GATHERINGS
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
JULY 2015
Volunteers In The Garden
PRESIDENT’S MUSINGS wo weeks ago I went to a high school graduation where the Valedictorian spoke. She compared her fellow graduates’ growth and creativity to events in “Alice in Wonderland.” The more I thought over her words, the more I realized they could apply to our Garden and its volunteers.
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Director of Accountability at the State Board for Charter Schools, attorney and educator Katie Povlos hopes to be a Groundskeeper.
“Curiouser and curiouser” are Alice’s words as she grows, has totally new experiences, and meets people with so very different ideas. Isn’t that how is it with many of us volunteers?
A high school educator in science for 30 years as well as a gardener in the valley since 1979, Tom Reeder hopes to work in Hort.
ASU Economics and Justice Studies major Odessa Clugston came to Arizona in part because she loves the desert. She plans on being a Guest Guide.
Retired RN and experienced fund raiser Mary Haddad hopes to work as an IA.
We come to the Garden because we have an affinity with the outdoors, plants, birds and the environment. But, oh, then, we meet people with backgrounds so different from ours, with a breadth of experiences, and with knowledge that we have yet to attain.
Ex-soldier and conservation biology/geographic information systems student Brandon Sinclair hopes to work in Research, in particular with the GIS mapping. Elizabeth Scaglione worked in corporate finance for Starwood Hotels, loves contributing to guest experiences and will use her talents in Special Events.
I have had the real pleasure of meeting many newly trained volunteers this year at their introductory training classes. Let me tell you about just a few of them. As you can see, nearly every VIG program has gained new members.
Landscape architect and marketing specialist Marlys Vickers plans on working weekends at the Plant Sale, Lumi, and other events.
Former YMCA camp director and personal chef Gretchen Schadlick hopes to use her talents in Administrative work.
Nena Scheuch, a 2015 high school graduate, loves to volunteer and chose our Garden to begin her new “career” working in the STEAM program.
Mary Hawley, DLS graduate, is active in the Scottsdale Community Garden and will bring her knowledge to Ask A Gardener.
World traveler and retired engineer Karen Winchester has many “wants” on her plate. Let’s see if we can entice her into the Trips committee!
Dr. Daniel Klein, engineer and scientist, with a strong interest in birds, hopes to work in Horticulture. Perhaps we can persuade him to join our awesome Birders?
A Children’s Program volunteer at the Denver Botanical Garden, as well as a Master Gardener and DLS grad, Katie Coates will bring her experience to the Garden in Youth Programs.
We hope that Cherie Campbell, former flight attendant and director in the medical field for 18 years, can find work in research until the new Butterfly Pavilion is constructed.
These VIGs and all the other 120+ “newbies” for the 2014-2015 season bring new perspectives and fresh ideas. Let’s explore the curious, wonderful talents and knowledge that they bring.
Monique Cordova hopes to combine her public service career in community development with her interest in urban planning and sustainability by volunteering with the Conservation Alliance.
MARILYN WOLFE VIG PRESIDENT
Master Gardener and semi-retired family physician Dr. Donald Meyer plans on becoming a Docent. Master Gardener and an expert in events coordination/ customer service, Jaymee Bohannon is considering using her talents as an Envoy.
VOLUNTEERS IN THE GARDEN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Kori Alexander has extensive design/development experience, is an avid gardener from the East, and, although she hopes to be in Research or Hort, we hope to get her on a future Exhibits project committee.
MARILYN WOLFE
VICE PRESIDENT
JIM JOLING
SECRETARY TREASURER
CHARLA BUCKLIN GENE ALMENDINGER
A monthly newsletter for and by the Volunteers of the Desert Botanical Garden
Stephen Behr, a retired Air Force pilot and retired ground school instructor for U.S. Airways who developed computer based and simulator training classes, hopes to work Flashlight Tours. AZ and WA state government employee Paula Brierley enjoyed all the training classes and thinks she may use her writing skills here...hello Gatherings.
