JC Raulston Arboretum e-Update
May 2019
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Your Monthly News and Updates
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Director's Note
By Mark Weathington, Director
It has been an outstanding spring so far with cool temperatures and a mix of rain and sun. Everything has been spectacular out in the garden. Spring is always a busy time for us at the JCRA and it doesn't seem to be slowing down a bit so it is sometimes hard to remember to stop and literally smell the roses (and deciduous azaleas, and lilacs, and so on).
One of the best things about my job is the ability to step away from my desk and take a stroll through the garden for even just five or ten minutes. I come back to the ball and chain of my computer completely recharged after even a brief period surrounded by plants.
If you love plants, make sure you're signed up for our
Southeastern Plant Symposium
, June 7
–
8. We will have some of the best speakers in the world, a crowd of enthusiastic and knowledgeable plant lovers, and a plant auction chock full of exciting plants. You don't want to be the one to miss out on this incredible event!
See you in the garden.
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Garden Party and Rare Plant Auction
By
Emily Bonner, Development Assistant
Don't forget to join us at the
Garden Party and Rare Plant Auction
on May 5! This annual event (formerly known as Gala in the Garden) is always a highlight of the season. Spend a cheerful afternoon in the garden celebrating spring with your fellow plant enthusiasts!
As always, this event will include delicious snacks, refreshing beverages, and the thrilling chance to win incredible prizes. This year, both the live and silent auctions will include phenomenal items, from one-of-a-kind plants to out-of-this-world adventures.
Come spend your Sunday afternoon enjoying the Arboretum in full bloom. We can't wait to see you there!
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Sneak Peak into the Garden Party Auctions
By
Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director
It won't be long now and we want to make sure you're as prepared as can be for our incredible auction. Enjoy your members sneak peak.
The silent auction goes live on Thursday, May 2 at 3:00 PM.
Live Auction with Ben Farrell Featuring the Rarest of the Rare; Newest of the New
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Cercis canadensis
'Golden Falls'
Weeping Golden Redbud
A brand new, not yet available, introduction from former JCRA director Denny Werner.
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Ternstroemia gymnanthera
(white margins)
Variegated False Cleyera
This is an unnamed selection from Japan, not available for sale anywhere in the United States. Great for sun or shade.
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Cornus
'Lucky Leprechaun'
Evergreen Dogwood
This is a new introduction from NC State's Tom Ranney.
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Osmanthus fragrans
'Quiannon Guifei'
Heavenly Beauty Tea Olive
This is one of the most exciting plants we've come across in years. (Mark has one at home and it has been exceptionally showy in full sun for about six weeks now with no signs of stopping.)
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Cercis canadensis
'Flamethrower'
Flamethrower Redbud
This is the first chance to get your hands on this remarkable plant from Denny Werner's amazing redbud breeding program.
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Lithocarpoxylon
sp.
Perhaps the most unusual item we have is the opportunity to name a new species of (extinct) tree. One of our volunteers is a paleobotanist and is finishing up the description for a newly discovered oak relative called
Lithocarpoxylon
your-name-here
. Last year we auctioned off a similar item and the winner named the plant for his late father. Everyone wants a piece of immortality and this is one way to have your name live on forever.
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Get Your Bid on with These Rare Silent Auction Cuties
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Spiraea japonica
'NCSX1'
Double Play Candy Corn Japanese Spirea
From NC State’s J. C. Raulston Distinguished Professor, Tom Ranney, comes this shockingly bright foliaged small shrub.
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Hamamelis virginiana
'Little Prospect'
Variegated Witchhazel
A very new and very choice compact gold-margined East Coast native.
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Fatsia polycarpa
(Shitou giant form)
Taiwan Megafatsia
The parent of this seedling had enormous thick textured leaves to 3' in diameter! This will likely be one of your only opportunities to acquire this cool form of a rare species.
