Now it’s easy to access select archive documents.

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.  

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.                      

Beautiful primroses will brighten the damp areas of the garden.

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.  

1)   Ostrya carpinifolia                Hop Hornbeam

This small-to-medium-sized tree (40-50’) is native to southern Europe and southwestern Asia.
The common name refers to the fruit which resembles the fruit of Humulus (Hops).
Ostrya is from Greek, meaning “bone-like” in reference to the trees dense hard wood.
Located north of East Foster Island Road, east of the Broadmoor entrance.

2)  Picea mariana ‘Doumetii’                Doumet Black Spruce

This selection of Picea mariana is a popular slow-growing shrub with blue green needles and a dense conical growth habit. 

Happy Mother’s Day!
1)  Philadelphus coronarius

Native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, this shrub is located within the Sorbus Collection. It is perhaps the best-known species of mock orange in gardens because of its sweet smell. The fragrance of its flowers is pleasing out-of-doors, but may become too strong if the plants are numerous or near sitting room windows.
Philadelphus is a member of the plant family, Hydrangeaceae. 

The exquisite flower buds on this North American native shrub look like dots of frosting on a decorated cake.

The stories of people and plants are intricately intertwined.  The plants of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens have many stories to tell, and here are just a few to wet your whistle.  Explore our website at to look up and locate plants in the Arboretum and learn more of our stories.

1)  Abies grandis – Grand Fir                “Fir Above It All”

This particular tree has witnessed the entire history of the Washington Park Arboretum.  

Catherine began volunteering to lead adult tours and youth programs for the UW Botanic Gardens in 2006 and in 2011, she received the Brian Mulligan volunteer of the year award.
More recently, she became employed part-time as a Tour Program Assistant, leading tours, training and coordinating volunteer guides, and contributing to the UW Botanic Gardens blogs. Adding to her long list of skills, Catherine also now helps with the adult education program, setting up private group tours, driving the tram and helping to lead youth and family programs.