Quarterly Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

IronwoodVolume 23, Number 1 Spring 2015

Pursuit of Poppies By Bruce Reed, Horticulturist and Betsy Collins, Director of Horticulture

very spring the meadow at the E Garden bursts into bloom creating a colorful carpet of wildflowers set against the backdrop of La Cumbre Peak. Perhaps the most familiar of these wildflowers is the brilliant orange Eschscholzia californica, better known as the California poppy. What you might not know is that there are many other members of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) native to California and not all of them are small, sweet wildflowers.

Photo: Spencer Sky 2 Spring 2015

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden tel (805) 682-4726 — fax (805) 563-0352 www.sbbg.org Director’s Message Garden Hours March — October: Daily 9:00am - 6:00pm Enjoy a Fantastic Spring in the Garden

Membership: (Ext. 110) Spring is a beautiful time at the Garden and this year perhaps Garden Shop Hours (Ext. 112) more than most. The Meadow Revival Project received its March — October final planting in December and now the Meadow is filled Daily 10:00am - 5:30pm with blooming poppies and lupines. More improvements are on the way with new gardens, new interpretive exhibits, Garden Growers Nursery: (Ext. 127) Selling California native plants to the public and over on the east side of Mission Canyon - our new with no admission fee. conservation building! Staffed 10:00am - 5:30pm daily

Class and Event Information: (Ext. 102) Now is a great time to visit and witness the latest growing Registrar is available Monday — Friday cycle in the Meadow and the diverse wildlife it attracts. 9:00am - 4:00pm Once you’ve taken in the sights (which may take all day!), we have plenty of activities for you to enjoy. Our annual Wine and Cheese Lecture series begins in May, kicking off an Volunteer Office: (Ext. 119) exciting roster of speakers paired with our best local wineries. We also have a number of Master Gardener Helpline: (805) 893-3485 field trips set up to explore a bit more of California, both from your ease in a historic train car, or on a more adventurous trip out to Santa Barbara Island! Of course, we have more IRONWOOD great classes on site covering California botany, taxonomy, and botanical illustration. Volume 23, Number 1 — Spring 2015 ISSN 1068-4026 No matter your preference, there are a lot of ways to appreciate the beauty of spring. The Ironwood is published four times a year as a member benefit of the Santa Barbara Botanic Juxtaposed with the abundance of natural beauty at the Garden, excitement about a Garden, a private nonprofit institution founded building may seem out of place. But Garden staff know that this new structure is more in 1926. than square footage – it’s a home for our mission. The Pritzlaff Conservation Center The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden fosters the will allow us to further continue our fight to save California’s most endangered plant conservation of California native plants through our gardens, education, and research, and serves species, house the physical records of plant explorations going back into the 1800’s, as a role model of sustainable practices. and enable greater collaboration between departments. Designed so that visitors can The Garden is a Member of the American Public see the conservation work we do, this new facility will allow us to study and save more Gardens Association, the American Association of plants like the Ventura Marsh Milk Vetch (Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus), Museums, the California Association of Museums, Vandenberg Mokeyflower (Mimulus fremontii var. vandenbergensis) and the Lompoc and the American Horticultural Society. Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon capitatum) – all examples of endangered species that we are ©2015 Santa Barbara Botanic Garden currently working on. All rights reserved. We hope our research and conservation efforts teach and inspire others to make

Board of Trustees professional and personal choices to grow and protect native plant landscapes. Although Chair James O. Koopmans, CPA we are a year away from moving in to the new building, I am excited to share its Vice-Chair Peter Schuyler progress with you. Please watch gardEnotes and our website (sbbg.org) for updates and Secretary Carolyn Kincaid Henderson tour opportunities. Treasurer Edward Roach Sue Adams Margaret Baker Sincerely, John A. Brinker Patrick Connelly Marc Fisher Lou Frost John Gabbert Elizabeth Keate John Parke Charles J. Rennie, III, MD Susan Spector Steve Windhager, Ph.D. Susan Van Atta Executive Director

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Lompoc Yerba Santa, Denise Knapp Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 3

Cultivating the Wild Neighborhood Story and photos by Frédérique Lavoipierre, Education Program Manager