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Ternstroemia gymnanthera
'Rainbow'
Variegated False Cleyera
We're not sure what to expect from this incredible broad-leaved evergreen other than a rainbow of colors.
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The silent auction has a little something for everyone. Travel the world while
supporting the Arboretum. Do you see yourself in:
Italy
?
Ireland
?
Costa Rica
? and/or
Mexico
? Be prepare to win fabulous travel packages to these amazing locations.
No time for travel? No worries. We have exclusive dining opportunities to satisfy your need for adventure. Add to those three tents of fabulous plants, a handmade garden arch perfect for your garden, and amazing pieces from our favorite Seagrove potters including a wood-fired piece from Ben Owens III and we have ourselves a party!
The countdown has begun. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, May 5 at 2:30 PM.
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Southeastern Plant Symposium
By Mark Weathington, Director, and Chris Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Hosted by the JC Raulston Arboretum and Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8
Calling all plantaholics, plant nerds, nurserymen, gardeners, and horticulturists! We are thrilled to announce the first annual JC Raulston Arboretum and Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Southeastern Plant Symposium
. Join us for two very full days of plant lust as we host the best of the best to talk about cutting-edge plants. We've got plant explorers, plant breeders, nurserymen, and other experts for a two-day deep dive into what's new and exciting in the plant world. What could be better than great lectures and mingling with your fellow horti-thusiasts? How about a chance to get your hands on some of the most exciting plants during the completely mind-numbing, fever-inducing silent auction. This is the one garden event that you definitely don't want to miss!
Speakers
Friday, June 7
- John Grimshaw, Director, The Yorkshire Arboretum
- Scott McMahan, Manager of International Plant Exploration Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Ted Stephens, Owner, Nurseries Caroliniana
- David Creech, Professor Emeritus, Stephen F. Austin State University, and Director, SFA Gardens
- Julie Moore, Office of Endangered Species, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- Tony Avent, Owner, Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery
Saturday, June 8
- Adam Black, Director of Horticulture, Peckerwood
- Leanne Kenealy, Plant Breeding and Nursery Technician, JC Raulston Arboretum
- Buddy Lee, Director of Plant Innovations, Plant Development Services (PDSI)
- Guy Meacham, New Plant Development Manager, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
- Tom Ranney, J. C. Raulston Distinguished Professor and Mountain Crop Improvement Lab,Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, NC State University
- Kim Shearer, Tree and Shrub Breeder and Manager of New Plant Development Program, The Morton Arboretum
- Tim Wood, Product Development & Marketing Manager, Spring Meadow Nursery
- Donglin Zhang, Dirr Professorship, University of Georgia
For more information, please review the
program's announcement
or contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu.
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April Showers Bring May and June Programs
By Haleigh Swenfurth, Programs and Educational Assistant
Come and start your summer fun early at the JCRA! We will be offering a propagation class and a couple workshops with JCRA staff and art in the garden programs with Linda Holmes and Mary Louise Ravese.
Herbaceous Perennials Propagation Class and Demonstration
Saturday, May 11 – 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Propagating plants is rewarding, often easily done, and is a great way to add to the plants in your landscape. Join Doug Ruhren in this
propagation class and demonstration
focused solely on propagating herbaceous perennials. Techniques discussed include division, stem and leaf cuttings, and seed and other techniques.
Recreational Tree Climbing at the JCRA
Saturday, May 11 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM
Recreational tree climbing
is back at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh! Climb with your friends and family into the canopy of one of our majestic oak trees and experience the JCRA like few have been able to. Before you know it you'll be 40' to 50' high in the canopy having experiencing a view that few humans ever enjoy. This event is open to youth and adult guest. Entry to Raulston Blooms is also included with tree climbing registration!
Introduction to Oil Painting
Thursdays, May 16, 2019 through Thursday, June 6 – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Painting is fun. It is a way to relax, to realize how creative energy is a gift you give yourself, and a wonderful means of escaping into a world of your own design. This course is designed for adults interested in
learning how to paint with oils
. It is a beginner level, four session class weekly class, but also helpful for those with a desire to return to painting or refresh their skills even if other mediums were used.
