Summer 2015 Volume 30, Number 2 GroundWork www.arboretumfoundation.org Newsletter of the Arboretum Foundation Membership Going Greener

n November 2014, we convened a platform for our Volunteer edition of the Bulletin, but you will task force to review our member- newsletter. also have the option to receive ship structure and benefits, and We’ll also be Appreciation the magazine electronically or Ito identify strategies we can use to producing Party in both formats. expand our member base. The task- the Bulletin Tuesday, August 4, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Our task force will continue Graham Visitors Center force is staffed by current and former in electronic For details, to meet. Next on the agenda Foundation staff members, longtime form as well as see page 6. will be developing more effective Foundation members, current and in print. Starting ways to market Foundation mem- former board members, and experts next year, our Annual bership to the public. d in the field of nonprofit membership. Report will also be an electronic-only It meets once a month and has publication. New Member Levels & Benefits already hosted numerous focus Another adopted recommen- Membership Membership Benefits groups with Foundation members. dation from the task force is that Price The key message we’ve received we simplify our levels of mem- Member w/ $35 Electronic subscription to from our members thus far is that bership. We will be streamlining Electronic the Bulletin and monthly Bulletin e-newsletter, member card, the Bulletin is your favorite benefit these levels from nine down to discounts, and member- of membership, that we need to go six (see “New Member Levels & only events. greener with our publications and Benefits”). To preserve afford- Member $50 Member w/electronic Bulletin benefits, plus communications, and that we should ability, our base membership option of printed Bulletin. be using as much of your member- level will remain at $35 per year, Advocate $100 Member benefits and a ship dues as possible to support vital but when members join or renew second member card. programs in the Arboretum. at this level, they will receive an Sponsor $250 Advocate benefits and 2 single entry passes to the We want to be more responsive electronic version of the Bulletin. Seattle Japanese Garden. to our members and put your money A $50 or higher membership will Steward $500 Sponsor benefits, 2 annual to work doing the things you care get you a subscription to the print passes to the Japanese Garden, and invitations to about. So, starting in July 2015, we Walks and Talks.

