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Chair's Corner...
By Karen Haake, Past-Chair
The Train Garden is back on track with an $87,000 gift from the Friends of the Arboretum. Presented to the foundation in March, the donation nearly completes the funding needed to build Phase 1 of the three-phase garden. A caboose will be a prominent feature of Phase 1.
Monies pledged come from various FOTA activities, including memberships, classes, donations, the Plant Sale, Arts for Kids, and the Luminary Walk. These dollars don't come without a lot of time and work on the part of the volunteers, so how these proceeds are spent comes with a great deal of deliberation on the part of the Executive Committee.
FOTA donations to the train Garden now total more than $104,000. "This donation should jump-start the project off the drawing board and help literally put a caboose on tracks in the garden," said Teri Shields, FOTA Chair. "We all want to see the trains running as soon as possible."
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Native Plants at
the Arboretum
by Ken O'Dell
There are three Woodland Wildflower Walks scheduled for April. Sign up soon, as the tours are limited in size and always fill up quickly. Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) grows about 18" tall, with a sturdy stem. This stunning native perennial has a very unusual flower called a spathe. Jack in the Pulpit is one of 3700 species from the Aroid group of plants, which also include Caladiums, Elephant Ears and Peace Lilies. 
We are fortunate at the Arboretum to have so many of these beautiful native woodland plants growing with great vigor in the wooded areas south of Wolf Creek. These are easily seen from the walking paths and we will point these out during our April wildflower walks at the Arboretum. We will also offer Jack in the Pulpit plants at the FOTA spring plant sale. Photo by Carol Fowler |
Volunteers and staff are working hard, and things are lookin' great in the Arboretum greenhouse. Can the gardens be far behind?!
Photo by Carol Fowler
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Contact Information
FOTA Chair Teri Shields:
Terishields@aol.com
Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Merrick:
VolunteerCoordinator@opkansas.org
FOTA Coordinator Suzie Swyden:
fotacoordinator@yahoo.com
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Spring Plant Sale Coming Soon
 The Annual Spring Plant Sale will again be held just in time for Mother's Day. Celebrate in the days preceding by shopping for Mom, Grandma -- or yourself! The members-only preview sale will be held on Thursday evening, May 5, from 4 to 7 pm. If you are not a member, you may join on the spot and receive the 10% member discount. The sale is open to the public on Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, from 9 am to 5 pm. Herb expert Lenora Wuattoux-Ray will present a free Herb Demonstration both days at 12:30. Featured again will be locally-grown annuals, perennials, native plants, and certified organic herbs. And don't forget -- spectacular hanging baskets and planters make great Mother's Day gifts! Master Gardeners will be on hand to help with plant selections and to answer gardening questions. A complete, downloadable list of Plant Sale plants will be available soon at www.opabg.org. Photo by Andrea Waters |
'Celebrate Spring' Again
Features Spring Bulb Sale
Order Online!
 Again this year the Arboretum staff has given FOTA the inside scoop on the best spring bulb varieties for our area. Many of these tried-and-true varieties will be on display in the Gardens in the next few months. Come and feast your eyes, and then order your bulbs online. Arboretum Director Karen Kerkhoff has selected four of the best Narcissus (Daffodil) varieties, the most robust Darwin Tulips in four vibrant colors, and the two stunning Allium varieties you saw last year in the Monet Garden. Don't be left out -- ORDER NOW!
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Plan Your Celebration Paver Now
The long awaited Celebration Patio should be a reality by May. Located to the north of Margaret's Pond, the patio will feature a combination of various size pavers that are ready for purchase and engraving. The underlayment was finished in March and, weather permitting, pavers will be laid in the next couple of weeks. 
Underwritten by Chuck and Karen Haake, the patio will allow FOTA to profit from all the pavers sold. "It is a great way to give back, as well as forward," said Chuck. "Now visitors can express their love for the Arboretum and each other in stone." Pavers will range in size from a 12 x 12 for $250 to as large as a 24 x 24 for $1,500. Most campaigns have 4 x 8 bricks, but with larger pavers such as these, donors will be able to personalize more. Gift certificates will also be available for purchase. It is not too early to be thinking about what you would like to celebrate in stone and how you can be a part of the Arboretum's history.
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Classes -- Now through April
For complete class descriptions and to register for classes, go to opabg.org. Bring your paid receipt to class for admission. No refunds for missed classes. For further information or to register the traditional way, contact Phyllis Merrick, Volunteer Coordinator, at 913-685-3604 or email volunteercoordinator@opkansas.org Classes meet in the Visitors Center, 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, Kansas. Most classes are limited in size, so sign up early! "Hot Hostas for the Cool Shade" Wednesday, March 23, 10 to 11:30 am, $10 per person Bird Walk: Learn, Listen and Identify the Birds Saturday, March 26, 9 am, free Woodland Wildflower Walk Wednesday, April 6, 9 am to 11 am, free Macro Photography Saturday, April 9, 9 am to 1 pm, $25 per person  Woodland Wildflower Walk
Wednesday, April 13, 9 am to 11 am, free Birds, Bees, and Dragon Flies (Herb Class) Wednesday, April 20, 10 am to 1 pm, $25 per person Woodland Wildflower Walk Thursday, April 21, 9 am to 11 am, free Bird Walk: Learn, Listen, and Identify the Birds Saturday, April 30, 8 am, free ....and many more "Celebrate Spring" activities through mid-June! Save the date! The Spring Plant Sale is May 5-6-7. |
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