International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society

Winter, 2004 Volume 19, Number 4

Page 2 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 19, No.4

In This Issue President’s Comments

Page 2 President’s Comments by Wayne Davis by Wayne Davis, Jr.

Page 3 Executive Director’s Comments Gathering my thoughts in preparation for this issue of by Paula Biles our journal I was advised of the passing of Perry

Page 3 IWGS Committee Chairs Slocum. This obviously altered anything I had in mind

Page 4 The Grower’s Corner and sent me thinking of my relationship to Perry and by John Loggins his contributions to our industry and hobby. I have only known Perry for twelve years, although it seems Page 5 ‘William Phillips’ much longer, and I would not presume to try to list his by James Allison accomplishments. Others who have known him much Page 7 William Phillips longer and have worked more closely with Perry will by Paula Biles be attempting to describe this man in much more Page 8 Minutes of IWGS Annual detail in this journal and in future journals. Perry was Meetings always gentlemanly, a dedicated man who was always

Page 9 Affiliate Societies willing to share his knowledge with anyone who by Tom Frost asked for his advice. He will be sorely missed by all

Page 9 Extreme who knew him, but his legacy will go on for years to by Rowena Burns come through his outstanding work.

Page 10 News and Notes During this past year we have been working hard, Page 10 Nominations for Hall of Fame through the efforts of Kenneth Landon, on the

Page 11 New Waterlily Competition 2005 repository for the preservation of species lilies. To

Page 11 New Waterlily Competition date this has been a very successful effort and the Winners’ Comments collection is growing larger every month. However,

Page 12 Committee Reports despite all efforts we know that a number of species are lost, perhaps forever. This brings me to the Page 13 2005 Symposium in Pennsylvania question, are we making a similar effort to preserve by Thomas Tilley the work of people like Perry? Fortunately, much of Page 15 Perry Slocum Perry’s work is well documented and his sons are still by Charles Thomas with us to fill any voids that might exist about this Page 16 Society Information man. However, there are many others, some of whom we know something about and some we know very little about. Should we not make the same effort to ‘preserve’ the work of these people in the same manner that we attempt to preserve the plants that they Perry D. Slocum Memorial Fund Established helped to develop?

The IWGS has created a Memorial Fund to honor We will be discussing this issue at our next board the memory and numerous accomplishments of meeting to developing a program to address this Perry D. Slocum. Gifts to celebrate his long and full matter. If you, our members, have any thoughts or life may be sent to the IWGS Slocum Memorial comments that we could utilize in our discussions we Fund, at the IWGS office (address on back page). would be very happy to hear from you. Perhaps you This is one way individuals, businesses, and friends might want to serve on a task force to help in the can acknowledge how we all have benefited from development of this program. Perry's numerous introductions, books, photographs, expertise, and friendship Hopefully, you have all enjoyed a Very Happy Holiday Season! Happy Pondering W. Wayne Davis, Jr. Vol. 19, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 3

Executive Director’s Comments IWGS Committee Chairs

by Paula Biles Audit New Waterlily Symposium planning is in high gear. In addition Wayne Davis Competition

Craig Presnell to great places to visit and enlightening seminars, Constitution/ we’re adding new activities. To start with, one Bylaws very early registrant will win a prize. Details will Nominating Rowena Burns be in the registration brochure, which you’ll Brad McLane receive in approximately a month. There will also Executive Public Relations be greater registration options since it is Wayne Davis Rosanne Conrad sometimes difficult to get away for the full time. The Education Day will again be offered Fundraising Registration separately, which is ideal for group attendance Jim Purcell Advisory from Affiliate Societies and for employees of Wayne Davis nearby water garden centers. Honors & Awards Research & The Symposium will now include Poster Sessions, Tom Tilley Scholarships often used at academic conferences. This is where a presenter combines text and graphics to make a Rolf Nelson Int’l Waterlily visually pleasing presentation, put up on a poster Preservation Special Projects/ board. It focuses on a specific topic and concisely Ken Landon Auction communicates ideas and/or research. Unlike the Tish Folsom fast pace of a slide show or verbal presentation, a Invasive Species Poster Session allows viewers to study and Barre Hellquist Symposium & restudy the information. It is also a way that Programming members unable to come to Pennsylvania can Journal/ Susan Davis present their research. Some Posters are already Editorial Board scheduled (e.g. Nymphaea Registration, Florida James Allison Trials and 2006 Symposium, Pictorial IWGS History) and Collections Library we have room for several more. If you are Bob Burns interested in presenting a Poster Session, please Walter Pagels contact me. Victoria Membership Conservancy Two more new Symposium activities are aquatic Cathy Green Nancy Styler plant forums and an informal focus group on growing and potting areas. The focus Website group will contain a slide show with picture Wayne Davis examples of your growing and potting set-ups. Please send digital images, photos, or 35mm slides to me so we can include them. Editor’s Note: We encourage you to become Society memberships are on a calendar year. involved with IWGS activities. It’s a great way to learn, network, and help the Society. Renewals were mailed out in December and payment is due by February 1 via mail, fax, or To join a committee contact the Chairperson online. We appreciate your support of the IWGS shown above using your 2003/2004 and hope you will send in your 2005 dues. Those Membership Directory or contact the Executive received by February 1 will be included in our Director, who is an ex-official member of all Membership Directory Update. committees, as is the President.

