TheThe AmericanAmerican

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TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AAmericanmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety January / February 2015

AdaptableAdaptable AnnualsAnnuals from the American West

New for 2015 Weeping Trees for Dramatic Flair Renee Shepherd: A Passion for Quality

contents Volume 94, Number 1 . January / February 2015

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM

6 MEMBERS’ FORUM

8 NEWS FROM THE AHS 2015 National Children & Youth Symposium goes to Texas, AHS members- only Exchange now accepting orders, Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium to be held in April, Netherlands is destination for Travel Study Program Tour.

12 AHS MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Cathie Lavis.

38 HOMEGROWN HARVEST Roselle for tangy tea.

40 GARDEN SOLUTIONS breeding and genetic modifi cation. page 14 42 ’S NOTEBOOK Unique microorganism communities on tree could aid in conservation efforts, 14 NEW PLANTS FOR 2015 BY CHARLOTTE GERMANE coral bells (Heuchera spp.) trial results, new From annuals and perennials to trees and edibles, there is something disease-resistant dogwood , 2015 is International Year of Soils, chestnut with for everyone among this year’s new plant introductions. wheat gene yields better blight resistance, new and newly renamed garden periodicals, 20 A PASSION FOR SEEDS ScottsMiracle-Gro’s new acquisition. BY NAN STERMAN GREEN GARAGE Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden 46 Products for winter tasks. is all about introducing American to seeds for beautiful 48 BOOK REVIEWS and delicious varieties of vegeta- The Third Plate, The Glory of the Tree, and bles, herbs, and fl owers. The Gardener’s Garden. Special focus: Projects and recipes. 26 WEEPING BEAUTIES BY CAROLE OTTESEN 52 TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO Santa Fe . For adding drama and elegance to page 20 a landscape, few plants can match 54 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS trees that weep. 57 2015 AHS SEED EXCHANGE TAMING WESTERN WILDFLOWERS 32 BY JUDITH LARNER LOWRY 60 PRONUNCIATIONS AND HARDINESS With a little care, gardeners in different regions of North America can AND HEAT ZONES successfully grow some of the West’s spectacular native wildfl owers. 62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis).

ON THE COVER: Native to , drought-tolerant ruby chalice ()

TOP: COURTESY OF SUNSET WESTERN GARDEN COLLECTION, SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION. BOTTOM: NAN STERMAN produces bright pink, poppylike fl owers in summer. Photograph by Neil Soderstrom

January / February 2015 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 1,3/)2321+$-. Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens ,1/+$&'/&1-'3,$+2/   Board of Directors

    CHAIR Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee    SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia SECRETARY Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia TREASURER J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia Marcia Zech Mercer Island, Washington

Sandra Address Chevy Chase, Maryland Q Skipp Calvert Alexandria, Virginia Q Nancy Hargroves Manakin Sabot, Virginia

Tom Johnson Washington, D.C. Q Louis B. Lynn Columbia, South Carolina Q Holly Shimizu Glen Echo, Maryland Ed Snodgrass Street, Maryland

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner

President’s Council The President’s Council is comprised of dedicated members whose annual support makes many of the Society’s programs possible, from youth activities to horticultural awards programs.

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($25,000+) Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Q Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE ($10,000–$24,999) Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail Q Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barnett Q Mrs. Kurt Bluemel Q Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley    Q Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Farrell Q Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto Q Ms. Katy Moss Warner

   LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999) Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle Q Ms. Inger Fair Q Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston Q Mr. and     Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV Q Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Q Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey ( +$23,.3#'-..+.*!302//+.*3&#!3-.(  HAUPT CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999) Mrs. Sandra L. Address Q Ms. Amy Bolton and Mr. Philip Schoene Q Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III Q Ms. (20+*.+.*3 ,&13*-1(2. Petra Burke Q Mr. and Mrs. Skipp Calvert Q Mr. and Mrs. James R. Cargill Q Mr. and Mrs. Andy Daniel Q Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. #21/!32-1/)%1+2.(' 3/2$).+&203%,1  William Pullen Q Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes Q Dr. Amy Goldman Fowler Q Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith Q Ms. Christina Grady Q Dr. and 0&$$200%&'' 3*1,+.*3-.(3)-1 20/+.* Mrs. William O. Hargrove Q Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Hargroves Q Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hofley Q Mrs. Marta J. Lawrence Q Mrs. Shirley )21"0!3%1&+/0!3-.(3 2*2/-"'20 Ann Nicolai Q Dr. David D. Parrish Q Ms. Katherine Ward &**20/+,.03,.3/)23"20/3$1,#3 -1+2/+203%,13(+%%212./312*+,.0 COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE ($1,000–$2,499) Ms. Pauline Adams Q Mr. and Mrs. David Asaibene Q Mrs. Lynda A. Bachman Q Mr. and Mrs. 302-0,." 02-0,.3*&+(23%,1  Robert Baillie Q Mrs. Katherine McKay Belk Q Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Benedict Q Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Binder Q Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. "1+.*+.*3/)23%120)20/3%1&+/0!3)21"0!3 Q Dr. Sherran Blair Q Mrs. Elspeth G. Bobbs Q Mr. and Mrs. Allen W. Bush Q Mrs. Ellen Cabot and Mr. Matthew Watson Q Ms. Mary Ann -.(3 2*2/-"'203%1,3*-1(2.3/,3#'-/2 Carey Q Ray Carlsen Q Mr. and Mrs. John E. Clark Q Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Conlon Q Rita Coslet Q Kay Davison Q Ms. Mary O. Dyer Q

Ms. Katherine B. Edwards and Mr. John A. Ronveaux Q Ms. Julie Ernest Q Ms. Megan Evans and Mr. Howard M. Tucker Q Mrs. Walter S.

Fletcher Q Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. Q Mary Ann Franklin Q Elisabeth French Q Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Gellman Q Barbara Gorham Q

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Hall, III Q Clark Halstead Q Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Harris Q Laura Hartman Q Rebecca Hartness Q Alice Hayes Q

Ms. Catherine M. Hayes Q Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Hess Q Ms. Nancy Hockstad Q Mr. Philip Huey Q Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson Q Rose

Johnston Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kittrell Q Mrs. Virginia Korteweg Q Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Kral Q Ms. Elaine Lee Q Mrs. Carolyn Marsh

Lindsay Q Margo Loeffler Q Ms. JoAnn Luecke Q Dr. Louis B. Lynn Q Mr. and Mrs. R. Scott Lyons Q Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean Q Mr.

and Mrs. Randolph Marshall Q Mrs. Dorothy W. Marston Q Kristi Martin Q Mr. and Mrs. James Masterson Q Mary McConnell Q Shirley

Miller Q Mr. Egon Molbak Q Mr. and Mrs. Walter Montgomery Q Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morris Q Rose Morris Q Dr. and Mrs. David E.

Morrison Q Mr. James R. Moxley, Jr. Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert Murray Q Mr. and Mrs. James T. Norman Q Marion Norwood Q Mr. and Mrs.

Al Osman Q Ms. Julie Overbeck Q Johnnie Patricia Painter Q Melinda Papp Q Mr. and Mrs. Bill Paternotte Q Ms. Allison Porter Q Mrs. Lynn

C. Rhomberg Q Ms. Rachael A. Rowland Q Dr. and Mrs. Dennis J. Rudzinski Q Mr. and Mrs. Mike Rushing Q Mr. Witney Schneidman Q

Mr. and Mrs. William Schuiling Q Rose Schwartz Q Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sedler Q Mr. R.P. Simmons Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith

Q Mr. Ed Snodgrass Q Mr. C. Hugh Stephens Q Dr. and Mrs. Steven M. Still Q Dr. Adrian Tiemann Q Mr. Joseph B. Tompkins, Jr. Q Mr.

Joe Viar, Jr. and Ms. Bonnie Christ Q Mrs. Angela M. Vikesland Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk Q Ann Wales Q Ms. Elizabeth M. Wehrle

QMrs. Corinne Winburn Q Mrs. Dudley B. White Q Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White Q Mr. and Mrs. Donald Winship Q Dr. Dorothy Yang

3   and Mr. Ray Carlsen Q Mr. and Mrs. John Zoldak -.( 3$)-1/03/)-/3/2''3 ,&3)2.3/, 0,3022(03-.(3)-1 20/3(+%%212./3 HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL (in memoriam) Ms. Louise Fruehling Q Mrs. Enid Haupt Q Mrs. John A. Lutz Q Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller 2*2/-"'20 Ms. Wilma L. Pickard 20,&1$23'+0/3-.(3*',00-1  ,123/)-.33$,',13#),/,*1-#)0 /)1,&*),&/3 Corporate Members

Bonnie Plants Q The Care of Trees Q Chapel Valley Landscape Company Q Corona, Inc. QThe Espoma Company Q -#21"-$!3 3333#-*20 Monrovia Q Osmocote Q OXO Horticultural Partners

America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program Q Bellingrath Gardens and Home Q Colonial Williamsburg Foundation      Garden Symposium Q Cox MetroPark Q Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Q The Gardeners of America/

Men’s Garden Clubs of America Q The Homestead in the Garden Symposium Q Inniswood Garden Society Q Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation

4 the American Gardener The American NOTES CFROM RIVER FARM GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR Mary Yee ASSOCIATE EDITOR Viveka Neveln HILE THERE are many reasons our members value the American Horti- EDITORIAL INTERN cultural Society (AHS), we consistently hear that you are passionate about Mary S. Chadduck W plants and gardens, so you want to support an organization dedicated to CONTRIBUTING EDITORS promoting them. We also hear that you are keen to hone Rita Pelczar your own gardening skills and that The American Gardener Lynn Felici-Gallant is one of your favorite sources of reliable gardening informa- CONTRIBUTING WRITER tion. As we embark on this new year, we are setting out to Carole Ottesen not only strengthen our existing member communications, EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD but to expand our reach and provide more opportunities for CHAIR Ethne Clarke interaction between our members and us. Colorado Springs, Colorado Over the years, we have looked to a talented group of ex- Linda Askey perts for guidance in shaping our editorial content. Serving as Birmingham, Alabama members of our Editorial Advisory Board, these horticultural Mary Irish authorities provide recommendations that help us identify San Antonio, Texas the topics and people who are featured on the pages of The Tom Underwood Panayoti Kelaidis American Gardener. Starting in 2015, we welcome Ethne Denver, Colorado Clarke as the new chair of our Editorial Advisory Board. Most recently serving as Edi- Charlie Nardozzi tor-in-Chief of Organic Gardening magazine, Ethne is an accomplished horticulturist and Burlington, Vermont garden writer who has more than 15 books on gardening, , and landscape Denny Schrock Ames, Iowa history to her credit. We are excited to have the benefit of Ethne’s experience, along with Jessica Walliser that of the other new board members, as we continue making our flagship publication Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania even more relevant, engaging, and inspiring for today’s gardeners. Kris Wetherbee To complement The American Gardener, we are expanding our online commu- Oakland, Oregon nications and our presence on social media. We recently launched Pinterest and Google+ accounts, and on Facebook we surpassed a major milestone of 10,000 CONTACT US The American Gardener 7931 East Boulevard Drive likes last year! We’ve introduced the online AHS Youth Gardening Gazette, a daily Alexandria, VA 22308 compilation of internationally sourced news about gardening with children. And (703) 768-5700 we are co-hosting a monthly #plantchat discussion hour on Twitter with our new corporate member, Corona Tools. If you haven’t yet availed yourself of these re- EDITORIAL E-MAIL: [email protected] sources, we hope you will check them out and join the conversation. ADVERTISING E-MAIL: [email protected] Dovetailing with our ramped-up online presence, this past summer we completed an extensive upgrade of the technology and communications systems that serve our head- The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonthly quarters offices here at River Farm. This ambitious project replaced decades-old equip- (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ ment and cabling to provide us with greatly improved capacity, speed, and reliability. October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Soci- ety, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) All these accomplishments spring from our goal to embrace innovation and im- 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscription to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; international dues provements that help us deliver more value to our members, to better promote the are $55. $10 of annual dues goes toward magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional benefits of gardening, and to encourage more people—of all ages—to get out and mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to The American garden. Much more is in the works, so stay tuned for further updates on our progress. Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural Now, down to the matter at hand—our first issue of The American Gardener for Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- 2015! In it you will find our annual roundup of intriguing new plants hitting the list of the Vascular Flora of the , Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions market, a look at versatile wildflowers native to California, and a profile of the expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent remarkable woman behind the highly successful Renee’s Garden seed company: for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-ad- Renee Shepherd. And be sure to turn to page 57 to get a peek at the list of seeds dressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. available exclusively to our members through our annual seed exchange. Copyright ©2015 by the American Horticultural Society. All of us at River Farm send our best wishes for a happy and plant-filled New Year! Printed in the U.S.A. Tom Underwood Executive Director

January / February 2015 5 6 the American Gardener editorial advisoryboard chair of this magazine’s chair ofthismagazine’s Ethne Clarke,new do Springs, Colorado. do Springs,Colorado. most recentlyathernewhomeinColora- Clarke hasgardenedinnumerousstates, ham, Alabama; Askey, agardenwriterfromBirming- This firstissueof A NOTEFROMTHEEDITOR in Oakland,Oregon. Kris Wetherbee , agardenwriter based author inPittsburgh,Pennsylvania; and Walliser, agardenradio-showhostand Iowa StateUniversityinAmes; State MasterGardenerCoordinator at lington, Vermont; a gardenwriterandconsultantinBur- dens inColorado;CharlieNardozzi, of outreachfortheDenverBotanicGar- oti Kelaidis,seniorcuratoranddirector tonio BotanicalGardeninTexas; book authorcurrentlywiththeSanAn- their respectiveregionsofthecountry. familiarity withgardeningconditionsin dening andhorticulture,butfortheir their overallexpertiseinAmericangar- advisors havebeenselectednotonlyfor tent, scientificaccuracy,andstyle.These magazine’s editorialphilosophy,con- visors whowillhelpthestaffguide a transitiontonewslateofeditorialad- tural Magazine. buted in1922as official membershipmagazine,whichde- for theAmericanHorticulturalSociety’s for 2015marksthe94thyearofpublication Also joiningtheboardare: This yearwearepleasedtoannounce The NationalHorticul- Mary Irish,agarden The AmericanGardener

Denny Schrock, dening magazine. of ly editor-in-chief was mostrecent- and writerwho an gardeneditor Clarke, aveter- board is itorial advisory of thenewed- (page 5),thechair from RiverFarm” tions in“Notes derwood men- As TomUn- Organic Gar- MEMBERS C Panay- Jessica Ethne Linda

’ PLEASE WRITEUS! we printmaybeedited forlengthandclarity. ahs.org (noteLetter toEditorinsubjectline).Letters Alexandria, VA22308.Sende-mails toeditor@ American Gardener,7931EastBoulevardDrive, Editor David J.Ellis the addresslistedbelow. or bymailtoTheAmericanGardenerat or [email protected], members. Pleasesendyourcomments cess, wewelcomefeedbackfromAHS content, andformat.Aspartofthispro- review ofthemagazine’sphilosophy, sory boardisthefirststepinastrategic W. Lighty,andElvinMcDonald. Nina M.Bassuk,SteveBender,Richard E. Bir,alongwithAllanM.Armitage, the boardisformerchair,Richard for thelastseveralyears.Rotatingoff and wisdomwiththemagazinestaff have generouslysharedtheirexperience a groupofhorticulturalluminarieswho members oftheeditorialadvisoryboard, tend ourappreciationtotheoutgoing members ofourteam,we’dliketoex- ate editorof Felici-Gallant wasmostrecentlyassoci- resident ofNewMilford,Connecticut, tributing Writer tributing EditorRitaPelczarandCon- Lynn Felici-Gallant,whojoinsCon- team thisyearisContributingEditor [email protected]. [email protected]. story toshare,letusknowbye-mail they haveencountered.Ifyoua members aboutaccidentsorhazards are lookingforanecdotesfromAHS avoiding injurieswhilegardeningand We areworkingonanarticleabout Garden Injuries Feedback SoughtforArticleon FORUM The selectionofaneweditorialadvi- In additiontowelcomingthesenew Another additiontooureditorial Fine Gardeningmagazine.

Address letterstoEditor, Carole Ottesen

. A The The

COURTESY OF ETHNE CLARKE LAND LIFE

For centuries, living off the land was the way of life for all. Today it’s the way towards a more sustainable future.

•Handmade in Greenfield, England •Victorian Range from $25,000 To enjoy our Book of call or click 781 933 1993 www.hartley-botanic.com - Quoting ref: AGUS

THE FINEST GLASSHOUSES MONEY CAN BUY CONTACTS FOR AHS PROGRAMS, News from the AHS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DEPARTMENTS January / February 2015 PROGRAMS • EVENTS • ANNOUNCEMENTS For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership department at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in AUSTIN IS HOST SITE FOR 2015 NATIONAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH GARDEN SYMPOSIUM the mail, call the number above for a replace- ment. Requests for membership information THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’s National Children & Youth Gar- and change of address notification can also be den Symposium (NCYGS) is heading to the Lone Star state from July 9 to 11 this e-mailed to [email protected]. summer. Austin is the host city for the symposium, which will be co-hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wild- THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to the editor of The American Gardener, write to Center (LBJWC) The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard in Austin, and the Interna- Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail tional Junior Master Gar- to [email protected]. dener Program, based at DEVELOPMENT To make a gift to the Ameri- Texas A&M University in can Horticultural Society, or for information about a donation you have already made, call College Station. (800) 777-7931 or send an e-mail to devel- The NCYGS provides [email protected]. teachers, garden designers, E-MAIL LISTS To subscribe to specific e-mail community leaders, pro- lists for updates on programs and events, visit gram coordinators, and http://americanhort.ahs.org/email. others with the opportuni- INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The AHS offers intern- ty to explore topics ranging ships in communications, , and youth programs. For information, send an from curriculum to program e-mail to [email protected]. Information and management to garden de- application forms can also be found in the The Grotto at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center sign and maintenance, all Gardening Programs area of www.ahs.org. with an eye towards con- NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN necting kids to the natural world. As a national model for youth gardening education, SYMPOSIUM For information about the Society’s annual National Children & Youth Garden Sym- the symposium inspires, invigorates, and motivates attendees to educate new genera- posium, e-mail [email protected] or visit www. tions of gardeners. Now in its 23rd year, the three-day event is chock full of educational ahs.org/ncygs. sessions, keynote presentations, and the always popular field trips. RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS This year includes a chance to explore the LBJWC’s Luci and Ian Family Garden. Just Reciprocal Admissions Program offers members opened in May 2014, this four-and-a-half-acre garden is a pilot project of the Sustainable free admission and other discounts to nearly 300 botanical gardens and other horticultural Sites Initiative (SITES) program. LBJWC developed SITES in collaboration with the U.S. destinations throughout North America. A list Botanic Garden and the American Society of Landscape Architects as the first comprehen- of participating gardens can be found on www. ahs.org/rap. For more information, call (800) sive national rating system that enables public or private projects to achieve certification as 777-7931 ext. 119. sustainable landscapes. The garden’s interactive features include a native shrub , giant grape vine nests, and a grotto complete with caves and a waterfall. RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- Program highlights include the chance for attendees to get a sneak peek at the round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to International Junior Master Gardener Program’s newly developed “Learn, Grow, 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through Septem- ber. For information about events, rentals, and Eat, & Go!” curriculum and research program. directions, visit the About River Farm section of For more information: Visit www.ahs.org/ncygs, e-mail [email protected], or call www.ahs.org. (703) 768-5700 ext. 121. Updates will also be posted on Twitter @AHS_NCYGS TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM Visit spectacular private and public gardens around the world 2015 AHS MEMBERS-ONLY SEED EXCHANGE through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study Program. For information about upcoming IT’S TIME TO order seeds from the AHS Seed Exchange list. One of the benefits of trips, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 119, or visit joining AHS is exclusive access to the annual AHS Members-Only Seed Exchange. the Gardening Programs section of www.ahs. AHS members from around the country and generous seed companies donate seeds org. to share, and only current members may select seeds. Those who donate seeds also WEBSITE: www.ahs.org The AHS website is receive priority on orders submitted by February 17. Don’t delay because some seeds a valuable source of information about the Society’s programs and activities. Users must are in short supply and the seed order deadline is March 7, 2015. set up a username and password to access the Up to five packets of seeds are available free, although a donation is requested to help member’s-only sections. defray postage and handling costs. Members donating at the $10 level will receive up to

10 packets of seed along with a 2015 AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP) book- COURTESY OF LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

8 the American Gardener let that lists participant gardens and the privileges and discounts available to AHS members. The seed company Botanical Inter- Spring Garden Market at River Farm ests, sponsor of this year’s exchange, is providing special gifts at Save the date for this year’s Spring Garden Market, which will higher donation levels, so donors at the $30 level will receive up to be held April 10 and 11 at the AHS’s River Farm headquarters 15 packets of seed in Alexandria, Virginia. Vendors from around the mid-Atlantic along with a RAP region will offer a wide variety of annuals, perennials, native booklet and a set plants, vegetables, and for sale. Garden-related items— of 12 wooden gar- including books, jewelry, and garden accessories—will also be den stakes, while available, along with food and beverages. those donating Regular attendees of this popular annual event will note that at the $50 level this year’s event has been reduced from three days to two. The receive up to 20 traditional AHS members-only shopping period will be from 10 packets of seed a.m. to noon on Friday, April 10, after which the market will along with the open to the public until the 6 p.m. closing. On Saturday, April RAP booklet, 12 11 the market hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donors at the $50 level will receive a calendar garden stakes, and For more information, visit www.ahs.org. and set of wooden stakes provided by Botanical a Botanical Inter- Interests, this year’s seed exchange sponsor. ests calendar. Get started by turning to this year’s list of available seeds and order form, which COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG GARDEN SYMPOSIUM can be found on pages 57 to 59. In mid-January, complete de- AS IN NATURE, creating different layers of plantings in a gar- scriptions of all the seeds and an order form will be available den ensures visual interest throughout the year, utilizes vertical in an online catalog on the AHS website (www.ahs.org/seeds). as well as horizontal space, and more effectively supports native For a printed copy of the catalog, please send a self-addressed, wildlife. Encouraging home gardeners to explore the concept of stamped envelope to: Seed Exchange Catalog Request, Ameri- garden layers and the implementation of levels within a landscape can Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, will be the focus of this year’s Colonial Williamsburg Garden Sym- VA 22308. posium, to be held April 10 to 12 in Williamsburg, Virginia.

