MN Arboretum Magazine Feb Mar 2022

arboretum FEBRUARY/M ARCH 2022

magazine

ARB WINTER TRAILS FLOWER SHOW PUSSY WILLOWS WOOD DUCKS arboretum.umn.edu

PLUS: RESEARCH, EXHIBITS, CLASSES & OUTDOOR FUN

Arboretum! Between the Spring Flower Show (page 3), the Full Snow Moon (see calendar, starting on page 12) and February Art Fair (page 8), we certainly won’t be hibernating during such a beautiful season.

Outdoors and in, the Arboretum offers a meaningful connection with plant life and nature throughout all four seasons. Revel in the beauty of a frosty morning or look closely for early signs of spring, like the emergence of pussy willows (page 4). Explore a winter trail on foot, snowshoe or ski (page 6) or plot your garden as you peruse the seed catalogs in the Andersen Horticultural Library (see sidebar below). Experience the intersection of art and nature in the Harrison

FROM THE DIRECTOR PETER C. MOE

Sculpture Garden (page 10) or get inspired to grow tropical plants by visiting the Meyer-Deats Conservatory.

Whatever you do, don’t let winter pass unnoticed. Get outside and explore all that winter has to offer at the Arboretum. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

Photo by Liz Potasek

THE CURE FOR SPRING FEVER

KATHY ALLEN • LIBRARIAN

Did you know? The Andersen Horticultural Library has the third largest collection of seed and nursery

catalogs in North America! The oldest ones (1780s-1920s) can be viewed by appointment. The newest ones (hundreds of spring 2022 catalogs) and everything in between, are available for browsing. From Baker Creek's 500-page heirloom seed catalog to a single page pricelist of peony varieties—all can provide garden inspiration and information. Our collection of detailed Arboretum garden plans may spark ideas for your own spaces (view originals by appointment or go to z.umn.edu/ArbGardenPlans).

Library staff are happy to help you find information on garden plants and design in our magazines, books, seed catalogs and online. The exquisite George Nakashima-designed furnishings and inviting, open space of the Lundie-designed library provide the perfect atmosphere in which to plan your dream garden as you wait for spring!

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 VOL 41, NO. 1

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.

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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 Jenny Verner, President, Arboretum Foundation

Cover Photo by Jason Boudreau-Landis

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

The shortest month of the year is one of the busiest at the

SEASO NAL COLOR LIZ POTASEK • ARBORETUM WRITER

THE ARBORETUM’S ANNUAL SPRING FLOWER SHOW RETURNS THIS FEBRUARY

Spring Flower Show 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Feb. 4-27 Cost: Included with gate admission.

arb.umn.edu/flowershow

SPECIAL EVENTS Opening Night, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 3 | Be among the first to experience the Spring Flower Show on its opening night. Meet artists Cynthia Anderson, Cathy Mennsen, Katharine Eksuzian, Jon Kamrath and Paul Olson (scheduled to appear), whose work will be featured alongside the flower show. Tickets are $10 for members, $25 for non-members and $5 for children.

After Hours With The Flowers, 5-8:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and 24 Explore the Spring Flower Show in an intimate setting with live music – perfect for a date night or special evening with friends. $5 member/$20 non-member.

Spring Flower Show Tea. Dates and times to be determined due to ongoing COVID restrictions (See arb.umn.edu/flowershow for the latest information) Enjoy the flower show and catch up with friends or family Cypripedium at tea in the Tea Room or Fireplace Room. Sip from reginae a bottomless pot of tea and sample sweet and Showy Lady’s savory delights. $50 member/$60 non-member.

Slipper February Art Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 12-13 Stroll through the Spring Flower Show and browse through beautiful, creative works from more than 50 local artisans. Included with gate admission.

Fairy Garden Make & Take, 1-3 p.m.

Feb. 19 and 26 | Get inspired at the Spring Flower Show and then make your own Fairy Garden to take home. We will provide the basic materials, including garden base, dirt, pebbles, moss, two plants, one fairy and one structure piece. Additional fairy garden pieces will be available for purchase in the Gift & Garden Store. Registration is $70 for members and $85 for non-members.

Photo styled by Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties

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(bottom) Photo by Liz Potasek; (top) Cypripedium reginae - Showy Lady’s Slipper. Sculpture by Katharine Eksuzian

Get inspired to spend time outdoors this spring and summer at the Arboretum’s Spring Flower Show, opening Feb. 3 with a special preview night and running through Feb. 27. This year’s show serves as inspiration for outdoor living, featuring more than a dozen vignettes highlighting blooming bulbs, annuals and tropical plants. Each scene is styled in inventive ways by Arboretum employees and local businesses, including Bachman’s, Orchids Limited, Tonka Bay Fountains, MinneSola Designs,

By The Yard and Tiffany’s Picnic and Parties.

In addition to the floral vignettes, which are arranged throughout the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building, enjoy beautiful hand blown glass chandeliers created by local artist Fluid Philosophy, and gallery shows featuring sculptures from Katharine Eksuzian, Cynthia Anderson, Dennis Kalow, Jon Kamrath and Paul Olson.

