Madame Walska's Topiarlj Garden

' 04~_ Nl:\XISLl:TTl:R FOR Ml:MBl:RS. VOLUMI: 9 NO. 2 & SUMMl:R 2000

MadameWalska's TopiarLJ Garden BLJAMANDA JONrs

THE HISTORYOF TOPIARY TOPIARY IS THE FASCINATING and extraordinary art of cutting trees and shrubs into quaint and imaginative shapes . It derives from topiarius,and originally had a much wider meaning, referring to ornamental gardening in general. Topiariusin turn is derived from the Greek toposor place. The first written descriptions of topiary come from the Romans . It is likely that its original source was much ,earlier and farther east. By the end of die first century A.D., topiary was a familiar and natural embellishment of the gardens of the wealthy. Pliny the Elder describes the garden of his villa in Tuscany as being "Adorned with the representation of divers animals in box and evergreens shaped into a variety of forms." The Renaissance in Italy produced the next great interest in topiary. The period looked back to classical times and texts for its inspiration, as the resulting gardens showed . A villa in Florence built in 1459 included topiary "spheres, porticoes, temples, vases, urns, apes, donkeys, oxen, a Madame Walska'stopiary zoo vividlyexpressed her fasci11t1tion with the complicatedrelationship bear, giants, men and women, war­ betweenman, plantsand animals.This dancing elephant thrived at Lotus/andin the 1960s. riors, a witch, philosophers, popes and cardinals." IN THIS ISSUE With time, the influence of the Madame Walska'sTopian.i Garden I VolunteerProfile: 0 Renaissance gradually spread Normanand Helen Hillemann throughout Europe. In France, the Restoringthe Topian-1Garden 3 style culminated in Le Notre's late Three New TrusteesJoin 4 New to the Collections 9 ( 17th-century scheme at Versailles for the Boardof Directors HorticulturalHappenings 10 1., )Zing Louis XN The garden was a http://www.lotusland.org 4 John Lafleur, 30 Years 12 representation of the Monarch's Lotusfest! 5 at Lotusland absolute authority over both people and landscape , ·and reputedly cost RoLJal BotanicalGardens at Kew 6 Member's FamilLJDaLJ 13 Continuedon page2 ImportantVisitors 7 MemberEvents 16 signs were commonplace. Within a · hundred years, topiary had been taken to its extreme, and extravagant assortments of "giants, animals, monsters, coats of arms and mottoes" were part of any . fashionable English garden. The inevitable reaction occurred. This time it was writers and philosophers who led the attack against the artifice of topiary and formal gardens, instead advocating a more natural or pas­ toral landscape, with an emphasis on lakes and groupings of trees. By the end of the 18th century, the penchant for the picturesque vista had become overpowering. The 19th century saw a very gradual return to Towbes Foundation.) For some time, the formal style of garden design, she had collected and gathered into and along with it, the use of geo­ several scrapbooks pictures of floral metrical topiary closer to the house, and horticultural clocks, zodiac orna­ to reflect its architectural features. ments, topiary animals and horticul­ Continuedfrom page 1 tural oddities cut from newspapers over two billion francs. Louis's court and magazines. A clipping from one gathered among the topiary for TOPIARY AT LOTUSLAND of these scrapbooks dates from a music, dance and pageants produced MADAME WAlSKA hired Santa Barbara 1955 edition of the Los Angeles Times, by the king-and sometimes per­ landscape architect Ralph T. Stevens documenting the Osaki Plant Zoo, formed by him. in 1954 to create a horticultural clock the eventual source of a number of In England, the art of clipping as a centerpiece of a proposed topiary Lotusland topiary. By 1960, the became increasingly popular, and by garden. (fhe clock was restored in topiary was an important feature of the early 17th century complex de- 1997 with funds donated by the the garden. Juniper, cypress and

This view of the 300-year-oldtopiary garden at LevensHall in Englandand a topiarius at work (aboveright) are bothimages from Madame Walska1s extensivescrapbook on formalgardens. A 1955 newspaper photoo f a bougain­ Restorir\gth e villeaAlligator led Madame to the Osaki PlantZoo. TopiarwGard er\ BLJLORI ANN DAVID

I BEGAN RESEARCHIN 1993, the first year that the garden was open to the public . Janet Eastman was most helpful, as was Sharon Crawford and the entire Lotusland staff. As a volunteer and docent, it was most interesting to me to pursue the possibility of re-creating Madame Walska's Topiary Garden, which featured an impressive horticultural clock. There was always a lot of interest in her eccentric, whimsical garden, but few knew where to begin to bring it back to life. The research was fascinating, eugenia were trimmed and formed and with access to the archives, I re­ into a menagerie including a bear drew all the zoomorphic characters and its cub, a gorilla, a crocodile, a and architectural shapes. dancing pig, a camel, a horse and a When we had our first Lotus/and variety of birds and reptiles amount­ Celebratesgala, a topiary garden ret­ ( .ng to more than 25 figures. A chess set and other geometric figures rospective was displayed, including brought the total topiary to more four re-created topiary frames and a than 40 in all. Most of the shapes proposed conceptual design that declined over the years, either losing drew on all aspects of historic past, their definition or failing to thrive, as well as current horticultural con­ suffering from being watered on the ]~FO O~ "alliga to~," fuhioned from crowin~ bou­ cerns and future garden traffic. same schedule as the surrounding pu,villaea vino. gets bi-weekly "barbering" from Jamel OJllki,12. Thi$ ii larcut animal In "zoo•· created by boy's LoriAnn David has a long-st.anding lawn in which they were planted and d•d, Y~lo OSlllri, 35, of 422 No.rth Oxford avenuo, out of treu, bu.lhu and ahruba. o.. ki. who recently moved relationshipwith Lotus/and.As docent, the encroaching shade of surround­ here lrom Hawaii. baa been engaged in traditionally ing trees. Cmtlly bobby ol'-topiary ilrl for 10 ycara. committeemember and designer,she has shared her considerableenergy and creativity with the garden for years. Through her business, LandscapeArt Design, she has donatedmany hoursof consultationand design work for the renovationof the horticulturalclock , and now the topiarygarden. Her new designdraws heavilyupon Stevens'01iginal plan. The new plan pro­ videsfor theinstalfa - .,,~..,, . . . I"'.., .<. lion of 1mgation1 f.· renovationof the A soiland additionof ~o a maze of low -· 0 TOPIARY GARDEN RENOVATION ci GANNA WAL.SKAL OTUSIAND hedges,as wellas 2 - o < July 16, 1995 ne1K1hards cape 2 g ..______---.:L.J and, of course, LoriAnn David/LandscapeArt Designprovided plans for the currentrenovation . topiaryframes. ThreeNew Trustees Joir1 the Boardof Lotuslartd

