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Nt:WSLl:TTl:R FOR 1'11:MBl: RS ~ VOLUMI: 6 NO. I t SPRIN G 1999
GannaWalska.,s Japanese Garden IN EACH AREA OF HER GARDEN,Madame Walska took an idea or theme and created an expression of her own style . The Japanese Garden was no exception . She envisioned it en circling the large pond at the lower end of the property, which was then comp letely engulfed by lotus . In the lace 1960s, she began collaborating with Santa Barbara stone mason Oswald Da Ros and an experienced Japanese gardener, Frank Fujii, to create a place of serenity and beauty . ( In Japanese gardening the inten tion is to evoke a scene from nature that can be entered and contem plated . The main elements of wate r, stone, and tree are maintained in a very fine balance . All aspects of the design, from the exact placement of trees and plants to the choice of weathered boulders, are considered in detail and carefully executed. In Ganna Walska's Japanese gar den, which is most reminiscent of a samurai stroll garden with its large central pond, her collection of stone A toriigate 1 traditionallvused to mark a place of i111portance1 standsat the formalentrance of Madame \¥1alska1s Japanesegarden. Thisgate was broughtto Lotus/andfrom the Raymond lanterns and other sculpture is dis estate(more recently knolXln as The Breakersor Arco estate) in Montecitoby Madame \¥la/ska. played against a backdrop of lush greenery . Another technique, called shakke,~ 11borrows" a view or element IN THIS ISSUE of the larger landscape and incor Ganna Walska·sJ apanese Garden Make Mother's Doll Special 9 porates it in the garden . The view of What'sNiwak i? 4 Rose Garden Renovationis Funded 9 Mon tecito Peak framed by the torii VolunteerProfil e: LLJnnK irblJ, 5 lkebanaL ecture and Demonstration 10 gate is a perfect example. Lotusland's Madame ButterftLJ Madame Walska (with Mr. Fujii's Garden Volunteers 10 TheMaster Gardener Program help) included many of the types of 5 Members·FamilLJ Daq at Lotusland II ( plants traditional to Japanese gardens. New to the Collections G MikeFurn er Celebrates 12 Each symboli zes a human virtue, so MERRAGand EmergencLJ (i TwentLJYe ars at Lotusland that a walk through the garden can Preparedness SantaBarbara Pres ervation 13 become a mora l lesson. Bamboo, Year-EndAppeal Re sults 7 week 1999 Continuedon page 2 Horticultural Happenings 3 SpringGard en Tour for Members 15 Continuedfrom page 1 camellias and Japanese maples. Even THJ=.LOTUSlAND NEWSLEITER FOR MEMBERS is published by symbolic of strength and flexibility, the hollies, pines, and other conifers Ganna WalskaLotusland Foundation pine, which stands for long life and such as Chamaecyparis1 Cryptomeria ) 695 Ashley Road endurance, and flowering plum or and Sciadopityswould prefer a well Santa Barbara,California 93108 cherry, denoting courage or chivalry, drained, acidic soil. Most would also (805)969-3767 are often planted near each other do best in a climate with year-round, and referred to as the "three friends." even moisture and suffer during our Boardo( Trustees Carol L. Valentine,President Others such as azalea (brotherhood), long, dry summers and potentially Merry!Brown • Elizabeth,W. Dal
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.,_;~ C) g~ t:11...... ;_.JloilAIIA,!!.!!!.: In the earlytwenties, the reservoirthat wouldbecome the focusof theJapanese garden was navigableby rowboat,even 1(choked with lows. Now water,trees, stones, and lotusare tit balance. The naturaland rhecontrived exist side by side. Nineteenthcentury woodcut of a Japanese publicgarden . Even the largepines have beenmaniwred and shapeato emphasize theirform.
leach them out of the soil. The result was increasingly unhealthy condi tions for all plants, but particularly ( ,significant for the more sensitive ones mentioned . Stressed plants are less able to resist pathogens such as fungi and insect pests. During the last several years, the replacement of azaleas and conifers has been ongoing, and a new group of rhododendrons is waiting in the wings to be planted out this spring . To mitigate the effects of clay soil and alkaline water, they are being planted in new soil mix mounded above the existing beds. This will give them the moisture -retaining, yet well-draining medium they require. Additional sub In Lotusland'sJapanese garden, several weeping willows overhang the pool, theirimages surface drainage is being installed in reflectedon its surface. some areas to further improve their chances for a long and healthy life. manual pop-up shrub sprayers, drip capable of applying organic materials. In 1994, a fertilizer injection emitters, low-volume mini-spray With these improvements, the essen system was installed that applied a heads, and good old-fashioned rain tial elements of the Japanese gard.en low dose of nitrogen and acidified birds-is due for major renovation will continue to thrive. water during every irrigation. While and re-design. Gardening staff spends As you visit the garden, spend improvements in plant health were more than a third of their time just some moments in contemplation of noticed after just a short time with moving hoses and sprinklers and the lofty ideals expressed by the l this system, it no longer fits Lotus repairing and maintaining thousands plantings . Turn your thoughts, if land's increasing commitment to of feet of tubing. So a newly designed only for a moment, away from your totally organic materials and sustain automated system of irrigation is in daily cares to those of brotherhood, able methods . The current irrigation the works that will also include an love, and happiness. system - comprised of a mosaic of improved fertigation pump and tank -Virginia Hayes What~NiwaRi? 