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The Polly Hill West Tisbury, Vol. 20, No. 1, Spring 2018

Redbud, Cercis canadensis ‘Pauline Lily’ Photo: Thomas Clark Polly Hill Arboretum Celebrates 20 Years as Public Who could imagine such a place? with gratitude and feel pride for the many and collections. We do this in a rewarding —Arboretum founder Polly Hill, 1998 accomplishments that have transpired over partnership with our amazing volunteers, the past 20 years. Nearly 19,000 school who have provided thousands of hours of Polly Hill’s words resonate powerfully as children have visited and learned Polly’s time teaching, leading tours, , and we head into our 20th year as a public story and about the that make life working in the herbarium, on our grounds, garden. At PHA we remain grateful for this on Earth possible. Thousands of adults have in the , and at the Visitor Center. dynamic institution and for the enduring attended our education programs that bring While these achievements are remark- support of our members. What the Arbo- the leading names in , , able, they rely on another important accom- retum has become over the last 20 years is a and natural sciences to our lecture series and plishment—the successful preservation remarkable story of caring, dedicated people workshops. The stories of our past interns, of our 72-acre campus, a quintessential who recognized the importance of Polly’s who now occupy jobs in horticulture, botany, landscape and the backdrop to all groundbreaking work and the value of our and education, are impressive. Many of them of our activities. PHA continues to grow and iconic Vineyard buildings and landscape. now hold important positions in American make an impact in the Vineyard community Just as critical to our establishment was the botanical and arboreta. and beyond. Please plan to join us this year recognition of PHA’s potential to grow and The backstory of PHA is that people, as we celebrate our history and our 20th prosper into the local, regional, and inter- plants, and place are a winning combination! anniversary, and look forward to many more nationally respected arboretum it is today. Today our talented staff continues to make years of connecting people, plants, and place Today we look back to those early days improvements to our facilities, programs, at the Polly Hill Arboretum.

Contents 1 POLLY HILL ARBORETUM CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AS PUBLIC GARDEN 8 FROM THE LIVING COLLECTION 2 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 11 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY 3 ARBORETUM NEWS 11 VOLUNTEERS IN THE ARBORETUM 6 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 12 ARBORETUM DESTINATIONS The Polly Hill Arboretum

THE CORPORATION AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Timothy M. Boland, Ex Officio Sanford Brown Dennis Bushe Sarah Griffin Pamela Kohlberg Gary Montrowl, Treasurer Richad M. Reische Claire Sawyers E. Douglas Sederholm President & Chairman Susan H. Wasserman, Secretary

HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Robert W. Doran Lisina M. Hoch Joan Smith Philippe de Spoelberch Stephen A. Spongberg

RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Thomas Clark Melissa Cullina Jessica Dyson David R. Foster Matthew Lobdell Gregory Palermo

STAFF OF THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM Timothy M. Boland Executive Director Jill Bouck Youth Education Coordinator Kendra Buresch Visitor Services, Volunteer & Youth Education Coordinator Barbara Conroy Administrative & Financial Officer Betsy Dripps Youth Education Coordinator Ian Jochems PHA Founder Polly Hill (1907–2007) Photo: Alison Shaw Horticulturist/Arborist Oliver Osnoss Horticulturist Ann Quigley Education, Membership & Message from the Director Outreach Coordinator Bridget Reed Propagator I get misty-eyed thinking about PHA throughout with an exhibit in the Far Barn. This photographic Todd Rounsaville the years. Change is the only constant in our lives, display looks back at the fortuitous meeting of Curator and while I am nostalgic about we’ve lost, Polly Hill and Dr. David H. Smith and traces our I am in awe of the new plants in our collection that achievements as a public garden. You will walk away The mission of the Polly Hill are now revealing their true potential. I always with an appreciation of our historic landscape and Arboretum is to perpetuate remember that Polly Hill saw a lost as an the people who have stewarded PHA from a young the experimental tradition in horticulture established by opportunity. Change leads to growth. seedling to a well-rooted, thriving tree. Trees are Polly Hill by sharing knowledge This edition of Meristems introduces you to new the essential component of an arboretum; that’s why of plants and scientific procedure through educational programs, employees, recent grants, and exciting programs— we’re here! In celebration of our 20th anniversary, research, plant conservation, all within the milestone year of our 20th anniversary. 20 iconic Arboretum trees will be featured on and exploration. The Arboretum seeks to preserve its meadows Over our frst 20 years we have experienced constant walking tours led by staff. and , to promote an evolution and monumental developments: the PHA is making an impact in the Island com- understanding of its collections, building of our greenhouse in 2006 that has yielded munity and beyond. We measure our progress by our and to encourage their utilization for scholarship, observation, thousands of plants; the considerable resources we work, which is rooted in our mission of plant science, and the enjoyment of all. have dedicated to the preservation of our agrarian conservation, and education. We are inspired and sus-

Meristems © The Newsletter spirit of place through the renovation of the Cow- tained by our members, board of trustees, volunteers, of the Polly Hill Arboretum barn (2008) and the Far Barn (2011); and, of course, student interns, and all the people who have made a

News & Photography PHA Staff the construction of the Littlefeld Maintenance positive impact on our growth over the past 20 years. Editor Laura Coit Building (2009) and the Education Center and Please plan to join us this year as we celebrate PHA! Design Lorraine Ferguson Botany Lab (2016), both a dream come true. Printing Bolger, Minneapolis MN Printed on recycled paper. This year we introduce a celebratory timeline of our accomplishments over the last 20 years ARBORETUM NEWS

