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UC Garden Clippings

University of California Botanical Garden

July  2011 - Vol 4, Issue 1
In This Issue
July in the Garden
Conservation
Walk with the Expert
Secret Weapon
Garden Programs
Green Gala Success
Garden Membership
Summer Concerts

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July in the Garden  

Explore the Canary Islands  


Canary IslandPerched near the top of the Garden in a sun-drenched location, the Canary Islands collection is actually a lush display of plants from Macaronesia, a group of islands off the northwest African coast, including Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. The collection offers a sampling of plants from one of the most interesting areas of the world, often referred to as the "Galapagos of the Atlantic" because of the large number of endemic species and their unique evolutionary development in isolated island habitats. This flora is derived from both Africa and the Mediterranean basin, but has evolved into a unique assemblage.

The diverse climates and terrain of the Canary Islands in particular half produced a large number of endemic species, more than 600. Many plants from the Macaronesian islands such as the succulent aeoniums (Aeonium spp.) and pride of Madeira (Echium) thrive in our Bay Area climate, and are prominent features in local gardens. Other stars of our collection include Salvia canariensis, Canary Island juniper (Juniperus cedrus), an upright juniper with weeping form), and a striking lavender (Lavandula canariensis).



 

A Taste of Spain:  

Canary Islands  

Wine Tasting & Tour


 July 8 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Garden of Old Roses

The Garden, in conjunction with Jos� Pastor Selections, invites you to experience the unique wines of the Canary Islands. Join us as we take a special expert-led tour of the Mediterranean Area, highlighting the Garden's collection of plants from the Canary Islands, followed by a special wine tasting in the adjacent Garden of Old Roses. Come discover how the local vine-growing techniques and uncommon landscape of this region create distinct and exciting grape varieties and exceptional wines.

Jos� Pastor Selections wine importer will be presenting an array of Canary Island wines featured in this recent San Francisco Chronicle article. Speaking of the Canary Island wines, Pastor tells author Derrick Schneider "I was right away taken by their pure, almost naked, soil-driven character." Schneider reveals that the wines have captivated wine drinkers because they offer a rare chance to taste wine from ungrafted grapes as there is no risk of phylloxera in the sandy soil of the islands.

Guests will enjoy tapas, live music and Canary Island wines at this special evening event.

Registration: $30/$25 members

Registration info: Register by calling 510-643-2755, or by emailing [email protected].


Propagator's Choice:  

Geranium maderense

 

Geranium maderense
Photo by Eric Hunt 

This spectacular geranium from the island of Madeira has fern-like leaves and stems with a reddish hue.  In the spring, it sends up a stunning 3-foot-tall flower stalk with beautiful pink flowers with dark centers. It is not fussy in its soil needs and grows best in bright shade or in full sun along the coast. We have healthy plants in 4-inch pots for $7 each.



Banner photo: Aeonium castello in the Canary Island collection.

  Conservation  

Aeonium canariense palmense
Aeonium canariense palmense


by Holly Forbes, Curator 


The Garden's collection of plants from the Canary Islands can be found both in this section within the Mediterranean Area and in the Arid House. These include about 100 different kinds of plants in 130 accessions. About one-third of these plants are rare in habitat, which is not too surprising given that they come from islands that have been heavily impacted by people for centuries. The majority of our plants are in the daisy (Asteraceae) and stonecrop (Crassulaceae) families.

 

Plants on islands have fewer alternatives than their mainland cousins when they and/or their habitat are disturbed by harvesting and/or introduced animals. The natives have no where else to go.

 

Canary Island juniper (Juniperus cedrus) has been logged for 500 hundred years for its valuable lumber. Regeneration was also hindered by goat grazing. The remaining trees have been protected since 1950 and they are making a modest recovery, supplemented by plantations on the island of La Palma. This plant has been growing in the garden since 1972. See it in bed 708.

  

El Hierro houseleeks or Valverde giant houseleek (Aeonium valverdense) is endemic to the island of El Hierro.  It is available in the horticultural trade, but is categorized as endangered in habitat, largely due to building construction near the island's capital, Valverde. See this plant in beds 707B and 708.

