1)   Abies balsamea   (Balsam fir)

Pitch from almost every conifer is used to seal and protect wood.
“Canada Balsam” from the Balsam Fir is used to cement together the lens elements in optical equipment and to mount specimens for microscopy.
It is North America’s most popular Christmas tree, but only newly planted in the Arboretum in grid 42-4W.
Native to eastern North America

2)   Cedrus libani   (Cedar of Lebanon)

“Cedar oil” is distilled from several conifers, mostly not Cedrus, the “true cedar”. 

Slope Stability and Vegetative Soil Stabilization in the Puget Sound Region
Hosted by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens
This list includes electronic copies of all paper handouts as well as additional resources provided by seminar speakers.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
University of Washington Botanic Gardens
Center for Urban Horticulture
3501 NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98105
Live staking training with the Green Seattle Partnership, West Seattle – Saturday, February 8, 2014, 1pm – 3pm
SEMINAR RESOURCES
Geology & Hydrology Review of the Puget Lowland, an overview of Puget Sound geology, stratigraphy, soil strength, slope failure modes, and significant landslide examples in the Puget Lowland
Bill Laprade, Senior Vice President, Shannon & Wilson, Inc. 

A favorite little shrub for winter containers adding interest, color and intrigue.

“Berry Best from Hollywood”
1)   Ilex aquifolium   ‘Ferox Argentea’   (Variegated Porcupine Holly)

This “Punk” star is a sterile male with spiny leaves, but obviously no berries.
But this means it doesn’t contribute to English holly’s invasiveness in the Pacific Northwest.
Old cultivar in England, first reported in 1662 (Galle).
Specimen is located in the Eurasian clade (family), W. berm, of the Ilex Collection. 

What is 3 year old Alvin up to at the Fiddleheads Forest School?

Got Greens?
1)   Fokienia hodginsii     (Fokienia)

Native to China, Vietnam, and Laos
Extremely slow growing outside of native range
Specimen located in Rhododendron Glen

2)   Keteleeria evelyniana     (Keteleeria)

Native to China, Vietnam, and Laos
Thrives in warm climates, but may be considered an “herbaceous perennial” in northern climates
Specimen located in north Pinetum area

3)   Taiwania cryptomerioides     (Coffin Tree)

Native to Taiwan, China, and Vietnam
Considered “critically threatened” in native range
Specimen located near East Newton Street entrance to the Pinetum area

4)   Thujopsis dolabrata     (Lizard Tree)

Native to Japan
Thrives in moist, shady areas with rich soil
Specimen located among Acer Collection in the Woodland Garden

5)   Torreya taxifolia     (Stinking Cedar)

Native to southeastern U.S. 

This month’s photo was taken by Frederick Leissler, landscape architect to the Seattle Parks Department, labeled as 1938-39. It shows the grading to create Azalea Way.

A sweet and lovely surprise for fall as Camellias start putting on a show. See Camellia sasanqua ‘Setsugekka’ in full bloom this month!

1)  Arbutus unedo   (Strawberry Tree)

One of the many species described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1753 landmark work, Species Plantarum.
An amazing plant with 4-season interest, including fruits and flowers at the same time.
Serves as a bee plant for honey production and the fruits are food for birds.

2)  Camellia wabisuki   (Wabisuki Camellia)

A Sukiya variety with single, pinkish-white flowers and an open growth habit. 

The Soest Garden truly is an all-season garden. Learn how to keep your own garden looking attractive this winter with this hands-on class with Soest Gardener Riz Reyes!