NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS ◆ VOLUME 18 NO. 2 ◆ SPRING 2009 Charles Glass…In His Own Words INTRODUCTION BY VIRGINIA HAYES

HARLES GLASS came to work at Lotusland with his business partner C Robert Foster in 1973. Foster soon decided to go back to his other work as a and succulent specialist, and Glass continued on as the director of the until 1983. During his tenure, the original succulent garden was renovated and many new specimens added, the cacti and were reorganized and replanted along the main driveway, and the aloe garden was totally revamped with impressive boulders and many more species of aloes. His largest project was the design and installation of the garden, but he was also instrumental in adding to the , renovating the upper bromeliad garden and creating the lower bromeliad garden as well as all of the myriad tasks necessary to maintain the property. Glass was dedicated to Madame SYLVESTER Walska and her vision for Lotusland. Ten years before his death in 1998, he wrote ARTHUR ARTHUR of his experiences with her and in the Glass (FAR RIGHT) and Madame Walska (CENTER) escort visitors through the garden on this rare public tour garden. With this issue of the Newsletter in 1978. for Members, we begin a series of excerpts from his unpublished memoir with the IN THIS ISSUE working title of Experiences of 12 Years as Director of Lotusland: The Fabulous Estate Charles Glass…In His Own Words 1 Summer Solstice Twilight Tour 10 of Mme. Ganna Walska. Director’s Letter 3 Volunteer Profile: Alan Johnston 11 LotusFest! 4 Captivated by Nature’s Wonders HAD MANY TIMES thought of Mother’s Day Tea and Tour 11 writing of my experiences with New to the Collections 5 IMme. Walska at Lotusland. She was Annual Meeting 12 such an incredible and unique character Garden Tour Series 5 In Memoriam: Tom Hugunin 12 Three Eras of Lotusland that I was daunted by the near impossi- IRA Rollover Provisions Extended 12 bility of capturing her in words without The Lotus Society 6 making her seem a clown or a fool, Lotusland Celebrates 12 Horticultural Happenings 7 Our Secret which she wasn’t. Green Garden Strategies My first introduction to Mme. New Member Benefit 12 Members’ Family Day 8 Walska was at Mme. Lotte Lehman’s for Levels I, II and III master classes in the summer of 1957. In Memoriam: Carol Valentine 10 Thank You to Our Garden 14 Continued on page 2 Santa Barbara Gardens Tour 10 Benefactors and Sponsors 2

The LOTUSLAND Continued from page 1 property that was now Lotusland and NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS At each class she would arrive in fairly who had worked with Mme. Walska. is published by Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation flamboyant clothing, and a great splashy My partner, Robert Foster, and I 695 Ashley Road hat and deposit an extravagant bouquet owned what was one of the largest and Santa Barbara, 93108 of lotus flowers—from her estate, most respected succulent nurseries in 805.969.3767 • www.lotusland.org Lotusland—on the piano. I knew that the country: Abbey Garden. We also BOARD OF TRUSTEES she had been an opera singer, or perhaps were the proprietors of Abbey Garden W. Mason Farrell, President more accurately, had pursued an operatic Press, founded in 1929, the oldest Jill Levinson, Vice-President career for about 40 years. publishing house specializing in books John Tilson, Vice-President Sherry Gilson, Secretary Later that summer season I went and magazines on cacti and other Linda J. Gluck, Treasurer with my mother on a garden tour of succulents. In November of 1972, we Jane Gail Copelan Lotusland and this was one of my first had written and published an article on Geoffrey Crane introductions to cacti and succulents, Lotusland in our Cactus and Succulent William M. Daugherty Larry Durham other than a couple I had grown up Journal, which we edited and published Ian M. Fisher with in our rockery in New Jersey and at the time. It was entitled “Lotusland, Kisa Heyer those I had seen on our trips across the the Fabulous Garden of Mme. Ganna Harry W. Kolb country. What made the most profound Walska.” In the article we wrote, “We Michael Mayfield Sandra Nicholson impression upon me, however, was the recently had the privilege of revisiting Chapin Nolen “Blue Garden” at Lotusland. Everything Lotusland and went prepared with pads Brett M. Posten was in shades of pastel blue: blue fescue and pencils and good intentions of Barbara Siemon Cynthia Spivey grass, blue spruce, blue Atlas cedars, blue making like reporters to write an article Marianne Sprague Erythea [Brahea] fan palms! The effect on this outstanding garden. We didn’t Nancy L. Wood was overwhelming and one felt cooler take a single note, and almost forgot to just walking through the area. This take any photographs! One does not eat Merryl Brown Robert J. Emmons section had been designed by Santa the lotuses at Lotusland, but one does Arthur R. Gaudi Barbara landscape architect Ralph experience the lotus-eater’s dreamy Anne Jones Stevens, who had grown up on the forgetfulness of the outside world. Michael Towbes Carol L. Valentine Lifetime Honorary Trustees Gwen Stauffer, M.S. Executive Director Steven Timbrook, Ph.D. Director Emeritus Anne Dewey, CFRE Director of Development Deanna Hatch 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 and the historic Montecito estate of

Madame Ganna Walska, to provide public access N to their remarkable beauty and diversity and, through interpretation of these collections, ERMA to foster increased knowledge and

appreciation of the importance of plants EY JOHN and the need for their conservation. Madame Walska in 1958 posing near the blue garden as it must have looked to Glass on his first visit to Lotusland. 3