Save the Date! Staff News

In honor of PHA’s 20th year as a public Executive Director Tim Boland traveled arboretum, we would like to invite all of to Raleigh, , to attend the you to join us on Saturday, July 28, for Society International Confer- an afternoon/evening of music and celebra- ence in March. Then in April, he joined tion for the whole family. Guests will enjoy PHA research associate Melissa Cullina tours, games, and music by the Island’s Taylor Stone, cut paper artist and author/illustrator at the Harvard Herbaria and Libraries in own Pickpocket Bluegrass Band. Dinner of Vineyard Magic, has designed a special t-shirt for Cambridge, Massachusetts, to continue will be available to purchase from the Food PHA’s 20th anniversary. Look for it on sale in the work on the Flora of Dukes County. In Visitor Center this season. Consider picking one up Truck in conjunction with Offshore Ale. for yourself, or for a gift, on your next visit to the May, he traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, to We hope you will join us! Arboretum. attend the Center for Plant Conservation’s (CPC) annual conference. The CPC is a network of scientists, governmental groups, and educators that work together to facili- “Save for the Archives” tate the work of plant conservationists. Archives preserve history, tell stories, and archival storage for paper-based collections. In March, Curator Todd Rounsaville provide the memory for an institution. Polly During her tenure at PHA, Karin began attended the frst meeting of the Plant Hill envisioned her papers being saved; on organizing Polly’s papers into a formal col- Collecting Collaborative (PCC), hosted by many pieces of correspondence and articles lection with the help of dedicated volunteers. the in Lisle, . she wrote a note at the bottom: “Save for She is pleased to return to the project and The PCC was formed in 2015 with the the archives.” PHA’s archives are a rich trove would like to thank volunteers Leslie Gray, goal of planning and funding collabora- of information and artifacts that record a Cathy Minkiewicz, Sally Pierce, and Carol tive plant-collecting expeditions. Seed is horticultural life and the establishment of Salguero; their work formed the initial core shared with member institutions thereby an arboretum. However, just as we accession of the collection. increasing and promoting wild-provenance and keep records on plants, we must orga- Karin and Jill are dedicated to pre- plant diversity in North American plant nize, catalog, and conserve these one-of-kind serving the archives for their enduring collections. letters, photos, maps, drawings, and more. value. There is a wide range of material to Education, Membership & Outreach Fortunately we have two qualifed archivists sort through. The frst phase of the project Coordinator Ann Quigley traveled to on the job. is the consolidation of all materials and Richmond, , for the American Karin Stanley (Education, Membership organization by topic, date, individual, and Public Gardens Association (APGA) & Outreach Coordinator for 12 years before relevance to the history of PHA. All original Education Symposium, Beyond the Garden her retirement) and Youth Education Co- manuscripts, photos, artwork, publications, Gate: Creatively Growing Education, in ordinator Jill Bouck are busy organizing the maps, and other items will be rehoused into November. In March, Ann attended the personal papers of Polly Hill and conserving acid-free, archival storage containers; in Ecological Landscape Alliance Conference and cataloging PHA’s institutional archives. addition, original manuscripts will be copied held at UMass Amherst, attending talks Spurred by her interest in history, Karin on to acid-free paper. The archives will be on designing “wild” natural spaces, rethink- earned a certifcate in museum studies from stored on the top floor of the Education ing the paradigm of invasives, and building Tufts University while employed at PHA; Center and Botany Lab, with fnding aids resilience into design. Ann attends her coursework included an internship at the to make the materials more accessible. A conferences both for the educational value Martha’s Vineyard Museum (MVM) where potential second phase of the project would and to garner ideas for programs at PHA. she cataloged archival collections. Jill was include digitizing important paper-based In March, PHA Horticulturist/ chief curator at MVM for 18 years where, materials and cross-referencing by topic, Arborist Ian Jochems collaborated with as part of her duties, she provided proper names, and dates. Melinda DeFeo of the Edgartown School’s farm and garden program and Jamie O’Gorman, gleaning program leader for Island Grown Initiative (IGI), to hold a workshop for IGI staff and volunteers. The training was funded by a grant Melinda obtained from the MV Agricultural Society. As a result of Ian’s instruction, the IGI gleaners, who work with farmers to gather excess produce and deliver it for free to Islanders in need, have the skills to prune fruit trees for maximal yield. Jill Bouck (left) and Karin Stanley (right) diligently organize Polly’s papers. 4 – ARBORETUM NEWS