Spring 2014 org Volume 29, Number 1

www.arboretumfoundation. tioN Arbor Circle Steward benefits and will be shifting to an electronic-only d A $1000 ouN ork Summer 2014 WArboretum f bound! “And don’t Volume 29, Number 2 forget the Sunday www.arboretumfoundation.org invitations to special event sale,” says Bob. d A tioN giveBIG “If you can’t ouN omeward orkum f h to the Arboretum! make it on roundNewsletter of the We Arboret ale Tuesday, May 6 Saturday, we’ll rees G s e 3 ter of th For details, see pag still haveround a great Volunteer Newslet receptions. Plant G Appreciation Party selection of plants for you thursday, August 12 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to choose from.Arboretum That’s because Celebrates New Cherry t Fall 2014 fter two years in its many of our vendors will be Center for Urban Horticulture Volume 29, Number 3 interim location restocking theirthe inventory second forday of For details, see page 6. the sale.” round ork www.arboretumfoundation.org at the Arboretum, n late May, the Foundation G W Newsletter of the Arboretum f ouN d A tioN A was delightedexper to hostT a special FlorAbundance will return ceremony andHelp party celebrat- home to the newly renovated i General Mashiro Omura, Seattle Building 30 at Magnuson ing the plantingNot sure of 15 what new cherry Parks and Recreation Acting 520 work begins in Arboretum Park. Please join us on trees in the Arboretum. The trees Superintendent Christopher G were purchased with grant money round Saturday, April 26, from 9 Williams, and University of Workers have installed orange a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, plantsprovided to grow in to your the Universitygarden or of Newsl what the newest plants and trends Washington President Michael construction fencing around the project April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 Washington by the people of Japan etter Farewell to are? Fear not! The nursery folks at Young. Following the speeches, boundaries, and will mark temporary p.m. for the region’s biggest in commemoration of the 100th of th the sale are a rich source of infor- dignitaries unveiled a plaque next access restrictions to the Arboretum W and best plant sale, and help anniversary of Japan’s gift of o Dignitaries pose to the tree in the courtyard that pening Night: “re Arboork support the Foundation’s mation3,000 about cherry plants trees and to garden Washington, g: shoreline and trails. During the staging l UNVeiliN celebrates “the immeasurable he Northwest Flower & Garden Show returns on mission. We’ll have our full design.D.C.—famously And as always, planted Bob Lilly in our Above: OfficiA and bridge construction, some trees will retum and gardening guru Ciscoe Morris contributions of Japanese and Tuesday, February 10, 2015, and once again the Volume 29,Winter Number 2015 4 complement of specialty nurseries capital city’s Tidal Basin. for photos in front of the newly unveiled plaque need to be taken down, but WSDOT f www.arboretumfoundation.org Japanese American communities tArboretum Foundation will kick off the show with ouN celebrating the Arboretum’s new sakura trees and back to offer you an unbeatable Fourteen of the Arboretum’s Japanese/U.S. friendship. says it will work closely with the City of its annual Opening Night Party & Auction. Guests will d of the State of Washington to the Seattle to minimize tree removal and omance A tioN selection of locally grown edibles, new cherry trees (mentionedberS in enjoy fabulous food, wine, entertainment, auctions, and r TeA: Volunteer servers friendship between the United ensure protection of the remaining annuals, perennials, trees, and will be flagging their best plantthe “picks”spring editionof the sale. of GroundWorkGuests at ) Time fO the opportunity to view the beautiful display gardens at Below: States and Japan.” vegetation. the Garden Show the day before it opens to the public— portion of the Openingb Nightlossoms” auction will focus on raising shrubs. our Pre-Sale & Party (see below)haveT beenymay for also planted seekMeM advicealong Azaleafrom for the Japanese tea ceremony. The wonderful event con- “There’ll be at least 35 nurser- According to WSDOT’s construc- all while helping us raise important funds to support money to support our multi-faceted volunteer program. volunteer plant expertsle & and pA Way.personalr One shoppers. of the trees was Foundation staff recruit, train, supervise, and work with ies in attendance,” says our volun- cluded with a traditional koto tion notice, “Crews will only remove Washington Park Arboretum. re-SA planted in the courtyard outside more than 600 volunteers each year, supporting what they GroundWork teer Event Chair Bob Lilly. “Expect p musical performance by Seattle trees and vegetation within the project’s the Seattle Japanese Garden The theme of this year’s Garden Show is “Romance a unique selection of high-quality Miyagi Kai, a tea ceremony dem- Blossoms,” and guests will be treated to more than 20 do for us. Come raise your paddle and help us keep this Arboretum members and theirgatehouse, guests arewhich invited is where to attend the limits as necessary to allow room to build vital program thriving! plants, including lots of veggies for onstration by Seattle Tankokai, the new structure, including on Foster beautiful displays that explore connections between flow- the FlorAbundance Pre-Salemain & ceremony Party, on Friday, took place. April (An25, Japanese cuisine by Nishino, Site PreP: Workers pouring gravel on the WSDOt Peninsula in the Arboretum your kitchen garden. As always, Langley Fine Gardens will from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Get the first pick of plants at the Island. After construction is complete, ers, gardens, and romantic love. This year’s Arboretum informal gathering of dignitar- Japanese confectionary by Tokara, to create a staging area for construction of the West Approach Bridge North. have an amazing array of vegetable starts. In addition, for the sale, while enjoying delicious local wine and tasty appe- the area will be replanted to create a display will be an interactive homage to romantic walks ies took place next to one of the and touring of the Japanese The live and silent auctions at the 2014 Opening Night first time in quite a while, they’ll be offering a diverse crop of tizers from the celebrated Skillet food truck—back again well-blended and integrated landscape.” and love-ly scenery on iconic Azalea Way (see page 4 for auctioN new young trees—a specimen of Garden. Special thanks to were a tremendous success, and we’re procuring another G details). Our party will also celebrate this theme of love ornamental salvias.” this year by popular demand.Prunus Early-bird × yedoensis tickets ‘Akebono’—at are $40. onstruction of the West Approach Bridge North The new approach bridge is scheduled to open to cornucopia of delights for this year’s allure event. Bid on “Look for the usual selection of fine shrubs and fuchsias Foundation board member Diane among the cherries and azaleas. round Tickets purchased afterthe April north 11 will end be of $50. Azalea You Way can pur- (WABN) phase of the new State Route 520 Bridge traffic in summer 2017. fabulous Northwest getaway vacations, such as a stay at from Lee Farm and Nursery and Robinwood Nursery,” con- d Adachi for all her help putting this chase them online at www.arboretumfoundation.orgshortly before the ceremony or by in the Arboretum has begun. This project will con- More info: To learn more about the WABN con- the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in Leavensworth, News tinues Bob, “as well as a fabulous selection of epimediums event together. d C calling 206-325-4510.began.) Ticket numbers are limited—so nect westbound-traveling vehicles, transit, bicycles, and struction, visit the project website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ Washington, or at the Sooke Harbor House, on Vancouver from Bouquet Banque Nursery and Sundquist Nursery, and The Honorable Ed Murray, Mayor of Seattle, and his hus- letter please buy yours soon! Foundation Board President pedestrians from the new floating bridge across Lake Mayoral Mojo Island. We’ll have a great selection of local dining experi- t so much more.” (See the spring 2014 issuele! of the Washington Projects/SR520Bridge/WABN/. You may also follow band Michael Shiosaki will be our honorary co-chairs for he “b As a result of recommendations from our y SA Craig Trueblood emceed the Washington to the Montlake area. Eastbound traffic project progress on Twitter (@WSDOT_520) and this year’s party. Ed and Michael are longtime friends of ences to bid on, including certificates for the Boat Street Park Arboretum Bulletin for more details on the fabulous For more information about the sale, call 206-325-4510 or visit hanks to a