Summer 2012
Don Williamson
gardentimes n e w s l e t t e r o f l e w i s g i n t e r b o ta n i c a l g a r d e n
Back by your request…
May 25–October 14
E
xperience the wonderful world of butterflies! Tropical beauties, fascinating and showy, transform the Conservatory’s North Wing into a wonderland of vibrant colors…captivating sights…and extraordinary discoveries.
Details and related opportunities pages 4–5 and at lewisginter.org. Sponsored by Supported by the Robins Foundation and The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust.
June 17
Father’s Day Event entertains the whole family— classic cars, live music, and a tasty cookout (for purchase). Details page 6. Craft a nifty gift for Dad.
July 4
2 Message from the Director
8–9 Children’s Garden
3 Horticulture
10 Volunteerism & Support
4–5 “Butterflies LIVE!”
11
Garden Amenities
6–7 Calendar & Hours
12
After 5 Series
admission
in this issue
All-American Celebration welcomes our community for live music and activities, plus a red-white-and-blue parade and “Butterflies LIVE!” Details page 6.
FREE for Garden members. See lewisginter.org for visitor pricing. Free day, free activities!
Don Williamson
Message from the Director
2
The Garden Times newsletter is mailed three times a year to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden members. Volume XXVII, Number 2 chief executive officer Frank Robinson executive director Shane Tippett newsletter editor Lynn Kirk, Kirk Communications special thanks LGBG staff for editorial assistance design Elevation
V
irginia’s streams, lakes, rivers and bays, particularly the Bay, are the common wealth of our Commonwealth. As the nation marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, a set of federal guidelines establishing standards for surface water quality and pollutant discharge, it’s time to reflect on the message behind the legislation. What we’ve learned through hard experience is that we all can too easily damage our waterways, too easily demand more from a precious resource than it has to give. We have been thinking very hard about water at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Our strategic plan focuses on water conservation as our first and foremost goal over the next few years. We will practice it, demonstrate it, teach it. We will consider the water that falls on, flows through and streams past our Garden. We will increase our understanding as to where we fit into the grand scheme of things, and we’ll strive to be a good neighbor to those upstream and downstream of our property.
Henrico Homeowner RiverWise Audits Runoff from suburban lawns pollutes creeks, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. Master Naturalists, trained by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, will visit your home, assess its potential for runoff and report back with suggested landscape modifications to reduce runoff and protect nearby streams. Audits are limited to the first 30 Henrico County homeowners who register by emailing Jbarton@cbf.org, with priority given to residents of the Upham Brook watershed. An initiative of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Upham Brook Watershed Restoration Project.
Virginia has 497 sub-watersheds that comprise our state’s 14 major watersheds (flowing to the Chesapeake Bay, the Albemarle Sound and the Gulf of Mexico), and Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation encourages us all to know our “watershed address.” So if you plan to visit the Garden to learn more about water stewardship, find us at 1800 Lakeside Avenue, a.k.a. Thorpe Branch Watershed, Upham Brook Watershed, Chickahominy Watershed, James River Basin, Chesapeake Bay. Together, let’s learn how to make wise water decisions today that will positively affect our tomorrow.
Shane Tippett Executive Director
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
editor’s box
Horticulture Bright Spots
Gardening Trends • Hort couture: Gardens and landscapes boast new heights of fashion, flair, creativity. • Locavore movement: The practice of eating locally grown food continues to flourish.
Don Williamson
Don Williamson
• Worm castings: Soil conditioning using worm castings increases in popularity. • Miniature and fairy gardening: Mini plants, unique containers, cool accessories expand in availability. • Backyard chickens: Raise-your-own chicks sideline provides fresh eggs, insect control, free fertilizer.
summer
autumn
• Online gardening: Virtual gardening expands via social media outlets.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea sp.) Soil pH determines blossoms’ blue / pink hue
Rose (Rosa sp.) Extraordinary beauty, worthy of a Rose Fest (Join us Oct. 6–7!)
