Red Butte Garden Spring 2012 Newsletter

vol. 4, issue 1

Spring 2012 Issue march • april • may Concert Ticket Sale Dates Loving Lilacs How to get the most from your herb garden

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Mini Bulbs - Mini Daffodil

More Bulbs, More Concerts, & More Garden.

Editor

Bryn Ramjoué

Copy Editor

Laurie Engel

Gregory Lee, Fritz Kollmann, Rita Dodge, Meghan Eames, Crystal Reece, Camilla Dahl Contributing Writers

Contributing Photographers

Amy Pugsley, Miriam Eriksson, Jason Baker Graphic Designer Amy

Pugsley

IC Group in Salt Lake City

Printed by

Red Butte Garden, a part of the University of Utah, is a nonprofit organization located in Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 100 acres, including display gardens, walking paths, and natural areas with hiking trails, Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West that tests, displays, and interprets regional horticulture.

300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108 · 801.585.0556 Copyright © 2012 Red Butte Garden. All rights reserved.

Red Butte is growing. Every year the Garden adds something. Last fall, Garden staff and volunteers planted 97,000 more bulbs, including 28,000 daffodils and 69,000 other bulbs, bringing the total at Red Butte to just over 324,000, 182,000 of which are daffodils. The 142,000 ‘other bulbs’ include Allium, Eranthis, Erythronium, Fritillaria, Galanthus, Ipheion, Leucojum, Ornithogalum, Scilla, Tritelia, and 14 additional, beautiful, genera. This year’s planting, which was concentrated in the Rose Garden’s Wedding Garden, Fragrance Garden, and oak tunnel area, included thousands of early flowering miniature bulbs that will bloom in March. As floral displays go, the Garden’s March and April bulb shows are two treats not to be missed. We now have 1.7 bulbs planted for each person living in Salt Lake City!

More delightful growth has been brought about by the Amphitheatre. In just four seasons in the new venue we have grown from a 12 concert series to the 21 shows in last year’s series to this year’s 24 concerts. We also added two weekends of Greek Theatre performances in the fall and four free summer Sundance Institute film screenings.

This year, the Garden will add concert-related changes that we hope will create a better experience for you. One week prior to the first-day sale of individual tickets we will offer a limited number of full and partial-season ticket packages. The majority of concert tickets will still be reserved for members to buy on the first day of individual ticket sales. This should reduce the wait to purchase tickets on the first day that individual tickets go on sale.

Another change is the new, lit pathway built by Chevron that connects the Williams Building Garage west of the Visitor Center to the Amphitheatre. While the Williams Garage will only be available for a few concerts, it will make a difference when it is available. Another parking improvement stems from the University’s decision to discourage people from gathering on the hillside behind the Amphitheatre during concerts. While the University made that decision for safety, public health and environmental reasons, it promises to have the ancillary benefit of freeing up several hundred parking spaces for concert ticket holders.

And, finally, this year there will be more Garden at the Garden. Construction is underway on the Rose House and adjacent Celebration Garden in the McCarthey Family Rose Garden. The Celebration Garden will be a “white” garden that features white-flowered roses and other white-flowered plants.

With more bulbs, more concerts, more ways to get concert tickets and parking, and more Garden, has there ever been a better time to visit?

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Red Butte Garden

- Gregory J. Lee, Executive Director

table of contents

Daffodils and Hyacinths

features

calendar

2 Executive Director's Message

5 Art Exhibits

8

Memorials

6 Bulbs & Blooms

8

Garden Fresh Recipe

7

Concert Ticket Sale Dates

14

Volunteer Spotlight

7

Spring Plant Sale

16

Conservation Plant Highlight

9 Activities - Free With Admission 10

Spring Workshops & Classes

13

Horticulture Lecture Series

17

Garden Adventures Schedule

18

Spring Calendar

Four Seasons Garden

articles 4

Loving Lilacs

8

Planned Giving

13

On Your Mark, Get Set, ... Grow!

15

Herb Gardening for a

Continual Harvest

Daffodils

Check out our new and improved website at www.redbuttegarden.org

Syringa villosa ‘James Macfarlane’

loving Lilacs

Syringa vulgaris ‘Agincourt Beauty’

Syringa vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskovy’

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photo courtesy of www.tastygardener.com

By Crystal Reece, Horticulturist

For many people, the coming of spring means lilacs. Their lovely fragrance evokes strong memories. Red Butte Garden grows over thirty different varieties of these beautiful shrubs in our lilac collection.

within each cluster, are among the largest of all the lilacs.

Beauty of Moscow (Syringa vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskovy’), is a cultivar from Russia whose lavender-rose tinted buds open into beautiful, double white blossoms with pale pink blush.

Red Butte Garden grows over thirty different varieties of these beautiful shrubs.

The most familiar and widely grown lilac is the Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), a large deciduous shrub that grows 8-15’ tall and 6-12’ wide and often produces sucker shoots. It blooms in midspring with showy clusters of light purple, fragrant blossoms.

