March 2, 9, & 16

Santa Rosa, California – January 16, 2013 – Do you have a passion for gardening or history?  Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow volunteers and join a well-established nonprofit organization. Train to be a Docent, Gardener, or work in the Gift Shop at these beautiful gardens and historic home of world renowned horticulturist, Luther Burbank.  Docents and Gift Shop staff volunteer three shifts per month during our Tour Season April through October.  Gardeners volunteer a few mornings per month year-round.

As a volunteer, you will learn about your local history and share the Burbank legacy with visitors from around the world.  Also, you’ll be invited to attend volunteer luncheons, plan and participate in special events, and join committees where your skills and experience can be helpful.  Interviews are conducted in advance of Training, so the sooner you apply, the more likely a convenient time can be set up for you.  Call Kris or Phyliss at 707-524-5445 or email BurbankHome@lutherburbank.org.   Learn more at www.lutherburbank.org.

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is a Registered National, State, and City Historic Landmark located at the corner of Santa Rosa and Sonoma Avenues, downtown Santa Rosa.  The Gift Shop is open and Docent-led tours of the Home and Greenhouse are available April through October, Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-4pm (Last tour at 3:30pm).  Group Tours and Children’s are available year-round by appointment.  Free Cell phone Audio Tours are available when the Gift Shop is closed. The Gardens are open for Self-guided Tours every day year-round from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.  The site can be rented for weddings, ceremonies and photography – call for details.

Lecture Series - Wed June 12 7:00pm
Neighborhood Watch Program

Dining with Daisies – Sat July 13
A Gala Dinner in the Gardens with wine, music, silent & live auctions

Striving to pioneer new and better plants, Burbank used techniques such as grafting and hybridization to introduce more than 800 varieties. One of his first successes was the Burbank potato, a disease-resistant cultivar. A later variation, the Russet Burbank, became the potato most commonly used for making french fries.

You can see many of Burbank’s plants – including spineless cactuses, a plumcot tree and the award-winning rose variety – at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, a state and national historic landmark. Other notable plants on display include the quadruple-hybrid Shasta daisy and the “Paradox walnut tree” – so named because it grows much faster than a typical hardwood tree.

The nearly two acres of gardens are open to the public year-round, and admission is free. April through October, docent-led tours, which include Burbank’s greenhouse (shown in the foreground above) and mid-1880s Greek Revival-style home, are available Tuesdays through Sundays for a modest fee. Contact: 707-524-5445: www.lutherburbank.org

Elisa Mader

http://horizonair.journalgraphicsdigital.com/jun11/ (page 11)

Please join us in the Memorial Garden at
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Catered by Relish Culinary Adventures

Live Music by Eric Muhler Jazz and Black Top Moon

Reserve Today: Call 707-524-5445 or online.

Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4, 2011, 10am-4pm

Cost: $2 Admission ages 12 & over

Location: Santa Rosa & Sonoma Avenues, Downtown Santa Rosa, CA

Contact: 707-524-5445, burbankhome@lutherburbank.org  www.lutherburbank.org

Begin the season’s celebrations with a beautiful holiday experience and a fascinating look at our local history.  Our guests return every year to view life at the home and gardens of the prominent Santa Rosacitizen and world-renowned horticulturist, Luther Burbank. This event has been a popular community tradition for 32 years!  Visitors come from all over the county and beyond to tour the modified Greek revival home decorated in Victorian style by creative Burbank Volunteers.  Costumed Docents will tell you stories about the famous turn of the 20^th century residents while soft music is playing in the background.  Next, you’ll enterBurbank’s Greenhouse where you’ll be served cookies and spiced tea.  Be sure to bring your kids to the craft table in the big tent to enjoy making a holiday project.

Give yourself plenty of time to browse in the Carriage House Museum & Gift Shop to find perfect holiday gifts.  Check out the 2012 calendar-in-a-stand featuring colorful images of antique seed packets from the Luther Burbank Company, and our new denim aprons, spiffy caps, and smart Shasta daisy cups.  Also find attractive crocheted scarf & hat sets, knitted market bags, and unusual totes handcrafted by our Volunteers.  You’ll also find many of our popular gifts priced at 20% off!

