Vol. XXVII No. 4 • WINTER 2014
Illuminations
You’ve Got To See It To Believe It! // pg. 4
Supper with Santa New Menu! Expanded To Three Nights// pg. 5
FROM THE
Director
The end of a great year brings a better new year What a year 2014 has been. In January, Margaret Nelson Spear donated the Joyland Merry-Go-Round, in May we held the groundbreaking for the Chinese Garden of Friendship, in June we dedicated the new event center (Lotus Hall) and the Rich and Marni Vliet Dome and Grand Hall. Three major projects in one year are healthy signs that Botanica continues to grow. However, none of the growth that Botanica has experienced could be possible without the support of the community, the volunteers, the staff and each of you. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is near completion. The grand opening is being planned for early June. This new exciting garden will feature art and culture never seen before in the U.S. Plans are also being made to celebrate Chinese holidays in the garden giving our community an opportunity to experience Chinese culture.
Restoration of the Joyland Merry-GoRound has begun. A local artist who specializes in Merry-GoRound art is restoring the horses. This jewel of art, and artifact for most of us, will bring a whole new Photo by Christopher Clark attraction to Botanica. Fund raising is underway for the restoration process and construction of a special building to house the Merry-Go-Round. Our goal is to raise $1.2 million to create another wonderful feature for Botanica. Illuminations at Botanica has become one of the greatest family holiday events. It is the most spectacular light display in our region. A million lights will be enjoyed by thousands. Illuminations is also Botanica’s largest annual fundraiser. When you see the lights and enjoy the festivities, it is guaranteed you will leave full of holiday spirit. Please support Botanica and enjoy Illuminations. It is with your continued support that Botanica remains a premier attraction in Wichita. Thank you again for your generous gifts and helping Botanica grow. May this holiday season be the best for you and your family.
Troy Houtman, the new Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Wichita and Marty Miller, Director of Botanica, share a handshake. We look forward to maintaining a great partnership.
December 2014 • January • February 2015
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The A to Z of Gardening at Botanica A: Annuals (25,000+) B: Butterflies & Bird Garden C: Chrysanthemums (5,500) D: Daffodils & Dead Heading Annuals & Perennials ABOVE: Tom McReynolds and Linda Ruzich are the driving force for this year’s Illuminations show. Regular volunteers, Tom and Linda have been working for months on wrapping trees, decorating the funky art tree and illuminating sculptures and other structures throughout the gardens. Tom and Linda are just two of the many wonderful volunteers Botanica is so lucky to have working on Illuminations. Photo by Christopher Clark. silhouettes and back drop of trees and shrubs. Some people don’t think there is anything in the gardens during the winter except Christmas lights. I disagree. Look for the color difference in evergreens, multiple shades of greens, blues, golds and greys, the different berries, cones and seed pods. The outstanding green bark of the Hardy Orange Tree located just south of the greenhouse or the Japanese Pagoda Tree in front of the cottage. They are remarkable! Check out the seed heads of the ornamental and native grasses throughout the gardens, their movement is almost magical. Don’t stay home if it snows, grab your camera and come see the garden in the most peaceful and graceful state of the year. Winter offers many different experiences. I hope you can take advantage of them often. In closing I wish each of you and your families the greatest of holiday seasons. I want to thank you for everything you do for Botanica, and I bid you farewell till next time.
E: Equipment Maintained F: Fountain Upkeep & Fertilizing Weekly G: Gardening and Gate Repairs H: Henbit, Henbit, Henbit I: Illuminations Setup, Running & Tear Down J: Junipers K: Koi L: Lotus & Labeling Collections M: Mowing, Mulching, Mulching N: Natural Setting O: Ornamental Grasses P: Pansies (10,000), Pumps & Pest Control Q: Quince R: Roses & Record Keeping S: Sunflowers, Sensory Garden & Sculptures T: Tulips In, Tulips Out (58,000 of them) U: Underground Utility Repairs V: Volunteers W: Water Lilies, Weeding & Watering X: eXtreme Weather Swings
ABOVE: The berries of a Juniper add color and texture to the winter gardens. BOTTOM LEFT: Winter in the Downing Children’s Garden may be void of children, but not of the beauty found in the bones of the gardens many sculptures, grasses and art. Photo by Keith Wondra. BOTTOM RIGHT: The snow covered gardens overlooking the pond during the winter.
