July 21, 2008
Abundant thanks for all who have joyously and effectively voted
for the Markham Mark of Distinction Grant during the month of July.
Until we hear any official news, we invite you to toast Bartlett
Arboretum's good fortune with a glass of Markham Merlot while reading
Robin's latest blog.
Songs from the Garden
Robin Macy sings from her heart and from the heartland on a new collection of songs that blend
sophisticated musicality, lyrics rooted in the black Kansas soil and brilliant accompaniment by
an all-star cast. "Songs from the Garden," Robin's first solo effort, draws on all of the forces
at her disposal: her strong, other-era voice, gifted songwriting, network of exceptional musician
friends and inspiration from Bartlett Arboretum, the bountiful patch of nature she calls home.
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:
Bartlett Arboretum
Post Office Box 871
Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013
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
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