JC Raulston Arboretum e-Update - November 2015
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Director's Note
Mark Weathington, Director
NC State University Chancellor Randy Woodson and his wife Susan just donated $1.15 million, launching a program to provide scholarships for dependents of NC State University faculty and staff. The gift shows the extent of their commitment to the people who make this university the outstanding institution it is. The Woodsons are certainly not alone in establishing and funding endowments to help move the mission of the University forward. Former directors of the JC Raulston Arboretum have also used endowments to help fund programs that are near and dear to their hearts. Many other individuals including former staff, volunteers, and members have established funds sustaining the operations of the JCRA along with hundreds of supporters who have given to the JC Raulston Arboretum's Endowment for Excellence and other endowments funding interns, education programming, travel, and staff salary. These gifts, whether outright or as planned estate gifts, provide the stability and continuity needed to carry our vision forward. Endowment gifts really are the gifts that keep on giving. |
| Holiday Happenings
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Kick off the holiday season by attending the JC Raulston Arboretum's seasonal programs in December. Decorate your home for the holidays with a designer wreath you made at the JC Raulston Arboretum in one of our two wreath workshops. James Faust wrote the book about poinsettias and he's presenting December's Friends of the Arboretum Lecture that's, of course, all about poinsettias. The annual Poinsettia Open House is back with a record number of poinsettia cultivars this year. And, bring your young ones for a morning of fun holiday crafts using materials from the garden in the Children's Program's last event of the year. Friends of the Arboretum Lecture "Poinsettia: A 200-year Journey from Gangly Mexican Shrub to Christmas Icon" James E. Faust, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University Thursday, December 3 7:30 PM
Poinsettia Open House Sponsored by NC State Floriculture and the JC Raulston Arboretum Sunday, December 6 1:00 PM
✽Denotes a children's program.
The Holiday Wreath Workshops and the Holiday Creations program require advance registration. Enrollment is limited so register early to reserve your spot.
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Tim and Lizzi's Tool 2015 Wishlist
By Lizzi Lathers, Research Technician
Autumn in the garden is one of our favorite times. The cool nights, and some cool days, allow gardeners to take a deep breath and reassess. We at the JCRA take time to notice what made it through the busy, hot summer months and what needs our attention. This includes everything from plants, to garden paths, to tools. And that last part is the reason for my note today. We have worn out a few necessary tools that we use all the time in the Arboretum and are looking for some help from you. Here is a list of the tools with a price. This kind of donation directly affects the work Tim and I do in the gardens and greenhouses every day! Hoses - Our collection of hoses needs an overhaul! We are asking for seven 50' ($44.00 each) and three 100' ($80.00 each) commercial grade hoses. Hose Accessories - Every new hose deserves new accessories, right? Dramm is our favorite brand and we are asking for three wands ($20.00 each), seven valves ($20.00 each), and three brass quick connects($50.00 each). Quick connects are the connector between our in-ground water supply and the hose). Silky Pole Saw Blade - Our beloved pole saw (it might be the "favorite" tool that we received from our last wish list) needs a new sharp blade ($70.00).
Pole Snip Pruners - Pole snip pruners ($130.00) aren't for heavy duty pruning, but more for fine tuning and propagation. Sometimes, the most viable looking cuttings for propagation are just too high to reach. This tool will help make those branches seem much closer!
That's our wish list for this season. I would love to hear from you with any questions or comments regarding the tools on the list. Feel free to contact me at (919) 513-7007 or lizzi_lathers@ncsu.edu. And, if you would like to purchase any of the tools on the list, please contact Sonia Murphy |
The Passing of a N.C. Nursery Pioneer
By Mark Weathington, Director Longtime JC Raulston Arboretum supporter and friend, Kai Mei Parks passed away from pancreatic cancer recently. Kai Mei founded the fantastic Camellia Forest Nursery 35 years ago where she grew and sold plants that were nearly impossible to find anywhere else. Her son David has been running the nursery for many years now, but Kai Mei was right there helping with orders and talking plants with visitors until the end. I never knew Kai Mei well, but always enjoyed my visits with her at the nursery. As Arboretum volunteers and members have reminisced with me about Kai Mei, I've been gaining more appreciation for her role as a pioneering plantswoman in the state. She has served as an inspiration and mentor to many during her years at Camellia Forest Nursery and in many ways shaped and influenced other nurserymen and women. Kai Mei may be gone but her legacy will remain through the nursery she started, the many plants that grace gardens across the country, and the nursery professionals she inspired. I'll be thinking of Kai Mei as I appreciate the camellias this winter. Those strong-willed plants which flower during the coldest of days are a fitting tribute to her. |
It's Nearly Connoisseur Plants Time for Eligible Members
By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director
Don't miss the December 31 deadline. We're fast approaching the cutoff date to be eligible for the Connoisseur Plants program. I've seen first-hand just how many of our members are dedicated plant people. Over 300 of you waited in the pouring rain for a chance to get that unique plant found in our recent giveaway.
