Agaves in Flower
By Mark Weathington, Assistant Director and Curator of Collections
Few plants draw more comment and interest than agaves when they begin to flower. A massive asparagus-like stalk erupts from the center of the rosette and grows inches per day until it branches and flowers, sometimes 20' or more above ground level. Our collection here at the JC Raulston Arboretum has reached the stage where we often have one or more flowering each year. This year we have two plants that will be gracing our Scree Garden with their towering inflorescences.
The agaves flowering for us this year are Agave scabra and A. ovatifolia both of which have impressive branched panicled flower stalks. Almost all agave are monocarpic meaning they will flower once and then die. Many agave will produce offsets or small plantlets around the base of the main plant before or during the flowering period. This doubles the chance of survival—seed and new plants. Agaves with panicled flower stalks often have thick-textured petals that can stand up to pollination by bats and birds. Other pollinators include various insects and moths.
Come out to the JCRA to check out these two agaves as they put on an impressive floral display this summer. Arboretum members can look forward to possibly receiving seedlings during one of our many giveaways in the coming year or two as well. With the proper siting, these and other agaves can become texturally important fixtures in the landscape providing drama, substance, and color to the garden.
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Director Update
By John Dole, Head, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University
We wished Ted Bilderback well on the start of his retirement on Friday, June 20. For 37 years, Ted has served NC State University, the Department of Horticultural Science, and the NC Nursery industry well. When most folks would begin to think about retirement, Ted started a whole new career. Since 2009 Ted has provided the JCRA with excellent leadership and moved the JCRA forward, in cooperation with the staff, volunteers, and donors.
The next step, of course, is to hire a new director. The search committee, led by Anne Spafford, has been busy promoting and publicizing the position so that we have a large and talented pool of potential directors from which to choose. The position will close June 30, after which time the search committee, Department of Horticultural Science, and JCRA will select and interview candidates. The interview process will include opportunities for the JCRA supporters to meet and interact with the candidates.
As you might expect, the search process will not be completed by July 1. We will be announcing an interim director in early July and until we are able to do so, Mark Weathington will step in as acting director. Our thanks to Mark for agreeing to do so. We expect the search to be completed in August or September, with a new director on board sometime thereafter.
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Concrete Workshops
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
The summer workshops continue in July with two exciting workshops presented by Beth Jimenez and Amelia Lane, Lasting Impressions. Beth and Amelia are not only great horticulturists, they've both been featured on our Open Days tours, but they're also fantastic concrete artists. Here's your chance to learn how to make your own hypertufa trough and cast concrete leaf from these fantastic designers.
Hypertufa Trough Workshop
Saturday, July 26, 2014 – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Hypertufa troughs were developed in England as an alternative to old stone sinks which were used to feed and water livestock. They provide excellent drainage and can highlight those special small plants that you have! A planted trough can be a garden unto itself. Participants will mix the ingredients, build a container, and learn how to release a finished container from its mold in this hands-on workshop.
Cast Concrete Leaf Workshop
Saturday, July 26, 2014 – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
This two-hour workshop will teach you everything you need to know about how to prepare your leaf, mix the concrete medium, and mold a natural leaf sculpture to hang on an inside wall or use outside in a garden.
For more information, please visit the JCRA's Web site (hypertufa trough workshop, cast concrete leaf workshop). To register, please call Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005. From June 21 through July 3, please call Elizabeth Overcash at (919) 513-7011 to register.
Juried Print Competition
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Calling all photographers! Do you have an eye for beauty? Would you like to share your work with other people who would appreciate it? If so, the Juried Print Competition is for you. Adults and youth can submit original photographic prints of garden or plant related subjects. Distinguished judges will determine the winning images and cash awards will be presented. The winning prints along with the judges' favorites will be displayed at the Arboretum during the month of September for the public to see. Don't delay! Start capturing your favorite images today. Maybe yours will become "Best in Show."
This competition is open to all levels of photography experience and to photographic prints only. There will be four prizes for adult entries: Best in Show will win $200, 1st place will win $100, 2nd place will win $75, and 3rd place will win $50. There will be a Best in Show for the youth category (age 16 and under) with the winning prize being $50.
Coming Attractions
By Nancy Doubrava, Interpretive Specialist
Coryphantha sulcata
pineapple cactus
Zephyranthes 'Prairie Sunset'
pink rain-lily
Dahlia 'Joliet'
dahlia
Lilium 'Anastasia'
hybrid gladiolus
Solenostemon scutellarioides
redhead coleus
Musella lasiocarpa
Chinese yellow banana
Lantana camara 'Citrus Salad'
lantana
Begonia boliviensis 'Santa Cruz Sunset'
Bolivian begonia
YouTube Channel
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
One new video was recorded in June. Look for it in our YouTube Channel in the FOA Lecture playlist or click the link below.
Receive announcements about our latest additions by subscribing to our channel.
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