Nt:WSLt:TTt:R FOR Mt:MBt:RS VOLUMt: 6 NO. 3 & AUTUMN 1997

PioneeringDlantsmen of SantaBarbara THE LATTERHALF of the last century and the first half of this century saw a plethora of horticu ltural activity in Southern California, including the pioneering work of several plantsmen in and around Santa Barbara. Their legacy remains today in the myriad plantings along the region's streets, freeways, and parks, and on many of its former great estates. Species commonly used in landscaping today were first introduced to the area by these men (and women) who worked to increase horticultural diversity in Santa Barbara's temperate, sunny ( :lime-one in which almost any in­ troduced plant species would thrive. In an earlier issue (Vol. 5, No. 2; Summer 1996), we gave a broad introduction to the work of these early horticulturists as it related to the subsequent development of Santa Barbara's great estates and famous gardens. Here we profile in more de­ tail five of these pioneering plantsmen. EllwoodCooper utilized the versatileoil of the olivetrees that he grew on his 2,000-acreSanta JO~t:PH SEXTON (1042-1917) Barbararanch in commercialproducts such as cookingoil, soap, and candy. FATHEROF SANTA BARBARA 40RTICUL~UP.E AMONG THE FIRSTto work with exotic IN THIS ISSUE and tropical plant introductions was PioneeringPlantsmen DeadllJDuo Destrol)sPines 9 Joseph Sexton. A native of Ohio who of SantaBarbara moved to Southern California as a CSSAConvention Report 10 LotuslandCelebrates the Diva 4 child, he established a nursery in 1867 VolunteersCelebrated II in Santa Barbara with stock from DeidreCantrell, 6 Art in Full Bloom his father's Petaluma nursery and a New ExecutiveAssistant 12 120-pound sack of Persian walnuts LotuslandPlans for the Future 6 HelpUs Train DocentsThis fall 12 shipped from Chile. Two years later MericosFoundation Awards Grant New to the Collections 7 the nursery moved to Goleta to take LotuslandRemembered 13 ( advantage of better weather and Art at Lotusland 7 blJ Noll Bequest topsoil that reached 33 feet in some New SantaBarbara Gardens 7 Statuan1lnventon1 Completed 13 places. In the 1870s Sexton began HorticulturalHappenings 3 RestoredWall Dedicated 13 raising pampas grass (Cortaderiase/1- Frank Fujii:ThirttJ Years and Counting oana)commercially and by 1895 was SummerIntern Eric Martin Calendarof Events 16 THE LOTUS!..ANDNEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS is published by Ganna Walska Lot;1,1slandFoundation 695 AshleyRoad Santa Barbara,California 93108 (805) 969-3767

Boardof Trustees Carol L. Valentine,l'residem Menyl Brown • ElizabethW Dake Robert Emmons • Arthur R. Gaudi Anne W. Jones • Stanya Owen PamelaB. Pesenti • David Potter Michael Towbes

Steven Tunbrook, Ph.D., ExewtiveDireaor Anne Dewey. AssistamDirector VirginiaHayes, Curatorof the UvingCollwio11 Mike Iven, GroundsSuperinte1uf 1mt

Janet Eastman, Editor Lindse's Letter PerfectGraphics, Design Printed by J& S Graphlx ,· n: Printed on recycledand recyclablepaper -.,,j Earlynurseryman Joseph Sexton next to a cherimoyatree amid palms 011 his Goletapropeny. exporting 500,000 plumes annually obtained to Sexton in Goleta. His however, was the work he carried to the East and Europe. 1877 catalogue was illustrated with out with eucalyptus. He grew Sexton imported so many exotic rare shrubs and plants. In this way he 150,000 trees of 24 varieties for winq ) and tropical plants from Australia, was able to introduce the Norfolk breaks and landscape effects and Asia, and Europe that he maintained Island pine from a single burlap­ distributed thousands of them his own depot for plants arriving by wrapped specimen . The first to offer throughout the area. He even wrote steamer. An associate in San Franciso the cherimoya (Annona cherimola), a book on the subject (Eucalyptus would also meet clipper ships and Sexton also introduced many varieties Trees), and in 1875 gave a public send any rare seeds and plants he of avocado and is responsible for lecture about the tree's many uses. developing a variety of soft-shelled At the same time Cooper grew walnut still sold today. For ten years 7,000 olive trees and 12,500 walnut (1885-95) he maintained a flower trees and operated the largest olive and retail store in downtown Santa mill in the U.S. A second book on Barbara in addition to his nursery olive culture explored the methods and mail order business. A man of of utilizing this fruit's versatile oil in vision and courage, it was his choice to settle in Santa Barbara that opened the door for others interested in fur­ thering the expansion of horticulture.

ELLWOODCOOPER (1329 - 1913) AMERl~S OLIVE Oil l'ilN(r DURING THIS SAME PERIOD,Santa Bar­ baran Ellwood Cooper was estab­ lishing his 2,000-acre "pocket ranch" outside of the city. There he grew olives, figs, walnuts, deciduous fruits, The '1897catalogue of the So. California AcclimatizingAssociation contained a citrus, and rare ornamentals amid summarydescription , degreeof hardiness, the oaks and sycamores. His main and hintsto cultureof 1,500 sortsof plants. contribution to early horticulture, EllwoodCooper. species. It was Stevens who first introduced the Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), dragon trees (Dracaena draco),and nine varieties of rare palm trees to Southern California in addi­ tion to providing local ranchers with i;t\cal:)1)tus TTees. lemon trees for their orchards. 1· Mature specimens of many of the plants Stevens introduced can be seen on his former estate, known today as Lotusland.

Dr. Francese/toFranceschi .

