Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland.
MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities
VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive
Photography: David Lardakis, Bob Perkoski, Peter Larson, Peter Greene, Lisa DeJong, Victor Maffe, Alex Faidiga, Ethan Johnson, Nico Viola, Ferole Parmelee
and creativity are blooming at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
DEPARTMENTS
Forests & Gardens (ISSN 2474-6371) is a class and events magazine published quarterly by Holden Forests & Gardens, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172.
Periodicals postage paid at Mentor, Ohio and additional offices.
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Please send address changes to Forests & Gardens Magazine
Holden Forests & Gardens
9500 Sperry Road
Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172
Summer is Here!
Letter from the President
With plenty of sunshine and longer summer days comes the opportunity to reinvigorate our personal connection to the natural world that sustains us. Summer at HF&G presents a myriad of options for your family to enjoy the outdoors. We hope to see you making the most of these beautiful days by exploring our campuses, attending an event or class, and connecting with our passionate staff and volunteers.
Pollinators have pulled into the station at the Holden Arboretum. Be inspired by an imaginative world of miniature trains and botanical structures at Pollinator Express. Open now through Sunday, September 8, this immersive exhibit is built from natural and botanical materials and reminds us that pollinators come in a wide variety of species beyond bees, including butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, bats, beetles, and flies. Pollinators move from plant to plant building healthy ecosystems and even have preferences as to which they enjoy best. Researchers at the Holden Arboretum study the movement and patterns of pollinators to find ways we can conserve these declining species and preserve our region’s biodiversity.
Twenty years after its debut, Hershey Children’s Garden remains one of the country’s leading children’s gardens. With age comes the need to renovate and refresh. If you and your family have been to the Hershey Children’s Garden lately, you may have noticed construction activity and signage. Though we are sad to say goodbye to our iconic children’s garden treehouse, we are excited to replace the structure with a new, ADA-compliant treehouse for all to enjoy for decades to come. The new treehouse will ensure that Hershey Children’s Garden remains a national model and continues to provide deep experiences with trees and flowers for children of all ages, nurturing a connection with nature in our next generation of environmental stewards. Read more about changes in the children’s garden on page 14.
Spend your summer nights at our two gorgeous campuses, with or without the kids. Late summer evenings at the arboretum on Wednesdays and the botanical garden on Thursdays include live music, cooking demonstrations, dog-friendly events for the canine family members, and wine tastings all season long. Check out pages 7 and 9 for our full summer schedule.
On September 13, our Harvest Moon fundraiser returns to the Cleveland Botanical Garden, featuring small plates prepared by some of Cleveland’s top chefs, including Ben Bebenroth from SPICE, Brandon Chrostowski from Edwins, Vinnie Cimino from Cordelia, Doug Katz from Amba, Laurie Torres from Mallorca and more. New this year, stay late for Harvest Moon After Dark, an enchanting afterparty with desserts, drinks and live music!
My family and I look forward to seeing you this summer at our campuses, whether you choose to rock out at our outdoor concerts or get steps in on our woodland trails.
Join us.
See you soon!
Ed
Over 1,600 visitors descended upon the Holden Arboretum on Monday, April 8, to experience a day of celestial delight. We laughed, danced, marveled and made lifelong memories during the sun and moon’s unforgettable show. Thank you to all the visitors, members, volunteers and staff who contributed to making this oncein-a-lifetime event a success.
Catch Pollinator Express before it leaves the station.
Q&A with Beth Kelly, Director of Guest Experience
Why is the name Pollinator Express?
These two words represent the essence of this exhibit — trains and nature! Not only can guests to the Arboretum enjoy watching model trains moving through a colorful garden, the exhibit features a set of whimsical pollinator sculptures.
The pollinators featured in the exhibit are not your typical butterflies and bees, either. Fruit bats, mosquitoes and a lemur are just a few of the unusual creatures on display thanks to their unique relationships to the plants they pollinate.
Where is this exhibit located?
The exhibit is about 0.3 miles from the Corning Visitor Center, around a garden bed that’s located at the south edge of the Main Display Garden. A story trail helps guide visitors from the Arboretum trailhead to the exhibit site.
Who designed this exhibit?
The creative team at Applied Imagination designed and built the Pollinator Express botanical sculptures and model railroad displays. Laura Busse Dolan, daughter of founder Paul Busse, leads a team that includes 15 full-time artisans, fabricators and model train experts based in Alexandria, Kentucky. Since its founding in 1991, Applied Imagination has created countless award-winning garden railway displays across the country.