record warm winte of the ceremony. Guest speakers will continue to use the existing structure until the West email project staff at [email protected]. the Arboretum, and we are delighted to have their support. Kitchen, Salty’s, and Ethan Stowell Restaurants. W nurseries and plantsA you’ll Two-D find atA the sale.) in our region, spring feverig www.arboretumfoundation.org.included Seattle For a full Japanese list of participating Consul Approach Bridge South is fully funded and built. Treat yourself to a show or a big game! We’ll be auction- t as sold a small parcel of property it There’s even a 24-hour SR 520 construction hotline Michael has served on the Arboretum Foundation gardenersstarted are chomping early this atyear, the and bit d nurseries, see the FlorAbundance event page on our website. ing tickets for 5th Avenue Theater, Jazz Alley, the Seahawks, Arboork foundation sells Property to wsdot In late September, workers from the Washington at 206-708-4657. d board and as a member of the Garden Stewards, and is get hold of new, high-qualit addy” of Plant s parking lot, to the Washingtons to create Statea buffer Department betweenState Department of Transportation fully aware of the importance of volunteers to sustaining the Sounders, and more. This is just a sampling of what will Parking and admission are free for the main sale on April for their yards. Luckily, the r retum (WSDOT) closed off the Miller Street the Arboretum. So it’s fitting that the “Fund-A-Need” be on offer. Visit www.arboretumfoundation.org in January largest and best plant sale—C r 26 and 27. To get the best parking spots on Saturday, WSDOT negotiated a price of $125,000 for the Seattle Approves Parks Legacy Plan! to see detailed highlights from our auction catalog. we recommend that you arrive early. We’re starting s a necessary part of the 520 bridge replacement project, the Foundation h llocate the money but will parkingmost lot at the northern tip of the Morris refers to it as “the big da f owned at the edge of the Arboretum, adjacent to the MOHAI ms. d n August 5, city voters approved Proposition 1, the Parks legacy of them all”—will soon be up ouN the Saturday sale at 9 a.m. this year so that shoppers at Arboretum to public use. They will be y plants to www.arboretumfoundation.orgVolume 30, Number 1 A Plan, which created a new seattle Park district. Administered by the The Arboretum Foundatio Spring 2015 FlorAbundance can get a head start on other events taking using a large portion of the WSDOT o d Membership Task Force, this will be the final of Transportation (WSDOT). The Foundation purchased the property in the late 1940 For this year’s party, we’ve simplified our ticket level egion’s A seattle City Council (acting ex officio as the district board) and paid for by a t FlorAbundance Spring Plant Sale tioN place at Magnuson that day. the Arboretum and soon-to-be-built museum. The Foundation and Peninsula adjacent to this parking lot as a options, reducing themrio from of tfive down to three. We will iscoe ales staging area for the bridge construction. a citywide increase in property taxes, the district is designed to provide a icket will take place on Saturday, Apr roughly 0.6-acre site, most of which is submerged lake bed. Our board has yet to a be offering a limited number of early-birdle tickets to from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sund ddy giveBIG sustainable source of funding for seattle Parks and recreation and its sub- Vels on us. to the a likely use it to grow endowment funds to support day-to-day Arboretum progra Included in the WABN phase of the Arboretum Foundation members, at $175 each. This offer April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at r stantial backlog of maintenance projects. the district board will convene n’s annual eturns! 520 rebuild will be the demolition of the will be available through January 10 or while the ticket Building 30, in Magnuson Pa tuesday,rboretum! May 5 former Museum of History and Industry this fall to begin addressing the project backlog. to find out more about supply lasts. The other two ticket levels are Patron and Seattle. For detai the district and see a summary of proposed projects and initiatives to be building, the “ramps to nowhere” in tuesday, Benefactor. The prices for these remain the same as last il 25, ls, see page 3 paid for by the legacy Plan funds, visit www.seattle.gov/parks/legacy. the As always, the sale will feature the Arboretum, and the existing west- Washington february 10, 5 to 9 PM year—$250 and $500, respectively. dozens of specialty nurseries sel ay, Arboretum foundation advocated for Proposition 1, and we would like to s ing an amazing selection of loca GroundWork bound off ramp that runs through the k k h tate All guests will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and issue of our print newsletter, , ➢a osted wine &c hors d’oeuvres reception onvention rk, Arboretum wetlands and empties out thank everyone who went to the polls to support it! d uctions and live entertainment k dessert. Patrons and Benefactors will receive addi- grown edibles, annuals, perennia center, and woody plants. Shoppers onto Lake Washington Boulevard. k seattle tional benefits, including complimentary parking and ➢More than 20 spectacular show gardens year’s FlorAbundance were deli ➢ reserved table seating for dinner on the main garden floor. Check out our buffet dinner and dessert that the sale was back in its l- website, www.arboretumfoun Members tickets: Benefactors will also receive two tickets to the Garden tion.org, for a full list of participa early-b benefactors: $500 venue at Magnuson Park—whe lly ird: $175 Show and a special gift. call 206-325-4510 or visit www.arboretumfoundation.org. nurseries. Every purchase you m (limited number availak Patrons: $250 there’s ample free parking ls, at last’s at the sale will help support ble only until j for lots of vendors. We expect ghted tenance and education anuary 10, 2015) Tickets are on sale now. You can purchase them online at same buzz and excitement this y regular da- which we’ve published since 1986. We will PurchasiN Washington Park Arboretum. www.arboretumfoundation.org, by phone at 206-325- have any questions about the g and roomre ting Pre-Sale & Party, on Friday, 4510, or over the counter in the Arboretumtickets Shop (open call us at 206-325-4510. ake programsthe main at - 24, from 5:00 to 7:30 p. daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).d Party “FuN the FlorAbundance Pre-Sale & Party for Members first pick of plants at the sale, whil he “Fund-A-Need” portio ear! If you enjoying delicious local wine a tNight Party & Auction on Arboretum members and their unprecedented amount of mone guests are invited to attend t event, tasty appetizers from the celebrated d-a m. GetApril the Foundation’s volunteer program—o -Need” Skillet food truck. Early-bird doubling last year’s “Fund-A tickets are $40. Tickets pu n of this year’s Opening prior to the party, Foundation sta r after April 10 will be $50. You ca e now switch from publishing four issues of our print newsletter and reached out to potential d February 10 raised anai S purchase them online at www.arb nd agree to honor a particular Arboret y in support of the eS he retumfoundation.org or by $57K F a gift of $1,000 or more—and 206-325-4510. Ticket num rchased -Need”ver total. $57,000, In the days nearly derful. Klaus and Marcia got the ball or VoluNlimited—so please buy yours soon! On the evening of the party, Ann Pigg n generous $26,000 matching gionors to ffsee and if they board would members well as Sherrey and Doug Wott. Pat and Marcus Meier add Wagner. Chris and Meg Harry, and calling o- matching gift of $5,000. teer PrograM the responseum volunteer was won with- gave in honor of the late Dave Her bers are in honor of Bob Lilly and Ph Arbor eNotes rolling with a very gave in honor of Sherrey Lu Luetjen, gave in honor of Iris eight issues of our electronic newsletter, , per year to publishing 12 issues of ft in honor of Dr. John honor of Skip Vonckx. Jim Reid and Ric ot Wyckoff, as ed their own generous in honor of Mayor Ed Murray an Mary Joan Hervey, AHBL Landscape Architect il Wood.vey. Carolyn Skip Vonckx Kitchell gave Morse. Kathleen Pierce g etjen. Allan Ferrin gave in Lenore Cote gave in honor of Jim gave in honor of Lynn Garvey. A donors!d ure gaved Michael in honorhard Shiosaki. of SmithJason gave eNotes, one per month. This will allow us to be more energy and cost efficient, and to spend your ave in honor of Rhonda Bush. Reid. Meri Nelson membership dues where they are needed most—on supporting the Arboretum. We will be keeping huge thanks to all our some of the most popular features in GroundWork—such as the “Arboretum Scene” and the “What’s In My Garden” interview—and publishing them online. d News and Notes

