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JC Raulston Arboretum e-Update - July 2016
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By Mark Weathington, Director
While J. C. Raulston is widely recognized throughout the horticultural community as a towering figure who helped fundamentally change the American landscape, he is virtually unknown to a wider audience. We were thrilled to hear that J. C. is getting some recognition for his impact locally and will be inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame on October 3. Special thanks to JCRA board president Rodney Swink for spearheading the nomination process.
This past month I had the distinct pleasure of visiting a couple of the best plant collections around with colleagues from the Atlanta Botanical Garden - Scott McMahan, manager of plant exploration, and Ethan Guthrie, horticulture manager for the ABG Gainesville campus. We started with an all too brief, six hour tour of the Bartlett Research Arboretum in Charlotte. The collection holds one of the top tree collections anywhere with oaks, maples, witchhazels, and especially magnolias as some of the major players. A marathon day followed here at the Arboretum then we spent the better part of the next (nearly 10 hours!) at the Juniper Level Botanic Garden at Plant Delights Nursery. Juniper Level houses one of the best plant collections in the world with a focus on herbaceous perennials but also an astounding woody plant collection. As I travel around the country and around the globe, it is nice to get back home and take the time to realize that there are few places with the depth and breadth of plant collections that we have here in our own corner of the world.
Stay cool this summer.
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40th Anniversary Symposium
By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director
"Horticultural Bright Lights: The Future of Gardening"
Friday and Saturday, September 23 and 24
Learn from the "Whiz kid of Wisley," (The Telegraph), Matthew Pottage, the youngest ever curator for the Royal Horticulture Society's crown jewel garden - Wisley.
"Don't be afraid to try things and make mistakes. My parents had little time for gardening when I was growing up and I had pretty much free reign, where I made all sorts of terrible mistakes, but learnt more than any book or course ever taught me."
Matthew Pottage
Wisley is the second most visited garden in the United Kingdom with over one million visitors each year. And twenty-something Matthew Pottage is the youngest ever curator of this 136 year-old, 200-acre-treasure. Matthew's vision for keeping this old garden evolving and not stuck in time is sure to inspire both the novice and the experts alike. Wisley, under Matthew's leadership, will be making some of the biggest changes the garden has seen in the last 100 years.
It was Wisley's diverse collection and its nontraditional approach to showcasing what people can do at home that caught Matthew's eye. Starting as a trainee, working his way to curator, he is invested in this garden and what its future holds.
His passion for plants started at a very young age helping his grandparents with their houseplants and having free reign in his home garden along the Yorkshire coast. One of his biggest challenges gardening along the coast was the clay soil (sound familiar?) and while he has a real weak spot for conifers, Edgeworthia chrysantha is a plant he can't live without.
Mark Weathington first meet Matthew about this time three years ago. A colleague took Mark to visit Matthew's private garden during an open garden charity event. It was there that Mark admired Matthew's unique vision and passion for a diverse landscape. As noted in Mark's 2013 blog post, "The sky is definitely the limit for Matthew and I'm hoping we can convince him to come visit us for a lecture or workshop in the not too distant future."
We're thrilled to have Matthew as part of our 40th Anniversary Symposium where he'll be joined by other horticultural talent that are sure to give us something to talk about and look forward to. Until then, enjoy a couple photographs from Mark's visit to Matthew's Yorkshire garden in 2013 below.
Early bird registration is now open! Online registration is coming soon. Until then, contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005.
Members registering before Monday, September 5 will qualify for the Japanese maple giveaway. One lucky member will be the recipient of a unique Japanese maple from Mr. Maple.
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By Kathryn Wall, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
Gift memberships to the JC Raulston Arboretum are a great way to share the garden. Birthdays, anniversaries, new home, new baby, holidays.... Giving a gift membership makes a wonderful clutter-free gift for anyone with a love for beauty, plants, gardening, or educational programs for children through adults. We provide a gift certificate that you can personalize, or you can purchase a gift membership online on our Web site. It's fast and easy. If you have questions, or wish to purchase a gift membership (available any time of the year!), contact Kathryn Wall, membership and volunteer coordinator, at kathryn_wall@ncsu.edu or (9 19) 513-7004.
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Summertime Yurts
By Elizabeth Overcash, Children's Program Coordinator
If you've been in the garden recently, you have probably noticed a new circular building near the Finley-Nottingham Rose Garden. No, it's not the ghost of Harrelson Hall coming back to life in the Arboretum's gardens.
I know you've been peeking in the windows and doors because your nose prints are all over the windows! So I'll guess what your thoughts and questions might be ...
What is it? A yurt.
Through a generous donation, we were able to purchase and construct a yurt. It's based on a traditional Mongolian dwelling, which is portable and usually covered with skins or felt. Blue Ridge Yurts in Virginia constructed the Arboretum's yurt (with a canvas covering, not skins). It's not quite as portable as the yurts nomadic people of Central Asia might use, so Ann and Val mapped it. Watch for map revisions!
What's going on in there? Summer camps.
For the first time, we have a dedicated education space, which is wonderful! There will be five camps housed in the yurt this summer and many more programs planned that will use the yurt as indoor space. Keep watching for student projects to appear so you can watch as they learn and explore gardening.
Can I come in? Only if you are signed up for a camp!
Or make plans to participate in our fall programs. We'd love to have you!
