The Boxwood Bulletin A Quarterly Devoted to Man's Oldest Ornamental

Open April 30 on this year's Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage tour: Walnut Grove, in Talbot County. with ancient Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' in the foundation planting. See article on page 82

IN THIS ISSUE

40th ABS Annual Meeting June 2-3 in Annapolis, Md ...... 67 Designing with Boxwood: A Colonial Garden, Sigrid Georgii Harriman .... 70 Garden Week in Virginia Preview: April 22-30, Suzanne Munson ...... 75 Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage 2000, Jane Vallery-Davis ...... 82 News of the Society ...... 85

April 2000 Volume 39, Number 4 The American Boxwood Society

The American Boxwood Society is a not-for-profit organiza­ Available Publications: tion founded in 1961 and devoted to the appreciation, scien­ Back issues of The Boxwood Bulletin (through Vol. 38) tific understanding and propagation of the genus Buxus L. (each) $ 4 Boxwood Handbook: A Practical Guide (Revised)** $ 17 Officers: Boxwood Buyer's Guide (5th Edition) $ 8 International Registration List of Cultivated Buxus L. $ 3 PRESIDENT: Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1961-1986 $ 10 Mr. Thomas Saunders Piney River, Va. Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1986-1991 $ 4 VICE-PRESIDENTS: Index to The Boxwood Bulletin 1991-1996 $ 3 Mr. Charles Fooks Salisbury, Md. Publications may be ordered from Mrs. K. D. Ward, ABS Dr. Henry F. Frierson, Jr. Charlottesville, Va. Treasurer, Box 85 , Boyce, V A 22620-0085. SECRETARY: **Price includes tax, postage and handling. Mrs. Sigrid Harriman Fredericksburg, Va. EXECUTIVE TREASURER: Contributions: Mrs. Katherine D. Ward Winchester, Va. Gifts to the Society are tax-deductible and may be undesig­ REGISTRAR: nated or applied to: Mr. Lynn R. Batdorf Washington, D.C. Boxwood Memorial Garden Fund DIRECfORS: Boxwood Manual Fund Mr. John W. Boyd III (2001) Roanoke Va. Boxwood Research Fund Mr. Scot Butler (2000) Winchester, Va. Mrs. Robert L. Frackelton (2000) Fredericksburg, Va. Correspondence: Annapolis, Md. Dr. Gary Richardson (2000) For address changes, memberships, dues, contributions, or to Mr. Richard D. Mahone (2001) Williamsburg, Va. order back issues or publications, write: Mr. Ian Robertson (2002) Charlottesville, Va. Mr. Jim W. Saunders (2002) Piney River, Va. Treasurer, The American Boxwood Society Mr. Clyde Weber (2002) Bentleyville, Pa. P.O. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 22620-0085 Mr. Steve Zapton (2001) Port Republic, Va. For general information about the Society, advice concerning EX-OFFICIO: boxwood problems or cultivar selection, write to The Ameri­ Dr. Michael Bowers Boyce, Va. can Boxwood Society at the same address. You are also welcome to write directly to the President: BULLETIN EDITOR: John S. McCarthy St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Thomas Saunders 2498 Tye Brook Hwy. Memberships: Piney River, Va. 22964 Memberships for the year May through April include $16 for four quarterly issues of The Boxwood Bulletin: Call for Papers:

Individual $25 Sustaining $75 Technical articles, news, history ,lore, notes, and photographs Family $35 Life $500 concerning boxwood specimens, or plantings are Contributing $50 solicited for possible publication in The Boxwood Bulletin. Material should be submitted to: Non-member subscriptions for groups and institutions, such Chairman, Bulletin Committee as botanic gardens and libraries, are $25 by the calendar 1714 Greenway Drive year as established or current year for new subscriptions. Fredericksburg, Va. 22401-5209

The Boxwood Bulletin (ISSN 0006 8535) is published Quarterly for $16.00 per year by The American Boxwood Society, Blandy Experimental Farm, Boyce, Va. 22620. Periodicals postage paid at Boyce, Va. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Boxwood Bulletin , P.O. Box 85, Boyce, Va. 22620. The Bulletin is printed by M-J Printers, Fredericksburg. Va. 40th ABS Annual Meeting Set for June 2-3, 2000 Annapolis, Maryland

