Supo Techagumthorn
Some love it. Others hate it. Few are in between. Introducing, the most polarizing plant of all: the cilantro. While its leaves have taken up most of the limelight, the plant’s aromatic roots have been almost forgotten by the culinary world.
Not anymore.
We’re here to share some delicious cilantro root recipes that will be irresistible to even those who detest cilantro. 

By John A. Wott, Director Emeritus

Since its founding 35 years ago, the Center for Urban Horticulture (now a part of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens) has produced numerous students, staff, and faculty who have continued on to illustrious horticultural careers. A few days ago, I received this photograph of Dr. Harold B. Tukey, Jr., founding director, and associate professor James R. 

Cyrena Thibodeau, one of this year’s student staff members, wrote up an update about what’s happening on the farm!
Greetings UW farm fans! Here’s a glimpse of what is going on at the UW the farm in August:
What we are growing at both of our sites hasn’t changed much from our last update but we are harvesting peppers, eggplants, okra, tomatoes, parsley, dill, cut flowers, basil, cilantro, onions, bush beans, lettuce, cutting greens, chard, kale, collards, cukes, summer squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, cured garlic, fennel, and leeks will be ready soon! 

Bradyn Kawcak, one of our student staff members, writes about what he’s been working on at the farm.
Over the summer I have been working as an intern with the UW Farm, where I have been constantly growing and selling delicious produce every week. Seeding, planting, making beds, weeding, repairing irrigation and harvesting are just a few of the daily tasks I am responsible for.  

1)  Clematis afoliata

Native to the dry, eastern side of New Zealand.
Now growing in our New Zealand Focal Forest.
Eventually becomes a wiry mound with fragrant spring flowers.

2)  Hakea epiglottis

Native to Tasmania and growing outside our Education Office.
Hakea needs sun and dry, infertile soil.
The round “stems” are true leaves despite their appearance.

3)  Phyllocladus aspleniifolius

Another Tasmanian native, this tree prefers moist lowlands. 

This post is brought to you by our summer communications volunteer, Saffron Hefta-Gaub. Saffron is a sophomore at the Bush School in Seattle, Washington, and we are delighted to share her perspectives on UW Botanic Gardens’ spaces and programs. 
July 23, 2015

The “Lake, Lattice, Stone: Requiem for a Garden” artist’s reception I went to on this day offered not only a unique opportunity into art, but also insight into the Elisabeth C. 

How does a teenager experience a tour of the Washington Park Arboretum? Read about it first-hand from our summer communications volunteer.

Here at the UW Farm, we make our own compost, combining different types of dead plant material and animal manure to create just the right ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen needed for effective composting. Temperature is used to monitor the composting process, and the compost pile gets turned every so often to add oxygen and keep things running. The finished product is the fully decomposed, nutrient-rich compost that both plants and farmers love. 

Featuring a Selection of Trees at the Center for Urban Horticulture

1)  Acer japonicum  ‘Aconitifolium’                         Fern Leaf Maple

Grove of six located in McVay Courtyard
Planted in 1986, original design element for McVay Courtyard
Beautiful leaf texture with extraordinary fall color
The most iconic tree at the Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH)

2)  Cedrus deodara             Deodar Cedar

Two mature specimens located at northeastern entrance to Event Lawn (x from Greenhouse)
The only conifers remaining from pre-CUH development
Probably planted post-war years (1950s) for UW married student housing

3)  x Chitalpa tashkentensis  ‘Morning Cloud’                                                                           Morning Cloud Chitalpa

An inter-generic cross between Catalpa bignonioides and Chilopsis linearis
A hardy drought tolerant tree currently in flower, hence its cultivar namesake
Several specimens located in bed along NE 41st Street, west entrance to CUH. 

We may focus on spring blooms and fall color in the garden but don’t neglect your summer features! There is a hidden trove of summer colors, textures, and blooms to be found.