By John Wott, Director Emeritus
In those divisive times of the late 1960’s and 1970’s, many new ideas began to form regarding how to live on, properly use, and safeguard the resources on our earth. This included groups from the “flower children” to academics. Learned horticulturists, botanists, and academics in the Northwest created a plan which called for the creation of a new academic unit at the University of Washington to be called the Center for Urban Horticulture. 

The Fragrance Garden at the Center for Urban Horticulture is being refreshed with help from partner the Seattle Garden Club. The declining stripe bark maple will be removed and new scented plants will be added.
Manager of Horticulture David Zuckerman said the Acer capillipes has been declining for years. David explained: “it may have verticillium wilt, but more likely to be causing the decline are symptoms of over exposure (sun, temps) during the course of its life in the entry garden. 

Pacific Coast Hybrid Irises, Yucca Filamentosa, and Hebe are just a few of the plants you’ll see in the Stormwater Garden.

On June 29, 1988, the Douglas Research Conservatory was dedicated. It was a state-of-the-art facility for plant propagation, research, and horticultural education.

The Soest Garden truly is an all-season garden. Learn how to keep your own garden looking attractive this winter with this hands-on class with Soest Gardener Riz Reyes!

The opening of the Center for Urban Horticulture in 1984 was an event that captured international attention.

As we bid adieu to soaking April showers, let’s also wish a fond farewell to over 300 hardy volunteers that helped keep our botanic gardens beautiful.

Many of us know of Henry Yesler, one of Seattle’s forefathers, but what is Yesler Swamp on the east side of the Center for Urban Horticulture?

Greetings! I’m excited and grateful to be the 2013 UBNA graduate student manager for winter and spring quarters. I will be leading volunteer groups maintaining restoration sites throughout the natural area and this season we have begun an internship program with students from Edmonds Community College!
The interns and I are working every Tuesday and Thursday through early June, so if you have any interest in getting dirty, releasing some pent up aggression on the proper objects (weeds!), and basking in the beauty of urban nature, we’re happy to have individual folks join us.   

Watch a video of volunteers and UWBG staff in action as they whip the Center for Urban Horticulture into shape.