Vol. XXV No. 4 • WINTER 2012
Illuminations
It’s Botanica in a whole new light // pg. 5
Spaghetti with Santa Dinner and a light show! // pg. 4
2012 Board of Trustees Officers Steve Hauck, President Kathi Stark, Vice-President Justus Fugate, Treasurer
Trustees Michael Allen Jennie Becker Cari Clayton Steve English Roarke R. Gordon Jim Hand Mark Jolliffe Linda Kizzire Kristy Kniest
Elton Parsons Peter Salmeron Linda Stewart Dana Smith Nancy Stubbs Len Suchy Beverly Thornton
Ex-Officio Trustees Bryan Frye, President, Board of Park Commissioners Cathy Holdeman, Assistant City Manager, City of Wichita Doug Kupper, Director of Park & Recreation, City of Wichita Snowy Snail in the Enchanted Glen
In this issue 1 2-3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10-12 13 15 16-17 18-19 20
Letter From The Director In Bloom Spaghetti with Santa Illuminations Holiday Gift Ideas A Trip to China Lunchtime Lectures Art, Birding and Adult Ed December - January February Calenders Volunteers Photo Competition Winners Education Tribute List and Save the Date In The Garden
Janet Miller, City Council, City of Wichita Mayor’s Appointee
Check us out on facebook at www.facebook.com/ BotanicaWichita Cultivate is the member magazine for Botanica, The Wichita Gardens. For more information about Botanica's programs, events or Gardens, please call 316-264-0448 or visit our website at www.botanica.org. While on our website, be sure to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter. You can also connect with us through facebook and twitter pages linked on our website. For information on advertising to a targeted audience through Cultivate, contact Kristin Marlett at 316-264-0448 ext. 108 or kmarlett@botanica.org. Cultivate © 2012, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens Vol. XXV. No. 4 • December 2012 - January - February 2013
Cover: Discover the Magic of Illuminations, by Kristin Marlett
FROM THE
Director
Changing with the Seasons The 2012 growing season ended with a hard freeze during the last full week in October. Every year we learn how vulnerable the gardens are and subject to the ups and downs of climate and weather. Since the opening of the Downing Children’s Garden the number of people who visited the gardens increased by 111 percent. The gate attendance increased from 35,561 for the one-year period before the Downing Children’s Garden opened to 75,223 after the first year of opening. Memberships increased from 3,192 to 4,222 or 32 percent. Along with the increased business is an increase in expenses for additional staff, utilities and supplies. The balancing of expenses and revenues has been the main challenge. Botanica is getting closer to being selfsupporting however, we still have a little way to go. We have made huge strides, and the future for Botanica looks good. Botanica would not be successful without your help and support from the community.
patio. The two capital campaigns will focus on the Sister Cities Chinese Garden and the Education Center, both located near the Downing Children’s Garden. We are currently working with staff in Kaifeng, China—Wichita’s sister city—to develop and design the Chinese Garden that will reflect the culture of Kaifeng. As I am sure you all know from your own lawns, the second year of drought has had an impact on the garden and its budget. I want to thank everyone who has supported Botanica financially. I also want to thank all the volunteers who have worked many hours to keep Botanica the most beautiful garden in the Midwest. If you have not already, please consider making a year-end tax-deductible gift to Botanica to help us during the upcoming year. We are continuing the reinvention of Botanica and striving toward self-sufficiency. Thank you for supporting Botanica,
During 2013 Botanica will be engaged in two major capital campaigns as well as the construction of a new event center that will require additional funds for the event center
“Let it Snow,” by Gary Martin
December 2012 • January • February 2012
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In Bloom
WITH PATRICK MCKERNAN
Greetings from the Gardens as winter sets in at Botanica. At a time when the landscape appears to be at rest, there are pleasant surprises to be found throughout the gardens. Hardscapes: Although plants and flowers are the main attraction in any garden, their beauty is supported and enhanced by hardscapes. Hardscape is anything in the garden that is not currently living. The most obvious hardscapes in a garden would be a sidewalk, patios, walls, fences, arbors and trellises; however many other elements can be designed into a garden including benches, tables, planters, ponds, streams, fountains and statuary. Every garden at Botanica has unique hardscapes that were designed for at least one purpose. Plants and hardscapes are strategically combined to give each garden the sense of being in an individual room especially during the growing season. This design ensures that as you walk through the gardens you find a new “wow� or surprise around every corner. The concourse was originally designed to be the grand entrance into Botanica from the original site of the parking lot. After further designs of the Gardens developed, the parking lot was moved and the concourse was re-designed to lead garden visitors to the Margie Button Fountain, another huge piece of hardscape that was designed to look like a flower from above. It also brings the sound of splashing water to the gardens.
Look for the the pearlbush shrub at the entrance of the pavilions.
