LOTUSLAND NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS ◆ VOLUME 18 NO. 3 ◆ SUMMER 2009 Fascinating Ferns BY VIRGINIA HAYES

HE VICTORIAN ERA was charac- terized in many ways, especially T by scientific exploration and innovation. One of those was the craze to collect exotic plants. Ferns were among the sought-after types, and they were gathered from the far corners of the globe. Most ferns require warmth and constant moisture to thrive, so a number of these early collections were housed in conservatories and greenhouses. Some of the collections have survived in the older botanical gardens such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in Britain and the New York Botanical Garden, New York. Other displays of ferns outdoors are included at a few botanical gardens such

as the Birmingham Botanic Garden in HAYES Alabama that displays hardy ferns from GINIA GINIA around the world and Fernwood in R Minnesota specializing in temperate ferns from northern zones. Most of these fern

gardens feature the plants in a woodland VI BY PHOTOS setting, much as they would be found The chain fern, Woodwardia radicans, has large, arching fronds up to five feet in length. It is sometimes in their native habitats. also called the rooting chain fern because it forms small plantlets at the tips of the fronds where they Given the benign climate of Santa touch the ground. These plantlets can then root into the ground and grow into another complete plant. Barbara, it is possible to grow many species of ferns, including many of IN THIS ISSUE the more tropical ones. In addition, Lotusland’s fern garden deviates from Fascinating Ferns 1 Summer Twilight Tour 10 the subdued woodland design concept Director’s Letter 3 Lotusland Needs a 10 by focusing the limelight on the ferns LotusFest! 4 Fireproof Data Safe themselves. A forest of tree ferns Join Madame Ganna Walska… 4 Become a Lotusland Docent 11 (Sphaeropteris cooperi and Dicksonia By Leaving a Personal Legacy to Lotusland antarctica) shades large swaths of chain How Does Our Garden Grow? 11 fern (Woodwardia fimbriata), hummock Horticultural Happenings 5 New Pumps and New (Old) Cycads Container Garden Workshop 11 fern (Blechnum orientale) and holly fern (Cyrtomiun falcatum). Many other speci- The Lotus Society 6 Volunteer Profile: Arlene Belmontes 12 mens are planted throughout, but the Charles Glass…In His Own Words 7 The Garden Has Never Stopped Blooming for Me overwhelming impression is of ferns, Part II of a Series ferns and more ferns. Members’ Family Day 8 Increase Your Membership to 12 Ferns have been planted at Lotusland The Birds and the Bees and the Flowers Patron Level or Above and for as long as any other type of plant. and the Trees! Enjoy a Very Special Benefit R. Kinton Stevens started the tradition New to the Collections 10 Thank You to Our Garden 15 Continued on page 2 Succulent Donations Benefactors and Sponsors 2

The LOTUSLAND Continued from page 1 Aglaonaria robertsii ‘Santa Rosa’ and the NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS by making an expedition to Hawai’i in more common bird’s nest fern (Asplenium is published by Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation 1891 to obtain specimens of the amau nidus), several species of sword ferns 695 Ashley Road tree fern (Sadleria cyatheoides). (He was (Nephrolepis) and maidenhair ferns Santa Barbara, California 93108 privileged to also view Kilauea erupting (Adiantum) among others. By the time 805.969.3767 • www.lotusland.org and to meet Queen Liliuokalani, but those that the Ganna Walska Lotusland BOARD OF TRUSTEES are stories for another day.) Although he Foundation assumed stewardship of W. Mason Farrell, President was commissioned to procure them for the garden and commissioned Paylen Jill Levinson, Vice-President Golden Gate Park, a few of those plants to expand the garden, a few more were John Tilson, Vice-President Sherry Gilson, Secretary remained in Santa Barbara when the available, but many of the new ferns, Linda J. Gluck, Treasurer main shipment went north to San even then, came from Paylen’s personal Jane Gail Copelan Francisco. While none of those original collection. Geoffrey Crane ferns survive here today, many other The world of commercial fern William M. Daugherty Larry Durham species are thriving in the garden. production has continued to grow, but Ian M. Fisher The practice of planting ferns the diversity of ferns available to growers Kisa Heyer continued after R. Kinton Stevens’ death, is still a fraction of the known species. Harry W. Kolb most likely by his son Ralph. When Fern societies and botanical gardens Michael Mayfield Sandra Nicholson Madame Walska bought the property that remain in the forefront of growing and Chapin Nolen she would eventually dub Lotusland, introducing new ferns to their members. Brett M. Posten some of the Australian tree ferns The willingness of these hobbyists and Barbara Siemon Cynthia Spivey (Sphaeropteris cooperi) already grew in the professionals to trade not only plants, Marianne Sprague shade of the oaks north of the house. but also their nearly microscopic spores, Nancy L. Wood To enhance that area, Madame Walska attests to their dedication. As you might engaged Bill Paylen to create a fern imagine, growing ferns from spores is Merryl Brown Robert J. Emmons garden in the late 1960s. The selection not the easiest method. In many cases, Arthur R. Gaudi of ferns commercially available at that either because the plants are so rare or Anne Jones time was slim, but Paylen managed so slow growing, this is the only way to Michael Towbes to find a wider array among his plant increase the supply. Lotusland’s collection Carol L. Valentine Lifetime Honorary Trustees collector friends. He added a particularly in recent times has benefited from the robust form of the Australian tree fern efforts of these fern enthusiasts. Spores Gwen Stauffer, M.S. that had been located in a garden in have been received from the Los Angeles Executive Director Brentwood, the Tasmanian tree fern International Fern Society and as far Steven Timbrook, Ph.D. Director Emeritus (Dicksonia antarctica), chain ferns (Wood- away as the Botanic Garden in Nancy, Anne Dewey, CFRE wardia fimbriata and W. radicans), the still France. Plants have come to us from fern Director of Development rather rare Mexican tree fern (Cibotium researchers such as Barbara Jo Hoshizaki Deanna Hatch schiedei), an interesting hybrid known as and the Hardy Fern Foundation. The Communications Manager Virginia Hayes Curator of the Living Collection Michael Iven Director of Grounds and Facilities Dorothy Shaner Public Programs Manager Karen Twibell Manager of Administration and Human Resources Printed by Jano Graphics Lindse Davis, Design Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based inks

