Winter 2015 Newsletter by South Coast Botanic Garden

�

outh Coas� Botanic Garde�

WINTER 2016

COMING

RU FEB AR

6 201 Nature Connects pg 4

Volunteer of the Year pg 13

Year in Review pg 14

FRESH GROWTH IN THE GARDEN

by Megan Barnes

The CEO message for this newsletter is provided courtesy of an article published in Our Town magazine, a publication of the Palos Verdes Peninsula News. We are pleased to see them recognize the successful efforts we've made to be a resource for the community and share their excitement in the upcoming growth and development of South Coast Botanic Garden. We hope you enjoy the article and invite you to explore the Winter edition of our newsletter to discover more ways to connect with us!

ADRIENNE L. NAKASHIMA CEO

hen Adrienne Lao Nakashima was hired as chief executive officer at the South Coast Botanic Garden foundation in 2010, she was surprised the nonprofit didn’t have fundraising staff, a marketing budget or even a social media presence. Since then, a new season has swept into the garden.

| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation | WINTER IN THE GARDEN

One of Nakashima's first orders of business was to embark on a collaborative effort to update the garden’s long-range vision, which includes a $2 million renovation of the Rose Garden, a new native plants garden and a nearly 3-acre interactive children’s garden, which still needs $17 million to be completed.

"When I interviewed, one of the things that they told me and that they were very proud of was that the South Coast Botanic Garden is the south bay’s best kept secret and I thought, ‘that’s unfortunate,’ ” Nakashima said. “We’re trying to let the secret out.” Nakashima, who led PR and marketing for the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital and development for the Special Olympics of Southern California, is tasked with guiding the garden well into the future and securing funds to see it through. Before the South Coast Botanic Garden was founded on the Palos Verdes landfill site in 1960, it was an open-pit mine for diatomaceous earth. It became a hub for horticultural interests, hosting flower shows, plant societies and serving as a go-to spot for specialty plants. “A lot of that history still exists today,” said Nakashima, who grew

up in Torrance and volunteered at the garden when she was a student at Bishop Montgomery High School. “We do still have those groups. They serve a purpose. However, we have to accommodate to the changing times.” For 50 years, the 87-acre Palos Verdes Peninsula institution had subsisted largely on memberships. But with big box gardening stores down the Hill and answers to horticultural questions a Google search away, Nakashima understood that the garden’s role needed to evolve. Designing for the shifting landfill site can be expensive, and Nakashima wants to set up endowments for ongoing maintenance. Today, the “urban oasis” has more than 2,500 plant species in dozens of gardens and collections. Over 20 plant societies and clubs remain active. The new children’s garden will have 16 areas, including an outdoor classroom, water spiral, food garden, climbing nets, fossil digs and more. In 2013, the foundation took over management of the guest services center, rentals and filming. In addition to renovations and new projects, the garden is evolving as a community venue. A zombie charity run, Valentine’s Day Sweetheart’s Stroll and a “Frozen” screening are just some events that have drawn visitors to the garden. There was even a stargazing party after a lecture on Pluto by Griffith Observatory Director E.C. Krupp.

“I think if those same people in 1960 would have looked ahead to see what we were doing, they probably would have never guessed we would have zombies running around the garden or a dozen telescopes looking into the night sky,” Nakashima said. “There is now a new interest in what the South Coast Botanic Garden is.” Next year, from Feb. 19 to May 8, the garden will host Nature Connects, an exhibit of nature-themed sculptures made entirely of LEGOs. Efforts to bring new life to the garden are paying off. Since Nakashima arrived, membership has more than doubled to almost 5,000, and family memberships are especially are popular. “People are hearing about (the garden), and it’s great,” Nakashima said. “It means our efforts are working. I love seeing that people are now approaching us because they do see us as that community resource.” The challenge, Nakashima said, will be keeping an ear to the ground to respond to change and of course, fundraising. “That’s what’s going to keep the doors open and will continue to help us be that resource in the next 50-plus years to come.”

