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Enjoy this 50 sec video capturing rare footage of Rhododendron Glen’s creek in full grandeur after recent snow melt and heavy rains. Filmed by Ron Schmaltz, UWBG horticulturist assigned to Rhododendron Glen restoration project. 

1)   Malus  ‘Adirondack’                                                                  Adirondack Crabapple

A small deciduous, sun-loving tree with multi-seasonal interest.
Mass amounts of dark pink buds open to form large fragrant white blossoms in late spring as new foliage emerges.
After flowering, it becomes heavily laden with seemingly glowing, pink, cherry-like fruit which last well into winter.
Rightfully so, this stunning little tree has received the “Award of Garden Merit” from the Royal Horticultural Society. 

1)   Cedrus libani ‘Nana’                                                                 Dwarf Cedar of Lebanon

Cedar of Lebanon forests once covered vast areas of the eastern Mediterranean, but 5,000 years of human impacts have left wild populations restricted to mountainous regions of Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon.
The resin from the Cedrus libani was used by Egyptians for embalming their dead.
This dwarf cultivar usually grows to about 15 feet tall and wide, while the species can reach over 100 feet tall. 

1)   Corokia cotoneaster                                                          Wire-netting Bush

The common name of this species of Corokia aptly describes its wiry branches and tangled growth form. Growing into a dense bush of 1-3 meters, it has small dark-green or bronze leaves.
A native of New Zealand, C. cotoneaster is found in dry and stony places throughout its homeland, and is extremely tolerant of dry and exposed conditions. 

Although Dr. John A. Wott, retired Professor Emeritus, Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington and former Washington Park Arboretum Director, recently passed at the age of 82, his work and his plants continue on at the Arboretum. His garden was full of rare, unusual, and fascinating plants and these are a few of the plants that were donated to the Arboretum by Dr. 

1)         Cotinus obovatus                                                           American Smoketree

One of the earliest and most stunning of fall color plants, the leaves of Cotinus obovatus become a palette of orange, purple and crimson.
One specimen can be seen along Arboretum Drive, just south of the Graham Visitor Center.  Another specimen that is already in full glory is located on Azalea Way near the southern intersection of the Arboretum Loop Trail. 

1)   Schefflera delavayi                                                                 Delavay’s Schefflera

Unlike the Schefflera houseplant that may seem familiar to some, this interesting character is cold hardy and grows exceptionally well in outdoor Pacific Northwest settings.
Bold evergreen leaves form an umbrella-like canopy. As the new leaves slowly develop, they are covered in tan indumentum, but eventually become a beautiful dark green.
Pale yellow flower spikes reaching upwards of three feet emerge in early autumn for a unique display. 

Community members share their memories of Director Emeritus John Wott.

“It was probably the largest request we’ve ever received, which really speaks to the breadth of our collection and that we can grow so many kinds of trees in our temperate climate,” says Larson.

1)    Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Brido’                                                      Oakleaf  Hydrangea

Oakleaf Hydrangeas are native to the American South and are prized in horticulture for their distinctive oak-shaped leaves, reddish peeling bark, and large pyramids of flowers.
‘Brido’ features large double flowers that morph from white to pink with age.
You can find these showy shrubs around the Graham Visitors Center’s southern patio.

2)    Billardiera longiflora                                                                        Climbing Blueberry

This small evergreen vine is native to Australia and is most common in Tasmania, but also grows in New South Wales.