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In This Issue A New Twist on an Old Favorite April Events News & Observer Birdhouse Competition at the JC Raulston JC Raulston Arboretum Plant Sale Herbaceous Perennials Class Friends of the Arboretum Lecture Pi Alpha Xi Plant Sale at the JCRA Plantsmen's Tour Year-long Class Friends of the Arboretum Lecture |
A New Twist on an Old Favorite
by Mark Weathington, Assistant Director and Curator of Collections Go to many an old farmstead or plantation in the spring and you will find loose, willowy shrubs laden with delicate white flowers. The common name, bridal wreath spiraea (Spiraea thunbergii), evokes images of rosy cheeked brides with flowers in their hair. Despite the beauty of the flowers, the plant's other charms leave something perhaps to be desired and it is, at best, a one season plant. That is until the introduction of a gold foliaged form from Japan named 'Ogon' or Mellow Yellow™ as it is often known to American gardeners. The demure, springtime beauty has become a summertime sizzler. Golden bridal wreath spiraea, like its green-leafed parent, flowers in early spring before the foliage emerges. Masses of pure white flowers cover the shrub lighting up the landscape whether in masses or tucked in among other shrubs. As the flowers begin to fade, the gold foliage starts to expand sending a shock through the garden. The leaves are narrow and retain their color in the sun throughout the season. As summer progresses, the foliage color goes from bright yellow to chartreuse and then gold in the fall. The plant itself will ultimately grow to 3' to 5' tall and slightly narrower with a loose, informal shape. The winter twigs are very fine textured. Gala in the GardenYou are cordially invited to attend the
To register for this event, please visit the Special note: In an effort to conserve natural and financial resources, the Arboretum is e-inviting most of our friends this year. If you wish to receive a paper invitation, please contact Anne Porter at Sponsored by the Thank you for your continued support!
Coming Attractionsby Nancy Doubrava, Interpretive Specialist
Visit Showtimes for a much more detailed listing of what's in flower in April at the Arboretum. Recent Members Only Additionsby Chris Glenn, Programs and Education Coordinator Three new videos were recorded for the Members Only section on the Arboretum's Web site in March. The video section on the site is once again being enhanced. This time around, it's the videos themselves that were created differently. I hope you enjoy the changes.
Content in the Members Only section is password protected and is only available to Arboretum members. In order to access these special features, members need to know the password that was printed on the label (use all lower case letters) of the latest Friends of the Arboretum Newsletter or included directly in the e-mailed version of the e-Update. |
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JC Raulston Arboretum e-Updates are published electronically every month for everyone interested in the Arboretum and are e-mailed to the Arboretum's members. If you are a member and need to update your contact information or wish to be removed from this mailing, please contact Judy Morgan-Davis. Contact information: (919) 515-3132 |