In conjuntion with other nursery­ men, he established the Southern California Acclimatizing Association to promote and document the on­ going introductions of non-native plant species to the region. His most important work, however, was an EllwoodCooper \flrote an authoritativetext 88-page inventory of plants in Santa on eucalyptusin 1876. Barbara from foreign countries (Santa BarbaraExotic Flora). Although only in commercial products such as cook­ Santa Barbara for 20 years, he was a ing oil and soap. By 1882 he also was prolific writer for periodicals, and his :growing grapes, oranges, lemons, home, Montarioso,remains today as a ( R. KintonStevens. and Japanese persimmons . public park displaying many of the In the early 1880s, Cooper was species he introduced . the first plantsman to use biological DR. FRANCESCOFRANCESCHI controls, importing thousands of (134J-1924) t . 0. ORPET(1063-1956) 'TAI IAN ~mrr1e JITLIRIST ladybugs from China-a natural ALL THAT 15 FINE IN THE WORLD 'Jf ~ORTlfULTl ,RE parasite that fed on the black scale THEESTEEMED DR. Francesco Frances­ attacking his considerable walnut chi, a native of Italy, introduced more ARRIVING IN SANTA BARBARA on groves . Within weeks the scale had plants into California than any other Thanksgiving day in 1920, English­ been stripped clean and farmers nurseryman. Arriving in this country man Edward Owen Orpet noticed a throughout the state followed his in 1890, he made his home on a Continuedon page 16 example, thereby saving the Cali­ 40-acre site on Mission Ridge over­ fornia walnut industry. Cooper was looking Santa Barbara where he grew honored with his election as more than a hundred varieties of President of the California State palms, acacias, eucalyptus, and other Board of Horticulture in 1883, and flowering plants. Among the plants ten years later received the highest he introduced and sold through his award at the Colombian Expo in catalogues were grape ivy, floss silk Chicago for his olive oil. tree, hopbush, pineapple guava, African boxwood, and mondo grass. R. KINTONSTEVENS His fifth catalogue, 93 pages issued (1349-1396) in May 1897, contained 1,500 plants, EPRL'. ' NONTECITQN 1JRSERY~ I\N including cycads, vines, trees, palms, IN 1885 ENGLISHMAN R. Kinton bamboos, shrubs, and bulbous mate ­ ( Stevens established a nursery of rare rials. The first to experiment with plants on his 37-acre property in hardy orchids, he introduced cane­ Montecito. He was the first nursery­ type epidendrum . Franceschi was man to offer a catalogue devoted also a rose hybridizer best known for solely to tropical and subtropical 'Montecito' and 'Montarioso .' Edward Owen Orpet. U.S.TRUST COMPANY OF CA LIFORNIA& Nl:W Jl:RSl:Y ANDTl:Nl:T 1-11:AITHCARI:CORPORAT IONUNDl:R\XIRITI: SLICCl:SSFUL Lotuslar1dCelebrates the Diva

the lotus pond. An array of Erte de­ portion of the event was under­ signs decorated the entryway of the written by a generous donation from Main House including a life-size cut­ Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Kendall. out of a woman wearing an Erte cos­ President of the Board Carol tume created by artist Stuart Brandt. Valentine thanked committee chair Guests enjoyed a spectacular exhibit Merryl Brown and decorations of hand-painted bronze statues, dynamo Lori Ann David for their embossed serigraphs, and watercolor hard work in making the event a costume designs in the sunken draw­ success. Following brief remarks by ing room-made possible by the Executive Director Steven Timbrook, generous loan of original Erte works guests enjoyed Adriatic seafood soup, of art by Hania Tallmadge, Mary Jane chicken scaloppini, and tiramisu Mori, Ross Barrett, Pamela and David served by the Four Seasons Biltmore. Taylor, and the VCSB Art Museum. A delicious chardonnay was donated Arias from Rossini's II Vtaggioa by Brander Vineyard. Reimswere performed with great skill The creative invitation and pro­ and pizzazz in the outdoor theatre gram were designed by committee by Music Academy of the West stu­ member Kim Hansen; the printing dents Randall Behr, Randall Jakobsh, costs were underwritten by Bryant & Sons Jewelry and J&S Graphi.x. TheLotus Diva reignsover the watergardens Joslin Romphf, Lynnette Tapia, and \ in an £rte-inspiredcostume by LoriAnn Miah Im . Director of the Voice As a delightful kickoff for Lotus­ I David as fiute musicwafis across the pond. Program at the Music Academy and /and Celebratesthe Diva, event donor special guest Marilyn Home said Nordstrom Paseo Nuevo hosted a THE GENEROUSSPONSORSHIP of U.S. "they were magnificent." The music fashion show and luncheon for Trust Company of California & New Jersey helped make Lotusland's July 20th gala event the most successful Lotus/andCelebrates to date. The addi­ tional generous donation from Tenet Healthcare Corporation as the Bene­ factor ensured the financial success of the mid-summer fund-raiser. Madame Walska's beautifully groomed garden with the pink and yellow lotus at their peak of bloom provided a perfect setting for Lotus­ land's third annual garden party for members . Highlights of the gala­ which this year featured the artwork and costume design of French artist and couturier Erte, who designed and created numerous operatic costumes for Madame Walska during her career-include three "Garden Divas" dressed in original Erte design cos­ tumes (made by the talented events committee) posed on the Japanese garden pebble beach, in the aloe A weatherballoon fl.oats on the waterbehind the Japanese Garden Diva whoposes as guests garden shell pond, and reigning over listento a wind ensemble;ust across the pebblebeach. Friends of Lotusland on June 27 at Mr. & Mrs. David Bonfeld Wine Bistro its Santa Barbara store. Mrs. Lynn Braitman Renegade Wine ( Special thanks go to the follow­ Mrs. Louise D . Brant ing Patrons of Lotus/andCelebrates the Mr. & Mrs. Walter Brewer Lotus/andCelebrates the Diva was Diva whose enthusiasm and support Ms. Eunice S. Butler made possible by the extraordinary ensured the success of Lotusland's Ms. Mary L. Cheadle efforts of the event committee: primary fund-raising event: Doris Fienga, Ph.D. Mrs. Rowe Giesen Merryl Brown, Chair Margo Baker Barbakow Mr. & Mrs. Stewart L. Abercrombie Dr. & Mrs. George R. Halling Sharon Crawford Dr. & Mrs. Albert E. Amorteguy Ms . Frances D . Larkin Elizabeth Dake Dr. Warren R. Austin Mr. Robert M. Light Lori Ann David Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Bacon, Jr. Ms . Sandra Karole Peters Anne Dewey, Assistant Director Jeffrey & Margo Baker Barbakow in honor of Merryl Brown Poney Eagleton Mr. & Mrs. Monte T. Brown Mr. & Mrs . John Rex Mr. & Mrs. Neil Campbell Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth W. Riley Kim Hansen Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Carpenter Mrs. George Russell Anne Jones Ruth & Tom Crawford Ms. Louisa E. Thielst Dana Kent Sir Daniel J. Donohue Ms. Robin Grace Warren Karen Kolb Dr. & Mrs. Robert Emmons Jo Ann Lewis Katie Martin Mrs. Maurice E. Faulkner Additional thanks go to the fol­ Mr. & Mrs. Alvin W. Friedman Stanya Owen lowing businesses whose generously Marjorie Palonen Mr. Arthur R. Gaudi donated services contributed to the Melinda & Marvin Goodman Pam Pesenti success of the event: Mrs. Robert C. Green Nancy Salvucci Mrs. Richard H. Hellmann Music Academy of the West Carolene Tacconelli Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Hugunin Four Seasons Biltmore Hania Tallmadge Sally Jordan Cafi.on Angelito Nursery Carol Valentine Mr. & Mrs. Philip Katsenes & Topiary Nancy Wall ( Mr. & Mrs. Eli Luria Kim Hansen Graphics Mrs. Adele H. Mairs Wm. B. Dewey, Photographer Last, but by no means least, Lotus­ Mr. & Mrs. Keith Marston Jonathan's Valet Parking land would like to thank Margo Mr. & Mrs. A. A. Milligan Pavilions Plus Baker Barbakow for a very generous Janet Milligan-Crary Regal Rents grand finale donation that "rounded Montecito Bank & Trust Resource One up" the net profits to a handsome J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated Au Bon Climat even figure. Mr. & Mrs. James P. Owen Mr. & Mrs. Bernard C. Parent Mr. & Mrs. Frank Pesenti Mr. & Mrs. David Potter Mr. & Mrs. C. William Schlosser Stan & Dorothy Shaner Mr. & Mrs. Robert Smith Hania P. Tallmadge Jeanne C. Thayer Carol L. Valentine F.B. Vanderhoef, Jr. Veloz, Ridley-Tree William T. White Laura Lee W. Woods Mr. & Mrs. William J.Woods Mr. & Mrs. Albert Zukas

