JC Raulston Arboretum e-Update
October 2019
Your Monthly News and Updates
Director's Note

By Mark Weathington, Director

Whew, it's been dry but I guess if the weather cooperated gardeners wouldn't have anything to talk about. It's been a good month for us though, we've installed a new parking lot gate and fencing which really dresses up our entrance and received a NC Museums grant to continue making the JCRA more accessible to everyone.  Moonlight in the Garden tickets also went on sale and are selling even quicker than last year. We expect another sell out this year so don't delay in getting yours now. It seems the word has gotten out about the best fall event in the Triangle.

Make sure you're keeping up with all of our education programming as we have a very full calendar this month. There's a little something for everyone from home gardeners to photographers, chicken keepers, and artists. Not to mention plenty for the kids. We'd love to have you join us, if you have time between pulling hoses and watering containers that is.

See you in the garden.
Preview Night — Moonlight in the Garden

By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director

A Magical Lighting Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the NC Agricultural Foundation

Tuesday, November 5 – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM

Join us on this special preview evening and be one of the first to see this year's creative installation of Moonlight in the Garden. Your senses will be delighted when the gates open on this crisp November evening.

For this evening only, you'll find delectable eats, wine, and Carolina Brewing Company beer. Come and enjoy this magical night with live music on the Great Lawn and fire pits with marshmallows to roast. The evening's entertainment is The Antique Hearts . Bring your family and friends to enjoy a cup of hot apple cider during this unique fund-raising event.

Limited Tickets Available

Advance tickets are required . No tickets will be sold at the gate for this preview evening.
 
Can't make our preview party? Check out other nights at https://jcra.ncsu.edu/moonlight/ .
Members-only Preorder Plant Sale

By Kathryn Wall, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
 
One of the many benefits of being a member of the Arboretum is access to cool plants. Just in time for fall planting, we're offering the annual Members-only Preorder Plant Sale . Director Mark Weathington says these are some of his favorite selections. The  catalog is available online . 
 
The sale runs through October 14 at 9:00 AM. There is no on-site sale, only preorders. Links to the e-store were sent to all members on Tuesday, October 1 by Kathryn Wall. Plants will be picked up at the Arboretum in perfect time for fall planting.
 
All orders must be placed through our e-store and payments made online per the instructions provided when ordering.
 
Plants may be picked up at the Arboretum on the following days:
 
  • Thursday, October 17 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Friday, October 18 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 19 - 8:00 AM–9:00 AM – by request only (pickups not available later due to the NARGS Lecture and NC State Fair traffic)
  • No shipping is available.
*Look for the e-mail from Kathryn Wall dated Tuesday, October 1 with the link to the e-store.
Tips for the Plant Giveaway
 
By Kathryn Wall, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

The Friends of the Arboretum Annual Plant Distribution is right around the corner. We're expecting fantastic weather on Saturday, October 5. We hope see you here then. Here's a few tips to keep in mind:

  • A preview of the plant list is available online. Make a note of two to three plants you desire the most and make note of their stake numbers. On Saturday, printed copies will be available for $1.00 donation. Save $1.00 and print your own list. Please note these lists are early previews. There may be one or more updates between now and Friday. Make your final plans and print the lists late on Friday.
  • Bring a wagon or cart and possibly a folding chair if you're early and waiting in line. Bring something to line your trunk, too. We do not have carts for participants to use.
  • Don't be late! We're expecting a big crowd. Check in begins at 7:30 AM. Please arrive no later than 8:45 AM to allow enough time to check in.  
  • Park on Beryl Road and allow yourself enough time to walk over and check-in. The parking lot is reserved for handicap parking.
  • Bring your membership card. Can't find it? No worries, our volunteers will find you on the member roster and check you in.
  • First time? Don't be intimidated! Friendly volunteers and staff will help you get where you need to be.
  • Bring some cash along. Coffee and baked goods will be available beginning at 7:30 AM for a small donation.
  • You can purchase JCRA T-shirts and Mark Weathington's Gardening in the South book at our apparel table near the Great Lawn. (Checks made payable to NC Ag. Foundation, cash, or credit cards accepted.)
Upcoming Propagation Programs

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant

Fall is here which means the JCRA is hosting our last horticultural class and workshop of the year. Don't panic! You can expect to see more great horticultural events as January rolls around, but if you're looking for a great educational hands-on experience before the year is up, look no further.