• Outdoor orchids: New Spathoglottis hybrids take the heat and bloom all summer. • Dazzling color: Hybridizers introduce amazing colors, such as the “atomic tangerine” hues of the ‘Hells Bells’ petunia. Excerpts from blogger Jim Monroe, Greenbrier Nurseries / HortCouture, Roanoke VA, www.hortcoutureplants.com
Don Williamson
Don Williamson
Hort Support
winter
conservatory
Beautyberry (Callicarpa sp.) Vividly colored fruit brightens season
Passionflower (Passiflora sp.) Herb amazes with fragrance, beauty, symbolism
Professional Achievements Congratulations to Garden staff who achieved these certifications:
Certified Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture Jay Austin Seth Roadman
Virginia Certified Horticulturist, Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Jay Austin Grace Chapman George Cowart Grant Howell Lesley Madigan Kristi Orcutt
Seth Roadman Shannon Smith Karin Stretchko Claire Terry Heather Veneziano
The Garden writes a monthly educational column for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, which usually publishes on second Sundays. Topics range from the newest gardening trends to caring for roses, amending soil and preserving summer flowers. Reference this resource at http://bit.ly/PlantCollection. Thanks to the Richmond Times-Dispatch for their commitment to horticulture education.
The Garden’s front entrance—always delightfully designed and welcoming—as well as the fascinating West Island plantings have been expertly nurtured by staff member Peggy Combs, who retired from full-time work in April following 20 years at the Garden. Her horticulture technology degree, coupled with membership in the Virginia Master Gardener Association and Virginia Native Plant Society, served her and LGBG well. Thanks, Peggy—we hope to see you in the garden!
3
Hal Tyler
Exhibits
Children’s Garden Programs
“Butterflies LIVE!”*
Other Children’s Garden activities on pages 8–9.
May 25–October 14, Daily** ������������������������������������� 9AM–5PM
No Hitchhiking Please
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“Butterflies LIVE!” features tropical butterflies that should not be released into our environment since they are not native to our area. As you exit the exhibit, you’ll enter a secondary “chamber” where a volunteer butterfly spotter will ensure that no “hitchhikers” ride home with you.
Get up-close-and-personal as hundreds of tropical butterflies feed, flutter and take flight. Explore their origins, preferred habitats and lifecycles. Try your hand at photography. Register for a related “walk and talk,” check out the Library for helpful resources and gather ideas for your own butterfly garden. Enjoy a youngster’s excitement as he makes a beeline to butterfly-inspired activities in the Children’s Garden. And of course, visit the Garden Shop for related jewelry, home decor, books and distinctive mementoes. Sponsored by Supported by the Robins Foundation and The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. **Butterflies tend to be most active on clear, sunny days, so consider planning your visit accordingly.
“Butterfly Nursery”*
New!
Be sure to peek inside the “Butterfly Nursery,” an emergence box in the display area where native butterfly species will emerge from their chrysalides.
“Laura Garrett: Natural Jewels”* June 9–October 14 Ginter Gallery II
An amateur entomologist and professional framer, Garrett collected various insects to display in gorgeous shadowboxes, including butterfly species.
Winged Wonders! Family Workshop Series
New!
First Saturday, Now–October ����������������������������1:30–3:30PM Ages 5–12 with Adult
The Butterfly Fairy (resident-artist Katelyn Coyle) presents a series of family workshops for a child-andadult pair to learn together about butterflies. Each pair completes one take-home activity. Registration required; $25/Member, $36/Nonmember, per workshop (adult-and-child pair).
Celebrate National Pollinators Week*
New!
June 18–24
Do the bee dance or enjoy a “Who’s Pollinating the Garden?” activity. As you do, learn about pollinators, how to protect and sustain them, and why they’re important to our ecosystem, health and agriculture. A major initiative of the national Pollinator Partnership.