1 A JAPANESEGARDEN is a metaphor for Sometimes however, nature does If you would like to contribute ) a perfect, yet perfectly natural world. not cooperate . At Lotusland, the loss to the restoration of the Japanese This illusion is maintained through of several black pine niwaki due to garden by donating funds for the the dedication of the gardener and Phytophthera (root fungus) has left a replacement of these trees, please the cooperation of nature. Each void where visual vignettes used to call Assistant Director Anne Dewey niwakior manicured specimen tree in be. Replacements have been located at 969-3767 ext. 225. the garden is formed to a purpose: by Lotusland's Frank Fujii, but as you the creation of an effect that is so might imagine, 30-year-old black subtly artificial that it seems more pine trees are not inexpensive, and natural than nature. our funds are limited .
FrankFujii has skillfullyshaped e-ach tree ~· . and shrubin hisgarden to conformto a . ~·. ~ ~ > The abilityof evergreensJuniperus cv and pine to remainupright and greenin the bitter An uprightPinus radiata orMonterev pine harshnessof winterembodies the Japanese ideal of strengthin adversity. niwaki at Lotus/and. VOLUNTEERPRO FILE LwnnKirbLJ, Lotusland:S Madame Buttertlw Center for Earth Concerns (ICEC) in planting, and maintaining the new Ojai, and for many years has sold her beds, which feature a potpourri of baskets at the downtown Yes Store. varieties of flowering plants that Lynn's desire to further her attract beneficial insects. If you had expertise in gardening led her to the a chance to walk through the garden Master Gardenerprogram offered by last summer, you were treated to a the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. dazzling display of color from these When she saw an article in Lotus plantings. An expansion is planned Noticeasking for volunteers to help this year with the assistance of start an insectiary in an area of volunteer Master Gardeners. Also the grounds that "looked pretty planned are a program to teach pathetic," she submitted a proposal children about beneficial insects and for creating a butterfly garden at the planting of a garden used to lotusland using plants that attract demonstrate how simple it is to and support beneficial insects ... the establish a backyard insectiary. attraction of butterflies being a de Lynn has a long and varied history lightful side effect. With Lotusland's of volunteerism in our community. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Her first volunteer experience was coordinator, John Lafleur, acting as working in the nursery at Goleta LOVEOF GARDENINGand a strong com liaison between the Master Gardener Valley Hospital taking photographs mitment to volunteerism combine program and Lotusland, our very of babies, and she has been a "big to make Lynn Kirby an enthusiastic, own Madame Butterfly unfurled her sister" in the extremely successful ( dedicated Lotusland garden volunteer. wings with a vengeance. Big Brother Program sponsored by She began volunteering here five Lynn started the all-volunteer the Santa Barbara Boys' Club. It years ago, working in the Japanese project in the spring of 1998 with seems that her natural inclination for garden with Lotusland's expert gar the help of fellow Lotusland garden nurturing extends to the plant world deners Frank Fujii and Terri Clay. volunteers George Burtness and Nina as well, much to our benefit and Lynn's goal "to be part of the garden Terzian. The garden was created on delight here at Lotusland . and be a contributing member" was a half-acre plot beyond the lemon Anyone interested in working in nurtured by these early learning arbor, in company with both the the butterfly garden should contact experiences-and recently found majestic dawn redwood (Metasequoia) Connie Buxton, Volunteer Coordina expression in an important indepen and charming dove aviary. The vol tor, at 969-3736, ext. 227. dent contribution to the garden's unteers worked very hard designing, -Connie Buxton programs. She has used her creative energy in designing and implement ing the "butterfly garden, 11 an exciting new addition to the gardens that not TheMaster Gardener Program only is a feast for the eyes, but also contributes toward Lotusland's ulti THE LOCAL MASTERGARDENER PROGRAM started in 1989 and is jointly mate goal-sustainability . administered by a cooperative agreement between Santa Barbara Botanic Lynn's professional experience is Garden and the University of California Extension in Ventura and Santa in visual display. She is the Visual Barbara counties. The program grew out of a need for home gardeners to Director for Pier ,f in Santa Barbara, have answers to horticultural questions. where she utilizes her obvious talent To become a certified Master Gardener, each trainee must attend for design. She is accomplished in the approximately 80 hours of classes and perform 80 hours of volunteer art of basket weaving from natural apprenticeship. To maintain certified Master Gardener status, each fibers and finds Lotusland's compost gardener must volunteer a minimum of 40 hours a year (working on bins to be "a great source for plant approved projects) and continue their horticultural education. material" for her baskets . She teaches If you have questions about this program, please call Connie Buxton, basket making classes in her