Volunteer and Docent Newsletter

December 2013

2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712 326-9686 www.tucsonbotanical.org

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—Special Events—

LUMINARIA NIGHTS

December 6th, 7th, 8th From 5:30-8:00PM

Pre-sale tickets purchased online receive $1off

A festive Tucson tradition, Luminaria Nights is celebrating its 27th year. Adults and children alike can

gather around Santa Claus to have their wishes heard, wander through the garden paths listening to a variety

of live holiday music and bask in the glow of thousands of luminaries and twinkling lights. Luminaria Nights is

the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones and create lasting memories and holiday

traditions.

SIXTH ANNUAL CHICKEN COOP TOUR December 7th, 10AM-3PM

The Food Conspiracy Food Co-op hosts an annual, self-

guided tour of local chicken coops designed to educate, encourage and inform people about the joys and

challenges of chicken-rearing. Mrs. Porter’s Chicken Coop will be featured on this tour and a knowledgeable

staff person or volunteer will be available to share facts with visitors. Tickets for the whole tour can be

purchased from Food Conspiracy Food Co-op for $5.

—Scheduled Meetings—

Horticultural Therapy Meets on Wednesday, December 4, 10AM

in the Education Classroom

Volunteer Monthly Meeting Cancelled this month

Will resume January 9, 2014, 10AM in Porter Hall

Docent Meeting Cancelled this month

Will Resume in January TBD Instead, please come to a run-through of our newest

signature class: Gardening for Seasonal Residents December 18, 9:30-11:30AM in the Education Classroom

We would love your feedback and support!

Youth Education December 17, 10AM-Noon

We will be working out details for Homeschool Day on

January 15, 10AM-2PM. We still need people to host activities around the gardens, so please think about

joining us for this meeting!

*WELCOME FALL 2013 DOCENTS*

Another talented group of people

completed Docent Training on Friday,

November 22nd. This has been one of

the most engaged groups of docents-in-

training yet and we are excited to

welcome them to our community of

learning.

Top row from left to right:

Dorothy Dill (aka “Dee”), Kate Harries,

Isadora Lassance, Dave Van Houten,

Jennifer Ferguson, Lillian Mendibles,

and Kathy McDaid (Docent

extraordinaire who proctored each

class).

Bottom row from left to right:

Ashley Pedersen (Director of

Education), Megan Greenwood, Julie

Geltan, and Kristine McCranen.

Paper Kite

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INTRODUCING:

Mrs. Porter’s Chicken Coop

The Team at the Tucson Botanical

Gardens is now raising hens as part of

our commitment to responsible and

sustainable gardening practices.

Everyone is invited to learn how

chickens play into a successful urban

garden. To participate directly (hands

on) with the hens, attend our “chicken

meetings” on Volunteer Wednesdays at

9AM at the chicken coop. located near

the composting area at the back of the

Gardens. We will be discussing health

and safety with poultry, general care

giving tips, and maintaining the coop.

We expect to have fresh eggs for Café

Botanica by spring time!

We currently have 5 chickens in our

flock: 1 speckled Sussex, 2 Silver Laced

Wyandottes and 2 Ameraucana’s. There

will be a contest through our Facebook

page to select names for the chickens.

The final choices will be made by

volunteer and staff vote on Wednesday,

December 4, 2013.

Chicken related questions can be directed

to “The Chicken Custodian” Chris

Harmon, or Ashley Pedersen (Director of

Education). (520) 326-9686, ext. 39.

Butterfly Magic

Elizabeth Willott, Curator

Butterfly Magic works because of volunteers. We

cannot do it without plenty of people of various

different backgrounds and skills.

Our volunteers are amazing people, living very full

lives. Sometimes that means they move, take

classes, start other volunteer projects, go back to

work, take care of other people, and much more.

Hence, we are always on the lookout for new

volunteers. The only qualifications needed are a

healthy desire to learn and willingness to make a

commitment to being here. It doesn’t have to be a

big time commitment. We request 10 hours per

month which translates into one shift (3.5 hours)

each week or two shifts every other week. If

you’ve volunteered before and cannot make that

much of a commitment, we would love to have you

fill-in, especially over the holidays.

In addition, you learn not only about butterflies,

frogs, and plants, but also about the amazingly

diverse people who come to experience the

exhibit and/or who volunteer here.

Pictured above are a few new butterfly volunteers. From

left to right: Colleen, Delia, and Cass.

The e-Member Newsletter has more information

about the butterflies of Indo-Australasia, which is

our focus for December. Although it is our focus,

we will continue to have butterflies from Central

America and other tropical regions. Alas, our

shipment direct from Australia is delayed, so it

looks like we will have neither the Priamus

Birdwing nor the Blue Mountain Swallowtail gracing

the exhibit in early December. We do, however,

already have several Palawana Birdwings and we

will increase their number. In addition, there are

many other beautiful butterflies from this region.

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—Winter Class Schedule—

Docents interested in leading tours, joining the Signature Class Committee proctoring events or otherwise getting

more involved, please let Ashley Pedersen know what your interests are at education1@tucsonbotanical.org or call

(520) 326-9686, Ext. 39.

