“Quirky Oaks”
1)   Quercus x bushii ‘Seattle Trident’
(Seattle Trident Hybrid Red Oak)

Cultivar of a Black Oak and Blackjack Oak hybrid.
Developed in Sir Hillier Gardens and Arboretum in England from scion wood collected at Washington Park Arboretum.
Located in the Oak Collection, northwest of Azalea Way service road intersection.

2)   Quercus dentata     (Daimyo Oak)

Asian native (China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia)
Develops an unusually large leaf; occasionally used as a vegetable in native range. 

Pacific Connections Garden Stewards made history on June 20th when they planted the New Zealand High Country plants into the new Bollard Garden in the new  forest. They planted several species well over 20 years old. These include Nothofagus solanderi, Griselinia littoralis, Phyllocladus alpinus, Phormium colensoi, and Dodonaea viscosa. In addition to the Bollard Garden (aka The New Zealand High Country Display), the garden will include the Hebe Meadow, the Griselinia Bush, the Mountain Tussock, Snow Tussock, the Silver Beech Forest, the Phormium Fen and the Mountain Beech Zone. 

Adding high impact color to your summer planting scheme, dahlias are dazzling and definitely worth seeking out especially these more unusual selections that combine well with other plants.

The opening of the Center for Urban Horticulture in 1984 was an event that captured international attention.

Tropical plant adventures, exotic birds and the warm Cuban people await you in 2014. Reserve your space today on a tour to Cuba with UWBG director Sarah Reichard.

Chile in Seattle
1)  Alstroemeria sp.

Commonly called Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas.
The genus was named after Swedish baron, Claus von Alstroemer (1736-1794) by his close friend, Carolus Linnaeus.
Beautiful drifts grace the Chilean Gateway.

2)  Gunnera tinctoria

Sometimes referred to as Chilean rhubarb or dinosaur food.
The leaves can grow up to 2.5 meters across.
Several large clumps dot the Chilean Gateway hillside. 

1)  Callistemon sieberi            (Alpine Bottlebrush)

This small, spreading shrub is currently showing off its creamy-yellow flowers in bottlebrush-like spikes.
Native to Australia, C. sieberi can be found along the footpath of the Australian Entry Garden within the Pacific Connections Garden.

2)  Cytisus battandieri            (Pineapple Broom)

Sometimes referred to as Argyrocytisus, this genus of Brooms fall within the family, Fabaceae.
Native to Morocco, C. 

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes summer hours at the Miller Library. The library will be opening at noon on Mondays (instead of 9am) starting June 17. Monday morning hours resume on September 23. We will be closed Saturdays, starting July 6. Saturday hours will resume September 7. We will also be closed July 4th and 5th for Independence Day. 

1)  Illicium henryi     (Henry’s Star Anise)

This Chinese Illicium is a standout of the genus, as most anise have white or cream-colored flowers.
I. henryi can be found along the foot path of the Sino-Himalayan Hillside as well as along the Ridgetop Trail, just west of the Magnolia Collection.

2)  Kalmia latifolia     (Mountain Laurel)

This under-used Rhododendron relative is native to the eastern United States. 

We need your help! We depend on volunteers to keep our gardens looking beautiful, our plant records up to date and the kids programs running smoothly. Apply online today!