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Winter

DECEMBER

JANUARY

2 Holiday Floral Event Styling

16 Soil 101 Workshop

4 Movie Night at the Garden: The LEGO Movie

24 Shop & Learn Continental Series: African Aloes

6 Palos Verdes Symphonic Band – Holiday Concert: CELEBRATE!

in the Garden

30 The Wonderful World of Aloha

FEBRUARY 14 Sweetheart’s Stroll in the Garden 27, 28, Cherry (MAR) Blossoms in 5, 6 the Garden STARTS FEB

What’s in Bloom

DECEMBER DECEMBER Daylilies, Euphorbias, Hong King Orchid Tree, Hibiscus, Roses, Succulents of the Desert Garden, Toyon (Berries), Tree Aloe

JANUARY JANUARY Aloe, Bottlebrush, Cherry Trees, Clivia, Oreopsis, Grevillea, Hellebores, Magnolia, Redbud, Rosemary, Succulents of the Desert Garden

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY Acacia, Aloe, Bottlebrush, Escallonia, Hibiscus, Narcissus, Magnolia, Succulents of the Desert Garden, Thunbergia 3

Guess What’s Coming to the Garden?

Imagine a walk through a beautiful garden where you round a corner to come face-to-face with a bison! Not a real one, of course, but one made as an art installation Will be on display entirely constructed from 45,143 LEGO® February - May 2016! bricks. Families will be able to enjoy a toy-filled exploration this spring. The South Coast Botanic Garden will host an exciting family-friendly ecosystem of fun, flowers and fauna: of aentirely baker's dozen nature-themed displays crafted from Nature Connects®, an interactive art installation constructed your favorite building blocks. LEGO fans of all ages will from nearly half a million toy bricks and multiple be dazzled by Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO bricks hands on activities. by Sean Kenney, which has been engineered from nearly

| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation | WINTER IN THE GARDEN

DON'T MISS THE ONLY LOS ANGELES-AREA APPEARANCE

half a million LEGO bricks. Tour the sculptures throughout the South Coast Botanic Garden, where they bring nature’s beauty and whimsy to life.

The South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes Peninsula will be the only Southern California stop for this nationally touring exhibit which will be unveiled on February 19 and be on display through May 8, 2016.

ON DISPLAY FEBRUARY - MAY 2016

nature-themed artabout exhibition feature life-sized, crafted and larger Here areThe some amazing facts thesewill LEGO brick15sculptures by than Sean Kenney, life, animal and plant sculptures scattered throughout the property. the world’s first LEGO Certified Professional. ▷▷

This is the first time Nature Connects has appeared in the Los Angeles area.

▷▷

The exhibition has been featured at select arboreta and botanic gardens around the country, but a number displays haveto changed time. about Visitofus online learnover more

our upcoming holiday events

▷▷

Tallest www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org sculpture: Hummingbird

▷▷

Longest sculpture: Dragonfly

(310) 544-1948

@SCBGarden

▷▷

15% Off

Artist Sean Kenney, the world’s first LEGO Certified Professional, used 464,770 LEGO bricks to create the 13 larger-than-life, nature-themed displays, assembled with 27 individual figures.

One Item at:

▷▷ Kenney his team spent more than 4,170 hours (173 The Gift and Shop at SCBG days!) building the pieces in the exhibit. Visitors will also

Must present this ad for discount have the opportunity play on withone 30,000 LEGO bricks item purchased in The GifttoShop. Does handto at Membership, the Garden throughout notonapply Class the exhibit's run. Registration, and Events. Not valid with any other discount. Expires 12/31/15

LEGO S o u t h C oa s t B o ta n i c G a rd e n

Imagine the Future

Team and individual registration begins December 26, 2015

4 Builder Divisions from Kindergarten to Adults

a Family-pack of ‘Hopper’ tickets to

$250

California

Gift Certificate to LEG ® Store or LEGO.COM!

Team and individual registration begins Dec. 26, 2015. Forms will be available for download on Dec. 26 at www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org. $5.00 processing fee required per team or individual entry.

www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org | (310) 544-1948 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

DECEMBER

Events

| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation | WINTER IN THE GARDEN

PALOS VERDES SYMPHONIC BAND – HOLIDAY CONCERT: CELEBRATE!

Sunday, Dec. 6 5:00pm – 7:00pm $10 members and non-members at the door, children 12 and under are free Come celebrate the season with the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band with an early evening program of holiday classics sure to put you in the holiday mood! This 60-person symphonic band is under the direction of David Stanton and consists of local musicians who bring you the best of concert band music. The concert theme is A Count Basie Holiday Celebration. The band will donate a musical instrument to a deserving young musician from the Count Basie Young Artists Line through the Rheuben Allen Educational Foundation. Tickets required. Proceeds from ticket sales go to fund the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band and South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation.

