Ironwood ~ Fall 2011

The Never-Ending Battle Between Native and Invasive Plants

Our mild Mediterranean climate attracts many people to the Santa Barbara area, but has also contributed to the invasion by non-native plants. About 450 species of plants not native to California, but adapted to the climate, have become established in our region. Most of these non-native plants have been introduced from the Mediterranean area of Europe, either intentionally as decorative plants or unintentionally in imported materials. They now compete with our 1,500 species of native plants for water, soil nutrients, growing space, and pollinators and are a major threat to Santa Barbara County‘s biodiversity. These non-native plants alter the ecosystems they invade and can have long-term effects on soil erosion, soil chemistry, wildlife habitats, fire cycles, hydrology, nutrient cycling, and overall productivity. The effects of these invasive plants are likely to increase over time if existing populations are allowed to expand.

Nearly every plant community in our area has been invaded by non-native plants, especially in areas where the native vegetation has been damaged or removed. Battling invasive weeds, though a never-ending task, can be very rewarding when even small populations are eliminated, allowing natives to prosper again. Numerous private landowners and government and non-profit groups are working to control or eliminate invasive plants in our area. Local residents can help by volunteering for conservation focused non-profit groups, by supporting them financially, by removing weeds on their own property, and by not planting invasive species in their gardens. A list of plants to avoid can be found on the Garden‘s website http://www.sbbg.org/_ccLib/image/articles/PDF-13.pdf, along with alternative plants to use instead.

In addition to local efforts to wage war on weedy species, the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) is dedicated to increasing awareness of and eliminating invasive plants on a statewide level. During the last few years, Garden staff have worked cooperatively with Cal-IPC and others to rank the invasiveness of high-priority weedy species in Santa Barbara County and all eight of the Channel Islands, and to map their distribution in our area. So far, the approximate distribution (by topographic map quadrangles) of 139 species has been mapped in the County and it has been determined that more than 50 species which are problematic in other parts of California have not yet been observed in Santa Barbara County.

Continued on Page 9

Volume 19, Number 4 Fall 2011

Mustard (Brassica nigra)

Foreground: Ice Plant (Carpobotus) Background: Eucalyptus

2 Summer 2011

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November — February


Garden Growers Nursery: (Ext. 127)

Open on a self-serve basis during Garden Shop hours.

Staffed by volunteers 10:00am - 3:00pm daily

Class and Event Information: (Ext. 102)

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Volunteer Office: (Ext. 119)

Call for information on volunteer opportunities.

Master Gardener Helpline: (805) 893-3485

IRONWOOD

Volume 19, Number 4 - Fall 2011

ISSN 1068-4026

The Ironwood is published four times a year by the Santa

Barbara Botanic Garden, a private nonprofit institution

founded in 1926., the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

fosters the conservation of California native plants

through our gardens, education, and research, and

serves as a role model of sustainable practices. The

Garden is a Member of the American Public Gardens

Association, the American Association of Museums, and

the California Association of Museums. ©2011 Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

All rights reserved.

Board of Trustees

Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer

John M. Wiemann, Ph.D. Gary Robinson Carolyn Kincaid Henderson James O. Koopmans, CPA John Brinker Patrick Connelly Elizabeth Keate William Koonce, MD Stephen V. Masterson, CPA Charles J. Rennie, III, MD Gary U. Rollé Peter Schuyler Victor Schaff

TO OUR READERS Each hard copy of the Ironwood costs the Garden $3.40 to print and does not include the cost of staff time. Nor does it include the cost to the environment which is in conflict with our mission. Many of you have been willing to receive the Ironwood via email and we have been working towards this goal. We do not sell or share any of your information – ever.

Please support us in this effort by providing us with your email address by calling (805) 682-4726 ext. 110 or emailing [email protected].

Director’s Message

Building on our Foundation

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has a strong foundation in science, art and the practice of native plant horticulture. This dynamic mixture of disciplines, focused on the celebration of California's native plants, resulted in a vibrant institution — loved and valued in our community and beyond on many different levels. Our recent public meeting and

workshop associated with our Cultural Landscape Plan clarified how critical it is that we embrace all of these aspects.

My own background is in ecological restoration — the practice of rebuilding damaged ecosystems — and having recently returned from an international conference on the subject, I am struck by certain similarities between the practice of restoration and the challenge the Garden faces. Ecological restoration as a scientific discipline has basic techniques and principles that guide the diagnosis and treatment of damaged habitat. Early in the development of this discipline, many practitioners ignored the cultural context as their interest and focus was on the repair of "nature." Today it is understood this approach is ineffective because it ignores the cultural disturbances which continue to cause problems and also fails to capitalize on involving the local community. In engaging the community, one has the potential to change attitudes, and thereby behaviors, which will lead to a truly successful and sustainable project.

Similarly, as the Garden looks to foster the conservation of California's flora we do so by embracing both the cultural and scientific aspects of our Garden. We must continue to have a collection of plants that help us understand the flora we are seeking to protect, and arrange them in a historically significant and artful display so as to make this scientific collection accessible to our community. The power of the historic design at the Garden has inspired a love of California‘s vegetation for generations. Ensuring that this powerfully evocative design will continue to influence future generations is a critical element in achieving the Garden‘s mission to foster the conserving California‘s native ecosystems and the wonderful flora they contain. Focusing on only one of these objectives would reduce our ability to achieve either goal. Those individuals who set the foundational direction of the Garden — Clements, Bissel, de Forest, van Rensselaer, and Farrand — created a garden that remains a living example which has stood the test of time. Our opportunity now is to similarly embrace all the components that have made the Garden great in order to realize our potential as an instrument for conservation and restoration in California.