Paula Biles Page 4 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 19, No.4

The Grower’s Corner

by John Loggins

Simple Cold Frame Construction

Although it seems like a lot of trouble to put up a Next, the bows are assembled and squeezed into the cold frame just to gain three to four weeks in the exposed portion of the anchor posts. Purlins are spring, as a small grower competing with warmer attached perpendicular to the bows at the peek of climates, this is necessary to get an earlier start. the roof and down each side. More can be used if an even stronger frame is desired. Cross braces are Being someone with two left hands when it comes attached to the bows near the top and corner wind to any type of construction, building a 30’x96’ braces at the bottom. At this point it is very greenhouse did not appeal to me. Consequently, tempting to swing around on the frame as if it were when I purchased my first frame, I also paid for the giant monkey bars. Don’t do it, it’s not worth it. installation. Three hillbillies from the backwoods You’re not as young as you used to be. Trust me. came over and put this house up in about half of a day. They drove anchor posts into the ground and Once the main portion of the greenhouse is slapped the frame together like it was an oversized complete, the end-wall framing can be done. Most tinker toy. No problems, no special tools, no suppliers offer a metal end-wall package for an welding, no dragging their feet to make me feel like additional charge. I use less expensive treated I was getting something for my money, and no lumber and frame one end with a walk through door teeth. They impressively held up their end of the and the other with a drive through door. This allows bargain. I just wish it looked more complicated.

This purchase armed me with the confidence I needed to build the next house on my own. It also taught me some valuable lessons. Primarily, not all frames are created equally, nor are all construction workers. A heavier gauge steel in a large diameter will be worth the investment in the event of adverse weather or snow loads. If you are in an area prone to strong storms with high winds and heavy rain, the anchor posts are likely to pull out of saturated soil. To put it in hillbilly-ease for my backwoods brethren, “It done did blowed down—twice!”

good access for completing the grow-out tanks. I For the 40-inch anchor posts on the next frame we also frame openings for future fans and shutters. In dug 16-inch holes and drove the posts down another the mean time, wire-lock (also known as wiggle- 16 inches. This allowed us to set half of each post in wire) makes removing plastic for ventilation and concrete, leaving approximately 8 inches above the cooling quick and easy. ground. By the third frame, as a result of torrential rains, I figured out that it was just as sufficient (and As a simple minded person I can really appreciate easier) to pour dry concrete into the water in each the simplicity and speed at which these roomy cold hole rather than rent a mixer. This would have been frames can be built. I would recommend one to a cheaper discovery had I not already jack-knifed anyone looking to stretch their growing season by a the mixer into the side of my truck—twice. few weeks.

Vol. 19, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 5

Nymphaea ‘William Phillips’

by James Allison

The last fifteen years have seen a flurry of new waterlily hybrids reach the market, but ‘William The N. Andre Leu was not emasculated (a process Phillips’ is unique among them. Whereas most new considered to traumatize the plant and which gave hybrids have been crosses between closely related no successful hybridizations), but labeled and left to species, this new cultivar is a cross between two shed its own pollen before being bagged in nylon lilies from different sub-genus (see Sub-genus). mesh to retain seeds whilst they matured on the plant. Retrieved seed was sown on clay in water at Crosses between very different species (e.g. a 32°C and seedlings grown on in artificial light with tropical and a hardy) have been claimed a number 16-hour days. The adult plants ideally need full of times before. However, the offspring have nearly sunlight with water temperatures near 27°C, and always looked much more like one of the parents though perennially hardy in USDA Zone 11, the rather than showing genuine plants require extra heat hybrid features between the and light in less two. This suggests that the favorable zones where suspected cross has not taken dormant tubers can be place, and that the offspring over-wintered in damp are in fact the result of self- sand at no less than fertilization in one of the 21°C. species, or an unexpected cross with another similar The hybrid is distinct species. In the case of from both parents, with ‘William Phillips’ (photo on violet-blue petals quite cover) the success of the cross unlike the pink or white has been proven not only by parents, and carmine the inheritance of anthers unlike the characteristics from both yellow or white anthers parents, but also by DNA on the parents. The analysis. shape is

somewhere between the The hybrid ‘William Phillips’, N. ‘William Phillips’ two parents. resulted from a controlled cross between the pod parent To confirm the validity N. gigantea ‘Andre Leu’—a pink selection of N. of the cross, DNA gigantea (subgenera Anecphya), and the pollen material was extracted from the leaves of both the parent—a white-flowered variant of N. colorata parents and the hybrid plant. Various ‘primers’ (subgenera Brachyceras). It is named after William were used to select out very specific segments from E. Phillips who first achieved this cross in his the double stranded DNA thread, and these greenhouses in Memphis, TN in 2002. (William segments were then amplified (multiplied) using was honored with the IWGS ‘Hall of Fame’ award PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and plasmid in 2004.) Hybridization was carried out by techniques resulting in a number of clones (colonies removing stigmatic fluid from an early first day of bacteria containing the amplified DNA). flower of N. ‘Andre Leu’, placing anthers from Ten clones were picked for each of the three second and third day of N. colorata in the specimens and the resulting DNA was screened. fluid to loosen the pollen, and then returning the The specific segment of interest was sequenced to fluid to the mother plant. [Similar to the process find the ‘code’ from the clones from each of the described by Richard Sacher, Water Garden three plants. The number of changes in the code Journal 15 (2): p26-7] between each sample indicates how different the Page 6 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 19, No.4 three plants are. In this case, close analysis showed Conard described the Anecphya and Brachyceras as a notable difference between N. gigantea and N. ‘apocarpous’ because the walls between the cells of colorata, but smaller differences between the the ovary are composed of two distinct membranes hybrid and each of the two parents. This is the proof (lamellae), which means that these cells can be required to back up the hybrid claim. easily divided. In contrast the other three sub-genus are ‘syncarpous’ with a single membrane between The cytoplasmic DNA segment examined was, as the cells of the ovary, so they do not part easily. expected, identical in the hybrid and N. gigantea, as cytoplasmic DNA comes from the mother. This Conard, H.S. 1905. The waterlilies: A monograph proves that N. gigantea was indeed the pod parent. of the genus Nymphaea. Carnegie Institute/Lark Publications.