Front Porch Butterfly Corner*
New!
Now–October
Gather at the Carriage House for butterfly-related information, activities and literature, plus record your sightings.
Families After 5: Goin’ on a Bug Hunt* Tuesdays, June 5, July 3, August 7 ������������������������������� 5–8PM
Join “Butterfly Barbara” Weiderkehr, a master naturalist and butterfly gardener, as she discovers who is flitting and fluttering among plants in the Children’s Garden.
Children’s Garden* Every Day
Visit the Everchanging Garden and the Bird and Butterfly Meadow to learn about the butterfly’s lifecycle, adaptations and preferences for host and nectar plants.
Don Williamson Don Williamson
* Free for members and included with Garden admission.
Host Plants Provide food for caterpillars
Dill (Anethum graveolens) Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) False indigo (Baptisia australis)
Guided Walking Tour
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) New!
During select Flowers After 5 events, a new tour strolls the Garden to discover the work of bees, butterflies and even moths. You’ll begin to see the landscape as a bountiful buffet for winged visitors as your guide points out specific plantings designed for the benefit of pollinators. Details, fees and registration at lewisginter.org or call (804) 262-9887, ext. 322. Additional tour options page 11.
DIY Project
W
ant to welcome winged visitors to your own backyard? A thriving butterfly habitat, whether a small window box or designated garden, can be rewarding if you include these elements. n Sunny Spot: Pick an area with at least six hours of direct, daily sunlight so butterflies can warm their bodies for flight.
Featured Lecture “Insect Conservation: Efforts to Save Our Charismatic Microfauna”
Brad Alston
Thursdays, June 7, July 5, August 2 �������������������������6–6:45PM
New!
Thursday, September 27 ����������������������������������������������������7PM Massey Auditorium
Presented by Jaret C. Daniels, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Curator at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History/University of Florida. Dr. Daniels leads nationwide initiatives devoted to conservation biology of imperiled butterflies and native insect pollinators. Open to the public; free; limited space, reservation required at lewisginter.org/butterflies. Supported by the Robins Foundation and the Turf and Gardening Store.
n Nearby Shrubs & Trees: Provide shelter from wind and hiding places from predators.
Passion vine (Passiflora caerulea) Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’) Pink Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’) Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Nectar Plants Attract adult butterflies
Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) Egyptian Star Flower (Pentas lanceolata) Firebush (Hamelia patens)
n Medium-Sized Rocks: Place rocks for butterflies to bask in the sun.
Ixora (Ixora sp.)
n Moisture: Have large-leafed plants or small “puddling stations” to collect rainwater and morning dew.
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
n Pesticide Free: Avoid use of harmful chemicals.
Pincushion flower (Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’) Porter weed (Stachytarpheta urticifolia) Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
n Range of Plants: Select colorful plants that provide assorted bloom times, forms and heights, as well as support for the different lifecycle stages.
Zinnia (Zinnia elgans)
Fun & Games
How much do you know about butterflies? Test your knowledge below … then visit “Butterflies LIVE!” to learn even more. 1. How many legs does a butterfly have? 2. What is the term for one who studies butterflies? 3. Which is NOT a stage in the butterfly lifecycle?
Don Williamson
4. How many wings does a butterfly have? 5. A butterfly tastes with which body part? 6. Can a butterfly see colors? 7. Butterflies need sun because they are … 8. In some cultures the butterfly symbolizes what?
A. 2
B. 6
C. 8
A. Botanist
B. Lepidopterist
C. Herpetologist
A. Egg
B. Nymph
C. Larva
A. 2
B. 4
C. Varies
A. Tongue
B. Feet
C. Wingtip
A. No
B. Yes
C. Just pastels
A. Hot-blooded
B. Cold-blooded C. Neither
A. Wealth
B. Rebirth
C. Speed
B. 20,000
C. 5,000
B. Sunny days
C. Cloudy days
9. How many butterfly species are in the world (estimated)? A. 100,000 10. What’s the ‘best’ time to visit Butterflies LIVE?
