Gardens and Communities Botanical Gardens Gardens Far and Near GCA Donors 13871-Garden Club of America 3.875X9.375 Fall 2017.Qxp Layout 1 6/27/17 3:07 PM Page 1

PUBLISHED BY THE GARDEN CLUB OF AMERICA SINCE 1913 FALL 2017

Gardens and Communities Botanical Gardens Gardens Far and Near GCA Donors 13871-Garden Club of America_3.875x9.375_Fall 2017.qxp_Layout 1 6/27/17 3:07 PM Page 1

GCA Bulletin Fall 2017

13869-Garden Club of America Bulletin Spring 2017_Layout 1 1/19/17 1:23 PM Pag

GCA Bulletin Spring 2017

The purpose of The Garden Club of America is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings,The purpose conferences, of The correspondence, Garden Club of andAmerica publications, is to stimulate and to restore,the knowledge improve, and protectand love the of quality gardening, of theto share environment the throughadvantages educational of association programs by means and actionsof educational in the fieldsmeetings, of conservationconferences, Dig deeper... correspondence,and civic andimprovement. publications, and

be ENCHANTED. be DELIGHTED. be INSPIRED. Advertisingto restore, and improve, Submissions and protect the quality The ofGarden the Clubenvironment of America, a 501(c)(3)through organization, educational publishes Bob Leitch ROYAL SPLENDOR: THE CORONATION the Bulletinprograms quarterly. Theand Bulletin actions accepts in advertising the fields from of GCA GOWN FROM THE CROWN clubs, clubconservation members, and relevantand civic companies improvement. and individuals. Media kits are available upon request. Additionally, the Bulletin OctoberDig 20, 2017–January deeper... 7, 2018 welcomes letters and story ideas from GCA club members and other Submissions and Advertising Join us for this inaugural exhibitWHAT’S featuring IN BLOOM?the replica coronation interested parties. The Garden Club of America, a 501(c)(3) organization, publishes gown worn inSpringtime the Netflix always series bringsThe Crown excitement, a dramatized to the history Winterthur n Advertising:the Bulletin quarterly. The Bulletin accepts advertising from GCA of the reign Garden!of Queen Spring Elizabeth festivals II. celebrate This replica the March dress Bank, is a true Sundial Reserve by November 1 (winter issue); February 1, clubs, club members, and relevant companies and individuals. icon, createdGarden, in celebration Azalea ofWoods, the Queen’s and Peony Diamond Garden. Jubilee! Narrated‡† tram 2018 (spring issue); May 1, 2018 (summer issue), and August 1, tours available. To discover what’s in bloom, visit 2018Media (fall kitsissue). are available upon request. Additionally, the Bulletin gardenblog.winterthur.org. ‡† welcomes letters, articles with photographs, story ideas, and original A MASTERPIECE OF COLOR AND DESIGN n Submissionartwork from Deadlines: GCA club members. November 1; February 1, 2018; May 1, 2018; and August 1, 2018. Discover the splendorDAFFODIL of one DAYof the• Saturday,Brandywine April Valley’s 22, 2017most n Advertising: Reserve by May 1 (summer issue); August 1 (fall beautiful destinations,Celebrate theablaze beauty in fallof thefoliage! daffodil Stroll and Henry enjoy Winterthur’sFrancis n Contact:issue); November [email protected] 1 (winter issue); and February or visit 1,the 2018 Bulletin (spring issue) n du Pont’s magnificentone-of-a-kind 60-acre daffodil garden display! or take The a narratedday’s events tram will tour include Committee’sSubmission landing Deadlines: page on May the 1;GCA August website 1; November (www.gcamerica.org 1; and ) daffodil tours, a special tea, daffodil show ‡†and crafts for the kids.‡† through one of America’s great country estates. for theFebruary ad submission 1, 2018 form. n Contact: [email protected] or visit the Bulletin AZALEAS AND BLUEBELLS • Saturday, May 13, 2017 Committee’s landingThe page Garden on the ClubGCA ofwebsite America (www.gcamerica. YULETIDEEnjoy the spectacle AT of WINTERTHUR thousands of azalea blossoms and acres org)14 for East the 60thad submission Street • New form York, NY 10022 • (212) 753-8287 Novemberof wildflowers! 18, Highlights 2017–January include tours 7, of2018 Azalea Woods and [email protected] Garden Club of America 14 East 60th Street • New York, NY 10022 • (212) 753-8287 Tour H. F. dua specialtyPont’s dazzling sale of azaleaformer plants home propagated decorated for in specimensholiday at Winterthur. ‡† On the Cover: [email protected] style! Enjoy sparkling trees and visions of holidays past, including the breathtaking dried-flower tree. Delight in our 18-room UntermyerOn the Cover: Park and Gardens in Yonkers, NY, is the former dollhouse, exquisitelyPEONIES decorated AND PRIMROSES for Yuletide! ‡†• Sunday, May 21, 2017 estateUnderplanted of Samuel inUntermyer the mossy (1858-1940),woodland at Sheep who Meadow, purchased North the Winterthur’s peonies and Quarry Garden primroses will be in propertyHaven in Island 1899 in and Penobscot made itBay, one ME: of lilythe ofmost the valleycelebrated (Convallaria gardens Presented by full flower as we celebrate this spectacular spring display in the in America.majalis), thickPhoto stemmed by Susan wood Van fern Tassel, (Dryopteris Short crassirhizomaHills Garden) and Club, Winterthur Garden. Special lectures and a walking tour to both Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). Photo by Missy Janes the Peony and Quarry Gardens included. ‡† Zone IV, using a Nikon D50 camera with a Nikon AF-S DX lens For more information, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org. (Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club, Zone VII) Book a group tour!Book Special your rates garden available. group Visittour! winterthur.org/groupsSpecial rates available.. Call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org/groups. ‡ Included with admission. † Members free. Photo courtesy Alex Bailey, The Crown, Netflix ‡ Included with admission † Members free Winterthur is nestled in Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY • 800.448.3883 • winterthur.org on Route 52, midway between New York City and Washington, D.C. 77595

