Chamaedorea Palms by VIRGINIA HAYES

Home , Chamaedorea, Lotusland, Parterre, Rose garden

LOTUSLAND NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS VOLUME 16 NO. 2 SPRING 2007 Chamaedorea Palms By VIRGINIA HAYES

N THE SHELTERED corner of Lotusland known as the shade palm Igarden is a collection of diminutive palms in the genus Chamaedorea. Chamaedorea palms are small in stature, rarely growing taller than 15 feet or so, and have slender stems, many not much more than an inch in diameter. Palms occur as single-trunked specimens or as many-trunked clumps. This genus includes species that also grow in both forms. Besides their thin trunks, Chamaedorea palms share other common characteristics. Most have pinnate, or feather-shaped, leaves. Among the single-stemmed species are C. tepejilote and C. plumosa. C. seifrizii is sold under the name bamboo palm as its clumps of

slender stems resemble bamboo. Other S YE

species may also appear under this HA IA

C. costaricana, N common name, such as I G R C. microspadix, and C. radicalis. One I V

species, C. elatior, is more vine-like. It B

S O

clambers through surrounding vegeta- T O H

tion to lengths of 60 feet or more. A P few species, such as C. metallica, have Chamaedorea palms grow slowly. These parlor palms (Chamaedorea elegans) were planted more undivided leaves that resemble fish tails. than 20 years ago and are under five feet in height. The leaves of this particular species also have a metallic sheen. A number of IN THIS ISSUE species also have showy flower stalks with bright red, orange, or black fruits. Chamaedorea Palms 1 Volunteer Profile: John Vasi 10 A few Chamaedorea palms may be President’s Letter 3 Quietly Standing Out From the Crowd more familiar as houseplants than as Palm Lecture 10 Digital Photography Workshop 4 garden subjects. Parlor palms, including Congratulations, Virginia! 11 Chamaedorea elegans, were first popular Spring Twilight Tour 4 Garden Tour 11 during the Victorian era and continue LotusFest 4 A Farewell From Mike Bush 11 to be grown by the thousands for this New to the Collections 5 purpose. Several small plants may be Specimens from UC Santa Barbara Thank You to Our 11 Garden Benefactors planted together in a single pot and Storybook Tour 5 can survive for many years. In the Mother’s Day Tour and Tea 11 The Lotus Society 6 garden, these naturally single-stemmed Where the Wild Things Are 12 individuals will eventually reach eight Horticultural Happenings 7 Modjadji Cycad feet or more. Chamaedorea palms are Members’ Family Day 8 Lotusland Celebrates 12 Continued on page 2 Buried Treasure! Hidden Wonders in the Soil Peter Pan’s Lotusland 2

The LOTUSLAND NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS is published by Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation 695 Ashley Road Santa Barbara, California 93108 805.969.3767 www.lotusland.org BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kisa Heyer, President W. Mason Farrell, Vice-President Arthur R. Gaudi, Secretary Linda J. Gluck, Treasurer Ella Brittingham Jane Gail Copelan Geoffrey Crane Larry Durham Sherry Gilson Harry W. Kolb Jill Levinson Michael Mayﬁeld Sandra Nicholson Chapin Nolen Brett M. Posten Barbara Siemon Cynthia Spivey Marianne Sprague John Tilson Bizarrely-shaped concretions—natural mineral Immature (green) and mature (black) fruits of Nancy L. Wood formations—are displayed throughout the shade Chamaedorea tepejilote are held on bright palm garden. orange stalks. Merryl Brown Robert J. Emmons Anne Jones Continued from page 1 ﬂuctuate widely and moisture levels are Michael Towbes Carol L. Valentine ideally suited as indoor plants not only consistently high. With adequate water, Lifetime Honorary Trustees because they remain small, but also they adapt readily to the low light and because they come from deep forest moderate temperatures of our interior Steven Timbrook, Ph.D. Director Emeritus habitats throughout Mexico, Central spaces. In southern California, they also Interim Financial Officer America, and northern South America. grow well outdoors with ample water Anne Dewey, CFRE Many grow in rain forests or cloud and full shade. Director of Development forests where temperatures do not There are about 100 species of Marguerite Gamo Chamaedorea, but a much smaller num- Manager of Administration and Human Resources ber are commonly grown. Lotusland’s Deanna Hatch collection now contains nearly half Communications Manager of the described species. In 2002, the Virginia Hayes Curator of the Living Collection number was greatly augmented when Michael Iven Dr. Donald Hodel arranged for his Director of Grounds and Facilities collection to come to Lotusland. It Dorothy Shaner comprised 45 species and more than 230 Public Programs Manager plants. Dr. Hodel has literally written Printed by Jano Graphics the book on the genus and had collected Lindse Davis, Design and grown them during his research. Printed on recycled and recyclable paper These palms have been waiting in the with vegetable-based inks nursery to be added to the display in the garden. To accommodate them, some older palms of dubious origin will be Mission Statement moved out and new planting beds To preserve and enhance the created. The fascinating mineral con- spectacular collections of exotic plants cretions will be safely stored away on the Montecito estate of the during the construction phase to be late Madame Ganna Walska and, reset when it is completed. through interpretation of these collections, One major issue in the design for to foster increased knowledge and the garden will be to provide adequate appreciation of the importance of plants and the need for their conservation. Many Chamaedorea palms have brightly-colored shade for the expanded growing area. fruits to attract animal dispersers. Several short-term as well as long-term 3

strategies will be employed, including planting ornamental and complementary tree species to further enhance the diversity of this secluded garden area. During the reconstruction of the shade palm garden, access will be restricted, but the end result will definitely be worth the disturbance. By year’s end, more than half of Hodel’s important collection will be settled into their new home. In the coming years, after additional trees have matured enough to provide adequate shade, a second phase will make it possible to see the entire collection on display. Dr. Hodel will give a palm lecture at Lotusland on June 16. Please see page 7 for details. The leaves of Chamaedorea metallica are divided only at the tip and have a bluish, metallic sheen. President’s Letter MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING and if you haven’t attended them OUR MEMBERSHIP BASE continues to before, I encourage you to do so in the grow. We are really happy to have future. It is truly magical to experience your support, and I thank you for the garden while listening to a musical becoming involved with the garden. performance or enjoying a tour filled Many of you supported our Annual with entertainment and a fine meal, Appeal, which is crucial to operating and these events significantly help the gardens. The special party for our our ability to operate the garden and Upper Level supporters at Patricia and its programs. LL E Larry Durham’s exquisite home and B

