contents Volume 85, Number 5 . S eptember / October 2006

F EATURES DEPARTMEN T S

5 ON THE ROAD WITH AHS 6 MEMBERS’ FORUM 7 NEWS FROM AHS Fashion in Bloom at River Farm in September, Growing Good Kids book award winners, patriotic tree planting at River Farm, The Growing Connection harvest benefits food bank, second annual Dr. H. Marc Cathey Day scheduled, AHS helps Hollin Meadows Elementary School develop outdoor learning space.

43 CONSERVATIONIST’S CORNER pagepapagege 1616 Plant conservation begins at home. 44 ONE ON ONE WITH… 12 YOUTH GARDEN SYMPOSIUM BY HEATHER ROBBINS Lorrie Otto, natural landscape pioneer. Highlights from the AHS 2006 National Children & Youth HABITAT GARDENING Garden Symposium in St. Louis. 46 Mid-Atlantic region.

16 NATIVE ASTERS BY ALLAN M. ARMITAGE 48 GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK Plant breeders have been turning many common native roadside New bulbs for fall planting, wild American asters into shining stars. chestnut trees discovered, spotlight on endangered American gardens, new California center 22 GROWING A “GREEN” LAWN for urban BY KRIS WETHERBEE horticulture, new

N Learn how to grow a healthy lawn consumer-friendly without using synthetic fertilizers or cultivar of muscadine grape pesticides. developed, Roslyn Nursery closes, 28 AMY LAMB: NATURE’S PATTERNS Rice Creek BY LYNDA DEWITT Gardens to relocate. Maryland scientist-turned-artist Amy pagepapagege 5252 Lamb’s plant photographs show the pageppaaggee 2828 GREEN GARAGE®

RA’ ©1998 AMY LAMB. RIGHT: VIVEKA NEVEL 52 O universe in microcosm. Garden rakes.

32 10 TOUGH NATIVE TREES BY GUY STERNBERG 54 BOOK REVIEWS These deciduous trees are unfazed by heat, cold, and many other Hellebores, Bird-by-Bird Gardening, The environmental challenges. Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds, and Sunset Western Landscaping. Special focus: Cookbooks for kitchen 38 THE ORGANIC TABLE COMES OF AGE BY BETSY HAYS gardeners. Once considered “hippie” food, organic produce is now finding REGIONAL HAPPENINGS its way into mainstream restaurants and grocery stores. 57 62 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES ON THE COVER: Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is an adaptable native North American tree with

P LEFT: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK. CENTER: ‘TULIP VIRIDIFL AND PRONUNCIATIONS O

T brilliant autumn foliage. Photograph by Michael S. Thompson

September / October 2006 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 (800) 777-7931 fax (703) 768-8700 www.ahs.org Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

American Horticultural Society President’s Council

INTERIM PRESIDENT Tom Underwood CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ariail, Jr. ■ Mr. Bill Barry ■ Mr. Board of Directors and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane ■ Mrs. Judy Daniel ■ Mrs. Dawn Ford ■ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin ■ Mrs. Minako Henderson ■ Mr. CHAIRMAN Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon and Mrs. James S. Hutchinson ■ Mr. Robert E. Malesardi ■ Mitchell Petersen FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, Maryland Family Foundation, Inc. ■ Ms. Barbara Robinson ■ Mrs. Deen Day Sanders SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia ■ Mr. Phil Snyder ■ Mr. Arnold Steiner ■ Mr. Robert Stohler ■ Mr. and Mrs. SECRETARY Albin MacDonough Plant Baltimore, Maryland W. Bruce Usrey ■ Mrs. Pauline Vollmer ■ Ms. Claire Watson TREASURER Arnold Steiner Birmingham, Alabama

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Arabella S. Dane Center Harbor, New Hampshire LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY ASSOCIATES Ms. Sue Dick ■ Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley

■ Mr. A. Michael Gellman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Lynch ■ Dr. and Mrs. David GENERAL COUNSEL William A. Pusey Arlington, Virginia E. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mountcastle ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon

Allan M. Armitage Athens, Georgia ■ Suzanne Bales Oyster Bay, New York ■ William E. Barrick, Ph.D. Reeve IV ■ Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Riddle, Jr. ■ Mr. Timothée Sallin ■ Jeanne ■ ■ Theodore, Alabama ■ Katherine Belk-Cook Charlotte, North Carolina ■ Katherine Stark Bull Washington, D.C. ■ Shields Ms. Katy Moss Warner Ms. Harriet Zbikowski John Alex Floyd, Jr. Trussville, Alabama ■ Joel Goldsmith Gilroy, California ■ Beverly Hanselman Nashville, HAUPT ASSOCIATES Dr. and Mrs. William E. Barrick ■ Mr. and Mrs. C. Tennessee ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, Wyoming ■ Margaret Kulp Louisville, Kentucky ■ Melissa R. Marshall William Black ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle ■ Mr. Richard C. and Mrs. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ■ Carol C. Morrison Palatine, Illinois ■ J. Landon Reeve IV Woodbine, Maryland ■ Katherine Stark Bull ■ Dr. and Mrs. H. Marc Cathey ■ Mrs. Robert Duemling Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia ■ Felder Rushing Jackson, Mississippi ■ Jeanne Shields Greenville, ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley ■ Mr. and Delaware ■ Steven Still Hilliard, Ohio ■ Howard McK. Tucker Alexandria, Virginia ■ Robert D. Volk San Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Jr. ■ Mr. and Marino, California ■ Daryl Williams Lake Buena Vista, Florida Mrs. Harold McClendon, Jr. ■ Ms. Christine Perdue ■ Mr. Paul H. Pusey ■

Ms. Michele Richardson ■ Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. ■ Dr. and Mrs. George E. PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner Staehle ■ Mr. John Wm. Thomas and Mrs. Valerie Thomas ■ Mr. Howard

McK. Tucker and Ms. Megan Evans ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk 2006 Advisory Council Beverly Hanselman, Nashville, Tennessee – Chair COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Angino ■ Mr. and Mrs.

Carter Bales ■ Nancy J. Becker, M.D. ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk-Cook ■ Dr. and Clarissa Bonde, Washington D.C. Robert and Joanna Martin, Menlo Park, Colorado Mrs. Joseph Benedict ■ Mr. Phillip Bermingham ■ Dr. Joel Birnbaum ■ Mrs. Anne Boucher, Silver Spring, Maryland Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Mt. Vernon, Virginia George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Dr. Sherran Blair ■ Count and Countess Peder Bonde Walter Bull, Columbia, South Carolina Egon Molbak, Bellevue, Washington ■ Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw ■ Mrs. Anne Bucher ■ Mr. and Mrs. Elaine Burden, Middleburg, Virginia Dean Norton, Mt. Vernon, Virginia Cason Callaway, Jr. ■ Mrs. Susan M. Cargill ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Carr Patty Bush, St. Louis, Missouri Nancy Keen Palmer, Nashville, Tennessee ■ Mr. and Mrs. James L. Corfield ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward Daisey ■ Mr. and Dr. H. Marc Cathey, Davidson, North Carolina Bob Patterson, Washington D.C. Mrs. James F. Delano ■ Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Demisay ■ Ms. Doris Diman Fred Clapp, Alexandria, Virginia Dr. Julia W. Rappaport, Santa Ana, California ■ William P. G. Dodson, D.D.S. ■ Mrs. Beverley W. Dunn ■ Dr. and Mrs. Russell Clark, Boston, Massachusetts Deen Day Sanders, Norcross, Georgia John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Garcia ■ Prudence Gilmore ■ Mr. Bartie Cole, Owings Mills, Maryland David Shultz, St. Cloud, Florida John Sward Gleiber ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Mr. and Mrs. John H. Jim Corfield, Geneva, Illinois Josephine Shanks, Houston, Texas Guy, IV ■ Mrs. Richard W. Hamming ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Virginia Hill Daisey, Dedham, Massachusetts Barbara Shea, Baltimore, Maryland ■ Mr. and Mrs. Max Hartl ■ Mr. and Mrs. Brent Heath ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane, Center Harbor, New Hampshire Holly Shimizu, Glen Echo, Maryland Richard F. Hohlt ■ Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. Holley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Allan L. David and Kitty Ferguson, Westwood, Massachusetts Charles Henry Smith, Jr., Middleburg, Virginia Holmstrom ■ Mrs. Elizabeth Hooff ■ Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hopkinson ■ Mr. Ben Griswold, Glyndon, Maryland Regina Smith, Middleburg, Virginia Philip Huey ■ Mr. Henry Jameson ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Lindsay ■ Ms. Henry Jameson, East Sound, Washington Nancy Thomas, Houston, Texas Joann Luecke ■ Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Marshall ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston Dr. Richard W. Lighty, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Bryan Thomlison, Haddonfield, New Jersey ■ Mr. George Cole S. McCray ■ Mrs. Rachel L. Mellon ■ Mrs. Rosalyn Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Ponte Vedra, Florida Pauline Vollmer, Baltimore, Maryland Milbrandt ■ Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Moore ■ Mickey Lynch, Dunmore, Pennsylvania Joyce and Harvey White, Nashville, Tennessee Mr. and Mrs. William J. Moss ■ Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Ms. Cristin M. Robert E. Malesardi, Easton, Maryland Joannah Williams, Sebring, Florida O’Hara ■ Mr. and Mrs. William G. Pannill ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albin Barbara McClendon, Alexandria, Virginia Sheryl Wood, Middleburg, Virginia MacDonough Plant ■ Mrs. Charles Price ■ Mr. and Mrs. William A. Pusey ■ Stu McMichael and Lucinda Crabtree, Mr. and Mrs. William Seale, Jr. ■ Mrs. Josephine M. Shanks ■ Jeanne Shields Falls Church, Virginia ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henry Smith, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. William M. Spencer Corporate Partners ■ Mrs. Juliet Sproul ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Ms. Lida M. Stifel ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven Still ■ Mr. and Mrs. John B. Strasenburgh ■■Mr. and Mrs. Peter Tilles The Care of Trees ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company ■ Cherry Lake Tree Farm ■ Mr. Joe Viar ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W. ™ ■ ■ EarthBox Green Industry Yellow Pages Homestead Gardens White, Sr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. D. Anderson Williams ■ Mrs. Marilyn B. Wilson ■ ■ ■ Kurt Bluemel, Inc. Monrovia NaturaLawn of America Osmocote ■ Mrs. Ann Witherspoon ■ Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech Smart Gardening TV

HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Mrs. Enid A. Haupt ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz ■ Horticultural Partners Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller

America in Bloom ■ Bellingrath Gardens & Home ■ Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Communities in Bloom ■ Cox Arboretum ■ Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival ■ The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America ■ Green Roofs for Healthy Cities The 2006 member password for ■ Great Southern Tree Conference ■ Homestead Resorts Horticultural Symposium ■ Leonard Haertter the AHS website (www.ahs.org) Travel Company ■ Magic of Landscapes ■ Morris Arboretum ■ Oklahoma Horticultural Society is tulip.

4 the American Gardener T he Am e ric a n ON THEC ROAD WITH AHS GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR T HAS BEEN a summer of unusual weather. Although the news often depicts Mary Yee these weather patterns as mini disasters, for gardeners, they can be viewed as ASSISTANT EDITOR opportunities. As I write this in early August, I have been busy re-planting a Viveka Neveln I sunny border in my mom’s garden in Garrison, New York, that must withstand EDITORIAL INTERN Heather Robbins the heat as well as deer. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Earlier this summer, I was in San Francisco for the annual meeting of the Amer- Rita Pelczar ican Public Garden Association (formerly the American Association of Botanical Joanne Wolfe Gardens and Arboreta), where “sustainability” was the focus. From green roofs and CONTRIBUTING WRITER green buildings to rain barrels, and recycling and composting, to locally based con- Carole Ottesen servation efforts and natural pest management, there was a plethora of ideas to in-

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD corporate in our daily lives. It is exciting now to witness effective green practices being adopted by so many of CHAIR Richard E. Bir Brevard, North Carolina our public gardens. Allan M. Armitage While in San Francisco, I had the opportunity to visit Athens, Georgia two horticultural gems—Muir Woods and Filoli Gar- Nina L. Bassuk dens. Muir Woods, a coastal virgin redwood forest, is one Ithaca, New York of the most inspirational natural sites in the world. I was TA Steve Bender struck by the fact that the work of a single passionate in- OS Birmingham, Alabama dividual such as John Muir ensured this legacy. Now

that ARCEL AC John E. Bryan was a real commitment to sustainability! Filoli Gardens M San Francisco, California is completely different. It is a beautiful artistic creation, a 20th-century formal gar- John L. Creech den set in the California hillsides. This garden is uniquely American—with the local Columbus, North Carolina flora and geography of California featured prominently while incorporating elements Panayoti Kelaidis Denver, Colorado from great European gardens. There are so many exceptional horticultural places Richard W. Lighty throughout this great land of ours. I hope you are getting out to see them! Kennett Square, Pennsylvania There are also incredible people—AHS members—doing amazing things. While Elvin McDonald in San Francisco, I visited Tim Thornhill in the Mendocino wine country. Once one West Des Moines, Iowa of the best big tree movers in the country, Tim has now turned his horticultural ex- Felder Rushing pertise to growing grapes sustainably. He conserves water using an irrometer—a spe- Jackson, Mississippi cialized electronic device that measures soil moisture—and produces his wine both organically and biodynamically. So many lessons to be learned and shared. ADVERTISING The American Gardener In July, I traveled to St. Louis for the AHS National Children & Youth Garden AND CORPORATE 7931 East Boulevard Drive PARTNERSHIPS Alexandria, VA 22308 Symposium. Hosted by the Missouri Botanical Garden, the symposium brought to- (703) 768-5700 gether some of the most influential leaders in the field. There is a strong movement E-MAIL: [email protected] afoot in America to reconnect children to nature and help our youth—and indeed our entire population—benefit from the physical and emotional benefits of plants and gardens. I am proud that the AHS continues to help these leaders give voice to their important ideas and programs (for more on the symposium, see page 12). The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonth- ly (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, Septem- Now, as the days gradually start to get shorter, I am eagerly anticipating re- ber/October, November/December) by the American Horticultural turning to River Farm in mid-September for Fashion in Bloom, Amy Lamb’s amaz- Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscrip- ing photographic exhibit, and our annual AHS Gala on September 23, when River tion to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; two years, $60. International dues are $50. $10 of annual dues goes toward Farm will be transformed into a celebration of gardening in America. It will be an magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Vir- ginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send exciting few days and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Form 3579 to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural My very best wishes to each of you for a joyful and colorful fall. Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. Copyright ©2006 by the American Horticultural Society. —Katy Moss Warnerr, AHS President Emeritus Printed in the U.S.A. on recycled paper.

September / October 2006 5 MEMCRUM

BOTANICAL LATIN NOT A SCIENCE lege. In each case I was taught different hung up on the pronunciation. Just be I wanted to respond to Jerry Hudgens’s rules of pronunciation. grateful we have an international method letter about pronunciation of botanic Furthermore, strictly following the of identifying plants no matter how peo- Latin (July/August 2006). My exposure rules will get you a lot of funny looks (such ple pronounce. More importantly, let’s to Latin began in first grade as an altar as pronouncing Heuchera “HOY-kur-uh” hope that the taxonomists will soon find boy. I then studied classical Latin in high since it is named after a German). What something better to do with their time school, and finally, botanical Latin in col- I’m trying to say is that we shouldn’t get than constantly changing the plant names we have all learned with so much effort. Greg Carlson Middleburg, Virginia

ROSES FOR USDA ZONE 4 I read the article about Bill Radler (May/June 2006) with great interest. I live in USDA Zone 4 in northern Michigan and have had limited success growing roses. Where can I find ‘Radrazz’ rose? Jim Peters East Jordan, Michigan

Editor’s response: Mail-order sources for ‘Radrazz’ and other Knock Out™ roses in- clude the Botany Shop Garden Center, Joplin, MO, (418) 781-6431, www.knock outroses.com; and Wayside Gardens, Hodges, SC, (800) 213-0379, www.wayside gardens.com. Check www.theknockoutrose. com for a list of nurseries in each region that sell this and other Knock Out roses. (Thanks to AHS Volunteer Elaine Lee for researching this information).

BENEFITS OF GROWING FOOD Shep Ogden’s excellent article on creating a kitchen garden (March/April 2006) fails to mention one of the best reasons to grow some of our own food, which is reducing our impact on the environment. The aver- age food on our tables travels 1,500 miles to get to us, contributing to global warm- ing, air pollution, and using precious pe- troleum. Vegetable gardening is not only a delightful and delicious hobby, it helps pre- serve our world for our children. Lee Cassin Aspen, Colorado

PLEASE WRITE US! Address letters to Editor, The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. Send e-mails to [email protected] (note Letter to Editor in subject line). Letters we print may be edited for length and clarity.

6 the American Gardener American Horticultural Society 2007 SEED EXCHANGE Try something new! Share your favorite varieties!

annuals perennials herbs vegetables free seeds! trees and shrubs vines

T’S TIME once again to share seeds from your garden with other members of the Society by I participating in the annual members-only AHS Free Seed Exchange Program. If you haven’t become involved in this popular member program before, give it a try. A list of the seeds available to members will be published in the annual AHS Member Guide, which will be in the January/February magazine. To find out more about the seed exchange, turn the page. You must be a member to participate. If you aren’t already a member, it’s easy to join. Just fill out the card between pages 56 and 57 and return it to us. AmericanAmerican Horticultural SocietySociety 2007 SEED EXCHANGE

f you haven’t been saving seeds for our Exchange Program, 7931 East Boulevard ing them in a paper bag. Another method 2007 Free Seed Exchange Program, Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. is to tie a ventilated paper bag around the it’s not too late to start. You’ll need to ■ Last but not least, seed donations must flower heads to catch seeds as they scatter. have your seeds to us by November 1, so be received by November 1, 2006. ■ Seeds encased in a fleshy fruit, like toma- that they can be listed in the AHS Member NOTE: Members who have donated toes or berries, need to be separated from Guide. Here’s what you’ll need to do: seeds according to the guidelines above the pulp. Let the fruit turn a bit overripe. ■ Seeds must be cleaned and dried as thor- will receive first preference in getting In the case of fruit containing a single seed, oughly as possible before packaging. See their orders filled. So be sure to send us the pulp can often simply be pulled off. In your seeds! “Tips for Collecting Seeds.” the case of a fruit with many seeds, such as ■ Please collect enough seeds of each va- a tomato, you may need to scrape out the riety to fill 150 orders. For very small TIPS FOR COLLECTING SEEDS fruit’s seedy section, add some water, and seeds, one order would be enough to fill Depending on the seed type, there are sev- let the mix sit for a day or two. If the seeds the tip of a teaspoon; for large seeds such eral methods you can use to separate the still do not separate from the pulp, try put- as hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus), it seeds from the plant. Most garden seeds fall ting the mix in a strainer and running water would be five seeds. If your donated into one of the three following categories: through it until the seeds are clean. Then seeds don’t appear in the catalog, don’t ■ Many seeds, such as those that form in spread the seeds out on a glass or metal dish worry—we donate seeds to nonprofit or- pods, are retained on the plant for a long and put them in an airy room to dry. ganizations and schools upon request. time after maturity. Try to harvest them ■ Large seeds need about a week to dry; ■ Completep a Donor Information Sheet after they have dried on the plant. If that smaller seeds are usually dry after four (below)() for each typeyp of seed donated. is difficult, cut off stalks or stems and bring days. Then store the seeds in a well-venti- Photocopy as many sheets as needed. them in to dry before removing the seeds. lated, cool, dry place. (Storing the seeds in ■ To help us with cross-referencing, also ■ Seeds of many ornamental annuals, a container with a small amount of silica label each package of seeds with 1) the herbaceous perennials, and herbs scatter gel—a granular substance that absorbs common and botanical name of the plant easily when they mature. They should be moisture—will ensure the seeds remain and 2) your full name, city, and state. watched closely for maturity and picked on dry. Silica gel is available in craft stores.) ■ Mail seeds in a box or padded envelope a dry day. Separate the seeds from the plant marked HANDCANCEL to: 2007 AHS Seed by running them through a screen or shak-

2007 AHS Seed Exchange Program Donor Information Sheet Completepy a sheet for each typep of seed donated. Photocopy this sheet as needed.