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1471A0166_Regal_Lighthouse_8.625x10.875_2.indd The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Cyan Magenta Yellow Black  The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Features fall 2017

Gardens Dahlias Visiting Gardens 16 Including The 28 by Helen Wagner 40 Far and Near Role of Gardens in Healthy Including Nashville, Portugal, Communities, Botanical Sweden and Denmark Gardens, Community Gardens, by Julie Badger Responsible Gardening

72 | Parting Shot

Garden History & Design 38 | Smithsonian Garden Inspirations 46 | Logan Desert Garden

12 | Magnolia Tribute In Every Issue Garden 52 | Zone Meetings

Profiles 55 | Milestones 33 | Dede Petri 57 | NewsWorthy 47 | Andrea Wulf

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 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 From the President Executive Board

In this issue, the Bulletin explores the importance of Executive Board garden clubs. And what a story there is to tell. Across the 2017-18 country—in ways large and small—The Garden Club of America Dede Petri, GCA President is leading the charge. Whether it’s promoting native plants, Georgetown Garden Club, Zone VI advancing the importance of plant scientists, lobbying against neonics, or preserving gardens—the GCA is front and center. Debbie Edwards, In June, the head of the Chicago Botanic Garden spoke at the First Vice President Global Botanic Gardens Congress in Geneva, crediting our Garden Club of New Haven, mutual efforts to preserve native plants and to ensure a supply Zone II of plant scientists ready to address challenges on public lands Jessie Shelburne, Photo by Sarah Salomon through the promotion of H.R. 1054, the Botany Bill. Corresponding Secretary Some weeks ago, the Historic Preservation Review Board in Washington, DC, agreed with the GCA Founders Garden Club of Dallas, in listing the Enid Haupt Garden as part of a Historic District. The Smithsonian is currently on the Zone IX path to destroy this beautiful garden, but we and others are speaking out publicly against the effort. Lorill Haynes, Recording Secretary Meanwhile, the remarkable GCA Archives of American Gardens Collection continues to garner Garden Guild of Winnetka, Zone XI attention. Our documentation is—literally—on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, in an exhibit entitled, Cultivating America’s Gardens. Cindy Hilson, Treasurer Just this month, the GCA spoke at the Invasive Plants Conference in Nevada, spreading the Hancock Park Garden Club, word about our Partners for Plants program. This project, now 25 years old, is offering invaluable Zone XII support to public parks that grapple with reduced resources and the scourge of invasive plants. Marguerite Borden, Vice President Given the environmental challenges before us, The Garden Club of America—with our unique Cohasset Garden Club, Zone I network of 200 clubs and nearly 18,000 club members—has never been more important. Crissy Cherry, Vice President Hearty thanks are thus due to the many club members and clubs who realize the importance Lake Forest Garden Club, Zone XI of the GCA’s efforts—and whose contributions are documented later in these pages. It’s because of you that the GCA has been able to be a leader for more than 100 years. It’s because of you that we Gretchen Downs, Vice President are able to fulfill our important purpose: to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, and to Country Garden Club, Zone X restore, improve and protect the environment. Linda Holden, Vice President Locally and nationally, the GCA is having an immense impact. Last year alone, our clubs across The Augusta Garden Club, the country were promoting pollinators; reaching out with flower shows and other public programs; Zone VIII documenting gardens and helping to remove invasive plants: Wendy Serrell, Vice President • 51% worked on pollinator gardens, responding to the GCA’s Pollinator Challenge; Hortulus, Zone II • 46% worked in local, regional or national parks; • 60% offered public lectures, conferences, or educational programs; Missy Jensen, Vice President • 46% documented gardens for the GCA’s Archives of American Gardens; Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club, • 30% participated in the GCA’s Partners for Plants program, helping local, regional and Zone XII national parks remove invasive plants and nurture native ones. Mary Harman, Zone Director Through Annual and Endowment Giving, donors expand the GCA’s capacity to provide greater Serving on the Executive Board resources to clubs and to educate and activate—locally and nationally. A gift to the GCA is a gift to Country Garden Club, Zone X 18,000 around the country! I hope that you will enjoy reading this issue and seeing what your generosity makes possible. Jennifer Barnette Cohen, Chief Operating Officer Warm best wishes,