Lotusland is meant to be experienced, rarely had conversations. After living in different and enumerated our dreams not to be documented. In the midst of America, at the time for two and a half and goals: our expeditions in the field such beauty and dramatic impact, what decades, she still spoke English with a in search of new material, the does it really matter how long the garden thick Polish and French accent. I teased introduction and propagation of new existed, how many acres it contains, that this was because she so rarely and rare documented material of cacti or how often the plants are fertilized?” heard English spoken, since she did all and succulents, the maintenance of a Little did we realize that we would soon the talking! Her ploy was to talk or reference collection of cacti and succu- be involved with those very feeding expound or berate as the occasion lents, etc. This made her all the more schedules! We went on to explain that demanded, and when you would open determined to get us up to Lotusland: Mme. Walska unquestionably is “the your mouth to speak, you’d get an “That’s exactly what I’ve been wanting creative force behind Lotusland and it is exasperated “Pleeeeease, let me finish, to do, but I am old now and will die her garden, as unique as she is herself. then you can talk!” When she did finish soon and I can get no one who under- She refers to herself as head-, her last comment was always, “Now I’m stands and who can help me achieve and indeed her greatest problem is too exhausted, so no more of this now! those goals! We could combine our finding someone who can fill this role We’ll talk more another time!” And there collections and collectively accomplish for her and eventually try to take her you were left with your mouth open and great things!” I still demurred. We loved place. But the job calls for remarkable your finger up in the air for attention our work. We were ecstatically happy abilities, foremost among which are the and no one looking or listening. So not doing what we were doing. We often ability to appreciate beauty without a having a chance to respond on the said that if we had enough money that desire to change it and the knowledge phone, I would answer her in letters. She, we didn’t have to work and could do to maintain it.” on the other hand, never wrote about anything we wanted, we would be doing Soon after the article appeared, important matters, for she was too cagey exactly what we were doing! What’s Mme. Walska started calling me and to be caught committed on paper! more, I was well aware of Mme. Walska’s talking for hours on the phone, trying to At any rate I wrote her back that fabled idiosyncrasies and foibles. persuade us to come and work with her while I loved Lotusland for what it was, at Lotusland. I say “talked to me” rather a visually beautiful and unique garden, NEXT TIME than “conversed” for Mme. Walska that our interest in plants was totally How Madame Walska has her way.

Director’s Letter

T HAS SEEMED a very short year tured in Sunset magazine and the Santa since I joined the Lotusland family Barbara media. These recreated garden Ias your Executive Director. Looking areas give even more expression to the back on all that has been accomplished deep history of Lotusland. Our series of in that time, and contemplating the three new specialized tours, Three Eras work we have yet to do, I think of of Lotusland, will explore the work of Madame Ganna Walska’s prompting many individuals who created this to her , “We are in too much magnificent estate as we know it today. of a rush to hurry.” There is always something happen- Lotusland is a place of great dreams ing at Lotusland, and I encourage you realized and immense possibilities to visit often to see the changes in waiting. We honor the legacy of the garden and plant collections, and RICK CARTER Madame and the endeavors of our participate in the fascinating programs. Gwen Stauffer founders and predecessors who have Our Cacti and Cocktails event, including made Lotusland a special place, while Eric Nagelmann sharing his Madame- many of you at our magical LotusFest we work deliberately and purposefully influenced vision for the design of the and at our very successful Out of to make the most of our time and the new with members, was Lotusland gala. It was a thrill to meet garden’s potential. the perfect opening to the cactus you for the first time, one year ago, dur- Spring is a time of renewal—it is a flowering season, now well underway ing Members’ Family Day, and I look great time to begin new projects and and not to be missed. If you have not forward to greeting you again on that launch new programs. It is also an experienced one of our twilight tours, singular day when we have the rare appropriate time to celebrate our many I urge you to make a reservation— opportunity to play in Madame’s gar- successes even as we attend to new the gardens are particularly alluring dens and revel in the beauty of this challenges and projects. We are thrilled in the fading light of day as the colors magical place. with the delighted response from our of the plants become more saturated Warmest regards, visitors to the refurbished water stairs and intense. and cypress allée, which have been fea- It was a great pleasure to meet so 4 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.

July is peak blooming season, and guests will have the opportunity to view these uniquely beautiful flowers while enjoying a relaxing afternoon at this casual, fun event.

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

Lotus flowers open during the day and close at night. Prime viewing time during LotusFest will be until 3:00 or 4:00 PM, depending upon weather conditions, so make sure to allow time to savor the spectacular view of lotuses in bloom.

Please note that this is the only notification of this event prior to the Summer newsletter. To register for this fun and enlightening event, please use the coupon on page 15. 5 NEW TO THE COLLECTIONS Cycads

ARDLY A WEEK goes by that someone doesn’t call Lotusland Hwith the offer to donate a plant or plants for the collections. Very often, these are plants that have outgrown their spaces, such as a large cactus or staghorn . In some instances, we are able to give them a new home, but many times we must decline the offer. Last year, a different sort of call came in proffering a number of cycads that had been collected by Erin Tappan’s late husband Matt. Mrs. Tappan was eventually able to send some pictures of the cycads, and Research Associate Jeff Chemnick arranged to stop in County and pick them up on one of his trips to San Diego.