a while, there has been a desire to have more summer- blooming plants adjacent to the patio to augment the spring display,” says UWBG Curator of Living Collections Ray Larson. “We also wanted to replace the native thim- bleberry with a similar textured plant that isn’t quite as aggressively spreading and offers multi-season appeal. We picked a Hydrangea quercifolia cultivar that has textured foliage, summer flowers, good fall color, and handsome exfoliating bark. These will be in the foreground on the south side of the terrace, with Magnolia grandiflora culti- vars (smaller growing that the straight species) behind and some other plantings among the retained astilbe, yew, and rhododendron.” New rhodies and ferns have been planted A Family Legacy: Donald Graham, Jr. with Foundation on the west side of the terrace. Executive Director Paige Miller at the Annual Meeting. Donald’s parents were key figures in the early days of the Arboretum, and Donald has continued his parents’ legacy of support. Arboretum Loop Trail Delay riginally scheduled to begin in late spring 2015, con- Ostruction of the new Arboretum Loop Trail is now set Annual Meeting Report to begin in late summer. The delay was caused by a permit- embers, colleagues, and friends gathered to ting issue with the Army Corps of Engineers that required an Mcelebrate our 80th anniversary with us at the archaeological survey along the proposed trail route at the Arboretum Foundation Annual Meeting on June 17. north end of the Arboretum. The survey has been completed, Board of Directors President Jim Reid led the proceed- and at press time, the City is expecting permit approval by ings. Speakers included Deputy Superintendent of Seattle July and work to begin on the trail by the end of August. Parks and Recreation Christopher Williams, UW Botanic Gardens Director Sarah Reichard, and former Foundation More Than $60,000 Raised During GiveBIG! Board member Brice Maryman, who is heading up our ur sincere thanks to everyone who contributed membership task force (see page 1). Our special guest Oto the Arboretum Foundation during the Seattle speaker was Donald Graham, Jr., whose parents Donald Foundation’s fifth annual GiveBIG event on Tuesday, May and Juanita Graham were key figures in establishing the 5! A total of 177 donors gave $60,539 to help sustain the Arboretum, the Foundation, and our volunteer units. Arboretum and its children’s education programs. This The formal proceedings included the election of five total includes $17,500 in matching funds. A special thanks new members to our Board of Directors: Chris Pendl, Ann to Pat and Marcus Meier, who gave us $15,000 in match- Phelps, Patricia Simpson, Trina Wherry, and Jenny Wyatt. ing funds, and to an anonymous donor who contributed an Diane Adachi was elected to serve a second three-year additional $2,500 matching grant! term. Board treasurer Skip Vonckx received our Volunteer We have yet to find out about our share of the GiveBIG Legacy Award for his outstanding service to the Arboretum “stretch pool” of matching funds. We will update you as Foundation. The evening concluded with a picnic-style soon as possible. Finally, a BIG thank you to the Seattle reception on the Graham Visitors Center terrace. Foundation and its many generous event partners for host- ing this wonderful day of charitable giving in our area! New Visitors Center Courtyard Plantings n June, the UW Botanic Gardens hort crew and volunteers Summer Guided-Walk Themes Irenovated plantings on the south and west sides of the very Sunday from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., UW Botanic Graham Visitors Center Terrace. Several of the existing EGardens-trained guides lead free tours of the plantings were in decline and needed to be replaced. “For Arboretum, starting from the Graham Visitors Center. In