See you in the Garden,

Ironwood—Publication of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 3

Creating a Hummingbird Friendly Garden: No Feeders Needed!

If you are like most of my neighbors, you chat over the fence about your hummingbird feeder strategically hung for prime viewing by the kitchen window. The topics of favorite feeding mix, how often they should be cleaned, who refills them when you are on vacation, and which design attracts the most visitors come to mind. In an effort to simplify all things related to my garden, I am happy to report I am officially feeder-free, and yet I still have an abundance of hummers darting in, out and around my yard, thanks to some thoughtful native plant choices. My favorite is the intensely fragrant hummingbird sage, Salvia spathacea, which grows easily in both sun and dry shade. If you are getting ready for fall planting, you might consider adding some ―hummer favorites‖ to your landscape, and then sit back, relax in a favorite lawn chair or hammock, and enjoy the show!

Our Fall Plant Sale will feature many wonderful plants for attracting hummingbirds all year round. One of the SBBG staff favorites is the island bush snapdragon, Galvezia. Native to the Channel

Islands, these red-flowering shrubs produce the perfect tubular-shaped flowers that have evolved specifically to be pollinated by hummingbirds. Known to bloom almost year-round, the plant benefits from regular pinching to encourage bushy growth.

The long slender stalks of blooms on the perennial scarlet bugler, Penstemon centranthifolius, add a splash of red-orange color to any garden display for most of the summer. Plants can reach 2 to 4 feet tall when in full bloom, and provide an abundance of 1-inch-long blossoms for zooming hummingbirds. A cousin, royal penstemon, Penstemon spectabilis, has blooms in many shades of lavender and pink, and provides a beautiful accompaniment to the scarlet bugler.

As one of the bright stars of the late summer, California fuchsias are just starting to show off their abundance of beautiful red tubular flowers here at the Garden. Rather than competing for pollinators in spring, they wait until the southern migration of hummingbirds in September and October. With cultivars of nearly 50 named selections, there are low-growing choices (less than 1 foot) such as Epilobium ‗Everett‘s Choice‘, medium choices (1-2 feet tall) such as ‗El Tigre‘, and large cultivars (over 2 feet tall) such as ‗Catalina‘ and ‗Route 66‘.

Don‘t forget to add Ribes species, the currants and gooseberries, for blooms during the cooler days of December and January. Their pinkish flowers are a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds and the berries are a favorite of cedar waxwings. To observe local birds in a variety of habitats at the Garden, please join our monthly morning bird walks, with local birder Rebecca Coulter, beginning on October 19 at 8:30am. One of our greatest naturalists, John James Audubon, enchanted by their beauty, referred to hummingbirds as ―glittering fragments of the rainbow.‖ By making your garden irresistible to hummingbirds, you open yourself up to a whole new world of visual delights.

Recently Spotted in the Garden

We recently had an unexpected guest in the Cottage – a four foot long California Kingsnake – who let itself in through the open front door! This particular snake is often spotted around the building and entrance areas of the Garden, and there are at least two other kingsnakes known to live here. Kingsnakes eat rodents and other snakes, including rattlesnakes, and help us keep the populations of these nuisances under control. We welcome these beautiful, harmless animals, and consider them part of the Garden family.

WIN a Vespa LX 150 i.e.! Lighten your Environmental Footprint

Help the Garden build a greener environment and take a chance at winning a Vespa.

Drawing Tickets: $10 each

Drawing will be held at the Garden on December 16th at Noon

Winner need not be present to win.

To purchase tickets call: (805) 682-4726 ext. 102 or visit the Garden

1212 Mission Canyon Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105

FUN FACT: Did you know it only costs $9 to fill up the tank of a Vespa? (50-70 MPG)

GROWING NATIVE!

Fall 2011 4

18th Annual Holiday Marketplace Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 19 & 20, 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Enjoy a shopping experience like no other in the beautiful outdoor setting of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Our Garden Courtyard and Library will overflow with more than 30 artisans displaying their newest creations. These one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, nature-inspired products make special and treasured holiday gifts for all ages. Locally made treats with hot and cold beverages will be on hand to tempt you during the Holiday Marketplace.

The Garden Guild has been busily crafting their unique holiday wreaths, ornaments and decorations. These lovingly handmade pieces will become a beloved part of your family tradition and displayed every year. More delightful discoveries await you in the Garden Gift Shop and Nursery.

Featured Artisan: Popular craftsman and woodworker Gary Kennaley will be returning to the Holiday Marketplace with a limited number of special pieces created using wood gleaned from the Garden after the Jesusita Fire.

FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL Celebrate Fall at the Garden!

Enjoy a homestyle meal with comfort food fixins! Bring the kids for some good old-fashioned family fun: pie eating contest, face painting, pumpkin painting contest, family photo opportunities and more. Plus take advantage of the last few days to shop during our Fall Plant Sale.

Saturday October 22, 1:00pm - 4:00pm in the Meadow $20 adults, kids under 12 Free. Space is limited. Call (805) 682-4726 ext. 102 to purchase tickets.

Fall Plant Sale: Go Early…Go Native!

