140,000 remaining to complete to join Mike and the other original the Foundation’s Board. His addition the funding for the Cactus Garden, donors for the dedication of the to the Board came at a crucial time we have launched the I Like Mike Cactus Garden in honor of Mike’s since the plans for a Visitor Center campaign. We will ask friends of grandchildren, Allison and Zachary were nearing completion. Mike’s Mike to consider a donation in his Towbes, and to thank him for his 12 civil engineering background and his honor, and the names of those who years of service to Lotusland. experience as President of The Towbes give or pledge $5,000 or more to For more information about I Like Group, a successful development and I Like Mike will be engraved on Mike, please contact Anne Dewey, construction company, and as the Cactus Garden Recognition Wall. Lotusland’s Director of Development, Chairman of the Board of Montecito Those donors will be invited to a at (805) 969-3767, extension 105. Bank & Trust have proved invaluable luncheon at Lotusland on June 18 —Steven Timbrook

SAVE THE DATE Lotusland Celebrates The Wizard of LotOZland SUNDAY, JULY 24 4:00 TO 8:00 PM

Join us as we travel down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and Toto, along with the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion, on our journey to the Emerald City.

Benefactor $5,000 (ten tickets) Patron $1,000 (two tickets) Patron Table Host $3,500 (ten tickets) Tickets $250 each

Invitations will be mailed in mid-June.

Please contact Anne Dewey, Director of Development, at (805) 969-3767, extension 105 for further details. 12 Lotusland Inaugurates Junior Docent Program

LOTUSLAND IS PLEASED to welcome about the plants and garden features middle school and high school Sunny Brucker from Crane School of Lotusland and how to interpret students and can serve as community and Rachel Kulchin and Chereyce the garden to schoolchildren. They service credit. Perkins from Anacapa School as our are now ready to assist in leading For more information about the ﬁrst “Junior Docents.” student tours of the garden during Junior Docent Program, please call The trio completed a six-week the spring and summer. Connie Buxton at (805) 969-3767, training course where they learned This pilot program is open to extension 107. YES HA VIRGINIA BY PHOTOS Rachel Kulchin Sunny Brucker and Chereyce Perkins

Digital Photography Workshop SATURDAY, JULY 16 • 8:30 AM TO NOON

LOTUSLAND CAN BE a photographer’s museums, and private collectors The cost for the workshop is $30 dream as well as nightmare. There have purchased his work. (For more for Lotusland members and $35 for are so many wonderful vistas and information on Bill’s professional nonmembers. Space is limited to 15 fabulous plants, but knowing how photography, see his web pages at participants. Please sign up by using to capture the essence of the place www.wmbdewey.com.) the coupon on page 15. given the limitations of lenses, the On Saturday, July 16th, Bill will —Virginia Hayes vagaries of light, and other variables lead a digital photography workshop can be frustrating. for beginners and seasoned photog- Bill Dewey has been photograph- raphers who would like to learn from ing the gardens at Lotusland since his experience. The workshop will the foundation began its work after take advantage of the morning light to Madame Walska’s death in 1984. His explore composition from closeups to photographs appear in Lotusland: A landscape views out in the gardens. Photographic Odyssey and Ganna Walska After a break for refreshments, each Lotusland: The Garden and Its Creators. student’s work will be projected and They have also illustrated numerous critiqued in the lecture room. Bill articles about Lotusland in various will also discuss the advantages and magazines such as The Smithsonian disadvantages of digital versus ﬁlm and Sunset, to name just two. He is a photography. Emphasis will be member of the Santa Barbara Oak placed on SLR (single lens reﬂex) Group, and his landscape aerial format cameras, but participants EASTON

photographs are regularly shown at with point-and-shoot cameras are ELLEN the Easton Gallery in Montecito and also welcome. Bill. Dewey 13 Friends of Lotusland We Welcome New Members Who Joined in December 2004, January and February 2005