Y: Yearly Starting Over Z: ZEN Preparations
December 2014 • January • February 2015
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You’ve Got to See it to Believe it!
NOV. 28 - DEC. 31 Seven days a week Photo by Paul Packer
Illuminations is a family-friendly event that showcases Botanica in a completely different light. Illuminations is held seven nights a week, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31 (excluding Dec. 24 and 25). It has become the best holiday destination in Kansas since expanding in 2011! This year brings new themed displays, 5,000 LED luminaries and more than 120 wrapped trees and hundreds of structures aglow with twinkling white lights. In total, a million lights combine with nature to create a stunning atmosphere and a lot of holiday fun!
5:30-8:30 p.m. Sponsored by:
As visitors enjoy their walk through the Gardens, they will enjoy the warm glow of luminaries, the reflections of trees on the pond, the magic of the flocked forest at Candy Cane Lane, the fragrance of chimineas, the warmth of hot cocoa and the sounds of live musical groups. Santa is also nestled in his cottage every night until Christmas Eve. This year the fountain in the Shakespeare Garden is being transformed with curved, automated lights that give the illusion of a colorful flowing fountain. Giant illuminated bugs will greet visitors near the revamped funky art tree, equipped with a bicycle, a flying pig and a dog. A new synchronized light show in The Downing Children’s Garden meadow will be unveiled and the wisteria in the Beverly Blue garden is now LED. Tickets are $8 ($7 members) for adults and $6 for youth (3-12). Tickets are sold at the door as well as in advance at botanica.org, all area QuikTrip locations or at Botanica. Members must purchase their tickets at Botanica to receive their discount. Group rates are available. For ticket information call Kathy Osler at 316-264-0448 ext. 111.
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Colby Sandlian AeroFence, D&D Equipment, Entercom Radio, Helgerson’s, Hillside Nursery, Indian Hills Ace Hardware, Johnson’s Garden Center, KSN, Lusco Brick & Stone, McClelland Sound, Overhead Door, Power 93.5, Simpson Construction, Spangler & Reimers Construction, Sutherlands, Tree Top Nursery and TSI
Supper with F
Santa
or three festive nights, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, Santa will be taking a break from his holiday preparations to host a special meal at Botanica: Supper with Santa, presented by Capitol Federal. You are invited to join them to savor piping-hot plates of delicious pasta from Carrabba’s on Dec. 2, burritos and nachos by Molino’s on Dec. 9, pizza from Papa Murphy’s on Dec. 16 and a Santaapproved sugar cookie from Connie’s Cookies every night. There will also be a special apperance by Elsa from Frozen. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
ABOVE: Santa reads a story during Supper with Santa. Photo by Janie Lang. 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 a millions lights throughout, including the Downing Children’s Garden. Be sure to bring your cameras, appetites and holiday spirit! It’s sure to be a memorable night for your family this holiday season. $14 for adults ($12 for Botanica members) $10 for children ages 3-12 ($8 for Botanica members) To reserve your spot at the holiday table, call Karla at (316) 264-0448 ext. 115.
Children can discover surprises in their stockings, decorate a cookie with Santa’s elves, enjoy stories of the season, make a craft, 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
December 2014 • January • February 2015
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Joyland Merry-Go-Round History
T
he smell of cotton candy in the air, black asphalt under your feet and the sounds of children squealing in excitement all come to mind when thinking of most amusement parks, but for Wichita, it brings up just one memory: Joyland. Joyland was a memory maker. Each and every child who visited came home with a story to tell. Whether it was being scared in the Wacky Shack or riding the wooden roller coaster over and over again, it was an experience to remember. Although many consider it a non-traditional amusement park, one of its unique and most memorable features was the Merry-Go-Round.
