WINTER 2023-24
WI NT E R 2 0 2 3 - 24 , V 8/ 1 Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland. MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive Creative Director: Jackie Klisuric Editor & Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing: Margaret Thresher Photography: Jackie Klisurc, David Lardakis, Chris Langer, Rob Maganja, Juliana Medeiros, Amber Olson, Ann Rzepka, Amanda Wood
B OA R D O F D I R EC T O R S Stephen J. Knerly, Jr., Board Chairman Ruth M. Stafford, Secretary Constance Norweb Abbey Tom Anderson Victoria U. Broer Barbara Brown, PhD Tera N. Coleman Jonathan Dick Paul E. DiCorleto, PhD Michael Dingeldein, MD Lavita W. Ewing Kate Faust Mikiko Fujita
Rob Galloway Lynn-Ann Gries Sally Gries Joseph J. Mahovlic Leslie Manzo Michael C. Marino Roy D. Minoff Cynthia Moore-Hardy Ellen W. Jones Nordell Katie Outcalt Gary W. Poth Robin Schachat Lynn Shiverick Charles Walton Joy K. Ward, PhD
The Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden at the Holden Arboretum is beautiful in all seasons.
F E AT U R E S IT’S TIME FOR SOME JOY................................................................................................................ 3 LIVING ORNAMENTS Red weaver birds put on a colorful show just in time for winter at the Botanical Garden.......................................................................................... 4 VISIT THE HOLDEN ARBORETUM Celebrate winter’s quiet calm this season............................................................................ 6 VISIT THE CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN Get ready for winter’s beauty at FROST, an immersive winter wonderland experience................................................................... 8 KEEP ON COMPOSTING We are doing our part to care for the planet and you can too.................................10 A WORLD OF BEAUTY Find out what you can expect when Orchids Forever returns to the Cleveland Botanical Garden plus details about the new Life in One Cubic Foot........................14
D E PA R TME N T S DEVELOPMENT The new President’s Society recognizes top donors......................................................15
©Holden Forests & Gardens Forests & Gardens (ISSN 2474-6371) is a class and events magazine published quarterly by Holden Forests & Gardens, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172. Periodicals postage paid at Mentor, Ohio and additional offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Forests & Gardens Magazine Holden Forests & Gardens 9500 Sperry Road Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172
RESEARCH Learn more about the colorful mysteries surrounding the rhododendron. Plus discover how researchers are inoculating trees to increase survival rates........................................................................................................... 16 BIRD BIO Meet the red-breasted nuthatch.......................................................................................... 18 PLANT PROFILE Learn more about the Ozark witch-hazel........................................................................20 CLASSES & EXPERIENCES Mark your calendar for these winter events..................................................................... 21
On the Cover: Verglas is the spirit of winter who serves as the protector of botanicals and animals during the winter season.
For advertising information, call 216.377.3638
WELCOM E LET T ER
Members of the talented FROST experience team
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It’s Time for Some Joy!
s a new resident of Northeast Ohio, I am excited to experience all four distinct seasons. Yes, that includes winter! In addition to being colder than some of us appreciate, the winter season holds a unique charm that fully reveals itself when you slow down and take it all in. While it may appear as though much of nature is hibernating (including us), a closer look reveals a world teeming with activity. After two years of planning and preparation, Holden Forests & Gardens is excited to present FROST: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience, the most amazing new attraction in Northeast Ohio this holiday season. FROST is a magical journey through a winter wonderland that you must see for yourself. We can’t wait to share this stunning experience with you on the beautiful grounds of the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Several years ago, I adopted the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv, which loosely translates to connecting with and enjoying nature, no matter the weather. Winter at the Arboretum celebrates this concept by offering adventurous hikes through miles and miles of woodland trails, snowshoeing, birdwatching and the peace that only comes from witnessing the quiet of the grounds this time of year. This season we celebrate World Soil Day on December 5th — which is appropriate timing in Northeast Ohio as snow blankets the earth creating insulation for plants and wildlife below ground — as roots of trees and plants are quietly drawing in nutrients to prepare for a spring awakening. With a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, our horticulturists can now better care for the soil at the
Arboretum through improved composting and mulching practices. The grant enabled us to build a composting facility, where we recycle all the organic yard waste we produce onsite. This way, we enrich the gardens by returning the material we grow onsite back into the soil. In Cleveland, Holden has joined forces with the county and several community groups to conduct a soil inoculation experiment on urban trees through the Healthy Urban Tree Canopy program. Our researchers are using soil from the Arboretum’s Bole Woods to inoculate trees in local neighborhoods, restoring the soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi that can benefit the trees in the years to come. As we close out another year and look forward to the promise a new one brings, please consider an end-of-year gift to support our mission — including our leading work in education, research, conservation and community forestry. With your help, we are making real impact in our communities, the Great Lakes region and beyond. There are many worthwhile organizations that you can support, and we would be most grateful to be among your philanthropic priorities. My family and I look forward to seeing you at FROST. You will likely find the Moydells roasting marshmallows on the Terrace or picking out our favorite gingerbread creations together. Join us. See you soon! Ed WINTER 2023-24 3
Living
Ornaments By Matt Edwards, Animal Care Specialist
Be sure to be on the lookout for the Botanical Garden’s newest residents: 14 Red Bishop Weaver birds in the Madagascar biome. The males have bright red, orange and black coloration. During breeding season,
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a male will weave a nest from plant fibers with a small opening in the front and then will attempt to attract a female by fluffing up his feathers, singing, and flying around to show off. These small birds put on an oversized show as they move around the room in a flock and feed together.