Mission Statement To preserve and enhance the spectacular collections of exotic plants and the historic Montecito estate of Madame Ganna Walska, to provide public access to their remarkable beauty and diversity and, through interpretation of these collections, to foster increased knowledge and appreciation of the importance of plants The bird's nest fern, Asplenium nidus, grows This diminutive form of Microlepia strigosa and the need for their conservation. epiphytically in its native habitat in Australia, but (forma macfadenniae) has very compact can also be planted in the ground. leaf divisions. 3

New fronds of the hammock fern, Blechnum occidentale, are pretty in pink, Spores from the holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum, have germinated on the later shading to light green. This fern grows from creeping rhizomes, creating surface of the tufa stone, producing new plants. The boulder is flanked by the a ground cover. vegetable fern, Diplazium esculentum.

University of California, Santa Barbara is true for many ferns, of course, but (Polystichum polyphlebarum). There are and Los Angeles State and County there are other leaf forms as well. The creeping ferns that grow as ground covers Arboretum have contributed plants, as tongue fern (Pyrrosia lingua) and the bird’s (Arthropteris tenella), epiphytic ferns that well. In all, the collection now comprises nest fern (Asplenium nidus) have entire cling to trees (staghorn fern, Platycerium about 150 taxa. leaves, with no subdivisions. Some ferns bifurcatum), even lithophytic ferns that The descriptive word “ferny” would are only divided once, like the golden can grow in rocks (holly fern, Cyrtomium characterize many ferns. One conjures polypody (Phlebodium pseudoaureum), falcatum). All these forms are displayed an image of a frond with many small while others are divided three or even at Lotusland, many of them massed in subdivisions, giving it a lacy look. That four times as in the Japanese lace fern Madame Walska’s signature style. Director’s Letter

VER THE PAST several months, many wonder, joy and a sense of well-being. of you have called or sent emails The garden’s potent magic that attracts Oasking me, “How is Lotusland?” Times us all to Lotusland is the same magic that are tough for everyone, and Lotusland is easily deceives everyone into believing no exception. Our investment portfolio that all is well for Lotusland. While we was affected by the 2008 economic have as many visitors this year as we downturn, but we took quick action have had in the past, the revenue we before the year was out to trim our earn through tours, programs and shop annual budget, including eliminating sales, and the support we receive from and reducing staff positions and cutting foundations and donors, has declined. funds for operational needs. Our aim is We are so grateful to all of you, our to be “lean and mean,” yet maintain the members, because your membership RICK CARTER same level of exceptional care to these support helps us ensure the perpetual Gwen Stauffer amazing gardens and continue all of our guardianship of this captivating place. current programs. Now, during these difficult times, we threatening fires. While we mourn the In fact, the Lotusland staff excels at need our members more than ever, and I losses suffered by the communities and doing more with less. At the mid-point ask you to affirm the value of Lotusland institutions around us, and even while of our fiscal year, our expenses are less to you and your community by renewing we get back to our routines and focus on than what has been allowed in a very or increasing your membership. day-to-day activities, we never assume tight budget, yet members and visitors All of my life has been spent building that Lotusland is immune. Lotusland is praise the gardens as having never looked and nurturing gardens, and I am keenly a precious treasure, and I urge you to better, even as a shrunken crew cares for aware that gardens come and go by the visit, enjoy and support the garden’s more gardens than ever before. In addi- hands of those who tend them. Never many ephemeral moments that are easily tion, our beloved Fourth Grade Outreach before have I been so intensely reminded missed and not to be taken for granted. Program not only thrives, but continues that the live beauty of a garden can be Warmest regards, to receive accolades from the community. destroyed by a single act. Lotusland Gwen L. Stauffer The beauty of Lotusland inspires has been spared from not one, but two 4

SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE LotusFest! SATURDAY, JULY 11 • 2:00 TO 5:00 PM

Please join us for this celebration of the spectacular flower that is Lotusland’s namesake.

Enjoy these afternoon delights: Wine tasting from Santa Barbara County’s premier vintners Mellow jazz • Delectable hors d’oeuvres Lotus lore galore • Lotus viewing

Price is $65/members and $75/nonmembers. To register, please call 805.969.9990.

Join Madame Ganna Walska… BY LEAVING A PERSONAL LEGACY TO LOTUSLAND

ADAME WALSKA was a visionary who left her fortune to Lotusland to ensure that M the magnificent garden she created will be open to the public in perpetuity. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we build our Endowment Fund to guarantee the preservation of this unique botanical treasure. Outright gifts, pledges or bequests in any amount are welcome. Gifts of $10,000 or more to Lotusland’s Endowment Fund qualify for membership in The Lotus Society. The names of Lotus Society members are engraved on the Wall of Honor. New members Stephen and Toni Haselton are pictured in front of the panel where their names were recently added. They made their donation in honor of Stephen’s father, Scott Haselton, who was an avid succulent collector and a friend of Madame Walska. There are many ways to give to Lotusland. Please visit our website at www.lotusland.org and click on “Giving to Lotusland” or call our Director of Development, Anne Dewey, at 805.969.3767,

extension 105. CARTER RICK 5 HORTICULTURAL HAPPENINGS New Pumps and New (Old) Cycads