Among the 24 plants are one Cycas HAYES species, two species of Dioon, one Stangeria eriopus and two Zamia species. GINIA VIR The remainder of the plants are all in the Gardener Jed Pace prepares to plant a specimen Encephalartos middleburgensis. genus Encephalartos and include several hard-to-find specimens of E. msinganus, time for cycads, so they are slated to go Mrs. Tappan for donating these plants, E. ngoyanus, E. latifrons and E. whitelockii, into the garden as soon as work sched- and we are happy to preserve them in among others. Spring is prime planting ules permit. Lotusland is very grateful to memory of Matt Tappan. —Virginia Hayes

GARDEN TOUR SERIES Three Eras of Lotusland SATURDAYS IN APRIL, MAY AND JUNE • 1:30 TO 3:30 PM

BEGINNING THIS APRIL and continuing in May and June, Lotusland will offer three separate tours that will each explore a distinct era in the estate’s history.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 • 1:30 PM • Tour #1 Plants of Kinton Stevens TRAVEL BACK IN TIME and discover some of Lotusland’s oldest plants while learning about the 37 acres known as Tanglewood and Kinton Stevens’ tropical plant nursery. SATURDAY, MAY 23 • 1:30 PM • Tour #2 The Buildings and Gardens of the Gavit Era IN THE 1920S AND 30S, Cuesta Linda was the home of the Gavit Family. Learn about the buildings and gardens that they constructed during the era of Montecito’s great estates. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 • 1:30 PM • Tour #3 The Gardens of Madame Walska FIRST AS Tibetland and later as Lotusland, Madame’s gardens became a place where she could continue to indulge her passion for creativity and beauty. Explore the gardens that she created with the help of some of the area’s finest horticulturalists and craftsmen.

TO REGISTER, PLEASE use the coupon on page 15. 6

and Barbara enjoyed Santa Barbara while me she can’t wait to participate in visiting friends, but Santa Barbara docent training again this fall. “There’s seemed too far from their family. After so much information, and I enjoy looking all over Santa Barbara County learning about it all.” Barbara’s favorite for a new residence, a Santa Barbara garden is the aloe garden, “because it’s friend suggested Ojai, a charming and a serious collection of aloes, but not a historic town in a rural part of Ventura ‘serious’ garden—it is upbeat, whimsical County. They found a lovely home and alive, and it makes me happy. I among in a gorgeous especially love the Aloe arborescens.” valley, and in 2006 they moved their “Barbara’s passion for Lotusland seven dogs and five cats—a wonderful inspired our decision to join The Lotus assortment of happy rescues—to settle Society,” Tex explained. Barbara added, in squarely between two of their “It makes us feel good to support organi- favorite destinations. “We are very zations that are part of our community.” Lotus happy in our retirement,” they told me, All of us at Lotusland are thrilled to The “we feel we are on vacation every day.” have Barbara and Tex as part of our Society “Vacation” hardly describes the Lotusland family. —Gwen Stauffer busy lives of these two highly engaged B individuals. “I am in my office at 6:00 AM every morning,” Tex mentioned with a NEW MEMBERS BARBARA AND twinkle in his eye. Among his many TEX WILLIAMS interests are golf and playing the piano. HANK YOU TO THESE additional He serves on the Duke University new members for their generous NMYDRIVE through Ojai to visit Library Advisory Board as well as the Tsupport. with Barbara and Tex Williams, I Board of Directors for the Ojai Nigel and Connie Buxton Owas astonished, once again, by the Playwrights Conference, a 12-year-old beauty of the California landscape and nonprofit dedicated to gathering a Anonymous was comforted by a recurring feeling that community of world-class theatre artists In honor of Debbie Hild, I have finally arrived home. I shared this to foster a collaborative process that devoted Volunteer Coordinator 2000–2009 with Tex and Barbara, and they joyfully enables playwrights to qualitatively appreciated my story, for they had also rework and refine their dramatic vision. Members of The Lotus Society have moved to California from the east coast His passion for serving is clear, as we each made a gift or bequest of $10,000 and never looked back. compared notes on the workings of or more to Lotusland’s Endowment Tex and Barbara raised their family nonprofit organizations. Fund. Names of Lotus Society members in New York, and then relocated to Barbara is the gardener in the family, are engraved on The Wall of Honor, Greensboro, North Carolina. But their and when I arrived she met me at the which is located at the Visitor Center at children followed westward-moving gate to guide me through her exquisite the end of the Australian tea tree arbor. careers, ultimately landing in Los garden on the way to their front door. To learn more about The Lotus Angeles. “We were chasing our children We crossed a stone bridge over a dry Society, please call Anne Dewey, and grandchildren,” Barbara told me, streambed winding seductively through Lotusland’s Director of Development, “but we didn’t want to live in L.A.” Tex lovely plantings of perennials and shrubs. at 805.969.3767, extension 105. I stopped to admire this wonderful feature while Barbara explained how the dry bed is perfectly placed to channel water runoff away from the house. “We let the water show us the path it follows to flow across the property,” Barbara explained, “and so it was only natural to put the dry bed here.” Barbara and Tex learned about Lotusland when their realtor presented them with a basket of items, including two passes to Lotusland. Barbara came for a summer visit and as happens to so many of us, she was

CK CARTER CK smitten. A month later, she saw a notice for Lotusland’s Docent Training Program in the local paper and decided to join

PHOTOS BY RI BY PHOTOS the 2007 class. Even though Barbara has All visitors walk by The Wall of Honor as they Barbara and Tex Williams been giving tours for two years, she told enter Lotusland. 7 HORTICULTURAL HAPPENINGS Green Garden Strategies

