The Arboretum's 75th Anniversary
The academic year 2011-12 marks the 75th anniversary of the UC Davis Arboretum, founded in 1936 to strengthen the biological sciences at the University of California at Davis. We are planning a year of festivities to celebrate the collections and gardens of the Arboretum and to thank the members, dono rs, volunteers, and other supporters who keep this wonderful place growing.
From its modest beginnings as a small collection of trees and shrubs planted by students and watered with buckets, the Arboretum has developed into a vibrant living museum with nearly 100 acres of gardens, a documented collection of more than 60,000 plants representing almost 2,500 species and varieties, a rich menu of public programs, and a crucial role supporting research and teaching on campus and promoting sustainable landscapes throughout the state. |
|
 |
|
|
75th Anniversary Plant Sales
Plant Faire and Sale
Saturday, Sept. 24
Member sale 9-11 a.m., Public sale 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Children's activities -- Live music
Special 75th anniversary feature: From the hundreds of plants available, find out what our staff, volunteers, and community members have selected as their 75 favorites!
Growing a Green Future
Sunday, October 9
Public sale 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Focus on sustainable gardens: Learn how you can save water, reduce pollution, support native pollinators, and still enjoy a beautiful home landscape.
Plant Doctor clinic: bring problem plants sealed in a plastic bag for diagnosis.
Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod Drive, UC Davis
Gruss an Aachen floribunda rose, an Arboretum All-Star, has showy, fragrant, apricot-pink flowers in spring and summer, a naturally graceful form and practically thornless stems. Evergreen in mild winters, its leaves turn a beautiful burgundy color. This rose uses less water than many roses and resists pests, so it does not require chemical pesticides. Find this plant at the fall plant sales! Photo by Ellen Zagory.
Keep your eye on this space and the Arboretum calendar for details on other upcoming 75th Anniversary events.
|
|
|
|
| Share Your Story
In honor of the Arboretum's 75th anniversary, we invite you to share stories, reminiscences, and thoughts about your experiences with the Arboretum. Stories will be featured in the newsletter, on our website, and on signs in the garden. To share your story, email arboretum@ucdavis.edu; be sure to include your name and phone number, and include a photo if possible.
Nursery volunteer Ginny Vaughn contributed this story, which shows the fantastic dedication and "can-do" spirit of our wonderful volunteers.
 | |
Ginny Vaughn
|
Years ago, I was helping the son of a neighbor who had died get rid of her extensive potted cactus collection. I called Marilynn Vilas, who specialized in cactus and succulents for the Tuesday Nursery Volunteers. She borrowed Nancy Crosby's pickup so we could take the plants over to the Arboretum nursery. We had to use a dolly to move one large Opuntia plant, and I have a scar on my leg to this day where it "got" me.
We couldn't get the tailgate closed, but we thought the weight of the plant and dolly would keep everything in place. Everything was fine as we drove along Fifth Street until we hit a dip around A Street. The cactus shot out the back, on its dolly. Traffic behind us luckily was able to screech to a halt. A young man ran up to help us, and we did get to the nursery, cracking jokes about Lucy and Ethel all the way.
-- Ginny Vaughn
|
|
A Midsummer Night's Dream--on bikes!
Davis Shakespeare Ensemble directed by Rob Salas
September 15-October 2
Thursdays-Sundays 8 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m.
Arboretum Gazebo
Tickets: $15, students $10,
12 and under $5
For more information or to reserve tickets, please e-mail davis.shakespeare@gmail.com, call 530-802-0998 or visit www.shakespearedavis.com.
| |
Folk Music Jam Sessions Fridays, September 16 & 30
12-1 p.m., Wyatt Deck Bring your acoustic instrument and join in.
All skill levels welcome; listeners invited! | |
Guided tour:
Plant Sale PreviewSaturday, September 17 10 a.m.
Arboretum Teaching Nursery Get an advance look at the plants that will be for sale at the Plant Faire on Sept. 24.
| |
|
|