P SERVICE TO LOTUSLAND M gardens was something that will long CA be remembered—and provides much DURING THE YEAR, we recognized two LL E new Lifetime Honorary Trustees, Merryl N incentive to consider an upgrade from Kisa Heyer your current membership level. Brown and Robert Emmons. And now Our planned giving program, The it is with great admiration that we say T HAS BEEN A GREAT YEAR. And a Lotus Society, is vital to the continued goodbye to Trustee Anne Jones, who is busy one, as you can tell from growth and preservation of Lotusland. I stepping down from the Board of Iwhat’s below. We truly have much am pleased to report that it has grown Trustees after 23 years of service to to celebrate as we look back on one of to 70 members in the ﬁve years since its Lotusland. I am pleased to announce our most stellar years. Lotusland had creation. This year’s annual luncheon that the board has named Mrs. Jones as a very successful 2006 filled with to honor Lotus Society members was at our newest Lifetime Honorary Trustee in fabulous events, outreach programs, Virginia Castagnola-Hunter’s beautiful recognition of her many contributions. workshops, and awards for the garden. home and garden and was truly a A Founding Trustee, she has been very delight for all who attended. involved in horticulture organizations AWARDS AND RECOGNITION throughout the community. We will WE WERE THE PROUD recipients of the miss her greatly. Santa Barbara Beautiful President’s GREAT EVENTS I am also very pleased to welcome Award and received national recognition LOTUSLAND’S EVENTS ALSO continued to four new Trustees who have graciously in articles in a variety of publications receive rave reviews. Lotusland Celebrates: agreed to serve on our board. Jane including The Wall Street Journal, Opera The Summer of Love and the newly- Copelan, Brett Posten, Cynthia Spivey, News, Cowboys & Indians, and Tinta Latina established Music at Lotusland, which and Marianne Sprague will join us this among others. Local foundations as well last year featured An Afternoon of Jazz month. They each offer unique wonder- as national organizations continue to with The Tierney Sutton Band, was a ful qualities that will greatly enhance fund Lotusland’s Fourth Grade Outreach wonderful start to what will now be an the board as we continue to develop the Program, sustainability programs, and annual music event. We are so pleased future leadership of Lotusland. other valued projects. with your patronage of these events, Continued on page 4 4

Continued from page 3 Financial Officer and as a member of on May 19 is a not-to-be-missed event, the Management Operating Committee. and the Lotusland Celebrates Committee MANAGEMENT NEWS Other Committee members are Anne is hard at work planning another spec- FINALLY, I WANT to inform you all that Dewey, Director of Development; tacular event, this year titled Peter Pan’s in late February I received Mike Bush’s Deanna Hatch, Communications Mana- Lotusland: Where You Never Grow Up, on resignation as Executive Director of ger; Virginia Hayes, Curator of the Living July 22. LotusFest, our annual celebration Lotusland, effective March 23, 2007. I Collection; Michael Iven, Director of of lotuses, will be on July 28, and An realize this is sudden; however, Mike has Grounds and Facilities; and John Tilson, Afternoon of Music at Lotusland with John made a big difference in the 16 months Trustee, who will serve as chair. We Pizzarelli is scheduled for September 30. he has been at the garden, and we wish have also begun our executive search, We look forward to an exciting him and Jeannie the best. which will be given our highest priority. spring and continuing the great work Our plans for interim management that has been accomplished by all of of the garden have been addressed LOOKING FORWARD you, our staff, volunteers, and members in a thoughtful and careful manner by WE HAVE ANOTHER exciting year ahead in the past few years. Thank you for all forming a Management Operating for 2007 ﬁlled with excellent events and of your support. Committee. Director Emeritus Steven programs. Be sure to save these dates on I look forward to seeing you in Timbrook has agreed to serve as interim your calendars: Members’ Family Day the garden. —Kisa Heyer, President

Digital Photography Workshop WITH LARRY FRIESEN SATURDAY, JULY 14 • 9:00 AM TO NOON

ARRY FRIESEN WILL SHARE his into his classes at Santa Barbara City

extensive knowledge at a digital College, Larry’s dramatic images T E N .

photography workshop at Lotus- capture the true essence of life science S Y

L A land on July 14. Beginners and seasoned no matter what the subject might be. D R U

photographers who would like to learn His photography is widely used in T A S

from his experience can spend the morn- textbooks, research articles, his own , N E S

ing working with Larry as he presents internet courses in biology, and in two E I R F ideas and examples of his work and then online nature magazines, Santa Barbara Y R R

leads participants through the garden to Nature and Nature Journal. A L create their own photo images. Space is limited. Please register Larry Friesen photographed this passion ﬂower with Incorporating digital photography early by using the coupon on page 15. an artistic eye for use as a teaching tool.