Seed is: ❑ Annual ❑ Herb ❑ Tree/Shrub ❑ Vine ❑ Perennial ❑ Vegetable

Common name: ______Botanical name: ______Remember… Mature height: ______Flower color(s): ______Seed donations must be received by November 1, 2006. Growth habit: ______Please write the common and botanical Comments on germination, maintenance, appearance, and/or use: name of plant and your name, city, and ______state on each package of seeds: ______Mail clean, dry seeds in a box or padded Submitted by: ______envelope marked HANDCANCEL to: Street address: ______2007 AHS Seed Exchange Program 7931 East Boulevard Drive City/State/Zip code: ______Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 Daytime phone : ______E-mail : ______This holiday, give the gift of membership Remember the Gardeners on Your Holiday List with a Gift that Keeps Giving All Year Long

Holiday Special! Three memberships for the price of two! For a limited time only. Just for the holidays, AHS is making a special offer: Three member- ships for the price of two. Give two of your gardening friends a year- long AHS membership and get a third membership FREE. (You can even use one yourself.) We’ll send each gift recipient a hand-signed card to let him or her know of your thoughtful gift. Hurry—you must send in your form or sign up online at our Website (www.ahs.org) before December 5 to take advantage of this special offer.

Please send the following people Holiday Gift Memberships. Yes! I’ve enclosed membership dues for the first two people on my list—a total of $70; the third is free during your special offer. (International dues are $50 a year and are not part of this special offer.) My Gift List 1. Name ______Address ______SIX City ______State ______Zip code______GREAT ❑ Please put the following message on the hand-signed gift card: ISSUES! ______❑ Send me a blank gift card so I can deliver it personally

2. Name ______MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Address ______City ______State ______Zip code______■ 6 Issues of The American ❑ Please put the following message on the hand-signed gift card: Gardener ______■ Free Admission to ❑ Send me a blank gift card so I can deliver it personally Botanical Gardens and Flower Shows 3. Name ______■ Annual Free Seed Address ______Exchange City ______State ______Zip code______■ Members-Only Website ❑ Please put the following message on the hand-signed gift card: AND your contribution ______supports national education ❑ Send me a blank gift card so I can deliver it personally and research to make gardening more successful, My Name and Payment Information ❑ This membership is for me ($35) enjoyable, and environmen- Name ______tally responsible. Address ______City ______State ______Zip code______You can also join online by visiting our Website ❑ Check for $70 enclosed, made payable to American Horticultural Society (www.ahs.org). ❑ Check for $35 enclosed, made payable to American Horticultural Society ❑ Charge to my ❑ VISA ❑ MasterCard ❑ AmEx ❑ Discover Card number ______Exp. date ______Signature ______$10 of the membership dues go Remove card at perforated edges, fold in half, tape, and mail. Or fax information toward magazine subscription and credit card payment to (703) 768-8700. Thank you! 06MC5 American Horticultural Society MEMBERSHIP, MAGAZINES, AND FREE SEEDS Share the art and science of gardening

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE: ■ 6 Issues of The American Gardener ■ Free Admission to Botanical Gardens and Flower Shows ■ Annual Free Seed Exchange ■ Members-Only Website AND your contribution supports national education and research to make gardening more successful, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible.

 Holiday Special! Three memberships for the price of two! For a limited time only. 

The perfect gift for all the gardeners on your holiday list!

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BUSINESS REPLY MAI L FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 242 ALEXANDRIA, VA

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AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 7931 EAST BOULEVARD DRIVE ALEXANDRIA, VA 22308–9800 News from AHS September/October 2006 PRROOGRRAAMS • EVENTTSS • ANNOOUUNCEEMMENTS

River Farm Celebrates American Gardens During Fashion in Bloom

FROM SEPTEMBER 20 to 23, River Farm will serve as a scenic “This event will once again provide a unique opportunity showcase for next season’s garden industry trends as well as new to preview the latest annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that and classic plants during the Gar- the industry has to offer and to den Centers of America’s Fashion in meet the people who make it hap- Bloom: Collection 2007 event. In pen,” says Tom Underwood, preparation, a new circular walk- AHS interim president. way was installed this summer in Industry professionals are in- front of the Estate House by vited to preview the latest plant Chapel Valley Landscape Compa- “fashions” from September 20 to ny to create a welcoming effect for 22, and the general public can get visitors. The AHS’s award-winning a sneak peek on September 23. At- Green Garage® display, which de- tendees of the annual AHS Gala buted at the Philadelphia Flower on the evening of the 23rd will Show earlier this year, has been set have a final opportunity to view up near the Children’s Garden, the displays created by River complete with its own garden of Farm’s partnering companies: regionally appropriate plants do- Centerton Nursery, Inc., from nated by Monrovia Nursery. New Jersey; Cherry Lake Tree With landscape assistance Farm from Florida; Goldsmith from Landscape Architect Carla Seeds based in California; Proven Shuman and accessory set-up by The Goldsmith display at River Farm from last year’s event Winners®, a multi-company part- Phyllis Kennedy of The En- formed a river of colors accented with bright umbrellas. nership; and Saunders Brothers chanted Florist, the Fashion in Nursery from Virginia. Bloom displays at River Farm will reflect the theme, “Ameri- For more information, link to Fashion in Bloom from the ca’s Garden Celebration: Decorating Inside Out.” home page of the AHS website (www.ahs.org).

Growing Good Kids Book Award Winners for 2006

ATTENDEES OF THE AHS National Children & Youth Gar- The AHS and the National Junior Master Gardener (JMG) den Symposium in St. Louis, Missouri, this summer were program of Texas Cooperative Extension, part of the Texas A among the first to learn the recipients of the 2006 “Growing & M University system, jointly created the award to honor en- Good Kids: Excellence in Children’s Literature Award” when gaging and inspiring plant-, garden-, and ecology-themed books they were revealed during a special ceremony. The five children’s for children. The award program debuted last year by honoring books published in 2005 that received the award are: 40 “Classic” children’s gardening and nature books published in the last century. Earth Mother by Ellen Jackson For the 2006 awards, “titles were nomi- (Walker Books for Young Readers) nated by very large and small publishers Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert from around the country, and only five were

S (Harcourt Children’s Books) selected by our panel of experts to receive this Miss Ladybird’s Wildflowers by Kathi Appelt recognition,” says Randy Seagraves, JMG na- (HarperCollins) tional curriculum coordinator. “We are excited to Our Apple Tree by Görel Kristina Näslund bring more attention, and hopefully a larger audience (Roaring Brook Press) of kids, to these deserving titles.” The Tree Farmer by Chuck Leavell and Nicholas For more information about the “Growing Good Kids” book Cravotta (VSP Books) award program, visit www.jmgkids.us or link from the Awards HARLOTTE ALBERS / AHS ARCHIVE C section of the AHS website (www.ahs.org).

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n d wwh n in-C nt por , includin ibutio winni HS Encyclope L u al Plant Association i ament n t p renni ears, shealsoservedasthechai rdeni ompl E p b nnia plant , der t G g l aura an AHSmemberanddedicated 200 scap it was nationa edia hasaretail l “ anize oneoftheAHS’sma o anting suggestions d h Pe 7 to e it h oes West ha h p nng nng aal- i i hhe nns oor t b as ees e cat 4, shewasad d eef aal ss- g e AHS’s awar raits, alon D ecial discount . oo y

trul d September. 2000 l s f eete g esigne i s Enc t g k ons a new introductions. new Theed M l events. inc h

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S g e teve i j to l o p m a b 1 ir h e e e e y y r r r h er an g i n n d g a s - s - - hel Members oftheFairfaxCount au ON s otic trees”o orcivilian,who are plantedasatributetothose,military t C Patriotic Tree PlantedatRiverFarm de t n all c g Ga w Show,Sh a t i h an ed t p f E o a memberoftheWomen Pilots Service Airforce ofWorld War II dent. “ rom atree t he Nat o or o erve their country in theircountry erve ion o a tic tree ne ofthehistorictree atGeor ouse, over atriots, Geor a state an i a a t rdr o Fair n d t d ntai ture ( p ype p F Th The tree was T The di ra h ou ed to w ien severa Sh ita or eni f J h f g t r U ga e e w e n o f a c h o G l a m ax CountySu T ional Garden Club’s Patriotic Tree Pro N ng practicesan r membersandother nd now we are excited abouttheo see page52 Area e aspossi m atten s an article focusin s anarticle trave pro rdeners tobesuccessfulwhileworkin e District IIGar w p reen Gara he exhibitattracteda d ore in E g lant awhiteashatRiverFarmtocommemorate , h l visittheshow’s website a Gar mem nitaries whoattendedtheceremonial plantin ite as l g 9 oo ram, whichpromotes efficientandearth-friendl h l , ing ex d at was g k the e d f e Was ing t d ormation a d b h ens. “T p bl ees an icate ers o p laced inano e,” says g f D or t l h e displaycanbeviewedyear round h ante p istrict IIGar i p p e mea h b ervisor ervisor f d ossi t h atriotic ways. d in it ist aw d h h d is issue’s artic pro t d g e en C is tree isa y T atRiver Farm waspropagate h bl ton,” says F PoliceDe b h om Un g d e me air y h d out t onproducts andtechniquesthat ite as ow an ow g Gerry HyGerry e pu ucts. Eac ardeners ontheWest Coast. l pl g u p f g reat dealofinterest andreco ax CountyPo b en area nearRiver Farm’s estate ante e Washin d s o h h ia att bl d d d e Nort tree atRiver Farm as t f f erwoo

p t ic en C ittin d w t l Ba artment andotherdi e). At River Farm, t h

h ww. b f l e Potomac River. h e Nationa ace o an h y oneo b issueo g e P s McC l g h c pp d u g d ton’s Mount Vernon west F , ar h b , AHSinterimpres h L f ortunity toshareortunity it g oice, s o t j i d l inharmonywith orraine Ro ect. These“patri- l ice Departmen h a enshow.com/nw f f d f e AHS’s Green America’s l t t l en e l Capita ower &Gar- h h lph h is magazin avin d e Nationa p o atriotism ia F . g n g includ- g , h d nitarie p

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BOTTOM LEFT: AHS ARCHIVES. RIGHT: VIVEKA NEVELN Produce from River Farm Aids Washington, D.C.-Area Food Bank

IN SPITE OF a rather tenacious groundhog, an infestation of River Farm’s TGC garden is one of these demonstration harlequin bugs, and more than 11 inches of rain over eight days in sites, with 74 EarthBoxes filled with everything from banana June, The Growing Connection (TGC) demonstration garden at and mango trees to tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuces. A num- River Farm is still producing a bumper crop of ber of experiments are being conducted with vegetables. To put all the food to good use, more these plants to test the effects of pH, type of than 200 pounds of produce have been donated planting media, fertilizer, and plant variety. to the Capital Area Food Bank, which serves the The results will help give students in the pro- Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. gram ideas for further investigation. “The Growing Connection is all about creat- “The TGC experiments create a platform for ing community,” says Jessica Rozmus, TGC kids to have a hands-on experience with practi- coordinator for the AHS. “Donating the harvest cal science,” says is an important way to directly share with and The Growing Connection Jessica.“No mat- give back to the community.” Coordinator Jessica Rozmus ter which experi- A joint program of the AHS and the Food with some of the produce ment they choose and Agriculture Organization of the United harvested at River Farm. to do, each one Nations (FAO), The Growing Connection links allows them to students from the United States and other coun- use all their senses to get to know plants and how tries as they learn about growing vegetables, nu- to grow them successfully.” trition, and other cultures using EarthBox™ For the latest progress reports and photo- containers. From its inception in 2003, TGC has come to include graphs from River Farm’s TGC garden, visit Jessica’s blog at

VIVEKA NEVELN 84 schools and demonstration sites in eight countries. http://thegrowingconnection.org/ahs.

2006 AHS Garden School “The Art & Science of Garden Photography” October 26 & 27, 2006 Registration Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin,Texas now open!

Look at the garden through a new lens, heighten your ability to capture the garden, and gain a greater appreciation for the surrounding landscape with “The Art & Science of Garden Photography” amid the stunning landscape of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Featuring guest horticulturist Robert Bowden of Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens and a special evening with Van Chaplin, senior garden photographer at Southern Living magazine, along with the noted Texas Robert Bowden naturalist/photography team of Brian and Shirley Loflin and highly regarded garden photographers Alan and Linda Detrick.

Visit www.ahs.org or call e

rous (703) 768-5700 ext. 137 for more Sp Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center information on this exciting event. Ronald Van Chaplin

September / October 2006 9 Dr. Cathey Day Celebration Holiday Tree Ornaments Wanted

THE SECOND ANNUAL Dr. H. Marc Cathey Day is Octo- FOR THE PAST several years, ornaments made by children from ber 23. Last year, the AHS Board of Directors designated this around the country have adorned River Farm’s holiday trees in day to honor the AHS’s now retired president emeritus. For last December. To continue the tradition, the AHS is once again invit- year’s celebration, AHS staff and volunteers planted hundreds ing families, clubs, classrooms, and other groups as well as indi- of purple crocuses in the shape of X’s and O’s at River Farm, viduals to get creative and send in their handmade ornaments for and AHS members across the country were encouraged to also our trees in one of the following themes: Americana (red, white, plant purple crocuses or other bulbs. This past spring, they and blue), George Washington (blue and white), Lewis and Clark bloomed beautifully, reminding all who saw them of the reju- (silver and gold), Plants and Flowers (multicolored), Bountiful venating effect of plants. Details for this year’s celebration will Harvest (red and gold), and Solar System (multicolored). Contact be posted on the AHS’s website (www.ahs.org). AHS Youth Programs Coordinator Nancy Busick at (703) 768- 5700 ext. 132 or [email protected] for further details. AHS Helps Local School Create Outdoor Learning Space

WHEN THE Hollin Meadows Elementary School, a math and science focus school in Alexandria, Virginia, wanted to turn much of its unused exterior space into a resource for outdoor learning, it enlisted the help of AHS Horticulturist Peggy Bowers. Peggy helped to develop a long-range plan for greening the school grounds and created a design for a habitat garden that now graces the front of the school building. Thanks to the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) which raised funds and acquired plants and other supplies, every student helped to plant the 6,000 square-foot habitat garden with 60 different species of native perennials, grasses, trees, and shrubs on Earth Day in April. “It was very important for the students to participate in Purple crocuses planted by AHS staff for the first Dr. Cathey Day the planting,” says Peggy. “Many of them now feel a lot of owner- celebration last year came into perfect bloom this spring. ship and pride in this garden.”

AHS NATIONAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS 2006–2007 CALENDAR ark your calendar for these upcoming national events and programs that are sponsored or cosponsored Mby the American Horticultural Society.

• SEPT. 20–23. Fashion in Bloom (formerly called the Eastern • DEC. 14. Annual Friends of River Farm Holiday Reception. Performance Trials). George Washington’s River Farm. Alexan- George Washington’s River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. dria, Virginia. (Open to AHS members and the public on Satur- day, September 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.) 2007 • FEB. 14–18. AHS Green Garage™ Exhibit at the 2007 North- • SEPT. 23. AHS Annual Gala. George Washington’s River west Flower & Garden Show. Seattle, Washington. Farm. Alexandria, Virginia.

• OCT. 23. Dr. H. Marc Cathey Day. George Washington’s River • APR. 1–30. Washington Blooms! George Washington’s River Farm. Alexandria, Virginia. Farm, Alexandria, Virginia.

• OCT. 26 & 27. AHS Garden School: The Art & Science of • APR. 21 & 22. Friends of River Farm Annual Plant Sale. George Garden Photography. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Washington’s River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. Austin, Texas. N • DEC. 1–22. Holiday Trees Display at River Farm. George For more information about these events, call (800) 777- Washington’s River Farm. Alexandria, Virginia. 7931 or visit the AHS website (www.ahs.org). IVEKA NEVEL V

10 the American Gardener LEFT: VIVEKA NEVELN. RIGHT: JESSICA ROZMUS Students hel ri courtyard. Teachers incorporate the g i etable f r nstrumenta or examp oom gar g inia Standards ofLearnin ht, atHollinMeadowsElementar Add g itiona arden for science experiments. “The PTAarden forscienceexperiments.“The hasbeenvery d l e creating aCo ens t p l ed to inputtingtoget ll y, y, h l at were insta ast summerPe p lant ahabitat l onia g scienceandmathrequirements as h l ll gar er e d gg y g l SchoolinAlexandria,Vir esson p

arden, above,andEarthBoxes, d f y g en or eac ardens intheirlessonplans d esi f or socia g l h ans tosatis ne c d l ass inaninterior in l stu d ivi d ies oraveg d f y t ua h l c e Vir- g inia l ass - - . , t t tern News written postin oes intheboxes withcool-weather crops suchaslettuces omatoes int P H l ans are un g eather facility, andanoutdoorlearnin R h by em. T d obbins. Assistant E Assistant erway erway h is f or creating awoo f a ll d , t itor Viveka Neveln an h e stu S eptember /October d ents wi g pavilion dl an Boxe Ho t s d A or Rozmu s d L ( G s P s t e w d ll o part o share ainers an c elf-waterin c TGC verythin eggy ents tosetupt onate ast pat ell asdocumentin HS, helpedstu- rowin re h h d S ll oo oo inator . ixth pl in Mea J h s . une, theAHS d l l ace t ™ , a i ) an s,” ex E c g d program. s i

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ona Symposium brou t N t a the American Gardene one whomissedthes ees t i h h iona hile theran r on g LATE e e natura advocates from 34states andthe esou AH l l assoc sessions, f rom thesess h f l Co C e c S r ce w d h J

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ULY, from at l l f ebs i d um mposiu wor ance toexc ld p o i e g ons an r ts, andfindins d ren &Yout e oftheattendees’ pro- i b te atte icate ld ia toSt. Louis,Mis- th

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f f gathering or- d k — i or t d eas e ers hin e n n g - - - , , , outh clay-pot scarecrow addsanelementofwhimsy to agardenatMBG. Katy MossWarner, keynotespeakerCarolineLewis, andpresenterMarkMiller. Above:A right: PresenterSheldonFleming, landscapearchitectLollyTai,AHSPresidentEmeritus Garden (MBG).Top,right:Among themanyattendeesatsymposiumwere,fromleftto Top, left:DaleChihulyglasssculptures atthesymposiumhostgarden,MissouriBotanical nua in children’s t since theevent debutedin1993,whichat A resented here,” sa many organizationsan b g an that theinnovative ideas c actin energy an w t ests tot h o enerated atthissymposiumwillbecarrie ac HS interimpresi idel e yout ll d The re

k eagues. “It’s grati very ent l of symposiumwasoneo an g y withpassionateandlike-minde

, thisonl educators d h h h s usiasm g e continuinggrowt d gar h istration forthisyear’s 14than- creativity generate are g ardenin d d y ening movement varie wit seemedtointensif f m or c d y ent s

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d d d k g e gardening - - - - t t , , community gar c U 2005. Presenters camefrom across the t t v S v s A L c v o o d s iona trated thepossibilitiesforconnectin o anincrease int chools, universities, andbotanical h l BY HEATHERROBBINS enture.” Stron ance ofthisyear’s theme,“Cultivatin ironments a f pin ense o ens. T ouis area u H nite i p d ld M ers S ing g ren’s e l ’s ’s an sessionso outdoorclassroom pro r d p T States, representing programs at h ectives onseveral main themes,in- f y b

P h e attendeeswhowork inurbanen- ui enthusiasts e Growing Connection p l d , ld ace: AYout de resentations whilesessionssuchasthe ucationa ing c pp g d ff reciate interest inthisthemeled ening. ere h h i ld d e n l to30,u programs int ren’s gar d h u t f

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TOP LEFT: HEATHER ROBBINS. TOP RIGHT: COURTESY OF KATY MOSS WARNER. BOTTOM: SYLVIA SCHMEICHEL MBG’s new Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden, left, was a point of inspiration at the symposium. Above: A “Wanted” sign outside the garden’s Invasive Plants Jail.

cially stunning by an extensive exhibit of artist Dale Chihuly’s glasswork. The sched- ule included a tour of the new Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden (profiled in the May/June 2007 issue of The American Gardener), followed by a panel discussion on its creation and influence. Paul Brock- and gardens on a global level (see page 9). ticulturist with the Zoological Society of mann, MBG’s vice president of general One area of consensus among presenters San Diego, described how he developed services, noted that besides the city’s zoo, was the vital importance of involving chil- children’s programming based on growing the botanical garden is the only outdoor- dren and young people in all stages—from carnivorous plants. “There’s something oriented place for families to visit in St. design-planning through curriculum de- about carnivorous plants that’s so appeal- Louis. Since the Children’s Garden opened velopment—of gardening-oriented learn- ing to kids,” says AHS Horticultural Intern in spring, MBG’s family memberships ing and garden spaces. Matt Lamberski. “Paul’s session on plant- have increased 40 percent. According to Cornell University’s Garden-Based based learning made me wish my teachers MBG staff, children requesting return trips Learning Team presented “Young People had used a similar strategy.” give parents more time to explore the rest as Partners,” in which A session by Gary Wangler, horticul- of MBG, which also has smaller sensory 16-year-old Jake turist at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and experimental gardens where children’s Sheavly described his was held at the Olson Family Garden, lo- programs are held. involvement in a col- cated on the eighth floor of one of the pre- Another treat was a field trip to the laborative effort to mier children’s hospitals in the country. Shaw Nature Reserve, an extension of plan, design, and con- This healing garden, which provides a MBG located about 30 miles outside St. struct a living sculp- place for serenity and reflection, represents Louis. There, guides explained the ture project as part of another facet of children’s gardening. process of transforming thousands of . BOTTOM: COURTESY OF MARCIA EAMES-SHEAVLY ) 2

( a new program at the acres of farmland back into native Ozark university. GREAT GARDENS plant communities. The nature reserve Jake Sheavly Other sessions sug- As part of the symposium, attendees had also addresses how home gardeners can gested piquing young the opportunity to explore the host garden, apply the principles of native plant people’s interest in horticulture with novel the 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden restoration in their own landscapes. “To

TOP: HEATHER ROBBINS plant characteristics. Paul Maschka, a hor- (MBG), whose grounds were made espe- us, a ‘sense of place’ means you have to be

September / October 2006 13 1 of and theenvironment inyoung people. f h chil e address, Louvaffirmedthesi c by thewidenin national an quin Boo d Last C k wh Dana Brown Education Center usin c mainstream American conscio around thesym g d t Although thefourkeynotespeakerso WITH ADDRESSBRIDGINGDISCONNECT KEYNOTES myriad pro Cin necting wit and author nat pointing outt ucation pro rectly interactin sc 4 oster apositive out h d h h ren From Nature-De aging presentations t ey att i ow ow h ff is year’s symposiumcame ucators an i i p ld ic It isincreasing Wit ld oo u erent career d lace. d g

re reserve h the American Gardene ren are spen ren an ren tonat f NATURE native plants—it’s theirplace,”said y Gi l orma sta h curricu h i h ld in t e Center, w ff int lb mem k l g d h h d an g s) R d rams. Exploratory learnin rams. Exploratory nature. During er nature an e S internationalattentionfor rams incon h parents p h l . ichard Louv a an e u g d e Woo b h h g g p b re. He offere , a d d in ac aw Nat l withnature. Journalist “disconnect” betwee as receive osium’s themesofcon- ers con ing amage tosocietycause y d kg f l b h orma

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d d g k e (Al vice on 5 ave en- oor e , eynot fro f boo l utur o g p on h g d h e he i d m is i- l- n d d d k g e e e e e - - t f f Author andke a t n our g r s sh r eco ro eflections withstatisticsthatillustrat ervation, intersperse ervation, oted thattheUnited States’ lar p i ost-lecture book-si p M l eum reserve o eum reserve g an l nized internationallyforhisleader BG Presi o b d a accom l “ d y isconnect note s d pl ent is ff p h P g eaker RichardLouv at t ments in eter nin h f e coasto d rom nature.” H g.