OTUSLAND IS PROUD of the establish symbiotic relationships in the advances its staff has made in root zone. reducing the use of toxic chemicals L BENEFICIAL BACTERIA and in growing healthier plants through When caterpillar populations exceed a organic methods. These are some of damage threshold, applications of envi- the “green strategies” employed in the ronmentally safe Bacillus thuringiensis are gardens at Lotusland. occasionally made. Use of this material GREEN WASTE RECYCLING is very limited because of its toxicity All garden waste is composted and to butterflies. reintroduced to the garden. IMPROVING SOIL STRUCTURE OFF-SITE ORGANIC MATERIAL The addition of organic matter to the soil RECYCLING improves soil structure, water retention Large quantities of organic material and the nutrient-holding capacity of the from the Santa Barbara County green soil. Screened is worked into waste recycling program and from tree the soil during planting bed renovations, service companies are used as mulch. and organic mulch is applied as top- dressing wherever possible. A 100- or 25-gallon tea brewer produces an extract MULCHING MOWER of compost containing nutrients and a multitude of A mulching attachment returns grass COMPOST TEA bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. clippings to the soil, providing nutrients A foliar spray of compost tea to leaves for the grass. and stems provides nutrients as a foliar trol weeds. Mulching helps keep weeds ORGANIC FERTILIZERS feed and applies beneficial organisms that down. A concentrated vinegar solution Where supplemental nutrients are re- reduce the ability of disease-causing approved by California Certified Organic quired, organic fertilizers are used that organisms to infect the plant. Compost Farmers (CCOF) is used occasionally benefit soil food web organisms and do tea as a soil drench improves soil biology to control weed seedlings, especially in not contribute to groundwater pollution. and provides nutrients for plant growth. areas with mineral mulch. INSECT ECOLOGY NONTOXIC SNAIL MANAGEMENT GOPHER CONTROLS Insect habitats, established throughout Snails are controlled with a nontoxic Vigilant trapping practices are the pri- the garden, attract beneficial insects that product that breaks down into an iron mary gopher controls. New products reduce the damage caused by insect material used by plants as a nutrient are helping to reduce the amount of pests and the use of insecticides. supplement. time spent trapping. The presence of PURCHASED SOIL MICROBES WEED MANAGEMENT natural predators, such as owls, helps Mycorrhizae, Trichoderma and beneficial Mechanical (pulling and hoeing) and with garden rodent control. bacteria are applied to new plantings to cultural methods are employed to con- —Edited by Michael Iven and Corey Welles PHOTOS BY MICHAEL IVEN BY PHOTOS Wood chips keep weeds at bay and improve soil A 20% acetic acid solution is effective on young weeds growing through the ornamental lava rock. conditions as the chips decompose. 8 Members’ Family Day • The Birds and SATURDAY, MAY 16 Lotusland wishes to thank you, our members, for your support by hosting our 12th Generously S Thomas & Nancy Crawford, Jr. i

Activities w CK CARTER CK PHOTOS BY RI BY PHOTOS Wildlife on Wheels performing Get up close and personal wi

SY PHOTO Face-painting, games, activities and craft Dress up in costumes and take home a free w

COURTE Live blue grass music by Peter Fel Garden Admission to Members’ Family Day is Free!

But you must make a reservation by mailing the reservation form, along with a non-refundable valet parking fee of $10, to save space for your family. Due to the popularity of this event and to allow as many members as possible to attend, Lotusland requests ONLY ONE VEHICLE PER MEMBERSHIP. No phone reservations, please.

Bring your own picnic or pre-purchase a salad-bar lunch catered by Omni Fresco Catering. Adult lunch includes a combination of grilled chicken Caesar salad, gorgonzola walnut mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette, grilled fresh vegetables and assorted breads. Child lunch includes a turkey sandwich, a bag of chips and choice of condiments.

Changes to your lunch order will be accepted through May 5.

A limited number of picnic blankets will be available, or you may bring your own.

Complimentary juice, soft drinks and water are available all day. In our continuing effort to minimize our use of plastics, water dispensers and cups will be available or you may fill your own container. “Lotusland” stainless steel water bottles are available for $10 in the Garden Shop.

Complimentary ice cream cones at the ice cream booth served NOON to 2:00 PM. 9 the Bees and the Flowers and the Trees! • 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM h annual Members’ Family Day. Everyone is invited, especially children of all ages! ponsored by: in Honor of Their Grandchildren will include: SY PHOTO COURTE

two shows in the theatre garden • 11:15 AM TO NOON AND 2:15 TO 3:00 PM ith a bee hive and majestic native raptor • SEE EVENT PROGRAM FOR TIME ts from the garden for children and adults on the main lawn • 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM ildlife souvenir photo by photographer extraordinaire Bob DeBris • 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM ldman and The Very Lonesome Boys on the main lawn • NOON TO 2:00 PM

Please return this reservation form to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Your confirmation and a map will be mailed to you upon receipt of your reservation form.

Bring your own picnic or order prepaid lunches below. Your lunch tickets will be mailed with your confirmation. Reservation Form

Member Name Total no. in car ______Phone no. ______

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

No. of teens ______No. of children 2 and under______

Non-refundable Valet Parking Fee: Payment Method: Enclosed is our family’s $10.00 valet parking fee =$______10.00 Check enclosed VISA MasterCard AMEX

We prefer to bring our own picnic Card Number Or please order: Expiration Date CVC # Adult Salad Bar $12.50______(NO.) =$______

Child Turkey Sandwich $7.00______(NO.) =$______Signature Don’t delay mailing your reservation form! TOTAL ENCLOSED =$______Changes to your lunch order will be accepted through May 5. 10 IN MEMORIAM Carol Valentine of Trustees for 20 years and served as President for 12 years, from 1989 to 2000. One of Carol’s many legacies is the completely renovated topiary garden, a result of a very successful campaign to raise funds to restore the garden in Carol’s honor. It was formally opened in 2000. Carol’s generosity of time, leadership and resources was continual. Carol funded a full rehabilitation of the courtyard tile and fountain and made a ET EATON JAN generous donation toward maintaining One of Carol’s many legacies is the completely the theatre garden for many years to renovated topiary garden. come. Most recently, she arranged to have her collection of 40 Audubon prints has become Lotusland and Lotusland auctioned at Christie’s with the net pro- has tried its best to live up to the expec-