LEVEL I Ms. K. Nodinger Mr. & Mrs. Jay F. Dooreck Ms. Dawn O’Brien Mr. James D. Duell Ms. Anna Abbot Mr. Don Olsen & Ms. Nancy Franco & Mrs. Julie Jenney Mr. Dennis Allen Mr. Andre Phillippi Mr. & Mrs. Martin B. Einhorn & Ms. Jenny Cushie & Ms. Caroline Green Mr. Peter Feuerstein Mrs. Lois Baessler Mr. Jed Redwine Mr. & Mrs. Mike Fisher & Family Ms. Tisha Bohr Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Rohal The Florimbi Family Mrs. Gail Brockett Mr. & Mrs. Bill Sargent Mr. Steve Gully Ms. Sara Cunningham Ms. Diane C. Smith & Mrs. Michelle Taylor Dr. & Mrs. James H. Deen Mr. & Mrs. Odom Stamps Dr. Lyle Hillegas Mr. & Mrs. Greg Eslinger Mr. & Mrs. Bayard Storey Ms. Jill Howsam Mrs. Shirley Ferguson Ms. Pat Stotko Mr. Weldon Howze Ms. Mary Lynne Franzia Dr. & Mrs. Jack Sturm Mr. & Mrs. Robert Jensen Ms. Nancy Frick Dr. David Thomas Ms. Debi Jurgensen Ms. Patsy Grazioni Mr. Dennis Thompson Ms. Janice Knight Ms. Peggy Harris, P.M. Harris Landscape Design Mr. & Mrs. Tim Thomson Mr. & Mrs. David Laﬁtte Mrs. Jon Henricks Ms. Robin Updike Karen Lombardo Mr. & Mrs. Phil Hiromerides Mr. Len Van Nostrand Mr. & Mrs. Lee Menichella Dr. & Mrs. Robert W. Holmes Mr. & Mrs. David Yonashiro Mr. & Mrs. Jack Morrison Ms. Gloria Horton Ms. Mary Zeoli Ms. Katherine Muckle Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ingrum Dr. Joseph Zorskie Ms. Debbie Neer Mr. Michael Jacquemetton Ms. Virginia Paca Ms. Michelle Jensen LEVEL II Mr. Ed Pierson Mr. & Mrs. Burton Kendall Ms. Louise Andrae Mr. & Mrs. Peter Winn Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kitchen Mr. Randy Arnowitz Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wood Ms. Susanne Linn Robert Bannister & Janaki Wilkinson Dr. Dawn Wood & Dr. Bob Shackam Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Miller Mr. Dennis D. Black Ms. Karen Mittelstadt Mr. & Mrs. Steven Carter LEVEL IV Ms. S. Mobraaten Mr. Kenneth M. Curtis Mondial, Scott Schonzeite Ms. Betsy Mooney Mr. & Mrs. Greg Dangleis & Cynthia Miranda Lotusland Gratefully Acknowledges Donations December 2004, January and February 2005

2004 ANNUAL APPEAL Ms. Bernadette Bagley Mr. Peter J. Granz Care of the Garden Mr. & Mrs. Donald Bowey Ms. Christine A. Green Mr. & Mrs. Scott Brittingham Mrs. Gretchen Gregersen Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence N. Bailard Mr. & Mrs. Monte Brown Ms. Deanna Hatch Ms. Diana Miller Dr. & Mrs. David Buchanan Mr. John Hayes & Mr. Brian Hershkowitz Mr. & Mrs. Bob Burton Hazel Heath Horton Philanthropic Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tavis Mr. Robert Cameron Trust, Mr. Wright Watling Miss Shirley Toeppner Mr. & Mrs. Colin Campbell Mrs. E. Walton Hedges Mr. Chris Woods Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Carter Mr. & Mrs. Christian Heyer Desert Garden Ms. Maxine Carter Brasseur Mr. & Mrs. Bob Hill Byron & Nancy Wood Mr. Bill Cathey & Ms. Pam Pilcher Mr. & Mrs. Rodney C. Hill Mr. & Mrs. Michael Champion Mrs. Patsy Hirsch Education Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Crawford Mr. & Mrs. Phil R. Jackson Ginny Brush, Brush & Associates Ms. Jane S. Dyruff Mr. & Mrs. Richard Janssen Mr. & Mrs. Nigel Buxton Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Emmons, Bill & Beth Jones Ms. Lorraine M. McDonnell Emmons Foundation Mrs. Robert M. Jones & Mr. M. Stephen Weatherford Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Erburu Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Kendall Mr. Richard Faggioli Mrs. Jacqueline Lunianski General Mr. & Mrs. Ron Fox Mr. John Magnuson Mrs. Frances G. Armstrong Mr. David Gerber Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Maison Mr. Victor K. Atkins, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck Continued on page 14 14

