November 2011 - Conejo Valley Botanical Garden

Photo by Leah Waltzer
Photo by Pat Carlson
Silk Floss Tree
(Chorisia speciosa)
Orange Clock Vine
(Thunbergia gregorii)
November in the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Along the upper service road can be found lovely stands of Mexican Bush Sage and a Silk Floss Tree, a lovely
intermingling of lavenders and pinks. The Kids’ Adventure Garden is rich in color this time of year. Look for
masses of Orange Clock Vine under the tree house, Salvia Waverly, Lion’s Tail, Shrimp Plant and many of the
salvias, including a favorite, Hot Lips!
Next to the Nursery is a stunning Silk Floss Tree in full bloom. A native of South America, it is resistant to
drought and grows fast when water is abundant, sometimes reaching 82 feet in height. Easy to identify, it’s
unique trunk is studded with thick conical prickles, and when young, the trunk is green.
Many visitors to the Kids’ Adventure Garden ask about the brilliant mass of orange blossoms underneath the
treehouse. Well here’s the scoop! It’s the Orange Clock Vine, discovered by Swedish botanist Karl Peter
Thunberg, who found them on his travels to Java and Japan. These vigorous, fast growing vines can drape
arbors and porches. Most need full sun, especially in coastal areas, but can take some partial shade.
-Sandy KrutilekA Bit About Plant Identification
For clarity of identity, plants have at least two names, a scientific one, (genus) which is followed by the
(species) which denotes the variety. For example, Salvia chamaedryoides.
Salvia, the genus is followed by the epithet, chamaedryoides, the variety, a real tongue twister.
Thankfully, common names are found on labels along with formal designations to assist us with our selections
when we are plant shopping. Just imagine how confusing it can become when two plants share the same
common name, which happens. The word sage for instance is part of the Salvia chamaedryoides' identification,
i.e. Germander Sage, though it is a salvia. Salvias are sages, but not all sages are salvias. Jerusalem Sage is a
common name for Phlomis fruticosa. Scientific names provide the distinction. Happily, gardeners can choose
plants that appeal to them and suit their landscapes while the nurserymen confirm the scientific identifications
to keep the records straight.
Barbara Song, CVBG Volunteer
What’s In a Name?
by Diane Conejo
Tropaeolum majus
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum, that is a mouthful! And it is one of those plants that is not only a stunner in your garden, it is also
edible and sustainable. Thomas Jefferson called the plant “Indian cress” and the leaves, stems, and flowers
contain mustard oils that provide the peppery flavor which adds excitement and color to any salad. Even the
seedpods, when green, can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers. When mature, they can be roasted.
(Information gleaned from Jefferson’s Garden by Peter Loewer)
Nasturtium is from the Latin word meaning “twisted nose”; you can remember it as ‘nasty -tortium’ which
refers to someone with a twisted nose who tastes something pungent! So, that takes care of the flavor of the
plant, but what is the Botanical moniker all about? To Carl Linnaeus, the venerable horticulturist/scientist who
gave many plants their names, the broad circular leaves suggested a battle shield and the flower heads of
warriors’ helmets or a golden trophy that is awarded for victory in battle. (You can sense where his mind was at
the time!) This free association resulted in Tropaeolum majus which actually means, “a large trophy”.
While taking a Botany class, I learned that many flowers display contrasting markings that direct visiting
insects and hummingbirds to the sweet liquid called nectar. I had known about the nectar, but sometimes we
miss what is right there in front of us. The nectar guides are present on many plants and often are actually
shaped like arrows, a curving path of colored dots, or perhaps a brilliant star or bull’s eye at the flower’s center.
When we take time to notice, we see many examples of this amazingly simple plan to aid in pollination.
Sunday Plant Sales
Gold Flame Honeysuckle Vine
Lonicera x heckrottii ‘Gold Flame’
Our featured plant this month is the Gold Flame Honeysuckle
Vine, a fast growing, hardy vine that takes full sun to partial
shade. The fragrant, showy flowers that last from spring to fall,
attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Plant sales are held every Sunday at the CVBG from
10:30-2:30 in the area next to the Kids' Adventure Garden,
located at 350 W. Gainsborough Rd. California natives, hardy,
water wise perennials, shrubs, trees and succulents, reasonably
priced are available. CVBG volunteers will be happy to help
you with selections and share their expertise.
Salvia ‘Waverly’
Photo by Pat Carlson
Birthday Parties
The birthday parties held at the KAG on Saturdays have become very popular. So popular that Betty needs
more volunteers to give her some help. It is a lot of fun and not too much work. Sometimes the kids come in
costumes, depending on what the 'theme' of the party may be. The adults set up and take down the tables and
chairs. There is a donation to use the garden. You help by keep your eyes on the kids as they get excited about
having a party at the KAG. Sometimes you even get a piece of birthday cake. If you are willing to help by
giving a few hours of your time, give Betty a call at 1-818-889-0560.
Want to Help us Grow?
Do you love Conejo Valley Botanic Garden and would like to help, but just don't have the time to volunteer?
Even though much of the work you see going on in the garden is done by volunteers, we still have expenses for
planting, heavy pruning and new improvements. These projects are funded through grants and donations from
the community. If you would like to help us grow, tax deductible donations are always welcome and may be
made out and sent to Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, PO Box 6614, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359. Thanks for all
your support!
Conejo Valley Botanic Garden Needs You!
The Garden is managed and maintained by community volunteers. Without your help, the garden cannot thrive.
None of the volunteer positions at CVBG has a minimum number of volunteer hours attached. If you can help
for a few hours a month, great! For more information on any of our volunteer opportunities, please go to our
web site at www.conejogarden.org and click “Volunteers.”
WE CURRENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS:
Assistant to the Volunteer Coordinator: Help recruit new volunteers and match them with garden jobs they
might enjoy.
Adopt A Garden: We have an ongoing need for volunteers to join the teams working in our theme gardens.
Days and hours are flexible so give us a call.
Garden Nursery: There is no better way to lean about California native and water wise plants than to join the
teams working in the propagation and sales nurseries.
The Kids Adventure Garden: KAG is open from 11:00 to 3:00 each Sunday. Docents welcome families to
the garden, answer questions and ensure everyone is safe and has fun. You will train with an experienced
Docent. You can sign up for one shift a month or as many as you want.
Email: [email protected] .
For information and directions to the garden, visit our web site at www.conejogarden.org.
November 2011