The exhibit garden bed has been recently transformed into a pollinator paradise thanks to the Holden Arboretum horticulture team. Horticulturalist Sandi Cesarov oversees the Arboretum’s Main Display Gardens and developed the dynamic
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design that features both annual and perennial flora, with species chosen especially to attract our native pollinators.
How long did it take to build?
The entire exhibition took about a year to develop — including finding a great location on the grounds, designing the railroad track and supporting structures, garden design, exhibit building, site preparation and installation of pathways, exhibitry and plantings.
What scale are the model trains?
The trains in our exhibit are G-Scale, sized to a scale of 1 : 22.5. This size is stronger and more robust than typical indoor railways, making it a good fit for outdoor and garden use.
Will the trains still operate in rainy or windy conditions?
It depends! A little rain or wind is no problem for the G-scale track and railroad cars, but they don't operate well in extreme weather like thunderstorms or high winds. You can assume that if the Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower are closed due to weather the trains will be resting as well.
Will there be merchandise available for purchase?
Yes — the Treehouse Store in the Corning Visitor Center has some fun railroad-inspired gifts for folks of all ages.
Do I need a special ticket to view this exhibit?
No special ticket is required – Pollinator Express is included in general admission. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Beth Kelly is the Director of Guest Experience and has been with Holden Forests & Gardens since August of 2020. Her job is to ensure that everyone who visits the Arboretum feels welcome, safe and has a great experience. Her museum career, which began in admissions, has spanned managing and installing exhibitions, coordinating an executive office and planning events. She works closely with the talented guest experience team, and enjoys talking with members and guests. Beth is also a quilter and a novice birder, and she likes to spend time outdoors with her family.
Art in Bloom
Don’t miss summer art exhibits at Cleveland Botanical Garden.
Color and creativity extend beyond our outdoor blooming gardens this summer with our indoor art exhibit series in partnership with local artists. Check out some of the art now on display for a limited time.
Boruca masks, Eppig Gallery, 5/25-7/14
The Boruca (also know as the Brunca or Brunka) are the indigenous people living in Costa Rica. The tribe of around 2,600 members is known for its art and craftwork, especially its distinctive painted balsa wood masks. These masks are important elements in the Borucas’ annual Danza de los Diablitos (The Dance of the Little Devils) festival celebrated each winter. Although they may seem frightening or sinister, the Brunca view these masks as a symbol of wellbeing and protection. The beautifully crafted masks on display can be purchased in the Garden Store to help support indigenous women of Costa Rica and their community.
Georgio Sabino III, Guren Gallery (Perennial Playspace), 5/21-7/14
For Sabino, art is not just a medium of expression; it’s a gateway to self-discovery. With accolades as a painter, photographer, designer, author and educator, he has woven a rich tapestry of artistic innovation and inspiration. Sabino’s project, Artistic Jungle, is a bold fusion of painting, fashion and technology, seamlessly weaving together traditional mediums with cuttingedge innovations.
Research Roundup
The expert scientists at Holden Forests & Gardens have been hard at work this year! Here are a few of their most recent findings.
By Anna Funk, Science Communication Specialist
The research team at Holden Forests & Gardens, based at the Ellen Corning Long and T. Dixon Long Center for Plant and Environmental Science at the Holden Arboretum, regularly publishes scientific work that advances the field of plant sciences. From genomes to plant microbiomes, tree diseases to forest management, our scientists are always learning more about our natural world. Here’s just a sample of their most recent findings from the past year.
Working Woods
Eighty-five percent of Ohio forests are owned by private landowners. That’s why Holden’s Community Forestry and Research departments teamed up in 2018 to launch the Working Woods Learning Forest, to both test and demonstrate forest management best practices. The team’s first research report was published this year1
Led by Alexa Wagner, Ph.D. student in Katie Stuble’s lab, the team found that thinning overstory trees can benefit the non-native shrub buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). When the overstory was thinned, the shrub’s fruit production increased, as did activity levels from fruit-eating birds, which spread the seeds even more. This shows the importance of removing non-native shrubs like buckthorn alongside any tree removal in order to avoid further invasion.
Plants of all shapes and sizes
Big leaves, small leaves, dense leaves, flimsy leaves — these traits aren’t just Mother Nature keeping things interesting. The different traits of plants serve different functions and can determine how resilient plants are in different environments.