home, Lotusland Volunteer Coordinator .at 969-3767 ext. 227. has taught classes at the International New to the Collections ) SOMEOF THE MOSTINTERESTING plant had many small heads clustered man Rudolph Ziesenhenne discovered hybrids have arisen by the chance together instead of the characteristic a seedling of this plant growing in his cross-pollination of unknown parents single, large one. The original plants greenhouse about the time that or a mutation on one portion of a in the garden have been gone for a Madame Walska was purchasing plant (often called a "sport"). One such number of years, so it was with great begonias for her new shade garden . plant that first appeared in the cactus pleasure that a replacement was Several other species were growing beds at Lotusland many years ago is recently obtained from Rainbow in the same greenhouse, which made a form of Astrophytum myriostigma. Gardens in Vista, California, where it it difficult to ascertain its parents. Also called Bishop's Cap because of has been in propagation for quite Mr. Ziesenhenne, who was apprised it<;mitred shape, this cactus is native some time. Our new plant is still in of Ganna Walska's love of the color to Mexico and has long been a the nursery, but it grows quickly and pink, thought it only fitting to name favorite with collectors. will join its relatives along the main this flamboyant upstart for her This particular form, now called drive in the not-too-distant future. estate . Several plants of it thrive in Astrophytum myriostigmaforma Lotus Another plant bearing the cultivar the original portion of the fern land, is just such a sport. Some portion name 'Lotusland' is a large-leafed garden where its large, lobed leaves of a typical plant began to proliferate begonia with showy pink flowers. stand out among the ferns. resulting in a "monstrose" form that Local begonia hybridizer and nursery- -Virginia Hayes,Jennifer Dennis MrRRAGa11d rm erge11cLJPrepared11ess EARTHQUAKE, WILDFIRE, FLOOD. No to use MERRAG's motto, "Preparing them to the Fire Department's com- ) body knows when the next one today for tomorrow's disaster." munications center. As a part of will strike, but everyone knows it Begun by the Montecito Fire, the MERRAG network, John and will. At Lotusland we have to be Water, and Sanitary districts as a way Steve responded to local flooding ready to respond to emergencies to cooperatively help meet emer emergencies in 1995 and last year's that can threaten visitors and staff. In gencies, MERRAG has the mission El Niii.o floods. addition to our own evacuation of preparing Montecito to survive Our partnership in MERRAG plans, emergency drills, and CPR and the first 72 hours following a major allows Lotusland to share important first aid training, we have a power disaster, a period when outside help resources with our neighbors in ful partner to help us. MERRAG, is very likely to be unavailable. Montecito under emergency condi pronounced "mirage," stands for Local institutions, organizations, tions. The commitment to prepared Montecito Emergency Response and and homeowner groups are encour ness demonstrated by this organiza Recovery Action Group. Lotusland is aged to participate (Lotusland has tion ultimately benefits the entire fortunate that since 1987 its home been an active institutional member community which it represents. community of Montecito has been, since 1991) and representatives meet - Steven Timbrook monthly for training in CPR, first aid, incident command post operations, z and emergency communications tech § niques . When an emergency strikes, u Montecito Fire Department activates ~ :0 VI < MERRAG by paging primary respon g ders, who in turn mobilize other ::cl MERRAG volunteers . Lotusland's ~ Grounds Superintendent John Lafleur ~ and Executive Director Steven Tim E ,,' ::, brook take turns with representatives 8 /111.omecitoEmergency Response and from other community agencies as MERRAG membersquickly mobilized RecovervGroup, including Lot11s!and 1s primary responders, carrying special in responseto El Nifioflooding in our John La~eur,top row, fourthfrom right. pagers and two-way radios linking communitylast w1inter. Vear-l:11dAppeal Res ults l L0TUSIANDrs VERYGRATIFIED by the Mr. & Mrs. Mattison Mines enthusiastic response from members Ms. E. Schilling Mullin to our 1998 year-end appeal. The Mrs. Marjorie M. Nelson number of gifts more than doubled Mr. & Mrs. James Nonn from 1997. Our members' generosity Ms. Prudence Noon allows Lotusland to further impor Mr. & Mrs. James P. Owen tant projects within our educational Mr. Randy Owens and horticultural programs and to Mr. & Mrs. Greg Palmer y11 1r-: IC. I ,-n; increase accessibility in the garden. D Ms. Kathleen Palmer Two major gifts from Ms. Priscilla Mr. & Mrs. Kurt R. Anker Mr. Austin H. Peck, Jr. K. Giesen and Mr. and Mrs . Sean Mr. Victor K. Atkins , Jr. Mr. & Mrs . Frank Pesenti Hutchinson will create a much needed Ms. Joan Rock Bailard Mr. Brad Pitt rare and specimen plant fund . Ms . Sydney Baumgartner Mr. & Mrs. David Potter Lotusland is especially grateful to Dr. & Mrs. Eric H. Boehm Ms . Happy Price the John G. Braun and The Pesenti Mr. & Mrs . Monte Brown Hon. & Mrs . John C. Pritzlaff Foundations for their generous gifts Mr. & Mrs. Colin Campbell Mr. & Mrs . Bill Rutledge to the year-end appeal. We would like Ms. Doris Carter Mr. Arthur W. Schultz to thank the following individuals Mrs. Roger Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Arent H. Schuyler, Jr. for their much appreciated support Ms. Mary L. Cheadle Mr. & Mrs. Harris Seed of our programs and operations : Mr. & Mrs. Barton Clemens Ms. Hilda P. Seibert Mr. & Mrs. Bill Cook Mrs. Elman R. Service RARElSr SPECIMEN Mr. & Mrs. Curt Coughlin Mr. & Mrs . Edward Shea n IT C:.I ,. ,n. Mr. Gordon B. Crary , Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jan E.G. Smit ( Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Crawford Ms . Frances Sozanski Ms . Priscilla K. Giesen Ms. Elizabeth W. Dake Mr. & Mrs . Bob Temkin Mr. Sean Hutchinson Andrew & Adrianne Davis Mr. & Mrs . William P.Tennicy Anne & Bill Dewey Ms . Louisa E. Thielst · ·~nT~r·f T" I .