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t b , p iversity. To d o outsi an State University’s h afterall h s i d p ine ose p pants wereoffere d t esta h an er wor erience avariet Raven, cannot ems. bl ecia l en, encourage roug l inization, an h d d wor d h es d e Mic esigne h p 20percent agri- b d issueso d e impacto ents atatime. l ori a lant ll i sustaina d t d l ll u h y int p ization o g e—wit uring t h ld , enging atten r v k asitet d willneedto ro oals forin g e increasing wit . “We a. As h anizations. d q d f l u d i essor an an Caroline

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TOP TO BOTTOM: SYLVIA SCHMEICHEL; JESSICA ROZMUS; HEATHER ROBBINS

Native f all’s bount A ster y o f s characteristics suchaschromosome daisylike flowers are borneeithersin lected th w t c t En o t scapes e th hanced ournative asters’ c c P soms are remove i T p T and eral new l n t The A t reac c zomes—under t s r t Pl has heldbackthe panic ence ofrhizomes BY ALLANM.ARMITAG s often eaves, t hen mayrebloom inthefallifs roduced ever ions were ma ive totheUnited States he flower stemorinmulti o t d ultivars inthiscountr entury. an an urnin u oads S he ‘MonteCassino’ selectionofheathaste o o f tars um hite orinthebluetopurpleran t ey are oug TER N p ast p l g Th Al M tura a ular NewEn h : ‘AlmaPötschke’isoneofthe mos h b lish and German nurserymen. Seleclish andGerman nurserymen. h g b e genus n e t ecome over any astersare fall flowerin l

h h enus hastakenama ) es orcorym h e w o E er, in p g . Theleaves are alternateandthe b t manypin e movement tomore natura l oug f g O ur roa i a RHAPS ITI ea fl h hich are indis improvements

b ree g or thegarden de asters rown forthecut flower trade i MEN e genus owers o ns momentum b ecomin man k d h d

r fl bl new onescontinueto new manyuse in eede C orescence s Ch y LAT d d oom int g g

g g y si e startin land asterselections.Left round stems—andafew wor d rysant ruesomely unspellable ruesomely ear l , y g U d p k y aggressive. f andcharacteristicbasa h b imme mostasterspeciesare muc commonnative RE o e asters cu as s. Most sprea . p r S k ularity ofthename l p b s tivars t must h y utably weedy, that een sp f he familiarit i h h . However, horti- u g emum g , h nto sh . d h more appreciat credit formuc int arden value, an l h e summeran iate speciesare na- ave great , j a ape, t E anum or hit,similar . h p v b l ave h l le-flowered y e it intosev . e e . Base p

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TOP: JOSEPH G. STRAUCH JR; BOTTOM: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON genera. This is mainly the case with the clasp the stem, poking out on either side. American species, but Old World asters The flowers are one-and-a-half to two are also undergoing change. inches across and consist of 40 to 50 ray These changes have been coolly em- flowers surrounding a yellow center. braced by botanists and—to this point— They are excellent for cutting, but be- totally ignored by horticulturists. As for ware of the hairy stems, which can cause me, I want to give the new names some a serious skin rash on hands and arms of love. After all, they are the correct names susceptible individuals. whether we like them or not, but I also re- alize that no one will have a clue what I am Cultivars talking about if I toss out the old ones. For Dozens of cultivars have been offered. now, I am providing both names as the var- Here are a few of my favorites that have ious species are discussed. stood the test of time. Alma Pötschke (‘Andenken an Alma THE BIG TWO Pötschke’) is an excellent three- to four- Most people who grow American native foot-tall selection with bright rose flow- asters have cultivars of either New Eng- ers that are one to two inches across and land or New York asters, which have been have slightly curled petals. Although less the focus of most of the breeding work prone to topple than other selections, it thus far. Times are changing, but these still requires support. are still at the head of the class. ‘Harrington’s Pink’, developed by Millard Harrington of Williamsburg, New England Aster Iowa, is one of the most popular asters (Aster novae-angliae, USDA Hardiness today. This three- to five-foot tall plant Zones 4–8, AHS Heat Zones 8–1. bears large salmon pink flowers from Sep- Now classified Symphyotrichum tember through October. novae-angliae.) ‘Purple Dome’ is a terrific introduction This common wildflower found widely from the Mt. Cuba Center in Greenville, Delaware. Late flowering on 18- to 24-inch stems, plants maintain a compact, mound- ed habit supporting hundreds of deep blue flowers. In regions with high summer hu- midity, leaf and stem disease can be a major problem. Regardless, this is a great aster for E the front of the sunny garden. ‘September Ruby’ (‘Septemberrubin’) has inch-wide, deep ruby-red flowers on three- to five-foot stems. Although clas- sified as a late bloomer, flowering begins in late May here in northern Georgia and Top: ‘Professor Anton Kippenberg’ New York continues through late June. If the flow- aster is a proven performer. Above: In bloom, Compact ‘Purple Dome’ New England aster is ers are deadheaded, it blooms again in the ‘Winston S. Churchill’ New York aster is BOTTOM: COURTESY OF ALLAN M. ARMITAG , perfect for the front of a sunny bed. September. Flowering is three to four as colorful as its cigar-smoking namesake.

RIGHT weeks later in the Northeast, but seldom ; in the eastern United States is one of the do flowers peak in the fall. Isles. The specific epithet, novi-belgii, largest and prettiest in the genus but is arose because the state of New York was seldom seen in cultivation, having been New York Aster once known as New Belgium. The histo- superseded by bigger, but not always bet- (A. novi-belgii, Zones 4–8, 8–1. ry of breeding of Michaelmas daisies is a ter, cultivars. The entire, four- to five- var. who’s-who of horticulture including the

TOP: DAVID CAVAGNARO S. novi-belgii novi-belgii.) , inch-long leaves are numerous and very There are literally hundreds of cultivars Honorary Vickary Gibbs, Ernest Ballard, RIGHT ; hairy. This species and a few others sim- of this wonderful roadside weed, which A.H. Harrison, and Alan Bloom. ilar to it may be separated from many is also commonly known as Michaelmas The leaves of New York asters clasp the other asters by looking at the base of the daisy because it blooms around Septem- stem much like those of New England leaves. The two basal lobes of the leaves ber 29, St. Michael’s Day, in the British asters, but the smooth or nearly glabrous

Adapted with permission from the chapter on asters in the third edition of Allan M. Armitage’s Herbaceous Perennial Plants, which

LEFT: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK will be published by Stipes Publishing in summer 2007.

September / October 2006 17 1 they w t summer an cut for good as not fl are They flowers theth l v 15 inc tario an pl v sus. official namechan Florida toTexas 8 eaves h ars too dense,andsta ma l and earlysummer.Dothisno m up pr p i ers, but m the cutt lose theirornamentala larly, plantsw years and co o early spr should bes means of mitage garden. shears doesthejobinAr flowers. Asharppairofhedg p if plantsaregrowninfullsunandpinchedbackbyfourtosixinchesateachgrowing New Yorktypes.Stakingcanbereducedoreliminatedinmanymedium-sizecultivar anti-staker. Thisisstillamajordrawbacktoasters,particularlytheNewEnglandan All tallselect G clean and Jul side a owers ast ere placedunder thename ate nfection. Rustcanalsobetroublesomewithman ant native to e e cu f r roblem bymaintaininggoodaircirculation,thinningoutstemsiftheplantsare oint onceortwiceinspring Somewhere alon strongergrow R

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h tivars t w g WIN zed plantsthatsu es, soIam e s p d ba . i ortions oftheclum d a s w y ff lants. NewYorkastersaremostsusce er A.novi- i (Erysiphe cichoracearum). (Erysiphe n They I 1intheSouth,or i f ng term erentiate t p ng or r ung f p

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S y andshouldbeavo i y inB under i tible cultivars. th medium-size cultivars (underfour ngs o ll f nd f l a Cultivars g ) tivars over i l n twotothreeweeks. i y e flowers. Ihesitatetorecommend e Pin y ll d y mes theonlymethodtoclean er summerand s

d , require nosta o nee cultivars Verticillium vilmorinii. vilmorinii. Verticillium

i t d f p l A ng aroundJuly newgrowthmayresult ue’ can h ecies ofasters.Avoidth . e k ✕ d Beauty f g dumosus.du is a ront o sta ardens, require extensiv b g f ecome invasive mosus

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A. con- h i n d n e e g ose s y - f p- d a- h e , 1 t d ‘ M f a e a ( t e PlP t b n t many sma Plants are usuallyhi (A. cor H t pressive. It’s easytogrow in itthrou or run a yellow centersalon inc feet thatproducef dozens ofone-totwo- consist oflanky,c arching stemsupto12 t c s w I A (A ClC m T LESSER-KNOWN BUTDESERVINGASTERS t s r s a S. cor E our tosixwee all withdoublewhiteflowers tin olerates part shade olerates part rials attheUniversity ofGeor han aninchwide. Ten to20narrow ra he ed dais emi- ome ‘Woo 6-inc o 12-inc o North American tems. T f you live inamild climate, you mi outheastern United States, atr rs surroundin nd li

ommon nameisa rs. In Georgia, t round mid-September andpersistfo l ouble flowers u ine to12inc mp l l he following asters don’t getnearlya ant togive t u ants are covere uc ot o rnest Ba ea e itt . caro im ‘Priory B ‘ S ‘Professor AntonKippenber T C ‘Winston e semi- h d p Wood’s Dwarfs’ app h l l -wi his is a rollicking shrub thattakesu his isarollicking shrub ium-size Cu r lants don’t climbby themselves, but e easter caro d d g j b t attentionast f h d udicious earlysummerprunin d ifolium. ht blue(‘Wood’s Li s o -l p ing Aste -ta y ’s Purp l i ubl p d in inianus h f like flowers ontwo-tothree-foo ea h olius h ace, e pin ire ll ey were d k -ta ll ll f A es moun . It’s attractive very o

ar fl u pin l h ll (‘Kiestr b us , ble flowers owers, eac k es ta ster g ) l d’ g p ut i Z k e’), pin hu l yellow centersona12-t s. , h h ashrub, itisreally im inianus.) h d topurp k r ones p Z l is aster, native tot ’ h wit l

ants wit d rc tothree incheswide. f bl tivar f g ll ones 6–9,8–1. as re you train it ona . h antastic incut ing p g b rows at h an h ossoms int theirlen ey g it are ei wonderful bl ey s h g i hly branchedwit 3 ll k ardeners in2005

d d –8, 8–1. ’) wasintro l dd (‘Woo s ’ aven b carries ece l . b h ant. h l egin g e is ears ou h genera ht Blue’) flow p l h fl purp east d tive f ld. -pin owers wit u g er ray g h d fl ths. ll b ia. l an h ’s Pin ’s aven g sun owerin ut nee f b our k ed wit e l ll d e- ecaus fl semi- d f y y f some fl owe uce a g bl enc . Its g. g d ow ll. f l b g ’ k ht eet es er he u d ht u ’) is h h h p d o g y e e e r r s s - s - - - - t t , .

MARY YEE Left: Although not truly a vine, climbing aster can weave its way through shrubs or be draped along a fence. Right: The small but densely clustered flowers of heart-leaf aster put on quite a show from late summer to mid-autumn.

flowers ranging in color from dark blue to nearly black, cascading branches up to grown where they get at least morning sun off-white surround a yellow center. The three feet in length, at the end of which are and good air movement. In hot summers, thin, sharply-toothed leaves on the upper corymbs of small (three-quarter-inch-di- they tend to become leggy, so I cut my stems and branches have inspired common ameter), starlike white flowers with yellow plants back to about a foot in early June. names such as bee weed and bee tongue. centers that attract butterflies. The cultivar ‘Eastern Star’ is only

S Although plants often look bedraggled Plants are covered with clouds of flow- about 12 to 18 inches tall and features the in the wild, cultivation tends to make them ers from mid-August through September same dark stems and white flowers with stand up straight and put their shoulders in the South and as late as October in the yellow centers. This selection has done well back. The lower leaves are heart-shaped, North. The leaves are about three inches in trials in Georgia, and I expect it to be- and the upper leaves are ovate to lanceo- long and coarsely toothed. come quite popular around the country. late. The small blossoms lend themselves Plants may be used at the edge of wood- well to cut flower arrangements. Plants lands or placed at the front of the border to Heath Aster grow well in both the North and the grow through other plants. I let them ram- (A. ericoides, Zones 5–8, 8–1. South, but leaf spotting becomes a bigger ble over and among hostas. However, S. ericoides var. ericoides.) problem in humid regions. while they tolerate shade, more flowers and This is another roadside weed, but one fewer foliar diseases occur when plants are that can become a fine garden plant. The Cultivars many needlelike sessile leaves are pu- ‘Elegans’ bears many white flowers bescent, stiff, very narrow, and sel- and is one of the best selections. dom more than an inch long (like ‘Ideal’ is four to six feet tall with Erica, heath). One of its old names many violet-blue flowers. In the cut was A. multiflorus (many-flowered), TOP RIGHT: COURTESY OF NORTH CREEK NURSERIES. BOTTOM: JESSIE M. HARRI ; flower trials at the University of which is a much more descriptive Georgia, plants have been vigorous name for this plant. The leaves are and floriferous, but the foliage is generally paler green than many prone to leaf spotting. other aster species. The daisies con- sist of 15 to 25 ray flowers, each only White Wood Aster about three-quarter-of-an-inch wide, (A. divaricatus, Zones 4–8, 9–1. giving each head a starry appearance. Eurybia divaricata.) Many cultivars have been devel- One of the few shade-tolerant asters, this spreading species is native from Most asters require full sun, but white

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF PLANT DELIGHTS NURSERY Maine to Georgia. It bears many thin, wood aster tolerates part shade.

September / October 2006 19 oped for the commercial cut-flower trade without horticultural intervention, it is if temperatures are not constantly in the for use as “filler” in bouquets and doubtful that this species would have 90s. Tiny white flowers with rosy centers arrangements, much like baby’s breath. made its way into many gardens. How- appear in dense, branching sprays on However, they are useful garden plants as ever, a number of cultivars have gained rigid, purplish stems in early fall. ‘Prince’ well. Cultivars include: ‘Blue Star’, this plant many fans. grows about three feet tall with small which bears hundreds of star-shaped The species stands about three feet tall white flowers and handsomely contrast- dark blue flowers on three foot stems; and flowers are often borne along one side ing deep purple foliage—again, given an ‘Blue Wonder’, which has blue flowers of the stem in late summer and early fall, ideal site and summer climate. with a tinge of pink; ‘Monte Cassino’, when the tiny toothed leaves turn a nice which bears many 24- to 30-inch stems coppery hue. Plants grow best in a site that Aromatic Aster topped with clusters of small white flow- offers well-drained soil and full sun. They (A. oblongifolius, Zones 3–8, 8–1. ers. ‘Snow Flurry’, a selection from A. tolerate hot days and warm nights, but do S. oblongifolium.) ericoides forma prostratus, has arching better where evenings are cool. Native to dry prairies and rocky bluffs

The ‘Lady in Black’ cultivar of calico aster, here blooming with goldenrods and sunflowers, has attractive purple foliage in cooler regions. stems that are only six to nine inches tall A. lateriflorus var. horizontalis, some- from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin and and covered in small white daisies. This times listed as ‘Horizontalis’, is a marvelous south to North Carolina and Texas, this groundcoverlike plant is ideal for drap- plant when grown in the right conditions. species and its cultivars are among the ing over banks and walls. Dark green leaves on horizontal branched finest garden asters on the market today. stems make this bushlike aster quite Plants grow two to four feet tall. Up to a Calico Aster unique. Add the white flowers with red- dozen well-branched stems occur on a (A. lateriflorus, Zones 5–7, 8–1. dish centers in mid-fall and one has a won- mature plant, each clad in narrow, inch- S. lateriflorum var. lateriflorum.) derful garden plant that can be used as a long leaves. One description of this native of the shrubby mass or a low-growing hedge. One of the last wildflowers to bloom, Plains states reads “many branched stems Among cultivars, ‘Lady in Black’ has aromatic aster has inch-wide, bluish- I with narrow lanceolate dark green leaves superseded most other offerings. Plants purple flowers that persist into late Oc- and small bristly white flowers.” This is possess dark purple foliage that usually tober. When brushed lightly, glandular AREN BUSSOLIN hardly a heart-stopping description, and, remains attractive throughout the season hairs at the base of the flowers release a K

20 the American Gardener smothered in beautiful lavender-blue flowers by late fall, but they need a hard prune in midsummer. This selection was Sources found in Athens, Georgia, by the great Bluestone Perennials, Madison, garden designer Ann English. OH. (800) 852-5243. www.blue ‘Fanny’s Aster’ grows up to four feet stoneperennials.com. Catalog free. tall and is covered with blue flowers in late fall. An absolutely terrific aster, par- Canyon Creek Nursery, Oroville, CA. ticularly in the South, it was introduced (530) 533-2166. www.canyon by Nancy Goodwin, nursery lady and creeknursery.com. Online catalog. plantsperson extraordinaire, who ac- quired it from Ruth Knopf of Boone Earthly Pursuits, Windsor Mills, Hall Plantation in South Carolina. It MD. (410) 496-2523 www.earthly turns out that Ruth’s maid, Fanny, pursuits.net. Catalog online or free passed it on to her. on request. ‘October Skies’ is a low-growing ver- sion of ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ (see below), Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) introduced by the Primrose Path Nurs- 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. ery. It has excellent lavender flower power Catalog $5; free online. but only grows about two feet tall, even without pruning. Meadowbrook Nursery/ We-Du Na- ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ is even better, tives, Marion, NC. (828) 738- with purple flowers around yellow cen- 8300. www.we-du.com. Catalog ters in the fall on stiff, hairy two- to $2; free online. three-foot-tall plants. The foliage also has a nice hint of mint. This selection origi- Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, nated from south Texas and needs full NC. (919) 772-4794. www.plant sun and well-drained soils. delights.com. Catalog online.