The cultivars offer flowers in a variety of shades including pink, purple, blue-lavender and white.

Lilacs are unremarkable when not in bloom, but the dark green foliage is a good backdrop to other garden plants.

Agincourt Beauty (Syringa vulgaris ‘Agincourt Beauty’) has large clusters of deep reddishpurple blooms that hang like fat grapes from its branches. The florets, or individual flowers 4

Red Butte Garden

Slater’s Elegance (Syringa vulgaris ‘Slater’s Elegance’) entered the plant trade in 1974 and features clusters of pure-white flowers that are so large they almost resemble those of a hydrangea. The spade-shaped, dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the giant clusters of flowers.

Tinkerbelle™ (Syringa ‘Bailbelle’) is a compact, non-suckering plant that grows 4-6’ tall and wide. In late spring, the wine-colored buds open to pink flowers with a spicy fragrance. This dwarf hybrid is perfect for small spaces.

Lace-leaf Lilac (Syringa x laciniata) is a unique shrub that every lilac lover needs in their collection.

Syringa x laciniata

Syringa vulgaris ‘Slater’s Elegance’

James Macfarlane (Syringa villosa ‘James Macfarlane’) is a late-blooming, compact cultivar that produces bright pink, lightly scented flowers. This cultivar is extremely hardy and can tolerate a variety of moisture conditions.

Lilacs grow and bloom best in average, welldrained soil, and full sun. Deadhead after the blooms have faded to keep the bush looking tidy.

Prune as needed after flowering.

In his 1865 poem “When Lilacs Last by the Dooryards Bloom’d”, Walt Whitman wrote: “tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green, With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love…”.

Come see our beautiful lilacs this spring at Red Butte Garden!

Nate Pack Art Exhibit March 2 - 25, 2012 www.natepack.com

Christine McDonough Photography Exhibit March 30 - April 22, 2012 www.coppershamrock.com

Gordon Eddington Copper Art Exhibit

Art Exhibits

Clusters of small, pale-purple flowers open in late spring on the branch tips. The narrowly dissected leaves not only give this lilac its name, but they also make it attractive throughout the entire growing season.

Syringa ‘Bailbelle’

April 27 - May 20, 2012 www.gordoneddingtonart.com

Michelle Condrat Art Exhibit

May 25 - June 17, 2012 www.michellecondrat.com www.redbuttegarden.org

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April 12-24 • 324,000 Spring Bulbs • Spring Garden Walk April 12th, pg. 9 • Spring Bulb Show & Competition April 21-22nd, pg. 9 • Incredible Edible Bulbs Garden Adventure April 21st, pg. 17

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Coming this Spring ...

Poetry in the Garden Enjoy poems and prose as you stroll through the Garden this Spring. Displays will be found throughout the Garden featuring the work of local poets as well as classic poetry.

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Red Butte Garden

2012 Concert Ticket Sales

Full & Partial Season Packages -

Monday, April 23rd, 9am

Individual Tickets -

Garden Members, Monday April 30th, 9am General Public, Monday May 7th, 9am

How to Buy -

Plant Sale

Individual tickets can be purchased online at redbuttegarden.org, in person at the Garden Visitor Center, or via phone at 801.585.0556.

Croton

Annual Benefit Plant Sale Friday, May 4th - 1pm to 8pm, Members Only (memberships may be purchased at the gate)

Saturday, May 5th - 9am to 3pm, Open to the Public The Spring Plant Sale features a wide selection of herbs, flowering annuals, vegetables (including heirlooms), perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, conifers, roses, vines, trees, and an extensive selection of native and drought-tolerant plants.

Visit with several local plant societies who will share information about their organizations and answer your plant questions.

Perfect timing for a unique Mother's Day gift!

Follow the signs from Wakara Way to Cottam's Grove entrance and adjacent parking lots.

Volunteer answering questions at Spring Plant Sale

www.redbuttegarden.org

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November - January 2012 Gifts donated in tribute of: Barbara & Frank Wood James & Elfie Wright Gifts donated in memory of: Mary Jo Reiter Carl Minden Elaine James Sorensen Marta Schack Tom Rokich For tribute & memorial information call Wendy Loyning at 801.585.3813

Crab Apple Blossoms

Garden Fresh

Recipe

Garden Consider Red Butte Estate Plans While Making Your

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re your will is? When Do you know wheyo viewed it? was the last time u re put it in a safe

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Development at 801. th any questions. redbutte.utah.edu wi

Perfectly Pesto

recipe submitted by new Membership Manager, Morgan Byrne

Ingredients: 1 C. firmly packed snipped fresh basil 1/2 C. snipped parsley 1/2 C. grated parmesan or romano cheese (2 oz) 1/4 C. pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds 1 or 2 cloves garlic, quartered 1/3 C. olive oil or cooking oil

Directions: Place basil, parsley, cheese, nuts, garlic, and 1/4 tsp. salt in blender, container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend with several on/off turns until a paste forms.