- Mr. & Mrs. Don Dishian Dr. & Mrs. Steven Timbrook Mr. & Mrs. H. Hampton Bell Ms. Ann Donlon Mrs. Edward R. Valentine Mr. & Mrs. John Boething Mrs. Maurice E. Faulkner Ms . Elinor Van Oosten Ms. Nancy Cook Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Plaster Mrs. Eric Van de Water Mr. & Mrs. Ken Delgado Ms. Rosemarie A. Forster Ms . Winifred W. Vedder Ms. Iris Howell Flowers Mr. & Mrs . Alvin W. Friedman Ms. April N. Walstad Mr. & Mrs. Frank Granat Mr. Arthur R. Gaudi Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Webster Mrs . Graham Jones Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Guntermann Ms . Jeanne Woods Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kolb Dr. Melville H. Haskell , Jr. Mrs. Harris Seed Mr. & Mrs. Jack Mahoney Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Haden Ms . Hilda P.Seibert Ms . Mary Henson Mrs. Elman R. Service Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Hill Mr. & Mrs. Edward Shea Ms. Barbara K. Hopper Mr. & Mrs. Jan E.G. Smit Ms . Mary Clyde Barbey Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Hugunin Ms . Frances Sozanski Ms. Susan Bower Mr. & Mrs. Fritz Huntsinger Mr. & Mrs. Bob Temkin Mrs. Janet Milligan Crary Mr. George Hutchinson Mr. & Mrs. William P.Tennity Ms . Rosemarie A. Forster Mr. & Mrs. Sean Hutchinson Ms . Louisa E. Thielst Ms . Charlotte G. Hoegerman Mr. Phil R. Jackson Dr. & Mrs. Steven Timbrook Mrs. Joseph R. Osherenko Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Jacobson Mrs. Edward R. Valentine Ms . Karin Young Ms . Patricia Harris Johnston Ms . Elinor Van Oosten Mrs. Eric Van de Water (..___,/~.rr~cc-•q• "T"'lll Mr. & Mrs . Robert M. Jones Ms. Frances D. Larkin Ms. Winifred W. Vedder Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Connelly Mrs. Elise Mudd Marvin Ms . April N. Walstad Ms . Susan Krivin Mrs. Milbank McFie Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Webster Mr. & Mrs. Robert Oldham Mr. A. A. Milligan Ms. Jeanne Woods HorticulturalHapp enings quickly. Even when severe trimming The foliage of oak trees is neces- ) leaves only a skeletal framework of sa1y for photosynthesis and shades PlANTINGS OF Syzygium paniculatum trunks and twigs, new growth begins branches from the heat of the sun, and Pittosporumundularum easily out almost immediately. which can cause sunscald. The number any other individual non The crisp new lines of the bromeliads, on the other hand, need grass species growing at Lotusland . parterre and topiary garden hedges as much light as possible to en Except for the Podocarpusgracilior renovated in Janua1y are greening up and Myrsine af,icanusin the Theater courage better color of foliage and again and should be completely garden, all of the clipped formal inflorescence, but can burn if the hedges at Lotusland are "eugenia" and recovered by late spring or early light is too hot or intense. A recent "pitt." The hedges frame hardscape summer. New plantings will eventu trimming of the oaks in the bromeliad features such as the Neptune foun ally fill holes where hedges were thin garden was completed to improve tain and swimming pool and provide or out of shape and where unwanted light conditions for the understory the screening that creates the intimacy plants were removed . The mainte plantings while maintaining suffi of special areas like the parterre rose nance, including cultural care of the cient oak foliage for tree health. garden and topiaries . Although their hedges, is a time-consuming but Providing nutrients in the proper botanical interest doesn't rival that of very important aspect of grounds proportions to the bromeliads will the specimen plantings, the hedges care. Take special notice of the be possible now that the bromeliad are a very important architectural hedges the next time you visit garden irrigation systems have been design feature . Lotusland and try to envision the isolated from the main lawn fertiga- It's the nature of hedges to grow Garden without its hedges .. .it tion system. Overfertilizing, especially beyond their prescribed bounds, but would be like a room without walls . too much nitrogen, can cause a an occasional renovation will recover greening of some bromeliads . Plants the desired shape and size . At Bl?ONELI .s may grow leggy and lose their color Lotusland the hedges in the parterre SANTABARBARA'S CLIMATE is suitable and variegation. Micro-dosing nutri- \ and around the topiary garden are to the cultivation of bromeliads in ents through the fertigation system J renovated every five or six years. The the landscape. In fact, Lotusland's over the past year has been very process includes checking the heights, mass plantings of colorful bromeliads beneficial to the main lawn, but widths, and relative scale of the with their graceful shapes and provided more nutrients than the hedges to their surroundings. Using unusual textures under a canopy of bromeliads require. Separating the the brick borders of walkways and oaks (Quercusagrifolia) are