Parking is FREE at First and “D” Streets, and ride Rosie the Trolley FREE between this event and the Dickens Holiday Crafts Fair.

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is a registered National, State, and City Historic Landmark located at the corner of Santa Rosa & Sonoma Avenues, downtown Santa Rosa.  Docent-led tours of the Home, Greenhouse and part of the Gardens are available April-October, Tuesday-Sunday; Group Tours and Children’s Tours are available year-round by appointment. The Gardens are open every day for self-guided tours and cell phone Audio Tours. For more information, call 707-524-5445 or visit www.lutherburbank.org.

SPECIAL SILENT AUCTION COMING SOON!

Bid on Rare Commemorative Bench owned by Charles M. Schulz.

This year, we have a special opportunity for our supporters and holiday visitors!  In 1993, 21 benches were custom-made for us from the wood of Burbank’s landmark Cedar of Lebanon tree that stood for nearly a century on our historic site.  Charles and Jean Schulz bought bench # 5, and now Jean Schulz is donating it back to us for a Silent Auction to help us with our fundraising efforts. The auction will begin on our website www.lutherburbank.org on November 1 and end at the conclusion of Holiday Open House where the bench will be displayed and final bids accepted.  Proceeds from this auction will be used to preserve and maintain LBH&G and help us continue our educational programs.  (Nonprofit Federal Tax ID# 26-3008405) 

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding this Registered National, State, and City Historic Landmark. Our mission is to explore and provide education about the life and work of world-renowned horticulturist, Luther Burbank, and to protect and preserve the site where this extraordinary man lived and worked at the turn of the twentieth century. His accomplishments as a plant breeder contributed greatly to the world’s food supply and to the improvement of hundreds of plants as we know them today.

To become a “Friend,” please contact us at 707-524-5445 or BurbankHome@lutherburbank.org for a brochure and membership form, or join online at www.lutherburbank.org. As outlined in our new brochure, there are several levels of Friends annual membership ranging from $25 to $5,000. Benefits of membership include:

• 10% off all items purchased in the Gift Shop, beginning the moment you join.
• A plant coupon worth $5, also usable the moment you join.
• Periodic newsletters with news about upcoming special events and programs.
• Opportunity to reserve early for events that require advance reservations.
• Free admission to our Summer Lecture Series held May through October.
• Complimentary Home and Garden tours.
• A tax benefit for donating to our nonprofit.
• Last but not least, a free gift at the Gift Shop if you join the day of your docent tour!

If you are a garden or history enthusiast who believes in preserving what little can be seen today of our local history, you can make a difference. There is no substitute for the excitement of visiting an actual historical place. Please join our growing membership so future generations can also enjoy the experience of seeing history and lovely gardens firsthand!

Before you visit your local nursery to buy plants for your garden this spring, be sure to check out the Plant Sale at Luther Burbank Home & Gardens on Mother’s Day!  Here at one of the most beautiful places in Sonoma County, you can purchase plants propagated from the gardens or grown from seeds related to Burbank creations.   Be proud to show off your garden with plants resulting from the work of this world renowned horticulturist and local historic figure, Luther Burbank.

Do something special for your mother on her day!  Bring her to our beautiful Gardens and buy her a living gift!   A variety of Perennials, Annuals, herbs, and veggies will be on sale.  The majority of plants are in 4-inch pots ranging from $2.00 to $9.00. Some larger plants will be available too.  As a special treat for Mom, she’ll receive a fresh flower corsage, compliments of Mr. Luther Burbank in honor of his mother, Olive Burbank.  Come early in the day while these lovely corsages last!  Also, sign up for a FREE DRAWING to win a plant grown in our gardens!

While visiting the Gardens on Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a tour of the historic Home and Greenhouse.  Docent-led Tours are $7 (Free to “Friends of Luther Burbank.”)  Browse in the Carriage House Museum & Gift Shop to see special exhibits and find unique gift items for sale. Also consider using your cell phone to take an informative Cell Phone Audio Tour of the Gardens at no charge (donations appreciated).