HORTICULTURE

ALAN BRANHAGEN • DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

The catkins are not truly in flower at this classic pussy willow stage. When warmer weather does arrive, the catkins burst forth with their flowers and are either male or female on a particular plant. Male blooms are comprised of pollen-covered stamens with some nectar at their base, gathered by many a hungry pollinator. Female flowers are nectar-rich pistils also feeding a plethora of newly emerged pollinators – enticing them into their pollination services. This early feast makes them important plants in a pollinator-friendly landscape.

So this late winter, be sure to seek out our native pussy willow and observe its vital role as food for our soul and sustenance for nature. It is a large shrub found mainly on the edges of wetlands: the Arb’s bog walk is a great way to see it up close and personal. Consider planting a pair in your landscape and bring this beauty of local nature home.

For more on pussy willows and how you can grow them, go to the web extra at z.umn.edu/7cit

Photos by (left) Alan Branhagen; (top right) Pasja1000 at Pixabay; (bottom right) Alan Branhagen

Though Minnesotans and others from the Upper Midwest revel in the sublime beauty of winter, we still are keenly aware of the first signs of spring. February is winter and March is spring in meteorological terms but solar spring begins in February with longer days as we approach the Vernal Equinox and the first day of spring on March 21. Pussy Willows (Salix discolor) are a native plant that epitomizes this season of transition, acting as a harbinger of a new growing season.

There are seven willow species native on the Arboretum grounds and 17 species native to Minnesota, but it is the pussy willow that is first to break dormancy and flower. A mild stretch in late winter will cause this plant’s flower buds to burst their rich brown “caps” with silvery hairs poking out like a kitty’s toes. Gradually the entire flower structure, known as a catkin (you can easily figure out how it got its name), emerges from the bud as a delightful silky cone, sparkling in the angled sunlight of the season. It is at this stage the stems are often cut and dried for spring décor and spring themed flower arrangements.

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NATURE FOCUS Wood Duck Pair

WOOD DUCKS:

Photos by Mark Paulson

Wood Duck Family

DRESSED UP FOR A WEDDING MATT SCHUTH • NATURALIST

The ornithologist James Granlund said the male wood duck looks “as if constructed in an artist’s studio.” With its showy breeding plumage colors of glowing reds, iridescent greens, deep purples, burgundy browns, white chin straps and large red-orange eyes, the drake wood duck is one of the most beautiful waterfowl species in the world. With the wood duck’s exuberant colors, it appears Mother Nature designed them to be the most decorative ornament on a yuletide tree.

Before the 1918 Migratory Bird Act, wood ducks were hunted to near extinction. The naturalist Henry David Thoreau wondered why it was more important for his neighbor to “taste the flavor of them dead than that I should enjoy the beauty of them alive.” With controlled hunting seasons and construction of nesting boxes by wood duck organizations, the wood duck population has recovered.

The genus and species name for the wood duck is Aix sponsa, which is Latin meaning “dressed up for a wedding,” recognizing the beauty of the multi-colored male. Wood ducks are unique among American waterfowl. Their legs are farther forward than other ducks. It is the fastest runner of all ducks, able to reach speeds up to seven miles per hour. They are ducks of the woodland and have the largest eyes of any waterfowl, allowing them to see in low light conditions, giving them the advantage of seeing in darker woodland settings. Unlike most birds, wood ducks can and do turn their heads while flying. This allows them to avoid branches and other obstacles in the forest. They nest in hollow trees and have strong, sharp toenails that aid them in hanging onto branches when they land.

Hens lay from nine to fifteen eggs but dump nesting often occurs where more than one hen will use a nest. More than fifteen eggs in a nest is

considered a dump nest and forty or more in a nest has been recorded. A wood duck mom will brood her babies for twenty four hours before she encourages them to jump into the outside world. Some nests can be as high as sixty feet. Fortunately young ducklings weigh about a half an ounce, so these little bundles of fuzz can withstand a long leap to the ground unharmed.

At the Arboretum, we have wood duck boxes placed around our ponds. Volunteers clean and inspect the boxes and count remaining eggshell pieces to determine the hatching success of each box.

The male wood duck, with his majestically colored feathers is a fabulous springtime sight as he dabbles and floats around the Arb’s ponds with his partner. Look for them on your spring Arboretum walks.

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ARBORETUM OUTDOORS

EMBRACE WINTER GREG LECKER • MINNESOTA MASTER NATURALIST VOLUNTEER

Cross-country skiing offers varying levels of exercise intensity. The trailhead for groomed cross-country ski trails is at Farm at the Arb. Enter at 3210 West 82nd Street.

Consult the Arb website (arb.umn.edu/winter), for trail updates and maps.

If there’s little or no snow, twelve miles of trails are open for hiking.

Early morning offers less traffic, quietude, long shadows, and the best opportunity to see and hear wildlife. You’ll likely encounter wild turkeys.

Dress in layers, preferably synthetic and wool. Wear gloves, bring hand warmers.

A camera is a must – as is hydration! A small water bottle or portable water bladder worn under clothing layers is important if you plan to hike for more than an hour.