GARDEN TOURS (Included with Gardens Admission)

EXPLORING TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS

TOUR Fridays, 10AM (Sept — May) Take advantage of the delightful mornings at the Gardens.

This tour delivers some fascinating plant trivia, offers history of the Gardens and familiarizes you with our native flora as

well as the wide variety of plants that grow in Tucson.

BIRDS AND GARDENING TOUR

First and Fourth Wednesday of each month This 45-minute tour explores the plants and gardening

practices that will attract birds to your backyard. We also look for and identify the birds that visit the Gardens and

urban Tucson.

HISTORICAL TOUR OF THE GARDENS

Third Thursday of each month, 10AM (Sept — May)

Want to learn more about the original gardeners of the

Gardens? Take a trip back in time with a tour that

focuses on the family life of Bernice and Rutger Porter.

Discover the historical significance of the property, learn

about some of Mrs. Porter’s favorite plants, and see some

special nooks.

ONGOING ACTIVITIES (Included with Gardens Admission)

PLANT CLINIC WITH DR. BESSEY Wednesdays, 10AM-Noon (Sept — June)

Paul Bessey, retired University of Arizona Plant Sciences Professor, will be available to answer your questions on

plant pests, disease and nutrient deficiencies.

BACKYARD BUGS

First Sunday of the month, 10AM-3PM Join long-time Gardens volunteer and bug enthusiast, David

Jester, as he gets up close and personal with local creepy crawlies. Learn how bugs play important roles in our

gardens and the larger ecosystem, ask questions you’ve always wondered about, and look at specimens of insects

you might see in your own yard.

TUCSON ORGANIC GARDENERS

COMPOSTING EXHIBIT AT THE GARDENS First Saturday of the month, 11AM-1PM (no demonstration on December 21st)

Tucson Organic Gardeners staff will be on hand to answer

questions about compost in the Gardens’ composting demonstration area.

SIGNATURE CLASSES

$16, $8 members per class discounted 4-class package, $48, $24 members

No preregistration required. All classes are taught by trained docents. Includes Gardens admission.

GARDENING FOR THE NEWCOMER First Thursday and Saturday of each month,

9:30AM-Noon This introductory class will familiarize newcomers or new

homeowners with Tucson’s seasons and soils. Discussion of proper techniques for planting and watering is

included. Learn to create a landscape of beauty and comfort in our desert environment. Class concludes

with a walking tour of the Gardens.

XERISCAPE, NOT ZEROSCAPE! Second Saturday, monthly, 9:30AM-Noon Learn how to design a water-conserving landscape and

leave with a plan and tools to develop your own xeriscape design. This class covers the basic principles of

xeriscape, including garden design, plant selection, efficient irrigation methods and appropriate garden

maintenance. Class concludes with a walking tour highlighting xeriscape features at the Gardens.

SUCCESSFUL PLANTS FOR TUCSON

GARDENS Third Saturday, monthly, 9:30AM-Noon

An excellent follow-up to Gardening for Newcomers and Xeriscape, this class identifies trees, shrubs, perennials

and succulents that are smart choices for Tucson. Characteristics that make plants successful locally will be

discussed, with a focus on proper selection, placement and planting so that you can achieve a beautiful landscape

that will thrive under local conditions. Class concludes with a walking tour highlighting successful plants at the

Gardens.

RAINWATER HARVESTING Fourth Saturday, monthly, 9:30AM-Noon

This class is a broad introductory discussion of rainwater harvesting philosophy and techniques. Visual and technical

descriptions illustrate the various alternatives of rainwater harvesting in the Tucson desert. Living in the

desert is unique. We can show you how to make the most out of a little rainfall, whether you are interested in a simple low cost project to keep the rainwater on your

land or a more dynamic and sophisticated system to store rainwater.

-more classes, next page-

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—Winter Classes (con’t )—

COMING SOON: JANUARY 2!

NEW GARDENING FOR SEASONAL

RESIDENTS, First Thursday, monthly

Sept-May, 9:30AM-Noon Learn to develop a low-maintenance garden that survives

while you are away and thrives while you are here! Topics include winter vegetables, wildflower and

landscape gardening, irrigation, garden maintenance, and preparation for a summer away. Class concludes with a

walking tour of the Gardens.

Seasonal Classes YOGA IN THE GARDENS Thursdays, December 5, 19, 26 and January 2

(four class series), 8-9AM Start your day off on the right foot with weekly sessions

of invigorating and centering yoga practice overlooking our beautiful garden setting. Led by Laura Greenlaw, a

certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each one-hour class will include centering

hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will learn to create both flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience is

necessary. After class, take time to wander the Gardens (class price includes admission on each class day).

$40, $30 members

EXOTIC BEAUTIES: BUTTERFLIES FROM INDIA TO AUSTRALIA WITH/ ELIZABETH

WILLOTT Thursday, December 5, 10:30AM-Noon

Join us as we explore the delights of these exotic butterflies. Check out the flamboyantly green, yellow

and black male Priamus birdwing and the dull—in comparison to the male—yellow, black and white

females. Delight in the flagrantly artistic-looking lacewings which truly deserve their name. See the blue

mountain swallowtails, whose vibrant blue makes the blue morphos look almost drab. These plus many more

are the butterflies we receive from the region of the Indo-Australasia. Which encompasses India south of the

Himalayas, the western coast of the countries to the east of the Indian Ocean. Australia, and some of the adjacent

islands influenced by the Indian Ocean. $12, $7 members

POETRY IN THE GARDENS

Saturday, December 14, 10-11:30AM At its core, poetry asks of us, “Who am I and how do I

see myself in the larger context of the world? In the second season of this monthly series, docents from

Tucson Botanical Gardens and the University of Arizona Poetry Center invite you to explore connections

between art, nature and humanity through informal poetry discussions.

Docents leading the discussion will provide participants

with a pocket of poems. No prior knowledge of poetry is needed, but a pen and notebook are recommended. Free with Gardens admission.

ARIZONA’S DUCKS AND GEESE

Thursday, December 12, 6-8PM Most people don’t think about ducks when they think about desert birds. But did you know that southern

Arizona is the winter home for thousands of ducks? This class will discuss the classification and identification

of the ducks and geese that can be found in winter in the Tucson area. Ducks include some of our most

interesting and colorful birds. So join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours for a look at another type of “snowbird.”

$17, $12 members

BUTTERFLY FARMS/ COSTA RICA BUTTERFLIES Tuesday, December 17, 7-8PM

Butterfly Curator, Elizabeth Willott, had the opportunity to visit supporters in Costa Rica during the summer of

2013. This talk covers what she learned about the butterfly farms that supply us with such beautiful

butterflies and the impact of the farming

on conservation and reforestation efforts in

Costa Rica. You’ll learn about the farm

operations, see some of the scenery, and see

the steps from Costa Rica to our exhibit.

$12, $7 members

Register on line at http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/education/adult-classes-trips/ or call 520-326-9686, ext. 18.

Payment must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop or trip. No refunds will be given if

cancellation is made within seven business days of a class. For questions, or to register by phone with a credit card, call

520-326-9686, ext. 18. Don’t forget: Taking a relevant class at the Gardens counts as continuing education hours

for volunteers!

Elizabeth Willot with an

Owl butterfly

AN EAR TO THE GROUND Massimo Boscolo

The caper is my go-to plant when I meet curious visitors in the

herb garden.

Having grown up in Italy I am used to eating capers in many dishes

and I’ve been surprised to learn that so many people have never

seen or even heard of them.

I still remember my first encounter with the plant during a vacation

in Sicily with my family when I was a boy. The caper plant sprouted

out of a wall of loose stones towered by giant prickly pears, along a

dusty foot path leading to the beach, and hung downwards in the

still warm air of a summer afternoon. The plant was thriving

despite the relentless sun and the unforgiving location. The green, thick, rounded alternate

leaves were shiny and healthy and only one flower was blooming. Right at my eye level. The

bloom had four white oval petals and numerous pinkish stamen with a long pistil in the

middle. Just behind, on the same stem, three buds were following in different stages of

development, one already showing a sliver of white petal ready to burst out and unfold the

next morning. When my dad explained to me that the edible part is the unopened flower, I

was fascinated by the thought that those little green things that were on my pizza the night

before could transform into such delicate blooms.

Although its origins are uncertain, Capparis spinosa is a plant commonly found in all the

regions along the shores of the Mediterranean sea and it thrives in the same climate where

olive trees grow. It is perennial and multi branched with a recumbent attitude and a woody

base from which, every year, soft green stems sprout and grow till the end of the summer,

and then die back during the winter. It is a tough plant which grows in arid lands and poor

soils, loves the heat and hunkers down on the ground to withstand strong winds. Its large

root system anchors the plant and manages to find the necessary moisture even in the

most unlikely places.

The fruits are a delicacy for lizards and geckos and after a journey through their digestive

systems, the seeds are deposited in cracks and crevices of rocks and buildings. This is why

this pioneer plant is so common in urban environments and grows out of many ancient and

iconic places around the world. Often, unbeknownst to many, caper plants can be spotted in the backgrounds of the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem, the Colosseum in Rome, fortresses in

Spain and many picturesque walls of terraced hills all the way up the rugged shores of the

lakes which sit at the foot of the Italian Alps.

What makes this plant really extraordinary is the edible quality of its parts (the flower buds,

seed pods and even leaves) which has been known of for at least 5,000 years and is part of

the traditional cuisine of many Mediterranean countries.

Unfortunately, the plant that I tend in the Gardens has so far failed to set seeds and so I

haven’t yet had the chance to appreciate the pod known as the caper berry, which is

delicious when pickled just like an olive.

And just like an olive, the caper berry may be something to try in a classic Martini cocktail.

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2150 North Alvernon Way

Tucson, Arizona 85712