Health � Wellness

Wildlife

NEW! ADVANCED TAI CHI IN THE GARDEN

Saturdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26 8:00am – 9:00am Drop-in: $10 members / $12 non-members Advanced Tai Chi is intended for those more comfortable with the long form of Tai Chi and looking for more hands-on experience. Registration required. Online preregistration is highly recommended. Photo by: Michael Matthews

AUDUBON BIRD WALKS

Sundays, Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 14 8:00am – 11:00am No fees associated with this course Are you interested in birds? Join Steve Dexter, Ed Griffin and Manuel Duran of the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society as we tour the Garden in search of birds. Bird walks are a great way to learn to identify birds. No experience is required, but binoculars are recommended. The group meets in the Courtyard and then heads out into the Garden. Please be punctual should you wish to join the group. No registration required.

Photo by: Lauren Nishihira

i n th e G a rd e n

NEW! HOLIDAY FLORAL

Gardenin� SHOP AND LEARN: FESTIVE NATIVES – TOYON

EVENT STYLING

Sunday, Dec. 6 12:00pm – 2:00pm Included with Garden admission Toyon is one of the most beloved and useful California native plants to our region. Encouraging bird life, supplying the bees with an excellent source of honey, protecting our iconic hills from erosion, cooking for humans and undoubtedly adding festivity to the holidays, Toyon hits the mark. Join Connie Vadheim for a look at our fascination with Toyon and its connection to California’s history. Connie will also discuss other plants for winter color. Plants will be available to purchase. No registration required.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 10:00am – 12:00pm Cost: $25 members / $35 non-members In this exclusive behind-the-scenes look into event styling, students will be hands-on to set up a winter-themed holiday display with accompanying decor on the Koi Pond Patio. Students will learn about techniques for making garlands and large bows to accompany all types of home and commercial holiday decoration needs. Flower Duet provides all the materials for each student, and fees are included in the course fee. Registration required.

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE GARDEN: THE LEGO MOVIE Friday, Dec. 4 Gates Open: 5:30pm Movie: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Tickets include cookie decorating, free popcorn and the movie. $5 members / $8 non-members (ages 2 and older) Limited tickets available. Please purchase tickets in advance at www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org. Snuggle up with a blanket and chairs to enjoy “The LEGO Movie.” Gates open at 5:30 pm. Grab a spot in the Frances Young Hall and some dinner and snacks available for purchase. Cookie decorating will be available to create your own LEGO-themed treats! Registration required.

Photo by: Janet Hubert

Art

Family � Kids

JANUARY

Events

NEW! THE WONDERFUL

Saturday, Jan. 30 Doors open at 5:30pm Program begins at 6:00pm Tickets: Members: $12 presale / $15 at the door Non-members: $15 presale / $20 at the door An evening of Hawaiian Culture and Celebration of the Hawaiian Islands. Performances by Kaulana Ka Hale Kula 'O Na Pua 'O Ka 'Aina Kumu Hula Randy Chang. Tickets required.

TAI CHI IN THE GARDEN

Saturdays, Jan. 2, 9, (skip 16), 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 8:00am – 9:00am Cost: $75 members / $90 non-members Drop-in: $10 members / $12 non-members Join us for Tai Chi in the Enchanting Garden. Tai Chi is a graceful series of meditative movements that help maintain physical health, well-being and spiritual essence. Experience this beautiful practice, and let's celebrate your health! Registration required. Online preregistration is highly recommended.

YOGA IN THE GARDEN

Wildli�e AUDUBON BIRD WALKS

Sundays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14 8:00am – 11:00am No fees associated with this course Are you interested in birds? Join Steve Dexter, Ed Griffin and Manuel Duran of the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society as we tour the Garden in search of birds. Bird walks are a great way to learn to identify birds. No experience is required, but binoculars are recommended. The group meets in the Courtyard and then heads out into the Garden. Please be punctual should you wish to join the group. No registration required.

