A PUBLICATION OF PORTLAND’S BOTANIC GARDEN SPRING 2020 - Updated

LE A C H GARDEN NEWS
english tea plant sale
Cancelled summer theater camps CANCELLED
MARK YOUR
Check web for fun CANCELLED Virtual plant Sale
CALENDAR:
option coming soon underway on the web!

In accordance with social distancing protocols in place to fight COVID 19,

all Leach Garden activities and classes are CANCELLED through June. The IN THIS ISSUE
Gift Shop and Manor House will also be closed. Please check the website to
confirm that events scheduled after June can go forward as planned. Spring 2020 .........................1
The Garden remains open. See page 2 for a fun way to safely explore spring
in the garden with your family. Classes & Events..................2

Summer Theater Camps ....4

Spring 2020 New Board Members .........4
Lovely an d subtle changes amid construction
Construction Update..........4
In the course of my daily duties at Leach, it’s a pleasure to share observations and feelings
Skunk Cabbage an
associated with the transition from winter to spring. On one occasion, the arrival of ruby-
crowned kinglets was discussed; on another, it was the emergence of false Solomon’s seal. I am Invasive Plant? ................... 5
so fortunate to have an intimate link with the elements of this garden, and to share them with
Business Sponsors...............5
others. Here are some of the noteworthy sights worth seeing in this spring of 2020.
Message from the Executive

Photo: Scott Hoelscher

The construction activities that began last August disturbed
much of our landscape, but it also created opportunities to
Director ............................... 6
transplant a great number of plants to areas that are
New Friends & Donors...... 7
underplanted or rather ordinary. Eighteen shrubs
(Rhododendron, Edgeworthia, Acer pentaphyllum, and more) and New Board Members ........ 7
several dozen Pacific Coast Iris hybrids were moved to new
locations in the upper garden. Many are pushing new growth as I Join Leach Garden
write this. In addition, I relocated approximately 200 Friends ......................7
Erythronium (fawn/trout lilies) and Trillium plants. Erythroniums
are out in force and grouped in the riparian zone, near the First Section of
entrance kiosk, and south of the Carriage House. Tree Walk.....................8
Erythronium oregonum
Overgrown plants have also received attention, particularly
those surrounding the Manor House. The large patch of black
bamboo and neighboring shrubs, the Mahonia ‘Arthur Menzies’, the winter jasmine, and
Leucothoe (dog hobble) have been aggressively pruned. The result is conspicuous, with
improved views and sunlight penetration.
Photo: Scott Hoelscher

Finally, I am excited to report a newly identified fungal

resident on the property. Of all the splendid varieties of Pacific
Northwest mushrooms I’ve encountered, the types commonly
called elfin saddles are very compelling. I stumbled upon eight
specimens of Helvella compressa on a late February afternoon.
This species is endemic to the PNW, ranging from Alaska to
Northern California, and east to Idaho. It is associated with
Douglas fir, Western red cedar, alder, maples and snowberry.

Scott Hoelscher, Head Gardener

Helvella compressa

Leach Botanical Garden operates in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation PAGE 1
 SPRING/SUMMER 2020 CALENDAR - UPDATED

EVENTS & CLASSES

As part of Coronavirus (COVID-19) response planning, and in accordance with
LEACH guidance from the CDC, World Health Organization and Oregon Health Authority,

Now Appearing the garden is canceling all events through the month of June. The Manor House
and Gift Shop are also closed. The gift shop is open online.
Photo: Maja Dumat

EXPLORING THE GARDEN

Programming has halted but the Garden is still open, and a place for fresh air,
exercise and spring beauty.
Please look on the “Learn” page at leachgarden.org for a variety of fun, printable
scavenger hunts to enhance your garden explorations. Check back. We’ll be add-
ing new hunts in the near future, with different themes and for different ages.

At the end of June please check our website for further information and to
learn whether events listed here can be held as planned.
Elfenblume (Epimedium x versicolor)

Cancelled through June

MARCH 4–NOVEMBER 25 | WEDNESDAY 10–11 A.M. (WEEKLY)
Honeybee Hikes
Your little honey bee will walk the trails - listening to the wind and the creek, touching fuzzy leaves and looking for wildlife like bunnies,
woodpeckers and deer. Our guides will then read a story and help the children craft something fun. Each week is different with seasonal
themes.
Ages: 2–5 years, accompanied by an adult.
Meets at the Manor House. Dress for the weather!
$3.00 per child, non-walkers free.
Punch cards available in the Leach Garden Gift Shop. Purchase 5 hikes and get the 6th one free. Groups with 10+ children/adults must
preregister by contacting the Education Coordinator, 503-823-1671. Please check our website for possible cancellations due to weather
or the impacts of our upper garden construction project.