—69th GARDEN SYMPOSIUM—

LAYERS OF THE LIVING LANDSCAPE APRIL 10–12, 2015

Planting in layers allows gardeners to take full advantage of their space and include a diversity of plants that provide beauty and benefit wildlife. This program includes presentations by Rick Darke and Douglas W. Tallamy, authors of The Living Landscape, and two of the most important voices in sustainability and horticulture. www.history.org/conted | 1-800-603-0948

Co-sponsored by the American Horticultural Society

January / February 2015 9 Keynote speakers for the symposium, titled “Layers of the Liv- ing Landscape,” are Rick Darke, an author, photographer, and Gifts of Note landscape consultant based in Landenberg, Pennsylvania, and , an entomology and wildlife ecology professor at In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American Doug Tallamy Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to the University of Delaware, Newark. Darke and Tallamy, who support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for collaborated on The Living Landscape (Timber Press, 2014), will gifts received between November 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014. discuss plants for the home landscape that are not only beautiful but benefit wildlife as well. Other notable speakers will explore $1,000+ Gifts topics such as how to select, design, and maintain different layers Mrs. Georgina Bissell from the ground up to the canopy. There will also be a landscape Ms. Petra Burke-Ramirez practicum in which speakers will address selected landscape chal- Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. William Pullen lenges submitted in advance by symposium attendees. Ms. Inger Fair The AHS is a co-sponsor of this annual symposium, now in Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith its 69th year, so members are eligible for a discounted registra- Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Harris tion fee. For more information, visit www.history.org/conted. Mr. and Mrs. Ridgely Huntt Dr. and Mrs. David E. Morrison SPECIAL BOOK DISCOUNT EXTENDED Mr. and Mrs. James R. Moxley, Jr. Ms. Julie Overbeck AHS MEMBERS will continue to receive a 30 percent discount Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. through February on The Gardener’s Garden through a special ar- Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech rangement with Phaidon, a New York based publisher. This large-format book In honor of Ms. Arabella Dane: features gardens ranging from 14th-cen- The Hanover Garden Club tury masterpieces to renowned contem- porary landscapes. Packed with stunning In memory of Ellen M. Humphries: photographs, this exploration of the his- Mrs. Gail Shirley torical and cultural significance of more In memory of Mrs. Lucy Keith: than 250 gardens from around the world Ms. Andrea Brown is a gardener’s dream book. Use it this winter to armchair travel and gather If you would like to support the American Horticultural Society ideas for your own garden. A full review of the book is on page 49. as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, or as part To order, visit the homepage of the AHS website, follow the link of your annual charitable giving plan, please call (703) 768-5700. under “News,” and enter the code AHS at checkout. 2015 AMERICA IN BLOOM COMPETITION AHS NATIONAL EVENTS REGISTRATION IS now open for the America in Bloom (AIB) 2015 CALENDAR competition, a nationwide community building program enhanc- ing quality of life by encouraging community participation in beau- Mark your calendar for these upcoming events tification efforts. Cities, towns, townships, college and university that are sponsored or co-sponsored by campuses, business districts, military installations, and identified the AHS. Visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 for more information. sections of large cities are all eligible to register. Experienced judges evaluate participants based on the following criteria: overall impres- APRIL 10 & 11. AHS Spring Garden Market. River Farm, sion, heritage preservation, landscaped areas, environmental efforts, Alexandria, Virginia. SOLD OUT , and floral displays. AHS sponsors the Community APRIL 10–21. Mediterranean Cruise. AHS Travel Study Program. Involvement Award given to communities that demonstrate exem- APRIL 10–12. Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium. plary cooperation and service. Williamsburg, Virginia. The registration deadline for the 2015 competition is February JUNE 4. AHS Great American Gardeners Awards Ceremony and 28. Each participant receives an AIB Startup Kit. Participants may Banquet. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. also earn a 25 percent discount on the registration fee, or a 25 percent JUNE 9–21. Discovering Gardens in the Netherlands. refund on fees already paid, by recruiting a new participant to the AHS Travel Study Program. program. For more information, visit www.americainbloom.org. JULY 9–11. AHS National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. Austin, Texas. AHS TOUR EXPLORES ART AND GARDENS OF THE NETHERLANDS SEPT. 24-26. America in Bloom Symposium and Awards Program, THE LONG AND LUSTROUS art and gardening history of the Holland, Michigan. Netherlands is on display this summer during “Discovering OCT. 7–15. Gardens In and Around Rome, Italy. Gardens in the Netherlands,” an AHS Travel Study Program AHS Travel Study Program. tour scheduled for June 9 to 21. Explore palaces, art galleries, and public and private gardens on this exclusive visit to hidden

10 the American Gardener gems and national treasures of the Netherlands. Exceptional “Traveling with a small group of individuals who have a accommodations for this program offer a perfect blend of his- sense of adventure and appreciate history, art, fine food, good toric charm and contemporary comforts, ranging from a castle conversation, and of course, gorgeous gardens is what sets our with a private forest to a riverside urban hotel. AHS trips apart,” says AHS tour host and landscape designer Jane Diamantis. In addition to the Oudolf garden, tour par- ticipants will visit the private garden of the late Mien Ruys, one of the most significant landscape architects of the 20th century; the Palace of Het Loo’s recently restored 17th-century formal gardens; and Kasteel de Haar, which has been restored to its medieval grandeur. Exposure to Netherland’s storied garden traditions will be balanced by a chance to observe the country’s modern horti- culture industry in action during the world-famous, frenetic flower auction at Aalsmeer, where from more than 10 countries are bought and sold. In addition to gardens and flower markets, the tour includes visits to a must-see list of art museums, starting with the Rijksmu- seum, the national museum of the Netherlands, home to works by Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt, among others. A trip to the Kroller-Muller Museum and Sculpture Park offers a chance to study masterpieces by van Gogh, Monet, and Rodin. The Palace of Het Loo and its formal garden will be on the tour. The tour brochure may be viewed on the AHS website at www.ahs.org. For more information about the program, includ- An exciting recent development is the inclusion of a tour ing pricing and reservations, contact Eleanor Nelson at enelson@ to the private garden of Piet Oudolf, an internationally re- ahs.org or (703) 768-5700 ext. 132.  nowned landscape architect and author known for his innova- tive and inspiring use of ornamental grasses. News from AHS written by Editorial Intern Mary Chadduck. COURTESY OF HOLLANDMEDIABANK.COM

January / February 2015 11 C by MaryS.Chadduck 12 Cathie Lavis AHS MEMBERS good livingdoing it,too.” arborists notonly dothat,but“makea climbing trees,Lavisassured himthat surprise thattherewasajob involved of herarboriculturestudents expressed and relatedfields.Forinstance, whenone ing careeroptionsavailableinhorticulture students awareofthediverseandreward- culture,” shesays. them knowthereissuchathingashorti- really needtocapturethatgroupandlet upper gradeschoolorjuniorhigh.“We be moreeffectiveifitstartedwithkidsin jors, butshebelievestheoutreachwould efforts atstudentswithundeclaredma- try.” At KSU, she directs her promotional try.” AtKSU,shedirectsherpromotional great opportunitiesinthegreenindus- excitement outthattherearesomereally ture program.Hermissionisto“getthat bers ofstudentsgoingintothehorticul- to brainstormwaysincreasethenum- ticultural evangelist,chairingataskforce At KSU,Lavisisalsosomethingofahor- PROMOTING PROFESSIONALHORTICULTURE subject and her students. subject andherstudents. an infectiousenthusiasmforbothher and RecreationResources,Lavisradiates Department ofHorticulture,Forestry ist inlandscapemanagementforKSU’s associate professorandExtensionspecial- culture whileshewasagraduatestudentat discovered herpassionforteachinghorti- Part ofthatmissionincludesmaking the American Gardener American HorticulturalSoci- ATHIE LAVIS ety (AHS) member since 2003, ety (AHS)membersince2003, , who has been an who hasbeenan , dents, watching working withstu- she “enjoyed she foundthat ticultural courses, introductory hor- ing assistantfor 1990. Asateach- versity (KSU)in Kansas StateUni- develop.” develop.” them growand MAKING ADIFFERENCE: Today, asan students took the initiative to create signs students tookthe initiativetocreatesigns forestry. Aspart ofthiseffortlastyear,her maintain standardsforsustainable campus ages annualstudentactionto meetand Day Foundation.Thisprogram encour- USA designation sponsored by the Arbor USA designationsponsoredby theArbor vating herstudentswiththeTree Campus every year,”Lavissays. get themhookedasfreshmanandthey’llgo to careersinthehorticultureindustries.“We industry expertshighlightingskillsrelevant three daysofstudentcompetitionjudgedby hosts StudentCareerDays,acareerfairand Landcare Network). Each year PLANET Landcare Network).EachyearPLANET the industrygroupPLANET(Professional the KSULandscapeContractingTeamfor so Lavistapsintothisenergybyco-coaching a littlefriendlyintercollegiatecompetition, installing aresidentialirrigationsystem. from lecturesbutalsogetdownanddirty rigation Systemscourse,studentslearn edge. Forexample,inherLandscapeIr- experiential learningwithbookknowl- Lavis engagesstudentsbyintertwining Once shehastheminherclassroom, INNOVATIVE MOTIVATION Cathie LavisandherstudentsplantaredoakduringanArborDayevent atKansasStateUniversity. She alsohasbeensuccessfulatmoti- Nothing sparks student engagement like Nothing sparksstudentengagementlike

Cathie Lavis ciety of in 2014. The award ciety ofArboriculturein2014. The award tural Educationfromthe International So- the qualityandprofessionalismofarbo- honors societymembersforenhancing Shigo AwardforExcellenceinArboricul- Most recently,shereceivedthe Alex L. ing hasearnedhernumerousaccolades. Lavis’s out-of-the-boxapproachtoteach- REWARDED EFFORTS facts aboutthetree,”explainsLavis. how muchthetreeisworth,allsortsoffun the tree,whatitdoesforenvironment, for about18treesoncampusthat“identify The American Gardener. Mary S.Chadduck isaneditorialinternfor ‘Oh, mygosh,Igetit’!” excited,” shesays,“whenthey realize that, for horticulture.“Iloveseeingstudents get learning whileintensifyingtheir passion ing herstudentsdeveloptheirpassionfor is aperk,Lavisfeelsthebestrewardhelp- her motivationalworkwithstudents. Teaching Awardin2013,recognitionof education. ShealsoreceivedtheAHS’s riculture throughsustainedexcellencein While the acknowledgment from peers While theacknowledgmentfrompeers 

COURTESY OF CATHIE LAVIS (2) THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM UPCOMING TOURS

 TOUR SPOTLIGHT  Discovering Gardens in the Netherlands June 9–21, 2015

VISIT THE PRIVATE GARDEN OF PIET OUDOLF, one of the world’s most influential and innovative garden designers, whose credits include the High Line park in New York City and Lurie Garden in Chicago. See the colorful world-famous flower auction at Aalsmeer. Experience gardens that represent the best in Dutch horticulture, and discover how they have inspired gardens around the world. Hosted by AHS Board member Jane Diamantis and her husband, George, and tour leader Susie Orso of Specialtours, this is a journey you won’t want to miss. Only a few spaces left, so reserve now!

 Other 2015 Travel Destinations 

A Musical Journey of Historical Gardens from Lisbon to Rome April 10–21, 2015 Sold Out

Gardens of Rome October 7–15, 2015 Participation in the Travel Study Program supports the American Horticultural Society For more information about the AHS Travel Study Program, and its vision of Making America a Nation of visit www.ahs.org/gardening-programs/travel-study or contact Eleanor Nelson Gardeners, A Land of Gardens. at [email protected], (703) 768-5700 ext. 132. New for 2015 BY CHARLOTTE GERMANE

PTIMISM IS A cardinal quali- ty among gardeners and what ANNUALS & TENDER PERENNIALS O can inspire that more than the luscious images in the seed and plant catalogs that are stacking up on coffee ta- bles all over the United States right now? Those pictures and the enticing descrip- tions ignite dreams of creating our best gardens yet. That siren call is even more seductive when considering all the new offerings coming into the market each year. The parade of new varieties prom- ises more colors, more sizes (both larger and smaller), more disease resistance, more tolerance for a given climate, with each one sounding better than the next until it all becomes a bit overwhelming. To help pare down the list of new offer- ings, I talked with garden writers who tried out these plants in their home gardens, SUNSET WESTERN GARDEN COLLECTION, SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION conferred with public garden staffers about One of the most talked-about new plants is Illumination® ‘Flame’ Digiplexis, resulting from which trials demonstrated true winners, a cross between garden foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and a Canary Islands relative called and consulted with the growers themselves Isoplexis canariensis. This pink-and--flowered hybrid garnered compliments from trial about their favorites. gardeners around the country. Mark Dwyer calls this “one of my favorite plants of the year” Representing a range of regions, those and says, “I was most amazed with their long bloom period, which extended until frost in who shared their plant trial feedback in- some cases. The orange-red blooms have a yellow throat and the flower spires invite attention clude Mark Dwyer, director of horti- from both a distance and up close.” Lisa Colburn notes “it bloomed all summer and the color culture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in was fabulous. I will definitely plant it again and plant many more in a prominent location!” Janesville, Wisconsin; “Farmer Fred” Susan Morrison was impressed by the vigorous growth and repeat blooms in part shade. Hoffman, radio and newspaper garden Though it is hardy to about USDA Zone 8, it can be grown as an annual in colder climates. communicator in the Central Valley of Zones 8–11, 11–3. Sunset Western Garden Collection, Southern Living Plant Collection. California; Rebecca Sweet, garden de- signer and author in Northern California; Kylee Baumle, garden author in North- Lavandula allardii ‘Meerlo’ is a variegated west Ohio; Susan Morrison, garden de- lavender that Southern Living Plant signer and author in the San Francisco Bay Collection calls “the most drought and Area; Stephanie Cohen, garden writer, heat tolerant of the lavender .” horticulture professor, and perennial “di- Rebecca Sweet says, va” in Collegeville, Pennsylvania; Lisa “It truly has the most heavenly lavender Colburn, garden author in Orono, Maine; fragrance I’ve ever smelled.” While it and Peggy Hill, garden writer in Bremen, will reach two to three feet tall and wide, Alabama.  you can keep it compact by cutting one- third of it back after its first flowering. Charlotte Germane is digital communica- Zones 8–10, 10–3. Sunset Western tions manager for the American Horticul- Garden Collection, Southern Living Plant tural Society. Collection. SUNSET WESTERN GARDEN COLLECTION, SOUTHERN LIVING PLANT COLLECTION

14 the American Gardener JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS, JOHNNYSEEDS.COM PROVEN WINNERS

‘Cherry Caramel’ Phlox drummondii has Diamond Delight™ is double- late-summer flowers with a cherry- flowered, giving it twice the impact as it colored center and buff-colored . mounds to one foot tall and wide. Peggy In bloom, the plant gets about one-and-a- Hill, who gardens in USDA Zone 7, says, half feet tall. Zones 0–0, 12–1. Johnny’s W. ATLEE BURPEE & CO. “I grew it in full, blazing sun with very Selected Seeds. ‘Candy Mountain’ sunflower (Helianthus little supplementary water. Other white annuus) blooms at each node, , like Diamond Frost™, remind sending branches in all directions. me of baby’s breath, but Diamond Flowers are a striking burgundy on yellow. Delight’s flowers are much larger, and Grow this eight- to 10-foot-tall annual they cover the plant in a sheet of white.” in the back of a border or in a cutting Mark Dwyer particularly appreciates that garden. Zones 0–0, 12–1. W. Atlee “the double blossoms on this drought- Burpee & Co. tolerant selection are self-cleaning and give an ‘airy’ look to beds, borders, and containers.” Zones 10–11, 11–1. Proven A purple-brown Rex begonia that sports a Winners. curling silver pattern on each leaf, ‘Jurassic Silver Swirl’ (Begonia tuberhybrida) is eye-catching in a container on its own, or mixed with other shade lovers. Mounds to 16 inches tall and one foot wide. Zones 10–11, 10–1. Ball Horticultural Co. BALL HORTICULTURAL CO.

PERENNIALS

Sedoro ‘Blue Elf’ belongs to a brand new genus: It is the first hybrid between Sedum and Orostachys. Its breeder, Chris Hansen, says it offers “the best of both parents,” combining dark pink flowers from the Sedum, and steel-gray, tufted rosette foliage from the Orostachys. The succulent is only three inches tall and spreads to 15 inches wide. The late-summer flowers attract pollinators and scent the air with a grape-soda fragrance. Zones 4–9, 9–1. SunSparkler Sedums. SUNSPARKLER SEDUMS

January / February 2015 15 BALL HORTICULTURAL CO. COURTESY OF DARRELL PROBST COURTESY OF KYLEE BAUMLE

Dendranthema ‘Snowy Igloo’ is an upgrade Astilbe chinensis ‘Little Vision in Pink’ is Coreopsis verticillata ‘Berry Chiffon’ is a of ‘Frosty Igloo’ with improved vigor, a dwarf form of ‘Vision in Pink’, growing tickseed that stays where you put it, due habit, and flowering. Kylee Baumle just 16 inches tall and wide with a to sterile flowers. This highly mildew- trialed the hardy chrysanthemum and summertime profusion of pink flowers. resistant variety attracts butterflies. As reports that “it kept wanting to bloom Part of Ball Seeds’ Darwin Perennials line, temperatures drop, the raspberry color of from the moment I planted it in late it is purported to be more sun and drought the flower’s eye spreads into the creamy spring.” The plant can grow up to 20 tolerant than other selections. In Mark petals, but the plant itself goes dormant inches tall with a spread of 30 inches. Dwyer’s , “specimens in full later than other coreopsis. Zones 4–9, Zones 5–9, 9–4. Blooms of Bressingham. afternoon sun did quite well,” he notes. 9–1. Walters Gardens. “The compact form and stature of this all- star make it perfect in mass plantings.” Zones 4–8, 8–2. Ball Horticultural Co. WALTERS GARDENS

Growing unsupported up to six feet tall, Clematis recta Serious Black™ offers HIGHCOUNTRYGARDENS.COM striking black foliage that contrasts HIGHCOUNTRYGARDENS.COM dramatically with its white flowers. “This Red Mountain® Flame is an ice plant ‘Intermountain Beauty’ is a selection clematis is by far the darkest on the (Delosperma dyeri) with hot-hued flowers of Gaura lindheimeri native to Utah. market with near-black spring foliage,” ranging from red to orange instead of Topping out at 22 inches tall and 15 says Mark Dwyer. “The foliage does the usual magenta. Fire retarding— inches wide, it’s a bit shorter than other fade to a greenish maroon in the heat like all ice plants—it’s even less thirsty gauras, but shares their drought tolerance of summer but a full sun location will than most, and will rebloom lightly and resistance to deer and rabbits. Its bring out the darkest foliage during the with summer rain. This one-inch-tall wands of white flowers bloom all summer. early growing season.” Zones 3–9, 8–1. succulent will spread up to 18 inches. Zones 5–9, 9–6. High Country Gardens. Walters Gardens. Zones 6–9, 10–5. High Country Gardens.

16 the American Gardener EDIBLES W. ATLEE BURPEE & CO.

Prime Ark® Freedom blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is the first thornless version of the primocane blackberries that produce two a year. This new release from PROVEN WINNERS the University of Arkansas has canes RENEE’S GARDEN that reach six feet tall and wide. Good ‘Litt’l Bites’ cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is ideal for window boxes or small flavor and disease resistance make this containers. This cascading tomato grows only about 12 inches tall and 20 inches wide, an excellent choice for home gardens. covered in summer with small flavorful fruits. Zones 0–0, 12–5. Renee’s Garden. Zones 4–8, 8–4. W. Atlee Burpee & Co.

Additional new edibles • ‘Petite Snap-Greens’ snap pea (Pisum sativum) is the first introduction in the new Calvin’s Peas™ line from the original breeder of snap peas, Calvin Lamborn. With smaller leaflets than regular snaps, also enjoy this for its edible shoots and blossoms. Johnny’s Selected Seeds. • ‘Cloudy Day’ hybrid tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) will take cool, long summers in stride. It also resists early and late blight. The plant produces four- to five-ounce tomatoes in about 70 days. W. Atlee Burpee & Co. JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS, JOHNNYSEEDS.COM • Great for containers or small spaces, FISHER FARMS Pixie® grapes (Vitis vinifera) reach only Winner of a Retailers Choice prize at the Kalettes™ are a brand new vegetable 20 inches tall and about 12 inches wide, 2014 Farwest Trade Show in Oregon, Lo- created by crossing kale and Brussels producing tiny bunches of sweet, tart Hugger™ American cranberry (Vaccinium sprouts ( oleracea). The Brussels the first year. Available varieties are macrocarpon ‘Lohzam’) serves as both a sprouts contribute the tall stalks, with ‘Riesling’, ‘Pinot Meunier Purple’, ‘Pinot fast-growing groundcover and an edible. edible, two-inch, kalelike rosettes Meunier White’, and ‘Cabernet Franc’. This selection grows to six inches tall growing up the sides. Ready to harvest Zones 5–8, 8–5. Plug Connection®. and spreads up to three feet. It boasts in 110 to 138 days, they can be eaten • Heirloom Vietnamese ‘Bac Lieu’ cilantro three-season interest with pink spring raw or cooked and have a mild, nutty (Coriandrum sativum) adds a note of blooms, summer berries, and bronzed flavor. They are purported to pack quite to the classic flavor. It grows like evergreen foliage in the fall. Zones 2–7, a nutritional punch as well. Zones 0–0, regular cilantro, but has more filigreed 7–1. UpShoot LLC. 8–1. Johnny’s Selected Seeds. leaves. Renee’s Garden.