A team led by Holden scientist Juliana Medeiros studied different Rhododendron species to see how each one’s unique suite of traits related to the environment where they live2. They found
that rhododendrons from the most seasonal climates had the highest correlation between their traits and the climate.
Under the microscope
Microscopic life is everywhere — including on the surface of leaves. Holden plant scientist Na Wei led a study to examine how these microbial communities vary across the landscape 3 She looked at the microbes living on duckweed ( Lemna spp.), which grows on ponds and other water bodies, across the continent. She found different bacteria living all across the map, with factors like temperature, precipitation, acidity and more impacting which live where.
The leaf microbiome, made up of bacteria and fungi, can impact not only the plant it lives on, but also any pests or pathogens that might try to attack its host. In a study led by David Burke, Holden’s VP for Science and Conservation, researchers studied the effects of a common pesticide, dinotefuran, on the leaf microbiomes of native eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) and other native and Asian hemlock species4. This pesticide is commonly used to treat infestations of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) on North American hemlocks — the Asian trees are resistant to the insect pest.
They found that the pesticide significantly impacted the bacteria, but not the fungi, of the hemlocks, and that the trees were not harmed by this change. They found that the different hemlock species hosted different microbial communities, and identified a few bacteria that warrant further study to see if they’re involved in resistance to the adelgids.
Life underground
Leaves are just one of the areas Holden is studying where the microbiome can influence plants. Sarah Carrino-Kyker, postdoctoral research associate in the Burke lab, recently led
a study that found that when beech trees ( Fagus grandifolia ) are under stress, the way the plant responds can vary based on the composition of the microbes living in its soil 5
Another study, conducted by the Stuble lab and led by Emma Dawson-Glass, found that warming, like we will see under climate change, also influences the soil microbial community, which can in turn impact decomposition rates in the soil6 Decomposition is especially important to understand since it dictates how much carbon the soil can store, which in turn feeds back into climate change.
Finally, work led by Claudia Bashian-Victoroff in the Burke lab found that beech leaf disease has downstream — or down-tree, to be precise — effects, decreasing the amount of healthy root fungi living in the roots, and altering which fungi are present7
What’s in a year?
We all know the weather is never exactly the same as the year before. And when the weather changes, plants react, which can be as visible as differences in crop yields, changes in our gardens, or patterns in nature.
Katie Stuble, plant scientist and research chair, is an expert in this phenomenon, called year effects. In a recent study, her team studied restored grasslands that were planted in different years and at different locations, and found that year effects are a key driver of biodiversity across the broader landscape8
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In a study led by Burke lab research specialist Lydia Jahn, the team explored how spring weather conditions drive wildflower coverage 9 . For fifteen years, they monitored the abundance of dominant spring ephemeral wildflowers, like spring beauties and trout lilies, linking wildflower abundance to changes in weather conditions. They found that cooler, wetter springs lead to an increase in aboveground cover the following year , but that weather had little effect on the current year’s wildflower crop.
Advancing science and practice
Scientific research on plants and the environment contributes to our understanding of the world, while also providing evidence upon which to base decisions related to environmental management. Our research team at Holden Forests & Gardens does both basic and applied research, which means they’re advancing science while also generating insights that land stewards can put into practice.
1. Wagner et al. 2023 Natural Areas Journal.
2. Medeiros et al. 2024 AoB Plants.
3. Wei & Tan 2023 Microbial Ecology.
4. Burke et al. 2024 Phytobiomes Journal.
5. Carrino-Kyker et al. 2024 Symbiosis.
6. Dawson Glass et al. 2023 Functional Ecology.
7. Bashian-Victoroff et al. 2023 Journal of Fungi.
8. Werner et al. 2024 Ecology.
9. Jahn et al. 2023 AoB Plants.
Anna Funk is the Science Communication Specialist for Holden Forests & Gardens. She earned her Ph.D. studying prairie restoration before leaving the research world to help tell scientists’ stories. Today, she wears many hats, freelancing as a writer, editor, journalist and more — anything that lets her share her appreciation of science and its impact with others.
Left to Right: Working Woods, Duckweed, Beech Leaf Disease
Want to learn more about research at Holden Forests & Gardens? Scan the QR code:
Start Growing
Learn the perks of native plants and why you should grow them from seed. By Alex Faidiga, Plant Recorder
Why grow native?
When it comes to supporting local biodiversity, native plants simply do it best. Our native plant species have evolved alongside the pollinators, birds and mammals of our region and thus are best adapted to support them. The majority of native insects are specialists, meaning that one or more stages of their life cycles are dependent on a limited suite of host plants. This specialization enables native plants to support insects, particularly during the larval stage, in ways that non-native plants cannot.
A classic example of insect-host plant specialization is the relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed: although monarch butterflies drink nectar from a variety of plants, they lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed (Asclepias species). Due to the ongoing decline of monarch populations, milkweeds have become the posterchild for native plants, but there are countless more plant-insect relationships that get far less publicity. One of the joys of native gardening is getting acquainted with the beautiful and diverse insect species you support when you introduce a new plant to your garden!
Fostering local biodiversity is just one of the many benefits of planting natives at home. There are so many more — ease of maintenance, water capture and filtration, personal connection to the landscape — far more than can be covered here. For now, let’s talk about seeds.
The benefits of growing from seed
One major perk of growing plants from seed is that it is highly cost effective. Depending on the species and the nursery, a single plant in a one-gallon container can run you upwards of sixteen dollars or more. In comparison, the few dollars you spend on one packet of seeds can provide you with tens, hundreds, or even thousands of plants, and in turn, more seeds! If you grow more than you need, share with friends — it’s hard to turn down free plants.
That being said, some species have low germination rates or are slow growers: spring-blooming woodland understory species like bloodroot and wild ginger are one example. For these species, buying plants can be an easier and more reliable option. Consider mixing species like these sourced from a local nursery with faster-growing species that can easily be grown from seed.
The cost-effectiveness of seeds also grants you the freedom to experiment with a wider variety of species. This exploratory approach is well-suited to native gardening because greater plant diversity invites a greater diversity of insects and wildlife to your garden. It gives you the freedom to experiment, to fail, and to try new things. And although it demands a bit of patience, growing your own native plants from seed is a rewarding journey.
Steps to starting your seeds
As an adaptation to our winter climate, the seeds of many native plants require a period of exposure to cold temperatures before they can successfully germinate. To simulate the conditions that seeds experience while lying dormant in the soil over the winter, we can subject them to artificial stratification by storing seeds in the cool, moist environment of the refrigerator. If you plan ahead and acquire your seeds by fall, you can let nature do the stratifying for you by sowing them on bare ground or in containers left outside for the winter. But if you want to have a bit more control over where individual plants will live in your landscape or you missed the window for fall sowing, artificial stratification is a quick and easy alternative.
1. Get organized: Each species has a different required cold stratification period. Most require 30-60 days; some more, some none at all. Determine your species’ requirements and plan your start date accordingly. Once you have your seeds ready, gather your materials: sand, plastic sandwich bags, a spray bottle, and a sharpie for labeling.
2. Tuck in your seeds: Add a handful of moistened sand to a plastic bag along with your seeds and mix to distribute evenly. Make sure that your sand is moist but not dripping wet to prevent mold growth.
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3. Bag and refrigerate: Place your seeds into a plastic bag, seal it, and label it with the species and date. Place your bags in the refrigerator and monitor weekly, misting if necessary to ensure that your seeds don’t dry out.
4. Wait patiently! After your seeds have completed their recommended period of cold stratification, sow them in seed trays, containers, or directly in the ground in spring. Keep in mind that some species take one or more seasons to reach flowering maturity.
Get growing
If you’ve never started plants from seed before, experimenting with just one species is a great way to get started on your native plant journey. Every seed you sow is a step toward a more resilient and biodiverse neighborhood, and even small steps can have significant impacts on our local ecosystems and communities.
Alex Faidiga is the Plant Recorder in the Horticulture and Collections Department at Holden Forests & Gardens. She earned her Master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she studied plant evolutionary ecology and the impacts of climate change on native plants. She was excited to return to her hometown of Cleveland in 2022 to work for HF&G, one of the many places in Northeast Ohio where she discovered her love for plants at a young age.
Get Ready to Climb
Something tree-mendous is coming this fall!