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 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  From the Bulletin Committee Bulletin Committee

Welcome Back from the Committee

The start of this GCA Bulletin Committee 2017–18 year brings with it our Gina Brandt, Chairman new Bulletin themes—we’re Hancock Park Garden Club, Zone XII calling them G-C-A-People. Laura Case, Vice Chairman G is for gardens, which is New Canaan Garden Club, Zone II the theme for fall; C is for Lorraine Alexander, Vice Chairman conservation in winter; A is Millbrook Garden Club, Zone III for art and design in spring; and of course the topic Pamela Hirsch, Vice Chairman Garden Club of Morristown, Zone IV for summer is the annual meeting, which is all about Gay Legg, Vice Chairman people, and not just any St. George’s Garden Club, Zone VI The Bulletin Committee in June 2017. Photo by Howard Hirsch (aka the people but GCA people—it Madeline Mayhood, Vice Chairman “Cookie Man”) is, after all, who we are! James River Garden Club, Zone VII Our inaugural garden issue explores the importance of garden clubs, the role of gardens zone representatives in healthy communities, the reasons for botanic gardens and community gardens, and much Georgia Lee, Milton Garden Club, Zone I more. Why do they matter in today’s busy and complex world? What do garden clubs bring to Tamera Galvin, Ridgefield Garden Club, Zone II the table decades after they were originally founded? Do they still have a purpose? How does Christa Amato, North Suffolk Garden Club, green space impact our health and longevity? Why are botanic gardens important? What defines Zone III responsible gardening? As we vicariously visit the gardens in this issue, both near and far, the Kathryne Singleton, Rumson Garden Club, question arises of why we do this. Why do we love to visit gardens, photograph them, design Zone IV them, study them, and protect them? Helen Wagner, West Chester Garden Club, We hope you’ll sit back and enjoy reading your copy of the Bulletin. Be sure to take note Zone V of the many activities of GCA clubs across the nation. We think you’ll be as inspired as we are. Brooke Morton, Perennial Garden Club, Zone VI (And please don’t forget to shop with our advertisers Nancy Inman, Albemarle Garden Club, Zone VII and let them know you’re from a GCA club.) Every issue is the collaboration of many people— Julie Badger, Sand Hills Garden Club, Zone VIII who write, photograph, research, edit, proofread, edit Ouida Drinkwater, The Garden Club of Jackson, more, and proofread more. That we become friends Zone IX in the process is one of the great joys of working Betsy Bosway, Indianapolis Garden Club, Zone X on a committee in this stellar organization. Then as Lynn Steiner, Saint Paul Garden Club, Zone XI friends we visit other gardens together, enjoy drinks Teri Taylor, Garden Club of Santa Barbara, on a patio overlooking the Hudson, and then go back Zone XII to researching, writing, photographing, editing, and The Bulletin Committee visited the secluded executive board liaison proofreading. And more drinks on a patio… Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park. Photo by Debbie Laverell Jessie Shelburne, Founders Garden Club of Dallas, Always with thanks to the many people who Zone IX contribute their time and effort to producing the zone director liaison Bulletin, and especially the staff at HQ. Margaret Costan, Georgetown Garden Club, Zone VI —The Bulletin Committee finance committee liaison Ellen Ball, Garden Study Club of New Orleans, Zone IX gca staff administrator Paige Trubatch