Cancelled through June

MARCH 7-NOVEMBER 7 | SATURDAY 11 A.M.– NOON (MONTHLY)
First Saturday Guided Tours
Join Gardener/Curator Courtney Vengarick for seasonal explorations of the Garden. She will show you what's blooming and of seasonal
interest, provide useful and engaging information, and share fun stories about the adventurous creators of the Garden, Botanist Lilla
Leach and pharmacist/civic leader John Leach.
Meet in front of the Manor House.
Free. No registration required. First come, first served. Maximum tour size 15 visitors.

Photo: Annie Winn

Support the Garden and enjoy a lovely three course English Tea, served on
the beautiful East Terrace.
CANCELLED
Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11
Two seatings: 11:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M.
$38
Reservations go on sale May 1st at 9 A.M. on the website:
www.leachgarden.org.

PAGE 2
 Photo: Joann Vrilakas
MAY SUNDAY MAY WEDNESDAY
3 CANCELLED 20 6–8:30 P.M.
CANCELLED
LillaLit Attracting
Pollinators to the
urban Garden
MAY SATURDAY An East Multnomah Soil & Water
9 8:30 - 9:30 P.M. Conservation District Workshop
CANCELLED
Night Hike! AUG SUNDAY

Photo: Cheryl Kunde

In the dark, your ears take center stage
as owls call and small critters scurry.
Even the everyday sounds of leaves in
the wind, and the
flowing creek will
heighten and shift.
We’ll walk the trails of
Photo: Ricardo Reitmeyer
23 9 A.M.– 4 P.M.
Botanical Dyeing Silk
Scarves Workshop
Botanical printing uses historical methods
Gardens are pollinated by a variety of to capture colors, textures, and shapes
insects that help flowers set seed and

the Garden as the sun found in nature – resulting in stunning

sets, observing the
changes around us
and connecting with
nature in a new way.
Meets at the Manor
House
$15 general/ $10 Leach Garden Friend
MAY SATURDAY
9 10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
CANCELLED
NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDEN
Day CELEBRATION
at leach garden
Come
Photo: Erin Sullivan
help fruit and vegetable plants produce
an edible harvest. Mostly familiar with
European honey bees, few of us are
aware of the many flies, beetles, moths
and butterflies at our doorsteps that
also provide critical pollination services.
In this workshop you will learn about
the different kinds of pollinators that
might be living in your garden, discover a
plant palette to help attract and support
pollinators, and go beyond the bloom to
consider ways to provide shelter, water,
nesting, and overwintering sites.
Meets in the Manor House
Free. Registration in advance is required.
www.emswcd.org/workshops
plant portraits on fabric. Leaves are layered
onto natural fabrics, tightly bundled, then
steamed or boiled. This environmentally
gentle process permanently transfers
botanical pigments without synthetic dyes,
inks or paints.
Textile artist Anna Zell will lead you step-
by-step through the eco-printing process.
At the end of the day, you’ll take home your
own eco-printed silk noil and either crepe
de chine or charmeuse silk scarf. You’ll also
be given a dyeing kit and the knowledge to
make more, for yourself or as spectacular
gifts for others. (See Anna’s work at www.
facebook.com/annazelldesigns)
Location: Manor House & Terrace
Cost: $130 general/$120 Leach Garden

explore Friend
Leach 2020 Lecture Series
Garden in Changing Climate—Changing World Advanced Botanical
new ways Three exciting speakers will help Dyeing
as we join us understand the science behind A 2-day workshop is in planning for the
gardens all our changing climate and the fall. Please check the website for dates.
over the ecological and social implications
country to of climate change on urban areas
celebrate our nation’s public gardens and in particular. We will learn about REGISTER online at
their importance and impact as community applied strategies for addressing www.leachgarden.org
resources and catalysts for change and these impacts on our gardens, our
resilience. city, and our planet. For information:
Stone Cabin Open House 10-2 July 15 JoAnn Vrilakas, Education Coordinator
August 12 503-823-1671 or
Garden Tour with Horticulture Manager
September 16 jvrilakas@leachgarden.org
Adam Hart 11-Noon
Mark your calendars and stay
Self-Guided Historical Treasure Hunt &
tuned for details.
Botanical Scavenger Hunt
20% off All Garden Tools and Gloves

Summer Theater Camps

have been cancelled.
PAGE 3
 Introducing Summer Theater Camps
Meet our New Instructor Joellen Sweeney’s theatre company, Bedrock Theatre, creates immersive adaptions
Board Members of fairytales, myths and legends, performing them in motion along paths and trails. She has
taught for Northwest Children’s Theatre, Portland Center Stage and Young Musicians &
Artists Camp.