Walking is a good accompaniment to conversation. Talking while moving is conducive to making memories, or addressing life’s big issues. This winter, don’t take a break from enjoying nature and the gardens! Instead of curling up with your favorite carbohydrate, explore the Arb! To read weekly Arboretum Nature Notes blogs from Lecker and other Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteers, go to arboretumnaturenotes. wordpress.com/category/nature-notes/ (blogs change each Monday morning).

Photos by (top left, bottom left, bottom right) Norbert Lucas; (top right) Al Whitaker

Nature is critical to our well-being. Many of us sought refuge outdoors during the pandemic and aftermath of the civil unrest in Minneapolis.

Following months of working remotely, stress, eating and no exercise, I had acquired “Covid-19” pounds and worsening sciatic nerve pain. A few months of twice weekly hikes of several hours shed weight and stress. My sciatica slowly dissipated.

Winter is an ideal time to appreciate the Harrison Sculpture Garden.

Metal, stone and wood present color and line against the simple background of snow. Overcast conditions offer soft lighting around form.

Sun provides contrast between highlight and shadow. The sculpture collection is located midway along Three-Mile Drive or Walk. Near Iris Pond, zig-zag switchbacks and stone steps offer a shortcut though you may be plodding through snow. For more on the sculpture garden, see page 10.

Snowshoeing allows one to stride atop snow instead of sinking into it.

Unlike cross-country skiing, snowshoe trails are not groomed or packed.

It’s up to the trail users to lay down tracks. When hiking with another person in fresh snow, take turns “breaking trail.” Snowshoe rental is available on the second floor of the Oswald Visitor Center.

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LEARN AN D DO Photo by (background of top photo) Sachiczko at Shutterstock

Laura Vogel, Creator, Host and moderator for the Minnesota Plants Webinar Series

How a Pivot Became Powerful

Background photo by guteksk7 at Shutterstock

THE MINNESOTA PLANTS SERIES

Starting in early 2020, the complexities of the pandemic dramatically changed the ways people communicate, interact and learn. "Among the many challenges was how to pivot the myriad classes, workshops and programs that relied on being in-person at the Arboretum," says Laura Vogel, Arboretum Adult Education Manager. "We needed to find new ways to connect people and plants."

Previously, Vogel's instructors offered a variety of in-person gardening and horticulture classes, annually teaching about 1,200 local Arboretum members and plant lovers. But with limited in-person options for 2020, Laura proposed to pivot her portfolio to an online format, envisioning weekly interviews with experts about the plants that make Minnesota special, called Minnesota Plants Webinar Series. "The trouble was," says Vogel, "nobody on our team had attempted this before, nor knew how to leverage the emerging online technology."

To transform her new webinar series vision into reality, Vogel simultaneously became an online host, interviewer, moderator, and tech troubleshooter. She encountered unique and sometimes comical situations, such as power outages and accidentally sharing a blooper reel of outtakes. “We were unsure how Arboretum devotees would respond to the online format,” says Vogel, “and were delightfully surprised to welcome more than 2,000 Minnesotans for the inaugural Spring 2020 Minnesota Plants Webinar Series,” an online audience that doubled the Arboretum's previous in-person class attendance.

Host Laura Vogel caught in a blooper Vogel's approachable and friendly style resonated with members and participants of all levels from novices to Master Gardeners. She infused her personality into each session with seasonal topics, fascinating conversations with the presenters, and weekly introductions that paired quirky music with the session's theme. The subsequent 2021 Minnesota Plants Series drew new fans from Wisconsin, California, and even Brazil. "This…has become a powerful way to engage broader audiences, and is helping the Arboretum fulfil its educational mission on a grander scale." When asked if the Minnesota Plants Webinars are here to stay, Vogel simply hints, "I look forward to offering a mix of online and in-person experiences in future seasons."

The Minnesota Plants Webinar Series returns live with new topics 7-8 p.m.

Tuesdays, March 1 through May 24. The $30 member/$40 non-member fee also includes session recordings for viewing on demand. Advance registration required Host Laura Vogel chats with presenter at z.umn.edu/MNPlants2022 or call 612-301-1210.

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SPECIAL EVENTS Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and updated requirements from both the State and University of Minnesota, please find the latest calendar and mask-use requirements at arb.umn.edu.

Photo by Wendy Composto

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 12-13, Oswald Visitor Center & Snyder Building Join us this second weekend in February to browse the beautiful and creative works of 50+ local talented artists. The fair will be spread throughout the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Buildings and will have a floral theme to complement the Spring Flower Show. The timing couldn’t be better to find the perfect gift for your favorite valentine.

