Inside this issue . . . Click on the title below to read the entire article, or scroll down to sample the issue.
_____________________________________________________ From the Garden: Two Classic Garden Pests - Slugs and Aphids - Erin Breglia, Garden Manager
Slugs! Aphids! The names alone bring a creepy-crawly feeling to mind, especially if these pests have been sabotaging your garden! But rest assured, if we utilize appropriate ways to discourage them and understand the benefits they provide in our environment, we can find ways to live together without bugging each other! The slug is a soft-bodied mollusk rather than an insect. Its clump-like body moves along on its foot, and it secretes an oozing trail when it moves. Unlike the sea mollusk, the slug does not require a shell for protection. Slugs must always stay moist to survive so they love wet, dark areas. They can be found underneath surfaces, hiding in large wood chip mulch or at the base of plants. [Read more] |
From the Director's Desk:
Building Better Soils for Better Results - Fred Breglia, Executive Director Leonardo da Vinci once said, “We know more about the movement of celestial bodies than about the soil underfoot.” The average soil’s composition consists of approximately 50% solids and 50% pore space. The solids consist of about 45% inorganic mineral particles (sand, silt, clay), and 5% organic particles. The pore space is made up of 25% water and 25% air, but varies some based on rainy weather and dry periods. Soil texture is the percentages of sand, silt, and clay in the matrix. By particle size, sand is the largest, clay is the smallest, and silt is in between. Texture cannot be changed easily, so it is best to work with what is present. [Read more] ___________________________________________________ A Very Important Question: Do You Like Butter? - Anita Sanchez
Do you like butter? Inquiring minds want to know. Fortunately, there is one certain way to find out the truth about this important matter. No, it isn’t to take a bite of bread and butter. It’s to hold a buttercup under your chin. If the underside of your chin glows yellow, you definitely are a butter fan. Of course you like butter. Everyone does. At least, everyone gets a yellowish reflection under their chin. Only buttercups will do, it doesn’t work if you use a dandelion or a daisy. That’s because buttercups have a shiny, almost varnish-like covering on their petals which reflects sunlight as efficiently as a mirror. This is most likely an adaptation to make the small buttercup flowers more conspicuous to passing pollinators. [ Read more ] |
Help Landis Check Off Items on Our"Wish List"
You can help with a donation of the needed items or with a donation targeted to one or more of our needs. Contact us at 518-875-6935 or [email protected] for more information.
- Our Polaris all-terrain vehicle needs four new tires ($400 value).
- We need new or used (in good shape) gardening tools.
- We need cleaning products for our buildings.
- We need a new or used (in good shape) long heavy duty extension cord.
“Writing in Harmony with the Natural World” Offers Creative Opportunity
- Wilma Jozwiak For the past five years, writing instructor Susannah Risley has provided support and encouragement to writers of all levels of experience, helping them find ways to bring nature into their poetry, short stories, and memoirs. We are fortunate to have received funding for these classes through the Poets & Writers organization. We are pleased to share the work of one of our class participants. We hope to continue our writing class next year. Iris - Sandy Brewster My son Mykah Facetimes me, walking around the base in Germany with his tablet. Here is his barracks, here is the DEFAC, here is the commissary. “Look at these, Mom.” He turns the tablet camera to a clump of flowers growing in a muddy median between sidewalks, blue-green sword-like leaves, purple petals curled up like cupped hands, others flowing down like a formal gown. “Iris,” I tell him, though I think he knows. I find a single flower growing in the swamp behind our apartment building, surrounded by weeds. Regardless of the competition, the iris seems to thrive in the damp soil, its blossom generous and bright. I snap a photo and post it on Facebook, tagging Mykah. Later I sit in my mother’s living room, looking out the window at her iris, a yellow with deep purple variety framed by white peonies, and open my computer. I check my Facebook notifications and see my son has liked one of my photos. I click the notice and the iris flower photograph pops up on my screen. ________________________________________________ From 6 to 76: All Ages in the Running