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The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  GCA Spotlight

Hollidae Morrison and Sarah Dabney Gillespie from The GC Wendy Russell from the Members of The Weeders working at the Magnolia Tribute of Jackson collect household hazardous waste from club GC of Wilmington focused Garden in Philadelphia. From left: Nancy Evans, Jeanne May, members for proper disposal. Photo by Ouida Drinkwater on her flower show entry. Ellie Penniman, Marilyn Sprague, Sandy Cadwalader, and Photo by Linder Suthers Cheryl Cheston. Photo by Helen Wagner

Why We Need Garden Clubs By Dede Petri, GCA President, Georgetown Garden Club, Zone VI

lame it all on the New That image was, of The late New York Times As Lacy understood, Working with flowers— BYorker! course, inaccurate garden columnist Allen gardening is more than and offering flower Ever since Helen then and now. The Lacy understood the just buying plants. shows—is more than Hokinson’s matronly 21st-century garden challenge of unjust Gardening is science. creating a pretty ladies—and orchid- clubber is an active stereotypes: “Gardening It’s understanding that centerpiece. It is an toting butlers— environmentalist, a is not a hobby, and only healthy environments opportunity to establish appeared on its pages, historic preservationist, non-gardeners would require rich ecological standards of excellence; garden clubs have a floral designer, a describe it as such,” he diversity. It’s finding to broaden knowledge been typecast as comic horticulturist. She or wrote back in 1998. a way to provide food of horticulture, amateurs, convening he uses social media; “[M]ost hobbies are in the face of war and conservation, and over cucumber restores, improves, intellectually limited and famine. It’s preserving photography; and to sandwiches and cups of and protects the make no reference to the rare species, which can share beauty and art Earl Grey tea. environment; and larger world. By contrast, unlock secrets to human with a wider audience. engages meaningfully being wholeheartedly health and longevity. The Philadelphia Flower with the broader involved with gardens Show underscores the community. is involvement with power of garden clubs— life itself in the deepest in simple dollars and sense.” cents, it has an economic impact of $60 million.

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 GCA Spotlight

Linda Fraser and Missy Late Bloomers GC members Marianne Salas and Leslie Jane Ghazarossian, Lister Taking a break at the 2017 Jensen at the 2017 NAL Pierpont participate in a trough workshop in preparation for Bradley, and others on Annual Meeting in the Conference. Photo by the Zone VIII meeting. Photo by Lane Dawkins a garden hike. Photo by garden with a friend. Photo Linder Suthers Linder Suthers by Linder Suthers

Why We Need Garden Clubs By Dede Petri, GCA President, Georgetown Garden Club, Zone VI

Garden clubs are Garden clubs are Garden clubs are Garden clubs matter Gardening unites us as about engaging with an antidote to this also conservationists. because they respect a people—across time, nature. Author Florence epidemic. Those who Through concerted the past and invest in and through families Williams writes about have no awe for nature action, they help the future. Thousands and cultures. Most if the “epidemic dislocation feel no need to respect address climate change, of historic sites are not all of us have some from the outdoors”: or protect it. That’s why protect native habitat, sustained through the special memories of Americans checking garden clubs are actively and maintain and efforts of dedicated plants and gardens: a their phones 1,500 engaging in communities sustain public lands. volunteers. rose that reminds us of a times a week; students as varied as Savannah Only a few years after They understand beloved grandmother; a spending more time and San Francisco. They garden clubs across that a garden is not bush transplanted from indoors than outside; a provide education in the country pledged made in a day or a one home to another; majority of Americans the schools, maintain to grow milkweed, week or a month. Like a tree propagated from living in cities, where public gardens, teach scientists reported an friendships, gardening seed; a “gift plant” engagement with nature prison inmates about identifiable resurgence in requires sustained care now dominating the is increasingly difficult. propagation, educate the the monarch population and maintenance, hard backyard. Garden clubs Is it any wonder that public about recycling. in Mexico. Annually, work, and a love of the matter because they childhood obesity has They implement garden clubs contribute unknown. Gardening foster appreciation reached alarming levels? horticultural therapy millions of dollars to teaches us persistence, and protection of our in hospital gardens and environmental and humility, humor, and ever-changing land. In illustrate “farm to table” civic projects, offering a hope. To grow a garden, different places, and in in community and urban powerful private response as so many poets and different ways, we all find harvest programs. to environmental writers have recognized, a common connection. problems at a time is to be an optimist. when public resources and public support are challenged.