GRIN-Germplasm Resources Information Network www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/aboutgrin.html Slocum, P.D. and P. Robinson. With F Perry. 1996. Water Gardening: Water lilies and lotuses. Timber Press.

William Phillips has provided some additional information about the new hybrid:

“It is quite a sturdy lily and will take much cooler temperatures than we thought. I guess we were just pampering it at first. It has several blooms a day. We have had about a week of low temperatures where the [air] temperature went down to 10°C at Another view of N. ‘William Phillips’ night. It doesn't like long periods of dark cloudy The bulk of the information here is taken from the days, but not many lilies do.... It is a large plant, official announcement of the hybrid in HortScience: and always has a great color. It is hard to hybridize. I do have some seedlings but they have Doran, A.S., D.H. Les, M.L. Moody, and W.E. not bloomed. Although difficult, I do believe it can Phillips. 2004. Nymphaea ‘William Phillips’, a new be hybridized. In order to get the seedpods to intersubgeneric hybrid. HortScience 39(2):446-447 mature we have to weight them down to the cooler Les, D.H., A.S. Doran, M.L. Moody, and W.E. water at the bottom of the pond.” Phillips. 2004. A genetically confirmed intersubgeneric hybrid in Nymphaea L. (Nymphaeacea Salisb.). HortScience 39(2):219-222

Subgenus--The genus Nymphaea can be split into five subgenus. The exact number of species is subject to debate, but the numbers here are those currently accepted on GRIN:

 Anecphya (seven species including N. gigantea and N. violacea, all day blooming tropicals from Australia and New Guinea)  Brachyceras (seventeen species including N. caerulea, N. capensis and N. ampla, all day blooming tropicals, generally from Africa and the American tropics)  Hydrocallis (fourteen species including N. amazonum and N. rudgeana all night blooming tropicals, generally from South and Central America)  Lotos (two species N. lotus and N. pubescens, all night blooming tropicals from the ‘Old World’)  Nymphaea (seven species of all the hardy day bloomers including N. alba, N. tetragona, N. mexicana, and N. odorata. Vol. 19, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 7

William Phillips Recipient of the IWGS Hall of Fame Award, 2004 by Paula Biles

Achieving Lofty Goals William Phillips was born in rural Mississippi USA in 1939. He became interested in plants when very young and at age 15 constructed his first pond, complete with lotus, waterlilies, and fish. As a result of his inquisitive nature and insatiable desire to learn, William went on to medical school after college.

After only one semester, William was hospitalized with viral myocarditis. When doctors said he wouldn't live longer than two years, the college wouldn’t let him continue. William contacted another medical school. He was admitted and later graduated at age 24. After more graduate work, Dr. Phillips became assistant director at the Memphis Health Department. There he developed a protocol for treating typhoid carriers and designed a research project that helped promote the nurse practitioner concept. William Phillips

Expanding Horizons many a love of plants and aquatics. He has tirelessly In 1974 William retired from medicine because of helped them with career planning, whether it involved increased heart problems. Tropical plants have been the aquatics, medicine, or anything in between. As a result recipients of his focused attention ever since. To say the of his efforts, he has broadened the horizons of many heart transplant he had in 1996 gave him a new others. perspective on life is only partially true. It also reinforced his existing determination and perseverance Accomplishing the Impossible to learn everything he could about waterlilies. Instead Long ago William learned he shouldn’t take no for an of thinking about disabilities, William learned how to answer and should try things that others rule out. This harness new tools for his explorations, the most philosophy resulted in an historic outcome – a cross fascinating of which was the computer. between two Nymphaea subgenera. For 150 years countless hybridizers failed in this quest, thought to be The contacts and knowledge provided by the Internet impossible. That didn’t deter William; the challenge opened new horizons. It was through these connections was perfect for his analytical mind and exceptional that he met waterlily collectors and enthusiasts from patience. He succeeded where others failed. The cross around the world. Soon he was exchanging seeds. His of the two subgenera waterlilies was confirmed by extraordinary patience enabled him to grow the finicky DNA. It was reported on by William and Dr. Don Les waterlilies from Australia. That led to his help with in the April 2004 issue of HortScience. (See article on saving N. ‘Andre Leu’ and re-establishing it in the page 5.) Australian wild. Soon he had an affinity for the giganteas and he still experiments to better understand William has patience and perseverance for all that he their growing conditions, to teach others how to grow does, including growing and hybridizing waterlilies. them, and to make them available to a wider audience. While many people think what cannot be, William He regularly supplies Australian waterlilies to several constantly focuses on what can be. That is the perfect botanical gardens. complement to his scientific and analytical approach to things, even if it uses unorthodox methods. As a result For decades William has been extremely generous and we now have both William Phillips, the man, and sponsored the studies of numerous students, instilling in ‘William Phillips’, the intersubgeneric waterlily. Page 8 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 19, No.4

Minutes of IWGS Annual Meeting

Minutes of The Annual General Meeting Held Nominations: There are 5 directors whose term has at Edwards Gardens, expired. Sue Speichert has resigned, Barre Hellquist will Toronto, Ontario, Canada July 24, 2004 not stand for reelection. Wayne Davis, Rowena Burns and Jim Purcell will stand for reelection. The nominating Meeting was called to order by the President Wayne committee has verified Stu Schuck will stand for election Davis at 5:00 p.m.. and offers this slate for directors.

