JC Raulston Arboretum e-Update
September 2021
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Your Monthly News and Updates |
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Director's Note
By Mark Weathington, Director
The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change synthesis report was a sobering look at what we've done to our planet. The report summarized all of the scientific knowledge to date and used the most advanced modeling systems. The evidence that climate change is driven by human activity is simply no longer even debatable. Much like the old horticultural saying, "The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago, the next best time is today," we should have been more active in combating our carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions for the past few decades but that doesn't mean we can't start doing more now.
Gardeners have always been at the forefront of environmental movements. We plant trees and create compost and build the soil—all of which captures carbon. The JCRA is embarking on a new round of strategic planning—look for a survey to gather your thoughts on how and what we are doing in the not-too-distant future—and rest assured, sustainability will be an area that we address. We plan to do our part to make a change and we'll be letting you know ways, big and small, that you can help as well. After all, it isn't about saving the planet, Earth will be just fine in the long run. It's about saving ourselves.
See you in the garden.
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Children's Program Update
By Carly Dressen, Development Assistant, and Elizabeth Overcash, Children's Program Coordinator
Summer is coming to an end, and we are grateful for a summer full of children’s programs at the JCRA! This summer we hosted eight week-long camps for preschoolers through rising 8th grade students with the exciting topics below:
- Preschool campers searched the gardens for frogs, butterflies, bees, and other critters.
- Elementary aged campers created art inspired by the garden, were detectives that tracked down the Mixed-up Gardener and learned from all the mixed things the gardener did in the gardens, and cooked up some yummy recipes using fresh produce from the garden.
- Middle school campers spent the week building with bamboo in the gardens with Justin Durango from Garden Harmony, learned about hydroponics from Brie Arthur, and got to make a hypertufa container with Beth Jimenez and Amelia Lane from Lasting Impressions.
We want to say a special thank you to all of our guests who helped out to make it a summer to remember!
Other ongoing children's programs available all year round are our I Spy! Tours and Garden Activity Kits. I Spy! Tours are small group tours on Thursdays that give families a chance to come into the gardens and learn about butterflies and bees; flowers or birds; and new for the fall, leaves and trees and seeds on the move. Garden Activity Kits topics have included butterflies, bees, water, and vegetables in our garden. Each kit combines plants, hands-on activities, and a book so families can enjoy our programming at home. Kits are available in limited quantities so don’t wait to purchase yours!
If you would like to support the youngest members of our community, please consider donating to the Children’s Program. For any questions, please contact Alycia Thornton, director of development, at alycia_thornton@ncsu.edu or (919) 515-7068.
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Lunar Eclipse
By Mark Weathington, Director
We had planned, we had hoped, we had even begun purchasing materials but rising COVID-19 cases in North Carolina mean that we will not be putting on Moonlight in the Garden in 2021. While being outdoors is among the safest spots you can be, the possibility that the state, county, or university might limit outdoor gatherings again is too great a gamble for us and our partners. Significant investment in resources as well as staff and volunteer time are required for nearly two months before the event itself. You trust us to be wise stewards of your financial support and we simply feel this is not the most prudent course for us as the numbers once again rise.
We still want to see you, and, to that end, on September 14 and October 11, we will extend our opening time to 7:30 PM to provide the opportunity for an evening stroll through the garden. I'll be here along with much of the staff and we hope to see you at one or both of those dates to enjoy the garden in the cool of the evening. Both dates will have some fun extras including the kick-off of our Fantasia fall display in September and a plant sale in October.
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Coming Soon
Fall Fantasia in the Garden
Presented by the JCRA Ephemeral Arts Committee
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How You Can Get More Plants This Fall
By Kathryn Wall, Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
Fall is a wonderful time to be a member of the JC Raulston Arboretum because we have two ways to get more plants into your life! Current plans are to hold the Annual Plant Distribution in person on Saturday, October 2. We will be making modifications to spread out plants and people waiting and participating in this outdoor event which is a member favorite. If something changes with COVID-19 restrictions, we will notify you as soon as possible. Make sure your membership will be current to participate.
