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| 2009 |
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Ohme Gardens Newsletter October |
| Greetings!
Reflecting back over Ohme Gardens' 80th season we saw many positive things happen:
- The ownership of the Gardens was transferred last December from the State of Washington to Chelan County.
- The Ohme Gardens Friends' Society secured six grants in the last year and exceeded their original budget in funds received which all goes to benefit the Gardens. The Friends' also introduced many new events and activities that encouraged people to experience the Gardens for the first time.
- Many volunteers and several organizations helped with a variety of needed tasks from nursery and garden maintenance to renovation and replanting areas.
- We saw the introduction of a new native plant section to the Gardens with new natives that will join with other natives already in the garden.
- A new Summer Concert Series gave the community a new venue to enjoy live music. We also allowed concert patrons to bring a picnic dinner during the concerts.
- Art in the Gardens continued as did the popular Shakespearean plays.
- Mother's Day Tea broke our all time single day attendance record with great refreshments and a complimentary plant for every Mother.
- Seasons Passes and Sponsorships remained strong as people noted the value of supporting this great legacy left by the Ohme Family.
- Overall attendance this season was steady considering the economic downturn.
The future looks very bright as we continue to develop new partnerships and establish new relationships with businesses and people who are willing to help sustain and enable the Gardens to remain a memorable experience for future generations.
Please join us on October 24th for Make a Difference Day from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm as we get the site prepared for our new water feature made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of the North Central Washington.
Sincerely,
Mike Short
Garden Administrator |
The Friends of Ohme Gardens are planning for next year. We will have a meeting on November 18th at 4:00pm at the Wenatchee Library downstairs. All are welcome to attend. If you want to make a contribution and be involved at any level to help support the gardens, come to the meeting , or E-mail a message to ohmegardens@charter.net.
To be active in the Friends, you need to support the Gardens by purchasing at least an individual membership ($30) which is good for a calendar year.
All of our projects need busy hands and enthusiastic helpers. Here is what is on task right now:
Larry Mundy and Roseanne Lind are going to be the leads on ticket sales for the raffle for the fabulous Fourth of July evening. A lucky person will bring 9 friends to the Gardens for an exclusive use of the Gardens, a delicious catered meal and the premiere setting from which to watch the fireworks. Don't forget to buy your tickets from the Kitchen Sync and Eastmont Pharmacy. The tickets are $5 and go toward the purchase of safety lighting in the garden. In August the sunlight disappears earlier and earlier, and we would be able to get people comfortably out of the Gardens on the Thursday evening Music series with path lighting.
Ginger Hendrickson will direct the third year of Art in the Gardens. The art and craft classes are designed for children and for adults and will take place in July and August.
Gardening with Friends will take place again -- at a new time and day to be determined at our November meeting. This companionable activity gives anyone a feeling of belonging to the Garden and making a significant contribution to a local, regional and international icon. Larry Mundy will be heading up this project.
Suzanne Sorom will lead the Memorials Project. People often want to commemorate special birthdays, anniversaries, significant events or honor a loved one. A memorial contribution to the Friends helps the Gardens remain a lovely, quiet retreat.
Bonnie Orr will be the lead for the Native Plant Gardens. One of the garden areas was planted this summer with the help of Cordell Neher and Company PPL. A brochure to guide visitors to the native plants is being designed right now. We will need help in the spring to create the new native garden spaces. This work is being done with a grant from the Washington Native Plant Society.
Don't forget MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY on Oct 24th. This day just makes Wenatchee swell with pride as thousands of people volunteer to make our area a better place to live. Come to Ohme Gardens from 9:00am - 1:00pm. We will be beginning work for the new water feature. This project was funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. Bring work gloves, hand tools and shovels and rakes. Ginger Hendrickson will be the lead for this project.
Sally Brawley is the lead for the handicapped access parking area and ramp. This project was funded by a grant from the Wenatchee Central Lions Club. The accessible path from the parking lot to the Lower Lawn has been excavated. We are waiting on a proposal for creating the proper space for the paved parking lot.
The Friends will put on the Mothers' Day Tea the second Sunday of May. Hyla Nelson is the lead for this project, and she will need lots of willing hands for the planning and on the actual day. This is a continuation of what has become a widely anticipated way to celebrate the women in our lives.
Come join the Friends and be an important part of all these interesting and worthwhile activities. Call Bonnie Orr, President of the Ohme Gardens Friends' Society, for more information 884-5069.