Wayne thanked the Ontario Water Garden Society and After a call for other nominations, Rolf Nelson moved, Paula Biles for the symposium organization and thanked seconded that nominations close. Passed. The new board the presenters for their contribution. was declared elected for a three year term.

It was reported: Note: This election completes the transition to the new  The registration process is in place and working. system with 12 directors, each serving a three year term.  There is still more work needed on the web site. Brad McLane moved, Jim Lawrie seconded that the  The committees are doing more but still need meeting be adjourned. Done more people.  We have a new Journal editor. Respectfully submitted  The incentive for associate memberships from Bob Burns, Secretary clubs will be 5 free waterlilies for trials. Minutes of the post AGM Board Meeting Held Tom Tilley moved, Larry See seconded that the minutes be accepted as printed. Passed. at Edwards Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Treasurer’s Report – Tish Folsom July 24, 2004 at 5:45 p.m.

This year’s symposium should break even. About $9000 Wayne Davis called the meeting to order. was raised from the auction for applied research and scholarships. Jim Lawrie moved and Cathy Green Present were: Wayne Davis, Susan Davis, Jim Purcell, seconded that the new budget be approved as presented. Brad McLane, Rolf Nelson, Rowena Burns, Tish Passed. Folsom, Cathy Green, Tom Tilley, Bob Burns and Paula Biles. Presented Budget for 2005: Expenses Income The nomination committee recommended that the Journal $ 800 Auction $ 4000 incumbent slate of officers be returned for another term. Website $ 2000 Member dues $ 20000 Passed. Publicity $ 3000 Symposium/sponsor $ 10000 Registration $ 1500 Fund Raisers $ 10000  President – Wayne Davis Competition $ 500  Vice Pres – Tom Tilley Membership Total $ 44000  Treasurer – Tish Folsom directory $ 500  Secretary – Bob Burns brochure $ 500 Phone $ 1500 A unanimous vote of thanks was given to Journal editor Awards $ 300 James Allison, retiring board member Barre Hellquist, Committees $ 350 and auction organizer Steve Stroop. Legal $ 1000 Brad moved, Tom seconded that the meeting be Postage $ 800 adjourned. Done Supplies $ 700

Exec Dr $ 24000 Respectfully submitted Total $45150 Bob Burns, Secretary Vol. 19, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 9

Affiliate Societies Extreme Pond Plants

by Tom Frost by Rowena Burns

The NAWGS Just what is a pond plant, and what makes a pond plant a good candidate for “extreme” conditions? The North American Water Garden Society (NAWGS) was organized in 2003 and is designed All plants require heat, light, moisture and nutrients to welcome everyone interested in water gardening, to survive. Plants that thrive in wet environments whether a person's interest is fish, plants, or the have made many adaptations to aid in their success. lifestyle that water gardening brings. Their mission One important trait that differentiates an aquatic is to be all about the enjoyment, education, plant from others is the lack of root hairs, which are promotion and protection of this hobby. not necessary for uptake of moisture. Unlike land- based plants, a constant supply of water is always at The local chapters across N. America (49 currently) hand, which may also supply most of the nutrients. meet every other month or so for a variety of Heat and light determine which plants can grow in programs and activities including informational various locations. talks from local experts, tours of members' ponds, plant and fish exchanges, even doing a build-a-pond The stomata (or pores) usually located under leaves day together. Starting in 2005, chapters will be are located on the top of the leaves of most aquatic meeting the 3rd weeks of February, April, June, plants to facilitate the absorption of oxygen. The August, September, and November. The local most notable of these are aquatics that are constantly chapters will determine the exact date and time under water, like waterlilies, which grow well in the during those weeks. deep muck at the bottom of the pond by drawing this oxygen down through the stems to the roots. Reeds, The Society’s members enjoy discounts at pond and rushes and cattails survive changing water levels garden related businesses, access to a network of with long thin hollow stems and often short or non- experienced water gardeners, a website that will existent leaves. The leaves and flowers of many soon be loaded with helpful news and articles, and a aquatic plants have a waxy or shiny coating to subscription to the beautiful and informative prevent too much water absorption or too much Lifestyles magazine. water loss. Even the prolific vegetative production of

most aquatic plants can be considered a defense NAWGS funds research related to the water mechanism. gardening hobby—NAWGS recently donated $50,000 to Univ. of Georgia for koi herpes virus While we commonly divide aquatic plants into research. NAWGS is also interested in working moisture loving or bog plants, marginal plants, with governmental bodies by being a "go to" source floaters, and deep-water aquatics, in nature the for helpful information about water gardens. dividing line is not so clear. Some aquatic plants can adapt temporarily or permanently to less than perfect The next BIG thing happening is Pond Tour North conditions. Even among aquatics there can be a great America, July 9 and 10. They are welcoming all range of abilities to adapt to unusual places. In this water gardeners to join in the fun, no matter what column we are going to look at plants that work well club they belong to or what type of water garden in extreme conditions and also plants that are they have. They would be thrilled to have IWGS unusual for a particular trait. members show off their water gardens in their locales. According to NAWGS, they are providing Future columns: Blooms in the shade, Plants for everything but the water to help clubs, groups and running water, and Waterlilies for extremes. communities pull this event together. Editor’s Note: Rowena Burns is co-owner of Burns For more information, you may visit their website Water Gardens of Ontario, Canada, and Past at: www.NAWGS.org President of IWGS. Page 10 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 19, No.4