Saturdays, Jan. 2, 9, (skip 16), 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 9:30am – 10:30am Cost: $80 members / $95 non-members Drop-in: $12 members / $15 non-members Join us for the yoga series “A Path to Prosperity” as Nicole leads us through yoga sets to energize, strengthen and rejuvenate the body and soul. A wonderful benefit for the body and mind whether taken in the series or separately. Live music, sound healing and optional aromatherapy are a part of the experience! All levels encouraged. Please be prompt in your arrival to the class. Registration required.

LINE DANCING IN THE GARDEN Tuesdays, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 11:00am – 12:00pm Cost: $60 members / $75 non-members Drop-in: $12 members / $15 non-members Jan Kain of People’s Place will be teaching the many varieties and styles of line dancing from basics to more advanced. Taught by an industry champion, this class is sure to make you smile, shine on the dance floor and cultivate a healthy mind and body. Registration required. Photo by: Janet Hubert

Photo by: Michael Matthews

| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation | WINTER IN THE GARDEN

WORLD OF ALOHA

Health � Wellness

i n th e G a rd e n

Art ONE STROKE PAINTING

Thursdays, Jan. 7, (skip 14), 21, 28, Feb. 4 10:00am – 12:30pm Cost: $55 members / $65 non-members Materials Fee: $12 or less per surface Enjoy creating painted and etched pieces of art. No previous painting experience required. Class is limited to 10 students maximum on a first come, first served basis. Registration is required 48 hours in advance. Please contact instructor if you will miss a class via teri4joy@gmail.com or text (949) 375-2057.

ORIENTAL IMPRESSIONISTIC WATERCOLOR

Fridays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 9:00am – 12:00pm Cost: $70 members / $85 non-members Instructor Hisako Asano will teach you how to capture paintings of nature that capture the soft colored art form that is expressed in her teachings and techniques. You will learn to mix and blend colors and manipulate 3-D values with a single stroke. Lottery registration required. Online registration is not available. Lottery sign-up may be accomplished by calling the Guest Services Center at (310) 544-1948. LOTTERY REGISTRATION Due to the popularity of Oriental Impressionistic Watercolor, twenty (20) individuals will be randomly selected to become eligible for enrollment into the winter session. Enrollment Lottery entry shall begin on November 25, 2015 at 9:00 am (PST). All entries must be received on or by January 1, 2016 at 5:00 pm (PST). Lottery winners/eligible enrollees will be notified of their selection by January 4, 2016 at 5:00 pm (PST) by email or phone. For a full list of details, please visit: www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org.

Gardenin�

NEW! SOIL 101 WORKSHOP Saturday, Jan. 16

9:30am – 12:00pm Cost: $15 members / $20 non-members / FREE for Garden Volunteers *This workshop is FREE to all registered SCBG Garden Volunteers. Materials Required: 1 x 32 oz. wide-mouth (straight-edge) mason jar with lid with two cups of deep soil from your garden Soil is the foundation of food and life. This class is about growing soil, its maintenance, care and restoration. We will examine the composition and essential role of soil in the urban garden. Students learn how to test their garden’s soil for texture, compost and green manure and learn how to open up the soil to receive roots, attract organisms and develop mycorrhizae. This class will meet in the Classroom for a lecture portion before going into the Garden for soil sampling and hands-on learning. Registration required.

NEW! SHOP & LEARN CONTINENTAL SERIES: AFRICAN ALOES

Sunday, Jan. 24 12:00pm – 2:00pm Included with Garden admission We are proud to introduce our Continental Series of the Shop and Learn program! We have gathered the most adventurous and well-traveled plant experts around to take guests on a horticultural journey around the world! Jim Gardner, dubbed locally as the ‘Succulent Guru’, will guide guests through southern Africa to experience the strange and captivating world of African aloes, including their propagation, care and how to capture some of the stunning show of blooming aloes for yourself. No registration required.

SOUTH COAST FUCHSIA SOCIETY PROPAGATION AND PRUNING DEMONSTRATION

Sunday, Jan. 17 2:00pm – 4:00pm Included with Garden admission Members Jackie Coppin, Marsha Hopwood and David Morse will discuss fuchsia care and culture, including soils to use, fertilizers, watering, transplanting and encouraging blossoms. They will demonstrate how to propagate fuchsias from cuttings, how to train fuchsias to different forms including baskets, trees and trellises and how to prune fuchsias to improve appearance and maximize blossoms. Handouts will be available. No registration required.

