Magnificent Magnolias

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1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2013 Press Contact: Nina Sazevich, (415) ; Magnificent Magnolias The New Year Begins with One of San Francisco s Most Breathtaking Natural Marvels the Annual Bloom of Nearly 100 Rare and Historic Magnolias at San Francisco Botanical Garden January 15 March 31, 2014 SAN FRANCISCO -- The start of the New Year in San Francisco offers a chance to be tickled pink by one of the city s most breathtaking natural marvels as nearly 100 rare and historic magnolias at San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park burst into bloom. Velvety silver buds on the often bare branches of these elegant trees open into dazzling pink and white flowers, filling the wintery Garden with dramatic splashes of color and sweetly fragrant scents. The annual floral spectacle, with trees reaching 80 feet, is at its peak from mid-january through March, and visitors to the Garden can take advantage of free Magnolia Walk maps, docent-led tours, special signage, and more, as well as unique classes and activities including a special Magnolias by Moonlight tour for Valentine s Day, to celebrate and learn more about these magnificent magnolias. A new way for families to enjoy the collection this year is a free family-friendly adventure map with activity suggestions for children. San Francisco Botanical Garden is home to the most significant magnolia collection for conservation purposes outside China, where the majority of species originated. Its current collection includes 51 species and 33 cultivars, including many prized examples from Asia. This unique and long-standing collection began in 1939 with Eric Walther, who planted the very first magnolia in the Garden and continued to introduce species and cultivars throughout his tenure as the first Garden Director. One of the most famous species he planted was the cup and saucer magnolia or Magnolia campbellii, the first of its kind to bloom in the United States in 1940, attracting huge crowds of excited and curious visitors

2 who stood in long lines to see the magnificent large pink blossoms of this lovely magnolia that still stands in the Garden today. More than a dozen other M. campbellii can now also be found throughout the Garden. A 50-foot tree with thousands of large pink flowers held upright against a blue sky is a sight one will remember for the rest of one's lifetime, says Don Mahoney, the Garden s Curator. Magnolias are absolutely the signature flower of San Francisco Botanical Garden. The city has an ideal climate to support them, so we have been able to cultivate one of the world s most important magnolia collections critical for their conservation and survival. The Magnolia family Magnoliaceae, named for botanist Pierre Magnol in 1748 is considered by paleobotanists to be one of the earliest flowering plant families. Magnolia fossils date back nearly 100 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. The flowers are pollinated by beetles since bees had not yet evolved at that time. Survivors of several ice ages, magnolias thrived in the protected mountains of southern China, the southern United States, southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Eighty percent of the more than 245 species occur in Asia. In addition to the flagship M. campbellii, some of the other prized magnolias in the Garden s collection include: Magnolia campbellii 'Darjeeling' Propagated through cuttings from a tree growing in the Lloyd Botanic Garden in Darjeeling, India, this Himalayan species is thought by many to be the most spectacular of all the magnolias that bloom at the Garden with magnificent deep pink flowers emerging on leafless branches in a dramatic display. Magnolia campbellii Strybing White A special white form of Magnolia campbellii grown from seed purchased in India in 1934 and propagated at the Golden Gate Park Nursery. Planted in 1940 here, it is the largest magnolia at the Garden towering over 80 feet. Magnolia denudata One of the most beloved of all magnolias. Called the "Yulan" or "Jade Lily" by the Chinese, the exquisite lily shape of the blossoms with their often pure white petals, has the longest history of cultivation going back to the Tang Dynasty AD. Its beauty was celebrated on ancient Chinese embroideries, scrolls, and porcelains in scenes of the countryside. Its elegant flowers made it a "gift worthy of an emperor." Magnolia denudata was the first magnolia from the East introduced to the western world when it was brought to England in 1780, and is one of the parents of many cultivars.