Mr. & Mrs. James W. Markham GIFT MEMBERSHIP DONORS Barbara Koutnik & Mel Smith Mrs. Elise Mudd Marvin Miss Allison Archer Le Reve Mr. William G. Myers Mr. Craig Beill & Mr. Todd Schurto Paso Robles Main Street Ms. Katie O’Reilly Rogers Mr. & Mrs. Nigel Buxton Byron & Nancy Wood Mr. & Mrs. Frank Percival Mr. & Mrs. Mark Coodey Mrs. Leslie A. Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Don Crawford IN MEMORY OF Mr. & Mrs. Gary Rollè Mr. & Mrs. Mike Deen JOANN LEWIS Dr. & Mrs. Harvey Silverberg Mrs. Susan Ferguson Susann Stout Smith Mr. Leonard Somdahl Ms. Mary Lynne Franzia Mr. Harrison E. Stroud Ms. Margaret Grace, IN MEMORY OF The Randolph and Patricia Scott Grace Design Associates DOROTHY OPENSHAW Foundation Ms. Valerie Helzer Ms. Louise E. Thielst Mr. & Mrs. Hunter Hillegas Marion A. Adams Ms. Frances Tibbits Mr. & Mrs. Robert Jensen Dr. & Mrs. Steven Timbrook Ms. Pam Kapustay IN MEMORY OF Mr. Curt W. Uritz Mr. & Mrs. Richard LaRusso MICHAEL PETRINI Mr. John Wesolowski Bambi & Chris Leonard Ms. Antoinette I. Kiraly & Mrs. Margaret Olowski Mr. & Mrs. Tremper Longman Ms. Deloria Zabriskie Ms. Elaine Lowenthal IN MEMORY OF & Ms. Anita Sturm BRIAN THORNHILL LOTUS SOCIETY Mr. & Mrs. Clifford D. Mohr Meredith B. Ingram Mr. & Mrs. Norman Hillemann Mrs. Richard Montanaro Estate of Margo F. Osherenko Ms. Jan Montgomery Schurman Fine Papers Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson GRANTS Ms. Naomi Schwartz KITCHEN RENOVATION Ms. Erin Smith Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Emmons The Samuel & Margaret Mosher Mr. & Mrs. William Spiewak Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tavis MAIN HOUSE RENOVATION The Orfalea Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Van Dyke The Outhwaite Foundation Ms. Elizabeth E. Vogt Hilary Doubleday Harold Simmons Foundation Ms. Katie Zwarg Jaqua Beauty Michael Towbes William J. Laman IN MEMORY OF Valerie O’Connor CACTUS GARDEN BLAIR L. CARTY Paciﬁc Stove Works MATCHING GRANT Anne & Bill Dewey GVRG Castagnola Family Foundation Ms. Molly W. Dolle PLANTS FOR 4TH GRADE Robert Gilson, Sr. OUTREACH PROGRAM SPONSORS OF Richard & Mimi Gunner Island View Nursery “STELLAR SOLUTIONS FOR SOGGY SITES WITH GREG SPEICHERT” Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson Members Who Have Increased GENERAL DONATIONS Their Level of Support Mrs. Ronald V. Book December 2004, January and February 2005 NancyBell Coe Mr. & Mrs. James Drasdo LEVEL II LEVEL III Mr. & Mrs. James G. P. Dehlsen Anne & Bill Dewey Ms. Christine A. Green Mr. & Mrs. Larry Driscoll Mr. & Mrs. Patrick DeYoung Mr. John Hayes Mr. & Mrs. Rush Hinsdale Ms. Beth Hamilton Mr. & Mrs. James H. Hurley, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Knight & Mr. Michael Van Atta Mr. John Magnuson Mr. John Magnuson Mr. & Mrs. Stan Harfenist Hon. & Mrs. John C. Pritzlaff Robert & Judith Munro Ms. Letitia Harper Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Rodgers in appreciation of Miss Debbie Hughey docent Harlis Maggard Dr. & Mrs. Elliot Prager GARDEN PATRONS Philip & Marianne Norwood Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Sweet Mr. & Mrs. James Drasdo in honor of Jo Ann Mermis Mr. & Mrs. Peter F. Ziegler Mr. & Mrs. William W. Mr. & Mrs. Arent H. Schuyler, Jr. Ms. Katie Zwarg Nicholson Rhoda & Jack White 15