YOGA WINTER YOGA

Winter sessions of the popular Yoga in the Gardens, held in conjunction with the sponsors listed, are scheduled on the following dates: • Noon Thursday, Feb. 17 MacMillan Auditorium, led • Noon Sunday, Feb. 27 MacMillan Auditorium, led • 10 a.m. Sunday, March 6 MacMillan Auditorium, led • Noon Thursday, March 17 MacMillan Auditorium, led

by onelove.yoga

by Live True Yoga

Photo by Tim Clark

Photo by Mark Paulson

FEBRUARY ART FAIR

MAPLEFEST 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (by reservation) Saturday, March 19, MacMillan Auditorium All winter we eagerly await the early spring cold nights and warm days that jump-start maple sap flowing. MapleFest is our celebration of this joyful time of year with all-you can eat pancakes smothered in pure maple syrup. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 1. z.umn.edu/maplefest

by onelove.yoga

by Green Lotus

GALENTINE’S DAY RETREAT 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, Snyder Fireplace Room Treat yourself and your BFF to a special yoga retreat just for Galentine’s. We will start the day with a light breakfast then be treated to four 45-minute yoga classes led by Emily Dusek, Katie Murphy, Live True Yoga and onelove.yoga. The retreat will end with a soul nourishing lunch with chocolate dessert. The class space is limited to 20 yogis (all levels welcome). Retreat fee is $70 Arboretum members/$85 non-members.

SPRING YOGA RETREAT 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20, MacMillan Auditorium Immerse yourself in the enjoyment of spring on its first day with a joyful half-day yoga retreat. We will be led in 8 mini classes by the Yoga in the Gardens partnering studios. The class is limited to 50 yogis (all levels welcome). Retreat fee is $35 Arboretum members/$50 non-members. arb.umn.edu/content/yoga-gardens ®

2022 ARBORETUM TRAVEL WITH ARBORETUM DIRECTOR EMERITUS PETER OLIN,ARBORETUM DIRECTOR PETE MOE AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS ALAN BRANHAGEN Texas Hill Country, March 24 – 30 Visit San Antonio, The Alamo, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Fredericksburg and more. Host Peter Olin. Contact Lynde at destinationsandtours@gmail.com or 440-840-6334.

Coastal Maine, June 1 – 8 Explore coastal Maine’s rocky coast, botanical gardens, Kennebunkport, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Asticou Azalea Garden. Host Peter Moe. Contact Jenny at jenny@skadstravel.com or 952-927-7311.

Floriade, Netherlands (April 18-26 and Aug. dates TBD) Two trips to the once-in-ten-year garden show in the Netherlands plus other gardens, art museums and historic and cultural sites. Host Alan Branhagan (1st trip), Peter Moe (2nd trip). Contact Jenny at jenny@skadstravel.com or 952-927-7311.

Detroit and Mackinac Island, (Sept. date TBD) Explore Ford country, botanic gardens, historic sites and a couple of days on picturesque Mackinac Island. Host Peter Olin. Contact Lynde at destinationsandtours@gmail.com or 440-840-6334.

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

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HORTICULTURE AN D RESEARCH

GOING FOR THE

COLD

Jim Luby worki the orchard at ng in Grand Rapids NCROC

JIM LUBY • PROFESSOR OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE

Breeding of fruit crops and other

horticultural plants began over a century ago at the Arboretum’s Horticultural Research Center (HRC) as a quest to develop plants that could withstand cold Minnesota winters. Back then, researchers trudged through the snow to record our extreme temperatures measured on mercury thermometers. Even in the 1980s when I began breeding fruit crops, we could rely on periods of -20 to -25°F nearly every winter to test for hardiness. In the last 20 years, a spreading urban heat island and larger regional climate trends have produced longer mild autumns that lead into milder winters. Plants in our breeding programs at the HRC and Arboretum are now seldom tested by -20°F, yet parts of Minnesota still regularly experience more extreme cold.

Even in the Twin Cities, plants must survive an occasional “polar vortex.”

To produce plants that can weather these episodes, horticultural plant breeders take advantage of a statewide network of testing sites at regional University of Minnesota Research

and Outreach Centers (ROCs, see map) that includes our own HRC. In our apple breeding program, for example, we established an orchard at the North Central ROC in Grand Rapids 20 years ago. We routinely plant promising new selections there to test them for more extreme cold. This site has provided us with severe test winters two to three times more often than our main HRC breeding site.

These tests have identified tenderness in some of our recent introductions like SnowSweet® and Triumph ® while pointing to the reliability of Zestar!®.

Other UMN breeding programs for landscape plants and agronomic crops test plants at sites across the ROC system. Careful monitoring of environmental conditions can let us know what conditions plants have survived. To improve our monitoring of current conditions and long-term trends, the ROC test site network is in the midst of a big instrumentation upgrade. This eROC Initiative includes installation of new internet-

connected climate stations at every site in the ROC network, including the HRC. We are looking forward to these networked stations providing automated, integrated, and standardized data - not only temperature but humidity, wind and soil conditions - to develop the next generation of hardy plants for Minnesota.

Photos by (top) LeAnne Stanley; (bottom) Jim Luby

Winter-injured SnowSweet apple trees at NCROC

Map of the CFANS Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs) across Minnesota. The ROCs serve as testing grounds for a wide range of agronomic, horticultural and forestry research projects.

