Tickets are on sale for our fabulous Opening Night Party at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, on February 10. Our special Early-Bird ticket rate for Arboretum Foundation members will expire at midnight, Saturday, January 10. For $175, members can enjoy complimentary parking, a delicious wine reception and dinner, live entertainment, alluring auctions, and the chance to see 23 gorgeous gardens the evening before the Show opens to the public. BUY TICKETS!

On Thursday, January 15, at 7 p.m., Curator of the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden Richie Steffen will give a slide show presentation about the Garden's Great Plant Picks program and highlight many exceptional plants for maritime Pacific Northwest gardeners. Hear what's in and what's out, and get a sneak peak at the new selections for 2015! All Arboretum volunteers and Arboretum Foundation members are welcome. To attend, RSVP by email to Rhonda Bush or by calling her at 206-941-2550.

Hidden in the Arboretum, just south of the Sorbus Collection, is a small grove of unusual strawberry trees that sport pink flowers in fall and winter. The hardy, compact, pink-blossoming form of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo f. rubra) grows wild in southwest Ireland and is also a great plant for the Pacific Northwest. In the latest issue of the Bulletin, garden writer Daniel Mount discusses this beautiful tree and the history of the specimens in the Arboretum. Read the full story.

Thank to our sponsors: The winter 2015 issue of the Bulletin was made possible by Molbak's, Wells Medina Nursery, The Berger Partnership, Chip Kennaugh Co.

Each year, horticulture consultant Christina Pfeiffer leads a series of interactive ProHort programs for UW Botanic Gardens in the Arboretum focusing on sustainable horticulture and landscaping techniques. Her next session on January 22 will explore winter-season treasures among the Arboretum collections and will include a visit to the Witt Winter Garden. It will also offer a discussion on important cultural practices for the cold season, including structural pruning. Cost: $65; $75 after January 15. Register online.

Now through February 14, the Miller Library is hosting a photography exhibit by Jennifer Rose. Rose creates charming images of garden flowers to produce an uplifting effect. The library will host a free artist reception this Friday, January 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.