This year the Dara Emery Memorial Lecture and kick-off for the Fall Plant Sale – one of the Garden‘s biggest fundraisers of the year – are earlier than ever. Friday, Sept. 30th marks the first opportunity for Garden Members to purchase plants at our exclusive Preview Party and Sale (tickets and registration required).

Fall in California is like spring elsewhere, and now is the time to plant. The largest plant sale of any

native nursery between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Fall Sale will be the best spot for shopping in October. This year‘s Fall Plant Sale marks the first time the Garden Growers Nursery is selling native California plants exclusively.

The Garden courtyard will be awash with interesting, hard-to-find species ready for fall and winter planting. Look for soft, velvety groundcovers like Lotus heermanii and Artemisia ‗Davids Choice‘. Other great groundcovers, like the prostrate version of Chamise, Adenostoma ‗Nicolas‘ and Ceanothus ‗Heart‘s Desire‘ will also be for sale.

Some of the choice selections in limited numbers are Arctostaphylos catalinae, one of the island manzanitas, and A. glauca, bigberry manzanita from our own slopes. A brand new selection for the sale this year is Tecate cypress, Cupressus forbesii.

Always a tradition with the Fall Plant Sale are some lovely species rarely available in gallon pots, like flannel bush, Fremontodendron sp., island bush poppy, Dendromecon harfordii, and Matilija poppies, Romneya coulteri, just to name a few.

Especially helpful to gardeners is the extensive selection of annuals and perennials in 4-inch pots, perfect for immediate fall planting. Bulbs, including four different Mariposa lily cultivars, Calochortus sp., firecracker flower, Dichelostemma ida-maia, and more will be available, just begging to be put in the ground as the rains begin. Also look for new dish gardens and lovely new yerba buena wreaths. As always, staff and volunteers will be present to help answer any questions.

Thank you to our Fall Plant Sale Sponsors!

All Around Landscape

Marborg Industries and S & S Seeds

Aqua-flo, Cox Media, DocuProducts, El Nativo Growers, Kellogg Garden Products, KEYT-TV, Native Sons Wholesale Nursery, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara News Press, TWIW

Crop Production Services, Eye of the Day Nursery, Green Thumb Nursery, Island View Nursery, Lanspeed,

Manzanita Nursery, Matilija Nursery, Mission Linen Supply, Native Sons Nursery, Nopalito Nursery, San Marcos Growers, Suncrest Nursery, Susan Van Atta Associates, Tree of Life Nursery, and Wholefoods

Leaves of Learning

Calendar of classes, events and volunteer opportunities at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden To register for classes, visit www.sbbg.org under “classes," call 682-4726 x 102 or email [email protected].


October Specialty Tour in the Garden:

Native Plants for the Home Garden Saturday October 1, 2:00pm

Join us for this complimentary docent-led tour highlighting

some of the Garden‟s most interesting and unique features.

Reservations are not necessary.

Containers: Patio Gardening for the Black Thumb Saturday, October 8, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Santa Barbara‟s long hot summers create difficulty in

keeping our patios and decks adorned with greenery. What plants

will grow in full sun on windswept decks? And what if the same deck

is shaded in winter? What is the best way to care for them? Learn

some great choices for these difficult areas and easy tips for their

care. Our Nursery Manager, Bruce Reed, will demonstrate proper

planting techniques and students will each receive a 4-inch plant to

take home!

Fee: $25 members / $40 non-members

Fall Foliage in the American Southwest:

A Week-Long Botanical Adventure Sunday, October 9 through Saturday, October 15

Join Dr. Bob Haller, UCSB Botany Professor Emeritus, and his wife

Dr. Nancy Vivrette, on a journey to dsiscover the spectacular fall

foliage of the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks.

Transportation, lodging, and food are not included in the price.


OCTOBER Fall Plant Sale Friday, Sept. 30, 4:00pm - 8:00pm

Lecture begins at 6:30pm

Become a Garden Member and be among the first to view the

Fall Plant Sale Spectacular. Tickets to BOTH the Kick-off Party

and Dara Emery Memorial Lecture are only $50.

Fall Plant Sale Preview Kick-off Party

From 4:00pm - 6:00pm, our members are invited to enjoy local

wines and hors d‟oeuvres during this exclusive opportunity to

preview and purchase plants from the Fall Plant Sale.

Accompanied by music, wander through the selection of over

5,000 native California plants including rare and unusual offerings

in our silent auction. Staff and volunteers are on hand to answer

any questions. Tickets for this members-only event are $35.

Dara Emery Memorial Lecture Presented by Carol Bornstein: Reimagining the California Lawn

Each year, SBBG honors the horticultural

legacy of Dara Emery with this lecture.

During his 35-year tenure as a

Horticulturist, Dara launched several

SBBG programs that continue to this day,

such as the annual Fall Plant Sale, the

Garden Growers Nursery, and the Plant

Introduction Program. Some of his most

enduring introductions are Iris „Canyon

Snow‟, Salvia „Dara‟s Choice‟, and

Ceanothus „Wheeler Canyon‟. Dara‟s

breeding work produced many outstanding Heuchera cultivars, including „Canyon Delight‟, „Canyon Pink‟, and „Canyon Belle‟. His

invaluable book, Seed Propagation of Native California Plants,

remains the standard reference on the subject and is available in

the Garden Shop

For this year‟s Dara Emery Memorial Lecture, Carol Bornstein will

discuss her most recent book, Reimagining the California Lawn.