Winter’s Quiet Embrace
Fog and ice make for a beautiful view of Corning Lake at the Holden Arboretum
Don’t miss these winter favorites at the Holden Arboretum.
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hododendrons and lilacs are lovely in the spring, native pollinator plants bloom spectacularly each summer, and fall brings an explosion of color to the deciduous trees. What about winter? Each season at the Arboretum has its own unique look and feel, and winter is no exception. Visiting during the colder months is a unique experience. Bare brown branches, deep green conifers and gray clouds bring out a quiet stillness in the landscape that’s a lovely background for hiking, birdwatching or snowshoeing. Add a thick blanket of snow on top, and even familiar gardens and meadows look otherworldly. The Arboretum’s guest experience team is intimately familiar with the grounds during all seasons. Here are some of our favorite winter spots. 6 FORESTS & GARDENS
Easy spot to relax, any weather Thayer Center (directly next to Corning Visitor Center) School groups who visit the Arboretum know this building for its lower-level restrooms, but the Thayer building is less known to guests. Named for influential Arboretum figure Katherine Holden Thayer, upholstered chairs and couches give this space the feeling of an old lodge. This is a gem of a spot to enjoy a beautiful view out the back window, rest after a long hike or duck out of the rain.
H O LDEN A R BO R ET UM
Snowshoe with us! Snowshoe trail for beginners Blueberry Pond Trail (0.25 miles SW of Visitor Center, 0.3 miles around) This familiar trail becomes new again in the snow, especially if the pond has frozen over. If you’re new to snowshoeing, you’ll get a good workout and some lovely, scenic views without traveling too far afield. This trail also passes a magical grove of Ponderosa Pines located to the north of the pond. It’s also a nice trail to spot year-round bird residents.
Unique landmark Guardians of the Garden (Layer Rhododendron Garden, SW of Sherwin Pond) Beautiful in all seasons, this stump charmingly-carved with faces and leaves honors the tree that once stood here. It’s a great spot to visit with adults or kids because it can be a resting place, a climbing structure or a set for imaginative play.
Fun spot for kids Caroline’s Twiggy Treetop* (Display Garden, N of Lotus Pond) As long as conditions are dry, this great little family spot has everything: a fun treetop nest structure for kids to climb, pretend and adventure in; a bench to rest (or take out the snacks); picturesque views of Lotus Pond and Display Garden; and a cute little bridge to cross nearby. For those who want a restful and relaxing place to stop, Lotus Pond is a great destination on its own. * This structure name will be in effect for the next year thanks to a generous donation made at this year’s Twilight at the Arboretum annual benefit.
Snowshoes are available to rent from the Corning Visitor Center on days when the snow level is 6 inches or higher. Here’s a little info to get you started with this fun winter activity! • Rental rates are based on two hours of use. • S nowshoe rentals are first-come, first-served, and available anytime the Visitor Center is open. • R ates are $6 for Adults and $3 for Children (ages 3-12). • S nowshoe sizes are based on weight, and the child’s size starts at 40 lbs. •S nowshoers can traverse snow-covered trails or fields anywhere around the Arboretum core.
Great spot for birding Dick Streamside Meadow (parallel to Norweb Tree Allée on E side) A great diversity of native perennials grow in this mini-ecosystem, so there are plenty of dried seeds and berries to draw the hearty winter-resident birds.
FROST First Look E
nter through the captivating Frost Foyer, dance your way through the Blizzard Ballroom and get lost in the wonder of a dozen themed rooms, bursting with winter spirit. Sparkling lights, charming sounds and delightful plants will guide the way!
OPEN LATE
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we will be open until 9 p.m. Make it an unforgettable date night or family outing. A rotating cast of live musicians and performers will make you want to visit each and every weekend!
Above: Nearly 100 handmade gingerbread houses from local families, professional and amateur bakers prove a treat for the senses.
Enter an enchanting world of nearly 600 live poinsettias and festive foliage in the FROST Portal. 8 FORESTS & GARDENS
Right: Created by horticulturist Sommer Tolan, a 30-foot living tree made from preserved moss, hundreds of handmade flowers and real plants depict the change of the seasons.
See page 21 for more information about FROST Nights.
