Red Butte Garden Winter Newsletter 2022-23

Red Butte Garden

UTAH'S BOTANICAL GARDEN

Willard L. Eccles Foundation

Now that the Garden is covered with fallen leaves and a blanket of snow, we look back at another successful year, while making preparations to celebrate the holiday season and prepare for the new year ahead. We’ve been busy behind the scenes planning new and exciting projects that we hope to introduce next year as we finalize our strategic and master plans.

This is also the time of year that we look back and reflect with gratitude for those who make a difference in our lives. We are surrounded by a generous group of people who love and support Red Butte Garden, and I am constantly impressed by these passionate individuals who help keep us growing. They are the donors, sponsors, staff, volunteers, academic partners, and Garden members who consistently show up and fill the gaps that we couldn’t possibly manage without their unwavering support. Whether they were here late in the evening cleaning the Amphitheatre after a concert, cultivating thousands of plants for a plant sale, clearing invasive weeds in the natural area, directing guests through the Garden and giving tours, donating funds to supplement programming, teaching classes and workshops, leaving a legacy gift to meet future needs—all contributed to making this a year to celebrate.

So, thank you to all the wonderful people who keep Red Butte Garden blooming. We are grateful for all you do, and we value your friendship.

We acknowledge that this land, which is named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes. The University of Utah recognizes and respects the enduring relationship that exists between many Indigenous peoples and their traditional homelands. We respect the sovereign relationship between tribes, states, and the federal government, and we affirm the University of Utah’s commitment to a partnership with Native Nations and Urban Indian communities through research, education, and community outreach activities.

Derrek Hanson, Executive Director

The Water Pavilion

By Angela Wilcox

By Kara Hastings

By Chrissy Upton

ON THE COVER

Canadian geese in the upper pond

Photo by Janine Hutchinson

EDITORS

Jayne Anderson

Kate Randall

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kara Hastings

Tristin Tabish Chrissy Upton Angela Wilcox

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jayne Anderson

Jason Baker Sam Crump Leslie Hanna Pierce McConnell Beau Pearson Robert F. Pendergrast Kate Randall Heidi Simper

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Leslie Hanna

PRINTED BY IC Group

Red Butte Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens 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.

300 Wakara Way

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108 · 801.585.0556

Copyright © 2022 Red Butte Garden. All rights reserved.

FAN FAVORITE OUTDOOR CONCERTS AT THE GARDEN

fan

noun (2)

Definition of fan

1: an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator

2: an ardent admirer or enthusiast (as of a celebrity or a pursuit) science-fiction fans

If Merriam Webster’s definition of a fan is any indication of success, then it is safe to say that Red Butte Garden’s Outdoor Concert Series is a tremendously successful endeavor. The Garden’s 2022 concert series surpassed every previous season’s milestone by, well—a mile.

Fans from all over the globe, as far away as Australia, Austria, Hawaii, and Great Britain, purchased tickets to one or more shows during the 2022 season. And here in our great state, Red Butte Garden hosted one of its most successful seasons. All told, over 90,000 devoted fans took in a Garden concert from over 30 artists over the course of the summer. A record 98% of our shows sold out to capacity crowds of 3,000.

The live music scene is getting more and more competitive in the Salt Lake Valley— especially when it comes to outdoor venues. Red Butte Garden was among the first to meet the demand and is continuing to deliver accessible entertainment from international talent in an intimate environment, against the backdrop of unrivaled vistas and complete with exclusive guest experiences. Where else in the Valley can you leave work at 5pm, settle into a botanical oasis to enjoy your own picnic with friends, mingle until the music starts at 7pm, and then head out of the parking lot to be home by 11pm?

The Outdoor Concert Series is the Garden’s largest source of income, with our major sponsors and members of the Concert Donor Club contributing the majority of the proceeds. Concert Donor Club members are among the most die-hard fans,

Top: The Amphitheatre comes alive when the sun goes down and the lights come up.

Bottom: Red Butte peak provides a scenic backdrop unique to concerts at Red Butte Garden.

committing to more than 22 shows per season with a purchase of a season ticket package that includes a significant charitable contribution to the Garden.

Sales of season packages have sold out every season since 2016, with this year attaining the highest contributed income in the history of the concert series. A big thank you is owed to these generous donors who come back year after year to get their fix of live music.