WEB EXTRA

To learn about the apple orchard at the University of Minnesota North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) and the testing going on there, see the video made by the author and the NCROC staff at: z.umn.edu/7chb

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THE JOY OF GIVING

Canto Notturno (N

ight Song) by Mimm o

Paladino

THE ALCHEMY OF ART AND NATURE JEFF ISEMINGER • CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Some people think art and nature are an oil-and-water mix,

with art hermetically sealed indoors and nature being, um, outdoors.

True, most forms of art don’t weather well in weather, but there’s one beautiful exception: sculpture. Oh, you might say, even outdoor sculpture doesn’t really mix with nature-nature; it’s just positioned in spots with no roof and preferably far, far from a floodplain.

Au contraire, you can experience the alchemy of nature and art at the Arboretum on the three acres of the Harrison Sculpture Garden. That alchemical fizz flows from the unique qualities of outdoor sculpture, say the couple who donated 25 sculptures they collected from around the world.

“You have a 360-degree vantage point of each sculpture,” says Alfred Harrison.

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Here’s an example: The bronze Canto Notturno (Night Song) by Italian Mimmo Paladino fairly cries out to be seen from all angles, as it displays the power of threedimensional art.

“And there’s the way color in art engages with color in nature,” says Ingrid Lenz Harrison. For instance, the colors of Construction (Crucifixion) by British sculptor Barbara Hepworth can change with the light and viewing angle.

Light also affects the collection as a coherent whole. “When you look up at the garden in the morning sun and when you look down at it in the evening, it’s a very different experience,” says Ingrid.

Movement in art and nature can mirror each other. Alfred says he loves to see the spinning Four Open Rectangles by American

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // FEB RUA RY • M A RC H 2022

George Rickey as crabapples sway in the breeze nearby, awash in clouds of springtime blossoms.

Then add summer, fall and winter (Three-Mile Drive is now open year-round) to the seasonal mix, and you’ve created a resplendent symbiosis of nature and art.

When you talk to the Harrisons about art, you hear love in their voices. “Art is something to be enjoyed by everyone,” Alfred says, “and when art is in nature, there is a serenity in the experience.”

Both Harrisons are immigrants – she from Germany and he from England. “The legacy we want to leave in the Sculpture Garden is our love of Minnesota and Minnesotans, who have embraced us for more than 50 years,” Alfred says.

Photos by (top) Mark MacLennan; (bottom) Courtesy of Robert Evans Imagery

Construction (Crucifixion) by Barbara Hepworth

HORTICULTURE AN D RESEARCH

GROWING NEW TREES FOR THE MODERN LANDSCAPE

Sh gbba Shaag arrk k Hhiicck koorryy

BRANDON M. MILLER, Ph.D. • ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE

Growing trees is something that has always interested me. From collecting acorns and planting

them in the garden to placing cuttings of the family Ficus tree in jars of water to coax new roots, cultivating new plants is a passion I have pursued since my childhood. An interest that sprouted from a 4-H plant propagation project ultimately matured into a doctorate degree in horticultural biology and led me to my new position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science. Based out of the Arboretum, I will serve as a State Extension Specialist on woody plants and work to bring new landscape plants, especially trees,

to the forefront of horticulture in Minnesota.

Trees in today’s managed landscape face several challenges. Whether it’s the constraints of our ever-expanding urban centers, the effects of more severe and erratic weather events like flooding and drought, or the seemingly endless onslaught on our native trees by exotic pests, our landscapes are under a lot of stress.

Experience has taught us that while some of our favorite trees, like ashes and elms, are well-suited to conditions curbside, by planting too many of any one genus of trees, our landscapes are left vulnerable to pests and diseases like Emerald Ash Borer or Dutch

Elm Disease. We now know that diversifying our plantings with many kinds of trees can build the resiliency of our managed landscapes, in effect helping us hedge our bets against these types of threats. As the adage goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. But where do we get more baskets?

My research program aims to answer that question by identifying underutilized trees that merit use and determining how to best grow them. These new trees need to be able to handle the stresses of the future and look good while doing it. If you have questions regarding growing new trees in your home landscape, call me on my office phone (612) 624-0782.

Sycamore

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Feuerzauber' Photos by Brandon Miller

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Calendar At-A-Glance

ONGOING EXHIBITS REEDY GALLERY “Ceramic Explorations by Katharine Eksuzian” • Feb. 3 – March 2 Discover the atmospheric fired, ceramic work which focuses on nature-related sculptural pieces.

Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term that means “taking in the forest atmosphere”, has been very influential in Ms. Eksuzian’s clay work.

Through the creation of nature-inspired ceramic work, the artist hopes to elicit a sense of shinrinyoku and impart a pleasant feeling onto the beholder. By hand sculpting each piece to fully reflect the realistic and beautiful imperfections that her natural subjects are based upon – Eksuzian creates organic impressions and intuitive pieces that portray balance and harmony.

