A SEASONAL PUBLICATION OF NEWS, EVENTS AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

NutshellWINTER 2014

ArboretumUpdates

Welcome to The Dawes Arboretum’s seasonal publication! The Nutshell now has an expanded size and slightly different look. Our goal is to bring our dedicated supporters more information on events and happenings, educational opportunities and more vibrant photos—all to your fingertips in an eco-friendly way. We hope you enjoy the new Nutshell and visit frequently during the winter season.

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from Executive Director Luke MessingerThe Arboretum welcomes 2014 as we celebrate our 85th year. The year is filled with many exciting programs and events as well as some improvements throughout our grounds.

This winter, the classroom in the Zand Education Center is undergoing remodeling that includes removing wood paneling and replacing it with new dry wall, removing the carpet and polishing the concrete floors, and repairing the roof. New furniture additions enhance the space that will be used for a number of education programs and events.

The Japanese Garden is undergoing Phase I of a multi-year reconstruction. Major stone work, including rebuilding the stepping stones that lead across the pond, is underway. The pond has been drained to accommodate this work and to remove built up sedimentation that has settled in the smaller mirror pond. An old culvert was removed and is being replaced with a Japanese-style upland forest to help reduce soil erosion into the pond.

Also, the Meditation House is being rebuilt to the specifications of the original garden. Japanese timber framing is being used as workers follow plans using the original blueprints from 1963 created by Dr. Makoto Nakamura, a lecturer in Landscape Architecture at the University of Kyoto, Japan. Work will stop during spring and early summer, but resumes in midsummer for stone work improvements on the islands and along the pond shore. This project is being funded, in large part, through the annual appeal.

If you haven’t noticed yet, the reconstructed Red Barn is officially red—no more confusing red barn signs leading you to a natural wood-colored barn. We’ve recently poured a concrete floor in the barn to better accommodate visitors. The Red Barn is also receiving a landscape face-lift to be completed in spring. This updated area could be the perfect space to rent for your next event.

Mark your calendars now since the blooms and gardening chores of spring will be here before you know it. Plans are underway to continue to expand some of our most popular events for 2014. Our Arbor Day Festival, sponsored by Park National Bank, is held on April 26; The Plant Sale & Garden Fair takes place on May 17 and our Bonsai Show on June 14 & 15. Check our website for more information on these and other upcoming programs and events.

Japanese Garden Reconstruction

Zand Education Center

Arbor Day Festival

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Collecting Larix laricina at Tom S. Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve

OHIO NATIVE PLANT Network

An Ohio Native Plant Network Collaboration

The Dawes Arboretum had the unique opportunity to organize a collection trip, thanks to the efforts of Pamela Groomes, member of The Arboretum and granddaughter of the landowner who provided the opportunity for the state to acquire Kent Bog. Through Pamela, The Arboretum and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) teamed up as members of the Ohio Native Plant Network (ONPN) to conserve the local genotype of Larix laricina (tamarack) and aid in the restoration of tamarack populations within Ohio. This first collaboration among ONPN members was hugely successful, not only achieving the group’s goals of native plant conservation and restoration, but in helping to spread the dream of Pamela’s grandfather to protect our natural resources in order to share them with others.

Pamela joined The Dawes Arboretum staff members Rich Larson, Jeff Bowman, Peter Lowe and ODNR Botanist Rick Gardner as they traversed the half-mile boardwalk in search of tamarack cones and seedlings. Without the passion of ODNR to preserve our natural areas and their participation in ONPN, the collection and preservation of Larix laricina would not have been possible. In the words of Pamela herself, “Thank you so much for your service and for being a part of the fulfillment of my desire to bring tamarack saplings to Dawes for the education and benefit of all people who will someday get to see these trees.”

From left: Rick Gardner, Jeff Bowman, Rich Larson and Pamela Groomes.

Photo by Peter Lowe.

