TheB oxwoodBulletin A quarterly devoted to Man's oldest garden ornamental

An allee of eight 35-year-old Buxus sempervirens 'Pyramidalis' frames the entrance to the Boxwood Collection at the U. S. National Arboretum. They standfifteenfeet high and are six feet wide at the base. (Story on page 68)

IN THIS ISSUE 28th Annual Meeting of the American Boxwood Society ...... Page 67 Boxwood Tour of the U. S. National Arboretum ...... 68 Boxwood Propagation Experiences Shared ...... 71 Garcinia buxifolia Chiov. is Buxus hildebrandtii Baill ...... 73 New Cultivars Added to Registration Lisl...... 73 "Historic Garden Week" Tours in Virginia ApriI23-31 ...... 74 Historical Notes on the Firm of Lewis & Valentine ...... 76 Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage April 23-May 7 ...... 77 Knot Garden Boxwood Report...... 79 Boxwood: Import That Thrives in the U. S ...... 79 Updated Chart of Memorial Garden ...... 80 The Seasonal Gardener ...... Inside Back Cover

April 1988 Volume 27, Number 4 American Boxwood Society E • "i•

The AmericanBoxwood Society is a not-for-profitorganiza­ Available Publications: tion founded in 1961 and devoted to the appreciation, scien­ tific understanding and propagation of the genus Buxus L. Back issues of The Boxwood Bulletin $ 4 There are more than 700 members iIi the United States and Boxwood Buyer's Guide (2nd Edition) $ 6 nine foreign countries. International Registration List ofCultivated Buxus L. $ 3 Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1961-1986 $10 Officers: Contributions: PRESIDENT: Gifts to the Society are tax-deductible and may be undesig­ Mrs. Robert L. Frackelton Fredericksburg, Va. nated or applied to: VICE-PRESIDENTS: Boxwood Memorial Garden Fund Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf Silver Spring, Md. Boxwood Handbook Fund Mrs. Malcolm L. Holekamp Webster Groves, Mo. Boxwood Research Fund SECRETARY: Boxwood Monograph Fund Mrs. Joan C. Butler Bluemont, Va. Correspondence: EXECUTIVE TREASURER: Mrs. Katherine D. Ward Deerfield, Va. For address changes, memberships, dues, contributions, or to order back issues or publications, write: REGISTRAR: Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf Silver Spring, Md. Treasurer, American Boxwood Society P.O. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 22620 DIRECTORS: Prof. Albert S. Beecher (1988) Blacksburg, Va. For general information about the Society, advice concerning Prof. James A. Faiszt (1990) Blacksburg, Va. boxwood problems or cultivar selection, write to the Ameri­ Dr. Walter S. Flory (1989) Winston-Salem, N. C. can Boxwood Society at the same address. You are also Mr. William A. Gray (1990) Charlottesville, Va. welcome to write directly to the President: Cdr. Phillip D. Larson (1988) Knoxville, Md. Mrs. Robert L. FrackeIton Mr. Richard D. Mahone (1989) Williamsburg, Va. 1714 Greenway Drive Mrs. James M. Sykes (1988) Raleigh, N. C. Fredericksbug, Va. 22401 Mr. Dale T. Taylor (1990) Wenonah, N.J. EX-OFFICIO: Call for Papers: Dr. Edward F. Connor Boyce, Va. Technical articles, news, history, lore, notes, and photographs BULLETIN EDITOR: ,?oncerning boxwood specimens, gardens or plantings are so­ John S. McCarthy Webster Groves, Mo. licited for possible publication in The Boxwood Bulletin. Pho­ tographs should be suitable for reproduction and fully cap­ Memberships: tioned. Suggestions regarding format and content are also welcome. Material should be submitted to: Memberships for the year May through April include $12 Chairman, Bulletin Committee for four quarterly issues of The Boxwood Bulletin:: 1714 Greenway Drive Individual $15 Contributing $30 Life $250 Fredericksburg, Va. 22401 Family $20 Sustaining $50 Patron $500 Material to be returned to the sender must be submitted with a self-addressed envelope carrying suitable postage. Every Non-member SUbscriptions for groups and institutions such as effort will be made to protect submittals, but the Society botanic gardens and libraries are $15 by the calendar year. cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

The Boxwood Bulletin (ISSN (0068535) is published quarterly for $12.00 per year by the American Boxwood Society, Blandy Experimental Farm, Boyce, Va. 22620. Second class postage paid at Boyce, Va. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Boxwood Bulletin, P.O. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 22620. The Bulletin is printed by M-J Printers, Fredericksburg, Va. Society to Hold 28th Annual Meeting at Boyce, Va. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17-18

You may reserve lunch in advance ($4.50) or bring your own. Those wishing to reserve lunch, please send 28th Annual Meeting of the American Boxwood Society your check payable to the American Blandy Experimental Farm of the University of Virginia, Boyce, Virginia Boxwood Society, in the amount of $7.50 (lunch and registration) to Mrs. May 17, 1988 (Tuesday) Robert L. Frackelton, 1714 Greenway 8:00P.M. Illustrated lecture - Richard D. Mahone, Blandy Drive, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401. Farm Library, followed by a champagne reception Please use a copy or facsimile of the May 18, 1988 (Wednesday) Advance Registration Form provided on Page 82. A11lunch reservations 9:00A.M. Registration. If you pre-register, please pick up MUST be received by Tuesday, May your name tag at the Registration Table 10,1988. 9:30A.M. Guided tour of the Memorial Garden 10:00 A.M. Coffee, Dining Room Directions to Blandy Farm 11:00 A.M. Annual Business Meeting, Library 12:00 Noon Lunch (by reservation or bring-your-own) Blandy Farm is on Route 50 near 1:00 P.M. Educational Program: Boyce, Va. Driving west on Route 50, "Diseases of Boxwood" - Dr. Wirt H. Wills the entrance is on your left about four Display of Lewis & Valentine memorabilia, miles beyond the Shenandoah River courtesy of Hewlett Lewis bridge. Driving east on Route 50 from "Botanic Gardens and a Nursery in Great Britain" - Winchester and 1-81, the entrance is on Lynn R. Batdorf your right about 1.5 miles beyond the 2:15P.M. Third annual auction of named Buxus cultivars­ junction with Route 340. The entrance John W. Boyd and Dale T. Taylor is marked from both directions by a highway sign: "Virginia State Arbore­ tum."

Program Notes 'Compacta', 'Henry Hohman', 'John Baldwin', var.japonica; Buxus DUES REMINDER Mr. Mahone was in Australia and sempervirens 'Agram', 'Angustifolia', We wish to remind individ­ New Zealand from December 1986 'Aurea Maculata' (='Aureo-variegata'), ual, family, contributing, and through January 1987. His interest in 'Belleville', 'Butterworth', 'Edgar sustaining members that dues for plants is recorded on film. Anderson', 'Fortunei Rotundifolia', the membership year May 1988 Mr. Batdorf was in England in 'Graham Blandy', 'Handsworthiensis', through April,1989 are now October and November 1986, where he 'Henry Shaw', 'Inglis', 'Joe Gable', payable. Prompt payment saves studied herbarium specimens and living 'Joy', 'Latifolia', 'Myrtifolia', 'North­ the Society time and expense. collections at Kew and Edinburgh. land', 'Pullman', 'Pyramidalis Hard­ Please use the enclosed envelope. Dr. Wills, of the Department of wickensis', 'Salicifolia', 'Ste. Note also that a renewal Plant Pathology and Physiology, Genevieve', 'Suffruticosa', 'Vardar VPI&SU, Blacksburg, Va., has long Valley', 'Varifolia', 'Woodland', and envelope must be included in this been a specialist on the diseases of Buxus X 'Green Mountain'. issue, even for Life Members, boxwood. Patrons and pre-paid members. Those who have attended previous Registration and Lunch In addition to renewal, it may be ABS boxwood auctions are aware of used to make a tax-deductible contribution to one of the the expertise of Mr. Boyd and Mr. A $3.00 registration fee will be Society'S special funds or to order Taylor as auctioneer and tabulator. charged to help defray the cost of Some of the plants which have been refreshments and other expenses of the a gift membership for a friend. donated are: Buxus microphylla meeting.