the favorite main lawn and the bromeliad gardens' measured bamboo poles as guides, gardens of many visitors. The irrigation lines improves the cultural hedges and ledges are redefined. S. bromeliad collection should be even conditions leading to healthier plants paniculatumand P undulatum grow more spectacular this year due to a and a better display. See if you can ve1y fast in Santa Barbara so hedges couple of recently completed cultural tell the difference the next time you recover from these renovations improvement projects . visit the Garden. - Mike lven .,: ~ ::; "' ~ ~ -i <-~~~ ~ -'---""---"-=__:__~~ ---'---"----~--~ ---3 ~ 3 Throughco11sistent trimming, the hedgesof the formalgarden haven't visibly Bromeliadsthrive under the oak canopy.Their sources of food changedin the twentyyears since this photograph \l'las takeu. and lighthave recently been improved. n MaReMother:s Daw Special TREAT THE MOTHER in your life to a wonderful gift this Mother's Day - a membership to Friends of Lotusland . Every Mother's Day gift recipient and her guests are invited on a docent- led tour of the garden on Saturday, May 8 (the day before Mother's Day). Tea and refreshments will be served on the Terrace. Gift recipients will receive the tour and tea as part of the gift membership contribution. The fee for her guests will be the usual tour charge ($10 or redeem one free admission coupon) plus $6 per guest for the tea. Personalized membership packages will be mailed co the gift recipient . Topurchase a Mother'sDay gift membershipand make reservationsfor additional guests for the tourand tea, completethis couponand mailit to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 MOTHER'SDAY GIFT MEMBERSHIP RECIPIENT Name ______Phone ______ Address ______ D Level I $40 D Level II $100 D Level III $500 D Level N $1000 PERSONGIVING GIFT 0 Your Name ______Phone ______Address ______ DAYMENT METHOD D Check Enclosed OVISA D MasterCard Expiration Date ______Card Number ______Signature ______ ADDITIONALRESERVATIONS REQUESTED FOR TOUR AND TEA ___ Number of reservations x $10 fee or free admission pass plus $6 per reservation=$ ______ RoseGarde11 Re11ovatio11 is Fu11ded 1 ~, LAST SPRINGS RENOVA- Villaine, in memory of her father-in in staggered rows. A red pillar rose :>-\Ji TION of the rose law, Henri Gaudin de Villaine. now graces the backdrop trellis, ~~ garden, a focal point The soil was thoroughly recon which formerly supported an Easter ~ of the parterre to the ditioned, subsurface drains were lily vine (Beaumontiagrandiflora). In east of the Main House, installed to alleviate the poor their first year in the ground, the new has been completely underwritten drainage that had always plagued roses were quite pretty. This year by a $10,000 donation from Charles this part of the garden, and a new they will be even lovelier, so please Fairbanks and his sister, Pamela de suite of floribunda roses was planted come and enjoy them. IRebanaL ecture andD emonstration () LIKE JAPANESE GARDEN DESIGN, Japanese flower arranging (ikebana)is a reflection and an idealization of the essen tials of nature . Ikenobo Ikebana professor Heartie Anne Look, who studied ikebana in Japan for several years, will discuss the history and development of ikebana in a lecture at Lotusland on May 15, 1999. By creating arrangements encom passing the earliest shoka type used in Buddhist temp les to the bold ,___,...____ contemporary styles of today, Mrs. -- Look will demonstrate the enduring vitality of this graceful art and prepare the way for attendees to create arrangements on their own. Please use Ikebana expressesmany of the aestheticvalues common to otherJapanese representations of the coupon on page 15 to register. naturesuch as thispen and ink drawingfrom the 19thcentury. Garden Volunteers ) WORK, WORK, WORK, work, work, work, work. There's so much to do and never enough time for the gardening staff to do it. We could use some help. If you wo uld like to spend more time at Lotusland getting to know the horticulturists, learning susta in able horticulture practices, and helping to maintain and improve the grounds, consider the Garden volun teer program . Projects to improve the growing conditions for plants throughout the Garden are ongoing . A typical day's activities might include planting bed soil renova tion, application of organic fertilizers and other soil and root inoculants, installing and repairing irrigation systems, planting and maintaining insectary/butterfly gardens, day-to-day landscape maintenance, and preparation for public tours and special events . The grounds staff takes pride in the appearance of their individual areas of responsibility and in Lotusland's reputa tion for high-quality landscape maintenance. A thoughtful approach to cultural care performed in an environmentally responsible manner is a part of the process that keeps gardening at Lotusland interesting and rewarding and fun. There's work to do and improvements to be made in every area of the Garden. Call Connie Buxton at 969-3767 to find out more about becoming a Lotusland grounds volunteer . Gardenvolunteers. 0 Members' famillJ DalJat Lotusland SUNDAY, APRIL 25 • 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. This event is offered free to Lotus/and membersand their families, thanks to the generosity and support of Lotus/and wishes to thank you, our members, for your support by hosting our secondannual members1 family day. Everyoneis invited, especiallykids under 1Of Activities will include: • BOXTALESwith Michael Katz in the theatre garden 11-1 1:30 a.m. & 2:30- 3 p.m. • Games and crafts from the garden for children and adults 10-11:30 a.m. & 2-3 :30 p.m • Horticulture Hunt: follow clues to find plants in the garden and win a prize morning and afternoon • Free silly souven ir photographs by Robert DeBris (all day) • Live music on the main lawn, featuring The Sons of Bluegrass from noon to 2 p.m . • Exhibits in the main house (all day) • Picnic lunches, cake and drinks on the main lawn 0 from noon to 2 p.m. Box lunchesfor adults and childrenmay be purchasedwhen you make yourreservation , orguests are welcometo bringtheir own picnic lunches . Cake and beverageswill be providedfor all . Picnic(packing) blankets will be providedto everyone,courtesy of Mammoth Moving & Storage . THIS MEMBERS' FAMILY DAY IS FREE! But you must make a reservation by mail. We expect this event to fill very quickly, and space is limited. Please com plete and mail the coupon below to reserve your space and to purchase box lunches. RESERVATIONFORM MEMBERS' FAMILYDAY IS FR.EE, WITH A RESERVATION.To reserve space for you and your family, complete this coupon and mail it to: Ganna Walska Lotusland, Attn: Member Events, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 . No phone reservations, please. Confirmationswill be sent uponour receipt of yourreservation. Member Name ______Phone ______Address ______ Number of Adults attending ___ _ Number of Kids attending ___ _ Number of cars ___ _ You may bringyour own picnicor orderBox Luncheshere: PaymentMethod: Box Lunches : Adult's lunch $12 each ____ _ D Check enclosed DVISA D MasterCard Kid's lunch $ 6 each ____ _ Expiration date ______Total enclosed Card number ______Signature ______MiRe Furner CelebratesTwentw Years at Lotusland learned about planting techniques the garden, alone or with Charlie ) and plants. He spent a year doing Glass, she would call out to him, landscaping at the Valley Club in "Who's there?" When Mike replied, Montecito before going to work for she would simply remark, "Oh, my Griffin in the 1970s. During the six blonde friend." One time, when he years he spent with Griffin, he was planting ground cover among learned many different aspects of the newly planted cycads, Charlie horticulture and landscape construc brought by Madame Walska. When tion, finding the business always she asked Mike how long it would new and different. take for the small plugs of plant One day, when Mike had been material to spread out and cover the moving palms for the Madame for area, he replied- taking his cue from nearly a month, the director of her Charlie to please his impatient boss, garden, Charlie Glass, approached who at age 93 was racing against him with the following proposition : time to complete her garden - "Real Would he consider quitting his job soon, Madame, real soon." Hearing with Griffin so that Madame Walska this, she was pleased and moved on . ONELOOK AT HIS SPARKUNGblue eyes -who did not want to steal him Mike and another long-term and you immediately know that away from Griffin- could hire him gardener, Bruno Reginato, carried Lotusland's equipment and mainte full time. Though the stipulation that oxygen tanks into her bedroom nance mechanic, Mike Furner, loves he resign his current position caused when she returned from the hospital his work. So it won't surprise you to him some concern, he gave notice after a long illness in 1984. When the learn that Mike has been a dedicated and within a month was an em gardeners returned from lunch, they Lotusland employee for twenty ployee at Lotusland . Although his were saddened to learn that Madame years this February. risk paid off later, his new boss Walska had passed away Mike will ) Madame Walska hired Mike in unfortunately forgot to issue his first never forget his former emp loyer- 1979 to be part of her gardening paycheck. Her generosity later more the way she built her gardens, the crew after seeing his hard work, than made up for this oversight, as generosity she showed all who dedication, and love for Lotusland Madame Walska was known to give worked for her, and the legacy she on a contract crew doing tree work generous bonuses to all those work left for all to enjoy. in the garden she was working so ing for her. When restoration began on the hard to complete . Employed by In the twenty years since he main house and outbuildings after Griffin Tree & Landscape, Mike began working at Lotusland, Mike Madame Walska's death, Mike spent two Springs moving palms for has worked in almost all areas of the assisted Peter Stollenwerk with more "the Madame" (as she was known), garden. After starting out with a brief and more construction projects, delighted to be in her beautiful stint in the cactus garden under gradually phasing out of gardening. garden and excited to be in on the Charlie Glass, he moved on to the He is proud of his many building creation of new gardens. cycad garden, where he spent three accomplishments that can be seen While with Griffin, Mike and an years maintaining its plush and today by visitors: the wisteria arbor associate moved the first palms into aesthetically pleasing design. He and Shinto shrine in the Japanese the area that would become the cycad then spent four years in the aloe garden, the lemon arbor in the garden, including a Phoenixreclinata garden and when the epiphyllums parterre, and the bird cage in the 30 feet tall, which had to be trans were moved to the tropical glen flower garden adjacent to the citrus ported by crane. They then moved where they are now displayed , Mike orchard . He and Peter spent two dozens of cycads Ganna Walska had hung them from the trees. He even months shaping nine-foot clear heart collected and kept in what is now tually settled in the bromeliad redwood timbers on a lathe he built the shade palm garden, beginning garden. It was a personal fascination himself to create the wisteria arbor in with the three Encepha/artoswood,i. with epiphytic bromeliads that 1989. Mike also helped design and Most of Mike's career has been caused him to request caring for build shade structures in the nursery ) in the landscaping business. As a kid those South American wonders, and carports for equipment behind\ growing up in Santa Barbara he did which he did for nearly seven years. the garage. yard work. Later he worked for five While she was alive, Madame After all these years, Mike still years at the Wilcox Nursery in the Walska never called Mike by his cares for Lotusland and feels he Kentia Palm division where he name. When she was out walking in made the right decision twenty years ago. Today he keeps equipment such to help get a job done. Optimistic Walska created in her garden. He has as power tools, tractors, and electric and compassionate, Mike seems to weathered a lot of changes over the ( ".:arts ready for grounds staff and live by an aphorism from his former years and expects to see many more . responds to maintenance needs as boss, noting in times of challenge, He likes to tell people, "I've been they come up at all the buildings on "As Madame always said, 'Nothing sentenced to life at Lotusland-but the property . He is also responsible is impossible."' it's a good sentence." for the care and maintenance of the Mike, an avid surfer since 1985 Lotusland salutes Mike's long swimming pool and all the fountains . who also builds his own skateboards term dedication and love for the Because he still loves it, he works (including one for his grandson) garden and hopes he'll be here in in the garden whenever he has a hopes that Lotusland never loses the another twenty years. chance and always happily pitches in aesthetics and character that Madame -Janet M. Eastmam Sar1taBarbara Preservatior1 \XleeR 1999 SANTA BARBARA PRESERVATIONWEEK noted Santa Barbara architect George land Foundation took over the main 1999 is a countywide effort to recog Washington Smith. tenance of the garden in 1984, the need nize, celebrate , and promote the Smith was employed by the Gavit for the restoration of Smith's garden knowledge and appreciation of the family in the mid-twenties to provide elements was recognized, and three area's unique historic resources and designs for the pavilion, its patio, projects have been completed co date. preservation efforts. As a participant, and several other elements of the For more information or for Lotusland will host a tour and garden hardscape. His final project for reservations, please call Lotusland illustrated lecture by Executive the Gavits was to design the original Reservations, 969-9990 between 9 m Director Steven Timbrook focusing swimming pool and bath house, site and noon, M-F. For further informa on the recent restoration of various of the present water garden. tion about Preservation Week 1999 ( landscape elements designed by When the Ganna Walska Lotus- activities, please call 966-9719. Ornatetilework being fayed during restoration. George1Washington Smith's fountain as it appearstoday. Frier1dsof Lotuslar1d we Welco1Tlt NewMembe 1'.SW l,o JOirled i11November, Decembe 1, 1996, JcmuarLJ1999 () LE If Mr. Michael Hakan Ms. Sheri Schlesinger Mr. Steven Hall Ms. Shirley Shultz Mr . Wesley Anderegg Mr. Clans Hallig The Sims Family Mr. & Mrs. Lane Ashley Mr . Paul Eugene Harrill Ms. Doris Smythe Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Aumont Mr. Michael Healy Ms. Henrietta Sparks Mr. Milo Baglioni Ms . Ann James Mr. William Spink Ms . Mira bai Baker Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins Mr. & Mrs . Don Stegman Ms. Janice Barker Mr. & Mrs . Glenn Johnson Ms. Betty Stephens Mr. Barry Bartron Ms. Masako Kakimoto Ms. Nan Stone & Ms . Kay Long Mr. David Katona Ms. Marsha Stuve Mr. & Mrs. Burt Blosser The Knowles Family, Stac & Rob Mr. Christopher Teasley Ms. Julie Boxberger Ms . Nancy Langdon & Ms. Judy Hamilton Ms . Marilyn Brannon Mr. & Mrs. Terry Lattimer Ms. Adria Tenisson Ms. Zola Brink Mrs. Orris Leone Ms. Judi Watson Ms. Michelin Brown Ms . Pat Licker Ms. Iris Weil Mr. & Mrs . Woody Brown Mr. & Mrs . Bob Lilley & Ms. Harriet Zaretsky Mr. Martyn Lawrence Bullard Mr. & Mrs . David Littig Mr. Wayne Williamson Mr. Vance Burke Mr. & Mrs. Steven Lowy & Mr. Bruce Goers Ms. Margaret Casey Ms. Margaret M Mr. Ron Wilson Mr. & Mrs. David Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Hadi Makarechian Ms. Karen Wintringham Mr. & Mrs. John Chionchio Ms. Grace Malolepszy Mr. Richard Zeh Mr. Patrick Corrigan Mr. Thierry Marchand Ms . Mary Ellen Zemekis Mr . & Mrs. John Cort & Mr. Chris McGraw Mr . & Mrs . David Zollars Ms . Barbara Coster Mr. Stephen Marinko 0 Mr . John Cottrell Mr. Douglas Marscheille ': ·~~ ·1 Mr. Steven Cullen Ms . Sharon McOueen Ms. Ann Daniels & Mr. Len Hill Mr. & Mrs. Ted Bergstrom Mr. & Mrs. Regis Messiqua Mr. & Mrs . Richard Buchen Ms. Laurie Deans Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Milder Mr. & Mrs . Grant Castleberg Mr. & Mrs. Jim Dehlson Ms . Arline Miller Mr. & Mrs. Andre Dermant Mr. & Mrs. Neil Churchill Mr. & Mrs. David Mills Ms. Barbara Gibbons Mr. & Mrs. Robert Detterman Mr. Bob Minton Ms. Caroline Doiron & Ms. Sue Mendelson & Mr. Neil Spidel Ms. Linda Heller Mr. Michael