Using images from this timely new reference, she will share some

of the many design options and plant choices that await

California gardeners who are ready to remove their water-thirsty

lawns. Carol is a horticulturist, garden designer, instructor, and

writer. For 28 years, she directed horticultural operations at

SBBG and was responsible for selecting Verbena 'De La Mina',

Lessingia 'Silver Carpet' and many other native cultivars. Lecture

begins at 6:30pm; dessert reception and book signing to follow.

The lecture is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Proceeds from the event go to support the SBBG Horticultural

Internship program.

Reservations required.

Please contact the Registrar at (805) 682-4726 ext. 102; or email:

[email protected], or register online at www.sbbg.org under

“classes.” All members are invited to shop Saturday, Oct. 1,

10:00am - Noon before the public. Non-members may attend the

plant sale beginning at Noon and continuing for the entire month

of October. Come plant with us!

New Volunteer Council Representatives Elected

In June, the Volunteer Council met to elect new representatives

for the coming year. From a slate of eight nominees, Juanita Carney

and John Carson were newly-elected to two year terms. Two of

the original Volunteer Council members, Susan Mohun and Ed

Henderson had their terms extended to two years to provide

continuity for the Council. Susan is now the Council Chair, and

John has been selected as Vice-Chair. Betty Gerig, the former and

first Council chair, and Betsy Thies “retired” from the council with

our heartfelt gratitude for their commitment to the Garden.

During the June meeting, the council expressed their appreciation

for the service of Betty, Betsy, Susan and Ed and continued with an

update from Executive Director, Dr. Steve Windhager, on the

strategic plan progress. The meeting concluded with one of our

famous volunteer potlucks. The Garden is always in need of more

help; check with the volunteer office at (805) 682-4726 ext. 119 for

opportunities and meeting dates. We all look forward to the next

year of volunteer activities!

http://www.sbbg.org/

6 Fall 2011

Aerial Adventure on Santa Cruz Island Thursday, October 20, 8:30am - 5:00pm

Join us for an exciting

day trip to the west

end of Santa Cruz

Island. Participants fly

in a 9-passenger plane

from Camarillo Airport

to the airstrip near historic Christy Ranch on Santa Cruz Island.

After a short flight featuring aerial views of Anacapa and Santa

Cruz islands, take a 1.25 mile hike to one of the most

spectacular beaches on the island. Spend the day exploring the

west end of the island‟s Central Valley and learning about the

numerous plants that grow there, including several island

endemics. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Bring lunch, water, binoculars, and camera. Wear layered

clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, & bring a hat for sun protection.

Limited to 8 passengers.

Location: Meet at Channel Islands Aviation, Camarillo Airport


Trail Blazers Botanical Hike: Rattlesnake Canyon Friday, October 14, 9:00am – 11:00am

Fee: $5 all participants; reservations required

Chumash Ethnobotany: An Afternoon Walk with Jan Timbrook Friday, October 14, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Join Jan Timbrook, Curator of Ethnography at the Santa Barbara

Museum of Natural History and author of Chumash Ethnobotany: Plant

Knowledge Among the Chumash People of Southern California, for an

informal tour of the Garden‟s native plant and habitat displays. In one

way or another, virtually everything Chumash people made and used

involved plants, not only in daily activities but also in thought and

philosophy. Jan‟s book will be available for sale in the Shop.


The Amazing Oaks of California 2 Wednesdays, October 19 & 26, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Do you know the difference between black oaks, coast live

oaks, and valley oaks? The Garden provides the perfect "outdoor"

classroom to compare and contrast a multitude of oaks representing

over a dozen species. California‟s oak woodland habitats provide

home to numerous species of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Join

Dr. Robert Muller, co-author of Trees of Santa Barbara, for a walk in

the Garden as well as a presentation in the Library to learn more

about these fascinating and ancient residents of California.


Fall Morning Bird Walk with Rebecca Coulter Wednesday, October 19 New time! 8:30am – 10:00am

Be the first morning visitors in the Garden and enjoy watching the

diverse and beautiful bird species which make the meadow,

woodlands and creekside their home! Join our experienced naturalist

leader as she looks and listens for woodpeckers and quail, wrens and

raptors, and many more.


Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture: ―Every Storm is a Resource‖ Saturday, October 22, Noon – 1:00pm

Please join us for an informative lecture from author and teacher

Nate Downey, as he shares his convenient strategies for capturing

water runoff from rain, fog and dew. Nate started Santa Fe

Permaculture in 1992, and is responsible for creating award-winning

landscapes that are both beautiful and functional. His new book,

Harvest the Rain, provides practical advice and real solutions for home

owners and professionals to take control of their own water supply

and sustainable gardening practices. Nate will be signing books after

lunch and Harvest the Rain will be available for purchase in the shop.

Fee: $5 all participants / reservations required

Annuals! California’s Showboats Saturday, October 22, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Join Nursery Manager, Bruce Reed, in a visual sampling of

California‟s amazing offering of annuals.. Now is the time to start

them! After a slide show tour of the possibilities, participants will

have a chance to sow some seed to take home. Expand your

horizons and the colors in your garden!


Fall Garden Opportunities:

Join the SBBG Book Discussion Group!

The third Monday of every month from 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Free to all; We will discuss a non-fiction book on an

environmental topic. To reserve a spot or for more information,

contact Betsy Green at [email protected].

