MN Arboretum Magazine Dec 2020 Jan 2021

arboretum DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021

magazine

TREES WITH WINTER INTEREST ORCHID RESEARCH ARBORETUM OUTDOORS WHAT IS FAMILY? PLUS: EXHIBITS, CLASSES & OUTDOOR FUN

arboretum.umn.edu

Photo by Todd Mulvihill

FROM THE DIRECTOR PETER C. MOE

Winter in Bloom In a year when so many events and gatherings have been cancelled

or postponed, we’re especially excited to offer our annual Winter in Bloom Winter Lights show (still scheduled as of this printing). Each year we introduce new light features to this outdoor walking tour, and this year we’re looking forward to debuting a new tent of lights, as well as a walk-through 3-D apple. Unlike in years past, we’ve also introduced new COVID-19 precautions for the event, which will keep the crowds smaller and eliminate traffic and parking hassles, and we’ve asked members to pay a discounted admission to help cover the costs of putting the display together.

In addition to Winter Lights, we encourage our members to make free ticket reservations to the Arboretum during the day to enjoy our early winter landscape (check out our story on winter trails, page 8).

Whether you choose to visit day or night, we’re delighted to brighten up your winter with a little hope and a promise of good cheer.

DECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 * VOL 39, NO. 6

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Magazine is published six times a year by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318-9613, 612-624-2200. The magazine is a benefit of Arboretum membership. No portion may be reprinted without permission from the Arboretum.

The information published in this magazine is not necessarily endorsed by the University of Minnesota.

The Arboretum welcomes feedback from readers at arbinfo@umn.edu.

To request a copy of this publication in alternate format, please call 612-301-1257.

The Arboretum is part of The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota.

GALA—A “VIRTUAL” SUCCESS The Arboretum’s signature annual fundraiser – “Gala in the Gardens” – took place virtually this year on the night of Sept. 17.

A total of $270,050 was raised to support the Arb, including $152,783 for the Plant Conservation Program, this year's "Fund-A-Need."

Funds raised at the Gala will be invested into the Arboretum’s 1,200 acres of gardens, plant and tree collections, model landscapes and natural areas. As mentioned, this year’s “Fund-A-Need” featured the Arboretum’s Plant Conservation Program. The Arb is leading initiatives to save endangered Minnesota plants, including orchids, from extinction (see page 11).

2020 Gala Committee Co-chairs: Jennifer Allen and Judy Fulk.

Save the date! June 17, 2021, will see the first ever “Gala at the Farm” – an exciting venue that shares with learners of all ages the plant-to-plate story of food production, the history of agriculture, and land stewardship.

Patrick B. Petersen, Editor Brenda Drake Lesch, Art Director Peter C. Moe, Director, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Alan Branhagen, Director of Operations Timothy S. Kenny, Director of Education Susan Taylor, Ph.D., Director of Development Matthew Clark, Director of Research Tony Baisley, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Jenny Verner, President, Arboretum Foundation

Cover Photo by Norbert Lucas

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A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

SEASO NAL COLOR

Winter in Bloom

LIZ POTASEK • ARBORETUM WRITER

SUSIE HOPPER • PR/MEDIA SPECIALIST

Photos by (Top) Jason Boudreau-Landis ; (Bottom) Courtesy of Arboretum Photographers Society

We’re lighting up the gardens with our popular outdoor walking tour.

APPLE AVENUE

Photo by Nick Frymet

Walk through a 14-foot-tall 3-D apple in this path behind the Snyder Building.

Apple Avenue celebrates the University of Minnesota’s apple breeding program and this year’s 100th anniversary of the University’s first apple introduction, the Minnehaha.

WINTER WATERFALL

There are some traditions that are too good to cancel. Although our winter lights outdoor walking tour looks a bit different this year due to COVID-19 precautions, it still features thrilling new light displays, including a new tent of lights in the Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden, an ice luminary display by Jennifer Hedberg and a 3-D walk-through apple in honor of the 100th anniversary of he University of Minnesota’s first apple introduction, Minnehaha.

In addition to general admission nights on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, check out the December Gift Market and Photography Nights. arbwinter.umn.edu

Enjoy the winter waterfall of lights and our beautiful water lilies.

TENT OF LIGHTS

Walk through this magical centerpiece in the perennial garden.

WINTER WEDDING

Climb the sparkling tower for a selfie with family and friends, or maybe your future bride or groom (see page 12). We know of at least one engagement that’s happened in the Wedding Tower during Winter Lights

WINTERCRAFT ICE SCULPTURE

BY JENNIFER HEDBERG

Marvel at the wonder of ice with stunning pieces combining ice, lights and flora from the Arb created by Jennifer Hedberg.

LUMINARY WALK

Enjoy the serenity of the luminaries and panels of lights along the way.

ROCK GARDEN FOREST

This grove of multi-colored lights will light up the night.

YOUBETCHA WILLOW SCULPTURE

Patrick Dougherty's whimsical artwork on Scarecrow Hill is aglow with 1000s of white lights. arbwinter.umn.edu

POINSETTIA PATH

The Cloister Garden features 18 of these tropical beauties.

EPIC LIGHTS SHOW

WINTER LIGHTS DISPLAY Through Jan. 3, 2021 Tickets must be purchased in advance -tickets won’t be sold at the gatehouse.

Visit arbwinter.umn.edu for tickets and information. As of this printing, limited tickets remain in November and December.