The dream of cooler days is bringing anticipation for fall planting. In October, our Fall Preorder Plant Sale can help you find some rare and unique plants for your garden. Arboretum members get to shop first and have the best selection. All orders and payments will be made online. Pick up will be held in late October at the Arboretum (no shipping available).
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September Wish List
By Mark Weathington, Director
Every gift—big or small—helps us make the JC Raulston Arboretum a better place. Please consider investing in the items we need most.
Defibrillator for the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center – $2,000
Like bringing an umbrella on a day out, we hope having this potentially life-saving piece of equipment will mean we never have need of it but we sure would like it just in case.
GPS Receiver with One Centimeter Accuracy for Mapping and Recording Plants – $3,500
The first thing we teach interns is the definition of a botanic garden—a documented collection of plants. The documentation and recording is key to the long-term research and getting plants mapped accurately is one of the first steps.
Webcams with Built-in Speakers and Microphones – $150 (×2)
We've learned we can be very effective working from remote locations but not all of our staff computers have cameras and microphones. We'd love to see their expressions and hear their input during meetings, and, perhaps more importantly, it would allow Doug to give a presentation from his own computer.
Contribute by phone by calling Kathy Field at (919) 513-0264. For more information, please contact Carly Dressen at (919) 515-1680 or cadresse@ncsu.edu.
Contribute by check made payable to NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc., and mail to:
JC Raulston Arboretum
Fall Wish List
Campus Box 7522
Raleigh, NC 27695-7522
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Fall Educational Programs
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
The JCRA has something to offer for everyone looking to get the most out of their fall this year. Join us for in-person and online educational programs that are sure to make your skills bloom! And our Recreational Tree Climbing program returns, too. Spaces are limited in these programs so register today to reserve your spot.
Crepe Myrtle Pruning Class and Demonstration
"A Tale of Love, Murder, and Proper Pruning"
Basil Camu, Leaf & Limb
Saturday, September 25 – 9:00 AM
You are probably familiar with the term crepe murder (and if you are not, all the more reason to attend this class!). But what can you do to avoid crepe murder? In this class, we will use the crepe myrtle as a vehicle to teach the basics of pruning. We will focus basic terminology and biology, the three basic cuts, and the overall goal of pruning. The difference between expert pruning and everything else is knowing what to prune—and how the plant will react to each cut given all existing conditions—in order to achieve a specific goal.
Recreational Tree Climbing at the JCRA
Open to Youths and Adults
Patrick Brandt, Piedmont Tree Climbing
Saturday, September 25 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
Recreational tree climbing is coming to 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 you never have before. Patrick Brandt, founder of Piedmont Tree Climbing, will provide all the needed gear and instruction. Before you know it you'll be 40' to 50' high in the canopy experiencing a view that few humans ever enjoy.
New Naturalism: Site-specific Planting Design in Home Gardens
Kelly D. Norris, Horticulturist and Author
Wednesdays, September 29 through October 13 – 6:30 PM
This is a three-part, plant-driven class that introduces participants to the concepts of site-specific planting, particularly in the home landscape. Plantsman and planting designer Kelly Norris unpacks plant community archetypes that home gardeners can use as recipes and strategies for wilder, ecologically resilient plantings. Participants will learn about a range of plant communities with a focus on those relevant to the southeastern United States, the ecological properties that define them and how to translate them into gardening practice. The course ends with a primer in ecological planting design that reframes plant combinations around properties related to plant architecture, biology and their relationship to place.
Photography Walk
"Controlling Image Sharpness"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography
Thursday, September 30 – 1:30 PM
Our eyes naturally go to areas of sharpness in a photograph so we can use a mix of sharpness and blur in a photograph to direct the viewer's eye and tell the story of an image. Mary Louise will explain how we can adjust camera settings to control where there is sharpness (AKA depth of field) in an image. Then we'll practice shallow and deep depth of field techniques by photographing the trees, plants, and flowers in the Arboretum.