April 1988 67 Boxwood Tour at the U. S. National Arboretum Lynn R. Batdorf

[NOTE: On Wednesday, April 22, native to western Europe, the Mediter­ in relation to the total plant, but they do 1987, Lynn R. Batdorf, Curator of the ranean basin, central and east Asia, spread a great deal. In digging the root U. S. National Arboretum Boxwood, North Africa, the Philippine Islands, ball, width is therefore more critical Perennial, and Aquatic collections, Central America and the West Indies. than depth. The root ball ought to be at conducted a tour of the Boxwood Transplanting least as wide as the drip line. The depth Collection at the Arboretum, and dis­ One secret to the successful of the ball should usually be about one­ cussed cultural practices, pruning, planting or transplanting of boxwood is fourth the height of the plant. diseases, and insect problems of timing. October and November are the Winter protection is usually box wood. About 30 individuals, with a best months to move boxwoods, necessary the first and second years wide variety of interests, attended. The because the plant is nearly dormant and after planting. Soil moisture should be following is an excerpt from the the leaves have a lower requirement for watched very carefully the first 12 to 18 information presented during the tour.] water and minerals. During a move, months after moving. many of the life-providing root hairs Watering History and Distribution are cut or destroyed, even when the best There are many formulas for the Perhaps it is best to start by briefly root ball is made. The roots, reduced in amount of water a boxwood plant mentioning the history and distribution number, are shocked and need time to needs. Unfortunately there are many of boxwood. Leaf fossils of boxwood recover. Since the root hairs will grow variables involved, including size, soil from the Pliocene Ice Age have been in the cooler soil temperatures of fall type, rainfall, temperature, humidity, recovered in more than 20 separate and winter, moving a plant in the fall slope of the soil, wind, sunlight, type locations throughout Europe. Up to the gives the roots time to re-establish and thickness of mulch, and time since 18th century, boxwood was an impor­ themselves. By spring they will be moving. When watering is necessary, tant economic crop. Early Greeks and better able to supply the demanding soaker hoses and regular lawn watering Romans used the wood for writing foliage with the water and minerals devices are ideal. These will encourage tablets, flutes a..,d spinning tops. They they so vitally need. the roots to grow deep into the soil. were especially skilled at producing The roots seldom grow very deep Hand watering with a hose is usually carved ornaments, furniture inlays and veneers. In 1957, on the discovery of the tomb of King Midas, an 8th century table made of boxwood with juniper inlay and a walnut top was recovered nearly intact. The first planting in North America is thought to have been by Nathan Sylvester, who built a manor on a Long Island plantation in 1652, and soon thereafter planted Buxus sempervirens. Today, boxwood uses are nearly always ornamental. All species originated overseas. Some of the best known are Buxus harlandii. Buxus microphylla, var. japonica, and Buxus microphylla var. insularis, which are native to Asia, and Buxus sempervirens from western Europe. Buxus balearica is from the three Balearic Islands off the east coast of Spain. Buxus wallichiana grows wild in the Himalayas. Approximately Batdorf discusses pruning techniques with the tour group. using Buxus semper­ 90 other, more obscure, species are virens 'Memorial' as an example. (Photos: Robert Frackelton)

68 April 1988 insufficient, and will encourage the ages dense, multiple-tip branching. positively charged. Conversely, as the roots to remain near the surface, Additionally, it cuts many leaves in pH increases, more carboxyl groups 'making them more susceptible to half, placing the plant under unneces­ become negatively charged. Each drying out and to winter injury. sary stress. While a geometrically protein and nutrient has a pH value at It is necessary to understand that designed boxwood in the shape of a ball which it is most active. Most are active for most plants, 95 to 97% of all water or a glass top smooth hedge may appear at pH values not too far from neutral taken up by the roots is lost to the to be more attractive, the boxwood is (PH 7). atmosphere through the stomates on the not at its best. If the site or personal Before using any fertilizer, an underside of the leaves. An additional preference requires a topiary specimen, analysis of the soil should be obtained. 1 to 3% is lost through the cuticle layer holly, arborvitae and juniper are better One can use the local extension agent of the leaf, so that typically, only 1 to choices. or purchase one of the many inexpen­ 2% of all water uptake is ever utilized Propagation sive home soil testing kits. As a by the plant. With this in mind, There are several methods of general rule, the soil pH ought to be perhaps the best guide to watering is propagation from which to choose. The between 6.2 and 7.2 If the pH is below watching the soil. The soil should be choice should be dictated entirely by the that, add lime; if it is higher, add relatively moist from the surface to 12- desired results. It is quicker to produce sulphur. Once the pH has been 18 inches below the surface year-round. a plant from layering or cutting than adjusted, add fertilizer if necessary in To become sensitive to soil moisture from seed. Cuttings and layering will quantities shown by the soil test results. begin by digging several holes 12 produce plants that are identical to the If fertilizing is necessary, best inches deep and wide enough to parent; seedlings will produce varied results are achieved by application in observe soil moisture. Make these progeny. early March. It should be applied holes in various spots throughout the The best time to take cuttings is in around the dripline where the most garden at different times of the year to August. The cutting should be taken active root hairs are located. Most see how far down moisture is penetrat­ from the current year's wood. This fertilizers are labelled with three ing. Through time and observation, an cutting has a chance to harden off, numbers, such as 10-6-4, which appropriate watering schedule can be which will keep it from wilting before it indicates a nutrient content of 10% developed. develops its own root system. Taken nitrate, 6% phosphate and 4% potash. Pruning later, the cutting becomes difficult to (The remaining 80% is inert materials, Usually pruning is necessary only callus as it matures. After taking usually clay particles.) These macronu­ on Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa.' cuttings, put them in a coarse, light soil trients are three of the six elements It is done primarily to open the center mix. They should be watered and required for plant growth. These six, in of the plant to air and sunlight. Pruning misted frequently with a spray bottle. order of decreasing amount, are: is particularly critical in maintaining a The phmts can be planted out in a nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magne­ healthy Truedwarf Boxwood because protected area the following spring. sium, phosphorous and sulphur. the foliage typically grows on the outer­ Layering is a relatively simple Hydrogen, oxygen and carbon are also most branches and seldom penetrates procedure. Select a branch near the required, but are found in soil air, and more than 6-10 inches. To correct this ground. Put a heavy object over the not in the soil itself or in fertilizer. problem, remove about 40-50 branches branch to keep it in contact with the soil A boxwood deficient in nitrogen on a 4-foot plant. The branches should (not the mulch). If done in the spring, a will be stunted with chlorosis (yellow­ be 6 to 8 inches long and randomly new plant will have developed by fall. ing of the leaves) or loss of leaves. In pruned from the top two-thirds of the Roots will have grown from the stem severe cases the entire plant will be plant. This will reduce leaf density, into the soil. All that remains to be affected; however, older leaves are improve circulation through the plant, done is to cut the stem off the parent affected the most. A very dark green and improve disease resistance. An and to replant the new plant. and stunted plant with later flowering is ideal time to prune is early December Boxwood seeds will germinate very evidence of a phosphorous deficiency. when the clippings can be saved and readily if given a cold stratification of Not enough potassium will cause used for Christmas decorations. 400 F. for ten weeks. Seedlings that mottled chlorosis, spots of dead tissues, However, pruning should not be done germinate in the spring can be planted especially at the tips and margins. The in mid to late summer. This will out in protected areas the next spring. older leaves are affected most. The encourage a secondary flush of growth Fertilizer and Soil stems will be weaker and the roots are which will not have a chance to harden The hydrogen ion concentration, or more susceptible to disease. off before winter arrives. pH, of the soil has a strong influence on The soil structure is an important The use of shears or hedge trim­ soil nutrient availability. As the pH quality in designing a maintenance mers is not recommended. It encour- decreases, more amino groups become program for boxwood. Ideally, a loamy