HODGES ceeds going to her beloved Lotusland. tations and dreams she had for its In 2004, Carol was named as potential to influence the lives of those BRIAN BRIAN This photo of Carol in Lotusland’s theatre garden Lotusland’s first Lifetime Honorary it touches by encouraging a love of accompanied a profile of her in Santa Barbara Trustee in recognition of her 20 years plants, gardens, and the environment.” Magazine. of outstanding service on Lotusland’s Carol Valentine’s legacy continues Board of Trustees. In an article in the in myriad ways, and she will be deeply OTUSLAND’S TRUSTEES and staff Summer 2004 Newsletter for Members, missed. are saddened by the death of then Executive Director Steven Timbrook At the request of her family, gifts in LCarol Valentine at the age of 98. wrote, “It’s no easy task to capture memory of Carol Valentine may be Carol provided outstanding service to Carol’s vitality, enthusiasm, and love made to the Ganna Walska Lotusland Lotusland as one of its five founding for Lotusland in just a few short words. Foundation, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Trustees. She was a member of the Board In her 20 years as a Trustee, Carol really Barbara, CA 93108.

Santa Barbara Gardens Tour WITH VIRGINIA HAYES SATURDAY, JUNE 13 • 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

LEASE JOIN US for the second to our group. From Goleta to Montecito, admission and a delicious buffet lunch. of Curator Virginia Hayes’ 2009 these gardens will be sure to delight Space is very limited and this popular Pgarden tours. This one falls into and inspire. tour fills quickly. the usual pattern of gardens large and The fee of $100 members/$110 Please use the coupon on page 15 to small that will be opened exclusively nonmembers covers transportation, reserve your space. Summer Solstice Twilight Tour SATURDAY, JUNE 20 • 4:00 TO 7:00 PM

ISITING LOTUSLAND in the early d’oeuvres will be offered after 5:00 evening is the perfect way PM on the geranium terrace overlook- Vto celebrate the beginning of ing the main lawn. All guests receive summer. You and your guests can a commemorative Lotusland wine choose to reserve a docent led tour, glass as a Summer Solstice memento. or explore the gardens on your own. Please use the coupon on page 15

Wine, beverages and light hors to reserve space for this event. ET EATON JAN 11 Volunteer Profile: Alan Johnston CAPTIVATED BY NATURE’S WONDERS

Since moving to Santa Barbara in hard. Later he asked a guest who said 1955, Alan has worked as a Chevron Madame was describing the barrel cactus geologist, as a manager for Santa Barbara to her friends and referred to them as Bank & Trust and as Executive Director “mother-in-law seats.” Alan has always of the Santa Barbara Downtown wondered if Madame was referring to Merchants’ Association. He was also a her former mothers-in-law. former owner of Santa Barbara Trophy Later, two Lotusland docents and & Engraving. For 25 years, Alan volun- longtime members of the Men’s Garden teered to help organize the city’s July Club of Santa Barbara convinced Alan 4th parades and rallies. He helped raise to enter the 1997 Docent Training Class. more than half a million dollars to build He has remained a docent ever since. a new chapter house on upper State “I’m stimulated and grateful for the Street for The American Red Cross. In company of so many other capable and addition to his volunteer activities, Alan well-trained docents.” His 16-year still finds time to sail with his family involvement with the Men’s Garden and sing in a church choir. Club has included inviting Executive

HAYES Alan had the chance to visit Director Gwen Stauffer to speak before Lotusland during Madame’s lifetime at that group, ensuring that his colleagues GINIA GINIA

VIR events held in conjunction with the Pearl keep apprised of new and exciting Alan Johnston Chase Plans and Planning Commission. changes in the garden. He recalls Madame as “a rather diminu- Mary, now deceased, suffered from HILE MANY WHO visit Lotusland tive person.” While never formally Alzheimer’s disease and required Alan’s are struck by its physical beauty introduced to Madame, he recalls being constant attention. A testimony to his Wor are captivated by the stories at Lotusland and watching as three commitment to Lotusland was arranging of Madame, docent Alan Johnston has a women came walking and laughing with others to care for his wife so he more profound relationship with it. down the main drive. He recognized could continue to lead tours. Alan’s After 12 years of studying the garden one of them as Madame Walska. He passion for Lotusland comes across through lectures and taking visitors on had always been given the impression when he leads visitors through the tours, it is the chance to spend time alone that she was a severe disciplinarian, so garden. We are so grateful for his many in the garden that, in his words, “brings wondered why they were laughing so years of commitment. —Jean Parry me closer to nature. Lotusland is proba- bly prettier than the Garden of Eden.” On a recent visit, Alan could barely contain his delight at seeing the maple Mother’s Day leaves changing color in the Japanese garden. “I most enjoy the seasonal Tea and Tour changes—especially early spring when the camellias flower and the cycads cone.” SATURDAY, MAY 9 • 1:30 TO 4:00 PM A San Francisco Bay Area native who received degrees from Stanford in Don’t miss this opportunity business and geology, Alan’s studies included biology and . He took to spend the afternoon before Mother’s Day classes from Professor V.L. VanderHoof, enjoying tea, refreshments and music a former director of the Santa Barbara on our pavilion patio and main lawn. Museum of Natural History and father of Lotusland docent Jill VanderHoof. While at Stanford, he met his future Explore the garden on your own, wife, Mary. They were married for 54 or reserve a docent-led tour. years and had four children. Alan and the children enjoyed sailing, with Mary This is the perfect treat for being “a great spectator.” Their two sons someone special in your life! had boats when they were young, and the lure of the sport inspired Alan’s granddaughter Blair to serve on the Please use the coupon on page 15 to register. crew of the UC Irvine sailing team. 12 Annual Meeting IN MEMORIAM