- Gail Browning The Arboretum's Annual 5K Forest Run/ Walk, held each August, attracts runners and walkers of all ages. Last year our youngest participant, Genevieve Duckman, age 6, ran as an individual and also as a challenger with her family on "The Truckin' Ducks" team. She came in 2nd in her age category (0-9 yrs.) with a time of 45 minutes, 18:34 seconds. Our oldest attendee, Keith Johnson at 76 years, crossed the finish line 2nd in his division (70-79) with a time of 48 minutes and 24:75 seconds. [Read more] |
A New Addition to the Spring Plant Sale
- Gail Browning At this year’s Spring Plant Sale, a special selection of baskets and gift items was made possible by the generosity of the following: Stone Rose Bed & Breakfast, Troy's Landscaping Supply, The Apple Barrel, Kelly Farm & Garden, the Landis Arboretum Acorn Shop, Syron's Market in Duanesburg, the Paleys, the Steubners, the Brownings and Donna Vincent (formerly Plantscapes). Their donations provided a fundraiser for Landis and some wonderful surprises for the lucky winners listed below:
A Very Brief Guide to Gardener's Latin (and Latinized Greek) - Nolan Marciniec
Omnia mirari etiam tritissima* - Karl Linnaeus Full disclosure: I was a classics minor. As an amateur gardener, I am in awe of the Swedish botanist Karl Linnaeus’ system of binomial nomenclature. That would be “bi” (two) + “nomen” (name) and “clatura” (a summoning). His system for naming plants in two words is accepted by botanists worldwide – a universal language, part poetry, part science. Who could fail to see the poetry in Liquidambar styraciflua? Just say it to yourself and repeat it like a mantra. Liquidambar styraciflua . . . . (lick-wid-AM-bur stye-ruh-SIFF-loo-uh). It’s “liquidus” + “ambar” (amber) and “styrax” (resin) + “flua” (flowing). American sweetgum. There are several specimens at Landis, with brilliant red star-shaped leaves in the fall and spiny balls of seed capsules. Native Americans used the “sweet gum” of injured trees as a kind of chewing gum and also for medicinal purposes. “Sweetgum” would be understood by those of us in North America, but Liquidambar styraciflua is understood by botanists in all parts of the globe. [Read more] |
Esperance, New York: Fred Lape’s Home Town
- Lee Lattimer
In 1902, the Lape family, father Herman, mother Emma, and son Fred moved from Holland Point, NY, to a small shack on the Silvernail farm in Esperance. The Silvernail farm was run by Herman’s father Henry, who had taken Mahala Silvernail for his second wife. In 1903, Herman bought the neighboring farm. A promontory on the land gave a splendid view of the Schoharie Valley and was a favorite spot of Fred’s father. A majestic white oak stood there, leading to the farm’s name, Oak Nose Farm. The farm and the village of Esperance were to be Fred’s home for most of his life. with only a short period away attending Cornell University and teaching. [Read more]
- Lee Lattimer
In 1902, the Lape family, father Herman, mother Emma, and son Fred moved from Holland Point, NY, to a small shack on the Silvernail farm in Esperance. The Silvernail farm was run by Herman’s father Henry, who had taken Mahala Silvernail for his second wife. In 1903, Herman bought the neighboring farm. A promontory on the land gave a splendid view of the Schoharie Valley and was a favorite spot of Fred’s father. A majestic white oak stood there, leading to the farm’s name, Oak Nose Farm. The farm and the village of Esperance were to be Fred’s home for most of his life. with only a short period away attending Cornell University and teaching. [Read more]
LANDIS PORTRAITS: A Series about the People Behind the Plants at the Arboretum
- Nolan Marciniec
On one recent occasion, Scott Jackson brought his 7-year-old daughter to one of the Arboretum’s ponds. “There was so much going on: frogs, tadpoles, mosquito larvae,” he said. “She could have stayed there for hours. It was fun to see her imagination working. And it made me see too, things that I take for granted . . . . it opened my eyes again.”