April 1988 69 soil which has nearly equal proportions cracks as it cools and contracts. produces its new leaves. The psyllid's of sand, silt and clay is the best. Any Foliage bronzing, which typically piercing-sucking mouth parts remove soil improvements toward a loamy soil occurs in late fall and early spring, everything they can between the upper will benefit the plant. Many soils are usually indicates a culturally stressed and lower epidermis. The leaves then heavy with clay, allowing little or no plant. It is an early warning signal that become distorted and cupped. This space for soil air and soil water. Under some of the plant's cultural require­ permanent condition of the plant is not these conditions, the soil will dry out ments are not being met. Its causes are only unsightly, but will greatly reduce quickly and become hard, inhibiting many and each site must be evaluated the vigor of the plant. Effective control root growth. Gypsum or organic matter to determine a correct treatment. can be obtained by using Malathion® added to the soil will enlarge the pore Mechanical damage by a snow fall or insecticidal soaps. Make an initial space for proper root development. can often be difficult to detect. In a application as the new growth emerges Mulch heavy snow, some branches may be in April and follow up with a second Maintain a 1- to 2-inch depth of obviously broken from the weight, but application three weeks later. shredded hardwood bark mulch. In more often snow causes only hairline The two-spotted spider mite addition to its decorative appeal, the fractures and splits in the bark and (Tetranychus urticas) feeds on the mulch retains soil moisture and inhibits vascular cambium. The branch will upper and lower leaf surfaces. These weed growth. stay green through the spring, but as the tiny, prolific pests make many small Stress and Winter Damage summer heat approaches, the vascular white scratch marks on the leaf. The Branches that appear dead from a cambium is not able to meet the mites feed on the chlorophyll found in winter injury may not be dead. To increased demands of the leaves and the the mesophyll. In the absence of the distinguish between live and dead branch dies. green chlorophyll pigments, the surface of the leaf appears dusty or pale green. During a hot and dry summer, six to eight generations of mites can occur. This is perhaps the most damaging pest to boxwood; yet it is the most over­ looked because the symptoms are so inconspicuous. It is most prevalent on Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa.' Mites in large populations have been known to seriously weaken a plant, making it susceptible to secondary infections. Limited but safe and satisfactory control can be obtained by using a repeated hard water spray from a garden hose on hot, dry summer days. This will often knock the mites off the leaves, and they are usually unsuccess­ ful in rmding their way back. Fair to Boxwood at the U. S. National Arboretum. Left to right: Buxus sempervirens good results can be obtained with 'Elegantissima' . B. sempervirens 'Myrtifolia'. B. microphylw var. insularis, B. repeated applications of an insecticidal sempervirens 'Myrtifolia' and B. microphylla var.japonica 'Morris Dwarf soap. Cygon™ 2E (Dimethoate) applied in early June, July and August branches, scratch off the bark with a A heavy amount of fruiting is also will provide favorable results. thumbnail, exposing the vascular an indication of a stressed plant. While The boxwood leafminer (Mon­ cambium. If it is green, the branch is some leaf drop is normal and expected, arthropalpus bUXl) should not be alive; if brown, it is dead. Boxwoods an above normal amount of leaf drop confused with the better-known holly with a southern exposure typically indicates the plant is stressed. leafminer, which "mines" or tunnels its exhibit more winter damage. When Insects way through the leaf, leaving an exposed to bright winter sun, the bark is The most prevalent insect which obvious brown trail on the top surface rapidly warmed. As night approaches, attacks Buxus sempervirens and its of the leaf. The boxwood leafminer the bark cools and contracts, while the cultivars (except 'Suffruticosa') is the does not tunnel through the leaf as it underlying xylem wood remains boxwood psyllid (Psylla buxi). This eats the mesophyll. The result is a unchanged. The bark then splits and insect feeds at the same time boxwood brown blistering effect caused by the

70 April 1988 accumulation of dead cells inside the of boxwood plants, the removal of wood Bulletin 18(1):1-2 epidermis. Control is necessary only if branches also helps contain or eliminate 2. Jensen, W. A., F. S. Salisbury persistent or significant damage is fungi by improving air circulation (1984) Botany p. 245 observed. Insecticidal soaps, Sevin®, through the plant Malathion®, and similar compounds Truedwarf Boxwood growers are [Note: The mention of a trademark have little or no effect, but fortunately, well aware of the symptoms of decline, or proprietary product does not consti­ control can be obtained by using a progressive browning of whole tute a guarantee or warranty of the systemic insecticides, such as Diaz­ branches that spreads until the entire product by the U.S.D.A. or the ABS, inon® 50WP or Cygon™ 2E. Applica­ plant is straw-colored. A great deal of and does not imply approval to the ex­ tion in mid-June and again in mid-July research has been done to determine the clusion of other products that may also will give good results. causes of decline, but there is little that be suitable. Before using any of these, Diseases and Decline can be done to revive boxwood carefully read all labelled instructions.] Two fungi (Macrophoma suffering from it. Prevention is best; by candolleri and Volutella buxi) attack keeping a Truedwarf Boxwood cultur­ Mr. Batdorf has been a horticulturist at weakened or decaying branches. ally healthy, it will be strong enough to the U. S. National Arboretum since Typically they can be controlled by resist the initial infection. 1977. He is responsible/or the Buxus, pruning infected branches when they Malus. Perennial and Aquatic Collec­ appear. Since fungi prefer moist, cool, 1. Batdorf (1978) Culture at the U. S. tions. He is a Vice-President 0/ the dark areas, often found near the center National Arboretum. The Box- ABS.

Boxwood Propagation Experiences Shared Jack N. Kegley

Many years ago, I became an covered the 5-foot square area with foot of ground. I would water them admirer of "English" [' Suffruticosa' or plastic and watered it almost daily. with a hose, not on any regular basis, Truedwarf] boxwood, but they were too Again, a very high rate of rooting­ but about three times a week. My expensive for my budget. I had about 90%. success rate was about 80%. considered rooting them for some Then I tried rooting in an area At the same time I used a Rototiller years, but all the articles I read pre­ where, at high noon, the sun would hit to plow up an adjacent area, mixing scribed misters and other complicated the clippings. This time no plastic was peat moss with the soil. My idea was procedures, which discouraged me. used. To shield the clippings from the that the peat moss would keep the Eventually, however, I got about 100 sun, I placed a cover over the main ground more moist with my occasional clippings from a friend, bought some body of the clippings, but that did not sprinkling. Only about 20% of these Rootone, got some sand and mixed it keep the morning or evening sun from rooted. As all other conditions were the with soil, constructed a cold frame, hitting the clippings on the edges. I same, my conclusion was that the peat covered it with plastic and got approxi­ won't say "as predicted," but as a moss retained too much moisture. That mately 100% of the clippings rooted. matter of fact, those in the center of the was my last experiment with peat moss. With absolutely nothing invested, bed that received no direct sunlight My reason for placing the cuttings it seemed to me that if I were to raise rooted well, and those on the edge that so close together was that I felt the air them for sale, it would be an infinite received some sun in the mornings and flow around the clippings would be rate of return on a zero investment, so I afternoons did poorly; probably no reduced, and this would reduce the rate went hogwild and started getting more than 10% rooted. of evaporation. This theory mayor clippings literally in the thousands each Another experiment was to locate may not be correct, but at least it works. year. As I got very tired of dipping an extremely shady place in the woods The other, more obvious reason is that each clipping in Rootone, shaking off where, for all practical purposes, there it is much easier to put as many as the excess, and using a pencil to make a was no direct sunlight The soil was possible in a small space. hole in the soil or sand, I eliminated the very poor, mostly decayed rock. It was Mter about six weeks of watering, use of Rootone. I did not notice any not clay. I used a Rototiller to plow up I would forget the clippings for the great difference in the rate of rooting. an area about 5 feet square and stuck in winter, except for one or two trips to Next, after finding a very shady about 2500 clippings with no cover at the woods to gently rake the falling spot in the woods and sticking the all. The clippings were spaced about 1 leaves off the box. clippings in the ground, I very carefully inch apart, giving about 150 per square The following spring, in about