It also cannot be overstated how much the investment of our largest sponsors— Presenting Sponsor SecurityNational Mortgage, Stage Sponsor Utah Toyota Dealers, and Supporting Sponsors Harmons Grocery and Onboard RS—contribute to the success of the series. We simply would not have the resources to secure the caliber of artists we typically present, and often introduce, to you, our fans. With venues within 20 miles of the Garden being operated by the two largest talent agencies and ticket brokers in the world, these partnerships are critical to keeping our independent venue competitive, relevant, and viable.

We’ve been fortunate to have their support for many years now, but this season we lost one of our biggest fans and the person behind the Presenting Sponsorship of SecurityNational Mortgage. J. Paul Christensen had been front and center at every show for nearly a decade. With firsthand knowledge of the kind of magic that happens in the Amphitheatre when the lights go up, he didn’t hesitate to add his company’s name to the marquee when the opportunity presented itself in 2018. His empty seat has been a reminder of the big presence he brought every night as he sat quietly enjoying the series he so loved, at the place he entrusted with his legacy, and shared with his greatest joy, his family. We will miss the partnership we’ve been fortunate to have with SecurityNational Mortgage but know that another great opportunity is waiting in the wings.

As we look back on this season of unparalleled success, we can’t help but feel invigorated by the overwhelming support of our fans—those enthusiastic devotees of live music and ardent admirers of botanical beauty who make what we do worth all the effort. Our members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers make Red Butte Garden the best live music venue in Utah. Thank YOU all for a FAN-tastic season, and we’ll see you next spring when another line-up of stellar artists take the stage.

Angela Wilcox manages the Garden’s Concert Donor Club and major gifts programs. A graduate of the University of Utah (BA, Communications), she held development positions at KUED Public Television and the President’s Office prior to joining the Garden in 2016.

SEASONAL INTEREST ON DISPLAY IN OUTDOOR CONTAINERS

To provide supplemental color and texture to Red Butte Garden’s themed gardens and plantings, the horticulture staff maintains 60 decorative containers located along patios and walkways, as well as the parking lot and main entrance to the Visitor Center. These containers are changed out two to four times each year to reflect and highlight seasonal changes. High visibility containers like those in the Visitor Center Courtyard get changed out four times a year, once for each season, while lower visibility containers are changed out twice per year for spring and summer. During these changeouts, the containers are dismantled, and soil is replenished before being replanted with a seasonally appropriate display.

More than 80% of our container material is produced by our greenhouse team using seeds, plugs, and cuttings. We work with outside suppliers to purchase other plants like large conifers, shrubs, and perennials. The Garden’s main production season starts in January and runs through May, while production for fall containers begins in April for September displays.

The staff strategically places containers throughout the Garden to enhance the appeal of various garden areas, particularly those designed for gatherings and events. During

Top: Planter on display in the entrance to the Water Conservation Garden

Bottom: Herb Garden Container

An assortment of color, texture, and blooms in one of the 60 planters on display

Utah’s hot summer months, each container must be watered by hand once or twice per day, meaning that water must be carried into or accessed in each garden throughout the growing season. Containers are maintained weekly for general aesthetics, such as removing spent flowers, pruning, and replacing plant material that is not performing as intended. Throughout the season, the container displays are treated for insect pests using natural, environmentally friendly pesticides as needed.

During the winter season, the staff monitors the outdoor containers for wildlife damage, excessive water retention, and winter burn. Containers that retain too much water may crack once the soil freezes, therefore excess water must be monitored and removed from the bottom of the pots. Ceramic containers, which are easily damaged during winter, are emptied and moved into the greenhouses for the winter, and returned outdoors again in the spring.

With so many different sizes and types of outdoor containers located throughout the Garden, you’ll want to plan multiple visits to see how these unique displays create seasonal color and interest.

Kara Hastings, Greenhouse Coordinator, has been working in the horticulture industry for over a decade. She studied environmental science at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and joined the Garden in 2018.

Help

A legacy gift honors the donor’s life with a charitable gift to a chosen party, cause, or organization. Legacy giving is a lasting investment in Red Butte Garden & Arboretum, advancing our mission to connect people with plants and the beauty of living landscapes. When you include Red Butte Garden in your estate plan, you ensure the continued growth of the Garden for future generations.

For more information, please contact Natalie Cope, Director of Philanthropy, at 801.585.5658 or natalie.cope@redbutte.utah.edu.

Black Capped Chickadee The Four Seasons Garden

Support the well-being of our community—make your charitable gift by December 31, and help us meet our $5,000 match!

As a supporter of Red Butte Garden, you know first-hand that the Garden provides a special connection to nature that is both restorative and nourishing. In fact, a growing body of scientific research suggests that the time we spend in nature may be a critical link to both our physical and mental health.