With machine running slowly, gradually add oil and blend until it is the consistency of soft butter. Refrigerate or freeze until used. Thaw pesto, if frozen. Toss with hot cooked and buttered pasta (use about 1/2 C. pesto to about 16 oz. pasta). Serve immediately.

Or, serve pesto atop soups, vegetables, fish, or meats. Makes about 1 C. pesto.

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Red Butte Garden

MAXIMIZE Your Membership Benefits This

Spring!

Maple

These activities are FREE for Garden members and are included with the price of admission for the general public.

To become a Garden member call 801.585.7172 or visit redbuttegarden.org ORCHID SHOW

BONSAI SHOW

Fascinating and unique orchids from the Utah Orchid Society will be on display in the Richard K. Hemingway Orangerie. Members of the society will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice about growing and caring for orchids. There will also be a large selection of beautiful orchids for sale at prices for any budget.

Come explore the millennia-old art form of bonsai at Red Butte Garden as members of the Bonsai Club of Utah display trees from their collections as well as answer questions and demonstrate different bonsai techniques.

Trees and supplies will be available for purchase.

APRIL 7 – 8, SAT & SUN 10AM – 7:30PM

BIRDING

THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS 9AM - 11:30AM APRIL 12, THURSDAY APRIL 21, SATURDAY APRIL 26, THURSDAY APRIL 28, SATURDAY MAY 12, SATURDAY MAY 17, THURSDAY MAY 26, SATURDAY MAY 31, THURSDAY

APRIL 27 - 29, FRIDAY – SUNDAY 9AM – 5PM

BEGINNERS BONSAI

APRIL 28, SATURDAY 2PM – 3:30PM

The art of bonsai is not as difficult as you may think. Join members of the Bonsai Club of Utah for this informative class to discuss the essentials of beginning bonsai including: how to get started, design and shaping tips, helpful tools, and care and maintenance. A word of warning: bonsai is known to be easier than expected, addicting, and fun! REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Bring your binoculars and join us for a morning walk when the garden is full of wildlife activity. Bullock’s Oriole, Western Tanager, Downy Woodpecker, and American Gold Finch are just some of the birds you are likely to see. REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.581.8454

SPRING GARDEN WALK

APRIL 12, THURSDAY NOON – 1:30PM

Walk the garden with us during your lunch break and experience the garden coming to life. We will see lenten roses, daffodils, crocus, anemones, witchazel, pussy willow, magnolia, and other spring beauties.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.581.8454

SPRING BULB SHOW & COMPETITION

APRIL 21 - 22, SAT & SUN 9AM – 5PM

Welcome back spring and join the fun at the Red Butte Garden Annual Bulb Show and Competition. Bring your showy flowering bulbs for display and judging in this competition open to everyone. Categories: narcissi, hyacinths, tulips, and minor bulbs such as galanthus, crocus, muscari, iris reticulata and more.

COMPETITION ENTRIES ACCEPTED ON SATURDAY, 8AM–10AM. JUDGING ON SATURDAY, 10AM–12PM

ARBOR DAY 2012 - FREE ADMISSION DAY APRIL 27, FRIDAY 9AM - 3PM

Trees are Terrific… useful in so many ways!

There’s no better place than Red Butte Garden to celebrate Arbor Day! As Utah’s very own Arboretum, we can’t wait to share with you the wonderful world of trees. Join us for a fun day of activities and interactive Exploration Stations throughout the Garden. All participants leave with a seedling tree to take home!

Arbor Day is a FREE admission day thanks to Salt Lake County Voters & Zoo, Arts, and Parks (ZAP).

www.redbuttegarden.org

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SIGN UP for SprinG Workshops & Classes TOMATO PROPAGATION WORKSHOP

MARCH 3, SATURDAY, 9AM–12PM OR 1PM-4PM Would you like to harvest your first tomato before the middle of August? Join us and learn the secrets to successful seed starting in your own home. You’ll start seeds for the garden and learn techniques to extend the growing season. Participants will plant and take home a flat of tomato seeds for germinating and growing at home. You will also receive three walls of water so you can plant your tomatoes in the garden before the last frost. Limited to 16 participants in each session.

GARDEN MEMBERS $40 PUBLIC $48 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.581.8454 OR ONLINE AT WWW.REDBUTTEGARDEN.ORG

THE ART OF PRUNING (LLHG 567)

MARCH 10 – 24, SATURDAYS 10AM - NOON

Proper pruning enhances the beauty of almost any landscape tree and shrub. This class, intended for those with limited pruning experience, will address the specific pruning needs and techniques associated with flowering trees and shrubs, vines, and groundcovers, as well as the shaping of hedges. Each session will include a hands-on, outdoor component, so please wear appropriate clothing and bring gloves and hand pruners.