Spring Twilight Tour SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, APRIL 21 LotusFest! 4:30 TO 7:30 PM SATURDAY, JULY 28 • 2:00 TO 5:30 PM

ELEBRATE SPRING BY spending an enchanting Come celebrate the legendary ﬂower late afternoon in the garden. Our Twilight Tours Coffer guests the opportunity to enjoy the garden that is Lotusland’s namesake. at the end of the day when light is subdued and shadows lengthen. Wine tasting from Santa Barbara County premier vintners, Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served on the live music, and hors d’oeuvres are just a few terrace. You may take a docent-led tour or enjoy the of the pleasures that will be offered during garden on your own on a self-guided tour. Docents this fun, relaxing afternoon in the garden. will be available throughout the garden to answer your questions. Y So mark your calendar E

Please use the coupon on page 15 to reserve space W E D

for this event. and join us for this very special event! . B

. M W 5 NEW TO THE COLLECTIONS Specimens from UC Santa Barbara

N THE WORLD of botany instruc- tion at universities throughout the IUnited States, there is a growing trend to move away from systematics (the study of the diversity of life forms and their relationships) and taxonomy (the classiﬁcation of organisms) as core components. Former biology depart- ments are being reorganized and divided into sections teaching evolution and ecology or molecular and cellular biology. As a result, greenhouses that used to house extensive and comprehensive plant collections to illustrate concepts

of systematics are giving way to DNA S YE

sequencers and benches filled with HA IA

hundreds of the same species of plant N I G R

grown for quantitative analysis. UC I V

Santa Barbara has undergone such a B S

reorganization in the last decade or O T O

two, and its plant collections have been H P hugely diminished. As a result of this, Though they are unrelated, the leaves of Carludovica palmata resemble those of many palm species. Lotusland was recently able to obtain some interesting and rare species. Here Anthurium spectabile, native to the hats and other objects, giving it the is a small sampling of that windfall. wet forests of Costa Rica, is also a large common name Panama hat plant. Angiopteris evecta is known as the species. It has leaves to two feet long or Docents will be able to talk about this giant fern or mule’s foot fern (its leaf more. While its ﬂowers are inconspicu- convergent evolution when the Panama bases look like the hooves of a mule). ous, the foliage will contribute to the hat plant is planted near a similar- It is one of the more primitive ferns, tropical look in the epiphyllum garden. looking, but unrelated palm. having changed very little in the last Carludovica palmata bears a great While students at UC Santa Barbara 300 million years. It has large, coarse resemblance to a palm, but is from an will no longer be able to view these fronds (to 10 feet in length) and will add entirely different family, the cyclantha- interesting plant species, visitors to an interesting dimension to the fern ceae. Its leaves, though, are used, just as Lotusland’s botanic garden will have garden with its size and stature. many palm leaves are, to make woven that opportunity. —Virginia Hayes Storybook Tour SATURDAY, APRIL 28 9:15 AM TO NOON

OIN US FOR an entertaining and unusual way to experience JLotusland. Storytellers will read from books inspired by gardens and the creatures that inhabit them. The selected stories will appeal to the young (four to eight years) and the young at heart and each will be told in a different Lotusland garden. R

Refreshments will be served at the E N A

end of the tour. H S One leaﬂet of the primitive fern Angiopteris To register for this special tour, THY O

evecta seen against a portion of a large please use the coupon on page 15. R O

Anthurium spectabile leaf. D 6

in Oakland and raised in Los Angeles,” announcing the formation of The Lotus Jackie told me. “I met Ronald while he Society, I decided that joining in memory was a law student at UCLA and I was of my husband was something that felt a public health nurse, having already like just the right thing to do.” graduated from Mount St. Mary’s As we walked through her garden College. Actually, we met on a blind on the way to my car, Jackie showed me date and found we really enjoyed each her “bottle tree,” a starburst of variously other. We married and our first son shaped bottles all in a dark blue shade was born while Ronald was still in law of glass perched on the ends of a school. Ronald wanted to live in Santa welded frame, standing proudly next Barbara and when he graduated, his first to a beautifully blooming Ceanothus. position was deputy district attorney for Madame Walska would have loved it. Santa Barbara County, but his assign- —Steven Timbrook ment was Santa Maria. We lived there for about a year before he joined a law B The Lotus firm in Santa Barbara. He also practiced for a time with Carroll Barrymore.” Society Jackie was surprised when I told her NEW MEMBERS that when Lotusland did its restoration HANK YOU TO THESE additional of the Moorish fountain, Carroll, a new members for their generous talented amateur ceramicist made and support. JACKIE STEVENS donated the ceramic bowl in the basin T at the end of the runnel. I too was Mike Bush & Jeanne Miller T DOESN’T TAKE too long chatting surprised by the connection between Larry & Patricia Durham with one of Santa Barbara’s long- the Stevenses and Barrymores. Itime residents before you discover Jackie and Ronald had three more Buddy Kaye—His Words Live On an unexpected connection to another children, a daughter and two more sons, Keith J. Mautino Santa Barbara friend. and Jackie is a proud grandmother of The other day I was sitting in the two young grandchildren, one just a Members of The Lotus Society have charming San Roque living room of few months old. When her children each made a gift or bequest of $10,000 Jackie Stevens, widow of the late Santa were old enough, Jackie worked part- or more to Lotusland’s Endowment Barbara Superior Court Judge Ronald time as a school nurse, part of the time Fund. Names of Lotus Society members Stevens, getting to know a little more at San Marcos High School. She later are engraved on The Wall of Honor, about the lively lady I’ve had the was Director of Nursing for a home which is located at the Visitor Center at pleasure of traveling with on Lotusland health agency. A candidate Jackie once the end of the Australian tea tree arbor. trips to Santa Fe, Charleston, and interviewed for a nursing position told To learn more about The Lotus Seattle. I asked about how she met her her that she was well-qualified because Society, please call Anne Dewey, husband and how they came to Santa she had done nursing for Madame Ganna Lotusland’s Director of Development, Barbara. “I’m a native Californian, born Walska, the implication being that at 805.969.3767, extension 105. if she could please Madame Walska, anything else would be easy. After her husband became a Superior Court Judge, they had more opportunity to travel, which they both greatly enjoyed, and took cruises to Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and through the Panama Canal. “Cruises were a way for Ronald to really get away from work and not be always at the mercy of the telephone.” I asked about her first visit to Lotusland. “Ronald and I had called for reservations when Lotusland first opened, but we couldn’t get in and then O T R E O his cancer kept us from visiting. My first T H R P A

visit was on an evaluation tour by a C

SY K TE C I

R friend, Mary Ann Donner, who was then R U

O in the docent training program. I really C All visitors walk by The Wall of Honor as Jackie Stevens enjoyed it and when I received a letter they enter Lotusland. 7 Horticultural Happenings