With significant new information about the vital human/nature connection, it’s impossible not to reflect on Red Butte Garden’s position and responsibility to support the well-being of our community. This year, we plan to take a deeper dive into the role that Red Butte Garden plays as one of Nature’s prescriptions to health and wellness.

Whether you are looking for increased wellness through volunteering, participating in our forest bathing, meditation and yoga classes, fulfilling a desire to support imperative plant conservation efforts, or just looking for an extraordinary day or night out in nature with loved ones—Red Butte Garden may be the medicine you need to feel good in the new year.

Whether it’s $10, $100, $1,000 or more, please consider making a donation to fill our community’s prescription for better health and well-being. Gifts will be matched up to $5,000 by Dr. David Classen and Laurie Hofmann.

redbuttegarden.org/garden-rx

Chrissy Upton has been the Membership Manager at Red Butte Garden since 2016. She has a BA in intermedia sculpture and an MPA from the University of Utah.

Top L: The Water Pavillion is a peaceful place to reflect.

Top R: Take a yoga class in the Garden.

Bottom: Red Butte Garden is great place to introduce your kids to nature.

Left: Our Gift Shop carries a wide selection of garden-inspired items.

Right: The Glass Art Show runs November 4 until December 20.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR LOCAL HOLIDAY MARKETS

Red Butte Garden Holiday Open House & Art Fair

December 3 & 4 from 9am-5pm

The Richard K. Hemingway Orangerie will be filled with local artists bringing a delightful array of handmade gifts for sale including jewelry, glass art, ceramics, wearable art, natural soaps, and more. Don’t forget to shop the Annual Gift Shop Holiday Sale and Glass Art Show. Free admission thanks to Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP).

Natural History Museum of Utah Museum Store

December 1-23 Holiday Shopping Hot Spot Garden members receive 10% off purchases at the Museum Store next door. NHMU members save 10% at the Garden's Gift Shop. nhmu.utah.edu/store

Utah Museum of Fine Arts Holiday Market

December 3 & 4 from 9am-5pm

Find handmade creations by local artists, including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, candles, artisan chocolates–enjoy live music as you shop. Free market admission and parking. Online reservations encouraged. umfa.utah.edu/holiday-market

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Christkindlmarkt SLC

November 30-December 3 from 11am-8pm

Inspired by the world-famous German Christmas markets, Christkindlmarkt SLC offers a unique holiday shopping and cultural experience including local artist booths, food vendors, and festive holiday entertainment. Free admission. christkindlmarkt-slc.com

EXPANDING ACCESS WITH MUSEUMS FOR ALL AND SHARETIX

Red Butte Garden is proud to support programs that help individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities access the natural beauty and special events that the Garden offers year-round. Museums for All is a federally funded program that provides free or reduced admission to museums and cultural institutions for people receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). This year, we’ve welcomed more than 675 guests to the Garden through the Museums for All program.

Sharetix is an organization that works with local nonprofits serving at-risk communities by providing free tickets to special events. Since early 2022, Sharetix has distributed Red Butte Garden admission passes and outdoor concert tickets to clients of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, Dahlia’s Hope, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Tooele Boys & Girls Club.

The feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive. Owen received tickets through Sharetix to a Ballet West performance in the amphitheater and commented, “We were able to sit right up front for the performance, which was great. One of the youth group members commented that they loved the ballet, and wanted to be a dancer but never had the money to go to the ballet or take dance classes. So I was really happy they got to have this experience. Thanks!”

Find more information about the Museums for All program at museums4all.org.

Details about Sharetix are available at sharetix.org.

Tristin Tabish, Director of Events and Guest Services, joined the Garden in March 2022. She is a graduate of the University of Utah (BA Mass Communication, MS Strategic Communications).

Artists of Ballet West, photo by Beau Pearson

Mary Hollyman School Programs Outreach Coordinator MA in American Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston

Chis Ogle Guest Services Coordinator BA in Music, University of Utah

WINTER 2022/2023 CALENDAR

DEC 3 & 4

Annual Gift Shop

Holiday Sale

Garden members receive an additional 10% off Red Butte Garden Gift Shop purchases. Dec 3 & 4 are free admission days thanks to ZAP.

