...brought to you by the CNPS San Diego Chapter's Native Gardening Committee.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Disease prone?

Chitalpa tashkentensis

Has anyone got any info about this cross between Catalpa bignonioides (Southern catalpa), not the most desirable shade tree, and Chilopsis linearis, (Desert willow)? It isn't strictly a native, but people are using it since it is a "son of" and supposedly resistant to mildew.

I decided to grow one in my garden, and it did wind up getting mildew late last year - I think, though, it was because I had just planted a number of new one-gallon and 4 inch potted plants around it and there may have been extra moisture in the air.

Somewhere on the listserv I thought someone had said there were disease problems?

Any info, ideas or help?

Thursday, June 27, 2013

San Diego Fair Native Garden













These pictures were from the garden that Greg Rubin's company, along with the San Diego Botanical Garden, installed at the San Diego Fair. I thought you might like some more detailed photos, just to show off the stylish good looks!

Love that bonsai Lemonadeberry!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

CNPS Horticulture Program Director job posting

Very exciting news - CNPS has funded a new position CNPS Horticulture Program Director.

Here is the job description from Dan Gluesenkamp:


Horticulture Program Director
Job Announcement
June 2013


About CNPS

Founded in 1965, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a science‐based non‐profit organization
dedicated to increasing understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants, and to conserving them
and their natural habitats. The Society’s administrative and technical staff facilitates and supports the work of
the chapters and implements statewide programs. The Society is headquartered in Sacramento. CNPS has
more than 9,300 members organized in 34 chapters, including the newly‐formed Baja California Chapter.

CNPS Native Plant Horticulture Program
While the Horticulture Program Director is a new staff position, native plant gardening and horticulture have
been fundamental to CNPS since the earliest days of the organization. Chapter plant sales are important
fundraising tools. Garden tours and Horticulture Symposia have attracted hundreds of new members. CNPS
promotion of native plant horticulture has resulted in broad acceptance of the concept, and thousands of
individuals and businesses are now involved in native plant gardening. CNPS will continue these successful
activities, while reinvesting in native plant gardening resources and initiatives that inspire and serve long‐term
conservation of our precious plants and plant communities.

Job Summary
CNPS is seeking a Horticulture Program Director who will be an articulate and inspiring advocate for California
native plant horticulture. The Horticulture Program Director is a new staff position, and the successful
applicant will help chart the course of California’s oldest and most recognized native plant gardening program.
The successful candidate will join a growing professional staff and be part of a committed team that includes
hundreds of smart and dedicated volunteers. This position requires an organized, highly collaborative,
strategic individual. He/she will collaborate to update CNPS native plant horticulture strategies and program
goals, and will lead in developing ongoing financial support to maintain this important position. The Director
will support existing chapter horticulture activities (including trainings, symposia, garden tours, nurseries),
while working with leaders to share successful models and develop new initiatives. He/she will work with
other CNPS staff to develop outreach materials and communication tools, including assisting with publication
of horticulture books and supervising the completion of an online horticulture database.

The Horticulture Program Director must work closely with CNPS chapters and members to listen to their needs
and to support and coordinate the numerous successful CNPS horticulture projects underway throughout the
state. The Director will work closely with CNPS staff, partners, and volunteers to: integrate horticulture into
other CNPS programs; to apply conservation and plant science in shaping the horticulture program; and to
maintain the excellence of the organization. He/she also communicates with a wide range of organizational
and agency partners, and collaborates with these partners to promote the appropriate use of native plants in
gardens and landscaping throughout California.
Duties and Responsibilities

Program growth and development
 Serve as the primary point of contact for the CNPS horticultural program.
 Collaborate with a variety of partners and stakeholders (including CNPS horticulture program committee,
staff, and volunteers) to develop vision for the CNPS Horticulture Program, update program goals, and
develop strategy.
 Implement goals and strategy, in partnership with CNPS chapters and partners.
 Develop science‐based standards and guidelines for appropriate native plant horticulture.
 Engage with agencies, districts, and organizations to build partnerships that promote widespread and
appropriate use of native plants.
 Develop funding proposals, apply for grants, and engage donors to obtain funding for the Horticulture
Program Director position and for key Horticulture Program projects.

Communications and Outreach
 Become a public voice on horticultural topics, translating scientific concepts into everyday language and
compelling calls to action.
 Coordinate delivery of trainings and workshops, including the very successful CNPS Horticulture Symposia.
 Promote CNPS horticulture activities and events, including providing guidance in maintaining the CNPS
horticulture events calendar.
 Publicize program and activities, including assisting with and coordinating development of press releases
and articles, and supporting a speaker’s bureau serving monthly chapter programs.
 Work with partners to gather and disseminate the information and successful protocols that has been
developed by CNPS chapters and others, for the benefit of the general public.
 Maintain current and relevant information on the CNPS website Horticulture area, and coordinate
volunteer writers to develop articles about native plant horticulture for CNPS publications including
Fremontia, Bulletin and eNews.
 Lead the development of a web‐based interactive online horticulture database that makes the wealth of
CNPS horticulture information available to the gardening public.
 Serve as point of contact for CNPS Press projects involving native plant horticulture, and help the
Publications Committee identify valuable book projects in that topic area.