Photo by: Tom Zimmerman

FRUIT TREE PRUNING DEMONSTRATION

Sunday, Jan. 31 1:00pm – 4:00pm Included with Garden admission Rick Wheeler will take guests through the 30th Annual Care of Fruit Trees demonstration, including trimming, fertilizing and insect and disease control. This hands-on demonstration will be conducted in the orchard with a raffle for fruit trees, tools and organic products. No registration required.

FEBRUARY

Events

| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation | WINTER IN THE GARDEN

SWEETHEART’S STROLL IN THE GARDEN

Sunday, Feb. 14 12:00pm – 4:00pm Included with Garden admission Join us for a romantic afternoon in the Garden with the locals, El Segundo Brewing Company and Cuatro Dias Winery pouring beloved brews and wines while Kristina Brañes, Sarah O and Sarah Elizabeth serenade your picnic. Hot chocolate and a special Garden Valentine available while supplies last in the Gift Shop as a ‘thank you’ for showing the Garden so much love. No registration required.

Health � Wellness LINE DANCING IN THE GARDEN Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 11:00am – 12:00pm Drop-in: $12 members / $15 non-members Full series details listed on page 8.

TAI CHI IN THE GARDEN

Saturdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 8:00am – 9:00am Drop-in: $10 members / $12 non-members Full series details listed on page 8.

YOGA IN THE GARDEN

Saturdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 9:30am – 10:30am Drop-in: $12 members / $15 non-members Full series details listed on page 8.

Wildli�e AUDUBON BIRD WALKS

Sunday, Feb. 14 8:00am – 11:00am No fees associated with this course Are you interested in birds? Join Steve Dexter, Ed Griffin and Manuel Duran of the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society as we tour the Garden in search of birds. Bird walks are a great way to learn to identify birds. No experience is required, but binoculars are recommended. The group meets in the Courtyard and then heads out into the Garden. Please be punctual should you wish to join the group. No registration required.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN THE GARDEN

Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 27, 28, Mar. 5*, 6 (*Festival Day) 9:00am – 5:00pm Included with Garden admission Feel free to bring some food, blankets and/ or chairs to have your picnic under the Cherry Blossoms on the Sakura Meadow and Amphitheater Lawn or on the Upper and Lower Meadows. A self-guided tour and information sheet will be available. Please visit the Gift Shop for more information. The Cherry Blossom Festival will occur on March 5th. Photo by: Tom Zimmerman

i n th e G a rd e n

Family �Kids S O U T H COA ST BOTA NIC GA RD EN P R ESENTS:

LEGO® BUILD CONTEST! Imagine the Future

4 BUILDER DIVISIONS FROM KINDERGARTEN TO ADULTS

Gardenin�

NEW! CONTINENTAL SERIES: SOUTH AMERICA’S APHRODISIAC – PASSION FRUIT

Sunday, Feb. 14 12:00pm – 2:00pm Included with Garden admission Passion fruit: the name evokes an exotic tropical paradise, an aphrodisiac or a wonderful flavoring for many juice mixes and pastries. Nature provided over sixty different species of edible passion fruit, but most people are only aware of just one (Passiflora edulis). Join Jorge Ochoa as we take a trek through the jungles of Central and South America to learn about the many unfamiliar passion fruits that are becoming popular and that you can grow in your back yard. Passion flower vines will be available for purchase. No registration required.

Win aa Family-pack Family-pack Win of ‘Hopper’ tickets of ‘Hopper’ tickets to LEGOLAND® to LEGOLAND® California or or $250 $250 Gift Gift California Certificate to to LEGO® LEGO® Certificate Store or or LEGO.COM! LEGO.COM! Store

For Official Rules please visit www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org. Team or individual registration begins December 26, 2015. Forms will be available for download on December 26 at www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org. $5.00 processing fee required per team or individual entry.

Photo by: Janet Hubert

Donors Individuals, corporations, community organizations and foundations named here help to sustain the mission of the South Coast Botanic Garden through their financial and in-kind support. Donors who gave from June 2015 through August 2015 are recognized here. A special thank you to all who provide for the improvement, maintenance and preservation of South Coast Botanic Garden.