AM PLEASED TO TELL you about costs with a potential cash incentive of some new acquisitions at Lotusland, $1,300 based on estimated kWh savings. Isome to see—and others behind The project was made possible by the scenes. Carol Valentine’s vision and commit- ment to dedicate funds to infrastructure NEW WELL AND projects. She also funded a project now PRESSURE PUMPS in the planning stages to improve WHEN THE WELL is dry, we know the drainage on the west side of the property. worth of water. —Benjamin Franklin, These are not the most glamorous Poor Richard’s Almanac, 1746 projects that I would ask you to view the Since the 1920s, the gardens at next time you’re at Lotusland, but they Lotusland have been irrigated with are extremely important to the garden’s water pumped from a well near the operations. Carol Valentine truly realized Ashley Road gate to a 0.5-acre-foot the worth of water. reservoir located 250 feet north of Lotusland’s northern property line. DONATION OF CYCADS TO LOTUSLAND MICHAEL IVEN BY PHOTOS Gravity flow returns the water to the The crew from SAR Construction removed 300 feet garden. Pressure pumps and a plastic RECENTLY, LOTUSLAND Research Associate of PVC drop pipe and the old well pump. The new pipe main line that isolated garden irri- Jeff Chemnick learned about the avail- pump was set at 240 feet. gation water from Montecito Water ability of cycads growing in the yard of District household water were added in a Camarillo home. The home was about Everyone was awed by the size of three the 1980s. We are fortunate to have a to be put on the market, and the owner Cycas rumphii with trunks measuring 4, well that has consistently provided did not want cycads in the landscape. 5.5 and 7 feet. Those moving the plants enough water to maintain the grounds. A previous owner was an avid plant were particularly awed by their weight, It was time to replace our well pump collector, and Jeff had supplied cycads especially that of the 7-footer. and pressure pumps, and we did so with to him in the 1970s and early 1980s. Planting sites were selected and the new, more energy efficient models. At Lotusland’s curator, Virginia Hayes, three C. rumphii were transplanted into Lotusland’s request, Southern California cycad gardener Jed Pace and Jeff in- the Cycas section of the cycad garden Edison performed an energy efficiency spected the plants to assess the viability adjacent to the koi pond. Eight days test on the old pumps prior to installation of moving them and introducing some after hearing about the possibility of of the new ones. Not surprisingly, the to Lotusland’s cycad garden. The owner acquiring some plants, there is an old pumps’ efficiency rated pretty low. agreed to donate the plants and within impressive new display for everyone to With the new models, SCE estimates a couple of days, Jeff and a Lotusland crew see. Be sure to check it out the next time annual savings of over $2,000 in energy went to Camarillo to transport them. you visit Lotusland. —Michael Iven JED PACE JED Jeff Chemnick views the three Cycas rumphii after they were transported from Camarillo to Lotusland. The Lotusland crew planted the C. rumphii two days Prior to planting, the plants were root pruned and a site was selected and prepared. after their arrival at Lotusland. 6

Lotus TheSociety

Our gracious and generous hosts, Margo and Jeffrey Barbakow (RIGHT), greeted Board President Mason Farrell and Executive Director Gwen Stauffer. LUNCHEON HONORS MEMBERS OF THE LOTUS SOCIETY

HE EIGHTH ANNUAL Lotus Society Recognition Luncheon was held Ton June 14 at the lovely home and garden of Margo and Jeffrey Barbakow. We are delighted to now have 93 members of The Lotus Society who have each made a gift, pledge or bequest of $10,000 or more to Lotusland’s Endow- ment Fund. Lotusland is very grateful for the special support of these members who are helping to ensure the future financial well-being of the garden. For more information about The Lotus Society or to become a member, please call Lotusland’s Director of Develop- ment, Anne Dewey, at 805.969.3767, Wilson Quarré, Peggy Wiley, Gwen Stauffer, Laura Lee Woods and Casey Zimmerman enjoyed the extension 105. delicious luncheon served on the Barbakow’s delightful patio. Peggy is a Lotus Society Committee member. CK CARTER CK PHOTOS BY RI BY PHOTOS Margo Barbakow chatted with Robert and Sherry Gilson, who admired the New Lotus Society member Connie Buxton, Lotus Society co-chair Jane Copelan stunning gardens. Sherry is co-chair of the Lotus Society Committee. and Patty Jacquemin enjoyed a perfect day at the sunflower-themed luncheon. 7 Charles Glass…In His Own Words PART II OF A SERIES OF EXCERPTS FROM HIS UNPUBLISHED MEMOIRS WITH THE WORKING TITLE OF EXPERIENCES OF 12 YEARS AS DIRECTOR OF LOTUSLAND: THE FABULOUS ESTATE OF MME GANNA WALSKA

