4 minute read
Letter From the Editor
I’ve always loved nature. It’s where I go to recharge. One of my favorite spots is under a canopy of towering giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum). It just might be the most magical spot on Earth. But while I am a fan, I wasn’t always an advocate for native plants. When I first came to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in 2021, I didn’t realize they needed one.
In those early days, the Garden welcomed me, and I found my place among gardeners, scientists, horticulturists, and others who had made their love of nature part of their life’s work. From them, I began to understand the threats facing our natural world and the vital role native plants play in supporting our web of life. Their stories gave me hope and inspired a belief that the choices we make today, even in our own backyards, can shape a better future.
In this issue, the voices who’ve gathered speak to this hope. You’ll notice our shared passion for native plants, our communities, and the planet. And through these stories, you’ll be reminded that you have the power, right now, to make a difference.
Grounds Manager Stephanie Ranes gets to the heart of it in “An Ode to Soil,” a reflection on the incredible life found beneath our feet and how healthy soil supports California’s ecosystems. Then Living Collections Curator Christina Varnava challenges the myth that native plants are hard to grow in “The Truth About Growing Native Plants — Climate, Conditions, and Brats.” Her research shows that success lies not in forcing plants to adapt, but in understanding and working with California’s unique climate.
Senior Donor Relations Manager Jenny McClure offers a look into a member’s whimsical and ecologically thoughtful garden in “Rooted in Beauty,” blending English design with California’s native plants. It shows that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Other stories expand on this belief. In “Small Farms, Big Impact,” Director of Conservation and Research Denise Knapp, Ph.D., shares how Cuyama Valley farmers are restoring native plants and conserving water through an innovative partnership. And in “California’s Ever-Present Relationship with Fire,” Director of Education and Engagement Scot Pipkin reflects on the Garden’s history with wildfire and offers guidance on how we can live with and prepare for this natural force.
We’re also spotlighting some of the behind-the-scenes work done at the Garden. In “From the Archives,” Archivist Hannah Barton explores the care that goes into preserving the Garden’s digital collections. And our feature on the Clifton Smith Herbarium celebrates one of the region’s most important plant data repositories.
And because connection to nature should also bring us joy, Terrestrial Invertebrate Conservation Ecologist Zach Phillips, Ph.D., offers a humorous and heartfelt look at birdwatching and fitness in “Five Ways of Strengthening Your Core While Looking at Birds.” His piece reminds us that caring for ourselves and our planet can (and should) be fun.
Audrey Hepburn once said, “To garden is to believe in tomorrow.” I think that’s such a resonate idea. It speaks to the quiet courage it takes to plant a seed and trust it will grow. With the uncertainty and challenges in our busy lives, the simple act of believing in an unseen future feels more important than ever. In this way, a garden becomes a declaration. A choice to nurture life and pay it forward, making things better for the generations to come.
So as you turn the pages of this issue, I invite you to ponder: What does believing in tomorrow look like? What choice — big or small — can you make today to support the health and well-being of people and the planet?
Thank you for being part of this work and this growing community.
Warmly,
Editor, Ironwood
The Gerry Rubin Director of Marketing and Communications