Propagation Workshops
Saturday, May 25 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM and
Saturday, June 1 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Have you ever had a friend pass along a plant shoot from one of their favorite plants and then when you tried to root it and produce a new plant you were ultimately unsuccessful? Or, are you a new gardener fascinated by the idea of being able to grow your plant collection inexpensively at home? If this sounds like you, you should join the JC Raulston Arboretum staff for a hands-on workshop (
May 25
and
June 1
) on the important gardening skill of asexual propagation.
Photography Walks
Thursday, May 30 – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
"In the Sweet Spot: Emphasizing Your Garden Subject in Your Photographs"
Thursday, June 13 – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
"From Smartphone Image to Photographic Art: Using Your Smartphone Camera and Apps to Transform Your Garden Images into Digital Art"
Monthly Photography Walks (
May 30
and
June 13
) will include brief instructions on various photographic topics as they pertain to gardens. After the instruction, participants will have plenty of time to practice their photography skills in the Arboretum's collections and gardens.
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Island Hopping in the Galapagos
By
Mark Weathington, Director
Join the JCRA as we explore exotic Ecuador from the capital city Quito to the tropical rainforest and out to the Galapagos Islands January 18–29, 2020. We'll start our trip in the world cultural heritage city Quito, known as the city of eternal spring, before heading down to the tropics. A canoe will be waiting to transport us up river to our amazing tropical lodge where we will enjoy the plants and wildlife with a master naturalist as well as getting a chance to see how the locals live.
After a couple of days in the tropics, we head back to Quito with a stop in the cloud forest of the Andes. Then it is off to the Galapagos Islands where we will have five days to explore a variety of islands, snorkel with sea lions, and watch the blue-footed boobies and Darwin's famed finches from the comfort of a luxury resort which serves as our home base.
Whether you are an avid plant lover, dedicated birder, or just someone who wants to travel with a fun group of new friends, this is the
trip of a lifetime
.
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Horticulture or Botany
By
Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
Some of us remember a time when the JC Raulston Arboretum seemed like the best kept secret. This certainly was the case back in the 1980s and perhaps even into the 1990s. Now a day, it seems that everybody visits the Arboretum. I often wonder how the average visitor identifies the Arboretum. To them, is it just another public park that their tax money paid for? Or is it a botanical garden or some other similar institution? While it is not my position to define the JCRA this does afford me the chance to write of the distinction between botany and horticulture as well as where horticulture sits in the bigger picture of agriculture.
Horticulture is a beautiful word. Contained within the word "horticulture" is the word "culture." The word, horticulture, being derived from the Latin
hortus cultura
, the cultivation of a garden. There is no culture in the word "botany." Botany is a hard or pure science. It is the scientific study of plants for the purpose of gaining scientific knowledge. Whereas horticulture is both the science, art, and craft of cultivating plants.
Horticulture draws not only from botany but also from many other sciences such as soil science, geology, entomology, pathology, chemistry, etc. Practically every which direction a horticulturist turns, there's another scientific field to support the growing of plants. Informed by science, the horticulturist/gardener practices the craft and sometimes the art of cultivating plants.
Horticulture is one of the three major divisions of the bigger field of plant agriculture; the other two being forestry and agronomy. Forestry is self-explanatory: the growing of trees for lumber, fuel, and fiber. (Did you know that one of the biggest uses of wood pulp is for the absorbent fibers in disposable diapers?) Agronomic crops are those that are grown on vast acreage such as cereal grains, soybeans, and corn. Horticultural crops are intensively cultivated and include not just ornamentals but also fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and florist crops.