Since then, both of his young daughters attended the introduction to honeybees class – brimming with curiosity and questions.
It was also curiosity that initially brought Scott to the Arboretum. Having seen the signs for the Arboretum while driving to Cooperstown, he came back to hike some of the trails and noted the Arboretum’s venerable Great Oak. Then Anne Donnelly’s dragonflies and damselflies workshop. Then membership. Then volunteering at the spring and fall plant sales. Then a list of events to put on the calendar for the future, including the star parties and the Full Moon Concert series. [Read more]
- Nolan Marciniec
On one recent occasion, Scott Jackson brought his 7-year-old daughter to one of the Arboretum’s ponds. “There was so much going on: frogs, tadpoles, mosquito larvae,” he said. “She could have stayed there for hours. It was fun to see her imagination working. And it made me see too, things that I take for granted . . . . it opened my eyes again.”
Since then, both of his young daughters attended the introduction to honeybees class – brimming with curiosity and questions.
It was also curiosity that initially brought Scott to the Arboretum. Having seen the signs for the Arboretum while driving to Cooperstown, he came back to hike some of the trails and noted the Arboretum’s venerable Great Oak. Then Anne Donnelly’s dragonflies and damselflies workshop. Then membership. Then volunteering at the spring and fall plant sales. Then a list of events to put on the calendar for the future, including the star parties and the Full Moon Concert series. [Read more]
Save the Date!
Please join us at the Meeting House on Sunday, September 30, from to 2 to 4 PM for our annual Volunteer and Sponsor Appreciation Event. There will be good food, good music (by Mark Baptiste), and, to be sure, some good conversations!
Travels with Amy: Getting the Best Out of Your Reciprocal Admissions Member Benefit
- Wilma Jozwiak
The spring issue of our newsletter profiled Arboretum member Amy Howansky, landscape designer and proprietor of Backyard Solutions. She emphasized the value of Landis’ Reciprocal Admissions member benefit, available to our members through the American Horticultural Society (AHS). Amy’s trips have taken her from Santa Fe to Nashville, Denver to the Cayman Islands, and Florida to Hawaii.
Just a few highlights from her travels:
The Denver Botanic Garden in Colorado provides free parking and reciprocal admission for Landis members. The York Street, Denver location consists of 24 acres that include enchanting water features and outdoor “garden rooms” developed around themes. Chatfield Farms is a 700-acre native plant refuge and working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in Littleton, CO. Facilities include the Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center, the historical Hildebrand Ranch, a restored 1918 dairy barn and silo, the 1874 Deer Creek Schoolhouse, nature trails, a children’s play area and numerous wildflower gardens. The area is known for exceptional birding. [Read more]
- Wilma Jozwiak
The spring issue of our newsletter profiled Arboretum member Amy Howansky, landscape designer and proprietor of Backyard Solutions. She emphasized the value of Landis’ Reciprocal Admissions member benefit, available to our members through the American Horticultural Society (AHS). Amy’s trips have taken her from Santa Fe to Nashville, Denver to the Cayman Islands, and Florida to Hawaii.
Just a few highlights from her travels:
The Denver Botanic Garden in Colorado provides free parking and reciprocal admission for Landis members. The York Street, Denver location consists of 24 acres that include enchanting water features and outdoor “garden rooms” developed around themes. Chatfield Farms is a 700-acre native plant refuge and working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in Littleton, CO. Facilities include the Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center, the historical Hildebrand Ranch, a restored 1918 dairy barn and silo, the 1874 Deer Creek Schoolhouse, nature trails, a children’s play area and numerous wildflower gardens. The area is known for exceptional birding. [Read more]
Rosy Beet and Bean Salad - Louise Polli
Here is a refreshing and colorful summer salad that can be made ahead and refrigerated for dinner. We like the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (aged 18 years) from Saratoga Olive Oil Company. Once you have enjoyed its smooth and mellow flavor, others will seem harshly acidic by comparison.