OTUSLAND’S GARDEN STAFF and provide the watering not received members were busy working by winter rains. Lon a wide variety of projects Several days of below freezing this winter. temperatures affected some plantings, including succulents, cycads, bananas, NEW ROSES PLANTED cannas, lantana, and citrus. On the NEW FLORIBUNDA ROSES chosen for their other hand, several days of 90º weather colors, disease resistant qualities, and burned leaves of Agave attenuatas along ultimate sizes were planted in the the main drive. parterre beds in January. Curator Virginia The garden survived in spite of this Hayes chose the butter-gold ‘Julia Child,’ very unusual winter and you will ﬁnd it apricot-orange blend ‘Livin’ Easy,’ and looking good on your next visit. smoky chocolate-orange ‘Hot Cocoa’ varieties. An offset planting scheme SYCAMORE CANYON allowed for more roses in the beds than ROAD PEDESTRIAN PATH in previous years and will provide an exceptional display of color. Passiﬂora VISITORS TO LOTUSLAND drive along sanguinolenta (pink passion vine) planted Sycamore Canyon Road, a busy street on the rose garden trellis completed the with minimal space for pedestrians. rose garden renovation project. Many years ago, after the overgrown Pedestrians can now walk from Ashley Road. to We are grateful to rose consultant landscape of various agave species was Cold Spring Road without going in the street. Dan Bifano for his participation in the removed along Lotusland’s Sycamore project and to Weeks Roses for donating Canyon frontage and the pink stucco across the street from Lotusland’s the plants. wall surrounding the garden was Visitor Entrance. Recently Lotusland repaired and painted, we re-landscaped staff cooperated with the school’s “Safe WEIRD WEATHER the area with a variety of succulents. Routes to School Committee” to identify THE GOOD NEWS is that winter rains One plant selection criterion at that portions of the Sycamore Canyon caused no damage to the garden. This time was “no sharp thorns or points,” so frontage path in need of renovation. year many maintenance and special the planting scheme allowed space for Pedestrian access and safety were projects proceeded without the usual pedestrians to walk close to the wall improved by relocating or removing rain delays. The bad news is the lack instead of in the street. Lotusland also several plants that were growing over of rain and the resulting drought-like made arrangements with CalTrans to the intended walking path and by conditions are not good for the garden. install a footbridge over the storm drain providing access to the path from Perimeter plantings and selected areas canal at that time to make walking safer. nearby Ashley Road. As a result, school of the garden, such as hedges and trees, Cold Spring Elementary School is children can walk to school safely, and will require additional monitoring this located at the corner of Sycamore local residents can enjoy walking in year in order to determine soil moisture Canyon Road and Cold Spring Road, their neighborhood. —Michael Iven N E V I

L E A H C I M

Y B

S O T O H P A total of 120 roses were planted in the two parterre beds. A thin layer of ice covered the Japanese pond for a couple of days. 8 Members’ F Buried Treasure! Hidde SATURDAY, MAY 19 Lotusland wishes to thank you, our members, for your support by hosting our tenth GENEROUSLY SP Thomas & Nancy Crawford, Jr. i

Activities w LL E B P M CA LL E N

Y B S O T O H P O T O

H Mark Collier performing two magic sho P

SY Face-painting, cartoon caricatures, activities, games, and cra TE

R Dress up in costumes and take home a free pirate souvenir ph U O

C Toe-tapping live music by LeG Members’ Family Day is FREE! But you must make a reservation by mailing the reservation form to save space for your family and to pre-purchase lunch tickets. One vehicle per membership. Please reserve early as this event always quickly ﬁlls to capacity.

Bring your own picnic or pre-purchase a lunch catered by Tinker’s Summerland Catering Company. Lunch includes a choice of grilled hamburger or cheeseburger on a multi-grain bun, a grilled chicken burger or garden burger on a whole wheat bun; or all-beef hotdog split and grilled on a steak roll; french fries; and watermelon. Tickets for box lunches are available until May 4. (Sorry, there is no guarantee that you will be able to purchase lunch tickets on the day of the event.)

A limited number of picnic blankets will be available, or you can bring your own. Complimentary juice, soft drinks and water are available all day.

Complimentary ice cream cones at the ice cream booth served NOON TO 2:00 PM. 9 Family Day en Wonders in the Soil 9 • 10 AM TO 4 PM h annual Members’ Family Day. Everyone is invited, especially children of all ages! PONSORED BY: in Honor of Their Grandchildren will include: O T O H P SY TE R U O C ows in the theatre garden • 11:15 AM TO NOON AND 2:15 TO 3:00 PM afts from the garden for children and adults on the main lawn • 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM hoto by photographer extraordinaire Bob DeBris • 10:00 AM TO NOON AND 2:00 TO 4:00 PM Grand, Franks & Dodge on the main lawn • NOON TO 2:00 PM

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

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

Address No. of teens ______No. of children 3 to 12 ______

Please specify: Payment Method: Ⅺ Check enclosed Ⅺ VISA Ⅺ MasterCard Ⅺ AMEX Lunches include french fries, condiments, watermelon, and choice from below. NO.) = $______Total Enclosed $ Exp. Date) ______ן Grilled Hamburger $12 ______$ = (.NO) ______ן Grilled Cheeseburger $12 NO.) = $______Card Number) ______ן Grilled Chicken Burger $12 ______$ = (.NO) ______ן Grilled Garden Burger $12 NO.) = $______Signature) ______ן All-Beef Hotdog $12 10 Volunteer Proﬁle: John Vasi QUIETLY STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD

meeting with Steve ﬁve years ago in a John enjoys his woodworking and local coffee shop as fateful. John shared motorcycling hobbies. his love of Lotusland with Steve who John quietly stands out from the had since become the Executive Director crowd as a very special volunteer. of the garden. Steve encouraged John Spending most of his time at the garden to consider becoming a docent. John as a docent, John’s list of “extra” duties hesitated and mentioned that he had no is admirable. Almost always the ﬁrst botanical background, to which Steve to sign up when a call goes out for replied, “That is why we have a training volunteer assistance, John can be found program.” John signed up and became a among other places, at envelope stuffing member of the 2003 docent-training class. sessions, pouring wine at special events, John says that he was “truly impressed and scooping ice cream or managing with the quality and organization of mural painting at Members’ Family Day.