If driving through most California and native plants. In San Diego, landscape neighborhoods is any indication, native company Rainscape Environmental plants have yet to be fully embraced Management specializes in native by the gardening public. But turn the neighborhood landscapes. With a little corner into Mission Oaks condominium sleuthing, other native neighborhoods can HOA (home owner’s association) in be found around the state. Solvang, and an inspiring vision for native landscaping emerges. Mission Oaks offers a successful model for other neighborhoods in Santa Barbara Mission Oaks, a gated community of 84 County. Janet notes that a neighborhood households, is nestled into 50 acres of with HOA regulations may not be for hills on the eastern edge of Solvang. Since everyone, but any neighborhood can work 1988, the Mission together informally Oaks community has "Imagine a world where to increase their use collaborated with native plants connect of native plants. Even landscape designer the transformation Greg Donovan to urban and suburban of a single front create a neighborhood gardens to wilderness..." garden can inspire with a sense of place, neighbors and firmly rooted in its passersby to adopt surroundings. They native landscaping. have succeeded, As the public with spectacular discovers the beauty results! “My driving and habitat value force is that whether of native plants, we are in California neighborhoods or Minnesota, our working together landscaping should can transform emulate the natural communities. ecology,” says Greg. Imagine a world where native plants connect urban and The now mature drought-tolerant landscape suburban gardens to wilderness, attracting of largely native plants, seamlessly meets butterflies, native bees, songbirds, frogs the background of wild California, while and other wildlife, even into the heart of the surrounds of the homes are kept neat our cities. and trim, framed by live oaks and glorious manzanitas. Janet Hines, the Chair of the Cultivationg the Wild: Mission Oaks Landscape Committee, notes Native Gardens Tour “We take our landscaping very seriously On Sunday, April 19, the Santa Barbara here. People love the feeling of living in a Botanic Garden hosts its annual Cultivating woodland! One of the nicest things about the Wild garden tour fundraiser. This year living here is waking to the sound of birds.” we explore the inspiring gardens of the Santa Ynez Valley from the comfort of While unique in the Santa Ynez Valley, limousine buses. In addition to a visit at the neighborhood approach to native the Mission Oaks neighborhood, the day landscaping is found in other areas of includes visits to the Santa Ynez Valley California. Village Homes, a sustainable Botanic Garden, a dry-farmed vineyard, community in Davis, dates from the 1970’s, a private historic California rancho, and and boasts a commonly-owned, unifying a gourmet lunch served at the beautifully thread of fruit trees, vegetable gardens, restored Montenero Farm and Grocery.

Reserve today Cultivating the Wild www.sbbg.org Native Gardens Tour 2015 805.682.4726, x102 SUNDAY, APRIL 19 ~ 10:00am – 4:00pm 4 Spring 2015

New Year - New Nursery Story and photos by Heather Wehnau, Plant Propagation Manager

The Garden is proud to unveil the completed renovations of the Garden's Living Collections Nursery on the ridge east of Mission Canyon Road. We again extend our gratitude to the Smart Family Foundation for their generous funding to make this desperately needed renovation possible. It has made an amazing difference for our nursery.

The new shade structure boasts a generous 3600 sq ft of shaded growing area, compared to the 2100 sq ft before renovations. This expanded area includes a new shaded potting area that has been a relief for volunteers during the hot summer months.

Under the shade structures, 2664 sq ft of metal compactorized rolling benches were installed. The new benches expanded our functional growing space and also greatly improved growing conditions. They allow for better drainage and air circulation, and almost complete protection from rodents and larger nursery pests. These benches are long lasting, easy to keep clean, and the height allows us to easily sweep underneath the benches.

Many natives can be finicky in nursery culture, and we have seen impressive results in several species during 2014. The new system added over 1200sq ft of growing area, almost doubling our functional space. That’s a lot of extra plants!

Nursery Open House YOU'RE INVITED Friday, April 10, 2015 4pm - 7pm We welcome our members and volunteers to visit the Nursery for an open house and tour of our renovated space. This is a great opportunity to see where the "behind the scenes" magic happens and the plants are grown for our living collection. Get directions to the Living Collections Nursery at the Entrance Kiosk.

After a 20ft expansion of our existing hoop house we were able to convert the original 20 x 20ft space into an enclosed fog cuttings propagation area, (a greenhouse with a fog emitting system in it for propagation). Our previous mist system used sprayers to keep water on cuttings as they rooted, but the constant moisture created some issues with rotted cuttings. The smaller water droplet size of the new fog emitters maintains a warm humid environment with less moisture directly on the cuttings. We hope this will greatly improve our success propagating difficult to root species. The space, also referred to as "the plant sauna" is already showing promising results after only a few months of use.

After moving into the fog house, we were able to remove the large expanse of rotted wood benches and our previous mist bed from the propagation house. These were replaced with stationary metal benches that have expanded space for seedlings and starts in the greenhouse. They are already full of happy new seedlings for 2015 planting. Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 5

IN THE GARDEN SHOP NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS Spring is here and the Meadow is bursting with color... WINE& CHEESE BOTANIC LECTURE SERIES 2015

First lecture on Saturday, May 23, 2015 with Sherwin Carlquist, Research Botanist See the wildflowers and take home unique new clothes and home décor: For its fifth year, the Garden's Wine and Cheese Botanic Lecture Series brings together the local scientific BB Notecards with exclusive Garden photos community for talks about pollination, botany, and more. BB Danny K bags - Spring Collection Each lecture begins with delicious appetizers, a wine tasting, and conversation with one of our local sponsoring BB Kids exploration games and toys vintners in the Garden Courtyard. BB Haitian wall art made of recycled steel drums LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT SBBG.ORG BB and more!