LOTUSLANDIS PLEASEDto welcome 1n 1998 and 1999 and her wise April N. Walstad, William W. (Rick) advice and ideas helped shape the Drewry, and Harry W. Kolb to its final plan, one of the recommenda­ Board of Trustees. All three are tions of which was expanding the Friends of Lotusland, active in the Board of Trustees to help Lotusland Santa Barbara community and eager achieve its greatest potential. to help Lotusland accomplish its goals of preservation, education and conservation.

Harry Kolb and his wife Karen 1 long-time Santa Barbara residents, have been intimately involved with

Lotusland since 1993. Harry 1 the senior estate agent with Sotheby7s

International Realty1 is known for Rick Drewry moved to Santa his marketing of major residential Barbara five years ago after the sale properties in Santa Barbara anc1 of his photo-processing firm, Drewry Montecito and is considered an 1 Motivated by the desire to live in Photocolor Corporation in Burbank 1 authority on our community s rich a pleasant community and be on her California. Rick is on the Board of architectural history and many pri­ own professionally, April Walstad the Montecito Association, is a vate gardens. Karen is a Lotusland established Walstad Investment Director of the Montecito Water docent and has been an invaluable

Counseling, Inc., in Santa Barbara District and is an enthusiastic boater 1 member of every Lotus/andCelebrates six years ago after working in the golf er and gardener. Rick and his committee since the beginning of the investment community in Atlanta wife Wendy have three sons. Wendy gala event five years ago. This is in and with Rothschild, Inc, in New is an active volunteer at the Music addition to her volunteer work with York. April was a member of Academy of the West and a docent at Meals on Wheels and the Santa Lotusland 1s strategic plan task force Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens. Barbara Museum of Art. http://www.lotuslar\dmorg

ATTENTIONINTERNET SURFERS! Lotusland Foundation's official website, which went live on the Internet on April 14, is chock-full of information detailing the various gardens and extensive plant collections; the latest practices in horticulture; education outreach and volunteer programs; membership; tour reservations; and 1 last but not least 1 the history of Lotusland and Madame Ganna Walska. The site is also illustrated with choice color and black and white photographs from the Lotusland archives. Greg Smith of Westmont College 1 who volunteered many hours of his time to work with the Lotusland website committee, has succeed­ ed in designing a basic 1 factual website with plenty of room for growth 1 and change. We are very pleased that Lotusland s mission of preservation 1 conservation and education has an address on the information super­ highway at last. Check it out, and tell a friend. -Deidre Cantrell Lotusfest! August26, 2000

Lian Hua Chinesecharacters meanin g lotus.

SUMMER BRINGSMANY P LEASURESin Santa Barbara, but at Lotusland we have a very unique one. Our water gardens are the best place in the area to see large stands of Sacred and American Lotus flowers in all their glory. These magnificent flowers are the largest in the aquatic plant world The lotus in full bloom in Lotusland's main water garden. and truly stunning to behold . This year we intend to celebrate garden ornaments and fountains, and more . Picnicking is encour­ their majesty with a day -long aquatic plants and wa ter gardening aged, and food and beverages will C festival on August 26th . You are books will be on sale. Pond experts be available for purchase. cordially invited to join us for this will give presentations and offer As always, reservations are fun-filled event. advice on water gardening . There required. Please use the coupon Besides the chance to drink in will be Bonsai and Ikebana displays on page 15 to reserve your space.

the beauty of the lotus on show, and demonstrations, and plenty of ADULT MEMBERS$20 1 ADULT NON­

there will be lots of additiona l other entertainment througho ut the MEMBERS$25 1 ALL KIDS AGES 2 TO activi ties and displays . Crafts day including Kenda demonstra ­ 10 $10, KIDS UNDER2 FREE. with an orienta l or botanica l flair, tions, Asian-Pacific music and dance, - VirginiaHayes