Fern Propagation Workshop
Bob Payne, Wake County Extension Master Gardener 
Saturday, October 19 – 9:00 AM

Enter the strange and wonderful world of fern propagation in this informative workshop ! Learn about the science behind fern propagation with Bob Payne and then get the opportunity to interact with ferns yourself with fun activities like cleaning and sowing spores and tending to baby ferns. Afterwards, participants will get to take home their own diverse array of ferns.

Propagating Woody Plants from Seed 
Bryce Lane, NC State University 
Saturday, October 26 – 9:00 AM

Join Bryce Lane as he teaches us about the fascinating science of propagating trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers from seed , and how we can use that science to propagate new and fascinating plants. This class will cover what woody plant seeds need for germination, overcoming seed dormancy, and how to utilize the astounding diversity that propagating plants from seeds offer. This is a stupendous opportunity for any gardener looking to polish their skills, so act fast and don't miss out!

For more information about these programs, please click on the links above or contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu. Registration is available via the links below.
Children’s Program Corner

By Elizabeth Overcash, Children's Program Corner

Summer is officially over. Summer camps are packed away and our fall programs are in full swing!
 
Our seven summer camps hosted 122 campers, the largest number since our camps started in 2014. Campers spent time in the gardens tending vegetables in the Yurt Yard, touring local community farms and biotech companies, and creating art projects inspired by plants and countries from all over the world. Special thanks to Mary Fosnaught, 4-H and Youth Development Extension Associate in the Prestage Department of Poultry Science, for bringing chicks for our campers during the Backyard Farm camp (photograph above).
 
While we love having our summer campers in the gardens and can tell you how awesome the camps are, we will let some of our camp parents tell you what they thought …
 
"My daughter had a WONDERFUL experience, thank you so much for providing a high-quality and educational camp experience."
 
"Out of all the camps he has attended, this was his favorite."
 
"This was his favorite camp of the summer. He absolutely loves creatures and bugs so it was right up his alley! He loves plants and learning about the outdoors as well. I think he felt like this was his own personal Wild Kratts expedition, LOL."

Since camp season has ended, we have been busy with our school tours and public programming. In September, 171 school children have visited the gardens on a school tour. We had a fun week of programming celebrating Take a Child Outside Week and preschoolers and middle schoolers both had programs diving deeper into apple science. More tours and Girl Scout programs are on the calendar for October and November, so tune in for pictures and updates.
 
Thanks for all your support of our children's programming! Your membership and support truly does make a difference not only here at the Arboretum but also in all the places these children will go!
Seasonal Creative Programs

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant

Fall is the perfect season to spend some time outdoors getting creative. Whether you’re interested in snapping that perfect shot, drawing your own illustrations, or learning more about the technical aspects of art, the Arboretum is the best place to do it at. Let us inspire you and come explore your artistic side with us during our art events of the season!

The Nature of Drawing: Autumn Sketchbook 
Preston Montague, Landscape Designer and Botanical Illustrator 
Saturday, October 12 – 10:00 AM

Get some time to relax and indulge in the joy of drawing outdoors with the lush Arboretum environment as your muse. Spend time with us and Preston Montague for The Nature of Drawing: Autumn Sketchbook, a workshop all about botanical illustration. Preston will showcase techniques he uses to create professional illustrations. This event is designed for beginners, but artists of all skill levels are welcome to join. Supplies will be provided, but participants will need something to sit on and are welcome to bring their own art tools.