ASTERS FOR THE ADVENTUROUS Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN. Good grief, where do you stop falling all (507) 452-1362. over this genus? So many little-known www.prairiemoonnursery.com. species are out there, just waiting to be Catalog free. discovered. Here are just a few other worthy native asters I have stumbled over in my travels. Resources Sky blue aster (A. azureus, Zones Armitage’s Garden Perennials by 4–8, 9–1; S. oolentangiense var. oolen- Allan M. Armitage. Timber Press, Top: Introduced by horticulturist Richard tangiense) is native to the Plains states. Portland, Oregon, 2000. Lighty, ‘Bluebird' is a selection of smooth Plants grow two to three feet tall and aster. Above: A hint of mint in its foliage is a bear deep blue to violet flowers and Herbaceous Perennial Plants by fringe benefit to ‘Raydon’s Favorite’, a heart-shaped leaves. Allan M. Armitage. Stipes Publish- cultivar of aromatic aster. Smooth aster (A. laevis, Zones 4–8, ing, Champaign, Illinois, 1997. 8–1; S. laeve var. laeve), combines dozens fresh fragrance that is hard to describe, of blue ray flowers with yellow centers, but pleasant. Selections of these plants dark stems, and slightly blue-green A. spectabilis (Zones 5–8, 8–1; Eury- are spectacular at the San Antonio smooth foliage on three-foot-tall plants. biabia spectabilis)spectabilis) growsgrows oneone to twotwo feetfeet talltall Botanical Garden, and they earned Although it is a fairly common roadside and is covered with showy violet- blue awards from the Missouri Botanical plant, a little tending can help trans- flowers on many branched stems in fall. Garden in 2003 and the University of form it into an eye-catching garden Native from Massachusetts to South Car- Georgia Trials. Enough said. specimen. ‘Bluebird’ bears one-inch- olina and way underused.  wide violet-blue flowers and arching BOTTOM: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK ; Cultivars stems with handsome blue-green fo- Allan Armitage is a horticulture professor at ‘English Countryside’ appears to be liage. This selection was introduced by the University of Georgia. An award-win- mostly A. oblongifolius, but also seems to Richard Lighty during his tenure as di- ning garden author, photographer, and lec- have a hefty chunk of New England aster rector of the Mt. Cuba Center in turer, he is also a guest horticulturist on

TOP: SUSAN A. ROTH in its background as well. Plants are Delaware. public television’s Smart Gardening TV.

September / October 2006 21 22 your toes, especia cause man and or l day. Exce like thefeelin cartw attractive w b T our homesorbetrackedinb eac lion poundsofpesticidesto their yards child oncea children, pets,andwin awns can ac hen Iseeaninvitin p A h k ets, orwas g year—c mericans app the American Gardener tomyc roundwater. Thesepesticidesdokill h ee lush, wa HOUG l p s, l awn, it’s temptingtoact t now Ikee y lk b b conventionall e quitetoxic, especia g h ut t ing g h g ain. Okay, maybe notth ofthecoolbladesbetween emica reen h i ldh HT intoourstreams, h ll b Gen Lawn “Green” ere’s sti l y onawarmsummer’ y more t are oo S g l

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g h myshoesonbe- d ed wildlife at can ll ays. Even now cartw not y h maintained an 100mi y h h d childre ing quit growing atruly ee ri g b rass o f l e t into . l ll s an l a i d y to k k o e a es, l n d e e e r s - f , d t ph r s R s w m er systemsan i l ects), ectly theircom L ownstream po d ecor awn withoutusingsyntheti eeds andbu y os e S earn riad healthissues(see“For the y f b ph nthetic fertilizers alsohaventhetic fertilizers adown ert ecause i d b ” onpage24). orus, can orus, ut t BY KRI i h l i ow to zers orpest h ey a f g overuse d s (includin eventua ll S b ution. In somestates— l WETHERBEE e was so p onents, g h row a ave d h ora ll e d y contri g b intostormwa- beneficialin- een i ppl c p h articularly i des ie ea l in d b incor k l ute to e t . d hy to c - - ing proper based lawnfertilizers. er andnearlypicture-perfect lawnwith T g a d th T GO f g in t l r M me awn chemicalstoturnupthe ami or on estrictions ont

ardens,” saysBobRichardson, asoilre- rass varieties, an enin echnolo l he keytoalush,green lawnbeginswit e soi g ot innesota, forexam

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MICHAEL S. THOMPSON Opposite: Perennial ryegrass withstands heavy foot traffic and is an appropriate choice for lawns in most regions of the United States. LAWN GRASSES RECOMMENDED BY REGION Mountain West: Kentucky bluegrass, be doing everything else right, but bad soiil perennial ryegrass, fescues, buffalo will wreak havoc on all of your efforts.” grass. Healthy soil is alive with critters likke earthworms and beetles as well as mii- Midwest: Fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, croorganisms that improve soil structure,e perennial ryegrass, creeping bentgrass, recycle nutrients into a plant-friendly zoysia. form, and can supply all the nutrientts plants need. A well-balanced soil rich in Northeast: Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, beneficial microbes helps reduce plant ryegrass (perennial and annual), bent- stress and disease. Using pesticides can grass. dramatically disturb this balance. Three elements are essential to supp- Pacific Northwest: Perennial ryegrass, porting a healthy soil environment: or- fescues, bluegrass, bentgrass. ganic matter, adequate moisture, and air. Ideally, your soil should contain a mini- Southeast: Bahiagrass, centipede, zoysia, mum of three percent organic matter. St. Augustine grass, bermuda. Good sources of organic matter for FescueFeFescscueue lawns include compost, aged manure, and Southwest: Bermuda grass, St. Augus- grass clippings. If you’re starting from tine grass, buffalo grass, ryegrass, zoysia. scratch, work organic matter as deeply aas possible into the soil before seeding or rolling out your lawn. For existing lawnss, a thin layer of screened compost (half an inch or less) applied as a top-dressing once or twice a year in spring or fall will helpp feed soil critters and maximize turf healthh. High-quality compost tea is also a good option for encouraging beneficial soil orr- ganisms, and some lawn care companies are now offering this service as part of lawn care programs. CHOOSE THE RIGHT GRASS Garden plants flourish when they arre matched to the region and growing sitee. Lawns are no different. Turf grasses fall BuffaloBuBuffffaallo grassgrgrasass St.StSt. AugustineAAuugugussttinine into two main groups: cool-season varii- eties and warm-season types. Cool-season grasses are more suited to the northern regions of the country, groww- Warm-season grasses put on their best The type of grass you choose depends ing best in spring and fall and then sloww- growth during the warmer temperatures on your climate, lifestyle needs, and the ing down in hot weather. Cool-seasonn offl late spg,pr ing, summer , and ear lly y fa llll, , an d chhiifiiaracteristics of your site—in some re- grasses become dormant and can turn go dormant once cold weather arrives. gions, blends or mixtures of grasses are rec- )

2 brown during dry summers unless wa- These include Bermuda grass, which is ommended for lawns. A blend is ( tered on a regular basis. Once fall returns quite drought-tolerant and will stand up composed of two or more cultivars of the and moisture is replenished, these lawns to a lot of foot traffic, though is the least same grass species; a mixture is made up will typically green up once again. Fescues shade-tolerant among the group. St. Au- of two or more different species. (See the are pretty heat- and drought-tolerant, with gustine does well in shade and is great for box above for suggested grasses for differ- tall fescue getting by on up to 50 percent coastal areas but doesn’t handle foot traf- ent regions of the country.) less irrigation than Kentucky bluegrass. fic well. Zoysia grass tolerates heat, Perennial ryegrass stands up well to wet drought, and a moderate amount of LET YOUR LAWN BREATHE soil and heavy foot traffic, though it’s not shade, and is quite cold-tolerant for a Soil aeration is a critical component of pro-

TOP: SUSAN A. ROTH. BOTTOM: SAXON HOLT as drought-tolerant as the fescues. warm-season grass. moting root growth and turf grass health.

September / October 2006 23 2 too time toaerate. Inc.,Services, aWashin practice before seedin post,” saysDon Wi tacklin soi type aerator, whichremoves smallplu O p er cannotbeeasil l wh care com hi it o tween t thatch—a buildupofplantmaterialbe deep intothesoilandreach a Loosening theground beneathyour tur auay eswbe w eeds g t e ma y, a Natu F FERTILIZING La Aeratin eve 4 ll f and 11havethepotentialtodisrupt the cancer l a Mi ■ F l ■ e a r w 13 are probableorposs 3 ■ with hi Institute. Cancer ■ National the of ■ the EnvironmentalProtection A ert andauthoro ert r g one-ei eukemia b ong-term healthproblems—and manyhavenotbeentested otoxicit ows air, water, an b ndocrine (hormonal)system. g nd gardenpesticides. dd g 0 commonl l O ith re How frequently you aeratedependso “Most lawnshave anaturalthatchla ere you h, itimpedeswaterandnutrients,”says lhl Stud Be P Accord l P , oryou canrent a ui l e, 27aresensitizersand/orirritants, ani ongrassgrown in s suse o o arel the American Gardener esticides ma R THERE esticide useinthehomeand r Smit f ld ally, y f or t g tra c h ond Pesticidesre g lar s uptomore t g i p your lawnwillalsohelppreven e (see “Resources,” pa gh es i p her incidencesofl n dogs. roductive effects,15withneu y h l

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g f awn nee l g f h our nitrogen. Use as b andfall,whereas warm-season or nitrogen—or you canuseanyo rass. g e pro est g f p h g onyour lawnare exactlywhat t g your lawn.Too littleortoomuc y oun eneral rule, spreadeneral rule, nomore tha S e smallsoil h our lawn,suchas3-1-2,5-2-4,or p h d EL y g g f i b e pHisnotint l g e oun on counteractsthenegat ou do fertilize, dosotobuil ou dofertilize, e is o en wi h ants an est timeto Y d rass isactively d d g as f h in u d ucts an oes, thin s o actua l o nt ofn h s.” T d oca g ld bl ou s l rasses isbetween sixand f ate sprin ll

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TOP: SAXON HOLT (2). BOTTOM: RICK WETHERBEE vital oxygen, leading to anaerobic soil con- often, cutting no more than one-third of to diseases, weeds, and drought. Mower ditions that encourage disease. the total height in one mowing. Taller blades should be sharpened at least twice “Deep and infrequent watering for es- grass creates better photosynthesis, result- each season, more often when mowing tablished lawns is best,” says Williamson. ing in a deeper root system and overall on sandy soils. This encourages a deeper root system for healthier turf. Giving your grass a higher When you do mow, be sure to leave a lawn that can endure periods of heat and haircut saves you time and money since those grass clippings on the lawn whenev- drought. Your lawn’s specific irrigation re- the tall blades shade out weeds, and the er possible. They add organic matter and quirements will depend on your soil type, deeper root system ultimately makes grass provide a natural source of nitrogen that variety of grass, and mowing practices, but more disease resistant and less susceptible can reduce your fertilizing requirements. about one inch of water a week during ac- to drought and summer heat. tive growth is a good guideline. The foot- How high to mow depends, once COPING WITH WEEDS print test always comes in handy: If you again, on your turf grass variety. As a rule When it comes to lawn weeds, I like to can see your footprints after walking on of thumb, mow at about two-and-a-half preach tolerance—to a point. “Generally, your lawn, and the grass doesn’t spring to four inches for cool-season grasses, and if your lawn has a five to 10 percent weed back, then it’s usually time to water. at one to two inches for warm-season turfs population, then nothing needs to be like Bermuda and zoysia. done. If the weed population is higher MOWING MANAGEMENT Cutting the grass with sharp blades than 10 percent, take steps to reduce the The buzz cut is out and shag is back when will also help power up the “lush” factor population,” advises Williamson. it comes to a turf that’s more resistant to on your lawn. A dull blade rips grass “The most effective way to reduce weeds, disease, drought, and summer rather than cuts it, weakening the plant weed pressure in a lawn is to maintain a heat. The key is to mow high and mow and making your lawn more susceptible healthy, thick turf,” notes John Steiner, di- rector of operations with NaturaLawn of America. Steiner says you can keep weeds to a minimum sim- ply by mowing tall and fol- lowing a sound program, which includes proper feeding and watering. Many common lawn weeds—such as ground ivy or creeping Charlie (Gle- choma hederacea), a notori- ous garden weed in the eastern United States— thrive where grass is cut too short. And mowing fre- quently also deters annual weeds because the sensitive growing point for most is near the plant’s top. So every time you mow, you’re sapping the life from in- vading weeds. When you have a thick stand of turf grass, most weeds that do pop up can easily be controlled by hand-pulling or using one of the many mechanical tools on the market (for more information on weeding tools, see “Get- ting a Grip on Weeds” in H the January/February 2006 issue of The Ameri- USAN A. ROT

S Grass clippings left behind by this mulching mower will break down and add organic matter to the soil. can Gardener).

September / October 2006 25 Sources Gardens Alive!, Inc., Lawrenceburg, IN. (513) 354-1482. www.Gardens Alive.com. Natural and organic lawn and garden products, including lawn fertilizers, grass seed, nematodes, and corn gluten.

Pure Barnyard Company, Portsmouth, NH. (877) 873-6742. www.purebarnyard.com. Natural lawn and garden fertilizers and weed controls.

St. Gabriel Laboratories, Orange, VA. (800) 801-0061. www.milkyspore. com. Earth-friendly lawn and gar- den products, including milky spore grub control. Resources Beyond Pesticides, Washington, D.C. (202) 543-5450. www.beyond In a successful organic lawn care program, a certain amount of “weed” growth is tolerated. pesticides.com. Clover, shown here, is often targeted for eradication, but when it is included in a mixed- species lawn, it contributes a significant amount of nitrogen to the soil. Easy Lawns: Low Maintenance Native Grasses for Gardeners Everywhere, ThT e only organic herbicide that won’t maximum effect with minimal product,” edited by Stevie Daniels. Brooklyn killl an existing lawn is corn gluten meal says Ladd Smith of In Harmony. “By Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, New (CGM), a pre-emergent that must be ap- spot spraying, you can often get by with York, 1999. plied before weed seeds germinate to be ef- as little as one teaspoon of herbicide for fective. CGM is the active ingredient in a an entire lawn.” The Gardener’s Guide to Common- variriety of commercial products such as Sense Pest Control by William Concern Weed Prevention Plus and PUTTING A DAMPER ON PESTS AND DISEASES Olkowsi, Sheila Daar, and Helga WOW. It works well on a variety of an- Lawns growing in a balanced soil ecosys- Olkowski. Taunton Press, Newtown, nual weeds, including crabgrass (Digitaria tem are more naturally resistant to turf dis- Connecticut, 1995. spp.). It requires a drying period of two to eases and pests. Common pests such as three days after application and it is most lawn grubs (most are the larvae of Japan- Lawns Natural and Organic by Don effective when applied one week before ese beetles) can be controlled by using bi- Williamson. Lone Pine Publishing seed germination. At 10 percent nitrogen ological controls such as beneficial International, Auburn, Washington, (by weight), it also makes an excellent nematodes or milky spore powder—a nat- 2006. lawnwn fertilizer. Just be sure not to apply it urally occurring bacterium available at at the same time you are seeding your lawn and garden stores. Avoid the one- Lawn Care Without Pesticides by lawn, because it will prevent grass seed chemical-kills-all mind set and seek out so- Frank Rossi. Cornell University from germinating. lutions that directly address the problem. Press, Ithaca, New York, 2005. IfI you do decide to use an herbicide, It is possible to have a lush green lawn choose the least-toxic product with a that doesn’t pose a threat to humans, pets, Soil Foodweb, Inc., Corvallis, OR. warning label that lists “Caution,” rather or wildlife. Whether your lawn needs min- (541) 752-5066. www.soilfood thanan “Warning ” or “Danger.” Skip the imal maintenance or a major renovation, web.com. Soil testing services, with so-called “weed and feed” products— just remember: Any lawn worth wiggling

laboratories in the United States theeyy are the epitome of overkill because your toes in begins with healthy soil.  N and abroad. theeyy cover the entire lawn with herbicide. Instead, opt for spot applications of her- Freelance writer Kris Wetherbee walks bare- bicide early in the season while the weeds foot on her organically maintained lawn in ICHAEL S. THOMPSO

are still small. “The goal is to get the Oakland, Oregon. M

26 the American Gardener A green lawn does not have to be hazardous to your health.

Why risk exposing your family to the potential health risks associated with unnecessary lawn chemical use? NaturaLawn® of America’s environmentally friendly approach creates a green lawn quickly, more naturally, and with fewer weeds. We know a one-size-fits all chemical program is simply not a safe approach. That’s why we customize a formula that’s right for your lawn. Working with nature, not against it, NaturaLawn of America strengthens your lawn’s root system by building the soil to help give you a healthy green lawn that stays that way.

Call 800-989-5444 and we’ll show you that our service is as superior as the lawns we create.

NaturaLawn of America, the safer way to a healthy lawn. Find out more at www.nl-amer.com.

THE LEADER I N ORGANI C- BASED LAWNCARETM © 2005. NaturaLawn of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Each office independently owned and operated. www.nl-amer.com For permission to reproduce this piece, call 800-989-5444. Nature’s Patterns The Photography of Amy Lamb BY LYNDA DEWITT

Viewed through the eyes of this Maryland scientist-turned-artist, a plant is more than a plant—each one is the universe in microcosm.

EEING AMY LAMB’s botanical actual size. We see details—hairlike pro- photographs is like seeing plants jections on stems, ribbed veins on leaves, Pink Calla III ©1997 Amy Lamb Sfor the first time. It’s a rather shock- the faintly shaded edges on otherwise The pink, vortexlike spathe of the ing experience, especially for longtime monochromatic petals—that we often calla lily wraps protectively gardeners. The flowers and foliage in miss. But it’s also because the images are around its yellow flower spike, these images seem to be alive—more so dramatic and riveting. You see these guiding pollinating insects to alive than some live plants. How can this plants because they compel you to look. their destination. be? Partly it’s because the plants appear What’s not surprising is that before huge, in some cases 50 times larger than Lamb became a photographer 10 years

28 the American Gardener ago, she had been a molecular biologist, a job she left to raise a family. When she returned to the job market about 15 years ago, she decided to take a photography class at the Smithsonian—a decision that would take her career in a wholly differ- ent direction. The steady eye that once studied the ways that cells produce pro- teins now examines the elegant and pre- cise forms of plants. Macro-, or close-up, photography suits Lamb, a self-described methodical and detail-oriented person. “I’ve always done macrophotography,” says Lamb, who credits 20th-century photographic master Edward Weston as a source of her artistic inspira- tion. “And while I look at details, I also look at the bigger picture of patterns, univer- sal patterns— such as spirals and branching.” And so, the spiral shape of a Hosta II ©2005 Amy Lamb Amy Lamb calla lily spathe Prominent veins course through hosta leaves, providing structural strength as evokes the spi- well as nourishment to the large leaves of these shade-loving perennials. ral cochlea in the inner ear, the twisted double strands of DNA, and even the shape of galaxies. Likewise, Lamb’s pow- erful portraits of nandina and ostrich fern mirror the branching form of streams and rivers that traverse land and of veins that traverse our bodies. These recurrent shapes remind us of the harmony of all existence, says Lamb, and, hopefully, help people feel more con- nected to the natural world. A LABOR OF LOVE Lamb’s own connection to the natural world began in the fields around a coun- try home in Michigan. While she enjoyed the family’s garden of petunias, snapdrag- ons, and zinnias, it was the wildflowers in the surrounding fields that she grew to love. She remembers many hours with the flower press that her father brought home one day. She continues to use a similar though larger, flower press—one that measures about 14 by 20 inches with card- board ventilators and absorbent blotters. In her suburban garden in Bethesda, Fiddlehead II ©2002 Amy Lamb Maryland, Lamb, who is also a dedicated Young fern fronds—or crosiers—emerge in early spring in tight spirals,

PHOTOGRAPH OF AMY LAMB BY CAROLE OTTESEN gardener, grows nearly all of the flowers illustrating one of the fundamental growth patterns seen in nature.

