3 minute read
Letter From the Editor
Some birthdays just feel different. They’re the ones that mark a special turning point in our lives. For me, I still remember the birthday when I turned 16 — the friends, the laughter, and most of all, the keys to my first car (even if it was a minivan and I had to share it with my family). It felt like a doorway into a whole new stage of life. Later came 21, then 30, and 40, each milestone carrying its own sense of growth and possibility. Birthdays have a way of reminding us that time isn’t just about getting older; it’s about how we choose to evolve and grow, what we learn from our experiences, and who we become along the way.
In 2026, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden turns 100. And as I think about what it means to celebrate a centennial, I think about how much we’ve grown because of our community. From our Living Collection and diverse programming to our members, volunteers, and staff — we have worked together to foster a love for native plants, transform our knowledge into real solutions, and lead with hope in our collective future.
While our story started in 1926 with 13 acres (5 hectares), it has blossomed into an incredible 78 acres (31.5 hectares). Along with it, we’ve earned our position as a leader in native plant horticulture and conservation, impacting landscapes across California. And with your support, we’re defining how the region understands the value of native plants and works to protect them — ultimately supporting all life and ensuring future generations have a place where they can flourish.
This issue of Ironwood reflects both the Garden’s history and the future we’re shaping together. You’ll find a conversation with Doug Tallamy, the 2026 John C. Pritzlaff Conservation Award recipient, whose work shows how every yard and garden can make a difference. You can enjoy an inventory of the return of birds to Elings Park, where our landscape transformation’s native habitat continues to flourish. You might be inspired by one Garden member’s home-landscape transformation, in addition to the practical gardening tips to support monarchs and help us reach our 30% native-plant-coverage goal. We’ll also share how the Garden is safeguarding rare species like Santa Catalina Island ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus) and Santa Rosa Island Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana ssp. insularis) in our new “ex-situ” conservation grove. There’s a lot to dig into, alongside poetry, book recommendations, and more.
As we begin our countdown to 2026, I invite you to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone. But more importantly, I encourage you to carry this work forward with us — because the story of the Garden has always been a story we write together. Here’s to the next 100 years of conserving native plants for the health and well-being of people and the planet.
Let’s get this party started,
Editor, Ironwood
The Gerry Rubin Director of Marketing and Communications