Photography Walk 
"Top Tips for Photographing Fall Color" 
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography 
Wednesday, October 23 – 10:00 AM

As the weather cools down, the leaves are quickly turning into a gorgeous array of fall colors. Learn the ins and outs of capturing the lush colors of the season in a photograph with Mary Louise Ravese. In this class, Mary will cover key techniques, the best photography equipment to use, and advice on great locations for photography in the Triangle Area. Participants will then get to use the Arboretum gardens to practice and polish their photography skills. Participants are free to bring whatever type of camera they wish to use, from DSLR cameras to smartphones. 
 
Designers Preview Night 
John Garner, Southern Lights of Raleigh 
Wednesday, November 6 – 7:00 PM

Curious about the technical magic behind Moonlight in the Garden? Come to Designers Preview Night ! Learn from the master designer, John Garner, about the design concepts, techniques, and technology that helps this spectacular display come to life. This preview is only open to landscape architects and designers, interior designers, engineers, and lighting design professionals. Don't miss out on your chance to get personal and learn more about the Moonlight in the Garden lighting display.
 
Photography Walk 
"Making Custom Holiday Cards Using Digital Art Based on Your Photographs" 
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography 
Friday, November 22 – 11:00 AM

Looking to give your holiday cards that extra touch of love? Turn your photographs into mini masterpieces to bring them to life with Mary Louise. Learn how to make custom card designs from your photographs and turn them into digital paintings with Dynamic Auto Painter. Afterwards, participants will get the chance to traverse the Arboretum for photograph opportunities. Participants are free to bring whatever type of camera they wish to use, from DSLR cameras to smartphones, and are more than welcome to bring their laptop with a version of Dynamic Auto Painter to follow along in class.
 
For more information about these programs, please click on the links above or contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu. Registration is available via the links below.
Coming Soon
Photography Walk
Wednesday, November 7
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography

Be on the lookout for an exclusive chance to see Moonlight in the Garden before the show opens to the public while learning the ins and outs of taking photographs at night. Have the exhibit to yourself to snap those show-stopping shots. Keep your eyes out for this opportunity so you don't miss out!
New Member Benefit Provider

By Kathryn Wall, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

Long-time JCRA supporter Pat McCracken's new nursery, Garden Treasures , is a new benefit provider offering 10% off to Arboretum members. The 10% discount is for all regular priced plants and cannot be combined with any other discounts. The nursery opens for the fall on October 4. Hours of operation are Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM– 5:00 PM. The nursery is located at 3500 Edgemont Road in Wendell, North Carolina.

Volunteers Needed for Moonlight in the Garden

By Kathryn Wall, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator

Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering for one of the six public nights of Moonlight in the Garden. I'm also looking for individuals or groups to volunteer for morning shifts to set out the hundreds of luminaria lining our pathways for the event. Access the signups online at http://jcra.ncsu.edu/moonlight-volunteering/ .

Questions? Please contact me at kbwall@ncsu.edu or (919) 513-7004.
Graduation Day

By Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager

It is the hope of most parents that their kids grow up, leave home, and make it on their own merits out in the bigger world. The JC Raulston Arboretum feels the same way about its "children," the plants in the Arboretum living collection. They reach their full potential when they move beyond the Arboretum into the nursery industry and subsequently into gardens and landscapes.

The JC Raulston Arboretum and Johnson County Nursery Association's Choice Plants program is an important mean to promote plants to the nurseries that grow the plants and to those who buy the finished product. In a recent meeting, JCRA director Mark Weathington endorsed about 12 plants that have been stellar performers here at the JCRA to the Johnson County Nursery Association as being worthy for consideration for this program. They will grow them to evaluate their performance in the particular growing conditions of their own nurseries and evaluate their ease of propagation. So perhaps it is that these kids have graduated high school and are now away from home at college.

