New Zealand Forest Opening Event in the Arboretum

Tags

Carver, Haka, Maori, New Zealand Forest, Opening Celebration, Parks, Seattle, Washington Park Arboretum

This weekend I threw two birthday parties for my son who turned 16 on Friday. One for him to whoop it up with his teenage friends on Friday (roasting hotdogs over the fire – pictures to come) and then a laid back family barbeque on Sunday.

This next week, I will be throwing yet another party celebrating the birth of something new and I am inviting you to join me!

As the Events Manager at the Arboretum for my day job, I have been working on a project all summer that I am thrilled to tell you about! On Sunday, September 15, The Arboretum Foundation, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens invite the public to join in the celebration of the opening of the stunning, new, 2-acre New Zealand Forest at Washington Park Arboretum.

The Opening Celebration on September 15 will pay homage to New Zealand’s culture and ethnobotanical history. It will feature a traditional Maori “haka,” or war dance, as well as a dedication ceremony with Maori wood carver Caine Tauwhare, who helped create a special park bench for the new forest. There will also be guided tours, family activities, speeches by Seattle Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith and other dignitaries, a ribbon cutting, live music, and refreshments.

I hope to see you all there!

New Zealand Forest Opening Celebration

Date: Sunday, September 15

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Pacific Connections Meadow, Washington Park Arboretum (2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle).

Why: The New Zealand Forest is the most dramatic new exhibit in the Arboretum since the opening of the Japanese Garden in 1960. Planted on a two-acre, boulder-strewn slope with breathtaking views, it is the first of five eco-geographic forests to be completed in the Pacific Connections Garden, which will eventually cover 14 acres and be the largest exhibit of its kind in North America. The unique new forest features nearly 10,000 plants, mostly grown from seeds collected in the wilds of New Zealand. Planning for the forest began more than a decade ago as part of the Arboretum’s 2001 Master Plan. Construction of the forest, which started in 2010, cost roughly $2 million in private and public funds.

This event is free and open to the public.

Poster design by Jason Becker Creative.

Easy DIY Burlap Plant Centerpieces

Tags

Begonia, burlap, Centerpieces, DIY, party favor, plants, Tablescape, watering cans

I recently made these simple centerpieces for an event at work. They would make the perfect rustic centerpiece, and party favor, for a wedding, garden party or a baby/bridal shower.

They would also work great for a teacher gift, or as a Mother’s Day, housewarming, or birthday present for the gardener in your life.

To make these easy centerpieces, all you need is:

• Flowering potted plant – 6″ or 8″ works well
• Square of burlap fabric
• Shepherd hook
• Raffia
• Mini galvanized watering can
• Ribbon in complimentary colors to the flowers

Choose a nice flowering plant in a 6″-8″ pot. I love these colorful begonias.

Place the shepherd hook into the plant. We purchased ours very inexpensively at Craft Supplies Online – love that store!

Cut the burlap fabric, fitted to the plant pot, with about 3-5 inches of overhang.

Cover the pot – gather it in places around the pot, making overlapping creases so that the overhang creates a nice presentation around the edges.

Stretch a rubber band around the covered pot…

Or use another set of hands (my son helped me with this one!) to keep the fabric in place while you tie a few strands of raffia around it into a bow.

Then tie a short (about 8″ each) thin fabric ribbon onto the handle of the tiny watering can. I used two pieces of ribbon in different colors.

We purchased our watering cans online at Consumer Crafts.

Place the watering can on the shepherd hook so that it is hanging over the plant.

Orient the hook so that the can appears to be watering the plant.

How simple it that?

What is your favorite flowering plant that you would use for this fun project?

 

FlorAbundance Plant Sale This Weekend

Tags

Ciscoe Morris, events, FlorAbundance, gardening, Plant sale, Seattle, Washington Park Arboretum

With the beautiful weather we are having here in Seattle this week, it is the perfect time to plant!

And wouldn’t you know it! The area’s biggest plant sale is happening this weekend at the Arboretum! Perfect timing! 🙂

If you have been meaning to get that vegetable garden growing or finally create your backyard oasis, this sale has something for everyone. The best part? Proceeds from this sale go to support the maintenance and education programs at the beautiful Arboretum.

Hope to see you there!

FlorAbundance

Saturday, April 27, 10 am- 5 pm

Sunday, April 28, 10 am – 2 pm

 

Washington Park Arboretum – near the Graham Visitors Center

2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle WA

Free parking & admission

This magnificent sale, the region’s largest and best plant sale, helps to support the Foundation’s mission. Dozens of specialty nurseries will be on-hand selling a wonderful selection of locally grown trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. This year will also feature a stronger focus on edible plants. Langley Fine Gardens will be there, selling the best selection of vegetable starts around, including heirloom tomatoes and there will be lots of tasty herbs, berries, and edible flowers for sale.

