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Vote Now! – Eight Wonders of Kansas Geography Contest
Bartlett Arboretum is proud to be one of 24 finalists for this prestigious honor. Please visit
Kansas Sampler Foundation and vote for your favorite eight venues of geographic splendor:
http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/geography.php Sold Out! - Valentine House Concert by Robin Macy & Kentucky White
This duet of sweethearts will sing love songs on Sunday, February 14th at the beautiful Bluestem B&B – Madeline and Ken Norland, proprietors. Take a country drive just 3 miles east of Winfield, Kansas, (use directions on their website: www.bluestembedandbreakfast.com) and celebrate romance in this charming setting. BYOB and one covered dish. The Norlands will provide the meat and comfy seating for up to 40 lucky folks. Reservations are recommended 620.221.0735 or bluestembb@yahoo.com Supper served up hot at 5:30 p.m. followed by a crooning concert in the tradition of Dolly & Porter, Tammy & George, Sonny & Cher. (But Robin and Kentucky promise to live happily-ever-after as steward and stewardess of historic Bartlett Arboretum). They will have copies of their recent release, Songs From the Garden, music inspired from living among the trees in this Sumner County treasure. Bartlett Arboretum nomination for listing on the Register of Historic Places
Cross your fingers and make a wish at 9 a.m., Saturday, February 20th when the Kansas Historical Society meets to review our nomination for this coveted distinction. Abundant thanks to Mary Bartlett Gourlay for her research with this enormous and detailed document. We are hoping to have an official announcement during the Centennial Celebration, April 9-11. That birthday weekend the Kansas Forest Service will be here to help celebrate the trees; a short film documenting the history of these hallowed grounds will make its debut (courtesy of Jaime Green); and Doctor Walter E. Bartlett, himself, will be reincarnated to lead tours and tell his unique story ~ all in consort with Belle Plaine's traditional Tulip Time festivities. As usual, Art at the Arb will feature regional visual artists and live music will be performed from the Loblolly Stage. Mark your calendars! If you'd like to send a letter of support to the Kansas Historical Society on behalf of the Arb's nomination, please do! Sarah Martin, National Register Coordinator or via fax at 785-272-8682 In the words of Margaret Bartlett, circa 1930: "The quality of a region is directly reflected by the quality and range of influences of its institutions. For artistry of presentation, intensity of landscaping and contribution of culture and education to this region, the Bartlett Arboretum certainly excels. In some places in the world, such an outstanding institution would be considered a national treasure." Ten Champion Trees Recorded at Bartlett Arboretum
"It takes a noble man to plant a seed for a tree that will someday give shade to people he may never meet." – David Trueblood Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, Kansas, is thrilled to announce that it is the official home to ten State Champion Trees designated by the Kansas Forestry Service. Nominations are judged on a point system established by the American Forests National Register of Big Trees. One point is awarded for each inch of circumference, one point per foot of height and one-fourth point per foot of crown spread. Total Points = Circumference + Height + (Crown Spread/4) New inductees include:
In addition, it should be noted that Kansas' largest Japanese Maple also lives at Bartlett Arboretum, but is no longer eligible for certification because it is not considered native to North America. Heartfelt thanks to Mr. Dick Rumsey, Sedgwick County Tree Master Gardener for introducing us to this prestigious program, Community Forester, Tim McDonnell and his clinometer expertise, and to Soil Sister, Pam Gerber for shepherding the accounting process. But most importantly, abundant gratitude to three generations of Bartletts who had the wisdom and vision and fortitude to plant trees for the enjoyment of future generations. Songs from the Garden
Musicians from Nashville to Austin to Portland – Kentucky White, Darol Anger, Chris Searles, Stuart Duncan, Sara Hickman, Monica Taylor and others – stepped forward to help with this project. From the first track's salute to simplicity to the last song's testament to the healing power of digging in the earth, this collection is a tribute to the importance of finding your own roots and following your heart. Original cover and booklet design by Jo and Craig Tomson perfectly capture Robin's spirit, and that of the music – making this one album that's as visually entrancing as it is musically engaging. Proceeds exclusively benefit Bartlett Arboretum.
Songs From the Garden may be purchased in the Wichita area exclusively at Johnson's Garden Centers. If you prefer, send $18 check or money order to: Located 20 miles south of Wichita, the century-old, historic Bartlett Arboretum is home to massive cypress, oaks and champion Japanese maples. For nearly 100 years many generations of Kansans have enjoyed this unique sanctuary once touted as "the only mature arboretum between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains." In 1910 Dr. Walter Bartlett, a general practitioner from Belle Plaine, purchased about 40 acres of pastureland along a winding stream called the Euphrates Creek. A consummate naturalist, Dr. Bartlett collected waterfowl and minerals, but the hobby that continued throughout his lifetime and into a second century and a fourth generation was his passion for horticulture and his varied collection of trees. In the 1930s the arboretum became an approved government testing ground; the Department of Agriculture sent plants and trees from all over the world to Belle Plaine to see if they could be grown locally. In 1926 the first Tulip Festival was held at the arboretum and it was open each year until 1942 when World War II made it impossible to get help or import bulbs. In celebration of the 1961 Kansas State Centennial the garden was again open to the public and then closed officially for good in the mid-1990s. In its mature state the arboretum has great educational value. Each year many students of botany visit the grounds. But mostly it remains a haven for wildlife, artists, nature and bird lovers, brides and grooms. The Bartlett Arboretum is privately owned and is not endowed or subsidized. Current steward Robin Macy and her volunteers are in the process of restoring the grounds, rebuilding bridges, removing dead and diseased plant material and trees in an effort to preserve this favorite retreat. Although the property is no longer open daily to the public, Ms. Macy makes the gardens available for educational purposes, concerts on the lawn and for private functions. To receive information about upcoming events please send name and address to P.O. Box 871 Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013 or info@bartlettarboretum.com |