The ABS Board is most enthusias­ tic about the program the Richardsons Schedule of Events have prepared for the 40th Annual Meeting. Thursday, june 1, 2000 The meeting will be at the Wynd­ The ABS board will gather for dinner at the Treaty of Paris ham Garden Hotel, 173 Jennifer Restaurant in the Maryland Inn, with meeting to follow. Road, Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) Spouses will retire to the Richardson home during the 266-3131. meeting. Invitations and reply cards will be sent. Registrants are responsible for their lodging. A block of rooms are Friday, june 2 being held until May I, 2000. Room 7:00-8:30 Continental breakfast and registration rates are $109 single and $119 7: 15-8: 15 Paul Saunders: Discussion on the National Boxwood Trials double, for those who specify that Project they are with The American Box­ 8:30-9:30 Stratton Semmes, Landscape Architect: "Use of wood Society group. Boxwood in Small Gardens" A registration form is enclosed, to 9:30-10:30 Jim McDaniel, Ladew Gardens: " in Historic be filled out and sent to Mrs. Robert Gardens" L. Frackelton, 1714 Greenway Drive, 10:30-11 :00 Break Fredericksburg, V A 22401-5209, II :00-12:00 Business meeting, to be followed by brief Board meeting with checks payable to the American to conduct required business Boxwood Society. The registration 12:00-1:00 Lunch fee is $150 for the two days with a 1:00-2:00 Chase Rosade: "Use of Boxwood in Bonsai" $15 supplement for non-members. 2:00-2: 15 Break This includes June 2: breakfast, 2:15-3:15 Lynn Batdorf, U.S. National : "Cultivars of refreshments at break, lunch and Boxwood" banquet dinner; and June 3: breakfast 3:30 Boxwood Auction and lunch, bus tour, and admissions. 6:30 Dinner; Naomi Kinard: "Preservation Story of Annapolis" Deadline for registration is May I. Saturday, june 3 7:00-8: 15 Continental breakfast and hotel checkout 8: 15-8:30 Board bus for tour (see following pages) NOTICE: Wyndham 8:30-9:00 Travel to Holly Beach Farm Garden Hotel provides free 9:00-10: 15 Tour Holly Beach Farm Gardens owned by Mr. & Mrs. shuttle service until 10:00 p.m. Thomas Muntz to and from the hotel and the 10: 15-10:30 Travel to Whitehall Tour central portion of Whitehall Manor House and Historic District, State House 10:30-11 :45 and Naval Academy. This area grounds, owned by Mrs. Charles Scarlett includes excellent bars and 11:45-12:15 Travel to Watergate Village for lunch Box lunch restaurants. Registrants are 12:15-1:15 urged to come early and spend 1:15-2:30 Visit Hammond Harwood and Chase Lloyd Gardens Thursday afternoon and 2:30-3:45 Visit Acton Hall and Richardson Gardens evening in the Historic District. 3:45-4:00 Bus returns to Wyndam Garden Hotel Also, the hotel is adjacent to Meeting is adjourned Restaurant Park and the Annapolis Mall. All meetings are in the Garden Ballroom of the Wyndham Garden Hotel

April 2000 67 Boxwood Auction Stratton Semmes, Landscape drawing rooms. Large boxwood Architect, graduated from the Univer­ specimens exist around the house. Members who are willing to sity of Michigan. She designed the Hammond-Harwood House was donate for this year's Auction Richardson garden and has worked in built for Mathias Hammond between are asked to advise John W. Boyd, III, creating other beautifui gardens in 1774 and 1776. The architect was 26 12 Churchill Drive, Roanoke, VA Annapolis and Washington, D.C. William Buckland, designer of many 24012-2126, (540) 362-0064, in Jim McDaniel is head of Ladew other famous Annapoli s and Mary­ advance. Garden. He graduated from the land homes. William Harwood, great Below is a list from the 1999 University of Maryland and was grandson of the architect, obtained Auction: section head of and rose the house through marriage to a 'Aurea Pendula' (B. sempervirens) gardens for ten years at Longwood relative of Mathias Hammond. The 'Beckett' (B. sempervirens) Garden before coming to Ladew. house is now owned by the Ham­ 'Compacta ' (B. microphylla), Naomi Kinard, a long-time mond-Harwood Association and is IS port of Compacta! resident of Annapolis, has followed open to the public. The garden 'Curly Locks' (B. microphylla) the preservation story of that city for represents a typical in-town private 'Dee Runk' (B. sempervirens) garden. 'Elegantissima' (B. sempervirens) many years as an avocation. 'Glencoe' (hybrid) Chicagoland Chase Rosade is the proprietor of Chase-Lloyd House bears the Green™ Rosade Bonsai Studio in New Hope, name of its two earliest owners. 'Graham Biandy' (B. sempervirens) Pa. He is widely known as an educa­ Samuel Chase, a judge of the U.S . 'Green Beauty' (B. 'microphylla var. tor, lecturer, and designer of bonsai. Supreme Court, could not complete japonica) Lynn R. Batdorf manages the the house because of financial B. 'Green Ice' (?) National Boxwood Collection at the limitations and sold it to Edward 'Green Pillow' (B. microphylla) Lloyd IV. Mr. Lloyd was known as 'Handsworthiensis' (B . sempervirens) U.S. National Arboretum, and is B. harlandii - species Registrar for the ABS, which is the "Edward the Magnificent" because of 'Inglis ' (B. sempervirens) International Registration Authority his wealth and high standard of IJim 's Tru Spreaderl (B. microphylla?) for Cultivated Buxus L. He is also the living. This stately brick house is the 'John Boyd' (B. sempervirens) author of the Boxwood Handbook, only three-story house remaining in 'Justin Brouwers' (B. sinica var. which is in its second printing. Annapolis which predates the Revo­ insularis) lution. The house is now owned by 'Latifolia Maculata' (B. sempervirens) the Episcopal diocese of Maryland 'Latifolia Marginata' (B. sempervirens) Tour Itinerary and serves as a retirement home for a 'Maculata' (B. sempervirens), 'Morris Dwarf (B. microphylla var. Holly Beach Farm was once part small number of elderly women. The japonica) of a 6000-acre estate. It now consists garden is another example of in-town 'Morris Midget' (B. microphylla var. of 12 acres and is privately owned by gardens. japonica) Mr. and Mrs. Muntz. The gardens Acton Hall was built sometime 'Nana' (B. sinica var. insularis) have been redesigned and recently between 1740 and 1760 by a member 'Newport Blue' (B. sempervirens) restored. This garden represents a of a well-to-do Hammond family. It is 'Northern Find' (B. sempervirens) country estate garden with a magnifi­ located on Spa Creek. The garden 'Fortunei Rotundifolia' (B. micro- phylla) cent setting on the Chesapeake Bay . (waterfront) side of the house has the 'Salicifolia Elata' (B sempervirens) and Whitehall Creek. semi-octagonal shape that was 'Ste. Genevieve ' (B. sempervirens) Whitehall has been described as popular in Annapolis architecture. 'Vardar Valley ' (B. sempervirens) "one of the most interesting and Richardson House was built in 'Winter Gem' (B. sinica var. insularis) important houses of the eighteenth 1874. The garden was redesigned in 'Wintergreen' (B. sinica var. insularis) century." The house was built 1990 by Stratton Semmes, Landscape Speakers between 1764 and 1765 for Governor Architect. At this time the brick wall Horatio Sharpe. The house has been and pool were added. All the Paul Saunders, of Saunders Bros. restored and is privately owned by plantings are new to the garden Nursery will speak on the National Mrs. Charles Scarlett. The five-part except for the Magnolia and the Boxwood Trials Project. He has plan of the brick dwelling is unusu­ Holly. traveled widely in this country and ally lengthy, extending almost 200 abroad to get Nurseries and Arboreta feet. The two-story great hall at the to participate in this project. center of the house is flanked by two (Photos: Dr. Gary Richardson)