A. Humid days
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Answers on back cover.
Don Williamson
Pollination After 5
Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica)
Calendar
Don Williamson
Visit lewisginter.org for additional information and what’s in bloom updates. *Free for members and included with Garden admission.
Cultsha Xpo SATURDAY, 23 ������������������������ 10AM–5PM Host Site: Science Museum of Virginia The Garden & 50+ arts/cultural organizations share info about their purpose & programs. Includes FREE admission to Science Museum & FREE performances by local groups. Cultural Shareholder registrants receive “CultshaBucks” valued at $10–$100 toward purchase of memberships, merchandise & more. Details at richmondcultureworks.org. Organized by Culture Works.
Featured Exhibit Fidos After 5* May 25–October 14 Details pages 4–5. Sponsored by Supported by the Robins Foundation and The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust.
june
6
Garden Daily: 9AM–5PM Tuesday & Thursday, June–August: 9AM–9PM “Butterflies LIVE!”: Daily, 9AM–5PM NOTE: Closed June 28 for Groovin’ concert. Garden Shop Monday–Saturday: 10AM–5PM Sunday: 1–5PM Thursday, June–August: 10AM–7PM Garden Café Daily: 10AM–4PM Tuesday, June–August: 10AM–7PM Tea House (Reservations, ext. 399) Daily: 11:30AM–2:30PM Thursday, June–August: 11:30AM–2:30PM & 5–8PM NOTE: Closed June 28 for Groovin’ concert. Lora M. Robins Library Weekdays: 10AM–4PM Saturday & Sunday: 1–4PM WaterPlay Daily, & Families After 5 evenings (pending weather). Full schedule posted to Garden’s website, lewisginter.org; weatherrelated or other updates also on Garden’s Facebook page.
Ginter in the Morning
TUESDAYS, 5, 12, 19, 26 ��������������� 5–8PM Garden open till 9PM WaterPlay open till 8:30PM Discover and play as a family! Free activities & food (for purchase). Weekly themes page 9.
Flowers After 5* Thursdays, 7, 14, 21 (ONLY)** ���� 5–8PM Garden open till 9PM Bloemendaal House Lawn After-hours garden strolls and music, with wine-tasting & dining (for purchase). June 7 France: Cheese Tasting, & Guided Walking Tour (details page 5) 14 South Africa: Vinaigrette Tasting 21 Australia: Honey Tasting **NOTE: No Flowers After 5 on June 28 due to Groovin’ concert. Presented by TruGreen LandCare.
Families After 5* TUESDAYS, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Details in June listing.
Richmond Area Daylily Society Show* & Sale SATURDAY, 16 Sale ������������������������ 9AM till sold out Exhibit ����������������������������������� 1–3:30PM Education and Library Complex & Auditorium Daylilies at their finest, on display & for purchase. Open to the public. Regular admission for Garden visitation.
All-American Celebration*
E FREion Admiss
WEDNESDAY, 4 ����������������������������� 1–4PM Parade �������������������������������������������� 2PM Wear red/white/blue & bring wagons/strollers to decorate for Children’s Garden parade. Also enjoy WaterPlay, music, holiday activities & “Butterflies LIVE!”
Flowers After 5*
Groovin’ in the Garden Concert WEDNESDAY, 13 Gates open �������������������������������� 5:30PM Concert ������������������������������������������ 6PM Vince Gill with special guest Sarah Jarosz. Ticketed event by Haymaker Productions. Rain or shine. No coolers please. Other bookings posted when announced at groovininthegarden.net or the Garden’s website, lewisginter.org; updates also on Garden’s Facebook page.
THURSDAY, 28 Umphrey’s McGee Friday, 29 Brandi Carlile Details in June 13 listing.
july
Tuesday 5 ������������������������������������� 10AM Adults explore lovely display gardens with knowledgeable Garden guide. Free/Member; $15/Non-Member. Pre-registration required at lewisginter.org.