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Ohio Sustainable Landscape Certificate (4-part series) Saturdays | March 1, 15 & 29, April 5 9am – 11am | $80/$65 Members

Whether you are a novice or professional, the Ohio Sustainable Landscape Certificate course is a must for any gardener. This series of programs introduces attendees to sustainable landscape practices through thought-provoking lectures and get-your-hands-dirty activities. Topics range from native plants to proper maintenance and even design. Last year’s attendees labeled this class “lively, inspirational and motivational.”

Landscape Design Certificate (4-part series) Saturdays | February 8 & 22, March 8 & 22 9am – 11am | $80/$65 Members

From beginning a new landscape to redesigning your existing space, The Arboretum’s Landscape Design series gives you the tools to surround your home with lush, expert design. Learn how to make the best plant choices the next time you visit a nursery. Get professional advice on how to customize a perfect design for your yard. This class covers all the basics and gives attendees confidence in designing the perfect landscape for their home.

Landscape Certificate Programs

Yoga at Dawes: Releasing Tension and Optimally AligningSunday, March 23 | 1 – 3pm $30/$25 members

Join Loretta Zedella as we use foam rollers, small therapy balls, and belts to release tension from the body. How might our habits of standing, sitting and bending lead to tension in our bodies? Locate tension from its hiding places and examine many of the common alignment issues we experience which affect our energy,

sleep patterns and mood. Enhance range of motion and return home with a small therapy ball, handouts and skills to practice these simple and specific realigning techniques on your own.

Brand New Programs to 2014!

Very Veggie Valentine’s VittlesSaturday, February 15, 2014 | 1 – 3pm $35/$25 members

Join us for this special afternoon as natural foods Chef Mark Zedella, “The Duke of Fork,” demonstrates healthy and delicious plant-based delicacies to accompany your Valentine’s weekend celebration. Class includes a live cooking demonstration, samples of the chef’s creations, recipes, tips on menu planning, plus a dash of wit and a heap of entertainment. Chef Mark shows you how to create tasty treats by using whole, unprocessed foods—even something chocolatey! Chef Mark Zedella is a certified natural foods chef and cooking instructor specializing in health-supportive, plant based cuisine.

Basic Fruit Tree Pruning WorkshopSaturday, February 15, 2014 | 10am – noon | $15/$10 members

Anticipating spring? Break up the monotony of waiting with an excursion to Ochs Fruit Farm in Lancaster, Ohio (participants provide their own transportation —carpool with a friend!). Learn the basics of fruit tree pruning from an industry expert. The best time to prune most fruit trees is early spring, before the leaves appear. The class opens with a short introduction inside and then moves into the orchard for hands-on work. Please dress for the weather, with gloves and boots, and bring hand shears and loppers, if possible. Driving directions provided.

The Dawes Arboretum

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A Conifer of a Different Color Conifers are wonderful year-round plants that supply a visual and textural feast for the landscape. In winter, conifers can fill an otherwise drab landscape with lots of uplifting color. The frozen foliage of some pines (normally green) turn a wonderful bright yellow. Some types of junipers turn shades of purple, copper or orange. Arborvitae foliage of some varieties also changes color with the cold. Orange, yellow and plum-purple are colors that emerge with the colder temperatures.

Sunny winter days are fine to view these plants but on cloudy, drab days some of these specimens can really glow. If the landscape is snowless, these plants’ hues really emerge. With snow cover, a different type of beauty can be viewed in the surroundings all together.

—Jeff Bowman, Curator of Conifers

If you’re walking around The Arboretum looking for wildlife, The Dutch Fork Wetlands is one of our best places. Wetlands are prime habitats for an abundance of wildlife year-round, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. In winter, watch for a variety of wildlife tracks. Walking the trails at Dutch Fork in early morning and right before dusk will increase your chances of observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

—Shane McGuire, Conservationist

The warm and inviting stone fireplace surrounded by comfortable seating and unique wood coffee table in the Visitors Center makes for a great place to warm up and enjoy a cup of hot coffee before or after heading out to explore the grounds at The Dawes Arboretum.

—Brandon Clayton, Visitors Services Director

The best place to stargaze in winter is somewhere with very little light pollution. In winter the stars, planets and constellations tend to ‘pop’ due to the cold frosty air with lower levels of humidity. In winter find the darkest spot you can, put your head back and look for the constellation Orion... two shoulder stars, two foot stars, a belt with a dagger hanging from the belt. This is the most obvious constellation in winter. Pour a thermos of hot chocolate, grab a camp chair and blanket and enjoy the show!