April 2000 68 Acton Hall, one of the restored 18th-century houses in Annapolis, has a garden on the water side.

The Chase-Lloyd House was namedfor the first two owners. Large gardens are at the rear and on each side of the house.

The Hammond-Harwood House, a William Buckland master- The Richardson House was built in 1874. The garden piece, has boxwood at the foundation and in the . design is by Stratton Semmes, one of Friday's speakers.

April 2000 69 Designing with Boxwood: A Colonial Garden Sigrid Georgii Harriman

On a December morning in 1996, I received an unusual telephone call fro m Jacksonville, Florida. "We just bought a 1749 cottage in Virginia," the caller announced, "and it' s overwhelmed by boxwood. Can you help?" The temperature was mild that afternoon when I arrived in Port Royal to inspect the property. The house, set in the northeast comer of the property, was dwarfed by what seemed to be healthy shrubs. Two doors and three windows were hidden by very large Buxus sempervirens and B. sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'. The property itself, a little more th an an acre, showed the results of many years of neglect and abuse: dying trees, suffocated by Wisteria floribunda or crowned by Hedera A yard full of stuff. helix. Rotting vegetables in crooked lines covered a large part of the overgrown trees and shrubs formed under a clear blue sky. I contacted the property. Broad strips of bluestone the backdrop to a sizeable mound of owner and agreed to begin work. gravel, the country parking surface, trash. Yet, there were signs of future By the following February we had covered much of the property. A possibilities in the spreading branches trimmed all boxwoods about one­ barely visible rusting fence behind of old trees and the deep brown soil third. The doors and windows became visible and could be used again. We washed and cleaned all shrubs thoroughly and gave them a much needed layer of new topsoil. During those days I envisioned the potential of the place. The owners arrived from Florida after the first job and enthusiastically took possession of their house. At their request, I prepared and prioritized a three-year pl an, outlining a colonial-style garden. It was to become a fenced garden with a small herb garden near the kitchen door; an ; a formal ; and a for the backdrop of the property. Work began on several levels. The owner and I struck an immediate rapport, probably because we share a passion for detail. She involved In 1996 the Cottage, circa 1749, was partially hidden by boxwood. herself in every aspect of the project.

April 2000 70 She and her husband made trips to Williamsburg to learn about Colonial gardens (and to get decorating ideas for the house as well). They also visited Christ Church in Irvington, Virginia, and brought back pictures of its small boxwood parterre. Her level of attention inspired all who worked on creating the garden. I was moti­ vated by my belief that well defined spaces encourage intimacy and promote understanding between people and the landscape. We cleaned out, cut down, hauled away the gravel "parking lot," removed stones, and carried away many loads of general debris. A picket fence (later white washed) defined the entire space and set the stage for the future garden. A series of raised diamond-shaped herb beds were built parallel to the kitchen side of the house. A row of medium-size Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Green Beauty' were planted along the fence, and two Buxus semper­ virens 'Graham Blandy' in decorative pl anters flank the kitchen door. Colonial gardens often included , therefore a double row of flowering ornamental fruit trees­ cherry, apricot, crab apple-formed Spring 1997 .

the west border of the garden. X Cupressocyparis leylandii were chosen as the perfect evergreen foil for the flowering trees along the fence (and also to provide a green wall along the property line). A shade border along the back fence was developed around a stand of large old trees. Hydrangea quercifolia, Kalmia latifolia, Mahonia aquifolium, Nandina domestica, Viburnum plica tum tomentosum 'Shasta' are some of the shrubs planted under the trees. Masses of bluish leaved hostas will be the major ground cover. It is the small (40'x 40') formal garden, inspired by the Christ Church parterre, that is to become the June 1998; the new shade garden. highlight and focal point of the

April 2000 71 garden. Situated perfectly in proxim­ ity to the house, its entrance walk divides the garden into two sections. The entrance walk is bisected by another walk that leads the visitor from the street through a gate into the garden. The main axis runs from the back door and terrace to the center of the garden, where an antique sundial t sits in a small diamond-shaped bed, to • P no a bench at the far end. An additional walk winds around the outer beds of the garden. All walks dividing the planting areas were defined by pressure-treated I "x6" boards. The walks remained grass. The outer borders of the beds were only ., ... edged to achieve a gentle transition I---"~--+--..t---_' . J!>tcw,. .. .