The best availability is for later time slots and dates in late December/early January.

TOUR THE OUTDOOR DISPLAYS WINTER LIGHTS 2020: Winter in Bloom is inspired by research from the University of Minnesota to develop cold-hardy plants that thrive in our cool climate.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Start your tour in the Dahlberg Terrace outside the Oswald Visitor Center. Decked with white lights and a festive flower cart, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for selfies.

This animated display set to music has a new site at the Wilson Rose Garden. North Star Donuts will be here on select Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

A few things to know before you go: •

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•

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Buy tickets in advance: We significantly limited the number of tickets available each night to support physical distancing – the reduction also eliminates hassles with traffic and parking.

Make ticket reservations well in advance if you’re planning to visit on a specific date.

Dress for the weather: There will be limited indoor access. The bulk of the lights and decorations are outside.

Arboretum Cafe: The Arboretum Cafe will be serving lite fare items for you to enjoy during the run of Winter Lights. (Please note: For the safety of our visitors, you will be required to find a seat to enjoy all food.)

One-way paths: For your safety, we’ve created one-way paths through our buildings and light displays to reduce congestion.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

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ART OF HORTICULTURE

TOP

American Hornbeam

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White Oak Kentucky Coffeetree

ARB TREES with

Winter Interest ALAN BRANHAGEN DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

When people think of trees in winter – naturally, the first image that comes to mind is that of an evergreen conifer – such as a spruce, pine or fir – sometimes ornately decorated for the season. But there are many other trees that feature winter interest. Here is a Top 10 list of trees that you can see during a winter trek around the Arboretum:

1). White Oak (Quercus alba) embodies the granddaddy of shade trees with magnificent structure over time of broad-spreading limbs.

Young trees hold their pinkish dried leaves into winter. Look for the Arb’s best tree just below/ south of the Wilson Rose Garden, with other grand trees just past the Shrub Rose Garden and at the north end of the Grass Collection.

2). EASTERN WHITE PINE (Pinus strobus) is the

most well-known of evergreen trees and one of the most important trees to the history of Minnesota because of its valuable lumber. Once towering to heights near 200 feet, these trees rarely grow even

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half that tall now but create a striking crown of open, horizontal planes of evergreen boughs in winter.

3). Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is another native tree with sculpted bark and rugged form with striking fruits on female trees (big polished brown seed pods) – all features that make it a real standout in winter.

Several wonderful trees can be found around the Snyder Building, including the upright male cultivar ‘Stately Manor.’ The newest introduction ‘True North’ ™ (a male with no fruit) is becoming available in nurseries now.

4). Concolor Fir (Abies concolor), with good drainage, can’t be beat with great bluish color to its soft and pliable needle-like leaves. It does not suffer from the issues that disfigure and defoliate blue spruce so is a wiser choice as long as you have well drained soils. See the magnificent tree along Three-Mile Walk just before the Shrub Rose Garden – also readily visible from Three-Mile

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

Drive just past the Harrison Sculpture Garden parking lot on the left.

5). White Satin™ Birch (Betula ‘Madison’), aptly named for its bark, is a standout in our tree trials with the most brilliant, satiny, white exfoliating bark of any of our birches. The tree was selected at Longenecker Gardens in Madison, WI, and introduced to the trade through the Chicagoland Grows program and has proven durable for the Arb despite originally designated zone 5 hardiness. You can spot our two trees off Eastern Drive in the tree trials.

6). American Hornbeam or Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana) has fluted bark and the ability to thrive in our shady site, making it a great small tree choice. It produces fruit that looks like little pendent pagodas that cling to the tree through winter. Look for our trees ringing the south side of the Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden; an original native tree can be found along the Pillsbury Shade Tree Exhibit.

White Satin™ Birch

Merrill Magnolia

Photos by Alan Branhagen

Panicle Hydrangea - Limelight

Red Jade Crabapple

7). Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a master living sculpture with flaky reddish bark at maturity and seed pods that cling all winter.

Amazingly, no two trees are alike and we have astoundingly beautiful contorted trunk plants in the Pillsbury Shade Tree Exhibit area, with more inspiring trees in the Japanese Garden.

8). Red Jade Crabapple (Malus ‘Red Jade’) is remarkable for its weeping form adorned with mini apples in the wintertime. It does not need any special staking or pruning to develop its unique crown of pendent branches. Our best trees are in the Weeping Tree Collection, easily visible from Three-Mile Drive.

9). Merrill Magnolia (Magnolia x loebneri ‘Dr. Merrill’) is beloved for its springtime blooms, but the buds adorn the tree all winter and are highlighted when backlit by the winter sun.

The Arboretum’s Merrill Magnolias are admired by those dining in the Arb Cafe, as our best trees are on the terrace in front of the Oswald Visitor Center.

The buds that produce the blooms on the Merrill Magnolia form in the fall, and are almost 2-inches long and covered with silky hairs like a pussy willow.

10). Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata cultivars) is brilliant in the winter landscape with amazing winter flower heads covering the plant. Yes, many cultivars will reach small tree status as the cultivar ‘Limelight’ has, as you enter our Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden. This plant is a popular subject of photos when in bloom and buzzing with pollinators.

Limelight is not a sterile variety and has many fertile flowers despite its cloak of showier sterile flowers.

See how many of these beautiful trees you can spot on your next winter Arboretum visit!