—Lori Totman, Conservation Director

Whether winter days bring a soft blanket of snow, or a sparkling layer of frost, the season offers spectacular views, colorful conifers, and many areas to be discovered at The Arboretum. The following suggestions from staff highlight some of the best winter experiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to bundle up, explore, and leave your footprints in the snow on our trails this winter.

Winter *Hot* SpotsNU

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A Holly FirestormThe holly collection at The Arboretum is known for its diverse collection of American hollies, an evergreen species, but interspersed within our evergreen hollies, is the often overlooked collection of deciduous hollies. These multi-stemmed shrubs, native to Ohio, are called common winterberries. Within this collection of shrubs exists a wonderful cultivar called Firestorm common winterberry, Ilex verticillata ‘Firestorm.’ Firestorm was planted over 20 years ago and was registered in 2013 with The American Holly Society. Firestorm bears larger fruits than the species, 3/8” diameter, and unlike many other cultivars, maintains fine dense habit, 5 – 6’ tall and wide. The bright red fruits of Firestorm provides color from late fall to mid-January and are relished by birds.

—Rich Larson, Nursery Manager

Touch a Tree TodayMy favorite bark is that which covers the living cells of a European beech. You ask why I choose European, Fagus sylvatica, as opposed to our native beech, Fagus grandifolia? It’s all in the presentation.

European beech is usually a low-branched tree. Lower branches sweeping the ground protect and shade the tree’s shallow roots. Retaining lower branches, a natural arboreal symphony is created right before your eyes. Smooth, gray, rippling bark—especially where branches are attached to the main trunk, make it look as if it were the skin of some moving, posing animal. Whenever I come near to a beech tree having low branches, I can’t help but run my hand along at least one of them.

—Mike Ecker, Director of Horticulture

Birds Under CoverOne of the best places to hear and see birds in winter is in groupings of evergreens (Holly Hill, Conifer Collection, the white pines at the Red Barn area, or eastern redcedars at Dawes Lake). Songbirds rely on the fabulous cover provided by evergreens in winter and wonderful fruit-bearing evergreens, such as the American hollies and eastern redcedars, also provide a much needed food source. Birds to be seen in evergreens feeding on fruits and berries include: American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds, Mockingbirds and Cedar Waxwings. Pines, spruces and firs also provide seeds which many bird species relish, like White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Chickadees, sparrows of all kinds and finches.

—Lori Totman, Conservation Director

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Arbor Day FestivalSaturday, April 26 | 10am – 4pm | Free

It’s Arbor Day—a celebration of trees and nature! Families can expect a fun-filled day with lots of hands-on learning opportunities, crafts, displays, and tree climbing. The festival features The Turtle Lady and her amazing reptile and amphibian friends! Performances are 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3pm. Arboretum staff will be on hand showcasing and selling nursery plants. Plus, the first 250 families have an opportunity to take home their own tree to plant in honor of Arbor Day. Sponsored by Park National Bank. Register Kids Early for

Summer Camps!Day camps that are fun, educational and affordable are at the core of what The Dawes Arboretum offers. Camp Dawes focuses on exploring the natural environment and takes campers wading through streams, hiking the grounds and learning about the environment through games and crafts. New camps are now offered for creative expression, such as Garden Artists, or current trends in child interests, like Plants vs. Zombies! Each themed camp exposes the campers to new skills and boosts learning through play in a safe and nurturing environment. Registration for camps begins as early as January!

Maple Syrup Madness!Saturday, March 1 – March 16Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4pmSundays, 1 – 4pm

Sap is collected from our own sugar maple trees and boiled down to sweet-smelling syrup right before your eyes. Witness the process and uncover the history of maple syrup production.

Take a walk down the Maple Trail on your own for a self-guided adventure. End at the Log Cabin, where you’ll find a crackling fire, lots of sweet-smelling steam and tasty samples of syrup.

