2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, Arizona 85712 326-9686 www.tucsonbotanical.org

Volunteer and Docent Newsletter

November 2013

1

GARDEN TOURS (Included with Garden Admission)

—EXPLORING—

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS

Fridays, 10AM (September through May)

9AM (June through August)

Take advantage of the delightful mornings at the

Gardens. This tour delivers some fascinating plant

trivia, offers history of the Gardens, and familiarizes

you with our native flora as well as the wide variety

of plants that grow in Tucson. Free with Garden Admission.

7—BIRDS AND GARDENING TOUR—

10AM, 1st & 4th Wednesday of each month

(September through May)

This 45-minute tour explores the plants and

gardening practices that will attract birds to your

backyard. We also look for and identify the birds that

visit the Gardens and urban Tucson. Free with Garden Admission.

—HISTORICAL TOUR OF THE GARDENS—

10AM, 3rd Thursday of each month

(September through May)

Want to learn more about the original gardeners of

the Gardens? Take a trip back in time with a tour that

focuses on the family life of Bernice and Rutger

Porter. Discover the historical significance of the

property; learn about some of Mrs. Porter’s favorite

plants, and see some special nooks and secret places.

Free with Garden Admission.

*ONGOING ACTIVITIES*

PLANT CLINIC

WITH DR. BESSEY

September to June Paul Bessey, retired University of Arizona

Plant Sciences Professor, will be available to

answer your questions on plant pests,

disease and nutrient deficiencies.

Free with Garden admission.

BACKYARD BUGS

1st Sunday of the month

10AM-3PM Join long-time Gardens volunteer and bug

enthusiast, David Jester, as he gets up close

and personal with local creepy crawlies.

Learn how bugs play important roles in our

gardens and the larger ecosystem, ask

questions you’ve always wondered about,

and look at specimens of insects you might

see in your own yard.

Free with Garden admission.

TUCSON ORGANIC GARDENERS

COMPOSTING EXHIBIT

AT THE GARDENS

1st & 3rd Saturday of the month

11AM-1PM

October-May Tucson Organic Gardeners staff will be on hand

to answer questions about compost in the

Gardens’ composting area.

Free with Garden admission.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Check out page 2

for Signature Classes

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SIGNATURE CLASSES

$16, $8 members

Discounted four-class package

$48, $24 members

No preregistration required.

All classes are taught by trained docents and include Garden Admission.

XERISCAPE NOT ZEROSCAPE!

2nd Saturday, monthly ● 9:30AM–NOON Learn how to design a water-conserving landscape and leave with a plan and

tools to develop your own xeriscape design. This class covers the basic

principles of xeriscape, including garden design, plant selection, efficient

irrigation methods and appropriate garden maintenance. Class concludes

with a walking tour highlighting xeriscape features at the Gardens.

SUCCESSFUL PLANTS FOR TUCSON GARDENS

3rd Saturday, monthly ● 9:30AM–NOON An excellent follow-up to Gardening for Newcomers and Xeriscape, this

class identifies trees, shrubs, perennials and succulents that are smart

choices for Tucson. Characteristics that make plants successful locally will

be discussed, with a focus on proper selection, placement and planting so

that you can achieve a beautiful landscape that will thrive under local

conditions. Class concludes with a walking tour highlighting successful plants

at the Gardens.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

4th Saturday, monthly ● 9:30AM–NOON The class is a broad introductory discussion of rainwater harvesting

philosophy and techniques. Visual and technical descriptions illustrate the

various alternatives of rainwater harvesting in the Tucson desert. Living in

the desert is unique. We can show you how to make the most out of a little

rainfall, whether you are interested in a simple low cost project to keep the

rainwater on your land, or a more dynamic and sophisticated system to

store rainwater.

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—Winter 2013-2014 Seasonal Classes—

Register on line at http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/education/adult-classes-trips/ or call 520-326-9686, ext. 18. Payment

must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop or trip. No refunds will be given if cancellation is

made within seven business days of a class. For questions, or to register by phone with a credit card, call 520-326-9686, ext.