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Day Tripping to J. C. Raulston Exhibit in the D. H. Hill Library
By Eleanor Brown, Head, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries Wednesday, July 20, 2016 - 9:30 AM-11:30 AM Join garden writer and J. C. Raulston biographer Bobby Ward for a guided tour of the NCSU Libraries' exhibit "Plan-and Plant for a Better World" J. C. Raulston and the North Carolina State University Arboretum. The exhibit celebrates the life and work of innovative horticulturist and teacher J. C. Raulston and showcases his unique contributions to NC State, his students, and the many colleagues, nursery owners, landscape designers, and gardeners who learned and benefited from his passionate work.
The visually dynamic exhibit draws upon J. C.'s rich archive of travel notebooks, lecture notes, ephemera, and correspondence, as well as a collection of over 83,000 color slides. Hear some of the fascinating stories behind the objects, images, and plant specimens introduced or promoted by J. C. and the Arboretum.
Anyone interested in University history, horticulture, travel, or photography will enjoy exploring the life and times of this unique NC State leader. Bring your own J. C. story to share, and document it in our colorful guest book.
For more information about this day trip, please visit the JCRA's Web site. To register, please call Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005.
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Juried Print Competition
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Friday, August 19, 2016 - 9:00 AM-6:00 PM - Entries Accepted
Saturday, August 20, 2016 - 7:00 PM-8:30 PM - Opening Reception
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. For more information about the Juried Print Competition, please visit the JCRA's Web site or contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu.
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Landscape Design and Botanical Illustration Programs
By Preston Montague, Landscape Designer and Botanical Illustrator, and Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Preston Montague returns later this month and in August with new Drawing in Nature and Landscape Potential programs. Preston took a sabbatical leave from teaching at the JCRA in the first half of 2016 to work on becoming a licensed landscape architect. Drawing in Nature IV: Botanical Illustrations in Colored Pencil and WatercolorSaturday, July 30 - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Saturday, August 6 - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Saturday, August 13 - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Drawing in Nature IV introduces participants to basic techniques of combining watercolor paints with colored pencils to produce rich botanical illustrations. Designed for enthusiasts with little to no artistic training, this multimedia course provides the foundational observation and sketching techniques of previous Drawing in Nature classes with new approaches to creating vibrant color and stunning detail! Classes may be held indoors or outdoors depending on weather. Landscape Potential V: Slim and Trim Plants for Small SpacesSaturday, August 6, 2016 - 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Sunday, August 7, 2016 - 1:00 PM-6:00 PM - Optional Practicums Saturday, August 13, 2016 - 1:00 PM-6:00 PM - Optional Practicums Sunday, August 14, 2016 - 1:00 PM-6:00 PM - Optional Practicums
Consider the performance of your home landscape. Would you describe it as a fit, functional work of art that reflects your lifestyle and encourages outdoor activity? If not, join Raleigh-based landscape designer Preston Montague at the JCRA for a design course series that will help you revise and reboot your outdoor space. Landscape Potential V will introduce participants to plant species and cultivars that are effective in small, tight gardens. This exciting two-part course begins with a presentation on foolproof plants popularly used by landscape designers on projects where space is a premium. Following the introduction class is a practicum in which participants individually bring in photos and maps of their property for a one-on-one consultation with Preston to work out any problems they may be facing or to work in tandem on a design. By the end of the two-part course, participants will have not only been introduced to a plant palette for small spaces, but will also have personalized professional advice for developing the potential of their home's most dynamic room. For more information about these programs, please visit the links above or contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu. Registration is available online via the links below and in each announcement.
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Upcoming Events
Tree Friends Friday, July 8 10:30 AM
Tasty Vegetables Friday, July 15 10:30 AM
Hosted by the Capital City Camera Club and the JC Raulston Arboretum A Full-day Seminar Presented by Tim Grey Saturday, July 16 9:00 AM
Nature Detectives Monday, July 18 9:00 AM through Friday, July 22
Bobby Ward, Ph.D., J. C. Raulston Biographer Wednesday, July 20 9:30 AM
Beth Jimenez and Amelia Lane, Lasting Impressions and JCRA Volunteers Saturday, July 23 9:00 AM
Beth Jimenez and Amelia Lane, JCRA Volunteers Saturday, July 23 1:00 PM
Project PLANTS Summer Camp Monday, July 25 8:30 AM
through
Friday, July 29
8:30 AM
Garden Chefs Monday, July 25 9:00 AMthrough Friday, July 29
9:00 AM
Full
Preston Montague, Landscape Designer and Botanical Illustrator Saturday, July 30 9:00 AM Many programs require advance registration. Please register early to reserve your spot. Dates to RememberThursday, July 14 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
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Coming Attractions
By Nancy Doubrava, Interpretive Specialist
 Emmenopterys heneryiChinese emmenopterys  Eucomis 'Ruben' hybrid pineapple lily  Heteropterys glabraredwing  Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' rosy summer sweet clethra  Lagerstroemia 'jd818' Early Bird™ hybrid crepe myrtle
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'
panicled hydrangea
Crocosmia
Twilight Fairy™ Crimson compact crocosmia
Centrum 'Lemon Peel'
hybrid jessamine
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YouTube Channel Update
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Two new videos were recorded in June. Look for them in our YouTube Channel or click the graphics below. Receive announcements about our latest additions by subscribing to our YouTube Channel.  
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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 Kathryn Wall, membership and volunteer coordinator, at (919) 513-7004 or kathryn_wall@ncsu.edu.
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The JC Raulston Arboretum's fund-raising efforts, including the 40th anniversary symposium, operate under the auspices of the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization. Proceeds benefit the JC Raulston Arboretum.
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