HOOT LIKE AN OWL Immersive Outd oor

Bob Hyland is a Portland-based
horticultural consultant and garden
designer. He owns Hyland Garden
Design and Contained Exuberance,
a garden pottery shop and design
studio next door to Xera Plants in
inner southeast. During his 40-year
career, Bob has managed horticulture,
operations, and education programs at
leading public gardens on both coasts
- Longwood Gardens, San Francisco
Botanical Garden & Brooklyn Botanic
Garden. Before moving to Portland
in 2011, he built, co-owned, and
operated a connoisseur plant nursery
in New York’s Hudson Valley. Loomis
Creek Nursery was featured in 2006 in
S U MME R CAMP
CANCELLED
Calling All Wild Creatures
Ages 8—10
Jump like a frog, run like a deer, and
see like a bat as you explore the world
of animals in this immersive outdoor
theatre camp. Students will build
their performance skills as they make
costumes, play games, and create
original songs, scenes and poetry
inspired by Pacific Northwest wildlife.
Details:
Jun 22-Jun 26, 9AM-4PM
Limit: 15 participants
Cost: $230
Construction Update
The vision is becoming more “concrete”
As March progressed, the contractors made great strides on
Per formance Ca m p
CANCELLED
Ages 14—18
Writers, performers and artists of all types
will thrive in this hands-on, all-in lab.
Students will create their own performance
piece, set along the paths and trails at Leach
Botanical Garden. Our instructor serves
as a facilitator, helping students create
an exciting and supportive community as
they bring ideas to life through games,
storytelling, free-writes, journaling, sound
maps, music and discussion.
Details:
Jun 29 - Jul 03, 9AM-4PM
Limit: 15 participants
Cost: $230

Photo: David Porter

Gardens Illustrated Magazine.
Rooted firmly in the Pacific Northwest
for 8 years, Bob has served on the
boards of several public gardens
(Berkshire Botanical Garden, Mountain
Top Arboretum) and horticultural
organizations (Hardy Plant Society of
Oregon, Pacific Horticulture Society,
American Public Garden Association
(formerly AABGA). Says Bob, “I
am quite excited to join the Leach
Botanical Garden board at a time of
the site. The north parking and service road were all asphalted
as was the new public parking near the Annex. Concrete
contractor, Faison, poured walks for the primary east-west and
north-south pathways along with the pads for the welcome
plaza, the paved walk from the new parking, and concrete for
the Manor House staircase. The quality of this concrete work is
really wonderful—very fine-grained and precise. 
Steel columns for the aerial treewalk arrived on site the second
week of March and in the third week were being bolted into
the footings which awaited them. These vertical supports gave
us a clear view of what the structure will look like. On the heels
of these steps, the first elements of the treewalk decking were Photo: David Porter

significant change.”
Meet Lina Ma on page 7
delivered and as April unfolds, those deck and rail assemblies
will begin to take shape. The structure has 13 sections—Lilla
Leach’s lucky number. More concrete pours along the main
pathway will be coming and eventually the pathway paving
itself.
Not so visible has been the substantial amount of utility work
needed to provide power, gas, water and communications
throughout the new Garden. Our stone mason, Peter Andrusko,
is working on cutting the granite slab for the fireplace terrace
and that too should arrive in April on the heels of the Arbor
concrete work. As spring becomes more evident in the
landscape, the new facilities too will be more visible. 

PAGE 4
Western Skunk Cabbage an Invasive
Species?
Hard to believe our native plant, PATRONIZE
Lysichiton americanus, is considered
invasive— in the UK and parts of OUR BUSINESS
Europe that is. Could this be the Pacific
Northwest’s revenge for Hedera helix SPONSORS
(English Ivy)?

