~41~- NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS • VOLUME 10 NO. 2 • SUMMER 200 1

CL)cadDiarLJ IN SEARCHOF CERATOZAMIA5 BLJV IRGINIAHAVl:S a rtdJ l:FFCl-11:Mf\l lCK

A LANDMARKPARTNERSHIP convened this January when Ga1ma Walska Lotusland, the Montgomery Botanical Center in Miami, Florida, and Mexico's Institute of Ecology in Xalapa, Veracruz, mounted a joint expedition into the wilds of Mexico to collect cycads . The team consisted of Dr. Terrence Walters, Executive Director, and Dr. Tim Gregory, Trustee, from Montgomery Botanical Center; Dr. Andrew P. Vovides, Director of Jardin Botanico Clavijero in Xalapa and several of hjs staff; and Curator Virginia Hayes and cycad expert Jeff Chemnick from Lotusland . For only the second time since 1977, when Mexico joined the sig­ natories of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), Mexican researchers paired up with their American colleagues to assess the status and distribution of Theseresidents of rhevillage of Tampemochein San LuisPorosi sra11d proudly by a plant of many of Mexico's native cycads and Ceratozamia hildae they had transplantedfrom its nearbyhabitat imo theirgarden . make collections for the rare plants' study and protection. The initial IN THIS ISSUE intent was to visit and collect from as CLJCadDiarLJ Lotuslandand the 20s: 12 many cycad localities as possible In Searchof Ceratowmios TheGavit Era with in a two-week period . Mexican -4 New to the Collections authorities finally issued the collecting CLJcadConsciousness 14 permits after numerous applications The Lotus SocietLJ 5 Do You Love WaterGarden s? 1-4 and many lengthy delays . In fact, the Enhancing and Preserving Cometo LotusFest! a UniqueBotanical Trea sure trip has been postponed several times DesigningMen . .. 15 over the last four years while Terrence Saveth e Date 5 And One DesigningWoman steered the application process LotuslandCelebrates the 20s Illustrated Lecturewith Maggie Lamb through a gauntlet of seemingly end­ Sharing the Garden G Springtime in the Napaand 15 less administrative obstacles. At long An Historical Perspective SonomaValleLJS Garden Tour last, we were able to schedule our of Docentsat Lotusland HorticulturalHapp enings 16 trip to Mexico from January 9th to ProspectiveDo cent Reception 9 A New Horticultural Lab 17 the 24th this year. & Docent Trainingfor Fall 2001 Is Funded bLJthe StanleLJSmith Coniinuedon page2 Members'FamilLJ Dall 2001 10 HorticulturalTrust Continuedfrom page 1 THE LOTUSIAND NEWSLETTERFOR MEMBERS is published by From a background of resources

Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation and experience 1 a world-class team of 695 Ashley Road cycad field workers was assembled. Santa Barbara, California 93108 (805) 969-3767 Montgomery Botanical Center acquires www.lotusland.org and maintains collections of cycads Boardof Trustees and palms of the world exclusively for Robert J. Emmons, President botanical research. Their collections Anne W. Jones, Vice-President are based on population samples of Pamela B. Pesenti, Vice-President sufficient size to approach the full Arthur R. Gaudi. Secretarv April N. Walstad, Treasur~r extent of genetic diversity for a par­ 1 Merrvl Brown ticular species. Lotusland s cycad col­

Elizabe'th W Dake lection is extensive and well-known 1 William W. Drewry and our mission is to maintain and W. Mason Farrell HanyW. Kolb augment the collection for display 1

Stanva Owen education 1 and research. The Institute Mich;el T owbes of Ecology in Xalapa awards degrees Carol L. Valentine in the biological sciences and main­ Steven Timbrook, Ph.D. tains the Francisco Clavijero Botanic ExecutiveDirector Garden which holds the Mexican 1 Miguel Angel Farrera(wife Claudiais in Connie Buxton National Cycad Collection. Jeff and EducationCoordinator the background)holds a youngplant and Tim have been actively working on matureleaf of a Ceratozamia specieshe Anne Dewey, CFRE Directorof Development the Mexican cycads for a number of is in the processof describingand naming. years and have published descriptions Marguerite Garno Administrativeand VisitorServices of several new species with several Ongoing habitat destruction is ram­ Virginia Hayes more in preparation. pant in Mexico 1 as it is in many parts Curatorof theLiving Collection The trip had several goals. Fore­ of the world. The ever-increasint Mike Iven most1 it was important to visit as pressure by a growing human GroundsSuperintendent many populations of cycads as possi­ population for food and housing is ble and to assess their current status contributing to the deforestation. Amanda Jones 1 Editor

Lindse Davis1 Design and distribution. Many of these pop­ Impact on wild cycads also comes Pdntedby Ventura Printing ulations have never been cataloged from collectors eager to own large1 Printed on recycled and recyclable paper or have been appraised only by their rare specimens. The value and popu­ original discoverers many years ago. larity of cycads has increased greatly

