Director's Update - Fall 2021
I am in my seventh year here at the Gardens and every year is better than the last with new gardens, displays, and events for students and the people of Charlotte. This year we celebrate the 55th anniversary of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. For 55 years this garden has served as a center for botanical knowledge, beauty, and relaxation in Charlotte, and today we're asking for your help.

In order to maintain and even expand the Garden's educational and recreational activities we have a pledge from one of our donors to match every dollar given to the Gardens up to $3000. If we can reach that goal it will mean $6,000 for beautiful new culturally meaningful and rare plants, display areas, and signage. I hope that you will consider helping out!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
We had our annual Fall Sale in early October and it was our best ever. Yes, it was great to sell plants to support the Gardens, but what was even better was the opportunity to see everyone! Yes, it was mostly from behind a mask, but I have really been missing the chance to see all of the people who use and enjoy the Gardens.

For some of you receiving this email the Fall sale may have been the first time that you came to the Gardens. I hope that you took the time to walk around and enjoy the early Fall. If you didn’t, there’s still time! Leaves are starting to change and Autumn Camellias are popping, don’t delay, come and take a look.
Composting Workshop coming up in one week!
The secret to good soil is organic matter, which is nothing more than the broken down bits of leaves, food scraps, and other once living things. The easiest way to get organic matter to your soil is to make it yourself, but you need to make it the right way so that you can be sure it is safe and effective.

Don Boekelheide is one of our most popular teachers for two reasons: first of all he’s one of the most engaging people that you’ll ever meet, and second, he teaches about topics that are vitally important for anyone growing plants.

Learn how to made the black gold that will build your soil to grow happy and healthy plants which produce more flowers, vegetables and fruit and which take less care. This online workshop is only $30 ($25 for members)! Register today to save your spot!
Lend Us a Helping Hand? Seeking Raffle/Auction Items
Our annual Valentine's Day Orchid Sale, Ganache at the Gardens event, and Raffle/Auction are just around the corner in February, and we need your help to fill our auction and raffle with exclusive prizes to help raise funds to support the Gardens.

Ideas for potential donations: Do you have a private garden you might be able to offer for a tour? One-of-a-kind botanical art or craftwork? Expertise to lead a private gardening or landscaping workshop? A rare plant looking for a new home? We will be collecting donations through January, so please reach out to Amy Tipton if you can donate an item or experience to help our auction and raffle to be successful!
Plant Spotlight: Katsura Tree
Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum). Photo credit: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
I love the fragrances of a great many plants, but in the fall there really aren’t many fragrant blooms to be had. Fortunately the Katsura tree makes up for the deficiencies of its plant friends by having some of the most incredible smelling foliage that you can find in the Fall. As its leaves turn color and drop they develop an odor very similar to cotton candy.

We have a Katsura tree right near the entrance to the Harwood Garden and, this time of year, I always find myself just standing there blocking guests because I enjoy it so much. This is a great exotic, non-invasive tree to consider if you need a small to medium
sized specimen for the yard.
That's all for now! I look forward to seeing you all in the Gardens soon.
Jeff Gillman, Ph.D.
Director, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens