Red Butte Garden Fall Newsletter 2021

Red Butte Garden Fall 2021

U T A H ' S

B O T A N I C A L

G A R D E N

Red Butte Garden Presents

BOOtanical Once Upon a Garden October 14 - 31, 2021

Tickets on sale September 15 redbuttegarden.org/events/bootanical

The Water Conservation Garden

When we dedicated the Water Conservation Garden in 2017, we knew we had created an environmentally significant garden. Today, the importance of landscape choices in our region are amplified as we find ourselves experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent history. As residents and businesses make difficult choices about their personal green spaces, the Water Conservation Garden is a living example of how a garden designed for an arid climate can be beautiful.

There is no time like the present to reimagine your own landscape and start transitioning to more waterwise, drought-tolerant plantings. This can seem daunting at first, so I recommend starting small and working incrementally. Starting with a manageable area, such as a park strip or a side yard, will give you time to learn the basics of planning, designing, irrigating, and planting an area that won’t result in significant losses if you make a few missteps along the way.

As you plan your waterwise garden, try to group plants that require similar water needs together. This is called hydro-zoning. In the Water Saver Terrace section of the Water Conservation Garden, you will find hydro-zone markers that identify the watering frequency required for each zone. Once plantings are established, some zones require no additional water, while others require monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly watering. These areas can be inspirational as you plan your space, and you’ll be surprised how appealing and colorful each individual zone can be.

Fall is the perfect time to start this kind of project. The cooler temperatures are less stressful on the plants, and the plantings will have time to become established through the winter and spring. Plan some time to scope out possible groupings in the Water Conservation Garden to see what you like best, then round out your visit at our upcoming fall plant sale where many of these plants and bulbs will be available.

Once you have mastered a small section, you’ll be ready to tackle the rest of your yard. If we all make the commitment together, we can look forward to more colorful, environmentally friendly landscapes that can survive Utah’s high-heat and lowmoisture conditions.

Derrek Hanson, Interim Executive Director

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IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 ON THE COVER

Digitalis 'Dg 09/04' (Illumination® Flame Foxglove) Bumblebee Pollinator Photo by Jason Baker EDITORS

Jayne Anderson Kate Randall

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GET TO KNOW THE GARDEN’S POLLINATORS

By Lynsey Nielson

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A SMALL TOWN CELEBRATES ITS NATIVE PLANT HERITAGE

By Drs. Bruce Pavlik and Lisbeth Louderback

10 TEAM SPIRITS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Eddy Dawson Dr. Lisbeth Louderback Lynsey Nielson Dr. Bruce Pavlik CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jayne Anderson Jason Baker MaryJo Dalton Leslie Hanna BJ Nicholls Matt Pavlik Kate Randall Paul Richer Photos/ Richer Images LLC Dave Titesnor GRAPHIC DESIGNER

By Eddy Dawson

Leslie Hanna

13 CALENDAR

PRINTED BY

IC Group

Red Butte Garden has received gifts honoring the following individuals: Michele Brown-Riding

Beaux W Babcock

300 Wakara Way Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108 · 801.585.0556

John and Tara Wells

John Hamilton Wright

Copyright © 2021 Red Butte Garden. All rights reserved.

Allen E. Homan

Skylor and Grayson Falcomer

Margaret H. Walton

George C.C. Diley

For more information, contact Luz Corrales, Development Specialist, at 801.581.3341 or luz.corrales@redbutte.utah.edu.

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Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West and, together with the University of Utah, a state arboretum.

The Garden is renowned for its plant collections, themed gardens, over 540,000 springtime blooming bulbs, a world-class outdoor summer concert series, and awardwinning horticulture-based educational programs.

Red Butte Garden

Children's Garden Entrance

GET TO KNOW THE GARDEN’S POLLINATORS Our new exhibit Meet your Polleneighbors is now open in the Children’s Garden.