Benefit from the advice of gardening experts, who’ll be roving through the vendor tables (in yellow aprons) to help with plant selections. And look for the colored flags, which will mark the favorite plants of Ciscoe Morris and Bob Lilly at the sale!

Member Pre-Sale Party (Buy tickets!)

Friday, April 26, 5 pm – 7:30 pm

Washington Park Arboretum – Graham Visitors Center

2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle WA

Open to Arboretum members and their guests the FlorAbundance Member Pre-Sale & Party will be held on the Friday evening before the main weekend sale. Get the first pick of plants at the sale while enjoying delicious finger foods from Skillet Street Food, wines from Chateau Ste Michelle, and dessert from some very talented volunteer bakers.

Tickets: Tickets are $40 each. Advance ticketing ends at 4:30 pm on April 25. You can PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE, over the counter at the Graham Visitors Center, or by calling the Foundation office at 206-325-4510. Become a member and reserve your spot soon for this fun party! A limited number of tickets are available and they are going fast!

A Tinseltown Extravaganza

Tags

Arboretum Foundation, Hollywood, Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Opening Night Party, Oscar Party, Washington Park Arboretum

This weekend contains one of my most favorite days of the year – Academy Awards Sunday!

I got a taste of Hollywood glamor a little earlier this week with the production of my latest work event. The Opening Night Party at this year’s Northwest Flower & Garden Show.

The Garden Show is celebrating its 25th Silver Anniversary with a tribute to the Silver Screen – this year’s theme is Gardens Go Hollywood! We really got into the  Tinseltown mode at this annual preview party that benefits the Arboretum Foundation.

With the Oscars coming this weekend, I thought I would share a few photos from the event in the hopes of inspiring you to sparkle up your celebrations this Sunday.

Lively swing music from Underground Swing filled the hall as guests arrived on the red carpet. We encouraged guests to dress up as their favorite Hollywood celebrity or movie character. Dean Martin & Marilyn stopped by (thanks to Live Wires!)

Even King Kong took his photo opp in front of our step & repeat along the red carpet!

Gardening celebrities joined in the fun with gardening guru, Billy Goodnick, leading a tour of the gardens for our guests

and Ciscoe Morris announcing the world premiere of a very special movie made especially for us by Utopia Media & Entertainment.

A concessions candy guessing game raised money for the Foundation.

Guests donated for the opportunity to guess the number of pieces of candy and win prizes – including the chance to take home these lovely jars full!

The table centerpieces were a very simple decor that carried the theme through. These would be perfect for your Oscar party this weekend!

Make these from items easily picked up at your local party store – popcorn buckets, raffle tickets, paper shred (looks like popcorn at the top of the bucket, right?)and a movie prop clapboard.

We stuffed butcher paper almost to the top of the large popcorn bucket, added the shred and placed the clapboard on top. The small buckets simply had two colors of raffle tickets coming up out of them. Super easy!

Finger foods are great to serve at your awards party. Prepare appetizers ahead of the soiree, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests.

A cheese plate is easy to put together and always a winner!

Volunteers at the event even got into the spirit with Usher/Usherette hats and trays. (Thanks mom for coming into town for a visit just in time to volunteer and make these costumes for our big party!)

And of course I had to show you the wonderful Hobbit themed garden that our Arboretum Foundation designers created for this year’s show!

If you are feeling down in this dreary NW winter weather and want a taste of spring, the Garden Show continues through this weekend at the Washington State Convention Center.

Thank you to Event Photos NW for being there to capture the magic! See more great photos of the gala event on their website.

Opening Night Party at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show 2013

Tags

Arboretum Foundation, gardening, Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Opening Night Party, Seattle, Washington Park Arboretum

I love the movies! And gardening!

That’s why I am so thrilled to tell you about this event that blends two of my favorite things!

If you’ve been to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show you know what a wonderful spectacle it is. Fun vendors, engaging guest speakers & DIY sessions, and the incredible life-sized display gardens! If you haven’t been, it is the perfect place to take a stay-cation in mid-February. With all the beautiful flowers and plants, it is just like a mini-spring vacation right in your own “backyard”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of The Northwest Flower & Garden Show, which returns to Seattle February 20-24th. To celebrate this milestone, the theme of the Show this year is “The Silver Screen Takes Root: Gardens Go Hollywood” with all of the display gardens having a Hollywood bent to them.