GARDEN MEMBERS $67 PUBLIC $74 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN (LLHG 512)

MARCH 14–APRIL 18, WEDNESDAYS 6PM–9PM OR MARCH 15–APRIL 19, THURSDAYS 6PM–9PM Save time and money by making informed landscaping choices before you plant. We’ll start with a base map and site analysis then apply landscape design principals to plant selection and placement (trees, shrubs, and beds). We will also discuss irrigation. You will have the opportunity to draw your own plan with the help of a landscape architect.

GARDEN MEMBERS $176 PUBLIC $194 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

WISTERIA PRUNING WORKSHOP MARCH 10, SATURDAY 1PM – 3PM

Wisteria offer breathtaking beauty and fragrance to the spring garden. However, the fact that they benefit from careful pruning and training has compelled some to

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Red Butte Garden

Daffodils

suggest “Wisteria is Latin for work.” Dispel the myth by joining us for this hands-on workshop as we demonstrate how our gardeners create and maintain our spectacular Wisteria arbors. Wear appropriate clothing and bring gloves and hand pruners. Limited to 12 participants.

GARDEN MEMBERS $20 PUBLIC $25 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.581.8454 OR ONLINE AT WWW.REDBUTTEGARDEN.ORG

ROSE PRUNING WORKSHOP MARCH 24, SATURDAY 1PM – 3PM

Roses are among the most loved and versatile of garden plants, yet many gardeners are intimidated by the enormous range of species and hybrids with their varying requirements for pruning. Join us as we demystify rose pruning in this hands-on workshop. Wear appropriate clothing and bring gloves and hand pruners. Limited to 10 participants.

GARDEN MEMBERS $20 PUBLIC $25 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.581.8454 OR ONLINE AT WWW.REDBUTTEGARDEN.ORG

IRRIGATION BASICS (LLHG 563) APRIL 3 -10, TUESDAYS 6PM – 8PM

Join us as we explore smart irrigation practices that give plants the water they need to thrive (no more, no less) and deliver that water in the most efficient way possible.

We’ll cover maintenance of existing irrigation systems, converting to drip and spray heads where appropriate, and other key topics to enhance your home irrigation system.

GARDEN MEMBERS $48 PUBLIC $52 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

WATERWISE LANDSCAPES (LLHG 521)

APRIL 17 – MAY 1, TUESDAYS 6:30PM – 8:30PM Want to save water in your landscape but not sure how to begin? Join us as we look at plant varieties and landscaping techniques that help conserve water while making your yard the envy of the neighborhood! Learn which water-wise perennials to combine for continual bloom; how to group plants according to water needs, color, and texture; and the unique design and maintenance requirements of water-wise gardening.

GARDEN MEMBERS $65 PUBLIC $72 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

NATIVE PLANT PROPAGATION WORKSHOP (LLHG 556) APRIL 14, SATURDAY 10AM – 1PM

Encourage native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife as you save water and other resources by using native plants in your landscape. Learn the secrets of native species propagation (cuttings and seeds) in this hands-on workshop. You will take home a flat of cuttings to nurture at home under fluorescent light.

GARDEN MEMBERS $51 PUBLIC $55 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

GROW YOUR OWN HERBS (LLHG 504) MAY 8 -15, TUESDAYS 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Whether you are planning a new herb garden, improving an existing one, or growing herbs in pots on your patio or windowsill, this class will help you get the most from the herbs you grow. We’ll cover which herbs to plant, when to plant, common pests and how to discourage them, harvesting, and preservation. We will also discuss herbs for cooking and for crafts.

GARDEN MEMBERS $50 PUBLIC $54 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

FOLLOW THE WILDFLOWERS (LLHG 489) APRIL 25, MAY 23, JUNE 20, JULY 11, AUGUST 1, WEDNESDAYS 6PM – 9PM

Follow the cascade of wildflower blooms across Northern Utah in this five-session class. We’ll begin in the Red Butte classroom with a study of key plant identifying characteristics, then move to the foothills for a look at spring’s first blooms. We’ll culminate our experience in the subalpine zone of Albion Basin in August. We’ll focus on the plant families common to each area. Please bring a notebook to record your findings.

GARDEN MEMBERS $119 PUBLIC $131 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

PERENNIALS FOR THREE SEASONS (LLHG 492)

MAY 9–23, JUNE 13, JULY 18, WEDNESDAYS 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Walk down the aisles of any garden center in spring and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a cornucopia of scent and color. The signs say “perennials,” and you know which ones appeal to you, but what else do you know about them? Which are suited for your garden? Select plant combinations that offer color and blooms from early spring until frost. Through slides and discussion you will learn about a large, diverse group of perennials suited to your Utah garden.

GARDEN MEMBERS $104 PUBLIC $114 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

SUMMER BULB CONTAINER WORKSHOP MAY 12, SATURDAY 10AM – 1PM

Create a unique combination planting that you can take home and enjoy as it becomes your very own living flower arrangement. Held in our greenhouse facility, this workshop covers layering bulbs as well as which bulb cultivars are best suited for containers. Each participant will receive a 14” vinyl pot liner in which to layer 4 or 5 types of bulbs to achieve a color-themed arrangement set to bloom through summer.