O the program” and says he would have John volunteered to be trained to drive T O

H honestly paid to hear the lectures. He the electric carts so that he might assist P

SY found the enthusiasm of all he encoun- with special tours for those who are TE R

U tered infectious and was impressed by unable to walk and he regularly leads O C how well the volunteers were treated. wheelchair tours of the garden. While John Vasi John has always been a dabbler serving as a Tour Facilitator, John effort- with plants at home, but moving to lessly assigns visitors to docents and OHN VASI FIRST visited Lotusland Santa Barbara in 1981 opened up areas handles any special needs that may long before it was open to the of gardening he had never dreamed of. arise with grace and conﬁdence. Jpublic with his friend Steve His time at Lotusland over the past ﬁve John has the ability to satisfy the Timbrook, who was then working at years resulted in a growing fondness most inquisitive and demanding groups the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. John for aloes, agaves, and succulents, all of of special visitors and is called upon was smitten after this initial tour and which have been added to his garden. to mentor prospective docents enrolled visited the garden many times in later John has always been involved with in training. He says he loves the cama- years, frequently bringing his wife and library organizations both through his raderie he experiences with docents, out-of-town visitors to share the beauty job and as a volunteer. He was president sharing plant information and good of Madame’s spectacular estate. of the Santa Barbara Public Library stories about their tours. We are most After retiring from his administrative Board of Directors for several years and fortunate to have such a dedicated and library career at UC Santa Barbara, John sat on Santa Barbara County Library versatile volunteer. discovered there was time in his life to advisory committees. When he’s not Thank you John for everything you volunteer. He describes an accidental gardening or volunteering at Lotusland, do for Lotusland. —Debbie Hild

Palm Lecture With DR. DONALD HODEL SATURDAY, JUNE 16 • 1:30 TO 4:00 PM

ALM TREES ARE INSTANTLY expert Dr. Donald Hodel for an recognizable to most people. illustrated talk covering the natural his- PThey are widely used in all tory and biology of palms, proﬁling the kinds of media—from movie sets most common species and giving to cartoons—to represent a tropical a brief overview of their culture and setting or, in stark contrast, a desert management. After the lecture, Hodel oasis. Their great diversity of sizes will lead a walking tour of some of and types means that there is a palm Lotusland’s palms. The event includes S

for any landscape use. wine and hors d’oeuvres. YE

On Saturday, June 16, Lotusland Please reserve your space by using HA IA N I

will host world-renowned palm the coupon on page 15. G R I V 11 Congratulations, Virginia! Garden Tour With VIRGINIA HAYES OTUSLAND’S CURATOR, Virginia Hayes, received a Spirit of SATURDAY, JUNE 9 LService Award for Outstanding 9:15 AM TO 4:00 PM Media Coverage from Looking Good (GATES OPEN AT 9:00 AM) Santa Barbara, a city-sponsored community organization dedicated to keeping IRGINIA HAYES HAS put together Santa Barbara a lovely place to live, work, another fun day of touring gardens and visit. Von Saturday, June 9. Participants Virginia writes a weekly gardening will enjoy ﬁne gardens, good company, column for the Santa Barbara Independent and a luscious lunch at Lotusland. The and often addresses topics such as water bus will depart Lotusland at 9:15 AM and conservation and recycling. She also return by 4:00 PM. Please plan to arrive at shares the knowledge she has gained 9:00 AM to facilitate this early departure. about sustainable gardening during her The fee of $90 for Lotusland

N 15 years at Lotusland. The award is for members and $110 for nonmembers

LLMA her “ongoing commitment to increase covers transportation, admission, and E W public awareness of recycling, graffiti, a buffet lunch. Space is very limited. L U

A and/or litter issues in a positive and Please use the coupon on page 15 to P Virginia Hayes solution-oriented manner.” reserve your space.

A Farewell from Mike Bush

OWERING, STATELY wine palms. will recall when thinking of Lotusland. they have made our work easier and Rainbow iridescence from I am writing to let you know that I more interesting. Thanks so much to Tshimmering abalone enclosing have resigned my position as Lotusland’s all of you who were encouraging and the aloe pond. Globally important Executive Director. While Jeannie and supportive and showed us the “Santa cycads. Euphorbias menacingly reach- I were here, Lotusland made a tremen- Barbara ropes”—and those of ing earthward in the fog. Grotesque dous impression on us both. All along you who welcomed us little figures mulling about the we have been nurtured by a wonderful into your homes, your Theatre Garden. All this and more I staff—both paid and volunteer—and gardens, and your hearts.

Thank You to Mother’s Day Our Garden Tour and Tea Benefactors SATURDAY, MAY 12 • 1:30 TO 4:00 PM

Mr. & Mrs. Chad Dreier Treat your mother, grandmother, or someone important in your life Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck to a special afternoon at Lotusland on Harold & Diana Frank Family Foundation Saturday, May 12, the day before Mother’s Day. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Hugunin Tea and light refreshments will be served Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson on the terrace throughout the afternoon. Mrs. Andy Pearson Mr. & Mrs. Edward Shea You may take a docent-led tour Ms. Beverly Smaniotto or wander the gardens on your own on a self-guided tour. Mrs. Edward E. Stepanek Ms. Jeanne C. Thayer Please join us for a leisurely and lovely afternoon. Mr. Jack Baker, Wallis Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Woods To register, use the coupon on page 15. 12 Where the Wild Things Are MODJADJI CYCAD (ENCEPHALARTOS TRANSVENOSUS)

OT TOO FAR from world- renowned Kruger National Park Nin the Northern Province of South Africa is a spectacular sight that most of Kruger’s visitors will never even hear about, let alone see. But the opportunity to walk among the world’s largest concentration of a single cycad species makes a visit to the Modjadji Nature Preserve unforgettable for traveling

plant enthusiasts and well worth adding K O O

to their itinerary. R B M I T

N E V E T S

Y B

S O T O H P With trunks up to 40 feet high, Modjadji cycad is the world’s tallest cycad species.