Families After 5
Groovin’ Concerts
Don Williamson
Summer Hours
THURSDAY, 14 ������������������������������ 5–8PM Flowers After 5 activities & leashed dogs welcomed for garden strolls (this night only). Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) volunteers pass out pet waste-bag containers that attach to dog’s leash. Initiative of CBF’s Upham Brook Watershed Restoration Project. Regular visitor admission; $2 pet admission benefits Richmond SPCA.
Father’s Day in the Garden* SUNDAY, 17 ���������������������������������� 1–4PM Food (for purchase) ��������� NOON–3PM Classic cars, free outdoor concert & kids make a mosaic tie or “fishing pole” for Dad.
THURSDAYS, 5, 12, 19, 26 July 5 Virginia: Peanut Tasting, & Guided Walking Tour (details page 5) 12 Germany: Pretzel Tasting 19 Argentina: Salsa Tasting 26 Pacific Northwest: Organic Tasting Details in June listing. Presented by TruGreen LandCare.
Fidos After 5* Thursday, 12 Details in June listing.
august
Santa Meals & Holiday Dining
Santa Dinner Reservations Begin
Flowers After 5* THURSDAYS, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ��������� 5–9PM Aug. 2 Italy: Gelato Tasting, & Guided Walking Tour (details page 5) 9 California: Melon Tasting 16 Spain: Olive Tasting 23 Virginia: Apple Tasting 30 Chile: Tomato Tasting Details in June listing. Presented by TruGreen LandCare.
Families After 5* TUESDAYS, 7, 14, 21, 28 ��������������� 5–9PM Details in June listing.
Meal Reservations Accepted Stephanie Gross
WEDNESDAY, 1 Limited availability; first call, first reserved. Details at right.
During GardenFest, holiday dining — especially meals with Santa! — continue to grow in popularity. To avoid disappointment, please don’t delay making your dining reservations as noted below, (804) 262-9887.
october Santa Brunch Reservations Begin MONDAY, 1 Limited availability; first call, first reserved. Details above.
October Oddities*
THURSDAY 9 Details in June listing.
september Ginter in the Morning TUESDAY, 4......................................10AM Details in June listing.
“Insect Conservation: Efforts to Save Our Charismatic Microfauna” New!
THURSDAY, 27...................................7PM Details page 5.
1–31 Intriguing displays & Saturday activities examine Nature’s quirky curiosities. Details page 9.
Ginter in the Morning TUESDAY, 2 ������������������������������������� 10AM Details in June listing.
Brad Alston
Fidos After 5*
“The Quintessential Rose” 74th Annual Garden Club of Virginia Rose Show* WEDNESDAY, 3 ����������������������������� 2–6PM THURSDAY, 4 ��������������������������� 9AM–1PM Included in regular Garden admission and open to the public. Free Garden admission to Garden Club of Virginia members & their guests. Sponsored by the Boxwood Garden Club of Richmond.
LGBG Fall Plant Sale FRIDAY, 21 ��������������������10AM–6PM SATURDAY, 22 �����������������9AM–3PM Regional vendors, Garden Shop & Garden volunteers showcase autumnal plants, containers, accessories & offer planting tips. No charge to attend. Regular admission for Garden visitation.
Rose Fest* SATURDAY, 6 & SUNDAY, 7 ����� NOON–3PM Roses in full bloom, informal Rose Garden tours, dancing & music.
Goblins & Gourds* SUNDAY, 28...................................1–4PM Children’s Garden Details page 9.