News and Notes Nominations for Hall of Fame

Waterlilies and Lotuses by Perry D. Slocum There are many outstanding individuals throughout the world who have made or are making significant In March, Timber Press will release Perry Slocum’s contributions to the furtherance of water gardening and updated work, Waterlilies and Lotuses: Species, aquatic plants. Our recognition of their achievements is Cultivars, and New Hybrids. The book describes a vital part of our Society. Each year we induct into the nearly 500 species and cultivars of waterlilies and IWGS Hall of Fame individuals who have made lotuses, and includes more than 130 of the best new significant contributions to the field. Nominations are hybrids introduced since the landmark Water now being solicited from all members for 2005 Gardening: Water Lilies and Lotuses by Perry inductees. Slocum and Peter Robinson. All species and the major cultivars are described along with the Individuals nominated may be alive or deceased; the author’s and hybridizers’ comments on the best primary criteria are that their contributions should be landscape uses for each plant. notable. They may be hybridizers, plant collectors, writers, public aquatic garden superintendents, growers, Although the genera Nymphaea and Nelumbo or others who have significantly contributed to receive special emphasis, a chapter is also devoted achievement of the Society's missions. These are the to the other genera in the waterlily family. furtherance of all aspects of water gardens and their Waterlilies and Lotuses is illustrated with 350 color associated plants, and to support and promote photographs, more than 100 of which are published education, research, and conservation in these areas. here for the first time. Other resources include information on hardiness, with maps for Europe and Please include relevant information, references, etc. to the United States, and an extensive list of suppliers assist the Hall of Fame Committee in selecting the most of water gardening plants and equipment in the outstanding candidates. The contributions of the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, nominees should be listed in sufficient detail to enable Australia, and New Zealand. the Committee to make a judgment, communicate the information to the Society, and also to compose a Waterlily Competition Postcard/Calendar meaningful description for the permanent record in the IWGS Hall of Fame. Nominations from previous years The annual IWGS Competition for New Waterlilies are considered each year to make sure that the very best is one of the Society’s most popular activities, as candidates are chosen. well as one that generates some of the most beautiful results. With that in mind, we are pleased Nominations should be sent by March 31, 2005 to: to introduce an extra-large color postcard, featuring Tom Tilley, IWGS Vice President all the waterlilies entered in the 2004 Competition. c/o Tilley’s Nursery You can now enjoy the beauty of these new 111 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg, PA 18036 USA waterlilies all year long. This project was sponsored (610) 282-4784/ Fax (610) 282-1262 by the numerous members listed on the back of the [email protected] card, which also includes some of the important IWGS dates for this new year. Present Hall of Fame members (listed in order of induction) are: George H. Pring; Bory Latour Marliac; Henry S. Conard; One card is included with this issue. If you would Perry D. Slocum; Frances Perry; William Tricker; Joseph Paxton; Patrick Nutt; Walter Pagels; Bill Heritage; Norman H. like to purchase more, please contact the IWGS Bennett; John & Mary Mirgon; Charles B. Thomas; Dr. Robert Office. The postcards are available in quantities of Kirk Strawn; Martin E. Randig; Ray G. A. Davies; Charles O. 5 ($7 postpaid in the US), 10 ($12 postpaid in the Masters; Jack A. Wood; Philip Swindells; Karl Wachter; Dr. US), and 25 ($25 postpaid in the US). For Edward L. Schneider; Jean Laydeker; Dr. Clyde Ikins; Joseph Tomocik; Dr. Slearmlarp Wasuwat; William C. Frase; Dr. additional quantities and for adjusted shipping costs Robert Caspary; Dr. C. Barre Hellquist; James Gurney, Sr.; to other countries, please contact the IWGS Office. Kenneth Landon; Betsy Sakata; Dr. Donald Les; Gordon Ledbetter; James Allison; William Phillips.