New Horticulturist New Exhibit: Joins PHA Staff Art in the Arboretum Join us in welcoming Oliver Osnoss to the The Arboretum inspires artists. While tour- PHA staff as our new Horticulturist. An ing the grounds, it’s not unusual to fnd a Islander by birth, Oliver grew up in Chil- painter at an easel or a photographer focus- mark where he began his lifelong connection ing a lens. Our dynamic landscape changes with Martha’s Vineyard. Introduced to PHA weekly, offering a striking visual experience at an early age, his frst Arboretum memo- at every turn. Each observer interprets the ry is a feld trip with his fourth grade class large and small scale features—the views, the where he and his classmates had the chance trees, the —differently. to meet PHA’s legendary founder, Polly Hill. This summer, in celebration of our 20th He remembers Polly explaining that she, Oliver Osnoss anniversary, we are hosting an outdoor art too, was still learning. exhibit featuring works inspired by the sights After graduating from Martha’s - a two-month creative residency at the and scenes of the Arboretum. This inaugural yard Regional High School, Oliver’s interest North Cascades Institute in Sedro-Woolley, exhibit will showcase unique perspectives on in environmental stewardship led him to . In the fall of 2016, Oliver PHA’s plants and landscapes featuring the pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental returned to Martha’s Vineyard and began artwork of Brooke Bartletta, Becky Brewer, studies (2013) at Green Mountain College working in the feld of landscape design as Annie Colangeli, Jocelyn Filley, Leslie Gray, in Poultney, Vermont. Following completion well as carpentry and cabinetmaking. Genevieve Jacobs, Kathy Kinsman, Kanta of his degree, Oliver worked in , Oliver was drawn to our Horticulturist Lipsky, Marianne Neill, and John Siffert. renewable energy, construction, and design. position for the chance to continue learning Weatherproof copies of the original art He continued his formal education at the about plants and sharing his passion for will be displayed on the grounds where the Conway School, now located in Easthamp- the natural world. He says, “I am excited to piece was created, accompanied by an artist’s ton, Massachusetts, obtaining an M.S. in be surrounded by so much knowledge and statement. Look for an announcement of the ecological design (2016). After Conway, he opportunity.” Be sure to introduce yourself exhibit’s opening celebration on our website left for the Pacifc Northwest undertaking to Oliver on your next visit to PHA. and in the program brochure.

PHA Hires New Plant Propagator

This past March, Bridget Reed arrived the summer of 2015 through an internship on Martha’s Vineyard from Lexington, at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in Kentucky, to join PHA’s staff as our new Orlando, Florida, where over 4,100 acres of Plant Propagator. In her frst few months, gardens are maintained by staff and interns. Bridget jumped into a busy spring season After graduation she remained in Lexington, capably, coaxing to life a new generation working at UKY as a research assistant in of seedlings and developing an improved the ecology lab and a greenhouse system for plant sale tags. Her cheery technician in the department of plant disposition (and delicious baked goods) have pathology. been a hit among staff and volunteers. Executive Director Tim Boland, who Before moving to the Island, Bridget got his start in horticulture as a plant propa- had never visited Martha’s Vineyard; in gator, says, “It is great to have Bridget here fact, she had never been to New at PHA. From my perspective as a past at all! A Southerner by birth, she hails grower, she will have unlimited opportunities originally from Paducah, a small city in to grow and know an amazing number of western Kentucky. She moved to Lexington, plants.” Bridget is looking forward to learn- Kentucky, after enrolling at the University ing as a greenhouse grower and propagator of Kentucky (UKY) where she obtained within the environment of PHA. And as a bachelor of science in horticulture in to Martha’s Vineyard, she says it’s been an 2016. After conducting a research project adjustment. But by now she is “absolutely in in sustainable greenhouse production, she love with the Island.” Bridget adds, “I can’t found herself gravitating toward greenhouse get over how I can go for a hike and end production as a concentration. She up at the beach!” We are thrilled to have strengthened her passion for horticulture Bridget on the PHA team. Bridget Reed transplants seedlings during her first week at PHA. Erin Hepfner Thomas Murphy Awarded Longwood Pursues Graduate Fellowship Degree