The Modjadji cycad (Encephalartos childless at the age of 27 in 2005. Her transvenosus) is the tallest of the cycads, mother, however, established the 754- reaching to more than 40 feet and form- acre Modjadji Nature Preserve in 1983 ing forests of single trunked trees with so that this forest remains protected. average heights of 16 to 26 feet. The The Lebowa government has started most spectacular stand is in the self- a nursery to propagate Modjadji cycad governing state of Lebowa at Modjadji from the proliﬁc annual crop of seeds in Kraal where it has been protected by a the Preserve. Sale of nursery plants to succession of six Modjadji Rain Queens the public has greatly reduced poaching of the Balubado tribe. Traditionally the of wild specimens and helps ensure the Modjadji Nature Preserve has the world’s largest title is passed to the queen’s eldest species continues to thrive in the wild. stand of a single species of cycad. daughter, but the last Rain Queen died —Steven Timbrook

SAVE THE DATE Lotusland Celebrates

Join us for a trip to Never Never Land

Benefactor $5,000 (ten tickets, ﬁve VIP parking passes and a special gift) Patron Table Host $3,500 (ten tickets and a VIP parking pass) Patron $1,000 (two tickets) Tickets $275 each

Invitations will be mailed in mid-June. Remember, this event always sells out! Please contact Anne Dewey, Director of Development at 805.969.3767, extension 105 for more information. 13 Lotusland Members We Welcome New Members Who Joined in December 2006, January and February 2007

GARDEN PATRON Kevin & Andrea Stark Ms. Joyce Hazoum & Mr. Richard Kazie Mr. & Mrs. William J. Calise, Jr. Mrs. Diane Starr Corinne Hedrick Melinda Staveley Ms. Susan Henry Ms. Nadine Turner Jim & Laura Herren LEVEL IV Lynn & Linda Vine Ms. Barbara Hill Tim & Robin Willis Ms. Rebecca Welti & Ms. Clarissa Cornwell Mrs. Rise Johnson Ms. Libby Whaley Mrs. Norma Jungjohann & Ms. Julia Behrendt LEVEL III Ms. Jo Wideman Ms. Ellie Krock Mr. & Mrs. Robert Anderson Ms. Adela Wysocki Mr. Vasile Lemnaru & Ms. Vasilica Pena Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Barry Mr. & Mrs. Mamoru Yamaoka Mrs. Constance Lopez Mr. & Mrs. William Borgers Ms. Julie Ellis Lovett Mr. Sandy Crancer Mr. & Mrs. Mark Lukovsky LEVEL I Mr. & Mrs. Sergei Magonov Ms. Maureen Fialkoff Ms. Patricia Adler & Mr. George Moore Louise & Ted Gaylord Mr. & Mrs. Don Margerum Mrs. Lee Appleton & Ms. Rosalee Appleton Deborah & Caesar Martinez Mr. & Mrs. David Goldmuntz Ms. Celine Arena Mr. Gordon Hardey & Mr. Richard Sanchez Ms. Eileen McMahon Ms. Anne R. Ashmore Ms. Karen Menzel Mr. & Mrs. Jerrold Hauptman Mr. & Mrs. Bill Bartel Errol Jahnke & Marilyn Jorgenson Ms. Beverly Messenger Dr. Renate Baumgart Mr. Robert W. Morrison, Jr. Ms. Diane Keaton Mr. & Mrs. David T. Berns Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kelly Ms. Linda Murray Mrs. Christine Blasman Mr. William Oliver & Ms. Karen Hamilton Danny & Stephanie Kwock Ms. Ginny Brush & Ms. Mari Bartoli Ms. Lisa Loiacono Mr. & Mrs. Shaun Patterson Mr. Donald Cobb & Ms. Victoria Hadﬁeld Mr. Jeremy Quiroz Mr. & Mrs. John MacFarlane Mrs. Joanne Cryan John & Elizabeth McGovern Ms. Kathryn Robinson Kimberly & Steve Cyr Ms. Patricia Millington & Ms. Claire Turner Ms. Erika Romer & Mr. Chris Ligrano Mr. & Mrs. Pete Dangermond Mr. & Mrs. Don Nulty Ms. Janet Spargur Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Devine Mr. & Mrs. Fred W. Perutz Ms. Amy Srubas Ms. Anne Drejet Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pratt Ms. Beth Stein Mr. Les Firestein Matthew & Katherine Stewart Ms. Judy Taylor Steve & Terri Frenkel Ms. Renee Templeraud Ms. Maggie Legette Gallant Mrs. Betsy Thies LEVEL II Ms. Marjorie Garland Mr. & Mrs. David White Nahed & Mahmoud Ahmed Ms. Betty Gerig Ms. Virginia White Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Allen Paul & Marianne Gertman Mr. & Mrs. James Wilson Patricia & Pete Altavilla Mr. & Mrs. Erik Gregersen Mr. Christian Wolfbrandt Ms. Elizabeth Ashe Richard & Vivian Hamer Dr. Leslie Wolowitz Larry & Diana Bogatz Karen & Bob Brodersen Ms. Patricia Callan Mr. Gil Cardona Carlos & Liliana Casariego Members Who Have Increased Rob & Ann Church Ms. Sally Cole Noah & Rebecca Daniels Their Level of Support Mr. Arden Day Will & Julie Dere December 2006, January and February 2007 Ms. Diana Dillaway & Mr. David Olsen Ms. Suzanne Elledge GARDEN BENEFACTOR Mr. & Mrs. Timothy O. Fisher Scott & Sandy Foraker Mr. & Mrs. Stefen Riesenfeld Ms. Atoosa Guity & Mr. Martin Kremenstein Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hainkel Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson Sean Harper & Stella Harpoothian Mrs. Andy Pearson LEVEL II Mr. & Mrs. Rick Harrington Ms. Jeanne C. Thayer Ms. Bernadette Bagley Kim & Allan Howard Mr. & Mrs. Ken Beard Miss Debbie Hughey GARDEN PATRON Ms. Suzan Boatman & Mr. Phil Clarkson Mr. Marc Isgett & Mr. Tom Marlow Ms. Lois Burwell Gay & Tony Browne Mr. & Mrs. Weston L. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. William R. Coltrin Mr. Bruce Gregga Larry & Carol Kline Ms. Diane Galvan & Mr. Larry Disharoon Mr. Mark Kram Mr. & Mrs. John Mozart Ms. Claudia Gaustad David & Nancy Lacey Mr. Jay Roston Mr. James D. Macari Mrs. Eileen Gray Mr. & Mrs. Peter Meier LEVEL IV Gale & Bette Hartman Joe & Missy Miletich Ms. Sandra Hunt Ms. Mary Mohr & Mr. Chris Broman Mr. Robert Feinberg & Mrs. Margo Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Jack Kerns Cindy Morrison Mr. & Mrs. Morrie Jurkowitz Ms. Barbara Kuhn Mr. & Mrs. Wade H. Nichols Mr. & Mrs. Robert K. Montgomery John & Jennifer Pet Charles & Mileana Ratliff Mr. & Mrs. Rick Vitelle Ben & Jean Rogers Paul & Sandy Reider Mr. & Mrs. F. E. Saxer Carl & Ann Robinson LEVEL III Mr. & Mrs. William Spiewak Ms. Leslie Rowe Mr. & Mrs. Bill Schnetz Mr. & Mrs. William Brummett Mr. Frederick Guy Walker Mr. & Mrs. Pete Seagoe Mr. & Mrs. Roy S. Edwards, Jr. Ms. Bets Wienecke & Mr. Peter Haslund Mr. William R. Snively 14 Lotusland Gratefully Acknowledges Donations December 2006, January and February 2007