You can locate them on the interactive map at z.umn.edu/arbmap.

Redbud

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

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NATURE FOCUS

WINTER AT THE ARB MATT SCHUTH • NATURALIST

Photos by (bottom Jill Bierbaum Rice; (top) Al Whitaker

Junco shakin g off snow

WHEN JACK FROST PAINTS our window panes with his

intricate designs, we know the glacial days of winter are upon us. Squirrels scurry about, roofs are covered with snow and icicles hang from eaves like stalactites in a limestone cavern. Native Americans called the full moon of December “The Long Nights Moon” and that of January “The Ice Moon,” fitting names for the chilling and frosty hours of wintertime. In reality, the crisp winter days with glistening fields of snow looking like oceans of diamonds match the beauty of any season. Can there be a more spectacular sight than the shimmering sunbeam snowflakes on the boughs of majestic Minnesota pine trees?

In the quietude of these boreal times when much of nature is in repose, signs of spring are already appearing – if you know where to look. Our feathered friends who keep us company through these frigid nights are telling us that warmer springtime days are on the way.

Downy woodpeckers have started drumming, tapping out amorous love notes to each other and territorial warning sounds to would-be intruders. Male

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A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

and female woodpeckers use separate drumming posts in this annual ritual.

Slate-colored juncos are active at bird feeders. They make their winter trek south from their far northern nesting sites in October. Their gray backs and white breasts match perfectly with the winter landscape like “leaden skies above and snow below.” Naturalist and writer Henry Thoreau further said of the juncos, “You see them come drifting over a rising ground, just like snowflakes before a northeast wind.”

Northern cardinals are the last birds to visit our feeders at dusk and their sharp “chip chip” notes can be heard as the first light beams of dawn arise.

The male cardinal, with his exquisite red feathers, perched on a snow-covered spruce bough has become an iconic scene on many a holiday card. In late January, we may hear the clear, persistent “what cheer, cheer” call of the cardinal. Both male and female sing to each other and will continue their serenade into late August.

Let’s learn to appreciate every season Mother Nature prepares for us.

The Arboretum is the perfect place to do so.

Crow drawing by Ann Solyst, background by StockSnap at pixabay

LEARN AN D DO

Learn to Draw Birds & Trees New art classes inspired by nature, in a safe environment Advance registration required: arboretum.umn.edu/painting.aspx or call 612-301-1210.

Drawing by Ann Solyst

CROW: DRAWING WITH PASTELS

Use pastels to take an artistic look at crows, an intelligent bird with stunning all-black plumage. Chalk pastels are a portable, versatile medium with a dynamic, painterly quality akin to oil painting, but without the need for harsh chemicals. This class is open to all, whether you have some pastel experience or none. Demonstrations, step-by-step instruction, and individualized attention will guide you as you create a refined drawing that balances line, form, color and composition. Class will take place in-person inside the Arboretum’s spacious Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center: You will receive your own table with ample physical distance spacing. Prices include all take-home supplies including pastels, paper, pencils, blending stump, kneading eraser and sketchbook.

Thursday, Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. $79 member/$99 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies.

Instructor: Ann Solyst

WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP: RIVER BIRCH TREE

Painting by Sonja Hutchinson

Live Online OR In-Person class!

Develop a deeper understanding of the watercolor process as you learn new painting techniques from paint handling to composition in a relaxed, fun environment. The intriguing bark of the river birch enlivens our landscapes all year. Paint the young tree in rich warm color against a crisp Minnesota sky. Leave with a finished painting and the knowledge to take you further in your creative journey. Choose to attend in-person in the Arboretum's Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center with your own table and ample physical distance spacing, or participate online via Zoom where you can watch, participate, and interact with the students and instructor just like you're there. Supplies are not included, see supply list online.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $69 member / $84 non-member

Instructor: Sonja Hutchinson

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

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NAKASHIMA FURNITURE ENHANCES AHL’S ARCHITECTURE KATHY ALLEN • LIBRARIAN

(AHL) many treasures are furnishings designed and built by worldrenowned master woodworker George Nakashima. Commissioned by the late Governor Elmer L. Andersen and his wife Eleanor, Nakashima's beautiful, custom-designed tables, chairs, display cases, and shelving complement Edwin Lundie's architecture. Together, their designs provide an inviting retreat for reading, reflection, and research.

Appropriate for the natural setting of the Arboretum, Nakashima's work shows an inherent respect for the life of a tree, reflecting his belief that irregular growth and insect damage are indicative of the tree's character. He cherished the chance to discover the inner beauty of the wood, enabling a tree to “live” on as furniture.

While at the Arb, stop by the Snyder Building and ring the doorbell to visit the library.

EXPLORE A WINTER WONDERLAND LIZ POTASEK • ARBORETUM WRITER

Don’t let chilly temperatures push you

indoors this winter.

Take in the stark beauty of the Arboretum’s winter landscape on foot, ski or snowshoe.

For the first time ever, Three-Mile Walk will be maintained and open throughout the winter this year. The popular walk leads through much of the same terrain as Three-Mile Drive, but the pedestrian-only, paved trail is tailored to walkers. If there’s little or no snow, the Arboretum’s 12 miles of hiking trails also provide plenty of ways to connect with nature.

Once we’ve had significant snowfall, the Arboretum will have groomed ski trails and snowshoe trails. We’re waiting for at least six inches of snow before we can create a cross-country ski trail. There will be a few changes to the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails this winter. Check out the latest trail maps at z.umn.edu/arbmap, and call 612-625-9793 for updated information about trail conditions.

2020 ARBORETUM TRAVEL

WITH ARBORETUM DIRECTOR EMERITUS PETER OLIN, ARBORETUM DIRECTOR PETE MOE AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS ALAN BRANHAGEN

NOTE: We’re planning Arboretum Garden Tours for 2021. However, some or all tours are subject to cancellation or postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this uncertainty, we’ve made special arrangements for small deposits to hold your place – and for full refunds if cancelled.

Kingdom of Monarchs, Mexico. Feb. 3 – 12 A second trip to see the winter home of Monarch butterflies. Mexico City, Oaxaca, pre-Columbian ruins. Gardens, culture and food! Host: Alan Branhagen.

Contact Renee Davies: renee@knowmadadventures.com or 612-315-2894.

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A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

Photos by (Inset) Norbert Lucas; (Right) Susie Hopper

Among Andersen Horticultural Library’s

Texas Hill Country. April 8 – 14 Explore San Antonio, The Botanical Garden, Riverwalk, Fredericksburg, Lady Bird Wildflower Garden and LBJ Ranch and private garden. Host: Peter Olin. Contact Lynde Vespoli: destinationsandtours@gmail.com or 440-840-6334.

Coastal Maine. June 2 – 9 Visit Kennebunkport, Portland, Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, Bar Harbor.

Enjoy lighthouses, gardens, historic villages, Acadia National Park and Coastal Maine Botanical Garden – even a nature cruise on Frenchman’s Bay. Host: Pete Moe. Contact Jenny Woodson: jenny@skadstravel.com or 952-927-7311.

For more information on all Arboretum tours, go to arbtravel.umn.edu or contact Peter Olin, olinx002@umn.edu or 612-301-1275.

Membership and Winter Activities & Events Due to ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and updated requirements from both the State and University of Minnesota, please find the latest calendar information at arb.umn.edu

DOUBLE DISCOUNT DAYS IN THE GIFT & GARDEN STORE Arboretum members always receive a 10 percent discount on purchases in the Gift & Garden Store, but from Nov. 19 - Dec. 6, members take an additional 10% off purchases (total discount 20%).

Be sure to check out the new line of beautiful vintage collection puzzles with titles: Bees and Honey, House Plants, Butterflies, Botanical Garden, Wildflowers and more!

10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Dec. 20, Applehouse [7485 Rolling Arcres Road, Victoria].

The Arboretum AppleHouse you know and love has become the AppleHouse Holiday Boutique, a festive holiday shopping experience. Find fabulous specialty food items including holiday pies, beautiful home decor, winter wear, Minnesota baskets, puzzles, children's clothing and gifts, vintage signs, lighted trees, gift baskets and much more for holiday entertaining and giving – even limited varieties of our famous apples, too. Shop in a safe, fun environment. Expect the same high-quality, unique shopping experience as the Gift & Garden Store with new and different merchandise. Shoppers do not have to be Arboretum members nor do they need tickets.

• Arb members get a 10 percent discount daily.

(20% from Nov.19-Dec. 6) • Arboretum Auxiliary Handmade Items • Special pop-ups • Social distancing and masks required

Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis

Photo by Deb Frymet

N E W!

Photo by Susie Hopper

SHARE YOUR LOVE OF THE ARBORETUM

DECEMBER GIFT MARKET

Noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13, Great Hall/MacMillan Auditorium/Snyder Auditorium/Outdoors See Winter Lights and take advantage of your last chance to shop for holiday gifts from local artisans. Tickets are included with Winter Lights admission.

YOGA Winter sessions of the popular Yoga in the Gardens, held in conjunction with the sponsors listed, are scheduled on the following dates: • 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 Offsite at Yoga Bella, Chanhassen • Noon Thursday, Dec. 17 Snyder Auditorium by Green Lotus Yoga • Noon Sunday, Dec. 27 MacMillan Auditorium by Good Vibrations Yoga

WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

• 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan.3 MacMillan Auditorium

Give the Gift of Membership this holiday season.

• Noon Thursday, Jan. 21 MacMillan Auditorium

A beautiful 2021 Arboretum calendar, is yours free when you upgrade your current membership, purchase a new or gift membership. The images highlight stunning areas of the Arboretum we all know and love!

Stop at the Membership Desk, call 612-301-1257 or visit us online at arb.umn.edu/support/membership to take advantage of this offer before it ends on December 31, 2020.

Limited quantities available. Certificate will be mailed with gift unless specified otherwise. Calendar must be picked up at the Arboretum by December 31, 2020.

• Noon Sunday, Jan.31 MacMillan Auditorium Sessions are taught by Yoga Bella, Yoga 4 You, Good Vibrations Yoga, Green Lotus Yoga, Spirit of the Lakes Yoga & Wellness Center and The Transformation Club. Please bring your own mat and don't forget your water bottle. All classes are free for Arboretum members and for members of the participating yoga organizations. Included with gate admission for non-members. arb.umn.ed/content/yoga-gardens.

®

FOOD IN THE LIBRARY?!

Yes! Head to the Andersen Horticultural Library through March 17, and enjoy heaping portions of cookbooks, magazines and recipes as we celebrate the season comfort foods. Warm up with images and ideas for enjoying hearty root vegetables, savory soups and homemade breads. Use doorbell to access the library.

