Join us for the 7th Annual Landis Wine Tasting! Click for more info.
|
In this Issue:
Click on the title below to read the entire article or scroll down to browse.
From the Director's Desk: An Obituary From the Garden: Dividing Perennials Landis Portraits: Jeanne Post-Sourmail Sculpture Installation at the Arboretum Focus on Supporters: Dr. Russell Newkirk Fur- and Family-Friendly Landis An American Garden Oaks: An Appreciation Harvest Time Restoration Wellness Retreat 2015 Landis Volunteer Appreciation Event The 2015 Forest Perennial Forest 5K Walk / Run ARC: Our Partner through the Years The Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy From the Garden: Dividing Perennials - When, How, and What Then?
~ Erin Breglia, Landis Garden Manager
For the gardener, the crisp autumnal air signifies that the hard work is done. There's finally time to walk the gardens, inspecting new plant additions and noting next season’s projects. One project that always seems to be on that list is dividing perennials. It is a task that is easy to put off, perhaps because we are not quite sure when or how to do it. Signs of a plant needing division are when it flowers less and the blossoms are smaller, when its foliage is sparse and unhealthy, or when the center of the plant is unproductive. Three major reasons to divide are to maintain the size of a plant, to rejuvenate it, and to increase the number of specimens. By dividing rapidly spreading perennials, they are kept at a manageable size before they out-compete other plants. Dividing an older plant that has crowded itself will rejuvenate it, resulting in vigorous growth. Dividing perennials is also an excellent way to cover more garden space at a minimal cost. [Read more] Sculpture Installation at the Arboretum
~ WIlma Jozwiak
If you are a devotee of Landis’ Full Moon Concert series, you may have heard the name Sam Bates. Sam was one of the founding members of the Landis Arts and Entertainment Committee, and a big reason for the resurgence of musical performances at the Arboretum. Not only does Sam cut a mean figure grooving out to live music on the deck of the Meeting House, but he is also a local multimedia artist. He is known professionally as Samuel E and has sculptures on display in countries around the world. During the month of August, Sam installed an exhibit of his large-scale sculptures at the Landis Arboretum. We are very fortunate to have these never before exhibited works on our grounds for our visitors to enjoy. Both sculptures are part of Sam’s Rusty Metal Series. [Read more]
Fur- and Family-Friendly Landis
~ Louise Polli
The Landis Arboretum offers a year-round menu of family-friendly activities, including educational and recreational programs focused on every aspect of the great outdoors. In addition to organized programs, the Arboretum provides another type of learning lab, a place to go any day, any season, to experience the wonders of nature first-hand. These include the sights, smells and sounds along the ponds and in the meadows and forests. And who doesn't enjoy a picnic with the feel of the sun on your face? There are hiking trails, old growth forests, bog gardens, collections of trees and native plants, perennial gardens, ponds, and vistas, all here for the long-time member or first-time visitor, including families with kids -- and dogs. [Read more] Oaks: An Appreciation
~ Nolan Marciniec
Among other ancient peoples, the Druids of the British Isles held the oak to be sacred and ceremoniously gathered mistletoe from its branches. In the New World, many American Indian tribes collected acorns, grinding them into meal. Colonial Americans used the oak’s timber for everything from shipbuilding and furniture, to barrel-making and providing a warm and long lasting fire through the long harsh winters. The keels of American mine sweepers and patrol boats in World War II were laid in white oak – some of it came from FDR’s estate at Hyde Park. [Read more] ARC: Our Partner through the Years
~ Gail Browning
The Schenectady and Schoharie County ARCs provide numerous programs and support for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The Landis Arboretum is proud to assist them in their efforts. Educating ARC's individuals and instilling an appreciation of the outdoors has been one of Schoharie County ARC’s goals. It’s only natural that the ARC and the Arboretum began a cooperative venture in the 1990s, with individuals being transported to Landis to work in the gardens with our horticulturist and Landis gardeners. Not only did they learn about annuals, perennials, and garden maintenance, but they also experienced the wonders of nature in general, including spotting dragonflies, salamanders, snakes, and birds. This relationship has since expanded to include the day workshop center in Schoharie, where table centerpieces for our Garden Parties were created. [Read more]
|
It is with great sorrow that I report the passing of an old friend, the Arboretum’s Great Oak.
