JC Raulston Arboretum e-Update
November 2018
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Your Monthly News and Updates
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Director's Note
By Mark Weathington, Director
I left Raleigh with summer in full effect for a couple of weeks of plant exploration in China and returned to autumn—and a lot of buzz about
Moonlight in the Garden
. As I write this, I've just been notified that we've sold out three nights (Friday, November 9; Saturday, November 10; and Saturday, November 17) already and other nights are filling up fast. The event is a new experience for many, but others have already made Moonlight a tradition.
While we've been busy with preparations for this new tradition, we haven't forgotten about our tradition of innovative horticulture. At the recent Southern Region International Plant Propagators Society meeting in Tennessee, the undisputed star was the new 'Flamethrower' redbud from Denny Werner and the JCRA. I couldn't make the meeting but my Facebook feed and text messages were filled with colleague's pictures and comments about the plant. Expect to see this choice plant at our Gala in the Garden and Rare Plant Auction in May and then in limited numbers by this time next year.
See you in the garden.
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Over the Moon with Memberships
By Arlene Calhoun, Assistant Director
Yes, membership. We're excited to extend a warm Arboretum welcome to the 142 new members joining us just in time for Moonlight in the Garden. Arboretum members continue to be a driving force behind this garden and its success. We are thankful for the many ways you choose to support us.
Advance ticket sales are going great. We have sold out three nights, Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10 and Saturday, November 17. I expect Preview Night and Friday, November 16 to be the next sold out nights. (For those, like me, who like a few numbers, we've presold 75% of all available tickets!)
John Garner and his Southern Lights of Raleigh team have a few surprises for you. Be sure to check out the South Terrace for a little illumination fun. Neomonde Mediterranean, Carolina Brewing Company, and NC Winegrower's Association are showing their support by making our
Preview Night
one to remember by providing delectable eats and tasty beverages. Remember beer and wine will only be served on Tuesday, November 6.
Keep talking. People ar
e listening. And we are grateful.
Moonlight in the Garden
Preview Night
Tuesday, November 6
7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Ticket deadline: Sunday, November 4 at midnight.
No tickets will be sold at the gate for the November 6 Preview Night (or sold out evenings).
Limited tickets available.
Members can purchase tickets for themselves and their guests.
Entertainment
Food and Beverage
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New Plantings
By Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
The evaluation of plants at the JC Raulston Arboretum only really starts when plants get planted in the ground. And many plants have been planted this year. A few highlights are that the flowering lawn was planted several weeks ago and this Saturday five volunteers planted over 300 plants in Oak Grove and Plantsman's Woods. In addition, the self-named volunteer groups, the Border Babes and Valley Girls, have added many plants to the Mixed Border and Asian Valley, respectively. All of which has me feeling very thankful and also pondering several aspects regarding planting.
Fall is a good time to plant but I fear that the campaign to get gardeners to plant in the fall and not only in the spring has morphed into the idea that fall is the only time to plant. Frankly, I think that plants can be planted anytime provided that they can be adequately watered while they are getting established. For many of us, the time to do something/anything is when we have the time to do so. And if you are holding on to potted plants until the blessed first day of fall, you are probably watering them once a day all summer long. Watering of these same plants planted in the ground, even in the hottest part of summer, can be reduced to a once or twice a week. And when that glorious day comes that they "take," that is when they become established, watering frequency can be further reduced.
That said, there are advantages to planting in the fall. Spring soon gives way to hot weather when watering is more critical. Fall is the opposite, cooler weather means the water needs of a plant are decreasing and soils don't dry out as quickly. But never assume that a fall planted plant needs no watering at all. Certainly water a plant when first planted to settle it in. Water it once a week unless there has been a soaking rain. Fall of 2017 was very dry and I did see fall planted plants die because they were not watered. One of the most important things to learn regarding establishing new plantings is that until a new plant grows roots out into the surrounding soil it is dependent on the moisture in its root ball which can dry out even if the surrounding soil is moist so check the original root ball when determining if a good soaking is in order.
Goldie Locks must have struggled to communicate exactly what was soft enough but not too soft, or hot enough but not too hot. The soil around newly planted plants need to be firmed down so that new roots can grow into the surrounding soil, but how firm and how to communicate this? Perhaps the following analogy would be helpful. The root system of the planted plant shouldn't have to tread water in a pool of fluffed up soil, but should be in firm contact with the surrounding soil as if it was standing firmly on the bottom of the pool.
November’s
Plantmen’s Tour
will focus on the new plantings mentioned here as well as many others, so please join JCRA director Mark Weathington on November 6 at 1:00 PM.
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Don't Miss Designers Preview Night
By Sarah Alford, Former Programs and Education Assistant
Wednesdays, November 7 and 14 – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Landscape lighting is a powerful tool for landscape architects, especially in extending the usability of an outdoor space. If you are a landscape or lighting design professional, please join us for one of our Designers Preview Nights, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of our upcoming Moonlight in the Garden event. John Garner, master designer behind this incredible lighting event, will lead attendees through a tour of his creations, providing key information for professionals who wish to utilize landscape lighting, answers to common questions professionals have about landscape lighting, and the inspiration behind his vision for this wildly popular event. Don't miss these opportunities to have a personal conversation with the creator of this magical event. This preview is
only open
to landscape architects, landscape contractors, and other lighting design professionals only. Professional continuing education credit is offered.