If you have visited Cleveland Botanical Garden lately, you may have noticed things look a little different in Hershey Children’s Garden. After 25 years of facing the elements, the treehouse was ready for a refresh. In March, demolition of the treehouse and bird blind began in the garden to make room for new and reimagined structures. A new treehouse and deck is being built, roughly covering the same footprint as the former treehouse with some exciting additions, including a new way to traverse the two stories. The bird blind will be replaced by a play area, encouraging children to develop their gross motor skills, such as crawling, climbing and jumping. Construction of the back portion of the garden is expected to last through the summer and conclude in the fall of 2024.
Working with the Treehouse Experts, HF&G staff were able to design a treehouse that is whimsical, adventurous and able to withstand the weather of Northeast Ohio. The new treehouse will embrace the garden’s risky play philosophy by encouraging children to bravely climb a netted tunnel from the base of the tree house up to the canopy. There will be a new playhouse
area hidden underneath the stairs for children to hideout in or explore. The dock will be reinstated to bring children closer to the garden’s pond and encourage them to interact with the critters who call it home. This project is made possible by the Hershey Foundation and Holden Parks Trust
HF&G staff requested that the wood from demolition be left on property to see if any of the lumber could be repurposed throughout our grounds. Some of the wood will be repurposed in the Hershey Children’s Garden itself, helping with furniture and garden bed restoration and even a new checkerboard. Other parts of the former treehouse are being recycled to aid in trail and garden renovations elsewhere on property.
During renovations, the back portion of the garden will be closed to the public while construction is underway. Children have access to all aspects of the front portion of the garden, including the mud kitchen, vegetable beds, sandbox and the sundial fountain. They have a front row seat to observe the construction of the new treehouse.
The demolition and rebuilding of the treehouse has provided HF&G the opportunity to make improvements to our accessible pathways throughout Hershey Children’s Garden. Once the treehouse is built, we will be amending pathways in the garden to provide an ADA accessible path throughout the perimeter of the garden. The garden may need to close briefly while the new pathways are being laid, so please check holdenfg.org for updates.
Since the summer of 1999, the treehouse in Hershey Children’s Garden has been a focal point in the garden, allowing children to climb to the top and look out over the vastness of the space to plan their next adventure. Throughout its lifetime, the treehouse has served thousands of families in the Cleveland area and beyond and we look forward to the new treehouse serving thousands more.
The education team is excited to be able to offer fun and exciting programs this summer to engage the young minds visiting our properties. Check out this summer’s Hershey Children’s Garden daily programming:
Tuesday
10:30 a.m. Sun Salutations
11 a.m. Story Time
3 p.m. Pond Life
Exploration
Wednesday
10:30 a.m. Sun Salutations
11 a.m. Art in the Garden
2:30 p.m. Bug Exploration
Thursday
10:30 a.m. Sun Salutations
11 a.m. Story Time
3 p.m. Pond Life
Exploration
Friday
10:30 a.m. Sun Salutations
11 a.m. Art in the Garden 2:30 p.m. Bug Exploration
Saturday
10:30 a.m. Sun Salutations
1 p.m. Vegetable Garden Exploration
3 p.m. Turtle Time
Sunday
12:30 p.m. Sun Salutations
1:30 p.m. Vegetable Garden
Exploration
3 p.m. Turtle Time
THIS SUMMER AT THE HOLDEN ARBORETUM
At the Arboretum, new additions at Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods are sure to stir young ones’ imaginations. Upgraded climbing structures, hidden pathways and natural materials will foster creativity and appreciation for the environment. New water access at our Discovery Tower provides a handson opportunity to explore life at the edge of the pond or climb to the top level for a bird’s eye view of Buttonbush Bog. Thank you to donor Marcie Harvey for making these improvements possible.
Self-led exploration opportunities for families are always available for check-out at Corning Visitor Center. Topics include Sensory, Pollinators, Ponds, Wildlife, and Trees. Facilitator-assisted offerings occur on Fridays during select hours.
Each morning, children can meet in the Four Seasons Fountain Court at the entrance of Hershey Children’s Garden to discuss the four seasons and do some sun salutations before the fountain turns on for the day.
Pond Explorer
Although the pond is under construction, come learn about the diversity of the animals that call Hershey Children’s Garden home.
Turtle Time
Come meet our resident box turtles as they explore the Grassy Knoll.
Insect Investigation
Use a net, a pooter or even a potato to explore some of the tiniest residents of Hershey Children’s Garden.
Art in the Garden
Enjoy the beautiful ambiance of Hershey Children’s Garden as you dive into a craft or art project.
Scavenger Hunt
Always check the mini library just outside the gates to pick up a seasonal scavenger hunt or book.