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

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THE JOY OF GIVING

Family—and Giving—of All Kinds JEFF ISEMINGER • CONTRIBUTING WRITER Photos by Robert Evans Imagery

like it was commissioned for that very spot, the two children itching to see if “maze” is synonymous with “lost.” But this family moved miles to the Arboretum, which is saying something for bronze. Or, more accurately, they were moved through choreography that shows how transportive a partnership can be.

The sculpture was created by Minneapolisbased artist Douglas Freeman and originally installed on the plaza of Fifth Street Towers in 1989. Freeman (who also has a sculpture of St. Francis in the Arboretum’s Lilac Garden) used diverse models for the figures, including an Australian-American, Korean-American and African-American. “About the time I created the sculpture,” says Freeman, “I was marrying into a diverse family.” So to him it made sense to artistically define family as “all kinds.”

Years later, Freeman learned that the building Family fronted was going to be renovated, requiring the sculpture’s relocation.

Zeller Realty Group (now called Zeller) was leading the project and asked him where he’d like Family to go.

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After a confirming call to Pete Moe, Freeman’s answer was emphatic: The Arboretum, where his family has been a regular visitor for years. Zeller donated the art and paid for refurbishing Family and moving it to the Arboretum. “We were happy to partner with Doug Freeman,” says Lauren Dahlke, property coordinator at Zeller. “And we’re glad Family found a good home at the Arboretum.”

Freeman sandblasted it to remove residue from winter street-salting and waxed the patina. Salt spray is not an issue at Family’s new location, but outdoor art does need care over time. Enter Marge Barrett, who decided to

endow the sculpture’s maintenance through her parents’ foundation, the Patrick and Alice Rogers Family Foundation.

Family is situated between the Ornamental Grasses, with benches dedicated to Rogers family members, and the Maze, making Family’s choice of location what Barrett calls "a very good move.” The entire Family partnership, says Freeman, “was a win-win on all fronts.” And all because an artist and a business and an Arboretum donor quietly displayed how giving, like the sculpture itself, can be defined as “all kinds.”

ADOPT A SCULPTURE Photo by Robert Evans Imagery

The sculpture called Family, above the Maze Garden, looks

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

When a sculpture arrives at the Arboretum, it shows how the intersection of nature and culture can enrich the visitor experience.

Plantings are often added to enhance the art. And over time, any sculpture will show the wear of nature – and sometimes of visitors – that requires repair.

The Arboretum has an Adopt-a-Sculpture Program to cover those maintenance costs. You can establish a one-time endowment through this program to ensure that your adopted sculpture will continue to look great for many years. Contact Susan Taylor, Director of Development, at arbgiving@umn.edu.

HORTICULTURE AN D RESEARCH Calopogon tuberosus - tuberous grass pink orchid in the Arb’s bog demonstration garden

Photos by David Remucal

Calopogon tube rosus - tube seedling media rous grass pink orchid experiment

ORCHID PROPAGATION

s pink orchid sus - tuberous gras Calopogon tubero g ready to plant seedlin

—A WINTER LABOR OF LOVE DAVID REMUCAL • CURATOR OF ENDANGERED PLANTS

CONTRARY TO WHAT YOU MIGHT THINK, winter is a busy time for the Plant Conservation Program! We clean, prep and store rare plant seed collected during the field season, but most of the winter months are consumed with native orchid research.

Since most orchid propagation starts in the lab and orchid seeds are dormant when they reach maturity in their seed capsules, we don’t have to wait until spring to start working with seed collected during the fall. Orchid seeds are grown in sterile lab conditions because the media on which they are grown are also good for undesirable bacteria and fungi. In the wild, orchid seeds rely on fungi to provide them with the nutrients that other seeds get from their onboard food stores. In the lab, we either provide the correct fungi, or we place them in an agar medium (like a gelatin) that we think will provide them with the food and nutrients they’ll need. Early-stage research centers around determining the best medium and/or fungal partner and how best to prepare seeds for “planting” in media, as each species seems to have different requirements for all three conditions.

Once seeds germinate, they’ll be grown in flasks for 1-3 years, often in darkness, for at least the first year. As the plants age and grow, they are moved to larger containers with different media. This process is very similar to the

Lab desiccators, where for putting them seeds are dried in preparat ion in the long-term seed bank

way most orchids that you’d buy at the florist or grocery store are grown from seed – we just have the added step of trying to figure out how to get them to survive in the ground.

Some of the thousands of orchids grown each year stay at the Arboretum, but some are reintroduced to wild locations or sent to other botanic gardens. In order to manage such a quantity of plants, we rely heavily on dedicated volunteers to help nurse these orchids through this process. With active research on over 40 orchid species and several times that number of fungi, native orchid lab work is a year-round pursuit in the Plant Conservation Program.

Thanks to the fantastic success of the Gala bringing needed support to the Arb and our program through this year’s Fund-A-Need, we will be able to continue to expand our conservation efforts and continue to work with Minnesota’s native treasures. Thank you for your support!