Support members and chapters
 Provide information, assistance, and support to chapter‐based horticulture efforts.
 Represent chapter and volunteer needs across the organization.
 Maintain excellent awareness of chapter horticulture projects and activities, and coordinate sharing of
tools and approaches among chapters.
 Provide support to chapter newsletter editors and program chairs to ensure they have abundant material
focused on native plant horticulture.

Job Qualifications
 Bachelor’s with a minimum of two year of experience in a comparable position, or minimum of five years
of experience in lieu of Bachelor’s degree.
 Knowledge of native plants throughout California.
 A proven record demonstrating broad knowledge of commercial and noncommercial aspects of native
plant horticulture, including at least some of the following: home gardening, school gardens, plant
selection, availability in the trade, landscaping design and installation, plant propagation, nursery
management, plant sales, botanic gardens or arboreta, design industry private sector companies, private
sector landscaping companies, community and homeowners associations.
 Understanding of conservation benefits and concerns associated with native plant gardening, including
genetics and hybridization, phytosanitation, and tradeoffs associated with ex situ conservation.
 Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with people of different backgrounds.
 Skill at scoping projects and developing successful funding proposals. Skill at communicating with
discriminating and committed donors to ensure continued support.
 Ability to independently and efficiently plan and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
 Ability to communicate the value and benefits of native plant horticulture, in public presentations and in
writing, to a diversity of audiences.
 Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to translate scientific concepts into everyday
language and compelling calls to action, and enthusiasm for communicating with chapters and others
about the program and about gardening with natives.

Additional Desired Skills
 Fluency in Spanish or other languages spoken by California gardeners and horticulture professionals.
 Familiarity with website, web database, web map user interfaces and design.

Physical Requirements
The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met, and reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This
job requires prolonged sitting and use of computer and mouse. It also requires ability to participate in field
trips, including walking uneven trails with variable grade of several miles in length.

Additional Job Requirements
 Working with volunteers and partners requires travel throughout California. Work travel is reimbursed.
 Some evening and weekend work is required to meet deadlines or to participate in meetings.
 A valid California driver’s license and proof of car insurance are required, provided annually.

Status
This is an exempt, permanent, full time staff position eligible for benefits.

Supervision
The Horticulture Program Director works under supervision of the CNPS Executive Director.

Compensation and benefits
Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience. CNPS offers benefits that are competitive
with non‐profit organizations of comparable size, including full payment of employee health insurance
premiums, retirement match, and paid vacation.

To Apply
Please email cover letter and resume to Dan Gluesenkamp at dan@CNPS.org.
Subject line of email should read “Horticulture job application.”
This is a full time, Sacramento‐based position. Please explain in cover letter if you seek special arrangements
such as location other than Sacramento area, job sharing, part time, or unusual working hours.
Position is open until filled. Review of applications begins July 9, 2013.

The California Native Plant Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Friday, June 21, 2013

Hubbell Tour and Native Gardens

Buckwheat in bloom

Nice Dudleya in a rock-enclosed raised bed
Last weekend I went on the Ilan-Lael Foundation Tour of the James and Anne Hubbell property in northern San Diego County. Above Santa Ysabel, this 40 acre paradise is their home and the Hubbell art studio. It is also home to their foundation, Ilan-Lael, which is an art education and nature center.

Much of the surrounding area is maritime chaparral, and Dick Miller, our CNPS volunteer who did such great work on the 212 Conservation Conference, was there to lead guided walks of the surroundings. He pointed out Penstemon in bloom, Sambucus coming into blossom, and other delights. I took a ton of pictures (of still-varying quality) and posted them at my web site, if you'd like to glance through them.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Did you see this???

Greg and Lucy made the Union-Tribune Garden Section Front Page!

photo courtesy SD Union Tribune


The lovely Japanese-inspired Demonstration Garden is a knockout!

Please check it out at the San Diego County Fair through July 4th and drool over the beauty and style.

As you may know, we are encouraging more stylized gardens to show off the full range of potential for native plants. If you have examples of other more formally styled gardens, please send pix to gardening@cnpssd.org and we'll post them.


Sunset Cliffs Linear Park Project

Dave Flietner asked me to blog about his project: The Sunset Cliffs Linear Park Project.

This project is to make a garden on the ocean side cliffs where, today, there's just bare dirt. We are going to transform this spot into something that is worthy of its location at the north tip of Sunset Cliffs.