Save the Date Grow native

Blaksley Bliss Society Luncheon SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE Tuesday, May 19, 2015 11:30am – 1:30pm, in the Blaksley Library Saturday, April 4 - Sunday, May 3 Why Garden Education Matters 10am - 5:30 pm

Anna Dorinda Blaksley Bliss and her daughter Mildred were both Fill your garden with color, beauty and passionate about establishing the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden butterflies with the best selection of native and ensuring its ongoing success. The Blaksley Bliss Society honors plants around including native milkweed for their legacy by recognizing donors who include the Garden in their the monarchs! Use your member discount. estate plans. Join the Blaksley Bliss Society and meet others MEMBERS-ONLY SPECIAL who care deeply about the Garden’s future. The On Friday, April 3 members enjoy a 15% discount Blaksley annual luncheon is both a thank you to our Society Bliss on Spring Native Plant Sale purchases on this Society members and an opportunity to learn more about some of our most important initiatives at day only. the Garden.

For more information contact Nina Dunbar at (805) 682-4726, ext. 151. 6 Spring 2015

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE through February 2015 Story and photo by Betsy Collins, Director of Horticulture

Work on the Pritzlaff Conservation Center is in full swing!

A giant hole - resulting in a giant pile of soil - was dug to create the basement. Predictably, as soon as the hole was dug, the rain we had been longing for filled it up. After the construction crews drained the water out, they compacted the soil and built the footings for the basement and the elevator shaft. Earth tubes were laid around the outside of the basement footings and the air intake pipe was run out to the east side slope. A new cart- sized path was created on the west slope that runs around to the south slope of the ridge. Much of the stockpiled soil was used to form this new path. All the buildings in the main Garden were connected to the new sewer line in February, a process which involved digging a trench up the main path of the Arroyo.

Partners for California’s Native Plants The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has long Tell Your Neighbors You Grow Native worked collaboratively with the California We have a new partnership celebrating the Native Plant Society (CNPS) – our partner native plants in your garden. Our gift store in the effort to conserve California’s now has aluminum signs available that will native plants. The Garden hosts the local allow you to proudly proclaim that your CNPS chapter meetings and lectures in landscape supports native plants and the the Blaksley Library on the third Thursday host of insects, birds, and other wildlife of every other month, as listed in the that rely on them. Get yours today! Garden Calendar.

The Garden has deepened our partnership over the last years, with Dr. Steve Don't miss the next CNPS Windhager, our Executive Director, joining meeting on Monday, the statewide Board of Directors in 2013. March 16. Enjoy a free, Garden staff, Dr. Denise Knapp, Matt informative lecture Guilliams, and Frédérique Lavoipierre, shared their expertise as presenters at the starting at 7pm in the 2015 CNPS State Conservation Conference Blaksley Library. in January this year. REGISTRATION Online: www.sbbg.org Call: (805) 682-4726, x102 CLASSES EVENTS AT THE GARDEN Email: [email protected] & Classes held at the Garden include admission

MARCH Garden Allies: Landscape Design for Wildflower Safaris on Sundays Pesticide-Free Gardening March 15, April 12, and April 26, 9:00am - 4:00pm Saturday, March 21, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Blaksley Library

Frédérique Lavoipierre Frédérique Lavoipierre

Sally Isaacson acts as our living field guide as we seek out the very Learn all about insects like lady bugs and lacewings, birds, best places to see wildflowers and she reveals their secrets. Ride lizards, and other helpful garden inhabitants that help keep in comfort in a limousine bus, while our expert botanist shares harmful insects under control. Did you know there are over a stories about the region and its flowers. Enjoy stops along the dozen species of lady beetles? Do you know the best ones to way for a bit of botanical exploration. We won’t know exactly attract to your garden and how? Hands on lab with high powered where we are going until we know where the best flowers are to microscopes, along with actual garden observation ensure that be found, but locations may include Burton Mesa, Cottonwood participants are prepared to apply what they learn. Ideal for Canyon, and the Carrizo Plain. We won’t go to the same place landscape professionals and dedicated home gardeners. Taught twice. Box lunch included. by Frédérique Lavoipierre, Education Program Manager and author of Pacific Horticulture’s Garden Allies series. Fee: $85 members / $100 non-members Sign up for all three for a discount! Members $225 / non-members $270 Fee: $70.00 members / $95.00 non-members

EXPLORE THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WITH THE GARDEN Experience the botanical wonders of the Channel Islands with our Garden staff and guest instructors, as we share our expertise and passion for the ‘Galapagos of California’, one of the most special places we know of, in California or anywhere else! Travel to these spectacular islands on a ferry, and explore some rarely visited areas with our expert guides. We offer day- trips to Anacapa by ferry, and occasionally by plane. Accommodations for multi-day trips are at Island field stations, and include meals; these are generally scheduled in May. This year, we will visit Santa Cruz, and possibly Santa Rosa. We can’t schedule our multi-day trips far ahead of time; sign up for gardENotes to get notices; trips sell out quickly! Betsy Collins

