1)   Betula nigra                                                                                   River Birch

Native to the eastern U.S., B. nigra typically inhabits the banks of ponds and waterways, often where the ground is inundated for several weeks at a time.
In stark contrast to other white-barked species, trunks of B. nigra are often forked very low and are covered with large flakes of curling, blackish bark.
This tree can be found along Arboretum Creek, just east of parking lot #19 (the ‘Birch’ lot). 

As humans, our brains are hardwired to see patterns in the world around us. These natural patterns can be found everywhere, from within plants and animals to the laws of physics and mathematics. Both sciences and the arts can help us understand the world around us. In the United States, these disciplines are traditionally taught separately from each other. But more recent educational practices like STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths) are about learning about these topics in an interdisciplinary way by using cross-disciplinary skills like observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.  

The species of Rhododendron in the subsection Grandia are all native to southeast Asia, though they blend into our PNW conifer and mixed forests magically. Now is an excellent time to come visit these amazing plants in the Washington Park Arboretum before the distraction of so much color enters the world.

Each country has its own traditions associated with the new year. For Vietnamese families, we love to decorate our homes with the yellow Mai flower (Ochna integerrima). As if on cue, the buds push forth an explosion of delicate golden flowers during the days leading up to Lunar New Years, called Tết in Vietnamese. Read more about the legend surrounding the beautiful Mai flower.

A champion tree is the largest tree of a species. These trees are measured using the American Forests points (AF points) which is calculated based on the trunk circumference, the height, and the average crown spread to give a point value.  The Arboretum has many champion trees which were identified by Robert Van Pelt in his 2003 book, “Champion Trees of Washington State”.  

1)  Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis                           Chinese Red Birch

These beautiful birches show off the delicate pink, cream, and copper colors of their peeling bark in the Witt Winter Garden.
The delicate twigs of the birch shed snow, while the trunk bark glows in comparison to the white.
“Septentrionalis” generally means “northern” and refers to the seven oxen which make up the Ursa Major constellation in the northern sky. 

IMG_0073
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. 

Plants enrich our lives in many ways and each one tells a story. The red rose is known to be the symbol of romance. The 4-leaf clover for good luck.

For the violet, its story and importance to the queer community can be traced back to Ancient Greece and the poetess, Sappho (c. 600 BCE).

The UW Farm is teaming up with 2050 Project, a nonprofit organization that specializes in environmental communication to bring you a 6-part video series about sustainable food systems and urban farming!

Like most farms around this time, the UW Farm is officially wrapping up the growing season! We are entering a time of Rest, Reflect, and Refresh.