WINTER 2023-24 9
FE ATURE
Keep on Composting We are doing our part to care for the planet — and you can too! By Ann Rzepka Budziak, Director of Arboretum Horticulture
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olden Forests and Gardens is committed to increasing the use of sustainable practices and the Horticulture and Collection staff at all three campuses are leading the initiative using the sustainability goals for Landscape and Horticulture established in the Phipps Climate Toolkit as a guide. This article features some of the sustainability initiatives guests and members may experience when visiting the gardens.
Electric Equipment: helping the environment while providing a more peaceful guest experience Did you know? According to a 2011 study by Edmunds, 2-stroke gasoline powered leaf blowers spew more pollutants than a Ford F-150! This is because small engine equipment used in landscaping burn an inefficient mix of gas and oil, while larger automotive engines have increased fuel efficiency and filtering of some pollutants as mandated Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standards. The Cleveland Botanical Garden campus began replacing its gas-powered tools with battery-operated equipment in 2021 and the Arboretum campus has been working to do the same. In the spring of 2021, a small team of horticulturists arranged for several vendors to bring commercial grade batteryoperated power equipment to the gardens for staff to trial. A clear preference emerged for the Husqvarna products at the Arboretum due to weight and battery life, while Stihl and Ego won out at the Botanical Garden. Both campuses have added 10 FORESTS & GARDENS
a suite of electric weed whips, blowers, mini hand saws and hedge trimmers to their garden management tool kit. As our gas-powered equipment is retired, the horticulture team will continue to replace these items with a well-managed fleet of electric tools, ultimately reducing fossil fuel emissions as well as noise pollution — you’re welcome!
Composting, mulching and carbon sequestration The tenants of composting and mulching are so simple and, yet, the effects are exceptionally impactful because carbon is sequestered when these items are added to the soil. According to the State of California “… carbon can be stored long-term in soil through carbon sequestration by applying compost and mulch to the land. A series of experiments conducted in Marin County, CA … show[ed] that one application of compost started a chain reaction of carbon sequestration that will last decades.” (calrecycle.ca.gov) These experiments demonstrate that the application of compost and mulch may be one of the most effective weapons in the fight to reduce the effects of climate change. Additional benefits of compost and mulch include reduced reliance on and limited fertilizer use and reduced fossil fuel inputs required to transport organic waste. The horticulturists at HF&G have recently initiated changes in composting and mulching practices, thanks in part to a generous Recycle Ohio Community and Litter Academic Institution grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection
FEAT U R E
Agency. The Arboretum generates approximately 350 cubic yards of organic yard waste annually and, until we received this grant, we paid to have the waste removed in dumpsters. This grant allowed us to build a composting facility north of the existing Horticulture and Facilities yard on Sperry Road. Utilizing the new aerated static pile composting bays, we will be able to compost and reuse 100% of the organic yard waste generated onsite — closing the loop allowing the material grown onsite to return to the soil onsite, enriching the gardens. Sadie Smith, senior horticulturist, is also implementing changes in the way organic waste is managed in the glass houses at CBG. She explained that “In the Costa Rica biome, all waste must be frozen for 72 hours before leaving the biome. This is a requirement of the USDA permits which govern our ability to exhibit exotic butterflies.” This tedious process requires energy input to run two freezers at -80 degrees Fahrenheit, numerous trash bags to contain and haul waste, and manpower to load/unload the freezer and transport frozen material to the compost pile.” Our new NowCorp service member is committed to composting all the waste generated within the biomes. Because composting will occur within the biomes and all the material will be used within the biomes, the need for freezing will be eliminated as will the need to purchase organic material to amend the beds. You may have noticed some changes within the gardens as you enjoyed the arboretum this past year. The horticulture department at THA purchased zero yards of ground mulch in 2023, which is several hundreds yards less than has been
Rob Maganja and NOWCorp member, Hannah Goulder, have built a Hügelkultur mound to recycle on-site wood and green horticulture scraps transforming horticultural waste into carbon rich nutrients. You can add one to your yard too! Scan the QR code to learn more.
You can read more about the benefits of pine straw on HF&G’s Get Growing blog.
purchased in previous years. Instead, the wood chips generated by our arborist team were used as mulch. While this was a huge change at the Arboretum, it was nothing new for Leach Research Station. According to Connor Ryan, rhododendron collections manager, “For perhaps the whole history of the Leach Research Station, we’ve used wood chip mulch in our beds and fields. The kind straight off an arborist’s truck. It’s inexpensive (or free) and locally produced. And it doesn’t come in red or black, which might be its greatest virtue.” Additionally, the Arboretum team started utilizing pine straw mulch and the environmental benefits are numerous. MaryAnn Thesing shares “Since pine straw is a lightweight product, it is more cost-effective to transport — 350 pine straw bales equal approximately 80 yards of mulch.” We have significantly reduced hauling to and from our gardens due to the lightweight nature and stack-ability of pine straw, reducing emissions and fuel costs, not to mention the reduction in labor required to mulch such vast garden areas. Pine mulch is sustainable as it is harvested as a byproduct of pines grown for logging. The pine needles shed and are collected annually. Machines are used during the harvesting process — instead, bales are hand raked & bundled and loaded onto trucks. The plants in the gardens benefit from the use of pine straw too as it is an excellent insulator keeping the soil cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Reducing Single Use Plastics The nursery team has embraced reduction of single use plastics and has, for many years, enlisted the help of volunteers to wash plastic pots for reuse. Unfortuately, some of the plastic WINTER 2023-24 11
FE ATURE
pots are too flimsy for reuse. Recently, the team began trialing alternatives to replace these single use plastic pots. According to Amber Olson, Nursery Grower/ IPM Technician, “Most people are familiar with the pressed peat pots that you can find at many garden centers, but those pots can take 2-3 years to break down in the environment. What we are trialing at the nursey are CowPots which are 100% biodegradable within a single season, allowing the end consumer the ablity to plant pot and all directly into the soil.” CowPots are derived from the byproducts of dairy farming and are made with renewable energy sources. Fortuately, the process of turning manure into a useable pot also removes the smell! Trials seem favorable thus far, and may make their public debut at plant sale.
