by John A. Wott, Director Emeritus
For every creature – plants, animals, or people – there is a season. They are germinated/born, develop from juveniles into adults, usually produce progeny, grow into old age, and then succumb. In the plant kingdom, there are various ways in which plants reproduce, both sexually and asexually. In humans, we pass along our genetics, our ideas, and plans to successive generations. 

At the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, we rely on volunteers–over 500 of them– to keep daily operations afloat.
Volunteer Carolyn Scott works in the administrative heart of the Gardens, helping Manager of Administrative Services Carrie Cone with record-keeping, mailing, filing and data entry.
Born in 1921, Carolyn came to Seattle from Virginia in her early 30s with husband David who accepted a faculty position with the (then) College of Forestry at the UW. 

Imagine you see that a campfire has ignited some of the dry leaf litter nearby and no one but you is around.  Most of us would know enough to either try to put the fire out, or quickly alert officials to get to the scene.  With such early detection and quick action, it is quite possible to avoid an out of control fire that burns thousands of acres. 

1)  Colutea orientalis                Bladder Senna

This deciduous native of northern Iran has delicate bluish-green pinnate leaves.
The orange flowers are followed by surprising translucent bladder-like fruit pods.
You can find Colutea orientalis in the Legume Collection along Arboretum Drive.

2)  Hydrangea macrophylla  ‘Mme. Emile Mouillere’ Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla is native to Japan.
This cultivar is an example of the Hortensia group – having mophead flowers. 

1)  Cunninghamia lanceolata                (Chinese Fir)

Bluish evergreen foliage contrasts nicely with its scaly bark.
This evergreen tree from China is an important timber tree in its native area.
In 1701, James Cunningham (one of the first European plant hunters to visit China) described and collected this tree.

2)  Hydrangea integrifolia                                                      (Evergreen Climbing Hydrangea)

A vigorous, evergreen vine climbing to over 40 feet, on the trunk of a mature Douglas Fir. 

by John A. Wott, Director Emeritus
In the early days of the Washington Park Arboretum, the Arboretum Club House and Floral Hall exhibit space was the venue for many flower shows, exhibits and functions.  It was the only facility where public functions could be held in the Arboretum.
 
On April 7, 1968, a fire was discovered at 7:00 a.m. in the Club House.  

By Josh Furman
I love the way that a little char, salt and pepper can bring out the best of summer produce! When I am stumped with how to best use my CSA vegetables, I oftentimes put them on the grill, and pack everything into containers for use later in the week.
For all of these recipes, you will slice your vegetables, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 

Monocotyledons, commonly referred to as monocots, are flowering plants whose seeds typically contain only one embryonic leaf, or cotyledon.  A quarter of the world’s known plants are monocots. They are the most economically important group of plants to humans today in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and fiber industries.  Here are a few samples of monocots in our plant collections.
1)  Allium schubertii                                                                            (Ornamental Tumbleweed Onion)

Dried seed heads look like starry tumbleweeds or shooting star fireworks
Located in the Soest Herbaceous Display Garden, bed 6 at the Center for Urban Horticulture

2)  Austroderia richardii syn Cortedaria r.                      

By Josh Furman
The first CSA box truly gave us an opportunity to eat fresh, and this recipe allows you to use up a number of items that will continue appearing in your box. This salad comes together in a flash, and is great for midweek. A bright dressing, fresh herbs, and different textures make this a fun salad to eat on the side or a substantive entree with the addition of a protein. 

by John A. Wott, Director Emeritus
Currently there are many physical changes occurring in the north end of the Washington Park Arboretum, due to the construction of new SR-520 bridge. Local residents often remark that these changes will “disfigure” the natural landscape which has always been there. The truth is, this area has been greatly changed and altered over the past one hundred years, ever since the level of Lake Washington was lowered.