botanic garden

More

South Coast Botanic Garden Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony For its New 3.5-Acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden

  • April 29, 2023

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn presents South Coast Botanic Garden’s Chief Executive Officer Adrienne Nakashima with a scroll at the Garden’s groundbreaking ceremony for its new 3.5-acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden. Photo by Chuck Bennett

Sign up for local news and alerts; we will not sell your email, who does that?

_____________

March 15, 2023

Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif. – South Coast Botanic Garden hosted the official groundbreaking for its new 3.5-acre children and family garden, providing a first look at plans for this new multi-million dollar project and marking the kick-off to the Cultivate the Future campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the Garden’s 62-year history. 

The ceremony was held Wednesday, March 15, and featured the Garden’s Chief Executive Officer Adrienne Nakashima announcing an extraordinary $3 million philanthropic gift from the Long Family Foundation – the largest private gift in the Garden’s history. Nakashima also announced the official name of the new area – the Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden – which will include a canopy walk over the Banyan Grove, a marine fossil dig, a plant maze, and more. The new space was designed by Russell Mills Studios and construction is being handled by Sperber. 

“This is a monumental moment in the Garden’s history for many reasons,” says Nakashima. “The Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden will bring a new dimension to South Coast Botanic Garden and will bring in families and visitors from throughout the L.A. area and beyond. The space will have features never before seen in children’s gardens, and we have the Long Family Foundation to thank for that, particularly Marilyn and John Long for their gracious support.” 

Marilyn and John Long are longtime Palos Verdes residents and Garden supporters, with Marilyn having served on

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

Rare moonflower cactus blooms again at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

  • April 28, 2023

A rare cactus has flowered again, two years after half a million people watched it bloom during lockdown.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s Moonflower bud, also known as Strophocactus wittii, first flowered in February 2021.

That was the first ever flowering of the plant in the UK and it captured the attention of over 500,000 people during lockdown via a YouTube livestream.

After much anticipation, the moonflower bloomed again on Saturday afternoon.

It spirals around tree trunks and only stays in bloom for twelve hours, so can only be seen in bloom on the Botanic Garden livestream until around 4am on Sunday.

The bud usually starts to flower towards sunset, but this one started several hours earlier.

On Saturday morning the Botanic Garden said the flower was getting ready to bloom as they tweeted: “It looks as though things might be happening with our Moonflower (Strophocactus wittii) bud!

“It’s now 29.5cm, the bud has swollen & the tips are starting to separate out.”

The flower is usually found in the Amazon rainforest.

The plant’s name, Selenicereus wittii, is derived from the Greek (Selene), from the Greek moon goddess, and cereus, meaning “candle” in Latin, referring to the nocturnal flowers.

The species name wittii comes from the man who discovered it – Karl Moritz Schumann (1851 – 1904) was born in Germany and worked as a botanist at the Botanical Museum of Berlin.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

Whimsical fountain at botanic garden may be removed

  • April 25, 2023
Jva032023d
The multicolored Rosalie Doolittle Fountain at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden has deteriorated to the point where city officials are now considering removing it. (Jon Austria/ Albuquerque Journal)

It took the creation of 4,000 handmade ceramic tiles of cottonwood leaves and flower motifs and two years of installation before the Rosalie Doolittle Fountain at the ABQ BioPark’s Botanic Garden began flowing in 1996.

The whimsical, curvilinear fountain with incorporated bench space for seating, was artist Shel Neymark’s first large public art project, for which he was paid $50,000 from the city’s Public Art Program.

Jump ahead 27 years and the multi-colored fountain, prominently located near the entrance to the Botanic Garden, has physically deteriorated to the point where it is now being considered for decommissioning and removal.

1953402
Artist Shel Neymark designed and created the Rosalie Doolittle Fountain near the entrance of the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. The fountain is now being considered for decommissioning and removal. (Courtesy Shel Neymark)

Neymark said this week that he is not happy that the fountain was allowed to deteriorate and he’s not convinced that it is beyond repair.