3 medium (about 3”) fresh beets
2 cans (15 ounces each) garbanzo beans
1 medium about 2”) Vidalia onion
2 Tbs. cilantro, chopped
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar, preferably from Saratoga Olive Oil Company
Salt and pepper to taste
(6 -8 servings)
Boil beets until tender, around 1 hour. Cool and peel.
Thoroughly rinse and drain garbanzo beans.
Dice onion.
Cut cooled beets into ¼ to ½ inch cubes.
Chop cilantro.
Combine all in a large bowl with olive oil and vinegar and stir. Season to taste as desired.
Chill to blend flavors. Garnish with additional cilantro before serving.
Here is a refreshing and colorful summer salad that can be made ahead and refrigerated for dinner. We like the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar (aged 18 years) from Saratoga Olive Oil Company. Once you have enjoyed its smooth and mellow flavor, others will seem harshly acidic by comparison.
3 medium (about 3”) fresh beets
2 cans (15 ounces each) garbanzo beans
1 medium about 2”) Vidalia onion
2 Tbs. cilantro, chopped
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar, preferably from Saratoga Olive Oil Company
Salt and pepper to taste
(6 -8 servings)
Boil beets until tender, around 1 hour. Cool and peel.
Thoroughly rinse and drain garbanzo beans.
Dice onion.
Cut cooled beets into ¼ to ½ inch cubes.
Chop cilantro.
Combine all in a large bowl with olive oil and vinegar and stir. Season to taste as desired.
Chill to blend flavors. Garnish with additional cilantro before serving.
From the Meeting House Deck: The Perspective of Two Visionaries
- Jim Paley, Board President, and Wendy Kass, Events Coordinator
The Meeting House deck looks out over a vista that is timeless in its beauty. Eons of geological time. Centuries of historical time. Time past. Time present. Time future.
From this vantage point, one can reflect upon the past, envisioning the landscape as it once was. For centuries a wilderness of tall trees, lush vegetation, countless animals and birds. Then suddenly, in geologic terms, a farm appears with cows, crops, and conviction.
One becomes attune to the now, and realizes the bountiful richness the area brings. A deck for dreaming. A structure for art, education, and entertainment. A field for gazing at everything from newts to novas.
And what of the future? One can dream. One can speculate. One tries to see into the future:
- Jim Paley, Board President, and Wendy Kass, Events Coordinator
The Meeting House deck looks out over a vista that is timeless in its beauty. Eons of geological time. Centuries of historical time. Time past. Time present. Time future.
From this vantage point, one can reflect upon the past, envisioning the landscape as it once was. For centuries a wilderness of tall trees, lush vegetation, countless animals and birds. Then suddenly, in geologic terms, a farm appears with cows, crops, and conviction.
One becomes attune to the now, and realizes the bountiful richness the area brings. A deck for dreaming. A structure for art, education, and entertainment. A field for gazing at everything from newts to novas.
And what of the future? One can dream. One can speculate. One tries to see into the future:
- Perhaps, someday, a large open air amphitheater for outdoor entertainment events sited on the hill.
- Certainly more music, art, and sculptures, with an increased reputation as a regional art center, a longstanding tradition at Landis.
- The Meeting House that evolves into a facility with more uses, including an emergency shelter with the capability to house local residents in the event of a natural disaster. And weddings, conferences, and expanded educational programs will all be better accommodated in this new space.