What You Can Do at Home Composting is a natural process where organic materials are transformed by diverse microorganisms into humus-rich material. We are composting on a large scale at HF&G and you can do your part at home. Did you know that more than 50% of typical municipal garbage is compostable?
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Start with a balanced, thoroughly mixed recipe by building a pile with three parts ‘browns’ to one-part ‘greens’ by volume. • Browns: things that contain carbon (dry leaves, woodchips, twigs and branches, sawdust, paper) • Greens: things that contain nitrogen (grass clippings, fresh weeds, food scraps, manure or animal bedding, coffee grounds, tea bags)
rld Wo ay is th lD Soi ber 5 m e c De
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Regularly turn or aerate the pile.
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Trial and error is part of composting! Observe and adjust the brown and green material and moisture content as needed to get the product you desire.
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Add your beautiful nutrient rich compost to your garden and watch your plants thrive.
Although this article only focuses on a small selection of sustainable actions occurring at HF&G, the Horticulture and Collections’ teams are making progress towards numerous other sustainability initiatives including pesticide reduction, invasive species management, plant conservation and lawn reduction, to name a few! Keep an eye out for future articles exploring these additional initiatives and check our Get Growing Blogs and class schedule for more detailed information on sustainable practices you can implement in your home landscape.
Nursery trialing biodegradable CowPots to reduce single use plastics.
MEET THE STAFF Ann Rzepka Budziak is the of Director of Horticulture at Holden Forests and Gardens’ Arboretum campus in Kirtland, Ohio. She has dedicated over two decades of her career to public horticulture and has worked in all phases of plant design and installation from site preparation, to seed collecting, propagating and landscape maintenance. Ann oversees the Arboretum’s highly skilled horticultural team and operations for over 80-acres of cultivated land, combining her expertise in horticulture, landscape design, and ecological restoration.
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Ho! Ho! Holiday Treasures!
Shop for unique and beautiful botanical items at the Garden Store at Cleveland Botanical Garden. Visit holdenfg.org for store hours.
FE ATURE
A World of Beauty Don’t miss Orchids Forever and Life In One Cubic Foot on display this winter.
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rchids Forever returns to Cleveland Botanical Garden this January to melt away the winter blues! We're bringing thousands of orchids to life through light, color and elaborate displays while transporting visitors to tropical climes during Ohio's most tedious winter months. Whether you
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his year, alongside Orchids Forever, Cleveland Botanical Garden will be partnering with the Smithsonian Institution to bring Life In One Cubic Foot to Cleveland. Focusing on biodiversity and citizen science, this exhibit is a great way to learn about your place in our ecosystem. This exhibit is based off of the book, A World in One Cubic Foot: Portraits of Biodiversity by photographer David Liittschwager, and features stunning, large-scale photography as well as educational components. Our researchers at Holden Forests and Gardens have contributed some pieces of their own to this exhibit so visitors can learn about some of the important work we do behind the scenes right here in Northeast Ohio. Life In One Cubic Foot runs from Saturday, January 27th through Sunday, April 21st, 2024, at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. 14 FORESTS & GARDENS
are looking for a date night on Saturday evening or trying to find a unique way to spend an afternoon with the family, Orchids Forever is the place to be. Orchids Forever runs from Saturday, January 27th through Sunday, March 17th, 2024, at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
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Become a donor today.
Benefiting the
Great Lakes Region New President’s Society gives recognition to top donors. By Ellie Rial, Donor Stewardship and Events Manager
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ome of Holden Forests & Gardens’ donors have just received special recognition! Donors at the Oak and Hickory levels (gifts of over $10,000 and $25,000 in a calendar year, respectively) will be members of our new President’s Society. The President's Society was created to recognize HF&G's most committed and generous supporters. To thank these donors, they were invited to attend an annual fall luncheon with our new President and CEO, Ed Moydell. At the luncheon, President’s Society members received a gift — an HF&G enameled pin that will grant them access to speciallyticketed events, such as our winter celebration, FROST: An IceCapped Garden Experience! Though Ed has only been at HF&G for a short time, he has already seen the good that has been done because of the generosity of President’s Society members. “We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of our President's Society members. Their support and deep engagement allows us to improve our gardens and educational spaces, as well as invest in leading research and conservation work that benefits the Great Lakes Region and beyond." Members of this new circle of donors have made contributions that support educational opportunities for all ages, research in key ecological fields and, of course, new plantings in and maintenance of our beautiful grounds. The gifts given to HF&G are truly a gift for all in Northeast Ohio who visit Cleveland Botanical Garden and The Holden Arboretum.