GARDEN MEMBERS $45 PUBLIC $55 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.581.8454 OR ONLINE AT www.redbuttegarden.org

Lavender

VEGETABLE CONTAINER GARDENING WORKSHOP (LLHG 546) MAY 17, THURSDAY 6PM – 9PM

Do you lack garden space? Don’t let that stop you from growing flavorful, nutritious fresh herbs and veggies.

Many herbs and vegetables thrive in containers, which you can position or move to take advantage of sunny spots. You’ll learn which vegetables and herbs do well in containers as well as tricks to keep them producing throughout summer and into fall. You will plant a 15-inch container for take-home enjoyment.

GARDEN MEMBERS $42 PUBLIC $49 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

PLEIN-AIR LANDSCAPE WORKSHOP: WATERCOLOR (LLART 170) MAY 24 – JUNE 28 THURSDAYS 5:30-8:30PM

Enjoy summer evenings as you create small-scale landscapes at Red Butte Garden. Students will view demonstrations in washes, blending, wet on wet, lifting, brushstrokes, glazing, and drybrush, and instruction in composition, positive and negative space, value studies, and color theory. You are responsible for materials. Find the list online, or call 587-5433.

GARDEN MEMBERS $170 PUBLIC $189 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

GARDENING IN CONTAINERS (LLHG 553)

MAY 24 -31, THURSDAYS 6:30 – 8:30PM

Gardening in containers can transform your balcony, deck, or patio into more than just barbeque space. Learn how to create a soothing outdoor retreat by adding containers filled with flowering plants. We’ll look at container design and selection, how to combine plants for aesthetic arrangements, plant selection, and maintenance.

GARDEN MEMBERS $48 PUBLIC $52 REGISTRATION REQUIRED 801.587.LIFE (5433) or 801.581.6464 OR ONLINE AT www.lifelong.utah.edu

www.redbuttegarden.org

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red butte garden

Under the Stars Save the Date for the Garden’s Gala: Friday, June 15TH 2012

Honoring the stars who made the Rose Garden possible:

The McCarthey Family Come celebrate at our major fundraising event of the year!

Gala attendees will be treated to an evening of: • Hors d’oeuvres and a signature beverage on the amphitheater stage • Alfresco plated dinner in the Rose Garden • Dessert and dancing under the stars As we look forward to the future growth of the Garden we want you involved!

Gala 2012

Your support will help the Garden continue to grow and cultivate the human connection with the beauty of living landscapes.

Picture perfect events in all four seasons, Amadnda Abel Photography

naturally.

Call 801.585.9563 to schedule your event.

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Red Butte Garden

On Your Mark ...

Get Set ... Grow!

T

By Camilla Dahl, Crew Leader

This summer in the Children’s Garden, we will showcase the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. We will have many themed garden beds representing this year’s host city.

You probably don’t usually think of plants as being gold, silver or bronze do you?

Come to Red Butte Garden and enjoy our ‘Medal’ garden bed along with our own version of the Olympic rings displayed with flowers.

Keeping with the London theme, come with us to our miniature version of the most famous garden show of all: The Chelsea Flower Show. We’ll showcase some unique exhibits and ideas using beautiful plants and flowers. We’ll also have a Cottage Style Garden bed, a Tea and Crumpet bed, a Gold Medal Vegetable bed with big award winning varieties, and much more.

Please come and join us!

Horticulture Spotlight Lecture Series

2012

Free lectures continue throughout the summer, visit www.redbuttegarden.org for complete series schedule.

Lectures are FREE, public welcome.

6:30 - 7:30 PM Red Butte Garden Classroom 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 The Horticulture Spotlight Lecture Series is sponsored by the Salt Lake County Extension of Utah State University.

Registration is required. To register or for questions, call Jessica Buxton at 801.468.3187 jessica.buxton@usu.edu.

SALT LAKE COUNTY EXTENSION

extension.usu.edu/saltlake Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution

How to Approach Insect Identification February 28, Tuesday Ricardo Ramirez, PhD, USU Extension Entomologist Dr. Ramirez monitors invasive pests entering the state and his research investigates how to successfully use biological and cultural control methods to suppress arthropod pests. Discover identifying features of insects and how to distinguish whether an insect is beneficial or a nuisance.

Integrated Pest Management and Organic Insect Control Options for Tree Fruits, Vegetable Crops, and Ornamentals April 23, Monday Diane Alston, PhD, USU Extension Entomologist Dr. Alston’s speciality is pest management of fruits, vegetables and woody ornamentals. This presentation will focus on effective soft/organic options for pest management in the landscape.

Our Good Earth, the Importance of Healthy Soil March 27, Tuesday Fred Montague, PhD, Professor (Lecturer) Emeritus of Biology, University of Utah and Author of Gardening: An Ecological Approach

Weed Management and Identification Lab May 21, Monday JayDee Gunnell, Horticulture Associate Professor and County Director for USU Extension in Salt Lake County

The productivity of plant life can only be as healthy as the soil in which it grows. Soil is the miraculous substrate that anchors and nourishes the green plants that we depend upon. Learn about this complex matrix of living and nonliving components and what is required to keep a soil healthy and life sustaining.