from the to the formal garden. "'-"'It __ The outer borders are planted with .... Buxus microphylla var.japonica 'Green Beauty'. All comers and the again respond well to the rejuvenation restoration of the house itself, I can entrances are flanked by larger Buxus program. They are fuller and their only say that the owners applied the sempervirens. color is a deep green. Each time I see same meticulous attention to detail in Flowers in the four perennial beds, the garden I am delighted how their effort to faithfully restore the backed by boxwoods, bloom from everything responded to our changes interior and exterior of their house in April through October. We agreed on and the creation of new spaces. aU aspects: authentic shades of paint, a color scheme of mostly white with Although this is not the place to talk true wooden shingles, antique some pink, rose and blues. I selected about the work that went into the wooden shutters, antique outdoor Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers' to define the four center beds with Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' at each middle. White annuals are massed between the dark green boxwoods during the appropriate seasons. The formal garden will enter its fourth season this year and we expect it to be even more stunning than last year when the garden was on the Caroline County House and Garden tour. Although in full sun, all box­ woods are thriving and have already been trimmed twice. All 120 plants of 'Justin Brouwers' have doubled in size. The 'Green Beauty' boxwood have not grown as quickly, possibly because they had been severely pruned by the grower to achieve uniformity before they were sold. The old boxwoods around the Boxwood infront of the house show much improvement after the second house have been trimmed again and trimming. (All photos: Sigrid Harriman)

April 2000 72 Spring 1998: the boxwoods are growing (B. sinica var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers' edging). White tulips are in bloom.

Fall 1999: perennials complement the boxwoods. Looking toward the SE corner of the property.

April 2000 73 Spring 1997:- outlining the formal garden. lighting, and beautifully matched antique furnishings in each of the rooms. All color schemes harmonize and truly blend indoor living spaces with the outdoor rooms. The place is a pleasure to visit and see. Summer 1997: looking south from the , most boxwoods are in.

Mrs. Harriman and the owner admire the garden, ready for the Garden Tour. Shown in front are outside edges of the formal garden, without the 1 "x6" boards, to achieve a gentle transition from the lawn to the garden. April 2000 74 Garden Week Preview: April 22-30, 2000 Suzanne Munson, Executive Director, Historic Garden Week in Virginia

Virtually all of Garden Week's tours this year will feature beautiful properties with extensive boxwood plantings, many dating to the 18th century. Hi storic Garden Week in Virginia is scheduled for April 22-30, with three dozen outstanding events planned throughout the state. The April 25 tour in Colonial Williamsburg opens the venerable St. George Tucker House, boasting the most extensive boxwood gardens in all of the restored area. The nearby Prenti s House is acclaimed for being one of two Colonial Williamsburg hou ses with glorious tulip gardens frequently pictured in many A boxwood-enclosed garden at the Hungars Glebe home, which was Williamsburg publications. commissioned by the Hungars Church c. 1742 to provide a beneficial home for Eyre Hall's original boxwood the minister and income for the nursery. It is now privately owned and was garden, one of the oldest in the restored in the 1970s by the present owners.

One of the Northern Neck Garden Club's tour homes in Lancaster County, Verville, one of the oldest surviving houses in Virginia, is open April 6. There is a formal boxwood garden with a picket fence.

April 2000 75 Verville. Lancaster County. Virginia. where a terraced boxwood and perennial garden offers a view of farmland to the river. (All photos courtesy Garden Club of Va.) cQunty, has in recent years been enhanced by extensive English-style mixed borders which promise to be on colorful display during Garden Week. Eyre Hall is one of nine exceptional coastal properties on the Eastern Shore's April 29 tour, all but one predating the 20th century. With its tree-lined entrance lane, rare boxwood, classic dependencies and vistas on Cherry stone Creek, this handsomely preserved manor house is one of the most widely known and photographed on the East Coast. Also on the Eastern Shore, historic Kerr Place will be open Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. for a candlelight tour and refreshments. The gardens, containing plants that would have been growing on the Eastern Shore circa 1799, were designed and installed in 1982 as a restoration project of The Garden Club of Virginia, using Garden Week funding, under the direction of Rudy Favretti, a noted landscape historian. Another Eastern Shore property with old and interesting boxwood plantings is Hungars Glebe. A garden view at Newstead Farm, where there are "terraced of Among the fine historic homes boxwood leading from one magnificent view to another. .. It is also a open on the Northern Neck Garden thoroughbred horse farm. The home displays paintings of winners and a Club's tour in Lancaster County April collection of older sporting pictures.

April 2000 76 Ivy and Rhododendron atop a stone retaining wall with large boxwood as a backdrop at the Montgomery home, 203 Westover Lane, open April 26.

At 203 Westover Lane there is boxwood at the entrance B. sempervirens 'Graham Blandy' beside the house were which leads to the home. Open on the Martinsville tour the late Mr. Montgomery'sfavorite boxwood. They are April 26. found elsewhere in the garden in various sizes.

April 2000 77 At 721 Mulberry Road. the boxwood-lined driveway leads to the house and woodland area. Open April 26.

A view into a garden room through a mass of Azaleas with boxwood in the background. at 721 Mulberry Road. Martinsville. Open April 26.