In this exhibit, guests will learn about ten important pollinators—native bees, migrating butterflies, native butterflies, ants, beetles, bats, wasps, flies, moths, and hummingbirds.

Each of the featured pollinators have their own themed areas within the Garden where guests can take an educational deep dive by reading all the signage or simply enjoy the space and watch the pollinators in action.

The bee garden is abuzz with cavity-nesting bees in their high-rise apartments where many of the tubes in the six structures are already inhabited. Around them, our horticulture team planted plenty of blue and purple nectar-rich flowers to attract the astounding array of native bees we have here in the Garden. It’s quite magical to watch them navigate their nectar choices. Here they are spoiled for choice. Different species are active at different parts of the day, and each have their own flower preferences as things come into bloom. Take a quiet moment to watch, and you are likely to see many unique species. In fact, in a study done onsite in 2012, researchers found that Red Butte Garden supported and housed a uniquely rich bee fauna compared to other observed areas in the valley and surrounding area. They counted 132 different species representing 34 genera in just one season here. By comparison, that was more than was counted over a 4-year period on 150,000 acres of land near the Utah/Idaho border.

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In the hummingbird garden, surrounded by red and orange flowers, kids can pretend they are baby hummingbirds and hang out in the bird nest, while the moth garden is particularly active at crepuscular hours with its aromatic white and night bloomers. A few of the plants we are seeing moths visit are our native datura (Datura wrightii) with its big aromatic white trumpet flowers and an annual night phlox called midnight candy (Zaluzianskya capensis ‘Midnight Candy’), aptly named for its marzipan and honeyscented blossoms.

Tucked under the bridge, you will find sculptures and information about three important bat pollinator species as well as pots filled with bat-pollinated plants. Don’t miss the variegated fig near the waterfall to learn about its co-dependent relationship with wasps.

With donations from local organization Raising Butterflies and our amazing volunteer butterfly keeper Adrienne Pilmanis, we are also raising butterflies this year. You will find them under the shade of the Children’s Garden Overlook bridge.

Top L: One of the bee apartments Top R: Beehive display Bottom: Bat pollination plant display

There are also a few interpretive signs on important pollinator plant relationships outside of the Children’s Garden, like magnolias (beetles) and arum lily (flies) so keep your eyes out for them as well.

As our beautiful city grows, we recognize the growing importance of providing safe, varied habitat and food sources for our native and migrating pollinators and other insect friends. We invite you to join us in connecting with and celebrating this part of our shared ecology.

Note: The Children’s Garden Overlook is a gift of Janet Q Lawson.

For more information about Raising Butterflies, go to raisingbutterflies.org.

Lead horticulturist Lynsey Nielson manages the Children’s Garden, Four Seasons, Orangerie, and Terrace Gardens. She has a BA in environmental studies and social anthropology from Massey University, New Zealand, and a certificate in organic horticulture from SIT, New Zealand.

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A SMALL TOWN CELEBRATES ITS NATIVE PLANT HERITAGE The Utah town of Escalante has a unique and rather astounding history with a native species of potato, Solanum jamesii. This nutritious spud has been consumed by people in the valley for 10,900 years, including Native Americans during the first 10,750 years, followed by cavalry men, pioneers, pioneer descendants (especially during the Great Depression), and now by people enjoying the region’s fine dining establishments. In fact, Escalante Valley was first called Potato Valley in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries after this very same species, commonly called the Four Corners Potato.

The people of Escalante reclaimed their heritage by celebrating the first Wild Potato Days festival over Memorial Day Weekend this May. Red Butte Garden and the Natural History Museum of Utah obtained a grant from the Garfield County Travel Council to promote use and conservation