2006 ANNUAL APPEAL Mr. Scott McCosker MEMBERS’ FAMILY DAY Ms. Leslie H. Meadowcroft CARE OF THE GARDEN & Mr. Frank Schipper SPONSORS Judge & Mrs. John G. Davies Mr. Mitchell Morehart Thomas & Nancy Crawford, Jr. Mrs. Karen Garrolini Ms. Amanda Pelch in Honor of Their Grandchildren Mr. Mike Iven & Ms. Roberta Bloom Mr. & Mrs. Frank Pesenti Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Millman Jim Petrini MISH WEST COAST Ms. K. M. Nodinger Michael & Pam Pittman JEWELRY SHOW Mr. & Mrs. Gary Rollé Mr. & Mrs. William Pulice Mish Tworkowski of Mish New York Ms. Rebecca R. Rutledge Ms. Georgia Pulos Ms. Karen Roberts PLANTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS Ms. Judy Sahm William & Angele Strnad George & Sue Frampton The Randolph Scott Family Fund Ms. Lorraine M. McDonnell Mrs. Margaret S. Seaman GENERAL DONATIONS & Mr. M. Stephen Weatherford Ms. Holly Sherwin Cactus & Succulent Society of America Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Parry Ms. Nancy Shobe in appreciation of hosting Tichenor & Thorp Architects Mr. Leonard Somdahl Annual Board Meeting at Lotusland in memory of Ellen Somdahl Steve & Terri Frenkel GENERAL FUND Mr. & Mrs. Warren Staley Mr. & Mrs. Kurt R. Anker Harrison Design Associates, Tony Spann Sunset Succulent Society Mr. & Mrs. Rush Hinsdale Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence S. Bailard Betty Tapscott Mr. & Mrs. John Hopper Mr. & Mrs. Monte Brown Mr. & Mrs. Richard Tavis Mr. Harlis Maggard Gay & Tony Browne Mr. & Mrs. Tim Thomson in honor of Larry Disharoon’s birthday Mike Bush & Jeanne Miller Dr. & Mrs. Steven Timbrook Mr. & Mrs. Charles Munger, Mr. & Mrs. Nigel Buxton Miss Shirley Toeppner Alfred C. Munger Foundation Lois Capps, U.S. Representative Terry & Cricket Twichell Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Parent Mr. & Mrs. Michael Champion Mr. Curt W. Uritz Mr. & Mrs. Arent H. Schuyler, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Crane Mrs. David Van Every Stevie & Bill Sheatsley Mrs. Thomas Crawford Mr. Robert Winkler Mr. & Mrs. L. David Tisdale The Roy E. Crummer Foundation Mr. & Mrs. David Wolf Anonymous Mr. Oswald J. Da Ros Clifford & Crystal Wyatt in appreciation of Lotusland Garden Staff in thanksgiving of Ganna Walska Mr. & Mrs. Joe Yzurdiaga Ms. Elizabeth W. Dake Mr. & Mrs. Peter F. Ziegler GIFT MEMBERSHIP DONORS Mr. & Mrs. James G. P. Dehlsen Anonymous in honor of Anne Dewey Mr. & Mrs. Larry Anderson Silvio Di Loreto & Mary MacDonald Mr. & Mrs. Todd Bartel in honor of Andy Granatelli PLANT ACQUISITION Ms. Julia Behrendt Ms. Diane Doiron Mr. James McPherson & Mr. Robert Eaton Mr. Ross Blasman Mr. & Mrs. James Drasdo Ms. Cynthia Burt Ms. Jane S. Dyruff LOTUS SOCIETY Mr. & Mrs. Nigel Buxton Ms. Sheri Eckmann & Mr. William Klansek Ms. Sarah Conley Mr. Richard Faggioli Mike Bush & Jeanne Miller Larry & Patricia Durham Mrs. Denise Crocker Jason & Priscilla Gaines Mr. Jack Dangermond Mrs. Marilyn Gevirtz in honor of Jill Levinson Buddy Kaye—His Words Live On Mr. Keith J. Mautino Ms. Alison Daniels & Mr. Tim Whitcomb Mrs. Joyce Ginsberg Ms. Anne Drejet in honor of Anne & Michael Towbes Mrs. Karen Garrolini Ms. Christine A. Green GRANTS Ms. Claudia Gaustad Mrs. Gretchen Gregersen James S. Bower Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Cole Godfrey Mr. Bruce Gregga Mr. & Mrs. Aubert de Villaine Ms. Barbara L. Hammitt Ms. Patricia Aoyama Gurley Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck Gale & Bette Hartman Ms. Deanna Hatch Kind World Foundation Ms. Cynthia Johnson Hazel Heath Horton Philantrhopic Trust Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Kjoller directed by Nancy Shobe The Orfalea Fund Larry & Carol Kline Mrs. E. Walton Hedges Peebles-Sheen Charitable Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Chris Leonard Corinne Hedrick Venoco Community Partnership Mr. & Mrs. John Mohr Mr. & Mrs. Christian Heyer Mr. & Mrs. Byron Kent Wood Mrs. Peggy Mohr Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Hicks Mrs. Richard Montanaro Mrs. Joanne C. Holderman MATCHING GRANT Mr. & Mrs. David Paras Ms. Lynn Hoopingarner The Capital Group Companies Ms. Tracey Rich Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Hugunin directed by Mr. & Mrs. James E. Drasdo Mrs. Kathleen Spargur Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hull Nuveen Investments Mr. & Mrs. William Spiewak Mrs. Susan Jamgochian directed by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mayﬁeld Dr. & Mrs. Bud Stuart Mr. & Mrs. Si Jenkins Mrs. Betsy Thies Mrs. Robert M. Jones ARCHIVES Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Van Dyke Mrs. Robert Kirby & Ms. Brynn Crowe Mr. Arthur R. Gaudi The Viniar Family Mr. & Mrs. David Laﬁtte Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Williams Marie Larkin Neil & Jill Levinson CAPITAL GIFT IN MEMORY OF Judith Little Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck MRS. PAULINE MAGGARD Mrs. Jacqueline Lunianski Mr. & Mrs. John MacFarlane EVENT SPONSORSHIPS Mr. Harlis Maggard in honor of Merryl Brown, Agromin Kisa Heyer & Ella Brittingham IN MEMORY OF Mr. Harlis Maggard FINE ARTS DR. PAUL RIEMENSCHNEIDER Mr. & Mrs. James W. Markham Mr. & Mrs. Byron Kent Wood Mr. Harlis Maggard 15 Ganna Walska Lotusland Registration Form