April 2000 78 26 will be Verville, a property century dependencies: the smoke Montgomery's late husband was a developed originally by the Thomas house, carriage house, brick bam, and lover of 'Graham Blandy' boxwood, Carter family, who acquired it in an unusual brick-lined ice house and many of his plants, all sizes and 1674. Beginning in 1742, Col. James containing about 15,000 bricks lining in various strategic locations, can be Gordon I began the acquisition of the a circular pit that is approximately 18 seen in the yard along with "Ameri­ Carter Plantations. One of the oldest feet deep. can," Japanese and "English" box­ surviving houses in Virginia, the The Petersburg tour on April 25 wood. home is sited on a plantation near features lovely old gardens that Another splendid garden open on Merry Point overlooking the Coro­ include one of the three oldest crape this April 26 tour in Martinsville is toman River. Beside the house is a myrtle trees in Virginia, as well as the one owned by Mr. and Mrs. H. formal boxwood garden with a picket 200-year-old boxwood, grown from Morgan Holland, Jr. When the fence. A terraced box wood and cuttings from Berkeley Plantation. Hollands bought their home 20 years perennial garden offers a scenic view Among five elegant estates deep in ago, the boxwood-lined driveway led of the farmlalld to the river. Virginia's hunt country on the April to an open terraced backyard, where Also featured on the Lancaster 23-24 tour in Upperville is Newstead azaleas provided the only color each County tour this year will be Epping Farm, complete with lovely and old spring. Forest, childhood home of George formal boxwood gardens. Gradually over the years, they Washington's mother, Mary Ball One of the most beautiful 20th­ have transformed their one-acre lot Washington. In addition to the main century gardens open this year is the into a park-like setting with meander­ house, dating to the late 17th century, one developed by Mrs. James B. ing pathways into woodland areas, the property includes old English Montgomery, a former president of interest for every season, and numer­ boxwood and four existing 19th- The Garden Club of Virginia. Mrs. ous varieties of boxwood.

Azaleas. boxwood and dogwoods at the top o/the driveway at 721 Mulberry Road. Open April 26.

April 2000 79 For more information send a $5 built 1830-34 by Col. Joseph Tuley, Reservations are required by April donation to Historic Garden Week in who inherited the property from his 14. Contact Jen Peachey, Blandy Virginia. 12 E. Franklin St .. Rich­ father, a prosperous tanner from New Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm mond. VA 23219. The Garden Week Jersey. The property was bought in Lane, Boyce, VA 22620, (540)837- web site is www. VAGardenweek.org. 1902 by Graham Blandy, who 1758, ext. 21. Photographs and interesting articles restored the house and grounds, and about the tour can be accessed the upon his death in 1926, left 700 acres In addition to the garden tour, week before Garden Week on the web of the land to the University of there will be a special Dogwood site maintained by the Richmond Virginia. This land became the Symposium at the Blandy Experi­ Times-Dispatch. featuring the April Blandy Experimental Farm. Tuleyries mental Farm of the University of 16 Sunday supplement "Springtime passed to Graham Blandy's widow, Virginia's Orland E. White Arbore­ in Virginia ... www.timesdispatch.com! then to her sister, Mrs. Orme Wilson, tum, the State Arboretum of Virginia, special/spring. and now belongs to Mrs. Orme 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday April 29. A Wilson, Jr. fee of $65 covers four lectures by Another of the places open on the experts well-known in their field , and Addendum Garden Tour is Persimmon Hill, lunch (single lecture $18). At 10:30 Of special interest will be the home of Mrs. J. Haliburton McCoy, a.m. there will be a general Arbore­ Winchester-Clarke Garden Club where specimen plants of Buxus tum tour and at 2 p.m. a Dogwood Tour, April 29 and 30, in the Blandy microphylla 'Compacta' may be Lane tour with pathologist Jay area. found in the garden above the pool. Stipes, both free. For reservations and On the tour will be Tuleyries, On Saturday April 29 only, lunch information about the lectures contact adjacent to Blandy Farm, which was will be served II :30 a.m.-2 p.m. , $9. Jen Peachey (see above).

Persimmon Hill on the Winchester-Clarke Garden Tour. where specimen plants ofB. microphylla 'Compacta' are located in an area above the pool. (Photos: Mrs. Robert Frackelton)

April 2000 80 Ornamental gate leads to the Tuleyries garden (1997 photo).

Boxwood in the Tuleyries garden on the Winchester-Clarke Garden Club tour.

April 2000 81 Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage 2000 Special Highlights Jane Vallery-Davis

The 63rd annual Maryland House English Tudor and Georgian build­ participants are invited to explore the and Garden Pilgrimage, the original ings. The mature trees and exuberant beautiful formal grounds, which house and garden tour in the state, gardens are typical of the romantic include an allee of ancient maple will feature historic waterfront style of the tum of the century. trees, and extensive boxwood parterre estates, churches and schoolhouses as Home of Mr. and Mrs. Jack designed by Kathleen Cowgill c. well as graceful mansions, elegant Dwyer: Built in 1920, the architect 1940, newer gardens near the house, city houses, interesting and historic was Edward L. Palmer, Jr. The Italian and lovely views of La Trappe Creek. structures and sumptuous gardens. Renaissance Revival stuccoed house (The gardens only are open.) is topped by a red clay-tiled hipped Sunday, May 7: St. Mary' s Co. Location, dates and times: roof. Boxwoods flank the central The owners of Pleasant Hill entry staircase providing an elegant Farm have enjoyed raising English Thursday, April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ascent into the home. boxwoods from cuttings for the past . Roland Park, Baltimore City Sunday, April 30: Talbot County 20 years. There are several boxwood Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Walnut Grove is a 200-acre plantings in the yard including two Queen Anne's County waterfront farm on the waters of beautifully designed gardens. The Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Creek overlooking the Chop­ gardens are accented by a , Talbot County tank River. The center section is 17th­ , and an old "meat" house. Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. century and the property is enhanced Tuesday, May 9: Harford Co. Anne Arundel County by fine boxwood and stately shade Olney, built in 1810, is a three­ Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. trees. story brick house with fine carved St. Mary's County Compton: Patented in 1604. Tour door frames, mantels and arches. In Tuesday, May 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Harford County Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ruxton, Baltimore County

Special highlights

Thursday, Apri127: Baltimore City, Roland Park The Roland Park community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the tum of the century, the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted was of a suburban green place where one's spirits could revive in the natural landscape. The irregu­ lar, rugged terrain of the area was used to advantage and dictated the curvilinear streets. Restrictive covenants have from the beginning controlled density and architectural review prior to construction has enabled Roland Park to retain its original character of graceful man­ Open April 27: In Roland Park, this Italian renaissance revival house, with a sions, shingle cottages, Queen Anne, red clay tile roof, is enhanced by clipped boxwood at the entrance.