ME. WALSKA LOVED acquiring After we finished landscaping the nursery and our book business as well new plants, but to be sure she small area with the new Mammillaria as the editing of the Journal [Cactus and M only got the best, she fell into clusters, she took us on the inevitable Succulent Journal]. This spread us pretty the habit of going to plant shows and tour of the gardens. During the tour thin and we realized that we would soon buying the first place winners. She first we oohed and aahed in the appropriate have to take the plunge, sell our nursery met Bob [Foster] at the annual Los places, and the gardens were very and homes and move to Santa Barbara Angeles Cactus and Succulent Show, impressive, but she turned on us and along with Abbey Garden Press.… after she saw his prize-winning Dioscorea challenged, “What are you? Hypocrites? She signed a contract with us stating macrostachya, a strange caudiciform You tell me how wonderful ‘Lotusland’ our purpose in coming to work at succulent from Mexico with a caudex is, how beautiful it is…and I try to give Lotusland and guaranteeing us job like a tortoise shell from which an it to you and you won’t take it!” That security for at least two years. It also night, driving back to L.A., we talked annual vine-like stem bearing leaves affirmed that our collection of some it over again, both of us wondering and flowers is produced. She insisted 10,000 cacti and other succulents would whether, even knowing what we knew upon buying this plant, a favorite of be housed and cared for at Lotusland. about the challenges and difficulties We sold our business to our dearest Bob’s, which was definitely not for sale. involved, we should not give it a friends John and Mary Bleck, who As usual she finally got her way and we chance. We knew it was not really a decided that they would join us and delivered the plant. Another time we question of “giving us the garden,” but move to Santa Barbara. We sold our came up to deliver several large clusters she had told me in one of her many, nursery property in Reseda and Bob of Mammillaria geminispina, a lovely long phone conversations that she sold his family home. We were looking species of pincushion cactus with white would be leaving a sizable endowment, for property in Santa Barbara and at spines and white wool, which she if she could find someone she trusted to this point Mme. Walska’s accountant, purchased from us admittedly to attempt take over as director, but she had to Reginald Faletti, called us into his office. to copy the marvelous effect of the main work with that person, and he had to He stated, and I could tell from his turn cactus drive at the Huntington Botanical win or earn that trust, we knew. She of a phrase that he was quoting Mme. Garden in San Marino. “Monkey sees, had tried to give it to the city of Santa Walska verbatim, that Mme. Walska monkey doos!” she told us. She wanted Barbara and she had tried to give it to could not work under the constraints of us to direct the gardeners and virtually the University of California at Santa a contract such as the one that she had landscape the new area she had set aside Barbara, but in both cases she was told signed, and that if we wished to work for the new cactus along the main drive. that their lawyers would meet with her with her at Lotusland we would have to In passing I should mention a lawyers to draw up the papers and that tear up said contract and work together humorous anecdote that also sheds a was definitely not the approach to take, under mutual trust or not at all. At this bit of light on her character. Bob was not the way she worked or thought. We point there was little turning back. We wearing a small necklace of amber beads considered that if we took her up on her had already sold our properties and our he had purchased in Germany while we offer and somehow survived and saw the nursery business. We decided we had were there for a cactus congress. Mme. transition to a well-endowed botanical no alternative but to accept her terms Walska looked at the necklace, then garden that it would be a wonderful and we started looking for a very, very looked up at him, and enquired some- thing, indeed, for the plant world. On large property where we could store our the other hand, we considered that if what sardonically, “Are you trying to collection of 10,000 cacti and succulents we continued to turn her down and if impress me?” She then told us to wait until such a time as they could be she died without finding anyone she there a minute as she went scurrying off moved to Lotusland. I bought two acres trusted and could work with, that the into the main house. Several minutes high up on Las Canoas Road, hopefully estate would undoubtedly be broken up later she emerged from the house, above the “late night and early morning and the great opportunity and a unique fog” where our plants would have a fair slightly bent over, with an old sweater garden totally lost, and we would tightly wrapped around her upper body. chance of surviving until we could win always wonder if we could have saved the trust of and come to terms with She came up to Bob and with a flair, it had we but tried. We decided that it Mme. Walska. almost like a flasher, spread her sweater would be better to try and lose than not open wide to reveal an amber necklace to try at all.… larger and heavier than we had ever seen We started coming up to Santa NEXT TIME or imagined. It was so heavy it made Barbara for a few days each week, MORE STORIES FROM the Glass memoir her stoop slightly and largest globes of working with Mme. Walska and in the next issue of the Newsletter for amber were the size of grapefruits. It ‘Lotusland’ and then spending the rest Members. was typical Mme. Walska jewelry. of the time in Reseda, taking care of the Excerpts edited by Virginia Hayes 8 Members’ Family Day, May 16, 2009 B The B GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY THOMAS & NANCY CRA

The banner pictured at right thanks our generous Members’ Family Day sponsors.

Nancy Crawford enjoyed being surrounded by many members of her family at Members’ Family Day.

Floating a rubber ducky down the runnel is a favorite activity of the young set.

Photographer Bob DeBris provided fabulous costumes to transform guests for their souvenir photos. Executive Director Gwen Stauffer (RIGHT) greeted guests at the Visitor Center for the 12th annual Members’ Family Day.

It’s clear that Trustee Brett Posten and his wife Joanna thought the complimentary ice cream cones were delicious. Guests of all ages enjoyed the music of Peter Feldman and the Very Lonesome Boys. 9 Birds and the Bees and the Flowers and the Trees! AWFORD, JR. IN HONOR OF THEIR GRANDCHILDREN

The craft table provided hours of What could be more fascinating than getting up close and personal with Having your face painted by Anji Lawson is a entertainment, even for tigers. an owl from Eyes in the Sky? favorite Members’ Family Day activity.

This trio shows off the flowerpots, filled with Lotusland succulents, that Artist Gail Lucas drew a giant mural for guests to paint throughout the day. they decorated at the Potting Shed. CK CARTER CK PHOTOS BY RI BY PHOTOS This young guest looks at his Pollination Partner Guide in preparation Wildlife on Wheels enthralled the audience at their shows in the theatre garden. for searching for pollinators and winning a prize. 10 NEW TO THE COLLECTIONS Succulent Donations

S LUSH AS LOTUSLAND seems to directly into the ground within them. be when one strolls the paths, it After his death, his heirs began looking A may be surprising to some visitors for a suitable home for many of the to know that a large proportion of the plants, and Lotusland was among the collections are succulent plants adapted institutions they contacted. After Lotus- to desert environments. Of course, land staff assessed the collection and because of those adaptations, many have investigated the logistics of moving the bizarre shapes and features, surely one plants, funding was sought to rent a of the reasons Madame Walska began truck and for costs related to three staff collecting them. We are pleased to have members spending three days digging, recently added some new species and loading and transporting selected speci- fine specimen succulents that once men plants. It was through the generous belonged to other avid collectors. financial support of two donors, Anitra Herman Schwartz, an oncologist Sheen and Paul Glenn, that the plants practicing medicine in Berkeley, spent were successfully moved to their new much of his life collecting succulent home at Lotusland. euphorbias and other species. He erected Some of the plants included in this several large greenhouses near Bolinas, acquisition are two species of Alluaudia, California and planted many of them spiny succulents native to Madagascar, 13 species of Aloe, eight species of The variegated form of Euphorbia ammak creates Euphorbia, several other assorted species a stark contrast among the other euphorbias, which of succulent plants, as well as four large are generally a dark green in color. specimens of Beaucarnea stricta, the ponytail palm. These plants will find these two sites allowed the Lotusland their new homes in various parts of the crew to visit both and acquire the plants. garden after they have recovered from Two groupings of these striking plants, their transplant. It is always a treat to be sometimes called the ghost euphorbia able to plant not only new species of because of their pallor, are now plants, such as Aloe karasbergensis and A. installed among the other euphorbias classenii and Euphorbia hamata, but showy along the main drive. Their mature size HAYES specimens such as the ponytail palms. (many are six feet or so in height) and