We are excited to share the news that Erin In February we bade goodbye to curatorial Hepfner, former PHA Visitor Services & intern Thomas Murphy, who had been with Resource Specialist, was accepted into the us since May of last year. During Thomas’s Longwood Gardens Fellows Program at time at PHA, he made major contribu- Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, tions to our botanical and scientifc work, . A 13-month residential learn- including organizing our herbarium Erin Hepfner (center) with herbarium volunteers ing experience, the program was designed (from left) Barb Caseau, Dorie Godfrey, Martha specimens and initiating a research project for students who have a passion to lead in Hubbell, and Annie Fischer on stewartia propagation. a public horticulture environment. We are Thomas is on to his next professional proud of Erin’s achievement as she moves chapter, this one at Austin Peay State on to the advanced training she desires to University (APSU) in Clarksville, Tennes- become a public garden leader. Of course, we Behind the Scenes see, where he will pursue a master’s degree. regret losing such a capable and productive Thomas was awarded the Mt. Cuba Center member of our team. Casual visitors may be unaware of what Graduate Fellowship in Eastern American Erin was hired in 2013 as a part-time happens in the nursery and maintenance Botany through APSU’s Center of Ex- special projects manager. In 2014 she joined areas that support the Arboretum. Staff and cellence for Field Biology. The fellowship our staff as full-time Visitor Services & volunteers, however, know that the green- entails the taxonomic study of a group of Resource Specialist. Her passion was con- houses, nursery, and maintenance building Clematis species native to the southeastern necting people with the Arboretum. Erin are essential to everything we do. Important U.S. called the American leather-flowers. was responsible for managing our visitor things are happening behind the scenes! As part of his work, he will travel to collect services and volunteer program, and pro- Here’s an update: herbarium vouchers, seed, and photo- cessing herbarium specimens as part of the Last December, a backup generator was graphs. Plants will be grown for study Flora of Dukes County project. She was also installed at the Littlefeld greenhouse range at APSU and later brought to Mt. Cuba integral to the interior design of the Edu- to safeguard plants in the event of a power Center (a in Hockessin, cation Center and Botany Lab and created failure. This proved fortuitous as the nursery Delaware) to create an official collection. the Spring Celebration and Daffodil Show, lost power several times over the course His results will provide insight on plant a popular spring event. Along the way she of the winter. The new generator kept diversity and how taxonomy can be used to made friends and garnered admirers among the heaters running and the greenhouse promote conservation. staff, volunteers, and board members. plastic inflated, ensuring the survival of our Although Thomas only arrived at Executive Director Tim Boland shares invaluable young plants. An improvement APSU this March, he was already busy the following sentiments: “Public gardens to the Littlefeld Maintenance Building was planning feldwork, building a raised bed need people who have vision, are curious, also completed last winter: a large, new bay for his plant collections, and devising his and driven to serve society for the greater was added to the west end of the building thesis a few weeks later. In an April email good and for a greener, healthier world. where grounds maintenance machinery and he reported, “I just got back from a collect- Erin has the innate talents, aptitude, and potting can be safely stored out of the ing trip to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and dedication to public horticulture to become elements. South Carolina . . . I traveled 2,000 miles a leader in the feld. I am excited about the Finally, an exciting change is underway in 6 days!” We look forward to updates as prospect of Erin having the opportunity to at the Littlefeld Nursery thanks to a grant he continues his botanical travels in search realize her potential by participating and from the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. of native leather-flowers. thriving in the Longwood Fellows Program.” The funded proposal includes a complete We acknowledge and thank Erin for her renovation of the fenced-in growing area, many contributions to PHA, including her converting it from a traditional feld nursery work on this issue of Meristems. Though she to a “pot-in-pot” container operation. This left the Island in May, she promises to keep conversion will dramatically reduce the in contact with the Arboretum’s community amount of time required to water, weed, and of friends, volunteers, and members. Erin’s transplant trees. Pot-in-pot systems, where influence will be on display this summer plants grow below ground in a pot that rests through the Art in the Arboretum exhibit she inside another pot, combine the advantages developed as a way to connect with visitors of feld growing with the convenience of and celebrate our 20th anniversary. above-ground growing. Thomas Murphy climbs a loblolly pine in PHA’s Park. 6 – EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Habitat Kids Grant Money Grow Native Plants Funds Youth PHA has recently adopted an in-school Education conservation education program called Habitat Kids. The program aims to inspire Thanks to the hard work and dedication and train Island children to become of Visitor Services, Volunteer, and Youth environmental stewards within the Vineyard Education Coordinator Kendra Buresch, community. The Habitat Kids curriculum we have received a number of generous was developed in 2015 by PHA Visitor Tisbury School third graders sow native plant seeds grants in support of our youth education Services, Volunteer & Youth Education with PHA Youth Education Coordinator Jill Bouck. programs. We are grateful to the following Coordinator Kendra Buresch with support foundations and granting agencies for from a Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship. of this program is that it directly engages their support: Kendra was awarded the fellowship to students in conservation efforts. This year’s develop Habitat Kids as a pilot program in students are sowing native plant seeds to The Edey Foundation — $5,500 collaboration with the Conservancy, be grown into saleable plants marketed as This grant will be used for the development PHA, and BiodiversityWorks. Habitat Kids Plants. Habitat Kids Plants of a middle school plant conservation Through the Habitat Kids curriculum, will be sold at PHA’s plant sale area to curriculum. The curriculum will focus on students learn about our local ecosystems, motivate community members to create four areas encompassing both global and how they are degraded by habitat their own backyard habitat patches. We are local conservation issues: climate change, fragmentation, and how planting backyard encouraging students to visit PHA with trees, and resiliency; tree conservation habitat patches can help to restore ecosystem their families this summer to see the plants at PHA; habitat fragmentation and envi- functionality. One of the unique aspects they helped cultivate. ronmental stewardship; and ecology.

Cape Cod Five Foundation — $2,250 This funding will allow PHA to hire a high Welcome Summer Interns school intern to assist with overseeing the Horticultural internships beneft both PHA with a minor in horticulture. She welcomes Habitat Kids schoolyard habitat patches at and the interns, and have furthered the the opportunity to learn plant selection several elementary schools this summer. education and careers of many students. skills to advance her landscape design The high school habitat steward will also The Arboretum is grateful for the support work. Nicole Achor recently fnished her help with Habitat Kids classroom materials. of the Feldman family in continuing their freshman year at Purdue University in West generous funding of our invaluable summer Lafayette, Indiana, where she is studying Massachusetts Cultural Council — internship program. This year, we welcome public horticulture. Nicole is interested $4,600 Samantha Snyder and Nicole Achor as in combining plants with community Co-authored with the Martha’s Vineyard our 2018 summer interns. Samantha has engagement. She appreciates PHA’s role as Museum (MVM), this grant provides completed her sophomore year at Virginia “a living educational tool.” Both Samantha funding for a Habitat Kids educational Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she is and Nicole look forward to familiarizing collaboration with MVM that uses the pursuing a degree in themselves with the plants in our collection. story of the heath hen to raise awareness of critical issues facing our Island’s ecosystems.