36 Horses Available
$20,000 each — Any name(s) desired $5,000 each — 5 names per horse/plaque $2,500 each — 8 names per horse/plaque
Purchased by the Ottaway Amusement Company in 1949 from the Allan Herschell Company in New York, the MerryGo-Round is 40-feet by 18-feet and is home to 36 black and white horses and two chariots. The current owners of Joyland, the Nelson Family, purchased Joyland and the Merry-Go-Round from the Ottaway Amusement Company. It was in operation at Joyland from 1950 until 2004 when the park closed.
Botanica’s Role
Margaret Nelson Spear donated the Joyland MerryGo-Round to Botanica to ensure it will have a home for generations of riders to come. The entire project is approximately $1.2 million, which includes building the structure and restoring the horses so they can run once again.
How to Help
Botanica is currently accepting donations for the restoration. In addition, Wichitans are being given the opportunity to purchase a horse to restore that will be permanently placed on the Merry-Go-Round along with a plaque that will be placed near the horse of choice. All individual donors over $2,500 will have their name engraved on a sculpture at Botanica prior to installation. For information on how to support this project please contact Jamee Ross, Director of Development, at 316-264-0448 ext. 105.
“It will be the first time that a remnant of the park will be resurrected. And not just any remnant—the heart of the park.” —Margaret Nelson Spear Photo courtesy of Mike Hutmacher, The Wichita Eagle
December 2014 • January • February 2015
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Portrait of Botanica
Photo Competition
2014 Adult Winners
Below: 1st Place and Best Butterfly, “Julia Butterfly,” by Paul Packer.
Right Top: 3rd Place and Best Tulip “Thirsty Tulip,” by Christy Snodgrass.
Below right: 2nd Place and Best Daylily “Red Velvet,” by Paulette Mattingly.
Congratulations to all our 2014 winners. All photos are on display in the lobby now through January 31.
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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 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. $9, $6 for Botanica members
Classes are Thursdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. only Class limit is 15 per session Cost: $7, $21 cap per family $5 for Botanica members, $15 cap per family Class limit 15 per session
Dec. 4th & 5th: Intro. To Ethnobotany Study how Native Americans utilized prairie plants for medicine
Jan. 8th & 9th: Greenhouse Gardening Experience the winter growing environment in our greenhouse
Feb. 5th & 6th: Conifers
Discover the unique properties of these cone-bearing plants
Tuesday, Dec. 9: Gingerbread Fun
Enjoy the beloved tale and gingerkid decorating
Tuesday, Jan. 13: Birthday Bash
Let’s celebrate Kansas’ 154th birthday
Tuesday, Feb. 10: When Winter Comes
Bring your little detectives to solve a garden mystery Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Registration and payment must be made by 5 p.m. the Friday before the class. One adult is included with each child. Children under 6 must accompany an adult. Additional nonmember adults must pay regular admission. Refunds will be made for cancellations made 24 hours before the class. We are not able to issue refunds after that deadline.
Reservation Contact
Reservation Contact
For reservations, please contact Karla Jahn at (316) 264-0448 ext. 115.
For reservations, please contact Karla Jahn at (316) 264-0448 ext. 115.
Botanica hosted the annual Teacher Appreciation Event on Sept. 5 in cooperation with the other Museums on the River (MOTR). Teachers enjoyed music and hors d’oeuvres in the garden. Photo by Janie Lang.
Girl Scouts work through their gardener badge requirements. They plant seed to test soil quality. Photos by Janie Lang.