All About Pruning: Theory, Tools, Technique, and Timing
Bryce Lane, NC State University
Mondays, October 11 through November 1 – 6:30 PM
Pruning is a garden task that all gardeners want to know more about. This four-week class covers all things pruning; theory, tools, technique, timing, specialized pruning methods, and more! After taking this class, you will be able to handle most all your plant pruning needs!
Exploring the Diversity of Camellias
Brie Arthur, Author, Horticulturist, and Lifelong Home Gardener
Thursday, October 21 – 6:30 PM
Join camellia enthusiast, propagator, and grower Brie Arthur for an inspiring program featuring a Southern favorite, the irresistible camellia. Brie will share insights on how to cultivate camellias in zones 7–9 for high impact interest through the fall, winter, and spring. Discover tips on site selection, soil improvement, fertility needs, pruning, and home propagation methods as well as favorite fall and winter blooming varieties. From ancient varieties to modern hybrids, this program will provide attendees with the knowledge needed to be successful at growing camellias.
Fern Propagation Workshop
Bob Payne, Wake County Extension Master Gardener
Saturday, October 23 – 9:00 AM
Learn about the reproductive cycle of ferns and how to propagate them from spores in this hands-on workshop. Participants will be introduced to terms like gametophyte and sporophyte and will clean and sow spores and divide gametophytes and sporophytes. Each participant will take home a variety of ferns in various stages of development.
Photography Walk
"Top Tips for Photographing Fall Color"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography
Thursday, October 28 – 10:00 AM
As the leaves start to turn fall colors, we are inspired to capture their glory in a photograph. Mary Louise will explain her tips for how to best capture the color of the season from what photography equipment to use, to successful techniques, and advice on where and when to go to locations convenient to the Triangle area. We will then practice in the gardens of the Arboretum.
Propagating Woody Plants from Seed
Bryce Lane, NC State University
Saturday, October 30 – 9:00 AM
One of Bryce Lane's favorite gardening activities is plant propagation. He loves to divide plants, take cuttings, and he even dabbles in layerage, but propagating woody plants from seed is often overlooked. Come attend a class totally devoted to understanding how trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers reproduce from seed and how we, as gardeners, can take advantage of that science to propagate new and interesting plants. We will talk all about what woody plant seeds need to germinate, how we can overcome dormancy and take advantage of the diversity that comes with propagating plants from seed.
The Nature of Drawing: Fall Studio
Preston Montague, Landscape Designer and Botanical Illustrator
Saturday, October 30 – 9:00 AM
Botanical illustration is a powerful tool for understanding and communicating nature's design. Whether for scientific exploration, self-expression, or both, botanical illustration gives us an opportunity to document those moments in nature that inspire us. Join artist and landscape architect, Preston Montague, for a drawing course exploring fundamentals of drawing, as well as skill development for more experienced artists in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
COVID-19 Guidelines
In-person programs are scheduled under the assumption we can meet together in groups at the time of the program's start date. If NC State or the state have any COVID-19 safety guidelines in place at that time, everyone in attendance will be required to follow them. If meeting in person in large enough numbers indoors isn't permitted at the time of the program, we will conduct the impacted program entirely outdoors or online if possible. In some cases, we may need to cancel a program due to restrictions.
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Time to Evaluate
By Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
There is great value in visiting other gardens whenever the gardens under your charge are having a down time. This to see what plants were at their best that might be used to bolster your own displays and provide flowers for pollinators. Late summer/early fall can be a challenging time to have magnificent displays. Summer plants are nearing exhaustion and the glorious plants of fall have not yet started. This is a great time to evaluate the plants in the JC Raulston Arboretum's Color Trials to determine which plants are still putting on a show.
Historically, the Color Trials focused on annuals. Most of these annuals were ornamental selections, though edible ones have also always been a part. In recent decades, herbaceous perennials have become a significant part of the trials.