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The Great Blue Heron sculpture in the Jayne Milburn Aquatic Collection looks out on the pond during the winter. Ornamental grasses add vertical interest and color throughout the gardens. Photo by Beverly Strouse. The Bird Garden was designed with a large bridge walkway to make the pathway accessible for wheelchairs, allow the existing grade to change little to save the existing trees and give the visitors an elevated view of the birds and landscaping. The bridge also provided space for benches and interpretive signs about the birds. The Downing Children’s Garden was designed heavily in hardscape to bring the garden to life for children while educating them in a natural setting. The plan was to create a garden that was enjoyable for children while introducing them to nature around every corner. For example, children enter the tree through the roots and come out its trunk and continue up into the tree house and arrive in the canopy of the large mulberry. The farm area shows how vegetables grow before they get to the store and what cotton looks like on the plant. The artwork drives their imagination and the outdoor setting surrounds them. The hope is that it will instill a lifetime love of gardening, to create the next generation of garden enthusiasts or at least develop a love for the gardens. Ornamental grasses: are among the easiest perennials to grow. As the public becomes more environmentally aware and learns more about low maintenance plants and sustainable landscapes, ornamental grasses are eagerly sought. They are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, soil and moisture
conditions and are relatively disease and pest free. They are wonderful at adding multiple seasons of interest in the gardens. “Native Grasses” that are used in the gardens include bluestems, Indian grass, switch grass and the gramma grasses. “Garden Grasses” include miscanthus, pennisetums and calamagrostis grasses. Ornamental grasses add instant texture and form to the garden in any season. During the winter months, grasses add a significant vertical presence to the landscape and grass seed heads and foliage add color and winter interest. Shrubs: Throughout the Gardens winter beauty is abundant in many obvious ways; In seed heads and berries and in evergreen foliage texture and color. Look for the pearlbush at the entrance of the pavilions, blackhaw viburnum to the east of the Boeing Pond and the crape myrtles to the south of the Parriott Terrace and in several parking lot islands; each have unique seedpods.
more pleasant surprises can be found in the Gardens at a time when the landscape may appear to be quiet. In closing, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all of my garden staff and volunteers for enduring another year of 100 degree days, drought conditions, hailstorms, high wind and henbit. You are why the gardens always look good and continue to grow. I want to wish everyone a warm, healthy, safe and happy holiday season and invite you to visit the garden often this winter. The gardeners and volunteers will be out pruning, cleaning and repairing the gardens in anticipation of spring and all the color our 52,000 tulips will offer. Thank you again for everything.
Berries on several shrubs produce colorful displays; the purple fruit of the beauty berry on the east end of the big parking lot island, the large red fruit of the Nandina south of the Parriott Terrace; and bright display of the red berries of the deciduous holly in the Wildflower Garden and the bottom of the stream. Evergreen foliage, texture and color add winter intrigue to the gardens. The color green can bring any winter landscape to life. Japanese yew is easily identifiable by their dark green color and flat needlelike leaf. Incense cedars like the one on the east side of the Shakespeare Garden keep a dark green color and produce a wonderful fragrance in the garden. Junipers come in many sizes, shapes and colors like the dark green of the carneart juniper or the gold of old gold junipers or blue of blue arrow juniper providing year around color displays. Blue atlas cedars are becoming more common and offer a turquoise blue color on open spiny foliage. All of these plants help form the backbone of the winter garden structure.
The pinus bungeana, “lacebark Pine” in the John Firsching Evergreen Collection is one of the interesting tree barks to look for during the winter months.
Trees can offer unique patterns, textures and colors in their bark that provide great depth in the landscape especially in the winter months. lacebark elms, paperbark maple, river birch and lacebark pines are a few of the trees with interesting bark you can find in Botanica’s collections. Pansies can offer winter long color in the garden and with any small amount of moisture they send new flowers up—even through a thin layer of snow as it begins to melt. We plant 12,000 pansies in September and October in shrub and rose borders. They offer not only winter color but help fill the void between our tulip display and the establishment of our summer annuals. The Butterfly House is transformed into the pansy house for the winter. Although it is not heated, the netting blocks most of the wind, keeping inside temperature slightly elevated, which also increases the pansy fragrance inside the house. These and many
The Margie Button Memorial Fountain greets visitors at the end of the concourse. The fountain was designed to look like a flower from above. You can see the aerial view for yourself on Google Maps Satellite images.
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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spaghetti WEDNESDAY, DEC.12
F
Children can discover surprises in their stockings, decorate a cookie with Santa’s elves, enjoy stories of the season, create a bag of reindeer food, join in a few holiday songs and share their wishes with Santa Claus. After dinner, families can walk through the Gardens and take in the wondrous lights of Illuminations. Follow the trains around the Sensory Garden, watch the lights dance to music in the Meadow, take a stroll through Candy Cane Lane and enjoy the beauty of more than 5,000 luminaries in the Gardens and hundreds of thousands of lights throughout, including the Downing Children’s Garden. Make sure to bring your cameras, appetites and holiday spirit! It’s sure to be a memorable night for your family this holiday season.
To reserve your spot at the holiday table, call Karla at 316.264.0448
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with santa
5:30-8:30p.m.
or one festive night only, Santa and his elves will be taking a break from their holiday preparations to host a special meal at Botanica: Spaghetti with Santa. You are cordially invited to join them to enjoy piping hot plates of delicious spaghetti from DeFazio's Authentic Italian Restaurant and Santa-approved sugar cookies from Connie’s Cookies.
$12 for adults ($10 for Botanica members) $7 for children ages 3-12 ($5 for Botanica members)
Photos courtesy of Janie Lang
merry menu • • • •
Spaghetti pie Bread Salad Sugar Cookies
Event sponsored by:
IN
NOV. 23 - DEC. 30
2012, Illuminations at Botanica will again dazzle crowds with more lights than the Kansas City Plaza! We’ve come a long way since real candles lit the luminaries more than 20 years ago. Today, the incandescent lights in the luminaries lining the pathways will be replaced by LED lights. The extended days started last year were a huge success, so Botanica will continue to be open every evening beginning Nov. 23 through Dec. 30 (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Photo courtesy of Erick Riedell
Seven days a week
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Santa will be at Botanica every evening until Christmas, unless he has an emergency at the North Pole. Many music groups will provide music inside and out with hot drinks and snacks available in the lobby, Terrace Room and the Downing Children’s Garden Party Barn. There will be expanded light shows, an amazing music-and-fire-synchronized display, and the shapes of more than 200 trees and structures will be illuminated. Lights will also profile the main building, cottage and arbors, as well as additional structures in the Downing Children’s Garden. Visit Botanica during Illuminations and experience a wonderful winter wonderland in lights. Advance tickets are now available for purchase. Tickets are $7 for adults ($6 for Botanica members), and $5 for children (3-12). Tickets are good for any night of the event. Group rates are available upon request. Tickets make great gifts for neighbors, employees, clients, co-workers, family and friends. To purchase advance tickets, or for more information, please contact Kathy Osler at 316.264.0448 or kosler@botanica.org. By mid-November, adult and youth tickets will also be available for purchase at all area QuikTrip locations. Members must purchase their tickets online or at Botanica to receive their discount. Mark your calendar for Member Appreciation Night on Dec. 4, where every adult member ticket is just $5!