Lotusland is grateful for the following additional donations for ( the event: Anonymous MusicAcademy of the \¥/eststudents and staff (leftto right}:Randall Behr, Lynette Tapia, Ms. Elizabeth T. Atkins Directorof the VocalProgram Marilyn Horne, Joslin Romphf, Miah Im, and RandallJakobsh Mr. Victor K. Atkins, Jr. gatheroutside the theatrebefore their performance of ariasfrom Rossini's H Viaggio a Reims. DeidreCa11trelL New rxecutive Assista11t

THISJULY DEIDRE CANTRELL joined the from art collections to botanical col­ I Lotusland staff as Assistant to the lections refreshing and is excited to Executive Director. Deidre comes to be part of Lotusland's educational Lotusland after six years at the mission as it unfolds. To familiarize Huntington Library, Art Collections, herself with the flora at Lotusland and Botanical Gardens where she and the garden's history, she plans to spent two years as the Education attend fall docent training classes. Programs Assistant in the Volunteer As a former dancer who studied and Tours Department and four and performed ballet for 18 years, years as the Administrative Assistant Deidre also feels a kinship with and Office Manager in the Art Divi­ Madame Walska the performer and sion. A native of Los Angeles, Deidre is pleased with Lotusland's affiliation earned her B.A. in Art History at with the local arts community. The Scripps College and spent a semester garden that most impresses her is studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. Madame Walska's outdoor theatre She brings a wealth of administrative ~ with its horticultural equivalents to skills to the position as well as a solid Deidre sees Lotusland as unique staging, floodlights, and orchestra background working in an environ­ in reflecting Madame Walska's dra­ pit. And it is the theatrical aspect ment kindred to that of Lotusland. matic personality. 'The gardens are of all of the gardens that she finds Although the Huntington and welcoming, weird, and wonderful most charming. Lotusland share many similarities and possess a whimsy not found at Lotusland is fortunate to have as estate gardens created by wealthy the Huntington," according to Deidre. found such a perfect match for collectors early in this century, She finds the change in her focus this position.