“ I love nature and the outdoors. If I can preserve it in some small way with some donations, I am very happy to do so.” - Carol Barnak, donor
“ We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of our President’s Society members. Their support and deep engagement with HF&G allows us to improve our gardens and educational spaces, as well as invest in leading research and conservation work that benefits the Great Lakes Region and beyond.” - Ed Moydell, president and CEO
Why do our donors contribute? One donor, Carol Barnak, offered this explanation: “I love nature and the outdoors. If I can preserve it in some small way with some donations, I am very happy to do so. I believe Holden Forests & Gardens is one of the best places for this. The grounds are always beautiful and every time I come there is something different to explore.” We know that many of our donors, at all levels, feel exactly the same way. Many of those who donate, and all the donors at this level, are also HF&G members — each of the new President’s Society donors enjoys membership at the level that works best for their needs. Which means that our givers often visit the gardens and see what their contributions add to the visitor experience. We are grateful for the gifts and time extended to HF&G by our donors. If you would like to donate, please scan the QR code above. You can either give online or find directions to donating by check.
MEET THE STAFF Ellie Rial has worked at HF&G for four years and started as the Donor Stewardship and Events Manager in early 2022. Before that, she worked as the Associate Director of Public Programs. She has spent her career working for nonprofit conservation groups in Cleveland and Montana, with a specific emphasis on watershed health and water resources. Ellie has a BA in Environmental Studies and an MS in Natural Resource Management, both from the University of Montana.
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RE SEARCH
Inside Color Variation Rhododendron minus is a colorful mystery wrapped in a riddle. By Juliana S. Medeiros, Plant Biologist
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hododendron minus is a woody evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States, with a range that extends from North Carolina and Tennessee south into Georgia and Alabama. Across this range, R. minus exhibits higher than average variation in traits like flower color, from deep pink to snowy white. Scientists have known for a long time that this variation exists — the mystery that remains to be solved is “WHY?” At the northern end of its range, R. minus occurs at high elevation and regularly experiences freezing temperatures, while plants in the south occur at lower elevations and uncommonly experience frost. HF&G researcher Juliana Medeiros, PhD, investigated whether these different climate regimes might be a factor causing trait variation in R. minus. The research found that the same pigments which determine flower color also play a key role in preventing winter leaf damage, showing that color variation of R. minus flowers is just the tip of a mystery iceberg. Further, this research revealed a new riddle about the interaction between pigments and a unique cold tolerance trait, leaf curling. Gardeners know that some plants are vulnerable to frost, but even slightly chilly days can be stressful for plants. During
the growing season, green chlorophyll pigments absorb light to produce sugars through photosynthesis. Temperatures below 50°F are too cold for R. minus to conduct photosynthesis, so the light energy that would normally be used for photosynthesis has an opportunity to go rogue, creating toxic byproducts that damage chlorophyll.
The leaves of R. minus plants collected in North Carolina have dark red and purple fall colors, whereas plants from Georgia and Alabama tend to have green, yellow or orange leaves in the fall.
Another class of pigments called carotenoids can protect chlorophyll by absorbing the excess light and safely dissipating it as heat. Carotenoids are yellow and orange, and these pigments create fall color, being revealed as the chlorophyll is degraded in preparation for winter. While carotenoid pigments are found in just about all land plants, R. minus has developed leaf curling as unique component of its winter toolkit, responding to cold temperatures by wrapping their leaves up into a cute little cigar-shape. This is thought to protect the leaf from desiccation by dry winter winds, but also reduces the amount of light intercepted by the leaf, helping those carotenoids do their important job and further protecting chlorophyll from light damage.
grew plants from seeds collected at cold and warm locations and exposed them to winter conditions at the Long Science Center. This work reveals that it’s not just individual traits, but interactions between pigments and leaf curling which determine plant climate tolerance, providing unique insight into the intricacy of biodiversity, even within a single species.
To investigate the role of pigments and leaf curling in cold hardiness, Dr. Medeiros
To read more, visit our Get Growing blog at holdenfg.org
MEET THE STAFF Juliana S. Medeiros, PhD is a Plant Biologist. Juliana focuses on understanding the complex relationships between plants and their environment, and the evolution of plant physiological adaptations with special interest in genus Rhododendron.
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Tree Corps members take soil samples.
Building a Healthier Community Researchers are inoculating trees to increase survival rates. By Lydia Jahn and Anna Funk
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olden’s soil ecologists are testing new ways to naturally improve the odds for newly planted trees in urban environments.