Garden Growers Training

Meets on Wednesdays from 3:00pm - 5:00pm, February 8 through

April 11, 2012. In this 10-week training course, learn the basics for

running the Garden Growers Nursery! Propagation and planting

techniques, merchandising, caring for customers, and information

on our many amazing plants will all be covered. Come and join the

Garden Growers!

Have a Gardening Question? Ask a Master Gardener of Santa Barbara County:

The MG helpline has relocated to Goleta, and has a new phone

number: (805) 893-3485. They frequently check messages and

will get back to you with answers and resources for all your home

gardening dilemmas. You can also send them an email or photo for even more information: [email protected]. To sign up for the

Spring training class, please visit their website at:

http://cesantabarbara.ucdavis.edu/Master_Gardener/

Come fly with us

mailto:[email protected]


http://cesantabarbara.ucdavis.edu/Master_Gardener/


Plant Propagation: Native Plants from Seed Thursday, November 3, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Have you had little success growing native plants from

seed? Learn about the biology of seeds, principles of seed

propagation, seed dormancy-breaking techniques, and how to use

specific tools and equipment from SBBG‟s Plant Propagator Heather

Wehnau. An essential text, Seed Propagation of California Native Plants

by Dara Emery, will be available in class for $15.


The Beautiful Native Grasses of California Saturday, November 5, 9:00am - 3:00pm

Join SBBG‟s Director of Conservation Dr. Dieter Wilken

for an introduction to the structure of grasses and the basic features

used to identify them. Learn about spikelets, glumes, and lemmas, and

find that they are not as formidable as they may seem. This class will

focus on the major patterns associated with classification using

examples from common native and alien species in the California

flora. Dr. Wilken works with endangered species in the field, and is

actively involved in conserving California‟s most imperiled plants.

Bring a sack lunch to picnic on the Garden Terrace.


The Natural History of Arroyo Hondo Preserve

with Sally Isaacson and Susie Bartz Sunday, November 6, 9:30am – 11:30am Co-sponsored by the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

and the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Sometimes called the "Jewel of the Gaviota Coast," the 782-acre

Arroyo Hondo Preserve occupies a magnificent canyon located west

of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State

Park. This old ranch is rich in early California history and has an

abundance of outstanding natural features that will be highlighted on

this moderately strenuous hike. Led by Arroyo Hondo Preserve

Volunteer Coordinator (formerly SBBG Education Director) Sally

Isaacson, and SBBG Geology instructor Susie Bartz, you will learn

much about the flora, fauna, and geology of this enchanting canyon.

We‟ll follow cool, streamside paths through the bay and sycamore trees, explore the fern-laden oak woodland, and view an impressive

diversity of chaparral flora. We‟ll pass through rock formations that

record over 40 million years of earth history and see how the

underlying geology controls soil formation, topography, and

vegetation. Marine fossils found here testify to the uplift and

deformation of ancient sea beds, millions of years ago.

Purchased from the Hollister family in late 2001, Arroyo Hondo is

now protected forever and managed by the Land Trust as a natural

and historic preserve.

Fee: $15 Volunteers from SBBG or AHP / $30 members / $45 non-

members

November Specialty Tour in the Garden: Fall Color in the Garden Saturday, November 6, 2:00pm




NOVEMBER

Fall Morning Bird Walk with Rebecca Coulter Wednesday, November 9 New time! 8:30am – 10:00am


diverse and beautiful bird species which make the meadow,

woodlands and creekside their home! Join our experienced naturalist

leader as she looks and listens for woodpeckers and quail, wrens and

raptors, and many more.


Meet the Fall Plant Families! 2 Fridays, November 11 & 18, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Mary Carroll will teach a seasonal series of plant

identification classes which focus on the plants and flowers of the

summer, fall, winter and spring. Explore blooms in the Garden and in

the classroom by looking at groupings of plant families, such as

evening-primrose, poppy, mint, snapdragon, and sunflower families.

Bring a 10x hand-lens if you have one. Class will begin with

discussion of plant terminology in the classroom.


Learning the Art of Pine-Needle Basketry: One-Day Workshop Saturday, November 12, 9:00am - 2:30pm

The Garden is proud to offer this unique opportunity to learn the

basic techniques of building a pine-needle basket using local pine

needles and raffia from professional artist Elizabeth Bear. Elizabeth

will discuss important points about gathering and preparing needles,

different pine varieties, and how to preserve them. Some of her

exquisite baskets are on display in the Garden Shop. This workshop

is limited to 10 participants so Elizabeth can provide individual

attention if needed, but an additional class may be added. Bring sharp

scissors and sack lunch.

Location: Arroyo Room / Limit: 10


DECEMBER

Fall Plant Families in the Garden Friday, December 2, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Join staff Nursery Manager Bruce Reed on a walk through

the Garden, focusing on those families covered in the Fall

Plant Families course (Nov. 11 & 18). Emphasis on field identification,

distinguishing similar species and showing typical habitats. This

relaxing outdoor class will dovetail with material presented in the

classroom.


Fascinating Geology: Mission Canyon’s Rocky Nook Park Saturday, December 3, 10:00am – Noon

How did this popular park get its name? Join Susie Bartz for an easy

walk of about 1.5 miles to learn about the interesting geologic

dynamics of this area including the Rattlesnake Canyon debris flow

and the uplift of the Riviera on the Mission Ridge Fault.