Vol. 19, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 11

New Waterlily Competition New Waterlily Competition

Call for Intention to Participate 2004 Winners’ Comments

In order to promote interest in hybridizing new colors, Andreas Protopapas (Niki, second best new forms, and sizes of both tropical and hardy waterlilies, hardy) is an Electronic Engineer by trade and an annual competition is held by the IWGS where enjoys hardy waterlily hybridization as a hybridizers can display their new creations. In just the hobby. His vision was to produce a hardy blue past few years this competition has resulted in the waterlily but discovered that it was difficult to introduction of several noteworthy new hybrids: find fertile waterlily plants in Cyprus. Currently plants with unusual flower shapes and colors; new leaf Andreas grows around 120 hardy Nymphaea plants patterns and colors; and new viviparous lilies. and is continuously trying to discover the secrets of hybridization. He created several hybrids including For 2005 the entries must be sent the week of May 1, ‘Thalia’, ‘Maria’, ‘Cypriana’, ‘Niki’, ‘Aphrodite’ bare root, and grown out at Nelson Water Gardens in and ‘Efestus’. Andreas said, “Not being a Water Texas (tropicals) and Green & Hagstrom Nursery in Garden Center has prevented these hybrids from Tennessee (hardies). Digital photos will be taken and being made available to the public but I hope this posted on our website. The photos will be used for will change in the new season and that the plants judging by a panel of judges and at the Symposium. will be released to the USA and other countries The winners will be announced at the Symposium soon.” banquet in Pennsylvania, on July 24. N.Nopchai Chansilpa (Ubol, best new hardy), or The Committee is looking for interested individuals Dr. Nor as he is known to his friends, was born in and companies who wish to make entries in the 2005 Bangkok and now lives in Cholburi in the eastern competition. New to the competition this year is a part of Thailand. He is a plant pathologist and non-commercial division to encourage the hobbyist collects some native orchids and grows waterlilies hybridizer to enter. The judging will be based on the as a hobby. He is also the vice-chairman of the same criteria and the winners will be eligible for the Thailand Waterlily Lovers’ Club. Dr. Nor said, Best New Waterlily award. “When I was informed by the IWGS that my lily received the award ‘Best New Hardy Waterlily This is a preliminary call for intention to participate. If 2004’ the unexplainable emotion happened to me. It any Nymphaea hybridizer or introducer would like to was really wonderful. I did not waste my time for submit varieties to be grown for the competition about 40 years with waterlilies.” Dr. Nor hopes that please email or fax a letter to the Chair, Craig his win will encourage other friends in Thailand to Presnell, by April 15 at [email protected] or enter their hybrids. 863-735-2401 with the following about each plant: Nymphaea ‘Foxfire’ was hybridized by J. Craig 1) Name of the hybridizer/introducer Presnell (Foxfire, best new waterlily & best new 2) Name of the cultivar tropical; Avalanche, second best new tropical) of 3) Hardy /Tropical Luster Aquatic Nursery in Zolfo Springs, FL. It 4) Size (dwarf, small, medium, or large) was the result of a cross between an unnamed 5) Flower color seedling and N. ampla. This was not Craig’s first 6) Is the plant registered? effort at hybridizing. He started playing with 7) Date of introduction crosses probably about 1998 and entered his first 8) Brief description of lily’s unique IWGS competition in 2001 when the symposium characteristics was at Nashville. Craig said, “I have to admit that I 9) Your contact information like Foxfire quite a bit in that it is somewhat of a different look in a tropical lily flower, although it You do not have to be the hybridizer or introducer wasn't what I was hoping for...I'm after a pink to submit material, but you need the ‘Midnight’. I guess at this point that would be my hybridizer/introducer’s permission to do so. goal....a pink ‘Midnight’.” Page 12 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 19, No.4

Committee Reports

Collection Committee cultivars needed to achieve Collection status will vary depending upon the type of collection The Collection Committee’s mandate is to maintain (hybridizer, color, size etc.) but should be a widely dispersed specimens to both safeguard the minimum of 75 cultivars. genetics and to provide locations where interested 3. Collection holders must be current members in members of the public can view accurately identified good standing of the IWGS, and must maintain cultivars. As part of their work, they are updating the continuous membership to maintain Certified application and regulations for becoming a Certified Collection status. Collection. Here is a draft of the regulations and 4. Certified Collections are expected to trade or sell procedures. Your comments and suggestions are to other Collections to help build or maintain their welcome on this important tool for correctly identifying collections, when necessary. waterlily and lotus cultivars. Send them to the Chair, Bob Burns (905-372-2737, 905-372-8625 fax, Approval Procedure: [email protected]). 1. A written application, with photographs and the documentation specified in #1, #2 & #3 above should be sent to the Chair of the IWGS

Collection Committee. IWGS APPROVED NYMPHAEA AND NELUMBO 2. If provision is available to trial cultivars, it should COLLECTIONS AROUND THE WORLD be noted on the application form and details of the APPLICATION procedure will be sent. 3. Upon approval of the board of directors of the Collection Regulations: IWGS, the Collection will be designated as an Interim Certified Collection, and an interim 1. Collections must be well maintained, diverse, well certificate will be sent to the applicant. The labeled, and open to visitation. Collection must be collection will then enter a probationary period, open to public viewing at reasonable hours. The during which the IWGS will endeavor to collections will enable members to cross reference determine that the collection meets all their own cultivars and will help to spread the requirements for an International Certified word on Nymphaea and Nelumbo to the Collection. gardening public. The IWGS Collections 4. During the probationary period, an IWGS Committee is to be notified of times open to the member selected and approved by the IWGS public and any fee charged for entry, as well as Collections Committee will visit and inspect the directions to reach the site. If any of these change, collection for compliance with the requirements prompt notification to the Committee is requested. (above). After the inspection, and providing the 2. Cultivars are to be labeled clearly, including required reports are submitted in a timely manner source, and every effort is to be made to ensure and subject to a recommendation by the the accuracy of the identification. Reference committee approved IWGS member following a materials are: the monograph Identification of site visit, the interim status of the collection will be Hardy Nymphaea, Encyclopedia of the Waterlily removed and the collection will be upgraded to by Charles O. Masters, and Water Gardening, full International Certified status. Water Lilies & Lotus by Perry D. Slocum & Peter 5. At this time, a full International IWGS Certified Robinson, in that order. In cases of uncertainty or Collection Certificate will be granted, the dispute, the cultivar in question must be labeled as Collection will be able to participate in trials, and “tentatively identified as.” The description of the exchanges with other IWGS Certified Collections, newest cultivars is being compiled by the IWGS and will be recognized in the Water Garden International Registration Authority. A list of Journal and other appropriate publications as one cultivars on display is to be sent to the IWGS of the IWGS International Certified Collections of offices by March 1st each year. The number of Nymphaea and/or Nelumbo. Vol. 19, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 13