Efforts are underway to plant trees in Cuyahoga County’s urban areas by the thousands. In these cities, canopy cover is well below the county average, which brings well-documented ill effects to its residents. Trees shade and cool; they take up CO2 and pollutants from the air; and they provide important habitat for our native birds, insects and other animals. With support from Cuyahoga County’s Healthy Urban Tree Canopy (HUTC) Grant, organizations and local governments began planting en masse in 2019. But urban environments bring extra challenges for new trees. City soils tend to be more compacted, worse at water retention, contaminated by road salt, pesticides and other pollutants. It is also missing essential nutrients and healthy soil organisms that you’d find in undisturbed natural areas. With efforts ramping up to get trees in the ground, it begs the question: How can we ensure these trees will survive? Soil scientists at Holden Forests & Gardens may have the answer: mycorrhizal fungi. These soil organisms form partnerships with the roots of trees and other plants, providing them with important nutrients in exchange for sugars the plant makes through photosynthesis. Researchers have been learning more and more about the importance of these fungi for plant growth and survival, as well as their potential for use in ecological restoration, but they haven’t yet been adopted into mainstream restoration practice.
The Holden team has partnered with the county and select community groups to run a soil inoculation experiment on trees planted through the HUTC program. Soil inoculation is when a small amount (in this case, about a handful) of soil collected from a healthy natural ecosystem is added to the soil during planting. This re-introduces soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi to the soil, along with their potential benefits to the trees. Using soil from Holden Arboretum’s Bole Woods, the researchers are inoculating trees being planted at several HUTC sites. For each tree in the study, they measure the height and diameter after planting, and will continue to monitor growth and survival of inoculated and non-inoculated trees year over year. Throughout the fall and winter of 2021 and 2022, the Holden researchers, in collaboration with Bartlett Tree Experts and the Holden Arboretum Community Forestry team, inoculated, measured and sometimes planted around 450 trees across dozens of species. They added almost 300 more this spring, and this summer they collected soil samples from trees planted in 2022 to see how well the inoculum established. Not only will data from this experiment reveal if and how soil inoculum can benefit urban tree plantings, it will provide evidence for which tree species fare best in urban environments. Be on the lookout for trees recently planted in your neighborhood. And if you see a see a Holden scientist measuring trees, feel free to say hello. We’d love to chat about soil fungi with you!
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BI RD BIO
Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
By Rebecca Thompson, Education Manager at Holden Arboretum
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n forests of North America, there is a bird that truly shines with its agility, charisma and remarkable adaptability — the Red-Breasted Nuthatch. These active birds find their haven amidst the towering evergreens, where they effortlessly navigate the vertical world of tree trunks and branches. While they are more commonly observed during winter migrations in Ohio, their breeding presence is uncommon in the state and is limited primarily to the northern counties of Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula, where coniferous trees provide suitable nesting sites.
BIRD FACTS SIZE: 4.5 inches WINGSPAN: 7-8 inches DESCRIPTION: Blue-gray body; black and white striped head; cinnamon rust underparts RANGE: Alaska to Newfoundland and Labrador, south through the Great Lakes region, northern New England, and in the higher elevations of the Appalachians to eastern Tennessee and North Carolina VOICE SONG: repetitive yank, yank, yank CALL: single yank BEST LOCATION TO VIEW: ARBORETUM, WINTER: Buckeye Buds Feeders, Woodland Trail, and Conifer Collections GARDEN, WINTER: Woodland Garden
Red-breasted nuthatches are often described as acrobatic insect acquirers renowned for their unique feeding habits. Thanks to their strong claws and specialized toe arrangement, they creep headfirst down tree trunks. This skill sets them apart from other nuthatch species, primarily moving upward while foraging. They are primarily insectivorous but incorporate seeds and nuts into their diet, especially during the winter when insects are scarce. They also eat peanuts, sunflower seeds and suet from feeders and will cache seeds for future meals. The breeding season for red-breasted nuthatches typically begins in late April or early May. They are monogamous. Pairs often stay together for multiple breeding seasons. Once a couple forms, they work together to excavate a nest cavity, either completely dead trees, dead parts of live trees or trees with broken tops or use pre-existing natural cavities or abandoned
woodpecker holes. Females construct nests with grass, bark strips and pine needles inside the cavity. She lines the nest with fur, feathers, fine grasses or shredded bark. Both male and female red-breasted nuthatches apply conifer resin to the nest entrance, often using a piece of bark. The resin may help to keep out predators or competitors. Female red-breasted nuthatches incubate a clutch of five to nine whitish, reddishbrown speckled eggs for about two weeks. During this incubation period, the male assists by bringing food to the female, ensuring she remains well-fed and maintains the appropriate temperature for the developing eggs. Once the eggs hatch, both parents feed the nestlings. The nestlings fledge approximately eighteen to twenty days after hatching, and the parents continue caring for them as they learn to forage independently. Red-breasted nuthatches have increased throughout their range. The North American Bird Survey estimates a redbreasted nuthatch global breeding population of 20 million. However, like many other bird species, red-breasted nuthatches face various threats to its population. These include habitat loss due to logging and urban development, as well as climate change affecting the availability of its preferred food sources. As with all birds that nest in cavities, it’s essential to leave some dead wood (dead trees or dead parts of trees) standing in forests to provide places for nests.