Einhorn Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Moresco Ms. Ann England Ms . Cindy Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. Cam Munn Mr. Wayne Jewell Dr. & Mrs. Doug Erickson Mr. Ed Nahem Ms . Anne Todd Erikson Mr. & Mrs . Fred Johnson Mr. David Nancarrow Ms. Susan Jorgensen Mr . & Mrs . Philip W. Fauntleroy, III Mr. David Niles Ms . Joan Peifer & Ms . Alice Gillaroo Mr. & Mrs. Leon Nozik Ms . Lindy Kern Ms . Sue Ferguson Ms. Susan Olson Mr. Irving S. Finklestein Ms. Doris McCloskey Mr . John Patton Ms . Wendy Minot & Ms . Nancy Lewis & Mr. Leo Duvall Ms. Alisa Linda Flint Ms . Helen Sargent Mr. & Mrs. Barry Rahm Ms. Nancy Shobe Ms. Suzanne Forester Ms . Kathy Raschka Ms . Mirella Forlani & Mr. Wright Watling & Mr. Leif Ourston Ms. Katherine Stein Ms. Marsha Fullerton Ms. Maggie Rauen Mr. & Mrs . Carl Gilchriest Ms. Melanie Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Peter Raulerson Ms. Flora. L. Thornton Mr. Michael Gips Mr. Anthony G. Real Mr. & Mrs. William Travers & Ms. Tanya Novak Ms. Cynthia Reccord Ms. Josie A. Williams Ms. Gwynne Gloege Ms . Diane Reilly Ms . Elizabeth L. Wolfe 0 Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Wes Renz Ms. Susan Grayson Mr. John Rodman Mr. Byron Gross Mr. & Mrs. Tim Rose LfVFL V Mr. Jerry Guttman Mr. & Mrs. Rus Russell Mr. & Mrs. Michael Bonsignore CiardenTour for Members GonnaWalska Lotusland Registration Form n With CURATORVIRGINIA HAYES S THE ACf!:SSte 'Ur'' c• lJ\11) !_Ill A'l~ EVER-POPULARSANTA BARBARA GARDENS T OUR with Curator ( Lord & Lady Ridley-Tree Mr. & Mrs . Sean Hutchinson Virginia Hayes is coming right up . Because so many gardens look ROSECiARDEN splendid in the spring, this year's Mr. & Mrs . Scott Ellwood "E~P 'J}T01\/ first tour will occur on Saturday, in appreciation of Poney Eagleton Pamela de Villaine April 10th . Participants will visit a & Charles Fairbanks varied slate of spectacular gardens around town and arrangements are Bf" ..!E~;T..: in memory of being made to meet with at least Mr. Edward P Noll Henri Gaudin de Villaine some of the designers during the day. The tour departs Lotusland at 9:30 AM, returning by 4:00 PM. MembersWho Have Included in the $75.00 cost is deluxe coach tran spo rtation and a scrump l11creasedTheir tious lunch on the patio at Lotusland . Please use the coupon on Levelof Support page 15 to register. Previous tours have sold out quickly so reserve November,Dece 1T1ber1990, J anuarw1999 your space soon. I J; /J.I Ms. Sally Spencer Ms. Alyson Alexander Mr. & Mrs . Joe Terre Mr. & Mrs. Don Bennett ~ IFJ I I Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Brandt Mr. & Mrs. Frank Granat Ms . Jayne Murray Burton \..__..; Ms . Mara Hochman Judge & Mrs. John G. Davies Mr. David Myrick Ms. April Walstad Mr. & Mrs. John Rigas Mr. & Mrs. James Warren Nonprofit Org. c1anna \X'alst~a U.S. POSTAGE Lotu~lt11\cll()Ul\clnlion PAID Santa Barbara 695 Ashley Road California ~ Santa Barbara, CA 93108 Permit No. 163 ) Forwarding Service Requested 1999 MemberEvent s Here are some of the events Lotus/and has planned for membersin 1999. Look for additions, changesand more informationin upcomingnewsletters and in your mailbox. Space is always limited for activitiesat Lotus/and, so please respondquickly to sign-up instructionsfor each event as they appear in subsequent newsletters. ) Springtime In The Garden event with lots of educational-and served in the main house. Call Annual lectureseries jointly sponsored just plain fun-activities for Lotusland reservations at 969-9990 by Lotus/and, Santa Barbaral Vluseum members and their families . Please (M-F, 9:00 AM to noon ) to sign up. of Art, and Santa BarbaraBotanic see page 11 for more information and a coupon for sign-up . SaturdalJ, June 26 Garden. Garden Tour for Members • ThursdtiLJ, March 13 SaturdalJ,Mat .J3 Join Curator Virginia Hayes for a ColorBy Design Mother's Day Tea day-long tour of destinations of An illustrated lecture by Nori 1:30-4:30 PM horticultural interest. More infor Pope, Canadian garden designer Make Mother's Day special with a mation and a coupon £or sign-up and author now living in England. gift membership that includes a tour will be in the Summer Newsletter and tea. Please see page 9 for more for Members. • WednesdtiLJ, April 7 information and a sign-up coupon. Influential Women Gardeners ThursdalJ,JullJ 3 An illustrated lecture by Maggie SaturdalJ,Mall 15 IllustratedLecture Lamb, English lecturer, conserva Jkebana Workshop 1:30-4:30 PM tionist and garden designer. 1:30-4:30 PM Chris Dalzell, Curator of the Durban, Please see page 10 for more infor South Africa, Botanic Garden. His SaturdalJ, April 10 mation; use the coupon on page 15 garden is the home of our rare Garden Tour for Members for sign-up. cycads, Encephalarros woodii. Join Curator Virginia Hayes for a day -long tour of some of Santa SaturdalJ, June 19 Sundal), JullJ1 3 Barbara's private gardens. Please Member's Self-Guided Tour Lotus/and Celebrates see page 15 for more information 1:30-4:30 PM 4:00-8:00 PM and coupon for sign-up . Enjoy the garden on your own- Lotusland's annual gala event no guided tours . Spend a relaxing invitations mailed to all members Sundal), April 25 afternoon in the garden when the in early June. If you would like Family Day for Members water gardens are in bloom. Docents to receive an invitation to be a 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM will be available to answer your Patron please call An1anda Jones The 2nd annual Lotusland family questions, and refreshments will be at 969-3767, ext. 230.