GENERAL GARDEN DONATIONS

Bente D. Addington JoAnn and Robin Arakaki Bruno and Rosina Baur Rita Carroll Pamela Klein and Steven Cox Donna Curran Allen J. Curtis Ann and Joseph Dawidziak Yuan and Sarah Fang Jim and Jan Gardner The Gardeneers Bruce and Tracy Gold Robin Hill Nancy Kelly

Paul and Eva Killingsworth Denise Laborde Carmen Moore Marilyn O'Kane Melissa and Eric Pedersen Ken and Sandra Pickar Daniel Ree Fern Ruiz and PJ Hayden Kyrt Springer Patricia Steiner Paul and Hide Tamae Jan and Stu Thomson Laurel Woodley Woody Woods

GARDEN DONATIONS

Marianna Mitchell Peter and Susan Olpe

Tom and Paula Zimmerman

ADOPT-A-ROSE BUSH DONATIONS

Tanya Finney and Chris Brown Marylyn and Chuck Klaus

Lorraine and Bob Kasse

CORPORATE GIFT DONATIONS

National Processing Solutions Kona Ice

California Association of Nurseries

IN KIND/GOODS DONATIONS

Richard Kohlschreiber

Annie Schneider and Yvonne Dean

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

Mina & Roy Azuma Arlene Buchanan Alison Davis South Bay Epiphyllum Society

Delicia & Tom Folk Diane Trotta Hansen Richard Kohlschreiber William & Merredith Rea

MATCHING GIFT DONATIONS

| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation | WINTER IN THE GARDEN

Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program

The Boeing Corporation ExxonMobil Foundation

SPRING APPEAL DONATIONS

Taylor and Lorraine Boring Joan Grant Leonard and Rita Guiton

gift SHOP

Jim and Sharon Givens Thamina Haque Ted and Lynn Kotzin

For more information on how your gift can make a difference, please contact the Foundation office at (310) 544-1948 or send an email to: giving@southcoastbotanicgarden.org

THE

SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN

Photo by: Tom Zimmerman

Meet The Artists DECEMBER 12 Saturday

On December 12th we will be offering 15% off of all Local Artist Exclusive items.

JANUARY 23

FEBRUARY 13

CHRISTINA WENNSTROM

CELESTE MOOKHERJEE

Saturday 12:00pm to 3:00pm ARTIST

Christina is from Redondo Beach, and her soaps are her homage to the sea.

Visit the Gift Shop for everyone on your holiday list!

Saturday 12:00pm to 3:00pm ARTIST

Celeste Mookherjee, Art in Nature, is an award winning photographer who has offered her pictures, cards, post cards and book marks for almost four years at the Gift Shop. She manages to catch the essence of the plants here in the Garden. She has been published in many art magazines. She has also been recognized recently in an art show with many photos taken here at the Garden and three of them fell in the top 50 and made it to the finals in a competition in Friends of the Australian Botanic Gardens.

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE Tanya E. Finney This summer South Coast Botanic Garden welcomed several Youth Volunteers to the Garden. Each of them contributed a great deal of their time and effort helping to make the Garden a success.

Most of their tasks consisted of helping in the General Garden Area, Propagation Workshop, Gift Shop and Special Events and providing office support to our staff. The Youth Volunteers had an opportunity to interact with new people, acquire skills, build on their social skills and confidence and make friends with students from other high schools; all while giving back to the community.

Youth Volunteers Marta Mossberg and Megan Tahbaz

Our intentions are to provide a supportive and caring relationship with each of our Youth Volunteers. Staff and Adult Volunteers contributed their time and support to this extraordinary team of youth. As a result, they gained specific knowledge on planting, weeding, mulching and watering. Additional skills were acquired by assisting in the Gift Shop; maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of the store, stocking merchandise and gaining an understanding of customer service. They were truly an essential part of our volunteer program, and we were so happy to have them join the Garden team.

Youth Volunteer Sydney Ozawa

Volunteer Luncheon

The South Coast Botanic Garden is fortunate to have a thriving volunteer program. With active volunteers in all areas and working every day of the week, there is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t see a volunteer working somewhere in the Garden. At this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, we recognized the outstanding service of Paul Lasman. In the years that Paul has been volunteering at the Garden he has used his creativity to develop new additions to the flower gardens, learned to care for plants in the display and collections greenhouses and mentor other volunteers. In addition to his volunteer work in the gardens and greenhouses, he can often be found on the weekends visiting and introducing friends to the Garden. He is a wonderful ambassador of the Garden to our community. We were so pleased to honor Paul Lasman as our Volunteer of the Year for 2015.