Anacapa Island: Celebrate the Spring Wildflowers Santa Barbara Island: Explore with the Garden Tuesday, March 10, 9:30am – 4:00pm Saturday, April 25, 7:00am – 6:00pm SOLD OUT - future dates to be announced Join us for a memorable outing to one of the most remote corners Each spring the Anacapa Island flora blooms in rainbows, ranging of Santa Barbara County. Santa Barbara Island supports a limited but from the bright red of Indian paintbrush to the vibrant yellow of very interesting and unique flora. Thirteen kinds of plants restricted giant coreopsis. Join the Garden’s Botanist and Island expert Steve to the California Channel Islands are found on this spectacular Junak for this memorable land and sea adventure with dolphins, island that is only one square mile in size, and wildflower displays whales, sea lions, and a variety of shore birds often observed during can be spectacular! We will spend several hours exploring the the channel crossing from Ventura. island and will be departing from Ventura at 8 a.m. A very fast boat Note: Participants must be in good physical condition – able to will get us to the island in just over 2 hours. Bring lunch, water, a climb 150 steep stairs to the island plateau. Bring lunch, water, hand-lens, binoculars, camera, and wear good walking shoes. Our and hiking shoes. Participants will be given meeting instructions expert staff leads the Island Tour. with reservations. Fee: $150.00 members / $185.00 non-members Fee: $95.00 members / $125 non-members 8 Ironwood – classes & events at the Garden

APRIL

CLASSES WITH PHOTOGRAPHER SAXON HOLT The Garden is very pleased to bring acclaimed photographer, Saxon Holt to the Santa Barbara area. Holt is the author of several books and his work has been featured in magazines throughout the world. Seen through the camera lens, Holt’s perspective of native gardens reveals a subtle beauty that is often missed. Both offerings give you a chance to practice your photography skills with a master. See his work and new series of ebooks at www.photobotanic.com.

Designing California Native Plant Gardens: The Magic of Light: Native Plant Photography Workshop A Photographer’s Perspective Sunday, April 12, 7:00am – Noon, Blaksley Library Saturday, April 11, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Blaksley Library A hands on workshop for serious photographers. Begin early to Wine and cheese reception: 6:00pm - 7:00pm capture the magical morning light in the Garden, and photograph Join us for this inspiring presentation of beautiful native plant the meadow at its height of glorious bloom! At midmorning, we gardens and get design tips from a garden photographer’s adjourn to the Blaksley Library for a group critique and more tips perspective. Landscape photographer Saxon Holt (see www. on how to take fantastic photographs. Students must have a dslr saxonholt.com) will not only inspire your gardening, he will help camera and tripod, and equipment to download images for the you take better pictures. Bring your camera, and join Saxon for critique. Presentation on April 11 highly recommended, but not a ramble in the Garden following the lecture, as we celebrate necessary to attend this very special workshop. We meet promptly the beauty of native plants. Reception follows in the Library. at 7:00am. A light breakfast and mid-morning refreshments are included. Maximum class capacity: 15 participants. Fee: members $15/ non-members $20 Fee: members $175 /non-members $200

Spring Native Plant Sale Garden Planning with the Experts Saturday, April 4 - Sunday May 3 Saturdays 9:30-noon, April 11, 18 and 25 10:00am - 5:30pm Meet at Entrance Kiosk Friday, April 3: members receive 15% off Plant Sale Purchases Get the most out of a visit to our Spring Plant Sale with expert (this additional 5% discount Friday only) guidance from our expert staff horticulturists. Different aspects With thousands of plants from the many habitats of California, of successful designs with native will be covered each time. Tour the Garden’s annual sales dwarf all other native plant events. the Garden from the perspective of designing gardens with native Find a huge selection of manzanita, ceanothus, sage, and coral plants, and consultation in the nursery with each of our three bells, to name just a few. A small number of Matilija poppy horticultural experts. Refreshments served. and flannel bush will also be available. Iris will be in bud or Fee: $10.00 members / $15.00 non-members or sign up for all bloom, allowing you a sneak peek at their beautiful colors. New three for $25.00 members / $40 non-members shipmenst arriving weekly. Use your member discount. Fee: admission is free to shop Introduction to California Plant Families Cultivating the Wild Native Gardens Tour Fridays 1-3pm, April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Sunday, April 19, 10:00pm – 4:00pm (dates may vary; see website for final schedule) This year, our tour visits the Santa Ynez Valley. Traveling in the Arroyo Room comfort of limousine buses, we stop at the Santa Ynez Valley Join Mary Carroll for this overview of common California plant Botanic Garden, visit an exclusive neighborhood landscaped with families. Learn the basic terminology of plant identification, native plants, and tour a historic California Rancho. Gourmet and how to use the Jepson Manual to identify plants. Become lunch and wine is included. familiar with the characteristics of our most common California Fee: see sbbg.org for details plant families. Bring a 10x hand lens if you have one and the 2nd edition of the manual (available in the Garden Shop). We have limited copies available for use in the class. Maximum class capacity: 15 participants. Fee: $85.00 members / $100.00 non-members

