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 Fall color is starting to appear in the Arboretum in spite of the most severe heat and drought ever recorded for Columbia since the Weather Bureau started in 1887. The 2.2 inches of rain on October 25-27 plus the cold weather last week have helped color development especially on the Wilmot side. Color should be at peak for the Open House Novemer 18. Look for the bright yellow of the hickory trees, mulberry trees, grape vines, and the beautiful ground cover yellow of the Carolina Allspice just inside the fence on the lower Wilmot side. Also the deep red of the dogwoods, the brilliant magenta of the black gum near the cypress swamp, and the electric orange of our sourwood tree in the Horseshoe Horticultural Grove. Rosemary Biscardi will demonstrate wreath making using wild Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) grape vines. Some vines will be provided but participants should try to bring their own vines to insure that enough are available. About 2 or 3 vines at least 25 feet long will make a nice 15" diameter wreath. Vines with a diameter of about 1/8 inch at the base are best, not too thick and stiff and not too thin and fragile; the ones with lots of "curls" make the most attractive wreaths. Don't let them dry out or they will become too stiff to weave. Remove any leaves before you start weaving. A demo wreath will be tied on the gate this week. The wreath can be further decorated by pine cones, a large, full ribbon bow, interesting seeds, and just before use with evergreens. Abundant wild grape vines are available along the flat stretch of Gills Creek Road not far from Midlands Tech. Just pull over on the wide grass shoulder opposite the condos. As usual, please consider walking to the Arboretum as parking will be limited. Stay on marked trails. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. No tobacco, alcohol, food, radios, cell phones or pets are allowed. More information about new features of the Arboretum can be read here.
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