How stainless it rises from its slimy bed. How modestly it reposes on the clear pool-an emblem of purity and truth. Symmetricallyperfect , its subtle perfume is wafted far and wide, While there it rests in spotless state, Something to be regarded reverentlyfrom a distance, And not profaned by familiar approach. - Chon Tun, 11th century A.D. THE ROYALBOTANIC GARDENS at Kew, (me) from the Americas. A wide arguably the foremost botanical in­ variety of interests and experiences stitution in the world, offers a variety were represented in our group, rang­ of educational courses with topics that ing from orchid conservation in range from horticulture to botanic Malaysia, Africa, and the Philippines garden management, herbarium tech­ to plans for the sustainable harvest of niques, and plant conservation. I medicinal plants in Vietnam and attended a new International Diploma India, from developing the first Course on Plant Conservation Tech­ botanic garden in Lebanon to my niques there last fall. RBG Kew, area of interest: devising recovery plans for threatened Mexican cacti. located just outside of London 1 is a leader in the effort to restore global The course had a group of core plant resources to some semblance lecturers from the Kew staff and of previous richness. With one-eighth many visiting lecturers, most notably Vernon Heywood and Grendel Lucas. of the known plant species in their There were field trips and extra­ collections a library with more than 1 curricular activities, such as touring 250,000 titles, an herbarium of over Cambridge botanic garden, where we 7,000,000 specimens, laboratories, a walked in the footsteps of Charles seed bank, and a staff-past and Darwin (who had worked with then The originalwing of the Kew Herbarium present-of the world's most accom­ 1 Director John Henslow). Our course­ with morethan 71 0001 000 driedspecimens. plished botanists it is no wonder Kew 1 work focused on the methods and is leading the current effort to con­ techniques needed to successfully methods was strongly emphasized. serve the world's botanical resources. work in the field of plant conserva­ Case studies were examined, includ­ The plant conservation course 1 tion. The different techniques for in ing ecological restorations taking, held from mid-August to mid­ situ conservation (in the wild), such place on the islands of Mauritius and October, focused on the methods and Madagascar and examples of single as protected area management 1 habi­ techniques that can be used to deal tat and ecological restoration, single species recovery plans and reintro­ with the wide-ranging topics and species recovery plans, and methods ductions in Africa. At the end of the problems that need to be addressed for reintroduction were taught, along course, all participants completed a by plant conservationists, botanists, with methods for ex situ conservation three-week individual project relating horticulturalists, and nurserymen (out of the wild), including the role directly to their current or future work alike. Attending the course were of botanic gardens in conservation, in plant conservation. twelve botanists from all parts of the seed banking, micro-propagation, The plant collections at Lotus­ world including Africa, Lebanon, and other methods for conserving land, although on a smaller scak are India, Malaysia, China, Bangladesh, the world's plant genetic resources. no less inspiring or impressive than Australia, New Zealand, and the The complementary nature of solu­ those at Kew. Because they contain Philippines, with one representative tions to in situ and ex situ conservation many examples of threatened species

The Palm House at Kew housespart of the livingcollections. of plants, Lorusland's dramatic dis­ golden barrels' narural habitat which plays can be used to raise awareness threatens its survival now. Much of the need for plant conservation. further investigation is needed to Yet often these displays, such as determine the current starus of this Lorusland's mass planting of more plant in the wild. All that is known than 300 golden barrel cacti, re­ for certain is that an action plan is inforce misconceptions about the needed. Sadly, this is but one example conservation status of the plants out of thousands across the globe. involved. Healthy and even pros­ Quite often plants are a lower perous plants in these public settings priority when it comes to conserva ­ encourage us to assume that the tion of global diversity. Admittedly, species is flourishing in much the it is easier to stir people's emotions same state in the wild, which is often to save a giant panda than a tarweed. not the case. For instance, the golden Yet, there are plants that can be used barrel, Echinocactusgrusoni1~ while the as "flagships" for conservation efforts, most widely cultivated of all cacti, is like the wild orchids of Southeast Asia, one of the most endangered in the the stately redwoods of California, wild and is believed to be under or even the golden barrel cacrus of threat of extinction. The wild popu­ Mexico. The most straight-forward lation of this plant has been poached argument for the need to conserve for more than 100 years, but it is the global plant resources remains quite completion of a hydro-electric dam simply that life on earth cannot exist The goldenbarrel, Echinocactus grusonii, in central Mexico by the government without them. in the Princeof \ValesConservatory at Kew. in 1994 that flooded 90% of the -Paul M. Mills 0

The formerprime minister of India,l.K. Gujral(on right), meets Executive Director Steven Timbrook during a visitto Lotus/andin March. Accompanyingthe Primej\;finisrer are his wifeand son. VOLUNTl:l:RPROFILI: a illema1111

BOTH NORMAN AND HELEN HILLEMANN own ventilation, humidifying, and grew up on farms, he in Missouri and heating systems, as well as a water­ she in Kansas. An early familiarity fall and small pond. The house had with things green set the stage for three wings, each connecting with their future success as growers of prize and looking into the conservatory. cymbidium orchids, fuchsias and One wing offered large windows chrysanthemums. The Hillemanns with southern exposure, providing moved to Venice, California after the optimum light for lush and exotic warJ and it was there they had their plantings. According to Helen, 11Stuff

first encounter with cymbidiums 7 grew like mad in there/' and proving Helen and Norman relaxingon theirpatio