January / February 2015 17 TREES, SHRUBS, & VINES

Additional new trees, shrubs, and vines • Shade-loving Red Rhapsody® Chinese hydrangea vine (Schizophragma elliptifolium ‘MonLaBaHe Blush’) puts out shiny red leaves that contrast beautifully with creamy bracts before turning green. Growing to 10 to 15 feet tall, the self-clinging stems will not damage trees or other supporting structures. Zones 6–9, 9–6. Monrovia. • Dwarf Milestone™ sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Milestoz’) has all the flashy fall color of the species but behaves itself in a small garden, topping out between 10 and 20 feet tall. It doesn’t form spiny fruits, and the leaves are only half the size of the species’ leaves. Bred by Warren County Nursery. Zones 5–9, 9–1. UpShoot LLC. DAVID AUSTIN ROSES MONROVIA

Maid Marion rose (Rosa ‘Austobias’) is If you love the look of the jacaranda tree one of four new rose varieties from David (Jacaranda mimosifolia) but don’t have Austin. The fully double, clear pink room for a 40-foot specimen, now there blooms have lighter pink outer petals. is a six-foot true dwarf version. Drought The flowers exude a fragrance of myrrh, tolerant and sun-loving, Jacaranda ‘Bonsai then clove as they mature. This shrubby, Blue’ produces purple flowers in late compact rose reaches three feet tall with spring that attract hummingbirds. Zones equal spread, and blooms repeatedly from 9–11, 12–10. Monrovia. early summer through frost. Zones 5–9, 9–5. David Austin Roses. PROVEN WINNERS

Azurri Blue Satin® is a new seedless rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). Its large, blue-violet flowers appear in summer on a plant that can reach up to 12 feet tall and six feet wide. Zones 5–9, 10–3. Proven Winners.

Yuki Cherry Blossom™ is a diminutive pink-flowering Deutzia. Mark Dwyer notes that the two-foot by two-foot mounding shrub is “not only covered by a profusion of pink spring blooms but is quite tough in a range of soils. As a specimen or in mass plantings in full sun, it contributes strong spring color, summer form, and fall color that develops late in the season.” Zones

PROVEN WINNERS 5–8, 8–5. Proven Winners.

18 the American Gardener Wholesale Nurseries/ Marketing Consortiums Visit these companies’ websites to locate retail sources for their plants.

Bailey Nurseries, www.baileynurseries.com. Ball Horticultural Co., www.ballhort.com. Blooms of Bressingham, www.bloomsofbressingham.com. Monrovia, www.monrovia.com. PlantHaven International, www.planthaven.com. PlugConnection, www.plugconnection.com. Proven Winners, PROVEN WINNERS www.provenwinners.com. Castle Gold™ blue holly (Ilex meserveae ‘Gold Princess’) will illuminate landscapes with Southern Living Plant Collection, evergreen, -gold foliage that matures to a deeper gold. It grows six feet in height and www.southernlivingplants.com. width. Zones 5–9, 9–5. Proven Winners. Sunset Western Garden Collection, www.sunsetwesterngarden collection.com. SunSparkler Sedums, www.sunsparklersedums.com. UpShoot, www.upshoothort.com. Walters Gardens, www.waltersgardens.com.

Retail Sources David Austin Roses, Tyler, TX. www.davidaustinroses.com. High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, NM. www.highcountrygardens.com. Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow, ME. www.johnnyseeds.com. Renee’s Garden, Felton, CA. www.reneesgarden.com. W. Atlee Burpee & Company, Warminster, PA. www.burpee.com. BAILEY NURSERIES COURTESY OF JOHN LEWIS, JLPN Highlights™ arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis Growing eight feet tall and five feet wide, ‘Janed Gold’) grows eight to 12 feet tall Marleys Pink™ Japanese snowbell (Styrax and spreads four to five feet, making it well japonicus) is a weeping form that has suited for small gardens. Its bright yellow larger, glossier leaves than the species. foliage provides year-round color. Zones The pink, bell-shaped, slightly fragrant 3–7, 7–1. PlantHaven International, Bailey flowers bloom profusely in early summer. Nurseries, Monrovia. Zones 6–8, 8–6. UpShoot LLC.

January / February 2015 19 A Passion for Seeds

Introducing American gardeners to seeds for beautiful and delicious varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers is Renee Shepherd’s enduring legacy. BY NAN STERMAN

O REACH Renee Shepherd’s The front path leads past a cobalt-blue California mountain home, one Annuals, perennials, and vines mingle in the ceramic vase overflowing with a gentle trick- T takes a long driveway past beds of colorful cottage-style entry garden around le of water. It marks the entry to an outdoor eggplant and cucumbers, then past a pad- Renee Shepherd’s California home, top. dining room beneath a peaked metal arbor. dock inhabited by three beautiful horses. Shepherd, shown above with her yellow lab, Grapevines clamber up and over the arbor, The home’s entry garden, designed by Eliot, is the founder and owner of Renee’s shading a metal table and chairs, typical ex- Shepherd’s good friend and legendary ed- Garden seed company. cept for their colors: primary red, buttercup ible landscape designer Rosalind Creasy, yellow, and periwinkle blue. is filled with blood-red poppies, golden yellow blanket flowers, stark white Shasta Shepherd, founder and owner of Re-

yellow coreopsis, purple sages, bronze-and- daisies, and dusky pink Peruvian lilies. nee’s Garden seed company, welcomes NAN STERMAN

20 the American Gardener visitors at her door. A petite woman with perceived more as a commodity, valued for herd’s graduate experience played a big role short brown hair, she has a fierce intellect production and shipability, not for flavor. It in the evolution of her passion. Starting in and keen business acumen. She’s equally struck her that other American gardeners the late 1960s, UC–Santa Cruz became a comfortable searching the world for seeds would enjoy them as well, but there were hotbed for all things sustainable. It was an of the perfect, personal-sized kabocha no European seeds available to them at the exciting time of innovation that saw the squash, or sitting at her computer writing time. So in 1985, Shepherd took the bold birth of sustainable , the precur- a detailed and inspiring description of a step of starting her first seed business, Shep- sor to today’s movement. It new variety of Vietnamese cilantro that also spawned the “back to the land” move- has frilly leaves and a flavor that finishes ment in which many people tried their with a hint of . hands at simple living based in environ- mental consciousness. And that, of course, SOCCER AND SEEDS included growing one’s own food. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Shepherd The university hired English master didn’t garden at home, but she remem- gardener Alan Chadwick in 1967 to create bers with fondness weekends spent at her a student garden. Chadwick developed a grandmother’s house, where she and her highly successful teaching garden where he grandmother worked in the garden togeth- introduced organic Biodynamic/French er and then her grandmother used freshly Intensive growing methods to hundreds of harvested vegetables to prepare their lunch. eager and enthusiastic students. Shepherd’s In the 1980s, she relocated to work on studies were in a cross-disciplinary program, a doctorate in the history of conscious- so many of Chadwick’s students were her ness at the University of California–San- colleagues and she shared their interest in en- ta Cruz. Around that time, she bought a vironmental studies. She even taught classes ranch-style home on four acres in Felton, in the Environmental Studies department. a small town in the redwoods, about 20 minutes east of the university. SHARED WISDOM AND FIRST STEPS While in graduate school, Shepherd Before starting Shepherd’s Garden Seeds, often invited fellow graduate students for Shepherd sought advice from several suc- weekend potlucks and games of soccer in the cessful business owners. “I called up Rob field below her horse pasture. Few Ameri- Johnston at Johnny’s [Selected Seeds] can students were familiar with the game, and Steve Solomon, who owned Terri- so Shepherd invited European graduate stu- torial [Seed Company], Will Raap, who dents, all of whom knew how to play soccer. started Gardener’s Supply [Company], Among the Europeans she met was and asked them about the seed business,” Cees Boonman, who at the time worked Shepherd recalls, smiling at the mem- for a seed company that sold Dutch seed ory. “Since I wasn’t in their geographic varieties to farmers in the nearby agricultur- regions, I wasn’t a competitor. Besides, al community of Salinas, euphemistically they are wonderful and generous people, known as “the Salad Bowl of the World.” so they gave me their advice.” One day, Boonman—who went on Her first step was to write a catalog. “I to make his own name in the seed in- thought gardeners and people who like to dustry and is now president of the Ball cook would like these varieties,” she says, “so Seed Company—made a comment that I wrote as if I were talking to you.” changed Shepherd’s life. “I had a small veg- “Renee is very articulate and literate,” etable garden,” she says. “When he looked “Rosette” tatsoi, top, is a new offering from says Wendy Krupnick, who for close to a at it, in typical straightforward Dutch fash- Renee’s Garden for 2015. ‘Watermelon’ decade ran Shepherd’s test garden, where ion, he said, ‘This is all junk. These varieties heirloom Asian radish, above, is an older she grew new varieties and witnessed the aren’t at all as good as what we have in the favorite introduced in the 2011 catalog. development of Shepherd’s approach. Netherlands.’” The Dutch, he informed “Her descriptions and the way she writes her, shop for vegetables three or four times herd’s Garden Seeds, a mailorder company. about varieties is part of what makes her a week, and flavor is very important. “He “Today, we have wonderful vegetables in business successful. She describes varieties told me the varieties in my garden just the U.S., and wonderful cooks,” explains in a way that makes your mouth water.” didn’t live up to that standard and said, Shepherd, “but back then, I was the only While learning the seed business, ‘Would you like to try some of ours?’” one selling a lot of specialty seeds like aru- Shepherd also honed her own gardening The European varieties opened Shep- gula, radicchio, mesclun, and baby kale.” skills under the tutelage of local organic herd’s eyes to a whole new world of vegeta- It may seem surprising for an academi- gardeners. As much as she was interested

TOP: NAN STERMAN. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF RENEE’S GARDEN bles and herbs. At that time, vegetables were cian to launch a seed business, but Shep- in vegetables, old-fashioned flowers al-

January / February 2015 21 so caught her attention. As she explains, season. By combining their operations, the and started Renee’s Garden in 1998. She “Here in Santa Cruz, there was an organ- two companies could increase their efficien- took a different approach to the busi- ic farm called Camp Joy, and the people cy. The sales agreement allowed Shepherd to ness model with Renee’s Garden, which who ran it really knew their flowers.” continue running the seed side of the opera- she describes as “an online company that One of the Camp Joy’s founders was a tion from California. “They fulfilled all the sells seeds to garden centers and nurser- woman named Beth Benjamin, who be- orders while I was given free rein to develop ies, and to home gardeners.” Shepherd’s came a friend and now works for Shep- the seed business,” she explains. Garden Seeds was, by comparison, “a herd. “Beth helped me learn about flow- After the acquisition, Shepherd grew mailorder catalog company in the heyday ers, which became a lifelong fascination,” Shepherd’s Garden Seed catalog rapidly, of catalogs.” she says. Her interest in herbs came from including the addition of live plants. In The business plan may have changed, a seed-buying trip to Italy, where she was the meantime, Shepherd says she learned but not Shepherd’s drive to search out fascinated to discover that every region had a slightly different variety of basil.

“The lovely semi-double blossoms of this tropical-looking pastel variety seem to float over the pretty rounded green leaves that remind us of water lilies.”

Renee’s Garden catalog description for ‘Buttercream’ nasturtium

Shepherd was soon traveling to seed trials in France and other countries to learn about each region’s specialties. Her attendance at seed trials was unusual in two respects: First, she was a woman in the male-dominated industry; second, seed tri- als were traditionally the purview of buyers how to run a business from White Flow- the best-tasting, easiest-to-grow, and and brokers, not retailers. Shepherd and er Farm owner Eliot Wadsworth. “I am most productive varieties from across the her staff tasted each variety, too—some- very grateful for that,” she says. globe. Thailand, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, thing no one else did. Krupnick recalls go- Great Britain, France, Italy, Brazil, the ing to seed open houses in nearby Salinas NEW BEGINNING Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic, Valley. “We’d do field walks, and we were By 1996, Shepherd decided to focus more Canada, the United States, Mexico, Isra- the only ones bending over and breaking on seeds, so she left White Flower Farm el, and New Zealand are countries Shep- off leaves to eat,” she says. “The men would herd lists off the top of her head. Seeds chuckle at us, but we thought (tasting the come from a variety of sources, including varieties) was the point.” companies that sell to farmers, those that Rosalind Creasy adds, “Good food, lo- Resources sell to growers, and companies that pro- cal food doesn’t have to be grown that way. More Recipes From a by duce for the home gardener. Renee came along with her cooking ability Renee Shepherd and Fran Raboff. Ten Today, Renee’s Garden sells 5.5 mil- and the ability to change things.” Shepherd, Speed Press, Berkeley, CA, 1995. lion packets of seeds across the United Creasy says, reconnected food with flavor. Recipes from a Kitchen Garden by Re- States and Canada. The company em- In 1988, Shepherd made a strategic de- nee Shepherd and Fran Raboff. Ten ploys 28 people, most of whom work in cision to sell Shepherd’s Garden Seeds to Speed Press, Berkeley, CA, 1994. the company offices, a couple of miles White Flower Farm, a top-tier perennial The Renee’s Garden Cookbook by away from Shepherd’s home, near the mailorder company. White Flower Farm Renee Shepherd and Fran Raboff. main crossroads in Felton, a small town had a huge fulfillment facility in Connecti- Shepherd Garden Publishing, in north-central California, just inland cut that was busy during the spring to fall pe- Felton, CA, 2014. from Santa Cruz. Four employees work

rennial season but quiet during seed-selling in the organic test garden that surrounds COURTESY OF RENEE’S GARDEN

22 the American Gardener Shepherd’s home. Every year, they Europe, peppers in different shapes test 350 new varieties. Growing and colors, enormous savoy cab- everything at her home first is a bages, cauliflower, eggplant, and crucial component of Shepherd’s squash, just to name a few. approach. “I don’t sell anything Shepherd is so well known for unless I grow it myself,” she says, her vegetables and herbs that it is “I want people to be successful easy to overlook her passion for and have good results.” old-fashioned flowering annuals, The test garden includes perennials, and vines. She has numerous raised beds divided a particular affinity for fragrant between an upper and a lower plants, including sweet peas, of section. The upper test garden, which Renee’s Garden offers more which surrounds much of her than 25 varieties. home, contains the smaller crops, One edge of this large, fenced- those that need most protection in garden is lined with tall, pur- from birds, or just a watchful eye. ple-flowering Buddleia that draws Alongside the raised beds are butterflies to the garden. Plants beautiful deep blue and green that attract beneficial insects, ceramic pots brimming with including butterflies and other beans, tomatoes, and other can- pollinators, are another of Shep- didates for Renee’s Garden’s container Shepherd’s test garden offers her the herd’s big interests. One long test bed is vegetable collection. chance to trial new plant varieties, such given over to pollinator seed mixes that Eliot, Shepherd’s yellow lab, follows as this “Prinz” celeriac, a relative of celery include various formulations of blue faithfully as Shepherd leads the way to prized for its crisp, rounded roots. cornflowers, pink cosmos, yellow and the lower trial garden near the barn. red coreopsis, orange marigolds, magen- Shepherd stops to nuzzle her three hand- the natural horsemanship approach to ta , and red . Cover some horses in the paddock next to the riding,” she says. mixes fill another bed, some of which will garden fence. In her free time, Shepherd Past the horses and into the lower trial soon appear as Renee’s Garden offerings. enjoys riding her horses around town garden area, one finds larger scale vegeta- Varieties that do well in Shepherd’s and on trails through the surrounding bles and beds of mixed flowers. By mid- home test garden are then trialed at a stu- redwood forest. “I’m very interested in summer, there are tomatoes from eastern dent-run garden at Middlebury College in Vermont. Each variety must perform well in both locations to be considered for the catalog, says Shepherd.

CREATING A DISTINCTIVE BRAND Over the years, Shepherd has brought a number of innovations to the seed busi- ness. Among the first was her “rainbow” packets of seed, each of which includes three varieties of the same vegetable; egg- plant, tomato, or pepper. Each variety of seed is dyed a different color so garden- ers can tell which are which. “I got the idea,” Shepherd says “one day when I was coloring Easter eggs.” A legend on seed packets decodes the colors. Renee’s Garden seed packets are widely regarded as among the best in the industry. “Unlike many seed companies, which sim- ply offer generic information that is basically the same on every packet, Renee’s packets include specific details about germinating,

Blanketflowers (Gaillardia sp.) and other colorful plants grow in the

NAN STERMAN (2) at the entry to Shepherd’s home.

January / February 2015 23 growing, and using that particular plant va- riety,” says Jim Long, owner of Long Creek Herbs in Blue Eye, Missouri. “The beautiful illustrations are a real bonus because they often show more detail than a photograph.” Shepherd writes all of the packet ma- terial herself, incorporating observations from the test gardens and from her own kitchen. In addition to the mouth-wa- tering descriptions, each seed packet fea- tures a beautiful watercolor portrait of the vegetable, flower, or herb, created by San Francisco Bay area artist Mimi Osborne. Shepherd added an extra flap to the en- velopes to allow for a detailed descrip- tion of each variety, its flavor, and how it

Accompanied by her dog, Eliot, Renee Shepherd waters a bed of seedlings in the test garden that surrounds her home. Shepherd personally evaluates all the trial plants under consideration for her catalog, testing them not only in the gardens, but in her kitchen.

In addition to writing the catalog and opportunity but still follows her personal seed packet information, Shepherd has mission of making more gardeners in the three cookbooks to her credit, including world who get joy from growing their the recently released Renee’s Garden Cook- own food, flowers, and herbs.” Renee’s book, (see “Resources,” page 22). Garden donates seeds to school gardens, Vegetable gardening, like everything gardens for homeless people, non-profit else, has trends with Shepherd often at the gardening organizations, and prison gar- cutting edge. Right now, she says, kale is dens. “I am still doing cultural history— the “hot” vegetable “because of its incredi- just in a different way,” Shepherd says, ble health values and because it’s overtaking “The pleasure of gardening, cooking, and roasted beets in salads.” She is also seeing having flowers in your home expands Renee’s Garden’s seed packets feature more interest in vegetables that can be grown into most aspects of life and makes the watercolor illustrations by artist Mimi Osborne. in containers, and in root vegetables, which world a better place.” she says have become popular with chefs. After a moment of reflection, Shep- grows—along with the seed color legend Cilantro “seems to have overtaken basil as herd adds, “I am one of the most fortunate for rainbow seed mixes. Open the flap to the best-selling herb and flat-leaf Italian pars- people in the universe because I get to do find instructions on how to start the seeds, ley is very popular, as well as arugula.” what I love. It’s doing well by doing good growing notes, and harvest and use. Along and doing good to do well.”  one edge is a key for when, where, and PAYING IT FORWARD how deep to space or plant, plant height Her long career in the seed business has Nan Sterman is a garden communicator, and width, days to germination, and so offered Shepherd numerous opportuni- consultant, and designer based in Encinitas, on. The same information and illustra- ties for giving back. Krupnick describes California. She hosts the public television tions can be found on her company web- Shepherd as “very generous. She’s a dedi- show, “A Growing Passion.” For more about

site (www.reneesgarden.com). cated, smart person who sees the business Sterman, visit www.plantsoup.com. TOP: NAN STERMAN

24 the American Gardener Because we purchase life insurance policies at a young Do you no longer age to protect our families and homes, we often reach a point when they are no longer needed. That’s the time need your life to consider how they might create a lasting legacy at the insurance policy? American Horticultural Society (AHS). You may either give the policy to the Society or designate AHS as a beneficiary and achieve the following benefits:

• Transfer ownership of a policy to the Society and gain an immediate charitable tax deduction. • Leave a legacy of a greener, healthier, more beautiful America. • Become a member of the Horticultural Heritage Society.

We will be pleased to discuss ways in which you may make a gift through a life insurance policy. Contact us at [email protected]. The contorted limbs and cascading branches of this weeping blue Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’, Zones 6–9, 9–6) recall a waterfall thundering over boulders. The suggestion of water is reinforced by the striking silver blue of the short, densely-clustered needles. Although this tree may be trained to any shape, its habit and color demand careful placement in the

garden. Here, the designer has set off the drooping cedar against the fountainlike sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’) beneath it. MICHAEL S. THOMPSON

26 the American Gardener Weeping Beauties

BY CAROLE OTTESEN

For adding drama or elegance to a landscape, few plants can match trees that weep.

ITH VERY few exceptions, As weeping trees grow up and away from and wonderfully graceful, endowing these trees are programmed to earth, their branches reach back, as if longing trees with strong presence. They draw the W soar upward towards the to return. In some—maples and birches, for eye and hold it with personalities so viv- sky. Whether vase-shaped, columnar, or instance—this is an eloquent gesture. In id and commanding that there is rarely colony-forming, whether pointed crowns others—such as spruces and cherries—it is enough room in the average garden for punctuate space or branches arch into more like an embrace, as the tips of their more than one of their kind. green cathedrals, the general direction of branches, like fingers, stroke the ground. It follows that they excel as focal points. growth is up. Weeping trees are a delight- The effect of pendant, weeping It is not only their habit that sets them apart. ful exception to this rule. branches is at once eccentric, bittersweet, Like bonsai, most weeping trees are crafted

Cherries such as this Higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’, Zones 6–8, 8–6) are among the most popular of weeping trees—and with good reason. Like willows, weeping cherries are most dramatic in spring, when a flower shower of fragile and infinitely graceful blossoms on long, slender branches flows easily and evenly from a central trunk. The tips of the branches skirt the ground, making the flowers accessible and immediate. The tree’s long history as an ornamental in Japan has led to many excellent cultivars. This fact, when combined with its symmetrical

ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK habit and diminutive frame, renders the weeping cherry a peerless specimen for the residential landscape.