2005 SYMPOSIUM IN PENNSYLVANIA

by Thomas Tilley Tilley's Nursery, Inc. 2005 Symposium Host

AZOLLA! I’d like to give you a sneak peak at what The board of directors meeting will be Wednesday, to expect for our 2005 Symposium – besides the July 20. That evening there will be a Welcome opportunity to learn from experts in the field, soak Reception for all symposium attendees. up all you can from fellow aquatic plant nerds, talk about the best waterlilies for specific applications, Thursday, July 21, we will spend the day at Longwood Gardens. The 2005 Symposium will visit water gardens to get sensational photos, and to th tell stories and laugh with friends until the wee mark the 20 Anniversary of our very FIRST hours of the Symposium, also held at Longwood. Many of us morning. remember it well. There will be plenty We have a great of time for program of places seminars, visiting to see and things to with old and new do. Our base of Main Symposium friends, aquatic operation will be plant forums, and the Radisson Hotel touring the gardens Bethlehem, located Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA at your own pace. in Bethlehem, PA. At dusk, we will see Built by Bethlehem Wednesday, July 20—Sunday, July 24 the fountain Steel back in the displays, after 20’s, it has recently which we return to been renovated to the hotel. This will its past grandeur. be a long and full Bethlehem is easy Post Symposium day. to get to whether you drive or fly. Monday, July 25—Tuesday, July 26 On Friday morning, The hotel has a July 22, we plan a shuttle from Lehigh later start, yes, so Valley International you can sleep in. Airport (10 minutes We'll stop at private away), and gardens on the way Interstate Route I-78 is only a short distance away. to Tilley's Nursery. We are planning a round robin like the one we Our hotel is downtown, an area full of historical enjoyed so much at the Burns’ in Canada last year, buildings and quaint shops. There is an abundance only this year with a twist—we will also have an of restaurants, as well as a brewpub on the same equipment rodeo! There will be equipment to try block as the hotel. I believe the downtown venue out and events to have some FUN with. Evening will appeal to everyone. For those of you who will be on your own … did I mention the brewpub? would like to extend your stay after the symposium, Oh, that’s right I did. we will be providing information on additional sights and attractions. Philadelphia is an hour away Saturday, July 23, will be our main educational and Lancaster County is about a two-hour drive. So day. The Programming Committee is currently hard much to see, so little time. at work choosing subjects and speakers to challenge and inspire us all. For our knowledge-hungry group Now for the nuts and bolts …

Page 14 The Water Garden Journal Vol. 19, No.4 it seems there is always something to learn, and to hills). There are a number of places on our list and share as well. the final itinerary has not yet been made. However at the top of the list is an onsite visit to the Our fundraising auctions and possible plant sale Tannersville bog, which is normally not open to the will also take place on Saturday. IWGS public. memorabilia and other items will be available, and our bookstore will be open as well. Wednesday is an optional Post Post-Symposium. It

will be attendance at the 33rd Pennsylvania Allied The Annual General Membership Meeting will take Nursery Trade Show (PANTS), the biggest place late Saturday afternoon. Please plan on horticultural show in the US northeast. attending, as this is the time to learn about what is happening, to ask questions, and to voice any P.S. I would like some feedback. Is there any opinions which you may have regarding the society. interest in getting out into nature just to walk, talk,

decompress, do some boating, (our lake has native On Sunday, July 24, we plan to visit a few more white lilies and spatterdock), visit our duck pond, private water gardens and garden centers. There and just chill out? For those so inclined, we can will also be poster sessions and informal aquatic offer trap and sporting clays shooting at a hunting focus groups before the Annual Banquet in the and fishing club to which I belong, with 1200 acres evening. Hall of Fame Awards and any Certificates and excellent facilities. We can include this on of Appreciation will be presented at that time, as we Tuesday afternoon if there is enough interest. wrap up yet another GREAT SYMPOSIUM! Comments and suggestions are welcome Monday, July 25, marks the beginning of our Post Contact: Tom ([email protected]) Symposium. We will head south to view water Some of the many places to see and things to do near Bethlehem include:

 Wineries  covered bridges  caverns  museums  farmers markets  colleges  the arts  the Crayola Factory  Martin Guitar  parks Speak directly with the experts at the 2005 Symposium  golfing  rafting gardens, tour Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, and visit Aquascapes Unlimited. We will see what other kind  extremely tall roller coasters of trouble we can get into on our way back to the hotel. On a historical note, Bethlehem was home to the USA’s first waterworks and its oldest existing Tuesday, July 26, will take us north of the Lehigh bookshop. Join us for a great time in the great State Valley toward the Pocono Mountains (alright, for of Pennsylvania. those of you from the western US these may just be

Vol. 19, No. 4 The Water Garden Journal Page 15

Perry Slocum Leaves Outstanding Legacy

by Charles B. Thomas

Water gardeners around the globe are mourning the would receive robust plants. It became obvious that passing of Perry Dean Slocum on November 29, although he didn’t become a doctor to the body, he 2004. At the same time, they are celebrating Perry’s became a doctor for the human spirit through his life and his outstanding legacy of achievement. beloved Nymphaeas, Nelumbos, and other aquatics.

