A South African Bulb Garden<\/strong> will be encircled by bright and vibrant amaryllids,\nand highlighted by the full spectrum of fire-adapted geophytes in mass bloom!\nThe \u201camaryllids,\u201d which we assume refers to South African members of the\nAmaryllis family, includes genera that some Monterey Bay area gardeners already\nknow and treasure: , e.g., Amaryllis, Clivia, Crinum, Nerine, and others. South\nAfrica\u2019s Cape Region is also the home of 2,100 species of geophytes, includes\nsome that only flower or germinate after burning. The fire-adapted geophytes\noccur within six plant families; we will have to see which species the\nArboretum selects for this colorful Bulb Garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Maze Garden<\/strong>, in which 6- to 8-foot-tall Restio species form a\ntraditional labyrinth. Restios are perennial rush-like flowering plants<\/a> native\nto South Africa. This unique feature promises an intriguing experience for\ngarden visitors of all ages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Grove of Silver Trees<\/strong>, growing among colorful waves of heathers. Silver\nTrees (Leucadendron argenteum) are striking evergreen<\/a> tree<\/a>s with\nsilky leaves<\/a> that\nhave a distinct silvery sheen produced by dense velvety hairs. These trees\nare short-lived, and are now a rare and endangered species in South Africa. For\nmany years, the Arboretum has grown Silver Trees in the South Africa Garden. A\nnew grove of these extraordinary trees will present a magical environment. It\ncould be a very appealing site for Weddings in the Arb!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Arboretum hosted a special event to launch this renovation project. The South Africa Garden Party happened from 5:00 \u2013 7:00 p.m. on UCSC\u2019s Giving Day, Wednesday, February 27th<\/sup>, in the Arboretum\u2019s Hort II Building. Attendees heard the Arboretum director’s inspiration and vision for the project. Alice in Wonderland costumes and games sparked their creative, whimsical side. Some attendees even came home with a wild hat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Donations will go towards the education of twenty UCSC students in horticulture, plant biodiversity, and the practice of public garden management. Their work will advance the completion of this important project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In September 2019 donors will be invited to a special reception showcasing the artfully and expertly constructed garden displays, along with an insider’s peek at how it all came together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This extraordinary project will revitalize a significant horticultural resource for the Monterey Bay area and all of California. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here\u2019s a fascinating advancement in local garden development: the Arboretum & Botanic Garden at the University of California, Santa Cruz has launched a complete renovation of its South Africa Garden. Over at least the next seven months, this project will … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/ongardening.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Silver-Tree-Leucodendron-argenta-by-Bill-Bishop.jpg?fit=584%2C438\")
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