To see the iReports footage on the CNN website, visit An Apple A Day. If you attended the festival or enjoy the report, please comment on the CNN site!

Food Garden

• Corylus avellana (common hazelnut or common filbert) -- long pendulous pale yellow male catkins and shorter female catkins with small red nodule on the stem above the catkin. Shed pollen in December and January in Vancouver. Protective measure ensures complete pollen distribution by gradual catkin development on each tree. Wind pollinated.

Native Garden

• Alnus rubra (red alder) -- Catkins develop on bare branches in late winter. Male catkins elongate to about 5 to 10 cm and become dull yellow as they shed pollen in March. Small female catkins are in clusters of 3 to 5 become hard and woody resembling a small conifer cone. Wind pollinated.
• Myrica californica (California wax myrtle) -- Evergreen leaves have black dots. No catkins at this date.
• Myrica gale (sweet gale) -- Deciduous leaves have yellow dots. This is an important nitrogen fixing species.
• Betula papyrifera (white birch, canoe birch) -- Male and female flowers in separate catkins 2 to 4 cm long. Flower at same time before leaves emerge.

Alpine Garden

• Salix gracilistyla 'Melanostachys' (black pussy willow) -- Deciduous. Black catkins with red anthers in early spring before leaves. Dioecious. Insect pollinated.
• Nothofagus antarctica (Antarctic beech) -- no catkins at this date.
• Garrya elliptica (or similar) (silk tassel bush) -- long gray-green male catkins

Discussion on convergent evolution: the process whereby organisms that are not closely related, evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments. A good example of this is the catkin and the cone.

The following file can be viewed if you have Google Earth installed. It includes the locations of the plants we discussed as well as photographs by Randal Mindell. Google Earth Map of Catkin Walk (KMZ file)

Although it was a cold morning, we had a look at the following buds: Ruscus hypoglossum, brussel sprouts, Petasites albus (just emerging from the ground!), Cladrastis kentukea, Quercus macrocarpa, Sorbus decora, Aesculus octandra, Quercus garryana, Acer pensylvanicum, Fraxinus americana 'Royal Purple', Rhus typhina and Cornus kousa.

Acer pensylvanicum: note the stalked buds, typical of the snakebark maples.

Aesculus octandra: just plain cool.

Cornus kousa: these buds are described as turbinate -- wonder why?

Fraxinus americana 'Royal Purple': in the second photograph, note how the branches flatten at the buds.

Rhus typhina:

For this week, I was both the tour guide and videographer, so the video isn't as dynamic as I hope it will be in future postings. Anyway, here's the video snippet of some of the tour:

Here are a few notes (as compiled by one of the tour attendees) from this first FOGs Walk n' Learn.

Location 1: Courtyard & Fence just east of the shop plant centre -- off the main walkway

• Modest snow damage to the Arbutus which had been winter pruned and new shoot growth allowed. There is also some frost damage.
• There is vole damage throughout the beds and the sub-shrubs and perennials will require spring pruning.
• The Nandina is totally brown and will need to be cut right back and allowed to regrow.
• Holboellia vine on the fence is very robust and together with the weight of the snow has brought down the fence
• Some lost branches from the hemlock

Location 2: Moon Gate

• The load of the snow on the Sinocalycanthus pressed it down and revealed a young Schefflera alpina planted by Peter Wharton and apparently totally healthy
• Distylum racemosum has again suffered major damage due to its dense foliage and requires a lot of maintenance. This shrub is due for removal

Location 3: Food Garden

• Broccoli was removed from the Food Garden due to its very strong smell as it rotted under the snow
• Cauliflower was also rotten - unable to withstand the freezing temperatures.

Location 4: Physic Garden

• The yew hedge was almost pushed to the ground by the weight of snow, but rebounded "like a Russian gymnast"!

Location 5: Alpine Garden

• Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' has lost several large branches and will be removed.
• Pinus thunbergii also lost large branches and will probably also be removed.
• Genista tenera was so badly damaged with frost at the centre it has to be removed and will be a great loss to the landscape at that point in the Garden.
• Araucaria angustifolia was planted last year and is still only about a meter high with little root growth - it is completely brown.
• Hebes are not looking very good but will probably survive.
• Leptospermum rupestre has lost several branches and been quite severely pruned
• Eucalyptus coccifera has seemingly responded to the cold weather using its fire response to produce many tiny branches from the main trunks (from cold winters in previous years)
• Grevillea victoriae has been damaged but will survive.

The scent of, possibly, the Azara was very pleasant and strong and the Anna's male hummingbird and his friends were very much in evidence around their favourite grevillea.

Heading over there with camera in tow, I took a few photographs before heading back and reporting to the fine folks at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) that we might have an injured owl in the garden. The drooping right wing and some aberrant behaviour (allowing people to approach it and occasionally sitting on the ground) hinted to me that something wasn't quite right.