April 1988 71 March or April, I would move the rooted clippings out into a bed in full sun, planted in a grid pattern on 6-inch centers, and mulched with sawdust to help control the weeds. In such transplanting, I would plant any clipping that had any root whatsoever. By actual count, the success rate in the transplanting was 99%. After trans­ planting, I watered them liberally and regularly. I also found that until they got to be about six to eight inches tall, I was able to make them grow in the spring and again in the late summer by a liberal watering and fertilizing in July and August I found that a very neat way of getting the uniform spacing on a 6-inch Grid pattern of Truedwarf Boxwood, about 20" tall, planted on 3' centers grid was by placing a piece of wire mesh (the kind used for reinforcing about 40 miles away from my home. additional year in the shady and concrete) on the ground and planting a On a trip to get the clippings, I simply crowded rooting bed, I find that at least rooting in each grid. dropped them into plastic garbage bags. 50% of them die with perfectly good I left them on the 6-inch grid until After arriving home, I would put the root systems. I attribute this to lack of they were crowding each other. At that bags in a shady spot, and sprinkle some sunlight. point, I sold my house, bought more water in them. Within one or two days, To control grass around boxwood, land, and built a new house. I reserved I would trim the clippings and stick I have found that a chemical called the boxwood when I sold. When I them in the ground Poast (available from Southern States moved the boxwood, I shook the roots More recently, I found a friend Cooperative) will kill grass, but does no fairly well, as I knew I could not man­ who had cut down some "English" harm to boxwood age to get a ball of dirt with each plant. boxwood about six feet in diameter. Some years ago, I found a perfect Out of a batch of 3,000, I lost only one. One to two days after they had been system for keeping dogs away from I have found that the best time to cut, I got two pickup loads of branches boxwood: an electric fence, such as make boxwood root is July and August and stored them in my basement. After farmers use for livestock. By leaving When I tried it in September or later, several days, I put the branches in 5- one strand of wire around the boxwood my results were dismal. I learned years gallon buckets of water until I could get for about 30 days, so that every dog in ago that it takes heat to make boxwood tJtem trimmed and planted. It took the neighborhood knows about it, you (and other plants) root. about a week to get the clippings in can then remove the wire. Until you In preparing my clippings, I prefer shape to plant, but I again had about an get another uneducated dog in the those about 8 to 10 inches tall. I use 80% success rate. neighborhood, you will have no dog grass shears to cut off most of the One time I tried rooting in the problem. foliage, leaving about 15 to 20 leaves. I summer and transplanting in the fall. In To summarize, put 6- to 8-inch strip the bottom and wound one side of the following spring, I found that 95% clippings in friable soil in July and the portion that will be in the ground by of the clippings were completely out of August, in a place as shady as possible, dragging it across the edge of my grass the ground, roots and all. At fust, I water seve:a1 times a week. and 80% shears. I like to have at least five thought it was some animal or kid that should have roots within six weeks. inches above ground, so that when had done this, but upon checking with cuttings are transplanted, they can be forestry people, who know not to plant Mr. Kegley is an attorney in Charlot­ mulched without being covered up. seedlings in the fall, I realized that it tesville. Virginia. He has a special As for protecting clippings was frost action that had heaved them interest in boxwood. primarily Buxus between the time of cutting and all out of the ground. sempervirens 'Suffruticosa·. He planting, I again found that "English" One other mistake that I have made learned some of his propagation ['Suffruticosa'] boxwood is almost from time to time is not transplanting techniques from the late Warren Cloud. indestructible. the rooted cutting the fust spring after who was a member of the American I had one source of clippings rooting them. If I leave them for an Boxwood Society.

72 April 1988 Garcinia buxifolia Chiov. is Buxus hildebrandtii Baill. Ib Friis

[N01E: In this article, the type material where it was examined by N. Robson, specimen, Reghini 15(FT), from the of Garcinia buxifolia Chiov., hitherto B. Verdcourt, K. Vollesen and the same area between El Marra and Mt assumed to be an aberrant taxon in the author. Although the type material is ElIot. A map of the total distribution of Guttiferae, is shown to belong to Buxus poor, consisting of young twigs with Buxus hildebrandtii has been published hildebrandtii BailI. (Buxaceae), to the leaves and floral buds only, it has been by Valenti (1965: Carta I). synonymy of which G. buxifolia is possible to establish that the material References therefore added. The article originally does not belong to Garcinia, but Chiovenda, E. 1940. Plantae appeared in the Nordic Journal of represents a difficultly recognizable, novae vel minus notae ex Aethiopia, Botany, p. 747-748, Dec. 1984.] shaded form of Buxus hildebrandtii No. 231-297.-Atti della R. Accad. BailI. (Buxaceae) with unusually large, d'Italia, Memorie della Cl. di sci., fls., Chiovenda (1940:70) described thin leaves and poorly developed mat. e natur. 11:17-67. Garcinia buxifolia with a number of inflorescences. Cufodontis, G. 1959. Enumeratio other new species from Ethiopia based Our examination of the type plantarum Aethiopia, Spermatophyta on the collections of Reghini from SE material has not conflrmed Chiovenda's (Sequentia).-Bull. lard. Bot. Etat. Brux. Bale, on the border of the Ogaden. information about the number of 29, Suppl.: 585-652. From the description it appears that G. stamens: we found 4 stamens, not 8, in Valenti, G. S. 1965. Adumbratio buxifolia in vegetative features dissected flower buds, which all florae Aethiopiae, 12. Buxaceae.­ resembles G. volkensii Engl., a species seemed to be male. 4 stamens is the Webbia20: 771-778 distributed in the montane dry normal number in Buxus hildebrandtii evergreen forests of E Africa from in which the central flower of the I. Friis isfrom the Institute of System­ Kenya to Mozambique and Malawi, but dichasia is typically female, while the atic Botany, University of Copenhagen, the number of lateral nerves in the leaf lateral flowers are typically male. The Gothersgade 140,DK-1123, Copen­ of G. buxifolia is considerably higher type material of G. buxifolia has poorly hagen K, Denmark. Lynn R. Batdorf, than in that species. The floral descrip­ developed inflorescences, and the International Registration Authority for tion is incomplete, but the bracts and female flower is therefore insigniflcant, Buxus L., obtained the kind permission sepals are said to be puberulous on the if at all developed. Bracts and sepals of ofDr. Friis to reprint this important re­ inside, a highly unusual character in B. hildebrandtii are puberulous on the classification. African species of Garcinia. Chiov­ margin and inside, as pointed out in the enda does not mention petals, and only diagnosis of G. buxifolia Chiov. tetramerous male flowers, with 8 Chiovenda's name in Garcinia has New Cultivars Added stamens and no rudimentary ovary are therefore to be added to the synonymy to Registration List described. African species of Garcinia of Buxus hildebrandtii: do often have tetramerous flowers but Buxus hildebrandtii Baill. Two new cultivars have beeen then the androecium consists of 4 Baillon in Adansonia 11:268 (1874).­ added to the International Registration fascicles of numerous stamens, not just Type:Somalia, opposite Aden, 1500-2000 List of Cultivated Buxus L., which was 8 free stamens. m, Hildebrandt s. n. (P holotype, fide published in The Boxwood Bulletin for In his enumeration of Ethiopian Valenti (1965: 772), who has carefully es­ April 1987. The additions were an­ tablished the typification of this name). plants Cufodontis (1959: 591) pointed Garcinia buxifolia Chiov. in Atti della R. nounced in January 1988 by Lynn R. out the anomaly of this plant, and sug­ Accad. d'Italia, Memorie della Cl. di sci., Batdorf, International Registrar Author­ gested that it should be carefully fis., mat. e natur. 11: 20 (1940).-Type: ity for Buxus L., and Horticulturist, U. S. compared with other African species. Ethiopia, Bale, between EI Marra and Mt. National Arboretum: In connection with work on an ElIot, in stream valleys near EI Carre, Regh­ Buxus microphylla Siebold & account of the Guttiferae for the Flora ini 28 (Ff holotype, K photo). Zuccarini 'Herrenhausen' Otto Mark­ of Ethiopia, and on a list of forest trees For full synonymy of B. hilde­ worth and Dr. Hans-Georg Preissel in of Ethiopia and Somalia, the type brandtii, see Valenti (1965:774). The Deutche Baumschule p. 516. Dec. 1987. material of Garcinia buxifolia Chiov. type of G. buxifolia represents the Buxus sempervirens Linnaeus has, with the kind permission of the southernmost record in the entire 'Blauer Heinz' Otto Markworth and Dr. Director of the Erbario Tropicale, distribution area of Buxus hildebrandtii, Hans-Georg Preissel in Deutche Baum­ Florence, been obtained on loan to Kew although Valenti records another schule p. 516. Dec. 1987.