It’s Botanica in a whole new light
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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The Gift Garden Shop The Gift Garden to find garden-inspired products that reflect the festive season. From home dÊcor to ornaments and stocking stuffers or that perfect gift for a gardening friend, there is something for everyone on your list. Plus, every dollar you spend supports the incredible displays throughout the year at Botanica. Don’t forget that members get 10 percent off every day.
Tribute Bricks A gift that lasts forever, tribute bricks are a wonderful way to honor a loved one or mark a special occasion. Bricks range from $100 to $500 each and the tax-deductible contribution goes toward providing plant material and maintaining the gardens. Brick orders are placed four times a year and the next deadline is Dec. 31. To purchase your personalized brick, contact Kathy Osler at kosler@botanica.org or at 316.264.0448.
Gift Memberships Give the gift that gives back all year. As a member, you know the benefits of membership at Botanica and this is the perfect time of year to share those benefits with someone else. Memberships start as low at $40. To order a gift membership, please contact Kathy Osler at kosler@botanica.org or at 316.264.0448. Please order by Dec.19 to ensure the gifts are available for pick-up by Dec. 21.
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Gifts from the
Garden
A trip to China
During the month of October, Botanica’s Executive Director, Marty Miller, accompanied the Chinese Sister City Delegation from Wichita to China. The purpose of the trip was to develop a relationship with members of the Kaifeng, China, municipal government that will help design and develop the Sister City’s Chinese Garden that will be located at Botanica. Mayor Ji of Kaifeng arranged a meeting with five members of his staff. Two were representatives of the government and three held high positions in their garden section. The discussions proved to be promising. They were pleased with our conceptual plan that is modeled after a historic, scholar-type Chinese garden. The representatives of Kaifeng have offered to assist Botanica in the design phase. Their assistance will help create unique spaces and the detailed architecture with elegant Song-Dynasty style that will represent the culture and history of Kaifeng. Officials of the city of Kaifeng have also offered to aid Botanica in obtaining artifacts from Kaifeng, such as a pagoda, art work and possibly a bridge. Dialog with Mayor Ji’s staff has been established and Botanica is moving forward with the design.
Finding garden inspiration in Kaifeng
TOP FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, China, illustrates features that were contained in a scholar-type or residential Chinese garden. Architecture for ceilings, wall openings and walk ways is intricately designed and found throughout the gardens, as pictured to the left above. The stone work and the pavilion in the top right picture represent the “high and holy place.” The picture below is of the conceptual design that has been created for the Botanica Chinese Garden. The design and inspiration of the gardens in Kaifeng, with the aid of representatives from Kaifeng, will be represented in the Sister City’s Garden at Botanica. For more information about the Sister City’s Chinese Garden, or to make a donation, contact Jamee Ross at 316.264.0448.
Botanica is conducting a capital campaign to raise the remaining $1.3 million of the $2.5 million project. Once the funding is completed, construction will begin on Botanica’s first Sister City’s Garden. The garden will be located west (or northwest) of the Downing Children’s Garden.
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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Lunchtime Every Wednesday • 12:15 to 1 p.m. Lectures are included with membership or admission No Lectures in December Crockpot Cooking Jan. 9 • 12:15-1 p.m.
Short on time and ideas? Join Kay Neff of Neff Family Farm for new recipes and ideas on using a crockpot to create easy meals. Come try a sample and take home recipes.
Ten Snowy Owls Jan. 16 • 12:15-1 p.m.
Seeing one snowy owl is a rare event but 10 is amazing. Local birder Paul Griffin will share his video of 10 different snowy owls in Kansas during the winter of 2011 and 2012.
LECTURES
The Return of the Purple Martin Feb. 20 • 12:15-1 p.m.
The time is approaching when purple martins start returning to their nesting sites. Nick Clausen from Backyard Nature Center, will discuss what to do for your current martin house or how to establish a new one.
The Other Gesneriads Feb. 27 • 12:15-1 p.m.
Patty Daniel will give a presentation on the increasingly popular blooming relatives of the African Violet, including streptocarpus, primulinas, petrocosmeus, kohlerieas and other gesneriads. She will discuss potting, light requirements, size and how to grow these prize winning bloomers.
Lunchtime Lectures sponsored by:
Terrarium 101
Jan. 23 • 12:15-1 p.m. Patty Daniel will do a hands-on presentation on how to build a terrarium using unusual miniature plants.
25th Anniversary Events Jan. 30 • 12:15-1 p.m.
Botanica turned 25 last year and it was a year to review some of its most popular events. Volunteer and avid Botanica photographer Janie Lang will share her photos and highlights of these fun activities.
A Trip to China Feb. 6 • 12:15-1 p.m.
Marty Miller, Botanica’s Executive Director will share some of his photos and discuss plans for Botanica’s new Sister City Chinese Garden.