The animal care people at OWL suggested that it might have a bruised or broken wing:

If bruised, I was told it should recover eventually. In the meantime, staff are keeping an eye out for the owl to help ensure it is perched in trees, etc.

If the wing is broken, I was told that the owl will eventually weaken to the point where it can be captured and sent for care and rehab. It will be found on the ground and unable to fly to a perch.

So, the staff are keeping an eye out for the owl now (it went into hiding as of late yesterday afternoon). If you're visiting the garden and you spot it on the ground or appearing to be in some difficulty, do inform a staff member, so one of us can investigate and call OWL if the owl is in need of care. Thank you!

I was away, unfortunately, so I won't repeat the announcement of his passing here as it is no longer timely. It can be read on his web page, however: Peter Wharton (In Memoriam).

The garden has established a memorial fund to honour Peter. Please read the letter from the garden's acting director, Douglas Justice, below:

Dear Friends:

Peter Wharton had a long and productive career with UBC Botanical Garden. Throughout the past 30 years, he was instrumental in developing the David C. Lam Asian Garden, one of the highlights of the Botanical Garden.

In honour of his contributions to horticulture, and in consultation with this family, we have established the Peter Wharton Memorial Fund. We would like to grow this fund to be able to host an annual lecture that would bring a distinguished speaker to lecture on topics such as plant conservation and biodiversity. We feel this would be a fitting tribute to Peter, who will be remembered for his love of plants.

If you would like to contribute to the Peter Wharton Memorial Fund, please see below for instructions. Questions can be directed to Maryn Ellis, Development Officer, UBC Annual Fund maryn.ellis@ubc.ca or 604-822-5345).

Donate by cheque:
Cheques should be made out to the University of British Columbia with Peter Wharton Memorial Fund written in the memo section.

Mail to:
UBC Annual Giving
Attn: Maryn Ellis
500-5950 University Boulevard
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

Online by credit card:
http://www.supporting.ubc.ca/givingoptions/commemorative.php

Indicate Peter Wharton Memorial Fund in the "I prefer to donate to" field. You should also add Peter Wharton in the "Name of Person you Wish to Commemorate" field.

Donate by phone:
604-822-8900
toll-free in North America at 1-877-717-GIVE

U.S. Donations:
Checks should be made out to the American Foundation for the University of British Columbia with Peter Wharton Memorial Fund written in the memo section.

Mail to:
The American Foundation for UBC
1718 M Street N.W. #155
Washington, D.C 20036-4504
USA

Vegetables

Bean ‘Painted Lady’ abundant beans and attractive flowers  

Broccoli ‘Gypsy’ reliable, many smaller side shoots into the winter after the main heads are harvested  

Cauliflower ‘Cheddar’ lovely orange colours  

Beet ‘Chioggia’ reliable performer at UBC  

Cabbage ‘Mellissa’ hardy variety, suitable for the winter garden, very reliable  

Cucumber ‘Salad Bush’ great in containers  

Tomato ‘Sweet Million’ cherry tomato, loads of fruit, resistant to late blight  

Pac Choi ‘Joi Choi’ very white stalks, grows quickly  

Kohlrabi ‘Kongo’ grows quickly  

Lettuce ‘Mesclun, Cooks Mild Mix’ big fan of leaf lettuce salad blends that can be harvested young, cut and cut again as they keep on growing  

Fruit

Strawberry ‘Totem’ most common for a reason, reliable  

Blueberry ‘November Glow’ good sized berry, a little later fruit and great fall colour  

Raspberry ‘Kitsilano’ large fruit, won our student taste-testing a couple of years ago  

Raspberry ‘Nootka’ very good, sweet, large fruit  

Fig ‘Brown Turkey’ grown all over the Lower Mainland  

Kiwi (Chinese gooseberry) ‘Annasnaja’ will ripen on vine, very sweet, less vigorous than large fuzzy fruit varieties  

Plum ‘Cannor Gold Plum’ delicious, golden-yellow fruit  

Pear ‘Aurora’ consistently good crops  

Apple ‘Melba’ softer than some varieties but great flavour, some disease resistance  

Apple ‘Gravenstein’ old variety, large fruit, crisp  

From the home page of the new site:

John Davidson (1878–1970), also known as “Botany John,” was a Canadian botanist, educator and conservationist who touched many lives through his teachings and public lectures.

His accomplishments include the creation of the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden, the University of British Columbia Herbarium and the Vancouver Natural History Society.

Expansive documentation of the life and work of this avid photographer and diligent record-keeper resides in the University of British Columbia Archives, the City of Vancouver Archives, the University of British Columbia Herbarium and the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden.

Read about John Davidson and his achievements, browse through over 5,000 digitized objects and dive into his work and presentations. The activities section will take you on a 1927 botanical exploration of Garibaldi Park and allow you to hand-tint some of Botany John’s digital lantern slides, while the learning aids will help you understand the technical jargon and provide helpful facts about herbaria and lantern slides. Explore and learn!