3 Magnolia zenii The rarest magnolia in the Garden is listed as critically endangered. Only a few dozen of these plants were discovered in China in Magnolia amoena Also known as charming magnolia, this gift from the Shanghai Botanical Garden was presented to the Garden by then-mayor Diane Feinstein in It was discovered on Mt. Hwang in China in 1933, one of the last magnolias discovered in the wild. Magnolia dawsoniana This endangered magnolia from China has large pink flowers, up to 10 inches, that droop with age and look like flags blowing in the wind. This magnolia was named after the first superintendent of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. Magnolia campbellii Late Pink Introduced at the Garden from seed purchased in 1934 from G. Ghose and Co. in Darjeeling, India, the flowers of this magnolia appear two to four weeks later than other Magnolia campbellii, extending the magnolia viewing season at the Garden. Magnolia sprengeri Diva This cultivar has particularly dark, rich, rose pink petals. The Garden s tree is one of the very few mature specimens in cultivation. Magnolia doltsopa An evergreen magnolia, formerly known as Michelia doltsopa, it was discovered near Kathmandu, Nepal around The highly fragrant white flowers are about six inches across, opening from velvety-brown buds. It is often grown in the Bay Area, sometimes as a street tree, but the specimens in the Garden are some of the largest in cultivation in California. Magnolia laevifolia Strybing Compact This species, native to Yunnan province in China, can grow at altitudes as high as 9,000 feet, far higher than most other magnolias can survive. The flowers are fragrant and used to make perfume. This special cultivar is unique for its outstanding dwarf form. RELATED PROGRAMMING Free Magnolia Walk maps, highlighting key species and their location within the Garden, are available to the public. In addition, this year the Garden is offering a free Magical Magnolia family adventure map that takes families on either a stroller friendly path or a more adventurous route off the beaten path to search for furry buds and giant flowers on magnolia trees large and small.

4 The Garden offers free magnolia docent tours every Saturday, January 18 through March 15 at 2 PM, and visitors of all ages can ask questions and explore magnolias in more depth at Garden Interpretation Stations on Sundays, January 12 through March 16 from 1:30-3:30 PM. Visitors can also find over 240 magnolia related items in The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture, Northern California's most comprehensive horticultural collection. Free bibliographies for children and adults will also be available on a variety of magnolia-related themes. A special exhibition Trees Love Light: Photo Art from the SF Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park, and Beyond will be on display January-April 2014 and features the work of photographer Stephen Kane whose images, from landscapes to close-ups, realistic to near abstract, celebrate trees in all stages of the life cycle and include several of the Garden s magnolia blooms. In the Bookstore, visitors enjoy special discounts on magnolia items including posters, greeting cards, and more. In addition, the Garden offers these special programs for adults and families: Children s Story Time in the Library Sundays, January 5 & 19, February 2 & 16, March 2 & 16; 10:30-11:30 AM FREE (admission required for docent walks following story readings) Enjoy a special story in the library on a different theme each month Blooms and Branches, Tons of Trees, Garden Creatures, and more. Then take a guided walk through the Garden that connects that morning s story to living plants. For families with children ages 4-8. Cooking Class: Pot Stickers for the Chinese New Year Saturday, January 11; 10 AM 1 PM $25 general Learn how to create the perfect dumpling for the Chinese New Year. Chose to create a traditional pork dumpling, or experiment with vegetables and seasonings. All materials provided to realize your culinary inspirations. Each participant will take a dozen dumplings home. Magnolias by Moonlight Thursday, January 16; 6 8 PM & Saturday, March 15; 7 9 PM $20 general Roam the moonlit paths of the Garden, guided by a Garden naturalist. Marvel at the magnolia blossoms overhead reflecting the silvery moon and inhale their lovely