September / October 2006 29 3 0 b lens throu b ■ i crease and/or amountofli sub take multiplephotographsofyour ■ and slowspeed ■ ■ MACROPHOTOGRAPHY AMY LAMB’STIPSO l remains steadyduringashoot. plants shephotographs. garden, whereshegrowsmostofthe Amy LambinhersuburbanMaryland e ma od e recordedforanima n Take Always useatripodsothecamera Use alotoflightonyoursubjec Bracket yourimages—meaning s the American Gardene j g y . “All ect, modif . e i g ” s as h thelens,”sa y g y ou’re a reat carechoosin our chanceso o i f m t h p y e f ortant asthecamera in ter. fi inf lm g len o g ( rm y I ht. Thiswillin s Lamb,“soth SO g th ofex at f N

5 i g o g g ett 0 n r acamera e or t i p h n p at asse 100) g osur the wil e e s - t . , l s of manipulation toachieve adesired re esc g t 35 mm cameraswith2.25square an es onSLR b sh t s w i an similar structures. bush isformedofmanyrepeatingself- the previousyear’sgrowth.Thuslarge heavenly bamboolikethisoneextendfrom In earlyspring,delicatenewbranchesof II Nandina Right: composed ofsmallerreplicasitself. branching foundinnature.Thelargeleafis A fernfrondshowsreiteratedpatternsof Fern Ostrich Above: ng akin ured onfilmmedia.In boththe u eason. S rap efore committin ants them—inbud,inbloom,ever l e painsta d t. “Imig h L

h ews t ews f am h g er accesstop o in themintoherhomestudio,where l f ia b ormats. A g h g p h an e t e stu © k e useo h h 200 ing © t c otograp h d 200 at s l printin d l ip a 5 AmyLam y arrangesan ies t 4 AmyLam h g ll f

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en s b f hoto- ll orm e l h ens- f ow- or em h d b y e e s - e p S S ist andenou o very important tome.” important very ral inblackand white. H o far f rints o t O h WING THE ART WING THEART e , bl Lambhascreated limitededition f ossom,” s a b out 200images, inc g h of a scientist that truth is h ofascientistthattruth h O F NAT e says.“But I’m a rea U ( RE Her fiddlehead l u d ing sev- l -

PHOTOGRAPH OF AMY LAMB BY CAROLE OTTESEN ferns look for all the world like scrolled iron!) Her color images are printed with state-of-the-art printers on a variety of papers, including handmade. While the color prints utilize the most modern printing methods, Lamb’s black-and- white images are platinum/palladium prints, made by one of the oldest photo- graphic printing techniques.

“Inflorescence: Photographs by Amy Lamb” at River Farm From September 18 through Novem- ber 5, Amy Lamb’s work will be ex- hibited in the Estate House at River Farm. An artist’s reception is sched- uled for September 19. Admission is free. Visiting hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. River Farm is locat- ed at 7931 East Boulevard Drive in Alexandria, Virginia. For more show information, con- tact Trish Gibson at [email protected] or (703) 768-5700 ext. 114. For ad- ditional information about Amy Lamb, visit www.amylamb.com.

Since her initial foraypy into photo- graphhddy a decade ago, L Lb’khamb’s work has Above: been published in magazines and exhib- Begonia Leaf ©2002 Amy Lamb ited at the Philadelphia Flower Show, the A leaf of Begonia rex ‘Escargot’ Chicago Botanic Garden, and in galleries resembles the shell of its name- across the country and in London. From sake snail. Alternating light and September 18 through November 5, you dark bands of color echo the spiral can see a selection of her work at the form of the leaf. The bristly leaf American Horticultural Society’s head- edges have their counterpart in the quarters at River Farm in Alexandria, striking, vividly red stem. Virginia (see box above for details). You’ll value time spent with an Amy Left: Lamb photograph. Undoubtedly, you Tulip Viridiflora ©1998 Amy Lamb will think of plants—and admire Green, orange, and yellow blend them—in a whole new way as the raw and fade in the flower petals of and daring beauty of each one becomes this tulip. Similar, yet unique, startling clear. these colors are arranged in “In observing nature as a biologist, I slightly different patterns from am continuously awed by the marvelous petal to petal and blossom to designs revealed to me,” writes Lamb. “As blossom. a photographer, my goal is to convey to the viewer some of the magnificence that passes before me.” 

Lynda DeWitt is communications director of the Audubon Naturalist Society. She lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

September / October 2006 31 32 These dec 10 tou your ural ran with atou bein tive trees willada species orvariety se or provenance, o si even inharshurbansettin b si crease itsc f t A stress care to t native p ers prosper tothepointofoverwhelmin a sub trees are wea ma l findin Nature conjures up, an d Add tion a p pH, roa U onl a toprepareefforts itfor plantin scape (formore onprovenance, se BY enges an h rom d d eauti orted insectsanddiseases,air orted rou d d merica. Sometimes we can consi em apte a er t e The followin A Pl Most ofthetrees mentione y h y j p G b ect toinsectdama seemremote a short-term solution.Man ashort-term tothatlistofwoestheoccasional g f e c bettersol the American Gardene gh ta f anting aggressive exotic speciesis ar, opposite page). or t ll UY planted.Purchasin g u h f l f g d jeopar bl oca or p u eo h l t, eir speci atree thatwillmeetthesechal-

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SUSAN A. ROTH NATIVITY AND PROVENANCE DEFINED What is a native tree? A native tree can be any tree from the continent, a state, or other type of region under consideration— it’s all a matter of context and definition. In this article, we are talking about trees native to different regions of North Amer- ica. Once established, the trees covered here will thrive under varied and difficult situations. Provenance is a term used to describe the geographical area or habitat type where a particular lineage of plants has evolved and has proven to thrive over time. For example, bur oaks derived from ancestor trees in Texas are very different from bur oaks derived from ancestor trees in North Dakota, even though technically they all are the same species. If you live in the North, plant trees from that latitude; if you live in the mountains, plant trees from that altitude; and if you live in the center of a species range and habitat type, try to locate a tree propagated from a local source. Some varieties or species are better adapted than others of the same genus for particular conditions. For example, hawthorns from swampy sites are very differ- ent from those that evolved in dry savannas, yet all are in the same genus. —G.S.

its strong suit, and for those who live where and compact ‘Fox Valley’ are considerably many oak species covering so many types winters are long, this may be the most iimm- smaller cultivars, reaching mature heights heights of landscapes in North America that 47 portant aesthetic feature to consider. of 10 to 20 feet. states can boast a native oak (y(sorry Alaska , ‘Heritage’ is a selection with exception- Hawaii, and Idaho!). There are oaks for al exfoliating bark and ‘Shiloh Splash’ has Bur Oak nearly every type of habitat, and the one variegated foliage. If high temperatures are (Quercus macrocarpa, Zones 3–9, 9–1) species that might be the most adaptable a major concern, try heat-tolerant ‘Dura- Oaks have been designated America’s Na- of all is the rugged bur oak of the Midwest. heat’. The pendulous ‘Summer Cascade’ tional Tree with good reason. We have so Heat, cold, drought, flood, acidic or basic soil, prairie fires—none of that mat- ters much to bur oak. Its massive, wide- spreading branches and dark green, deeply indented leaves provide significant sum- mer shade. It has large, fringed, edible acorns, which vary in size depending upon location with the largest in the southern and southeastern parts of its range. It usu- ally grows to 50 feet or so. If you live in the Deep South, on the East Coast, or in the far West, there are other beautiful native oaks available there for you. In all, we have nearly 100 native North American oak species north of Mexico and hundreds more worldwide.

American Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis, Zones 2–9, 9–1) The American hackberry has an elmlike form, and is a good choice if you are look- ing for a fast-growing shade tree. Native to the Great Plains and eastward to the At- lantic coast, it grows to 70 feet or more with wide-spreading branches. Its edible fruit provides sustenance for birds and other animals throughout a long season. There are several native hackberry species. All share the honors for being among the most adaptable trees to various soil conditions, including elevated pH, a

G frequent effect of building construction. Another large species is the southern sugarberry (C. laevigata, Zones 5–9, 9–3).

GUY STERNBER Quercus macrocarpa Georgia hackberry (C. tenuifolia, Zones

September / October 2006 33

erage or dry soil, and keep it away from Scorching sun, droughty soil, and or orange, and is one of our most aro- salted roads or salty ocean spray condi- high pH are taken in stride. The only real matic trees. Bright yellow male and fe- tions, then enjoy it for a lifetime. threats to this species come from shade or male flowers form on separate trees in from too much water. If you visit Purdue spring, giving the branches a lemon-sher- American Smoketree University in Indiana, say hello to the na- bet look. (Cotinus obovatus, Zones 4–8, 8–1) tional champion smoketree. It was The purple fruits on female trees Smoketree is related to sumacs and should moved several years ago to avoid demoli- ripen in late summer and are taken by not be confused with the more common- tion for a new building and remains the birds, often leaving behind the bright ly planted Eurasian smokebush of the same only national champion tree ever to have red pedicels to prolong the color display. genus. Our native species has phenomenal been transplanted! Although it can be difficult to trans- orange fall color, alligator-skin bark, smoky plant, sassafras is adaptable to varied flowers, and a very picturesque habit. It Sassafras conditions througg,,hout the East, South, grows into a small to medium-sized tree, (Sassafras albidum, Zones 4–8, 8–3) 30 feet or so tall and nearly as broad. It Commonly found as thickets along fence makes a fine specimen providing year- rows, sassafras can become a giant tree round landscape appeal and adapts to con- more than 100 feet tall and 20 feet in cir- Sources ditions well beyond its native range, which cumference when given the chance. It Arborvillage Farm Nursery, Holt, is from Alabama to Texas, and north to has the most striking fall color imagin- MO. (816) 264-3911. Missouri and Kentucky. able, from bright yellow to red, purple, www.ArborvillageLLC.com. Catalog $2; free online.

Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Catalog $5; free online.

Mail Order Natives, Lee, FL. (850) 973-6830. www.mailorder natives.com. Catalog $2.

Outback Nursery, Hastings, MN. (651) 438-2771. www.outback- nursery.com. Catalog online.

Woodlanders, Inc., Aiken, SC. (803) 648-7522. www. woodlanders.net. Catalog $4. Resources Native Trees for North American Landscapes by Guy Sternberg with Jim Wilson. Timber Press, Port- land, Oregon, 2004.

Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (5th Edition) by Michael Dirr. Stipes Pubishing, Champaign, Illinois, 1998.

Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines: A Guide to Using, Growing, and Propagating North American Woody Plants by William Cullina.

G Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts, 2002. CotinusCoCottiinunus obovatusobobovovatatusus GUY STERNBER

September / October 2006 35

MORE NATIVE TREES FOR CHALLENGING SITES For each region in the United States, there are many resilient trees in addition to those featured in the main article that could be considered for planting in tough spots in the garden. Here are a few examples:

Name Mature Remarks USDA Hardiness, height (ft.) AHS Heat Zones NORTHEAST Northern red oak 60–70 fast growing, smooth striped bark, 5–9, 9–5 Quercus rubra yellow to red-brown fall foliage Yellow birch 80 yellow-brown exfoliating bark, yellow fall 4–7, 7–1 Betula alleghaniensis foliage, tolerates shade, long-lived White oak 60–100 massive, wide-spreading branches, 5–9, 8–1 Quercus alba purple-red fall foliage, silvery bark

SOUTHEAST Quercus alba Shagbark hickory 80 narrow crown with shaggy, curling bark, 4–8, 8–1 Carya ovata difficult to transplant Corkwood 10–25 shrubby tree with leathery, rugose leaves, 4–7, 7–1 Leitneria floridana requires sun, forms thickets Willow oak 40–70 fast growing, fine-texured foliage and 6–9, 9–3 Quercus phellos branching habit, easily transplanted

MIDWEST Chinkapin oak 40–80 serrated leaves turn yellow in fall, 4–8, 8–2 Quercus muehlenbergii tolerates alkaline soil Shumard oak 40–70 columnar form, red fall foliage, 5–8, 8–1 Quercus shumardii tolerates alkaline soil Sycamore 80 fast growing with beautiful exfoliating 5–8, 8–3 Platanus occidentalis bark, easy to transplant Platanus occidentalis SOUTHWEST Rocky Mountain oak 20–30 small tree with irregularly lobed leaves, often 5–8, 8–1 Quercus gambellii forms colonies, orange, red, yellow fall foliage Soapberry 50 leathery, pinnately compound leaves, turn 8–11, 10–2 Sapindus drummondii gold in fall, tolerates wide range of soils

WEST COAST Bigleaf maple 70 broad crowned shade tree with five-lobed 5–9, 9–4 Acer macrophyllum leaves, yellow fall color Oregon white oak 40–80 rounded crown, often twisted branches, leathery 7–9, 9–7 Quercus garryana leaves with rounded lobes, good shade tree Sapindus drummondii

to know it well. It’s thougyght of as thorny Individual spyy,pecimens vary considerably, winds tonig,pght as I write this, and the power and unkempt, and it drops baseball-size but may grow 40 to 50 feet tall, developing is flickering, yet I have no fear. There is a fruits all over the yard. But there are se- a picturesque, gnarled branching structure. lot to be said for that!  lected cultivars of Maclura that are fruit- These are the tough trees that I trust less, thornless, and have graceful form around my own home, sitting high on a Arborist Guy Sternberg is the author, with and lustrous foliage that turns yellow in Native Trees for North ) hill exposed to winds that might send a Jim Wilson, of 3 ( fall. ‘Wichita’ and ‘Whiteshield’ are the lesser species crashing through my roof. American Landscapes (Timber Press, best of them thus far. The largest one is more than 12 feet in cir- 2004). He studies and propagates both na- Decay organisms avoid this south-cen- cumference, 75 years old, and 10 feet up- tive and non-native trees at his Illinois re-

GUY STERNBERG tral North American native like the plague. wind from my house. I hear strong storm search arboretum, Starhill Forest.

September / October 2006 37 BY BET 3 of localfarmersandreceive weekl “Resources,” pa w t sometimes e munity Supporte i Wal-Mart andCostcoare featurin consi 15 to20percent annua i someor carry percent o p h or t one o O years. If anyone stillneedsconvincin ments o w Sout mar c ing: W now alltherage. frin After c foodshave been c his phenomenon isthatthepublic’s in- ors oftheearl l 8 ort ig u h h g f oo d But anot N The trend isreflected inman o is ic h anic products inthepastyear, despite s k ing aresurgence o er prices,accor h h the American Gardene ear g ma ets an d d f ern I

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arm t oo f p o oo h er d d a y n d g y r s - - - - - t f , . Farminnorthern Californiasellsa es o i a t th 7 g U a D e b w So DEFINING ORGANIC most fines “or n inct from foodsthatare labeled“natural n unregu conom mon anic ingre ecoming more toour important 0 percent or SDA organic g epartment o epartment ese regu Confusin y toc t aswelltorestaurants. ors. T least 95percent or h g i p at isor l n p produced solely withor eve otherrequirements. To earn estici h d y ro g e , andfuture? TheUnited State e anic” asfoodproduced without l l f l h d p ate ate d s an , “100percent organic,”mean f e en uce ients” is g d g d d d terminolo

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l a in f aim. b g armers, t nation “ma e l y l g f l s o armin f , anitemmust re b or itemswit g y accre g d f l anic.” Thehi “organic” are ture (USDA) ients an g h y aside,accord etic g e h an e d p b d ite d ortion ofits f est e wit erti d w g d l h veri i anically ins f at h esty d l b y isit e izers, g h e “at f l p hes f eas or- d ini d ie l ec- es, is e- ,” d a s s - - - t t f

LEFT: SHEPHERD OGDEN. RIGHT: COURTESY OF FULL BELLY FARM Full Belly Farm, above, grows organic produce on 200 acres in California’s Capay Valley. Among its many summer crops is yellow squash, left, harvested and packed for market.

tion of “organic” or sustainable farming is sumers, the organic status of food is not “At Blue Hill, the way we farm, cook, actually a combination of activities: com- the be all and end all. The freshness fac- and recycle is really beyond most com- posting; crop rotation (changing the crops tor and the issue of the consumption of mercial or federal definitions of organic,” grown in a field each season) to build energy and other resources required to says Barber. “Also, when serving the fresh- healthy, fertile soil that has few pest prob- get food to market are important con- est food, there are sometimes trade-offs, lems; beneficial interplanting (also known siderations, given our new global food like buying local produce that may be as companion planting) to keep pests system. This is what Dan Barber, exec- higher quality than a certified organic away; making responsible choices about utive chef of the two Blue Hill restau- counterpart that would need to be shipped planning, harvesting, and marketing; and rants—Blue Hill in Greenwich Village in from another state or country. You have growing a large number of crops both for and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in rural to consider how food is produced, where, ecological reasons and sales diversity. Pocantico Hills, New York—has in and by whom. Farm-to-table is a complex mind when he says that, for restaurants process that defies categorization.” THINKING LOCAL like Blue Hill, the “organic” label is not Paul Volkhausen, owner of Happy But to many farmers, chefs, and con- only misleading, but limiting. Town Farm in Orland, Maine, which sells almost every kind of vegetable that grows in that part of the state to chefs, local stores, and the public, agrees with Barber that chefs prefer local foods and a relationship with the

; farmer. Volkhausen, who has been an organic farmer for more than 25 years and is a longstanding member of the Maine Organic Farmers and

S Gardeners Association, ob- serves that while “most chefs NE BARN O T want organic produce, locally S . BOTTOM LEFT: MICHAEL MORAN, COURTESY OF

) grown food of the highest 2 ( quality is just as important to them.” F BLUE HILL AT O Y

S The good news is that all Much of the food that Chef Dan across the country there are URTE O Barber, above, serves at the two organic farms supplying local Blue Hill restaurants is grown or- restaurants, which in turn are M RIGHT: C

O ganically at the Stone Barns Cen- serving some of today’s most TT LUE HILL AT STONE BARNS AND CENTER FOR FOOD & AGRICULTURE

TOP: COURTESY OF FULL BELLY FARM B BO ter for Food & Agriculture, left. exciting food. The trend may

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erative. Pouillonre f y ruit, an ruit, lvania, whichisamembe , chatswithfarmerTerr b d d p ig roduce fortheitem ing everyt out g oo d l , d i aboveleft p k , ecision tocoo g organicpro known forher iral PathFarmi d e D’Artagnan l anic farmsi oca h t ’ g g menus anic Grower er supp h anic pates, at you wi l , re , g h left or ing or- g , l , ularl suc g ia che . g l ani ier ton bl d ll k n d h n a c e s y s s - r , f ,

TOP: PHOTO BY MICHAEL BIRCHENALL/COURTESY OF RESTAURANT NORA. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF RESTAURANT NORA. FIELD-TO-TABLE FRESHNESS: EXPERT TIPS FOR YOUR ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDEN

If you’ve never eaten a home-grown tomato sprinkled with fresh and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty in the course of mak- basil, salt, pepper, and drizzled with olive oil, you’ve never re- ing compost—“black gold” to those in the know. The most ally tasted summer. With all the resources now available (see valuable ingredient in any natural farming or gardening effort page 42), there’s no excuse for is the quality of the soil, and the easiest way to improve soil not growing your own fresh pro- quality is with compost. Chef Nora Pouillon has this advice for duce, if you want to. Even the home gardeners, “If possible, do your own composting, or at smallest apartment or condo- least build up your soil with organic matter. Soil quality and minium can accommodate a structure are the most important factors when gardening.” home vegetable garden in some form. You may need to purchase Extend your zone’s seasons with mulch. Mulch moderates soil some special equipment and be temperature, suppresses weeds, and (if organic) feeds the willing to experiment, but you, soil. Mulch can also extend your garden season by weeks. too, can definitely be an organic Popular protective mulches include newspaper, plastic, grav- gardener. Here are five tips from el, wood chips, leaves, hay, and straw. If your goal is to gar- the pros on growing your own organic, sustainable mini-farm: den as naturally as possible, most of the farmers and experts recommend straw or hay. Think small. You don’t have to have acres of land, or any land at all, to grow natural vegetables. Container gardening, hy- droponics (growing plants without soil), roof gardening, and sunny-window indoor gar- dening are all great ways to enjoy your very own organic “farm.” The key is to pro- vide healthy soil (see below for the benefits of com- post), good drainage, and proper light. Herbs, heir- loom and miniature vegeta- bles, and salad greens are all good prospects for the gardener with limited Paul Volkhausen of Happy Town Farm in Maine is also a space. There are now many proponent of organic mulch, but he recommends putting kinds of specialized con- down straw, not hay—which may contain weed seeds—when tainers, like the EarthBox™ shown here, that are easy to use the ground has warmed up in the spring, especially for heat- and require very little space. sensitive produce like melons and tomatoes. By mulching this way and using techniques such as covering vulnerable Create moving targets to thwart pests and diseases. When it crops with floating row covers, he is able to extend the short comes to vegetable gardening, says chef Dan Barber of Blue Maine growing season, growing most of his myriad vegeta- Hill, the secret to having a green thumb is never to grow the bles and fruits in the field. same crop in the same space two years in a row. “By rotating your crops every season, they become moving Don’t be dogmatic. It’s not always essential to grow 100 per- . targets for destructive pests that would otherwise move in on cent organic or to be rigid about recycling all scraps and them,” says Barber. “Companion planting—growing plants weeds. If your tomatoes are being devoured by insects, you that help each other’s health—and growing cover crops that may have to resort to some creative pesticide—the less harsh enrich the soil is also important. These techniques would be the better, of course—but a tomato harvest versus none some- hard to do with perennials and other established plantings, of times requires compromise. Dan Barber says, “If I have a course, but by top-dressing with compost once or twice a choice of organic produce that has to be flown thousands of BOTTOM LEFT: JESSICA ROZMUS ; year, the soil should stay rich, diverse, and healthy.” miles versus excellent locally grown produce that may not N have been grown totally organically, I will often take the lo- Make “black gold.” The farmers and chefs who collaborate on cally grown. It’s a delicate balance, with compromise being bringing diners the freshest produce know a lot about the soil, the essential ingredient.” —B.H. IGHT: SHEPHERD OGDE TOP LEFT: VIVEKA NEVELN R