2012 Plants in Review Feb. 13• 12:15-1 p.m.
Like any garden, Botanica adds a wealth of new plants to its collection each year. Join staff horticulturalist Janet Gordon to learn about some shrubs and perennials new to Botanica in 2012 and how they fared.
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Local birder Paul Griffin documented 10 different snowy owls in Kansas last winter. Photo by Paul Griffin.
Birding at Botanica 9 a.m.
18 Dec. 15 Jan. 19 Feb. free with admission or membership
Art at Botanica Dec: Jan: Feb:
Portrait of Botanica Photography Competition Steve Hauck Photography Libby Bryant Photography Lobby Art Sponsored by:
Adult Education Designing Themed Gardens Jan. 24 — with Laura Pham, Botanica 6:30 p.m. Staff Horticulturist Do This, Not That! — Feb. 26 6:30 p.m. with Janet Gordon, Botanica Staff Horticulturist
See pg. 17 for details
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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Page 10 | www.botanica.org MONDAY
17
16
5:30-8:30 p.m.
•Botanica Closed
31
30
5:30-8:30 p.m.
•Botanica Closed
24
23
5:30-8:30 p.m.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
10
5:30-8:30 p.m.
3
9
5:30-8:30 p.m.
•Orchid Society Meeting 1 p.m.
2
• Emprise Bank Lobby Gallery: Portrait of Botanica Photography Competition
SUNDAY
5:30-8:30 p.m.
5
WEDNESDAY
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Education: Sediment and Soils, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (reservations required)
THURSDAY
6•Home Grown
•Botanica Closed
25
5:30-8:30 p.m.
•Herb Society Meeting’ 6:30 p.m.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
26
5:30-8:30 p.m.
•Botanica Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
19
5:30-8:30 p.m.
27
5:30-8:30 p.m.
20
5:30-8:30 p.m.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
18
Mtg, 9 a.m. •Volunteer Coffee, 10 a.m. •Spaghetti with Santa, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. (reservations req)
Giving Garden, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (reservations required)
11•Garden Sprouts: The 12•Friends of Botanica 13
5:30-8:30 p.m.
4
TUESDAY
December 2012
5:30-8:30 p.m.
28
5:30-8:30 p.m.
21
5:30-8:30 p.m.
•African Violet Club Meeting, 1 p.m.
14
5:30-8:30 p.m.
7
FRIDAY
5:30-8:30 p.m.
29
5:30-8:30 p.m.
22
5:30-8:30 p.m.
15
5:30-8:30 p.m.
8
5:30-8:30 p.m.
1
SATURDAY
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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•Botanica Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day
28
27
MONDAY
•Orchid Society Meeting 1 p.m.
21
14
13
20
7
6
SUNDAY
1
29
•Organic Garden Club Meeting’ 6 p.m.
22
•Lunchtime Lecture: 25th Anniversary Events in Pictures, 12:15 p.m.
30
•Lunchtime Lecture: Terrarium 101, 12:15 p.m. •Botanica Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
23
16
•Lunchtime Lecture: Crockpot Cooking, 12:15 p.m.
9
•Botanica Closed
2
WEDNESDAY
•Volunteer Soup and Game •Lunchtime Lecture: Day, 10 a.m. Ten Snowy Owls, 12:15 p.m. •Herb Society Meeting, 7 p.m.
15
Shhh...I’m Sleeping!, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (reservations required) •Rose Society Mtg,7 p.m. •Bonsai Club Mtg, 7 p.m.
8•Garden Sprouts:
•Botanica Closed
TUESDAY
January 2013
31
Beneath our Feet: Nature’s Winter Rhythm, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (reservations req.)•Adult Ed: Designing Themed Gardens, 6:30 p.m.
24•Home Grown Ed:
17
10
•Botanica Closed
3
THURSDAY
•Wichita Park & Recreation Event: Grandparent and Me: Winter Nature Crafts, 10 a.m., (reservations required)
26
19
•Girl Scouts Program: Everything Eco-Friendly, 10 a.m and 1 p.m. (reservations required)
12
•Botanica Closed
5
SATURDAY
• Emprise Bank Lobby Gallery: Steve Hauck Photography • Truffles Catering will serve lunch from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for $7
25
18
11
•Botanica Closed
4
FRIDAY
Page 12 | www.botanica.org MONDAY
11
18
25
10
17
24
•Botanica Closed in Observance of President’s Day
•Daylily Meeting, 7 p.m.
4
3
• Emprise Bank Lobby Gallery: Libby Bryant Photography • Syl’s will serve lunch from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for $7
SUNDAY
•Organic Garden Club Meeting’ 6 p.m. •Adult Ed: Do This, Not, That! 6:30 p.m.
26
•Herb Society Meeting’ 6:30 p.m.
19
Mine!, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (reservations required) •Volunteer Chili & Game Day, 10 a.m. •Rose Society and Bonsai Mtg, 7 p.m.
•Lunchtime Lecture: The Other Gesneriads, 12:15 p.m. •Botanica Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
27
•Lunchtime Lecture: The Return of the Purple Martin, 12:15 p.m.
20
•Friends of Botanica Mtg, 9 a.m. •Volunteer Coffee, 10 a.m. •Lunchtime Lecture: 2012 Plants in Review, 12:15 p.m.
•Lunchtime Lecture: A Trip to China, 12:15 p.m.
6
WEDNESDAY
12•Garden Sprouts: Bee 13
5
TUESDAY
February 2013
28
21
14
•Home Grown Education: Petaled Plants, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (reservations required)
7
THURSDAY
22
15
8
1
FRIDAY
23
16
9
2
SATURDAY
Volunteers
Call Jodi McArthur
at 316.264.0448 ext. 103 or visit botanica.org to sign up or for more information!