Massachusetts Local Cultural Council — New Wildlands and Woodlands Report $1,028 The “Kindergarteners for Monarchs” grant In 2010, PHA research asso- has extensively studied the health to climate resilience and economic ciate Dr. David Foster and of Martha’s Vineyard’s . sustainability. Its specific findings will fund the Habitat Kids program to work colleagues advanced Wildlands An updated Wildlands and report that New England has with kindergarten classrooms in the fall and Woodlands – A Vision for the Woodlands report was published been losing forestland to develop- of 2018 as they restore monarch habitat by New England Landscape, which in 2017, authored by David Foster, ment at a rate of 65 acres per collecting and packaging milkweed seeds laid out an ambitious plan for along with 30 other scientists, day. The authors identify emerging the protection and conservation conservationists, urban planning opportunities for gaining ground to be distributed to the Island community. of and farmland across experts, and environmental his- based on New England’s remark- the region. Dr. Foster is director torians. The report broadens the able conservation capacity. Permanent Endowment Fund — $2,500 of Harvard Forest, a 3,000-acre perspective of the 2010 report The full report can be found at This grant is being used to fund the ecological research site, and to connect both forests and farms wildlandsandwoodlands.org. Habitat Kids third grade programming for the 2017/2018 school year. Curatorial Intern Summer Program Katherine Brewer Preview

2018 curatorial intern Katherine Brewer This summer we bring a wide range of arrived at the Arboretum in April having speakers to PHA to share their expertise. recently completed a plant records intern- Our annual summer lecture series begins in ship at Longwood Gardens in Kennett June with “Insects: the Ancient Ones,” given Square, Pennsylvania. Katherine graduated by expert entomologist Nathan Erwin. Nate from University of Vermont in 2016 with a will tell fascinating stories of the evolution bachelor of science in sustainable land- of arthropods, illustrated with close-up scape horticulture and a minor in religion. images of familiar (and not-so-familiar) During the summer after her junior year, insects. He will also offer a family program Paul Meyer, executive director at the Morris she interned at the Jenkins Arboretum on backyard bugs. Arboretum, will present “Great and Ancient Trees of in Devon, Pennsylvania. The following If you love trees, you won’t want to miss the North Temperate World.” Photo: Nick Kelsh summer she began working as an outdoor July’s annual Frank and Lisina Hoch lecture display intern at Longwood Gardens, to be given by Paul Meyer, executive director will give the featured lecture at our fall plant moving on to the plant records internship of the of the University sale, speaking on the topic of his new book, that fall. During her time at Longwood, of Pennsylvania. Paul will share stories and Native Plants for New England Gardens; and she assisted with a major revitalization pictures of the great and ancient trees he dis- Pat will give a talk titled “Island Hopping: of their main fountain garden, including covered during his travels in North America, Landscape Design Lessons from Manhattan mapping, inventorying, and verifying the , and Asia. Later in July, Island ecolo- to Maine” covering site design and plant plants used in the project. gist Matthew Pelikan will present on butter- selection on his current projects in New In her frst week at PHA, Katherine flies of Martha’s Vineyard, and Brie Arthur, York City, along Harbor, on Long had already learned how to use our new author of The Foodscape Revolution, will speak Island, and on a private island off the coast plant records database, IrisBG, and about her signature design technique of of Maine. We are appreciative of this year’s had begun accessioning new plants into , a sustainable landscape practice lecture series sponsors: Bartlett Tree Experts, the collection. Like Arboretum founder pairing edibles with ornamental plants. Donaroma’s Nursery and Landscape Ser- Polly Hill, she has a partiality for ericace- August begins with a presentation on vices, Dukes Conservation District, Heather ous plants. The Arboretum’s collections gravel gardening by Lisa Roper, horticul- Gardens, Island Grown Initiative, Middle- feature many special and rare members of turist for the last 26 years at the renowned town Nursery, and SBS: The Grain Store. the heath family (Ericaceae), including public garden Chanticleer in Wayne, This season also brings a variety of the genera , Enkianthus, Pennsylvania. Lisa maintains and manages classes and special tours. We are offering a Kalmia, and Pieris, making PHA an ideal Chanticleer’s Gravel Garden, a sloping site floral watercolor series with Lynn Hoeft and place to pursue her interest. In the future, planted with a mix of grasses, Mediterranean a nature drawing series with Lizzy Schule. Katherine plans on a career in public plants, drought-tolerant perennials, seed- In August, landscape architect Allan Sum- horticulture. She looks forward to bringing grown annuals, and hardy succulents. Also mers will run a design workshop for profes- her experience in plant records to PHA in August, Vineyard Conservation Society’s sional and hobby using PHA as while continuing to learn more about executive director, Brendan O’Neill, will a template. Staff-led programs include fruit the management of plant collections in present the annual David Smith memorial tree pruning, , and our public gardens. lecture. Brendan will reflect on decades of popular Edgartown tree tours. And fnally, conservation successes—including the pres- in celebration of our 20th year as a public ervation of PHA—and setbacks on Martha’s garden, PHA staff will present a series of Vineyard as well as conservation prospects talks and tours on the theme “Twenty Iconic for the next half-century. In late August, we Trees of the Arboretum”—from the ancient welcome back wildlife ecologists Luanne dawn redwood to the remarkable Julian Hill Johnson and Liz Baldwin of Biodiversity- magnolia, participants will discover new Works to present their work monitoring and insights into PHA’s special trees. We hope protecting threatened populations of bats on you can join us! For dates, details, and our the Island and how private lands and homes complete summer schedule, look for our can play a role in their conservation. summer/fall program guide mailing or visit September brings the fnal lectures of our programs calendar at pollyhillarboretum. the season: Dan Jaffe of the New England org. More events and classes will be added Wildflower Society in Framingham, Massa- throughout the season. To receive email chusetts, and horticultural designer Patrick updates, subscribe on the homepage of our Cullina based in New York City. Dan Jaffe website. Katherine Brewer 8 – FROM THE LIVING COLLECTION