5 fragrance. Enjoy hot, aromatic tea and homemade cookies at the Moon Viewing Pond. Bring a flashlight. Heavy rain cancels. Magnificent Magnolia Walking Tours Saturdays, January 18, February 15; 1:30 3:30 PM Saturday, March 8; 10:30 AM 12 PM Sunday, March 9; 1:30 3:30 PM $20 general Take a fascinating walking tour of the magnolia collection in the company of a magnolia expert. Learn about the history of the Garden s collection and even get tips on growing your own here in the Bay Area. Bring your camera and take home a lasting memory. Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday, January 25; 9 AM 3 PM FREE (admission required to enter the Garden) Enjoy special performances and hands on activities in celebration of the Year of the Horse and the many magnolias from China in the Garden. See lion dancers, lively folk dances, tai chi performances with dazzling sword forms and more. Enjoy family-friendly children s activities and special Story Times! Valentine s Day Magnolia Cocktails Friday, February 14; 5-7 PM $40 general ($50 if combined with Magnolias by Moonlight) Join us under the lantern-strung eaves of an outdoor Asian pavilion for cocktails garnished with magnolia petals and hor d'oeuvres. Wander the lovely, hidden nooks of the Exhibition Garden with your Valentine before your evening plans, or stay for the Magnolias by Moonlight tour to make your romantic day even more special. Valentine s Day Special: Magnolias by Moonlight Friday, February 14; 7 9 PM $20 general Give your sweetheart a special floral surprise on Valentine s Day as you roam the moonlit paths of the Garden, guided by a Garden naturalist. Marvel at the magnolia blossoms overhead reflecting the silvery moon and inhale their lovely fragrance. Enjoy hot, aromatic tea and cookies at the Moon Viewing Pond. Bring a flashlight. Heavy rain cancels. Magnolias, Camellias & Rhododendrons: Pencil Drawing with Nina Antze Thursday, February 27; 10 AM 2 PM $90 general Botanical artist Nina Antze shows you why colored pencil techniques are ideally suited to capture the fragile glories of the winter garden. The unique colors of magnolias,

6 camellias and rhododendron provide the opportunity to practice mixing and layering color. Participants will explore a variety of colored pencil techniques including burnishing, layering and impressed line. Live blooms from the Garden will be provided or you may bring in your own beauties. If weather permits, class will lunch outside and experience nature first hand. All drawing levels welcome. A supply list will be provided. Bring a lunch. Magnolia Cocktails Thursday, March 27; 5:30 7:30 PM $30 general Enjoy cocktails garnished with magnolia petals, wander the lovely, hidden nooks of the Exhibition Garden and learn more about the magnificent magnolias at the Garden from our docents. Sun Printing Scarves: Magnolia Petals and Leaves Saturday, March 29; 10 AM 2 PM $50 general Harness the power of sunlight to create a cyanotype print scarf! In this hands-on workshop, we will help you create a design out of a variety of organic materials from the Garden. We will be using specially treated silk scarves that use the sun to make a reverse image. Your scarf will have white designs on a beautiful cobalt blue ground. Rain or shine. San Francisco Botanical Garden, located in Golden Gate Park with entrances on 9 th Ave at Lincoln Way and on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive off the Music Concourse, is open 365 days a year at 7:30 AM. Last entry changes with the seasons as follows: 5 PM October early November; 4 PM 1 st Sunday in November January; 5 PM February early March; 6 PM 2 nd Sunday in March September. Admission for San Francisco residents (with proof of residence, e.g., CA ID with SF address, or photo ID and utility bill) is FREE. Admission for non-residents is $7 general, $5 youth and seniors; $2 children 5-11; children 4 and under FREE. Families of 2 adults and one or more child pay just $15. Admission is FREE to all visitors from 7:30 to 9 AM. SFBG members receive free admission and discounts on fee-based programs. The public should call (415) or visit for more information. About San Francisco Botanical Garden San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum is a living museum within Golden Gate Park, offering 55 acres of beautiful gardens displaying over 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world. Highlights include the California Native Garden

7 and the century old Redwood Grove; the unique Mesoamerican, Andean and Southeast Asian Cloud Forest collections; and the magnificent Magnolia collection, the most significant for conservation purposes outside China. Established in 1940 originally as Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco Botanical Garden is a partnership of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the non-profit San Francisco Botanical Garden Society. ###