MEET THE STAFF Rebecca Thompson is the Education Manager at Holden Forests & Gardens and has dedicated her career (1999 – present) to school-aged children and life-long learners. Her enthusiasm for the natural world has kindled a sense of exploration, discovery and a deeper appreciation for the environment. Her passion for bird watching drove her to become a self-taught local bird expert. She has served as President on local boards, including Blackbrook Audubon Society and Cleveland Regional Council of Science Teachers.
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Holden Forests & Gardens will be offering immersive, nature-focused summer camps conveniently located at the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden.
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Led by expert staff members, our programs are designed to spark creativity and build appreciation of the natural world around us. Come hike, learn, and be engaged with the wonders of Northeast Ohio!
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Registration for summer camps will be available January 1. Visit holdenfg.org
P LANT PRO FILE
Ozark witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
By Ethan Johnson, Plant Records Curator
N
ative to Arkansas, Missouri, eastern Oklahoma and Texas, this charming winter-blooming shrub is found in lowland woods, old fields and along stream banks. The common name not only refers to where it was found, but also the use of witch-hazel branches as divining rods to locate underground water. Ozark witch-hazel was described by Charles Sprague Sargent, first director of the Arnold Arboretum, where a plant along Meadow Road adjacent to Rehder Pond has bloomed every winter for over a century. At Cleveland Botanical Garden two Ozark witch-hazels flank the top of the drive to the parking garage in the Campsey-Stauffer Entry Garden. The south plant measured 10 feet tall and nearly as wide with yellow-orange flowers appearing in January, February or March. In November the yellow fall foliage is on display. The north plant, a cultivated variety named ‘Lombart’s Weeping’ with orangish flowers is 13’ tall by 20’ wide. Even after the petals of these plants have unfurled, they can roll back up at the onset of freezing weather, to open again in warmer temperatures. Their fragrance varies considerably from shrub to shrub, with my favorite being ‘Squib’ having a clove-like scent. At Holden Arboretum on the southeast side of the Picnic Area one Ozark witch-hazel measures 7.5’ x 12’ and another to the north is 12’ x 13’. On the southwest side of the Tent Site Bed south of the Corning Visitor Center is ‘Red Imp’ whose flowers open red and fade to orange. Ours has yellow fall foliage, which can take on red and orange hues in a sunny location. This 9’ x 13’ shrub is at the base of a red oak. In the 1990’s Holden Arboretum hired its first director of research, Robert “Bob” Marquard who collected, studied and
bred witch-hazels along with other plants such as buckeyes and horsechestnuts (Aesculus). Bob discovered through analysis in the laboratory of the Long Science Center that the vernal witchhazel named ‘Sandra’ from Hillier Nurseries is a hybrid with the Japanese witch-hazel (Hamamelis japonica). There is a plant of ‘Sandra’ in the Butterfly Garden, east of the Thayer Center, measuring 15’ x 15’ that commonly starts blooming in March, but its flowers began opening on February 13th in 2023 — the earliest in 30 years! Autumn Embers™, introduced by Roy Klehm, of Illinois is a fine vernal witch-hazel planted in Holden Grove south of Corning Lake. Perhaps this may also be a hybrid as its petals are longer than is typical (as is the case with ‘Sandra’) but its bloom time is longer, starting in December and lasting through March. Autumn Embers™ was named for its glowing orange, red and yellow fall foliage, which starts its display in October in its sunny location at Holden Grove. Vernal witch-hazels are becoming more common in the nursery trade since they can be rooted from cuttings and do not have to be grafted as the showy Asian varieties typically are. Although their flowers are only 2/3’s the size of common witch-hazel (H. virginiana), they also hybridize with that species. ‘Holden’ is such a hybrid. In the field east of the Long Science Center, this 13’ x 16’ shrub blooms in November, with most of the flowers appearing in autumn, but some opening as late as January or February. ‘Holden’ was received as a seedling of common witch-hazel at Holden’s nursery in 1993 from Herman Losely & Sons Nursery, Perry, Ohio, and was named by Tim Brotzman of Madison, Ohio. During winter warm spells of several days Ozark witch-hazels flower and provide food for pollinators when few other plants bloom. It is time to take notice of these cold-hardy natives.
MEET THE STAFF Ethan Johnson is the Plant Records Curator. He learned to keep records while working for the Arnold Arboretum (1985-89) and Holden Arboretum (1981-82, 1989-present) while volunteering for the International Dendrological Research Institute, Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association Plant Selection Committee and the American Conifer Society. He was the point person when the American Association of Museums accredited Holden Arboretum as the sixth public garden in the U.S. as a museum, has labeled and inventoried Holden Arboretum’s plant collection and has been keeping plant records at Cleveland Botanical Garden since 2015. 20 FORESTS & GARDENS
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FROST Nights The Cleveland Botanical Garden stays open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. throughout the run of FROST: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience. Special performances from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each evening are included with admission. Reserve your ticket at holdenfg.org and make your family outing, date night or after-work visit unforgettable!