September / October 2006 41 sausages, game, and poultry in the nation. kind of run the gamut in ways to market She also relies on people like Jim and Moie produce,” says Judith Redmond, one of Crawford of New Morning Farm in the farm’s four co-owners. Among the Resources Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, many restaurants they supply is Chez The Future of Food, a 2005 docu- which has provided organic products for Panisse in Berkeley. mentary film exploring the health over 30 years. New Morning Farm pro- In the final analysis, our quest for and economic implications of ge- duces approximately 40 different crops, more natural food may be as much about netically engineered foods, global- including berries, herbs, vegetables, and the taste as it is about the health and en- ization, and the complex web of eggs, all certified organic. vironmental benefits. Will this trend re- forces that are changing how we So what is more im- eat. www.thefutureoffood.com. portant when it comes to buying food, local or or- Good Growing: Why Organic Farming ganic? According to Jim Works by Leslie A. Durham. Uni- Crawford, “Locally grown versity of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, is a bigger deal to restau- Nebraska, 2005. rants than the label ‘or- ganic’.” But, he is quick to Living the Good Life by Helen and point out that the two Scott Nearing. Schocken Books, aren’t mutually exclusive. New York City, 1970. (Available “Consumers should be through www.goodlife.org.) able to have both, and the good news is they ab- The New Organic Grower, A Master’s solutely can.” Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener by MEETING DEMAND Elliot Coleman. Chelsea Green As most organic farmers Publishing Company, White River will attest, marketing and Junction, Vermont, 1989. distribution have become ever more chal- lenging as huge grocery stores have jumped Organic Consumers Association, an on the organic bandwagon, often creating online and grass roots non-profit more demand than single farms can sup- public interest organization cam- ply. Growers like the Crawfords have had paigning for health, justice, and to work cooperatively with other local sustainability. (218) 226-4164 or farms and pool their resources. www.organicconsumers.org. The Crawfords helped found Tus- carora Organic Growers Cooperative in You can find more resources—in- Hustontown, Pennsylvania, which is a cluding links to organizations with source of certified organic food for connections to organic farming dozens of restaurants. During the grow- The headquarters of the Tuscarora Organic and sources for organic products— ing season, orders can be delivered up to Growers Cooperative, top, is a hub for by clicking on a special link from 120 miles away in the same 24-hour peri- delivery of organic produce, like the garlic this article on the AHS website od in which they were ordered. Over the grown at New Morning Farm, above, to (www.ahs.org). past 15 years, with support from thriving restaurants in the mid-Atlantic region. organic restaurants such as Nora’s, Tus- carora’s annual sales have increased to verse the long decline of the farm as an Still, for those of us still in search of more than $1 million. American tradition? Will millions of us fruitsfruits andand vegetablesvegetables withwith thatthat elusiveelusive fla-fla Larger organic farms, such as the 200- start our own organic backyard gardens? vor we remember from our childhoodschildhoods, acre Full Belly Farm in northern Califor- It seems a tall order, given how far most the dedication and zeal of chefs and farm- nia, located about an hour north of of us have strayed from our connection ers like Judith Redmond, Nora Pouillon, Sacramento, are finding success in sup- to the land. In The Future of Foods, a doc- and Dan Barber are encouraging. When I plying diverse markets for their produce. umentary film released in 2005 (see “Re- had brunch at Blue Hill and toured Stone “We do three farmer’s markets a week, we sources,” right), Redmond of Full Belly Barns, I tasted and witnessed firsthand a have about 900 members in our Com- Farms says, “We used to be a nation of passion for freshness that most definitely munity Supported Agriculture program, farmers, but now it’s less than two per- gave me hope.  we supply restaurants, and we supply a cent of the population in the United lot of independently owned grocery States. So a lot of us don’t know a lot Freelance writer Betsy Hays gardens in

stores, and even wholesale outlets, so we about what it takes to grow food.” Wayne, New Jersey. TOP: COURTESY OF TUSCARORA ORGANIC GROWERS COOPERATIVE. BOTTOM: NEW MORNING FARM

42 the American Gardener TOP: CAROLE OTTESEN / AHS ARCHIVE ronment an are more in is raisin t egy g s p f resent animportant th g l stitutions aroun Scientists at WHAT I t t A second and animals.Invasive s f e U d wor identified s Scientists estimatethat100,000 T signi th A c overcollection from wildpopulations, Biolo Endan ations int uture reintro ecting 85percent o he efforts of he efforts HE PLANT EXTINCTIONCRISI HE PLANT p hrou hat becomesestablishe p x by l ardens are alsohometomore than9,000 l Conservation BeginsatHom angere l n invasive s imate c o .S. native g ants. In t t ecies—more t reatene ecies of ese t in b There are policiesinplacetoprotec A Habitat lossisthe Ot andprotectin ld f Brian a not ct or P g l wi g f treaties suc h s S S ical Diversity andtheGlobal Strat i icant ro h uncheckedexpansion. g o urprised tolearnthatplantpopulationsaround While theworldfaceseriousthreats totheirsurvival. BEINGD er signi g d

d h ered Species Act. Additionally h n A g reatest risktothreatened plants Species d e. Here int h l er important part o part er important p . reats are rea ant Conservation are ant Conservation publicawareness aboutthe p s

ange, an p lants thananimalsontheEn g GA h h lants are p b lant s lobal flora—are threatene eir native e Unite J g d ecies. T otanic gar d p ohnson overnments worldwide uction e f t ecies isanexotic s icant t RDENER h d O l g p an one-t l NE? t e in h h ist, an threatened plant popu- ecies are threatened with h ast reatens d f h e wor a po d p g h e Unite ll States, near enetic stockpilefor h p rotected under the ese co ff h h d t h reats top d rimary threat, af rimary ll orts an orts e Convention on d ens an e h l a 29percent o p ution an h in a new envi- inanew ld l reatene b S ecies ping save p ir itats. Botani are monitor- d d , ll b f d States, t o ections re t io y d d imme . h ou un f d ot researc t p e proces f l d ocusing iversity ants are ose th h p h l p e tota y 60 p er in ecies l lan ant h . f a ere d d p- h 0 d ll ou c e s s - - - - t t . . , l l iate, t ants t b CO s Carn servation T gar 18 vation Da ■ g th f p g n for thePlanet!” campai I I T t te or Gar HE GARDENER’ nternationa hreats to n 200 p ardeners. ofthecampai Aspart ardeners cantaketohelpsave plants. u ess o h ecies mostlikel at Know statusofth theconservation dl bl h h e recommen d N h as i h is ey are notimpossi ens an y vorous p roug S ig h f b h 5 d p e hl ER , BotanicGardens Conservation een eners d ave a d l ig ant conservation among ant conservation

a y p A h h y d andiscelebratedatbotanic V lants. Toward thisend,May .or P l d C ts 10simp simp (BGCI) zoos. Visit , e i esignate a tcher plantsareamongth S l g ant Conservation C ant Conservation d n informational R d

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mbm n d as r h e gar v n e wor b pl o o r a o s o y us s, cactian d native wildflow ch as“nurser e orpotentiallyin d at are avai b h h om c ive. Instea . Loo els thatsa nts t A wn. wers native too c b propagate ant intheirnative gci.org at can er conservatio iguous wor k een i void pl d .” Beware o g ” ens Conserva ld ants, cyca d g. h d d p row. Alar k ff at are inva ownloa en o l ll . By eners ar i i

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b g k. A s n d d g g y a e e e e r r - - - - - t f , , , 44 by Lorrie Otto,NaturalLandscapingPionee wau State Le landsca et fun scape, c children toexplore. In anaturalland- become an nature istocutand kill—mow thelawn Lorrie about nature im ing p for ing natura Doreen Howard not encoura our yar stea able landsca d DoreenHowar T p d

y k ortant toteachchildrenortant earl h the American Gardener , t our children tohave aninterest k i l g e rea ll ace top ee h O i onthem,broken branches they d h v ON p t ey are taug d s i e naturally—insuchawaythat orite gran h tto ld iverse an g h b e insects—tocreate anaccept- l ren can irony ist ll ecome enc is p g ome int ’T BEMI : y inyour gar ed tobondwithnature. In- e. It’s allsomeanandbleak. l ? I ature an l n oursociety, c ay an : h You be d f in t bea h d d d h at t h mot h

d twigswit at t anting p l earn. W e 1950san S u d h g tif LE t h e su d an landscap e waytotrea h h u en inor l er. At 87,Lorrie Otto issti D e Unite h b onl i ur ld l h b aces h

ren are y b b y y isi s wi rac i themusicalvoice andkindl f d d f w o e k- ’60s d ll y e r r - - t t States Con s c C h w r t s t s p a c O heir neatlawnsas“the t ion ti etting an e pired thefoundingofWild Ones, astillactive non-profit organiza- onsin in1970,an onsin, toseeaprimeexampleofnaturallandscapin dvocatin erbicides, andnoisy, air-pollutin roblem of water-pollutin i hasm, aNature wildliferefu Conservancy p vi you’ Do you have favorite native plants move t g tl Yes. Ever p groun fallen leaves andotherplantdebrisonthe berries sothecanformand fl and replace itwith native trees andwild- First an natural landscapin How can usetoma tto successfullyspearheadedachar ll ldl rowin rovide nutrition forthesoil;don’t re- owers. Don’t s prune e gentian f lace turf with lace turf d wor G A o e d i N NOEWITH ONE ON ONE fter decadesofeducatin ll d f arden writerDoreen Howard visitedOtto atherhomeinFair f e e-attracting s

oo owing t d l d d h i g k sot k o you suggestparents creat icate d d em onthem,andmore s tire e toseemore wi

y d g f f C school oremost, getri or theuseofrainbarrels and,later, rain g ( tota h j Gentiana c ust to ress. A ey d b k l ess ir e tepees, topromotin h h d en-routine municipa ave ac lk s int ll l y b y tosprea p ard should have bot a g? a e ti d h f lant communitiesofnative wildflowers, trees, and h ru ter repeate t b f ru l h d orce to ausa) h h out l e b y. eaves wit ance torot an b en int s t d f d s t y y a e o ll faceofthelad rann . h h l . h . An y p g f at pro d at er ongoingmission. t I g urbanrunoff. Andinthelate1970s,shein- t’s enter

g h … h an b l d peopleaboutwhynature knows best,Otto h ante e d y er message.S h e rec on’t nee

e entire country in1972.S e entire country dl oftid

l d k r g p aw d ee uc a ro- y g restorin d? ll n d p machinery. e e s - - f k in one y l d d collects dew andrain,providincollects dew l a r th M w A p l o b p f e b t minds” anddares their owners to sprayingo ow flowers awn mentalit lower’s yellow pollen. g e aining n ac er in t to ase, c o urrow insidetheblossomsand make s e g h e “ d e tobanitsuse—firstinWis- aintainin d ll y f A ard forthenaturalbeautyoflan er insectsa g h oliatum) d g

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awning” o h natura d l e maintaine asping t k e views su e views ea h f h o h or c er en t g . Just as f d

p g . f e, inMilwaukee, Wis- k

avorite iscup p rovide insectswithnectarand I thesuburbanlawn.Icallit b now b h g ts leaves come to h y h f pl l rate ast ir i ey ardens toaddress the hasinflictedon theenvi t , native ld e stemto f America.It s ace to d h l bl ren w e s aroun e pestici b d oom inmi d k ur ge a g wit t inasuburban d b h h h h rin f b an yar en l orm a“cup” t e Wisconsin ey co e a out t an h l k ant d pestici b . An ? d g l y d

um d h so h ether atth g one’s fa scapin h e DDT, summer. (Si ows a beesand ll er Mi d e d ect t bl b s wit h itsye l p egan arm a e h d b iu d h ees es, h is- g m l at h l y d g - e e - - - .

DOREEN HOWARD With not a patch of lawn in sight, the front yard of Lorrie Otto’s home, left, exemplifies the natural landscaping she hopes some day will be typical of suburban America. Above: Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum), L one of Otto’s favorite native plants.

ronment. Lawn chemicals, for example, What do you think will be your great- people tell me they were children when poison the water, kill birds, and destroy soil est legacy to the next generation? they first heard me talk about taking care RIGHT: NATALIA HAMIL ; biology. At Wild Ones, we have been try- For years, I thought it would be abolishing of the planet. Now they are doing it and ing to educate people to preserve and re- the use of DDT in America. Now, I think teaching their children how to do it.  store the natural landscape for more than I’ll be remembered for teaching people to 20 years, and we are still fighting to change take care of the earth. I’ve lived so long that Doreen Howard, former garden editor at traditional thinking. I’m seeing the results of what I did! Many Woman’s Day, gardens in Roscoe, Illinois. LEFT: DOREEN HOWARD “That’s“That’s oneone smartsmart garden!”garden!” - Carol F., Greenwood IN Join the 1000’s of gardeners who praise the EarthBox “It’s simply the Easiest Garden Ever Developed!” - Gil Whitton, Host The National Lawn and Garden Show

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September / October 2006 45 46 t tat usin you willbenefitwildlife—anden flower s coastal plain,Piedmont, andAp Mi information about o plantsbeneathacanop tat ofunderstory an f sta m are hummin Trum Above: ric pa sey, containst Penns T a result oflanddevelo ue toexperiencehabitatde w HABITAT H oo f ent itsbutter h oa d h l ll h d Create grass ic ac ed d

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LEFT: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK. RIGHT: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON butterfly. Or you can plant a hedgerow is the larval host plant for the spicebush on one or both sides to hide the fence, swallowtail butterfly. thereby blurring the edges and allowing Resources yards to flow into one another to support WOODLAND HABITATS Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by animals’ needs for cover and safe passage If you live in the western Piedmont or William Cullina. Houghton Mifflin from place to place. mountain region and have room for a Company, Boston, Massachusetts, large tree, a hickory (Carya spp.) or an 2002. HEDGEROWS AND THICKETS American beech (Fagus grandifolia) will Viburnums are tall, bushy shrubs that provide nesting sites and high-quality The New England Wild Flower Soci- make great anchors for a hedgerow or food for mammals and large birds. Peo- ety Guide to Growing and Propagat- thicket. Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifoli- ing Wildflowers of the United States um), smooth or northern arrowwood (V. and Canada by William Cullina. recognitum), and mapleleaf viburnum or Houghton Mifflin Company, possomhaw (V. acerifolium) are native to Boston, Massachusetts, 2000. the Mid-Atlantic. These viburnums thrive in moist soils in sun to part shade. White flowers are followed by blue-black fruits, Sources which are enjoyed by wildlife. Doyle Farm Nursery, Delta, PA. American hazelnut (Corylus ameri- (717) 862-3134. www.doyle canus) is a thicket-forming shrub that farm.com. Catalog free. bears edible nuts in attractive green, open-ended husks. Like native dogwood Fairweather Gardens, Greenwich, (Cornus florida), hazelnut is naturally NJ. (856) 451-6261. www.fair multitrunked unless pruned to form a weathergardens.com. Catalog $5. small tree. Shrubs grow eight to 12 feet, and adapt to various soil conditions in Lazy S’S Farm and Nursery, Bar- full sun. Humans and wildlife relish the boursville, VA. www.lazyssfarm. nuts; the male catkins are a staple food com. Online orders only. for ruffed grouse in winter. Shrubs for the coastal plain region in- Woodlanders, Inc., Aiken, SC. clude Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) (803) 648-7522. www.wood and sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia). landers.net. Catalog $4. Sweet pepperbush grows as tall as eight Cardinal flower thrives in part shade. feet and butterflies and bees flock to its white late summer to early autumn flow- ple prefer the nuts of shagbark (C. ovata) A. racemosa; formerly Cimicifuga spp.) ers. Virginia sweetspire also attracts but- or mockernut hickory (C. tomentosa), and New York ironweed (Vernonia nove-nove terflies with its fragrant white flower spires but animals also enjoy the fruits of boracensis) are excellent butterfly attrac- in midsummer. It sports red leaf color in pignut hickory (C. pallida). Other trees tors. Bugbane is a larval host for the rare fall and grows five to 10 feet. with wildlife appeal include hackberry Appalachian blue butterfly. Cold-hardy blueberries (Vaccinium (Celtis occidentalis) and Canadiann serser- Big- leaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla), macrophylla) spp.) add zest to the front of a hedgerow. viceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). New England aster (Symphyotrichum Highbush species also can be used to cre- Hackberry is a larval host for seven but- novae-angliae), blue wood aster (Symphy- ate a thicket in a small yard. The native terfly species and sole host for the rare otrichum cordifolium), butterfly weed highbush species is V. corymbosum, from hackberry butterfly. A variety of birds (Aesclepias tuberosa), and Jerusalem arti- which most commercial hybrids are pro- will flock to both trees when the nutri- choke (Helianthus tuberosus) are bird and duced. Lowbush native species are the tious fruits ripen. butterfly attractors for sunny, drier sites. Blue Ridge blueberry (V. pallidum; for- Under trees, plant ephemeral wild- Plant Jerusalem artichoke in the back of a merly V. vacillans) and Maine lowbush flowers such as Dutchman’s breeches (Di- border, where it will grow six to nine feet (V. angustifolium). If you like to eat blue- centra cucullaria) or squirrel corn (D. tall and show off three-inch golden flow- berries, plant a lot of them and cover a canadensis); both have white flowers that ers. But you’ll need to keep its aggressive bush or two with bird netting. light up the forest in spring and corms that tendencies in check by regularly harvest- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), is promi- provide winter food for small mammals. ing the edible tubers, which can be sliced nent in all three landscapes. In March, Along streambanks or in moist meadows, fresh into salads or roasted.  spicebush heralds spring with small ex- swamp rose mallow

H (Hibiscus moscheutos) plosions of yellow flowers along the plant’s and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Joanne Turner Wolfe is a contributing editor bare branches. Female plants also bear red will attract hummingbirds. On moist, for The American Gardener and a key voice USAN A. ROT S berries that persist into winter. Spicebush sunny sites, bugbane (Actaea podicarpa or in the habitat gardening movement.

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fl h o h h owering Americac ope came y r Th io t in t C d native Americantree h d y HE ation g an Jor p trees joint ear. h ia h orte e S d eir natura at TACF wor g TN Am entata l nificant because,ac o ast year. Two more f U ( p d Asianori T TACF d ollination. e inNew Ham S l an, Director o a ri DI f ) h or America d ca ld g w em apta SCO work.” The l range,”Jor- h enoug hen severa n ) e ran g , “It’s un l C oc us VERE h b g k h y estnuts in i s wit k l est , Ten- g ity.” (Cr , an k pro- d D h s o n ec to p h y- ut n d a s - - - - f f . l

LEFT: COURTESY OF DUTCH GARDENS. CENTER, TOP: COURTESY OF BRENT AND BECKY’S BULBS. CENTER, BOTTOM: COURTESY OF WWW.OLDHOUSEGARDENS.COM. RIGHT:COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT FOUNDATION imated American chestnut trees during scapes that are a part of our national her- the early 1900s. Since then, breeding ef- itage in order to stimulate the preserva- GARDENS ON THE LANDSLIDE forts have focused on crossing Chinese tion of their unique artistic and cultural 2006 LIST chestnuts (Castanea mollissima), which integrity.” are highly resistant to the blight, with This year’s theme is “Spotlight on the Landslide 2006 surviving native trees to create trees that Garden,” which focuses on threatened Baldwin Hills Village (Los Angeles, CA) have mostly American genes but are re- landmark gardens around the country. The Becker Estate (Highland Park, IL) sistant to the blight. Fourteen gardens made this year’s list as Dumbarton Oaks Park (Washington, DC) TACF is working with its local chap- well as an additional four gardens under The Dunn Gardens (Seattle, WA) ters to pollinate these new trees in the the heading “Mute Victims of Katrina” Gardens of Jajome (Cayey, Puerto Rico) hopes of creating resistant crosses. “The that are suffering from the hurricane’s Gerdemann Garden (Yachats, OR) state chapters are our backbone because aftermath (see box, right). Gibraltar (Wilmington, DE) we depend on members and volunteers Charles Birnbaum, the founder of Greatwood Gardens (Plainfield, VT) for our work,” says Jordan. For more in- TCLF, observes that the places on thee Latham Park (Sioux City, IA) formation, visit www.acf.org. 2006 list reflect a man against nature Manitoga (Garrison, NY) issue. “Katrina is one example,” he says, Margaret Thomas’ Garden (Herndon, VA) SPOTLIGHT ON ENDANGERED GARDENS “but at Manitoga, woolly adelgids are NationsBank Plaza (Tampa, FL) The Cultural Landscape Foundation wiping out the hemlocks, and at Dumb-- Nehrling’s Gardens (Gotha, FL) (TCLF), a non-profit organization ded- arton Oaks, there are drainage issues and Peachtree Heights West (Atlanta, GA) icated to educating the public about the decades of erosion to deal with.” Com- importance and irreplaceable legacy of pared to previous Landslide lists, “there’s Mute Victims of Katrina cultural landscapes, and Garden Design a greater complexity of problems that (New Orleans and Vacherie, LA) magazine recently released “Landslide threaten these gardens,” Birnbaum adds. Laura Plantation 2006,” a list of at-risk landscapes that Visit www.tclf.org or call (202) 483-- Longue Vue House & Gardens began in 2001. According to TCLF, the 0553 for more information about each of New Orleans Botanical Garden goal of this list is to “call attention to the the Landslide 2006 gardens and how you Oak Alley Plantation important endangered American land- can help to save them.

September / October 2006 49 50 research resource forthenewl Davis Arboretumservesasateachin The RuthRisdon StorerGardenintheUC consumption at UCDavis, UCCoo a bi v an A H CENTERFORURBAN NEW CALIFORNIA Rea menta ersit O s ur t als andorgan the countr by herexamplehas formed the of itshighesthonors,theDeliaWhiteVailMemorialMedal Th Va PLACESintheNEWS PEOPLE and d RTI ri l g Environmenta but izing t i i impact,theColle the American Gardener The Va b l MedalAwardedtoNewYorkC y s CU l ofCalifornia(UC),theArboretum an areas continueto issuessuc S i LT o e n U p h s R tember, at gar

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LEFT: COURTESY OF A.M. LEONARD; RGHT: COURTESY F FISKARS WORLD’S #1 TOP TIPS FOR SAFE RAKING PLANTP SUPPLYS Y Here are some pointers from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the Canadian Physiotheraphy Association. #1 EXTRA LIFE ■ Warm up slowly. Do a few stretching exercises before you pick up the rake. And if Greatest Guarantee-Offer PROOF Ever 65YEARS, unchallenged, $5,000. GUARANTEED to be you have a history of back pain, consider using a back support. World CHAMPION ■ Rake in a steady motion with short strokes, stepping from side to side as you progress. #1 Activator, #1 Trans/ #1 Extra #1 REVIVER, PLANTER, GROWER, ■ Change your stance as you work and switch your hand positions to exercise differ- WORLD’S FAIR SCIENCE-MEDAL-WINNING #1 Perfecter VI TMs ent muscles and reduce stress on a single side of your body. 50 IN ■ Use moderation; don’t try to get all the leaves up at once. ONE ■ Keep hydrated and take breaks. VITAMINS-HORMONES USED BY U.S. –– FERTILIZER G UARANTEED Departments of –– PESTICIDE As Advertised in ■ –– POLLUTING BioUSABLES When lifting bags of leaves, keep your back straight and let your legs do the work. AGRICULTURE, ARMY, NON TM Better Homes & Gardens NAVY, AIR. Etc. TO ADD TO FERTILIZING for growing Landscape Architecture ALSO BY STATES, Horticulture CITIES, COUNTIES, DOUBLE MONEY-BACK Keep the leaf piles small. UNIVERSITIES RECOMMENDED TOP VALUE BY EXPERTS OF TV, RADIO, BOOKS, EXTREME Concentration MAGAZINES, Drop-A-CuppTMT or CONFERENCES Dozens Drop-A-G-GGaalTM OF THE WORLD’S SCIENCE & INDUSTRY which includes both small fan and soil ONLY GOLD MEDAL WORLD’S FAIR 1940 scsciiencce

any fertilizingTM ADD to ABLES rake attachments, allows you to swap the TANT BioUS • 50 INS OMPLEXES MAL PURE C en NOR rogen-Oxyg Carbon-Hyd • From crystals tural organic ile MIRACLES na g wh bbdfhlddhusiness end of the tool and adjust the from waitin e plants • Sav them inng to make INNE EACACHCCH try is “like” it. ue. Nothing • Uniq EVE–– DROPROPOPP! TO BELI plants handle length to suit the job. The ad- SEE , FASTER THIER HEAL CROP yield AUTY and justable steel rake from A.M. Leonard in- BE ADDED TO 21 FERTILIZERS by 21 Growers YOU CAN cludes both a telescopic handle that ORDER PINT, QUART, expands from 35 to 69 inches, and a fan GALLON, Billions–PROVEN that adjusts from seven to 21 inches wide. or DRUM B A L A N C E D ORIGINAL ADDED TO 18 FERTILIZERS,FERTILIZERSFERT , by by 18 GGrowers HARD RAKES This seed bed prep rake from Johnny’s Select A bow rake is composed of a row of short, Seeds has rigid tines for working soil. sturdy teeth that are connected to the han-

dle with a shock-absorbing bow. A level break up soil clods, and otherwise prepare NEARLY 1000 BOOKS,OO S,,, CONFERENCES,CO C S head rake is similar but it connects to the beds for planting. Soil can be smoothed by RECOMMENDED BY MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS,TVs, RADIOS USED BY handle directly from the center of the rake flipping the rake over and dragging its FIVE U.S. DEPARTMENTS TO HELP WIN WORLD WAR II head. Both can be used to remove stones, straight side over the surface. OF GOVERNMENTS, STATE UNIVERSITIES, LEADING THOUSANDS ARBORETUMS, BOTANICAL GARDENS, PARKS SYSTEMS I also depend on a level head rake to U.S. STATES and CITIES IN MULTIPLE-DRUMS LOTS FLOWERING PLANTS SHOW WINNERS – “everywhere” spread compost and fertilizer over the HEALTHY, TOXICS-FREE FOODS GROWERS UNIQUE. Far easier plp ant success garden surface and to move soil— mounding it for hills or raised rows or grading a recently worked area. Johnny’s Selected Seeds has a wide hard rake specifically designed for seed bed preparation. Its sturdy 29-inch head is composed of 20, four-inch, curved teeth that can be adjusted to your desired angle. The curved, sharp-pointed plastic S tines of the “Power Rake” offered by Gar- dener’s Supply Company are great for ex-

tracting thatch from your lawn. I have 11 XMASSS TREES 17 HYDROSEEDING 22 FLOGOWERING PLANT 12 REFORESTATION 18 LANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS found it to be the best tool around for 13 HYDROPONICS 19 PROPAGATION 23 INTERIORSCAPING 14 FIELD CROPS 20 ANTI-EROSION 24 CUT FLOWERS 15 BONSAI 21 ENVIRONMENTAL 25 WEATHER DAMAGE pulling up ground ivy. It grabs the ivy’s 16 TISSUE CULTURE IMPROVEMENT 26 WATER GARDENS shallow roots and leaves the deeper roots AT CONSCIENTIOUS PLANT DEALERS WORLDWIDE of the grass alone. Its fiberglass handle Used, tipped to, and supplied by thousands of conscientious has an adjustable swivel grip. plant-selling firms. On every continent, without salesmen. So give your treadmill a rest this fall REFUSE “just as good,” false, cheaply made, unbalancing substitutes – often 991/2% water. and pick up a rake. Just make sure it’s the NOTHING IS AT ALL “LIKE”  right one for the job. 50 VITAMINS-HORMONES Gardener’s Supply “Power Rake” makes it a V Made in U.S.A. by VITAMIN INSTITUTE I snap to remove thatch and low, spreading Rita Pelczar is contributing editor for The 12610 Saticoy Street South, North Hollywood, CA 91605 Website www.superthrive.com LEFT: VIVEKA NEVELN. RIGHT: COURTESY OF JOHNNY’S SELECT SEED weeds like ground ivy. American Gardener.

September / October 2006 53 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide how to bring in hellebores from overseas. get-minded tips, and personal anecdotes C. Colston Burrell and Judith Knott Tyler. Tim- The cultural information covers every- contribute to the book’s engaging style. ber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2006. 296 thing from purchasing a quality plant to The key to attracting birds, says Roth, pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $34.95. proper planting and maintenance. issowgtebeavoa knowing the behavior and food prefer- One of the points I enjoyed most ences of 19 familiar bird groups. Bluebirds, AFTER THE FIRST encounter with the about this book is the authors’ excite- for example, like delightful winter blooms of hellebores, it ment about what is yet to be done with their thrush fami- isis easyeasy toto becomebecome aaddicted.ddicted. ThThee allurea of hellebores. They write about the devel- ly relatives, thrive the Christmas rose and the remaarkable opment of new hybrids and color lines, neear woodland availability of the potential of recent tissue culture edgd es, and the key the Lentet n rose work, and the continued fieldwork on to attracting them have height- hellebores in the wild. is planting berry- enede thee rising —Richie Steffen producing shrubs. popularity of Each bird group’s these treasured Richie Steffen, coordinator of horticulture at chapter features a perenniala s. Co- the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden in modest garden of favorite plants, designed autthors Col- Seattle, Washington, maintains and builds the to be installed in one aftafternoon. If you ston Burrrell and garden’s rare and unusual plant collections. plant Roth’s 20-by-10 vision of dogwoods, Judith Knott blue berri es, wi nter berri es, an d spi ice bush- h Tyler capture all Bird-by-Bird Gardening: es, that flash of blue in your yard is “prac- of this and bring to light manmanyny of tthe new The Ultimate Guide to Bringing in tically guaranteed,” she says. seed strains and hybrids in this monograph Your Favorite Birds—Year after Year Stephen Kress’s Audubon Society Guide on the Helleborus genus. Sally Roth. Rodale Books, Emmaus, Pennsyl- to Attracting Birds, which focuses on Organized in a clear and readable man- vania, 2006. 392 pages. Publisher’s price, wildlife habitatshabitats, is moremore formalformal, with ner, this volume opens with the basic mor- hardcover: $29.95. comprehensive phology of hellebores followed by an plant recommen- interesting account of hellebores through- The Audubon Society Guide to dations, organized out the history of Europe and the United Attracting Birds byy region, black- States. The authors thoroughly researched Stephen W. Kress. Cornell University Press, and-white line information on species, incorporating the Ithaca, New York, 2006. 466 pages. Pub- drawings, and sci- latest opinions from world experts on lisher’s price, softcover: $24.95. ence-based argu- nomenclature and the habitats of these meents. Kress, who plants in the wild. Listed species are de- WITH BIRDWATCHING second only directs National scribed in detail and are represented in to gardening in surveys of popular Ameri- Auudubon’s bird color photographs by Richard Tyler and can hobbies, books combining the pas- conservation programs, alsso seeks a broad- Colston Burrell. The interspecies hybrids times are inevitable. This year, two top er audienceaudience ththanan Roth,Roth, iincludingn com- also are covered in detail, and many of the nature writers offer outstanding contribu- mercial and public property managers as known cultivars and seed strains are noted tions to this growing subgenre. Although well as home gardeners. He offers detailed with the characteristics that make them the volumes differ in style and audience, instructions for some do-it-yourself pro- different from each other. both Bird-by-Bird Gardening and The jects, such as converting a trash can lid The authors discuss the who’s who of Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds into a drip birdbath. But other ideas, such hellebore hybridizers, describing their present general principles, practical advice, as wetland construction, are beyond the breeding programs and giving the most and ecological inspiration for enticing scope of homeowners. notable attributes of these labors of love. wild birds into landscapes large and small. Whether your site is an apartment A section dedicated to the budding hy- In Bird-By-Bird Gardening, Sally Roth balcony, suburban backyard, or corpo- bridizer gives tips on desirable traits and focuses on crafting gardens to attract par- rate park, Kress offers plenty of tech- creating a breeding line. For the true helle- ticular species of birds. Option-packed niques for enhancing its value for forest, bore nut, there are even a few pages on plant lists, vivid color photographs, bud- prairie, or shrubland birds. Like Roth,

54 the American Gardener ho among us has not raced hopefully out to the backyard to try the latest Wmiracle pest repellent or plant nutrition supplement? Many of these prod- ucts, procedures, and urban myths are put to the test—and of- ten debunked—in The Truth About Garden Remedies (Timber Press, 2006, $19.95). Author Jeff Gillman, an associate hor- ticulture professor at the University of Minnesota, methodi- cally examines the claims made for everything from beer as a fertilizer to Brussels sprouts as an herbicide. The book is organized in a no-nonsense and user-friendly manner, setting out the theory and practice of each claim as well as the bottom line for the gardener. The results are fascinating and occasionally disappointing. For example, it’s helpful to learn that beer and Brus- sels sprouts are best left in the fridge. But after spending a day potting up annuals in media mixed with a hydrogel, I was rather dispirited to read that the gel is unlikely to save much water. This is a book many of us will want to consult frequently. Still, I’m not sure I’m ready to give up on the hydrogel just yet. —Linda McIntyre, Freelance Writer

Kress both urges and empowers all to through the design process or just to dip begin the “urgent and satisfying work work” into for inspiration or specific instruc- of creating natural havens that wildlife tions. There is a nod to the contempo- increasingly needs to survive. rary idea of garden “décor.” I wonder, —Julie Dunlap however, how the beds pictured in the garden “retreats” would survive the four Julie Dunlap writes about wildlife and inches of rain we got one California win- conservation for children and adults, and ter day. On a more practical side, the coordinates schoolyard garden projects for the book is encouraging me to expand my Audubon Society of Central Maryland. usual design palette. Cobalt blue accents, succulents, and mosaic patterns of any Sunset Western Landscaping Book material just make me swoon. Edited by Kathleen Norris Brenzel. Sunset The sections on “Structures,” Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, Califor- “Plants,” “Solutions,” and “Planning”

nia, 2006. 416 pages. Publisher’s price, soft- address the basics and more, such as fire- 21" TALL cover: $29.95. retardant landscaping. I quibble, howev- H K M er, when our wonderful western, alkaline THIS NEWLY J revised edition of the soil is said to be in need of “improve- A Sunset Western Landscaping Book com- ment.” Okay, sure, if you want to grow B C D E G plements the publisher’s bible, the Sun- traditional English-garden plants, but setset WesternW Garden there are so many plants that don’t need THE PERMANENT METAL GARDEN LABEL Booo k. The latter loam. When I evaluate a basic gardening A - Hairpin Style Markers 100 For $ 35.95 haas pages on gar- book, I note how the author writes about B - Plant or Shrub Labels 100 For $ 17.65 C - Cap Style Markers 100 For $ 29.15 deenn design and native or climate-adapted plants and D - Swinging Style Markers 100 For $ 27.60 E - Rose Markers 100 For $ 33.40 grreat encyclopedic about how horticultural plants fare in the F - Tall Display Markers 100 For $ 40.40 listingn of plants for urban-wildland edge. I see room for im- G - Tall Single Staff Markers 100 For $ 34.10 H - Flag Style Markers 100 For $ 27.50 weestern gardens; provement in those categories in the next J - Small Plant Labels 100 For $ 17.40 K - Tie-On Labels 100 For $ 25.85 thhe Sunset Western edition of the book. M - Miniature Markers 100 For $ 26.50 Lanandscaping Book All in all, the Sunset Western Landscap- Special Quantity Prices Available is a companion ing Book will help both new and experi- Prices Include Prepaid Postage thatthat hhelpselps ggardenersardeners ttrulyru create beauty. enced gardeners broaden their vision for INTRODUCTORY OFFER: 1-Each; A,B,C,D,E,H,J and K The book is lushly illlustrated with the possibilities of a western garden.  With Waterproof Crayon, Only $4.75 beautiful western gardens, most of which —Susan C. Eubank PAW PAW EVERLAST are professionally designed, allowing the LABEL COMPANY rest of us to adapt those designers’ ideas Susan C. Eubank is arboretum librarian at the P.O. Box 93-AG Paw Paw, Michigan 49079-0093 in our own gardens. The book is divided Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Michigan residents add 6% sales tax. into logical sections to guide the reader Garden and a passionate western gardener.

September / October 2006 55 GARCD OOKS

From the Garden to the Table

ICKING A WARM, luscious tomato in your backyard, erages” such as berry rose sangria and basil lime fizz. He en- or enjoying the first spring greens from the farmer’s mar- courages readers to grow their own herbs and offers cultural P ket, it’s hard to believe that come peak harvest time in information and useful asides, for ex- the fall, you might be just the tiniest bit weary of grilled zuc- ample, on distinctions among lemon- chini or corn on the cob. When you’re ready to try some new scented herbs (lemon thyme is best tricks with your veggies, here are several books that can help. with savory dishes, he says, while lemon You’ll learn some innovative produce preparations and maybe verbena makes delicious desserts). And even convince vegetable-averse family and friends to embrace those with canine companions will kale or rutabagas. enjoy the recipe for “Good Dog, Bad If you’re a community supported agriculture (CSA) share- Dog Biscuits.” holder, you’ll want to get your hands on Farmer John’s Cook- Garden writer and former editor book: The Real Dirt on Vegetables of Organic Gardening magazine Jeff (Gibbs Smith, 2006, $29.95), and if Cox shows off his epicurean side with you’re not one, this book might move The Organic Cook’s Bible (Wiley, 2006, $40). This compre- you to join. Author John Peterson is a hensive volume explains why consumers should choose or- reformed conventional farmer who ganic vegetables, fruits, meat, and other foods as well as how now runs Angelic Organics, a large to prepare them and, in the case of vegetables, fruits, and CSA farm in Illinois. Part cookbook, herbs, tips on growing them. part agricultural memoir, part mani- Thoughtful organization and a con- festo, this volume is helpfully orga- versational voice keep the vast nized by season. In addition to recipes quantity of information in this and chatty snippets from the farm’s newsletter, the book offers book from overwhelming the casu- storage and handling tips, basic culinary uses, “partners” (com- al cook, who will be pleased to find plementary foods, spices, and seasonings), and an identifica- information on kitchen staples such tion guide to help sort the kohlrabi from the celeriac. It also as flour, oils, coffee, and (of course) paints a convincing picture of the profound joys and daunting chocolate as well as both basic usage difficulties of contemporary farming. tips and more ambitious recipes. In Keep it Seasonal (William Morrow, 2006, $29.95), Any cook who cares about the qual- transatlantic chef Annie Wayte offers recipes for soups, salads, ity and sustainability of ingredients will want The Organic and sandwiches using fresh ingredi- Cook’s Bible on his or her bookshelf. ents. These building blocks of light Serious cooks and those who like to experiment will also meals, she says, are the perfect show- want to check out Vegetable Love (Artisan, 2005, $35) by vet- case for the best herbs, vegetables, and eran food writer and editor Barbara Kafka. The book gives fruits. Her combinations, organized recipes, buying and storage information, yields and equivalents, by season, range from classics such as and even tips on washing and cutting for a huge range of veg- fresh pea soup with morel mushrooms etables including some—yautia, to more unusual fare such as grape leaf malokhei, and scorzonera, for exam- rolls stuffed with warm goat cheese ple—you might not have heard of. and sage, and a salad enhanced with Its organization, by continent, is persimmons, dates, and pecorino cheese. Perhaps best of all are somewhat confusing, but the long Wayte’s suggested accouterments to her dishes—walnuts spiced and informative (and alphabetical) with cayenne pepper, rosemary, paprika, cumin, and ginger, for cook’s guide is a handy quick refer- example, or savory thyme muffins. ence, and Kafka’s unique voice—for Jerry Traunfeld, author of The Herbal Kitchen (William years she wrote a column called “The Morrow, 2005, $34.95), is also a restaurant chef, which is ap- Opinionated Palate” in Gourmet parent in his sophisticated yet accessible recipes. The Herbal magazine—makes the book a plea- Kitchen is organized like a traditional cookbook, with the first sure to read. And I’m willing to bet you won’t find a recipe for chapter focusing on appetizers and the last one on desserts, but parsnip ice cream in any other cookbook.  Traunfeld also includes an appealing section on “botanical bev- —Linda McIntyre, Freelance Writer

56 the American Gardener REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

Garden. Children’s activities and music. NORTHEAST United States Botanic Garden. Washington, CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT Events sponsored by or including official participation by AHS or AHS staff members D.C. (202) 225-8333. www.usbg.gov. THROUGH OCT. 15. Rock On! Exhibit. Garden are identified with the AHS symbol. in the Woods. Framingham, Massachusetts. RAP OCT. 6 & 7. Fall Bulb Sale. Delaware (508) 877-7630. www.newenglandwild Center for Horticulture. Wilmington, Delaware. flower.org. Events hosted by botanical gardens and (302) 658-6262. www.dehort.org. arboreta that participate in AHS’s Reciprocal RAP SEPT. 30. Beer, Bagels, and Botany: Admissions Program are identified with the OCT. 10–13. Eastern Native Grass Sympo- Fall Planting Workshop. Buffalo and Erie RAP symbol. Current AHS members showing a sium. New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Botanical Gardens Society. Buffalo, New valid membership card are eligible for free or (717) 237-2219. www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/ York. (716) 827-1584. www.buffalo discounted admission to the garden or other engs.html. gardens.com. benefits. Special events may not be included; RAP OCT. 14. Garden Design Symposium. RAP contact the host site for details or visit SEPT. 30. Fall Gardener’s Day. Talks ww.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. Green Spring Gardens. Alexandria, Virginia. and workshops. Blithewold Mansion, Gar- (703) 642-5173. www.greenspring.org. dens & Arboretum. Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253-2707. www.blithewold.org. Virginia. (703) 768-5700. www.fashionin OCT. 15–17. Growing Greener Cities: Sympo- bloom.com. sium on Urban Environmental Issues in the RAP SEPT. 30. Outrageous Aquatics. Tour. 21st Century City. Pennsylvania Horticultural Wave Hill. Bronx, New York. (718) 884- RAP SEPT. 23 & OCT. 28. Good Green Fun. Society. University of Pennsylvania. Philadel- 8952. www.wavehill.org. Demonstration and activities. Children’s phia, Pennsylvania. (215) 988-8772. Garden. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org. RAP OCT. 14. Extending the Season’s Richmond, Virginia. (804) 262-9887. Harvest. Lecture/field study. Berkshire www.lewisginter.org. OCT. 20. Perennial Plant Conference. Botanical Garden. Stockbridge, Massachu- Co-sponsored by Longwood Gardens, Penn- setts. (413) 298-3926. www.berkshire SEPT. 29. Native American Fruits. Lecture. sylvania Horticultural Society, and Hardy botanical.org. Brookside Gardens. Wheaton, Maryland. (301) Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group. Scott 962-1400. www.brooksidegardens.org. Arboretum of Swarthmore College. Swarth- RAP OCT. 28. Lantern Tours of Big House more, Pennsylvania. (610) 328-8025. & Grounds. Park-McCullough Historic RAP SEPT. 30. Family Day in the National www.scottarboretum.org. House. North Bennington, Vermont. (802) 442-5441. www.parkmccullough.org.