Katharine Eksuzian is a fiscal year 2020 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

“Reflections from our Natural World” • March 9 – May 2 (See back page)

CAFE GALLERY “Nature: Near and Far, featuring the artwork of Cathy Menssen and Carl Nelson” · Feb. 3 – April 3 (See back page)

SKYWAY GALLERY “Forever Green: Conifers from The Genus Pinus” • Through March 19 Get your fix of greens, even in the midst of a Minnesota winter. Exquisitely depicted cone-bearing trees from the Library’s rare 184 2 edition of “A Description of the Genus Pinus” will delight the eye. Many of the images were created by renowned Austrian artist Ferdinand Bauer. Scan the QR codebelow each illustration to locate that species on the Arboretum grounds, and compare the living trees to the historical artists’ renditions.

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OSWALD VISITOR CENTER “Rooted in Nature: 3D Expressions” • Feb. 3 - 27

SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS FOR AGES 5-11

Sculptures drawn from the natural world are displayed amongst living plants and flowers in this year’s Arboretum flower show. Sculptors Cynthia Anderson, Dennis Kalow, Jon Kamrath and Paul Olson join forces using a variety of materials to enhance each flower show vignette.

Viewers will have the opportunity to observe the dialogue which can occur between art and nature in these sensational artistic pairings.

ANDERSEN HORTICULTURAL LIBRARY “Beyond the Catalog: Seed & Nursery Artifacts” • Through March 19 (See back page)

RECURRING FEBRUARYMARCH PROGRAMS & EVENTS

FEBRUARY-MARCH PROGRAMS & EVENTS

SPRING FLOWER SHOW TEAS

FLOWER SHOW OPENING NIGHT

Dates and times to be determined due to ongoing COVID restrictions (See arb.umn. edu/flowershow for the latest information) Enjoy the flower show and make it even more special with a tea in the Snyder Building Tea Room or Fireplace Room. Sip from a bottomless pot of tea and sample sweet and savory delights. $50 member/$60 non-member. arb.umn.edu/flowershow

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Arboretum Summer Camps and Programs for ages 5-11 Explore, dig, hike, imagine, grow, plant, learn, create, discover and play this summer!

Register today for an engaging mix of science-based, nature-inspired programs that encourage friendship, stimulate learning, inspire exploration, and support a love of the natural world and all its wonders. Summer programs will be held primarily outdoors and follow all current state and university guidelines for COVID 19 safety protocols. arboretum.umn.edu/summeryouth.aspx

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THURSDAY, FEB. 3

6-8 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center & Snyder Building

Don’t miss this chance to be one of the first to experience these beautiful spring vignettes featuring inspiration for outdoor living. $10 member/$25 non-member/$5 children. arb.umn.edu/flowershow

FRIDAY, FEB. 4

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY 10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center

Spend a morning knitting, crocheting, hand sewing and chatting with crafters from the Arboretum Auxiliary. Bring your project and materials. Auxiliary members can help you get started and answer questions.

SATURDAY, FEB. 5

TIGER LILY IN COLORED PENCILS: ARBORETUM-INSPIRED DRAWING

10 a.m.-2 p.m., $69/$84, Snyder Auditorium Draw a tiger lily as you develop fundamental drawing skills, including observation of shape, line weight, color, layering, and blending techniques, as well as shading, composition, perspective and shape. All supplies included.

Photo by Samuel Borges Photography at Shutterstock

Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and updated requirements from both the State and University of Minnesota, please find the latest calendar and mask-use requirements arb.umn.edu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

Arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx CLASS REGISTRATION: 612-301-1210 EVENTS, EXHIBITS, GENERAL INFO: 612-624-2200 EXPRESSIVE PLAY CREATING ABSTRACTS SATURDAY, FEB. 12

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 9

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY 10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center (See Feb. 4)

THURSDAY, FEB. 10

AFTER HOURS WITH THE FLOWERS

(Left) painting by Ann Solyst; Photos by (middle) Don Olson; (right) Museundo at Pixabay

5-8:30 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center & Snyder Building

Join us for one of our special after-hours nights to stroll through the Spring Flower Show. arb.umn.edu/flowershow (see page 3)

SATURDAY, FEB. 12

WINTER BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY THURSDAY, FEB. 17

EXPRESSIVE PLAY CREATING ABSTRACTS: ACRYLIC PAINTING (ONLINE)

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16

Experience the joy of artistic play by creating a unique abstract painting. Develop your skills through exercises that prompt you to explore color schemes and invent compositions.

Snowshoe by the Full Snow Moon of 2022.

Come out for a magical snowshoe hike after dark at the Arb. We will have a 1.5K loop around Wood Duck Pond groomed and lit with luminaries for you to enjoy. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa around one of the multiple bonfires. (Weather backup date Feb. 17). $5 members and kids aged 15 and under/$20 non-members

9:30 a.m.-noon, $49/$64, Online via ZOOM

CARDINAL IN COLORED PENCIL: ARBORETUM-INSPIRED DRAWING

10 a.m.-2 p.m., $69/$84, Snyder Building Draw a cardinal as you develop fundamental drawing skills, including observation of shape, line weight, color, layering, and blending techniques, as well as shading, composition, perspective and shape. All supplies included.