Lysichiton americanus is one of two Larry R. Franz, D.M.D

species in its genus; the other, Where will your
Lysichiton camtchatcensis is from smile take you?
northeastern Asia. Western skunk
cabbage is found along streamsides,
www.franzfamilydental.com
fens and boggy areas. It is very
distinctive not only for its large, waxy, banana shaped leaves reaching 3’ x 2’ but also Hawthorne Auto
for its inflorescence, which emits a very malodorous scent. This skunky smell attracts
Clinic, Inc.
flies and beetles to pollinate the hundreds of tiny flowers located on the spadix, a club-
like structure surrounded by the spathe, the bright yellow shield. Each pollinated flower
Call us for convenient,
can produce two viable seeds which will drop down next to the mother plant and professional service on your
germinate close to home or float downstream to create a new colony. Plant-Mobile!
www.hawthorneaauto.com
All parts of the plant are edible; however, care must be taken to process it correctly
as the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause burning and tingling
sensations. While the plant was a famine food for Native Americans, its most useful Pacific NW Federal
part is the large waxy leaves used to line berry baskets or as a wrap around salmon to Credit Union
be roasted or steamed.
Your financial partner for life.
Western skunk cabbage was introduced to the UK in 1901 as a unique ornamental
www.pnwfcu.com
for ponds and water features not only for the home garden but for the Royal Botanic
Gardens in the UK. In 1993 the Royal Horticulture Society was so smitten by the Portland Nursery
plant as an excellent example of a cultivated garden plant, it was awarded the very
A passion for plants. A nursery
prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
for plant people.
This love affair was not to last. This fine cultivated plant escaped into the wilds of the www.portlandnursery.com
UK, Ireland, Sweden and Germany, where it has proved to be extremely invasive along
the waterways of these countries shading out and replacing the native flora.
The Party Place
As we battle the pernicious English Ivy on this continent, those countries impacted by
Where your party has been our
the naturalization of the western skunk cabbage are combating its spread by removing passion for over 35 years.
the plants prior to flowering and seed set. This is an ongoing process as the seeds are www.thepartyplacepdx.com
viable for nine years or more in the soil seed bank. Sound familiar? The western skunk
cabbage is a magnificent plant and it is always a pleasure to come across it while hiking
in our forests or along streams. It is highly doubtful we will have the same problem
our friends across the pond are experiencing. However, care should be given to not
wantonly scatter seeds where they may create an unwanted infestation.

—Courtney Vengarick, Gardener/Curator

reprinted from our Archives - Spring 2012

“In clinical studies, we have seen that 2 hours of nature sounds a day significantly re-
duce stress hormones up to 800% and activate 500 to 600 DNA segments known to be
responsible for healing and repairing the body.”
– Dr. Joe Dispenza

PAGE 5
 Boar d o f
direc to rs A Message from the Director
Irene Bowers As this copy of our quarterly newsletter goes to press in mid-
President March the nation and the world are in a state of self-quarantine,
suspending many of the cycles of social and business life that are
Mike McKeel the gears in our modern world. As you reflect on this several weeks
Vice President later, I am hopeful that we are looking back with relief at a crisis
weathered and at a reassuring manifestation of the gumption we
Gay Greger
Americans have liked to claim as part of our national character.
Secretary
John and Lilla Leach were people who exhibited gumption in the
Tom Bland early sense it was used—common sense and intelligence combined
Treasurer with energy.

Mary Davis We have said that the Garden is a place of beauty and respite. I hope that visitors during this
Bob Hyland period have found walking through our landscape to be just that. And we look forward to inviting
many more visitors as the Garden construction moves ever closer to completion.
Lina Ma
In the Winter issue of the newsletter, I offered my reflections based on having begun my 10th
Linda Morrow
year as the Director. The forward progress in our landscape as we have completed six months
Sue O’Halloran of construction, the growing cohesiveness of our staff and expansion of our board of directors,
along with refined modeling of our operations looking out to 2023 give us confidence that the
CiCi Polson
organization is ready to move to a new level. So, at the end of last year, I gave the board my
Dale Shetler assessment that the opening of new facilities in 2021 would be an opportune time for new
leadership to take the reins at the Garden. 2021 also will mark the 40th year since the founding
STAFF of Leach Garden Friends. That too is a reason for a fresh voice and vision to help chart the course
as the Garden moves forward.
David Porter
Executive Director The search process is just now underway and you will hear more as the year goes on. The June
2020 American Public Garden Association conference will bring botanical garden professionals
Virginia Brandabur from all over the US and Canada to our city. Many of them will visit the Garden as we host an
Event Specialist afternoon tour. The opportunity to make them aware of the changes, both planned and underway,
and our impending opening could not be better.
Kit Cummins
Event Specialist I feel deeply privileged to have been the director at such a pivotal moment in the Garden's
Michael Cummins existence. The support I have received has been the solid foundation allowing us to arrive at this
Facilities Maintenance exciting point in time. At the same time, grandchildren, writing projects, and perhaps occasional
vacations call for my attention. I will take a longer time to say thank you and reminisce as we
Adam Hart get closer to the new Garden's opening and first steps on a new path. For now, I hope you will
Horticulture Manager think about what you would like to see as the Garden grows and share your thoughts with us. I
urge you to also reflect on renewing your commitment and providing some of that old-fashioned
Scott Hoelscher
gumption to keep the wheels turning in the years to come.
Head Gardener