Redbuds—A Gift for the Garden by Tim Boland

The flowers and fruit of the Eastern redbud,Cercis canadensis

I owe my affection for redbuds to my grand- pods that are similar in appearance to a wide the genus Cercis contains 7 to 13 spe- father Thomas McShane who introduced me flattened peapod, the distinctive fruit of cies (or subspecies) found in North America, to gardening when I was a teenager. Every the pea or bean family (Fabaceae) to which Asia, and Europe. spring he and my grandmother would drive redbud belongs. Eastern redbud has an As a small flowering tree, redbuds have south from Michigan to visit family in Vir- extensive natural range, occurring in North gained the attention of plant breeders ginia. This annual trip sparked his love of the America from Connecticut to New York who recognize the potential for new eastern redbud tree (Cercis canadensis), which to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes, and colors. As a result, the blooms red violet in the Virginia south to western Texas and Florida. World- has many diverse and colorful choices— alongside the white flowers of flowering known as cultivars—within the redbud clan. dogwood ( florida). Back in Michigan, One way a new redbud cultivar might be my grandfather initiated what became a tra- discovered is when trees with variable flower dition: he and I would visit a local nursery, coloration are located in the wild. A form buy redbud trees, and plant them together called ‘Alba’ has been found in many parts for friends and relatives. It was my frst time of redbud’s natural range. I witnessed such experiencing the satisfaction of planting a tree once along the Kalamazoo River trees for others. Now, looking back on my in southern Michigan. My favorite white- 30-year-plus tree-planting career inspired flowered cultivar, ‘Royal White’, flowers by my grandfather’s example, lots of gift heavily on a vigorous tree. Its sparkling trees—redbuds, dawn redwoods, stewartia, white flowers brighten the landscape and , and more—grow in the gardens of contrast well with the darker bark of older my family and friends. specimens. A spontaneous seedling is The eastern redbud’s magenta pink to another way variation can occur. An example rosy lilac flowers, resembling tiny sweet peas, of this is the beautiful pale pink-flowered open before the in spring (mid- to late cultivar, ‘Pauline Lily’, that was discovered May on Martha’s Vineyard). Attractive in in the woods of West Virginia and later , the flowers are a stunning sight when made available commercially. Perhaps the fully opened. Older branches often have a most popular newcomer is ‘Appalachian profusion of stemless blooms clustered along Red’ with its bright neon-pink flowers. larger branches and trunks, emerging direct- Whatever the flower color, it’s worth men- ly from the bark. This unusual trait is called tioning that the flowers are edible and cauliflory, a botanical term that translates can be added to salads, cereals, or any dish to “stem flower.” The flowers fade, forming that needs an attractive garnish. ‘Ruby Falls’ is a purple-leaved, weeping hybrid redbud. Photo: Mark Weathington Oil painting by artist Ingrid Finnan Cauliflory, the peculiar stem flowers of redbud Courtesy and copyright the artist

of ‘Covey’ to produce a startlingly beauti- To counter the strong acidity of our , ful, weeping tree with dark-purple foliage. add lime each spring to the root zone. Red- Plants grow to 8 to 12 feet at maturity may form a multi-stemmed tree rang- and about 4 to 8 feet wide. ing from 20 to 30 feet in height and width, On Martha’s Vineyard, successfully but as noted above, many new smaller selec- cultivating redbud is not without challenges. tions are now available. This year in honor It prefers moist, organic, well-drained soils of Arbor Day at PHA, we planted a redbud —a rare commodity on the Island. Never- grown from wild-collected seed harvested theless, it’s worth accommodating this from trees in Alexander County, Illinois. special tree with extra care and a choice Perhaps you’ll start your own tree-planting spot. To get young redbuds off to a good tradition, whether it be redbuds, dogwoods, start, plant in full sun or light shade and add or any other of the beautiful flowering trees

‘Hearts of Gold’ has vibrant yellow foliage. organic to the planting hole. that grace PHA’s collection. Photo: Mark Weathington

The heart-shaped leaves of eastern redbud are also attractive, and today’s cultivars offer foliage colors from purple, orange, and white variegated to a remark- able yellow-foliaged form called ‘Hearts of Gold’. The toughest of the colored-foliage group is ‘Forest Pansy’, a vigorous purple- foliaged cultivar; its leaves open purple-red and change to a purple-tinged dark green by late season. Beyond the exciting flower and foliage colors, novel cultivars often combine both on a weeping form. A popular weeping selection named ‘Covey’ reaches only 4 to 6 feet at maturity and fts beauti- fully in small spaces. The recent introduction ‘Ruby Falls’ combines the colored foliage of ‘Forest Pansy’ with the weeping habit The neon-pink flowers of ‘Appalachian Red’ 10 – FROM THE LIVING COLLECTION

The Lifecycle of a Living Collection Meadow by Todd Rounsaville Restoration Project It’s a common practice to describe an In as little as a year, but sometimes over arboretum as a “museum for trees.” It makes a decade, plants grown from seed become The PHA meadows are an important sense; the plants are collections that are large and resilient enough to be planted asset, providing dramatic vistas throughout curated, interpreted, studied, and opened to into the living collection. Their placement the collection, habitat for native fauna, the public. In this way, plants (like artifacts, into the collection is based primarily on site and a reminder of the property’s history. paintings, and sculpture) are treated as so that the soil, moisture, and light condi- A multi-year management strategy to objects to be classifed and arranged within tions can be matched to the needs of each improve ecosystem health is underway for greater collections. Nevertheless, arboreta specimen as closely as possible. Once in the the approximately 4.5 acres of meadow differ greatly from museums in that their ground, plants are cared for and evaluated on the Arboretum grounds. The primary collections (plants) grow, and continually as if they will last in perpetuity, though, of challenge faced when managing a meadow is change over time. course, they will not. preventing the natural succession to forest— The process of acquiring and formally The act of removing a plant (accession) the encroachment of woody plants occurs entering a new plant into the collection is from the collection is aptly called deac- with both natives (winged sumac, poison ivy, known as accessioning. At PHA, like at cessioning. Deaccessioning can occur for a ) and exotics (Asian bittersweet, autumn most gardens, a collections policy guides the number of reasons, including natural death, olive, crabapple) competing with herbaceous type of plants permissible for new accessions. storm damage, or simply poor performance plants for resources. Our goals are to greatly The collections policy is essential to focus (some plants do not take to the Island reduce woody plant volume in the meadows our acquisition efforts, since there are some climate). In other examples, perfectly healthy and to create a condition favorable to 250,000 known plant species on Earth, and plants may also be deaccessioned. In the Island-native grasses and wildflowers. an incalculable number of cultivated forms. case of cultivated forms, there may be new In the fall of 2017, a one-acre test plot Our PHA target list includes taxonom- and improved cultivars released by plant in the North Field was subjected to an ic-based groups such as Ilex (), Rhodo- breeders. Such is the case with new butter- extremely low-cut mowing. The timing of dendron, and Magnolia that perform well on fly bush (Buddleja) cultivars that have been this activity was critical: before the woody Martha’s Vineyard and represent historically bred for sterility, since there is a tendency for plants went dormant (to starve the roots of signifcant holdings. Though not mutually invasiveness in this group. For true species, aboveground carbon reserves), yet after the exclusive, geographic collections, particu- a plant of documented wild origin is more native wildflowers had gone to seed. All the larly those of eastern North America and valuable than one of unknown origin. Space biomass (stems and leaves) was raked and Japan, are especially important to us. PHA is always a limiting factor, thus we cannot removed from the meadow. Though it seems holds the nationally accredited collection of make room for everything. In some instanc- counterintuitive to remove nutrients (the Stewartia, a genus of trees in the fam- es, a truly valuable plant in decline will be cut biomass) from the site, native species ily (Theaceae) that have an eastern North “re-propagated,” so that while the mother that are adapted to these nutrient-poor soils American and eastern Asian distribution. plant is lost, a duplicate (clone) is entered should be more competitive compared to The cultivation of unique Stewartia species under a new accession to preserve the genet- exotic invaders. Our grounds volunteers within one site is a useful way to study plant ic identity. planted nearly 1,000 “plugs” of seed-grown diversity and evolution, as well as aid ex situ A critical component of deaccessioning Island native plants into the closely mown (off-site) plant conservation efforts. is the archival of all associated records. Thus meadow. Sourcing these plants (especially with although the physical plant is removed and In the years to come, this mowing/ conservation in mind) requires making discarded, the records and data remain for- planting regime will steadily reclaim and collections from wild populations so that the ever accessible. In this way we can look back improve the meadows. Our goal is not to specifc origin of each plant can be docu- to see which species struggle here, and make recreate a specifc Island ecosystem, but mented. Ongoing seed collecting expeditions informed choices about future plantings. rather to incorporate native species into to the aforementioned areas help supply PHA’s “dead” fle (records for deaccessioned a healthy, sustainable, and beautiful plant new germplasm for the living collection. plants) dwarfs the current “living” fle, and community. PHA is also fortunate to participate in seed this disparity will only increase over time. sharing with other institutions to aid our It is humbling to look back through the acquisition goals. Seed-grown plants reward deaccession fles and see drawers full of those that are patient, something Polly Hill “plants” that exist only as a paper memory. In inherently knew. From seed we can grow all of the records are innumerable efforts to plants with interesting and often novel collect, germinate, cultivate, and document diversity (plant form, flower color, etc.), and plants from around the world. They are in some ways we (like Polly) end up select- documentation of past successes and failures, ing plants with a natural proclivity for and a record of the continually improving the Island climate. collection of living plants at PHA. PHA staff and grounds volunteers plant native grasses and wildflowers in the North Field. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY VOLUNTEERS IN THE ARBORETUM