GINIA GINIA Such additions are the kind that Madame the substantial show that such a large Walska always sought for her garden. number of them add to the garden is Serendipitously, at the same time an quite stunning. offer of a dozen or more potted speci- Lotusland extends heartfelt thanks PHOTOS BY VIR BY PHOTOS Lotusland staff unload a large specimen of Aloe mens of Euphorbia ammak ‘Variegata’ to the donors of the plants as well as powysiorum. Native to Kenya, it was one of the was received from the Garbarino family those who financed the collecting trip many plants received from the Schwartz collection. in San Rafael. The close proximity of up north. —Virginia Hayes Summer Twilight Tour Lotusland Needs a SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 4:00 TO 7:00 PM Fireproof Data Safe!

AKE THE OPPORTUNITY to enjoy the longer days of After two close calls from the Tea and Jesusita summer “after hours” during our Summer Twilight fires, we are reassessing our data storage. TTour. Begin your walk with a stop at the Tori gate, We are in great need of a fireproof data safe for a cool beverage in your commemorative Lotusland with a 2- to 3-hour fire rating. wine glass. You and your guests can choose to reserve a If you have one to spare, or if you would like docent-led tour, or explore the gardens on your own. Wine, beverages and light hors d’oeuvres will be to donate $6,000 for us to purchase one, served after 5:00 PM on the geranium terrace. Please use please contact Anne Dewey the coupon on page 15 to reserve space for this event. at 805.969.3767, extension 105. 11

Become a Lotusland Docent DOCENT TRAINING FALL 2009 RECEPTION FOR PROSPECTIVE DOCENTS THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 • 2:00 PM

ADAME GANNA WALSKA’S extra- munity and other California academic ordinarily creative vision of and horticultural institutions. These M garden design was transformed informative and enjoyable Monday- into reality by many talented landscape morning sessions last from 9:30 AM to designers and horticulturists. This trans- noon. This fall’s docent training begins formation has been an ongoing process, on Monday, September 14. each garden yielding fascinating stories A reception for prospective docents about its beginnings and metamorphosis will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, into its present-day form. August 20. This biennial event offers Visitors to Lotusland are treated to prospective docents an opportunity to botanical and historical information learn more about docent training and to about the estate interpreted by docents meet some of the very knowledgeable who have undergone extensive training docents who currently lead tours of the to prepare them for giving public tours. garden. Please tell your friends and Every other fall, a 14-week docent neighbors about the program. To reserve training course provides all the necessary a space at the reception, please contact information for conducting a tour of the our Volunteer Coordinator, Jean Parry, garden. Instructors are drawn from the at [email protected] or 805.969.3767, Lotusland staff, the Santa Barbara com- extension 112.

How Does Container Garden Our Garden Grow? Workshop SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 1:30 TO 4:00 PM 9:30 AM TO NOON

ON’T MISS THIS opportunity to explore Lotusland REATE A BEAUTIFUL planter at on your own and meet the gardeners who our Container Garden Work- Dare responsible for keeping each garden in Cshop. Lotusland will provide world-class condition. Our knowledgeable staff will be all of the materials needed along ready to answer questions about the care and maintenance with step-by-step instructions of Lotusland’s gardens as well as your own garden. during this morning class. Light refreshments will be served on the geranium Space is limited, so please terrace throughout the afternoon. Please use the coupon register early by using the coupon on page 15 to register. on page 15. 12 Volunteer Profile: Arlene Belmontes THE GARDEN HAS NEVER STOPPED BLOOMING FOR ME

for her to decide to honor her mother plants could be so fascinating. It’s all in by becoming involved with Lotusland. the telling!” “My mother had created a Pennsylvania Arlene believes it’s important to get garden that was a ‘show stopper.’ Shortly a feel for those who are on her Lotusland after my mother’s passing, I decided the tours. Whenever she can, she tries to find best way for me to keep her memory something in her tour that resonates alive was to take more interest in one of with each group. The Japanese garden her favorite pastimes. Luckily for me, it is her year-round choice of a favorite was the year Lotusland was interviewing garden. “The serenity there is over- for new docents. The training program whelming to me. I know everyone can was more than a learning and classroom feel it after a few minutes. I even ask experience. It was a new horizon that I the fourth graders to stop, listen and had never experienced. I was a true city feel for a short time at the end of my gal. This was a big green world.” tours. However, during spring and A naturally gregarious person, Arlene summertime, the water garden brings

HAYES can easily put people at ease. Her smile out the poetic side of my tour. The and vivacity are in demand for our garden must be seen during our summer GINIA GINIA