Rebecca Mordini Ironwood – classes & events at the Garden 9

MAY Time Travelers: Vintage Domecar Train Trip Saturday, May 16, 10:00am – 5:00pm Join botanist and story teller Steve Junak for a rare glimpse of HORT ‘N' HOPS WORKSHOPS some of the last original native coastal landscapes in southern California. The day-long trip begins at the Santa Barbara train depot where you will ride in style aboard a beautifully restored Vista Dome Lounge-Dining Car for a narrated scenic journey along an inaccessible and spectacular part of the coast and through several historic ranchos. Learn about the area’s rich human and natural history before stopping in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy a catered buffet lunch onboard (including beer, wine, and soft drinks), and change levels and sides for a new and different view on the way back home. Trips go rain or shine. Fee: $160 members / $185 non-members (groups of 4 or more qualify for our member rate)

Bonsai Exhibition Saturday, May 16, 11:00am – 4:00pm George Yachstin Sunday, May 17, 9:00am – 4:00pm, Blaksley Library The Bonsai Club of Santa Barbara presents its annual show of Where can you learn more about gardening successfully with artistically trained miniature trees. A bonsai demonstration California native plants than in these hands-on workshops that will be held each day at 1:00pm in the Courtyard. This year’s offer an in-depth exploration? All workshops include a related exhibit will include an expanded showing of native trees as Garden tour and handouts; enjoy a reception that includes beer, bonsai subjects, and a silent auction. The Teahouse will hold chips, and salsa on the cottage deck following each class. extended hours. Saturdays, May 2, 9 and 16, 2:00pm – 4:30pm Single class fee: $35 members / $50 non-members Sign up for all three classes for a discount! Series fee: $90 members / $135 non-members

For the Birds Saturday, May 2, 2:00pm – 4:30pm, Blaksley Library Santa Barbara has a great diversity of birds; many can be attracted to your garden and enjoyed from the comfort of home. Frédérique Lavoipierre Learn how to attract birds to your garden with native plants, and how to design habitat in which birds will be safe. Taught by California Native Plant Society Meeting & Lecture Frederique Lavoipierre, Education Program Manager, and author Thursday, May 21, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Blaksley Library of Pacific Horticulture’s Garden Allies series. The Channel Islands chapter meeting of the California Native Plant Society welcomes Matt Guillams, the Garden’s new systematist. Bodacious Buckwheats His presentation, Baja Vernal Pools, begins at 7:15 pm. Meeting Saturday, May 9, 2:00pm – 4:30pm, Blaksley Library starts at 6:00pm with board meeting. General announcements There is a wonderful diversity of fantastic native buckwheats at 7:00pm; lecture begins at 7:15pm. Refreshments served. (Eriogonum species) well-adapted to garden growing. Their long Fee: Free bloom season in a rainbow of colors, habits suitable for small to large gardens, and attractiveness to pollinators and other Wine and Cheese Botanical Lecture Series beneficial insects make them perfect garden plants. Explore Saturdays 4:00pm – 6:00pm, May 23, June 20, July 18, the wonderful range of available buckwheats with Garden August 22, Sept 19, Blaksley Library Horticulturist Bruce Reed. Join us for our popular summer lecture series. Greet old friends, meet new friends, and enjoy wine and cheese on the patio, and Gardening the Plant Community Way an inspiring presentation in the Library. See website for details Saturday, May 16, 2:00pm – 4:30pm, Blaksley Library on speakers and topics. With so many native plants available to choose from, where is a Fee: $25.00 members / $35.00 non-members Purchase a pass- gardener to begin? By gardening according to plant communities, port to the series $100.00 members $140.00 non-members you can choose a palette of compatible plants that will thrive in your garden. Taught by Frédérique Lavoipierre, Education Create Your Own Bonsai Program Manager. Saturday, May 30, 9:00am – 4:00pm This Bonsai workshop includes pot, plant, and all other materials. Work with the experts and learn the art and science behind shaping and caring for a bonsai. Fee: $30 member / $40 non-member 10 Ironwood – classes & events at the Garden

JUNE

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION WITH LINDA VOROBIK We are excited to announce two fabulous botanical illustration workshops by Dr. Linda Ann Vorobik, the principal artist for the Jepson Manual and the floras of the Channel Islands. Workshops will be held on the first two weekends in June; artist’s reception, related lectures and field trips will be announced on the website as they are scheduled. Visit our website for details; for more information on Dr. Vorobik’s work, see vorobikbotanicalart.com

Botanical Drawing Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, 9:00am - 4:00pm. Basic botanical drawing through shading and use of graphite and colored pencils. Class size is limited to 12

Botanical Watercolor or Gouache Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, 9:00am - 4:00pm Basic botanical painting through creating plant portraits using watercolor and/or gouache. Learn the basics of creating botanical watercolors from professional botanist, botanical illustrator, and teacher, Dr. Linda Ann Vorobik. Recommended prerequisite: Vorobik's "Introduction to ©Vorobik Botanical Art" or "Botanical Art: Drawing" or equivalent. Class size is limited to 12. Fee: single workshop $200 members / $250 non-members Fee: both workshops $375 members / $450 non-members