January / February 2015 27 WHY DO TREES WEEP? “There are as many reasons for trees to weep,” says arborist Guy Sternberg, au- thor of Landscaping with Native Trees, “as there are Inuit words for snow.” “Weeping is genetic and varies with the species,” says Sternberg.“It is linked to the tree’s response to gravity (gravotropism) and light (pho- totropism).” If the response is strong, the tree grows starkly upright; if weak, it weeps. Robert Griesbach, a former research geneticist with the USDA’s Floral and Nursery Plant Research Program in Beltsville, Maryland, and now deputy assistant administrator for technology transfer, says hormone imbalances in certain trees may al- so play a role. “A particular hormone concentration can affect a plant so that it does not recognize gravity or has a negative response to light,” notes Griesbach. Sternberg suggests weeping habits could also provide ecological advan- tages. “If a tree doesn’t invest energy becoming stiff, it can grow faster,” he says, or its pendant, pliable limbs may be less likely to break under the weight of snow or ice. Trees such as weeping willows (Sa- lix babylonica and S. alba) and Euro- pean beech (Fagus sylvatica) weep naturally, even when grown from seed. Superior forms of these plants are often vegetatively propagated to The graceful cascading branches of weeping European beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’, retain special traits. This is true of the Zones 4–7, 9–4) provide visual interest in the . Branches grow horizontally beech cultivar F. sylvatica ‘Pendula’, at first, then turn sharply towards the ground. Other ornamental features include smooth which was selected for its pronounced gray-silver bark that turns dark with age and green leaves that turn coppery in fall. This slow- weeping habit. growing tree attains a height between 30 and 60 feet with similar spread at maturity. Trees such as the Camperdown elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’) by hand from stock that has been selected instance—grow into large trees up to 60 and the weeping flowering dogwood for its ornamental qualities. (See page 28, feet tall, the majority do not. Habit, vigor, (Cornus florida ‘Pendula’) are created “Why Do Trees Weep?”) This makes them and the breeder’s intent keep most weeping by grafting. A twig, or scion, of weep- doubly attractive. The weeping forms that trees below 30 feet and many under 15 feet ing wood is implanted onto rootstock turn up in nurseries have been fashioned tall, so they are well suited to be focal points of a closely-related species. Crucial from showy materials—flowering cherries, in smaller, urban and suburban lots. to successful grafting is joining the small-needled evergreens, and species with After the archetypal weeping willow cambium—a thin layer of cells inside neat leaves, contorted stems, or persistent (Salix babylonica), the most popular and plant stems and roots—of both sci- berries. By virtue of the weeping habit, easiest-to-find weeping tree is the cherry. on and rootstock. To prevent grafted these special characteristics usually display Several selections of weeping cherry have trees from reverting to the non-weep- themselves at eye level, enhancing their or- been introduced, but Higan cherry (Prunus ing habit of the rootstock, all new namental effect. subhirtella) and its cultivars are among the growth beneath the graft union must It helps, too, that the trees are generally most prized. Many cherry tree cultivars, be pruned off promptly. —C.O. small. While a few—the weeping Euro- both upright and weeping, originated in

pean beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’), for Japan, where ohanami (flower viewing) is MARK TURNER

28 the American Gardener Left: Lavender Twist® redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’, Zones 4–9, 9–2) is a winner of multiple international awards since its introduction in 2007. Growing only six to eight feet tall and spreading eight to 10 feet wide, this tree, which was developed by Brotzman’s Nursery in Madison, Ohio, is well suited for small spaces and packs a punch in spring when its contorted bare branches are covered with pinkish-lavender flowers. The flowers are followed by heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn.

Above: In spring, the rounded leaves of the weeping katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendulum’, Zones 4–8, 8–1) unfold in shades of purple. In summer, they darken to a blue-green before finally glowing apricot in fall. The fallen leaves have a fragrance variously compared to burnt sugar, cotton candy, and . This grafted tree can grow up to 25 feet at maturity. LEFT: BRINDA MANDELLA. RIGHT: MARK TURNER.

January / February 2015 29 Right: Larches are conifers with soft bright green needles that turn yellow in autumn before dropping. This weeping form of European larch (Larix decidua ‘Pendula’, Zones 3–7, 7–1) is achieved by grafting the larch onto a rootstock that forms the upright “trunk.” Trees grow about six feet high and 10 feet wide at maturity, depending on the height of the graft. One-inch ornamental cones form in fall.

Above: This dwarf Japanese maple ( var. dissectum, Zones 5–8, 8–2), is clothed in finely-cut leaves—here in brilliant autumn color—that form dense layers to hide its branching structure. Only after the leaves fall is the intricate framework of limbs fully revealed as eye- catching winter sculpture. a tradition and cherry trees have been bred Even without fruits or evergreen foli- While most weeping trees are smaller for centuries. A gift of several thousand age, weeping trees provide winter interest. in stature than standard trees, they more flowering cherries from the city of Tokyo While weeping evergreens are a constant than make up for it with big personality to the city of Washington, D.C., in 1912 garden feature, deciduous trees provide and, often, multi-season interest. They popularized these lovely spring-blooming winter drama. The branches of weeping are exceptions in the tree world—and they ornamentals in the United States. willow hang like a beaded curtain that offer exceptional ornamental value in gar- Like cherries, weeping crabapples seems to part, when the wind blows, by dens large and small.  (Malus spp.) bloom in spring as a foun- an invisible hand. And the dwarf weeping tain of flower-clad branches that spill to Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dis- Carole Ottesen is a contributing writer for the ground. Some weeping crabapples, sectum), a mound of cascading leafy layers The American Gardener. This is an updated such as ‘Red Jade’, have persistent fruits during the growing season, reveals a living and adapted version of her original article, that hang on the tree after the leaves fall, sculpture of craggy trunk and contorted which was published in the January/February

extending the season of show. limbs after the leaves fall. 2002 issue of this magazine. LEFT: LYNNE HARRISON. RIGHT: NEIL SODERSTROM

30 the American Gardener MORE WORTHY WEEPING TREES Botanical Name/Common Name Habit and Features Height USDA Hardiness Zones, (feet) AHS Heat Zones Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ Dark green leaves turn bright yellow in autumn; to 20 3–7, 7–1 (Young’s weeping birch) dazzling white, exfoliating bark. Carpinus betulus ‘Pendula’ Erratic branching, broad, groundcovering. 30–40 4–8, 8–1 (European hornbeam) Cornus florida ‘Pendula’ Stiffly pendulous branches, white spring flowers 20–40 5–8, 8–3 (Weeping dogwood) Cupressus nootkatensis Evergreen; upright with drooping branches, needles. 20–35 4–7, 7–1 ‘Pendula’ (Nootka cypress) Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’ Slow-growing, dome shaped; purple leaves. 5–12 5–7, 7–5 (European beech) Juniperus scopulorum Silver-blue, evergreen, hanging needles. 15–20 3–7, 7–1 ‘Tolleson’s Blue Weeping’ (Rocky Mountain juniper) Malus ‘Red Jade’ Graceful; pink flowers followed by persistent 12–15 3–9, 9–1 (Weeping crabapple) red fruits. Picea abies ‘Pendula’ Evergreen; groundcovering; dense needles. 4–15 2–8. 8–1 (Weeping Norway spruce) Pinus densiflora ‘Pendula’ Evergreen; usually sprawls as groundcover, 3–6 4–7, 7–1 (Japanese red ) but may be trained as a tree. Salix alba ‘Tristis’ Bright golden-yellow twigs; long graceful 50–70 4–9, 9–3 (Golden weeping willow) branches. Styrax japonicus ‘Carillon’ Branches spread broadly before drooping at tips; 10–12 6–8, 8–6 (Japanese snowbell) fragrant white flowers; smooth gray bark. Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’ Twisted, pendulous branches; large leaves. 15–25 4–8, 7–3 (Camperdown elm)

Picea abies ‘Reflexa’ (Zones 2–8, 8–1) is a slow-growing prostrate selection of Norway spruce that grows about six inches high and spreads about four feet unless it is staked—as it is here at Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, New York— to grow up, allowing the branches to hang to the ground, creating a flowing effect. The branches are densely packed with stiff evergreen needles about three- quarter-inch long with sharp tips. This tree can have a variable habit, with some being more upright or pendulous than others. NEIL SODERSTROM

January / February 2015 31 Taming California’s

With a little care, gardeners in different regions of North America can successfully grow some of the West’s spectacular native wildflowers. BY JUDITH LARNER LOWRY

Y ARRIVAL in California From an ecological standpoint, Cal- and seed-growing grounds in Bolinas, one April almost four de- ifornia is more diverse than the rest just up the coast from San Francisco. M cades ago just happened to of the country. Because of this, some coincide with a good wildflower year. As plants are challenging to cultivate out- CLIMATE BASICS I explored sunlit fields of sky-blue lupines side their natural range and climate, In order to grow California’s wildflow- and golden poppies, with baby blue-eyes, while others are quite adaptable. ers, it’s helpful to understand the basic Chinese houses, and gilias in shaded corners, The good news is that among the rich template of the state’s Mediterranean I began my “education by wildflowers.” diversity of wildflowers native to Cali- climate, where cool, wet winters are fol- Through the years, I continued to ob- fornia and neighboring western states, lowed by warm, dry summers. serve and enjoy the annual wildflower there are a number of species that can This pattern is endlessly nuanced every bloom, growing many of these plants for be grown as annuals in other regions of year, with rain starting anytime from Sep- Larner Seeds, the company I founded in North America. Among these are the tember—or not—and continuing either 1977. This process taught me, in the most plants I am focusing on in this article, sporadically or uninterruptedly through pleasant way possible, the bones of what I drawn from 10 genera of the many I have March—or not. It almost never rains

needed to learn about my adopted state. personal experience with at our nursery in June, July, or August, rarely in May, PETER SMITH

32 the American Gardener Left: Visitors from around the world flock to California in early spring to view spectacles such as this luminous display of California poppies in Antelope Valley, located in northern Los Angeles County, California. Above: Douglas meadowfoam ( douglasii) is native from central California north into Oregon. Its Wildflowers species name honors Scottish plant hunter David Douglas, who explored western North America in the early 19th century.

and five or six months of uninterrupted known as meadowfoam. Most familiar even a footprint. Two weeks after a faint drought—as we experienced last year—is is Douglas meadowfoam (L. douglasii), sprinkle, the sturdy, lobed seedlings appear. not surprising. Rain can be scanty or con- which grows six to eight inches tall with Meadowfoam looks best when grown tinuous, varying from southern parts of deeply lobed leaves. Its striking five-pet- in masses three feet wide or more. But if the state up to and beyond the northern aled flowers are bright yellow in the cen- you don’t have that kind of space, it also boundaries, where California’s ecological ter with white tips. These bloom from thrives in containers, where, if watered zones merge with those of Oregon. February to May on the West Coast. regularly, it often reseeds, germinates, and In the wild, California’s annual wild- Other meadowfoams that make good flowers again in a single season. flowers begin to germinate with the fall and garden subjects include Point Reyes mead- winter rains, make root growth and early owfoam (L. douglasii ssp. var. sulphurea), BABY BLUE-EYES Baby blue-eyes (Nemoph- aboveground growth in winter and early which is native slightly north of our nursery ila menziesii) is the star member of a genus of spring, starting to bloom as early as Janu- and has deep yellow gold blossoms. Ranging low-growing beauties that reach six inches to ary and February. The same holds true for even further north is white meadowfoam (L. a foot tall. Its small flowers, sky blue around parts of Oregon and Arizona, while in the alba), which has pure white flowers. white centers, provide a rich contrast to the rest of the country, seeds planted in mid- to Meadowfoam is one of several Western oranges and yellows of spring composites late spring will bloom in summer. wildflowers that favor vernal pools and sea- and the pinks and lavenders of midsummer sonal wetlands. Vernal pools have a complex clarkias. At Larner Seeds, we sow it sequen- MEADOWFOAM Some of the toughest ecology that is difficult to reproduce artifi- tially, starting as early as October for early and most reliably reseeding wildflowers cially, but meadowfoam will thrive in the spring bloom, and as late as April for bloom

JUDYWHITE, GARDENPHOTOS.COM are in the genus Limnanthes, commonly tiniest of dips and hollows that collect water, in midsummer.

January / February 2015 33 Also prostrate in habit is fivespot (N. mac- ulata), native to the Sierra Nevada foothills and south, which has snowy-white flowers tipped with deep purple spots that serve as guides for the solitary that pollinate it. Nemophilas shine in the forefront of a flower border and in containers. Unlike most of the other wildflowers discussed here, they grow best in part shade, espe- cially in warmer regions, and can use a bit of extra moisture during dry spells. In

NemophilaNemophila maculatamaculata regions with hot, humid summers, sow them as early as possible or sow in late summer for fall bloom. Transplanting re- quires a bit of extra care because of their somewhat weak stems, so they are more easily grown by sowing the seed in place.

CLARKIA Clarkias almost singlehandedly extend California’s annual wildflower sea- Clarkia unguiculata son into the summer, with numerous spe- cies presenting their lavender, pink, rose, to bloom well into October in milder Mountain garland (C. unguiculata), tall and occasionally white blossoms among climates. The wild form, with smaller, and slender with tiny, deeply lobed petals summer’s dry golden grasses. Providing the paler markings and smaller flowers, is clinging to its elongated flower spikes. In wildflower season’s last flowery moment is better suited for those who prefer a more the wild, the single flowers range from white farewell-to-spring (Clarkia amoena). delicate appearance. to pink or purple, but hybrids with double An unnamed horticultural form of Punchbowl godetia (C. bottae), of- flowers and a greater range of pastel colors farewell-to-spring that we sell produces fers large pale lavender-pink blossoms are available. Growing two to four feet tall, flowers as large as three inches across, in with white centers. Ruby chalice clarkia it is ideal for the back of a flower border and a variety of deep and pale pinks, laven- (C. rubicunda) is dazzling June through makes a good cut flower. ders, and whites with striking markings. August, with a striking deep red-purple Growing one to two feet tall, it is a true heart at the base of the petals setting off GILIA Two species in the genus Gilia workhorse in the garden, blooming long the pale pink of the blossoms. It’s hard to are frequently used in gardens. Both are and reseeding well. Adaptable to a vari- pick favorites in this genus, but if I had sturdy and adaptable, but they offer a

ety of soils, it can be sown in late April to, this would be mine. contrast in habit and appearance. LEFT: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON. RIGHT: SAXON HOLT.

34 the American Gardener Bird’s-eye gilia (Gilia tricolor), adapt- able to sun or part-shade, has one- to two- WAYS TO GROW WILDFLOWERS foot stems. The most common form of Here are some guidelines for how to use these annual wildflowers in your garden. The this variable species has exquisitely tinted keys to success are to keep plantings free from weeds, protect them from birds, slugs, flowers only a half-inch across, with deep and snails, and provide sufficient water for germination and early growth. lavender-purple at the edges shading to white, the purple-black inner base sets off BEDS AND BORDERS Seeds can be directly sown onto prepared ground by broad- the blue pollen on the stamens, a charac- casting, or for more controlled kinds of plantings, you may choose to start them in teristic of the genus. These flowers have four-inch pots to allow for design. For example, if you are planting your wildflowers an unusually long bloom period and can in standard flower beds, the main consideration is height. Plant the tallest species, be used to unify a planting or a bouquet. such as tansyleaf phacelia, mountain garland, and globe gilia, in the back. Mid-size species include Chinese houses, tidy tips, and ruby chalice clarkia. And low-growers such as baby blue-eyes and Douglas meadowfoam should be in the front. For this type of controlled planting, at our nursery we grow seedlings in four- inch pots in an unheated , beginning in October. In cooler regions, such as the East and Midwest, seeds should be sown in March. We sow four to 10 seeds per pot, cover them lightly and keep them evenly moist. Once they germinate, you may choose to pluck out all but one of the seedlings, or leave them growing closely, as they do in nature. Expect germination within two weeks at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, somewhat slower in colder situations. Transplant them outdoors a couple of weeks after your local frost-free date.

WILDFLOWER MIXES Sowing wildflower mixes directly where they are to grow provides a sampler of many species, and a succession of bloom, from the earliest spring bloomers to those flowering from late summer to early fall. One thing to be aware of is that when a large number of species is included, the taller and more vigorous tend to eliminate the shorter. Avoid packaged mixes that include weedy or non-native species.

SWATHE PLANTING If you have a fairly large area to work with, you can create a dra- matic effect by sowing three or four species in large masses that overlap slightly. This kind of composition is frequently seen in nature, as shown below in the pho- Gilia tricolor tograph taken at the Carrizo Plain National Monument in south-central California.

Globe gilia (G. capitata) bears tight heads of dusty, medium blue flowers. Its upright, almost bushy stems, covered with bluish-green leaves, usually grow one to two feet tall in lean soil.

MOUNTAIN PHLOX Growing 12 to 18 inches tall with a tendency to sprawl, mountain phlox (Leptosiphon grandiflo- rus, syn. Linanthus grandiflorus) has tiny, needlelike dark green leaves and fragrant pale pink or white flowers with a yellow center that serve as a foil to the hot pinks of clarkias. Native to northern Califor- nia, it blooms in mid-season, but with supplemental moisture will keep going into the summer. Smaller Leptosiphon species are dain- CONTAINERS You can sow seeds of native wildflowers directly in containers, bare- ty, with exquisitely simple, intensely-col- ly covering them with a layer of soil. Keep the soil evenly moist. Lower-growing ored magenta flowers. Mountain phlox is species work better in containers than taller ones. Shallow pots, eight inches to a good in containers or planted in clusters foot deep, are good for nemophilas, Chinese houses, punchbowl clarkia, and oth- by itself, but it can be overpowered in a ers. The potential combinations, whether inspired by nature or by the gardener’s wildflower mix containing taller species. creative process, are endless. —J.L.L.

LEFT: JERRY PAVIA. RIGHT: PETER SMITH. Enjoy the fragrant flowers in a bouquet.

January / February 2015 35 CHINESE HOUSES Chinese houses (Col- of meadowfoam, with pure yellow flower linsia heterophylla, syn. C. bicolor) is one of centers sharply defined by creamy white pet- some 20 species in the genus Collinsia, main- al tips. It grows on sturdy one- to two-foot ly native to the western United States. Relat- stems bearing finely dissected foliage. Rela- ed to snapdragons, it is aptly named, with tives in different parts of the state share its regularly spaced, pagodalike tiers of two- daisylike appearance, with some having all lipped pale pink or white and pink-purple white and others all yellow flowers. blossoms circling 16- to 18-inch-tall stems. Tidytips seems to handle a wide range While in bloom, the plants glow from of soil types, including clay soil that by the within shady and semi-shady nooks or on time of its bloom in April is already drying north-facing slopes. Chinese houses is not into a pattern of cracks like a jigsaw puzzle. heat tolerant, so should be sown as early as Sow seeds where you want them to grow, possible in regions with warm summers and because tidytips doesn’t transplant well. planted to receive some protection from the LayiaLayia platyglossaplatyglossa heat of the day. However, it is quite capable TARWEED Tarweeds include a number of of handling full sun in milder climates. different genera that have in common daisy- on hands and feet. It has a pungent, fresh like flowers in yellow or white. The common smell beloved by some. TIDYTIPS The daisylike flowers of tidytips name stems from a sticky substance that ex- Growing from one to two feet tall, (Layia platyglossa) mirror the color pattern udes from foliage and stems and can rub off Hayfield tarweed (Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzula) is a too rarely grown annual that provides welcome golden flowers in late summer. Its insect-attracting quali- ties are an added benefit in the garden, where it thrives with lean soil and full sun. Hayfield tarweed reseeds well in cul- tivation, yet has not fared as well in its native range in recent years. Once a fairly common species, it is now thought to be threatened in some areas.

CALIFORNIA POPPY Undoubtedly the most widely recognized California wildflower, California poppy (Eschschol- zia californica) has a graceful habit and flower shape that has inspired architec- tural features, ceramics, paintings, and a plethora of songs and poems touting its beauty. Spanish explorers and settlers, who were early appreciators of Califor- nia’s wildflowers, called it copa de ora, or cup of gold. The Spanish were not the first, of course. Flower festivals were important spring ceremonials for many of the West’s indigenous tribes. The first poppy to be collected by Eu- ropeans was the coastal form of the Cali- fornia poppy (E. californica ssp. californi- ca), a perennial form that produces yellow blossoms with orange centers for as long as six months. Its finely-dissected, gray- green mounding foliage makes it useful as a groundcover, or as a filler among other low-growing plants. Many subspecies of the California poppy have been recognized, and hor- Collinsia heterophylla ticultural selections in a wide variety

of flower colors are also now available. LEFT: SAXON HOLT. RIGHT: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON.