April 2000 82 1910, an imposing marble columned portico on the garden side was delivered via flatbed train and twelve­ horse wagons. Boxwoods and unusual evergreens, planted between 1810 and 1840, frame the houge. Saturday, May 13: Baltimore Co. (Ruxton) Tyrconnell, an imposing stone Colonial Revival manor house, was built in 1826. It sits on a 22-acre tract landscaped in the 1920s by the noted Philadelphia landscape architect Arthur Folsom Paul. The property includes a boxwood entrance court, a terrace parterre garden and the spectacular north allee modeled after the Italian Renaissance garden at Open May 7: Pleasant Hill Farm, St. Mary's County, abounds in boxwood. Villa d'Este. Twenty years of raising Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' has resulted in two Fourwinds, built in 1928 as one beautiful boxwood gardens.

Open May 9: In Harford County, Olney, built in 1810, isframed with boxwoods and unusual evergreens planted between 1810 and 1840. (All photos courtesy Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage)

April 2000 83 of the original houses of the Ruxton Pilgrimage, 1105-A Providence Rd., are free with ticket or gift certificate Company's Ruxton Hill community, Towson, MD 21286-1790. Booklets purchase. has won various awards for its French ...... Provincial design. Four distinctive .. .,( ...... garden areas distinguish the property. Of particular interest is the "Secret Garden" protected by 60-year-old English boxwoods.

The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage is a nonprofit organiza­ tion established in 1937 to promote and perpetuate the preservation and restoration of Maryland's significant and historic architectural treasures. Proceeds from the annual house and garden tours benefit special preserva­ tion projects in each county. Over the past 63 years, the Pilgrimage has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for historic preservation projects. Tickets for each of the day-long tours are $20 and may be purchased at any house on the tour. For a tour Open May 13: Fourwinds, built in 1928, one of the early homes in Ruxton booklet, call (410)821-933 or send $3 Hill. There arefour garden areas, including a "Secret Garden" protected by to Maryland House and Garden 60-year-old "English " boxwoods.

Open May 13: At Tyrconneli, built in 1826 in Baltimore County, there is a boxwood entrance court, a terrace parterre garden and a spectacular north allee.

April 2000 84 NEWS OF THE SOCIETY

Minutes of Winter her permanent quarters in Winchester Award Committee Report: Mr. Board Meeting very shortly. She expects to have all Weber li sted suggestions for type of power and necessary hook-ups for all award and criteria. There was a The winter meeting of the Govern­ her needs as well as Internet access. di scussion of the Recognition Award. ing Board of The American Boxwood She also reported that the Society was All agreed that it should not be an Society was held on Thursday, featured in the New York Times and in annual event, but only be given when February 10,2000, at Pargo's a North Carolina paper. Therefore, applicable. It was moved and sec­ Restaurant in the Seminole Shopping she expects an increase in Handbook onded that a framed certificate be Center of Charlottesville, Virginia. In sales. presented to the Recognition attendance were Thomas Saunders, Nominating Committee Report: Awardee. Presi dent Saunders ap­ President; Charles T. Fooks, First Mr. Weber had supplied all informa­ pointed Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Frackelton Vice-President; Dr. Henry F. tion in writing. and Mr. Fooks to serve with Mr. Frierson, Second Vice-President; Several directors will complete Weber on the Award Committee to Katherine D. Ward, Executive their term in 2000. They are: Mr. set up criteria and to decide on award Treasurer; Sigrid G. Harriman, Butler, Mrs. Frackelton, and Dr. details. Secretary; Lynn R. Batdorf, Regis­ Richardson. A list of potential future ABS Boxwood Memorial trar; and the following directors: John nominees was also prepared by him Garden: Mrs. Butler reported that the W. Boyd III, Scot Butler, Decca and presented. Mrs. Frackelton will two trees to honor Decca Frackelton Frackelton, Dr. Gary Richardson, Ian get in touch with Mr. Weber about and Joan Butler in recognition of their Robertson, James Saunders. Joan addresses and telephone numbers of tireless dedication and hard work Butler attended in her capacity as some of the possible candidates. were planted in the Memorial Garden liaison to the Orland E. White Arboretum reporting on the ABS Memorial Garden at Blandy. Absent were Dr. Michael Bowers, Richard Mahone, Clyde Weber, and Steve Zapton. The meeting was called to order at I :00 p.m. by the President, who di stributed a packet containing agenda, reports from Clyde Weber, and a proposal to develop cultural criteria for the production of box­ wood in containers. All were to be discussed at the meeting. The minutes of the fall meeting of the Governing Board of ABS, held on September 8, 1999, were approved as published in the October 1999 issue ABS Memorial Garden at Blandy Farm: In the foreground is 'Appalachian of The Boxwood Bulletin, vol.39, Pyramid', one of recently registered cultivars, a gift to the ABS from Mr. no.2, p.42. Charles Hildebrant of Hildebrant Nurseries. To the left is Styrax japonica, Treasurer's Report: Mrs. Ward planted in honor of Joan Butler. This tree will reach 20'-30' with rounded presented the Treasurer's report crown, casts light shade. Introduced in 1862 by the Arnold Arboretum, it has showing a balance in the checkbook blooms of pendulous white flowers. Picea pungens 'Fat Albert' is the of$15,239.97 which includes the evergreen to the right, planted in honor of Decca Frackelton. Description: special funds. She also reported on upright, broad, zone 2, large, an outstanding blue-needled tree with a the Boxwood Handbook sales and naturally straight leader. With its strong apical dominance. 'Fat Albert' stated that a good supply is still on makes the perfect, predictable blue spruce. It was originated at Iseli Nursery. hand. Mrs. Ward expects to move to (Photo: Decca Frackelton)