Join us for a public guided tour, Saturdays, March 1, March 8 & March 15 at 2pm (Departs from the Main Shelter House).

Wonderful Winter Color!Experience our self-guided walking tour through the Conifer Glen and Ground Cover Juniper collections during the winter months featuring 43 wonderful plants. This winter color walk is a little over half a mile. Brochures available December through March 2014 at the east Dawes Lake parking lot.

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Sweet Daweswood Sugarhouse HistoryThe Dawes Arboretum’s Maple Syrup Madness has been a tradition since 1966, when visitors were invited to see sap turn into syrup in the Log Cabin. But the cabin is not the original structure used by the Dawes family. Our Archive records show that maple syrup has been produced on grounds starting in 1919, when an evaporator by C.S. Bell Company and supplies from Tallmadge Hardware Company, Columbus, were purchased by Bertie Dawes in 1918. The idea to make maple syrup likely came from the first tree plantings on Arboretum grounds done by Beman. An excerpt from his speech for The Tree Dedication of the Ohio State Ten Acre Plot: “The first systematic planting done at The Arboretum was in 1917 and consisted of the moving of about 50 fairly large Sugar Maples from the woods to the grove in front of the brick house (Daweswood House).”

Bertie wrote in her 1929 journal about these plantings: “Mr. Jordan, our first farmer, planted the first sugar maples amongst the big trees getting them from our own woods. B.G. (Beman) for years would go through the woods marking those he wished transplanted.”

A sugarhouse was built close to these woods to boil the sap, located just south of the Jones House. The Daweswood Farm maple syrup and sacks of wheat flour were given away to friends, family, business partners and local people of note, including the Newark Chief of Police. The sugarhouse was torn down in the late 1940s, temporarily ending Daweswood Farm maple syrup.

Maple syrup production picked back up in 1966, when it was reimagined as a public event. With the original sugarhouse gone, the location was transferred to the Log Cabin. The Log Cabin and fence were built in 1925 for $1,400 from logs and beams from an

1800s barn and structures located around the Zand Education Center. These buildings were remnants of a farm owned by John Brumback. The Log Cabin was built as a nature retreat and to entertain friends and business acquaintances. During those early tours, maple syrup was boiled in a copper kettle over the fireplace.

To make the syrup process more productive, the Log Cabin was converted into a sugarhouse in 1994. A new evaporator was purchased along with a new roof and steam vents. New logs of red elm and black walnut were installed along the back wall and southeast corner. Although the location of the maple syrup production has changed, visitors still get a sense of Arboretum history and an appreciation of our founder’s love of nature and its syrupy rewards.

by Leslie Wagner, Historian

Log Cabin (date unknown)

Sugarhouse, 1926

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January

7 | Tuesday Home School Investigations: Nature’s Recyclers10 – 11:30am | $5 per student

9 | ThursdayPreschool Storybook Science—The Snowy Day10 – 10:45am; OR 1 – 1:45pm | Free, donations welcome, no registration required

18 | SaturdayWildlife Conservation Belt Loop and Pin 10 – 11:30am | $5 per student

Backyard Maple Syruping1 – 3:30pm | Register by January 15, 2014 | $15/10 members

Daisy Scouts: Biggest, Strongest, Fastest2 – 3pm | $6 per student

21 | TuesdayHome School Investigations: Living Green10 – 11:30am | $5 per student

23 | ThursdayPreschool Storybook Science—In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? 10 – 10:45am; OR 1 – 1:45pm | Free, donations welcome, no registration required

25 | SaturdayGrafting The Right Way8:30am – noon | Register by January 24, 2014 | $40/$30 members

Backyard Maple SyrupingSaturday, January 18, 2014 | 1 – 3:30pmRegister by January 15, 2014 Visitors Center$15/10 membersLearn the entire process of making delicious maple syrup at home in this interactive class. See how trees are tapped; discuss collection, storage and cooking methods, explore kits and common household items that are used in maple syruping.

For full program and event descriptions, or to register, visit our calendar at www.dawesarb.org. Space is limited. Registration is required unless noted. Early registration is suggested. Register at dawesarb.org or call 800.44.DAWES.