Thursdays
DEC 7: Jessica Martin, harpist DEC 14: Cleveland Wind Trio, chamber music DEC 21: To Be Announced DEC 28: To Be Announced
Fridays
DEC 8: Gruve Tonic, feel-good music DEC 15: The Cleveland Carolers DEC 22: Ed Michaels, saxophone DEC 29: To Be Announced
Saturdays
DEC 9: Spirited Characters DEC 16: Stilt Walkers DEC 23: Aerialist DEC 30: Kate Brown, harpist
PERFORMANCE PARTNER:
PERFORMANCE PARTNER:
Presenting Gruve Tonic
Presenting Spirited Characters, Stilt Walkers and Aerialist
Roots of American Music
The Cleveland Carolers bring a quartet of professional musicians and a festive touch of joyful holiday music in beautiful four-part harmony.
Roots of American Music (ROAM) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to integrate music and education in Northeast Ohio to create vibrant communities through art and vibrant art through community.
ListenCLE
ListenCLE shows off the incredibly diverse and highlevel talent of Cleveland musicians, dancers and more! In 2021 they launched Cleveland’s first coordinated busking advocacy program.
WINTER 2023-24 21
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Classes Experiences Learn something new this season! Visit holdenfg.org for more details about our offerings. Classes at
Holden Arboretum Basics of Basketry
January 13, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $35 per member, $50 per nonmember Adult
Stebbins Gulch: A Hike Through Geological History January 13, March 24 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $10 per member, $20 per nonmember Adult
Wine & Cheese Night Hike January 19, February 23, March 22 7 – 10 p.m. $30 per member, $45 per nonmember Adult, 21+
Magnificence on the Mountain Hike January 21, February 4, March 31 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. $10 per member, $20 per nonmember Adult
Love Birds: A Valentine’s Day Hike for Kids
The Tall Standing People: Trees in Folk Lore and Folk Medicine
February 10 10 a.m. – noon $18 per member child, $23 per nonmember child Children age 7 – 10
March 10, 1 – 4 p.m. $35 per member, $50 per nonmember Adult
Star-Crossed Lovers: Wine & Chocolate Stargazing February 13, 7 – 9 p.m. $30 per member, $40 per nonmember Adult, 21+
Nursery Notes: Winter Nursery Tour
March 30, 1 – 3 p.m. $10 per member, $25 per nonmember Adult
Or join us virtually!
February 24, 10 – 11:30 a.m. $10 per member, $20 per nonmember Adult
Design in the Urban Landscape
Nursery Notes: Starting Seed at Home
Ask an Orchid Doctor
March 2, 1 – 2:30 p.m. $15 per member, $25 per nonmember Adult 22 FORESTS & GARDENS
From Floras to Field Guides: The Evolution of a Genre
January 18, 7 – 8:30 p.m. $10 per member, $15 per nonmember Adult
February 3, March 2 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Free Adult
CLA S S ES
Cleveland Botanical Garden Classes at
Plants & Perfume from Bloom to Bottle February 10, 10:30 a.m. – noon $25 per member, $40 per nonmember Adult
Palentine’s Day Paper Flowers February 11, 2 – 3:30 p.m. $30 per member, $45 per nonmember Adult
Orchid Repotting for Beginners February 17, 10:30 a.m. – noon $25 per member, $40 per nonmember Adult, youth 12 & over with adult
Behind-the-Scenes Orchid Photography February 18, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. $80 per member, $120 per nonmember Adult
Orchid Repotting for Beginners March 1, 12:30 – 2 p.m. $25 per member, $40 per nonmember Adult, youth 12 & over with adult
Hand-Painting on Silk March 9, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. $60 per member, $100 per nonmember Adult
Backyard Stewardship for Beginners with Danae Wolfe March 23, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. $25 per member, $30 per nonmember Adult
What’s Cool about Conifers? March 24, 1 – 2 p.m. $20 per member, $25 per nonmember Adult
WINTER 2023-24 23
9500 Sperry Road Kirtland, Ohio 44094 holdenfg.org
Give the Gift of Membership Holden Forests & Gardens memberships make the perfect holiday gifts. Memberships can be purchased online at holdenfg.org, over the phone by calling 216.707.2804, or in person at either campus.
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@cbgarden @holdenarboretum
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Newsletter
holdenfg.org
Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland. MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive ©Holden Forests & Gardens “Holden Forests & Gardens” and the related logo is a trademark owned by The Holden Arboretum.
9550 SPERRY ROAD, KIRTLAND, OHIO 44094 HOLDENFG.ORG 440.946.4400
11030 EAST BLVD, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44106 HOLDENFG.ORG 216.721.1600
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