raising them in a lathe house they the point was a cycad (Cycascircinalis) with a ft'iend1 CymbidiumLady Bug v. drum. built and selling them to a local florist. that grew at such an astounding rate it Growing prize plants was a sideline; eventually threatened to take the roof where they built greenhouses and Norman is a retired electrician and off the conservatory. The Hillemans expanded their lathe house orchid Helen was an escrow officer in Venice donated this robust and beautiful operation. They also grew some before staying home to raise their 30-year-old cycad to the City of Los phalaenopsis and cattleyas, . but family. They have two sons; one a Angeles, in whose care it was sadly mainly concentrated on cymbidiums. chemist for DuPont in Delaware and reduced to a scraggly remnant of its They became II almost commercial 11 the other a computer scientist/stock former glory. Their conservatory and sold to a prominent florist in Bel market investor in Grass Valley, design pioneered indoor planting Air whose clientele included then California. Over the years they have areas, and photographs of it were Governor Ronald Reagan. Norman won awards from the Cymbidium featured in several architectural and and Helen also grew avocados and Society of America, American landscape design books. The design exotic fruit such as kiwi, cherimoya, Orchid Society, Royal Horticultural also won top honors in a 11Beautiful guava, passion fruit, and fuyu persim­ Society, and International Orchid Gardens Contest" sponsored by the mons on their Carpinteria property. Show right here in Santa Barbara at California Association of Landscape Over the years, they became members Earl Warren Showground. Designers in 1965. of the Rare Fruit Growers Associa­ In 1960 they built a unique home Norman needed more land for his tion, the Santa Barbara Horticultural in Brentwood featuring a 600-square­ growing hobby, so in the early 70s Society and the Orchid Society. foot interior conservatory with its they bought an acre in Carpinteria Norman also belongs to the Men's Garden Club of Santa Barbara. The Hillemanns 1 affiliation with Lotusland began in the 60s when they attended several of Madame Walska's parties. On one memorable occasion, Madame Walska invited a few horticultural clubs to visit the garden. The Hillemanns remember waiting for their hostess at the Sycamore Canyon gate and then being treated to her greeting them with Happy (Madame Walska's pet cockatiel and constant companion) perched on her shoulder. A large and lavish catered lunch was served after the garden tour. When, shortly after Madame ~ Walska's death, a truck was backed into one of the Lotusland green­ u~ pc; houses, Norman was pressed into The Hillemanns1 600-square-footconservatory ·(Wed with lush plantingswas an award-win- service for nearly a year cutting glass ninggarden planted insidetheir Brentwood home in the 60s. and making extensive repairs to the structures. During that time, he and the garden shop, you have witnessed healthy plantings on their patio and Helen repotted many neglected Norman's impressive creative talents side yard include a striking Malaysian ( plants in the garden, mostly orchids. with wood. The inlaid geometric rhododendron , three cycads, and These activities launched their career designs and detailed manufacture about 25 cymbidiums . Lotusland's as Lotusland volunteers extraordi ­ (some even have wooden hinges) are Frank Fujii's remarkably creative naire, and they have been going reminiscent of old world craftsman­ design sense was utilized to help lay strong ever since. ship. Norman uses an amazing out their present garden areas. The lovely cymbidiums often variety of exotic woods to achieve Lotusland sincerely appreciates displayed in the main house at intricate patterns of color. He sells these dedicated , talented volunteers Lotusland are there because of these beautiful works of art, but also whose generosity is expressed in an Norman and Helen's generosity. They generously gives them away to amazing variety of ways. Norman raise and nurture these extraordinarily fortunate friends such as Lotusland . and Helen have given the garden beautiful plants and then donate Helen and Norman have con­ such beauty for everyone to enjoy, them to the garden for others to siderably downsized operations from and have helped restore the garden enjoy. And if you've ever seen the their productive acre in Carpinteria to during its time of need. Thank you, beautifully hand-crafted wooden a comfortable condominium in Santa Norman and Helen, for all you do boxes and turned pieces for sale in Barbara. A whole host of beautiful, for Lotusland . -Connie Buxton

Newto theColle ctions

FORCENTURIES, Chinese and Japanese horticulturists have been selecting and growing unusual lotus varieties. Until recently, many of these selections were not available in the ( )western world. Through the efforts of a few Chinese emigrants, this trend is being reversed. One such family was that of Mr. and Mrs. Tyrone Chu of Modesto, California. Although both Mr. and Mrs. Chu were tragically killed in separate automobile accidents recently, they visited Lotusland several times and donated some of the rare lotus varieties that they grew. The Chus are survived by several sons and other family members, as well as a close-knit community of Chinese­ American families in the central valley. Their Lotus Gardens is a One of the dwarf lotuscultivars gro1X1ing at Chu 1s LotusGardens. collection of ponds created in the flood plain of the Stanislaus River, range of colors and petal forms of years, and this year several will be perfect growing conditions for these their regular-sized siblings. Transla­ moved into decorative pots in the aquatic plants. tions of their Chinese names hint at garden. Look for them near the main Most unusual at the Chu's Lotus the high esteem which the Chinese lotus display in the old swimming Gardens are the miniature, or bowl, people hold for these ancient flowers. pool. Elegance will have pink, single­ lotus. These diminutive cultivars are Elegance, Pretty Celestial, Chaste, petaled flowers, Tai-Zhen and Palace small enough to grow in a table-top Torch, Treasure, Pure White Jade, Jewel are dark pink and double­ ( .;bow l. Their leaves and flowers rise Palace Jewel and Silver Crown Lotus petaled (more than one row of petals), above the water only six to twelve are some of those now included in Chaste is also dark pink, but single­ inches with diameters of only two Lotusland's collection. petaled, and Torch, a hybrid of the to four inches. In spite of their small These special plants have been Asian and American subspecies, is a stature, they exhibit the same wide growing in the nursery area for two bright, flame red. -Virginia Hayes orticulturalHappe11i11gs

1 IF YOUVE BEENTO LOTUSLANDlately/ Road. Inside the walls 1 decomposed progress 1 all designed with sustain­ you may have noticed some of the granite replaced the %-inch gravel able horticulture as their precept. As 1 recent improvements to the Garden. surface on the main drive to provide you may already know 1 there s A variety of agaves from Lotusland 1s an attractive and functional road for always a lot going on in the garden. nursery and 25 oaks (Quercusagrifolia) work carts 1 wheelchairs and walking Look for these changes the next time acquired from the U.C. Cooperative -and it didn 1 t wash out during the you visit Lotusland.

