Chile in Seattle
1)  Alstroemeria sp.

Commonly called Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas.
The genus was named after Swedish baron, Claus von Alstroemer (1736-1794) by his close friend, Carolus Linnaeus.
Beautiful drifts grace the Chilean Gateway.

2)  Gunnera tinctoria

Sometimes referred to as Chilean rhubarb or dinosaur food.
The leaves can grow up to 2.5 meters across.
Several large clumps dot the Chilean Gateway hillside. 

1)  Callistemon sieberi            (Alpine Bottlebrush)

This small, spreading shrub is currently showing off its creamy-yellow flowers in bottlebrush-like spikes.
Native to Australia, C. sieberi can be found along the footpath of the Australian Entry Garden within the Pacific Connections Garden.

2)  Cytisus battandieri            (Pineapple Broom)

Sometimes referred to as Argyrocytisus, this genus of Brooms fall within the family, Fabaceae.
Native to Morocco, C. 

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes summer hours at the Miller Library. The library will be opening at noon on Mondays (instead of 9am) starting June 17. Monday morning hours resume on September 23. We will be closed Saturdays, starting July 6. Saturday hours will resume September 7. We will also be closed July 4th and 5th for Independence Day. 

1)  Illicium henryi     (Henry’s Star Anise)

This Chinese Illicium is a standout of the genus, as most anise have white or cream-colored flowers.
I. henryi can be found along the foot path of the Sino-Himalayan Hillside as well as along the Ridgetop Trail, just west of the Magnolia Collection.

2)  Kalmia latifolia     (Mountain Laurel)

This under-used Rhododendron relative is native to the eastern United States. 

 
 
 
1)   Aesculus x carnea    ‘Fort McNair’

A hybrid between A. pavia and A. hippocastanum, it probably originated as a chance hybrid made by insects in 19th-century Germany.
Selected at the fort of the same name in Washington, D.C., flowers are pink with a yellow throat.
It can be found on Azalea Way, across from the Woodland Garden.

 
 
2)   Buddleja globosa

A species of flowering plant endemic to Chile and Argentina, where it grows in dry and moist forest. 

Free weekend walks for the month of May will feature many special flowers in our collection – like this small shrub, the Calycanthus x raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’ which sits outside the Graham Visitors Center.

1)   Acer circinatum (Vine maple)

Taken for granted around here, this time of year our vine maple is most eye-catching in flower.
Located throughout our native matrix as a deciduous forest understory tree.
Vine maple is native to the North American west coast from British Columbia to California.

2)   Acer cissifolium   (Vine-leaf maple)

Despite their similar common names, vine maple and vine-leaf maple could hardly be more different. 

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?

These enthusiastic, thoughtful and genuine folks are our Garden Guides for the UW Botanic Gardens Summer Camp at the Arboretum. They are charged with creating fun, educational, nature-based experiences for our campers. They have our 230 acre nature oasis to work with, their own experience and excitement to bring to the table, and a host of materials and curriculum to support their endeavors. 

If you and the kids are looking for a fun way to enjoy the sights and smells of the season, stop by the Graham Visitors Center and pick up a Spring Scavenger Hunt clue sheet