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  GCA Spotlight Magnolia Tribute Garden

In thanking the Philadelphia Committee and all present, Dede described two growing threats: historical illiteracy and nature deficit disorder. “Survey after survey shows that Americans are increasingly ignorant of their history and heritage. Many do not understand the separation of powers, let alone the number of colonies signified by these 13 magnolia trees or what happened here in Independence Hall. At the same time, more and more of our young people—who largely live in cities—stare at computer or phone screens rather than experience nature. The GCA’s abiding appreciation goes to the National Park Service, with whom we It was just after World War II and national about Andrea Wulf’s book Founding work to maintain historic sites and gardens spirit was running high, when sisters Gardeners, in which the author writes while, legislatively, obtaining support for its Dorothy Platt and Emeline Rosengarten, of her surprise in discovering that “the operations.” members of The Garden Club of environmental movement did not [begin] in Although the magnolia blossoms Philadelphia and The Weeders, decided the mid-19th century with men like Henry fell victim to early February heat and a to give a gift to the National Park Service. David Thoreau and John Muir, but…could subsequent deep freeze on the day of our They selected a small piece of land with 13 be traced back to the birth of the nation celebration, the trees stand in remembrance saucer magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana) and the founding fathers.” In 1818, Dede of our country’s history. The revitalization in tribute to the 13 colonies. Through the elaborated, at nearly the same time the City of the Magnolia Tribute Garden is just one efforts of the GCA and nationwide club of Philadelphia purchased this plot of land, of countless GCA efforts to preserve historic donations, the Magnolia Tribute Garden James Madison circulated a speech advising gardens. was thus created, and a decade later, in May the protection of the land as essential for the —Marilyn Sprague, The Weeders, Zone V 1959, it was dedicated. survival of this country. In 2016, the NPS’s centennial year, the ten GCA clubs in Philadelphia raised over $23,000 to renew plantings and repair the irrigation system. Last May these clubs celebrated again, just as was done in 1959, except that this time hats and gloves were optional. Special guests—the GCA’s Dede Petri and Independence National Historical Park Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod— were introduced by Susie Leonard, chairman of the GCA’s Philadelphia Committee. “What fitting testimony to the Founders, who not only established this From left: Ellen Goodwin, GC of Philadelphia; Cynthia MacLeod, INHP; Anne Sims, grandniece of the remarkable democratic republic but founders; Dede Petri, Georgetown GC; Susie Leonard, Philadelphia Committee of The Garden Club also, in so many ways, were our original of America, Providence GC of PA; Lloyd Brown, The Weeders; and Amanda John, National Parks environmentalists,” Dede noted in addressing Conservation Association. Photo by Helen Wagner the gathering. She went on to comment Above: Photos by Joseph Elliott, courtesy of Independence National Historical Park

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NEW YORK, NY GCA HEADQUARTERS MEETING 2018 ANNUAL October 31, 2017 Central Park Celebration June 8, 2018 Highlighting the High Line June 15, 2018 For the Birds! Audubon on Display WASHINGTON, DC March 19, 2018 Protecting Our Trees May 11, 2018 A Trip to the Smithsonian PHILADELPHIA, PA March 8, 2018 A Visit to Longwood Gardens BOSTON, MA May 18, 2018 Botany Boot Camp at Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum CHICAGO, IL September 20-21, 2018 Windy City Whirlwind AUSTIN, TX April 4, 2018 Lady Bird’s Legacy at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

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The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  The Role of Gardens in Healthy Communities

by Joanna Lombard, AIA  The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 G Gardens

The Ames Tru Temper Community Garden in Hampden Township, Pennsylvania, is also used by local students as their school garden. Photo by George Weigel

Facing page: An oakleaf hydrangea in the garden at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. Photo by Madeline Mayhood