Upcoming Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities Illuminations
Illuminations is our biggest volunteer event of the year, with 35 nights of lights facilitated by 20 or more volunteers every night. If you haven’t already signed up to help, please make sure and do so soon. Positions are still available inside and out. Cookie and candy donations are always needed. Help share the holiday magic.
Gardening While the gardens experience their seasonal chill, there will be no special garden work days. However, our garden staff would greatly appreciate any assistance in taking down the lights from Illuminations. “What goes up, must come down.”
Family Fun Fair
Volunteer Coffee
Wednesday, Dec. 12: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13: 10 a.m. Coffee and other fine gifts also provided by Tuesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Spice Merchant
Soup and Game Day Chili and Game Day
Tuesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Special Events:
Illuminations: Nov 23 – Dec 30: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve & Day) Family Fun Fair: Saturday, Feb. 2: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (prep days: Friday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. and Friday, Feb. 1, 1 p.m.
Illuminations Lights Take-Down: any weekday in January and February, weather permitted.
This annual one-day event is a tradition of the volunteer program and offers a variety of FREE fun indoor activities and crafts for the families in our community. If you love kids, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get out and generate smiles on faces. Sponsored by Walmart.
Volunteer Coffees
Get great information about upcoming events and opportunities as you meet new people at our monthly Volunteer Coffees. Light refreshments are provided by The Regent Vibrant Retirement Living and The Spice Merchant. These fun meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month. There will be no FOB meeting or coffee held in January.
Above: Volunteer Lee Crawford and his wife Margaret were one of more than 150 volunteers that attended the Volunteer Picnic on Aug. 2, 2012. Photo by Janie Lang.
Left: Volunteers Pat and Felisa Galvan decorate and serve the snacks every month at the Volunteer Coffee. Right: Volunteer Mary Peck does some weeding in the Beverly Blue Garden.
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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Portrait of Botanica
Photo Competition
2012 Adult Winners
Left: First Place and Best Bird photo by Don Tan. Below left: 2nd Place and Best Fall by Barney Tull. Bottom right: 3rd Place and Best Tulip by Thane Rogers.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR 2012 PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS! Look for their photos in the Cultivate and in advertising promotions throughout the year.
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2012 Youth Winners Left: First Place Youth, “Monarch Beauty,” by Daniel Debolt. Bottom from left to right: Second Place Youth, “Aglow,” by Riley Jackson. Third Place Youth, “Tangerine Tips,” by Maddie Gallagher. Top Banner photo and Honorable Mention Award Winner: “Purity of Lotus,” by Youth Entrant Daniel Wright.
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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Education Home Grown Education
Garden Sprouts
Bring your budding botanists to Botanica for an incredible learning experience! Topics will be related to plant and animal life in the garden. Each class will include: instructional teaching, hands-on learning projects, and (weather permitting) activities in the gardens. Lessons are designed for early elementary (K-5th) and follow curriculum guidelines.
Come to the garden with your preschool aged child (3-5) for an opportunity to explore nature together. Each month we focus on a theme from the garden using children’s literature, games, eco-art and a scrumptious snack.
Classes are most Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost: $7, $21 cap per family
Classes are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. $9, $6 for Botanica members
Tuesday, Dec. 11: The Giving Garden Discover the gifts our garden brings
$5 for Botanica members; $15 cap per family
Tuesday, Jan. 8: Shhh...I’m Sleeping!
Class limit 15 per session
Explore the hidden world of winter animals
Tuesday, Feb. 12: Bee Mine Thursday, Dec. 6: Sediment and Soils Enjoy a guest speaker from the WSU Geology Department
Thursday, Jan. 24: Beneath our Feet: Nature’s Winter Rhythm The underground world of living things with dormancy and hibernation patterns
Thursday, Feb. 7: Petaled Plants Anatomy, reproduction, and survival
Reservation Contact Karla Jahn, Registrar, at 264-0448 ext. 115 or at education@botanica.org. Registration is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Investigate the lives of busy bees Programs are limited to 15 children per session and preregistration and pre-payment are required. Registration and payment must be made by 5 p.m. the Friday before the class. Fees are $9/$6 members. One adult is included with each child. Children under 6 must accompany an adult. Additional non-member adults must pay regular admission. Refunds will be made for cancellations made 24 hours before the class. Because we will have reserved a place for your children and prepared materials for them, we are not able to issue refunds after that deadline. EDUCATION FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
Young Women as Leaders: Girl Scout Classes
Family Craft Classes through Wichita Parks and Recreation
Botanica invites Girl Scouts of all levels to visit our garden to learn about plants, garden creatures and ecology. Programs will help Girl Scouts earn badges.
Saturday, Jan. 26: Grandparent and Me — Winter Nature Crafts
Saturday, Jan. 12: Everything Eco-Friendly Juniors, increase your awareness and appreciation of your natural environment by making “green” projects from recycled materials. Just a few of your stations will be making a pollution pinwheel, compost jug and nature journal. You are always welcome to pack a picnic and spend the rest of your day exploring the botanical gardens. To register for any of these classes, please visit www.kansasgirlscouts.org/events and select the class title. For program questions, please contact Kate Sheppard at 316-264-0448 ext. 113.
Adult Education Thursday, Jan. 24: Designing Themed Gardens — Laura Pham, Staff Horticulturist 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn how to design your own themed garden with various plantings such as: American Colonial, Zen Moon, and Butterfly. Please bring an 8 ½ X 11 color photograph of the space you wish to redesign.
