Originally Published In The Deseret News -- Wednesday, May 19, 1993
Landmark Near U. Is Place To Walk And Reflect Or See New And Unusual Plants.
Larry A. Sagers is a horticulturist with the Utah State University Extension Service.
Tulips near a pond with waterfall in the background are among numerous features of Red Butte Garden.
Also on display are tree collections, a wildflower meadow, an ornamental grass garden and natural areas.
The beauty of gardens is expressed in many ways. For some, gardens are quiet places to walk and reflect, for others there are new and unusual plants to experience, while others appreciate flowers blended with beautiful, natural environments. These and many other surprises are waiting for those who have not visited Red Butte Garden and Arboretum.
Located at the mouth of historic Red Butte Canyon, "The Garden" is a refreshing and educational experience. This beautiful planting is just through Fort Douglas, east of the University of Utah baseball field. This beautiful, natural setting is a perfect site. The canyon has been closed to public access since 1862 when Col. Patrick Conner established Fort Douglas, but the garden's beautiful ponds and waterfalls are fed by the water from Red Butte Creek.
Established in 1931 by Walter P. Cottam, the arboretum's first plantings were made near the Museum of Natural History. Since that time, collections have spread throughout the campus and beyond on more than 15,000 acres, with more than 8,000 trees and shrubs of more than 300 species or varieties. There are numerous tree collections, including beeches, birches, conifers, dwarf conifers, roses and the Cottam hybrid oaks.
Garden features include an extensive dwarf conifer collection, perennial gardens, water gardens, a wildflower meadow, a daylily display garden, an ornamental grass garden and natural areas. Annual flowers add color to the seasonal landscapes and offer delightful ideas for blending plant materials into the landscape.
Red Butte Garden is a tribute to the many dedicated staff members. Under the direction of Mary Pat Matheson, it has been funded and built by private donations and continues to expand each year. It is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. until dark, and guided tours are available by special arrangement. An extensive docent and garden volunteer program helps visitors utilizing the gardens each day.
Many other educational opportunities include the Thursday Garden-Get-Togethers, held each Thursday from June through September. These luncheon getaways run from noon to 1:30 p.m. Featured topics this year include xeriscaping, organic gardening, pest controls, bulbs, alpine plants and perennials, as well as tasteful, colorful summer fruits. Concerts for both youth and adults are performed throughout the summer.
The gardens' annual fund-raising sale is Saturday, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity to find some unusual plant materials for Utah and even pick up a bargain or two. If you would like more information on these beautiful gardens and how to take advantage of educational opportunities, call 581-IRIS. For additional information write them at 390 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
Avid or reluctant gardeners will all enjoy a visit to the garden. It is an exhilarating experience to visit several times throughout the year. The beautifully changing seasons are a sight to behold as the garden changes with the passing months. Take time to enjoy solitude, unusual plants, educational offerings or one of the many other opportunities available at these beautiful gardens.
- THE WASATCH CHAPTER of the American Rock Garden Society is holding a founding meeting Thursday, May 20, at the Red Butte Garden and Arboretum offices, 390 Wakara Way, Room 331, Salt Lake City. Call 581-5322 for more information.
- CODLING MOTH spray for wormy apples needs to be applied this weekend. Use Imidan every 14-21 days or Diazinon every 7-10 days. Next week's article will be on reducing pesticides in fruit. Last week's chart on nectarines had a typesetting error. The nectarine descriptions were shifted. For a corrected list, call 468-3170 or write USU Extension Office, 2001 S. State, S1200, Salt Lake City, UT 84190-6350.
© 1998 Deseret News Publishing Co.