Our native Big Leaf Maples, Acer macrophyllum, are currently covered with dangling flowers.  Right now is one of my favorite times to view these giant native trees because the effect of all these flowers in the trees is stunning.   The flower clusters are about 4 inches long and 1 inch thick and because the tree has not foliated yet, they pop out like bright yellow/green ornaments. 

“Now it will Spring forth!”
1)  Acer macrophyllum    (Bigleaf maple)

Taken for granted around here, this time of year our Bigleaf maple is most eye-catching in flower.
It’s the subtle texture of its expanding leaf that drew my attention.
Located throughout our native matrix as the dominant deciduous forest tree.

2)  Aesculus wangii

A horse chestnut classified as vulnerable in its native habitat of Vietnam. 

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Beginning as soon as the week of April 15, WSDOT will perform geotechnical investigations in the Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA). Crews will be taking soil samples and installing monitoring well equipment in and around the parking area to study soil and groundwater conditions. The information gathered helps us better understand the composition and characteristics of the ground in this area to prepare for future wetland mitigation work. 

1) Azara dentata

Native to temperate and subtropical Chile.
Bears gold spring time flowers.
Located in the Pacific Connections Chilean Entry Garden.

2) Liriodendron chinense

A smaller Chinese version of the North American native tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera).
Known for its unique leaf shape and tulip-shaped flower.
Located in the Magnolia Collection.

3) Rehderodendron macrocarpum           

A small deciduous tree native to China. 

According to Cliff Mass, UW meteorologist, our past winter of 2012-2013 was the most “boring” on record. There were no major weather events such as wind storms, artic blasts, snowfalls in the lowlands or major flooding. This was indeed good news for the UWBG horticulture staff.

The Red or Swamp Maple, Acer rubrum, is always noticed for its intense flame color in the fall, but I love these trees best right now – when they are covered in flowers prior to foliation.
From a distance the light gray bark of the tree sets off the pink & maroon flowers creating a stunning effect – it’s as if the tree is full of red fuzz.   

Pacific Connections Garden
1)  Corokia x virgata    ‘Sunsplash’

An odd shrub from New Zealand with variegated foliage and wiry, twisty branches.
This carefree evergreen tolerates some dry and looks great in containers.
Specimens can be found in the New Zealand Entry Garden.

2)  Grevillea victoriae

Fine-textured foliage, long thin flower clusters and drought tolerance make these evergreen shrubs very popular.
Also known as Royal Grevillea, it is endemic to parts of Victoria in Australia. 

In September, the UW Botanic Gardens will open an outdoor, nature-based preschool. The Fiddlehead Forest School is a play-based, exploratory and outdoor program that creates opportunities for children to develop meaningful and caring relationships with one another and the natural world.
GRAND OPENING SEPTEMBER 2013
Fiddleheads Forest School: A Nature Preschool at the UW Botanic Gardens
Take a moment to envision a three year old. 

If you have walked around Shoveler’s Pond in the Union Bau Natural Area this month you have seen the area undergoing a flurry of activity from plowing to bulldozers moving dirt.