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Calendar At-A-Glance Due to ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and updated requirements from both the State and University of Minnesota, please find the latest calendar information at arb.umn.edu

WINTER LIGHTS MULTIPLE DATES

PROHORT ONLINE COURSE TUESDAY, DEC. 1

ONGOING EXHIBITS REEDY GALLERY

Artists Rx: Responses during COVID-19 • Through Jan. 6 Breakout Creations: The Graffiti Art of Peyton Scott Russell • Jan. 14-Feb. 28 (See back page)

EVERY THURSDAY

STORYTIME AT HOME

New StoryTime recording every Thursday: arb.umn.edu/storytime.

DAILY THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 6

DOUBLE DISCOUNT DAYS IN THE GIFT & GARDEN STORE Arboretum members take an additional 10% off purchases (total discount 20%). Be sure to check out the new line of beautiful vintage collection puzzles with titles: Bees and Honey, House Plants, Butterflies, Botanical Garden, Wildflowers and more!

DAILY THROUGH DEC. 20

APPLEHOUSE HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., AppleHouse location Festive holiday boutique. Shop for specialty food items including holiday pies, beautiful home decor, winter wear, Minnesota baskets, puzzles, children's clothing and gifts, vintage signs, lighted trees, gift baskets and much more for holiday entertaining and giving.

(See page 9)

Get Engaged at Winter Lights!

We'll help you create a memorable, romantic proposal this holiday season.

Our Engagement at the Arb Winter Lights package includes private use of the Meyer-Deats Conservatory, three tickets to Winter Lights (for you, your partner and a photographer) and a congratulatory gift basket. Call 612-301-7596 or email Arb-Reservations@lists.umn.edu for details.

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VARIOUS DATES THROUGH JAN. 3 WINTER LIGHTS DISPLAY

WINTER LIGHTS FAMILY NIGHT

Tickets: $10 member/$15 non-member and free for children 15 and younger.

Visit arbwinter.umn.edu for dates, tickets and information. (see page 3)

arbwinter.umn.edu

Tickets must be purchased in advance -tickets won’t be sold at the gatehouse.

General Admission 4-10 p.m.* Friday, Saturday and Sunday *Last admission time is 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 1

2021 EXTENSION PROHORT CORE COURSE (ONLINE)

Dec. 1 registration deadline, $550 member/$590 non-member, online class starts Jan. 7 A comprehensive horticulture course consisting of 14 online modules that let you learn at your own pace with resources and guidance from the Arb and U of M Extension. Includes manual and optional live-online facilitated Q&A sessions.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP: RIVER BIRCH TREE

10 a.m.-4 p.m., $69/$84, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Learn to paint a young tree in rich color against a crisp Minnesota sky through demonstrations and practical tips. Choose to attend in-person or live online, just like you are there. (see page 7)

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

4-6 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

Take the outdoor walking tour through the Winter Lights display and make a craft.

Tickets: (Sold Out) $10 member adult and children one and older/$25 non-member adult, free for infants younger than 1 year.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2

WINTER LIGHTS MEMBER NIGHT 4-9 p.m.

Tickets: FREE for members (Sold Out) and children 15 and younger/$15 non-member. arbwinter.umn.edu

THURSDAY, DEC. 3

SPECIAL ACCESS PHOTOGRAPHER’S EVENING: ARBORETUM WINTER LIGHTS DISPLAY 4:30-6 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m., $20/$35, Oswald Visitor Center Snag a dazzling shot of the winter lights display…without crowds! Watch a helpful presentation (included) to get tips and tricks for just the right shot. arbwinter.umn.edu

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

DECEMBER GIFT MARKET Noon-8 p.m. (see page 9)

EASY, ETHNIC SWEETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS (ONLINE)

9-11 a.m., $20/$25, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom Create traditional and not-so-traditional sweets from around the world for your holiday celebrations. Cook as you watch, or just enjoy the show.

Photos by (left to right) Shutterstock; Jason Boudreau-Landis

RECURRING DECEMBERJANUARY PROGRAMS & EVENTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

Arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx CLASS REGISTRATION: 612-301-1210 EVENTS, EXHIBITS, GENERAL INFO: 612-624-2200

APPLEHOUSE WINTER BOUTIQUE DAILY THROUGH DEC. 20

SUNDAY, DEC. 6

DECEMBER GIFT MARKET Noon-8 p.m. (see page 9)

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

10-11 a.m., offsite at Yoga Bella, Chanhassen Taught by Yoga Bella.

TUESDAY, DEC. 8

WINTER LIGHTS FAMILY NIGHT

Photos by (left to right) StudioSmart at Shutterstock; Susie Hopper; GreenArt at Shutterstock

4-6 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

Take the outdoor walking tour through the Winter Lights display and make a craft.

Tickets: (Sold Out) $10 member adult and children one and older/$25 non-member adult, free for infants younger than 1 year. arbwinter.umn.edu

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9

DECEMBER GIFT MARKET MULTIPLE DATES

DRAWING WITH PASTELS: CROW

9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $79/$99, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center Explore this portable, versatile medium with a painterly quality akin to oil painting. Watch helpful demonstrations and experiment with pastel techniques. Create a refined drawing that balances line, form, color and composition. Price includes all supplies which are yours to keep. (see page 7)

SPECIAL ACCESS PHOTOGRAPHER’S EVENING: ARBORETUM WINTER LIGHTS DISPLAY 4:30-6 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m., $20/$35, Oswald Visitor Center Snag a dazzling shot of the winter lights display…without crowds! Watch a helpful presentation (included) to get tips and tricks for just the right shot. arbwinter.umn.edu

WINTER LIGHTS MEMBER NIGHT

SATURDAY, DEC. 12

Tickets: FREE for members (Sold Out) and children 15 and younger/$15 non-member. arbwinter.umn.edu

Noon-8 p.m.