April 1988 73 "Historic Garden Week" Tours Virginia April 23-May 1 Charlotte Taylor Massie

During the Garden Club of A brick walkway, canopied by an Virginia's 55th Historic Garden Week, intricately gnarled wisteria vine, leads April 23 through May I, visitors may to formal boxwood gardens at Scaleby, walk up the paths and through the a magnificent Classic Revival mansion garden gates of almost 200 private open for the Clarke country tour Satur­ homes and gardens located in 34 areas day, April 23, and Sunday, April 24. of the state. Many feature plantings of A wall, constructed of brick boxwood. brought back as ballast in sailing The traditional character of vessels, encloses the original boxwood Virginia gardens, old and new, depends garden at Eyre Hall on the eastern shore upon the fragrant and velvety boxwood. of Virginia. One of the oldest and There are choice spots in almost every loveliest in the country, this garden will Virginia garden for this stately shrub. Boxwood adds to the historic feeling of share honors with the mans~on, built It borders on walks, enhances house the 1740 Lisburne Cottage, which was about 1735, when they open for foundations, outlines flower beds, reconstructed on its present site using Historic Garden Week, Friday April 29, accents lawn boundaries, marks allees, only original materials. (Photos: The and Saturday, April 30. denotes hedges, and provides garden Garden Club of Virginia) The gardens at Agecroft and privacy. Some are trimmed, some are Virginia House in Richmond are often clipped into decorative shapes and sweet alyssum and a collection of roses, spoken of together as the gardens touch. some are allowed to grow at random surround a decorative pool and fountain The garden at Virginia House seems and are higher than a tall man's head. in the garden of Hooding Carter III and not one but many, though they are held Boxwood was a beloved shrub in Pat Derian at 211 South Saint Asaph together by a sophisticated use of box­ Virginia's colonial gardens and has Street in Alexandria. The geometric wood, dogwood, shrubs and flowers. never lost its appeal to gardeners. It is boxwood pattern of these gardens gives The magnificent gardens at Age­ the glory of many gardens, and owners the overall design a beauty of its own, croft "swing away on both sides of the often have a hard time keeping from independent of the flowers. This open terrace." Boxwood define the planting boxwood in any and every garden will be open on the Alexandria different areas of the garden. Virginia available spot. tour Saturday, April 30. House will be open Monday, April 25, The garden fashions of Williams­ burg are copied today. A typical arrangement has the beds "laid out in geometric designs, perfectly balanced and symmetrically placed in relation to the buildings on the lot." Hedges of "English" [Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' or Truedwarf] boxwood and tall, billowy tree boxwood distin­ guish many of the carefully manicured gardens. Mrs. May borrowed ideas from gardens in Williamsburg that matured into a plan, simple in design and gracious, for her garden at 1951 Lewis Mountain Road in Charlottesville. It will be open Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26, for the tour in Charlottesville. Formal "English" [Buxus semper­ virens 'Suffruticosa'] boxwood, with Fancy Hill, one of Rockbridge County's finest old homes, is enhanced by boxwood

74 April 1988 Flanked by "American" [Buxus sempervirens] and "English" [Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'] boxwood, the Spurlock home at 1616 Blair Road in Petersburg also features plantings of boxwood in its garden. The Petersburg Tour wiu be held Tuesday, April 26. Box wood are a prominent shrub on the lovely grounds at the Hargrove home in Portsmouth, open Saturday, April 23. Some of the boxwood on the two acres of landscaped ground at Terra Alta in Roanoke are more than eight feet tall. This home and garden are on the Roanoke Tour Sunday, April 24, and Monday, April 25. Stately boxwood grow on the lawn at Ditchley. built in 1752. one of the homes Guidebooks listing the tours, hours open on the Northern Neck Tour and dates, with maps showing detailed routing and location of the tours will be through Friday, April 29, and Agecroft of fields and mountains in all directions available free of charge, after March I, Hall will be open all week for Historic and wiu be open on the Lexington Tour at information centers and at the Garden Week. on Tuesday, April 26. Historic Garden Week Headquarters, 12 The Whalen residence in Freder­ A variety of stately boxwood grow East Franklin Street. Richmond, icksburg displays superb boxwood on the surrounding lawn at Ditchley. Virginia 23219. brought from King George County. Built in 1752, the fine two-story brick If requested by mail, the Head­ Boxwood add to the age-old feeling mansion was named for the Lee estate quarters would appreciate a remittance of the 1740's Lisburne Garden Cottage near Oxford, England, and has long of $1.00 toward the cost of postage for which was moved to Gloucester County been associated with the iUustrious Lee the 184-page guidebook and map. from Lunenburg County in 1986. family. Visitors wiu be welcomed to Green arrows, trademark of Historic Mrs. Charles Beatty Moore's Ditchley, which wiu be open on the Garden Week, will be placed along the imagination and creativity are evident Northern Neck Tour on Wednesday, highways and roads to point out the in the intimate and inviting waIled April 27. homes and gardens on the tours. garden at 17th century Toddsbury in Gloucester County. Large boxwood mark the wall boundaries, and seasonal flowers, colorful crepe myrtle and ornamental shrubs provide a suitable setting for the dwarf boxwood garden. Both Lisburne Cottage and the gardens at Toddsbury wiu be open on the Gloucester tour Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30. A brick walk, outlined by hand­ some old boxwood, leads to a swim­ ming pool and patio at Mt. Gideon. This 18th century house, believed to be the oldest or second oldest house in Caroline County, wiu be open on the Hanover County Tour on April 23. Foundation plantings of boxwood enhance the front of Fancy Hill in Lexington. This 18th century Federal­ style house commands a sweeping view Boxwood is prominent in the landscaping of the Hargrove home in Portsmouth