2 GroundWork—Summer 2015 July, the tour theme will be “Hydrangeas and Other Summer Bloomers.” The theme for August will be “Native Plants.” September’s theme will be “Fruits, What’s Nuts, and Seed Pods.” Happening

Japanese Garden Summer Party Arboretum Walks & Talks Friday, July 24, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., Seattle Japanese Garden First Thursdays, 4—6:30 pm on’t miss this delightful annual fundraiser for the Japanese Garden at July 2, August 6, September 3 DWashington Park Arboretum. Guests will enjoy authentic Japanese Arbor Circle, Legacy Circle, cuisine catered by I Love Sushi, local craft wine, a saki tasting, and a tradi- Steward-level members, plus guests tional Nodate outdoor tea ceremony. As they stroll through the garden, they will also enjoy an artfully installed haiku exhibit, the gentle sounds of live flute Japanese Garden Events and koto music, and traditional dance performances by the Fujima Fujimine Saturday, July 11, Dance Ensemble. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased online at 11 am to 3 pm—Tanabata japanesegardenparty.brownpapertickets.com. Proceeds support vital programs Friday, July 24, 6 to 8:30 pm— and community events at the Japanese Garden. For more information, visit Garden Party www.seattlejapanesegarden.org. Sunday, August 16, 2 to 5 pm— Wandering and Wondering Bainbridge in Bloom Tour Saturday, August 29, 7 to 10 pm— rts and Humanities Bainbridge will host its 27th annual “Bainbridge in Moon Viewing Festival ABloom” garden tour on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11. Participants can See page 3 and 5 visit six, exquisite, privately owned landscapes on Bainbridge Island and enjoy live music at each venue. Proceeds support local programs and services for — Ongoing Events — artists, educators, and cultural organizations. A one-day, drive- or bike-yourself, general admission ticket costs $35. A “Patron of the Arts” ticket ($230) includes Arboretum Plant Sales such benefits as two-day garden access, gourmet luncheon, and mini-coach Pat Calvert Greenhouse: Year round. transportation. Tickets are available online at ahbainbridge.org or by calling Plant Donations Nursery: April—October 206-842-7901. d Purchase plants at the Arboretum Shop Open daily 10 am—4 pm

Volunteer s present Lightning Pat Calvert Greenhouse: Strike Causes Tuesdays/Thursdays, 10 am—Noon Plant Donations Nursery: Arboretum Tree Wednesdays/2nd Saturdays to Explode 10 am—2 pm n March 31, Oduring an after- Guided Arboretum Walks (Free) noon storm, lightning Every Sunday, 1—2:30 pm struck a mature grand GVC lobby fir (Abies grandis) near Call 206-543-8800 to confirm the Graham Visitors Master Gardeners Clinic Center, causing the Saturdays/Sundays, Noon—4 pm GVC tree to explode. The lobby blast sent shards of Remains of the Tree: Just a small, wood flying up to 500 shredded portion of the trunk is all that was left. Native Plants Study Group feet away from the tree. 4th Mondays, 10 am—Noon Thankfully, no one was injured. This kind of catastrophic damage from a lightning strike is quite rare, particularly in Seattle, where lightning storms are uncommon. All events occur at the Graham Visitors Center unless otherwise noted. Call 206-543-8800 for University staff at the Arboretum left the debris field in place for a number of information on Arboretum events; 206-543- weeks for observation and research purposes. Needless to say, the tree drew large 8801 for family and youth education programs or guided walks; 206-685-8033 for adult learn- crowds and lots of media attention. ing opportunities.