18. Don’t forget: Taking a relevant class at the Gardens counts as continuing education hours for volunteers!

DECEMBER

YOGA IN THE GARDENS Thursdays, Dec. 5, 19, 26 and Jan. 2nd, 8-9AM

Start your day off on the right foot with weekly sessions of invigorating and centering yoga practice overlooking our

beautiful garden setting. Led by Laura Greenlaw, a certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each

one-hour class will include centering hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will

learn to create both flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience necessary. After class, take time to wander the Gardens (class price includes admission on each

class day). $40, $30 members

EXOTIC BEAUTIES: BUTTERFLIES FROM INDIA

TO AUSTRALIA with Elizabeth Willott Thursday, Dec. 5, 10:30AM-Noon

Join us as we explore the delights of these exotic butterflies. Check out the flamboyantly green, yellow, and black

Priamus birdwing males and their dull, but only in comparison to the male, yellow, black and white female

companions. Delight in the flagrantly artistic-looking lacewings which truly deserve their name. See the Blue

Mountain Swallowtails, whose vibrant blue makes the Blue Morphos look almost drab. These, plus many more, are the

butterflies we receive from the region of Indo-Australasia, which encompasses India south of the Himalayas, the

western coast of the countries to the east of the Indian Ocean, Australia, and some of the adjacent islands influenced by the Indian Ocean. $12, $7 members

POETRY IN THE GARDENS Saturdays, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 14, 10-11:30AM

At its core, poetry asks of us, “Who am I and how do I see myself in the larger context of the world?” In the second

season of this monthly series, docents from Tucson Botanical Gardens and the University of Arizona Poetry

Center invite you to explore connections between art, nature and humanity through informal poetry discussions.

In October, explore “found poetry” amid the whimsy of found objects in the Barrio Garden. In November, celebrate

the bounty of the season with food poetry in the Kitchen Courtyard Garden. And in December, fly away to other

worlds with sci-fi poetry and a visit to the Gardens’ new exhibit Alien Invasion of the Plant Kind.

Docents leading the discussion will provide participants with

a packet of poems. No prior knowledge of poetry is needed, but a pen and notebook are recommended.

Free with Gardens admission

BUTTERFLY FARMS/COSTA RICA

BUTTERFLIES Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7-8PM

Butterfly Curator, Elizabeth Willott, had the opportunity to visit suppliers in Costa Rica during the summer of

2013. This talk covers what she learned about the butterfly farms that supply us with such beautiful

butterflies and the impact of the farming on conservation and reforestation efforts in Costa Rica. You’ll learn about

the farm operations, see some of the scenery, and see the steps from Costa Rica to our exhibit.

$12, $7 members

ARIZONA’S DUCKS AND GEESE Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-8PM

Most people don’t think about ducks when they think about desert birds. But did you know that southern

Arizona is the winter home for thousands of ducks? This class will discuss the classification and identification of the

ducks and geese that can be found in winter in the Tucson area. Ducks include some of our most

interesting and colorful birds. So join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours for a look at another type of ‘snowbird.’

$17, $12 members

JANUARY, 2014

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Thursday, Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30, 8-9AM Start your new year off on the right foot with weekly

sessions of invigorating and centering yoga practice overlooking our beautiful garden setting. Led by Laura

Greenlaw, a certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each one-hour class will include

centering hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will learn to create both

flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience necessary. After class, take time to wander

the Gardens (class price includes admission on each class day). $40, $30 members

EXOTIC BEAUTIES: BUTTERFLIES OF AFRICA

Wednesday, Jan 8, 3:30-5PM The African butterflies we receive include several species

of charaxes with their strong bodies and often strong patterns-i.e., the flame-bordered charaxes has a flame-

colored border. The patterns on the swallowtails are also amazing. We’ll explore what causes the patterns as well

as other characteristics of these butterflies. $12, $7 members

(classes, continued next page)

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5 5

—Winter 2013-2014 Seasonal Classes (con’t)—

Register on line at http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/education/adult-classes-trips/ or call 520-326-9686, ext. 18.