GARDEN EVENTS

NOV 11-DEC 31

Rock Your Membership

Win a chance to upgrade your concert experience by making an additional donation when you purchase or renew a Garden membership during our contest. More info at redbuttegarden.org/events/ rock-your-membership

DEC 1-ON SALE

DEC 10

Cocoa & Cookies w/Mrs. Claus

Red Butte Garden Orangerie Sat, 10-11:30

More info at redbuttegarden.org/events

JAN 9-FEB 10

Spring Poetry Contest

Calling all poets! Enter your original, spring-inspired poem. Eleven winning poems will be displayed throughout the Garden this April to celebrate National Poetry Month.

Apply online at redbuttegarden.org/events/ call-poetry

EXHIBIT ARTISTS

Winter Solstice

Celebration Kits

DATE

MAR 11

Volunteer Fair

Sat from 11am-1pm

Please visit our website and social media for more Garden event information.

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.

NOV 4-DEC 20

Glass Art Show

Presented by the Glass Art Guild of Utah

Artist reception Nov 5 from 2-5pm

JAN 13-FEB 20

Local Colors of Utah Gallery

“Local Artists, Inspired by Nature”

FEB 24-APR 3

Shami Kanekar Art Exhibit

Artist reception Mar 4 from 2-5pm

HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOT SPOT

DEC 1- 23

Natural History Museum of Utah

Garden members receive 10% off purchases made next door at the NHMU Museum Store.

DEC 3 & 4

Holiday Open House & Art Fair

Find unique locally handmade gifts for the holidays including jewelry, wearable art, pottery, natural beauty products, and more. redbuttegarden.org/ free-garden-events/holidayopen-house-art-fair

Celebrate the longest night of the year at home with our special kit filled with crafts, games, and activities. Pick up between Dec 16-21 at Red Butte Garden. Purchase online at  redbuttegarden.org/events/ winter-solstice

Meet Garden staff members and current volunteers to learn about our many opportunities. redbuttegarden.org/ volunteer-at-red-butte-garden

Top L&R: Glass Art Show, Bottom L: Art by Mary C. Jenkins from the Local Colors of Utah, Bottom R: Shami Kanekar Art

Holiday Event in the Richard K. Hemingway Orangerie

WINTER 2022/2023 CALENDAR

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

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

LECTURE

JAN 21

Clear the Skies, Save the Stars: How Light Pollution Impacts Us All

Bettymaya Foott – International Dark-Sky Association Sat, 5-7pm Garden members $16 General public $20

HORTICULTURE

DEC 5

Winterizing Trees & Landscape for a Beautiful Spring Mon, 6-8pm Garden members $39 General public $48

DEC 21

Winter Solstice Bird Walk w/ Hawkwatch International Wed, 4:30-5:30pm Garden members $16 General public $20

JAN 14

House Plants 101 Sat, 9-11am Garden members $52 General public $65 Includes materials

JAN 17

Principles of Waterwise

Landscapes

Tue, 6-8pm

Garden members $39 General public $48

JAN 24

Native & Alternative Lawns in an Urban Utah (online) Tue, 6:30-8pm Garden members $32 General public $39

FEB 1, 4, & 8

Fruit Tree Pruning Wed, 6-8pm Sat, 10am-12pm Garden members $79 General public $98

FEB 2 & 9

Growing Your Own Food Garden: Soil Preparation to Harvest (online) Thu, 6:30-8:30pm Garden members $44 General public $55

Feb 15

Landscape Water Requirements Wed, 6-8pm Garden members $39 General public $48

Feb 28

Landscape Irrigation Systems Tue, 6-8pm Garden members $39 General public $48

ART & DESIGN

DEC 10 & 11

Holiday Wreath Workshops (online)

Sat, 10-11am Sun, 10-11am Garden members $56 General public $70

DEC 17, JAN 7, FEB 11

Designing with Fresh Flowers

Sat, 12-2pm Garden members $90 General public $100 Includes materials

JAN 28

Terrarium Workshop Sat, 12-2pm Garden members $72 General public $80 Includes materials

FEB 18

Willow Wreath Workshop Sat, 12-2pm Garden members $90 General public $100 Includes materials

HEALTHY LIVING

DEC 22, JAN 19, FEB 16

Indian Cooking w/Purnima Gandhi (online) Thu, 6-8PM Garden members $44 General public $55

DEC, JAN, FEB

Yoga & Sound Bath in the Rose House Sun, 10:30-11:30am

Garden members $18 General public $20

DEC, JAN, FEB

Mindfulness Meditation in the Rose House Sun, 12-1pm Garden members $12 General public $15

DEC, JAN, FEB

Forest Bathing Sat, 11am-12:30pm Sun, 11am-12:30pm Garden members $25 General public $30

Pusch Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Pusch')