Programs & EventsStay Connected to The ArboretumLove Arboretum photos and tidbits? Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and Pinterest!

Sign up to receive eHugger news These periodic email blasts have our most up-to-date news and events, educational opportunities as well as reminders for all of our annual special events (like Maple Syrup Madness and Arbor Day Festival!). Join by visiting dawesarb.org and scrolling down to the “Join our email list” area on the lower right side of our homepage. Just type in your email and soon you will receive eHugger (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Maple Syrup Madness!Going on March 1 – March 16 10am – 4pm | Free, donations welcome

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February

4 | Tuesday Home School Investigations: Furry Friends—Mammals10 – 11:30am | $5 per student

11 | Tuesday Hypertufa Workshop10 – 11:30am | $35/$25 members

13 | Thursday Preschool Storybook Science —The Mitten10 – 10:45am; OR 1 – 1:45pm | Free, donations welcome, no registration required

15 | Saturday Basic Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop10am – noon | $15/$10 members

18 | Tuesday Home School Investigations: Feathery Friends—Birds10 – 11:30am | $5 per student

22 | Saturday Preserving Your Family Documents10 – 11:30am | $35/$25 members

Girl Scout Maple Syrup Tour3 – 3:45am | $4 (includes patch)

27 | Thursday Storybook Science—If You Give a Pig a Pancake10 – 10:45am; OR 1 – 1:45pm | Free, donations welcome

March

4 | Tuesday Home School Investigations: Maple Syrup Season10 – 11:30am | $5 per student

7 | Friday Cub Scout Night Hike6:30 – 8pm | Free, patch available for $5, no registration required

13 | Thursday Preschool Storybook Science —Little Cloud10 – 10:45am; OR 1 – 1:45pm | Free, donations welcome, no registration required

15 | Saturday

Essential Botany for Gardeners9 – 11am | $15/$10 membersJoin Botanist David Brandenburg and Display Gardens Manager Megan Fleischer in this fascinating “behind the scenes” exploration of everyday gardening.

18 | Tuesday Home School Investigations: An Arboretum Adventure10 – 11:30am | $5 per student

29 | Saturday Principles of Pruning9am – noon | $20/$15 members

Sign up now for a special class on paper conservation! The discussion focuses on the archival storage of paper documents and photographs and includes demonstrations of archival techniques and learning the quantity and needs of a typical family’s collection. Participants receive a conservation kit, including acid-free folders, a flip-top box, cotton gloves, L-sleeves and buffering paper.

Preserving Your Family DocumentsFebruary 22 | 10 - 11:30am | $35/$25 members

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Please Recycle.This paper is made from 100% post- consumer waste with soy-based inks.

Address Service RequestedDATED MATERIAL - DO NOT DELAY

The Arboretum’s newsletter (ISSN 0897-0858) is dedicated to the promotion of horticulture, history and nature. Reproduction of portions of this publication requires permission. All photographs are taken by Laura Appleman or Sarah Rice unless otherwise noted.

Public Relations and Marketing Director: Laura A. Appleman • laappleman@dawesarb.org

Editor: Sarah E. Rice • serice@dawesarb.org

© 2014 by The Dawes Arboretum

The holiday bells are being packed away and the wedding bells polished! Wedding season is in full swing and The

Arboretum event staff is ready to help you plan your dream day. Our 1,800 acres include perfectly manicured grounds

filled with peaceful views from bridges, wooden hillside staircases, islands surrounded by sparkling lakes, flower gardens and lush groves of trees. Overlook panoramic

views of our Japanese Garden and serene Ohio countryside from your tented reception atop our Events Terrace. Enjoy

your dream wedding reception as the sun sets behind you. For a smaller reception, step into our indoor spaces with floor to ceiling windows overlooking our gardens. Our

preferred caterer is committed to creating a stunning visual and culinary experience for you and your guests.

Contact the Event Coordinator at specialevents@dawesarb.org or 800.44.DAWES, Ext: 1241,

for a personal tour and additional information.

Weddings at The Arboretum Plan Yours Today!