Payment must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop or trip. No refunds will be given if

cancellation is made within seven business days of a class. For questions, or to register by phone with a credit card, call

520-326-9686, ext. 18. Don’t forget: Taking a relevant class at the Gardens counts as continuing education hours for

volunteers!

JANUARY, 2014

INTRODUCTION TO BIRDING Thursday, Jan. 9, 6-8PM

Birding is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country. Tens of millions of people consider themselves

birders and the number is growing every year. Join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours for this friendly introduction to

the world of birding, as we discuss binoculars, field guides, birding hotspots, simple techniques to improve your skills,

bird sounds, and much more. Sign up for the Sweetwater Wetlands field trip on Jan. 10 and put your new skills into action! $17, $12 members

BIRDING AT SWEETWATER WETLANDS Friday, Jan. 10, 8-10AM

Sweetwater Wetlands is one of the finest urban birding spots in the country, home to thousands of wintering ducks and shorebirds, as well, as raptors, songbirds, and much

more. Join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours as we explore the ponds and basins of a gem of a birding spot. This class

is the field portion of the Introduction to Birding class, but is open to all. Birders will meet at Sweetwater Wetlands

and should dress for the weather, bring water and bring binoculars if you have them. $20, $15 members

THE WEIRD WORLD OF CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

Friday, Jan. 17, 3-4:30PM Step right up folks, and dare to learn the ways of plants that bite back! Over 600 kinds of plants can catch and digest

prey and some live right here in Arizona. Join Michael Chamberland, the Gardens Director of Horticulture, for an

overview of the world of carnivorous plants. Michael has been growing carnivores for 20 years and has visited many

of them in their boggy lairs. We’ll look at how they can snatch flies from the air and consider why they need to

feed. Michael will also give you tips on how to keep them happy and satisfied in cultivation. $14, $10 members

BUTTERFLY BASICS

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 4:30-6PM Join Elizabeth Willott, Curator of Butterfly Magic, for this

basic introduction to butterflies. She’ll show some great shots of butterflies from the Gardens and Butterfly Magic,

introduce you to butterfly biology and explore the inner workings of our tropical butterfly exhibit. Includes an after-

hours visit in the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion. $12, $7 members

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Saturday, Jan. 25, 9AM-4PM Learn how to map the natural story of the place where

you live. With guidance from Dan Dorsey of the non-profit Sonoran Permaculture Guild, you will create an exciting long-term plan for your sustainable home and

landscape – one that takes care of the people and the environment at the same time. We’ll show you how to

put together all the sustainable living strategies you may have heard about – rainwater harvesting, gardening, low-

water native plants, greywater recycling, and more – into a holistic and sustainable design that will save you money

on utility bills and create beautiful natural habitat. We will also practice the skills and strategies needed for effective

design, such as mapping the natural and human-made forces that affect a site and using simple elevation-finding

tools. Bring a sketch of the site or yard you want to design. $75, $65 members

FEBRUARY

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Thursday, Feb. 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th, 8-9AM Start your day off on the right foot with weekly sessions

of invigorating and centering yoga practice overlooking our beautiful garden setting. Led by Laura Greenlaw, a

certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each one-hour class will include centering

hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will learn to create both flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience

necessary. After class, take time to wander the Gardens (class price includes admission on each class day).

$40, $30 members LANDSCAPE DESIGN USING NATIVE

GRASSES Saturday, Feb. 8, 10-11:30AM Please join multi award-winning landscape designer and

master of landscape architecture, Shelly Ann Abbott, MLA, for Landscape Design Using Native Grasses.