To kick off this amazing four-day event, the Opening Night Party, produced by the Arboretum Foundation, will be a Tinseltown extravaganza!

On Tuesday, February 19th, guests will enjoy a fabulous evening of delicious food, fine wines, live music by the very talented quartet, Underground Swing, terrific silent auctions, and the opportunity to view the beautiful display gardens at the Flower Show (including the Arboretum’s display garden, which pays homage to the flora of New Zealand and Peter Jackson’s new movie of The Hobbit) the day before it opens to the public!

The party will emulate the glamor and magic of Hollywood. You will have the opportunity to walk the red carpet, bid electronically on incredible auction items, hob-nob with your favorite Northwest horticultural celebrities, and view the world-premiere of a short-short film featuring gardening superstar Ciscoe Morris (who will also will emcee this year’s Fund-A-Need event, which will raise money to support the Arborist and Tree Care Program at the Arboretum) produced by Utopia Media and Entertainment.

TICKET INFORMATION:

GENERAL ADMISSION—$75 Arboretum Foundation Members; $100 Non-Members

• 6:30 to 7:30 PM: Wine reception, light fare, live entertainment and silent auction

• 7:30 to 9:30 PM: Garden viewing, desserts, hosted wine, and entertainment

Dinner is not included as part of the general admission ticket benefits. General admission guests are encouraged to dine before they come to the event—but they’re also encouraged to save room for some delectable desserts and wines!

PATRONS & BENEFACTORS—$250 Patrons; $500 Benefactors

• 5:00 to 6:00 PM: Wine reception, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and silent auctions in the South Lobby

• 6:00 to 6:30 PM: “Top 10 Design Tips from Show Gardens,” with Billy Goodnick

• 6:00 to 7:30 PM: Exclusive garden preview and buffet dinner

• 7:30 to 9:30 PM: Continued garden viewing, auction bidding, dessert and entertainment

Among other benefits, Patron and Benefactor-level guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and an exclusive preview of the display gardens before the main exhibit hall is opened to all guests as well as free parking at the event.

Patrons & Benefactors will also get to enjoy a special tour of the Show gardens with special guest, designer and author Billy Goodnick. Billy, who blogs for Fine Gardening magazine, will discuss his Top 10 design tips for sustainability and outdoor living in the 2013 show gardens. Billy’s design eye, combined with his keen wit, promises to make this an entertaining way to discover new trends.

For reservations, please call 206-325-4510 or visit www.arboretumfoundation.org.

I am so excited to share this event with you! It is going to be a wonderful evening and I hope to see you there!

Opening Night is presented by the Arboretum Foundation as a benefit for Washington Park Arboretum

No-Sew Burlap Table Runners – Easy DIY!

Tags

burlap, Centerpieces, DIY, entertaining, No sew, table runners, Tablescapes, Vintage

At the recent 100th birthday party that I planned, we came up with this stunning table top in order to marry the vintage elegance theme with a touch of rustic gardening. It is a perfect fall look for your tables and so easy to do (and affordable!) that I wanted to share with you how we did it.

When Beckie, our event decorator, suggested burlap runners, I did an image search to see what she was talking about. And sure enough, burlap runners are apparently all the rage at weddings these days.

But what I noticed is that they are all using the more traditional dark colored burlap over white linens. I wanted a softer, warmer look so we decided on the cream burlap over brown (khaki actually) linens. Yeah, burlap comes in many colors; black, all shades of brown, even green! I had no idea!

The bolts of burlap fabric came in 48″ widths, so I was able to make 4 lengths of  runners from my purchase – at about 12″ wide apiece. All I needed to do was make 3 cuts lengthwise. What length do you buy? I measured the diameter of the table and then added two feet so that they would hang down one foot on each side.

Seems simple enough, right?

But when I was at the fabric store I noticed the gal at the cutting table used a cool little trick that made it even easier! I was awed!

Now I must tell you that I am a terrible cutter. If you want something cut straight, don’t come to me. No matter how careful I am, nothing I cut ever comes out straight. Even when using a straight edge I am challenged! (Luckily for me, I have a very precision-minded hubby who, if sweet talked, will usually do my cutting for me! More, I think it actually pains him to watch me do it.)

But with this little trick, I did it on my own – and so can you! All you do is:

1. Unfold the fabric and lay it out flat.

2. Cut lengthwise, end to end, on the existing fold.

3. Measure to the center of the width of each newly-cut piece and start to pull on one lengthwise strand of the jute.

4. Keep pulling the thread as you bunch up the fabric, loosening it up and making it easier for the strand to come out.

The thread may break – but this is okay – just grab the new end and keep going. If the thread is resistant, or too small to hold onto, you can use a sewing pin to assist you.

5. Pull the thread all the way out and you will see that you have a guide for cutting.

6. Cut along this guide from end to end on each of the two pieces and you will end up with 4 runners.

7. Pull some of the fraying edges off to clean it up, and let it lay over your table so that the wrinkles come out.

To top the tables, we used three beautiful cut glass goblets in varying sizes then filled the taller one with cuttings from the garden and two smaller ones with tealights.

Simple, yet beautiful!

Rustic Plant Party Favors – Easy DIY!

Tags

crafts, DIY, earthy rustic, fall, Fall planting, party favors, Party ideas, plants

I always like to send my party guests home with a little parting gift. I try to make it something that is memorable and useful. Since fall is the best time for planting, today I want to show you the perfect gift for your guests at your fall party.

I made these plant party favors for our fabulous 100th birthday party at the Arboretum. I was originally going to use burlap to wrap them, but quickly discovered that covering 100 plants in burlap would be out of my budget. So as I stood in the fabric store contemplating what I could do, it struck me. Paper lunch sacks! They are just the right size, still the rustic-earthy look I was going for, and oh, so affordable!

You can make this even more cost-conscience if you dig some starts from your own yard, though many garden centers have much of their inventory on clearance at this time of year.

All you need for this project is:

• paper lunch sacks (I got mine at the dollar store)
• string (you could also use twine, or even lace would be a nice touch!)
• paper for the tags
• scissors
• a hole puncher
• plant starts in 4 ” pots.

1. Trim the top of the bags off at 6″ from the bottom.

2. Open up the sack and then roll down the sides.

It doesn’t have to be perfect – remember, these are supposed to look rustic.

3. Place plant inside the bag.

And roll and scrunch the bag until you have the look you want.

4. Wrap the string around the middle of the pot several times.

Alternate wrapping loosely and tightly. This will give it a more natural look.

5. Print out tags – I used these free printables I found online and hand wrote the name of the plant on each of them.

6. I made a bigger plain tag to attach it to, just to give it a more finished look.

7. Glue the tags to each other and punch a hole.

8. Thread the two ends of the string through the tag.

Then tie it off in a knot.

What a nice little gift! Your guests are going to love these! They will think of you and remember your wonderful party each time they see it growing in their yard.

What do you like to send your guests home with?

Vintage Elegance – A 100th Birthday Party

Tags

100th Birthday, Arboretum Foundation, Cameron Catering, Hot Cakes, Laughing Rose Duo, Nancy Davidson Short, Taylor Shellfish, Vintage Ambiance Event Rentals, Washington Park Arboretum

One of the most recent parties I have planned was one that I will never forget!

How often does one get to host a 100th Birthday party? Earlier this month I had the honor of throwing this party fundraiser, benefiting the Arboretum Foundation, for local gardening icon Nancy Davidson Short!

I love incorporating vintage elements into my event design and wanted the party to have a look of “nostalgic elegance meets rustic gardening” so when I met Beckie from Vintage Ambiance Event Rentals I knew she would help me nail it! If you are looking for vintage elements for your next event or wedding – you must check her out! Her vision was spot on!

The guests were awed by the pieces she brought in for the party – It all started with me wanting to have a unique and intimate seating area for the Birthday girl to sit where she could comfortably greet and visit with her guests. Doesn’t she just look wonderful perched on this incredible white settee?

Beckie’s vision extended to other seating areas for the guests…

…and a stunning chandelier hung above this sideboard highlighting one of the food stations.

She brought in all the cut glass we used as candle holders and vases that we filled with Arboretum cuttings.

Food was beautifully displayed on her silver and crystal platters. These most delicious appetizers were provided by Cameron Catering and were definitely a highlight of the evening (with the addition of a budget conscience veggie tray and the most wonderful cheese in Seattle donated by Beecher’s.)

Oh! And then there were the freshly shucked oysters courtesy of Taylor Shellfish – Yes! They will gladly come out to your event and shuck oysters on site! And it is amazingly affordable.

Music further set the tone with the local group, The Laughing Rose Duo. They were just so much fun and added the perfect upbeat, vintage party atmosphere.

For dessert, we wanted to do something a bit different so we hired local sensation, Hot Cakes, to come in and serve fresh from the oven, molten chocolate cakes – in a jar. Such wonderful toppings. Yum!

Nancy is not such a big fan of cake – the traditional birthday dessert – so Hot Cakes made a very special ice cream sundae, with their handmade ice cream.

We used a set of sparklers instead of candles – it looked great but was much more difficult to blow out than a candle – boy did she give it her best though!