Looking ahead NOV. 3–5. Orchid Sale. Historic Lyman Greenhouses. Waltham, Massachusetts. (781) 891-4882. www.HistoricNew England.org.

RAP NOV. 4. Hardwood & Evergreen Propa- gation Workshop. Berkshire Botanical Gar- den. Stockbridge, Massachusetts. (413) 298-3926. www.berkshirebotanical.org.

MID-ATLANTIC PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC

RAP THROUGH OCT. 15. 50 Years, 50 Coun- tries, 50 Expeditions. Plant exploration ex- hibit. Longwood Gardens. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. (610) 388-1000. www.long woodgardens.org.

AHS SEPT. 20–23. Fashion in Bloom. Dis- plays of new plant introductions for 2007. Garden Centers of America. American Horti- cultural Society at River Farm. Alexandria,

September / October 2006 57 5 World Landscap jcraulstonarboretum. C Raulston Arboretum.Raleigh,North S www.chesapeakelandscape.org. C N g shop. GreenSpringGardens.Alexandria,Vir- RAP Looking ahead Bethesda, Maryland. i EPT. 22–24 8 National Garden OpensinWashington, D.C. O arol onservat t of watertoo THIS FALL w gar Nationa wi g for visitorstocon b celebrates America’snationalflowerwithacollectionofre sourwoo ties U n h ardens/national-garden.cfm V. utter i h a. nite e mi ll ere e 3. d T T Li i the American Gardene cu na. . f ( en 7 or visitorso h h NOV. 2 30 k T d fl 03) e overa is newt d urnin e t l StatesBotanicGar minate inama ies an d (919) i d -At i th ann ng on Landscap l d esign, inc ucationa Ma . h

6 A Plan—and PlantforaBetter (Oxydendrum arboreum) e USBG,t . l L, FL,GA,KY,NC,SC,T C 4 antic c g Gardens andGrave on 2 u aNewLeaf:Sustainable , d 5 ll ll SOUTHEAST -5 r worl i h ot two inWas versary sympos p f 13 ree-acre erence 1 l h f 7 an o a -7 l l g er po l programsan 3 imate. Loo ( d u re ll 4 00 . d eca d i agesan 10) www.greenspring.org. ng g . h f ing masonryint . ate: theLawnTerrace,whichconnectsUSBGconservatorytonew t 5. g The Re h e Nationa ll C d ni h ington, D.C.T C g

inators, a hesapeake es o 63 www.ncsu.edu/ ar e Nationa ounc f icent d d 4- . en (USBG),wi N r en wi f d i y p k um. J 28 g i ards.

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s h - b e Mart h en wi f d h orticu un f rate American e Nationa America’s en provi ru ll d b opentot Haven www.ncarboretum.org. North CarolinaArboretum. RAP www.winghavengardens.com. RAP OCT. 6–8. garden.com. (901) Botanic Garden.Memphis,Tennessee. RAP loom SeedConservancy.Berea,Kentucky lotte, North [email protected] ( raising, s suc 859) 623-2765.E-mail ll f h h continuingp l grass tura b a Was e opentot h d

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COURTESY OF U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN den. Lecture. Yew Dell Gardens. (502) 241- Corners, Wisconsin. (414) 525-5601. meier Horticultural Center. Open house and 4788. www.yewdellgardens.org. www.boernerbotanicalgardens.org. symposium. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Fayetteville, Arkansas. (479) 443-6638. NOV. 17–19. Independent Plant Breeder’s RAP OCT. 14. Western Reserve Herb Soci- www.bgso.org. Conference. Orlando, Florida (352) 392- ety Herb Fair. Cleveland Botanical Garden. 5930. www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/IPBC/. Cleveland, Ohio. (216) 721-1600. RAP OCT. 12. Native Plant School: Prairie www.cbgarden.org. Reestablishment—Seeding and Mainte- nance. Discussion, tours, and demonstra- NORTH CENTRAL RAP OCT. 14 & 15. African Violet Show and tions. Shaw Nature Reserve of the Missouri IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI Sale. Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Madison, Botanic Garden. (636) 451-3512. SEPT. 23 & 24, SEPT. 30 & OCT. 1. Cincinnati Wisconsin. (608) 833-5552. www.shawnature.org. Flower & Farm Fest. Coney Island, Ohio. www.olbrich.org. (800) 670-6808. www.cincyflower OCT. 12–14. Bulb & Plant Mart. Garden Club of show.com. RAP OCT. 20. Urban Ecology: Celebrating Houston. Houston, Texas. www.gchouston.org. Ten Years of Chicago Wilderness. Sympo- RAP SEPT. 30 & OCT. 1. Bulb Bazaar. Chica- sium. Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe, RAP OCT. 14. Fall Plant Sale. Fort Worth go Botanic Garden. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) Illinois. (847) 835-8261. www.chicago Botanic Garden. Fort Worth, Texas. (817) 835-5440. www.ohwow.org. botanic.org/symposia. 871-7686. www.fwbg.org.

OCT. 1. Design and Maintenance of Perennial OCT. 21. Organic Gardening Day. Sympo- OCT. 21. Austin Open Days Garden Tour. Gardens & Nurturing Nature: Using Site- sium. University of Illinois. Urbana, Garden Conservancy. Austin, Texas. (845) Specific Plants. Lectures. Fellows Riverside Illinois. (217) 333-7738. E-mail: 265-5384. www.gardenconservancy.org/ Gardens. Youngstown, Ohio. (330) 740- [email protected]. opendays.html. 7116. www.millcreekmetroparks.com/ riversidegarden.htm. AHS OCT. 26 & 27. The Art & Science of Gar- SOUTH CENTRAL den Photography. Workshop. American Horti- AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX OCT. 6–10. Annual Meeting & Expo. American cultural Society Garden School. Lady Bird Society of Landscape Architects. Minneapo- AHS SEPT. 28–30. America in Bloom Sym- Johnson Wildflower Center. Austin, Texas. lis, Minnesota. (888) 675-1222. posium and Awards Program: “Life in the (521) 292-4200. www.wildflower.org. www.asla.org. Past Lane.” Eureka Springs, Arkansas. (614) 487-1117. www.americainbloom.org. RAP OCT. 28. Bonsai Show. Botanica, The RAP OCT. 7. Garden Trends and Tool Sym- Wichita Gardens. Wichita, Kansas. (316) posium. Boerner Botanical Gardens. Hales OCT. 7 & 8. Grand Opening of the Carl Tote- 264-0448. www.botanica.org. R PHOTO BY JAMES TRACY FROM 2006 GARDENER’S CALENDA 2006 “Gardener’s” Calendar $6.95 ($59.00 for 10) Postpaid Computerp Screen Saver $10.00 Postpaid 13 prize color photos in both items

The Gardeners of America Men’s Garden Club of America Box 241 Johnston, IA 50131-0241 Phone: 515-278-0295 www.tgoa-mgca.org

September / October 2006 59 SOUTHWEST AZ, NM, CO, UT Renovated Getty Villa Reopens RAP SEPT. 30. Fall Plant and Bulb Sale. THE REOPENING OF the Getty Villa in Malibu, California, earlier this year after Denver Botanic Garden. Denver, Colorado. a nine-year closure has the cultural cognoscenti abuzz from coast to coast. Modernist (720) 865-3525. www.botanicgardens.org. architects Rodolfo Machado and Jorge Silvetti revamped the site with an award-win- ning design that highlights the Villa centerpiece, the J. Paul Getty Museum. SEPT. 30. Fall Plant Sale. Tucson Botanical Gardens. Tucson, Arizona. (520) 326-9686. Architectural embellishments now link the interior of the museum—a showcase for www.tucsonbotanical.org. Greco-Roman and Etruscan antiquities—to the exterior spaces of the villa’s campus, giving rise to a new entry RAP SEPT. 30. Wildflower Walk. The Ar- pavilion, open-air classical boretum at Flagstaff. Flagstaff, Arizona. theater, and central staircase (928) 774-1442. www.thearb.org. featuring bronze detailing and butter-yellow marble. RAP SEPT. 30 & OCT. 1. Fall Bulb and Native Botanically-inclined en- Plant Sale. Red Butte Garden and Arbore- thusiasts can revel in Mediter- tum. Salt Lake City, Utah. (801) 581-4747. ranean gardens planted with www.redbuttegarden.org. species tracing back to the RAP OCT. 7. Fall Open House. The Arbore- Roman era. Medicinal, culi- tum at Flagstaff. Flagstaff, Arizona. (928) nary, or religious uses distin- 774-1442. www.thearb.org. guish the trove of herbs, trees, perennials, and flowering OCT. 28. Desert Harvest. Tucson Botanical bulbs appearing in each gar- Gardens. Tucson, Arizona. (520) 326-9686. den setting. www.tucsonbotanical.org. A formal pool edged in ivy topiaries abets the skillfully WEST COAST balanced layout of the outer CA, NV, HI peristyle garden. Pomegran- OCT. 9. Ferntastic Platyceriums (Staghorn ate trees and Grecian laurels Ferns). San Diego Horticultural Society. Del provide structure, while a Mar Fairgrounds. Del Mar, California. (760) groundcover of sweet violets, 295-7089. www.sdhortsoc.org. along with gallica, damask, The herb garden and southwest façade of the renovated and musk roses create back- J. Paul Getty Musuem at the Getty Villa. RAP OCT. 13 & 14. Plant Sale. Descanso Gar- ground effects. The tranquil dens. La Cañada Flintridge, California. (818) atmosphere of the inner peristyle benefits from the rich green foliage of plants such as 949-7980. www.descansogardens.org. acanthus, hart’s-tongue fern, and myrtle. Within the white walls of the east garden’s more intimate confines, a colorful RAP OCT. 14. General Sale with Trees, Ferns, and Rhododendrons. San Francisco mosaic water feature adorned in shells and theater masks is a crowd-pleaser. And Botanical Garden Society. San Francisco, the expansive herb garden is a pleasure to behold: A fountain with tropical lilies California. www.sfbotanicalgarden.org. holds its own amid beds and arbors supporting fragrant herbs and spices, fruit trees, date palms, and an olive grove. OCT. 20 & 21. The Influence of Mexico on Admission is free, but advance, timed tickets are required; there is a parking fee of California Gardens. The Garden Conservancy $7 per car. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit www.getty.edu for more information. and Ruth Bancroft Garden. Walnut Creek, California. (415) 561-7895. www.garden —Alice Joyce, Garden Walks columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle conservancy.org/mexico.htm.

Looking ahead RAP NOV. 11 & 12. Fresh Design West Coast ington Park Arboretum. Seattle, Washington. RAP OCT. 14. Perennial Garden Mainte- 2006. Symposium. Los Angeles County Ar- (206) 325 -4510 . www.arboretumfoundawww arboretumfounda nancenance andandHo Homeme CompostingComposting. TourTour andand talktalk. boretum and Botanic Garden. Arcadia, Cali- tion.org. Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Cheyenne, T fornia. (626) 821-3222. Wyoming. (307) 637-6459. www.botanic.org. www.arboretum.org. OCT. 6–8. Portland Fall Home & Garden Show. Portland Expo Center. Portland, Ore- CANADA NOV. 20. The Effect of Global Climate gon. (253) 756-2121. www.otsusa.com. Change on California Horticulture. Presenta- RAP OCT. 15. The Edible Landscape. Class. tion. California Horticultural Society. San OCT. 11. The Joy of Gardening with David Horticulture Centre of the Pacific. Victoria, Francisco Botanical Garden. (415) 566- Tarrant. Lecture. Northwest Horticultural British Columbia. (250) 479-6162. 5222. www.calhortsociety.org. Society. Seattle, Washington. (206) 527- www.hcp.bc.ca. 1794. www.northwesthort.org. RAP OCT. 29. Designing Your Garden with NORTHWEST OCT. 12–15. Tacoma Fall Home & Garden Foliage. Symposium. Royal Botanical Gar- AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY Show. Tacoma Dome. Tacoma, Washington. dens. Hamilton, Ontario. (905) 527-1158.

RAP OCT. 1. Fall Bulb & Plant Sale. Wash- (253) 756-2121. www.otsusa.com. www.rbg.ca.  ICHARD ROSS / COURTESY OF THE J. PAUL GETTY TRUS R

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September / October 2006 61 PRONUNCIATIONS AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate-both in winter and summer-for growing each plant. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cover, and humidity also play an important role in plant survival. The codes tend to be conservative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0- -0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less. To purchase a two-by-three-foot glossy AHS Plant Heat Zone Map for $9.95, call (800) 777-7931 or visit WWvV.ahs.org.

A-C Castanea dentata kas-TA Y -nee-uh !tea virginica eye-TEE -uh vir-J I N-ih-kuh den-TAY-tuh (4-8, 8-1) (6-9, 10-7) Actaea podocarpa ack-TEE-uh pah-doh-KAR­ Celtis occidentalis SEL-tiss ahk-sih-den­ Lindera benzoin lin-DAIR-uh BEN-zo-in puh (USDA Zones 3-8, AHS 8-1) TAL-iss (2-9, 9-1) (4-9, 8-1) A. racemosa A. ras-eh-MO-suh (3-8, 9-1) C. /aevigata C. lee-vih-GAY-tuh (5-9, 9-3) Lobelia cardinalis lo-B EEL-yuh kar-dih-NAL­ Amelanchier canadensis am-eh-LANG-kee-ur C. reticu/ata C. reh-tik-yew-LAY-tuh iss (2-8, 8-1) kan-uh-DEN-siss (3-7, 7-1) (3-9, 9-1) Lonicera sempervirens lah-N ISS-er-uh Aristolochia macrophylla uh-ris-toh-LO-kee­ C. tenuifolia C. ten-yew-ih-FO-Iee-uh sem-pur-VY-renz (4-9, 9-1) uh mak-ro-FI L-luh (5-8, 8-4) (4-9, 9-5) Mac/ura pomifera muh-KLUR-uh pom-IF-ur­ Asclepias tuberosa as-KLEE-pee-us Clethra alnifolia KLETH-ruh al-nih-FO-Iee-uh uh (5-9, 9-5) too-bur-0-suh (4-9, 9-2) (3-9, 9-1) Dstrya virginiana OSS-tree-uh vir-jin-ee-AN­ Aster azureus ASS-ter as-ZYU R-ee-us Comus florida KOR-nus FLOR-ih-duh uh (4-8, 8-1) (4-9, 9-1) (5-8, 8-3) Oxydendrum arboreum awk-sih-DEN-drum A. carolinianus A. ka-ro-l i n-ee-AY -nus Cary/us americana KOR-ih-lus uh-mair-ih­ ar-BOR-ee-um (5-9, 9-3) (6-9, 8-1) KAN-uh (4-8, 9-1) A. cordifolius A. kor-d i h-FO-Iee-us Cotinus obovatus ko-TY-nus o-bo-VAY-tus (3-8, 8-1) (4-8, 8-1) P-Z A. divaricatus dih-vair-ih-KAY-tus (4-8, 9-1) Panicum virgatum PAN-ih-kum vur-GAY-tum A. dumosus A. dew-MO-sus (4-9, 9-4) (5-9, 9-1) A. ericoides A. eh-rih-KOY-deez (5-8, 8-1) D-0 Silphium perfoliatum Sl L-fee-um per-fo-lee­ A. /aevis A. LEE-vis (4-8, 8-1) Dicentra cucul/aria dy-SEN-truh kew-kew­ AY-tum (4-9, 9-5) A. lateriflorus A. lah-tur-ih-FLOR-us LAIR-ee-uh (4-8, 8-1) Symphyotrichum cordifolium sim-fy-o-TRY­ (4-8, 8-1) D. canadensis D. kan-uh-DEN-siss kum kor-dih-FO-Iee-um (synonym for Aster A. novae-angliae A. NO-vee-ANG-Iee-ay (4-8, 8-4) cordifolius, see above) (4-8, 8-1). Eurybia macrophylla yew-R EE-bee-uh Vaccinium angustifolium vak-SI N-ee-um A. novi-belgii A. NO-vih-BEL-jee-eye mak-ro-FI L-luh (3-8, 8-3) ang-gus-tih-FO-Iee-um (2-8, 8-1) (4-8, 8-1) Fagus grandifolia FAY-gus gran-d i h-FO-Iee­ V. corymbosum V. kor-im-BO-sum (4-8, 8-1) A. ob/ongifo/ius A. ob-lon-jih-FO-Iee-us uh (3-9, 9-1) V. pallidum V. PAL-Iid-um (4-7, 7-3) (3-8, 8-1) Gentiana c/ausa jen-she-AN-uh KLAW-suh Vernonia noveboracensis vur-NO-nee-uh A. spectabilis A. spek-TAH-bih-liss (4-8, 8-1) no-vay-bor-uh-CHEN-sis (4-8, 8-3) (5-8, 8-1) Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus glad­ Viburnum acerifolium vy-BUR-n u m ay-su r -i h­ Betula nigra BET-yew-luh NY-gruh dee-0-lus com-YEW-niss subsp. bih-zan-TY­ FO-Iee-um (4-8, 8-1) (4-9, 9-1) nus (7-10, 10-7) V. prunifolium V. proo-nih-FO-Iee-um Campsis radicans KAMP-siss RAD-ih-kanz Gymnocladus dioicus jim-no-KLAD-us (3-9, 9-1) (4-9, 9-3) dy-o-EE-kus (5-9, 9-5) V. recognitum V. rek-og-NY-tum (4-8, 8-3) Carya ovata KEH-ree-uh o-VAY-tuh Helianthus tuberosus hee-lee-AN-thus Vitis rotundifolia VY-tiss ro-tund-ih-FO-Iee-uh (4-8, 8-1) too-bur-0-sus (4-9, 9-1) (6-9, 10-4) C. pal/ida C. PAL-Iih-duh (4-8, 8-5) Hibiscus moscheutos hy-BISS-kus mos-KOO­ C. tomentosa C. toh-men-TOH-suh tos (5-10, 12-1) (4-9, 9-5)

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Available at fine garden centers nationwide. 006 2 Monrovia © To everything there is a season. Plants thrive in fall’s ideal growing conditions. Gentle rains and cooler soil temperatures rejuvenate summer-stressed plants, preparing them for the winter ahead. You can help, too, by making Osmocote® Smart-Release® Plant Food a regular part of your fall gardening routine. Osmocote adjusts to changing soil temperatures, so your plants always get just the right amount of nutrition. Maybe that’s why passionate gardeners have trusted Osmocote for 40 years – no matter what the season.

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