Gardens have always been portrayed as places of paradise, endowed The leaders of American landscape with the healing properties of plants, sun, fresh water, and beauty. architecture drew upon this legacy as they Across cultures and time, the garden consistently is represented as advanced plans for the gardens of schools, a place for rejuvenation. Whether the grove of Plato’s Academy or colleges, hospitals, and public spaces. the physic garden of Hildegard of Bingen, the gathering of people Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and plants for human betterment is woven throughout history. proposed a vast assembly of gardens and parks of various configurations and purposes The assumption of benefits associated with gardens was broad to form the “lungs” of New York City, bringing air, light, and green to enough that private Roman gardens often provided public access. By the millions who experience the wonder of Central Park. the 16th century, a garden gate inscription—the Lex Hortorum (law of While earlier generations understood the medicinal properties the garden)—assured visitors of welcome in return for civility within. of plants and, beyond direct benefits, associated gardens and parks Perceived as an important community benefit, the potential loss of with healthful living, Olmsted’s personal experience with illness and access to the Borghese gardens provoked legal proceedings in an effort health convinced him of the importance of ongoing, individual access to ensure visitation rights.1 to landscape. He found that his own time spent in a garden alleviated The earliest of American gardens—from John Bartram’s garden, the debilitating effects of depression. Furthermore, he believed that a source of horticultural guidance for the new nation, to Franklin’s everyone deserved the same opportunity for healing and renewal. squares in Philadelphia—provided gathering spaces, identity, and As the nation expanded into the 20th century, the dominance of signature beauty to American cities. By the early 19th century, transportation began to alter traditional forms of towns and cities. By the public health impact of landscape emerged as a consideration, the 1960s only the most indefatigable and well-connected advocates inspiring the physician Jacob Bigelow to collaborate with Henry could muster the resources to secure parks and quality of life in the Dearborn of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society on a project to face of what were perceived as the urgent needs of highways. As address concerns about the sanitary conditions of urban churchyard neighborhoods and parks across the country succumbed to multi-lane burial grounds. The resulting Mount Auburn Cemetery introduced highways, buildings that once relied on gardens for air and light turned the garden cemetery movement to the country and remains a Boston inward. Access and views to greens and gardens vanished as school and landmark to the present day. hospital courtyards were roofed and enclosed; fluorescent lights and G The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Gardens

With well over 40 million visitors every year, Olmsted’s Central Park is the Living in areas with higher levels of greenery is associated with fewer most visited urban park in the US. Photo courtesy of Ed Yourdon chronic conditions in those over age 65. Photo by Gina Brandt mechanical ventilation and cooling replaced daylight and fresh air. a hospital window was associated with shorter post-operative stays, By the 1970s school buildings without windows were built across the reduced use of pain medication, and fewer surgical complications.2 country, while hospital rooms routinely viewed blank walls or tar and Ulrich’s study raised the question of the multiple areas of potential gravel rooftops. As the loss of walkable communities with easy access for gardens and landscape to affect health. Beyond direct experience to parks and green spaces and the declining presence of gardens in outside, could views of gardens in and of themselves be beneficial? everyday life rippled across the country, the public health community Within the last decade, research teams working across the globe began to document the growing impact of chronic diseases. have led studies on the effects of parks, gardens, and greens on A large body of research had already demonstrated the benefits of people’s health. A University of Minnesota team, in a comprehensive social interaction on health, with studies that examined populations study of Chicago neighborhoods, found that parks “directly promote in several countries and multiple locations. Higher levels of social physical activity, and indirectly mitigate stress via the spaces’ positive interaction were consistently associated with longevity and positive impact on social support.”3 Even small greening efforts showed health outcomes. Given the extensive history of gardens and parks as benefits. The National Institutes of Health sponsored a five-year key spaces for social interaction, reduced access to parks and public study in urban Philadelphia in partnership with the Pennsylvania spaces could now be seen as a hazard to health. Horticultural Society. Based on initial findings of more than 4,000 The 21st century ushered in a wave of research on the vacant lots, the greening of those vacant urban lots resulted in ramifications of this new lifestyle—sprawl—on public health. One “consistent reductions” in gun assaults and vandalism as well as of the first sets of findings to emerge was the association of physical residents “reporting less stress and more exercise.”4 inactivity with chronic disease. Not only had the diminished access Community gardens also demonstrate benefits in multiple areas. to gardens and parks exacerbated social isolation, it also contributed Enhancing healthy eating through fresh produce and providing to lower levels of physical activity. The combination of social isolation opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, community and physical inactivity was implicated in the rapid rise of diabetes, garden involvement, as Katherine Alaimo’s team at Michigan State depression, hypertension, and many associated illnesses to which University found, also is associated with residents feeling more behavior and environment contribute. connection to community, to one another, and to a sense of shared Meanwhile, Roger Ulrich’s seminal study on hospital patients in “neighborhood norms and values.”5 suburban Pennsylvania demonstrated that a view of green through As communities have begun to introduce greenways to try to