Tuesday, Feb. 26: Do This, Not That: Landscape Troubleshooting — Janet Gordon, Staff Horticulturist
10 a.m. to Noon at Botanica Enjoy a morning of eco-crafting with terrific twigs! Show your creative side by painting brightly colored twig letters to personalize your bedroom or living space. You will also make a keepsake bark rubbing picture with a white washed twig frame. Pull your sleeves up and get ready to make sticks into wonderful works of art! Ages 3-12.
January — Who’s Been Here?: Tracking Winter Animals Bring your favorite stuffed animal for an adventure you both won’t soon forget. Use all five senses to solve a mystery! Make your own story book using stamps and stencils to tell the story of who’s been there. Eat a ‘scat’ snack…eww!!! Ages 3-5.
February — Snow Day Celebration Cuddle up in your favorite PJs and have a glorious snow day! Our interactive story time will take us to a winter wonderland where snow people rule the day. Enjoy making your own snow person from found objects and try a taste of cranberry snowfall bark! Ages 3-5. *For times, dates and locations for “Who’s Been Here” and “Snow Day Celebration” classes please consult the Parks and Recreation Winter Guide or online catalog at www.wichita.gov/cityoffices/park or call 316-268-4361.
6:30 to 8 p.m. Discuss common mistakes found in the home landscape and get tips to make your yard the envy of the neighborhood. This includes planting guidelines, weed control, pruning, and many other gardening tricks. Bring a picture or sketch of the area you would like to improve, and we will help you get a great start!
Left: Elementary aged children explore the anatomy of a Monarch butterfly through slides during their rotation in the Downing Children’s Garden Party Barn during Monarch days.
Enhance your experience with an eco-explorer bag filled with items to make your nature discoveries even more exciting! Check out an eco-explorer bag next time you’re at Botanica. (details at front desk) December 2012 • January • February 2013
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Anita Cline Aleta Gile Brad & Paula Hobelmann Douglas & Darlene Lansdowne Sally Lansdowne Marvin McDaniel Sherri Wood
Additional memorials for:
TRIBUTES
Donations received Aug-October 2012
In Memory Mary Beal Anonymous Gial & Marge Kaegi Richard & Valerie Morley Richard & Ladeane Reese Nelda Slider U.M.W. of Zenda Dora Bradley Rosalee Capps Maxine Clark & The Agnew’s Betty Dalrymple Keith & Joyce Dial Howard & Nelda Ellington Jim & Ruthie Gillespie Bradford Gordon & Patrick Habkirk Merle & Mary Manlove Kay Patton Family Tim & Ann Patton Eric & Susan Metz Richard & Linda Weir Patty Foster Buck & Gladys Alley Vern Heinsohn Bill & Barbara Baker Imogene Cave Matthew & Karen Copeland Stuart & Susan Draper Gial & Marge Kaegi Jim & Shari Hand Marty Hartwell Don & Janet Manlove Merle & Mary Manlove Hazel Moore Ernest Niquette Sara Penner Riverview Condominium Homeowners Association Kenneth & Bonnie Rupe Darrell & Betty Terbush Dick Weidenbach Gola Macklin Mr. & Mrs. Ron Arwood
Roy E ‘Bud’ Corzine & Thelma Corzine Lee & Barbara Gibson Mr. & Mrs. Rick Leach Anna Macklin Mr. & Mrs. Paul Macklin Darrel Ritchie Mr. & Mrs. Bob Taylor Via Christi Health Lucille Mainz Mark & Gemma Blasi Boge Iron & Metal Co., Inc. Brenda Carpenter Howard & Donna Gantz Nadine Girrens Henderson Libraries Don & Joan Jaax Jeanne Martin Pauline Martin Junior & Winona Pruitt Ken & Deb Smith Mr & Mrs. Bill Van Dolah Mary Lou Voegeli Tom & Carol Vogles Larry McAuley Martin, Pringle, Oliver, Wallace & Bauer, LLP United Steel Workers Marjorie Roehr Sherryl Fitzpatrick Everett & Virginia Kimball George & Kathryn McCune Emelia Spade Angela Scantlin Rowena Spangler Jeff Spangler Elaine Tischhauser David & Carolyn Abraham Bill Ard Lonnie & Karen Baker Loren & Lou Bloomgren Danny & Nancy Clemmer
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Shawn Hagene Dustin Dvorak Rose Collins Eileen Wilson Richard & Toni Wilson Larry McAuley Debra McAuley
Tom Allen M C Glenn
Evelyn Tanner Gerry House
Chuck Hartwell Marty Hartwell
Curtright Family Bob Curtright
Carolyn Loutzenhiser Shari Hoeffner
Supporting Memberships
Margaret Jane Quinn Gail Bartlett Colleen Stagner Marla Jane Summer Evelyn Tanner Paul & Frances Allen Anonymous Howard & Willella Becker Alice Elam Isaac Family Institute of Charity Deborah McDaniel John & Carol Nickel Dale Reed & Mary Storrer Reed Margaret Tichacek