4-9 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10

NATURE JOURNAL ACADEMY: WINTERTIME SNOW & STARS (ONLINE)

10-11 a.m., $20/family, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom Ages 5-12 with adult. Integrate art, science and language art skills with nature.

Learn about the best stars to seek in the night sky. Practice regular observation and data collection.

DECEMBER GIFT MARKET (see page 9)

SUNDAY, DEC. 13

DECEMBER GIFT MARKET Noon-8 p.m. (see page 9)

TUESDAY, DEC. 15

WINTER LIGHTS FAMILY NIGHT 4-6 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

Take the outdoor walking tour through the Winter Lights display and make a craft.

Tickets: (Sold Out) $10 member adult and children one and older/$25 non-member adult, free for infants younger than 1 year. arbwinter.umn.edu

ETHNIC SWEETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS SATURDAY, DEC. 5

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16

WINTER LIGHTS MEMBER NIGHT 4-9 p.m.

Tickets: FREE for members (Sold Out) and children 15 and younger/$15 non-member. arbwinter.umn.edu

THURSDAY, DEC. 17

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Noon-1 p.m., included with gate admission, Snyder Auditorium Taught by Green Lotus.

WINTER LIGHTS DATE NIGHT 4-6:30 p.m. or 7:30-10 p.m.

(Sold Out) Stroll through the outdoor walking tour of winter lights and enjoy wine and beer tastings. Tickets: $10 member/$25 nonmember. Adults only. arbwinter.umn.edu

TUESDAY, DEC. 22

WINTER LIGHTS FAMILY NIGHT 4-6 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.

Take the outdoor walking tour through the Winter Lights display and make a craft.

Tickets: (Sold Out) $10 member adult and children one and older/$25 non-member adult, free for infants younger than 1 year. arbwinter.umn.edu

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23

WINTER LIGHTS MEMBER NIGHT 4-9 p.m.

Tickets: FREE for members (Sold Out) and children 15 and younger/$15 non-member. arbwinter.umn.edu

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

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Calendar At-A-Glance PLANT SELECTION SATURDAY, JAN. 16

FRIDAY, DEC. 25

SATURDAY, JAN. 9

SUNDAY, DEC. 27

10 a.m.-noon, $25/$30 Virtual live program hosted on zoom

CHRISTMAS DAY – ARBORETUM IS CLOSED. YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Noon-1 p.m., included with gate admission, MacMillan Auditorium Taught by Good Vibrations.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30

WINTER LIGHTS MEMBER NIGHT 4-9 p.m.

Tickets: FREE for members (Sold Out) and children 15 and younger/$15 non-member. arbwinter.umn.edu

THURSDAY, DEC. 31

LECTURE – WINTER LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY: WINTER WONDERS (ONLINE) Learn what to wear for winter photography, how to protect and troubleshoot your equipment, how to make best use of winter light, and techniques for getting the correct exposure for winter landscapes. Indoor lecture – no hands-on time. See accompanying practicums on Saturday, Jan. 16.

SATURDAY, JAN. 16

COOKING CLASS: DISCOVERING YOUR ROOT…VEGETABLES! (ONLINE)

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

9-10:30 a.m., $20/$25, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom

Bundle up, and say good-bye to 2020 with outdoor crafts, music and ball drops at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the Restaurant Terrace, in addition to the outdoor light displays. Tickets: $35 member adult/$50 non-member adult, $15 for children. arbwinter.umn.edu.

Cook along (or just watch) as you learn about easily stored root vegetables and how to prepare them. Cooking techniques include roasting, sautéing, and boiling, plus unique flavor combinations and enhancements.

6-10 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 3

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

10-11 a.m., included with gate admission, MacMillan Auditorium

PRACTICUM IN THE FIELD – WINTER LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: WINTER SUNRISE

7-10 a.m., $77/$92, Snyder Building Prerequisite: Jan. 9 “Lecture: Winter Light”

TIME-LAPSE VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY SATURDAY, JAN. 23

PRACTICUM IN THE FIELD – WINTER LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: WINTER SUNSET 2:30-5:30 p.m., $77/$92, Snyder Building

Prerequisite: Jan. 9 “Lecture: Winter Light”

THE POWER OF BALANCE: STONE SCULPTURES FOR YOUR GARDEN 9:30 a.m.-noon, $42/$57, Marion Andrus Learning Center

Use shape, weight and friction to create impossible-looking balances using ordinary stones. Gain insights on photographing your creations, learn about design and composition, receive helpful tips and practice in class.

PLANT SELECTION: RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT PURPOSE! (ONLINE) 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Class only $41/$56; Class + Plant Sourcing add-on $56 /$71 Virtual live program hosted on Zoom

Understand your specific site (soil, light, moisture, exposure, size) and choose plants that will thrive. Work in the new Plant Elements of Design selection database to experiment with your landscape.

Add a 1-hour Plant Sourcing session after class to learn how to find the plants you want (+$15).