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Top L: Four Corners Potato plants sold to local farmers and gardeners Top R: Recruiting citizen scientists for growing Four Corners Potato in Escalante Bottom L: Solanum jamesii, the fragrant flowers of Four Corners Potato

of remnant populations of the Four Corners Potato. The festivities began on Friday evening at the Escalante Show House (a restored movie theatre) that included a potato bar dinner attended by nearly 100 people, half of whom were curious locals. A short video paid tribute to pioneer descendants DeLane and Leah Griffin, who cultivated Four Corners Potatoes in their garden decades ago. This was followed by an early release of an episode of the television program From Scratch, featuring a search for the Four Corners Potato by series host David Moscow (an actor known for his role in the movie Big). Saturday morning events included the sale of Four Corners Potato plants and tubers, potato-themed games for children, local vendors, a dedication of Heritage Park in honor of armed services veterans, and a potato bar lunch. Another 150 people (from as far away as Alaska and Florida) attended this half-day event, and 24 citizen scientists signed up to report on their experiences growing this species over the summer. Much of the technical work on conservation and propagation was done by supporting institutions (Red Butte Garden and the Natural History Museum of Utah), and there is strong local interest in developing the species as a crop.

This first-year event was a pilot, largely appealing to locals and specifically engaging those with gardening and farming skills. Overall, it returned a small profit and generated goodwill among residents, elected officials, and business owners. The town of Escalante will be assembling a planning committee to organize next year’s festival, seeking larger funding sources to expand into a full-fledged, widely advertised annual festival.

Dr. Bruce Pavlik is the Conservation Director at Red Butte Garden.

Dr. Lisbeth Louderback is a curator of archaeology at the Natural History Museum of Utah.

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Red Butte Garden

DON’T FORGET THE FALL PLANT SALE Support Red Butte Garden while shopping our wide selection of spring-flowering bulbs, organic garlic bulbs, ornamental grasses, fall-blooming perennials, and the best selection of waterwise and native plants in one location. Fall is a great time to introduce new plants to your garden and give them time to get established. It’s also the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs and garlic. Join us at the sale and get planting this fall so you can have a colorful spring.

FALL BULB AND NATIVE PLANT SALE

What to look for at The Fall Bulb and Native Plant Sale: Top L: Ornamental grasses Top R: Agastache (Hyssop) Middle: Anemone × hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' (Japanese Anemone) Bottom: Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed)

When: Friday, September 24, 1:00–7:30PM

Saturday, September 25, 9:00AM–7:30PM Where: Visitor Center Courtyard Cost:

Garden members – Free General public – Free with admission

Find more information at redbuttegarden.org

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TEAM SPIRITS

Top L: Lemon Balm growing in the Herb Garden.

Top R: Artisan cocktail with botaical garnish Bottom L: Alan Scott, Crystal Daniels, and Lynsey Nielson in the Herb Garden. See Red Butte Garden classes and workshop schedule on page 14.

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Red Butte Garden

Have you ever looked at your cocktail glass and wondered what secrets are behind that gin and tonic? What is its origin story? What plants go in gin? What’s quinine? Can we use Utah native juniper to make gin? The answers to these questions and others will be revealed this fall at the Garden’s first in-person botanical spirits classes. Please join Alan Scott, co-owner of Waterpocket Distillery, Crystal Daniels, head mixologist at Post Office Place, and Red Butte Garden horticulturist and botanical bard, Lynsey Nielson as they imbibe in the rich history and pop culture of botanical spirits.

These unique classes were some of the Garden’s most popular offerings last year as we all looked for new sources of entertainment and education during the COVID-19 shutdown. Students picked up ingredient kits designed by Crystal and then followed along online to build the featured cocktail. With their newly crafted beverage in hand, Alan and the students then took a deep dive into the world of gin, amaros, and botanical spirits. Lynsey told the stories of the legendary plants that make the spirits.

With the return to in-person programming, we’re able to offer the same timeless subject matter in a new three-session format that we hope will make the classes more interesting and enjoyable. We will start at Red Butte Garden, exploring the various plants that are the ingredients of botanical spirits. The next session will be hosted by Waterpocket Distillery, where we will see the art and process of distillation in action. The last session will take place at the Post Office Place where students will have a hands-on experience behind the bar cultivating their mixologist skills. The finale—a toast to plants and the taste of botanical knowledge.