RECURRING CLASSES SAVE THE DATE

Morning Bird Walks Summertime Garden Explorations Wednesdays, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17 For children of all ages 8:30am – 10:00am, Entrance Kiosk Most Saturday mornings during the summer Be the first morning visitors in the Garden and enjoy watching the diverse and beautiful bird species that make the meadow, Bumble Bee Workshop woodlands and creek side their home! Join our expert naturalist Saturday, June 27 with Xerces Society leader Rebecca Coulter as she looks and listens for woodpeckers and quail, wrens and raptors, and many more. Landscape for Life Certificate Program Fee: $10 members / $15 non-members Saturdays, July 11, 18, and 25 9:00am – 4:00pm Environmental Book Club Mondays, March 16, April 20, May 18, June15 California Naturalist Certificate Program 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Blaksley Library Wednesdays, September 2 – November 4 Everyone is welcome to join in these lively and interesting 4:00pm – 6:30pm discussions centering around a non-fiction book on an Mike Mallen Includes 4 Saturday fieldtrips environmental topic. To reserve a spot or get more information, contact facilitator Betsy Green at [email protected]. Fee: Free

Teahouse and Garden Second Saturday of each month, Noon - 2:00pm Visitors and members are welcome to experience our ShinKanAn Teahouse and Garden. Don Matsumoto Trained Teahouse volunteers are available to share their skills and answer questions about the rich traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony.

To learn more about SkinKanAn, please visit http://shinkanan.wordpress.com/about/ For more information about private lessons, please contact Mrs. Sokyo Kasai at [email protected] Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 11

How to Save 2,300 Threated California Plants Garden Partners in California Plant Rescue Project By Rebecca Mordini, Communications Coordinator

Did you know California is a global hotspot of biodiversity, with Denise Knapp, Director of Conservation at the Garden, is on the more than 1,000 species of plants occurring here and nowhere Steering Committee of the new California Plant Rescue initiative else in the world? There are more than 6,500 taxa in the state to coordinate state-wide seed collection programs. One of the and unfortunately over 2,300 of them are rare, threatened, or project’s goals is to have 75% of California’s rare plants in seed endangered. While the Garden supports in situ (on-site, in the wild) banks by the year 2020. conservation efforts to protect plants in their habitats, another important way to ensure the species' survival is through collecting In addition to preserving California’s unique biodiversity, and saving their seeds. this initiative will provide a model for a global strategy for plant conservation. Look for ways you can support this project in The Garden is one of eight organizations in California currently future issues of the Ironwood. collecting seeds and holds 12% of the 1,822 taxa collected statewide. Despite these efforts only about 20% of California’s Top photo: Santa Cruz Island bush-mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus rare and endangered taxa are protected in seed banks. This is why var. nesioticus) by Dieter Wilken

Denise Knapp Denise Knapp

Rare plant seed is cleaned, dried, and carefully packaged Seed stored at freezing temperatures can remain viable for for maximum longevity. 100 years or more! 12 Spring 2015

Continued from cover: Pursuit of Poppies

A few general characteristics distinquish members of the poppy Fire Friends family. Poppies are typically herbaceous plants with large, brightly Not only are poppies beautiful, they are also important in helping colored flowers that occur one per stem (no clusters, spikes or us recover from fire. Several types of poppies are fire-followers, heads of flowers). Flowers have few petals (4-6), but many stamens plants that reproduce madly in the first year or two after a burn, (the male reproductive structures) which are arranged in two and are hardly ever seen at other times. These plants have seeds separate rings or whorls around the pistil (the female reproductive that resist germination even in moist conditions, until triggered by structure). Their fruits are mostly dry, non-fleshy capsules, some of various conditions of fire. The fire poppy (Papaver californicum) which explode or pop on opening flinging their seed several feet. and golden eardrops (Ehrendorferia chrysantha) seem to require a fire before they germinate, making them difficult to grow in Popular Worldwide cultivated gardens like ours. Worldwide, the poppy family contains about 44 genera More commonly grown in California representing about 200 individual Several types of poppies are fire- are: California poppy, cream cups species and is found mostly in the followers, plants that reproduce madly (Platystemon californicus), and northern hemisphere – poppies are Matilija poppy, which are merely almost unknown in the tropics. in the first year or two after a burn, and more abundant after fires and can be Native California plants in the poppy are hardly ever seen at other times. found in patches at other times. The family are in 13 genera representing breath-taking wildflower displays about 50 species. these plants provide after fires are like a balm to the scorched earth. Fire-followers and re-sprouting In the United States, poppies are found in every habitat from perennials together often obtain 90-100% coverage in the first the harshest deserts (bear poppy, Arctomecon) to the high Sierra growing season after a burn. Nevada (Corydalis), to dark, damp forests (bleeding hearts, Dicentra). Several are easy garden plants, including wind poppy Biggest Poppy (Papaver heterophylla), cream cups (Platystemon), and prickly The largest native flower found in California is the Matilija Poppy poppy (Argemone munita). (Romneya). These giant rhizomatous perennials also have the the Betsy Collins Dieter Wilken Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 13