THURSDAY, JAN. 21

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Noon-1 p.m., included with gate admission, MacMillan Auditorium

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A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

Photos by (left to right) Pixabay; Mark MacLennan; Pixabay

WINTER LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY LECTURE SATURDAY, JAN. 9

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

Arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx CLASS REGISTRATION: 612-301-1210 EVENTS, EXHIBITS, GENERAL INFO: 612-624-2200

SATURDAY, JAN. 23

TIME-LAPSE VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP (ONLINE)

2-4 p.m., $30/$35, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom Practice time-lapse videos on natural subjects like ice melting or moving clouds.

Learn how our vision system interprets time lapses, equipment and set up needed, and ways to animate your images.

SCIENCE OF PLANT PROPAGATION: SEEDS (ONLINE) 9 a.m.-noon, $41/$56, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom

Photos by (left to right) Don Treddinick; Mike Heger ; Todd Mulvihill

Understand the biology of seeds, germination techniques, seed collection and storage, as well as tried-and-true techniques.

Kit of supplies included.

THURSDAY, JAN. 28

SPECIAL ACCESS PHOTOGRAPHY: FULL MOON WORKSHOP (ONLINE) 2-4 p.m., $30/$35 Virtual live program hosted on Zoom

Enjoy exclusive night access to the Arboretum as you discover and practice the secrets of photographing the full moon and other beauties of the night sky.

THE NEW PERENNIAL MOVEMENT SATURDAY, JAN. 30

SATURDAY, JAN. 30

SCIENCE OF PLANT PROPAGATION: CUTTINGS (ONLINE)

9 a.m.-noon, $41/$56, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom Learn correct preparation of cuttings and layers for propagating plants. Kit including your own cuttings and greenhouse in a pot included.

THE NEW PERENNIAL MOVEMENT (ONLINE)

1-2:30 p.m., $10/$15, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom Discuss the origin and inspiration for this style and how these landscapes create habitats that benefit all fauna. Appreciate the structural, architectural, and seasonal qualities of these plant communities.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY THURSDAY, DEC. 31

FOCUS STACKING: FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION (ONLINE) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $25/$30, Virtual live program hosted on Zoom

Use landscape and macro subjects to create a new image from a set of focus-stacked images. Discuss when to use this technique and how to prepare your images for processing.

SUNDAY, JAN. 31

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Noon-1 p.m., included with gate admission, MacMillan Auditorium

i

WINTER MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY (ONLINE) 9:30-11 a.m., $25/$30 Virtual live program hosted on zoom

Explore macro photography tips and techniques for composition, managing depth of field, how to use snow to enhance images, and focus stacking.

Photo by Al Whitaker

WINTER MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY SATURDAY, JAN. 30

Female cardinal arriving at feeder

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // D E C E M B ER 2020 • J A N UA RY 2021

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TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

General Information . . . . . . . . 612-624-2200 Andersen Horticultural Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1239 Auxiliary Event & Membership Info . . . . . . . . . 612-625-9865 Trail Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . 612-625-9793 Contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1263 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1210 Gift and Garden Store . . . . . . . 612-301-7619 Facility Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-7600 Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1257 Memorials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1263 Volunteering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1203 Yard & Garden Help Desk. . . 612-301-7590

or extension.umn.edu Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1274 Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arboretum.umn.edu

3675 Arboretum Drive Chaska, Minnesota 55318-9613

A publication for members and friends of the Arboretum

Due to ongoing limited operations because of COVID-19, please visit arb.umn.edu for hours and programming updates.

Printed with Agri Based Inks

HOURS

Through Jan. 3 Monday-Sunday: Grounds and buildings 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

WINTER LIGHTS Advance tickets required 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday 4-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday JAN. 4-MARCH 31 Monday-Sunday: Grounds and buildings 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Cascade” by Katy Noun

“Like” us at facebook.com/mnarboretum • “Pin” us at pinterest.com/mnarboretum “Follow us” on Instagram at @mn_arb

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. ©2020 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

ART AT THE ARBORETUM

Delight in the beauty found indoors in the Oswald Visitor Center. Art is available for sale through the Gift & Garden Store, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to ongoing limited operations because of COVID-19, please visit arb.umn.edu for Art Gallery exhibit updates.

“Bleeding Hearts” by Leanne Hanson

“When the World Changed” – Photo by Mary Calengor

REEDY GALLERY EXHIBITS Artists Rx: Responses during COVID-19 • Through Jan. 6 With audiences isolating at home, venues shuttered and events cancelled, the pandemic has ushered in an eerie, unprecedented time.

However, this did not stop artists from creating the artworks in this exhibition – many rooted in nature, others finding inspiration from the built environment – joined by the desire to find connection and joy amidst isolation and fear.

Five contemporary Minnesota artists – Mary Calengor, Susan Davies, Leanne Hanson, Katy Noun and Darren Terpstra – have contributed to this compelling show, bringing hope through the profoundly human act of creating.

Breakout Creations: The Graffiti Art of Peyton Scott Russell • Jan. 14-Feb. 28 A captivating solo exhibition of Peyton Scott Russell (aka Sprayfinger).

Russell became the first “graffiti artist” in Minneapolis, creating multiple graffiti murals while celebrating graffiti art and culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about graffiti as a fine art form, movement, source of communication and enhancement to communities. Enjoy Russell's vibrant imagery, which reflects his fine art training fused with societal and personal perspectives.

Make the art galleries at the Arboretum part of every visit. All art is for sale through the Gift and Garden Store with proceeds going to fund the Arboretum and the local artist community! arb.umn.edu/art-galleries/reedy-gallery.