Lotusla11dPlans for th e future

FOUR YEARSAGO this month, in Sep­ limitation on the number of vehicles groups, without degradation of the tember 1993, Lotusland began wel­ which can bring visitors to the prop­ grounds or compromising the ex­ coming visitors to Madame Walska's erty on any one day, further limiting perience of visiting Lotusland . We fascinating garden under the terms of our ability to meet the community 1s are confident that our visitors can a Conditional Use Permit issued by demand to visit. Depending upon and will carpool, as needed, to the County of Santa Barbara. During the time of year and whether or not allow us to effectively operate with­ the first three years the number of Cold Spring School is in session, in the existing daily traffic numbers visitors was allowed to grow from those limits are 25, 35, or 40 vehicles at the proposed increased number 5,000 to 9,000 per year. Yet demand per day. of visitors. to visit Lotusland far exceeds the Under the existing visitor vehicle We are hoping that, working 9,000 spaces now available each year. limits, Lotusland could accommo­ cooperatively with our neighbors For the better part of a year, date many more than the current and the community, we will be Lotusland has been talking with its annual limit of 9,000 visitors without successful in demonstrating to the members, neighbors, and local asso­ impacting neighboring roads. As this County Planning Commission that ciations and institutions about ways newsletter goes to print, we are Lotusland has and will continue to that more people can enjoy Madame beginning the process of asking for a be a good neighbor and an asset to Walska's gardens without compro­ revision to the Conditional Use the community, and that, in turn, mising the residential character of Permit that would allow up to the Planning Commission will grant the neighborhood. There is common 21,500 visitors (approximately 100 our request and allow the increase agreement that traffic is the only real per day) while maintainingthe exist­ in visitors. ) concern of most people. ing daily limits on vehicles.We know If you have any questions, or In addition to the annual limit on from four years of operation that would like to help us, please call the number of individuals who may the garden can handle 100 visitors Executive Director Steven Timbrook visit Lotusland, there is an additional per day, with a few occasional larger at 969-3767, ext. 223. Newto theCollectior\5 \Xfilh VIRGINIAHAYl:S

l-lilVF VQU SEfN THESE? Barbara. So it is no wonder that it the base that can be removed and performs so well here. planted. The plants now in bloom at SEVERALVRJESEA IMPERJALISare put­ As with all bromeliads, the onset Lotusland had their start in just this ting on a magnificent show in the of flowering precedes the death of manner as they were removed from bromeliad gardens this summer. The the plant. Before its life is ended, large specimens when they bloomed majestic rosettes of leaves up to four however, the "mother plant" pro­ many years ago in Madame's garden. feet in length are enfolding spec­ duces one to several offsets from If you visit the garden in the next few tacular floral spires rising another months you can't fail to notice these five feet into the air. The branched regal Vrieseas,and bird watchers will inflorescence is glossy red, and from probably get the added thrill of between its bracts pale yellow flowers seeing a hummingbird on its daily spread their petals and expose long rounds sipping their nectar. stamens. A copious amount of nectar is held cupped at the base of each NEW CYCADSFROM flower as reward to the busy hum­ mingbirds that visit. Each individual AUSTRALIA flower lasts just a day or two and L0TUSLANDHAS JUST RECEMDeig ht usually only one is open at a time on live plartts from Australia. As part of each branchlet of the stalk, so a scientific trade arranged through prospective pollinators have good the Australian Nature Conservancy, cause to return again and again. The mature specimens of Macrozamia whole bloom cycle can last from dyeri have been added to the collec­ ( many weeks to several months. tion. The plants, which were grow­ Native to the high cliffs of the ing on land slated for development, Organ Mountains in the Brazilian were collected and shipped via air state of Rio de Janeiro, V imperialisis freight from Perth, Western Australia, found at elevations of about 4,000 and arrived June 26th. After being feet. Days are warm and sunny but quarantined for several days on-site, nights are cool, and yearly rainfall of they have joined the growing num­ 25 to 35 inches is concentrated in the ber of cycads in Lotusland's nursery winter months just as it is in Santa Vriesea imperialis by GailLucas. awaiting a place in the garden .