Historically, the focus of the JC Raulston Arboretum has been overwhelmingly on ornamental plants, specifically landscape plants, not edible ones. A goal of the JCRA has been to expand the range of plants available to the nursery trade, landscapers, and home gardeners. To this end, the Arboretum acquires, plants, and evaluates plants to determine if they are suited to the growing conditions of this area. Portions of the JCRA serve the dual role of trialing and exhibiting plants at the same time also exhibiting the art of gardening. This can be seen in such designed spaces as the Japanese Garden, White Garden, and the Finley-Nottingham Rose Garden.
Perhaps the JCRA is a horticultural display garden with a focus on ornamental plants. Ornamental plants might seem superfluous at this time in the history of human civilization but what we plant in our landscapes can improve the environment and support wildlife. It might be why some now prefer the term "amenity horticulture."
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Upcoming Events
Sunday, May 5 – 2:30 PM
"Highlights of May"
Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
Tuesday, May 7 – 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM
"New Zealand: A Garden Paradise"
Thursday, May 9 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 11 – 9:00 AM
Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
Saturday, May 11 – 9:00 AM
Open to Youths and Adults
Patrick Brandt, Piedmont Tree Climbing
Saturday, May 11 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM
Volunteer Tour Docent
Sunday, May 12, 19, and 26 (no tour on May 5) – 2:00 PM
Flowers, Clouds, and Veggies!
Monday, May 13 – 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Flowers, Clouds, and Veggies!
Tuesday, May 14 – 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Linda Holmes, Linda Holmes Fine Art
Thursdays, May 16 through Thursday, June 6 – 1:00 PM
Friday, May 17 – 10:30 AM
Badge Workshop for Junior Girl Scouts
Saturday, May 18 – 10:00 AM
Friday, May 24 – 10:30 AM
JCRA Staff
Saturday, May 25 – 9:00 AM
"In the Sweet Spot: Emphasizing Your Garden Subject in Your Photographs"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography
Thursday, May 30 – 10:00 AM
Friday, May 31 – 10:30 AM
✽Denotes a children's program.
Many programs require advance registration. Please register early to reserve your spot.
Save the Dates
Hosted by the JC Raulston Arboretum and Juniper Level Botanic Garden
Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8
Presented by NC State's Department of Horticultural Science and the JC Raulston Arboretum
Wednesday, June 26
–
9:00 AM
–
4:30 PM
Saturday, January 18, 2020 through Wednesday, January 29, 2020
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By Nancy Doubrava, JCRA Volunteer
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Baptisia
'Blueberry Sundae'
hybrid wild-indigo
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Paeonia
'Bartzella'
Itoh hybrid peony
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Styrax japonicus
'Evening Light'
purple leaf Japanese snowbell
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Rhododendron
'Temple's Toy'
Aromi hybrid azalea
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Lilium
'Red Alert'
hybrid lily
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Chloranthus sessilifolius
var.
austrosinensis
sessile chloranthus
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Hydrangea quercifolia
'Turkey Heaven'
oakleaf hydrangea
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Magnolia figo
var.
crassipes
'Purple Queen'
purple-flowered banana shrub
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YouTube Channel Update
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
No new videos were recorded in April, however, there's over 100 videos of past lectures and tours in our
YouTube Channel
.
Receive announcements about our latest additions by subscribing to our
YouTube Channel
. Click on the bell icon to adjust your frequency settings from occasional notifications to all notifications and vice versa.
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Your Membership Makes a Difference
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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
kbwall@ncsu.edu
or (919) 513-7004.
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Christopher Todd Glenn
Programs and Education Coordinator
NC State University
Campus Box 7522
Raleigh, NC 27695-7522
(919) 513-7005
You're receiving this e-mail because you're a member of the JC Raulston Arboretum. JCRA e-Updates are published electronically every month. If you are a member and need to update your contact information or wish to be removed from this mailing, please contact Kathryn Wall at (919) 513-7004 or kbwall@ncsu.edu. Please do not use the links below to update your e-mail address or to unsubscribe.
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