Designing for sustainable desert landscapes is one of the best ways to enjoy our Sonoran Desert. These types of

landscapes are very low water and provide beautiful color and interest year round. An important component of

sustainability for our region is sharing our landscapes with native wildlife. This can be done up close in your outdoor

living space using native grasses. $17, $12 members

4

5

—Winter 2013-2014 Seasonal Classes (con’t)—

Register on line at http://www.tucsonbotanical.org/education/adult-classes-trips/ or call 520-326-9686, ext. 18.

Payment must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop or trip. No refunds will be given if

cancellation is made within seven business days of a class. For questions, or to register by phone with a credit card, call

520-326-9686, ext. 18. Don’t forget: Taking a relevant class at the Gardens counts as continuing education hours

for volunteers!

FEBRUARY

EXOTIC BEAUTIES: BUTTERFLIES OF THE

SOUTHEAST ASIA Wednesday, Feb. 14, 5:30-6:30PM

We showcase the oriental in February. Among the butterflies we’ll explore will be the Atlas Moths that

live such short adult lives, the Mormon butterflies with their great diversity, and the deadleaf butterflies that camouflage so well. We’ll also visit some butterflies

common to Southeast Asia and Indo-Australasia, including revising lacewings. We’ll explore different

habitat requirements for butterflies. $12, $7 members

EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES: BUTTERFLY ROMANTICISM (min. age 17)

Friday, Feb. 14, 5:30-6:30PM Looking to take your date or yourself out for a

distinctive Valentines’ rather than the usual night of staying home and watch romantic movies? Join us for

a fun-filled evening as we explore the courting and mating behavior of butterflies and moths. We dim the

lights and start the music as you experience an unforgettable night. This could be the start to your memorable evening, not too late for dinner plans.

Price includes light refreshments and entrance to Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion after hours.

$22, $18 members Call to receive special pricing for two:

$40, $32 members

BUTTERFLY BASICS

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 4:30-6PM Join Elizabeth Willott, Curator of Butterfly Magic, for

this basic introduction to butterflies. She’ll show some great shots of butterflies from the Gardens and

Butterfly Magic, introduce you to butterfly biology and explore the inner workings of our tropical butterfly

exhibit. Includes an after-hours visit in the Cox Butterfly and Orchid Pavilion.

$12, $7 members

OWLS: RULERS OF THE NIGHT SKIES Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-8PM

Owls have captivated the imagination of mankind for centuries, symbolizing everything from evil and death to

wisdom and protection. In this class we dive into the classification, biology, and conservation of these

nocturnal birds. Can’t tell a Whiskered Screech-Owl from a Western Screech-Owl? We also learn the

identification of owls by sight and sound. Join Jeff Babson of Sky Island Tours for an in depth look at

these remarkable birds. $17, $12 members

LANDSCAPE PAINTING IN THE MANNER

OF JOHN SIGNER SARGENT Monday, Feb. 24 through Thursday, Feb. 27

10AM-4PM Watercolor artist Kath Macaulay is back and ready to

explore the method and the manner of the landscapes of American icon, John Singer Sargent. Working

indoors from photographs and outdoors in the Botanical Gardens grounds, participants utilize pencil

and/or dilute watercolor beginning by drawing only the essence of the landscape subject. The next step

involves intensifying the subject and adding darks to emphasize the light passages and hide distractions, also

employing opaque white and wax resist. Supply list will be provided. Register early, enrollment limited.

$260, $240 members

Purchase your tickets in

the Grove Shop,

between

9:30am-3:00pm

Drawing to be held on

December 18th, 2013.

Thank you for supporting Tucson Botanical Gardens!

THIS BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY CHAIR COULD BE YOURS FOR ONLY $10.00

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Friday, November 29th only!

Black Friday

SALE 20 %

off merchandise

-Discount taken at register.

-Excludes books, clearance and

consignment.

-May not be combined with

Gardens member Discount.

11/29/2013 only.

2150 North Alvernon Way

Tucson, Arizona 85712