Art at Lolusla11d J\tferedithAbbott, pictured working in the parterre, is just one of 39 landscapepainters putting brush to palettein preparationfor the upcomingfall art auctionfundraiser, Art at Lotusland. This excitingart event willbe heldon Sunday, October 4, at the mainhouse. Invitations will be se11tto all membersin earlyfall. New Sa11taBarbara GardellS Twenty-fourLotus/and members spe11t the day visitingseven new gardenscreated by Santa Barbaralandscape designers Owen Oe11,Jim ( Melnik, and ErikNagelmann. The gardens, locatedfrom FernaldPoint to RomeroCanvon, showcaseda rangeof stylesfrom desert and drought-tolerantplantings to dramatic,lush, and flower-fliedspaces. Pictured at rightare members enjoyinga gardendesigned by EricNagelmann. HorticulturalHapp er1ir1gs \XfithM llil: 1\/1:N 0 FRANKFUJII: THIRlY He then operated his own landscape Madame Walska and da Ros when YEARSAND COUNTING gardening business until the Second he could-in the morning before his World War broke out, at which time other jobs, then at noon, and after he and his family were sent to an work to talk with da Ros about what internment camp in Arizona for three needed to be done next-they man­ years. After the war he returned to aged to build a Japanese garden. Santa Barbara and found a job on the Despite the lack of a formal plan, Kemper Williams estate, where he Fujii feels that they created some­ remained for over 40 years. In the thing nice. He was concerned for early 1950s he got his contractor's many years, however, that the gar- license and built a few Japanese den was not finished by the time gardens in the area, among them the Madame Walska moved on to her Buddhist church on Montecito Street. next project. Many years later, after In his capacity as a landscape her death in 1984, he was pleased contractor, Fujii met stonemason that the Foundation brought in land­ Oswald da Ros, who worked on scape architect Koichi Kawana to many of Santa Barbara's fine estates, add a few finishing touches to her including Lotusland. When Madame garden, such as a wisteria arbor and Walska turned to da Ros to help her shinto shrine. Fujii would like to build her Japanese garden in 1967, complete the design of the garden by da Ros called upon Fujii for his ex­ creating inlets to break up one's view pertise. The three worked together, of the pond and by providing step­ without a formal plan, on building a ping stone paths to the koi feeding, ) Japanese style garden with a water­ area and lotus. Perhaps then, he fall, island, stone bridge, statuary, feels, the garden would be finished. THIS FALL,LoruSLAND grounds staff and landscape materials where there Fujii has been an active member member Frank Fujii marks his 25th had formerly been a large, lotus-filled of the Santa Barbara Horticultural year as a Lotusland employee and 30 pond amid pines-once a reservoir Society for more than 40 years and years of affiliation with the estate. built by Kinton Stevens. Fujii and participated in flower shows at Earl Hired by Madame Walska as an da Ros traveled far and wide to bring Warren Showgrounds in the 1960s. independent contractor to help build in the many large stone boulders One year he created a 700-square­ her Japanese garden in 1967, Fujii featured in the garden. They even foot Japanese exhibit using stones became a regular employee in 1972, utilized stones from another estate from da Ros and plant material from and has worked here ever since. that Fujii's father had set while several nurseries . Today, at age 80, Fujii is the son of Japanese parents working with da Ros' father on the he works four days a week alongside who settled in Salt Lake City in 1917, building of a Japanese garden there gardener Terri Clay, whom he has the year he was born. His father some years earlier. taught the art of pruning over the operated an import-export business, Both had to make compromises past 11 years. He is a vital member eventually moving the family to Los in their ideas based on Madame of the grounds crew, endeavoring Angeles where he did Japanese land­ Walska's preferences. Fujii's insis­ to maintain the simplicity he worked scape design and construction. The tence that simplicity be the basic so hard to instill in the garden 30 family then relocated to Santa element in the design checked her years ago. Barbara, where they raised bulbs and tendency toward horticultural osten ­ flowers, switching to vegetables after tation. According to him, "It gives you SUMMER NTEP.N the stock market crash of 1929. a feeling when you walk through the Attending Santa Barbara State garden ...of serenity, quietness. Makes LOTUSLAND1S GROUNDS MAINTENANCE College, Fujii took courses in botany, you feel you want to meditate." summer internship program provides\ ) horticulture, and landscaping in order Thanks to his input, the garden is set practical experience to a student cur­ to get started as a gardener and land­ off from all the others by this distinct rently enrolled or recently graduated scaper. There he studied with re­ meditative quality. from an accredited horticulture pro­ nowned nurseryman Peter Reidel. With Fujii working alongside gram. Since it was initiated in the numerous nationwide applicants . Elzroth from Cal Poly, Eric arrived in Eric grew up in the Sacramento ­ the middle of June and became an Grass Valley area of California . He instant and valuable participant in managed a restaurant for several the flurry of grounds maintenance years and worked in the construction activity that takes place every sum ­ trade before deciding to pursue a mer before the annual fund-raising career in horticulture. In addition to party, Lotusland Celebrates,held in classroom studies, Eric works at the July. Following the event, he worked Leaning Pine Arboretum on campus with various members of the and performs general landscape, tool, grounds staff throughout the garden, and equipment maintenance at the gaining special skills and knowledge environmental horticulture unit at unique to the maintenance and Cal Poly. Eric and his Cal Poly student cultural care of individual display teammates won the nationa l 1997 areas and plant collections . late 1980s, students from schools as Associated Landscape Contractors of Following graduation from Cal diverse as Santa Barbara City College, America competition held in Texas. Poly, Eric plans to wo rk toward Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cornell Participating in three out of 20 attaining his landscape contractor's University, North Carolina State, events, he earned first place in license. He would like to specialize Montana State, UC Davis, and Texas Maintenance Equipment Operation in the design and installation of A&M have participated in the annual and Patio Construction, and fourth natural looking ponds, pools, and 10-week program. place in Landscape Irrigation Design. other landscape water features. This year's intern, Eric Martin, a After being encouraged to apply Lotusland staff thoroughly enjoyed senior environmen tal horticulture for the Lotusland internship by fellow meeting and working with Eric this science student at Cal Poly San Luis student Mike Souza -l ast summer's past summer and wish him great Obispo, was selected from among student intern-and Professor Tom success in his future endeavors. 0 DeadlLJDuo Destrows Pines BLJJOHN LAFL l:UR

THEDUAL THREAT of pine pitch canker attacks the pine from the and a pair of pine bark beetles have top. While Monterey taken a great toll on Lotusland's pines are the beetles' pines. Many of the majestic trees preferred host, the that have graced the skyline of the latest victim of this Japanese and shade gardens for so dead ly duo at many years are declining and dying Lotusland has been a despite efforts to save them. Canary Island pine (Pinuscanariensis), Pine pitch canker is a disease the top third of which has been killed that has been devastating stands of (see photo) . native pines along coastal California. The only course of action to fight Alas, there is no treatment for this these problems has been to prune, fungal disease, which weakens trees remove terminally affected trees, and and leaves them susceptible to work to maintain and improve the attack from another enemy- pine health and vigor of remaining trees. bark beetles. After consultation with entomo lo­ The red turpentine beetle gists at U.C. Riverside and else­ (Dendroaonusvalens, right) where, the prognosis looks grim for bores into the lower Lotusland's pines. It will be many l trunk of the pine while years before younger and recently the California five­ planted replacement trees will fill the spined ips beetle (fps void left by the demise of these once paraconfusus,above left) majestic pines. Cactia La Carte BLJPAUL MIU-5 n ONE OF MY MANY realizations after morpho logical evolution of the cacti of the "movers and shakers" of the attending the 27th Biennial Con­ - why they are built the way they succulent world - those who have vention of the Cactus and Succulent are and how they got that way­ promoted the appreciation and Society of America (CSSA) was that with many South American cacti study of succulents in some notable the succulent plant collections of used as examples; Tony Miller, Royal fashion. Many people were named, Lotusland must be considered some Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland, from botanists of the 18th century of the finest in the world . The name who discussed some findings from to more contemporary individuals Lotusland alone evokes a sense of awe multiple trips to the Isles of Socotra such as our very own Madame among the most seasoned succulent and Abdel Kuri, off the horn of Ganna Walska. enthusiasts and botanists alike. Africa, which are easily one of the Wednesday was set aside for This year's convention was held most incredible succulent habitats field trips, of which I chose the Baja the first week of July in San Diego in the world with very high rates trip. After an uneventful bus ride, we with four days of presentations and of endemism; Ted Anderson, Desert found ourselves running around a one day set aside for field trips. The Botanical Garden, Phoenix, who hillside near La Bufadora, south of presentations were directed toward opened with a presentation on the Ensenada. It was a nice spot with both hobbyists and professionals unique cactus flora of the Galapagos three species of Dudleya, Agave