Date Options Location
Santa Dinner Beginning Aug. 1, Dec. 17–20 Auditorium ext. 345 or 224 Santa Brunch Beginning Oct. 1, ext. 329 Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 Robins Room GardenFest Dinner Beginning Oct. 1, ext. 329 Nov. 23–Dec. 31 Tea House GardenFest Dinner Any time, ext. 345 or 224 Sun.–Tues., Robins Room (15+ guests) Nov. 25–Jan. 7
Future Events Museum Stores of Richmond Holiday Shoppers Fair
Men’s Shopping Night NOVEMBER 15 ������������������������������ 5–8PM
Members Preview: NOVember 1, 5–8PM Shoppers Fair: NOVEMBER 2 & 3 Host Site: Science Museum of VA
Splendor Under Glass Gala
Ginter in the Morning
Dominion GardenFest of Lights
NOVEMBER 6 ���������������������������������� 10AM Details in June listing.
NOVEMBER 17
NOVEMBER 23, 2012–JANUARY 7, 2013
Champagne ‘n’ Shopping
Great Holiday Greens Sale
NOVEMBER 8 �������������������������������� 5–8PM
DECEMBER 1
Holly Jolly Christmas on Lakeside Avenue
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic*
NOVEMBER 9 �������������������������������� 5–9PM
DECEMBER 31
Other Exhibits The Hope Tree Project* Now–July 4, Children’s Garden Richmonder Meg Medina, author of The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind, collaborated with area schools to create an art installation that expresses students’ hopes, dreams or aspirations for themselves or their community. Selections displayed at Richmond City Hall during October’s Hispanic Heritage Month. A MINDS WIDE OPEN initiative.
Meadowmorphosis: Diamonds in the Rough* As Nature Allows, Anderson Wildflower Meadow One year after its creation, this monumental sculpture designed and produced by artist Patrick Dougherty continues to be a favorite destination for families – both human and avian! See how birds use it for nesting broods this spring. Watch through the summer as colorful climbing vines transform it and perhaps attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Presented by Altria.
Botanical Book Club 2nd Friday, Every Other Month ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 11AM Details via email: library@lewisginter.org.
Adult Education Expand your horticulture horizons this summer with a class, workshop or lecture. Visit lewisginter.org > Adult Education, or watch for The Winter Catalog that will be mailed to member households and inserted in Style Weekly after December 5.
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Children’s Garden
* Free for members and included with Garden admission. Details at lewisginter.org. Related Garden Calendar pages 6–7.
Family Activities Garden Explorations for Families New!
Now–October, Tuesdays ����������������������������������� 2–3PM Ages 3–5 with adult
Discover wonders of the Garden through guided programs that combine exploration with creative play and hands-on activities. Registration required. Fee.
Winged Wonders! Family Workshop Series
New!
First Saturday, NOW–October ���������������� 1:30–3:30PM
Related to “Butterflies LIVE!” Details page 4. 8
Celebrate National Pollinators Week*
New!
June 18–24
Related to “Butterflies LIVE!” Details page 4.
Garden Art Studio* Near the Hidden Tunnel Now–October Mondays & Thursdays ��������������������������������1–3PM
Drop in with resident-artist Katelyn Coyle to collaborate and create butterfly-inspired artwork reflecting your Garden experience.
See pages 4–5 for more information about “Butterflies LIVE!”
Visit the Garden Cart for updates, events and activities of the day.
Time to Party? Why mess up indoors when the best party is outdoors? Our Birthday Party package makes it easy for you, as well as memorable for your child. Youngsters age 3–12 celebrate with a one-hour reserved program that includes a garden experience led by an LGBG Play Pal. Details and reservations c/o Garden registrar at (804) 262-9887, ext. 322. Fee.
Green Adventures Summer Camps June–JULY, Monday–Friday................... ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9AM–NOON
Entertaining, enriching and just plain fun! June 18–22 Growing Minds | Pre-Schooler Age 4 (must be potty trained) June 25–29 Wow Your Senses! | Rising K July 9–13 Flowers, Fins, & Feathers | Rising 1st Grade July 16–20 Roots, Shoots, & Other Plant Parts | Rising 2nd & 3rd Grade July 23–27 Young Scientists at Work | Rising 4th & 5th Grade Green Adventures are popular, so don’t delay. Contact the Garden registrar at (804) 262-9887, ext. 322. Fee.