FEBRUARY ART FAIR

SUNDAY, FEB. 13

(see page 8)

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center & Snyder Auditorium

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center & Snyder Auditorium

THE VERSATILE BEAN, FROM DRIED TO CANNED: COOK-ALONG LIVE (ONLINE)

9-10:30 a.m., $20/$25, Online via ZOOM Cook along in real time or just watch! Learn cooking techniques, nutritional benefits, flavor differences and combinations using a variety of delicious beans. Class menu: Black Bean & Sweet Potato Burrito; Red Beans & Rice with Veggies; and The Best Vegetarian Chili.

THE VERSATILE BEAN, FROM DRIED TO CANNED SATURDAY, FEB. 12

FULL MOON SNOWSHOE HIKE 6-9 p.m., Wood Duck Pond Trail

THURSDAY, FEB. 17 WINTER YOGA

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

FEBRUARY ART FAIR

Taught by onelove.yoga arb.umn.edu/content/yoga-gardens

(see page 8)

WINTER BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY (ONLINE)

YOGA – GALENTINE’S DAY RETREAT 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Snyder Fireplace Room (see page 8)

TUESDAY, FEB. 15

FULL MOON PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE RED BARN: 2-SESSION WORKSHOP 3-6 p.m. AND Wednesday, Feb. 16, 5-7 p.m., $120/$135, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center

6:30-8 p.m., $25/$30, Online via ZOOM Explore proper equipment needed for winter bird photography, techniques for photographing birds at the feeder or in flight, insights into winter bird behavior, and how to build a backyard bird photography studio.

Add an optional in-person practicum at the Arb’s feeders on Saturday, Feb. 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m. OR noon-2 p.m. for an additional $48/$63.

Learn to choose the best times and places to capture that big moon shot, the proper camera settings and lenses for night exposures, and techniques to ensure sharp, detailed images.

Practice together during class.

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // FEB RUA RY • M A RC H 2022

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Calendar At-A-Glance SHOOTING & EDITING PORTRAITS CREATIVE IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY SATURDAY, MARCH 5

FLORAL FANTASY - EXPLORATIONS IN WATERCOLOR TUESDAY, MARCH 8

FRIDAY, FEB. 18

THURSDAY, FEB. 24

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center

5-8:30 p.m., Oswald Visitor Center & Snyder Building

10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY (See Feb. 4)

SATURDAY, FEB. 19

AFTER HOURS WITH THE FLOWERS arb.umn.edu/flowershow (see page 3)

FAIRY GARDEN MAKE & TAKE

SATURDAY, FEB. 26

Let the magic of the Spring Flower Show inspire you to create a fairy garden of your own. We will provide the base materials including garden base, dirt, pebbles, moss, two fairy garden appropriate plants, one fairy and one structure piece. Additional fairy garden pieces will be available for purchase in the Gift and Garden Store. $70 member/$85 non-member.

1-3 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium

1-3 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium

UNDERSTANDING LIGHT: CREATIVE IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY (ONLINE)

9 a.m.-noon, $45/$50, Online via ZOOM Explore techniques for making better photographs, including how to recognize and use soft and hard lighting, the effects of color temperature on your images, and simple ways to modify available light and create a DIY light kit.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 23

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY 10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center (See Feb. 4)

14 |

FAIRY GARDEN MAKE & TAKE (see Feb. 19)

SUNDAY, FEB. 27 WINTER YOGA

Noon-1 p.m., free with gate admission, MacMillan Auditorium Taught by Live True Yoga arb.umn.edu/content/yoga-gardens

TUESDAY, MARCH 1

MINNESOTA PLANTS SPRING WEBINAR SERIES (ONLINE)

7-8 p.m., also includes every Tuesday through May 24, $30/$40, Online via ZOOM Join local horticultural experts each week to virtually explore collections, backyards and gardens from your armchair as you learn more about Minnesota trees, perennials, edible plants, houseplants & more... and get tips and tricks for your own garden! (see page 7)

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // FEB RUA RY • M A RC H 2022

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY (See Feb. 4)

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

SHOOTING & EDITING PORTRAITS: CREATIVE IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY (ONLINE)

9 a.m.-noon, $45/$50, Online via ZOOM Discuss techniques for making great smartphone portraits of your friends and family.

Learn how to recognize and use soft and hard lighting, the effects of color temperature on your images, how to make the most of available light, and how to touch up portraits on your phone.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6 WINTER YOGA

10-11 a.m., free with gate admission, MacMillan Auditorium Taught by onelove.yoga arb.umn.edu/content/yoga-gardens

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

FLORAL FANTASY: EXPLORATIONS IN WATERCOLOR 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $69/$84, Oswald Visitor Center

Experiment using stencils, plastic wrap, watercolor pencils and more to create a floral composition of spring wildflowers. Bring your watercolor supplies to class.