Mr. Gunnell’s Focus is on increasing diversity of the urban forest. He has created the Varga Arboretum at the USU Botanical Center, that contains over 200 different species of woody plants. This class will introduce 25 desirable specimens and easy tree identification techniques.

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Christian, Annika, Mattias, Pippi, Elias and Simon

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

By Meghan Eames, Volunteer Coordinator

Magdalena Pecchia-Bekkum was born to be a Red Butte Garden volunteer. At only 13 months old, “Magnus,” as she is affectionately called by her family, has already spent many summer evenings at the Garden, and although she’s not officially earning hours yet, she is already beginning to leave her mark on her family’s 12 year legacy as Garden volunteers.

It was not destiny that would bring Magnus to the Garden, but her older brother, Christian (25), who stumbled upon it at the age of 13 and planted a seed that would grow as beautifully and vibrantly as the Garden itself. He was joined initially by his mother Jill, and in the following years siblings Simon (20), Annika (17), Elias (14), Epiphany (“Pippi,” 11), Mattias (8), Jonas (5), and Magnus also planted their roots at the Garden, each in turn thrilled to join their older siblings. “My family works here, so I wanted to volunteer here too,” said Jonas.

Dividing their time between the Floral Walk, Four Seasons Garden, Youth & Family Programs, and Special

Volunteer Training Dates EDUCATION VOLUNTEER TRAINING

MARCH 28 & 29, WED & THURS 9AM – NOON

Help us share the many wonders of Red Butte Garden with school children from across the Wasatch Front!

Red Butte Garden is seeking volunteers to teach young people about the magic of botany and ecology. This training will give you the tools you need to lead exciting and educational tours through the Garden and Natural Area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 801.585.5688.

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Red Butte Garden

Events, the Pecchia-Bekkums have made an incredible impact on the Garden. Their family contribution of more than 7,500 hours is astounding, but much of what they provide to the Garden is incalculable. Camilla Dahle, Children’s/Four Seasons Garden supervisor, says one of her favorite memories is watching the family together this summer: Jill, with Magnus and pruners in hand, working in the dirt alongside all the kids. The artwork they have given her - including origami animals, bracelets, and a tie-dye shirt - are treasures that she loves dearly. “They definitely make a significant contribution to the Garden as they help out with the work each week,” says Floral Walk lead, Crystal Reece, “But they also make an impact on me, my crew and other volunteers with their friendliness, commitment and enthusiasm.”

As much as the Garden loves the Pecchia-Bekkums, they love the Garden equally in return. They look forward each year to events like concerts and Garden After Dark and enjoy spending time at the pond, on the Floral Walk and in the Children’s Garden (Elias adds, “not just because I volunteer in those places,” and Annika won’t name a favorite place in the Garden, “for political reasons”). Jill comments, “It is so lovely to be able to work in such a beautiful garden and help maintain it. The staff is lovely, the other volunteers are lovely; it is really a wonderful place to volunteer.”

As volunteers the Pecchia-Bekkums are incredibly hardworking, dependable, and helpful, and as individuals their passion, knowledge, and sense of humor are remarkable. Whether it is talking books with Annika in the amphitheater, teasing Pippi about her Viking beard at Garden After Dark, or listening to Mattias tell jokes to a crowd of volunteers, I enjoy each moment I spend with them here at the Garden.

To find out how your family can join the PecchiaBekkums and the rest of our wonderful volunteers, please contact Meghan Eames, 801.585.5688, volunteers@redbuttegarden.org

GARDEN GUIDE VOLUNTEER TRAINING APRIL 12, 19, THURSDAY 6 – 8PM

With a greater demand for Garden tours than ever, Red Butte is looking to greatly expand our Garden Guide program. Join us this spring to learn about the mission, history, plants, and design of the Garden while you prepare to lead private and public walking and tram tours, serve as a program host for classes and workshops, and act as a Red Butte ambassador at local Garden outreach events. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Garden and to share your knowledge of and love for it with visitors from all over the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 801.585.5688.

Herb Gardening for a Continual Harvest M

By Fritz Kollmann, Crewleader

Many people enjoy growing and using herbs from their gardens throughout spring and summer, but often run short on certain herbs when they are most needed. Commonly used herbs such as cilantro, basil, dill, and fennel tend to bolt right when we want to use them. (The term ‘bolting’ is used to describe an annual or biennial plant, which has ceased vegetative growth and has begun flowering.)

In their flowering stage, many herbs become tough and the flavors can change, often becoming bitter. To keep your plants from setting seed, use them! Regular harvesting and pinching back the flowering shoots can help some herbs produce for a longer period.

