Friends of the Arboretum Newsletter
Fall 2009 – Volume 13, Number 2
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Words from the Director
Status of the JCRA? We're OK! Hope You're OK!
By Ted Bilderback, Ph.D., Interim Director
More than anything else during my first six months as interim director, I have learned that the JC Raulston Arboretum has a lot of moving parts! Staff, interns, volunteers, friends, and activities move continually at full speed and on schedule at the JC Raulston Arboretum. That's pretty amazing, considering all the press and concern about the state budget and our struggling economy. We are not just fortunate—our triumphs are willed! A great deal of personal effort and support come from our volunteers and friends here at the Arboretum. Barbara Kennedy, volunteer coordinator, reports that we have more than 180 active volunteers now! It's incredible to realize the extent of effort and dedication that the JCRA receives from these friends! I am learning about all the "garden gangs" that we have here, such as the self-proclaimed Border Babes, Tuesday Rovers, Winter Gardeners, Viburnum Gardeners, Tour Guides, Scree and Xeric Gang, Visitor Center Groupies, Rose Ruffians… I guess I should not make up names!
Our fund-raising events in 2009, including the Gala in the Garden and Seasonal Celebrations, have been very successful. The Gala exceeded our expectations, an amazing accomplishment given the tough economic climate. Much has been said about how entertaining and rewarding the Seasonal Celebrations have been, and these special parties will continue throughout the year.
Revenue generated through the Gala in the Garden, the Seasonal Celebrations, and many private gifts keep our Master Plan projects moving forward. Work will begin this fall on a new entrance from Asian Valley into the Japanese Garden. The new garden gateway was funded as a grant by Pi Alpha Xi. Also, new handicapped-accessible pathways will soon be created to lead visitors through the Japanese Garden. Adjacent to the Japanese Garden, we will begin plant relocations in anticipation of construction of a new shade structure (lath house) designed by renowned architect Frank Harmon.
You may want to take a last look this summer at the trial beds, because immediately after ratings are completed for the 2009 Summer Annuals Trial Report, the soils in the beds created over the last fifty years will be excavated and used to create beds in their new location. This area was previously occupied by the Certified Professional Plants Collection, but is now a two-acre addition to the JCRA. We anticipate that this change will come quickly so the winter color plant trials can be planted and established before the weather gets cold.
Anticipated for spring 2010 is the development of the Ellipse. The centrally located Ellipse will be the future site for major outdoor events for the Arboretum. Progress will begin with grading and establishment of turf in the old Bedding Plant Trials.
Just come by for a visit, and you will be sure to notice all the remarkable changes and exciting additions that are taking place. The planning and all these projects are a part of the Master Plan developed by our very talented master planners and dedicated friends of the JCRA. They are Harriet Bellerjeau, Rick Boggs, Suzanne Edney, Jeff Evans, Beth Jimenez, and Robert Mackintosh. Judy Harmon, Bobby Mottern, and Mark Weathington, staff advisor, recently joined the committee.
We have a few important events at the JCRA this fall as well, so please mark your calendars!
The Friends of the Arboretum Lectures start off on September 3 with yours truly. I will be talking about plants in New Zealand, a review of some of the interesting plants, points of interest, and the stunning views observed during my Sabbatical leave January to June 2008. This talk will be just before I leave for a trip to Ireland for an International Plant Propagators Society tour and meeting. I might need to do a talk about that trip, too!
The weekend of September 19 and 20 is a doubleheader scheduled at the JCRA. We should have lots of avid plant lovers in the vicinity. Pi Alpha Xi will be at the JCRA hosting their fall plant sale, plus tickets will be on sale for the weekend's Garden Conservancy's Open Days garden tours, featuring six beautiful private gardens in our area.
The following week on Friday, September 25, the JC Raulston Arboretum will host the Garden Writers Association (GWA) for a garden tour and dinner. The GWA's annual meeting, held in the new Raleigh Convention Center, marks this association's first conference in the southeastern United States. Attendance at Garden Writers meeting is often as high as 700 participants from all over the world. The Green Industry Council (GIC) has stepped up as a sponsor for the dinner in the garden and the GIC has also recruited partnerships from NC Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Landscape & Nursery Association. Long-time friend and board member, Pam Beck, not only helped bring this prestigious group to our area, but she is also leading the coordination of the conference for the Raleigh site, serving as GWA's chair of the Local Arrangements Committee. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our beautiful and unique arboretum.
Another first, on Friday, October 9, NC State University horticulture alums and Green Industry professionals who share a passion and personal connection for the JC Raulston Arboretum will gather for the first Green Industry Reunion. This is a $50 dinner and membership event where attendees not only receive dinner and a year membership to the Friends of the Arboretum, but will also enjoy a unique opportunity to reconnect to the JCRA and many, many old friends. The evening will be a time for reminiscing and getting reacquainted with old classmates and friends. We will also take a few moments to talk about upcoming and future Master Plan projects for the JCRA and how this talented group of professionals might once again take an active role in helping to shape this great garden. RSVPs are requested for planning. Visit http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/reunion/ for details.
Yes, lots of moving parts, so please come watch us move!
Words from the Director | Horticulture | Development | Volunteering
HTML formatting by Christopher
Todd Glenn
Programs and Education Coordinator
JC Raulston Arboretum
Department of Horticultural Science
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7522
© The JC Raulston Arboretum, September 2009