(left) Photo by EricMueller; (middle) Eric Mueller; (right) Painting by Sonja Hutchinson

UNDERSTANDING LIGHT - CREATIVE IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY SATURDAY, FEB. 19

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

Arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx CLASS REGISTRATION: 612-301-1210 EVENTS, EXHIBITS, GENERAL INFO: 612-624-2200 INTRO TO CAMERA TECHNIQUES FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY THURSDAY, MARCH 10

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY 10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center

(left) Photo Courtesy of Storyblocks; (middle) Photo by Maridav at Shutterstock; (right) Painting by Sonja Hutchinson

(See Feb. 4)

BOOKS IN THE GARDEN: FRESH TAKES ON NATURE WRITING Noon-1:30 p.m., $100/$155 (also Apr. 13, May 11, Jun. 8, Jul. 13 & Aug. 10), Oswald Visitor Center

Join other lovers of literature for thoughtful discourse on nature-related writing. Selected titles include scientific writing, memoir, fiction, and poetry: Salt Path by Raynor Winn; Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard; The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo by Kent Nerburn; Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry edited by Camille T. Dungy; and The Paper Garden: Mrs. Delaney Begins Her Life's Work at 72 by Molly Peacock.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

INTRO TO CAMERA TECHNIQUES FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY (ONLINE)

6:30-8 p.m., $25/$30, Online via ZOOM Learn to use the full potential of today’s cameras so you can capture amazing nature photos. Explore the exposure triangle, when to use manual mode, how different focal lengths affect the photo, and focusing aids. Add an optional in-person Practicum at the Arboretum on Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for an additional $72/$87.

MAPLE SYRUP MAGIC COOKING CLASS SATURDAY, MARCH 12

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

MAPLE SYRUP MAGIC, FROM CLASSIC TO UNEXPECTED: HANDS-ON COOKING CLASS

T! 9-10:30 a.m., $42/$57, SOLD OU Marion Andrus Learning Center

Explore the Arb’s syrup-making process and learn to use this natural sweetener in deliciously unique ways. Class menu includes onion maple jam, pizza with caramelized onions, and a maple glaze for veggies and meats.

FINDING YOUR RHYTHM IN WATERCOLOR TUESDAY, MARCH 15

FULL WORM MOON HIKE

7:30-10:30 p.m., Sensory Garden Enjoy the Arb after dark on the Full Worm Moon Hike! Did you know this month’s full moon is named the Full Worm Moon because this is the time of year that earthworms start to come out of hibernation? March weather can still be chilly, so warm up with a cup of hot cocoa around one of the multiple bonfires. Path to be determined based on spring weather conditions. $5 members and kids aged 15 and under/$20 non-members.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

FINDING YOUR RHYTHM IN WATERCOLOR (ONLINE)

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $45/$65, Online via ZOOM No experience necessary! Explore the relationships between paper, water, paint and brushes in watercolor. A series of exercises will help you create special effects.

MAPLEFEST (see page 8)

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

SPRING YOGA RETREAT

8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., MacMillan Auditorium (see page 8)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

WINTER YOGA

10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY

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

(See Feb. 4)

Taught by Green Lotus arb.umn.edu/content/yoga-gardens

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

KNIT & STITCH WITH THE AUXILIARY 10 a.m.-noon, free with gate admission, Oswald Visitor Center (See Feb. 4)

A R B O R E T U M M AGA Z I N E // FEB RUA RY • M A RC H 2022

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3675 Arboretum Drive Chaska, Minnesota 55318-9613

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

General Information . . . . . . . . 612-624-2200 Andersen Horticultural Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1239 Auxiliary Membership & Events Info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-625-9865 Trail Conditions. . . . . . . . arb.umn.edu/winter Contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1266 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1210 Gift and Garden Store . . . . . . . 612-301-7619 Facility Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-7596 Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1257 Memorials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1266 Volunteering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-301-1203 Yard & Garden Help Desk. . . 612-301-7590 Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arboretum.umn.edu AppleHouse Info Line . . . . . . . 612-301-3487

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

A publication for members and friends of the Arboretum

Printed with Agri Based Inks

“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

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

Reflections from our Natural World • March 9 – May 2 Featured artists Kathleen Krishnan, Alison Price and Mary Welke derive their visual cues from nature. The works remind us that if we look closely, nature can awe with her beauty, provide solace, conjure memories and educate us. Each artist takes a different path using color, form and textural qualities resulting in a whole that makes us more deeply explore our relationship with the natural world.

CAFE GALLERY

Nature: Near and Far: featuring the artwork of Cathy Menssen and Carl Nelson • Feb. 3 – April 3 Inspired by the Arb’s February flower show, view artistically rendered plants and flowers up close and far away. Two artists with a passion for nature work in dramatically different styles to create their interpretations of the plant world.

OSWALD VISITOR CENTER

Rooted in Nature: 3D Expressions • Feb. 3 - 27 (see page 12)

SKYWAY GALLERY

“Forever Green: Conifers from The Genus Pinus” • Through March 19 (see page 12)

ANDERSEN HORTICULTURAL LIBRARY Sculptures by Katharine Eksuzian

“Beyond the Catalog: Seed & Nursery Artifacts” • Through March 19 Take a glimpse into gardening history. Explore artifacts from the Andersen Horticultural Library’s Historic Seed & Nursery Catalog Collection, including wooden seedboxes, colorful seed packets, belt buckles, toy trucks, seed testers, and more.