largest flowers of any members of the poppy family, worldwide. Six than the Romneya, both do sprout from underground roots, making to nine inches across, its crinkled, translucent petals of pure white for quick new growth after fires. surround a raised, orange-yellow center. It is no surprise that their Bush poppies (D. rigida), are widespread on the mainland from the common name is 'fried egg plant.' Flowers are borne atop four to Sierra Nevada foothills to the coast. This woody, drought tough eight foot tall stems which move with the wind and are just slightly plant is found in chaparral habitats and reaches five to ten feet prickly. They can be difficult to establish in gardens, but once they in height with equal width. The bright yellow flowers of these do, they have a tendency to run happily over large areas. overlooked shrubs are gloriously evident along roadcuts in March Though two species of Romneya are found in the wild, you are and April. not likely to find a true version of either in a nursery or at the Garden. Coulter’s Matilija poppy (R. coulteri) has smooth sepals Most often grown in home gardens, the tree poppy (D. harfordii), is (the mostly green structures on flowers which enclose the bud only found in the wild on the Channel Islands. Taller, with broader, before it opens), while the hairy Matilija poppy (R. trichocalyx), grayer leaves, and larger flowers than the mainland species, its has hairs on its sepals. The two species occur in disjunct patches most endearing characteristic is a longer bloom period. from Ventura County to Baja California, but not together. However, interplanted in botanic gardens and home gardens throughout Many of these species in the much-loved poppy family are found the last century, the two species have become muddled and even within the Garden and are also available in our Garden Growers hybridized. Nurseries, drawing from these populations, produce Nursery. Different varieties of California poppy are sold year-round plants that show traits of both species. Most nursery plants are giving us an emblem of the Golden State in a four-inch pot. sold as Romneya coulteri, but in this context the name should be taken with a grain of salt.

Tallest Poppy Fire poppy (Papaver californicum) Taller still are the most woody members of the poppy family in shown at left California, Dendromecon. Perhaps the tallest poppy in the world, it can reach as high as 15 ft. Two types are found in the Garden: Cream cups (Platystemon californicus) bush poppies and tree poppies. Though they are less rhizomatous shown in middle and at right Heather Wehnau 14 Spring 2015

Garden People: Seed the Future Celebration By Laura Muasher, Membership Coordinator On December 12 over 100 donors and friends of the Garden celebrated our success in raising nearly a million over our $14,000,000 goal for the Seed the Future comprehensive campaign. Campaign Co-Chairs Ed Birch and John Wiemann spoke on 1 2 how the completion of the campaign greatly advances the Garden’s efforts and partnerships in the conservation of California native flora. A new video about the Garden’s history and future was viewed for the first time. Thank you all for making the Seed the Future campaign a great success!

Pictured from left to right: 1. Paul Wieckowski, Douglas Singletary, 3 4 Justin Lassahn, and Irwin Villeges 2. Frédérique Laviopierre, Vijaya Jammalamadaka, and Sharyn Main 3. Jack Stapelmann, Peter Schuyler, and Judy Stapelmann 4. Sue Adams, Susan Sweetland, and Marilyn Magid 5. Crowd enjoying the festivities 6. Ed Birch and John Wiemann Photos by Eric Isaacs 5 6

New Bench with Historic Ties By Nina Dunbar, Director of Development & Communications Paula Schaefer

Have you seen it? Last December, when the National Park during the time landscape manzanita blossoms were on the verge of designers Lockwood de Forest and Betrix opening, a gorgeous new redwood bench Ferrand were planning the Garden. appeared in the Garden. New benches are Bench Site Availability rare in the Garden’s historic core because Over our 89 year history, the Garden has The next time you find yourself all but a few approved locations have been had dozens of benches, including three exploring the Garden’s diverse taken and others burned in the Jesusita Fire. historically significant stone benches collection of manzanitas, look for the Nestled beside a yellow-berried toyon along designed by Lockwood de Forest in the Jones Bench and sit for a spell. While the Manzanita Section’s meandering trails 1940s: the Bissell Bench in the Meadow Oaks there are few benches available for just above the Tea House, the Bobbie Jones Section, the Campbell Bench overlooking the naming in the Garden at this time, Bench was commissioned by Melinda Jones in Campbell Bridge, and the Pritchett Bench more sites and different design options honor of her mother, who loved the Garden. on Pritchett Trail. While the Garden’s will become available as new gardens Cultural Landscape Master Plan recommends are designed surrounding the Pritzlaff Milled from a dying giant sequoia removed preserving these benches, no additional Conservation Center east of Mission from the Arroyo Section earlier in the stone benches will be added to the Garden’s Canyon Road. To receive updates on year, the Jones bench was made by Head historic core. New benches will be created current and future bench availability, Gardener, Dave Kershaw in the “Yosemite” in the Yosemite or ‘plank’ style used for the contact Nina Dunbar at ext. 151. style inspired by those used in Yosemite Bobbie Jones Bench. Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 15