April 1988 75 Historical Notes on the Firm of Lewis & Valentine Hewlett Lewis

My father, Harold C. Lewis, oldest in Roslyn, L. I., Rye, N. Y., and wood is undoubtedly aware of this of seven children, started a nursery and Ardmore, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia, period of "boxomania." landscaping business on a small scale and subsidiary offIces of Lewis & I believe that my uncle Albert's near Hewlett, Long Island, in 1909. Valentine in the east and midwest. objective in publishing his book, Various branches of the family had There they were available for inspec­ Boxwood Gardens Old and New, was to lived in the area for a long time. tion by landscape architects, estate create an authentic background and Within a few years, three of his bro­ owners and the local sales forces for history showing real examples of thers joined him. Mr. Valentine, who placement in area gardens. historic boxwood gardens to create lived in Brooklyn, was a family friend The popularity oflarge old box­ interest among those who were able to and provided the Lewis brothers with wood in large scale landscaping existed assemble isolated homegrown plants the capital they needed for their rapid from the early years of the century to through Lewis & Valentine and create expansion. The Lewises bought his about 1931, the era of expensive homes new boxwood gardens to be enjoyed by interest about 1914, but the fIrm name on substantial acreage. themselves and future generations. had recognition and was continued. The demand for old boxwood Through his book and his personal Realizing that the big demand for ceased as building of large homes magnetism and enthusiasm, many landscaping services lay on the north virtually stopped during the depression, gardens in which boxwood were shore of Long Island, where many and since then it has never revived prominently featured or comprised the expensive homes were being built, the significantly. In the New York and entire garden, were built under his firm bought a tract of land for a nursery Philadelphia areas boxwood were direction. A few of them still exist. and established an offIce at Roslyn, L. usually covered with a framework of During the depression Lewis & I. They recognized that the owners of wood surrounded and covered by a Valentine's operations were severely large new homes, many of them built layer of burlap which allowed air diminished, although it continued to on former farms, wanted their houses circulation and protected the brittle exist by gradually liquidating the surrounded by mature plantings to give stems from breakage by heavy snow. inventory of nursery stock on its 250 the appearance of an established home. With reduced gardening staffs in the acres. After a brief pickup in the late As well as large shade and flowering early 30s, this was sometimes not done, 30s to the early 40s, the landscape and trees and coniferous ~vergreens, box­ and many boxwood were destroyed or nursery industry was again set back wood was an ideal plant to give an aura disfigured as a result. during the war years. of dignity, age and aristocratic charm. The winter of 1933-34 was very I started working for Lewis & Dwarf "English" boxwood (B uxus severe in the northeast and killed a Valentine in 1936, and after a period of sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'), as well as great many boxwood. Little or no re­ military service ending in 1946, I "American" boxwood (Buxus semper­ placing was done and boxwood gardens bought the fIrm from the heirs of the virens) had been cultivated in the oldest deteriorated. A few homes maintained other Lewis families and managed it settled areas of Long Island since the their plantings on Long Island, the area until 1971, when I retired and sold the early 18th century. There were many I was familiar with, through the 1960s business to three members of my staff. mature plants available for purchase on and no doubt there are now a few It is still operating successfully in the the grounds of old homes, but the places with boxwood in good condition. New York-New Jersey-Connecticut demand soon outstripped the supply on . One reason for the decline in the area-78 years from its founding. Long Island and sources were sought use of large old "English" boxwood During my career there was on old homesteads and farms in New was the increasing scarcity of plants 50 virtually no demand for large boxwood, Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Mary­ or more years old which are required to but small plants for garden edging land and Virginia, and as far away as form a sizeable specimen. Had the continued to be used. western North Carolina. demand continued at the pace of the In the quiet months of winter, sales 1920s the supply would certainly have Mr. Lewis, a new member of the ABS, is and operations personnel were sent out become exhausted. presenting a copy of his uncle's book, to dig, transport to the nearest railroad Also, boxwood were planted Boxwood Gardens Old and New, to the siding and load on flatcars the boxwood pushing their northern growth adapta­ Society's library. Hewill share other which had been purchased earlier. The bility with disappointing results. Lewis & Valentine memorabilia at the boxwood were shipped to sales grounds Anyone knowledgeable in box- ABS Annual Meeting in May.

76 April 1988 Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage April 23-May Sarah S. Henderson

The 1988 Maryland House and Gardens, with its 80,000 tulips, spring­ Because William Colbourne, the Garden Pilgrimage scheduled on three flowering shrubs and trees and old owner of Pomfret Plantation, was weekends from Saturday, April 23, boxwood has been open to the public sympathetic to the Quakers, he permit­ through Sunday, May 7, is offering each spring since 1965. ted George Fox, the founder of Quaker­ pilgrims a chance to tour Guilford, in The back-to-back tours of Som­ ism, to hold meetings at Pomfret Baltimore City, and other historic erset and Worcester Counties, sched­ Plantation during his mission to the homes and gardens in six counties. uled on the last weekend of the Pilgrim­ New World in 1672-73. Between 1810 Some of these are houses where age, offer a unique opportunity to and 1820, one of William Coulbourne's boxwood has been used as a key explore this wonderful area of Mary­ descendants built the existing frame landscaping element. land with its mixture of grand houses house on Coulboume's Creek. With In St Mary's County, Mattapany and small town dwellings. In Somerset 95% of its original construction intact, and West St. Mary's Manor are of par­ County there is Harrington, a house Pomfret is one of the most significant ticular interest to the boxwood buff. built in 1798, where much of the fme houses of the period in Somerset Mattapany, built in 1663 on land Georgian paneling has remained intact, County. Large hardwood trees and granted by Cecilius, Lord Calvert, was and where formal gardens and speci­ some of the oldest boxwood in the acquired by the U. S. Government in men trees of types known and favored county surround the house. 1942, when the property was purchased in the 18th century will be of special At Kenwood, in the town of Berlin for the Naval Air Test Center. On a interest to the horticulturist. Josh in Worcester County, can be found magnificent site overlooking the House, an 1858 house sheathed in cedar some of the largest and best-preserved Patuxent River, it is now the headquar­ and cypress, with Greek Revival specimens of "English" boxwood ters for the commander of the Air Test features, has formal gardens delineated (Buxus sempervirens ·Suffruticosa.') in Center. Magnolias and azaleas as well by brick walkways and boxwood. the area. Caleb's Discovery is another as boxwood enhance this lovely old house. West St. Mary's Manor has been called a "museum piece." This beautifully preserved house on the St. Mary's River is built on one of the first recorded land grants in Maryland. There is a delightful small garden designed by the late Alden Hopkins of Williamsburg, in which boxwood has been used with great effect Clifton, in Montgomery County, was built by one of the early Quakers who settled this charming area. Part of the house dates back to 1742 and contains many of the original features. The herb garden is surrounded by ancient boxwood. Valley House, dating from the late 18th century, has a 200- year-old sycamore tree which has been recognized by the National Society of Arborists. For the boxwood lover, Guilford is a treat. Throughout this handsomely planned suburb, boxwood has been used extensively. Some of the houses on this tour have never been opened Aformal boxwood garden at West St. Mary's Manor on the St. Mary's River in before, while famous Sherwood Maryland. Photos: Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage

April 1988 77 Large specimens of Buxus sem"ervirens 'Suf/rUJicosa' at Ancient boxwood is a prominent feature of Caleb's Kenwood in Berlin, Worcester County. Maryland. Discovery in Berlin. Maryland. house in Berlin where ancient boxwood Participating counties receive a Maryland House and Garden Pilgrim­ can be found. portion of the Pilgrimage proceeds for age, 1105-A Providence Road, Towson, Boxwood thrives in Maryland and their restoration projects, and the Maryland 21204. (Send $2.00 if 1st had been used extensively over the remainder is used toward the mainte­ class delivery is desired.) years to enhance all kinds of architec­ nance of the Hammond-Harwood ture. Just a few of these have been House in Annapolis, an outstanding Mrs. Henderson is Magazine Publicity mcmioned in this article, but many 18th century Georgian mansion which Chairman for the 1988 Maryland other houses where this versatile shrub is a Registered Historic Landmark. House and Garden Pilgrimage. She has been used with charm and skill Tour books with full information has enormous old boxwood at her await the pilgrim on the 1988 Maryland are available. For a pre-tour copy, send home. and has an appreciationfor the House and Garden Pilgrimage. your name and address and $1 .00 to plant and its place in history.

NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE

Landscaping Ideas from Members

A sundial is enclosed by clipped /lex crenata. and sur­ Deer feeding in a vista framed with boxwood provide a rounded by billowing Buxus sempervirens 'Suf/ruticosa' at charming picture on a winter's day at Highbury. the home of the home of Mr. William Plumb. Moorestown. N. 1. Mr. Robert de Treville Lawrence. Sr. The Plains. Va .

78 April 1988 Knot Garden Boxwood Report "Boxwood: Import That Thrives in the U. S."

[NOTE: This article is reprinted from [NOTE: The following article was There is no such thing as American Herb Scents, the bulletin of the Western taken from the August 29, 1987, issue boxwood-the English and French Reserve Herb Society, a unit of the of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.] brought it here as early as 1692. Buxus Herb Society of America, which sempervirens is the most common maintains the Knot Garden at the Gar­ We spent the early part of August variety, although later Buxus micro­ den Center of Greater Cleveland.] in the state of Virginia where we saw phylla, an Asian variety, was imported, many beautiful sights. On our way to and from these have come many Mter nearly twenty years, the box Virginia Beach, we took the antique cultivars. in the Knot garden had become over­ dealer's equivalent of a busman's Boxwood is best described as a grown, and two recent severe winters holiday stopping in Charlottesville to smalileafbroadleaf evergreen with resulted in a lot of winter kill. Fairly see the antiques in Thomas Jefferson's opposite leaves. It's not a demanding severe trimming and considerable home at Monticello and also at neigh­ plant, requiring only good drainage and pruning of dead and weakened branches boring Ashlawn, home of President protection from southwest winds. In did not significantly improve its James Monroe. dry winters, it can burn, but it is a most appearance. Therefore, in April 1987, Ashlawn was new to me and while resilient plant as mine has proved. an effort was made to rejuvenate the much more modest than Monticello, it Jane Penhale's color slides showed box by cutting it back to a height of 6-8 has great charm, lovely furnishings and what a versatile plant boxwood can be, inches, a procedure suggested in Bush­ surrounding gardens that fit it nicely. grown by bonsai enthusiasts, in small Brown's America's Garden Book. This A highlight of the landscaping is gardens and on huge estates. There's a method was approved by Alex the plant that graces so many Virginia test garden at Shaw's Garden [Missouri Alpanius, horticulturist and director of gardens, the boxwood, glossy green, Botanical Garden], and each Wednes­ the Garden Center. However, although stately and pungent I have a great day members of the Boxwood Society Elsetta Barnes, who designed our Herb fondness for boxwood, partly because I [of the Midwest] work there and will Garden, urged us to be patient, the had some success growing it in num­ show you around. expected new growth did not occur, and bers and propagating it when I lived in Become conscious of beautiful by July the decision was made to Webster Groves [Missouri], where it boxwood and you'll see it every­ replace the original Buxus microphylla seemed right at home. where-at Versailles, in St Genevieve 'Green Pillow' with Buxus microphylla Although boxwood is not exactly [Missouri], at Williamsburg, Va., at var.japonica 'Morris Dwarf', which suited to Jefferson County [Missouri] Monroe's home and even in a very was similar and available. and its limy soil, rocky, windswept, scruffy and most unpretentious garden The new box will eventually grow sunbaked hillsides, one of the plants I in Jefferson County. together to form a rope and it is hoped brought from Webster Groves 17 years selective pruning and careful trimming ago has grown into as pretty and Clarissa Start is a well-known author can keep it from growing too large. graceful a shrub as you could find in and historian in the St. Louis area. For Fall soaking, anti-desiccant spray, and a Virginia. many years. she lived in Webster covering of greens help protect against Consequently, I was delighted Groves. a suburb of St. Louis, and now winter kill. when, a few days after returning from deals in antiques in Jefferson County. a The old box plants were heeled in Virginia, I went to the Horticultural nearby rural community. and a few members took some of the Society meeting and found that the plants. No record was kept of who took program was on boxwood. Jane what Of the four plants I salvaged, the Penhale, one of the founders of the three that had been left with a leafy Boxwood Society of the Midwest, was twig thrived and put on new growth, the interesting speaker. but only on the leafy twig, not on old If you wondered how it got its wood. The fourth plant had no leaves name, boxwood was used by the Greeks left and has shown no signs of life. For and Romans to make boxes beCause of the record it would be interesting to its close-grained, non-warping wood. It learn what happened to other plants was also used for woodwind instru­ taken by members. There are a few ments, dagger handles and engraving in remaining old box heeled in at the the 18th century. In the Orient, jade Garden Center. carvers practice on boxwood, which Sue Keebler can almost pass for ivory.

April 1988 79 Conference on Country Updated Chart of Memorial Garden Houses and Gardens of the Brandywine Valley, A revised chart of the American 36. B. s. 'Welleri' May 4-6, 1988 Boxwood Society's Memorial Boxwood 37. B. s. 'Woodland' 38. B. s. 'Butterworth' Featured theme: The American Garden at the Orland E. White Arbore­ tum at Blandy Experimental Farm at 39. B. wallichiana Country Estate and the Brandywine 40. B. s. 'Myrtifolia' Valley. Included are private visits to Boyce, Virginia, has recently been pre­ pared by Commander Phillip E. Larson, 41. B. s. 'Sport' gardens of Longwood and Winterthur, 42. B. 'Ste. Genevieve' Director of the ABS and Chairman of s. as well as to other Brandywine Valley 43. B. m. var.japonica the Memorial Garden Committee. estates. Registration information may 44. B. s. 'Handsworthii' be obtained from Philip Correll, 45. B. s. 'Maculata' Landscape Curator, Hagley Museum Numerical Key [Due to space limit­ 46. B. s. 'Suffruticosa' & Library, P.O. Box 3630, Wilmington, ations, sempervirens and microphylla 47. B. s. 'Decussata' Del. 19807. Telephone: (302) 658- are here abbreviated as "s." and "m."] 48. B. s. 'Edgar Anderson' B. 'Hermann von Schrenk' 2400. 49. s. 1. B. s. 'Ponteyi' 50. B. harlandii 2. B. s. 'Latifolia Aurea Macu- 51. B. s. 'Elegantissima' National meeting of the lata' 52. B. s. 'Graham Blandy' American Conifer Society 3. Buxus microphylla 53. B. s. 'Elegantissima' !Prostrate at Longwood Gardens, 4. B. s. 'Pendula' forml 5. B. m. 'Grace Hendrick Phillips' 54. B. m. "John Baldwin' August 3-5, 1988 6. B. s. 'Myosotidifolia' 55. B. X 'Green Gem' Write P.O. Box 501, Kennett Square, 7. B. s. 'Ste. Genevieve' 56. B. X 'Green Mountain' B. X 'Green Velvet' Pa. 19348-0501 or call Bill Thomas at 8. B. s. 'Northland' 57. 9. B. 'Agrarn' 58. B. X 'Green Mound' (215) 388-6741 for further information. s. 10. B. s. 'Latifolia Marginata' 59. B. s. {fopiaryl 11. B. s. 'Northern Find' 60. B. m. var. insularis 'Pincushion' Second Edition of the 12. B. s. 'Latifolia' 61. B. m. var. insularis 'Tall Boy' ABS Boxwood Buyer's 13. B. s. 'Undulifolia' 62. B. m. var. insularis 'Winter Guide 14. B. s. 'Fortunei Rotundifolia' Beauty' 15. B. s. 'Glauca' 63. B. m. 'Henry Hohman' In addition to listing updated sources 16. B. m. 'Helen Whiting' 64. B. m. var.japonica 'Morris for boxwood, the Second Edition of this 17. B. s. 'Bullata' Midget' 65. B. m. var.japonica 'Morris popular guide contains a newly-revised 18. B. s. 'Vardar Valley' 19. B. s. 'Belleville' Dwarf International Registration List for 20. B. s. 'Argentea' 66. B. m. 'Compacta' Cultivated Buxus L. Send check for 21. B. s. 'Krossi-livonia' 67. B. m. var. insularis 'Tide Hill' S6.00 to the American Boxwood 22. B. s. 'Salicifolia Elata' 68. B. m. var. insularis 'Wintergreen' Society. 23. B. s. 'Latifolia Nova' 69. B. m. 'Miss Jones' 24. B. s. 'Inglis' 70. B. m. 'Kingsville' ABS Seeks Information· 25. B. s. 'Pyramidalis' 71. B. s. 'Fastigiata' on Boxwood Topiary 26. B. s. 'Rotundifolia' 72. B. s. 'Henry Shaw' 27. B. s. 'Latifolia Japonica 73. B. s. 'Hardwickensis' There have been several recent Maculata' 74. B. s. 'Aristocrat' inquiries about sources and care of 28. B. s. 'Angustifolia' 75. B. m. var.japonica 'National' B. s. 'Ipek' boxwood topiary. The Bulletin 29. B. s. IAnderson 789-341 76. 30. B. s. 'Salicifolia' 77. B. s. 'Yorktown' Committee would appreciate input from 31. B. s. 'Handsworthiensis' 78. B. s. 'Joy' our readers. Information on sources, 32. B. s. 'Prostrata' 79. B. s. 'Cliffside' experiences with care, and photos of 33. B. s. 'Berlin' 80. B. s. 'Memorial' gardens with boxwood topiary would 34. B. s. 'Aurea Maculata' 81. B. s. 'Varifolia' serve as a basis for an article on the 35. B. m. var. insularis /Brouwer's 82. B. s. /Meyer's Columnarl subject. Seedling No. II 83. B. m. var.japonica 'Nana'

