Paul Licht, Director

Giant Trillium  

(Trillium chloropetalum)

 Our own spectacular native Trillium is only rarely available to local gardeners. We have recently been able to obtain some divisions from our collection, were they grow in the dry shaded conditions under the oaks on the Oak Knoll in the native California Area.  In spring they put on a display of blooms from February through March which range in color from pure white to red. Even when not in bloom, the beautiful, large, three leafed plant is attractive. They spread by seed or underground rhizomes. Our specimens are large blooming size plants that are just now starting to sprout.

Chusquea spp.

If you are a fan of ornamental grasses and grass-like plants, it is very easy to fall prey to the allure of the clumping bamboos. The South American genus Chusquea falls into this category, being distinct from other bamboos in that their culms are solid, not hollow. Many Chusquea species are semi-vining forest dwellers that clamber through evergreens in their native habitat. Despite coming from areas with generous seasonal moisture, some Chusquea show an impressive amount of drought tolerance, an extra bonus for those put off by the relatively thirsty nature of many other bamboo. Most of us are familiar with the Asiatic bamboos as these have been the main ones in commerce, but the South American Chusquea are newer in the nursery trade and still something of a novelty. At this sale we will be offering a couple of choice selections: C. mimosa, and in the Silent Auction  C. circinata.

Zingiber malaysianum 'Midnight'

Plants from the Silent Auction!

As is often the case - since I'm in charge of it - my staff pick is the whole group of amazing plants we've assembled for the Silent Auction.  We have some great and decorative succulents to offer, whether it's a small dish garden containing Euphorbia decaryi from Madagascar, or a cane cholla, Austrocylindropuntia subulata (what a technical name!), a large, tree-like cactus for the landscape from South America.  For indoors we have a seldom seen black-leafed ginger, Zingiber malaysianum 'Midnight.'  New for our list is a clumping, brown-culmed bamboo from South America, Chusquea circinata. Check out our website for other offerings and I'll see you at the Silent Auction.

There is limited free parking available in the Garden's parking lot. Overflow parking is available in the upper parking areas of the Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS). Park in the upper levels then walk down to the parking meter kiosk in front of LHS and pay the parking fee. Free shuttles will run continuously from the parking meter kiosk to the Garden. When you're ready to return to your car, the shuttle will pick you up in the Garden's parking lot and return you to the upper LHS parking areas.