 

  Walk with the Expert 

Members Only Walk: Water Features of the Garden Water Lily

Tuesday | July 19 | 1 - 2 pm
Free; Members Only; Registration Required (510-643-2755).

While many of the Garden's collections come from the dry Mediterranean climates from around the world, we also have a surprising number of aquatic displays. These water features include the beautiful landscape presentation of the Japanese Pool, aquatic habitats of California, and the teaching display of water plants opposite the Arid House. Join Associate Director for Horticulture and Collections Chris Carmichael for a walk
through the Garden, stopping to enjoy the Garden's varied presentation of
water-growing plants.

 

Join the Garden online or email [email protected]

 

Shop

The Secret Weapon of Horticulturists

Have you ever wondered what magic tool is used to keep the Botanical Garden beautiful? Paul Licht, Director, reveals the secret weapon of UCBG horticulturists:  

 "When I learned that every one of our hortculturists depended on their Hori Hori knives as their primary mainstay tool, I decided to try one for myself. To put it simply, it's the greatest single garden tool ever invented. I have now used it at home for several years and cannot imagine what life was like before Hori Hori. I use it to weed, plant, prune and too many other things to remember, and it won't cut you. I never 'leave my home' without it. If you want to buy one tool to do it all, this is it."  

 "Hori Hori" means to "dig dig" in Japanese. But a Hori Hori knife does much more than dig!  

Our soil Hori Horiknife has a bright orange handle, which can easily be seen if you accidentally leave it in the soil. The leather sheath gives it an easy, safe and stylish way to carry it.

UCBG Horticultural Staff approved!

A.M. Leonard Soil Knife: $19.95

A.M. Leonard Leather Sheath: $11.95

Proceeds from Garden Shop sales benefit the Garden.

Garden Programs 


 


 

Always check the Garden Calendar for event details and updates.
Reservations are accepted daily, including weekends, 9 am - 4:30 pm.
Call 510-643-2755 x03 for event registration or to purchase/renew a membership.

 

Sick Plant Clinic

Saturday | July 2 | 9 am - noon
Join Dr. Raabe for his monthly Sick Plant Clinic and find out which diseases ail your plants. Entomologists are available to identify the pests that are living in your plants too! Please bring plants and disease samples in containers or bags before entering the Garden.
Free.

botanical artBotanical Illustration: Introduction to Botanical Art

Wednesday & Thursday | July 6 & 7 | 10 am - 4 pm
This two-day class will introduce you to the fascinating world of botanical art. Born and raised in Paris, where her love of art began, Catherine Watters is a botanical artist who paints in watercolor on paper and calfskin vellum. She will teach you to observe, measure and draw plants in great detail and with botanical accuracy. This is not just an art class; Catherine's students learn to "see" plants in a new way and paint botanical subjects with exquisite detail. Students will work with graphite, colored pencils and watercolor.
All levels are welcome.
$160/$150 members; registration required

Concerts in the Redwood Grove

The Human Condition with special guest Beau & Betsy
Thursday | July 7 | 5:30 pm
San Francisco string band The Human Condition performs original, modern-day roots music. Rowdy barnstormers are offset by calmer, brooding ballads that evoke lazy days and restless nights. Guitars, mandolin and upright bass are joined by vocal harmonies, harmonica and lyrical imagery. Guest performers often join in with banjo, fiddle and lap steel. Every live performance is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience you won't want to miss. Bring your own food & drinks to create the perfect picnic affair!
Doors open at 5:00; show at 5:30; Adults: $12/$10 members; Youth: $5 (under 5 free)

A Taste of Spain - Canary Islands Wines

Friday | July 8 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

The Garden, in conjunction with Jos� Pastor Selections invites you to experience the unique wines of the Canary Islands. Join us as we take a special expert-led tour of the Mediterranean Area, highlighting the Garden's collection of plants from the Canary Islands, followed by a special wine tasting in the Garden of Old Roses. Come taste how the local vine-growing techniques and uncommon landscape of this region create distinct and exciting grape varieties and exceptional wines. Jos� Pastor Selections will be presenting an array of Canary Island wines. Guests will enjoy tapas and music at this special evening event.  