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Meet Our Newest Intern
By Kathryn Wall, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
When you think of interns at the JC Raulston Arboretum, you think of our summer program for horticulture, landscape design, or education students. This semester, we are thrilled to have our first intern from NC State University's nonprofit studies curriculum and to offer exposure to the workings of a nonprofit public garden for course credit. I asked her to share a little bit of her story with you:
"Hi! My name is Marisa Pridgen and I'm from Rocky Mount. I am currently a senior at NC State, majoring in fashion and textile design with a concentration in fashion design and a minor in nonprofit studies. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of volunteering and nonprofit organizations through events at our church and helping out in our local community. Through the years, I began to develop a passion for the nonprofit sector and the difference it makes in our local community, country, and worldwide. During my freshman year of college, I was introduced to the nonprofit studies minor and I am so thankful that I was. Through this program, I have been able to volunteer/intern at organizations like the JC Raulston Arboretum, Habitat for Humanity Wake County, Activate Good, and others."
While Marissa's internship is only for 150 hours over the fall semester, she is making a big impact. She is coordinating the volunteers for Moonlight in the Garden
—
a huge task with over 200 volunteer positions over seven nights. With her savvy eye for design, she also has created flyers, signs, and other materials. She also has been involved with all aspects of the membership process.
In the future, we hope to extend our program to incorporate more student involvement from various fields. This is in addition to the students working with us through a program sponsored by the Provost Office. I'll be introducing those students to you in future e-Updates.
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Sponsorship Opportunities for JCRA Events and Educational Programming
By Lisa Meares, Development Program Associate
You can have an impact on
internships, children's programming, the FOA lecture series, annual events, and more
through our
2018–2019 sponsorship program
!
We are continuing to find new ways to engage the community through our events and education programs. Each event strategically targets specific audiences and we're proud of their growing reach and momentum that our donors have helped us achieve. Our educational events cover a wide range of topics for all ages. We aim to ignite their curiosity and teach appropriate topics at every stage of your horticultural journey. Please review the sponsorship categories to best determine the impact you wish to have on the JCRA.
For questions, please contact me, Lisa Meares, at (919) 515-1139 or lameares@ncsu.edu. I'd love to hear how these opportunities might fit into your vision and passion for JC Raulston Arboretum.
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Holiday Wreath Workshops
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator, and
Haleigh Swenfurth, Programs
and Education Assistant
Decorate your home for the holidays with a designer wreath that you made at the JC Raulston Arboretum. Hands-on instruction will be provided and all participants will learn to make and will create a wreath of their own to take home. All materials needed for this workshop will be provided including a vast assortment of greens from the JC Raulston Arboretum's horticultural collections for your wreath, however, participants are encouraged to bring items for their wreaths or to share. Two wreath sizes are available. The smaller wreath is ideal for doors while the larger wreath is ideal for large doors, fences, and walls.
Wine and Wreaths Workshops
Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 – 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Holiday Wreath Workshop
Saturday, December 1 – 1:00 PM-3:00 PM and 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
During our Wine and Wreaths workshops, participants enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine, and other beverages as they make a wreath to spruce up their home for the holidays.
Wreath workshops sell out every year. Register today to reserve your spot. For more information about our wreath workshops, please contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu.
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Upcoming Events
Cohosted by the JC Raulston Arboretum and the Piedmont Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society
"Madagascar, the 'Eighth Continent': A Botanist’s Delight"
Janice Swab, Retired, Meredith College
Saturday, November 3
10:00 AM
Cadettes: Tree-iffic Trees
Sunday, November 4
2:30 PM
"New Plantings from 2017 and 2018"
Mark Weathington, Director
Tuesday, November 6
1:00 PM
A Magical Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.
Tuesday, November 6
7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Wednesday, November 7
9:00 AM
John Garner, Southern Lights of Raleigh
7:00 PM
A Magical Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.
Thursday–Saturday, November 8–10 and
Thursday–Saturday, November 15–17
6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Tickets
(sold out on Friday, November 9; Saturday, November 10; and Saturday, November 17)
"Depth of Field"
Susan Bailey, Susan Bailey Photography
Thursday, November 15
2:00 PM
Where Does the Water Go?
Saturday, November 17
9:00 AM
Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Friday, November 30
7:00 PM
✽Denotes a children's program.
Many programs require advance registration. Please register early to reserve your spot.
Another Date to Remember
Thursday, November 8
9:00 AM–3:00 PM
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By Nancy Doubrava, Volunteer
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Trachycarpus fortunei
'Wagnerianus' and
Musa basjoo
hardy windmill palm and textile banana
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Acer palmatum
Dissectum Viride Group
green lace-leaf Japanese maple
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Yucca aloifolia
'Variegata'
variegated Spanish bayonet
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Acer palmatum
Dissectum Atropurpureum Group
red lace-leaf Japanese maple
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Albizia julibrissin
'Ishii Weeping'
weeping mimosa
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Yucca rostrata
Mexican blue yucca
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Acer japonicum
'Aconitifolium'
cut-leaf full moon maple
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YouTube Channel Update
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Two new videos were recorded in October and posted to our
YouTube Channel
. Additionally, one video from September was posted to the channel as well. Look for them on our 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
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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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