Programs Director Eddy Dawson has been with the Garden for 20 years.

He has a BS in horticulture and an MS in botanical informatics from Texas A&M University.

Red Butte Garden horticulturist Lynsey Nielson and Director of Horticulture, Marita Tewes Tyrolt

MARITA TEWES TYROLT HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This summer, the International Society of Arboriculture—Utah Chapter/Utah Community Forest Council awarded its 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award to our own director of horticulture, Marita Tewes Tyrolt. The award acknowledges her commitment and leadership over the past 26 years, during which time Red Butte Garden has flourished to become one of the largest botanical gardens in the intermountain west.

Lynsey Nielson nominated Marita for this prestigious award, noting that Marita’s influence is evident throughout the 21 acres of developed gardens that showcase nearly 2,000 individual trees representing 423 taxa.

Congratulations, Marita on this well-deserved honor.

September 20 Tickets On Sale Now!

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The Canyon Trail

Pyrus salicifolia (willow leaf pear)

GIVE TO WHAT YOU LOVE Consider Red Butte Garden in your will A bequest is a creative way to help the Garden in the long term while still retaining full control of your assets during your lifetime. Many donors and volunteers find that a bequest is an effective and simple way to make a lasting impact on the Garden.

You can structure your bequest to leave a specific item or amount of money, make the gift contingent on certain events, or leave a percentage of your estate to Red Butte Garden. Just a few simple sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed.

Let your legacy be our future. Please consider including a gift to Red Butte Garden in your will or living trust.

For more information, contact Angela Wilcox, Major Gifts Officer, at 801.581.3813 or angela.wilcox@redbutte.utah.edu.

Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle' (red hot poker)

Show your love of Red Butte Garden with a Gift Membership.

Purchase a gift membership, upgrade, or renew your Garden membership today. Thank you for your support. redbuttegarden.org/memberships The Pear Arbor

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Red Butte Garden

FALL 2021 CALENDAR

EXHIBIT ARTISTS

Left: Hadley Anne Rampton Right: Glass Art Show

Please check our website and social media for information about visiting the Garden.

ART EXHIBITS

Featuring a range of naturethemed media by Utah artists including photography, watercolor, oil, pastel, mixed media, fiber art, and more.

Admission not required to shop.

SEP 3-OCT 3 Hadley Anne Rampton NOV 6–DEC 20 Glass Art Show

FLORAL SHOWS

OCT 9 & 10 Bonsai Show Sat & Sun Members of The Bonsai Club of Utah will exhibit many different bonsai styles and arrangements.

NOV 6 & 7 Orchid Show Sat & Sun Join the Utah Orchid Society for a dazzling display of both common and exotic orchid varieties.

Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana (California poppy)

GARDEN EVENTS

SEP 20 Teton Gravity Research Presents: Stoke The Fire Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre Mon, Gates open at 6pm. Film at sunset.

Join us for TGR’s latest ski and snowboard film. Live music and prize giveaways.

Tickets on sale now! redbuttegarden.org/events/ teton-gravity-researchpresents

Agave parry (Parry's agave)

SEP 24-25 Fall Bulb & Native Plant Sale Red Butte Garden Visitor Center Courtyard Fri 1–7:30pm, Sat 9am–7:30pm The best selection of native and waterwise plants you will find in one place. redbuttegarden.org/events/ fall-bulb-native-plant-sale.

OCT 14-31 BOOtanical: Once Upon a Garden Tickets on sale Sep 15 Timed-entry tickets required.

For prices & details, please visit our website redbuttegarden.org/events/ bootanical.

COMPLIMENTARY & PRIVATE GARDEN TOURS

Please see our website for more information, redbuttegarden.org/plan-yourgarden-visit/garden-tours.