Tending Your Garden: Meet the Dirty Hands Brigade

The Garden is fortunate to have a corps of fabulous volunteers who assist staff in every facet of running the institution. We simply could not keep the doors open without the contributions of these generous-spirited people. Given that we are a garden, however, it is ironic that we have never had a consistent group of volunteers who work on the grounds. With just five full-time gardeners and 78 acres to tend, we are stretched thin and really need some help! To remedy this, we commissioned a new volunteer cadre called the Dirty Hands Brigade.

We invite you to join us in this new venture and have fun working in the dirt with other friendly and knowledgeable folks. As members, you are the Garden's biggest supporters, and in a real sense this is your garden. Dirty Hands Brigade members will reap the rewards of working closely with the Horticulture staff while learning to grow the great variety of natives in our collections. Each week the group will receive a short training session covering plant identification, landscape design, and care and maintenance techniques, and will then engage in a variety of hands-on tasks including pruning, planting, weeding, mulching, and irrigating.

The Dirty Hands Brigade musters every Tuesday from 9:00am until Noon. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat; gloves and all the necessary tools will be supplied.

For more information please call Cherie Welsh at (805) 682-4726 ext. 119 or e-mail [email protected].

8 Fall 2011

SAVE THE DATE!

9th Annual Orchid Show Event & Auction Saturday, March 17, 2012, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Each year the Garden‘s signature event is held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in conjunction with the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. The event is set amidst spectacular displays of orchids from around the world.

We are planning changes to the upcoming event from the program and ticket pricing to the entertainment and fundraising goal. We welcome new ideas! Please join the planning committee at our first meeting on Thursday, October 6th at 4:30pm in the Arroyo Room at the Garden or call Leana Orsua at (805) 682-4726 ext. 110 for information on participating in the committee.

Annual Hol iday Nature Craft Workshop for the Whole Fami ly

Saturday, December 10, 10:00am – Noon

Gather your family, friends and neighbors for this fun annual

event! Enjoy making old-fashioned crafts items using

materials gathered from nature. Sip hot cider while creating

unique wreaths, ornaments, wrapping paper, and more!

Fee: $25 per member family (up to 4), $5 per additional person

$40 per non-member family (up to 4), $7 per additional person

Fall Morning Bird Walk with Rebecca Coulter Wednesday, December 14 New time! 8:30am – 10:00am


diverse and beautiful bird species that make the meadow, woodlands

and creekside their home! Join our experienced naturalist leader as

she looks and listens for woodpeckers and quail, wrens and raptors,

and many more.


JANUARY

Plant Propagation: Cuttings Thursday, January 19, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Learn the techniques for producing plants from cuttings

from SBBG Plant Propagator Heather Wehnau. Discussion will focus

on a range of California native flora, types of cutting, timing, prepara-

tion and transplanting.


December Specialty Tour in the Garden: Beautiful Berries and Cones Saturday, December 3, 2:00pm






Ask The Expert

Q When should I plant seed for

my annuals? ~ Sue Donaym, Santa Barbara

A Soon! Fall is the right time to germinate the many,

many annuals native to California. Like most seeds in the world, the key is to keep seeds from drying out once you give them their first taste of water. The chemically sophisticated seed coats keep water away from the seed‘s dormant embryo until conditions are right for germination. Plant species have widely varying methods for breaking the coat and letting water in. For most, simply surrounding the seed with water does the trick.

Some species, like the amazing array of lupines, require some treatment before germination is possible. Their tough seed coat allows them to remain dormant in the soil for years or decades until broken by fire. Try pouring boiling water over these seeds in a glass and allow them to soak overnight. Sow them as usual the next day. Lupines, more than many plants, need protection from slugs and other nibblers to survive. For seed treatments of many California natives, see Dara Emery‘s Seed Propagation of Native Californian Plants, now in its sixth printing!

Timing is also important. Many seed coats won‘t open until a certain amount of rain has fallen. This keeps an entire generation of seeds from springing up at the first odd quarter-inch of rain and possibly dying if a dry period follows. Using the same strategy, the Botanic Garden often waits for predictions of the second significant rain of the fall before rushing to scatter seed. With more moisture in the soil, seedlings should have an easier time establishing themselves. Sowing ahead of the rain uses natural cycles to your advantage.

Sowing seed later in the winter and spring is still possible, but we see diminishing returns on the effort the closer we get to June and July. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is one species that germinates fairly well even late in the spring as long as irrigation is adequate.

Once water does reach the embryo, germination begins. As the embryo begins to grow and expand, water must remain available or the process will stop and generally not restart. So after you water your seed the first time, keep on watering! Once they have established significant roots they will not be so dependent on your irrigation. Getting your seedlings through this initial period is the most difficult part of the germination process.

Do you have questions you’d like to see answered in the Ironwood? Please send them via e-mail to [email protected] with ―Ask The Expert‖ in the subject line.

The Garden will host a plant propagation from seed class on November 3. See the Leaves of Learning Section for more information.

Invasive Plants: Continued from Page 1

Some of the worst weeds in this area can be found on the sand dunes and sandy mesas in northern Santa Barbara County. These include ice plants (Carpobrotus chilensis and C. edulis), pampas grasses (Cortaderia jubata and C. selloana), veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina), and Sahara mustard (Brassica tournefortii). Sahara mustard is the most recent non-native weed to invade our area (it was first collected here in 1975), but it is now spreading rapidly. The expansion of Sahara mustard in the California deserts (where it was first found in the 1950s) has transformed large areas from diverse native plant communities with abundant, colorful annual wildflower displays to unattractive, fire-prone monocultures of non-native weeds. With enough resources and effort, we may be able to control it.