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VirginiaHayes holdinga plant of an as-yet Only remnantsof the originalforest remain at Cerrode! Vigio1 Veracruz1 whichin this case undescribedspecies of Ceratozamia. has been clearedfor grazing livestock. the trip was to collect plants and/or seeds from the wild and conserve them in the relative safety of these recognized institutions. The specimens can then be used by researchers studying the biology, taxonomy, and evolutionary relationships of cycads. To help reduce the pressure on wild cycad populations, the plants can be propagated and distributed to other scientific institutions and commercial growers as well. Finally, it was the goal of both Montgomery and Lotusland to foster a working relationship with one of the few institutions in Mexico where ! cycad research is taking place. Our ~ combined support of the Ecology ~ :.) Institute enabled six of their staff to ~ Jeff Chemnick /Jeers 1/irough che dense spend one to four days each collect­ TerrenceWla/ters /,olds a specimenof Zamia forestgrowth afier uncovering a Zamia ing plants and data for their own furfuraceadug f,-omthe sand dunesat loddigesii. research as well as contributing to BuenaVista, Veracruz. our efforts in the field. Funding for in recent years and a single plant such trips is difficult to obtain in research is an attempt to understand might be worth the equivalent of a developing countries and it was our the distribution, taxonomy, and month's wages in the cane fields of pleasure to assist the Institute and speciation processes of the Mexican f its native country to the person who their scientists in this collaboration. cycads. They have followed dues for harvests it for sale. It is a daunting task In order to put together the the existence of new species into the to convince governments and local itinerary for this and future trips, dim backrooms of museums around peoples throughout the world to Jeff and Tiro researched historical the world, sifting through the her­ preserve and protect their botanical data and searched exhaustively to barium vouchers of long-forgotten treasures for generations to come. find undocumented new localities collections. The memoirs of venera­ Mexico is aware of this problem and of cycad populations, some of which ble travelers and explorers have been was one of the earliest countries to contain undescribed species. Their a good source of information, but ratify the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity that came out of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. (Although 180 coun­ tries have now ratified this treaty, the United States has not done so.) The ultimate goal of plant con­ servation is to preserve a sustainable sample of the genetic diversity of a given population in its native site. Since this is often extremely difficult, it is vital to support an off-site (ex­ situ) locality to ensure the biodiversity of a region's plants. Botanical gardens like Lotusland and the Xalapa garden and research facilities such as Mont­ gomery are the best custodians for this purpose. Such collections are currently very rare anywhere in the world. Ceratozamia whitelockiana shownhere was describetfby Tim Gregorv and Jeff Chemnick Therefore, another important goal of to honorLora11 Whitelock, from whom Madame purchasedmany of her cycadsin 1'1e1970s. often the most productive method of finding new cycad popu lations is to engage the cooperation of residents living in or near a likely habitat in the search. Through conversation and by showing leaf samples from other plants, locations of nearby cycad populations can often be obtained . Local churches in Mexico are also a good source of information since dried cycad leaves are very popular ornaments, especially around Easter. Due to the logistical difficulties of trying to visit a large number of species in the three different genera that are widely distributed through­ out Mexico, the trip focused on the genus Ceratozamia1 which has less than 20 currently named species. To assess the current taxonomic and biogeo­ Our rentalvan was loadedto the roofwith cycadsand collectingequipme11t. Some 11wavers11 graphic status for each population (cycadleaves kept to show localvillagers in our searchfor locations)lean against t!te bumper. visited, the team collected plants, leaf samples, and geographical data In all, the team visited about 20 Chiapas . Miguel Angel, who is a at each locality. The permit allowed sites in the Mexican states of Vera doctoral student there, has described each of the participating institutions Cruz, Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, San Luis several new species of Ceratozamia to collect only three individual plants Potosi, Oueretaro, Tabasco, Chiapas, and has contributed to the published and 10 seeds of each taxon . Even so, and Oaxaca. Collections of 17 popu­ Flora of Chiapas. The extent of the several hours were needed at every lations of Ceratozamiaplus seven collections we made and the quality locality to perform the necessary Zamia and three Dioon that coinci­ of the collaborative effort far exceeded tasks of surveying, photograph ing, dentally occur in the same habitats our expectations . And so, in spite of and collecting the plants and data. were made . Seedlings of another six a few minor problems (to be expected The information is of paramount im­ Ceratozamiaspecies and one Zamia while traveling), the trip was a huge portance since many of the popula­ were donated by Miguel Angel Perez success. We're looking forward to tions we visited had never before Farrera during a visit to his nurse 1y at future collaborative field trips in been properly recorded . the University in Tuxtla Gutierrez, search of tl1e Mexican cycads! cwcadConsciousn ess

CYCADSARE THE MOST PRIMfllVEliving seed-bearing plants known. They reached their peak in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, 200-90 million years ago, sharing their ecological niche with dinosaurs. Plants growing today have changed little in their basic character, although none of the fossil species are still extant. These early cycads Blllllliti~ sometimes grew to giant proportions. Today, botanists suspect there may be specimens thousands of years old in present-day colonies of cycads found in the wild. The cycad garden at Lotusland was the last major planting undertaken by Madame Walska 0 and was financed in part by the sale of her jewels. The collection is ranked among the best in the world. TheLotus SocietLJ LNHt\f\lClf\lCiAN D PRrsr HVING t\ UNIQUL B011\f\llCAL TREASURE

GANNA WALSKA and to continue valuable community bers Carol L. Valentine, Merryl Brown, ~~~~ L0TUSLAND,with programs promoting sustainable William Drewry, Stanya Owen, and its rare and exotic gardening, conservation, and horti­ Pamela Pesenti; Charles Fairbanks; specimens and itS cultural research/' explains local Mark Fingerlin of Montecito Bank and unusual theme gar­ attorney Arthur Gaudi, who chairs Trust; Thomas Hugunin; financial dens, is unrivaled the Lotus Society Committee and Bernard C. Parent of Salomon Smith as a botanical treasure and favorite has served in many capacities on Barney; attorney Gerald B. Parent of destination for visitors from the Lotusland Foundation's board of Hatch and Parent; and Lotusland 1s community and around the world . directors since 1984. Executive Director, Steven Timbrook. A broad range of audiences - includ­ The Lotus Society encourages and "Lotus Society Committee mem­ ing local schoolchildren-enjoy this recognizes visionaries who contribute bers and trained staff are available to garden that educates and delights . $10,000 or more to the Endowment meet with interested supporters and But what can be done to ensure Fund (either outright or through estate their advisors to structure creative that the garden will thrive? To arrangements) to preserve Lotusland gift arrangements that provide tax address this concern, a group of as a place of beauty and seren ity for savings and lifetime income, wh ile community leaders has launched a future generations to enjoy. Member meeting their personal ph ilanthropic new initiative-called the Lotus benefits include invitations to annual interests," explains Mr. Gaudi. Society- to enhance and preserve Lotus Society events, recognition To receive a Lotus Society mem ­ this unique botanical treasure . on Lotusland 1s Wall of Honor, a bership enrollment packet, including "Today, a significant endowment memento of appreciation, and more. information on memorial and naming is required to meet the rising expense Mr. Gaudi is joined on the Lotus opportunities, please call Anne Dewey, of maintaining Madame Walska 1s Society Committee by board president Development Director, at 969-3767, rare and unusual plant collections Dr. Robert J. Emmons; board mem - ext. 105.

SAVE THE DATE LoTuslANdCElEbRATEs T~E 20's SuNdAy,July 29, 2001 4 TO 8 PM

IF YOU ARE INTERESTEDin supporting the event as a Patron Table Host with ten tickets ($3,000) or as a Patron with two tickets ($1,000), please contact Anne Dewey, Director of Development, at (805) 969-3767, ext. 105. Patron Table Hosts and Patrons receive recognition on the \ invitation and program (if the donation is received prior to our print deadlines).

T~E jAU AGEWAS wickEd ANd MONSTROUSANd silly. j}' LiNfORTUNATEly,I ~Ad A qood TiME. - ,.L,. / -HEywood BROUN ~~e Sharir1gthe Garder\ AN HISTORICALPl:RSPl:CTIVI: OF DOCl:f\lTSAT LOTUSLAND

No ONE WOULD DISPUTE lotusland 1s In the late 19th and the early 20th claim that its docents are the finest. centuries 1 Mr. and Mrs. R. Kinton These very special people go through Stevens owned the estate now known a rigorous (but fun) 14-week training as Lotusland (c. 1882-1916) and course 1 conduct tours no matter what called it Tanglewood.It was a favored the weather 1 graciously welcome peo­ destination where guests admired an ple from all over the world 1 adroitly amazing collection of tropical and circumnavigate any number of on­ subtropical plants. Stevens frequently 1 going garden projects 1 and continually entertained ships officers who upgrade their historical and horti­ would reciprocate by bringing him cultural knowledge with monthly rare seeds or cuttings of plants they meetings and workshops. Although obtained while on voyages to far-off they come from quite diverse and destinations around the globe. fascinating backgrounds 1 the one Summer garden tours were and thing they all have in common still are a Santa Barbara tradition 1 and is ... dedication! the next owners of the estate 1 the

Madame Walska generously Gavit family 1 regularly opened the re­ opened her gardens to the public for christened CuestaLinda ( c. 1920-1940) charitable causes and to botanists for these occasions during their tenure. and horticultural groups on special Organized by the Santa Barbara occasions I often leading these tours Community Arts Association Plans DocentJoan Haber sharesher botanical herself. The long-standing tradition and Planting Committee 1 these yearly knowledgewith visitorson a garden tour. of welcoming visitors to the estate garden tours were hugely popular. we now know as Lotusland began Benefiting community beautification to help with directing guests 1 and 11 long before Madame Walska and planting projects 1 these charity members of the horticultural commu­ acquired the property in 1941. The tours 11 often drew on talented land­ nity served to guide people around two previous owners generously scape architects and/or botanists and the estate. Lotusland ar<::hivalrecords shared the beauty of the estate with horticulturists in the community to show that the estate was included the public. participate. Boy Scouts were enlisted in these yearly tours from 1926 on 1 with venerable preservationist Pearl Chase acting as chairperson of the Plans and Planting Committee and Mrs. Lockwood deforest Jr. often helping to guide visitors around the several estates. An admission 11tai 1 was pur­ chased at the Recreation Center ($2

in 1965 included refreshments) 1 and a transportation pass ($1.25 in 1965) 11for those without cars 11 could also be obtained. A choice was given for

a morning tour or an afternoon tour 1 and reservations had to be made in

advance. Visitors 1 guided by Boy

Scouts 1 walked in the main gate on

Sycamore Canyon Road 1 and cars were not allowed to enter the grounds. Boy Scouts asked visitors 11 1 1 Santa Barbaras venerablepreservationis( Pearl Chase (fourthfrom right)1 ofienassisted in to park off pavement1 on Sycamore Madame1s tours. Canyon Road or at the Cold Spring School or Montecito Covenant Church parking lots. Often they were ( shuttled from other church parking lots in the vicinity. Parking on Syca­ more Canyon Road might have posed problems for the neighborhood on a day with large numbers of visitors. Today visitors enter at the Cold Spring gate (built to accommodate Guestsarrive at Lotusland's official opening to the SycamoreCanyon gate pubUc in 1993), and Lotusland pro­ fora charitytour at vides on-site parking, while adhering Lotus/andin 1hefifiies. to strict guidelines for traffic flow and visitor numbers. Madame Walska continued the Madame \'(/a/ska frequentlyobliged tradition of charity tours and offered visitorsby posing(or Lotusland as a setting for many host photographswith them. L...... ;=---='--'---'--'-'"-'--~:....1..-,._. organizations . It was the responsi­ bility of each hosting institution co The sheer volume of people posed a for major garden installation pro­ organize logistics and find guides­ real challenge to the docents, but they jects. Eager to share her new cycad people who might know something rose to the occasion and quickly garden, which was in the final stages about horticulture or botany-who executed a plan of action to make the of installation, Madame Walska re­ could donate their services on a week­ best of the situation. In order to get activated charity tours in 1978 for end afternoon to lead tours. Members everyone through the garden that a fund-raiser in support of Santa of the Horticultural Society, Men's day, they divided the visitors up into Barbara Beautiful's plan to buy 5,500 Garden Club, or any number of other groups of 30 or 40 and calculated trees and plant them along the streets horticultural organizations would be they had to complete the tour in 45 of Santa Barbara. Madame Walska pressed into service as docents. minutes. There was no time to personally led a tour of 820 Santa Charity tours typically numbered answer questions, no time to deviate Barbara Beautiful supporters through anywhere from 750 to 1,000 people . from the tour route, and they didn't the garden for this charity tour that However, one particular Sunday dare linger over any one spot for fear raised $10,000 for the "Street Tree charity tour in 1982, two years of a critical-mass bottleneck. Project." When all 5,500 trees were before Madame Walska's death, During the 70s, Lotusland was planted, Santa Barbara boasted the brought 1,984 visitors to the garden. closed to the public for several years only completed street tree program in the United States. The newly com­ pleted cycad garden was also cause for a special "opening" tour to benefit the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in August 1979. Except for the brief hiatus, at · least one major charity tour a year was held at Lotusland up until 1982, when Madame Walska's health was in decline. Since her death in 1984, the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation has continued tours of the garden for the public. The long-standing tradition of charity tours and visits by botanists and horticultural organiza­ tions helped establish the precedent for opening the garden to the public on a regular basis. According to Lotusland Trustee B. Jo Dake, the need Lorusland'smost dedicated docent ll'las also its designerand head gardener.Madame lXlalska for docents became very apparent enjoyedsharing lier creation. when the head gardener at Lotusland docents, many docents giving tours today were trained under the wise tutelage of subsequent docent trainers Anne Dewey and Janet Eastman. Current docent trainers are Connie Buxton and Debbie Hild. Today, docents typically lead groups of approximately ten people through the garden with tours lasting from 1 ½ to 2 hours. Although docents need never lead a group of 30 or 40 people through the garden in 45 minutes, they do carry on the tradition of disaster prevention ... with cheerful flexibility being one of their strong suits. Lotusland now has more than 100 docents contributing their time and talents, and visitors regularly write thank you notes raving Docenttraining includes lectures and gardentalks by communityeducators 1 includingDr. Ed about the beauty of the garden and Schneide0 Directorof the Santa BarbaraBotanic Garden 1 herediscussing the lotus1 whichhe researchedat Lotus/andduring Madame Walska1s lifetime. their wonderful docent. If you would like to be part of at that time, Earl Nydam, found he included B. Jo Dake, Nancy Heubner, the fine tradition of interpreting the was spending all his time showing Eleanor Mamolen 1 Dorothy Marking, gardens at Lotusland to people from people around the estate rather than Stevie Service, and Alice Sheldon. all over the world, docent training taking care of it. A search was From the Garden Club of Santa Bar­ starts in September. An information launched for //botanically inclined" bara came Nan Burrows, Reba Green 1 session for prospective docents will people in the community to become Lou Greer, Bobbie Jones, Dana Kent, be held August 16th at 2 PM. If you Lotusland docents. and Pam Palmer. Lotusland is honored would like to receive an invitation to In 1986 arrangements were made to have three of these original this event and/or information about to have a short docent training course docents still on active duty (Nancy the docent training program 1 please for a few volunteers. Lotusland's Exe­ Heubner, Dana Kent, and Dorothy contact Connie Buxton, Education cutive Director, Dr. Steven Timbrook, Marking), one as docent emerita Coordinator, at 969-376;; ext. 107; or was Coordinator of Education at the (Alice Sheldon), and one as a long­ e-mail to [email protected]. Botanic Garden at the time, and he time Trustee (B. Jo Dake). Although -Connie Buxton conducted at least four separate Dr. Timbrook trained these first Photographsfrom Lotuslan£s archives orientation lectures for the fledgling docent class. Lotusland gardeners im­ parted their specialized knowledge of particular plants to trainees, and trainees also //shadowed" Earl Nydam when he gave tours. When they felt confident enough to lead their own tours, trainees were launched into their official roles as docents. The typical tour format was to divide people into groups with one docent at the front of the group and one bringing up the rear. Everyone went in the same direction (clockwise). The first docent class in 1986 in­ cluded six docents from the Botanic Garden and six members of the Garden Club of Santa Barbara. Sometimes1 Lotus/anddocents like BrendaFreeman find themselvesbeing hugged by people Enlistees from the Botanic Garden who need people to give them a great tourof the garden. ProspectiveDocer1t Receptior1 & Docer1tTrairdr1g for Fall2001

MADAME GANNA WALSKAS extraordinari ly creative vision of garden design was transformed into reality by many talented landscape designers and horticulturalists who were experts in their fields. This transformation has been an ongoing process, each garden yielding fascinating stories about its beginning and metamorphosis into its present -day form. Visitors to Lotusland are treated co botanical and historical information about the estate interpreted by docents who have undergo ne extensive training to prepare them for giving public tours . Every other fall, a 14-week docent training course presents all necessary informa tion for conducting a tour of the garden . Instructors are drawn from the staff at Lotusland, the Santa Barbara community, and other California academic and horticultural institutions . These informative and enjoyab le Monday -morn ing sessions consist of an indoor and usually an ou tdoor portion, lasting approximately three hours . This fall's docent training will begin on September 17th. A prospective docen t reception will be held on Thursday, August 16th at 2:00 PM. This biennial event offers prospec tive docents an opportunity to learn more about docent training and to meet some of the very knowledge­ able docents who currently lead tours of the garden. All members (or their friends) who are interested in receiving an invitation to the information session, or who would like more information about becoming a docent, please call Connie Buxton, Education Coord inator, at 969-3767, ext. 107, or email cbuxton@lotusland .org.

JOINUS ON AUGUSTl6 2:00 PM SPOI\ISORt:DBY THt:

FOURTH ANNUAL Members 1 Family Day ai

took our theme 11Pol!inationP artners 11 and ran with it.

As always1 his souvenirphotos capturedthe spirit of the day.

FamilyDay happily Boxtalespe1formed to packed housesafrer moving their production inside. coincidedwith the The show must go on! miraculousemergence of monarchsin the butte1flygarden.

A kite offerstwo challenges:making it

(assistedby Esau Ramirez)1 and fiying it. jJLJDaw 2001 . j TINI: cMMONSFO UNDATION

,land was our busiest and best-attended yet!

fi~IIday of gia111bubblemaking created a steadystream of beauttfulorbs ,aiingover the greatlawn . Nepwne onceagain played host to 11Lows Love11 competitors. aint was everywltere- 011delightfi1/ly site­ ?ecifcface paintings by AngieLawson ...

. .. on a giant 11coloringmura/11 (!er, desig11ed by GailLucas) wherepai/11 provideda creativeoutlet to an enthusiastic gro11pof young artists.. .

. . .and sometimes on both (right). Lotusla11da11d the 20s: The Gavit ra

their wealth 1 and themselves. Often when they arrived, they were accom­ plished gardeners, for they owned large gardens back east. E. Palmer Gavit's grandfather founded the American Bank Note Company, and his father carried on the lucrative family business of print­

ing money. Palmer went his own way1 1 or rather his father-in-law s1 joining with him in developing electric and gas utilities around Albany and New York City. The first Mrs. Gavit was

killed in a railroad accident in 19121 leaving her husband with a small

child 1 Marcia Ann. After the death of his father-in-law in 1914, Gavit married a widow, Marie Turn er.

1 The new family traveling in its Cuesta Linda s bathhousedesignedby 1 A lovelyfountain (c. 1927) that dates ft'om 1 private railroad car, arrived for the first GeorgeWashington Smith 1 was added a the Gavit era was recentlyrenovated as part few years afrerthe house was built;c. 1925. time in Santa Barbara in March 1915 of the TopiaryGarden restoration. and spent several weeks at the Potter

IN 1920, THE HOUSE that would form Hotel. They went home to Albany 1 hired to renovate the neglected gar­ the heart of Lotusland was built by E. only to return to Santa Barbara the fol­ den with the aid of Ralph Stevens. Palmer Gavit, newly arrived in Santa lowing winter, when they committed And in February 1920, Paul Thiene Barbara from the east. Within a few to purchasing the estate in Montecito was contracted to design the formal years, formal gardens had been laid that would be called CuestaLinda (Sp. gardens behind the house. These out around the house that continue Pretty Hill) and which would become stately gardens with fountains 1 a rilt to offer the calm of nature controlled. Lotusland 25 years later. palms 1 tiles, an olive allee 1 and a The conventional parterres, fountains, Work began on the Gavit's new lemon arbor begun by Thiene were and clipped hedges are a vivid con­ home, a beautifut welcoming Spanish expanded to other areas of the estate trast to Madame Walska's creation, Colonial Revival house designed by by George Washington Smith and which now surrounds them. the well-respected Reginald Johnson 1 perhaps Lockwood DeForest. The A special group of Easterners in the spring of 1919. They moved in two-room bathhouse designed by were making homes in California. a year later. While the house was Smith was linked to a wishing well

Sophisticated 1 well traveled, stylish, being designed 1 Peter Riedet a and water stair by a double row of they were secure in their own taste, Dutch-born horticulturalist, was Italian cypress.

The Spanish ColonialRevival house the Gavits built. The sunken drawingroom 1 c. 1925. The interiorof the houseand its The architectwas the well-knownReginald Johnson. decorationwas consistentwith its Spanish revivalstyle. r

Scenesfrom Cuesta Linda werepart of a 11atio11v:11deproject by the Carden Clubof Americato documentbeautiful gardens. Taken i11 1929, they representthe path to the wishingwell from the pool (left)and the olivea/lee (center). The entranceto the library(right), now part of the pavilionpatio, as it originallyappeared (c. 11920).

For some years, the Gavit family, Smith's addition to the house of a expectedly and in her sleep in her while enjoying Cuesta Linda in the semi-attached residence called the bedroom at Cuesta Linda. Her will winter months and Wyndston at Pavilion was meant to house Miss included generous bequests to 22 Manchester, Massachusetts during Ann Gavit ("Marcia" had been relatives, friends, and servants. Mrs. the summer, continued to maintain dropped), who instead married and Charles H. Jackson, Jr. (nee Ann their legal residence in Albany at left on an extended European honey­ Gavit) was left her stepmother's ThurlowTerrace . moon shortly after her new home private railroad car, "Anacapa," and A series of changes and additions was completed. Upon their return, all jewelry, silver, linens, and other to the house were made in the mid she and her husband, Charles H. personal valuables. 1920s, perhaps prompted by a per­ Jackson, Jr., purchased San Carlos Cuesta Linda was sold by Mrs . manent year-round commitment to Ranch off of East Valley Road near Gavit's estate three years later to living in Santa Barbara . George Sheffield Drive and commissioned Humphrey 0. Clarke. He in turn Washington Smith was hired as Reginald Johnson to design their sold it to Madame Ganna Walska architect, and the pink wall sur­ home there. eight months later, in June of 1941. rounding the estate, a bathhouse, Mr. Gavit passed away in 1930. -Amanda Jones and several outbuildings were built. His wife died seven years later, un- Photographsfrom Lot11sland 1s archives

l)

The main driveand fafade of Cuesta Linda, soonafter its constructionMany of Cuesta Linda's originalarchitectural elements (such as these in 1920. The Queenpalm, whichdates from the turnof the lastcentury, archwaysin the foyer)were altered by the Clarkesduring their brief stillstands over the entrycourt. ownershipc. 1940. theCol THE YEAR2001 has gotten off to a officially described and published, good start with many wonderful new another four that are just appearing accessions to the collection. First1 of in press, and a final three that have course 1 were the great additions to been described only since 1998. The the cycad collection acquired on the last newcomer is Zamia splendens. Mexico expedition (see feature article). A second extensive set of wild Of the 42 accessions 1 11 were species collected plant material was received that were not yet represented at the from the University of California, garden. Ten of these are in the genus Berkeley in a house cleaning and

Ceratozamia1 three that have yet to be consolidation move. As UC Berkeley maximized their greenhouse space, Lotusland profited by the overflow. All these plants are recent propaga­ tions of epiphytic cacti and will eventually find their way into the

U) garden. Specimens of CL< Rhipsalis1 ~ ::c Selenicereus1 and some more uncom­ z::S mon genera such as Werckleocereus ~ and Browningiaare part of the group > Lotuslan£scycad gardene1~ Corey Welles 1 Here is how the undescribedspecies of of 23 new species for our collection. pots up the new cycadsfor re-rootingin Ceratozamia fromXilitla looks in habitat. -Virginia Hayes the nursery.

Do Yo LoveWater Ga e11S? Cometo Lotusfest!

ON AUGUST 25, WE WILL CELEBRATE get tips from an expert on nature the lotus blossom season with a full photography (bring your camera day of fun and educational activities even if you don 1t want to join this

from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Three con­ group!) 1 or check out the portfolios current sessions are planned for each and displays of our local water of the three time slots for a total of gardening experts who will be on nine great choices. Less formal than a hand to answer your questions. symposium 1 but packed full of infor­ A very special patio water garden mation1 there will be something for will be raffled1 so be sure to come everyone-whether you own a pond prepared to buy a couple of chances or just want to learn more about to win. aquatic plants and water gardening. Inspirationat informative 1 and Choose between lectures on the enjoyable are just a few of the words natural history and symbolism of the we hope you will use in describing lotus itsel( everything you wanted the day we have planned for you. to know about pond construction There will be plenty of time to wan­

from pumps to filters I the basics of der in the garden between sessions keeping koi in a garden pond 1 an and during the lunch break to enjoy introduction to the many other the lotus in bloom. Admission 1lunch aquatic plants that can be grown (fabulous gourmet barbecue) 1 and here 1 and much 1 much more. entertainment are included in the Sit in on a slide show of water ticket price of $75 for members/$85 The rewardsof watergardening are limit­ gardens from big to small1 watch a for nonmembers. Use the coupon on less.LotusFest will help you exploreall demonstration of water lily repotting 1 page 19 to sign up. the possibilities. Designing!'1 cn.. .a11d 011 e desig11i11gwoma11 n AN ILLUSTRATEDLECTURE WITH MAGGIELAMB THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 3 , 2:00 PM

feel certain would enjoy being sur­ at Great Dixter concludes the design­ rounded by all these men . ing men portion of the lecture, and Men dominated the field (pun in­ we finish the talk with a bow to tended) for centuries, producing loads Madame Ganna Walska, represent ­ of talented male gardeners. Pruning ing our sole designing woman. this dense growth of information to Combining her talent as a pho­ a manageable size, Maggie's talk is tographer, her love of gardens, and subtitled "From Capability Brown to her zest for life, Maggie creates talks Christopher Lloyd." A brief consider­ about various horticultural subjects. ation is given to the contributors to She is on the speakers Ust for the garden making, the botanists and Royal Horticultural Society, is a plant hunters, the collectors and part-time Horticultural lecturer for nurserymen. It then moves on to Brighton College of Technology, is concentrate on the innovative land­ group garden guide for the historic Magf,ie Lambtalks aboutmen. scape designers who shaped garden and horticulturally important Borde design through history: Andre le Hill Gardens, and is involved in You MAY HAVE BEEN TREATED to Notre, Capability Brown, and more many garden-inspired projects. She Maggie Lamb's wonderful presenta­ recently Geoffrey Jellicoe, designer enjoys nothing better than to share tion on Influential Women Gardeners of the Moody Historical Gardens in her lifelong passion and love of a couple of years ago during the Texas. We look at designers who flowers, plants, and gardens with the Springtimein the Garden series at the emerged from the traditions of archi­ fellow gardeners whom she meets Santa Barbara Museum of Art. In tecture: Edwin Lutyens and Harold on her travels . Maggie's words, "Having given the Peto, and consider the development Maggie will pry herself away lecture on Influential Women for into garden designer and plantsmen from her own garden in Sussex, many years, I had various aggrieved by taking a photographic tour of England to indulge us in this odyssey men asking about when I was going gardens offering stellar examples . of designing men ...and woman . We to become politically correct and give William Robinson, the father of the do hope you will join us for this the male equivalent!" Always being modern English flower garden, and delightfully entertaining presenta­ sensitive to these issues, Lotusland the beautiful, elegant gardens at tion. Wine and refreshments will embraced this idea wholeheartedly. .. Gravetye Manor are featured , as are be served on the terrace following with one obvious exception: one the gardens of Graham Stuart Maggie's talk. The cost is $40 for extraordinary female garden designer Thomas, Prince Charles, and some members and $45 for nonmembers . needed to be included. Namely, artist gardeners . Christopher Lloyd's Please use the coupon on page 19 to Madame Ganna Walska, whom we innovative and experimental garden reserve a space for this event.

Spri11gtime i11th e Napaa11d So11oma Vallews Garde11 Tour .. .

. . .INCLUDEDSOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFULgardens of the region. Lotusland board member Carol Valentine and former chair of the UC Berkeley School of Landscape Architecture Mai Arbegast (left) used their considerable knowledge of the area and its gardens to build a unique itinerary of private paradises . Of special note was Molly Chappe llet's garden, set within the Chappellet /ineyard. An accomplished gardener, designer, and author (Gardens of the W1ne Country), her kitchen garden of lavender, basil, and lettuce is at right. Photosby B. Jo Dake orticulturalappc1,111gs

THEINSTALLATION OF AN automatic irri­ gation system is a major improvement to cultural practices and maintenance efficiency in the Japanese garden. Chip

Collester1 Chip Collester Landscapes 1 1 and Chris McNeil 1 Chip s irrigation

foreman 1 worked with Lotusland staff to design a system for the exist­ ing landscape. The sensitive nature of the plantings and many other special considerations made this project an especially challenging one. Sunny

hot spots 1 areas in total shade 1 steep slopes and flat areas in the same

planting bed 1 plant diversity 1 poor

drainage conditions 1 minimizing run­ Japanesegarden staff GregI

The dense nature of the plantings and planting beds. settling in Santa Barbara 1 Tim con­ the need to cause as little damage as It was worth it. The Japanese tinued working in all phases of

possible to roots 1 groundcovers 1 and garden now has an irrigation system landscape maintenance and landscape paths made the installation of the with about 30 automatic stations installation trade. Since accepting a system labor intensive. All trenches capable of providing specific areas grounds position at Lotusland in

were dug by hand and large roots and plant groups with the amount of November 2000 1 TimJs responsi­

were not cut. Every day revealed a spe­ water they need. Compost tea 1 plant bilities have increased due to his cial circumstance needing considera­ nutrients) and other soluble organic experience and capabilities. He is tion of a design change or a creative materials can be injected through the responsible for the maintenance and installation method. A lot of flexible system. Irrigations will be scheduled cultural care of the aloe garden and

before or after working hours 1 public the main lawn. Tim appreciates the tours and special events. The 93 days learning opportunities at LotuslandJ per year of staff time previously spent and especially likes //how friendly watering) moving and maintaining everybody is and how everybody

sprinklers 1 and fertilizing by hand will works together as a team.JJ be more productively used improving

cultural conditions 1 providing timely

pruning 1 training new gardeners in

the Japanese garden 1 and undertaking special projects. If you really want to see the worth of the new irrigation system check out the smiles on the z 1 ~ faces of Frank Fujii) Terri Clay) Greg ~ Kitajima and the rest of the Japanese ~

>-­p:i garden staff the next time you visit 0 the garden. I-< 0 ,:,..,:r: ~ STAFF A finalcheck on a majorimprovement to TIM CORDERO (RIGHT) grew up in

culturalpractices and maintenanceefficiency. Orcutt 1 California 1 and began working Garen Phillips (left) and Kyle McCune (right) have worked at Lotusland for more than a year, but became regular full-time employees at the beginning of 2001. Last year, as temporary groundstaff employees, they were tremendously helpful working on special garden projects, providing regular grounds mainte ­ nance, and helping other gardeners maintain sustainable horticultural practices. As full-time employees, Kyle and Garen have a full plate of regular assigned responsibilities to go along with their special daily work-as­ needed in the garden. -.M.ike lven A NewHorticultural Lab Is Fu11ded bLJthe Sta11leLJ Smith Horticultural Trust IN DECEMBEROF LASTYEAR, Lotusland these beneficial interactions are beneficial fungi are always found in received a grant from the Stanley called emergent properties . natural systems and provide a multi­ Smith Horticultural Trust to set up In the new lab, we are able to test tude of benefits to the plants whose and equip a horticultural lab. The the amount of nutrient cycling, that is, roots they colonize. Conventional grant included funds for refurbishing the release of nutrients by beneficial management practices usually create one of the rooms in the studio and soil organisms as they consume the conditions that are antagonistic to for purchasing a computer as well as organic matter we add to the garden mycorrhizae and other beneficial soil various lab implements and chemicals. in the form of compost and mulch . organisms We have been attempting The new lab and computer allow us To the degree this occurs, we are able to re-colonize the garden with co more efficiently manage Lotusland's to reduce applying organic fertilizers. commercial strains of mycorrhizae. plant and garden records , as well as In certain areas, such as the rose Research has shown that introduced conduct certain tests in the garden . garden, the soil organisms release mycorrhizae helps restore suitable At Lotusland, we have replaced sufficient nuu-ients from the organic conditions for native mycorrhizae. conventional practices and materials matter they consume to provide all Our new lab allows us to monitor in the management of our plant the required nutrients. these mycorrhizal introductions and collections with natural biological An important indicator of a continue to improve our sustainable processes, and it is important that we healthy garden, and a sign that horticultural practices. monitor these processes to ensure the natural disease suppression is in­ -John Lafl.eur continuing health of the garden. creasing, is the return Phenomena such as nutrient cycling, of beneficial fungi, disease suppression, and insect/plant such as mycorrhizae, relationships are examples of benefi­ to the garden. These cial interactions that come from sus­ tainable management of the garden. Plant management decisions are no longer made at the organism level but at the community level. That means that careful consideration is given to the effect any plant management I cask might have on all the organisms ! in the garden. In order to make intel­ ~------'--' ---'--..lL.a~------=..-..L...... ---! ~ ligent decisions, we must know the The healthof beneficialmyrcorrhizal fungi and nematodes level at which these beneficial inter­ can be monitoredin the horticulturallab, and the new,computer actions are occurring. In ecology, aids in the nu111ageme111of plant and gardenrecords. Frie11dsof Lotusla11d Lotuslar1dGratefullLJ WeWelcome New Members Who Joi11ed ACRr\OWledges i11R:bruarw, March, a11d April 2001 Dor1atior\S LEVEL I Mr. & Mrs. Bill Miley R:bructrLJ,March, a11d April 2001 Ms. Diana Anderson Ms. Julia R. Miller Ms. Rita Anderson Ms. Vickie Moore GENERALDONATIONS Ms. Cloris Barber Ms. Marilyn Moran Mr. & Mrs. Don Bennett Ms. Ellen Belinski Ms. Kristen Muscnug Mr. & Mrs. Richard Buchen Ms. Susan Newcomb Mr. & Mrs. John C. Bishop 1 Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Burkemper Mr. & Mrs. Peter Blair Ms. Camille Panzanello Ms. Astrid De Wild Ms. Christine Brennan Ms. Amy Pell Mrs. Donald Harcourt Mr. Ralph Brubaker Mrs. Eileen Pendleton Mr. & Mrs. Tim Koster Ms. Joan Calder Ms. Nancy Pierson Mr. James A. Shattuck Ms. Susan Cavern Mr. Matthew Raue Mr. John L. Stern Ms. Kelly Clancy Mr. Rich Ray Ms. Celeste Tubman Ms. Marianna Roland Ms. Cherie Copper Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Wright 1 Jr. Ms. Nancy Couvrey Ms. Lisa Rowlison Mr. David Dahlke Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Scheib GRANTS Ms. Dawn Schlott Mr. C.W. Deen The Robert and Christine Mr. & Mrs. William Seabloom Ms. Gidget DiGiovanni Emmons Foundation Mrs. Percy H. Severn Mr. & Mrs. Terry Eagle for Members 1 Family Day Ens berg Jacobs Design Mr. & Mrs. Jay Shobe Mr. Ray Evans Ms. Norma Sink Mr. & Mrs. Guy Fitzwater Mr. J. Richard Stead HONORING Ms. Kathy Flynn Ms. Jane Sun Ms. Cecelia A. Dalsemer Ms. Laurel Foster Mr. & Mrs Mark Sylvester in honor of Carol Valentine Mrs. Joy Frank Dr. & Mrs. R.T. Voelkel Mr. & Mrs. Rob Farber Ms. Lisa Fuog Mrs. Paula Walbert after a tour with Lori Meschler Ms. Kyle Futo Mr. & Mrs. Jon Wall Mr. & Mrs. James Moffett Mr. & Mrs. Pat Garcia Mr. Larry Wheeler after a tour with Barbara Siemon Ms. Roslyn Gillespie Mr. & Mrs. Duane Willis Ms. Mary Statler Mrs. Jane Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wisham after a tour with Mona Van Atta Ms. Gina Guerra Ms. Louisa E. Thielst Ms. Vivian Hamer LEVEL II after a lecture by Janet Eastman Ms. Daphne A. Townsend Ms. Colleen L. Harbaugh Mr. & Mrs. Brent Bickett after a tour with Helene Mussbach Mr. & Mrs. Ric Hardman Ms. Virginia Cornell Mr. Scott Hardt Mr. & Mrs. Sally Deconde Ms. Denise Herzberg Ms. Marilynn Gantz LOTUS SOCIElY Ms. Mary Hooper Ms. Margaret Evans Gault TO BENEFIT Ms. Leigh Hubbard Ms. Carolyn Glore LOTUSLAND'SENDOWMENT Ms. Margaret Hugh es Mrs. Meredith McKittrick Mrs. Rowe Giesen Ms. Lisa Inouye Ms. Marlene O 1Brien Ms. Cynthia James Mr. Ron Ramirez PLANTS Ms. Snow Kahn Ms. Tana Sommer-Belin Mr. Burl Mostut Rare Plant Research Ms. Ilene Kruppa Ms. Barbara Steffy Mr. & Mrs. Peter Lavallee Mr. John N. Stillion Dr. Howard Liebman Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Swart THE DUNLAPCOLLECTION Ms. Ana Llorente Travel Valet International Mr. & Mrs. Fred Keller Ms. Marjorie Locher Mr. & Mrs. Gene Yancy Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Somdahl Mr. & Mrs. Bill Madrid Mr. & Mrs. Tom Martin LEVEL Ill 2000 ANNUAL APPEAL Mr. Richard Matthews Ms. Stephanie Shuman Mr. Merritt S. Dunlap Ms. Joan McCormick Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Harriman Ms. Laini Melnick LEVEL IV Ms. Victoria Holmen Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mendell Ms. Sandy Hill Mr. & Mrs. Ervin Klinkon ·------~ Lotusfest GannaWalska Lotusland Registration Form CELEBRATE LOTUS BLOSSOM PAYMENTMETHOD : SEASON WITH A FULL DAY OF FUN AND D Check enclosed D VISA D MasterCard Expiration date ______EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Card number ______Signature ______SaturdaLJ, August 25, 200 I I0:00 AM fO -4:00 PM Member name ______$75/members Address ______$05/nonmembers INCLUDESGO URMET BARBECUE LUNCH City/State/Zip ______Phone ______

Number of Feesare refundableonly ,f cancellationis receivedone week beforeclass or lecture. people attending ______If minimumenrollment is not reached,classes and lecturesmay be canceled. No phone reservations, please. Number of cars ______Mail to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, Total $ ______695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 r------I ------~ I DesigningMen: GannaWalska Lotusland Registration Form I I INFLUENTIALMEN I IN (iARDENING PAYMENTMETHOD : I D Check enclosed D VISA D MasterCard Expiration date ______I AN ILLUSTRATED LECTURE I with BRITISH HORTICULTURALIST MAGGIE LAMB Card number ______Signature ______November o, 200 I • 2:00 PM Member name ______I SORRY,N O PASSES I ACCEPTEDFOR THI S LECTURE Address ______I I $-40/members I $-45/nonmembers City/State/Zip ______Phone ______I INCLUDES WINE AND REFRESHMENTS I Feesare refundableonly if cancellationis receivedone week befoteclass or lecture. I Number of If minimumenrollment is not reached;classes and lecturesmay be canceled. I people attending No phone reservations, please. I Number of cars I Mail to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, I Total $ 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 ~------I Members \Vho Have Retractiort lr\creased Their Level of Support WE APOLOGIZE FOR AN ERROR in an FtbruanJ,f1arclt and article in the winter newsle tter about April2001 Madame Walska that began "Born in Czarist Russia ..." It shou ld have read, LEVEL II "Born in Czarist Poland ...." Madame Mary Lou Ardo hain Walska was very proud of her Polish Mr. & Mrs. Don Graves heritage, and we regret any confu ­ Mr. & Mrs. David Kent Ms. Carolyn Kincaid sion this error may have caused . Nonprofit Org. Ga1111a\Xla lsRa U.S. POSTAGE Lotusla11d1Du11dat io11 PAID Santa Barbara 695 Ashley Road California Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Permit No. 163 / Address Service Requested Foiwarding Postage Guaranteed

MemberEvents July throughDecemb er MANYLOTUSLAND EVENTS are open to non-members, so let your friends and neighbors know about the great activities we offer. And once again this year, we are offering several opportunities to bring children to the garden . Kids and grandkids are welcome at many events, and Family Tour days are scheduled twice every month (see the last item in the listing). We hope you will enjoy the year 2001 at Lotusland .

SundcnJ,Jult.1 29 The 2nd annual festival to honor November 15 Lotus/and Celebrates the lotus at the peak of their bloom. Garden is closed to regular tours 4:00- 8:00 PM Entertainment and barbecue lunch until February 17. included . MEMBERS$75; NONMEMBERS Join us for Lotusland's prem ier S<1turd<1t.1,December I fund -raising event-a not to miss! $85. Use the coupon on page 19 to sign up. Holiday Shopping and Invitations will be mailed ~o all Self-guided Touts members in June. Thursd<1l.J,November 3 1:00-4 :30 PM Saturd