This project is part of the CNPS Gardening Committee - and Dave has done a great job of partnering with San Diego Parks, CalNative and the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council. The Natural Park Council is the entity that encompasses the entire cliffside area.

Our project is a subset of that park.

Our goal is to demonstrate that native plants can make beautiful gardens that are in tune with their environment while being cheaper and easier to maintain than standard gardens.  At the same time, we want to enhance this site as a place to gather and enjoy the scenic cliffs and the ocean.

Explore this site to learn what we've done so far, what we have planned, and how you can participate.

Here is what we want you to do: Adopt A Plant. Click on the link, pick out your favorites and use PayPal to buy the plant for the Park. Tax deductible contribution!

Thanks!

Oh, and if you have any comments or ideas, please send a note to us at gardening@cnpssd.org

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

More San Diego County Fair News!

We've got two speaking engagements coming up at the San Diego County Fair:

I'm on deck this Friday afternoon at 4 PM, thanks to Lucy Warren. My topic is "Coastal Native Landscaping" so drop on by the Flower Show Stage if you are around then.

Lucy and Greg Rubin will discuss and sign their book, “The California Native Landscape,” at
4 PM next Tuesday, June 25, at the Flower Show Stage.

Both of these are free with fair admission.


Friday, June 14, 2013

More Pix from the Book Party

My sister, Tara Hoffman, took these photos at the Book Party last month. I finally got around to asking for them and now can post:

Susan Marchetti put on a beautiful buffet spread

Welcoming sign - this is the place! We themed the decorations to the colors on the cover of Greg and Lucy's book.






Sue's patio late in the evening

Bottle tree amongst the natives

Native garden

Gathering around the authors


Earlier in the day, Clayton Tschudy and Lucy Warren in the foreground.  Denyse Beaudet and Royal Fraser in the background. 



Pete di Girolamo in the middle. 

Native garden after sunset.





Thursday, June 13, 2013

Last Night's Meeting

Arne Johanson, Will Johnson, Sue Marchetti discussing Fall Workshop (Symposium - what SHALL we call it?)


Dave Flietner shows progress on the Sunset Cliffs Linear Park to Greg Rubin and Arne Johanson

Susan Krzywicki contemplates the increasing number of volunteer hours while Lee Gordon, Dave Flietner and Greg Rubin talk about projects
We had another great meeting last night - our gracious host, Hei-Och Kim showed off her lovely new native front garden and her productive back vegetable garden. It was warm and it was a nice dusky time of day as we arrived. We sat on her patio and ate vegetarian chili (she says the secret is mole sauce - I thought it was stellar) and talked about upcoming projects and ideas:

San Diego Native Garden Tour - we are working to group gardens together to make it easier for attendees to take in several gardens in one short stretch. It is complicated in a county as large as San Diego!

Fall Symposium - shall we call it a workshop? We batted around ideas about naming it, our target audience and topics. Gosh, we have lots of rich content and great speakers.

Peter St. Clair (in absentia) suggested we work on some sort of app for public garden access. This struck a chord and Steve Miller started to tell us that Quick Response (QR) codes - those funny symbols that started as supermarket scanner icons - would be the perfect vehicle. Greg Rubin suggested we build on Las Pilitas's encyclopedic site and we are now starting to think about how to accomplish this. It is a long-term project and I look forward to lots of involvement from the gardening community.

Those are just some of the highlights. I'll post info on the next meeting in the newsletter and here, once we get the details set.

Thanks to Lee Gordon for joining us - his first time! Attendees: Pete di Girolamo, Dave Flietner, Arne Johanson, Will Johnson, Hei-Ock Kim, Susan Krzywicki, Susan Lewitt, Sue Marchetti, Steve Miller, and Greg Rubin. Lucy Warren tried to make it after working a very long day as Garden Program Head Honcho at the fair...and a few more people were absent but there in spirit.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Sustainable Scripps Ranch

Joyce Cary, Lee Gordon and Sarah Schneewind helped generate interest in CNPS at the recent Sustainable Scripps Ranch Community Fair.

I somehow missed taking a picture of Lee, but did get these shots of Joyce and Sarah and our booth:

Sarah Schneewind and Joyce Cary

Sarah Schneewind and Joyce Cary


Sneak Preview...

Jake Sibley may think it is a bit soon, so here goes anyway...I feel so excited about this project: The Fall Symposium. We now have a website and we are actively setting up the registration system and looking for sponsors and volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer to help, please send a note to gardening@cnpssd.org and we'll get you connected.




Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Gardening Committee Meeting on the 12th

Our next Gardening Committee meeting will be on June 12th - Hei-Ock Kim will be hosting.

The big topics:


  • making a Fall Symposium
  • 2014 Garden Tour


And we will have lots of catch=up items. so please plan to attend. If you would like an invite, please email me at gardening@cnpssd.org and I'll email you address, information and add you to the overall list.