PHA Partners with the West Tisbury Library to Replace Trees

In 2015 PHA collaborated with the West Tisbury Public Library on landscape plantings around the newly expanded library and parking lot. Developed with environmentally informed landscape Jack and Linda Korpi practices, gardens based on the principle of “right plant, right place” now surround West Tisbury’s beautiful new library. Linda and Jack Korpi The garden landscape and its interpretive signage serve many roles: aesthetic, envi- Linda and Jack Korpi discovered PHA by When Linda and Jack are together, they ronmental, and educational. chance when they pulled in on a whim are full of love and happiness. Their genuine One challenge arose in the beginning 7 years ago. In the parking lot, they were at interest in others and positive spirits leave of the project, which led to a lively once enticed by the tranquility and decided people with a smile, not just on their faces, debate: the proposed removal of a group to explore the grounds. They recognized im- but in their hearts. The Korpis are not only of trees bordering the mediately that the landscape was maintained hardworking and lighthearted, they also parking lot. These “volunteer” trees were by people who truly cared for the plants and have great senses of humor. They take plants not intentionally planted. Norway maple, the sense of place. Although our landscape seriously, but not too seriously. Inspired by an invasive plant known for its prolifc is not highly manicured, the Korpis observed the plant collection at PHA, they have their seeding, is on the Massachusetts Prohibited that plants were the focal point. On sub- own collection at home. And their plants Plant List. Norway maple’s aggressive sequent walks, they chatted with friendly have names. Buddy is a redbud, and Father roots can lift sidewalks and pavement. grounds volunteers; it was then that the seed Gilla—did you guess it?—he’s a fother- In addition, they release allelopathic of volunteering was planted for Jack. gilla. Then there’s Esther the sweetshrub chemicals that prevent other plants from Linda and Jack yearned to learn more (Calycanthus). She’s planted in a prominent prospering within its root zone. The about the Arboretum and subsequently went location so they can check in with her presence of the trees are not conducive to on every tour they could, regardless of the regularly. If you have a chance to meet the the establishment of a successful garden. season. Linda recalls with a smile a winter Korpis, be sure to ask them about their per- It was agreed that a gradual removal walk led by our then Curator, Tom Clark. sonal relationships with their plants! (over a three-year period) of the offending In addition to guiding the group through When reflecting on volunteering at the trees would resolve the problem. icy conditions with aplomb, Tom created a Arboretum, Linda notes how dedicated the The proposed tree removal will welcoming sense of community among volunteers are to PHA. Jack observes that require a redesign of the area. Executive strangers and educated the guests on the the dedication comes from an appreciation Director Tim Boland collaborated with wonders of a , neither of which that starts with a personal connection. the West Tisbury Library Foundation is an easy task. This impressed the Korpis. Hundreds of individuals have given their to obtain a Edey Foundation grant to fund Jack became a grounds volunteer, and time and skills to the programs and land- the design and installation. Tim is work- soon Linda was considering volunteering, scape at PHA, but what they share with each ing together with local landscape designer too. With her engaging personality and other, visitors, and staff is so much more. The Lil Provence to create a plan for a mixed outgoing nature, she is well-suited for staff- rewards of the conversations, education, planting that includes sugar , ing the Visitor Center. As she continued to mutual support, and laughter that take place ornamental flowering cherries, and a host learn about the legacy of PHA to share with is beyond what words can convey. You have of non-invasive shrubs and perennial visitors, she began to feel the Arboretum to feel it. As Jack says, “If you feel a connec- plants. The tree removals and new plant- story become a part of her. Now she delights tion to the Arboretum, consider volunteer- ings will take place over the next six to in interacting with guests to help them get ing; it will only get stronger, and better!” twelve months. the most from their visit. Linda also assists The staff at PHA thanks the Korpis and with school group tours. Her favorite mem- all our volunteers for their continued sup- ory: after leading a fun, interactive tour for port. To inquire about volunteering, contact a group of students, the bus windows came Volunteer Coordinator Kendra Buresch down and the kids called out, “Bye, Miss by email at [email protected] Linda!” as they departed the parking lot. or by calling 508-693-9426. THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE MAILING ADDRESS ARBORETUM GROUNDS HOURS THE POLLY HILL ARBORETUM PAID PO Box 561 Sunrise–sunset, year-round PO Box 561 TWIN CITIES, MN West Tisbury, MA 02575 PERMIT #93723 TOURS West Tisbury, MA 02575 508-693-9426 Tel Daily July and August at 10 am, www.pollyhillarboretum.org 508-693-5772 Fax or by advanced reservation www.pollyhillarboretum.org ADMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES $5 The Homestead Free to members and children under 12 809 State Road West Tisbury, MA 02575 FREE PARKING

VISITOR CENTER DRIVING DIRECTIONS 795 State Road See www.pollyhillarboretum.org West Tisbury, MA 02575

ACCESSIBILITY The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible.

VISITOR CENTER HOURS mer.i.stem: n. botany. The growing Memorial Day weekend to point or area of rapidly dividing cells Columbus Day: 9:30 am–4 pm at the tip of a stem, root, or branch.

ARBORETUM DESTINATIONS

Erin Hepfner (then Visitor Services & Resource Specialist) shares the Polly Hill Arboretum story with a tour group. Our First Plant Accession On the occasion of our 20th anniver- wide-spreading and pendent European Arboretum tours, this provides sary, it’s fitting to feature one of the beech cultivars that grace our grounds, the opportunity to share the story of Arboretum’s most iconic trees— this tree’s narrow habit allows it to Polly Hill’s devotion to plants and plant the upright European beech (Fagus fit comfortably between the Far Barn records that led to our establishment. sylvatica ‘Fastigiata’). A distinctly and adjacent Slaughterhouse. Received The label reads 58–001, which indicates columnar tree, this elegant beech in 1958 from the Sherwood Nursery it was the first tree recorded on our can be found adjacent to the Far Barn Company, the tree was our very grounds by Polly Hill in 1958. The distinctive upright habit of Fagus entry steps. In contrast to the other first recorded plant accession! On sylvatica ‘Fastigiata’