Annual Fund Honor Roll Your donations make a difference in the research and conservation support of the Garden's conservation, horticulture, and education of California native plants. For example, the Garden’s herbarium programs. Our Spring Appeal is another chance to show your support specimens are used to track changes in wildflower bloom and help advance the Garden’s work. Watch for ways you can join appearances, which are two weeks earlier in the spring than ever the Annual Fund Honor Roll this April. before. These findings help conservatists working to restore lost habitats. The generosity of these 147 donors raised $78,978 in THANK YOU!

Sylvia Abualy Maribeth Goodman Frances Sharpe Henry Adams Owen & Laurie Guitteau Tana Sommer-Belin Jesse & Nancy Alexander Larry & Austrid Hammett John Sonquist William & Susan Allard Irshad & Linda Haque Susan & Barry Spector Julia Allen Andreas & Claire Hauke Monaghan Anne Sprecher Elizabeth Ames Lorna Hedges Charles Stauffer David & Lyn Anderson Corinne Hedrick William Stephens Anonymous Kenneth Himes Eric & Rachel Stern Evan & Marie Lew Azzaria Alice Homan James Taylor Lawrence Bailard David Leland & Ann Howald Gregory & Christine Thorpe Bettina Barrett Anna-Maria & Helen Huber Cox Brian Tichenor & Raun Thorp Susanne & Carroll Barrymore Sean & Dorie Hutchinson Bruce & Robin Tiffney Robert Benham & Don & Diane Jackson Gary & Susanne Tobey Anne Lewin-Benham Alan Staehle & Mary Ann Jordan Shirley Tucker Melissa Bower Diane Kirchner Vernon & Hisako Vincent David & Alyce Boyd Marc Kimmel Frank & Jeanette Warren Marjorie Boyle Ellen Kragh Louis & Mercy Weller John & Ann Brinker James & Elinor Langer John Fox &Wini White Ronald & Carol Bruns David Lebell & Vicki Blum John Willis David & Kandida Brush Winifred Lennihan R. Alastair & Ann Winn Rick & Tricia Burgess Munro Trevor & Pamela Lindsey Laurel & Shirley Woodley Deborah & Vincent Burns William Livingstone Peter & Cheryl Ziegler Yvon & Malinda Chouinard James & Ella Markham Jules Zimmer Marc Chytilo & Nancy Weiss James T. Martin Nicholas & Patricia Weber A. Crawford & Jess Cooley Ray & Coleen Mattison Dana White Ann & Frederic Coppin Patrick & Helen McCarthy Thomas Craveiro & Hall Willkie Marlin & Regina Miller Anne & John Cushing Cotton James Moore Salvador & Soledad De La Mora John Mooring Theodore Deffenbaugh & Charles & Alexandra Morse Natalie Quaratino Darrell & Jean Morse Victoria Dillon Thomas & Kamie Mulroy Jeffery & Anne Donahue Albert & Angela Nassi Gary & Rebecca Eldridge Don & Laura Newmark R.H. Donnelley & Cinda Erdman Bobbie Offen Betty Jane Evans Yukari & Donald Okamoto Randall & Joan Evans Marie Sue & Bob Parsons Lendon & Marylou Everson David & Kitty Peri Robert & Nancyann Failing Susan Plumer John & Patricia Fiske Catherine & Frank Quinn Earl Richard & Dolores Fortune Nancy Renshaw George & Leanne Friedenthal Richard & Barbara Robbins Lou Greer Frost Elizabeth Ross Edward & Georgia Funsten Ian & Muriel Ross Peter Gajewski & Suzanne Siskel Chris & Kathleen Royce Emile Ganter Thomas & Florence Sanchez Harris & Bernice Gelberg Mary Scaran Edward Geremia Frank & Susanne Schiff J. Thomas & Elizabeth Gerig Peter Schuyler & Ernest & Judy Getto Lisa Stratton William Gibbons Robert & Carla Schwarz Jeb Gist & Jane Mertens Margaret Seaman Paul Glenn & Nancy Lessner John & Linda Seiter Marlo Goldstein Leslie & Maureen Shapiro Nonprofit Organization Address Service Requested U.S. Postage Paid Santa Barbara, CA Permit No. 451

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16 Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Spring 2015

16 Ironwood – Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Fall 2014

Annual Members Picnic on April 28 & 29 5:00pm – 7:00pm in the Meadow Oaks $15 per adult Bring the whole family for a fun evening relaxing with other $10 per child 12 and under Garden members. This year’s picnic will have a country western theme with children’s crafts and entertainment while dining near the beauty of the Meadow. The dinner Tickets on sale March 30 picnic always sells out. Mark your calendars now! at sbbg.org

Stacy Bloodworth