focusing on cultivation and propa­ Islands and closed with a reflection shawii,one species each of Ferocactus1

gation, field research, and the latest on 40 years of cactus research in Echinocereus, and Mammillaria1 Bergero­ discoveries from around the world. Mexico, including some conclusions cactus emoryi, and some opuntias . Some of the more noteworthy from a three -year CITES-funded Many of the participants from the presentations were by Steven study of more than 20 taxa of east coast or Europe were thrilled McCabe, Curator, UCSC Arboretum, Mexican cacti; Myron Kimnach, to see real-live succulents in their who spoke of Dudleya, California's Editor of the CSSA journal, who native habitat. ) native succulent, including the many talked of epiphytic cacti; and Gerald The convention was an excellent endemics of the Channel Islands; Barad, who discussed the pollina­ opportunity to interact with and Prof. James Mauseth , University of tion mechanisms of stapeliads. Larry learn from those who are shaping the Texas at Austin , discussing the Mitich, President of CSSA, talked world of cacti and succulents.

In Memoriam

LOTUSLAND ARCHNAL VOLUNTEER Robert Hetzron passed away in August. A native of Hungary, Robert was a retired scholar of Afro-Asiatic linguistics, a lover of Classical music , and an ardent nature lover. Robert had worked for two years translating correspondence in the archives of Madame Walska from French and Russian to Enghsh and was a regular participant in ?;,; monthly volunteer programs and ~ a 0 cQ outings. His soft-spoken presence 1 will be missed. Lotusland1s fine collectionof rareand exoticcac rihas beenknown to evokea sense of awe amongt he most seasoned succulent enthusiasrsand botanists alike. VolurYteersCelebrated

( VOLUNTEERSWERE HONORED this June when Lotusland held its second annual Volunteer Recognition Picnic to thank them for their hard work and long-term service on behalf of the garden. All volunteers were celebrated, with special recognition given to those who had completed 10 years of volunteering and those who had completed special projects over the past year. A catered lunch, served under the giant oak tree on the upper lawn, was followed by the award of door prizes, many of them garden orna­ ments donated by Cloverleaf Stone Guild of Ventura. Lotusland would like co thank past and current volunteers for their contribution to the operation of the garden. They are: VolunteersKaren Kolb, Poney Eagleton, and JoAnn Le\'(/is show off Pauline Adam Carolyn Fleg the doorprizes thev won at thisyear's Volunteer Recognition Picnic. Margo Barbakow Grace Florez Hampton Bell Kathleen Foote Lynn Kirby Richard Riffero Danyel benShea Lee & Bud Francis Kathe Klock Roxanne Ross Nora & David Berklich Brenda Freeman Karen Kolb Ted Ross Gay Bodick Virginia T Gardner Mona L'Oranger Nancy Salvucci John Boyer Arthur R. Gaudi Sonja Lane Veloyce Schmidt Stuart Brandt Rosanne K. Germain JoAnn Lewis Cassandra Schneider ( Laura Brewer Sherry Gilson Maude H. Lowry Sandy Schneider Adi Brewer Anna Griffin Dorothy Marking Jim Scorso June Bristow Dee Gronbeck Marcelle M. Martin Hilda Seibert Merry! Brown Cheryl Guthrie Katie Martin Helen Service George L. Burtness Joan Haber Malcolm McCabe Mary Sheldon Jayne Murray Burton Keyko T Hall JoAnn Mermis Alice Sheldon Heda & Bob Carpenter Valerie Halverson Joan Meznar Martha Shiffman Jeff Chernnick Colin Hammond Chantal Murphy Sharon Slade Jennifer Stafford Russ & Karole Christian Marlena Handler Maureen Murphy Jean Stevenson Pati Clark Kim Hansen Annette Myck Terri Taber Frances D. Connors Patricia R. Harris Lee Neill Carolene Tacconelli Carolyn Craft Bonnie Hayden Lori Niquette Hania Tallmadge Sharon Crawford Robert Hetzron Kirsten Olson Judy Thielscher Nancy Cross Nancy Huebner Dorothy Openshaw Mary Thieme B. Jo Dake Janet Hunter Margo Osherenko Michael Tow bes Lori Ann David Sean Hutchinson Stanya Owen Carol Valentine Nina Delgado Kyle Irwin Joyce Painter Teressa Van Wingerden Jolene Delisa Phil R. Jackson Marjorie & Craig Palonen Jo Wagner Jean DeVilbiss Patricia Harris Johnston Daniel Pedersen Nancy Wall Henrietta di Suvero Anne Jones Maija-Liisa Pekkanen Dorothy Warnock Janean Doan Beth Jones Pam Pesenti Bill White Poney Eagleton Fred Keller David Potter Diana Wilk l Christine Ellis Marge Kelly Jennifer Powell Nancy D. Wilkinson Robert Emmons Dana Kent Dave Prowell Adele Wojciechowski Doris Fienga Cheri£ Khoury Bob & Ginger Puddicombe Robert Wolff Donald/Suzanne Fine Jo Ann Kirby Jane Kimball Quesada Joyce Ziman Ill Memoriam Artill lullBloom ) CURATORVIRGINIA H AYESand several the three-day event, as did Board Lotusland volunteers participated in members Anne Jones and Stanya the Santa Barbara Museum of A.r.t's Owen. Lotusland is proud that so Art in FullBloom July 12 and 13. many of its affiliates return each Docents John Boyer, Lori Ann year to contribute their creative David, Valerie Halverson, and Da na efforts to this merging of art and Kent all created floral displays for horticulture .