80 April 1988 The American Boxwood Society Memorial Garden

Orland E. White Arboretum 85 Spring 1988 84

83 82

Large Trees 79 78 76 71

74 73 72

71 29

28 69 68 07 65 65 65 66 64 64 64 62 47

48

49 51

April 1988 81 84. B. s. 'Green Beauty' 9. 'Agram' 23. 'Latifolia Nova' 85. B. m. 'Sunnyside' 29. /Anderson 789-34/ 45. 'Maculata' 86. B. s. 'Newport Blue' 28. ' Angustifolia' 80. 'Memorial' 87. B. m. /Asiatic Winter Gem/ 20. 'Argentea' 82. /Meyer's Columnar/ 74. ' Aristocrat' 6. 'Myosotidifolia' Alphabetical Listing 34. 'Aurea Maculata' 40. 'Myrtifolia' 19. 'Belleville' 86. 'Newport Blue' 50. Buxus harlandii 33. 'Berlin' 11. 'Northern Find' 3. Buxux microphylla 17. 'Bullata' 8. 'Northland' 87. /Asiatic Winter Gem/ 38. 'Butterworth' 4. 'Pendula' 66. 'Compacta' 79. 'Cliffside' 1. 'Ponteyi' 5. 'Grace Hendrick Phillips' 47. 'Decussata' 32. 'Prostrata' 16. 'Helen Whiting' 48. 'Edgar Anderson' 25. 'Pyramidalis' 63. 'Henry Hohman' 51. 'Elegantissima' 26. 'Rotundifolia' 54. 'John Baldwin' 53. 'Elegantissima' !Prostrate form/ 7. 'Ste. Genevieve' 70. 'Kingsville' 71. 'Fastigiata' 42. 'Ste. Genevieve' 69. 'Miss Jones' 14. 'Fortunei Rotundifolia' 30. 'Salicifolia' 85. 'Sunnyside' 15. 'Glauca' 22. 'Salicifolia Elata' Buxus microphyllavar. insu- 52. 'Graham Blandy' 41. 'Sport' laris 84. 'Green Beauty' 46. 'Suffruticosa' 35. /Brouwer's Seedling No. 1/ 31. 'Handsworthiensis' 59. {fopiary/ 60. 'Pincushion' 44. 'Handsworthii' 13. 'Undulifolia' 61. 'Tall Boy' 73. 'Hardwickensis' 18. 'Vardar Valley' 67. 'Tide Hill' 72. 'Henry Shaw' 81. 'Varifolia' 62. 'Winter Beauty' 49. 'Hermann von Schrenk' 36. 'Welleri' 68. 'Wintergreen' 24. 'Inglis' 37. 'Woodland' 43. Buxus microphylla var. 76. 'Ipek' 77. 'Yorktown' japonica 78. 'Joy' 39. Buxus wallichiana 65. 'Morris Dwarf' 21. 'Krossi-livonia' BuxusX 64. 'Morris Midget' 12. 'Latifolia' 55. 'Green Gem' 83. 'Nana' 2. 'Latifolia Aurea Maculata' 58. 'Green Mound' 75. 'National' 27. 'Latifolia Japonica Aurea' 56. 'Green Mountain' Buxus sempervirens 10. 'Latifolia Marginata' 57. 'Green Velvet' 1------, ANNUAL MEETING ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORM (May 17-18, 1988)

To register, complete this form (or a photocopy or facsimile) and return to: Mrs. Robert L. Frackelton 1714 Greenway Drive, Fredericksburg, Va. 22401

I (we) wish to register the following for the ABS Annual Meeting:

Name(s):------

Admess:------

o Enclosed is a check for $ ---covering registration and lunch ($7.50 per person) o Enclosed is a check for $ covering registration only ($3.00 per person) Please expect persons to attend the evening program on Tuesday, May 1

[NOTE: Reservations for lunch must be received no later than May 10, 1988. Checks should be made payable to The American Boxwood Society.] L ______~

82 April 1988 'The Seasona{ (jardener Practical tips for boxwood enthusiasts from Society members

Spring is an important season for the care of Avoid plants that have excessive browning or established plants and it is an excellent time for the yellowing of the foliage. transplanting of boxwoods. Insect problems are Look for plants with healthy green foliage in the often more troublesome in the spring, so special care center. Avoid plants that have only sparse foliage on should be taken to watch for leafminers, mites or the inner stems. psyllids, and to take appropriate control measures if Check to see whether the soil ball is flrm, and they are present. It is also an excellent time to avoid plants where the ball is undersized. evaluate your boxwood to determine whether pruning Observe whether the roots have been exposed is needed to keep the plants at the proper size for a and allowed to dry out. pleasing landscape composition. After Care Avoid Cultivation The flrst year after the planting of boxwood by a Do not attempt to work fertilizer into the soil, nurseryman is often a critical period unless you re­ because boxwood roots are close to the surface and member to do your part. Keep the following in are easily damaged. Water the soil thoroughly after mind, and you will help the plants recover: applying dry or liquid fertilizer to avoid fertilizer Apply a mulch, if not applied by the nursery­ bum to the root system. Do not dig around box­ man. woods to control weeds or grass. Instead, use a Do some thinning or plucking of the inner mulch or pull weeds by hand in order to prevent portion of the plant, if not already done by the damage to the root system. nurseryman. This will help reduce some of the Sanitation growth and restore the balance between the top and Clean out leaves and twigs that have accumu­ the root system. (During the digging operation, many lated in the center of the boxwood. A vigorous roots are lost.) shaking of the plant often helps. Remove the dead Be prepared to water generously ifno natural material by hand or with power vacuum equipment. rainfall occurs. Boxwoods need to have one inch of Failure to do this will often lead to a buildup of water every seven to ten days during the growing debris, with the result that aerial root development season from early spring to mid-summer. From mid­ along the branches is induced. Aerial roots can be summer to freezing weather, water every two weeks easily damaged during periods of dry weather or at the rate suggested above. extreme cold, and the top portion of the plant may If the plants do not look vigorous two months die. after planting, do not be afraid to do some pruning; Purchasing Boxwood reducing some of the top foliage may help the plant Select only quality plants that are in containers to overcome the transplanting shock. or balled and burlapped. Check to see that stems are flrm and not flabby. Albert S. Beecher, ABS Director