Monday, October 19, 2009

May Arboretum Wish List

The Arboretum has been faced with many cut backs this year.  To help offset some of the need,  they came up with a wish list.  A few of the items on list have already been donated by members.  Our many thanks go out for that.  All donations are tax deductible.  If you prefer to make a monetary donation that would be greatly be appreciated too. The Society will be matching cash donations until March 31, 2010 with a goal of $1000.00 total.  These matched funds will be used as the annual budget for mulch.
Wish List
Husky 25 piece Screw Set   $30.00
Stihl stick edger   $410.00
Stihl light weight string trimmer     $190.00
Blade Set    $30.00
Ryobi reciprocating saw     $50.00
Saws; Milwaukee m12-12v Hackzall $180.00

Travel Budget; $1,500.00 per year to attend American Public Garden Conferences
$225.00 to send 3 staff members to the annual Arborist training
Scholarship fund of $6,000.00 or more for UNR students to work at the Arboretum

Above mentioned $1,000.00 annual budget for mulch

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Fall Fix



We've been alerted to the approach of winter but some of us cling to our summer attitudes....So before we lose this gorgeous weather, hie ye to the Arboretum for a Fall Foliage Fix. The greens are still softening the landscape but spots of color are springing forth and the combinations can stop your breath.








The vines are rusting, the berries are rosy and the seed pods are flinging cotton into the air.



The songbirds don't seem to realize they have their own designated garden and sing from the cattails to the evergreens. The blue jays have assumed the post of official greeters, both leading and following visitors along the paths. And the butterflies are like drunken kites, madly fluttering from blossom to blossom.



Friday, September 4, 2009

Labyrinth garden





The Labyrinth Garden was in rare form this summer & one warm, sunny morning members of the Society met to enjoy the blooms, butterflies, birds and meditation. If you ever doubted that magnificent landscapes are possible without copious water, visit this jewel in Rancho San Rafael.