$30, $25 members; registration required.

New Members' Welcome Wagon

Saturday | July 9 | 9 - 11 am 

We're rolling out the Welcome Wagon to greet all our newest members and everyone that has joined the Garden over the past year. As a thank-you for joining the Garden family we are officially celebrating your contribution. New members are invited to join us at 9 am on Saturday, July 9 for morning treats, followed by a Garden introduction from Garden Director, Paul Licht. At 10 am we'll welcome wagontake a special new member docent-led tour of the Garden. The new members' Welcome Wagon is a wonderful way to learn more about the Garden, its exciting programs, rich history, the many ways to become involved with the Garden and to meet fellow horticulture lovers and enthusiasts.  

Free; registration required

 

 

 


Concerts in the Redwood Grove

Kids Concert: Aaron Calvert & Friends 

Thursday | July 14 | 5:30 pm

Vocalist/ guitarist Aaron Calvert is a local nursery school teacher (and in his off-hours is a singer-songwriter for the band Winfred E. Eye). Join Aaron and the Garden as he plays beloved and irreverent children's songs in the Redwood Grove. He will be performing with coworkers: Eric Hart, Larry Van Riggs, Daniel Paige and Charlie Vincent. Bring the family and be ready for fun, giggles and great music! Picnics welcome!

Doors open at 5:00; show at 5:30; Adults: $12/$10 members; Youth: $5 (under 5 free)

 

Ponds and Creeks Tour for Kids

Saturday | July 16 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Your family is invited to explore the wondrous creeks and watery environments in the Garden. You'll dip nets into the Garden's many ponds and get up close and personal with the  

frog in Japanese Pool by Melanie Hofmann
Frog in Japanese Pool by Garden Member
Melanie Hofmann

plants, insects, and microorganisms of these watery habitats. Investigate the crucial role of photosynthesis and decomposers as you compare and contrast the Garden's pond and creek ecosystems. $15 for each adult and child, $12 members; $3 each additional person; registration required.

 

Garden Water Features Members Walk

Tuesday | July 19 | 1 - 2 pm

While many of the Garden's collections come from the dry Mediterranean climates from around the world, we also have a surprising number of aquatic displays. These water features include the beautiful landscape presentation of the Japanese Pool, aquatic habitats of California, and the teaching display of water plants opposite the Arid House. Join Chris Carmichael for a walk through the Garden, stopping to enjoy the Garden's varied presentation of water-growing plants.  

Members-only. Free; registration required. Become a member! 


Professor Gillespie 

Evening Spider Hunt in the Garden

Wednesday | July 20 | 8 - 9:30 pm

Join spider expert and director of the Essig Museum of Entomology Professor Rosie Gillespie for an early evening spider hunt through the Garden (a magical time to be in the Garden).  See wolf spiders, crab spiders, jumping spiders, orb web spiders, sheet web and funnel weavers, long jawed spiders and more! Register early: this will sell out. 

$15, $12 members; all ages welcome; registration required

 

 

Concerts in the Redwood Grove - Gryphons Wild

Thursday | July 21 | 5:30 pm 

Gryphons Wild is a female vocal duo who is passionate about the wild side of early music. They bring to life long-forgotten treasures of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras through the colorful and expressive blending of two female voices and unique song arrangements. They put a unique twist on early music and may even surprise audiences with a show tune, opera or contemporary piece! Storytellers will be on hand to spin a tale or two as well. Come early and visit the Garden - admission is included in every concert ticket! Doors at 5:00; show at 5:30.

Adults: $12 ($10 for Members/UCB); Youth: $5 (under 5 free) More concerts... 

 

Butterfly Walk

Tuesday | July 26 | 3 - 4 pm

Join Sally Levinson, Garden volunteer propagator, docent and caterpillar lady as she guides you through the collection in search of butterflies.

Registration required; Space is limited; Free with Garden admission

 

Concerts in the Redwood Grove - Sun Hop Fat

Thursday | July 28 | 5:30 p.m.