And some previews!

On Saturday October 27, 2007, UBC Botanical Garden held the 2nd Annual Boootiful Botany Haunted Halloween Event.

This is a spooktacular event where children and their families use a map to search the Garden for a series of trick or treat plant stations. At each plant station they are greeted by a volunteer who stamps their map, shares unique botanical information about the plant at that station, and hands out Halloween treats. Following this scavenger hunt, the children also enjoyed a series of Halloween crafts and games. As with last year, the event was a great success with 730 community members of all ages in attendance, decked out in weird and wonderful Halloween costumes.

My sincere thanks goes to all of our volunteers whose enthusiasm and help are integral to the continued success of educational community events at the Garden. The 2007 Boootiful Botany Haunted Halloween Event was supported by the assistance of 31 UBC student volunteers. Some of these student volunteers were international students that were new to Canada and eager to help so that they could experience their first North American Halloween celebration.

Thank-you also to our staff volunteers, which included:

Ingrid Hoff, Jodi and Natalie Simkin & Family, Jackie Chambers, Mindy Li, Patrizia Todaro, Lindsay McGhee, Raakel Toppila

And thank-you to our event sponsors:

HENRY EDDIE FOUNDATION, AUTOPLAN BROKERS (Alexander Park & Associates Ltd, Axis Insurance, Kitsilano Insurance Agency Ltd, Deak Agencies Ltd, William Parton Agency Ltd, Winram Insurance Ltd, Vanguard Insurance Brokers Ltd), FORSTBAUER FARM, UBC BOTANICAL GARDEN

Please enjoy the photos and feedback below! Thank-you to Lindsay McGhee for the wonderful photos!

“My husband and 4 year old son had a wonderful time and they enjoyed all aspects of the event. My husband was impressed by the students who were running the event, as they were enthusiastic and very good with the kids. My son really liked the scavenger hunt and when he got home he was able to describe almost all the plants that he found on the hunt. He kept the map because he wants to go back to the Garden again to see the plants that he found. It was nice to see him so excited about plants.”

“This was a great event. Our daughter, who is just 4 years old, loved all of it. She is so interested in everything to do with nature. You made it fun and informative. It was well thought out with the stamps, so that the kids could make sure they saw everything. Well done.”

“Dear Nadine, I went with my two boys (3 and 5). The boys loved the treasure hunt style, and exploring the small trails in the garden. They were excited by the licorice fern, the candy tree, the story of the Jack-O-Lantern, the activity centre and the crafts. The volunteers were exceptionally enthusiastic and welcoming. And there was even candy! The event was a bigger hit than Halloween night itself. We will definitely come next year if it is on.”

“It was great having someone at every stop with info or a story about the tree/plant. Of course, the kids enjoyed the treats too. The feeling boxes were well done and it was great to get the small pumpkins from the garden to decorate. The jack o lantern story was well done, and the games and crafts were an added bonus to the walk around the garden.”

“Hi Nadine, My husband took our 5-year-old granddaughter. They both thought it was a wonderful event! It was a high interest introduction to the garden and plants for our granddaughter. The scavenger hunt keeps interest going, and it was a pleasant and enjoyable time for the adults as well.”

This is always a really, really fun family event. These photos were taken this morning just as the set up was getting started.

Please click here to read all about this year's Apple Festival (including details on how to arrive by public transit or car). There are lots of activities scheduled, and the weather people are forecasting a perfect weekend--we hope that you can make it!

It might not look exciting to most people, but we are thrilled by this generous donation.

We have been given a huge amount of chipped wood that has allowed us to improve unsafe pathways and to get control of the weeds in some difficult areas. Here are a few photos of Brendan and Chris using the donated wood chips to rebuild Upper Asian Way in the Asian Garden. We have also used many, many loads of these chips to mulch the new beds in the Carolinian Forest.

Horticultural Manager Ingrid Hoff explains: "the mulch has come from South Campus and is part of a sustainability initiative spearheaded by UBC Properties Trust. By locally re-using raw materials, which must be removed from the area on south campus due to neighborhood development, truck traffic and carbon emissions are greatly reduced. We are grateful for the support of Al Poettcker, Rob Wood and Paul Young."

A big thank you from all of us!

We are very fortunate to have found these four great people.

Gemma, Mia, Shasta and Shalea are all graduate students in the UBC Landscape Architecture Program. They are doing a fantastic job in caring for the garden and we hope that their work here helps with their future careers (and their tuition).

"If the weeds don't grow, whatcha gonna hoe?"

We've decided that the horticulturists here need a catchy saying to challenge Tom's popular turf-centric motto that I wrote about earlier this week. Tony had a shot at it. I'm thinking hard about it. I wonder if there are any plant lovers out there that could help us out?