VIR special events and VIP tours. “I want Twilight Tours and LotusFest.” Arlene Belmontes visitors to experience the feeling of this Arlene and Robert became Lotusland garden. It’s the result of one woman’s members for “purely selfish reasons. RREPRESSIBLY ENTHUSIASTIC Arlene devotion and dedication. It’s intimate.” We love to show her off and hear the Belmontes grew up in Pennsylvania Arlene is also a part of Lotusland’s oohs and aahs.” According to Arlene, Iand New York. When she was 11 Fourth Grade Outreach Program “I Robert is more of a cheerleader for years old, Arlene moved with her family found I’m a real ham and love watching Lotusland than anyone she knows to Ventura and since then has always the fourth graders learn from my newly outside of Lotusland. lived near the beach. acquired knowledge. Being a classroom We are grateful to Arlene for her Arlene spent 34 years as a flight presenter at their schools is one of the talents as a docent, her enthusiasm and attendant for American Airlines and most rewarding parts of the Outreach her commitment to Lotusland. except for enduring one year in Chicago Program for me. They and I never knew —Jean Parry that included a bitter cold winter, she was based in Manhattan Beach. At that time the airlines offered free passes to its employees—with a mandatory Increase Your Membership $10 surcharge—and that was Arlene’s passport to the world. Since her work to Patron Level or Above and routinely took her to major American cities as well as to Paris and London, Enjoy a Very Special Benefit she decided that during her leisure time she would explore more remote or exotic locales. “The travel bug is still in IN ADDITION TO RECEIVING unlimited free admission to Lotusland, me. I try to go out of the country at our Garden Sponsor, Benefactor and Patron membership levels least once a year and usually to an receive an invitation to the annual President’s Party. unusual destination.” Her travels have taken her everywhere from Transylvania (her recommendation: “Wait 10 years to This year Gary and Susanne Tobey are hosting the President’s Party go there.”) to “spotless Quito.” on September 24 at their beautiful Montecito home and garden. After retiring, she and her partner of 18 years Robert McPherson moved to a Invitations will be mailed to Garden Sponsors, Ventura beach home that they share Benefactors and Patrons in September. with their rescue dog Sandy along with their very spoiled cat Lucy. They also For more information about these membership levels, serve as foster parents to cocker spaniels. In 2005 a friend presented them please contact Anne Dewey, Director of Development, with passes for a Lotusland tour. It took at 805.969.3767, extension 105,or e-mail [email protected]. two visits for Arlene to be hooked and 13 Lotusland Gratefully Acknowledges Donations MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2009

2008 ANNUAL APPEAL Mr. Richard A. Johnson Ms. Carolyn Stanton Mrs. Diana M. Kennett Ms. Anita Ward GENERAL FUND Dr. Kimberly Krohn & Dr. John Fishpaw Mr. & Mrs. Christian Heyer in appreciation of Eric Nagelmann’s tour IN MEMORY OF Mr. & Mrs. Russell Roberts Shirley & Seymour Lehrer, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Youker Lehrer Family Foundation TOM HUGUNIN Mr. Keith J. Mautino John & Susie Evans LOTUS SOCIETY for Water Stairs Renovation APRIL16 EVENT Ms. Lorraine M. McDonnell IN MEMORY OF Jane Gail Copelan & Mr. M. Stephen Weatherford Mrs. Joanna Newton MARILYN MCCARTHY Sherry Gilson Mr. & Mrs. Phil Bates Trisha & Kenneth Volk Mr. & Mrs. James C. Nonn Ms. June H. Schuerch Kurt, Mary & Molly Edwards Ms. Hilda P. Seibert for The Wish List Allan & Kay Lipman GRANTS Ms. Leslie Storr The Elizabeth Firth Wade Endowment Fund Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Shanelec The Spivey Family Foundation Ms. Gwen L. Stauffer Mrs. Alice Stephenson IN MEMORY OF Ms. Kathleen L. Taylor MATCHING GRANT United Way CAROL VALENTINE The Capital Group Companies Mr. & Mrs. James Warren Mr. & Mrs. Bart Araujo directed by James Drasdo in honor of Arthur R. Gaudi Avanti Roofing IBM International Foundation Damien Webster & Desiree Rothschild Mr. & Mrs. Wiley Blair, III directed by Phillip Pollastrino in appreciation of tour by Esau Ramirez Mr. & Mrs. Monte Brown Mrs. Donald Willfong Mrs. Alger Chaney THE SCHWARTZ FAMILY Anonymous for the Cypress Allée Ms. Quarrier Cook PLANT COLLECTION Ms. Elizabeth W. Dake IN-KIND William & Anne Dewey ACQUISITION Ms. Amy Blakemore, Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Emmons Mr. Paul F. Glenn Blue Garden design drawing Mr. Arthur R. Gaudi Dr. & Mrs. George R. Halling GENERAL DONATIONS GIFT MEMBERSHIP Eric Hvolboll Stephen & Gale Abram Mrs. Robert M. Jones in appreciation of docent Ingrid Anderson DONORS Chris & Bambi Leonard Ms. Anne Albright, Wyndham Jade The Allmon Family Mr. Keith J. Mautino in appreciation of docent Faye Hampton Mrs. Yumie Chiba Mr. & Mrs. Max E. Meyer Ms. Grace Emery Brandt Mr. Bob Cochran Mrs. Patricia A. Brooks Mrs. Julie Cole Mrs. Scott O’Leary Ms. Janet Brown Mrs. Naomi Fujioka Mr. & Mrs. Frank Pesenti , Mr. & Mrs. Aubert De Villaine Shelley & Steven Hall Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Reed, Jr. Mrs. Maurice E. Faulkner Ms. Cecelia C. Hozman Mrs. C. William Schlosser Ms. Annette L. Flattery, La Brucherie Mrs. Jane Jutzi Mrs. Betty Scott Marli Friedlander, Friedlander & Associates Ms. Susan McCaw Ms. Louise E. Thielst in appreciation of docent Ingrid Anderson Ms. Donna Mitchell Michael & Anne Towbes Mrs. Joan Haber Ms. Lucia Oelz Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Weber Mr. & Mrs. Rush Hinsdale Mrs. Patty Rogers Mr. & Mrs. Byron Kent Wood Renewing Upper Level Members MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2009