GroundWork—Summer 2015 3 New Developments

Staff Changes D. Ruckelshaus Center, Michele at the Foundation has extensive event management experience, having organized n the spring 2015 issue of everything from an annual arts IGroundWork, we reported that our festival in Skagit County to concerts first Garden Stewards Coordinator, at Benaroya Hall. Her interests Rhonda Bush, was retiring from include raptor conservation, bee- her position. We’re delighted to keeping, modern homesteading, announce that in May 2015, we climbing, and boating. “In today’s hired Pamela Givens as her suc- technology-oriented world,” says cessor. A self-professed weeding Michele, “natural spaces like the fanatic, Pamela is a former steward Arboretum are increasingly vital for Sign Up for a Special Dining Experience! herself and donated more than 100 re-establishing volunteer work hours during the Spaces are still available for our dinner party fundraiser at the Colman Estate on Friday, July 24. Join executive balance and 2014–15 season! She has an engi- chef Peter Levine for a delightful buffet dinner in the harmony in neering degree from MIT and an garden of the historic Colman Estate in West Seattle. our lives.” MBA from Stanford. Her position Built in 1922, the English Tudor style estate features Welcome with us is about 50-percent time; panoramic views of Puget Sound and beautiful, richly Michele! in the other half of her work life, planted gardens. Cost: $125 per person. For more infor- Pamela is an executive coach. In mation or to sign up, contact Sheila Beer at sbeer@ her free time, arboretumfoundation.org or 206-325-4510. Thanks to License Plate Bill Update she enjoys Maryanne Tagney, David Jones, and Peter Levine for n February, the State House making this experience possible! singing, yoga, ITransportation Committee passed and exploring the varied natural envi- a bill approving a specialty license plate for our state tree, ronments of the Pacific Northwest. the Western hemlock. After reimbursing the Department Welcome Pamela! of Licensing, the plate's fees would have benefited the Arboretum. Sadly, the Senate Transportation Committee did hortly after the FlorAbundance sale in April, our Events not schedule a hearing for the bill during 2015 legislative ses- SManager Kristin Price left to become the manager of sion, which ended in April. We are planning to advocate for special events at Pacific Northwest Ballet. In June, we the plate again next year. If you have suggestions on how we welcomed Michele Norman aboard as Kristin’s successor. might get this bill through both houses, please contact Paige Most recently an administrative coordinator at the William Miller at [email protected]. d

New Members The Foundation welcomes members who joined during the period of March 26 to June 19.

Josh Adlin Audrey and Charles George Gunby Anne Mahoney Dr. Alex Park Wayne Suyenaga Andrea Burai Alcazar Crissman Margaret Hammond Michael Manders and Steve Parmelee Lynn Thompson Priscilla Armstrong Mary and Bruce Davis Rae Hayashi Colleen Chrisco Marcus Ramirez Beverly Tucker Elizabeth Armstrong James Dawson Ellen Hecht Mr. Larry Mayhew Katie Randall Adrienne Walker Madeleine Arvold Erica and Ethan Beda Herbison Taryn Mayhew Susie Rosenstein Mary Walters Gerrit Barrere Delavan Bill Jenkins and Ann Katy McCarthy Jeff and Julie Ms. Anne Ward-Ryan Barbara Bennett and Mary Dunne Ramsay-Jenkins Kari McCrory Schoenfeld Luli Weatherwax Craig Rennebohm Andrew Dym Marta Johnson and Diane McDonald Masako Sekimoto Judith Weiss and David Linda Berkson Scott Edwards Johann Rocholl David Mersereau Daniel Shevanthi Holdsworth Janine Boyer Eric Feldman John Kissel Theresa Monette Kay Shoudy Leah Wener-Fligner Sally Browning Jonathan Fine Ray Lane Tania Mortensen and Janet Sorby Ken and Jan Wherry Kristin Buckley Faith Fox and Jim Reed Courtney Lee Fred Persi Janet and Jon Chuck Wilke David Chan Alexis and Harvey Kim Lewis Jason and Ana Nadal Stafford Sue Williams Kevin Conway Greenberg David and Deborah Michele Norman Amy Stephson Chad Wilson Claudia G Crawford George Gregory Lyons Mark Owen Christine Sutter Katherine Wurfel To renew or enhance your membership, please call 206-325-4510 or visit www.arboretumfoundation.org.

4 GroundWork—Summer 2015 FlorAbundance!

Top left: Satisfied Shopper: Sue Ewens purchasing plants at the Members PreSale & Party. Top right: Specialty Grower: Nils Sundquist of Sundquist Nursery presenting his wares. Bottom left: Wagon Train: The Radio Flyers were a new addition this year and a big hit! Bottom right: Incredible Helpers: Former event manager Kristin Price (second from left) with event volunteers Carol Dungan, Diana Ryesky, and Janie Sun at the dessert bar during the Member PreSale.

Summer Events at the Seattle Japanese Garden

• Saturday, July 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. TANABATA: Observance of the Japanese star festival: a beautiful day filled with he turnout at our origami making and wish writing. Our thanks to everyone who • Friday, July 24, 6 to 8:30 p.m. FlorAbundance Spring GARDEN PARTY (see page 3) came to support the Arboretum Plant Sale on April 24–26 and to all the wonderful volun- • Sunday, August 16, 2 to 5 p.m. Twas strong, thanks to some nice teers who help us put on the event. WANDERING & WONDERING: Join local (though windy) weather and a movement artists and musicians for Thanks to our event sponsors beefed-up marketing campaign performances inspired by the garden. Seattle Parks and Recreation and that included radio spots on • Saturday, August 29, 7 to 10 p.m. the BoxMaker Company. Special KUOW, Facebook ads, yard signs, MOON VIEWING: Celebrate the beauty thanks to Ciscoe Morris, whose of the full moon with an evening of and an enhanced direct mailing. traditional music performances. “plant picks” are always a highlight A total of 38 specialty nurseries of the sale. A huge thanks to Bob attended the event and sold an For details, call 206-684-4725 Lilly, our one-of-kind volunteer amazing selection of high-quality, or visit the Japanese Garden website, event chair, who masterminds the www.seattlejapanesegarden.org. locally grown plants. sale each year! d

GroundWork—Summer 2015 5 volunteer vine Celebrating Our Volunteers— If you directly as a Garden Steward and has have volunteered with the Foundation recruited his daughter Hilary to vol- or UWBG this past year, we invite you unteer with him. Both he and Hilary to join us for a summertime cel- have earned their Steward vests, and ebration of your service! This year’s they also volunteer together at special Volunteer Appreciation Party will take events. Skip wrote our most recent place at the Graham Visitors Center spring appeal letter, has served on on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 to hiring committees, and has advo- 7:30 p.m. Mingle with other volun- cated on behalf of the Arboretum in teers, enjoy party activities, nibble on Volunteer Extraordinaire. Olympia. As if this weren’t enough, seasonal appetizers, sip on this year’s Skip Vonckx (center) was presented with he is also a delightful person to be signature cocktail, and indulge in the Volunteer Legacy Award at our Annual around. Skip is humble, authentic, Meeting on June 17 for his outstanding caring, and funny, but his defining homemade desserts. Shortly before service to the Arboretum. He’s pictured here the party at 4:30 p.m., there will also with his daughter Liz (left) and grandson personality trait is his generous spirit. be an optional tour in the Arboretum Martin, and with UWBG gardener Kathleen Congratulations Skip, and thank you! focusing on native plants and peoples DeMaria and her partner Julie Postma. of the Pacific Northwest.RSVP: To Thanks to Our Plant Sale Volunteers! attend the party, RSVP to Carrie Cone A huge thanks to all the volunteers at [email protected] or 206-685-2579 by July 24. who helped out during our spring plant sales! Our amaz- ing Plant Donations Nursery and Pat Calvert Greenhouse Skip Vonckx Honored at Annual Meeting— At our volunteers hosted another fabulous Early Bloomers Annual Meeting on June 17, we were delighted to give on April 11 and helped raise more than $5,000 for the Skip Vonckx our Volunteer Legacy Award. Skip has been Arboretum in under four hours. Our largest plant sale of a dedicated servant to the Arboretum for over a decade. the year, FlorAbundance, returned to Magnuson Park on He joined our Board of Directors in 2003 and has played April 24, 25, and 26. A total of 130 volunteers donated an important role for a number of years as our Treasurer. more than 950 work hours during the sale and helped us He also likes to care for the plants in the Arboretum raise important funds for Washington Park Arboretum. d

What’s In My Garden Ellen Blizinsky, Arboretum Shop Volunteer d What is in your garden this season? If you had asked me that question in January, I would have replied “weeds and overgrown shrubs”—the result of one of those lapses in garden- ing time when “life” happens. Six months later, as a result of a search, rescue, and resus- citate operation, there are roses and hydrangeas, and the promise of lilies, daisies, and others to come. The trees are once again providing heavenly shade, the twitter of birds, and the gentle rustle of a breeze through the leaves: my outdoor sitting room for gathering with friends. What is your favorite season to garden? Why, summer—a time to enjoy the results of my planning and work, with only a smattering of attention needed for watering, dead-heading blooms, sweeping walkways. The garden is a place to relax and refresh. Can you recommend a good gardening or nature book? If you asked my husband, he would tell you that it’s all the garden- ing catalogs that arrive in January, which I read thoroughly. Truth is, I rely on Ask Ciscoe, by Ciscoe Morris, and Ann Lovejoy’s The Year in Bloom. The latter book has become a yearly refresher, with margin notes added frequently through the years, while Ciscoe’s book provides a quick reference for gardening details and how-tos. Of course, here at the Arboretum, there is always helpful information available from the great staff and wonderful volunteers. What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the Arboretum? One of them is what I just mentioned. In addition, my work in the Arboretum Shop as a buyer and sales person is a delight and challenge—catering to local residents and people from all over the world, of all ages. I look forward to my volunteer days and return home energized and enthusiastic about this wonderful treasure in our city that is the Arboretum. d