Extension 4-H Program at Santa winter rains! Also 1 oaks and palms Barbara High School were planted bordering the main lawn across from outside the stucco wall along Ashley the theater garden were trimmed by A YEARAGO AT THISTIME the cycad Bartlett Tree Experts as part of a garden was practically inaccessible broad-based plan to improve cultural due to the first phase of a major soil conditions in the area. A generous renovation designed to save cycads grant from Lotusland volunteer Jane (Encephalartoshorridus primarily) in Copelan made the work on this a large area infected with oak root magnificent landscape feature pos­ fungus. Approximately 80 cycads sible. Accessibility to the pavilion were removed to the nursery for patio from the main lawn was temporary storage and1in some cases1 enhanced with the pro bono con­ rerooting. Subsurface drains were in­ struction of a brick ramp by Eddie stalled1 and 400 tons of infected soil

A stormdrain with catchbasins was added Langhorne 1 owner of Pat Scott was replaced with a topsoil/sand/ to the lengthof the main driveprior to the Masonry. There are quite a few compost mixture and seeded with a decomposedgranite installation. other landscape/soil renovation and cover crop. The second phase of this grounds improvement projects in project continues this year with

BartlettTree Experts trimmed the palms and The Sudangrasscover crop is cut down as oaks borderingthe main lawn. the 1999 soilrenovation area is prepared for planting.

ValleyCrest installed the decomposed granitemixed with a non-toxic1 organic stabilizerto providethe functionaland lastingsurface.

The palms and oaks are no longergrowing The new main driveas seen from the main into eachother and culturalconditions are Lotus/andstaff discussthe next phase of the housecourtyard. muchimproved. ongoingcycad garden renovation. more refined soil preparations and TOPIARY GARDEN the transplanting of cycads back to MAY 1, 2000 MARKEDthe beginning ( the garden. Many of the rooting of the installation of the topiary gar­ cycads are not ready to be planted den restoration plan. Chip Collester out this year. Jimenez Landscapes Landscapes is working with Lotusland moved four large multi-trunk staff to complete the installation by Chamaerops humilis away from the October 2000 with the majority of northern cycad garden path in order the work being scheduled after to improve the growing conditions Lotus/andCelebrates in July. It's inter­ for nearby cycads, to provide space esting to see the changes that have for future plantings, and to create a been made so far, and it's getting screen for the northern boundary of easier and exciting to visualize the the garden. completed restoration. Additional sub-surface drainage has been added to the garden, and the removal of several large eucalyptus trees bordering the garden and shad­ ing cycads will complete the reno­ vation work planned for the cycad JimenezLandscapes used theircrane to lift garden in 2000. thisA. cunninghamiana overan oak tree and into itsplanting hole in the ferngarden. CACTUS/EUPHORBIA GARDEN planted to the left as you face the IN 1998 THE MAIN DRIVE euphorbia swimming pool, and nicely comple­ planting bed overlooking the water ment the grouping of Rhopalostylis gardens was renovated because of the bauerito the right of the pool. presence of oak root fungus (Armi!laria ( me/lea). The adjacent amethyst/ COMPOSTTEA euphorbia planting bed was recently INJECTIONSYSTEM renovated because of the same prob ­ THIS YEARA NEW 50-gallon compost lem. Improving the soil conditions tea brewer is being used daily as part will not completely eliminate the of Lotusland's organic cultural regime. fungal pathogen, but will encourage A good compost tea has many desir­ a healthier soil foodweb and allow able attributes, including the building Plantsnot includedin the new topiary for better management of the site. gardendesign have beenremoved . of plant surface and soil beneficial Removing weak and structuraUy microorganisms. The tea was usually unsound branches reduced and bal­ applied at a 10:1 dilution from a 100- anced the weight of many large FERNGARDEN PLANTING gallon spray tank. In May, Stewart euphorbia and cactus specimens, im­ BEDSOIL RENOVATION Rasmussen, from SAR Construction, proved their appearance and reduced A SOILRENOVATION of the large plant­ worked with Lotusland staff to devel­ potential hazards. Selective trimming ing bed bordering the eastern edge op and install a system that enables also made it possible to eliminate of the garden was completed by direct injection into the irrigation lines some of the cabling and bracing. removing almost all of the plants, as needed. The injection system is a improving the soil with the addition tremendous labor-saving device and of Lotusland compost and trans­ reduces compost tea, nutrient and planting plants and cuttings back irrigation applications to one step, into the bed. Bill Paylen, the original instead of many, and allows for after­ designer of the fern garden, worked hours applications. The system will with Lotusland staff to reconstruct be demonstrated to agricultural and the planting bed. horticultural professionals attending a When Jimenez Landscapes moved one-day compost tea workshop col­ the cycad garden's Chamaeropshumilis lectively sponsored by Rincon-Vitova u in March, they also used their crane Insectaries, Growing Solutions to move two Archontophoenixcunning­ (manufacturer of the Microb-Brewer A soilrenovation of thisplanting bed was necessaryto improvecultural conditions for hamianapalms from the periphery of compost tea maker) and Lotusland at euphorbiasand reduceconditions favorable the cycad garden to the fern garden . an as-yet unscheduled date. to the oak rootfungus pathogen . These two palms, 18' and 12' tall, are -Mike lven; photosby Mike lven r

JOHNLAFLEUR is a man with a dream. to Grounds Superintendent. He and adopted in previous Newsletters (see He dreams of a world in balance. John knew that as Lotusland became Dynamic Dirt Lecture and Work­

