The Rhododendron occidentale is one of two NW native Rhododendron species (the other being our Washington State Flower, Rhododendron macrophyllum).
Commonly called Western Azalea or Honeysuckle Shrub, it is found along the Pacific Coast from lower Washington to central California. This species shrub is tolerant of wet soils and can be found in wetlands and along creeks in its native environment. 

The word spring comes from the old English springen, meaning “to leap, burst forth, fly up; spread, to grow.” This is a marvelous description of what we’ve been seeing happen to the minds, hearts, and bodies of students in the forest grove these past few weeks. The new growth in the forest has paralleled a very different sort of growth among the children’s minds. 

The first major plant sale in Seattle (now called FlorAbundance) was sponsored by the Arboretum Foundation as a fund raiser for what was then the University of Washington Arboretum. The sales were originally held in a small building called Floral Hall, which later burned down.

“Seeing Red”
1)   Acer rubrum      (Red Maple)

Specific epithet, rubrum (red), refers to foliage in fall; however, flowers are red too
One of the earliest trees to flower, appearing in March, well before the leaves
Located at south end of Arboretum Drive East, against the Broadmoor fence

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2)   Camellia japonica      ‘Jupiter’

Carmine-red flowers with prominent yellow stamens on white filaments
Located along Ridgetop Trail at head of Rhododendron Glen

3)   Chaenomeles sp.      

Most visitors experiencing the beauty of our historic Azalea Way flowering cherries from now through May probably have no idea of how intensive maintaining their health and prolonging their longevity truly is for the UW Botanic Gardens horticulture staff.   Just ask our Integrated Pest manager, Ryan Garrison. Ryan with staff support spends many a day throughout the year monitoring and controlling the numerous diseases and insect pests our 175 plus cherries are prone to suffer from.  

1)   Berberis fortunei      (Chinese Mahonia)

Previously categorized in the genus, Mahonia
Characterized by narrow, serrated evergreen leaves
Located in the Sino-Himalayan hillside

2)   Grevillea victoriae      (Mountain Grevillea)

Australian shrub, growing up to four meters
Named for Queen Victoria
Located in the Pacific Connections – Australia Entry Garden

3)   Lomatia myricoides      (River Lomatia)

Originally placed in the genus, Embothrium
Specific epithet refers to foliage similar to the genus, Myrica
Located near the Pacific Connections – New Zealand Forest

4)   Morella californica      (California Bayberry)

Formerly of the genus, Myrica
A Pacific Coast native shrub that is well suited for borders and hedges
Located in the Pacific Connections – Cascadia Entry Garden

5)   Podocarpus macrophyllus      (Kusamaki)

Japanese conifer, sometimes referred to as Buddhist Pine
Known by carpenters for termite resistant wood
Located near the junction of the Middle Trail and Lower Trail 

By John A. Wott, Director Emeritus
This view looks from Lake Washington Boulevard toward the southern end of Azalea Way. The photo was taken by H. G. Ihrig in May, 1944. It shows the opening of Arboretum Creek along Azalea Way as it flows north from the culvert under Lake Washington Boulevard. Note the large weeping willow trees as well as the large open grass path we all know as Azalea Way. 

Before we know it, it will be spring. April will be here and there will be flowers and (more) rain and leaf buds opening. We will continue on with our lives; work, school, exercise, going out and of course, gardening. Time moves on, no matter what, and it feels like it’s moving VERY quickly.

I think I may have found a way to slow things down. 

“Spring Buds”

1)   Acer monspessulanum var. turcomanicum
Montpelier maple

An elegant, compact tree reaching 23-33 feet tall.
Suitable for warm climates and adapted to calcareous and stony soils.
A mature individual is growing in the Mediterranean bed along Arboretum Drive.

2)   Magnolia kobus                Kobushi Magnolia

Blooms in early spring and bears pleasantly fragrant white flowers.
Native to Japan and cultivated in temperate climates. 

1) Chimonanthus praecox  Wintersweet

With exceedingly fragrant yellow flowers borne on the bare shoots in winter, C. praecox has a suitable home here within the Witt Winter Garden.
Chimonanthus is the Chinese counterpart of the North American genus, Calycanthus.

2)  Lonicera standishii Winter Honeysuckle

A native of China, L. standishii is a perennial favorite because of its charming fragrance.
This specimen can be found in the Witt Winter Garden.