GARDEN SPONSOR Mr. & Mrs. Frank Caufield, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fairbanks Mrs. Edward E. Stepanek Caufield Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. W. Mason Farrell Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hazard Harry & Sharon Felder GARDEN BENEFACTOR Mr. & Mrs. Christian Heyer Dr. & Mrs. William V. Hahn Mr. & Mrs. Robert Feinberg Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Langhorne, Dr. & Mrs. George R. Halling Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson Firefox, Inc. George & Christy Kolva Mrs. Andy Pearson, The Lehrer Family Foundation Mr. James McPherson & Mr. Robert Eaton Pearson-Rappaport Foundation Ms. Judith Little Ms. Leslie H. Meadowcroft Ms. Beverly Smaniotto Mr. & Mrs. James McIntyre & Mr. Frank Schipper Mr. & Mrs. James C. Nonn Ms. Patricia Millington & Ms. Claire Turner Mrs. C. William Schlosser Thomas Rollerson & Michael Erickson GARDEN PATRON Mr. & Mrs. Petar Schepanovich The Barbakow Family Mrs. Donald Willfong Clifford & Crystal Wyatt Ms. Jacqueline J. Stevens Mr. & Mrs. John K. Pearcy Matthew & Katherine Stewart Mr. & Mrs. Edward Shea Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Stoll , Jr. LEVEL III Mr. & Mrs. George Turpin LEVEL IV Mr. & Mrs. Peter Adams Mr. & Mrs. Rick Vitelle Mrs. Suzanne Bock Dr. & Mrs. A.E. Amorteguy Mr. & Mrs. Hubert D. Vos, Mr. & Mrs. Michael R. Bonsignore Ms. Tanya Atwater Vos Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Brett M. Caine Mr. & Mrs. Ernest A. Bryant, III Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Weber 14 Lotusland Members WE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED IN MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2009

GARDEN PATRON Mr. Tim Cooke Mr. & Mrs. W. Merriken Mr. Steve Countryman Mr. John Cooper Mr. Kash Mohammadi Ms. Sarah Crosby Ms. Debora Musikar & Mr. Russell Opper LEVEL III Ms. Lisa Crouse Christine & Michael Ness Ms. Anne Albright, Wyndham Jade Tim & Christine Cunningham Mr. David Nicoli Dr. Robert L. Ibsen Ms. Elinor A. Damiano Ms. Maria Nolen Ms. Dale Kern Mr. & Mrs. David Davidson Ms. Clover Nyderek Mr. & Mrs. David Low Ms. Yvonne DeGraw & Dr. Craig Prater Mr. Tony Olive-Jones Jeffrey & Teresa Polito Pam & John Deily Kim & Dirk Overturf Mr. Bob Stanley & Ms. Cecilia Rodriguez Ms. Brooke Dene Ms. Vanessa Pankau Dr. Carrie Towbes & Dr. John Lewis Dorah Deval Denis Pariseau & John Norton Doug & Jan Doane Ms. Nancy Patterson Ms. Carol S. Dresben Ms. Rebecca L. Paxton LEVEL II Mr. Ricardo Edelstein David & Stevie Peters Ms. Kathy Bennett Andy & Holly Eubank Ms. Joan Peters & Mr. Peter Passell Mr. Julius Bianchi & Mr. Richard Mach Ms. Laura Evans Ken & Kathryn Pfeiffer Ms. Julia Billington Ms. Jane Fehrenbacher & Mr. Richard Talbot Ms. Jeanne Pickering Ms. Amy Blakemore Ms. Karen M. Fitzpatrick Mrs. Pam C. Price Miss Emily Bowers Ms. Annette L. Flattery, La Brucherie Ms. Marybeth Ray Ms. Terri Bowman Mrs. Marjorie Fleming Mrs. PJ Rhodes Ms. Lois Burwell Mr. David Flick Ms. Julie Ringler Mrs. Cathy Busby & Ms. Claire Spera Sean & Sara Flynn Ms. Barbara Robbins Wallace Cunningham, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Toshio Funaki Mr. Gary Robinson Ms. Diane Rene Francis Ms. Sarah Funkhouser Ms. Linda Rolansky Ron & Becca Garber Ms. Megan Gage & Mr. Patrick Aumont Mr. Joe Rolleri Mr. Ken Grand Mrs. Shirley A. Gerity Dr. Helene Rossert Diane & Darrell Hays Mr. & Mrs. Billy Goodnick Ms. Bonnie Roth Mr. Ken Koster Chantal Gordon-Benoit Dr. & Mrs. Angelo Salvucci, Jr. Ms. Susan B. Levin Penelope Gottlieb Ms. Jere Sanborn Maura Lundy & Edward Cooper Mr. Robert Guevara Mr. Steve Sawin Mr. Robert McPherson Mr. Marvin Guidotta Mrs. Gail Schaap & Ms. Arlene Belmontes Mr. Joe Hackett William & Sally Scheible Mrs. Jeni Mowles Mrs. Yasue Haller Mrs. Suzi Schomer Mr. David Muniz Mr. Paul Halula Laurie & Todd Schuster Mr. Jeff Paaske, Solvang Restaurant Ms. Liberty Hanson David & Jane Schwartz Ms. Mondra Randall Mr. Charles Harrison Joel & Joanne Shefflin Eileen & Alex Rasmussen Velvet Heller Ms. Kathy Siegel Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Shanelec Mr. & Mrs. Dave Hensley Ms. Claudia Skaggs Ms. Yvette Soler Ms. Shani Herron & Ms. Elaine Poole Mrs. Patty P. Smith Dr. Nancy Stagalino Frederick & Kathleen Hershman Ms. June Sochel Jonathan & Pam Talbot Sandra Holmgren Gary & Isabella Solis Mr. & Mrs. William Vaughn Mr. & Mrs. Greg Howard Ms. Susan Soltman Ms. Susan Viniar Susan & David Howell Enid & Benjamin Sperber Ms. Kathy Wu Ms. Kristi Howson Ms. Lauren Spray Ms. Allison Zuber Ms. Barbara Huemer Ms. Gwen L. Stauffer Miwa Izumi Mr. Eddie Steinfeldt & Ms. Janet Goldstein LEVEL I Mr. Robert Janis Ms. Shelly Stevens Lori & Arthur Aldridge Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Jessup, Jr. Ms. Patricia Stewart The Allmon Family Mr. Alan Johnston Ms. Tracy Stouffer Randolph & Kitching Ambrosia Ms. Sharon Kantamen Dr. & Mrs. James Sturgeon Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Amestoy Ms. Phyllis Karr Marlys & Rick Sturrus Ms. Joyce Appleby Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Kay John & Gayle Swarbrick Mr. & Mrs. Edward Armstrong Jeff & Karen Kerns Mr. & Mrs. Michael Szeliga Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bartlein Mr. & Mrs. Noel Klebaum Mimi Tann Mrs. Maria Basch Mrs. Louise H. Knight George & Amy Tharakan Mr. Harry Berman Mr. & Mrs. Ed Koscinski Mr. Ken Thompson Randee Bieler Sharon & Martin Krebs Ms. Becky Timmerman Ms. Sherry Bonds Ms. Nicole Kypreos Ms. Claudia Townley Mr. & Mrs. Burt Boss Ms. Alicia Le Van Ms. Ingeborg Truscott Bob & Ruth Bostrom Mr. David Leaser Laurie & Christian Tudor Dr. Joan Bowman Ms. Pei-te Lien Jeff & Gayle Turner Swamini Brahamanishtananda Mrs. Kathy Lingle Ms. Pilar Unterthiner Ms. Ingrid Brandes David & Susan Mabe Ms. Sri Van Der Kroef Ms. Gail Brett Ms. Valerie MacDonald Ms. Patty Van Dyke Ms. Denise Brown Ms. Sheryl Malone Ms. Anna Vierra Ms. Mary Brown Ken & Paula Manfred Ms. Esther Warschaw Mr. & Mrs. Robert Buckley Ms. Alicia Maris Ms. Linda Weinstock Ms. Ruth Capelle Ms. Marjann Mason Ms. Nancy Welter & Mr. Peter Barton Dan & Tiffany Carter Ms. Susan Massey Gail Wesling Ms. Francesca Cava & Mr. John Robinson Mr. & Mrs. Michael Matkins Ms. Jo Wideman Ms. Valerie Cavanaugh Mr. Myles M. Mattenson Ms. Lauren E. Wilson & Mr. William Kerstetter Ms. M.E. McCammon Mr. & Mrs. Phil Wood Mr. Lane Clark Ms. Barbara McDonald Jau-Sien & SuPing Wu Ms. Lori Clayton Ms. Karen McMahon Marty Wyle Mr. Michael Colefax Mr. Ron Mees Ms. Jenn Yamamura David & Naily Colello Ms. Deborah Mele The Yanez Family Ms. Penelope Collard Ms. Carla Melson Mr. & Mrs. Ron Ziegler 15 Ganna Walska Lotusland Registration Form