Perry was born during waterlily blooming season on The children Perry and Trudy yearned for were not July 2, 1913, to the dairy-farming family of Floyd and forthcoming, so they applied to adopt a child. Years Alberta Perry Slocum near passed, and it looked as if their Cortland in upstate New York’s name would never reach the top rural Cortland County. After of the list. Then, one happy day graduating from high school, he in 1954, they learned that three entered Cornell University, Ithaca, elementary-school siblings, New York, with the idea of whom the placement agency becoming a medical doctor. would not separate, could be However, well before he graduated theirs. But first they must in 1935, waterlilies had captured provide a suitably large home to his imagination, and soon became accommodate a son and two his life-long passion. He began daughters. They promptly built a growing them along with other lovely brick rancher on their ornamental aquatics as a teen. He premises overlooking the scenic gave up becoming a doctor so that Susquehanna River. Peter, he could grow and share his Sharon, and Suzanne made beloved aquatics. Perry began Perry and Trudy instant parents. business at Marathon, NY. After a few years, he moved the fledging Following years of struggle business to Front Street on the through the Great Depression, outskirts of Binghamton, NY. World War II, and getting their business off the ground, the With my parents and brother, I met newly enlarged Slocum family Perry and Trudy Slocum there in was sitting on top of the world. the summer of 1946. Every As part of their good life, the summer while visiting at Heart Perry Slocum at home family vacationed every winter Lake, we would call on the photo by Rosanne Conrad in Florida’s warm sunshine Slocum’s. Waterlilies, lotuses, and while snow covered cold other ornamental aquatic plants thrived throughout upstate New York. Forever thinking about waterlilies, their manicured, park-like premises. Willow trees Perry figured that Florida would be his dream place to lined the “show ponds.” A miniature lighthouse stood operate an aquatic nursery. As too often happens on an island in the middle of the largest pond. when everything is going right, a terrible threat surfaced. An interstate highway was going to go The Slocum’s lived in a modest upstairs apartment in through their home and nursery, ruining years of the small building that housed their growing aquatic devoted work. What could they do? business focusing on mail-order catalog sales. I remember Perry telling us that his Christmas tree sales Charles Thomas, founder and driving force behind made the difference for them to have a profitable year. the IWGS, knew fellow Hall of Fame member Perry Perry’s keen eye for photography added dramatic life Slocum since 1946. to his catalogs. His instinctive ability to grow To be continued. Copyright 2004 Charles B. ornamental aquatics meant that Slocum customers Thomas.

THE WATER GARDEN JOURNAL Volume 19 Number 4

EDITOR FRED MCCORKLE

EDITORIAL BOARD JAMES ALLISON PAULA BILES ROSANNE CONRAD Cover Picture and photos on page 5-6: BARRE HELLQUIST WALTER PAGELS BETSY SAKATA Nymphaea ‘William Phillips’ by Michael Phillips

DISTRIBUTION PAULA BILES

The Official Publication of the COMING UP IN THE NEXT INTERNATIONAL WATERLILY AND WATER GARDENING SOCIETY JOURNAL ISSUE

Details on the 2005 Symposium OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY Committee Reports

PRESIDENT WAYNE DAVIS Palms for Ponds VICE PRESIDENT TOM TILLEY and more on Perry Slocum’s life

TREASURER TISH FOLSOM SECRETARY ROBERT BURNS EXEC. DIRECTOR PAULA BILES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mission Statement—The International Waterlily & Rowena Burns, Rosanne Conrad Water Gardening Society (IWGS), is a non-profit Susan Davis, Cathy Green, organization of multinational membership dedicated to Brad McLane, Rolf Nelson, Jim Purcell the furtherance of all aspects of water gardens and their Stuart Schuck, Charles Thomas associated plants. As an organization we support and promote education, research, and conservation in these areas. www.iwgs.org Editor’s Note: Correction to Vol. 19 No. 3 ADMINISTRATIVE ADDRESS and SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES “The Red Waterlilies of Claude Monet”: International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society Page 8: just after line 2 add the words: “that, turning to 6828 26th St W easier pink varieties of Nymphaea odorata from North Bradenton, FL 34027, USA America instead.”

Voice & Fax 941-756-0880 [email protected] Volume 19, Number 4. The IWGS Water Garden Journal (ISSN 1069-5982) is published quarterly by The International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society (The Society), 6828 26th St W, Bradenton, EDITORIAL ADDRESS FL 34027, USA Voice & Fax 941-756-0880, Email [email protected] Fred McCorkle All rights reserved. © 2004. Bulk rate postage paid at Bradenton FL, USA and additional mailing offices. Basic subscription/ membership The Water Garden Journal rate for one full year is $30. Further details and back issues are P. O. Box 7554 available from the administrative office in FL. All changes of address North Port, FL 34287 USA and incidents of non-arrival of journals should be notified to the office in FL. Opinions expressed by authors and any products reviewed are not specifically endorsed by The Society, nor does The 941/423-1836 Society accept any liability arising from the contents of this journal. [email protected]