He dreams of man working with more and more a public garden, a shop I Winter 1999) pg 11; Getting to nature, not against nature. John may better system of preventing damage the Root of the Problem: Cycad be a man with a dream, but he's not from plant pests had to be devised. Garden Restoration, Fall 1999, pg 1). a dreamer. He's a doer. And at Spraying with toxic chemicals not Basically they involve adding organic Lotusland he's gotten the entire hor­ only was incompatible with visitors material to build the soils to the ticultural staff to share his dream and in the garden) but also was being point that less and less fertilizer is do their best to make it come true. recognized more and more as having needed as the necessary nutrients are John was born and raised in long-term detrimental effects on the released in the breakdown of organic Louisiana, leaving to serve six and a plants it was meant to protect. matter by a healthy soil foodweb of half years with the U.S. Navy in Viet Under John's leadership, Lotus­ micro-organisms .. Nam. Upon his separation from the land adopted an Integrated Pest Thirty years is a long time to de­ service, he studied photography at the Management (IPM) program that re­ vote to a garden, but John continues Art Institute of San Francisco and then duced dependence on toxic chemicals to be stimulated by the challenge of in Santa Barbara at Brooks Institute of by tolerating a certain level of insect providing healthy) naturat balanced Photography. Although he worked in damage and treating heavier infesta­ soil ~nvironments to more than a his spare time as an independent pro­ tions with the least toxic materials dozen separate gardens at Lotusland, fessional photographer after leaving possible. Biological controls were many with exotic specimens of plants Brooks Institute, he soon began a introduced and, to allow these to that are rare) endangered, threatened long career in horticulture, starting as work effectively, spraying was further or even extinct in the wild. He is a landscape gardener at El Mirador, reduced. After alt spraying kills thrilled to see these gardens thrive the former Armour estate just up the insects indiscriminately, taking the under a new, environmentally friendly road from Lotusland. In April 1970, good with the bad. system of care that brings birds and John shortened his drive to work by Quiet as he is in speech and butterflies to share the beautiful accepting a position on the Lotusland demeanor, John is passionate in the plants we all enjoy so much. grounds staff. pursuit of his interests. Now he be­ Thank you) John, for growing In those days, Madame Walska came thoroughly immersed in bring­ throughout your 30 years at contracted with noted Santa Barbara ing Lotusland)s ornamental landscape Lotusland, and for encouraging us to horticulturist Bruce Van Dyke to and priceless plant collections into grow along with you. spray her gardens on a regular such a healthy condition that they -Steve Timbrook schedule to prevent any damaging would resist disease and infestation insects and other plant pests from naturally through vigorous growth. establishing a foothold on the prop­ While continuing to work full-time erty. This was a common practice as Lotusland)s IPM coordinator, John 30 years ago, and continues to be commuted to Ventura College for four a standard industry practice. years of night classes on modern When the Ganna Walska Lotus­ horticultural practices, adding this land Foundation became responsible new knowledge to his 20-some years for Lotusland, following Madame of practical gardening experience. Walska's death in 1984, there was A pivotal event in Lotusland)s more latitude for the grounds staff plant care evolution occurred in 1997 to offer their own suggestions for when John and Mike attended the improving plant care. Plant health intensive three-day Sustainable Tree began to be seen as an important cri­ Care Conference presented at UCLA. terion of successful gardening, when They came away with the goal of formerly a pristine appearance was sustainable horticulture for all of the paramount goal to be achieved, Lotusland and began planning to go no matter how it was accomplished. beyond IPM. The trend toward self-direction You may have read about the John discusseswith Lotuslandworkshop in the grounds staff was reinforced in new methods John, Mike and the attendeesthe cultivationof specificplants 1988 when Mike Iven was promoted rest of the horticultural staff have that attractbeneficial insects. Membe(s FamilLJDaLJ r-THETHlRD ANNUAL MEMBER'S FAMILY DAY at Lotusland combined the best of pre­ vious Family Days with a few new activities to provide educational play and relaxation to its participants. The Robert and Christine Emmons Foundation once again generously funded the event.

BobDebris outdid himself, providing elaboratecactus props and a southix1est settingfor free silly souvenir photographs.