Engraved Bricks & Pavers Bill Atkison Wichita Rose Society Jane Farris Sharon K Anderson Sharon Bailey Pedroga Mary Sue Smith Charlie Gaston Calvin Gaston Barry & Connie Gaston Gola Macklin Claire Parkes Ben Spencer Jim & Angela Spencer Luke Spring Family Karen Liby Rich Spohnholz Family Karen Liby Reese & Mallory Janssen Darrell & Pat Janssen
Seed: Cynthia Abbott George & Linda Bair David Bergen Norman & Kim Bessac Arthur & Helen Binford John & Betty Campbell John & Cindy Carnahan Carl & Diane Caton Shaker & Kathie Dakhil Kelly Davidson Charles & Jenette Drake Polly Dye Timothy Fey & Bobbie Loeffler Ivan & Rose Anne Frey Bud & Toni Gates James & Karen Graves Norma Greever Jay & Arraya Hall Rhea Hartley Marty Hartwell Tina Haynes & Bryan Jones Michael & Terri Hepperly Robert Herrington Jim & Barbara Hoppins Rebecca Jahelka Mike & Susan Kandt Delmar & Mary Klocke Mr. & Mrs. Charles Koch Bob & Carolyn Langenwalter Leonard & Betty McGinty Terry & Sheri McMillen James & Beverly Mershon June Moore John & Pamela Ortiz Scott & Diane Post Todd & Kerry Prater Sheldon & Belinda Preskorn Linda Reazin Mark & Blair Rogers Jay & Carolyn Schlegel Charles & Colleen Schmidt Sonja Seidl Julie & Abby Sheppard Jerome & Sue Streit Jason Stucky
Thomas & Kathryn Suchan Dan & Susan Taylor James & Betty Taylor Tom & Christie Triplett Harriett Van Bebber Elvin & Susan Walston Jean Wellshear Sprout: Gary & Joyce Bachus Dr. & Mrs. Douglas Horbelt Fred & Christine Kubik Alan & Roberta Whetzel Bud: Ed & Helen Healy Bloom: Marilyn Case Club: Prairie Winds Daylily Society
Recent Gifts: Thornton Anderson Gary & Shirley Austerman Roy Baker Jennie Becker Burgess MFG. INC. Camera Angles LTD Rigby Carey & Mary Eves Jeffery & Tamy Carmichael Barbara Chamberlain Mrs. Georgia Chandler Scott Davies Brian & Julie Devlin John & Sue Dieker Gena Dillard Nile Dilmore & Janet Miller Ivan & Rose Anne Frey Doc Green’s Eby Construction Co, Inc Mardi Engel John & Jane Foster Friends of Botanica Mr. Justus Fugate Jim & Ruthie Gillespie Jim & Carolyn Grier Jim & Shari Hand Scott & Audrey Hane Steve & Theresa Hauck
Ty Hedlund & Beth Brophy Dick & Bonnie Honeyman Stephanie Galichia Joe Johnson & Jeanne Goodvin Mark & Heidi Jolliffe Alan & Diane Joseph KAABG Gial & Marge Kaegi Linda Kizzire Don & Tish Knappenberger Robert & Jacqueline Lane Almeda Lappin Larksfield Place George & Mary Ann Lowry Meg Mathewson Media Partners Marty & Cindy Miller Chris & Jill Mitchell Cindy Nolte Chris & Mary O’Brien Logan & Morgan Overman Scott & Diane Post Prairie Winds Daylily Society Peter & Erika Salmeron Lindy Sands Scholfield Auto Plaza Dana Smith Lee Smith Lance & Laurie Spence Megan Spikes Steve & Pam Spines Doug & Kathie Stark Mr. & Mrs. John T Stewart, III Kevin & Karen Strecker Lesli & Jamil Toubassi Larry & Sharon Van Horn Jesse Vliet & Lacey Vess-Vliet Kathy White Goree Willard & Barbara Thompson Walmart Wichita Area Iris Society Brooke Woodward
In Kind: Caffe Moderne Davis Moore Hatman Jack’s Hewitt’s Antiques Luca Restaurant Oeno Old Mill Tasty Shop
Sabor Restaurant The Donut Whole The Spice Merchant Todd Brian’s Restaurant
Annual Appeal: Mary Aikins Buck & Gladys Alley Louise Beren John & Shirley Blankenship Judy Blanton Susan Bowers Marjorie Brooks Annabelle Brown Ronald & Patricia Brown Nadine Bruner Mrs. J.R. Burchfield Linda Cardinal Neil & Sharon Carlson Chris & Deb Cave Imogene Cave Brad & Kara Christopher Eva Clingerman Carl & Helen Cole Mary Cummings Shaker & Kathie Dakhil Beatrice Darmon Janet Dennis Nile Dillmore & Janet Miller Wilma Dishman Paul & Janice Dow Larry & Patricia Eck
Lisa Elliott Jim & Darla Farha Charitable Foundation, Inc David Firsching Bob & Barbara Fizer Nancy F Frazier Mardella Freund Sam & Barb Frey Tom Goranson Carol Graham Norma Griffith Keith & Nancy Harimon Tina Haynes & Bryan Jones Donald & Lola Holt Colin & Faye Hurl James & Cathie Jantz Marsha Jerome Doyle Johnson Anne Jones Robert Joy & Marcella Birzer Dick & Dorothy Kaufmann Leoria Kohls Clinton & Julie Koker Joe & Teresa Lang Amos & Phyllis Leitner Hazel Linder David & Shirley Longfellow Betty Lovett Bill Loyd Neal & Denise Mabe Merle & Mary Manlove
Save The Date
Dec. 4: Illuminations member night, members pay $5. Dec. 6: Home Grown “Sediment and Soils,” reservations required.
Dec. 7: Starry Night at WAM, details at www.starrynightatwam.com and on pg. 21.
Dec. 12: Spaghetti with Santa, reservations required. Dec. 31 - Jan. 4: Botanica closed. Jan. 24: Home Grown “Beneath our Feet: Nature’s Winter Rhythm,” reservations required.