- National prominence for the Landis collections, like the renovated lilac garden visible from the deck. The George Landis Arboretum finally receives the recognition that so many people have worked so hard to achieve.
|
Every Garden Has to Have a Tree: A Local Community Garden - Louise Polli
The massive linden tree on Fremont Street overlooks a community garden, stately, but not so imposing as to discourage neighbors from sitting at the picnic table beneath its boughs. Nor do the hay bales framing the garden’s fenced perimeter, barriers to critters looking for an easy meal, but not to the gardeners who can relax after tending the tidy beds to reflect on their work or compare notes with fellow gardeners. [Read more] |
The Dirt: Behind the Scenes at Landis - Wendy Kass, Events Coordinator
Is it a plant sale or is a party? It’s the best of both!
Over the years, the Arboretum has hosted springtime “events” ranging from fancy dress-up catered dinners to more casual Sunday brunches. Friday evening’s members-only “Pick of the Pots” during the spring and fall plant sales is a worthy successor in that tradition. This informal event allows our supporters to get “first dibs” on our plants that will be for sale to the general public the following two days.
Homemade hors d’oeuvres and wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are offered to our members, courtesy of the Board of Trustees. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting the Arboretum and its mission.
Last May, I saw smiles everywhere, certainly among the plants for sale, but especially at the tables of food and wine. It was obvious that everyone felt in the company of friends. It’s a great time to renew your membership, eat, drink, relax, and enjoy talking to kindred spirits. And shop for plants! and books too!
Your next opportunity: Pick of the Pots will be held on Friday, September 8, 4 – 7 PM, preceding the Fall Plant Sale.
Is it a plant sale or is a party? It’s the best of both!
Over the years, the Arboretum has hosted springtime “events” ranging from fancy dress-up catered dinners to more casual Sunday brunches. Friday evening’s members-only “Pick of the Pots” during the spring and fall plant sales is a worthy successor in that tradition. This informal event allows our supporters to get “first dibs” on our plants that will be for sale to the general public the following two days.
Homemade hors d’oeuvres and wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are offered to our members, courtesy of the Board of Trustees. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting the Arboretum and its mission.
Last May, I saw smiles everywhere, certainly among the plants for sale, but especially at the tables of food and wine. It was obvious that everyone felt in the company of friends. It’s a great time to renew your membership, eat, drink, relax, and enjoy talking to kindred spirits. And shop for plants! and books too!
Your next opportunity: Pick of the Pots will be held on Friday, September 8, 4 – 7 PM, preceding the Fall Plant Sale.
|
|
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!
Amazon Smile donates a percentage of your sale to Landis when you click on this icon to shop!
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
Fred Breglia; Erin Breglia; Gail Browning; Wilma Jozwiak; Lee Lattimer; Nolan Marciniec, chair; and Louise Polli
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Erin Breglia, Fred Breglia, Sandy Brewster, Gail Browning, Wilma Jozwiak, Wendy Kass, Lee Lattimer, Nolan Marciniec, Louise Polli, and Anita Sanchez
NEWSLETTER WEBSITE MANAGER
Wilma Jozwiak
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 Gustafson; Lee Lattimer; Jeanne Post-Sourmail; Ed Radle; and Earl VanWormer
ARBORETUM STAFF
Fred Breglia, Executive Director; Nancy Stuebner, Office Manager; Erin Breglia, Garden Manager; Russell Glass, Groundskeeper
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
The Arboretum’s mission is to foster the appreciation of trees and other plants and their importance in our environment.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Fred Breglia; Erin Breglia; Gail Browning; Wilma Jozwiak; Lee Lattimer; Nolan Marciniec, chair; and Louise Polli
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Erin Breglia, Fred Breglia, Sandy Brewster, Gail Browning, Wilma Jozwiak, Wendy Kass, Lee Lattimer, Nolan Marciniec, Louise Polli, and Anita Sanchez
NEWSLETTER WEBSITE MANAGER
Wilma Jozwiak
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 Gustafson; Lee Lattimer; Jeanne Post-Sourmail; Ed Radle; and Earl VanWormer
ARBORETUM STAFF
Fred Breglia, Executive Director; Nancy Stuebner, Office Manager; Erin Breglia, Garden Manager; Russell Glass, Groundskeeper
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