Chamaedorea benzii, Wallichia disticha, Euterpe edulis, Hyophorbe indica, Aiphanes erosa, Attalea sp., Pritchardia vicosa, Roystonea regia, Caryota himalayana: these are a few of the eighteen new palm species that the Palm Society of Southern California recently donated to the botanical garden's expanding palm collection.
The event was well attended, and I compliment the society members on their ability to organize an all-day affair, with 150 people, and to leave the garden as neat as they found it! The program began with a warm welcome by garden director Arthur Gibson, followed by a tour of the garden by docents Stan Penton and Mel Leventhal and me, which lasted almost two hours. During the next two hours, the society auctioned off about 200 palm plants, each going to the highest bidder. The International Palm Society and its Southern California chapter also offered a large selection of books and other publications for sale to enthusiasts wanting to strengthen their personal libraries on the subjects of palm biology and culture.
The day turned out to be one of the nicest days of the Westwood spring, with the palm gardeners soaking up the warm rays. Throughout their time at MEMBG, participants commented about how great the garden looked and felt. To the volunteer gardening staff who prepared the garden for this event, and who week after week keep MEMBG looking great, many, many thanks.
RAND PLEWAK, Garden Manager