A few plants that you might know that have been success stories in the Choice Plants program are Buxus sempervirens 'Unraveled', Callicarpa americana 'Welch's Pink', Cercis chinensis 'Kay's Early Hope', and Viburnum obovatum 'Raulston Hardy'. The program benefits the nursery industry as well as the JC Raulston Arboretum. As a Friend of the Arboretum, you too can take pride in plants graduating from the JCRA.
The JC Raulston Air Bee & Bee

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant

The JC Raulston Air Bee & Bee is up and ready for business! A recent addition to the grounds, the Air Bee & Bee serves as a bee hotel for local bees and wasps.

Bee hotels encourage a variety of solitary bees and wasps to pollinate the local flora by giving them shelter and a place to lay their eggs. Different bees and wasps occupy all different sizes of tunnels. After collecting pollen and storing it within these tunnels as food for their young, these insects will lay their eggs and then wall up the newly occupied holes with a variety of materials—like mud—so the eggs inside remain safe from predators.

When the word pollinator comes to mind, most people think about honeybees. Actually, honeybees only make up about 10% of the 21,000 species of bees in the world. Solitary bees make up the remaining 90%. These bees do not produce honey and do not live in hives. Instead, they live in the ground or cavities in trees and stems. They're also fantastic pollinators! Solitary bees do not have pollen baskets that social bees like honeybees do, which means they will drop more pollen after visiting a flower. Did you know? Mason bees, a type of solitary bee, have a 95% pollination rate, whereas honeybees only have a 5% pollination rate.

A plethora of insects indicates a healthy garden ecosystem. As a predator for garden pests, the wasps that live with these bees are a vital contributor to the garden ecosystem. These solitary bees and wasps are both non-aggressive. While some do have stingers, their poison is very weak and is unable to cause any type of allergic reaction in humans.

Mark Weathington, the director at the Arboretum, was first inspired to make a bee hotel for the Arboretum after falling in love with one he saw at a botanical garden in Paris around 2009.

Constructing the bee hotel was a project undertaken by Debbie Lackey and Lucy Gardiner, both volunteers at the Arboretum since 2015 and 2012, respectively. Lucy, a retired art teacher, and Debbie, a retired music teacher with experience in woodworking, were tasked with both designing and creating the bee hotel with the original piece from Paris as their reference. The project took six months to complete and around 800 volunteer hours went into creating the Air Bee & Bee! Despite the challenges involved, Debbie said the bee hotel was "One of the most meaningful projects I've ever done."

The bee hotel is located to the west of the Perennial Border near the entrance of the White Garden. Come by and check it out for yourself!
The Results Are in for Our Juried Photographic Competition

By Sana Sheikh, Programs and Education Assistant

Swing by and see the winning photographs and other outstanding entries at the JC Raulston Arboretum from September 19 through November 15, any time during the work week between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

In the youth category, Best in Show goes to Mallory Horne and her piece Lone Flower . In the adult category, Melissa Theil won Best In Show with The Unfurling. Andrew Trenholm won 1st place with Dew on a Lotus Bud , Elizabeth Prioli won 2nd place with Fanfare , Nancy Arehart won 3rd place with Compact Leaves .

A huge thank-you to our outstanding judges Melissa Southern, Brian Fullington, and Dawn Willis for their great work in determining our winners for this year's competition.

Congratulations to all of our winners! Their photographs and other judges' favorites will be on show until November 15, so don't miss out on your chance to see beautiful nature photography from this year's group of photographers!
NC State Cultural Passport Series Continues

By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director

We're delighted to let you know the Cultural Passport series will continue this year. For those of you who are new to the series, it is a mutual collaboration between four amazing NC State organizations—the JC Raulston Arboretum, Gregg Museum, NC State Libraries, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Our goal is to offer a personal experience to the kindred spirits that exist between all those who love gardens, art, books, and animals.

The 2019–2020 cultural series will include four signature events, one hosted by each organization. As friends of the Arboretum, you will receive an exclusive opportunity to attend these signature events. Be sure to get your tickets early as space will be limited. We hope you enjoy the unique experiences offered by the NC State Cultural Experience Series!
 
NC State Cultural Passport Series Explores Hunt Library After Dark

Join Friends of the Library for Library Libations: Hunt Library After Dark!
Come and explore the technology and spaces that make Hunt Library the top research library in the world. Experience virtual reality, drawing with a remote-controlled robot, 3D printing, and more! Enjoy a beverage on the terrace overlooking Lake Raleigh while socializing with your peers.

When: Friday, October 11, 2019 – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Where: Skyline Terrace at the James B Hunt, Jr., Library

To take advantage of this free Cultural Passport opportunity, select "Friends of the Library Member" as your membership option and "Free-Friends of the Library Member Ticket" as your ticket selection. Register early as tickets are limited.

New Belgium in the event sponsor and delicious appetizers will be provided by MOFU. Beer and wine will be available for attendees 21 years or older.

We hope you enjoy this insider's glimpse into the astonishing world found at the NC State Libraries.
Upcoming Events

"The Year Begins Anew"
Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
Tuesday, October 1 – 1:00 PM

Bryce Lane, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and Lecturer Emeritus, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University
Mondays, October 7 through November 4 – 6:30 PM (Continued from September. No class on Monday, October 14.)

Saturday, October 5 – 9:00 AM

Daisies: Flower Garden Friendships
Saturday, October 5 – 10:00 AM

Volunteer Tour Docent
Sunday, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 – 2:00 PM

"Hentopia: Create a Hassle-Free Habitat for Happy Chickens"
Frank Hyman, Cottage Garden Landscaping
Thursday, October 10 – 7:30 PM

Pumpkin Spice
Friday, October 11 – 10:30 AM

Fall Gardening
Saturday, October 12 – 9:00 AM

Preston Montague, Landscape Designer and Botanical Illustrator
Saturday, October 12 – 10:00 AM

Fall Science
Wednesday, October 16 – 10:00 AM

Fall Science
Thursday, October 17 – 10:00 AM

Bob Payne, Wake County Extension Master Gardener
Saturday, October 19 – 9:00 AM

Cohosted by the Piedmont Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society and the JC Raulston Arboretum
"Gardening Adventures in Great Britain and Ireland"
David White, Piedmont Chapter Member
Saturday, October 19 – 10:00 AM

"Top Tips for Photographing Fall Color"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography
Wednesday, October 23 – 10:00 AM

Bryce Lane, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and Lecturer Emeritus, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University
Saturday, October 26 – 9:00 AM

"Composting Tips and Troubleshooting: Give Your Compost Pile a Boost"
Monica Gaal, Wake County Extension Master Gardener
Monday, October 28 – 10:00 AM

✽Denotes a children's program.

Many programs require advance registration. Please register early to reserve your spot.

Save the Date

A Magical Lighting Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.
Tuesday, November 5 - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM 
Tickets on sale for members on Tuesday, September 3 at 12:00 PM
 
A Magical Lighting Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.
Thursday-Saturday, November 7-9
Thursday-Saturday, November 14-16
5:30 PM-7:30 PM and 7:30 PM-9:30 PM (two timed openings)
Tickets on sale for members on Tuesday, September 3 at 12:00 PM

Saturday, January 18, 2020 through Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Coming Attractions

By Nancy Doubrava, JCRA Volunteer
Chrysanthemum 'Sheffield Pink'
chrysanthemum
Rhododendron 'Conlef'
Encore Autumn Cheer azalea
Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'
leopard plant
Salvia elegans 'Golden Delicious'
golden pineapple sage
Heteropterys glabra
redwing
Helianthus sp.
perennial sunflower
Crinum 'Sangria'
crinum-lily
Acer saccharum 'Flax Mill Majesty'
sugar maple
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Propzam'
Prophet Kousa dogwood
YouTube Channel Update

By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator

Six new videos were recorded in September and posted to our YouTube Channel . Look for them on our channel or click the graphics below.

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.
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 kbwall@ncsu.edu or (919) 513-7004.
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.