Inspired by the music of the Swinging Addis period, Sun Hop Fat forges new arrangements of Ethiopian classics and incorporates their own compositions. With trumpets, baritone saxophones, congas and other off-the-wall musical devices, this East Bay psychedelic Ethiopique jazz band is truly an outrageous blend of music and cultures. Be warned: Sun Hop Fat is a dangerous place to lay your feet to rest - you'll want to dance and move to the group's lush soundscape - a sound rich enough to plant a garden in! Doors at 5:00; show at 5:30.

Adults: $12 ($10 for Members/UCB); Youth: $5 (under 5 free) More concerts 


  Green Gala  

Green Gala a Gorgeous Success!  

Green Gala AudienceThe Garden extends many thanks to everyone who participated in the Green Gala summer benefit held on Saturday, June 18. The Gala was attended by close to 170 guests and raised almost double the amount as our 2009 Gala!  Special thanks to our caterer, Devoted Catering, our wine and event Sponsors, and the wonderful local businesses who donated to our auction.  Members of the Press were in attendance including Diablo magazine and four prominent online eco-conscious websites. Visit our Green Gala website where we will soon be hosting a slideshow of Gala pictures. It was truly a beautiful, delicious, and inspiring event and a wonderful benefit for the Garden's living collection and education programs.

 

Members Only

 

Garden Membership Advantages 

Suzanne Field
Suzanne Field, Membership & Program Manager

Membership comes with many advantages - including free admission, discounts, members-only invitations and much more - and it is a delightful way to show your support for the Garden. This summer Garden membership means more discounts and more amusement for you, your friends and family!  

New members are invited to come out and meet Garden staff and take a docent-led tour of the Garden at our New Members' Welcome Wagon on July 9. Garden members will enjoy exclusive monthly Members-only horticulture walks, discounted Redwood Grove Concert tickets and discounts on exciting programs like A Taste of Spain: Canary Islands Wine Tasting and Tour on July 8 and our after-hours Spider Hunt in the Garden on July 20. We offer many different levels of membership - there's sure to be one that right for you! We hope you'll help the Garden grow this summer!

Traveling this vacation season? UCBG members get reciprocal privileges and discounts at over 200 gardens, arboreta and conservatories across the nation! View details here. 


As a special offer to our members, the UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is giving free admission to UCBG members during the final weeks of Nature into Action: Hans Hoffman (June 16 - July, 3 2011). Simply present your current Garden membership card at the admissions desk and receive free admission to this unique exhibition of Hoffman's nature-inspired paintings.

Join the Garden online or email [email protected].

 


Summer Concerts in July   

 
Thurs., July 7, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
The Human Condition with special guest Beau and Betsypicnic basket

Thurs., July 14, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Kids Concert: Aaron Calvert & Friends

Thurs., July 21, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Gryphons Wild

Thurs., July 28, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Sun Hop Fat

BYO Picnics & Drinks Welcome in the Grove

$12/$10 members/$5 youth; no reservations necessary

Summer Concerts...

Manage Your Subscription 

The UC Garden Clippings is a publication of the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley. You can manage your subscriptions to Garden electronic publications by choosing Update Profile/Email Address at the bottom of the newsletter. The Update Profile/Email Address feature provides subscription options, allowing you to select those garden publications you wish to receive. Select Safe Unsubscribe to remove your email address from all UCBG electronic publications. The Garden offers five email publications:
  • UC Garden Clippings: This is a monthly newsletter featuring garden events and stories.
  • Updates: Occasional brief emails are sent to highlight special garden events.
  • Plant Deck: This is a monthly email describing plants available for purchase in the Garden.
  • Garden Clubs: This is an occasional publication describing special events and opportunities for garden clubs and plant societies.
  • Tours: Be the first to know when the Garden has a new tour available for schools and other groups. Get details on arranging tours for your group.
  • Botanical Art: You''ll receive exclusive information about classes and exhibitions.  
Editor: Vanessa Crews, [email protected], 510-643-2937