For several hundred years, the Great Oak stood tall and strong in the face of wind, rain, ice, and snow, serenely contemplating the Schoharie Valley. When the land was first cleared in 1840, the owner recognized its majesty and let it stand. Herman Lape, Fred Lape's father, also appreciated the tree and the knoll it stood on when he bought the land in 1902. He christened his new home Oak Nose Farm. Fred Lape had a fondness for the tree as well and cared for it as best he could. It was hit by lightning at least twice. It weathered insects and diseases. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever, not even a 500- year-old oak. The beginning of the end started in 1940 when half the crown was lost due to a four day ice storm. 2011’s devastating Hurricane Irene delivered the death blow to the Great Oak. [Read more}
LANDIS PORTRAITS: A SERIES ABOUT THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PLANTS AT LANDIS ARBORETUM
~ Nolan Marciniec
“I’m learning all the time,” Jeanne Post-Sourmail said. “That’s the glory of the Arboretum.” Learning has always been central to Jeanne’s life. In 2013, she retired from a 25-year career in the New York State Education Department, where her responsibility was primarily professional development for teachers in Central New York. Before that, Jean spent several years in the elementary and middle school classroom as a reading specialist. After retirement, she agreed to maintain the Landis membership database and eventually agreed to chair the Membership Committee. This year she begins her first term on the Arboretum’s Board of Trustees. [Read more] An American Garden
~ Anita Sanchez
You could say he’s the father of all gardeners—all modern gardeners, anyway. Karl Linne (or Carolus Linnaeus, to use the Latin form of his name, which he preferred) had a garden with thousands of species of plants in it. And he named every one of them himself. [Read more] Focus on Supporters: Dr. Russell Newkirk
~ Wilma Jozwiak
Dr. Russ Newkirk finds his greatest joy in being of service to others. That intention was what led him into the practice of medicine. Russ retired a few years ago from St. Peter’s Hospital, where he spent 43 years, beginning as a 19-year-old drawing blood during summer vacations and then as a medical doctor, serving 23 years as chief of pathology and laboratory medicine. [Read more] Harvest Time Restoration Wellness Retreat
What we hope will be the first of many wellness retreats at Landis happened on Saturday, October 3, in the Meeting House with the "million dollar view" of the Schoharie Valley. [Read more]
Florence Grimm, Wendy Kass Honored at Volunteer Appreciation Event
~ Nolan Marciniec
About 50 volunteers were honored at the Landis Arboretum’s annual Volunteer Recognition, held in the Meeting House on the afternoon of October 4. Board President Jim Paley and Executive Director Fred Breglia presented awards to two volunteers for their exceptional service to the Arboretum. [Read more] The 2015 Landis Perennial Forest 5K Walk / Run
~ Wilma Jozwiak
The weather could not have been more perfect for the 9th running of the Landis Perennial Forest 5K. Eighty-five runners and walkers from age five through 80-years-young set the woods a-ringing with their footfalls across the pastures and through the woods at Landis on Saturday, August 8th. Zac Godfrey of Gloversville set the pace as the overall winner with a time of 19.16.736, and Linda Beebe of North Blenheim won for the women with a time of 25.29.490. For full results including all runners and walkers and winners by age ranges, visit our website at www.landisarboretum.org. Let Us Introduce Ourselves: Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy ~ Mark King
The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) is pleased to be working with the Landis Arboretum. We share many similar goals including a passion for the beautiful natural areas throughout the Capital Region. By sharing newsletter articles we hope to bring about a great awareness of the work of both organizations. But in case you don’t already know us, here is a bit of background on MHLC. [Read more] |
Our Business Members, Sponsors, and Allies
We have good friends in the community that help the Arboretum in a number of ways. Please consider patronizing our Business Members, Sponsors, and Allies!
We have good friends in the community that help the Arboretum in a number of ways. Please consider patronizing our Business Members, Sponsors, and Allies!
THE LANDIS ARBORETUM NEWSLETTER is published quarterly for its members.
The Arboretum’s mission is to foster the appreciation of trees and other plants and their importance in our environment.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Erin Breglia, Gail Browning, Anne Cushing; Wilma Jozwiak; Lee Lattimer; Nolan Marciniec, chair; Louise Polli; Ambika Sambasivan; Louis Suarato, photojournalist
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Erin Breglia, Fred Breglia, Gail Browning, Wilma Jozwiak, Mark King, Nolan Marciniec, Louise Polli, Anita Sanchez
PRINTER
Miller Printing and Litho, Amsterdam, NY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jim Paley, President; Wilma Jozwiak, Vice President; Nolan Marciniec, Secretary; Carolyn Edwards, Treasurer; Louise Polli, At Large;
Ann Bevins; Karl Gufstason; Mark Hay; Jeanne Post-Sourmail; Ed Radle; Earl VanWormer
ARBORETUM STAFF
Fred Breglia, Executive Director; Nancy Stuebner, Office Manager; Erin Breglia, Garden Manager; Corey Haynes & Eric Roberts, Groundskeepers
We value your input. Please address correspondence to:
Newsletter Editor, Landis Arboretum, P.O. Box 186, Esperance, NY 12066.
Phone: 518-875-6935, Fax: 518-875-6394, Email: [email protected], Website: www.LandisArboretum.org
The Arboretum is located at 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY. It is one and one-half miles north of Route 20 in Esperance. Follow the signs from the village to Lape Road. The Arboretum is one-quarter mile straight ahead. Visit our website for more information and directions.
The Arboretum’s mission is to foster the appreciation of trees and other plants and their importance in our environment.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Erin Breglia, Gail Browning, Anne Cushing; Wilma Jozwiak; Lee Lattimer; Nolan Marciniec, chair; Louise Polli; Ambika Sambasivan; Louis Suarato, photojournalist
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Erin Breglia, Fred Breglia, Gail Browning, Wilma Jozwiak, Mark King, Nolan Marciniec, Louise Polli, Anita Sanchez
PRINTER
Miller Printing and Litho, Amsterdam, NY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jim Paley, President; Wilma Jozwiak, Vice President; Nolan Marciniec, Secretary; Carolyn Edwards, Treasurer; Louise Polli, At Large;
Ann Bevins; Karl Gufstason; Mark Hay; Jeanne Post-Sourmail; Ed Radle; Earl VanWormer
ARBORETUM STAFF
Fred Breglia, Executive Director; Nancy Stuebner, Office Manager; Erin Breglia, Garden Manager; Corey Haynes & Eric Roberts, Groundskeepers
We value your input. Please address correspondence to:
Newsletter Editor, Landis Arboretum, P.O. Box 186, Esperance, NY 12066.
Phone: 518-875-6935, Fax: 518-875-6394, Email: [email protected], Website: www.LandisArboretum.org
The Arboretum is located at 174 Lape Road, Esperance, NY. It is one and one-half miles north of Route 20 in Esperance. Follow the signs from the village to Lape Road. The Arboretum is one-quarter mile straight ahead. Visit our website for more information and directions.