PRESIDENT
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EDITOR/LAYOUT
KATHY WEBER
PROOFING EDITOR
ELAINE GRUBER
STAFF LIAISON
TINA WILSON
VOLUNTEER UPDATE Meet Your New VIG Representatives
Members of the new 2015-2016 VIG Board: Left to right, back row: Sandra Hensiek, Envoy; Charla Bucklin, Secretary; Joan McDonnell, Horticulture; Jim Joling, VP; Sue Lanker, Trip; Michael Jones, Co-Docent; Kathy Weber, Gatherings Editor; Sharon Ryan, Research/Lib Left to right, front row: Wendy Rose, Youth; Sandy Tufel, Co-Docent; Janet Wieder, IA; Bonnie Pace, Nominating; Leslie Leviness, Guest Guides; Marilyn Wolfe, President Missing: Gene Almendinger, Treasurer; Mary Behr, Event Services
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The Snark Boojum
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ocents are in the enviable position of meeting interesting people, and, subsequently, having memorable experiences. About 3 years ago I had one of my favorite memorable experiences while giving a tour. As we stopped at the multi-stemmed Boojum, I thought that, more than likely, no one in my group will speak up and acknowledge having heard of Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical poem, “The Hunting of the Snark.” Oh my, was I mistaken.
words left my mouth when my professor walked up to Jeannine and me, continuing to recite the tale of ten men who attempt to hunt the Snark. The Snark, as it turns out is a rather mythical and very dangerous BOOJUM! Dangerous? Fellow docents, please think twice as you pass that huge upside down green carrot. For me, this experience was the highlight of my 6 years as a docent. Thinking about it makes me happy and I want to tell the story to all of you. Only my colleagues can fully appreciate my story. And, if you have any interesting tales of your own, please send me your story, and I will pass it on.
One our guests, a retired Professor of English, delightfully regaled my tour group by reciting part of the poem. His cadence was enchanting, his face reflecting his joy at sharing what he loved best. Needless to say, a burst of applause thanked him. The tour continued, but for me, the experience went on.
Just a note...if you enjoyed reading “Jabberwocky,” a more popular nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll, then you will surely enjoy “The Hunting of the Snark.” I downloaded it for 99 cents. In the midst of the word he was trying to say, In the midst of his laughter and glee He had softly and suddenly vanished away... For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.
When the tour ended I was very anxious to share what happened. I sought out my good friend and fellow docent Jeannine Quagliara. I just couldn’t wait to divulge why I was so animated. But, not five
SANDY TUFEL
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DOCENT
VOLUNTEER UPDATE VIG Helen Wooden Helen Wooden, first and foremost the “official ambassador” to the Garden, passed away in May.
spirits were always high. On one call, a man answered and after she got on the phone she said “you caught me in an affair.” She always talked highly of all the caregivers and the wonderful care she received. Life lesson.
Helen was the expert on what are now called “Snap Tours.” She would wheel up to visitors and engage them in conversation and they were friends from that moment on. Visitors from all over the world sent accolades to the Garden praising her on how she made their visit so enjoyable.
On May 12th I visited Helen to take her pictures of the Docent year-end party and the crested saguaro. Helen was in good spirits. She was elated that the Garden had a new crested saguaro and said “I hope they planted right.” Later in our conversation I told her I was afraid to mail the items as she might not be here to receive them. We laughed. Helen always made it easy to talk about her situation. Life lesson.
Helen joined the VIGs in 1999 accumulating well over 5000 hours. She served as a Docent, Music in the Garden Chair, and Offsite Envoy. Her Executive Director Ken Schutz and VIG Helen Wooden share a story at April 19 Recognition last visit to the Garden was on April 19th at the VIG Recognition when DBG Executive Director Helen reminisced about her years at the Garden and Ken Schutz presented Helen with a 100 hour pin and how she missed not being able to visit to talk to friends counseled her “not to cry.” She didn’t. Others did. and guests. She always said “I always feel better when When VIGs were asked about Helen, comments and I am at the Garden.” I say the Garden is always better compliments were quickly forthcoming. Several of these with Helen in it. Life lesson. follow. She told me when she was in Docent training one activity was to write an essay on a cactus. She went home and thought about it and turned in a paper on what she wanted to do at the Garden and why. And of course part of what she wanted to do was “to go around and talk to guests.” She said about 3 months later “roaming” became a Docent activity.
Helen was similar to Charlie Brenner in that she did her ”own thing” and just loved interacting with the guests in the Garden. She also enjoyed a no-no: feeding the ground squirrels at the Patio Cafe. Helen told me that when she started as a docent she was a bit anxious that someone would be very knowledgeable about plants and ask her something she didn’t know. Well, one of the early guests whom she met and talked to turned out to be a plant expert! Just what she feared. Helen asked where this man was from, contrasted that area with our climate and plants, gave an example of one plant here that was desert adapted, and ended up having a great discussion as the gentleman shared and contrasted what he knew! So like Helen, isn’t it? She had a great attitude which inspired all and she even convinced several VIGs to become Docents and Chairs.
Bonnie remembers when Helen found out she was ill she told me that it was hard for her to tell people about her condition. But sharing her situation turned into a very positive thing. She said she got to hear wonderful tributes from family, friends and her Garden family. She loved the phone calls and cards. She said one card just made her cry un-controllably it was so touching. Life Lesson. A celebration of Helen’s life was held in late May. Helen’s family has set up a fund in her memory. Donations may be sent to Desert Botanical Garden, Attention: Kelsey Wolf-Donnay, 1201 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 or you can donate online at www.dbg.org/tribute. Please include a notation that your contribution is in memory of Helen Wooden.
Bonnie Pace’s remembrances: Helen was all about life lessons. Bonnie recounts a few of her stories about Helen. I was first introduced to Helen when I took over as the Saturday Docent Day Captain. On the first day of the season her first words to me (after hello) were “she didn’t do tours, she didn’t do stations, she came to the Garden to go around and talk to guests and that’s the way it is.” I soon learned under those words was a gentle, caring and loving person – passionate about the Garden. Life lesson. We had a few conversations on the phone and her
Other Contributors: Executive Director Ken Schutz, and volunteers Gene Almendinger, Carolyn Lazar, Barb Lieberson, and Harriet Oakes MARILYN WOLFE
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VIG PRESIDENT
THE GARDEN CORNER URBAN LIZARDS A recent scientific study by herpetologists at ASU found more lizard species in the affluent parts of the Phoenix area than in the less expensive neighborhoods. Is it because lizards prefer to live near homes with marble countertops and original artwork? Unlikely. The researchers observed that the extensive desert landscaping on the larger lots in the more Mediterranean Geckos, one of the most wide-spread species of lizard in the world, make a squeaking noise when captured or fighting and the males make an ‘advertising’ call of upscale areas of town not only several clicks to attract females. Photo by Tom Brennan provided more native habitat, these pricey areas of town were also often closer to natural desert habitat and in assumed that if Tree Lizards were so abundant cooler microclimates. They suggested that this and widespread in Phoenix area backyards, they temperature difference may also help account for must also be one of the most common lizards in the greater diversity of lizards in these areas. They the open desert areas outside of town. Not so. In said that our high summer temperatures can limit fact, the ASU surveys found no Tree Lizards at all lizard foraging activity to only one hour a day and in the flat, dry, open desert areas just outside of that even a small decrease in temperature may Phoenix. Tree Lizards need vertical habitat such allow lizards extra time to forage for food before as trees (duh) and large boulders. They are mainly they need to seek shelter. found in wooded areas along our rivers or in rocky areas such as South Mountain. Fortunately for For those of us eking out an existence in the more them, our landscape trees, cinder block fences, modest (and often hotter) areas of town, we usually tile roofs and stucco walls are almost perfect only have two species of lizards in our smaller substitutes for their natural habitat, providing backyards: the native, diurnal Ornate Tree Lizard niches for foraging, sunning, egg laying and that finds shelter in our cinder block walls and the escape cover. Unintentionally, we likely have non-native, nocturnal Mediterranean Gecko that increased the numbers of at least this one native comes out at night to hunt insects around our lizard species as a result of urbanization. patio lights. Mediterranean Geckos were likely inadvertently introduced to Phoenix and other warm-weather areas of the world when they (or their eggs) were transported here in potted plants. Unlike our native Banded Gecko that is terrestrial, the Mediterranean Gecko is a climber, and is mostly found in the more urbanized parts of town. The most commonly seen native lizard in town is the Ornate Tree Lizard. These are the little guys scurrying around on your cinderblock walls on warm mornings hunting insects. For the longest time I incorrectly
TOM GATZ VOLUNTEER
Although well camouflaged when viewed from above, Ornate Tree Lizards do pushups to display their colorful underbellies to attract mates and intimidate rivals. Photo by Tom Brennan
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THE GARDEN CORNER Summer in the Desert Botanical Garden Summer in the Garden is always a time for construction and new additions. This summer we are witnessing the Heritage Garden coming into existence as well as the new Horticulture building. However, there is also a new building that you are probably unaware of– in the backyard of the Munson classroom #2 there is now an Insect Hotel. You may be wondering what an insect hotel is and why we would want one here.
Insect Hotel waiting for guests to check-in
Nina Avila, Children’s Education Coordinator, and Lisa MacNamara, project volunteer, along with the Teens in the Garden group and Ray Leimkuehler have been working together to create the insect hotel structure outside of the Munson classroom. Lisa MacNamara, a sculptural artist, has put together a host of natural materials from palm trees, cactus, bamboo, agave, yucca, mesquite, and much more to create a structure that is aesthetically pleasing as well as beneficial to the Garden and with an educational purpose. The children’s programs will be able to use this as an observation tool for citizen scientists as well as provide an example of a way to use materials that may normally be discarded in a land fill. The palms and bamboo provide holes for bees and other insects and spaces between the materials may be a place for butterflies or beetles to seek cover from the weather. Ants and wood boring beetles, while building homes, are slowly causing decomposition. The new Horticulture building and Heritage Garden are major construction projects and it is easy to observe their progress, but also check out the Insect Hotel. You will see a wonderful sculpture with an educational as well as environmental purpose.
An insect hotel is a man-made habitat that has long been popular in Europe; they originated in Germany where native habitats were decreasing. They have just recently begun to be built in North America. The purpose of the structure is to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the garden by giving them a place to nest and shelter. It is not so much a hotel as an apartment or condo. The objective is to get garden allies such as bees, lady bugs, spiders, beetles and maybe even butterflies and moths to reside in our garden. The native bees of our desert are solitary bees. This means that each female of the species acts alone to construct a nest and lay eggs. While they may live close to each other they do not live together in a hive. According to A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert: “Desert bees range in size from the world’s smallest bee, Perdita minima, which is less than .08 inches to carpenter bees… which may be almost 1 1/2 inches. Our native bees burrow into the ground or create nests inside hollow, pithy and dried stems or abandoned tunnels left by wood-boring beetles”(p.341). Many of the bees that you see in and around the flowers in the Garden are so small that you may not recognize them as bees. One of our solitary Sonoran Desert bees is the common cactus bee (Diadasia rinconis) which pollinates prickly pear, cholla and saguaro cacti. Other desert bees are the leaf cutter and the mason bees which nest in holes and tunnels created by wood-boring beetles. The purpose of our insect hotel is to create a structure that will provide a place for these and other insects to nest.
To get more information about insect hotels: http://www.inspirationgreen.com/index.php?q=insecthabitats.html http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/insect-hotels/ WENDY ROSE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
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VIG TRAVEL PHOTOS
We just got back from a two week trip to Miami. We visited the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. They had Chihuly on display throughout the garden. Chihuly in a tropical forest was a big contrast to Chihuly amongst our cactus. I am in one of the photos. LORENZO VIZCARRA VOLUNTEER
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, Ontario KATHY AKERS VOLUNTEER
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TRIP TO TUCSON Hort Aide trip to Bach Cactus Nursery in Oro Valley Tucson
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group of 20 Hort Aides spend a most interesting couple of hours with Dan Bach as he shared a behind-thescenes tour of his family nursery which has been in business since 1969. They grow many varieties of cacti from seed in the winter and take cuttings of mature plants such as Mexican fence posts to provide specimen plants for landscaping. The seed growing operation was our first stop where millions of saguaro and golden barrel are grown under plastic using heated propagation. The seeds are shaken onto the prepared trays using a Parmesan cheese shaker which has just the right size holes to disperse the seeds evenly. The seeds germinate quickly with saguaro germinating within 48 hours and quickly filling the trays with tiny little cacti. The golden barrels, which are critically endangered in the wild, are grown here by the millions helping to take the pressure off the few remaining in the wild. The tiny golden barrels were in fact reddish at this early phase (see photo) and less than half an inch tall. The saguaro can grow at a rate of 8 inches per year given optimum growing conditions. They are typically grown for 2 to 3 years before being used in plantings. The process of potting up these tiny cacti was done with fingers taped with masking tape as the best way to avoid the spines (see picture). One application for these little beauties is for plantings within southwestern pots that we all see for sale in airport shops. The retail area of the nursery had a dizzying offering of both cacti and succulents in various stages of growth for purchase.
Above - The best protection for potting up cacti by someone who does a lot of it Top left - Golden barrels in germination tray Bottom left: Tiny golden barrels several weeks after germination up close
minerals ensures healthy growth of the plants which is the best protection from disease. Finally a new contact insecticide called Stylet Oil, which is a mineral oil that is safe to use on edible crops, is being used with good success as an insecticide and fungicide. A private collection of mature Mammilaria cacti is on display beside the retail area and the helpful and knowledgable staff made this a great place to visit. Bach Nursery is a long time supplier to the DBG biannual plant sales. JOAN MCDONNELL HORT AIDE CHAIR
Corrections to May 2015 Gatherings: In the May 2015 Gatherings, the outgoing Docent Co-Chair’s name was inadvertently dropped from her article “Change and What I’ve Learned as a Docent.” The author is Linda Hubbard. We apologize for this omission.
The nursery has been working hard to reduce chemicals in the operation and has several strategies which has enabled it to reduce the use of chemicals by 90%. The source and quality of the seed is critical to ensure vigor and even germination. The next step is the inclusion of bacterial mycorrhizal with a high quality consistent potting medium to ensure the seeds have the best chance to germinate and grow. The PH of the potting medium is kept at 7.2 as the fungus Fusarium, which causes the dreaded damping-off of newly emerged seedlings, is inhibited at this PH. A balanced feed of
The Mockingbird photo in the The Mockingbird Song article (May 2015 Gatherings) was taken by Gillian Rice.
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Volunteer DATELINE JUNE
AUGUST
Thursdays and Saturdays Flashlight Tours, 7-9pm
Thursdays and Saturdays Flashlight Tours, 7-9pm
June-September - Heritage Garden Construction begins during this month
August-November 2016 Horticulture Center Construction
Monday-Sunday, June 1-7 Members Only Garden Shop Sale-double discount
Monday, August 3 Gatherings Deadline
Friday, June 5 Music In The Garden,Grupo Liberdade. Brazilian Ullman Terrace, 7:30-9:30pm
Monday, August 10 Summer Fun, Speaker: Elaine McGinn: Bruce Munro Exhibit & Interpretive Master Plan Dorrance, 10am
Monday, June 8 Summer Fun, Speakers: Elaine McGinn, Heritage Garden & Julie Winslett Wagoner, DBG Grant Process, Dorrance, 10am
Tuesday, August 11 Free Day, 8am-8pm
Tuesday, June 9 Garden Free Day 8-8pm
SEPTEMBER Thursday, September 3 Flashlight Tour, 7-9pm
Friday, June 12 Music In The Garden, Camela y Mas. Latin Jazz Ullman Terrace, 7:30-9:30pm
Saturday, September 5 Final Flashlight Tour, 7-9pm
Friday, June 19 Music In The Garden, Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns, Blues Ullman Terrace, 7:30-9:30pm Monday, June 22 Summer Fun, Speaker: Dr. Joanna Hubbard, Evolutionary Biology, PhD on barn swallows Dorrance, 10am Friday, June 26 Music In The Garden The Cal Tjader Tribute Band, Latin Jazz Ullman Terrace, 7:30-9:30pm
JULY
Flashlight Tours
Thursdays and Saturdays Flashlight Tours, 7-9pm Saturday, July 4 DBG CLOSED Monday, July 13 Summer Fun Speaker tba Dorrance, 10am Tuesday, July 14 Garden Free Day, 8am-8pm Monday, July 27 Summer Fun, Speaker: SRP on Phoenix canal systems Dorrance, 10am
Grupo Liberdade
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