April 2000 85 in early December. The trees are Directors meeting. Landgraf. The work is being carried Styrax japonica and Picea pungens Mr. Batdorf also reported on his on by another student. It is a complex 'Fat Albert' . (See photograph.) progress on the "Manual." Although study because the variability between Mrs. Butler observed that the he has made substantial progress on DNA makeup in different boxwood Memorial Garden would benefit from it, he feels that completion is at least varieties may not be very great. It a few shade trees and a windbreak two years away. At the moment it also seems that the boxwood family is evergreen on its ~est side. contains 556 boxwood taxons and very close to the base of the plant Fraxinus americana 'Autumn 140 registered boxwoods which system. A report should be coming Applause' was suggested as a include 26 new cultivars. It has soon. Dr. Koehler plans another trip possible shade tree if it was deter­ thirteen chapters and appendixes to Cuba to verify his previous finds. mined that there was room in the A-M. B. New Proposal: Dr. Frierson center bed for a shade tree. Sugges­ He also reported that the National reported on the proposal to "Develop tions for a windbreak hedge to be Arboretum has begun to install the cultural criteria for the production of located across the path from the west new collection signs throughout the boxwood in containers." This pro­ end of the Memorial Garden included arboretum. This of course includes posal was prepared by Dr. Robert D. Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green' . the "National Boxwood Collection" Wright of Virginia Tech University Mrs. Butler reported on her work sign. It was partially funded by ABS. and others. The proposal lists three on the visitors brochure for the Changes are on the way in the Box­ objectives: to develop methods for Memorial Garden and a brief history wood Collection. The Arboretum spring propagation of boxwood of boxwood and its society for the decided to remove all perennials­ cuttings; to determine level of fertility information panel. The brochure will Daylilies, Peonies, Daffodils­ required to promote optimal growth also contain a list of all plants in the following a new master plan. of spring-rooted boxwood cuttings; garden and a free-hand plan. He announced that he will be a and to determine if pruning and the Anticipating the need in the not­ speaker at the forthcoming Spring application of growth regulators will too-distant future for additional space Meeting of the European Boxwood promote mUltiple flushes of growth in the Memorial Garden, it was and Topiary Society, May 6-7, 2000. on boxwood. The growth regulators suggested that a request be made for He will speak on boxwood culture may also result in longer shoots and more space available for new culti­ with emphasis on pathology. larger plants. This proposal opened vars. Perhaps across the path at the Boxwood Bulletin and Member­ the doors to lively discussions. west end which had been designated ship Report: Mrs. Frackelton Comments such as " .. major flaw of for "boxwood rooms" in an earlier reported that 546 copies of the study is the choice of 'Suffruticosa' design. She offered to get a copy of January 2000 Boxwood Bulletin were because it has so many problems Bla~dy's new landscape master plan mailed out. Some 1998-99 members already .. ." , " .. . home owners are more for ABS Board members. have not yet paid their dues and were concerned with boxwood diseases Registrar's Report: Mr. Batdorf dropped from the membership list. and their successful treatment. .. ," reported on the progress of the fifth There were 85 new members for the " .. .some growth regulators might edition of the Boxwood Buyers Guide. year 1999-2000. (See page 84.) alter the plant itself...", and " .. .study He hopes to have the last revision Mrs. Frackelton repeated her plea should be done on 10-15 different done within a short time. It lists a for contributions to the Bulletin and cultivars to study differences in total of 315 sources for a number of informed the Governing Board that response ... " Dr. Frierson assured Boxwood cultivars. His second report 1,000 copies are printed of each issue. President Thomas Saunders that ABS was on the third five-year index of Earlier issues of the Bulletin are board members reacted as any The Bulletin, due in April 2001. He stored at Blandy and at Mrs. Frack­ scientific committee would when asked for the Board's opinion elton's house to supply requests for confronted with a first draft of a grant whether to issue another five-year back issues. proposal. Both Mr. Saunders and Dr. index or combine the last two five­ Frierson asked members for written Other Business year indexes with the new one to comments to be directed to Mr. make it a fifteen-year index. An Research Committee Reports: Saunders with a copy to Dr. Frierson. inventory of all cumulative indexes A. DNA Study on Cuban Box­ Planning for 2000 Annual on hand by Mrs. Ward is needed to woods: Dr. Frierson reported briefly Meeting: Dr. Richardson presented make a decision regarding the type of on the DNA work conducted by one an almost complete program for the cumulative index at the next Board of of Dr. Koehler's students, Maria next Annual meeting of ABS. It will