Families After 5* June–August, Tuesdays �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5–9PM Children’s Garden Activities ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5–8PM WaterPlay ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� till 8:30PM
Every 1st Tuesday Goin’ on a Bug Hunt with “Butterfly Barbara”** Every 2nd Tuesday Jammin’ Drum Circle with Jo Anne Light Every 3rd Tuesday Drop in and Dig!*** Every 4th Tuesday Family Walkabout*** Every 5th Tuesday Garden Art Studio with the Butterfly Fairy **Details page 4. ***Staff-led activity.
Activities for Families* • Kid Quest • Investigation Station • The Return of Stickman Details at lewisginter.org.
• Stickworks Studio • Drop-in and Dig! • Jammin’
• Family Adventure Packs • Good Green Fun • WaterPlay
WaterPlay Now–Oct. 7, Saturdays & Sundays ���9AM–4:45PM Now–Sept. 14, Weekdays ����������������� 9AM–4:45PM June–August, Tuesdays ������������������ 9AM–8:30PM Sept. 17–Oct. 5, Weekdays �������������������� 1–4:45PM Pending weather. Full schedule posted to Garden’s website, lewisginter.org; weatherrelated or other updates also on Garden’s Facebook page.
October Oddities* THEMED ACTIVITIES
GOBLINS AND GOURDS EVENT
October, Saturdays ��������������������������������� 10AM–2PM
Sunday, October 28 ������������������������������������������ 1–4PM
Weird Plant Lore: Sip herbal tea and learn about plant concoctions with healing powers. October 13 Bugs: Celebrate garden “bugs” and their contribution to healthy ecosystems. October 20 Mushrooms: Discover “wildcrafting,” the art of harvesting plants from wild habitats for food, medicine and fabric dyes. October 27 Tree Oddities: Tree knees, witches broom and galls—has nature gone berserk?
Annual harvest celebration features the “Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra,” pumpkin decorating and more!
October 6
DISPLAYS AND GOURD QUEST October 1–31, Daily ��������������������������������� 9AM–Close
Explore the weird and wacky wonders of nature: odd-looking mushrooms, lichen and gourds, as well as displays of “horti-torture” and Garden whimsy. Use the Gourd Quest to search for intriguing autumnal varieties, such as Peanut Pumpkin, Mini White Boo Pumpkin and Apple Gourds.
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Volunteers Want to Energize and Maximize Your Summer? VOLUNTEER! Transform idle time to meaningful community service as a volunteer at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Adults: You can make a difference! Work in the Community Kitchen Garden—where fresh produce is grown to feed hungry neighbors—help with visitor services at the “Butterflies LIVE!” exhibit or assist with special events.
Teens: Get outdoors and get involved! Our Community Service Program is accepting applications to help staff with basic horticulture tasks—like planting, weeding and watering—in the Children’s Garden, Community Kitchen Garden and other areas as needed.
Find out more and apply at lewisginter.org > Volunteers. A special welcome to 13 new middle and high school students participating in this summer’s Service Learning Program in the Children’s Garden, where they explore career opportunities while accumulating community service hours.
Dick Seltzer—A Legacy of Learning
I
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As the Need Grows, So Does Our Response
M
ost everything is growing in the Community Kitchen Garden: nutritious vegetables for hungry neighbors in need; the volume of crops planted based on a significant 5,000-square-foot expansion; and as a direct result, the number of volunteers needed. Please support this important cause by contributing your time—or perhaps fresh produce from your own garden.