Guests took photos and wrote special notes to Nancy at our home-spun photo booth – more fabulous work by Vintage Ambiance Rentals.

We used an old garden gate to display the photos and notes (later to be assembled into a nice keepsake book for the birthday girl and her family.)

And a vintage steamer trunk to hold all the dress-up props. I had such fun making these mustaches and lips on sticks 🙂

Each guest went home with a small potted plant to thank them for supporting the Arboretum and remind them of the wonderful evening.

To finish off the night we enjoyed a stunning fire dancing performance at sunset by Jonathan of Celsius and his team.

To pay tribute to our centenarian, they incorporated green fire (her favorite color and the color of plants, of course!) and  lit up a “100” in the finale!

What a show!

What a night!

Photos courtesy of the Arboretum Foundation.

FallAbundance Plant Sale this Saturday!

Tags

Arboretum Foundation, Fall planting, FallAbundance, Pat Calvert Greenhouse, Plant Donations Nursery, Plant sale, Seattle, Washington Park Arboretum

Did you know that Fall is the best time in the Northwest to plant your favorite trees, shrubs and perennials?

This is because your soil is still warm in the fall allowing roots to grow, while the cooler temperatures and (sure to come!) rainfall help the plant’s roots become well-established.

If you are looking for some great plants to put in the ground during this opportune time you should join me at the upcoming fall plant sale, FallAbundance, at the Arboretum next Saturday.

This sale is hosted by the Arboretum Foundation’s Pat Calvert Greenhouse and Plant Donations Nursery and after a long season of propagating, growing, potting, and re-potting plants, the greenhouse and nursery will have an abundance of plants – plus many unusual species and varieties—all at fabulous prices.

FallABundance

Saturday, September 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum
Free parking and admission

Discounts: All greenhouse plants will be 25% off! The nursery will have a selection of discounted plants on its sales table.

Specialty nurseries: This year’s sale will also feature a number of local specialty plant vendors, including:

• Madrona Nursery—native plants and perennials
• Botanica—unusual perennials
• Foliage Gardens—ferns
• The Greenery—species rhododendrons and woodland companions

Sponsor nursery: There will also be bamboo available donated for the event by Clinton Bamboo!

Hope to see you there!

All proceeds benefit Washington Park Arboretum.

It’s a 100th Birthday!

Tags

100th Birthday, Arboretum Foundation, gardening, Nancy Davidson Short, Sunset Magazine, Washington Park Arboretum

Next week is a busy birthday week for me. Not only will be celebrating my husband’s and son’s special days, but I will be a part of a most momentous birthday. A 100th birthday!

Beloved Arboretum Foundation member, plant advocate, and horticultural expert Nancy Davidson Short will be celebrating her 100^th birthday. The Northwest editor of Sunset magazine for three decades, Nancy is a legend in regional gardening circles. She’s also a longtime supporter of the Arboretum and its education programs.

Please join me on Friday, September 7th from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Graham Visitors Center in the Arboretum as we honor Nancy and support one of her great loves, the Washington Park Arboretum. Experience wine, dessert, appetizers, live entertainment, and more as we celebrate 100 years of “life, love, laughter and gardening with Nancy”.

The event lineup is awesome and since this is a fundraiser for the Foundation you can feel good about joining in the fun! Ticket prices start at a donation of $100 and proceeds will help fund essential programs such as Children’s Education, Arborist and Tree Care, and maintenance of the Pacific Connections Garden.

Here are some of the fun highlights of the event you can enjoy next Friday in the beautiful setting of the Arboretum:

• Wines from Chateau Ste Michelle;
• Northwest appetizers by Cameron Catering;
• Taylor Shellfish oyster bar—fresh oysters on the half shell courtesy of one of our premiere local shellfish growers;
• Cake and ice cream provided by local sensation, Hot Cakes! Ice cream topped, molten chocolate cake in a mason jar, featuring Theo Chocolate.
• Live music by the Laughing Rose Duo;
• Sunset fire performance by Jonathan of Celsius;
• Photo booth—help create a special message book keepsake for Nancy and her family;
• Special champagne toast to Nancy by famed plantsman and author Dan Hinkley.

All are welcome! Even if you don’t know Nancy or are unfamiliar with her work, please consider joining us. Come meet the legend herself, learn about her life, enjoy her company (and all the fun stuff on the event program!), and discover why the Arboretum means so much to her.

 

Tickets: Our party for Nancy is also a fundraiser for the Arboretum. Tickets prices start at $100 in recognition of Nancy’s milestone birthday. You can still purchase tickets online here through Tuesday, September 4th.

Hope to see you there!