36 the American Gardener a musky fragrance at day’s end. Well Resources known for attracting beneficial insects, it California Native Plants for the Garden is often grown with row crops. It tolerates by Carol Bornstein, David Fross, and sun or part shade and is a vigorous re- Bart O’Brien. Cachuma Press, Los seeder. Grow it with other tall species like Olivas, CA, 2005. Clarkia unguiculata, as it will crowd out Gardener’s Guide to California Wild- lower-growing nemophilas or collinsias. flowers by Kevin Connelly. Theodore Payne Foundation, Sun Valley, CA, A PLACE FOR WILDFLOWERS 1991. The natural spectacle created by Califor- nia’s annual wildflowers is threatened by Sources a variety of factors, primarily competi- Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, tion with weeds. Accordingly, anything Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulaluzula Richmond, CA. (888) 266-4370. that controls the weedy species—includ- www.anniesannuals.com. ing hand-weeding, sheet mulching, con- From an ecological standpoint, it is best The Fragrant Path, Fort Calhoun, NE. trolled grazing, and even extreme events for California gardeners to avoid contam- www.fragrantpathseeds.com. like fires and floods—can be good for the inating gene pools by sowing seed that’s J.L. Hudson, Seedsman, La Honda, wildflowers. As colonizer plants, sun-lov- not native to their region. For gardeners CA. www.jlhudsonseeds.com. ing native wildflowers like open ground living in other parts of the country, this Larner Seeds, Bolinas, CA. (415) and aren’t fussy how they get it. is not a concern. 868-9407. www.larnerseeds.com. Agriculture can go hand in hand with Sow seeds in very early spring, or in Nichols Garden Nursery, Albany, OR. wildflowers, or be antithetical to it. A late summer in mild-winter climates. (541) 928-9280. case in point is the farm field where I first Free draining sandy or loamy soil is ideal. www.nicholsgardennursery.com. admired meadowfoam seed. This field California poppies have a long taproot, had many seeps running through it and so if you plan to start them in pots, trans- an extensive soil seed bank of many other plant them into the garden before the is found in the Mojave Desert cuddling wildflowers as well. The original rancher taproot reaches the bottom of the pot. up to and Joshua trees. Adapted cut the field for sileage for many years to full sun and lean soils in the wild, its without endangering the meadowfoam. PHACELIA The genus Phacelia provides bloom time is extended in moister, richer When the field changed hands, so some of the most intense blues in the gardens soils. did agricultural practices. The field was flower kingdom. Desert bluebells (Phace- Tansyleaf phacelia (P. tanacetifolia) drained, plowed, and sown with pasture lia campanularia), one of the shorter is one of the tallest annual wildflow- grasses and wild mustard, which quickly members of the genus at eight to 16 inch- ers, growing two to four feet tall with outcompeted and eventually overcame es tall, has velvety dark blue flowers. It large curling lilac flowerheads that emit the meadowfoam. Before that happened, I harvested a handful of meadowfoam seed, which provided the start for our seed grow-outs. Sowings we have made in nearby private gardens now return every year. Giving native species places to grow—even if they are not native to your region—offers them refuge and the potential for return. In the tersely written 1,400-page flora of California called The Jepson Manual, only six out of 27 species of clarkias are said to be “in cultivation.” Another 11 are marked “TRY.” With similar numbers of as-yet-untested species available in other genera of American wildflowers, an abun- dance of possibilities awaits intrepid gar- deners and horticulturists. 

Judith Larner Lowry is the founder of Larner Seeds in Bolinas, California. She is the au- Phacelia campanularia thor of several books, including California

TOP: PETER SMITH. BOTTOM: SUSAN A. ROTH Foraging (Timber Press, 2014).

January / February 2015 37 HOMEGROWNC HARVEST

Roselle: A Lovely Hibiscus for Tangy Teas by Michelle Z. Donahue

leaves that envelop the fruit ) are now becoming more available in specialty stores—often labeled generically as “hibis- cus”—either dried for tea-making or sug- ared as a candy treat. Many home gardeners are also beginning to cultivate roselle again for its herbal and ornamental qualities. Only one selection, ‘Thai Red’, is gen- erally available to home gardeners. Grow- ing three to five feet tall and spreading to four feet, it has a neat, shrubby habit with dark green three-lobed leaves with deep red veins, red stems, and creamy yellow flowers with dark red “eyes,” or centers. The first year I grew it, I planted it in my vegetable garden, but because it’s such a striking plant, I now grow roselle in the flowerbeds at my Frederick, Maryland, home, where its exotic beauty shines. GROWING GUIDELINES In North America, roselle is grown as an annual and can be started easily from seed or propagated from cuttings. North- ern gardeners with short growing seasons need to get a head start by sowing seed indoors to improve their chances of get- ting a good harvest; start roselle about the same time as tomatoes. Delay transplant- ing to the garden until well after the last frost, when night temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit; the plants do not tolerate cold. Gardeners in USDA Har- RA WALLACE, a co-owner of the co- Although the geographic origins of diness Zones 8 to 11 or AHS Heat Zones operative Southern Exposure Seed Ex- roselle are somewhat murky, it is a com- 12 to 9 can direct-seed roselle in May. I change in central Virginia, thought the mon ingredient in the medicinal and Roselle thrives in hot weather and first time she’d encountered roselle (Hibis- culinary traditions of cultures in a wide should be sited in full sun. It grows best in cus sabdariffa) was in Egypt, when she was range of tropical regions from Southeast a well-drained, sandy loam but performs offered a refreshingly tart, citrusy, bright-red Asia to Africa. tolerably well in a range of soils, even in tea made from its calyxes. But after growing At one time it was a common and clay. Raised beds help provide the drainage it herself, she realized that this lovely plant home crop plant in the South, but it is now roselle prefers when grown in a heavy soil. had been present throughout her childhood used in the U.S. primarily for commercial Keep young plants well weeded and in Florida. “They call it sorrel there, and I herbal tea—it’s the main ingredient in Ce- mulched. Older plants shade their own root didn’t think it was the same thing until I lestial Seasoning’s popular Red Zinger® zone and are more or less maintenance-free. grew it,” she says. tea. However, the calyxes (the modified If your soil is infertile, apply a balanced or- ganic fertilizer or well rotted manure in early

The dried calyxes of roselle, foreground, makes a delicious red tea with a bracing flavor. spring; overfeeding can result in fewer flow- MICHELLE Z. DONAHUE

38 the American Gardener ers. A light, late-spring will yield a en garden near Birmingham, Alabama, more compact plant and increase the num- notes roselle was the only plant left stand- PLANTING BASICS ber of flowering stems. ing after she left her farm unsupervised Getting Started Rub seeds lightly with Flowering begins after the summer during a short vacation. “The deer ate sandpaper and sow half an inch deep solstice and lasts until frost, with the hundreds of strawberries, all our sweet and one inch apart. Provide lots of light. main harvest late in the summer. Flow- potatoes, and all my heirloom peas,” she Keep moist but do not overwater. Bot- ers unfurl daily, their soft yellow petals says, “but they didn’t touch the roselle.” tom heat boosts germination fading to pink and wilting by late after- When seedlings are about two inch- ENJOYING THE HARVEST es tall, transplant them to four-inch The red calyxes can be harvested while they pots. Plant outdoors after soil has are still fleshy; just remove them by hand. warmed and night temperatures are Once peeled away from the interior seed reliably above 50 degrees F. pod and cooked, the calyxes look and taste Spacing Space plants three to five very much like cranberry sauce. One of its feet apart. Roselle also grows well in common names, in fact, is Florida cran- large containers. berry. Early in the 20th century, growers Days to Harvest Roselle needs at least in Florida and hoped to market 100 consecutive days of warm weather roselle as a substitute for cranberries, but to mature. Calyxes are usually ready to the nascent industry never took off. pick 10 to 20 days after flowering, and Harvested calyxes can be used fresh; should snap off easily from the stem. they also dry and freeze well. One roselle Harvest older calyxes with shears. plant produces up to two pounds of fresh Flowering continues until frost. calyxes each season. Tea is by far the most common preparation, but the juice can be made into jams, jellies, compotes, chutneys, vinaigrettes, and sorbets. Sources To dry for tea, use a food dehydrator or Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., spread the peeled calyxes on a baking sheet Mansfield, MO. (417) 924-8917. and allow them to dry indoors at room www.rareseeds.com. Roselle’s red-eyed flowers last only a few temperature for a week, then store in an Renee’s Garden, Felton, CA. (888) days and are followed by fleshy red calyxes, airtight container. Ten pounds of fresh ca- 880-7228. www.reneesgarden.com. also present in this photograph, which can be lyxes will dry to about a pound. Richters Herbs, Goodwood, ON. harvested and used fresh or dried. To make tea, I boil two to three ta- Canada. (905) 640-6677. blespoons of dried, crushed calyxes for www.richters.com. noon. Blooms are replaced in a few days several minutes in one cup of water, but Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, by swollen wine-red calyxes. you can also steep them for three or four Mineral, VA. (540) 894-9480. As an ornamental, roselle can be minutes in freshly boiled water. www.southernexposure.com. grown in a flowerbed as an accent speci- Fresh roselle calyxes are high in vitamin men; tuck it into its own corner and give C, calcium, and riboflavins. Traditionally, it plenty of room so faster-growing an- roselle has been used to treat liver and kid- berry” sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat nuals or perennials won’t crowd it out. It ney ailments, diabetes, and coughs. Studies one-and-a-half cups of water with a half also makes an attractive summer hedge. indicate that roselle tea is a strong antioxi- cup of orange juice, a pinch of cinnamon, dant and anti-inflammatory that may help and a cup each of white and brown sugar. PESTS AND DISEASES reduce high blood pressure. Once the mixture boils, turn down the heat Roselle is largely trouble free, although Fresh young leaves add tartness to sal- and simmer gently for five minutes, stirring leaves can develop powdery mildew if sum- ads; cooked, they are popular in South constantly. Add four cups of chopped fresh mers are damp. I experienced a bit of stem Asian cuisine. Thanda Tin, who runs the or thawed roselle, and continue to stir for a rot in October, but the plants were already Moulmein Kitchen cooking blog from her few more minutes until calyxes are tender. in decline so it didn’t affect calyx yield. home in Singapore, wrote that in her na- Don’t say anything to guests when you serve In hot, dry areas, root-knot nema- tive Myanmar, locals favor a curry called the sauce at your next dinner party and see if todes are roselle’s primary pest. Discour- chin baung kyaw, made with young leaves they can tell it’s not cranberries.  age infestations by rotating plantings stir-fried with garlic, Thai chilies, bamboo each year and keeping the garden well shoots, cilantro, shrimp, shrimp paste, and Freelance writer Michelle Z. Donahue mulched to conserve water. fish sauce. Adding water transforms the grows vegetables and native plants in her Fortunately, deer seem to ignore curry into a soup, chin baung hin yay. gardens in Frederick, Maryland. She blogs roselle. Mary Beth Shaddix, who man- Those with less adventurous palates can about her gardening successes and slip-ups

MICHELLE Z. DONAHUE ages Cooking Light magazine’s test kitch- try Wallace’s recipe for easy “Florida cran- at www.ploughandfurrow.com.

January / February 2015 39 GARDENC SOLUTIONS

Plant Breeding and Genetic Modification by Scott Aker

ITH ADVANCES in cell plants and shrubs became the subject of culture and techniques for long-term breeding programs. W transforming DNA, what ACHIEVEMENTS IN MODERN once seemed like science fiction is now re- ality. Scientists are able to do things such as As the study of genetics progressed in the insert the genes of a jellyfish into the DNA 1930s, it was discovered that colchicine, a of a mouse and genetic material from bac- substance found in autumn crocus (Colchi- teria into plants, thus creating mice that cum spp.), could be used to cause a doubling glow in the dark and corn that manufac- of the number of a plant’s chromosomes (a tures its own . phenomenon called tetraploidy). This de- Many gardeners, concerned that velopment helped extend the ornamental our juggling the building blocks of life value of many garden plants. In general, might have unintended—and unaccept- tetraploidy causes plants to produce thicker able—consequences, are striving to avoid leaves, which may be less appetizing to pests, genetically modified plants. In order to and thicker flower petals, which hold up in understand the potential risks, however, the garden much better. By crossing a tet- it helps to take a closer look at how hu- raploid—a plant with four sets of chromo- mans have, throughout history, changed somes—with a normal diploid, which has the genetics of the plants we grow. two sets of chromosomes, triploid offspring may result. These triploids don’t produce JUGGLING GENES IS NOT NEW fertile seed, so they are incapable of repro- Genetic selection has been around as long ducing sexually. Breeders are using this at- as life itself. Before humans, changing en- Wheat is one of the oldest cultivated plants. tribute to create sterile versions of plants that vironments shaped plant life. Early plants, currently pose an invasive risk. evolving in relatively benign climates vast differences in performance. We didn’t With advances in tissue culture in the with few competitors, were very simple. know the mechanism for these changes, and second half of the 20th century came the As nature began to challenge them with there was a lot of genetic variability with- ability to genetically manipulate individ- drought, insect pests, diseases, and hun- in the plants we selected because they were ual cells and grow them in plants that gry herbivores, plants evolved new ways to open-pollinated—pollinated randomly by could be used for breeding. The advent survive, such as developing thorns to ward insects, birds, and wind. of gene insertion technology, which off the hungry, underground storage struc- Gregor Mendel, a 19th-century monk allows scientists to directly change seg- tures such as tubers to carry them through who lived in what is now the Czech Re- ments of DNA in a plant’s genetic code, droughts, and fuzzy leaves to discourage public, changed the face of plant breeding. has opened up all kinds of possibilities. insect attack, just to name a few. When Working with One product of this technology is the humans began to grow plants for food, ge- peas, he demon- development of potatoes that can manu- netic change went into overdrive. strated that pol- facture the same proteins as the bacterium Grains were the first crops to be widely lination could Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), making their grown for food, and they are the plants we be controlled to foliage toxic to the larvae of Colorado have most profoundly altered. We selected produce a certain potato beetle. Gene insertion technology for the attributes that we most valued in kind of plant. This is also being used in an effort to control them, and this was done generation after led to genetically viruses that cannot be managed without generation—to the point where crop plants uniform crops. killing the infected plant. It has been found bore little semblance to their wild forebears, Grains and vegeta- in many cases that desired DNA can be in- as is the case with wheat and corn. We also Gregor Mendel bles became more serted into plant cells to limit the impact took these crops to many parts of the globe, productive, and of the viruses or shut them off altogether. where the plants further adapted to local uniformity allowed mechanization of har- Additionally, promising work is being

conditions, creating strains of crops with vesting. And for the first time, flowering done in the area of foliar disease resis- TOP: LAURA BERMAN. BOTTOM: PUBLIC DOMAIN

40 the American Gardener tance simply by creating subtle chemi- that are threatened by a new disease or pest. cal changes in a plant’s epidermal cells. In 1850, 350 apple varieties were grown in Gardening Q&A with When disease spores land on susceptible the United States. Today, a handful of vari- Scott Aker leaves, they don’t germinate because the eties is commercially grown. As home gar- chemical cues that let the spores know deners, we can help enrich the gene pool of CULTIVATING LOTUS they are on a leaf are missing. Plants may all cultivated plants by seeking out unusual What is the best way to get American also be designed to produce proteins that varieties, growing plants from seed, saving lotus started in the home ? help them cope with heat and drought, the seeds from these plants to replant, and a trait that may prove very important in sharing seeds with other gardeners. Also known as yoncapin, water-chin- adaptation of plants to more extreme cli- Another worry is about how genetical- quapin, and yellow lotus, American matic conditions. ly engineered crops may affect non-target lotus (Nelumbo lutea, Zones 4–11, organisms. One example is the monarch 12–1) is the only lotus native to the THE PERILS AND BENEFITS butterfly, whose populations have been United States. This aquatic plant So what are the dangers of genetic manip- dwindling rapidly. In laboratory and field grows from tubers, producing two-foot- ulation? A big concern is the narrowing experiments, monarch butterfly larvae wide leaves on stems that rise two to of the gene pool represented in the plants were killed by consuming milkweed leaves three feet above water. Its pale yellow flowers, which can be 10 inches wide, bloom in mid- to late summer, fol- lowed by decorative seedpods. To successfully grow American lotus, your pond must be located in full sun and be deep enough and wide enough to accommodate the plant’s spread. You will need to provide it a large planting tub filled with rich clay loam. To start with seeds, scarify them with a file on one end to break the tough seed coat. Plant them in a pot and submerge it in water so the seeds are about two inches below the water’s surface. Germination is best in water that is about 75 de- grees Fahrenheit. For a quicker start, plant the -shaped tubers. Unless you live where winters are mild, the tubers should be lifted and brought indoors after the first frost, then Many superior ornamental garden plants replanted outdoors in spring. (Note: available today—such as ‘Touch of Class’ American lotus is considered a noxious hosta, above, and ‘Cherokee Star’ , weed in Connecticut, and has the poten- left—are tetraploid selections. tial to become invasive, so never dispose of them in local waterways.) —S.A. heavily dusted with pollen from corn en- gineered to produce the same proteins as Send your gardening questions to Scott Bt. We must keep in mind, however, these Aker at [email protected] (please include controlled studies can’t quantify the risk your city and state with submissions). from these crops in the real world. Other variables—such as habitat loss and climate change—may be more significant threats tually be able to purchase roses that are to non-target species like the monarch but- genetically modified to resist black spot, we cultivate for food. Early humans, con- terfly. Proponents for genetic engineering thus reducing the need for cerned solely with survival, did not spend also argue that these modified crops elimi- treatment. At the same time, we can leave much time conserving wild forebears of nate the need for frequent pesticide appli- a little wild space in our gardens for milk- the plants they cultivated. cations, which is known to have a negative weed plants that are kept pesticide-free Now we recognize that these wild plants impact on non-target organisms. for the monarch butterflies.  contain a wealth of genetic variability. In the end, perhaps gardeners can opt Often, it is these wild genes that offer solu- to strike a balance with the type of plants Scott Aker is a horticulturist based in

COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS (2) tions for breeding better selections of plants we select for our gardens. We may even- Washington, D.C.

January / February 2015 41 GARDENERC’S NOTEBOOK

Horticultural News and Research Important to American Gardeners TREES HAVE MICROBIAL “FINGERPRINTS” A team of researchers from the Universi- ty of Oregon in Eugene and the Smith- sonian Tropical Research Institute have determined that each tree species has its own microbiome—a unique ecological community of microorganisms—living on its leaves. While studying the bacte- ria on the leaves of 57 species of trees in Panama, the scientists also discovered that the abundance of specific bacteria in these microbiomes appeared to be re- lated to specific traits of the trees. “Because of the importance of the mi- crobiome for the growth and function of the host, understanding the factors that in- fluence bacteria on the leaves of different trees could have important implications for our ability to model and conserve bio- ‘Pam’s Mountain Bouquet’ is one of three newly introduced kousa dogwoods that have exhibited logical diversity and ecosystem function,” good resistance to fungal diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. explains lead researcher Steven Kembel, who is currently a professor of biological hibit good resistance to the fungal dis- INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SOILS sciences at the University of Quebec in eases that plague eastern dogwood. In an effort to raise awareness about the Montreal. “Ultimately, we hope that un- Phillip Wadl, a UT research assistant important role of soil as a natural re- derstanding the factors that explain vari- professor and lead author of a report about source, the Global Soil Partnership at ation in bacterial abundances across host the new cultivars published in the Septem- the Food & Agriculture Organization of species will help us better manage biolog- ber 2014 issue of HortScience, notes that the United Nations ical diversity in forests and the health and ‘Empire’ and ‘Red Steeple’ would make has declared 2015 function of forest ecosystems,” he adds. particularly good choices for urban street the International Visit www.uonews.uoregon.edu for planting given that they top out at about Year of Soils. In the more details. 30 feet tall, but only five feet in diameter. United States, the He particularly likes their exfoliating bark Soil Science Society NEW ORNAMENTAL DOGWOODS WITH as a winter feature. Where these two trees of America (SSSA) GREATER DISEASE RESISTANCE differ is in leaf and bract color. ‘Empire’ has will take the lead The eastern dogwood (Cornus florida), a the green leaf and brilliant white bracts tra- on coordinating much beloved small tree native to east- ditionally associated with dogwoods. ‘Red related events. Its ern North America, has been plagued in Steeple’ puts on a show in spring when approach is organized around monthly recent years by its susceptibility to fungal emerging leaves show red then fade to green themes starting with “Soils Sustain Life” diseases such as anthracnose and pow- as temperatures increase. Its floral bracts in January, followed by “Soil Supports dery mildew. Plant breeders have been have red-tinted margins. Urban Life” for February. trying to develop more disease-resistant Wadl describes ‘Pam’s Mountain “Soil—like air, water, and sunlight— replacements for this landscape staple, Bouquet’ as “spectacular when in bloom” is one of the natural resources necessary often tapping the genetics of the kousa because it is covered in large, white, for life,” says David Lindbo, past presi- dogwood (C. kousa), native to Asia. fused bracts. The spreading habit, about dent of SSSA and professor of soil sci- Recently, the University of Tennessee 15 feet tall with equal spread, brings the ence at North Carolina State University (UT) Dogwood Improvement Program display closer to eye level. Exfoliating in Raleigh. “By telling the story of what released three new kousa dogwood cul- bark also offers year-round appeal. soil does for us, we hope to increase the tivars—‘Empire’, ‘Red Steeple’, and To find out more about these new trees, respect humans give back to soil, to pro-

‘Pam’s Mountain Bouquet’—that ex- visit www.hortsa.ashspublications.org. tect it for future generations,” he adds. TOP: COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY TENNESSEE. BOTTOM: FOOD & AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION

42 the American Gardener Of particular interest to K-12 teach- ers is a free monthly email with soil in- formation, links, videos, and activities based on the theme of the month (www. soils.org/iys for sign-up). SSSA also has volunteer scientist speakers available for discussion on each monthly theme (www.soils4teachers.org/ask). TOP-NOTCH CORAL BELLS Shade-loving coral bells (Heuchera spp.) can vary tremendously in terms of foli- age color, flowers, and size. A multitude of selections are available, with new ones released each year. To help gar- deners identify the best performers for the mid-Atlantic region, the Mt. Cuba Heuchera ‘Citronelle’, above left, needs full-day shade to prevent its bright yellow leaves from Center in Hockessin, Delaware, recent- bleaching. The -colored foliage of ‘Cajun Fire’, above right, tolerates up to four hours of sun. ly completed a three-year trial of more than 80 selections bred from two coral bright chartreuse. Reaching 14 inches tall reaches only six inches tall with petite bells species native to the eastern United by 30 inches wide, it maintains a dense green leaves, but produces an impressive States. Plants were evaluated for plant and round habit. Similarly, silver-leaved display of wispy white flowers in early vigor, fullness, foliage color, floral dis- ‘Color Dream’ and purple-leaved ‘Cajun summer. ‘Frosted Violet’ grows about 14 play, and uniformity of growth. Fire’ displayed outstanding foliage color inches tall with silver-veiled purple leaves At the top of the list was Heuchera and lushness. Among those that received and light pink flowers in midsummer. ‘Citronelle’. This robust cultivar dis- high marks for floral display are ‘Apple To read the full report, go to www. plays intensely yellow leaves that fade to Crisp’ and ‘Frosted Violet’. ‘Apple Crisp’ mtcubacenter.org. LEFT: COURTESY OF MT. CUBA CENTER. RIGHT: TERRA NOVA NURSERIES

January / February 2015 43 PEOPLE and PLACES in the NEWS NOTABLE ANNIVERSARIES IN 2015 The American Public Garden Association (APGA) turns 75 this The Garden Conservancy, which defines its mission as saving and year. Formerly the American Association of Botanical Gardens sharing American gardens, turns 25 this year. Over the years and Arboreta, in 2006 the organization changed its name to the since its founding in 1989, the organization has helped over APGA but has always served as a professional organization for 100 gardens all over the country survive, and educated the pub- public garden staff. There are more than 500 institutional mem- lic through its events and educational programs. Information bers located throughout the United States and in eight other about its latest projects is at www.gardenconservancy.org. countries. Visit www.publicgardens.org for more information. Celebrating 100 years is the Marjorie McNeeley Conserva- tory in St. Paul, Minnesota. Originally opened in 1915 as the GARDEN PERIODICALS: TWO RENAMINGS AND A NEW VENTURE centerpiece of the city’s Como Park, the conservatory covers Organic Gardening magazine, a 72-year-old grande dame in two acres under glass and is one of the few Victorian style the garden publication world, will be rebranded as Rodale’s Or- ganic Life starting with the May/June 2015 issue. Organic Gar- dening began in 1942 as Organic Farming and Gardening and was the first of many well known titles published by Rodale, including Prevention, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health. The rebrand will include a digital presence and live events. Another name change will be coming up for Zone 4—its new moniker Rocky Mountain Gardening will take effect with the spring 2015 issue. The new name, selected by readers in a vote, is intended to more accurately reflect the true geographic extent of the mag- azine’s reach. A brand new gardening publication, The Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory Pith + Vigor, launched its inaugural issue in October 2014. Billed as “For people with dirt under their fingernails,” this glasshouses in the United States still functioning. In 1974 quarterly newspaper provides regional and community focused it was listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and in information. Currently, only the New England region is cov- 1999 it was named a Horticultural Landmark by the Amer- ered, but Rochelle Greayer, founder and editor, envisions local ican Society for Horticultural Science, becoming the third editorial teams covering all regions in the United States. public garden in the U.S. to achieve this status. It houses a permanent botanical collection as well as hosting flower SCOTTSMIRACLE-GRO EXPANDS EMPIRE shows and other events. Event schedules and more informa- Scotts Canada Ltd., indirect subsidiary of ScottsMira- tion are at www.comozooconservatory.org. cle-Gro Company, has acquired Fafard and Brothers Ltd. A half-century is now under the belt of the California Na- Known for its high-quality peat moss, Fafard has been in tive Plant Society, which was business since 1940 and was the first peat moss miner to created in 1965 to protect the achieve Veriflora certification for responsibly managed peat native plant heritage of Cali- land. The company also distributes fertilizer, grass seed, fornia. Since its inception, it and mulch across eastern Canada and the United States. has expanded to include con- ScottsMiracle-Gro anticipates that the acquisition of Fafard servation, education, gardening, rare plant science, and veg- will add roughly $40 million in annual earnings to the $2.8 etation science. Visit www.cnps.org for more information. billion in worldwide sales it already books. 

MONARCH BUTTERFLY CONSIDERED FOR Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) eliminates native plants like milkweed. ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST populations have plummeted by 90 per- The widespread disappearance of America’s beloved and iconic monarch cent in less than 20 years, a phenomenon milkweed (Asclepias spp.) is important butterfly may be getting some assistance scientists believe is primarily related to because the 3,000-mile monarch mi- from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, some 165 million acres of habitat being gration from their over-wintering sites which in December announced it was lost to large-scale mechanized farming in Mexico is accomplished by multiple going to perform a status review to de- practices, which include planting of ge- generations reproducing and feeding on termine if the butterfly should be clas- netically engineered crops that withstand milkweed along the way. The life cycle sified as “threatened” under the Federal the use of glyphosate-based . of monarchs is deeply intertwined with

Endangered Species Act. Widespread spraying with the milkweeds; monarchs only lay eggs on OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN GARDENING TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF MARJORIE MCNEELEY CONSERVATORY. BOTTOM CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY, RIGHT:

44 the American Gardener New York. These chestnuts contain a single wheat gene that gives the trees the ability to break down the toxin the fun- gal pathogen uses to attack them. “Our goal was to develop an Amer- ican chestnut tree that has blight re- sistance equal to that of a Chinese chestnut,” says William Powell, a pro- fessor in the SUNY College of Environ- mental Science and Forestry, who leads the research project with his colleague Chuck Maynard. “We are there. We’ve done it,” Powell says. These chestnuts represent one of the first instances of a bioengineered native landscape plant. Before these transgenic trees can be released, they first must pass

Populations of monarch butterflies have dwindled drastically in the last two decades.

milkweed, and milkweeds are the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Other factors affecting monarch popula- tions include changing weather patterns and logging in their winter grounds. (For more information about the decline of monarchs and information on how gardeners can as- sist in their recovery, see the article “Plight of the Butterfly” in the May/June 2014 issue of The American Gardener.) By initiating the review, the Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes that there is substantial evidence that the listing may be necessary. The public may submit scientific and commercial data as well as other information during a 60-day peri- od. Visit www.fws.gov for details. Researcher William Powell checks a hybrid WHEAT GENE FIGHTS BLIGHT IN chestnut tree being developed in a restoration AMERICAN CHESTNUT project in Syracuse, New York. Ever since an introduced fungal blight nearly wiped out American chestnut muster with the U.S. Department of Ag- (Castanea dentata) trees in the eastern riculture, the Environmental Protection United States a century ago, researchers Agency, and—because the tree has edible have attempted to develop a more re- nuts—the Food and Drug Administra- sistant tree. Some success resulted from tion. This will require years of rigorous crossbreeding the American chestnut testing to ensure that the new tree poses with more resistant Chinese chestnuts no ecological and health risks. In the (C. mollissima). meantime, Powell says the goal is to pro- Even more promising, according to a duce 10,000 American chestnut trees paper published in the November 2014 ready to go out into the wider world, if issue of the journal Plant Science, is a line and when approval comes through. of transgenic chestnuts created through To learn more, visit www.esf.edu.  the State University of New York (SUNY) American Chestnut Research Written by Editorial Intern Mary S. Chad-

LEFT: BILL JOHNSON. RIGHT: COURTESY OF AMERICAN CHESTNUT RESEARCH AND RESTORATION PROJECT and Restoration Project in Syracuse, duck with Associate Editor Viveka Neveln.

January / February 2015 45 GREENC GARAGE®

Staying Busy in Winter by Rita Pelczar

N JANUARY and February, things on the business end of your tools. And comfortably accommodate three shovels, are pretty quiet in my garden, but both have a comfortable grip with a full- rakes, and/or hoes. www.gardeners.com. Inot in my garage. Winter is a good length finger guard. The tool getting Assembling new tools is another good time to organize garden supplies and winter activity that gives me a head start tools, and to inspect, clean, and repair on spring gardening. My new Worx them if needed. Care for your tools and AeroCart™ was easy to put together—it they’ll last much longer. took less than a half hour—and holds Cleaning tools—particularly those that promise for a wide range of garden ap- come in contact with soil—should be done plications. It’s quite versatile. First, it’s a after each use, but sometimes a shovel or wheelbarrow with a thin, 22-inch width, hoe doesn’t get cleaned as well as it should. making it a good fit for use in my veg- A hard bristle brush or steel wool will re- etable garden, where the paths between move accumulated dirt and metal corro- beds are too narrow for larger carts. Its sion. Once tools are dirt free, I like to coat two wheels provide both stability and ma- the metal with Fluid Film, a non-toxic, lanolin-based cleaner, lubricant, and rust AccSharp Knife and Tool Sharpener inhibitor from Garden- ers Edge. A thin coating sharpened remains stationary while you provides lasting protec- slide the sharpener along the edge a few tion for all metals and times, applying light pressure. It’s quick keeps the joints of prun- and easy. www.gardenersedge.com. ers, loppers, shears, and Storing tools so they are easy to lo- hedge trimmers working cate when you need them can save a lot smoothly. It also can be of time. After cleaning and sharpening used to coat the under- my long-handled Worx Aero-Cart side of mowers to help tools, I hang them prevent corrosion and in- on the wall using neuverability; it turns on a dime! By fold- Fluid Film hibit grass build-up during Garden Tool ing up the legs and folding down a front mowing season. Racks available plate, the cart converts to a hand truck Another task I tackle every winter is from Gardener’s for hauling bags of fertilizer, mulch, or sharpening blades. A well-sharpened hoe Supply Compa- potting soil. There are arm extensions for or spade reduces the elbow grease needed ny. They come as wider loads, a strap for moving when it’s time to put the tools to use. a set of two pow- heavy plants, and a mesh sling for mov- Garden knives, pruners, scythes, grass der-coated steel ing oddly shaped items, including rocks. and hedge shears, axes—anything with racks with the I have been using the sling to collect and a blade gets a going over. necessary mount- move boulders of various sizes for a new A pair of blade sharpeners, also from ing hardware to raised bed I’m building. I can see this tool Gardeners Edge, makes short work of install them in a getting quite a workout come spring. the job. The AccuSharp® Knife and convenient spot in www.worx.com. Tool Sharpener is designed for tools your garage. They Before long, another growing season with double-edge blades, and the Gar- keep your tools will be here and all my tools will be back denSharp® Lawn and Garden Tool in sight, within in action. It’s good to know they’ll be Sharpener is for blades with a single reach, and off the ready when my garden is.  beveled edge. Both tools have reversible floor. The arms and replaceable diamond-honed, tung- extend 12 inches, Rita Pelczar is a contributing editor for

sten carbide blades that put a fine edge Garden Tool Rack so each rack can The American Gardener. ALL PHOTOS BY RITA PELCZAR EXCEPT FOR WORX AEROCART, COURTESY OF WORX.COM

46 the American Gardener

BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

The Third Plate The Glory of the Tree Dan Barber. Penguin Press, New York, New York, 2014. 486 pages. Noel Kingsbury. Firefly Books, Buffalo, New York, 2014. 288 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $29.95. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $39.95.

DAN BARBER, executive chef of the Blue Hill restaurants in OCCASIONALLY I come across a book that tries to be all things downtown Manhattan and at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, to all people. The Glory of the Tree by Noel Kingsbury, with pho- New York, knows more about soil tography by Andrea Jones, is such health, farming, food raising, and a book. It is a coffee-table book, cooking than seems possible for such an ecology book, a history book, a a busy chef; he’s been a widely recog- utilitarian book, and an ornamen- nized leader in farm-to-table dining tal arboriculture book. It succeeds for well over a decade. While it was in all these roles, for the most part, once groundbreaking to talk about in the course of profiling 90 species the farmer’s relationship with the of trees from around the world. chef, as Barber says in his new book, I like many things about it, The Third Plate, “Farm-to-table has including the high-quality paper, since gone from a fringe idea to a the concise species abstracts, and mainstream social movement.” the fascinating “Fathers of the Barber proposes that we are ready to evolve to a new phase of Forest” chart at the end that shows the age and location of the our modern relationship with food, one that builds an American oldest living examples of specific taxa. I also like that each tree cuisine around using the entire farm. This cuisine would eschew profile is arranged seemingly at random instead of predictably the “Westernized, meat-centric conception of a plate of food,” alphabetically. Finally, the author did the exhaustive research and instead would “create demand for soil-improving crops and that makes the content rise far above his own direct experience, enlarge our sense of what is delicious.” resulting in some of the book’s best characteristics. It is not just Barber’s chef credentials, multiple James Beard Any book that tries to cover so many angles will inevitably con- awards, or popular accolades (Time magazine named him one tain little glitches, and this one is no exception. The most noticeable of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2009) that to me, keeping American readers in mind, is that the content is make him worth listening to. He also has an extraordinary abil- clearly the product of a British author. Though American spelling ity to articulate what’s going on at the local and global levels and grammar are used (no, you won’t find a “u” in “color”), you’ll of food production, and how our complicated modern lives occasionally come across a decidedly British common name, such as and eating habits influence it. He boils all this down to offer referring to linden trees as limes, or to baldcypress as swamp cypress. eloquent insight into what is currently on our plates and why. A few statements reveal a lack of familiarity with North The Third Plate is aptly subtitled “Field Notes on the Future American tree species in general. For example, Kingsbury asserts of Food.” Barber weaves together his own childhood farming ex- that Scots pine is unusual among conifers in losing its symmetry periences and lessons learned from kitchen and farm with those of as it ages. This suggests to me that he has never seen the many innovative farmers, ranchers, and fishermen around the globe. He North American species that follow the same trend. visits them firsthand to learn how their partnerships with chefs may Dramatic scenic photographs throughout the book certain- change the way we eat and also relate to earth’s fragile ecosystems. ly do glorify their arboreal subjects. However, several close-up I predict this book will make readers hungry for real food shots taken with overly selective focus left much to be desired. that tastes delicious, for more diverse food choices, and for Still, this book has so much to recommend it. Many of the innovative solutions to feeding humanity without destroying chapters are brilliantly written, and I learned something new the environment. For the home gardener, it’s an affirmation on nearly every page. Read it as a continuing story, not as a spot that how we treat the land and grow food has ramifications reference, and you will be richly rewarded. well beyond ourselves. —Guy Sternberg —Betsy Hays Guy Sternberg is the founder of Starhill Forest Arboretum of Il- Betsy Hays is an environmental writer and children’s book author linois College in Petersburg, Illinois, and lead author of Native based in Wayne, New Jersey. Trees for North American Landscapes (Timber Press, 2004).

48 the American Gardener The Gardener’s Garden Victoria Clarke, Commissioning Editor. Phaidon, New York, New York, 2014. 480 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $79.95.

FROM THE comfort of their armchairs, readers of The Gar- dener’s Garden can enjoy a whirlwind tour of many of the world’s greatest gardens. The book, illustrated with 1,200 color photographs, features more than 1920 North Forest Avenue | Orlando, FL 32803 250 outstanding public and pri- 407.246.2620 | leugardens.org vate gardens from five continents around the world. Each garden’s succinct profile is rich with lyr- ical descriptions of what makes Camellias in Bloom! it unique and significant, along with interesting historical tidbits to provide context. For example, one featured lo- cation that stood out to me is a little-known public garden called Plaz Metaxu in Devon, England. A rare “garden of the mind,” its name is Greek for “the place between, expressing the idea of transition and a sense of tentative, searching space. A recurring theme in the garden is the transition from enclosed spaces to open vistas.” Then I traveled through the pages to Nishat Bagh, a 17th- Camellia Tours with Director Robert Bowden century garden in Kashmir designed by Asaf Khan IV. “Orig- will be offered in January and February. inally each of the 12 terraces was associated with a sign of the Register at leugardens.eventbrite.com zodiac, and the garden was divided into two: a public and a private harem garden used only by the women of Asaf Khan’s household.” Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Arriving at the book’s entry for the botanic garden in Oax- Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. aca, Mexico, I marveled at photos showing local desert plants used to great effect in its landscapes. The text affirms my re- action, stating, “For those tempted to believe that botanic gar- Ribbit the Exhibit dens are fusty places, Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca will be an epiphany. Its fusion of contemporary art and an array of native plants from the Mexican state of Oaxaca would convert even the most disaffected visitor.” Among the extraordinary private properties featured is El Novillero in Sonoma County, California. Having had the good fortune to visit this garden in person, I found the book’s de- scription matched my own impressions. Designed in 1947 by Thomas Church, the garden exemplifies the “California style” of design that Church pioneered in that it is “unashamedly abstract” while also being “deeply rooted in the landscape.” For example, the free-form swimming pool at the heart of the design—unique in America at the time—was “inspired by the meandering salt marshes of the river beyond.” Frogs on Tour January 10 - March 31 Travelers will want to refer to The Gardener’s Garden when Ribbit the Exhibit is a collection of looking for gardens to visit. Gardeners may find ideas for their larger-than-life copper frog sculptures by own gardens while browsing its beautiful pages. This is a book North Carolina artist Andy Cobb. that anyone can read and reread, and each time it will provide fresh inspiration.  —Catriona Tudor Erler

Ribbit is sponsored with funding from Orange County Government Catriona Tudor Erler is a garden writer and photographer based through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. in Charlottesville, Virginia.

January / February 2015 49 GARDENERC’S BOOKS

Projects and Recipes

INCORPORATING A NEW PLANT or accessory into your garden can be a lot like working with an unfamiliar ingredient in the kitchen: it may require a little research. Maybe time is at a premium and you just need a straightforward, go-to recipe to guide your efforts. Or if you’ve decided to make your own ingredients instead of buying them, you may need some basic instructions. Like good cookbooks, these recently published gardening books contain ideas and guidance for using garden-re- lated ingredients to create an enticing array of projects.

Air Plants: The Curious World of In Living Wreaths (Gibbs Smith, Tillandsias (Timber Press, 2014, 2014, $19.99) floral designer Natalie $19.95) by Zenaida Sengo may inspire Bernhisel Robinson provides “20 beau- you to add a little exotic flavor to your tiful projects for gifts and decor.” These environs with these unusual plants that include striking wreaths constructed don’t require soil to grow. It begins with succulents, herbs, blooming plants, with the history, care, and uses of til- and even edibles like lettuces. For each, landsias. An illustrated guide highlights Robinson gives brief planning and prep- some of the more common members of ping tips followed by step-by-step plant- this genus. The remainder of the book ing instructions and care advice. Lavish is devoted to designing with and dis- photography shows both the finished playing air plants indoors, including a wreath and the process of creating it. twist on terrarium plantings. Handmade for the Garden (Stew- Five-Plant Gardens (Storey Publishing, art, Tabori & Chang, 2014, $27.50) 2014, $18.95) by Nancy J. Ondra makes it will appeal to the do-it-yourself types. easy to whip up a gorgeous garden using For projects ranging from two different just five different plants. The 52 perennial newspaper seed pot styles to a sublime garden plans provide readers with “reci- rose-draped “found wood” arbor, author pes” for specific situations or themes. For Susan Guagliumi lists needed materials example, the “Hummingbird Magnet” and provides clear instructions for com- plan yields a that will attract pletion. Large photos show the finished hummers, or if you want a monochro- project and illustrate materials. There is a matic scene, try “Vision in Blue.” Each source list, but many of the projects can color-coded plan includes photos of the be completed with items that are very plants in it, a shopping list, and a sea- likely lurking in your shed. son-by-season care list. “We all know how much time and love Visually stunning indoor centerpieces goes into growing your own flowers, are Baylor Chapman’s specialty in the fruit, vegetables, and herbs,” writes Deb- lushly illustrated The Plant Recipe ora Robertson in Gifts from the Garden Book (Artisan Books, 2014, $24.95). (Kyle Books, 2013, $24.95). “When we Baylor assumes readers possess some transform them into gifts, we’re sharing basic potting knowledge, so most of more than a piece of our gardens, we’re the book is devoted to step-by-step sharing a piece of our hearts. And there construction of each composition. is nothing more generous than that.” In Because there is no index, finding a this book, Robertson provides 100 ways particular arrangement or plant may to be generous, complete with directions require paging through the book, but and lovely photographs from which to the photographs are so enticing that draw inspiration.  doing so is a pleasure. —Mary S. Chadduck, Editorial Intern

50 the American Gardener GREAT GARDEN DISCOVERIES with Fred. Join Fred. Olsen’s traditional ship, Boudicca, and sail in British style to the Canaries or around the UK in search of the regions’ stunning and intriguing gardens. The relaxed and friendly smaller-ship atmosphere will perfectly complement your adventure ashore too so you’re sure to have an altogether memorable holiday.