Worthevery minute of anticipation, Spiritedmusic was providedby theKlezmotones, MontecitoConfection's butterfly cake an EasternEuropean ensemble of clarinet,violin, Thru,k yo, to~ Mommoth Mo, iru; tastedas goodas it looked. accordion,etc. for donating the picnic (packing) blankets. Frie11dsof Lotusla11d WeWelcome New Members Who Joi11ed i11 fcbruarw, March, April 2000 Mr. Jason K. Ireland Mr. and Mrs. John Petersen Mr. & Mrs. Phil Janney Ms. Nancy Goslee Power Mr. & Mrs. Richard Abrams Mr. David Johnson & Ms. Kari Samlaska Mr. Calman Prussin Mr. & Mrs. John Allerton Ms. Merri Jones Mr. Dan Puccrano Ms. Beverly E. Barry Mr. Robert W. Jones Ms. Stella Pynn Ms. Margaret C. Bates Mrs. John Kaaz Ms. Mary Ann Ray Mr. Harold Becker Ms. Shirley Kalisk Ms. Pat Riccio Ms. Debra Belding-Hillman Mr. & Mrs. Richard Keit Ms. Anna Roberts Ms. Louise Blair Mr. & Mrs. Bob Kennedy Ms. Linda Rouhas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Blair Ms. Rebecca Kilbury Ms. Elissa Rubin Ms. Jean E. Bloomfield Mr. Charles D. Kimbell Mr. Tom Russell Ms. Cherie Bonazzola Ms. Carolyn Kincaid Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Sandwall Mr. & Mrs. Richard I. Botsford Ms. Michele King Ms. Mollie Savour & Mr. Brad Miller Mr. Harvey Bottelsen & Ms. Maureen Kirby Mrs. Josephine Saxon Ms. Patsy Mcfarlane Ms. Yvonne Kirby Mr. Francis Scorzelli Mr. John Boyer Mr. Kenneth M. Knox Mr. Michael Seabaugh Ms. Cindy A. Brand Mr. Graham Koenig Mr. Bernard J. Seder & Ms. Lilyan Cuttler Mr. & Mrs. Scott Brichan Ms. Gail W. Kramer Mrs. Richard P. Seery Ms. Janet Brown Mrs. Josee Kubiak Ms. Roslyn Segal Ms. Mary Buzzell Ms. Alicia Kuzniak Ms. Michelle Severance & Mr. & Mrs. James T. Cardinal Mr. Stephen P. La Salle & Ms. Elva McElrath Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Chytilo Ms. Barbara K. Schoenike Dr. & Mrs. J.M. Severson, Jr. Mr. Russell Cletta Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Lan er Mr. & Mrs. William Sharp Mr. & Mrs. David Cole Ms. Sunny Lee Ms. Wanda R. Sims Ms. Kate Connell Mr. Walter Lee Ms. Joy Singer Ms.. Marilyn Conrad Ms. Ania Lejman Mrs. Jacqueline Smalley Mr. Steve Craig Ms. Grace Leone Ms. Susan Soltman Mr. Michael Daoud Ms. Patricia Levee Ms. Margaret C. Spear Mr. & Mrs. William D?-ugherty Mr. Roger Liles Mr. Steven St. James Ms. Janet Davids Mr. & Mrs. Carl Lindberg Ms. Elizabeth Stevenson Mr. Stephen H. Davies Mr. James Lipson Mr. Brian L. Stiefel Ms. Rachel Davis Mr. Brian Lym Ms. Renee Stott Ms. Carolyn Diliberto Mr. & Mrs. Chris Macleod Ms. Jan Strahan Ms. Karoline Doberenz Ms. Susan Mack Mr. Michael Sweeney Ms. Sharon Dunn Ms. Elizabeth Martin Ms. Tobey Tabor Ms. Sara Eddy Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Marx Ms. Carol Taylor Mr. Warren E. Fenzi Mr. & Mrs. Dan Mayden Ms. Rosamond Temple & Mr. Jack Wiecks Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Ferguson Ms. Wendy L. McCarty Ms. Terri Thawley Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Florman Ms. Della McCord Ms. Fong S. Tien Ms. Kee Flynn Ms. Ellen McCurdy Ms. Jackie Tone Mr. Donald L. Gabard Ms. Cornelia McGrath Mr. & Mrs. Robert Trezise Mr. and Mrs. Steve Galt Ms. Penny McNeil Ms. Shannon Trowler Ms. Kate Gianolini Ms. Mara Melandry Dr. & Mrs. David Van Every Mr. & Mrs. Bill Gile Mr. Eric Melbardif & Ms. Andree Lorrain Mr. & Mrs. Henri Van Hirtum Ms. Judy Gillum Ms. Joan M. Mikelson Ms. Pamela Volante Mr. Barry Gittelson Ms. Julia Miller Ms. Gene Ward Ms. Jane C. Grace Ms. Lynette Miller Ms. Sally R. Webb Ms. Virginia Gray Ms. Rhonda Milrad Mr. and Mrs. Paul Weber Ms. Lynn Greenwald Mr. and Mrs. John Milton Mr. and Mrs. Art Woodward Ms. Virginia Gunderson Ms. Marilyn Moran Ms. Laura Habecker Ms. Kerry Morris Ms. Patty Haddad & Mr. Tom Gray Mr. Lonnie Morris LEVEL II Ms. Patricia Hall Ms. Ann Murdy Ms. Karin Aggeler Ms. Pamela Hamilton Ms. Jennifer Murphey Ms. Sally G. Avery Mr. Dan Harari & Ms. Barbara Keller Ms. Carolyn Murray Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Baker Ms. Holly Harmon Ms. Gloria Narehood Mr. Ron Bean Mr. Brian Harpster Ms. Laurie Newell Mr. & Mrs. Bob Bowen Mr. & Mrs. Tom Harrison Mr. Robert Newkirk Mr. & Mrs. Donald Bowey Ms. Kay Heltmach Ms. Kay Niles Mr. & Mrs. John H. Burgee Mr. Jim Hetlond Ms. Barbara Nitzkowski Ms. Jacquot Campbell Mr. James W. Holchin & Mr. Manuel Luna Ms. Barbara Paschell Mr. & Mrs. Michael Champion Ms. Susan Horne Mr. & Mrs. Alan Patten Ms. Nancy De L'Arbre Mr. Dusan Hutak Mr. & Mrs. John Paulson Ms. Iris DeSilvey Ms. Anne Hutchins Ms. Jean Pedersen Mr. & Mrs. Ron Dexter Ms. Catherine Imrie Ms. Joan L. Peters Ms. Roberta Fell Ir------, t1 Lotusfest RegistrationForm I To reserve space for you and your family, complete this coupon and mail it to: I Gaona Walska Lotusland, Attention: Member Events, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, California 93108 . I Space is limited. NO PHONE RESERVATIONSPLEASE. Confirmation will be sent upon receipt of your reservation . Member name ______Phone ______I I Address ______I C NumberAuending: Adult member $20 each ____ _ Child (2-10 years) $10 each ___ _ Number of Cars ___ _ I Or two admission passes ____ _ Or one admission pass ____ _ I I Adult nonmember $25 each ____ _ Child (under 2) Free ____ _ Total Enclosed $ ___ _ I I PaymentMethod: D Check enclosed O VISA 0 MasterCard Expiration dace______I Card Number ______Signature ______

