Don’t miss the New Zealand Flax now in full bloom in Pacific Connections.

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.  

By Josh Furman
I love the way that a little char, salt and pepper can bring out the best of summer produce! When I am stumped with how to best use my CSA vegetables, I oftentimes put them on the grill, and pack everything into containers for use later in the week.
For all of these recipes, you will slice your vegetables, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 

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.                      

By Josh Furman
The first CSA box truly gave us an opportunity to eat fresh, and this recipe allows you to use up a number of items that will continue appearing in your box. This salad comes together in a flash, and is great for midweek. A bright dressing, fresh herbs, and different textures make this a fun salad to eat on the side or a substantive entree with the addition of a protein. 

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.  

By Josh Furman
They say that April showers bring May Flowers, but it’s our crazy Spring that has covered plants in blossoms and caused vegetables and herbs to bolt sooner than expected. The flavors of the season are quickly passing us by, so take the opportunity to use the blooms in some flavorful infusions. You can really mix and match to your taste preferences, but here are a few ideas:

 
Chive Blossom Vinegar- This beautiful magenta vinegar is a great flavor enhancer in salad dressings. 

Citizen scientists and experts join forces to inventory species at the UW Botanic Gardens BioBlitz!