PAYMENT METHOD: Check enclosed VISA MasterCard 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 Summer Twilight Tour Saturday, August 15 • 4:00 TO 7:00 PM CHECK ONE: Docent-guided tour Self-guided tour $50/members • $60/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______

How Does Our Garden Grow? Saturday, September 12 • 1:30 TO 4:00 PM $35/members • $45/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______

Container Garden Workshop Saturday, October 10 • 9:30 AM TO NOON $50/members • $60/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______

Thank You to Our Members Who GARDEN SPONSORS Have Increased Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck Jack Mithun & Mercedes Millington Mrs. Edward E. Stepanek Their Level of Support Ms. Erin Tappan Peter & Leslie Tolan MARCH, APRIL AND MAY 2009 GARDEN BENEFACTORS LEVEL IV LEVEL II Staffan & Margareta Encrantz Mr. & Mrs. Charles Munger, Ms. Bette Bauer Mr. & Mrs. Robert Feinberg Alfred C. Munger Foundation Ms. Cristy Brenner Mr. & Mrs. Richard Janssen Mr. & Mrs. James C. Nonn Ronald & M.L. Fendon Mr. & Mrs. Jon B. Lovelace Mrs. Cynthia Hall Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson Mr. Robert Bruce Hill, Hill & Associates Mrs. Andy Pearson Mr. & Mrs. Harold Simmons LEVEL III Ms. Nancy Kersnowski Mr. & Mrs. Herb Simon Harry & Sharon Felder Mr. Keith J. Mautino Ms. Beverly Smaniotto Mr. & Mrs. Petar Schepanovich Dr. & Mrs. Robert Wilson Mr. Jack Baker, Wallis Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Weber Mr. & Mrs. James Wolfe Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PA ID Santa Barbara California Permit No. 163

695 Ashley Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Address Service Requested

Summer and Fall 2009 Member Events

MANY LOTUSLAND EVENTS are open to nonmembers, so please let your friends and neighbors know about the great activities we offer.

Saturday, July 11 Saturday, September 12 and are child and parent friendly. LotusFest! How Does Our Garden Grow? They are separate from regular adult 2:00 TO 5:00 PM 1:30 TO 4:00 PM tours. Adult members, $20 or use See details on page 4. See details on page 11 and use the admission passes; ages five to 18, Call 805.969.9990 to register. coupon on page 15 to register. $10; four and under, free. Call 805.969.9990 for reservations. Sunday, July 26 Thursday, September 24 Lotusland Celebrates President’s Party Our Secret Gardens 4:30 PM 4:00 TO 8:00 PM See details on page 12. Invitations were mailed in June. New Member For tickets or information, call Saturday, October 10 805.969.3767, extension 120. Container Garden Workshop Benefit for 9:30 AM TO NOON Levels I, II and III Saturday, August 15 See details on page 11 and use the Summer Twilight Tour coupon on page 15 to register. 4:00 TO 7:00 PM After you use your admission See details on page 10 and use the Tours passes, you and your guests coupon on page 15 to register. Regular Tours and Family Tours are may visit Lotusland at the offered at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, reduced rate of $20 per person. Thursday, August 20 Wednesday through Saturday, Prospective Docent Reception between February 15 and November Call 805.969.9990 2:00 PM 15. Family Tours are available for to make a reservation. See details on page 11. groups with children under age 10