Discovery Cart
Stop by our weekend Discovery Cart to talk with one of our ambassadors. They will have interesting “biofacts” for children to observe and learn from. Themes include soil, pollinators, decomposers and more!
Don’t miss a chance to celebrate the wonder of nature.
Harvest Moon
Friday, September 13, 2024
Cleveland Botanical Garden
VIP access 5 p.m.
Event opens to all at 6 p.m.
Harvest Moon After Dark at 9 p.m.
Holden Forests & Gardens invites you to spend Friday the 13th with us for an enchanting evening where mysticism meets philanthropy at our only fundraising event this year — Harvest Moon.
We invite guests to explore the early fall splendor of the Botanical Garden campus while enjoying food stations with small plate offerings prepared by some of Cleveland’s most notable chefs, including Ben Bebenroth - SPICE Kitchen, Brandon Chrostowski - Edwins, Vinnie Cimino - Cordelia, Doug Katz - Amba, Laurie Torres - Mallorca, Eric Wells - Skye La Rae, Tiwanna Scott-Williams - PearlFlower Catering and more!
Enjoy live music setting celestial vibes and captivating decor designed to ignite the imagination.
After-hours Ticket $50 ($25 tax deductible) (included with individual ticket levels and up)
Event Sponsorship ranges from $2,500 to $15,000 and includes a reserved table and other benefits.
Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets or learn more about sponsorship.
This event directly supports HF&G’s mission to connect people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. Each ticket contributes to our conservation & education programs that help to preserve the magic of the natural world.
VIP tickets are available and include an additional food station, reserved table seating and an open bar during the VIP-hour.
New this year, as the sun sets, our afterparty will guide you to an extended evening of bewitching enchantment with a dessert station, drinks, live music and tarot card readings. This otherworldly experience is included with event tickets or can be purchased separately.
This event is presented with generous support from:
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets, learn about event sponsorship or for more information about Harvest Moon.
Rose Mallow
Hibiscus
By Ethan Johnson, Plant Records Curator
Hardy native North American hibiscus and their hybrids are fabulous garden plants for Northeast Ohio, attracting hummingbirds and charismatic insects to their showy flowers August through early September. Rose mallow are herbaceous perennials from eastern North America. Abundant sun and moisture are key to best flowering.
Roberta Holden Bole donated the first rose mallow ( Hibiscus moscheutos ) to the Holden Arboretum planted around Lotus Pond. Over the past 80-plus years these have seeded in along the stream below and grow to about 5’-6’, with flowering at times starting in late July in recent years. Along the stream leading from Lotus Pond ‘ Lady Baltimore,’ with large white and blush pink flowers and scarlet centers, was planted en masse in 2018. This fine plant was bred in Maryland in 1955 by Robert Darby and includes H. coccineus and H. militaris in addition to H. moscheutos . These plants had spectacular blooms through the 22nd of September last year.
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In the Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden are hybrid rose mallows bred by Dave Fleming of Lincoln, Nebraska, that were introduced in the 1990s and early 2000s. The relatively diminutive 3.5’-4’ ‘Crown Jewels’ with purple-tinted leaves is along the main path southwest of Crystal Pond. There are nine other hardy herbaceous types around Crystal and Reflecting Ponds. In the Sally Gries Entry Garden along Sperry Road is the aptly named white flowered H. moscheutos ‘Ruby Dot.’
In the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden, Hibiscus moscheutos is to the southwest along the stream, having been collected from the wild in Erie County, Ohio. By the path on the southeast side in the Pennington Memorial is Hibiscus ‘Tie Dye,’ a relatively recent 2010s Walters Gardens, Michigan introduction. On the northeast side of the Eliot and Linda Paine Rhododendron Discovery Garden and south of the Warren H. Corning Visitor Center are group plantings of a recent Walters Gardens introduction called ‘Berry Awesome.’
Herbaceous hibiscus hybrids recently planted at Cleveland Botanical Garden include ‘ Cherry Cheesecake’ with large white, blotched raspberry flowers in the Inspiration Shade Garden. ‘ Fireball,’ ‘ Midnight Marvel,’ ‘ Summer Carnival,’ ‘ Valentine’s Crush’ (red) and ‘ Plum Crazy’ (raspberry) flowers may be seen in the Inspiration Sun Garden where they were planted in 2022 and 2023.