The plants entered in the trials come from growers around the country and beyond. The JCRA does not select what gets planted so it really is a trial of the newest introductions. Planting occurs in late April or early May. The weather then might still be moderate, but summer arrives early here, and some plants quickly die with the arrival of summer's heat and humidity. These selections would only succeed in areas with very mild summers.
True annuals, those plants with a one-year life cycle of germinating, flowering, producing seed, and dying are often tired by this time. They have accomplished their goal in life of reproducing (producing seed) and do not need to continue. Often, the best "annuals" are the frost-tender perennials (plants that are truly perennial (living for multiple years) if grown in a frost-free environment). Being true perennials, if not winter hardy ones, they are programed to keep on growing. Many originate from hot, humid tropics of the world, so they thrive in our summers.
So, visit the JCRA and other gardens this month and next to see what plants could bolster your late season displays. And join us on the JCRA midweek program on September 15 at 3:00 PM when we look at the best of the plants in the Color Trials.
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Upcoming Events, Programs, and Sales
Daily at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center
In Person
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
"Pollinator Plants for the Home Garden"
Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
Online
Wednesday, September 1 – 3:00 PM
In Person
Friday, September 3 through Thursday, September 9 – 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
"Pollinator Plants for the Home Garden"
Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
In Person
Tuesday, September 7 – 9:00 AM
"Beautiful Harvest—Landscape Plants with Edible Fruits"
Mark Weathington, Director
Online
Wednesday, September 8 – 3:00 PM
In Person
Tuesdays, September 14 through November 16 – 12:00 PM
In Person
Tuesday, September 14 – 4:30 PM
"Highlights of the Summer Color Trials"
Bernadette Clark, Bedding Plant Trials Coordinator, and Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager
Online
Wednesday, September 15 – 3:00 PM
In Person
Thursday, September 16 – 9:30 AM
In Person
Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18 – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday, September 19 – 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Cohosted by the Piedmont Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society and the JC Raulston Arboretum
"Gardens Inspired by Gertrude Jekyll and the Cottage Garden Style"
Mariel Tribby, Missouri Botanical Garden
Online
Saturday, September 18 – 10:00 AM
"Propagating Tender Perennials for Overwintering"
Tim Alderton, Research Technician
Online
Wednesday, September 22 – 3:00 PM
In Person
Thursday, September 23 – 9:30 AM
In Person
Friday and Saturday, September 24 and 25 – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday, September 26 – 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
"A Tale of Love, Murder, and Proper Pruning"
Basil Camu, Leaf & Limb
In Person and Online
Saturday, September 25 – 9:00 AM
Open to Youths and Adults
Patrick Brandt, Piedmont Tree Climbing
In Person
Saturday, September 25 – 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM
Hosted by the Eastern North Carolina Iris Society in Cooperation with the JC Raulston Arboretum
In Person
Saturday, September 25 – 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
JCRA Staff
Online
Wednesday, September 29 – 3:00 PM
Kelly D. Norris, Horticulturist and Author
Online
Wednesdays, September 29 through October 13 – 6:30 PM
In Person
Online
Thursday, September 30 – 9:30 AM
"Controlling Image Sharpness"
Mary Louise Ravese, Bella Vista Photography
In Person
Thursday, September 30 – 1:30 PM
✽Denotes a children's program.
Many programs require advance registration. Please register early to reserve your spot.
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Coming Attractions
By Nancy Doubrava, JCRA Volunteer
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Zephyranthes 'Lily Pies'
rain-lily
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Passiflora 'Monika Fischer'
hybric passion flower
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Gardenia jasminoides 'Leeone'
Jubilation Cape jasmine
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Hibiscus cubensis
Cuban rose allow
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Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'
contorted hardy orange
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Lycoris albiflora
white surprise-lily
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YouTube Channel Update
By Christopher Todd Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator
Five programs were recorded in August and all were posted to 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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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.
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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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