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Save The Date
2015 Botanica Calendar
Dec. 11: It’s a White Christmas: an Illuminations
2015
VIP Party. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Botanica’s indoor and outdoor terrace will be transformed into a festive lounge where friends can mingle and enjoy sweet and savory fare from some of Wichita’s best restaurants. Tickets are $40, $30 for members and reservations can be made online or by calling 316-264-0448 ext. 107.
NOW AVAILABLE!
Dec. 2, 9, 16: Supper With Santa is back for
three nights this year. Enjoy dinner and other goodies with Santa and the lights of Illuminations. $14 adults, $12 members, $10 kids 3-12, $8 members. Call Karla at 316-264-0448 ext. 115 for reservations. Seating is limited; reservations req.
$9 or free with gift membership ACROSS
DOWN
1. Blubber
1. Barrel contents?
4. Crossing point
2. Historically-speaking
8. Creative inspiration
3. What black clouds do
12. “That’s disgusting!”
4. Drop a line?
13. It comes to mind
5. Classic theater
14. They’re found in veins
6. Be logical
15. Negating link
7. Aswan, for one
16. Clothing line
8. Lawn invaders
17. Abrupt transition
9. Nitrogenous waste
18. Standard of living?
10. Cause to wither
20. Visibly upset
11. Annual athletic award
21. Deposed leader
19. Afterwards
23. Junctures
20. Church holding
25. Metric volume
21. Basketball
27. “Sister Act” extra
crowd-pleaser
28. Bean, as with a ball
22. Bring on board, in a way
31. Gladiatorial sites
24. Defective missile
33. Pooh-pooh
26. Irrationally extreme
35. Patriarchy rulers
28. Without mercy
36. Garden worker?
29. Ancient plot?
38. Ancestral emblem
30. Ring highlights?
39. Darkroom chemical
32. Application datum
41. Storage containers
34. Choir garb
42. Well-grounded
37. More like a moray
45. Categorize
39. Discoveries
47. Flair or gusto
40. Active starter?
48. Adjutant
42. Osso buco base
49. Ability to hear notes
43. Soprano Gluck
52. Centrally located
44. Placed, as wagers
53. Bit connection
46. Curve
54. Clandestine
48. Met display
55. Boys, to Burns
50. Sierra Nevada, e.g.
56. Put one’s foot down?
51. Deli offering
Nov. 28 through Dec. 31: Illuminations, a
holiday light show featuring a million lights. Open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every night except Dec. 24 and 25. Tickets are $8 adults, $7 members, $6 kids ages 3-12. Buy tickets at area QuikTrip locations, online at botanica.org or at the door. Members must purchase tickets at Botanica in order to receive their discount. Group rates available. Contact Kathy Osler at 316-264-0448 ext. 111 for ticket information.
Feb. 7: Family Fun Fair is a FREE event filled with crafts, games and other family activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lovatts Puzzles. www.lovattspuzzles.com 1
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9
34
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57. “What’d I tell ya?”
December 2014 • January • February 2015
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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 701 Amidon • Wichita, Kansas • 67203
Illuminations from above. Join us every night from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) for Illuminations. Photo by Kevin Brown.
Marty Miller Executive Director Patrick McKernan Landscape Supervisor Jamee Ross Director of Development Kathy Osler Director of Finance Kristin Marlett Director of Marketing & Communications Natalie Mahaffay Director of Membership Linda Keller Private & Corporate Events Director
Kathryn Boyle Private & Corporate Events Manager
Kyle Christensen Administrative Assistant
Jodi McArthur Director of Volunteers
Garden Staff:
Karla Jahn Tour Coordinator & Registrar
Janet Gordon
Kathy Sweeney Director of Special Events Kate Sheppard Director of the Downing Children’s Garden Kristina Lewis Education Specialist
Connie Bell Andrew Jahn Kim Matthews Laura Pham
Hours of Operation Year-Round 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.
Extended Hours of Operation April through September Tuesday & Thursday until 8 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. April through October Sunday 1-5 p.m.
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.
Albert Tack Shannon Vierthaler