On the Gaviota Coast, high-priority weeds that need attention include wild artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), bladder-flower (Araujia sericifera), giant reed (Arundo donax), veldt grass, and Sahara mustard. Thankfully, wild artichoke and giant reed have almost been eliminated from areas near Refugio Canyon. Bladder-flower, veldt grass, and Sahara mustard, however, are spreading virtually unchecked. Proliferating in this area along Highway 101 are fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and asphodel (Asphodelus fistulosus). These two species are also spreading along Highway 154, on the south side of the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Another recent non-native arrival in the Santa Barbara region is Geraldton carnation weed (Euphorbia terracina), which has been an ever-increasing problem in the Santa Monica Mountains since the 1980s.

If you see new weedy species in your neighborhood, please contact the Garden and let us know. We must work together to protect precious native plant communities or we will all suffer the consequences.

Bruce Reed, Nursery Manager


Preserving our Heritage

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has long

been celebrated for our native plant mission,

landscape design and natural setting. In 2003,

the Santa Barbara County Board of

Supervisors conferred Historic Landmark

status to the significant historic design concept

of seven specific elements within the Garden's

23 core acres. Since then, the Garden has

experienced controversy and disagreements

with the community and the Historic

Landmarks Advisory Commission over the

appropriateness of projects such as the

Meadow Terrace and trail paving. In an effort

to better understand and thereby preserve

the significant attributes that combine to

create the historical character of our

landscape, the Garden has recently embarked

on a Cultural Landscape Study with the goal of

producing a Cultural Landscape Plan (CLP).

A "Cultural Landscape" is a place with

significant land use history or other cultural

values. Gardens that have been consciously

designed by an important landscape architect,

or are significant examples of a recognized

style or landscape tradition qualify for

consideration as Cultural Landscapes. Portions

of the Garden‟s property are considered

significant - both for the specific contributions

to their design by renowned landscape

architects Lockwood de Forest III and Beatrix

Farrand, and for their naturalistic design style

and pioneering use of California native plants

in the landscape. The Garden is working with

Susan Van Atta and Associates and Charles

Birnbaum, founder and president of the

Cultural Landscape Foundation, to develop

the CLP. This team is analyzing historic

records to create a series of period plans which depict the layout of the Garden‟s trails,

buildings and displays during time periods that

roughly correspond to the tenure of the

Garden‟s directors.

Initial research suggests the Garden's “period

of significance” begins in 1937 with the

development of our first Landscape Master

Plan & the hiring of Maunsell Van Rensselaer

as the first full-time director, and concludes in

1950 with the death of Lockwood de Forest

III and end of Beatrix Farrand's tenure on the

Board of Trustees. The historical integrity of

our current landscape will be evaluated against the condition of the Garden during this

period. This effort is not an attempt to freeze

the Garden in time, but instead identify those

elements - such as path and trail alignment,

structural components, specific view sheds, and historic uses - that represent the critical

pieces of a great design, and to allow the

Garden to have some flexibility outside of

those areas.

The ultimate outcome of the project will be

the preparation of treatment plans which will

guide the Garden in the restoration, where

possible, and preservation of the important

elements of our landscape. It is the Garden‟s

goal to be an informed steward for the

brilliant vision of our founders while nurturing

the on-going development of the institution.

With guidance from the CLP, the present and the past will enlighten one another to create a

seamless whole.

10 Fall 2011

Member Spotlight: Owen Dell

A member of the Garden since 1974, Santa Barbara Landscape Architect Owen Dell was first

introduced to the Garden‟s walking trails and scenic landscapes as a 21-year old botany student

at Santa Barbara City College. For the next 35 years Dell‟s botanical passions evolved from

nature lover to volunteer, instructor, and sustainable landscape advocate. His devotion to the

Garden came to a screeching halt two years ago when a series of staff lay-offs followed by a

volunteer strike and increasing scrutiny over the Garden‟s building plans, caused Dell to walk

away from the place he had grown to cherish for so many years. “I did it with a heavy heart. It

was not something I wanted to do, but felt like I had to do,” he said.

Dell took a “wait and see” approach with the hope that the Garden would make some changes

in how the administration chose to handle its future financial, staff and building decisions. In

December of 2010, Dr. Steve Windhager was hired as the Garden‟s new Executive Director.

His refreshing approach towards the community and the mission of the Garden brought along a

renewed sense of optimism from so many longtime supporters who, like Dell, cared so much

about preserving the Garden‟s future. “I think Steve‟s vision of the Garden is in tune with what

the community wants. I feel so much more confident in what‟s happening there and I have

enthusiasm now to jump in and get involved again,” says Dell, who is an award-winning,

internationally recognized landscape architect. His passion and expertise have taken him across

the United States and abroad.

Dell is dedicated to educating people on the value and importance of sustainable landscaping. He sees no downside to making the transition as it

saves water, money, and labor and is better for the environment. “Sustainable landscapes produce food, create habitat for wildlife, reduce

energy consumption, and protect against wildfires,” says Dell. “Why wouldn‟t you do something that is not only beautiful and good for the

planet, but is more affordable than non-native options?” The Garden is thrilled to have members such as Owen Dell who are passionate about

conserving our natural world and support our mission to bring native plants into every home garden in our community.