Eventually, with the onset of hot weather and longer days, your herbs, such as cilantro and basil, will flower. When flowering occurs, you may find yourself wishing that you had more herbs for the kitchen. Besides consistently harvesting your herbs, another technique to ensure that you have the fresh herbs you need is to always have them growing in the garden. You can lengthen the harvest period of these herbs simply with an adequate amount of seed and a bit of planning.

To get the most out of your garden figure out approximately how much of each herb you would

use and when you need that herb most. Determine the number of days required for the plant to reach maturity (which is the time of harvest, usually listed on seed packets) and plant accordingly. Start with container-raised and plant a row of seeds before or at the time of planting. Sow seeds directly in the garden at two-week intervals until the hot weather of mid-July. Begin sowing seed again in late August or early September at two-week intervals and continue sowing cold tolerant species into early October, weather permitting.

With some planning, you could, for example, time your dill harvest with the influx of cucumbers or coordinate your basil harvest with the availability of fresh pine nuts or tomatoes. If you have adequate space in your garden, allow your herbs to flower and set seed. Flowering herbs, like dill, chervil, fennel and cilantro attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Leaving plants to complete their life cycle can also provide you with fresh seed to plant later in the summer and next season.

You can find many of the most popular herbs, as well as some interesting and exotic ones, at our Annual Benefit Spring Plant Sale, held the first weekend in May. www.redbuttegarden.org

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By Rita Dodge, Director of Conservation & Heidi Simper Epipactis gigantea (Stream orchid) and Spiranthes diluvialis (Utes lady tresses) Q: Why is an orchid living in Utah? Shouldn’t it be in the rainforest somewhere?

A: Many people do not realize that there are native orchids living in Utah. While it is true that many orchids require a steady water source, they have adapted to thrive in many environments across the world. There are actually 23 known orchid species from eight genera that call Utah home. Two species are cultivated at Red Butte Garden, and we are the conservation custodian for one species, the Ute lady’s tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis), which is a federally threatened species.

Native Utah orchids can be found growing in habitats along stream banks, wet meadows, seeps, and bogs or in the duff of the forest floor.

The Ute lady’s tresses orchid is a terrestrial (land-living) perennial which grows on lake shores and river and stream banks. Elegant ivory-colored flowers are clustered and swirl upward along a spike at the top of an 8 to 10 inch stem. The stem arises from tuberously thickened roots and the leaves are basal and linearly narrow. You can see their beautiful flowers generally from late July through August. This orchid only reproduces through microscopic seeds which require mychorrizal fungi in order to germinate and establish. While found across most of the western United States, destruction of its habitat caused it to be listed as federally threatened in 1992 with approximately 60,000 individuals left. Ute lady’s tresses has no mechanism for pollinator attraction; it has to rely on neighboring flowering plants to attract pollinators.

This makes the orchid’s surrounding habitat crucial to their survival. Habitat loss is one of the largest threats to both of these orchids, along with grazing, invasive plant species, water development, water pollution, and loss of pollinators.

The stream orchid (Epipactus gigantea) is the most commonly encountered orchid of the pacific coast. Like Ute lady’s tresses, it is a terrestrial perennial and grows in open wet sites. May through August, the showy flowers can be seen and magnificent they are, colored green, pink, purple, and red. This species is rhizomatous (underground lateral roots) and can grow to a height of 1 to 4.5 ft. The stream orchid is endemic to the Western U.S. from Texas to British Columbia to South Dakota. It reproduces from microscopic seeds that are either dispersed by the wind or vegetatively. This orchid is often found in recently opened habitats along streams because it can colonize suitable habitats quickly.

Keep an eye open for these two species during your summer hikes when crossing streams or camping along a river. They are a treasure to find. A newly planted group of Epipactus gigantea will be viewable in the Garden near the water pavilion in mid-summer.

Red Butte Garden participates in the conservation of these species through ongoing research, seed storage, and propagation.

2012 Advisory Board:

Stream Orchid, photo S. Hegji

Garden Information

Carter Livingston, Chair David Gee, Vice Chair

Hours:

Admission:

Olivia Agraz Peter Ashdown Jane Barker Marilyn Clark Fred Esplin Gayle Everest Kelly Fisher Kathie Horman Gregory Lee Vickie Long Nancy Martin Michele Mattsson Rob McFarland Judy Moreton Michael Perez Tom Ramsey Robert Rose Chris Satovick Ann Scott Sonnie Swindle Joyce P. Valdez Henry Wurts

March 1- March 31 Daily 9 AM - 5 PM

Adults (18-64) $8 Children (3-17) $6 Children under 3 Free Seniors (65+) & Military $6 University of Utah Faculty & Staff with ID $6 University of Utah Students with ID Free

Emeritus members E.R. Dumke, Jr Cleone Eccles Warren McOmber

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Red Butte Garden

April 1 - April 30 Daily 9 AM - 7:30 PM May 1 - August 31 Daily 9 AM - 9 PM* *Exceptions to Normal Hours: On days when outdoor concerts are scheduled, the Garden closes at 5PM.