Paul Lasman Volunteer of the Year

In addition to our core group of Adult Volunteers, this year we had an active Student Volunteer group, and this was our second year partnering with the

Craft Workshop volunteers enjoy the annual appreciation luncheon.

Switzer Learning Center to give young adults with Autism the opportunity for occupational learning at the Garden. Through their weekly volunteer activities they get a chance to work in the Garden and develop skills outside of the classroom. Our volunteers have provided so much to the Garden over the past year. From the plants and holiday cards that you purchase at the Gift Shop, to the flower beds that you enjoy photographing, to the school tours that docents lead through the Garden, our volunteers help in every way to meet the Garden’s mission. If you have an interest in joining this thriving community of volunteers, please contact us at 310-544-1948 and ask about volunteer opportunities.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2015

ADMISSIONS The Garden has experienced a 15% average increase in visitors over the last several years. This number includes those who came to the Garden for tours, special events and meetings. Total Admissions: 114,627 Total Group Tours: 68 (626 adults, 1,206 children)

VOLUNTEERS

| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation | WINTER IN THE GARDEN 14

Our membership allows South Coast Botanic Garden to continue its mission of serving the community. Our most popular memberships include Family, Family Plus and Senior Family, with close to 3,000 members in those levels alone. Total Members:

4,474

SPECIAL EVENTS AND RENTALS

The numerous hours dedicated by our volunteers shows a strong commitment to South Coast Botanic Garden. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through their efforts that the Garden is able to flourish in its mission and be a place of enjoyment and learning for many visitors. Total Volunteers: Total Hours:

MEMBERS

We had another record-setting number of special events and rentals held at the Garden in FY 2015. Many have chosen the Garden to have their wedding, memorial service, birthday party, baby shower or other celebration. We have become a special place where memories are made.

194 16,645

Total Special Events: Total Rental Events: Total Filming Events:

30 134 19

PLANT COLLECTIONS EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND CLASSES The number of educational programs and classes being offered increased by nearly 10% from last fiscal year. Many enjoyed the new health and wellness classes, gardening programs and special events for families. Total Classes: Total Attendees:

167 4,756

*FISCAL YEAR

Part of what makes the Garden special is the ability to learn from different plant collections. These collections depict a variety of species and cultivars representing various parts of the world. Total Species and Cultivars Accessioned:

563

Total Number of Plants Added to the Garden:

1,786

FALL AT THE GARDEN

Did you join us for some of these fun activities this past fall? Here are a few photos of members having fun during some of our events and programs. Make sure to check your calendar for upcoming events, especially those that give our members early access or additional benefits!

Members enjoy meeting host Nick Federoff of "Things Green" for the live taping of "Keep Calm and El Ni単o On" at the Garden

Over 100 guests helped us solve riddles during The Great Pumpkin Hunt.

Bobby Bowes, Michelle Walker and M.G. Walker, artists of the famed Walker and Bowes glass pumpkins, treat guests to their third annual show at the Garden.

Families joined us on a the meadow to see a special showing of Finding Nemo.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 234 TORRANCE, CA

SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN FOUNDATION 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be friends!

GARDEN HOURS

26300 Crenshaw Boulevard Palos Verdes Peninsula California, 90274 (310) 544-1948

9:00am to 5:00pm (last ticket sales at 4:30pm) The Garden is open to the public 364 days a year, closed on Christmas Day

feedback@southcoastbotanicgarden.org www.facebook.com/scbgarden

GIFT SHOP HOURS

10:00am to 5:00pm Subject to change seasonally

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

We are currently accepting photos for the Spring 2016 edition of the newsletter. Submissions are due by January 4. All photos should be sent to feedback@ southcoastbotanicgarden.org. By submitting your photos, you agree to give SCBGF permission to use the photos in publications and other marketing materials.

CLASS REGISTRATION FORM Name Address City

Zip

Phone

@SCBGarden

CLASS NAME

Email DATES

FEE

HOW MANY

SUB TOTAL

Visit Our New Website:

www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org PAYMENT INFO Cash Check-made payable to SCBGF Charge to Visa Mastercard Discover Card Number Expiration / Signature Please mail completed form and payment to: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.

Amex