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| Our Sponsors |
Thank you to all our sponsors for your support this season!
80th Anniversary Sponsors
Cara E. Schroeder, EdM, DDS, PS
Collins Gifts & Women's Fashions
Columbia Family Photo
Denny's Shop
Derby Canyon Natives
Eigenvector Research Inc.
Elizabeth Ann Tinics EA
Gellatly Agency, Inc.
Graafstra Family
Innovative Solutions
Martin's Market Place
Read It Again
Sunset Veterinary Clinic The Fogelstrom Family
The Steel Magnolia
Weed, Graafstra and Benson, INC., P.S.
Washington Harvest
Washington Trust Bank
William J. McDowell PS
Douglas Fir
Cascade Analytical, Inc.
Dreamscapes Cabinet Sales & Design
Lewis V. Davis DDS
Stemilt Growers, Inc.
The Brock Family
Western Fir
Elizabeth Beers
Wenatchee Valley Medical Center
Complete Design
Grand Fir
Valley Tractor
Premier One Properties
Telford's Chapel of the Valley
Noble Fir
Overall Construction
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| Ohme Garden Funnies |
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A toddler who was found chewing on a slug. After the initial surge of disgust the parent said, "Well . . . What does it taste like?", "Worms," was the reply.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Gardening requires a lot of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.
If I could only grow green stuff in my garden like I can in my refrigerator. |
| October Gardening Tips |
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Plant spring flowering bulbs.
Remove leaves from lawn to reduce lawn problems. Compost or shred and use them for mulch.
October is the best month to transplant Perennials. Enrich beds with organic soil amendment.
Prune trees and shrubs so that the air can flow through them freely in winter. | |
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"Honors and Recognition"
Excerpt from the book Ohme Gardens: Alpine Wonderland
 It was in the 1960s that the Gardens became famous. During this time, Wenatchee's Ohme Gardens were featured in several magazines such as "Life", "Womens' Day", "Holiday", and "Better Homes and Gardens". Ohme Gardens was rated among the leading gardens in America. After achieving this national prominence and popularity, the Gardens were featured on the cover of additional magazines and in such publications as Gardening America, Gardens-Architectural Digest, Grounds for Pleasure, and American Gardens. During 1965 the Washington State Arts Commission honored the Ohme Family, representing them with a very special State Beautification Award, "...for their efforts in community beautification." |
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Featured Bloom of the Month |
 GAILLARDIA
Blanket Flower
Asteraceae
A North-American native, Gaillardia's daisy flowers shine in the sun in warm color shades. Planted in moist, well-drained soil, it forms a clump, happily performing in beds and borders, but it can tolerate poor soil and drought. Blanket flower is excellent for cutting and attracts butterflies, birds and bees. Red flowers with golden tips and grayish green foliage, and a perennial. Compact and long blooming.
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| Totem Pole Lodge
 1940s
 1940s
 1960s
 Present Day
Totem Pole Lodge was built in the 1940s, the gnarly burled logs used in the rustic design gave this lodge its name. The Lodge was used mainly for picnics. Ohter earlier names for this lodge were the "Tea House" and "Lookout Pavilion".
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Make A Difference Day
Saturday, October 24th
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Make a Difference at Ohme Gardens. Enjoy volunteering for a variety of projects while helping maintain these spectacular Gardens. Ohme Gardens is putting in a brand new water feature, you can help by moving existing plants and making room for the new addition.
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| Group Tours
Does your group or organization love being outdoors? Ohme Gardens offers special rates to group tours. Bring your group up to the Gardens and enjoy a luncheon in the rustic Totem pole Lodge. The Gardens are a perfect place for a group outing!
Bus Tour Mike Short giving a brief history to a group tour
Ohme Gardens is also available for special events or an after hour exclusive Garden reservation. Anniversaries, birthdays, memorials, work functions and more! Tables and chairs are available for large parties and groups. Make your event memorable by enhancing it with the beautiful setting of Ohme Gardens.
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 Weddings at Ohme Gardens
A Wedding Tradition Since 1940
Ohme Gardens offers a unique and memorable setting for your special day. This pristine alpine garden provides a beautiful setting for weddings, anniversaries or special occassions. If you or someone you know is getting married, remember to think Ohme Gardens. Dates book up fast so don't hesitate to call us at 509.662.5785 for more information today! Wedding site visits are still available during the closed season, call to schedule a visitation with the Garden Administrator.