The Connoisseur Plants program doesn't require you to get up so early and you can participate from a warm cozy spot of your choosing. No rain gear needed. This program is designed specifically for those members looking for the unusual or hard to locate plants. To qualify for the March 2016 distribution of Connoisseur Plants, your membership must be at Sponsor level or above on or before December 31, 2015. Need to upgrade? It's easy, give me a call at (919) 513-7004 or make a payment online. To refresh yourself on the number of plants awarded to each membership level or get an idea of the plants that have been previously offered, visit the Connoisseur Plants page on our Web site.
Qualifying members should expect notification of the Connoisseur Plants catalogs via e-mail in January 2016.
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I Challenge You to Participate By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director
There is a lot to be learned from our lectures, tours, and workshops. Participate!
It may or may not come as a surprise to you, but I don't have a horticultural degree. Nope. What I know about gardening has been garnered from things I've heard, things I've read, and my own plant and pray style of landscape design. I love working outside.
I've been participating in plant sales at the Arboretum, Plant Delights Nursery, and local garden centers for years. But I never, until recently, attended Arboretum lectures or tours. I was too intimidated. I felt I didn't know enough to participate. I share this with you because I've heard the same from some of you.
Without question, the Arboretum is associated with very knowledgeable people. But I've found them very willing to share their knowledge. Education is a large part of our mission, please take advantage. I challenge those who are a bit apprehensive to join us for an FOA Lecture (I hear there will be apples to taste at the next one), a Plantsmen's Tour, or maybe next week's day trip to the Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest.
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Tom Ranney Announced as the New J. C. Raulston Distinguished Professor
By John Dole, Ph.D., Head, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University
The Department of Horticultural Science, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the JC Raulston Arboretum (JCRA) are pleased to announce that Tom Ranney, Ph.D., has been selected as the J. C. Raulston Distinguished Professor. The J. C. Raulston Distinguished Professorship was established by C. D. Spangler, Jr., and Meredith Spangler in 1998 in honor of the late J. C. Raulston. The goal of the professorship is to enhance the global research, teaching, and extension programs in the Department of Horticultural Science with a special emphasis on the JCRA, which was established in 1976 as a result of J. C.'s vision, tenacity, and professionalism.read more |
Private Parties at the Arboretum By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director The holidays are fast approaching. Do you or your organization need a place to host your party? The Arboretum is a beautiful consideration, and we still have some open dates on the calendar. Have a look - availability calendar. Have a few questions? Check out the details or contact Faye Koonce, our facilities coordinator, at faye_koonce@ncsu.edu or (919) 513-7457. We'd love to have you. |
Help Break our Membership Record This Year By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director
Two months to go in our calendar year and we're only 99 memberships away from breaking our all-time high (1,497 households). I believe we can make it to 1,500; 1,498 is all we need to break the record. It would be a perfect start to our 40th anniversary year in 2016. Continue to spread the word and remember, Arboretum memberships make wonderful gifts.
For me, membership growths means more people in our community have access to a beautiful outdoor space and a wealth of knowledge and benefits. It means people understand the investment in a beautiful and educational green space. I know you'll agree - the more the merrier. |
Upcoming Events
Plantsmen's Tour "Woody Lilies" Mark Weathington, Director Tuesday-Sunday, November 3-15 1:00 PM
School's Out!✽ Fairy Garden Madness Wednesday, November 11 9:00 AM
Friends of the Arboretum Lecture "Apples from the 'Seed' to the Table" Mike Parker, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Horticultural Science Thursday, November 12 7:30 PM North American Rock Garden Society (Piedmont Chapter) Lecture Sponsored by the Piedmont Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society in Cooperation with the JC Raulston Arboretum "Rock Garden Nation" Panayoti Kelaidis, Denver Botanic Gardens Saturday, November 21 10:00 AM ✽Denotes a children's program. Many programs require advance registration. Please register early to reserve your spot. Dates to RememberMulch SaleThursday, November 12 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Connoisseur Plants Membership Upgrade DeadlineThursday, December 31, 2015 |
Coming Attractions
By Nancy Doubrava, Interpretive Specialist
 Acer saccharum 'Flax Mill Majesty' sugar maple  Brunnera macrophylla 'King's Ransom' variegated Siberian bugloss  Poncirus trifoliata × Citrus auranticumcitradia  Cyclamen graecumGreek cyclamen  Chrysanthemum 'Miss Gloria's Thanksgiving Day' garden chrysanthemum |
YouTube Channel Update
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Two new videos were recorded in October. Look for them in our YouTube Channel or click the graphics below. Receive announcements about our latest additions by subscribing to our channel.   |
Your Membership Makes a Difference Please Join or Renew Today!
The JC Raulston Arboretum is free to the public, but it is not free to operate. Memberships keep the gates open and the gardens in top shape. Membership gifts are the primary support for the Arboretum's daily operations and vital for its success. Thank you for your support and advocacy of the JC Raulston Arboretum through the membership program. It's fast and easy to become a Friend of the Arboretum, and there are many great benefits for you and your family. Join or renew now using our secure Web site, or contact Arlene Calhoun, assistant director, at (919) 513-7004 or arlene_calhoun@ncsu.edu. |
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