Floral Canaries Floral Britannia th 14 April 2015 To/from Dover th Loch Ness Orkney Islands Oporto 28 April 2015 (from Invergordon) (from Edinburgh 14 nights 11 nights Scenic Leixoes) Cruising (from Rosyth) From Dover From Dover Northumberland Cadiz (from Port of Tyne) Boudicca • D1508 Boudicca • D1509 Liverpool Madeira Dover From just $2,145pp (overnight) From just $1,815 pp Guernsey Falmouth AHS members save AHS members save Pembrokeshire 10% off this price! Tenerife Lanzarote 10% off this price! (from Milford Haven)

Explore beautiful gardens and vibrant festivals Visit some of the most attractive towns, cities on this springtime sailing to the Canaries & countryside scenes of the beautiful British Isles • Enjoy the dazzling colours and sweet scented air • Discover the spectacular Eden Project and the Lost of the Madeira Flower festival on an overnight stay Gardens of Heligan from Falmouth in Madeira • Explore the highlights of Edinburgh from Rosyth, • Visit Oporto from Leixoes, home to botanical gardens including Edinburgh Castle, the medieval Old Town and displaying exotic plants, a cacti garden and a beautiful the Royal Botanical Gardens lake fi lled with water lilies • From Port of Tyne, take a tour to see the intriguing • Marvel at the incredible array of plant species at the poison gardens at Alnwick Castle Botanical Gardens of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

Call Borton Overseas at 1-800-843-0602 or visit www.bortonoverseas.com/ahs

*These terms and conditions are in addition to Borton Overseas and Fred. Olsen’s standard Terms and Conditions that apply to all bookings. Borton Overseas and Fred. Olsen’s full set of Terms and Conditions are available on our website, www.bortonoverseas & www.fredolsencruises.com and on request. We advise all passengers to review these before booking. Information shown is correc t at time of going to press (December 2014). Some por ts may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. We reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. Some of the activities mentioned are chargeable, optional tours which are bookable six weeks prior to departure, subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, but may change at any time. Please call for the latest prices. TRAVELERC’S GUIDE TO GARDENS

Santa Fe Botanical Garden by Mary S. Chadduck

HEN IT COMES to grow- ing plants, Santa Fe, New W Mexico, is certainly one of the more challenging environments. This region, bathed in intense sun and drying winds, receives only an average of 14 inches of rain and snow a year and can experience temperature swings of 30 to 40 degrees in the same day. Despite these formidable conditions, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden (SFBG) is flour- ishing on two sites and constructing a formal public garden on a third. WILD BEGINNINGS The SFBG, founded in 1987 by citizens sharing a vision of creating a botanical gar- den in Santa Fe, became a physical real- ity in 1993 when the organization began managing the 35-acre Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve, located 11 miles south of Santa Fe. The main attraction of this spring-fed preserve is the cienega, or marsh. Here, paths shaded by native trees such as Rio Grande cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and lanceleaf poplar (P. acuminata) guide visitors into the riparian/wetland zone, which is a haven for migratory waterfowl. The preserve also features a dry woodland, primarily populated by pinyon pine (Pinus edulis), the state tree, and New Mexico ju- niper (Juniperus monosperma). This pinyon–juniper plant community is also indigenous to the 1,350-acre Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve, man- aged by SFBG. Located 30 miles south of Santa Fe, this truly rugged preserve boasts Place Peak, which at 8,897 feet is the high- est peak on the Ortiz range. Recent bo- tanical research here has tripled the size of the SFBG herbarium’s collection of native plants. The preserve is open only for sched- uled events or by special arrangement.

Rising high above the Meadow Garden, ‘Spirit House’, made of cast bronze and stainless NEW URBAN LOCATION steel by Santa Fe artist Kevin Box, was part of the recent large-scale ‘Origami in the Garden’ In contrast to the preserves, the Santa

exhibit at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. Fe Botanical Garden at Museum Hill is PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANTA FE BOTANICAL GARDEN.

52 the American Gardener Additional Information Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505. (505) 471- 9103. www.santafebotanicalgarden.org.

Q Hours: April to October open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; November to March, open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Q Admission: Members free. Adult (12+) $7, Senior (65+) and Active Military $6, Students (with ID) $5, Children (under 12) free.

SFBG participates in the American Hor- ticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program. AHS members showing a cur- rent AHS membership card receive free admission and discounts on educational One of the SFBG’s iconic features is La Rambla, a stone channel that functions as a stormwater programs or events. drain. Here it also serves as a setting for Kevin Box’s ‘Painted Ponies’ metal sculptures Other nearby sites to explore: centrally located on 14 acres in the city, mate. Visitors may expect to see everything Allan Houser Sculpture Gardens, Santa Fe, surrounded by other cultural attractions. from the dramatic beaked (Yucca ros- NM. www.indianart.us. Opened in July 2013, it is already enjoy- trata), state flower of New Mexico, to the Bandelier National Monument, Los Alam- ing enormous popularity: In its first year, rambunctious, sun-loving ‘Madame Galen’ os, NM. www.nps.gov/band. over 30,000 people representing all 50 trumpet vine (Campsis tagliabuana), a Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa states and many countries visited, ac- cross between a North American native Fe, NM. www.indianartsandculture.org. cording to Scott Canning, horticultural and a Chinese trumpet vine that bears red- Museum of International Folk Art, Santa director. “You wouldn’t mistake Santa dish-orange blooms all summer long. Fe, NM. www.internationalfolkart.org. Fe Botanical Garden for anyplace else. The Santa Fe climate also can provide Here plants stand alone and distinct,” ideal conditions for unexpected plants. says Canning of the garden’s aesthetic, For example, the lack of humidity, abun- ter. La Rambla, a handcrafted rock channel which takes full advantage of striking sil- dant sunlight, and cool nights keep the running behind, through, and beyond the houettes and sculptural growth habits. garden’s eight carefully selected varieties meadow, also helps to slow down stormwa- Native or non-native, plants for this gar- of roses looking great three seasons a year, ter, giving it a chance to seep into the soil. den are chosen both for beauty and for their notes Canning. Similarly, these conditions adaptability to the semi-arid Santa Fe cli- are helping a mix of usually disease-prone FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS apple, apricot, cherry, plum, , and Still to come at Museum Hill are three trees thrive in the Garden. more gardens—Ojos y Manos: Eyes and In striking contrast to the relative Hands, The Courtyard Gardens, and lushness of the orchard, the nearby the Arroyo Trails. Embodying differ- Dry Garden and its xeric landscaping ent aspects of the northern New Mexico showcases a collection of cold-hardy but landscape and centuries of human hab- heat-loving cacti. One of these, claret itation, these future gardens will be an cup hedgehog (Echinocereus tri- interactive experience encompassing art, glochidiatus), native to New Mexico, , and educational only grows two to 16 inches tall and experiences for children and adults. spends the winter desiccated by a lack While it works to complete these new of water. But in spring, when the rains spaces, SFBG already has plenty to offer come, it plumps up and bursts into by artfully combining the region’s spare bloom from April through June. beauty, sweeping horizons, and tough The absence or relative abundance of plants into a destination that will appeal water is a connecting theme throughout the to visitors of all ages.  garden. For example, a subtle feature of the Golden prickly pear ( basilaris var. Meadow Garden is its shallow bowl-shape Mary S. Chadduck is an editorial intern aurea) blooms in the SFBG’s Dry Garden. designed to catch and hold precious rainwa- with The American Gardener.

January / February 2015 53 REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST Botanical gardens and arboreta that kMAR.12–15. Springfest Garden Show. CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT participate in AHS’s Reciprocal Admis- Sussex County Fairgrounds. Augusta, New FEB. 4–6. New England Grows! Expo. Boston sions Program are identified with the Jersey. (973) 948-9448. www.springfest Convention & Exhibition Center. Boston, RAP symbol. AHS members showing gardenshow.org. Massachusetts. (508) 653-3009. a valid membership card are eligible for www.newenglandgrows.org. free admission to the garden or other SOUTHEAST benefits. Special events may not be in- AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN kFEB. 19–22. Connecticut Flower & Garden cluded; contact the host site for details Show. Connecticut Convention Center. or visit www.ahs.org/rap. FEB. 11. Raising Roses. Lecture and Hartford, Connecticut. (860) 844-8461. Flower and garden shows that offer free demonstration. Bellingrath Gardens & www.ctflowershow.com. or discounted admission to AHS members Home.Theodore, Alabama. (800) 247- or present the AHS Environmental Award 8420. www.bellingrath.org. FEB. 19–22. Rhode Island Spring Flower & are designated by a k symbol. For Garden Show. Rhode Island Convention details on the specific benefits offered, k FEB. 20–22 & FEB. 27–MAR. 1. Southern Center. Providence, Rhode Island. (401) visit www.ahs.org/2015-flower-shows. Spring Home & Garden Show. The Park 272-0980. www.flowershow.com. Expo and Conference Center. Charlotte, North Carolina. (704) 376-6594. RAP FEB. 22 & 23. Camellia House Week- www.southernshows.com/sss. end. Music, tours, activities. Planting Fields Pennsylvania. (610) 388-5454. Arboretum. Oyster Bay, New York. (516) www.longwoodgardens.org. RAP FEB. 21 & 22. Garden & Bonsai Festival. 922-8600. www.plantingfields.org. Flamingo Gardens. Davie, Florida. (954) FEB. 12–15. New Jersey Flower & Garden 473-2955. www.flamingogardens.org. RAP FEB. 24. Native Alternatives to Problem Show. New Jersey Convention Center. Plants. Lecture. New England Wild Flower Edison, New Jersey. (732) 449-4004. RAP FEB. 28. The Inspired Gardener. Society. Framingham, Massachusetts. (508) www.macevents.com. Symposium and silent auction. 877-7630. www.newenglandwild.org. Georgia Perennial Plant Association. RAP FEB. 14. Spring Pruning for Shrubs Atlanta Botanical Garden. Atlanta, RAP FEB. 28–APR. 19. Orchid Show. The and Small Ornamental Trees. Class. Georgia. (404) 876-5859. New York Botanical Garden. New York, New Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Richmond, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. York. (718) 817-8700. www.nybg.org. Virginia. (804) 262-9887. www.lewisginter.org. Looking ahead Looking ahead MAR. 3. Planting Outside the Lines. MAR. 7. Plant Symposium. Connecticut Har- RAP FEB. 15. Winning Against Weeds. Symposium. Davidson College. Davidson, dy Plant Society. Solomon Welles House. Lecture. Green Spring Gardens. North Carolina. (704) 894-2000. Wethersfield, Connecticut. (860) 747- Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 642-5173. www.davidsonsymposium.org. 8175. www.cthardyplantsociety.org. www.greenspring.org. MAR. 5–8. Nashville Lawn & Garden Show. MAR. 11–15. Boston Flower & Garden FEB 28. : , History, Agricul- State Fair Grounds. Goodlettsville, Show. Seaport World Trade Center. Boston, ture and Future. Lecture. United States Tennessee. (615) 876-7680. Massachusetts. (617) 385-5000. Botanic Garden. Washington, D.C. www.nashvillelawnandgardenshow.com. www.bostonflowershow.com/welcome. (202) 225-8333. www.usbg.gov. RAP MAR. 13–15. International Orchid kFEB. 28–MAR. 1 & MAR. 6–8. Maryland Festival. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. MID-ATLANTIC Home and Garden Show. Timonium Coral Gables, Florida. (305) 667-1651. DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV Fairgrounds. Timonium, Maryland. www.fairchildgarden.org. JAN. 24–APR. 26. Orchids: Interlocking (410) 863-1180. www.mdhomeandgarden. Science and Beauty. Exhibit. National com/Spring. NORTH CENTRAL Museum of Natural History. Washington, IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI D.C. (202) 633-2200. www.gardens.si.edu. kFEB. 28–MAR. 8. Philadelphia Flower Show. Pennsylvania Convention Center. FEB. 6–15. The Great Big Home + Garden JAN. 25. Perennials with Pizzazz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (215) 988- Show. Cleveland IX Center. Cleveland, . Lecture. The Scott Arboretum 8800. www.theflowershow.com. Ohio. (216) 676-6000. www.greatbig of Swarthmore College. Swarthmore, homeandgarden.com. Pennsylvania. (610) 328-8025. Looking ahead www.scottarboretum.org. MAR. 12. Creative Approaches for Ecological RAP FEB. 7. Sustainability Symposium Landscaping. Symposium. Delaware Valley 2015: The Year of the Tree. The Holden FEB. 6. Today’s Horticulture. Symposium. College. Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Arboretum. Kirtland, Ohio. (440) 946- Longwood Gardens. Kennett Square, (215) 862-2924. www.bhwp.org. 4400. www.holdenarb.org.

54 the American Gardener

RAP FEB. 21. History of the Garden and Human Uses of Plants. Lecture. The Ruth Birds Roost in Bancroft Garden. Walnut Creek, California. FROM FEBRUARY 28 to May 23,Ganna Walska Lotusland is hosting “FLOCK: (925) 944-9352. www.ruthbancroftgarden. Birds on the Brink in Montecito, California.” Designed to highlight the decline org. of wild bird populations, this contemporary art exhibit will use mixed media vi- RAP FEB. 28 & MAR. 1. Camellia & Tea sual arts to expand public awareness of the interplay between birds, plants, species Festival. Descanso Gardens. La Cañada diversity, and environmental sustainability. Flintridge, California. (818) 949-4200. www.descansogardens.org.

RAP MAR. 14. Delights From Down Under. Lecture. UC Davis Arboretum. Davis, Cali- fornia. (530) 752-4880. www.arboretum. ucdavis.edu.

Looking ahead MAR. 18–22. San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. San Mateo Event Center. San Mateo, California. (415) 684-7278 ext. 3. www.sfgardenshow.com.

NORTHWEST AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY

kFEB. 11–15. Northwest Flower & Garden Show. Washington State Convention Center. Above: The Blue Garden features a Seattle, Washington. (253) 238-3807. sculpture vignette called “Murder of www.gardenshow.com. Crows.” Left: A variety of cacti fill a bed along the main driveway. RAP FEB. 21. Gardener’s Special Winter Guided Interest Walk. Leach Botanical Lotusland will host 28 interna- Garden. Portland, Oregon. (503) 823- tional artists during this exhibition, 9503. www.leachgarden.org. with works displayed both indoors FEB. 27–MAR. 1. Yard, Garden, and Patio and throughout its 37 acre gardens. Show. Oregon Association of Nurseries. Two of the artists are in-residence: Oregon Convention Center. Portland, Ore- Gary Smith, who will be making gon. (503) 682-5089. www.ygpshow.com. human-scale nests constructed from locally sourced indigenous materials, and David Hochbaum, who will be installing a work called “Flying Flock” in the Pavilion Gallery. RAP FEB. 28. Bringing the Living Space Into the Garden. Class. Bellevue Botanical A concurrent lecture series on avian topics presented by authors and natural Garden. Bellevue, Washington. (425) 451- history experts will take place throughout March and April, with the final lecture 3755. www.bellevuebotanical.org. scheduled for May 9 on International Migratory Bird Day. For more information about lectures, artists, hours, and directions, visit www.lotusland.org. RAP MAR. 5. Plan Your Spring/Summer Vegetable Garden. Class. Bellevue Botanical Garden. Bellevue, Washington. (425) 451- Creating Living Landscapes 3755. www.bellevuebotanical.org. ON FEBRUARY 21, the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) in Indiana will host “The Living Landscape.” This symposium, presented by IMA’s Division of En- CANADA vironmental and Historic Preservation with support from the IMA Horticultural FEB. 11 & 18. Healthy Soils, Healthy Society, will bring together regional and national experts to explore how to create Humans. Class. VanDusen Botanical Gar- garden habitats alive with biodiversity. den. Vancouver, British Columbia. (604) The keynote speaker is Douglas W. Tallamy, University of Delaware en- 718-5898. www.vandusengarden.org. tomology professor and co-author of the recently published book, The Living Landscape. Other speakers include restoration ecologist Kevin M. Tungesvick, RAP FEB. 21. Get the Jump on Spring. Open house. Toronto Botanical Garden. presenting little known native plants that supply more than just their beauty; Jim Toronto, Ontario. (416) 397-1341. McCormac, an avian education specialist who will address strategies for attracting www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca. birds to gardens; and Irvin Etienne, IMA horticultural display coordinator, who will discuss the pros and cons of using cultivars of native plants in landscapes. Looking ahead For more information and registration, go to www.imamuseum.org.  MAR. 13–22. Canada Blooms: “Let’s Play.” Show. Direct Energy Centre. Toronto, —Mary S. Chadduck, Editorial Intern Ontario. (416) 447-8655. www.canada blooms.com.  COURTESY OF LOTUSLAND (2)

56 the American Gardener 2015 AHS SEED EXCHANGE This year’s Seed Exchange, available only to American Horticultural Society members, offers THANKS TO OUR 231 kinds of seeds. For a quick reference, here is the list of seeds to choose from, with an order 2015 Seed Exchange Sponsor: form on page 59. To see the full catalog with detailed plant descriptions, visit www.ahs.org/seeds. If you prefer to receive a printed copy of the catalog, please send a self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelope to us at Seed Exchange Catalog, AHS, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. KEY TO DESCRIPTIONS: CV(S)=CULTIVAR(S) SP. & SPP.=SPECIES SSP.=SUBSPECIES SYN.=SYNONYM VAR.=VARIETY 25 Lunaria annua (honesty, 52 Belamcanda chinensis 79 Lagenaria siceraria (birdhouse ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS money plant) (blackberry lily) gourd) 1 Ageratum houstonianum 26 Mirabilis jalapa (four o’clock mix) 53 Delphinium cultorum ‘Magic 80 Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea (floss flower) Fountains’ (delphinium cv.) mix) 27 Moluccella laevis (bells of 2 Alcea rosea (hollyhock mix) Ireland) 54 Echinacea purpurea (purple 81 Luffa aegyptiaca (loofah gourd) coneflower) 3 Bupleurum rotundifolium 28 Myosotis sylvatica ‘Green Gold’ (hare’s ear cv.) (garden forget-me-not) 55 Eutrochium purpureum, syn. TREES AND SHRUBS Eupatorium purpureum 4 Calendula officinalis 29 Nicotiana spp. (flowering (Joe Pye weed) 82 Abies koreana (Korean fir) ‘Pink Surprise’ (calendula, tobacco mix) 83 Acer truncatum (Shantung pot marigold cv.) 56 Gaillardia aristata (blanket 30 Oenothera biennis flower) maple, purple blow maple) 5 Callistephus chinensis (evening primrose) 84 Hibiscus syriacus (rose of ( aster mix) 57 Hibiscus coccineus (scarlet 31 Papaver somniferum rosemallow) Sharon) 6 Centaurea cyanus (breadseed poppy) 85 Maclura pomifera (Osage (bachelor’s button mix) 58 Hibiscus moscheutos 32 Ricinus communis (rosemallow) orange) 7 Cleome hassleriana (castor bean) 86 Magnolia tripetala (umbrella (spider flower mix) 59 Hosta sp. (hosta) 33 Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed magnolia) 8 Consolida ajacis, syn. Susan mix) 60 Leucanthemum superbum 87 Mimosa pudica (sensitive Delphinium ajacis (Shasta daisy) 34 Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian plant) (larkspur mix) Summer’ (black-eyed Susan cv.) 61 Liatris spicata (dense blazing 88 Sophora secundiflora (Texas 9 Convolvulus tricolor star, gayfeather) 35 Rudbeckia hirta ‘Irish Eyes’ mountain laurel, mescal bean) ‘Blue Ensign’ (dwarf morning (black-eyed Susan cv.) 62 Lilium formosanum (Formosa glory cv.) lily) 89 Styrax japonicus (Japanese 36 Tagetes erecta ‘Garland snowbell) 10 Cosmos bipinnatus Orange’ (African marigold cv.) 63 Linum lewisii (wild blue flax) (cosmos mix) 90 Styrax japonicus ‘Pink Chimes’ 37 Tagetes patula (French 64 Lupinus polyphyllus (lupine mix) (Japanese snowbell cv.) 11 Cosmos bipinnatus marigold mix) ‘Sea Shells’ (cosmos cv.) 65 Pardancanda norrisii, syn. 91 Ulmus americana (American 38 Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Iris norrisii (candy lily) elm) 12 Dianthus barbatus sunflower) (sweet William mix) 66 Platycodon grandiflorus 39 Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium (balloon flower) HERBS 13 Dianthus chinensis ‘Gaiety’ mix) (China pink cv.) 67 Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 92 Allium schoenoprasum (chives) 40 Tropaeolum majus ‘Cherry ‘Goldsturm’ (black-eyed Susan cv.) 93 Allium tuberosum (garlic chives) 14 Digitalis purpurea Rose’ or ‘Scarlet Gleam’ (common foxglove) 68 Salvia apiana (white sage, (red flowering nasturtium cvs.) sacred sage) 94 Anethum graveolens ‘ Leaf 15 Dimorphotheca sinuata Dill’ (dill cv.) 41 Viola cornuta ‘Bambini’ (African daisy mix) 69 Scutellaria lateriflora (mad-dog (viola cv.) skullcap) 95 Anethum graveolens 16 Eschscholzia californica ‘Mammoth’ (dill cv.) 42 Viola tricolor (Johnny jump-up) 70 Senna hebecarpa, syn. Cassia (California poppy) 96 Artemisia dracunculus ‘Sativa’ 43 elegans (dwarf zinnia mix) hebecarpa (wild senna, 17 Helianthus annuus American senna) (French tarragon cv.) 44 (speckled (sunflower mix) 97 Carum carvi (caraway) zinnia mix) 71 Solidago sp. (goldenrod species) 18 Helianthus annuus ‘Dwarf 98 Coriandrum sativum (cilantro, Sungold’ (dwarf sunflower cv.) 45 Zinnia elegans ‘Exquisite Pink’ coriander) (zinnia cv.) VINES 19 Helianthus annuus ‘Mammoth’ 99 Cuminum cyminum (cumin) and ‘Mammoth Gray Stripe’ 46 Zinnia peruviana, syn. 72 Campsis radicans (trumpet vine) 100 Dactylis glomerata (cat grass, (giant sunflower cvs.) Z. pauciflora (zinnia mix) 73 Cardiospermum halicacabum (love-in-a-puff) wheat grass) 20 Iberis umbellata ‘Dwarf Fairy’ PERENNIALS 101 Foeniculum vulgare (Florence (globe candytuft cv.) 74 Clematis ‘Duchess of fennel) 21 Impatiens balsamina 47 Aquilegia spp. (columbine Edinburgh’ (clematis cv.) 102 Lavandula angustifolia (balsam mix) mix) 75 Ipomoea purpurea (common (English lavender) 22 Impatiens walleriana 48 Asclepias incarnata (swamp morning glory mix) 103 Levisticum officinale (lovage) (impatiens, busy Lizzie mix) milkweed) 76 Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly 23 Lobelia erinus ‘Crystal Palace’ 49 Asclepias syriaca (common Blue’ (morning glory cv.) 104 Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) (trailing lobelia cv.) milkweed) 76 Ipomoea tricolor ‘Scarlet 24 Lobularia maritima, syn. 50 Astrantia major (greater O’Hara’ (morning glory cv.) 105 Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) Alyssum maritimum (sweet masterwort) 78 Lablab purpureus (hyacinth alyssum, carpet of snow mix) 51 Baptisia australis (false indigo) bean) 106 Nepeta cataria (catnip)