DEDICATEDDOCENT and Lotusland friend William T. White died on Saturday, June 21, after a lengthy illness. Bill participated in the 1995 docent training and had been leading tours most enthusiastically since then. For the past two years he has been a patron of Lotus/andCelebrates. ::, An avid, gardener and a warm and zuJ generous man, he will be missed by Lotus/anddocent John Boyer works on his arrangementof liliesand barbed\'(lire at SBMA's all of his Lotusland family. Art in Full Bloom.

HelpUs Traill Do celltsThis Fall New Volunteers MERICOSFOUNDAT IONAWARDS David and Nora Berklich DOCt:NTTRA ININGGRAN T groundsmaintenance and specialevents THE MERICOSFOUNDATION of Pasa­ tours, and pass an evaluation in dena has approved a $7,900 challenge order to successfully complete the George Burmess grant to cover the expenses of training course. Graduates will then groundsmaintenance Lotusland's 1997 Fall Docent Train­ join Lotusland's experienced docents and specialevents ing, which begins this month. The in leading tours and interpreting Mericos Foundation will award the garden to visitors to fulfill their Christine Ellis $5,000 if Lotusland raises a matching two-year commitment to the garden. groundsmaintenance and library $2,900 for the project. The grant will cover the cost Marianne Kelly Lotusland staff and professionals of equipment needed for the train­ hospitality from the community will come ing as well as travel expenses of together to teach 35 to 50 men and speakers &om out of town . Your Mary Perry women about the botany and contribution for docent training will groundsmaintenance horticulture of the plant collections help Lotusland meet this challenge. 0 as well as the history of the estate . Please contact Assistant Director Sharon Wheeler Trainees will attend 14 Monday Anne Dewey at (805) 969-3767, ext. office morning classes, conduct practice 225, for more information. Lotusland Statuarwlnventorw n Remembered Completed

LOTUSLAND RECENTLY RECENED a lN JUNE, VOLUNTEERSBud and Lee bequest of $750,000 from the late Francis completed the first draft of a Edward P. Noll, a Santa Barbara comprehensive inventory of all resident who was very generous in Lotusland's statuary and stonework. his support of local institutions . Cataloguing the collection of more In his will, Mr. Noll stipulated than 200 pieces was a long process that one-quarter of the residue of his in which the Francises photographed estate be given to Lotusland. He and described each piece over several placed no restrictions upon how months . The next step will be to con­ his gift may be used to further duct a conservation survey in order Lotus land's mission to preserve to determine how to preserve and Madame Walska's garden and make maintain the many ornaments that people aware of the importance of the Gavit family and Madame Walska gardens and plants in their daily life. collected and placed in the garden Bequests to Lotusland show the over the past 80 years. Lotusland is value donors place upon this impor­ grateful to the Francises for their hard tant responsibility, and the confidence work, perseverance and patience in they have in Lotusland's ability to completing this extensive project. carry it out. If you have made a bequest to Lotusland, or are considering one, ( we would be very interested in knowing about your plans in order RestoredWall Dedicated to ensure that the vision your gift represents is realized. Executive Di­ rector Steven Timbrook or Assistant Director Anne Dewey would be pleased to talk with you about the many opportunities that bequests can turn into realities.

i ,Asa delightfulkickoff for Lotusland Cele­ ~ brates the Diva, eventdonor Nordstrom On June 26 Lotus/andunveiled a bronzeplaque placed just insidethe SycamoreCanyon gate PaseoNuevo hosteda fashionshow and honoringand thankinga/! thosewho helpedthe garden meet a challengegrant given by the luncheonfor Friends of Lotus/andon June 27 HaroldSimmons Foundation. Many of the contributorswere on hand for the walldedication, at its Santa Barbarastore. See pages4 and includingMr. and Mrs. HaroldSimmons, pictured above with BoardVice President Anne 5 fora fu/1description of the event. Jonesas Dr. Steven Timbrook,Executive Director, unveils the plaque. Frier1dsof• Lotuslar1d WeWe lcome New Members Who Joir\ed ir\ Maw, Ju11e, Julw 1997