Ethan Johnson is the Plant Records Curator. He learned to keep records while working for the Arnold Arboretum (1985-89) and Holden Arboretum (1981-82, 1989-present) while volunteering for the International Dendrological Research Institute, Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association Plant Selection Committee and the American Conifer Society. He was the point person when the American Association of Museums accredited Holden Arboretum as the sixth public garden in the U.S. as a museum, has labeled and inventoried Holden Arboretum’s plant collection and has been keeping plant records at Cleveland Botanical Garden since 2015.
‘Berry Awesome’
‘Midnight Marvel’ ‘Crown Jewels’
‘Tie Dye’
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
By Rebecca Thompson, Education Manager at Holden Arboretum
Green herons inhabit diverse wetland environments, including wooded ponds, streams, marshes and swamps. They are commonly found in fresh and saltwater habitats, showcasing their remarkable adaptability. These elusive birds are typically solitary, carefully navigating the dense vegetation for prey.
Equipped with sharp beaks and keen eyesight, green herons are skilled hunters who prey on various aquatic creatures. Their diet consists primarily of small fish, frogs, insects, crustaceans and occasionally small mammals. With a patient approach, green herons stalk their prey from the shallow waters or perch on low overhanging branches, striking with lightning speed to secure their next meal. They frequently craft fishing lures using bread crusts, insects and feathers, strategically dropping onto the water's surface to attract small fish.
Nest placement varies, often situated directly above or near the water, although, occasionally, up to a half-mile away. Males choose a secluded location within their territory, typically opting for a spacious fork in a tree up to 30 feet high or a shrub adorned with overhanging branches to cloak the nest. Green herons prefer various plant species as nest sites, including pines, oaks, willows, box elder, cedar, honey locust, hickory, sassafras and mangroves. Both male and female green herons play roles in nest
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construction, with the male collecting long, thin sticks and the female shaping them into a nest 8-12 inches across and less than 2 inches deep.
Females lay up to five pale greenish to blue eggs. Both males and females incubate the eggs for around three weeks. Nestlings are born helpless and rely entirely on their parents for food and protection for around 30 days. Once
GREEN HERON
SIZE: 15-20 inches
WINGSPAN: 25-26 inches
DESCRIPTION: Dark green on the back with a chestnut breast and neck; wings are dark gray; dark capped head.
RANGE: Across North America, Central America and the West Indies, except in some midwestern states, southern Canada and northern South America.
VOICE CALL: Harsh skeow or skow
BEST LOCATION TO
VIEW: Arboretum: Roberta’s Bird Blind at Corning Lake, Blueberry Pond and Hourglass Pond
fledged, young green herons begin to explore their surroundings, honing their hunting skills under the guidance of their experienced parents.
While green heron populations remain relatively stable across their range, they face habitat loss, pollution and human disturbance threats. Partners in Flight estimates the global breeding population at 1.2 million. Wetland degradation due to urbanization and agricultural expansion poses a significant risk to these birds and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. Conservation efforts focused on habitat preservation and restoration are crucial for ensuring the green heron's continued survival and the diverse species that depend on healthy wetland habitats.
Rebecca Thompson is the Education Manager at Holden Forests & Gardens and has dedicated her career (1999 – present) to school-aged children and life-long learners. Her enthusiasm for the natural world has kindled a sense of exploration, discovery and a deeper appreciation for the environment. Her passion for bird watching drove her to become a self-taught local bird expert. She has served as President on local boards, including Blackbrook Audubon Society and Cleveland Regional Council of Science Teachers.
Classes Programs
&
Learn something new this summer! Visit holdenfg.org for more details about our offerings. There’s something for everyone.
WINE & CHEESE NIGHT HIKE
Holden Arboretum
July 12 | 8 – 11 p.m.
$30 per member,
$45 per nonmember
Adult, 21+
MAGNIFICENCE ON THE MOUNTAIN HIKE
Holden Arboretum
July 13 | 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$10 per member,
$20 per nonmember
Adult
STEBBINS GULCH HIKE
Holden Arboretum
July 20 | 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$10 per member,
$20 per nonmember
Adult
THE WONDERS OF WETLANDS
Holden Arboretum
July 26 | 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Free for members,
$20 per nonmember
Adult
FLOWER POWER: BUDS & BLOSSOMS IN FOLKLORE & FOLK MEDICINE
Holden Arboretum
July 27 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$35 per member, $50 per nonmember
Adult
The buds and blossoms of plants inspire us with their beauty, fragrance and color. Culture is shaped by environment, and flowers bloom in folk medicine and folklore throughout the world. Join herbalist Leah Wolfe of the Trillium Center on a guided walk through the gardens at Holden Arboretum while listening to stories of bewitching love charms, old medicinal cures and current research, and tips on how to make your own flower power. After the walk, we’ll make a flower elixir to take home.