OTUSLAND’S ANNUAL MEETING Tom Hugunin was held on the afternoon of E ARE SADDENED by the death January 14, 2009, instead of L of former Lotusland Trustee and March as in previous years. The new date reflects the change in the cycle of Wgenerous Lotusland supporter terms for Trustees to the calendar year, Tom Hugunin. to match Lotusland’s fiscal year. Also, Tom joined the Board of Trustees in for the first time, upper level members 2002 and retired in 2005. During his and major donors were invited to attend. tenure, he served as chair of the Devel- President Mason Farrell opened the opment Committee and as a member of meeting, and Treasurer Linda Gluck gave the Public Programs and Lotus Society a financial report. Executive Director Committees. Tom, along with his wife, The Gwen Stauffer gave a State of the Elenore, was a charter member of Lotus Society. All of us who knew and LL DEWEY Garden address and made the meeting BI worked with Tom will miss him. Tom Hugunin a time to assess our position, celebrate our accomplishments, recognize our challenges and identify our opportunities. Curator Virginia Hayes presented a program celebrating the past 20 years of IRA Rollover Lotusland history, and a reception in the pavilion followed the meeting. Provisions Extended

For a copy of State of the Garden 1 F YOU ARE 70 ⁄2 years or older, you Stabilization Act includes provisions address, please contact Deanna Hatch, can instruct your IRA trustee to relating to charitable giving, similar to at 805.969.3767, extension 121. Idistribute funds up to $100,000 for the Pension Protection Act of 2006. tax years 2008 and 2009 to Ganna These new provisions provide a Walska Lotusland. You will not have to wonderful opportunity for you to make report the withdrawal as income for a donation, large or small, to Lotusland. tax purposes, and this distribution will Please contact Director of Development also count toward your mandatory Anne Dewey at [email protected] withdrawal amount. or 805.969.3767, extension 105 for more The 2008 Emergency Economic information.

SAVE THE DATE Lotusland Celebrates RICK CARTER RICK Executive Director Gwen Stauffer gave a State of the Garden address at Lotusland’s Annual Meeting. Our Secret Gardens SUNDAY, JULY 26 • 4:00 PM New Member Benefit for Levels I, II and III After you use your admission passes, you and your guests Benefactor $5,000 (ten tickets, five VIP parking passes and a special gift) may visit Lotusland at the Patron Table Host $3,500 (ten tickets and a VIP parking pass) reduced rate of $20 per person. Patron $1,000 (two tickets) • Tickets $275 each Invitations will be mailed in mid-June. Remember, this event always sells out! Call 805.969.9990 Please contact Anne Dewey, Director of Development to make a reservation. at 805.969.3767, extension 105 for more information. 13 Lotusland Gratefully Acknowledges Donations DECEMBER 2008, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2009 2008 ANNUAL APPEAL EDUCATION FUND IN-KIND DONATIONS CARE OF THE GARDEN FUND Lorraine M. McDonnell Mr. Michael Furner & Mr. M. Stephen Weatherford in memory of Peter Stollenwerk Ms. Patricia Ann Jacquemin Jim Melnik in honor of my children LOTUS SOCIETY Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson John & Joyce Thurlow Mr. & Mrs. Nigel Buxton Mr. & Mrs. Paul Perrot in honor of our daughter & docent Mr. & Mrs. Stan Shaner Ms. Hania P. Tallmadge Linda Thomas in memory of Mrs. Edward R. Valentine GENERAL FUND Barbara Sherwood Cullen Ms. Bernadette Bagley LOTUS SOCIETY GIFT MEMBERSHIP Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence N. Bailard RECOGNITION LUNCHEON DONORS Mr. & Mrs. John S. Broome Jane Gail Copelan Mr. Rick Bisaccia Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Brown Ms. Sharone Cain Lois Capps, U.S. Representative Mr. Charlie Calisti GRANTS Ms. Jane Gail Copelan Mr. & Mrs. William W. Drewry, III John Percival & Mary C. Jefferson Ian M. Fisher & Michelle J. Montez Mr. Jake Cryan Endowment Ms. Alyson Dutch Mr. & Mrs. Erik Gregersen Mrs. Anitra P. Sheen Ms. Whitney Hansen Chris Fallon in honor of Ellen Easton, WATER STAIRS Nancy & Ken Goldsholl Anne & Bill Dewey Mrs. Vivian Hassan-Lambert Ms. Tina Hasche RESTORATION Ms. Mary Hegarty & Mr. Bill Tomlin Mrs. William P. Tennity Hazel Heath Horton Philanthropic Trust Chris & Bambi Leonard Scott Mattchen Mrs. E. Walton MISH WEST COAST Corinne Hedrick Ms. Patricia McBratney Mrs. Peggy Mohr Mrs. Debbie Hild JEWELRY SHOW Graciela Montgomery Mrs. Joanne C. Holderman Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson John & Daryl Stegall Ms. Lucia Oelz Nora McNeely Hurley Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Pfeifer with cheers to all of you GENERAL DONATIONS Mr. Dan Reed who keep Lotusland so sublimely Mrs. Anne Stevens beautiful and inspiring Mr. & Mrs. Don Crawford Mrs. Deb Fenwick Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Van Dyke Mr. & Mrs. William Kauth Mr. Len Van Nostrand Dr. Kimberly Krohn Mrs. Robert M. Jones for restoring the Blue Garden & Dr. John Fishpaw Mr. Harlis Maggard in honor of IN MEMORY OF Mr. & Mrs. David Lafitte Lynne Scott’s birthday BRUCE BELL Ms. Judith Little Joan McDonald, Gardens by Joan Mrs. Jacqueline Lunianski Mr. & Mrs. Fred Keller in appreciation of February 14 tour The Men’s Garden Club of Santa Barbara & Ms. Rachel Kauffman Mr. & Mrs. James M. Morouse Mr. Steven McGuire Ms. June H. Schuerch Mr. & Mrs. William J. McKinley Mr. & Mrs. Arent H. Schuyler, Jr. IN MEMORY OF Mr. & Mrs. James M. Morouse United Way as directed by Lori White MARILYN MCCARTY Ms. Helene Mussbach Mr. & Mrs. Marc Winnikoff Larry Disharoon & Diane Galvan Mrs. Raymond K. Myerson Anonymous in appreciation of Madeline & Julio Petrini Mrs. Joanna Newton the water stairs and cypress allée Betsy Thies & Marjorie Garland Ms. Katie O’Reilly Rogers Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Parry Mr. & Mrs. Brett M. Posten Mrs. C. William Schlosser Members Who Have Increased Mr. Leonard Somdahl in memory of Ellen Somdahl Their Level of Support Caryll M. & Norman F. Sprague Jr. DECEMBER 2008, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2009 Foundation Miss Shirley Toeppner GARDEN PATRON LEVEL III Transformation Trust Inc. Mrs. John Bowen, Ray & Mary Evert Mr. Bill Wagner Bowen Charitable Foundation & Mrs. Sue Aldrich-Wagner Mr. Arthur R. Gaudi LEVEL II Dawn & Michael Watson Mr. & Mrs. Neil Levinson Ms. Cristy Brenner in honor of Harlis Maggard Mrs. Cynthia Hall Ms. Jennifer Wilbanks & Mr. Barry Polley Ms. Peggy Harris Frank & Deborah Wilson LEVEL IV Mr. Robert Bruce Hill, Hill & Associates Mr. & Mrs. Byron Kent Wood Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Emmeluth Ms. Megan Van Linda, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Wright Mr. David Gerber Megan Van Linda Design Ms. Gretchen Zee 14

Renewing Upper Level Members Thank You to Our DECEMBER 2008, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2009 GARDEN SPONSORS GARDEN SPONSOR Mrs. Cynthia Clark Mitchel Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck Mr. & Mrs. Frederick W. Gluck Mr. Eric Nagelmann Jack Mithun & Mercedes Millington Mr. & Mrs. Warren Staley Mrs. Edward E. Stepanek GARDEN BENEFACTOR Mr. & Mrs. John Tilson Ms. Erin Tappan Mr. & Mrs. Jon B. Lovelace Tim & Robin Willis Peter & Leslie Tolan Mr. & Mrs. David Wolf GARDEN PATRON GARDEN BENEFACTORS Mr. & Mrs. James Drasdo LEVEL III Mr. & Mrs. Stewart Edwards Mr. & Mrs. Robert Anderson Mr. & Mrs. William J. Calise, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Emmons Mr. & Mrs. Ken Beard Staffan & Margareta Encrantz Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Gregory Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Boyle Mr. & Mrs. Robert Feinberg Mr. & Mrs. John Mozart Ms. Hannah G. Bradley Mr. & Mrs. Richard Janssen Mr. & Mrs. Chapin Nolen Mr. & Mrs. M. Peyton Bucy Mr. & Mrs. Jon B. Lovelace Mr. Jay Roston Ms. Holly E. Cramer Mr. & Mrs. William W. Nicholson Ms. Jeanne C. Thayer John & Tracie Doordan Mrs. Andy Pearson Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Yzurdiaga Mr. & Mrs. David Dvorak Mr. & Mrs. Harold Simmons Ian M. Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Herb Simon LEVEL IV & Michelle J. Montez Ms. Beverly Smaniotto Mr. Victor K. Atkins, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. David Goldmuntz Mr. Jack Baker, Wallis Foundation Mr. Oswald J. Da Ros Mr. John Hayes Dr. Karen Davidson Ms. Susan Hopmans Mr. & Mrs. Gary Gallup & Ms. Bess Hopmans Montecito Bank & Trust, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Joy, Mr. & Mrs. Derk K. Hunter Mr. Mark Fingerlin Joy Equipment Protection Mr. & Mrs. Sean Hutchinson Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Ovadia Mr. & Mrs. John MacFarlane Mrs. Diana Katsenes Mr. & Mrs. Craig Palonen Mr. Harlis Maggard Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kolb Mr. & Mrs. Michael Thompson Mr. Eugene McCarthy Ms. Frances La Mar Ms. Elinor Van Oosten & Ms. Jane Engelsiepen Ms. Lori Kraft Meschler Mr. & Mrs. James Warren Lotusland Members WE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED IN DECEMBER 2008, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2009