After multiple inspections and assessments, the fountain was found to have delaminated tiles, a faulty plumbing system and numerous leaks, according to a report to the Albuquerque Arts Board drafted by Sherri Brueggemann, the Public Art Urban Enhancement Division manager. The fountain is “damaged irreparably, or to an extent where the repair is unreasonable or impractical,” according to the report.

Brueggemann’s report was presented to the Albuquerque Arts Board on Feb. 15, and the board is currently considering the conclusion that the fountain “should be removed completely from the Public Art Collection,” as well as other options including relocating the work, selling or trading it, offering it back

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Receives Great American Gardeners Award For 2023 | Homes & Lifestyle

  • April 12, 2023

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a recipient of a 2023 Great American Gardeners Award for Garden Stewardship presented by the American Horticultural Society (AHS).

First presented in 2021, the award is given to a public garden that embraces and exemplifies sustainable horticultural practices in design, maintenance, and/or programs.

Since 1953, AHS has honored horticultural champions nationwide, selected among peers, that have made the world better through gardening.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is among six individuals and organizations honored with its 2023 Great American Gardeners Awards.

“We are honored to be recognized for our sustainable horticultural practices by the American Horticultural Society, an organization that has been setting the standard for gardening across the nation for over 100 years,” said Steve Windhager, executive director at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

“We hope that our garden, as well as the practices we employ, serve as a model for how native plants and thoughtful horticultural practice can preserve biodiversity, improve human well-being, and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” he said.

As the first botanic garden in the United States to focus exclusively on native plants, Santa
Barbara Botanic Garden has grown from 13 acres in 1926 to today’s 78-acre property featuring more than five miles of walking trails, an herbarium, a seed bank, research labs, a library, and a native plant nursery.

“Their steadfast dedication and commitment for almost a century to the research, practice,
education, and promotion of sustainable horticulture positions them at the vanguard of the
sustainability movement,” said Holly Shimizu, former executive director of the U.S. Botanic
Garden, and an AHS Board member.

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s applied research in sustainable landscapes and water-wise planning/design in built landscapes were highlighted in the award announcement.

“They introduced over 30 California native plants cultivars and selections to the horticultural

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Gets Green Thumbs-Up from American Horticultural Society

  • April 4, 2023

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a diverse, natural wonderland in Mission Canyon blooming with colorful wildflowers, redwood and manzanita trees, and other native flora that make up its 11 distinct ecosystems. But the nearly century-old garden’s work supporting native habitats goes beyond the beloved local scenery the Santa Barbara community is so fond of.

A hub for research, education, and design in sustainable horticulture, the Botanic Garden was the recipient of a 2023 Great American Gardeners Award for Garden Stewardship from the American Horticultural Society (AHS) this month. The Garden Stewardship award was first given in 2021 and recognizes public gardens that embrace and exemplify a commitment to sustainability. 

Steve Windhager | Credit: Andrea Russell Photography

“We are honored,” said Steve Windhager, the garden’s executive director. “We hope that our garden, as well as the practices we employ, serve as a model for how native plants and thoughtful horticultural practice can preserve biodiversity, improve human well-being, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

For the country’s plant-lovers, it’s a big deal to be recognized by AHS, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected gardening organizations. And the Botanic Garden seems more than deserving of their green thumbs-up — it’s the first of its kind in the United States to focus exclusively on native plants and has flourished from the 13 acres purchased by philanthropist Anna Dorinda Blaksley in 1926 to today’s 78 acres of walking trails, an herbarium, a seed bank, research labs, a library, and a native plant nursery. 

Leah Makler, a graduate student in the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UC Santa Barbara, is one of the many lifelong Santa Barbara residents who has been a frequenter of the garden since childhood. She has volunteered and worked for the conservation and education departments

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

Chicago spring flower shows, gardening treats guide

  • April 2, 2023

Nothing signals springtime like the return of budding trees and wildflowers. Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, but they are timeless and make us happy.

Whether you’re looking to bask in the beauty of beautiful blooms or consider yourself a serious horticulturist, there are plenty of opportunities around Chicago to admire and learn. Here’s a look at some of them.

Inside the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Inside the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Garfield Park Conservatory

When: Through May 14.

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave.

The Garfield Park Conservatory’s “Spring Flower Show: Bees Knees” explores the relationship between bees and flowers. Staff members show off the blooms and hives from the conservatory’s beekeeping program. Tulips, daffodils, honey: It’s maximum spring.

More info: Admission is free, with donations accepted. Advance reservations are suggested.

Spring Woods Walk

When: Beginning Sunday.

Where: Chicago Botanic Garden’s McDonald Woods, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

You’ll get to see budding trees and scenic flowers and maybe get a chance to spot some of the more than 100 migrating and resident types of birds that pass through in the spring. What’s more, optional, guided 45-minute tours teach visitors about seasonal challenges facing the area.

More info: Tickets $9.95, parking $8.

‘Life Under a Log’

When: April 16.

Where: Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park.

The Oak Park Conservatory teams with the Trailside Museum, Field Museum and Illinois Master Naturalists to put on this annual kid’s festival about animals. This year’s theme “Life Under a Log” focuses on amphibians and reptiles. Kids can meet the “Frog Lady,” see snakes and other creatures up close and learn about the lives of the cold-blooded.

More info: Free, but advance tickets are required.

Inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Inside the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

‘Cooler by the Lake’

When: Through May 14.

Where: Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

Sri Lanka’s botanic gardens: Playing a crucial role in conserving country’s unique flora

  • March 28, 2023

Department of National Botanic Gardens DG Dr. Shelomi Krishnarajah 

 

Peradeniya Botanic Gardens

A botanic illustration by Haramanis de Alwis

By Chandani Kirinde 

Dried plant specimens

The country’s botanic gardens attract thousands of both local and foreign visitors each year with the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens taking pride of place as the best and most visited garden. Last year, when the Gardens celebrated its bicentenary, many activities were undertaken to draw public attention to the need to conserve nature and the Island’s unique flora which is coming under growing strain with the increase in population and large-scale development projects that leads to clearing of vast tracts of forests and jungles.

The Department of National Botanic Gardens, which comes under the Ministry of Tourism, plays an essential role in both preserving vast extents of natural habitat in areas demarcated as botanic gardens and also educating the public on how everyone can start in their own gardens to learn more about the country’s unique flora. The Director General of the Department Dr. Shelomi Krishnarajah in an interview with the Daily FT spoke on the importance of botanic gardens and future plans to extend its activities. Here are excerpts of the interview:

Q: What are the botanic gardens that come under the purview of your department?

 There are five botanical gardens of which the gardens at Peradeniya, Hakgala, Henarathgoda (Gampaha) were started during the early part of 19th century by the British to conduct experiments on exotic plants and explore plant wealth in the island. Two new botanic gardens were established in Mirijjawela, Hambantota for conservation of dry zone plants and in Avissawella for conservation of wet zone plants. In addition to these a National Medicinal Plant Garden was established in 1950s at Ganewatta to promote conservation, sustainable use and management of medicinal plants

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

Mesmerizing holiday light display ‘Lightscape’ returns to Houston Botanic Garden in November

  • October 23, 2022

HOUSTON – Lightscape, an internationally acclaimed holiday lights and music event, will return to the Houston Botanic Garden this winter.

The outdoor trail features new immersive installations where attendees can enjoy favorite seasonal tunes along the path through the garden. Visitors will also enjoy festive food and drinks, including fire pits for roasting s’mores, in the Garden’s Pine Grove and Culinary Garden, according to a release.

The event will open Nov. 18 through Jan. 1, 2023.

lightscape/”(Click here to buy your tickets)

Ticket holders will have a timed entry slots and parking for Lightscape, which are limited each evening to give attendees space to enjoy each moment along the trail.

“Lightscape is back! For anyone who missed the uniquely artistic and festive holiday lights experience at the Houston Botanic Garden last year, you won’t want to miss it this year,” said Claudia Gee Vassar, president and general counsel of the Houston Botanic Garden. “Favorites like the Winter Cathedral, Neon Tree, and Fire Garden will return, along with new creations by artists from across the globe. The artistry of the Lightscape installations are a perfect complement to the natural beauty of our diverse plant collections, creating an exquisite and memorable holiday experience for families and friends.”

More than 80% of this year’s trail will feature installations never before seen in Houston, including a installation display of Bluebonnets.

2022 Lightscape For Houston Botanic Garden (Lightscape)

The installation Framed by Mandylights sees 20 geometric arches lined with brilliant color changing, pixel mapped LED fittings to create a unique tunnel of light effect with a distinctly modern edge, according to the release. The Nautilus Forest features an illuminated forest of spiraling trees, with more than 40,000 individually controlled RGB pixels. Each of the 24 trees stands up to 15 feet tall;

… Read the rest
GARDEN
More

LIVE: Scarecrows in the Garden

  • October 22, 2022
We don’t mean to scare you, but fall is almost here.

If you’re not really enthusiastic about the start of colder weather and an end to summer recreation, that’s okay.

Bid goodbye to the garden with a bang and get into the fall spirit at this weekend’s Scarecrows in the Garden.

It’s an annual fundraiser for the Northern Plains Botanic Garden in North Fargo.

You can buy pumpkins, fall decor, and botanical supplies all made from what they grow there.

The scarecrows are made by local artists, businesses and nonprofits, and they’re also for sale.

You can get food, enjoy live music, and get family portraits made in the beautiful gardens, which are in the swell of their late-season splendor right now.

And all the sales go to support the Botanic Gardens, which is primarily volunteer-driven, and which are currently in the process of developing the new Japanese Garden section.

Barbara Villella, of the Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society, joined the Morning Show to talk with Emily Welker about celebrating the beauty of the garden just as we have to say goodbye for the year and start dreaming of what’s ahead in spring.

For more information:

https://www.npbgs.org/scarecrows-in-the-garden?fbclid=IwAR3B_vk8oxZ7uuUcsbdltrINFD-4UeE0tIvAv7WWD9y_1fJBa0QttZk0taQ

 

… Read the rest

GARDEN
More

Mastering the skill of gardening at the Cutler Botanic Garden

  • October 20, 2022

BINGHAMTON, NY (WBNG) — Tucked away behind the Cornell Cooperative Extension building on upper Front Street in Binghamton, is the Cutler Botanic Garden. That’s where you’ll find Linda Purdy in the vegetable garden.

“I’ve been a ‘Master Gardener’ for 10 years…” she said harvesting her favorite vegetable. “I love the tomatoes.”

Purdy is one of the dozens of volunteers and interns of the Master Gardener class operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Broome County. They meet on Tuesdays to help collectively maintain the three-and-a-half-acre property. When the Around the Tiers team met Purdy on a chilly Sept. morning, she proudly showed us the tomato she harvested that morning.

“This is an Heirloom. Not so pretty but, delicious. This will make a ‘man-sized’ tomato sandwich for several people,” Purdy said giving a little chuckle.

Lind Purdy proudly shows the tomato she harvested during her visit to the Cutler Botanic Garden.
Lind Purdy proudly shows the tomato she harvested during her visit to the Cutler Botanic Garden.(WBNG)

Horticulture Program Educator with CCE, Linda Svoboda, oversees the Master Gardener class. Especially for those working in the vegetable garden, Svoboda said, it’s not just a hobby for these caretakers.

“Any surplus vegetables we take to a local food bank. This year’s food bank is Our Lady of Sorrows food bank in Vestal,” said Svoboda.

There are 13 different themed areas within the garden: Propagation, Hemerocallis, Composting and Rain barrel demonstration, Shade Garden, Perennials, Heath & Heathers, Rock Garden, Native Habitats, Ornamental Grasses, Herbs, Roses and Vegetable Garden along with several annual flower beds.

“All of the different plants are labeled,” Svoboda said. “So you can identify things and you can see how things are grown and where they’re growing so you can make selections for your own gardens and landscapes.”

The Master Gardener volunteer program is a national initiative that provides hands-on horticulture training. In

… Read the rest
GARDEN
November 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930