Pamela Grillo Photography |
Ohme Gardens Information Kiosk
Kiosk Sponsorships
Ohme Gardens and Overall Construction are working together to build a brand new Information Kiosk for visitors. Sponsorships range from $250-$1000.
The Kiosk will consist of four separate display panels:
- Ohme Gardens Welcome Sign
- Sponsorship Recognition Display Panel
- Plant Identification Display Panel
- Visitor Information Display Panel
Side View Back View
Want to be a part of Ohme Gardens and support this project? Be a Kiosk Sponsor and have your name permanently imprinted on a display panel.
Call 509.662.5785 for more information.
The Ohme Gardens Information Kiosk was made possible by the donations of materials and construction by Overall Construction and the design concept of Complete Design Inc.
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| Charitable Gifts
Since we are rapidly approaching the end of tax-year-2009, we would like to remind everyone that Ohme Gardens Friends' Society is an IRS qualified 501(c) Non-Profit organization, and relies on the generosity of the community. The Gardens depend on the donations of cash and/or appreciated securities to fund various garden projects, but also to help foster and enhance a sense of community pride. So, whether you have an annual goal of charitable giving, or would simply like to help one of the Community's more prominent landmarks, please consider Ohme Gardens for your tax-deductible donation.
Please call 509.662.5785 for more information or mail your contributions to the Ohme Gardens Friends' Society - 3327 Ohme Road - Wenatchee, WA 98801. You will receive a Thank You receipt for your contribution. |
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Memorial Donations
Ohme Gardens provides opportunities for persons to donate memorials dedicated to loved ones. Potential memorial opportunities are listed in categories to assist donors in making a selection that they feel is appropriate. All donors will receive recognition on the Memorial Kiosk display at the entrance of Ohme Gardens. The following guidelines have been established in order to be consistent with our donors and give proper recognition in a respectful manner.
The following types of memorials are available:
Memorial Bench: Please contact Ohme Gardens at 509.662.5785 for list of available benches.
Memorial Garden Section Dedication: Donations for specific Garden sections will be accepted. Ohme Gardens will determine placement of all plantings to ensure consistency with the existing Gardens.
Memorial Lodge Restoration: Make a donation to the restoration and repair of Ox Yoke Lodge. To the extent that projects of this nature are consistent with the Gardens planning process, each large scale memorial donation will require approval from Ohme Gardens Administration.
Ohme Gardens Project Memorial Fund: Make a donation towards numerous ongoing projects within Ohme Gardens.
Endowments: Making an endowment to the Gardens gives you tax benefits you can enjoy today while letting friends and family know how you want to be remembered in the future.
Bequests: Make a bequest in your will by specifying a portion of your estate that will pass to the Gardens upon your death.
Certificate of Deposit: Buy a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and name Ohme Gardens as the beneficiary payable-on-death.
Charitable Trust: Establish a trust with Ohme Gardens named as the beneficiary.
Name Ohme Gardens as a Beneficiary: You can name Ohme Gardens as the full or partial beneficiary of an insurance policy or retirement account.
Make Ohme Gardens the successor in the interest of a contract: Consider naming Ohme Gardens the successor to any payments that remain to be made on a contract after your death.
General Memorial Donations: Donations for general Garden purposes, project development and the continued beautification of the Gardens are encouraged.
Contact us at 509.662.5785 for more information or to schedule a site visit to see how best your memorial donation can benefit the Gardens and remember your loved one.
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FINAL PLANT SALE |
All plants are on SALE! Come get the last of the Rock Cotoneaster, Dragon's Blood Sedum, Gaura, Ohme Garden Thyme, Bonzai starters and more! Hurry in to grab plants for only $1.00 - $3.00!! LIMITED TIME OFFER. |
| Offer Expires: October 15, 2009 |
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END OF SEASON COUPON SALE |
Ohme Gardens is having an end of the season coupon SALE for all Gift Shop items.
Purchases over $30 receive $5 OFF
Purchases over $50 receive $10 OFF
Purchases over $100 receive $25 OFF
Come in today and grab original Ohme Gardens ware before its gone. Don't forget Christmas is coming fast and the season is almost over!
Shop and Save now! |
Offer Expires: October 15, 2009
Seasons Passes and Admission Passes are still available for purchase during the off-season. Call Ohme Gardens today for a Seasons Pass application or go online to www.ohmegardens.com and print one from the web.
Give the gift of the Gardens experience to friends or family. | |
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