Kruckeberg Botanic Garden’s Mother’s Day Plant Sale and Open House May 6-9
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Anemone nemorosa ‘vestal’ differs from its relatives in its burst of petaloid stamens in the flower’s center, which creates an elegant puff effect. This changes the purpose of the stamens to form rather than reproductive function, rendering the flowers sterile but long lasting in the landscape. This is an undesirable characteristic for the plant, but a boon for the gardener. Organizers call the benefit a “GardenParty” and say it’s the appropriate way to toast such a renowned horticulturist. The event on Thursday April 8 in Shoreline caps the commemoration of botanist Art Kruckeberg’s 90th birthday.
Officially, the celebration began March 21 (his actual birthday). King County Executive Dow Constantine declared it to be Art Kruckeberg Appreciation Day, honoring his contributions to conservation, horticulture, the University of Washington, Puget Sound, and many other organizations and causes. Gov. Christine Gregoire issued a proclamation lauding Kruckeberg and asking the citizens of the state to join her in celebrating his remarkable life.
In the latest official recognition, Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan has declared the week of April 4 to be Art Kruckeberg Appreciation Week. On April 8, 6-8 pm, Shoreline City Hall will be the site of a party with wine and hors d’oeuvres to honor the city’s distinguished resident. If tickets are still available, prices begin at $90. See the website for more information.
A longtime UW botany professor, Kruckeberg wrote a half dozen well-regarded books, including his classic Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest and the popular 50 Wildflower Hikes. He was also a founder of the Washington Native Plant Society, the Nature Conservancy of Washington, and the Northwest Horticultural Society.
The garden started in Richmond Beach by Kruckeberg and his wife, Mareen, over 60 years ago—now the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden—became a part of the Shoreline Parks system in 2008. The four-acre site is rich in plants native to the Pacific Northwest as well as unusual species from afar, many collected by the Kruckebergs during their worldwide travels. More than 40 bird species have been sighted in the garden. The Garden also is home to the MsK Rare Plant Nursery and offers a range of programs, classes, and volunteer opportunities.
The GardenParty is the first fundraiser by the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation. All net proceeds will go to support and maintain the Garden and expand its community education efforts. The president of the Foundation Board, Dr. Bill Schnall, said, “What better way is there to honor Art than by contributing to his garden, his legacy, this rich gift he has presented to us all?”
Schnall, a retired pediatrician who practiced 30 years in Shoreline, urged people wanting to support the Garden but who are unable to attend the party to make a donation of any amount at the website and to become a member of the Garden.
GardenParty is sponsored by Chateau Ste Michelle, Trophy Cupcakes and Urban Press.
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The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a four-acre public garden owned by the City of Shoreline. It is a unique collection of over 2,000 native and exotic plant species in a naturalistic, wooded setting. The Garden is operated by the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation (KBGF), a non-profit organization.
Thousands of visitors enjoy the Kruckeberg Garden each year, and KBGF relies on volunteer docents to guide tours and lead educational activities for these visitors.
We will talk about the Garden and the Foundation as well as the master planning process with the city of Shoreline. We’ll also take a short tour of the garden and go over our programs.
Though worth growing for its fragrance alone, this shrub also has other attributes. In the autumn, the downy gray-green leaves add some color to the garden as they turn from yellow to red. In the winter, the flowers’ pollen is a food source for hummingbirds during the cold, lean months. This remarkably tolerant shrub has few insect and disease problems, and little pruning is usually needed.
In their native habitat, Chinese witchhazels grow best in the understory or at woodland edges. They need decent soil and a blend of sun and dappled shade to reach their full potential. Plant one where you will walk near it in the winter, and enjoy!
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Plant of the Month: Holly osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus)
By Sarah Baker, Kruckeberg Garden Directror
Special to the ShorelineAreaNews English Holly (Ilex aquifolium), with its glossy evergreen leaves and bright red berries, has been valued since ancient times for its beauty during the winter season. It became part of Solstice and Christmas celebrations, and as these traditions spread around the world holly maintained its prominence as a part of holiday décor.
Holly may be a valued holiday tradition, but ecologically it’s a bit of a tragedy. Our Pacific Northwest climate is similar to its native range which allows it to thrive in our area. Birds eat the plentiful fruits, spreading them to our native forests and forest remnants in urban areas. The result is that English holly is now frequently found where it shouldn’t be; naturalizing in Puget Sound lowland forests.
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