This National, State, and City Historic Landmark was Burbank’s home at the turn of the twentieth century.  Known as the “plant wizard,” Burbank advanced the development of plant breeding world-wide and enriched the quality of the world’s food supply. The park is open every day year-round for self-guided tours 8:00 a.m. to dusk.  Call 707-524-5445 or Email burbankhome@lutherburban.org.  Learn more at www.lutherburbank.org.

Sat, Nov 19, 2p.m.-4p.m.

Attend a food tasting event in the courtyard with local chefs John Franchetti and John Lyle. They will talk about using produce introduced or developed by Burbank in their menus and will serve tastes. Also, Docents will give you a tour of the garden, specifically Burbank’s edibles. Please RSVP. A $10 donation is appreciated.Learn more…

Are you a garden or history enthusiast looking for a volunteer opportunity that suits your interests?  Join a friendly and well-operated nonprofit organization and help promote the legacy of Luther Burbank.   Be trained as a volunteer Gardener, Docent, or member of the Gift Shop staff. Our excellent volunteer training program makes it possible to join without experience!  Volunteer Gardeners work two or more morning shifts per month year-round.  Docents and Gift Shop staff work three morning or afternoon shifts per month during our Tour Season April 1 through October 31.

Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow volunteers in beautiful and peaceful gardens, attend volunteer luncheons, and join committees to help plan and participate in special events.  Since interviews must be conducted in advance of Training, the sooner applications are received the easier it is to schedule the most convenient interview time for you.  Applications can be downloaded from our website at http://lburbank.users.sonic.net/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities, or call the Office at 524-5445, or email BurbankHome@lutherburbank.org.

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is a registered National, State, and City Historic Landmark located at the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue and Sonoma Avenue in downtown Santa Rosa.  Docent-led tours of the Home, Greenhouse & Gardens are available April through October, Tuesday through Sunday; Group tours and Children’s are available year-round by appointment. The Gardens are open for self-guided tours and cell phone audio tours every day year-round, from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.

You may attend our lectures FREE if you are a member of Friends of Luther Burbank. See Friends on our website to learn about all the benefits of becoming a member and how to join, or sign up at one of our lectures!

2011 Summer Lecture Series
Six Tuesday Evenings – 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

1.         May 10 – Church of One Tree

Bill Montgomery is a retired landscape architect, prominent local historian, and cemetery coordinator/tour guide at the Rural Cemetery. He will give a tour of the famous Church of One Tree in Santa Rosa and will lecture on its history and recent renovation. It was built in 1874 with lumber milled from one old growth 300 ft Redwood growing in Stumptown (now Guerneville). It has been restored for use as a community space for events. Meet at the Carriage House before walking the half-block to the church.

2.         June 14 – The Pleasure of Garlic

Chester Aaron is a Professor Emeritus from St. Mary’s College, prolific author, and farmer. He has become known worldwide for the ninety varieties of exotic garlic he grows on his farm in Sonoma County. He will talk about the origins, uses, and how to grow varieties of garlic. Come for a taste!

3.         July 12 – Garden Insects—The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Rachel Spaeth, Botany major at SSU, experienced gardener and garden maintenance aid is buggy over bugs! She will give a colorful talk with demonstrations about the importance of certain creatures in our gardens.

4.         August 9 – Flower Arranging Made Easy

Do you love to decorate with flowers? Mary Basham is an experienced florist and Burbank volunteer responsible for many of the floral displays at Burbank events. She will demonstrate how flower arranging can be simple and beautiful by using materials found in your home and garden. Learn the mechanics behind flower arranging and how to prepare flowers to make your arrangements last longer.

5.         September 13 – Questions and Answers About Gardening Problems

Bring your garden questions to Wayne Wong, an experienced gardener and Burbank volunteer for over 18 years. He will lead a forum style discussion and share his expertise on how to solve your garden problems. Topics will include proper soil preparation, pruning techniques, plant diseases, and more. (If you are bringing plant or soil samples, please have them in a sealed zip-lock bag).

6.         October 11 – Container Gardening with Bulbs

By popular demand, Susan Hatch, Manager of King’s Nursery and lead designer of their beautiful plant-filled containers and baskets, returns to our lecture series. She will teach you how to combine a variety of bulbs to create one-of-a-kind arrangements, and share tricks of the trade to ensure container gardening success.