January / February 2015 57 107 Ocimum basilicum (purple-leaf 140 var. acephala 171 Cucumis sativus ‘Spacemaster’ 203 Raphanus sativus ‘Sparkler’ basil) ‘Dwarf Blue Curled Vates’ (cucumber cv.) (radish cv.) (kale cv.) 108 Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) 172 Cucurbita maxima ‘Atlantic 204 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Ace 141 Brassica oleracea var. acephala Giant’ (pumpkin cv.) 55’ (slicing tomato cv.) 109 Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon ‘Georgia Southern’ (collards cv.) Basil’ (sweet basil cv.) 173 Cucurbita maxima ‘Blue 205 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Better 142 Brassica oleracea var. acephala Hubbard’ (squash cv.) Boy’ (all-purpose tomato cv.) 110 Ocimum basilicum ‘Red Russian’ (kale cv.) ‘Citriodorum’ syn. O. citriodora 174 Cucurbita maxima ‘Candy 206 Solanum lycopersicum (lemon basil cv.) 143 Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Roaster’ (winter squash cv.) ‘Big Beef’ (beefsteak tomato cv.) ‘Early Snowball’ (cauliflower cv.) 111 Ocimum basilicum ‘Fino Verdi’ 175 Cucurbita maxima ‘Jumbo 207 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Black (fine-leaved sweet basil cv.) 144 Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Pink Banana’ (winter squash cv.) Krim’ (beefsteak tomato cv.) ‘Snowball’ (cauliflower cv.) 112 Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’ 176 Cucurbita maxima ‘Sibley’ 208 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Brand- (sweet basil cv.) 145 Brassica oleracea var. capitata (winter squash cv.) wine’ (beefsteak tomato cv.) ‘Copenhagen’ (cabbage cv.) 113 Ocimum basilicum ‘Lettuce 177 Cucurbita moschata ‘Waltham 209 Solanum lycopersicum Leaf’ (sweet basil cv.) 146 Brassica oleracea var. capitata Butternut’ (winter squash cv.) ‘Celebrity’ (slicing tomato cv.) ‘Michihili’ (cabbage cv.) 114 Ocimum basilicum ‘Spicy 178 Cucurbita pepo (small fancy 210 Solanum lycopersicum Globe’ (dwarf, spicy basil cv.) 147 Brassica oleracea var. capitata gourd) ‘Cosmonaut Volker’(slicing ‘Red Acre’ (cabbage cv.) tomato cv.) 115 Ocimum basilicum var. 179 Cucurbita pepo ‘Buttercup’ thyrsiflorum ‘Siam Queen’ 148 Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera (winter squash cv.) 211 Solanum lycopersicum (spicy basil cv.) ‘Long Island Improved’ ‘Glacier’ (salad tomato cv.) 180 Cucurbita pepo ‘Cocozella’ (Brussels sprouts cv.) 116 Origanum majorana (marjoram) (summer squash cv.) 212 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Lemon 149 Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes Boy’ (slicing, canning tomato cv.) 117 Origanum vulgare (oregano) 181 Cucurbita pepo ‘Gold Rush’ ‘Early Purple Vienna’ ( (summer squash cv.) 213 Solanum lycopersicum 118 Petroselinum crispum var. cv.) ‘Marglobe’ (slicing, canning crispum ‘Moss Curled’ 182 Cucurbita pepo ‘Golden 150 tomato cv.) (curly-leaf parsley cv.) Brassica oleracea var. italica Scalloped’ or ‘Pattypan Green’ ‘Calabrese’ (broccoli cv.) (summer squash cvs.) 214 Solanum lycopersicum 119 Petroselinum crispum var. 151 Brassica oleracea var. italica ‘Old Kentucky’ (all-purpose neapolitanum (flat-leaf Italian 183 Cucurbita pepo ‘New England tomato cv.) parsley) ‘Waltham 29’ (broccoli cv.) Sugar Pie’ (pumpkin cv.) 152 (broccoli raab) 215 Solanum lycopersicum 120 Pimpinella anisum (anise) 184 Daucus carota var. sativus ‘Red Cherry’ (small salad 153 Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Danvers Half Long’ (carrot cv.) 121 Rosmarinus officinalis tomato cv.) ‘Baby ’ (bok choy, (rosemary) 185 Daucus carota var. sativus pak choy cv.) 216 ‘Nantes’ (carrot cv.) Solanum lycopersicum ‘Red 122 Salvia officinalis (sage) Pear’ (salad tomato cv.) 154 Brassica rapa var. rapa ‘Purple 186 Eruca vesicaria var. sativa 123 Satureja hortensis Top White Globe’ ( cv.) (arugula) 217 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Roma’ (summer savory) (paste tomato cv.) 155 Brassica rapa var. rapa 187 Lactuca sativa ‘Marveille des 124 Thymus vulgaris (thyme) ‘Shogoing’ (turnip cv.) Quatre Saisons’ (lettuce cv.) 218 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Super Sweet 100’ (cherry tomato cv.) 156 Capsicum annuum ‘Banana’ VEGETABLES AND FRUITS 188 Lactuca sativa ‘Mesclun Zesty (sweet pepper cv.) Mix’ (lettuce cv.) 219 Solanum lycopersicum ‘Tumbler’ (cherry tomato cv.) 125 Abelmoschus esculentus 157 Capsicum annuum ‘Cayenne ‘Burgundy’ (okra cv.) 189 Lactuca sativa ‘Parris Island Long Slim’ (hot pepper cv.) Romaine’ (lettuce cv.) 220 Solanum melongena ‘Black Beauty’ (eggplant cv.) 126 Abelmoschus esculentus 158 Capsicum annuum ‘Chinese 5 ‘Clemson Spineless’ (okra cv.) 190 Lactuca sativa ‘Red Deer Color’ (spicy ornamental Tongue’ (lettuce cv.) 221 Solanum melongena ‘Long 127 Allium ampeloprasum var. pepper cv.) Purple’ (eggplant cv.) porrum (leek) 191 Lactuca sativa ‘Tango’ 159 Capsicum annuum ‘Poblano’ (lettuce cv.) 222 Sorghum vulgare var. technicum 128 Allium cepa ‘Borrettana (medium/hot pepper cv.) (broom corn) Cippolini’ (small white onion cv.) 192 Pastinaca sativa ‘Hollow 160 Capsicum annuum ‘Sunbright Crown’ (parsnip cv.) 223 Spinacia oleracea ‘Bloomsdale 129 Allium cepa ‘Walla Walla Golden’ (sweet pepper cv.) Longstanding’ (spinach cv.) Sweet’ (sweet yellow onion cv.) 193 Phaseolus coccineus (scarlet 161 Cichorium endivia ‘Batavian runner bean) 224 Spinacia oleracea ‘Olympia’ or 130 Allium cepa ‘White Lisbon’ Full Heart’ (endive cv.) ‘Tyee’ (slow-bolting spinach cvs.) (green onion cv.) 194 Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Golden 162 Cichorium intybus ‘Guilio’ Wax’ (bush bean cv.) 225 Valerianella locusta (mache, 131 Apium graveolens var. dulce (radicchio cv.) corn salad) ‘Utah’ (celery cv.) 195 Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Horsehead’ 163 Citrullus lanatus ‘Crimson (dry bean cv.) 226 Zea mays (ornamental mixed 132 Beta vulgaris ‘Bull’s Blood’ Sweet’ (watermelon cv.) corn) (beet cv.) 196 Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Jacob’s 164 Citrullus lanatus ‘Sugar Baby’ Cattle’ (dry bean cv.) 227 Zea mays ‘Dorinny’ (sweet corn 133 Beta vulgaris ‘Cylindra’ (beet cv.) (watermelon cv.) cv.) 197 Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Kentucky 165 Cucumis melo ‘Charentais’ 228 Zea mays ‘Early Sunglow’ 134 Beta vulgaris ‘Detroit Dark Wonder’ (pole bean cv.) Red’ (beet cv.) (melon cv.) (sweet corn cv.) 198 Phaseolus vulgaris 166 Cucumis melo ‘Honeydew’ 229 Zea mays ‘Earthtone Dent’ 135 Beta vulgaris ssp. cicla ‘Bright ‘Tendergreen’ (bush bean cv.) Lights’ (Swiss chard cv.) (melon cv.) (dent or field corn cv.) 199 Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Vermont 167 Cucumis melo ‘Sugar Cube’ 230 Zea mays ‘Hopi Blue’ 136 Beta vulgaris ssp. cicla Cranberry Soup’ (dry bean cv.) ‘Fordhook’ (Swiss chard cv.) (muskmelon cv.) (flint corn cv.) 200 Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Yin Yang 168 Cucumis melo var. flexuosus 231 Zea mays ‘Silver Queen’ 137 (Chinese Soup’ (dry bean cv.) mustard, gaichoi) (Armenian cucumber) (sweet corn cv.) 201 Raphanus sativus ‘French 169 Cucumis melo var. inodorus 138 Brassica juncea ‘Mizuna’ Breakfast’ (radish cv.) (Asian mustard greens cv.) ‘Crenshaw’ (melon cv.) 202 Raphanus sativus ‘Minowase’ 170 Cucumis sativus ‘National 139 Brassica napus var. napobrassica (daikon radish cv.) () Pickling’ (cucumber cv.)

58 the American Gardener 2015 AHS SEED EXCHANGE ORDER FORM Order must be postmarked by March 7, 2015. You must be a current AHS member—but you do not need to donate seeds—to participate in the Seed Exchange. Due to Federal regulations, seeds can only be shipped within the United States. • For questions about the Seed Exchange program, e-mail [email protected]. •

Name ______SEED DONOR PRIORITY Address ______T I donated seeds to the 2015 Seed Exchange and thus get first choice (order due by 2/17/15). City ______State ______Zip code ______Daytime phone ______SEED SELECTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS Use seed number only, please. E-mail ______AHS member # ______1. ______COMPLIMENTARY NOT A MEMBER? You must be a current AHS member to order seeds. If you 2. ______would like to join the AHS, please select an annual membership level below • FIVE packets of seeds. 3. ______and add the fee to your payment. Visit www.ahs.org/join to find out more about membership and its many benefits. 4. ______5. ______

PAYMENT SUMMARY 6. ______$10 DONATION 7. ______• TEN packets of seeds. I am not a member and would like to join the AHS: • 2015 AHS Reciprocal Admissions Pro- ______T $35 individual membership 8. gram brochure (guide to nearly 300 pub- T $50 dual membership 9. ______lic gardens that offer free admission and other benefits to current AHS members). ______Amount of membership dues $______10.

Donation for level of seed selection 11. ______from right column: $30 DONATION 12. ______• FIFTEEN packets of seeds.

T $10 T $30 T $50 13. ______• 2015 AHS Reciprocal Admissions Amount of donation for seeds $______14. ______Program brochure. • 12 wooden plant labels. 15. ______I would like to make an additional contribution to the AHS to support its important educational programs: 16. ______$50 DONATION Amount of additional contribution $______17. ______• TWENTY packets of seeds. 18. ______• 2015 AHS Reciprocal Admissions 19. ______Program brochure. • 12 wooden plant labels. TOTAL PAYMENT $______20. ______• Botanical Interests desk calendar.

SUBSTITUTE SELECTIONS PAYMENT INFORMATION In case any of the selections you listed above are sold out, T Please charge the total payment amount above to my please indicate secondary choices below. TVISA TMasterCard TAmEx TDiscover 1. ______T Check enclosed (payable to AHS). 2. ______Card # ______3. ______4. ______Exp. date ______5. ______Signature ______T Do not substitute any of my selections. Name on credit card ______T Please send seed selections only. I do not wish to please print receive the eligible gift items for my order level.

Return this form to: Seed Exchange • American Horticultural Society • 7931 East Boulevard Drive • Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Order online at www.ahs.org/seeds for faster processing. PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronun- ciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones sug- gest a range of locations where tempera- tures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. USDA Zones listed are still aligned with the 1990 version of the USDA’s map. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cov- er, and humidity also play an important role in plant survival. The zones tend to be con- servative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less.

Acer palmatum var. dissectum AY-ser pal-MAY-tum var. dih-SEK-tum Ilex meserveae EYE-leks meh-SER-vee-ee (5–9, 9–5) (USDA Hardiness Zones 6–8, AHS Heat Zones 8–2) Jacaranda mimosifolia jak-uh-RAN-duh mih-mo-sih-FO-lee-uh Astilbe chinensis uh-STIL- chy-NEN-sis (4–8, 8–2) (9–11, 12–10) Begonia tuberhybrida beh-GOHN-yuh too-bur-HY-brih-duh Juniperus monosperma joo-NIP-er-iss mon-o-SPER-muh (6–8, 8–5) (10–11, 12–1) Larix decidua LAY-riks deh-SID-yew-uh (3–7, 7–1) Brassica oleracea BRASS- ih-kuh o-luh-RAY-see-uh (0–0, 8–1) Lavandula allardii lah-VAN-dyew-luh al-LAR-dee-eye (8–10, 10–3) Campsis tagliabuana KAMP-siss tag-lee-ah-byew-AN-uh (5–9, 9–5) Layia platyglossa LAY-ee-uh plat-ee-GLOSS-uh (10, 10–9) Carex elata KAIR-eks eh-LAY-tuh (5–9, 9–3) Leptosiphon grandiflorus lep-toh-SY-fon gran-dih-FLOR-us (0–0, 7–1) Cedrus atlantica SEED-rus at-LAN-tih-kuh (6–9, 9–6) Limnanthes alba lim-NAN-theez AL-buh (0–0, 8–1) Cercidiphyllum japonicum sur-sid-ih-FIL-lum jah-PON-ih-kum (4–8, 8–3) L. douglasii L. dug-LASS-ee-eye (0–0, 9–1) Cercis canadensis SUR-siss kan-uh-DEN-siss (4–9, 9–2) L. douglasii ssp. var. sulphurea L. dug-LASS-ee-eye ssp. var. Clarkia amoena KLARK-ee-uh a-MEE-nuh (0–0, 9–1) sul-FUHR-ee-uh (0–0, 8–1) C. bottae C. BOT-ee (0–0, 7–1) Nemophila maculata nee-MOF-ih-luh mak-YEW-lay-tuh (0–0, 8–1) C. rubicunda C. roo-bih-KUN-duh (0–0, 7–1) N. menziesii N. men-ZEES-ee-eye (0–0, 8–2) C. unguiculata C. un-gwik-yew-LAY-tuh (0–0, 9–1) Phacelia campanularia fuh-SEEL-yuh kam-PAN-yew-LAIR-ee-uh Clematis recta KLEM-uh-tiss REK-tuh (3–9, 8–1) (0–0, 9–1) Collinsia heterophylla col-IN-see-uh het-ur-uh-FIL-luh (10–11, 12–9) P. tanacetifolia P. tan-uh-see-tih-FO-lee-uh (0–0, 9–1) Convallaria majalis kon-val-LAIR-ree-uh muh-JAY-lis (2–7, 7–1) Phlox drummondii FLOKS drum-MON-dee-eye (0–0, 12–1) C. majuscula C. muh-JUS-kew-luh (3–7, 7–1) Picea abies PY-see-uh AY-beez (3–8, 8–1) Coreopsis verticillata kor-ee-OP-sis vur-tih-sih-LAY-tuh (4–9, 12–1) Pinus edulis PY-nus ed-YEW-liss (5–8, 8–5) Delosperma dyeri del-o-SPER-muh DYE-ur-eye (6–9, 10–5) Populus acuminata POP-yew-lus ak-yew-min-AY-tuh (3–8, 8–3) Echinocereus triglochidiatus eh-kee-no-SEER-ee-us try-glo-kih-dee-AY-tus P. deltoides P. del-TOY-deez (3–9, 9–1) (4–10, 12–3) Prunus subhirtella PREW-nus sub-hir-TEL-uh (6–8, 8–6) Eschscholzia californica ess-SHOLZ-zee-uh kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh Rubus fruticosus ROO-bus froo-tih-KO-sus (4–8, 8–4) (8–10, 10–1) Salix alba SAY-liks AL-buh (4–8, 8–4) Fagus sylvatica FAY-gus sil-VAT-ih-kuh (5–7, 7–5) S. babylonica S. bab-ih-LON-ih-kuh (6–9, 9–1) Gaura lindheimeri GAW-ruh lind-HY-mur-eye (5–9, 9–6) Solanum lycopersicum so-LAH-num ly-ko-PER-sih-kum (11, 12–1) Gilia capitata GIL-ee-uh kap-ih-TAY-tuh (0–0, 8–1) Styrax japonicus STY-raks jah-PON-ih-kus (6–8, 8–6) G. tricolor G. try-kul-ur (0–0, 8–1) Thuja occidentalis THEW-yuh ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss (3–7, 7–1) Helianthus annuus hee-lee-AN-thus AN-yoo-us (0–0, 12–1) Ulmus glabra UHL-mus GLAB-ruh (3–9, 8–2) Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia hem-ih-ZO-nee-uh kon-JES-tuh ssp. Vaccinium macrocarpon vak-SIN-ee-um mak-ro-KAR-pon (2–7, 7–1) looz-yoo-lih-FO-lee-uh (0–0, 7–1) Yucca rostrata YUK-uh ros-TRAY-tuh (5–11, 12–2) Hibiscus sabdariffa hy-BISS-kus sab-duh-RIF-fuh (8–11, 11–1) H. syriacus H. sih-ree-AH-kus (5–9, 9–1)

60 the American Gardener

PLANT CIN THE SPOTLIGHT

Hauntingly Fragrant Lily-of-the-Valley by Margene Whitler Hucek

ESEARCH HAS shown that the leaves marked with many thin, vertical, sense of smell can trigger mem- cream-colored stripes. R ories of the past, and this is PLANTING AND CARE certainly true for me. Each spring, when I pick stems of lily-of-the-valley in my Lily-of-the-valley grows best in a moist, hu- garden, I’m reminded of gathering bou- mus-rich, slightly acidic, well-drained site. quets of the flower as a child with my True to its woodland origins, it does not sisters, Janice and Nita, to give to our tolerate bright sun. Plant pips in mid-fall or mother, who always took a moment very early spring in a spot with morning sun from washing or baking to breathe in and afternoon shade. Space three to four their sweet fragrance. inches apart and one-and-a-half inches deep Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis, with the pointed pips just below the surface. USDA Zones 2–7, AHS Zones 7–1) is a (Note: Lily-of- the-valley can become inva- herbaceous perennial native to north- sive where growing conditions are ideal, so ern Europe. It produces clusters of small, monitor its spread. Plant it in a container or white, nodding, bell-like flowers on four- confine within a barrier, if necessary.) to eight-inch stems in mid-spring. Plants Keep in mind that while a drift of typically grow six to eight inches tall, each lily-of-the-valley is elegant in the spring featuring a pair of broad, bright green, and early summer, by the end of July the pointed, upright leaves. Pollinated flowers leaves will start looking ragged as the plants form pealike green fruits that turn bright transition toward fall dormancy. For that red in the fall. Plants spread quickly by ‘Albostriata’ lily-of-the-valley features white reason, you may want to plant it in a side specialized underground stems called flowers and strikingly marked foliage. garden where the yellowing leaves won’t be rhizomes, which form bulblike structures as conspicuous as they continue manufac- called pips; each pip produces a new plant. reaches a foot tall and produces white turing nutrients for next year’s flowers. All parts of the plant are poisonous, blooms earlier than the species but If you notice your lily-of-the-valley which may explain why it’s deer-resistant. with the same intense fragrance. ‘Ro- patch starting to produce fewer flowers, it In addition to its fragrant flowers, its mer- sea’ grows to eight inches high and has is time to divide the pips to give them more its include that it is easy to grow and forms lavender-pink flowers. While lovely, it room to grow. Lift plants in late autumn an attractive, dense groundcover. lacks the rich perfume of the white va- with a spading fork. Separate the pips with rieties. ‘Bordeaux’ grows six to eight a sharp knife and replant the sections. A LITTLE VARIETY inches tall, has large white flowers, and Mulch with shredded leaves or well-rot- A handful of lily-of-the-valley cultivars stems with reddish bases. ‘Albostriata’ ted in the spring and the fall, and are worth seeking out. ‘Fortin’s Giant’ grows six to nine inches tall and has green provide supplemental water during spring or summer droughts. Fungal diseases can sometimes afflict leaves that remain wet; Sources FOR NATIVE PLANT ENTHUSIASTS reduce their incidence by applying supple- Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, Gloucester, Growing in the Appalachians and Pied- mental water to the base of the plants only. VA. (877) 661-2852. mont of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, Pick lily-of-the-valley in the early morn- www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com. American lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria ing or towards evening, when its fragrance Fieldstone Gardens, Inc., Vassalboro, majuscula, Zones 2–7, 7–1) is similar is strongest. The simple flowers with their ME. (207) 923-3836. to its better-known European counter- delicate scent will delight you, and, perhaps, www.fieldstonegardens.com. part, forming a groundcover and bearing over time, provide you with your own lily- Klehm’s Song Sparrow Farm and Nursery, fragrant white flowers in early summer. of-the-valley memories.  Avalon, WI. (800) 553-3715. Although not widely available, it is now www.songsparrow.com. offered by a few mail-order nurseries. Margene Whitler Hucek is a garden writer

based in Keswick, Virginia. ALEKSANDRA SZYWALA

62 the American Gardener