Picnickingis encouraged. Foodand beverageswill also be availablefor purchase . L------~ Ms. Belinda Folsey Ms. Susan Forkush Lotuslaf\dCJratefu llLJAcRnowledges Dof\atiof\S Ms. Loree Gold Mr. & Mrs. Donald Goodhue ~bruarw,March, April 2000 Mr. Robert Gottesman Mr. & Mrs. Norman Grant GRANTS Ms. Carolyn Kincaid Ms. Gerry Gwynn Ms. Jane Copelan for renovation Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lawlor Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hatch of the great lawn perimeter Mrs. A. H. McCormick ,Ms. Jayne Hemmerich The Robert and Christine Emmons Mr. A. A. Milligan ( Ms. Emilie Hight Foundation for Member's Family Day Mr. & Mrs. James Nonn Basia Kenton Ms. Carol Valentine Mr. William R. Paylen Ms. Judy Kotecki for the school outreach program Ms. Joan L. Peters Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lawlor The William E. Weiss Foundation Ms. Mary V Routen Mr. Terry Light for a computerized reservation system Ms. Anitra Sheen Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Marquez The Robert and Christine Emmons Mr. M. Greg Stanthakis Ms. Brenda McDonald Foundation for the school Ms. Martha Moran outreach program HANDICAPACCESSIBILITY Mr. & Mrs. Barry Morrow Anonymous Mr. John F.O 'Brien Ms. Margaret Staton Mr. & Mrs. Russell Osterman MISCELLANEOUSDONATIONS Ms. Jennifer Phillip Mr. & Mrs. Bob Bowen Ms. Kim Phillips Ms. Winifred Fenti SPECIMENPLANT FUND Mr. Paul Repetowski Dr. & Mrs. George Halling Ms. Susan Jorgensen Mr. & Mrs. Andre Roberts Ms. BeverlyJackson Ms. Carolyn Koegler Mr. & Mrs. John Rowe Mr. & Mrs. John Snyder Mr. Greg Stanley Ms. Claire Steinberg Members\Xlho Have lf\cr eased Ms . Jacqueline J. Stevens Mr. & Mrs. Jack Thomson Their Level of Support Mr. & Mrs. Jean Verbeck Mr. & Mrs. Bob Weiss ~bruarw,March, April 2000 Ms. Susan Wester Mr. & Mrs. Brian Westerman LEVEL II LEVEL Ill Ms. Kathryn J. K. Wrench Mr. & Mrs. Edward Bates Mr. & Mrs. William R. Mr. & Mrs. Peter Burgess Mr. & Mrs. Scan Braun Sir Richard & Lady Latham Mr & Mrs. Francis H. Cabot LEVEL Ill Dr. & Mrs. David Ms. Pat Licker Mrs. George Du bail Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gilson Ms. Rebecca Ketner-Costner Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Casey Ms. Barbara Livingston Mr . Bruce Cregga Mr. & Mrs. George Roland Ms. Lori Chudacoff Mr. & Mrs. Roger Lucic Ms. Lynn P Kirst µ r. & Mrs. Tom Sheehan ( Ms. Diane C. Green Mr. & Mrs. Neil Moore Ms. Dodie Little - Mr. & Mrs. Sam Stephens Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hansen Hon. & Mrs. John C. Pritz.laff Mr & Mrs. Stuart Mabon Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wilson Ms. Pamela Hazard Mr. & Mrs. T1mRose Mr. M . Greg Scathakis LEVEL IV Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Hill Mr. G. Barney Schley Ms. April N. Walstad Mr. & Mrs. David Holt Mr. & Mrs. Bruce W. Scollin Mr. & Mrs. Byron Wood Mr. & Mrs. John Cleese Nonprofit Org. U.S.POSTAGE PAID Santa Barbara 695 Ashley Road California Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Permit No. 163 Address Correction Requested Forwarding Postage Guaranteed

MANYLOTUSLAND EVENTS are open to non-members. Also, this year there are more opportunities to bring children to the garden. Kids and grandkids are welcome at some events and can visit the garden with you on our new Family Tour days. We hope you enjoy the rest of this year at Lotusland.

FAMILY TOUR DAYS JultJ 16, Sundal) October 7, SaturdatJ Family tours are offered the 4-8PM Santa Barbara Gardens first Thursday afternoon of Lotusland Celebrates Book signing and art sale in co­ each month (1:30 PM)and the The Topiary Garden Restoration operation with the Easton Gallery. third Thursday morning of This year's gala will celebrate Takes the place of Music in the each month (10 AM). For more the completion of the capital Theater Garden. Invitations will be information or reservations, campaign to restore Madame mailed to all members in September. call 969-9990 between 9 AM and Walska's topiary garden to honor November 10, Fridal) noon, Monday through Friday. Board President Carol Valentine. 2PM The admission fee is $10 (or a Invitations were mailed to all Japanese Gardens membership pass) for adults, members June 1. Illustratedlecture and book signing $5 for children 2 to 10 and TICKETS$175 Dr. Kendall Brown is author of free for children 2 and under. the newly published and highly August 26, SaturdatJ acclaimed Japanese-Style June SaturdatJ 10 AM-4 PM Gardens of Pacific West Coast 1-4:30 PM LotusFest! in which Lotusland is featured. Self-guided tours for all members The first annual lotus festival-a A coupon will appear in the fall Call for reservations. full day of fun and education for member's newsletter. Space is limited. the whole family-takes place MEMBERS$10 or free admission MEMBERS$10 or free when our lotus are at the peak pass, NONMEMBERS$12 admission pass of their bloom. Lunch will be December 2, SaturdatJ June 24, SaturdalJ available for purchase or bring 1-4:30PM 9 AM-4 PM a picnic. Reservation coupon is Holiday shopping and PrivateJapanese s on page 15. self-guided tours for all members with Vi .. ADULT MEMBERS$20, KIDSUNDER Call for reservations. Our pla or offers a tour 10 $10 (or use admission passes), Space is limited. of local private Japanese gardens. Kms UNDER2 Free, ADULT NON­ MEMBERS$10 or free admission MEMBERS$75, NONMEMBERS$80 MEMBERS$25 pass, NONMEMBERS$12