6 GroundWork—Summer 2015 UWBG Events & Classes Arboretum Foundation 2300 Arboretum Drive East Seasonal Plant ID & Culture: Summer Stunners Seattle, WA 98112-2300 Tel: 206-325-4510 Fax: 206-325-8893 Thursday, July 23, 8 AM to Noon, Washington Park Arboretum [email protected] orticulture consultant and educator www.arboretumfoundation.org HChristina Pfeiffer leads a series of inter- Office Hours: M-F, 8:30 am–4:30 pm active programs in the Arboretum each year Arboretum Shop: 10 am–4 pm, daily focusing on sustainable landscaping tech- Graham Visitors Center: 10 am–5 pm, daily niques. Her next session will explore woody Information Hotline: 206-543-8800 plants that offer interesting colors and tex- tures in summer. Learn how to create a lovely Foundation Officers summer garden that doesn’t rely heavily on Jim Reid: President Diane Adachi: Vice President flowering plants, and get tips on incorporat- Sherrey Luetjen: Vice President ing perennial companions for woody plants. Jason Morse: Vice President Cost: $65; $75 after July 16. Roger Williams: Vice President TKTK, by printmaker and mixed media Linda Strout: Secretary artist Lali Groth. The Miller Library will host an exhibit of Groth’s work, Paul (Skip) Vonckx: Treasurer Family Night Hikes “Lake, Lattice, and Stone: Requiem for at the Arboretum a Garden,” from July 23 to September 3. Foundation Staff See www.millerlibrary.org for details. Paige Miller: Executive Director he UW Botanic Gardens’ popular “Park Sheila Beer: Development and Events Tin the Dark” night-hike program returns this summer. Learn about the Coordinator amazing adaptations of nocturnal animals while exploring your own senses. Nat Bennett: Operations Coordinator The program is designed for families with children aged 5 to 12. Meet at the Jeff Boyer: Campaign and Major Gifts Coordinator Graham Visitors Center and BYOF (bring your own flashlight!) Hikes will take Niall Dunne: Communications Manager place on the following Saturday nights: July 11, July 25, August 8, and August Pamela Givens: Stewards Coordinator 22. Tour times vary during the season. The cost is $8 per person. Randall Hitchin: Outreach and Major Gifts Manager Megan Meyer: Volunteer Resources Manager Yoga in the Arboretum Michele Norman: Events Manager 4 Saturday mornings, August 8 to 29, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Gary Wortzel: Finance Manager Washington Park Arboretum Washington Park Arboretum oin Ashtanga yoga teacher and environmental instructor Aliette Frank for is managed cooperatively by University of Jsome fun exploration of yoga in beautiful outdoor settings. Tune into nature Washington Botanic Gardens and City of as you walk through the Arboretum and take practice. The classes are great for Seattle Parks and Recreation, with support beginner through advanced practitioners. Fee: full series, $60; individual ses- from the Arboretum Foundation. sions, $20. Try it for free on Saturday, July 11 and 18, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Ground Work is a publication of the Arboretum Foundation. Explore the Woodland Garden Editor: Niall Dunne Design: Constance Bollen/cbgraphics Tuesday, September 1, 6:30 to 8 PM, Washington Park Arboretum Photos: AF staff or as credited oin UW Botanic Gardens Curator of Living Collections Ray Larson on a tour Useful Phone Numbers of one of the jewels of the Arboretum—the Woodland Garden. Created in J Arboretum Offices/Graham Visitors 1937, the garden features one of the largest collections of Japanese maples in Center: 206-543-8800 North America, along with two ponds, a stream, and hosts of other woodland Japanese Garden: 206-684-4725 dwelling plants. Beautiful in every season, it is especially attractive heading Master Gardeners Hotline: 206-296-3440 into fall. Pre-registration required; $5 suggested donation at the door. d Miller Library: 206-543-0415 Plant Answer Line: 206-897-5268 UW Botanic Gardens: 206-543-8616 This is just a small selection of the educational programs Volunteer Info: 206-616-4890 offered by UWBG. To find out more or to register, Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper visit www.uwbotanicgardens.org or call 206-685-8033.

GroundWork—Summer 2015 7 nonprofit org. U.S. postage paid Seattle, wa permit no. 126 Washington Park Arboretum 2300 Arboretum Drive East Seattle WA 98112-2300 www.arboretumfoundation.org

Summer 2015 d The Arboretum Foundation promotes, protects and enhances the Washington Park Arboretum for current and future generations by strengthening and building a diverse and engaged community of donors, volunteers and advocates.

Begin or renew a membership at www.arboretumfoundation.org

Arboretum Scene Clethra acuminata Mountain Pepper Bush

As gardeners, we tend to know most plants by sight, but the primary associations of certain plants derive from a sense other than vision. Chief among these are plants with fragrant flowers, where Clethra acuminata scores high marks and evokes strong memories. This native of moist mountain woods in the southeast- ern U.S. forms a large deciduous shrub, eight to 20 feet tall. Its rich green, lance-shaped leaves are held attractively on tiered branches, turning a lovely golden yellow in fall. On mature plants, winter reveals reddish brown bark peeling in irregular patches to expose cinnamon colored inner bark. But it is the fragrance of its summer flowers for which we remember this plant. Often smelled before they are seen, the slender, drooping bottlebrushes of small ivory flowers release a spicy and hypnotic perfume, kindling memories of summer thunder storms, long-gone summer vacation days, or maybe a hookah-smoking caterpillar during the “summer of love.” No matter how you spent your summers, the mountain pepper bush is fondly associated with this time of year. So when the Seattle weather gets hot in late July and August, go in search of this fragrant denizen of cool woodland. You’ll find a lovely specimen in the Arboretum along the Lookout Loop Trail by the Asiatic Maples collection. —Randall Hitchin, Arboretum Foundation