Ganna Walska Lotusland Registration Form

PAYMENT METHOD: Ⅺ Check enclosed Ⅺ VISA Ⅺ MasterCard Expiration date ______

Card number ______Signature______

Member name

Address Phone______One member pass ($15 value) may be used as partial payment for any event. Fees are refundable only if cancellation is received one week before class or lecture. If minimum enrollment is not reached, classes and lectures may be canceled. No phone reservations, please.

Mail to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Garden Tours With VIRGINIA HAYES Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, June 4 • 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM $85/members • $95/nonmembers EACH TOUR INCLUDES LUNCH AND DELUXE COACH TRANSPORTATION FROM LOTUSLAND PLEASE CHOOSE DATE(S): Ⅺ April 23 Ⅺ June 4 No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Twilight Tour Saturday, June 25 • 6:00 TO 8:15 PM $30 EACH CHECK ONE: Ⅺ Guided tour Ⅺ Self-guided tour No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Digital Photography Workshop Saturday, July 16 • 8:30 AM TO NOON $30/members • $35/nonmembers No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______

Garden Patrons and Garden Benefactors Enjoy Special Benefits

OUR GARDEN PATRON AND GARDEN BENEFACTOR membership levels include unlimited free admission to Lotusland and an invitation to a very special event.

This year’s event is on September 8 at “Solana,” the fabulous Montecito estate of trustee Sandra Nicholson and her husband Bill.

Built in 1901 for Frederick Peabody of Arrow Shirt fame, the 21,000-square-foot home and gardens have been extensively restored and renovated by the Nicholsons.

For more information about these membership levels, please contact Anne Dewey, Director of Development, at (805) 969-3767, extension 105, or by email at [email protected]. Ganna Walska Nonproﬁt Org. U.S. POSTAGE Lotusland Foundation P A I D Santa Barbara 695 Ashley Road California Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Permit No. 163 Address Service Requested

2005 Spring and Summer Member Events

MANY LOTUSLAND EVENTS are open to nonmembers, so please let your friends and neighbors know about the great activities we offer. Children are welcome at many events, and Family Tour Days are every Thursday and the second Saturday of each month (see the listing below). We hope you enjoy the year 2005 at Lotusland.

Saturday, April 23 Saturday, June 25 Saturday, August 13 Garden Tour with Virginia Hayes Summer Twilight Tour LotusFest! 9:00 AM –4:00 PM 6:00 TO 8:15 PM NOON –4:00 PM Please see details on page 4 Please see details on page 10 See details on page 4. and use the coupon on page 15 and use the coupon on page 15 Saturday, August 20 to register. to register. Self-guided Tours for All Members Saturday, April 30 10:00 AM –12:30 PM Members’ Family Day Saturday, July 16 Members $15 or use admission The Incredibles, Starring Digital Photography passes. Call 969-9990 for Lotusland’s Amazing Plants Workshop reservations 9 AM–NOON, M–F. 10:00 AM –4:00 PM 8:30 AM – NOON See details and reservation form Please see details on page 12 B on pages 8 and 9. and use the coupon on page 15 to register. Family Tours Saturday, May 7 Family tours for all ages are Self-guided Tours for All Members Self-guided Tours for All Members offered every Thursday at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM and the second 1:30–4:30 PM 1:30–4:30 PM Members $15 or use admission Members $15 or use admission Saturday of each month at 10 AM and 1:30 PM. (except between passes. Call 969-9990 for passes. Call 969-9990 for reservations 9 AM–NOON, M–F. mid-November to mid-February.). reservations 9 AM–NOON, M–F. Family tours are child and parent Saturday, June 4 friendly and are separate from Garden Tour with Virginia Hayes Sunday, July 24 regular adult tours. Adult members 9:00 AM –4:00 PM Lotusland Celebrates $15 or use admission passes; Please see details on page 4 The Wizard of LotOZland children under ten $8; children and use the coupon on page 15 4:00–8:00 PM under two free. Call 969-9990 for to register. See details on page 11. reservations 9 AM–NOON, M–F.