April 2000 86 be held June 1-3,2000 in Annapolis, two country gardens (Holly Beach offered to grow an adequate number Maryland. The Board will meet after Farm and White Hall) and four town of 'Green Mountain' for 2002. dinner on June I . The Wyndham gardens, one of them will be Dr. and Spring 2000 Boxwood Garden Garden Hotel off Route 50 is pre­ Mrs. Richardson's. Tour: The boxwood garden tour in pared to accommodate participants, Year 2001 Annual Meeting: As Georgia is planned for April 10-13, provide box lunches and has meeting no chairman had been appointed for 2000. Mrs. Ward informed all th at the rooms available. Some of the speak­ this meeting, Mrs. Ward and Mrs. fee for the trip including bus transpor­ ers will be Stratton Semmes on "Use Butler agreed to make arrangements. tation, tours, and some meals will be of Boxwood in Small Gardens," Jim This meeting will be held at Blandy $195. Information and regi strati on McDaniel of Ladew Gardens on to commemorate the 40th anniversary form is di stributed with the January "Gardening in Historic Gardens," of the ABS . Tentative dates are May 2000 issue of The Bulletin, which has Chase Rosade on "Use of Boxwood 17-19,2001. Earlier, Mr. Ian Rob­ been mailed. in Bonsai," and Lynn Batdorf on ertson had offered to obtain gardens The meeting adjourned at 5:00 "Cultivars of Boxwood." Naomi to visit. p.m. Kinard will address the attendees with Gift Plants: Mr. Weber's report an after-dinner presentation "Preser­ was di stributed and di scussed. 'Curly Sigrid Georgii Harriman vati on Story of Annapoli s" on June 2. Locks' for this year's meeting will be Secretary Dr. Richardson's pl an for the garden provided by Mr. Fooks. No donor has tours on Saturday, June 3, includes been found for 2001. Mr. Weber

New Members May 1999 - April 2000

Brian E. Aaron, Dunlap, IL Mr. & Mrs. W. Kent Ford , Milboro E. Dailey Parr, Decatur, GA Joel Adams, Rocky Mount, NC Springs, VA Harry Parr, P & H Nursery, Clifion , VA Emilie Jane Altemose, Cambridge, MA H. E. Clark & Daughter Equipment, Plants Unlimited, Boring OR Jennifer Austell-Wolfson, Orlean , VA Athol, MA Jeff & Raymond Posey, Hazel Green, AL Kimberly Bartlett, Philadelphia, PA Raymond C. Hagel, Westport, CT Prillaman Nursery, Martinsville, VA Billingsley Nursery, Rabun Gap, GA, Albin B. Hammond, Roanoke, VA Richard M. Reams, Corbin, KY Blue Sterling Nursery, Bridgeton, NJ Mrs. George G. Herrick, Washington , DC Mr. Charles Reed , Richmond, VA Fred Boutin, Toulome, CA Hillenmeyer Nurseries, Lexington , KY Mark J. Ripepi , High Falls, NY Brooks Nursery, Brownsboro, AL Joanne Hilty, Flint Hill, VA Mrs. Alexander M. Roe, Mendenhall, PA Janet Bruce, Staunton Hill, Inc., Joanna Hurd, Landsdale, PA Robert C. Runge, Frenchtown, NJ Brookneal, VA Iseli Nursery, Boring OR Seaview , Ocean Beach, NY Charyl Butenko, Bellevue, WA J. Carlson Growers, Inc., Rockford , IL Sherwood Gardens, Inc., Oklahoma George Carter, Ivy Nursery, Inc., David G. Johnson, Coolville, OH City, OK Charlottesville, VA Linda M. Kelley, Round Hill, VA Shoemaker Landscape, Delaplane, VA Jan Stephen Carter, Eldersburg, MD Christopher W. Kennaugh , Santa Rosa, CA Robert H. Smith, Upperville, VA Case Nursery, Aurora, OR Rodney James Kirby, Lenoir, NC Margaret Sockwell, Charlotte , NC Joseph Cheevers, Alexandria, VA William Paul Kubarych, Tappan, NY Dr. & Mrs. George E. Staehle, Short Circle H Nursery, Taft, TN Robert D. Lahoff, Gillette, NJ Hills, NJ Lynda K. Cobb, Spartanburg, SC Landscape Techniques, Inc ., Nutley, NJ John & Madeline Sutter, Oriental, NC Colony Nursery, Inc., Canby, OR Louis J. Lanzerotti, New Vernon, NJ Jerry F. Swicegood, Mocksville, NC Country Lane Landscape Assn. LLC, Matthew L. Larkin, Richmond , MA Laurie Chatfield Taylor, Purcellville, VA Darien, CT Michel LeGuilcher, France The Shally Group, Charlotte , NC Chris Crenshaw, Nashville, TN Oliver H. Lloyd, Lexington, KY Torsillari, Inc., Gladstone, NJ Dan's Hide-A-Way Nursery, Rock Island, TN Marshall Place Boxwood, Dillwyn, VA VanEssen Nursery, Inc., Lebanon, OR Michael Derrig, E. Hampton, NY Martin Nursery & Garden Center, W. Van Nuffelen, Belgium Stan Driver, Nellysford, VA Greenville, SC Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Voise, Dayton, OH Keith Ehmke, Germantown, WI Elizabeth Reutter Martin, Medford, NJ Patrick A. Walker, New London, CT Mary Jane Emmet, West Stockbridge, MA Leonard J. Martinko, Jr., Bethesda, MD Mr. & Mrs. Carel Warfield , Annapolis, MD Fern Associates, Westwood, NJ Monrovia, Azusa, CA Claire Weiss, Califon , NJ Joan Finch , Fresno, CA David L. Morris, MD , Charlottesville, VA Whitmore Tree Farm, East Hampton, NY James Firth , Bentonville, VA Old Country Gardens, Chesterfield, MO Zirkle's Nursery, Bridgeton, NJ

April 2000 87