n August 2010, Marjorie L. Seltzer’s brother passed away. She and her brother Richard “Dick” Seltzer were longtime Garden volunteers, and Dick spent more than 20 years inspiring Virginia’s next generation of future botanists, ecologists and horticulturists as a teacher at the Chesterfield Technical Center. “We grew up with plants,” Marjorie said. “We always appreciated plants. And so I think the Garden was just a natural place for us.” Educators benefit from Seltzer’s
Marjorie wanted to honor her brother’s living legacy. twin passions—plants and education— and so she established The Seltzer Family Fund for Nature-Based Education. The fund will support professional hands-on training programs for area educators. This year an estimated 250 teachers will take part in workshops developed by the Garden, impacting an estimated 5,000 students. “The fund is dedicated to passing on knowledge.” Marjorie said. “I think Dick would have been proud of that, to know that people were learning and sharing about plants because of him.” If you’re interested in creating a living legacy for yourself or a loved one, the Garden has many planned giving options available. To learn more, contact Jennifer Little at jenniferl@lewisginter.org or (804) 262-9887, ext. 337.
The Results Are In
The Garden Times spring newsletter survey reports that 77% of respondents are “Very Satisfied Overall” and 80% rank the publication as “Very Useful.” Your ratings, suggestions and comments are being carefully considered and shared with appropriate staff. Thanks to all participants, and congratulations to the randomly drawn contest winner: Sallye Bridgewater from Henrico.
Don Williamson
Shopping, Tours, Rentals Read and Reap This Summer
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Chinese proverb states that “a book is like a garden carried in the pocket.” Reap your own harvest of enjoyment, enlightenment and entertainment from the Lora M. Robins Library, where you’ll discover books, periodicals and resources for all ages, all interests—including a wide assortment complementing “Butterflies LIVE!”
Sculpture dedicated by Jackie Wilson and JoAnne Bowles in memory of their mother, Jean Willingham, who was a devoted Garden volunteer and donor.
Nature & History Tours
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xplore Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with a personable Garden guide who knowledgeably shares insights that lead to new discoveries.
Pollination After 5 Tour
New!
Thursdays, June 7, July 5, August 2 ���������������������������������6–6:45PM Details page 5.
Our World of Trees
Major Lewis Ginter History Tour
Tuesday, September 11 OR Tuesday, September 25 �����10–11:30AM
Tuesday, August 7 OR Tuesday, August 28 �����������10–11:30AM
Fees and registration for all tours at lewisginter.org or call (804) 262-9887, ext. 322. Pre-registration required to ensure sufficient staffing.
Garden Shop
Stephanie Gross
Beautify with the butterfly! Browse our full line of “Butterflies LIVE!” mementoes and home accents, as well as related books, gardening aids and children’s resources.
Success is in the Details hat’s precisely why Meriwether Godsey doesn’t just promise an outstanding event, they deliver it. Our on-site caterer’s mission is “to take care of each client and every customer as if they were our only one. Beyond carefully and creatively preparing each meal, this means gracious service and strong stewardship of all our resources, natural, financial, and people.” For your next event—whether business or pleasure—let Meriwether Godsey and the Garden’s facility event coordinators handle all the details…so you don’t have to. Call (804) 262-9887, ext. 345 or 224 or visit lewisginter.org.
Insect Lore
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Non-Profit Organization U S Postage
PAID
Permit 520 Richmond, VA
Don Williamson
1800 lakeside avenue Richmond VA, 23228-4700 (804) 262-9887 lewisginter.org
“The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.” —Hanna Rion
The Garden After 5 Summer evenings extraordinaire!
Flowers After 5 THURSDAYS, JUNE–AUGUST,* 5–9PM Make Thursday date night…or meet up with friends. *NOT June 28 due to Groovin’ Concert. Related Guided Walking Tours some evenings (details page 5) Weekly themes detailed pages 6–7. Presented by
Families After 5 TUESDAYS, JUNE–AUGUST, 5–9PM Mid-week fun for the whole family! Weekly themes detailed page 9.
2012
Answers to Fun & Games (pg. 5) : The correct answer to every question is “B” for butterfly.