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

Card number ______Signature ______

Member name

Address Phone______

Fees are refundable only if cancellation is received one week before class or lecture. If minimum enrollment is not reached, classes and lectures may be canceled. No phone reservations, please. Mail to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Spring Twilight Tour Saturday, April 21 • 4:30 TO 7:30 PM CHECK ONE: Ⅺ Docent-guided tour Ⅺ Self-guided tour $50/members • $65/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Storybook Tour Saturday, April 28 • 9:15 AM TO NOON $40/one adult member with one child; $10 for each additional child • $45/nonmembers; $15 for each child

No. of adults attending ______No. of children attending ______No. of cars______Total ______Mother’s Day Tour and Tea Saturday, May 12 • 1:30 TO 4:00 PM CHECK ONE: Ⅺ Docent-guided tour Ⅺ Self-guided tour $40/members • $55/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Garden Tour With VIRGINIA HAYES, CURATOR OF THE LIVING COLLECTION Saturday, June 9 • 9:15 AM TO 4:00 PM (GATES OPEN AT 9:00 AM) $90/members • $110/nonmembers INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, ADMISSION AND BUFFET LUNCH

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Palm Lecture With DR. DONALD HODEL Saturday, June 16 • 1:30 TO 4:00 PM $50/members • $65/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Digital Photography Workshop With LARRY FRIESEN Saturday, July 14 • 9:00 AM TO NOON $55/members • $65/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Ganna Walska Nonproﬁt Org. U.S. POSTAGE Lotusland Foundation P A I D Santa Barbara 695 Ashley Road California Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Permit No. 163 Address Service Requested

Spring and Summer 2007 Member Events

MANY LOTUSLAND EVENTS are open to nonmembers, so please let your friends and neighbors know about the great activities we offer. Children are welcome at many events, and Family Tour Days are every Thursday and the second Saturday of each month (see the listing below). We hope you enjoy the year 2007 at Lotusland.

Saturday, April 21 Saturday, June 9 Saturday, July 29 Spring Twilight Tour Garden Tour LotusFest 4:30 TO 7:30 PM 9:15 AM TO 4:00 PM 2:00 TO 5:30 PM See details on page 4 and use the See details on page 11 and use the See “Save the Date” on page 4. coupon on page 15 to register. coupon on page 15 to register. A registration coupon will be in the Summer Lotusland Newsletter Saturday, April 28 Saturday, June 16 for Members. Storybook Tour Palm Lecture with Dr. Donald Hodel 1:30 TO 4:00 PM 9:15 AM TO NOON B See details on page 5 and use the See details on page 10 and use the coupon on page 15 to register. coupon on page 15 to register. Saturday, July 14 Family Tours Saturday, May 12 Digital Photography Workshop Family tours for all ages are offered Mother’s Day Tour and Tea with Larry Friesen every Thursday at 10:00 AM and 1:30 TO 4:00 PM 9:00 AM TO NOON 1:30 PM and the second Saturday See details on page 11 and use the See details on page 4 and use the of each month at 10:00 AM and 1:30 coupon on page 15 to register. coupon page 15 to register. PM (except between mid-November and mid-February). Family tours are Saturday, May 19 Sunday, July 22 child and parent friendly and are Members’ Family Day Lotusland Celebrates separate from regular adult tours. Buried Treasure: Peter Pan’s Lotusland Adult members $35 or use admission Hidden Wonders in the Soil Where You Never Grow Up! passes; ages ﬁve to 18, $10; four and 10 AM TO 4 PM 4:00 TO 8:00 PM under, free. Call 805.969.9990 for See details on pages 8 and 9 and use See “Save the Date” on page 12. reservations 9 AM–5 PM, M–F and the coupon on page 15 to register. Invitations will be mailed in June. 9 AM–1 PM on Saturdays.