I FVEL Dale Karr If If I Ms . Kathy M. Kemp Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Abbott Mr . & Mrs . Richard Aberle Ms . Jane LaFazio Ms. Frances M. Adams Ms. Shanny Baughman & Mr. Don Strom Ms . Susi Alexander & Mr. Bill Olson Ms . Nancy Larman Mr. Robert Anderson Dr . & Mrs. Robert K. Baum Mr. & Mrs . Rob Laskin & Ms. Rose Marie Voelker Ms . Cathleen Bingham Ms. Cynthia D. Lee Mrs. Roby Anderson & Ms . Barbara McClintock Ms. Laurie Levesque Dallas Atkins Mr. & Mrs. William Brummett Mr. & Mrs. Mark David Levine & Stu art Eiseman Mr . & Mrs. Robert B. Bush Ms. Melinda Lewis-Matravers Mr. & Mrs . Hugh Barnes Mrs . John M . Case Mr. Byron E. Lippert Ms. Faith D . Berry Ms . Monica Crawford Mrs. Arthur Loose Mr. & Mrs . Auggie Boyd J. Ms. Lindse L. Davis Mr. & Mrs. Fred Brander Ms. Kay Marcum Ms. Carolyn E. Ferguson Ms. Bette Marshowsky Mr. & Mrs . Larry Bregante Mr. Gino Genoa Ms . Peggy Buchanan Mr. Walt Matthews Marjorie Gies, M.D . Heda Carpenter, M.D. Mr. & Mrs. Mike McClellan Ms. Hallie Goodall & Mr. Robert W. Carpen ter Ms . Stephan ie A. McHugh Mr. & Mrs. John P. Gordon Ms . Annette Felder Carrel Ms. Linda McKendry Mr. & Mrs . Tony Handler Ms. Linda Cathcart Ms . Marilyn Mead Mr. Richard W. Hartlage Dr . & Mrs. Robert Cathcart & Mr . Jack Morley Ms . Karen Homan Ms. Corinna Cotsen Mr. Douglas M. Moreland Ms . Barbara D . Ingram Mr. Gordon Cowan Mr. Tom Mortimer Mr. & Mrs . Richard B. Kennelly (J & Mr . Dwight Spiers Ms . Sally Nazerian Mr. Rodger H. Kroell Mr. Ben Darnen Ms . Marilyn H. Neal Ms. Mia Lehrer Ms . Jane De Young Ms . Florence N ulsen Mr. & Mrs . T. C. Maino Ms . Lisa Markham Ms . Sarah Degasis Ms . Claudia Ogan Mr . & Mrs . Charles Monda Mr. & Mrs . Donald De ise Ms . Kim Pananides Ms . Mari Jane Mori Mr. Ronald L. Dier Ms. Judy Paulino Mr . & Mrs . Bruce Nelson Mr. Willis H. Durs t, Jr. & Mr. Craig Sorensen Mrs . Marjorie M . Nelson Ms . Beth Edwards Ms . Marsha M. Pellar Ms . Tracy Pakzad Ms. Muriel Ellis Mr. & Mrs . Albert W. Peterson Ms . Karen Payatt Mr. & Mrs . Randall Evans Ms . Carol A. Phungrasamee Ms . Sally Pearlstein Mr . & Mrs . Barry Fanaro Ms. Patricia A. Radcliffe Dr. & Mrs . John H. Platt Mr. & Mrs . Bill Ferguson Mr. John Retsek Mr . & Mrs. David Taylor Ms . Suzanne Kim Fetter Ms. Nanci Robertson Mr. & Mrs . Charles Ryavec Mr. & Mrs . Ted Theilmann Ms . Gail Feuerstein Ms. Donna Thomas Ms . Norma J. Seager Mr. & Mrs. Edward Foster Mr. & Mrs . D imitri Tretiakoff Ms . Corby Gage Mr. & Mrs . Bob Sharp Dr. & Mrs. John H. K. Vogel Ms. Bobbie Sonner Mr. & Mrs . James P. Gasen Mr. Stephan J. Weeks Ms. Karen Sterling Ms. Anne Gleason Mr. & Mrs . Stuart R. Winthrop Shirlee Gomer, Ph.D. Ms . Marge Stone & Ms . Marge Adinoff Ms . Judy Stutz LEVEL 111 Mr. & Mrs . Ed Grat Ms . Kathleen L. Taylor Ms . Martha A. Gray Ms . Deanne E. Vandernoot Mr. & Mrs . Trevor Fetter Ms . Lauren A. Halston Mr. Jeri Waite & Mr. Art Carlson J. & C. Lloyd Mr. & Mrs . Peter L. Harvie Ms . Susan Walker 0 I EVfL V Mrs. John Holmes Terry Way Ms. Dolores Johnson Mr. Chris Wilson Mr. Anthony Fama Ms . Jennifer Kaller Dilling Yang Mr. David H. Murdock r----- I () EarllJ Santa GonnaWalska Lotusland Registration Form I Barbara Plantsmen PAYMENTMETHOD: 0 Check enclosed O VISA 0 MasterCard I WITH Expiration dace ___ Card number ______I GAILJANSEN I AND VIR

Continuedfrom page 3 Andree Clark Bird Refuge, olives mass of lantana in full bloom, which along Olive Street, cork oaks on ( ALENDAR Of 1:Vl:NTS so impressed him that he decided to Samarkand Heights, and Guadalupe settle here. In addition to continuing palms on upper State Street. Lookfor detailsabout upcoming evems the work of Dr. Franceschi, Orpet To learn more about the life and in this and subsequent newsletters. Separateinvitations to someevents w1il/ established a nursery on State Street times of these and other early Santa Barbara nurserymen and the horti­ be mailedto all Friends.Questions about that became a Mecca for plant enthu­ an event?Call Anne Dewey at (805) cultural history of many of the plants siasts all over the world . He created 969-3767exte11sio11 225 forinformation. a mail order business for the per­ they introduced, please sign up for simmons he grew on his six-acre the November 14 & 15 member class September3 Riviera property (now Orpet Park) on page 15, co-led by historian Gail Docen t training begins (see related and was appointed Superintendent Jansen and Curator Virginia Hayes; article on page 12) of Parks in 1939. or see the exhibit in the Upper Orpet imported many varieties Village on Montecito Beautification September14 of aloe that have since been used Day Saturday, November 1. Camerat.a Pacifica at Lotusland in extensively in parkways and inter­ By Janet Eastmanand BrendaFreeman the outdoor theatre section plantings in Santa Barbara. His name became synonymous with Source: Padilla,Victoria. Southern Cali­ October4 fornia Gardening. SantaBarbara .· AllenA. Art at Lotus/andauction and all that is fine in the world of hor­ Knoll,Publishers, 1994. ticulture. Orpet is responsible for sticker sale (see page 7) planting the palms along Cabrillo All photos counesy of the Santa Barbara Boulevard and the island in the HistoricalSociety . October3-11 AABGA Pacific Region meeting Joseph Sexton maintained November I a fio1rierand Exhibit on PioneeringPlantsmen of retailstore Sama Barbarain the Upper Village in down­ on Montedto Beautification Day townSanta Barbarafrom November14-15 1885-1895 PioneeringPfantsmen of SantaBarbara in addition class for members (see registration r'\ to his nursery form on page 15) and mail 0 orderbusiness (seepages November 15 1 and 2 Last day of public tours fordetails).