Location:

Ute lady tresses

Conservation Plant Highlight: Native Orchids

Groups of 12 or more receive $1 off regular admission price for each person.

Full group payment is due at time of Garden entry.

Visitor Center, Gift Shop, & Mailing Address: 300 Wakara Way - Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Phone: 801.585.0556 Fax: 801.587.5887 Web site: www.redbuttegarden.org Comments: 801.581.4938 or e-mail bryn.ramjoue@redbutte.utah.edu

Product group from well-managed forests and other controlled sources

www.fsc.org Cert no. SCS-COC-001216 1996 Forest Stewardship Council

Flowers

Just for Kids Garden Adventures MAY APR MAR

How do you use water? Where does it come from and where does it go?

3 Water, Water We’ll investigate water on the Wasatch Front and perform simple

Everywhere experiments to find out more about the water used at the Garden and in your very own home.

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Shamrock Surprise

It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and the Sprout House is going green! Join us for a St. Patrick’s celebration as we learn about the holiday and the significance of shamrocks in the festivities. Participants will even get to plant their own shamrock to take home and enjoy.

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It’s time for April showers, but what’s a child to do when it’s pouring outside? Join us as we learn about the rain and create a cool art project.

The paintings you create will look impressive on their own, but their true potential will be unveiled when combined with rainy weather.

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Some flowers grow from bulbs, and while you won’t find any daffodils or tulips in your pantry, there are plenty of bulbs – and bulb imposters – that we eat every day! Join us to discover what bulbs are all about and have fun cooking a simple dish to share.

Rain Painting

Incredible, Edible Bulbs

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Upcycled Birdhouses

Birds are beginning their warm weather return to Utah, but is there anywhere for them to live in your yard? Create a birdhouse for your feathered friends to inhabit once they make their way home. Different materials will be provided for participants to make their own upcycled, one-of-a-kind creation!

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Garden Test your garden know-how as you embark on a team scavenger hunt Scavenger through the Garden. Incredible discoveries await, so be sure to bring your investigating feet as you embark on a garden-wide adventure!

Hunt

Garden Adventures are Saturday kids’ classes held semi-monthly. Classes start promptly at 10AM in Em’s Sprout House and registration is required. Ages 4-12 are welcome with a caregiver. Limit one caregiver per participant (registration not required for caregiver). No infants please. Space is limited to 20 participants.

MEMBERS:

$5

PUBLIC:

$7

REGISTER AT WWW.REDBUTTEGARDEN.ORG OR CALL 801.581.8454.

www.redbuttegarden.org

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Spring 2012 Events at Red Butte Garden Want more information?

Classes & Workshops, page 10 Activities that are Free for Garden Members, page 9 General Garden information (hours), page 16 Kids Activities, page 17

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Red Butte Garden

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Residential landscape design a (1/6) 6-9pm

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Importance of Residential healthy soil landscape free lecture design A (3/6) 6:30-7:30Pm 6-9pm

Residential landscape design b (2/6) 6-9pm

Residential landscape design b (3/6) 6-9pm

Christine Mcdonough exhibit

the art of pruning (2/3) 10am-noon St. Patrick’s Day

pruning (3/3) 10am-noon Roses Pruning Ws 1-3pm

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Easter Sunday

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landscape design A (4/6) 6-9pm

Residential landscape 11 12 design b (5/6) Residential 6-9pm landscape birding 9-11:30am design A (5/6) 6-9pm Garden Walk Noon-1:30PM

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Waterwise land- Residential scapes (1/3) landscape 6:30-8:30pm design A (6/6) 6-9pm

full & Partial 23 concert 24 25 season bulb show packages on sale Waterwise land- follow the wildflowers End Christine Integrated pest scapes (2/3) (1/5) 6-9pm 6:30-8:30pm Mcdonough management exhibit free lecture Earth Day 6:30-7:30Pm

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watercolor Perrenials for 24 323 seasons (3/5) landscape (1/6) 5:30-8:30PM 6:30-8:30pm gardening in follow the wildflowers containers (1/2) 6:30-8:30pm (2/5) 6-9pm birding 30 31 9-11:30am watercolor landscape (2/6) 5:30-8:30PM gardening in containers (1/2) 6:30-8:30pm

Memorial Day Crab Apple Blossoms

Spring bulb show birding 9-11:30am

arbor day

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Gordon eddington exhibit bonsai show

birding 9-11:30am beginners bonsai 2-3:30PM bonsai show

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native plant propagation 10am-1pm

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grow your Perrenials for own herbs (2/2) 3 seasons (2/5) 6:30-8:30pm 6:30-8:30pm

Mother’s Day

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concert tickets on sale members only

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birding 9-11:30am vegetable container gardening 6-9pm

birding 9-11:30am summer bulb container 10am-1pm

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michelle condrat exhibit

www.redbuttegarden.org

birding 9-11:30am

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Non Profit org.

US Postage PAID Salt Lake City Permit #1529

300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

“

It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is.

And when you’ve got it, you want - oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

Bleeding Heart

”

- Mark Twain