To learn more about Owen Dell visit his website www.owendell.com

Judy Sanregret, the new Director of Education at the Garden, has 28 years of elementary classroom experience. She has been an Open Court Language Arts Coach, and a Science mentor teacher. She has also worked as a 21st Century Grant Coordinator, designing academic intervention programs for low-income students, and was an elected Trustee for the Healdsburg Union School District. A Southern California native, Judy graduated from UCSB with a major in Sociology and minor in

Anthropology. She is a certified Master Gardener and a Garden Docent, and teaches classes for children and families at the Garden. Ms. Sanregret is responsible for coordinating the Garden‘s educational opportunities including classes, workshops, lectures and field trips. She is working with Education Program Coordinator, Joan Evans, to increase our school programs and docent volunteer opportunities. She has been married for 31 years to her husband Sam and they have two sons.


SBBG Welcomes New Department Directors

Betsy Collins was recently promoted to the position of Director of Horticulture after working at the Garden for over 20 years as the Living Collections Manager. Betsy received a degree in Environmental Biology from UCSB in 1978. Previous to her work at the Botanic Garden, she conducted environmental impact studies of desert tortoise and rare plants on the Nevada Test Site, and blunt-nosed leopard lizards and San Joaquin kit fox on Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve. Since joining the Garden, Betsy has been particularly interested in increasing the collections of desert plants and Dudleya species. She has also spearheaded the effort to digitize and catalog the Garden‘s photographic collection, and is in the middle of a two-year project of mapping Garden plantings and creating a GIS database of their locations. With her knowledge and interest in the Garden‘s history, Betsy hopes to help shepherd the Garden into a new phase of development with collaboration and sensitivity.

Trai l s ‘n ’ Ta i ls

With the ―Dog Days of Summer‖ in full force, more than 100 adorable dogs and over 600 of their humans visited the Garden for our inaugural Trails „n‟ Tails event, generously sponsored by Camp Canine. ―We wanted to hold this event to draw attention to the fact that the Garden is always dog-friendly,‖ said SBBG Executive Director, Dr. Steve Windhager. ―Our easy-to-walk paths and beautiful landscapes are the perfect setting for leashed dogs — and their owners too.‖

Both two and four-legged guests enjoyed the day‘s activities including: 15 canine-centric vendors, a photo contest featuring OpenAir Photo Booth, the Pooch Parade, Dog Docent Tours, a caricature artist, and a drawing for some fantastic items.

Thank you to our many generous sponsors and vendors:

Camp Canine, Diamond Pet Foods, Dioji Pet Resort, Elanco Animal House, McDonald Animal Hospital, Monarch Pet Wash, Montecito Pet Shop, New Edge Dog Salon, Pet House, Sensational Pets, TJ‘s Community Dog Wash, The Walking Company, Your Pals Grooming.

―Doggie in the Meadow‖ Photo Contest:

Ida Carlson and her adorable English Bulldog, ―Harley Golonsky‖ overwhelmingly won a one-year Doggie Membership to the Garden, 30 pounds of dog food and a Doggie Gift Basket. ~ Total Value $503

“Thank you so much for the great prizes! Our family will look forward to hiking at the Botanic Garden and Harley will look forward to sunbathing and snoring in the fields! Thanks again.”

~ Ida, Andrew, Selah and Harley

Gift of Membership

Memberships make great gifts all year long. Give to a loved one, a friend or a client! Includes membership cards, gift box & gift bag

Call: (805) 682-4726 ext. 110 for more information or e-mail [email protected].

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden 1212 Mission Canyon Road Santa Barbara, CA 93105-2126 (805) 682-4726 www.SantaBarbaraBotanicGarden.org

Nonprofit

Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Santa Barbara, CA

Permit No. 451

Address Service Requested

Fall 2011 12

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Adams

Mr. & Mrs. William A. Allard Mr. & Mrs. David E. Anderson

Mr. & Mrs. Dean H. Ankeny, Jr.

Mr. Victor K. Atkins & Mrs. Victoria Hartmann Ms. Tanya Atwater Ms. Leinie Bard Ms. Jill K. Barnitz

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Dr. & Mrs. Ronald Koegler Ms. Sarah Jane Lapin-Lind Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lawson

Mr. Michael Lejeune

Ms. Francie Lufkin Mr. & Mrs. John MacFarlane Dr. & Mrs. Richard Martin

Mr. & Mrs. Marwick Mrs. Colleen Mathews Mr. David McClure

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Mrs. Virginia B. Sloan Mr. Jim Stanley & Ms. Connie Sheller Mrs. Ruth Stark

Ms. Ann Steinmetz & Mr. Steve Senesac Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart Mr. & Mrs. L. Sherman Telleen

Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Tiffney

Mr. & Mrs. B. Tighe Dr. & Dr. Kenneth W. Tucker Mr. & Mrs. Richard G. Watson

Mr. Nicholas Weber Ms. Judy L. Weisman Mrs. Yolande Whitmore

Ms. Deborah H. Winant Mr. & Mrs. Alastair Winn Mr. & Mrs. William S. Wise

Mr. & Mrs. George S. Writer Mr. Richard Yate 3 Anonymous

The Garden wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the 100 donors who contributed to our 85th Year Growing Native Spring

Appeal. Many of you responded since the last issue of the Ironwood and your additional gifts brought us to our $20,000 goal.

Thank you!

Thank you to our Donors

Documents

Ironwood ~ Fall 2011