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FALL 2021 CALENDAR SEP, OCT Yoga in the Garden with Kristin Vance Tue 6-7pm Sun 10-11am Garden members $10 General public $12 SEP, OCT Mindfulness Meditation Tue 7:30-8:10pm Thu 10-10:40am Garden members $10 General public $12 SEP Qigong Tue 9:30-10:30am Garden members $10 General public $12

Colorful fall display along the Floral Walk

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS Find class descriptions and register online at redbuttegarden.org/adulteducation or call 801-581-8454.

HORTICULTURE SEP 14 Attracting Birds & Wildlife to Your Yard (Online via Zoom) Tue, 6:30-8pm Garden members $26 General public $30 SEP 15 Grasses for Your Garden Wed, 6-8pm Garden members $35 General public $39 SEP 15 Birding Walk with Hawkwatch International Wed, 5:30-6:30pm Garden members $26 General public $30

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Red Butte Garden

SEP 21 & 28 Native Seed Collecting Tue, 5:30-7:30pm Garden members $39 General public $46 OCT 2 Cultivating Mushrooms in Your Backyard Sat, 6-7:30pm Material Fee $50 Garden members $50 General public $55 ART & DESIGN SEP 17 & 24 Botanical Beauty Fri, 6-9pm Garden members $80 General public $85 OCT 9 & 10 Botanical Spirits Sat & Sun, time TBD Material fee $TBA Garden members $80 General public $86

NOV 13 Build Your Own Terrarium Sat, 10am-Noon Material fee $35 Garden members $32 General public $38 HEALTHY LIVING SEP 14, NOV 9 Cooking with Plants for a Healthier U Tue, 7-8pm Garden members $44 General public $55 SEP 16, OCT 21, NOV 18 Indian Cooking with Purnima Gandhi Thu, 6-8pm Garden members $44 General public $55

SEP Yoga/Qigong Thu 5:15-6:15pm Garden members $10 General public $12 SEP Awake in the Moment Wed 10:30-11:30am Garden members $10 General public $12 SEP, OCT, NOV Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) Sat 10am-11:30pm Wed 6:30-8pm Garden members $25 General public $30

Details and registration at redbuttegarden.org/adult-education

BOOtanical 2020 was spooky fun for all ages.

ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Boredom Busters Fun, free, nature-inspired activities for kids and families to do at home.

Find them at redbuttegarden.org/boredom-busters Play Taleblazer Interact with the Garden in a new and exciting way!

Using your GPS-enabled smart phone and the free TaleBlazer app, play our four mobile games created to play while exploring Red Butte Garden. redbuttegarden.org/taleblazer-mobile-game

BY THE NUMBERS What’s the buzz?

• 1,100 species of bees have been documented in Utah, making the state a biodiversity hotspot.

• 132 native bee species are represented in the Garden’s 100 acres.

• 6 bee hotels were installed in the Children’s Garden to provide a spot for solitary bees to nest. redbuttegarden.org

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Non Profit org.

US Postage PAID Salt Lake City Permit #1529

300 WAKARA WAY SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84108

2021 ADVISORY BOARD OUR MISSION

Tory Magleby, Chair David Classen, Vice Chair Kym Buttschardt, Secretary Troy Aramburu Erin Armstrong Brandi Bosworth Curt Crowther Jeff Herring Kristy Larsen Ron Motzkus Lindee Nance Steven Price David Reymann Kathleen Riebe Selma Sierra Laura Snow JoLynda Stillman

To connect people with plants and the beauty of living landscapes.

Hours

Please check our website for information regarding our hours of operation.

Contact Us

Visitor Center Private Event Rental Volunteer Membership Donations Class Registration

801.585.0556 801.585.9563 801.585.0899 801.585.7172 801.581.3341 801.581.8454

Website: www.redbuttegarden.org Comments: 801.581.5754 or email pr@redbutte.utah.edu

Emeritus Board Members Sandi Behnken David Gee, Esq.

Go Green!

Opt out of printed newsletters. Email membership@redbutte.utah.edu with "NEWSLETTER OPT OUT” in the subject line. We’ll take care of the rest.