MAGNIFICENCE ON THE MOUNTAIN HIKE
Holden Arboretum
August 3 | 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember
Adult
FAMILY CAMPOUT
Holden Arboretum
August 3 – 4
$35 per member
$40 per nonmember
Experience Holden Arboretum in a brand-new way — after hours! Explore the great outdoors and discover the diversity of wildlife that flies, swims and grows around the Arboretum. Enjoy exclusive views from Kalberer Emergent Tower at dusk and investigate our nighttime residents. Roam our trails at night or opt for a sweet treat around the campfire — there is so much fun to be had!
Please note: This is an overnight event. Parties are responsible for tent and overnight supplies. Catered dinner boxes and a graband-go breakfast will be provided (vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options available). No pets are permitted for this event.
ZEN MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS
Holden Arboretum
August 10 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
$15 per member, $20 per nonmember Adult
WINE & CHEESE NIGHT HIKE
Holden Arboretum
August 23 | 8 – 11 p.m.
$30 per member, $45 per nonmember Adult, 21+
FROM KOMBUCHA TO WILD FERMENTED SODAS
Holden Arboretum
August 24 | 1 – 3:30 p.m.
$30 per member, $45 per nonmember Adult
STEBBINS GULCH HIKE
Holden Arboretum
August 25 | 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember Adult
NEW DIRECTIONS IN THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE WORKSHOP
Holden Arboretum
August 29 & 30
Registration and additional information on the NDAL website: ndal.org
Adult
Holden Arboretum will be the host-site for an intensive twoday workshop organized by New Directions in the American Landscape. Demand for high performing, ecology-based landscapes is increasing faster than the availability of the specialized knowledge needed for practitioners to achieve them. This workshop will provide concrete, real-world guidance for designing and documenting native meadows, shrublands, and woodlands. We will also discuss adapting these wild landscapes to the “fine garden” scale for smaller projects and properties.
NATURE KNOW-HOW THROUGH DRONES
Holden Arboretum
August 31 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember Adult
SUNSET ON THE CANOPY WALK AND TOWER
Holden Arboretum
September 5| 7 – 8:30 p.m.
$25 per member, $35 per nonmember Adult
WINE & CHEESE NIGHT HIKE
Holden Arboretum
September 13 | 8 – 11 p.m.
$30 per member, $45 per nonmember
Adult, 21+
Cleveland Botanical Garden
ECOPRINTING ON SILK
July 13 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$55 per member, $70 per nonmember
Adult
DUTCH
FLORAL
ARRANGING
August 1 | 6:30 - 8 p.m.
$50 per member, $65 per nonmember
Adult
A CELEBRATION OF SEEDS
August 8 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.
$10 per person
Adult
Our Seed Bank is celebrating its first anniversary! Join Holden Forests & Gardens in marking this happy occasion with seed leaders from across Northeast Ohio. Experts from HF&G, Project Wingspan, Cleveland Metroparks and more will discuss the value and joy of native seeds in a panel moderated by Eco Speaks Cle podcast host Diane Bickett. Come early to enjoy a drink (credit card bar) and socialize with fellow plant-lovers while learning how you can get involved in conserving native plants in your community. The informal social hour begins at 6 p.m. The panel discussion will start at 7 p.m.
FAIRY TEA
August 18 | 10 a.m. - noon
$50 per member, $65 per nonmember
Children age 3 years & over with adult.
During this enchanted morning, children will explore the Hershey Children’s Garden, make a nature-themed fairy wand, design a teacup fairy garden, and enjoy light tea and refreshments, all in the company of our friendly garden fairies. Costumes, creativity, and imagination are encouraged! This program will take place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, all program elements will be moved indoors.
THE MIDAS TOUCH: DYEING WITH GOLDENROD
September 14 | 10 a.m. – noon
$25 per member, $40 per nonmember
Adult
9500 Sperry Road
Kirtland, Ohio 44094
@cbgarden @holdenarb @holden_fg
Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland.
MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities
VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive
