Botanical Society’s Plant Sale raises $10,000 for Wilbur May Arboretum

. The Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society will donate $10,000 to Washoe County’s Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden thanks to the success of this year’s plant sale. Proceeds from the sale will be used to support general operations, capitol improvements, maintenance, supplies and seasonal employment at the arboretum.

“The absolutely glorious weather helped bring out a wonderful crowd of customers and every single plant was sold,” Plant Sale Chairperson Connie Douglas said. “We want to thank all the local garden-lovers who showed their support for the May Arboretum by shopping at the sale.”

Douglas said that much of the credit for this year’s successful sale goes to the many volunteers who supported the effort. More than 40 volunteers logged 475 hours to prepare for and work at the plant sale.

Many of the plants were grown and cared for by Society volunteers such as Carol and Howard Thomas, Susan Lester, Marilynn Clarke, Errett Fuchs, Marsha Ross and Janet Thelan. Others were donated by local nurseries including, Dry Creek Garden Company, The Garden Shop, and Lavender Ridge. Home Depot donated potting soil.

Local artist and Society member Nancy Peppin compiled the pre-sale plant catalog.

The Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society was created to support the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Membership is open to any person, family or group interested in the arboretum and its collections. Society volunteers help out through a variety of activities from garden work to garden tours.
The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a living museum and active educational resource, illustrating how plant life adapts and survives in the rugged climate between the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin. The Arboretum was created in 1982 with funding from the Wilbur D. May Foundation. The Arboretum enjoys continued support from the Wilbur D. May Foundation, members of the Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society and the community at large.

Important Membership Information

Members not current on their dues will be dropped from our membership list as of August 1, 2010.

Don't let this happen to YOU! Think about how much will miss receiving this great newsletter. Most of all you won't be able to receive one of our new Membership 2010-2011 coupon books, full of great discounts at local businesses. If you renew today we mail you one of these books and you will stay current until June 2011. As always we appeciate your support.

Annual Plant Sale June 5th 2010

Thank you US Bank for providing space to promote the Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society.  The lobby at the Virginia Street Branch has numerous brochures for the taking, along with flyers for the upcoming June 5th plant sale.

Arboretum Office, RSR Park
Annual Plant Sale - Saturday, June 5, 8:00 am - Noon

Native and ornamental plant sale hosted and sponsored by Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society volunteers. Come early to have the best choice. Learn about the plants from Society members. They sell tried and true plants and are priced right! This fundraiser benefits the May Arboretum. Only cash and local checks will be accepted. For you early birds, organic brewed coffee from Blind Dog Coffee will be available for sale.

Arbor Day Celebrated

In spite of the cool April weather, several visitors came for the Arbor Day tour led by Bill Carlos.  One visitor was from South Carolina..  Another couple from Northern  California had read about the gardens in the AAA VIA magazine and decided to check it out. Coffee and donuts were provided by the Rancho San Rafael Botanical Society. Additional entertainment was provided by a visiting rabbitt and a Canadian goose nesting on the roof over the office.

NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDEN DAY!
 Fri. May 7th, 9:00-noon

Take a pleasant stroll through the Arboretum on National Public Garden Day. Join Arboretum's Bill Carlos, Horticulturist and staff on a guided tour of these magnificent gardens. Learn the history of the gardens and the species of plants that survive in our area. Tours will be offered every hour beginning at 9:00 am and continue through noon. Meet in front of the Arboretum office adjacent to the Ranch House. Bring a camera and a note pad. Be prepared, wear walking or hiking shoes and dress appropriately.











 

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

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.

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.