GARDEN SPONSOR Ms. Florence Sobel Mr. Charles Harrison Ms. Erin Tappan Belinda & Richard Teitel Ms. Erika Hassan Adam & Erin Zetter Dr. Charles Hollingsworth LEVEL IV Mr. Steen Hudson Mrs. Deb Fenwick LEVEL I Ms. Rachel Jorgensen Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Karmin Ms. Cynthia Anderson Ms. Veronica Juarez Mrs. Sheila Klink Richard & Rosalin Belante Anne & Ratus Kelly Mr. Peter Muller Mrs. Sharon Bisaccia Janice & Jim Knight Mr. Greg Van Wyk, Manchester Capital Dr. Charles E. Blair Dr. Kimberly Krohn & Dr. John Fishpaw Management Ms. Carol Bolt Ms. Ronna Lee Ms. Ellen Brown & Ms. Zoe Merewether Jessica & Dennis Leidall LEVEL III Ms. Sue Burrows Ms. Petra Lowen & Mr. Eric Strauchman Glenn & Patti Burke Mrs. Elizabeth Caezza Ms. Melissa Marik Dorothy & John Gardner Ms. Judy Copanas Dr. Bob Miller, Marine Science Institute Mr. Jeff Klein Ms. Nancy Crabtree David & Cori Mires Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Massar Dioji, Bryce & Jeannie Wendel Eva & Michael Monroe Mr. & Mrs. William Stinehart, Jr. Todd & Melanie Drevo Ms. Daniella Morgan Ms. Sara Driskell Ruben & Sharon Organista LEVEL II Mrs. Nancy Dunst Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Perena Ms. Tanya Brokaw & Mr. Mark Danieri Mrs. Lily Dutch Mr. Bill Pierce & Ms. Maxine Strunin Mrs. Deborah Calisti Howard & Evelyn Eckstein Mr. Steven L. Pliha Mrs. Cassie Ferguson Mr. Robert Evans Ms. Kristin Pugliese Ms Patricia Jones Rick & Shelly Fogg Robert & Barbara Raives Mr. David McKeever Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Freund Ms. Eileen Schuler Ms. Melinda Morgan Mrs. Elizabeth Fridley Aaron & Dana Seltzer Ms. Melody Morgan Ms. Donna Genera Mr. Everett Stevens Mr. Rob Pearson Ms. Lora Grace Mr. Wyatt Talley Dr. Paul Recsei Mrs. Kathleen Haklai Ms. Bicky Townsend Mr. & Mrs. Barry Schwartz Dr. & Mrs. Denman Hammond Bryan Van Der Hyden Mr. & Mrs. Bob Short Ms. Olivia Harris & Mr. George Legrady Mr. Timothy Wood 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 Garden Tour Series: Three Eras of Lotusland EACH TOUR IS PRICED SEPARATELY $20 each/members • $35 each/nonmembers PLANTS OF KINTON STEVENS • Saturday, April 25 • 1:30 PM THE BUILDINGS AND GARDENS OF THE GAVIT ERA • Saturday, May 23 • 1:30 PM THE GARDENS OF MADAME WALSKA • Saturday, June 27 • 1:30 PM

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Mother’s Day Tea and Tour Saturday, May 9 • 1:30 TO 4:00 PM CHECK ONE: Docent-guided tour Self-guided tour $55/members • $65/nonmembers • $20/children under 18

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Santa Barbara Gardens Tour With VIRGINIA HAYES, CURATOR OF THE LIVING COLLECTION Saturday, June 13 • 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM $100/members • $110/nonmembers INCLUDES TRANSPORTATION, ADMISSION AND BUFFET LUNCH

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Summer Solstice Twilight Tour Saturday, June 20 • 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 $ ______LotusFest! Saturday, July 11 • 2:00 TO 5:00 PM $65/members • $75/nonmembers

No. of people attending ______No. of cars______Total $ ______Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PA ID Santa Barbara California Permit No. 163

695 Ashley Road Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Address Service Requested

Spring and Summer 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, April 25 Saturday, June 13 Saturday, July 11 Garden Tour Series: Three Eras of Santa Barbara Gardens Tour LotusFest! Lotusland ~ Plants of Kinton Stevens with Virginia Hayes 2:00 TO 5:00 PM 1:30 PM 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM See details on page 4 and use the See details on page 5 and use the See details on page 10 and use the coupon on page 15 to register. coupon on page 15 to register. coupon on page 15 to register. Sunday, July 26 Saturday, May 9 Sunday, June 14 Lotusland Celebrates Mother’s Day Tea and Tour Lotus Society Luncheon Our Secret Gardens 1:30 TO 4:00 PM NOON 4:00 TO 8:00 PM See details on page 11 and use the For information on how to join See details on page 12. Invitations coupon on page 15 to register. The Lotus Society, call Anne Dewey will be mailed in mid-June. at 805.969.3767, extension 105. Saturday, May 16 Tours Members’ Family Day: Saturday, June 20 The Birds and the Bees and Regular Tours and Family Tours are Summer Solstice Twilight Tour the Flowers and the Trees offered at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, 4:00 TO 7:00 PM 10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday, See details on pages 8–9 and use the See details on page 10 and use the coupon on page 15 to register. between February 15 and November coupon on page 9 to register. 15. Family Tours are available for Saturday, May 23 Saturday, June 27 groups with children under age 10 Garden Tour Series: Three Eras of Garden Tour Series: Three Eras and are child and parent friendly. Lotusland ~ The Buildings and of Lotusland ~ The Gardens of They are separate from regular adult Gardens of the Gavit Era Madame Walska tours. Adult members, $20 or use 1:30 PM 1:30 PM admission passes; ages five to 18, See details on page 5 and use the See details on page 5 and use the $10; four and under, free. Call coupon on page 15 to register. coupon on page 15 to register. 805.969.9990 for reservations.