Melissa Manuel
Administrative Assistant

Jo Shintani
—David Porter
Assistant Director

Courtney Vengarick
Gardener/Curator

JoAnn Vrilakas
Education Coordinator

Annie Winn
Volunteer Coordinator
Lewisia cotyledon

PAGE 6
LEACH GARDEN FRIENDS * "Friends" is synonymous with"Members"

Gratefully Acknowledges Our Donors F or Gi fts Support

Received in the last quarter Leach Botanical Garden!
The best way to support this Portland
treasure is by becoming a Leach Garden Friend.
Patti Barnes Noble and Helen Van Streunse Your donations keep the Garden growing.
Evan Elizabeth Black Kathy L. Walter
Use this form to join or make additional
John W Bondurant Delores Wilson donations online at www.leachgarden.
Irene Bowers Winterbloom Landscape org. Benefits include this quarterly newslet-
Darlene Chirman Dr Dennis and Betty Woodland ter, discounts on classes and events, and free
admission to gardens nationwide.
Michael Crean Marina Yudin
David E Dobak I want to:  Join  Make a Donation
Jean Eves GIFTS IN HONOR  Sponsor a new Leach Garden Friend
Pamela Eros In honor of Lana Younglove
Katherine and Norman Fetscher Anonymous $1,000 $500 $250
Donna Freeman $100 $75 $50
Sharon Gray In honor of JoAnn Vrilakas Other: $__________
Terry Herndon Marilyn Murdoch
Dr William Herz
Diana Karabut *I would like to sponsor:
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Ruth Lund Name: ______________________________
In Memory of Shirley Marchion
Dana Jean and Michael Maginn Address: ____________________________
Barbara A. Rajcich & John A.
Josh Manders City: _______________________________
Rajcich
David Mull State/Zip: ___________________________
Marilyn Murdoch  Please send a gift card to this new
In Memory of George Schmidt Leach Garden Friend.
Fred Nilsen and Theresa Garcia
Marcia Schmidt
Sue O’Halloran and Allan Richard
Melanie Poe Your Name ________________________________

CiCi Polson
IN KIND
Address __________________________________
Diana Karabut
Linda Robinson City _____________________State____________
Kathy and Steve Sansone
Zip___________
Eileen Spurgeon
Jeanette Spurgeon Preferred Phone: ___________________________

Email: ____________________________________

Meet our New Board Members  Check is enclosed

Payable to Leach Garden Friends
Lina Ma has 15 years of professional  Please charge my credit card:
experience as a Geologist (in-Training), and a  VISA
Geographic Information Systems Professional,  MasterCard
and has served as a volunteer and Board
Name on Card __________________________
member for several organizations. She is
excited about Leach Garden’s unique geologic Signature _______________________________
history and is currently helping to develop Card# __________________________________
a STEAM-related educational workshop for CVC#_____ (3-digit # on
Exp. Date: ______
back of card)
middle-school and high school students at the
Billing Zipcode (required) __________________
Garden.

Return to Leach Garden Friends

Lina is a long-time resident of Portland’s east
6704 SE 122nd Avenue Portland, OR 97236
side, who enjoys traveling and spending time
outdoors.     Thank you!
Benefits eligibility extends for the year following each
Meet Bob Hyland on page 4. donation. All contributions are tax deductible to the
extent allowed by law.

PAGE 7
 L each G arden F riends
6704 SE 122 nd A venue NON-PROFIT ORG.
P ortland , OR 97236 U.S. POSTAGE PAID
503-823-9503 PORTLAND, OREGON
PERMIT NUMBER 2167

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

First Section of Treewalk Provides a Glimpse into the Future

Photo: David Porter

Photo: David Porter

Each section of decking and railing is assembled and

inspected at the factory for quality control. It is then
disassembled for transport to the Garden.
Installation of the first of thirteen sections of the Treewalk was underway as this newsletter was being readied for press.
This photo shows the steel columns and railing assembly in place. The decking will follow, and then work will begin on the
next section.

A construction update and additional photos can be found on page 4.