Feb. 2: Family Fun Fair, FREE admission Feb. 7: Home Grown “Petaled Plants,” reservations required
Brick & Paver Order
Custom Bricks and Pavers are a great way to honor a loved one. Bricks and Pavers are available in specific gardens and orders are made four times a year. The deadlines are March 31, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31. For questions or to place an order please contact Kathy Osler at kosler@botanica.org or 316.264.0448. The form can also be downloaded at botanica.org. • Engraved brick on the Button Fountain Tribute Pathway ($100) • Engraved brick on the Downing Children's Garden Rainbow Trail ($250) • One 12"x12" paver in the Downing Children's Garden ($500) • Four 12"x12" pavers in the Downing Children's Garden ($1,750 for four)
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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In The Gardens
Above from left to right: Guests explore the gardens during the Alfresco Gala on Oct. 5. Botanica participated in Senior Expo on Sept. 27 and drew more than 2,900 guests. A choir group from Russia toured the gardens on a beautiful fall afternoon. More than a thousand visitors attended the Smithsonian Musuem Day, on Sept. 29. BOOtanica on Oct. 13 was a huge success with more than 2,500 visitors. Kids could get their faces painted, make glowing ghosts and leaf crowns, as pictured above. The Boys and Girls Club visited the gardens for a live butterfly release. The final Tuesday on the Terrace had record attendance with more than 600 guests attending.
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at Botanica
Appeal (cont.):
StArry Night At the WichitA Art Museum FridAy, December 7, 2012 The weather outside may be frightful, but a casual holiday party will be most delightful! Winter Casual Attire
BEGIN AT THE MUSEUM at 5:30 pm, where you start your starry spree with a festive hot drink and are then whisked off to see the thousands of lights at Botanica’s Illuminations. BY 7 PM, return to warmth, stellar notes from the Friends University Jazz Band, and a bountiful buffet dinner in the S. Jim and Darla Farha Great Hall. Dance the shimmering night away until 11 pm. $100 individual tickets benefit the Wichita Art Museum
A corporate table of 10 is $1,500 Visit starrynightatwam.com or call 316-268-4912
Botanica’s new wheels
Walter & Joan Martz Della Matthies John & Helen McCabe Polly McGreevy George McKee, Jr. Lanny & Marcia Mehl Mel Hambelton Ford, Inc Niki Miles June Moore Betty Mull Miriam Nofsinger Joyce Ogdon Deaun Palenshus Bernice Pearson Buck & Mary Jean Perry Duane & Dixie Petersen Innes Phillips Shirley Pierce Dennis & Terry Poell Diane Rath Jean A Rees John Reiff Bill Rickords Scott & Lisa Ritchie Thane & Debbie Rogers Ed & Charleen Salguero Brian & Jennifer Schmidt Dorothy Schultz Sementelli Family Raymond Sharon
Jerry & Janet Simpson Robert & Marilyn Sjogren Dr. & Mrs. Richard Skibba Judy Slawson Ruth Ann Smith Kay Sommerfeld Mary Spade Sandy Strand Thomas & Betty Strickland Carol A Taylor Topline Steel Buildings Kent & Kathryn Tretheway Shelley J von Merveldt Laverna Walser Anjie Weidman Patricia Wetta Jolly White Nina Williams Ronald & Linda Williams Richard & Ellen Willis The Wilson Foundation Gary Wood Gil & Carol Wooten Steve & Becky Wright Bill & Judi Wynne Carolyn Zepick Dennis & Deanna Zitterkopf Annual Appeal in Memory of: Marian Preston Alice Price
Trucks are an essential piece of equipment for any garden and while it takes a backseat to the beauty of the gardens, it plays an essential role in getting work done. It’s been eight years since Botanica has had a new work truck and thanks to the efforts of Botanica board member Beverly Thornton we are the proud new owners of a 2003 Dodge Ram crew cab.
Thornton was persistent in her phone calls to Davis Moore President Dawson Grimsley and was able to secure the donation of the new truck. Grimsley also donated Botanica’s previous truck, a 1994 Dodge Ram three-quarter-ton truck. Botanica is grateful to Thornton and Grimsley for their contribution to the gardens.
FREE
family fun fair
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2: 10am-1pm
Break cabin fever and join us for our FREE Family Fun Fair! It’s a winter garden party with a variety of crafts and activities led by Botanica volunteers. Suitable for kids of all ages, the FREE Family Fun Fair educates children about nature and wildlife while involving them in hands-on activities. PLUS - you can explore the Gardens to see the berries and barks that shine during the winter months. SPONSORED BY: The best part- admission to the Gardens and all activities are FREE!
December 2012 • January • February 2013
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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 701 Amidon • Wichita, Kansas • 67203
Flowering Kale by Beverly Strouse Marty Miller Executive Director
Gabby Brandt Special Events Coordinator
Paula Englert Director of Finance
Jamee Ross Director of Development
Karla Jahn Tour Coordinator & Registrar
Kathy Osler Director of Membership
Kristin Marlett Director of Marketing & Communications
Kate Sheppard Youth Education Specialist
Linda Keller Private & Corporate Events Manager
Neva Thiessen & Laurel Nichols Education Team
Jodi McArthur Director of Volunteers Patrick McKernan Landscape Supervisor
Hours of Operation November-March Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
General Information 316.264.0448 The Gift Garden: ext. 106 Class Registration ext. 115 Available Mon-Fri, 10 a.m . - 4 p.m.
Hours of Operation April-October Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Open Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday & Thursday through September
Donations & Planned Giving ext. 105 Event Information ext. 110 Facilities Rentals ext. 104 Membership ext. 107 Memorial Gifts ext. 107 Volunteer Services ext. 103
Botanica is maintained by Botanica, Inc. in cooporation with the City of Wichita Department of Parks & Recreation.
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, shall be a significant horticultural display garden for the enjoyment and education of the community that sets the standard of excellence for botanical gardens in the Midwest.