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Gardens

Throughout history gardens have had the ability to rejuvenate, soothe, and Raised planting beds and accessible paths benefit patients and staff at Bon bring a sense of joy. Photo by Dorothy Woodcock Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center. Photo by Madeline Mayhood connect parks, gardens, shops, schools, and residences, initial studies consistently related to higher levels of graduation rates, standardized have shown corresponding increases in walking and cycling. Eugene test scores, percentage of students planning to attend four-year Fitzhugh and colleagues evaluated the Bearden Village Greenway colleges, and lower incidence of criminal behavior. This study also in Knoxville, Tennessee, and found enhanced activity in the found that “large expanses of landscape lacking natural features are neighborhoods associated with the Greenway.6 negatively related to these same test scores and college plans.”9 Looking more specifically at individual health impacts, the Hospitals have begun to apply some of these findings through University of Miami’s Built Environment, Behavior, and Health innovative partnerships with community garden groups. In Research Group found that among the 250,000 Miami-Dade Richmond, Virginia, Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical County Medicare beneficiaries over age 65, living on a block with Center, working with landscape architects and volunteers, higher levels of greenness was associated with lower levels of diabetes transformed the chiller plant yard into a working garden that and hypertension. A high level of greenness was associated with 49 provides fresh produce for the hospital cafeteria, an inviting green fewer chronic conditions per 1,000 residents, which is equivalent space for ambulatory patients, and a restorative view from within the to a reduction in the biomedical aging of the study population by hospital for patients, families, and caregivers. three years.7 Similarly, Elizabeth Burton, a leader in the study of The growing body of evidence illuminates the value of gardens environmental impacts on health and well-being, conducted a study in every aspect of life. While each gardener can attest to personal of 545 elder housing settlements in the UK. She found that views of benefits, significant findings over the last 40 years now verify those gardens showed a “statistically significant” and positive effect. benefits across domains of culture, location, and purpose. Research Recent studies also show that the presence of green and gardens results demonstrate the importance of this work—enhanced is important to learning and healing. Investigating the impact of learning in schools, healing in hospitals and neighborhoods, and the landscape on third graders in 905 public schools in Massachusetts, advantages associated with the health and well-being of individuals researcher C.D. Wu and colleagues found higher exposures to and communities—all fundamental components of the quality of life. greenness were associated with higher levels of performance on standardized tests in English and math.8 In a similar study involving Footnote references on page 69 101 schools in southeastern Michigan, exposure to “greater quantities of trees and shrubs” from cafeteria and classroom windows was

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Gardens Botanical Gardens Conservation, Community, and Connections

by Madeline Mayhood, James River Garden Club, Zone VII

t’s a given that most of us in the GCA are plant people. But with technology consuming our daily lives, why do Either we collect them, obsess about them, fawn botanical gardens matter? Are they relevant? Is it possible to get over them, design with them, or appreciate them— children to ignore the tweets inundating their phones and engage in in most cases, all of the above—certainly more so the infinitely more melodious ones coming from their backyard? than the average Joe(sephine). So it stands to reason Peter Wyse Jackson, president of Missouri Botanical Garden that the majority of us support our local botanical (MoBot) and 2017 recipient of the GCA’s Distinguished Service garden, if not several. We Medal, says indeed botanical gardens matter admire their collections and and, with biodiversity under siege, they Longwood’s fountain illumination project by specimens, their educational opportunities, matter more now than ever. “Horticulture night, complete with kaleidoscopic colors Ithe landscapes they showcase, the plant and gardening are among the world’s and soaring water jets. Photo courtesy of introductions they make. We relish their Longwood Gardens greatest hobbies,” says Wyse Jackson, “but spaces for solace and contemplation and our very existence depends on our ability value the connections we make with “our Facing page: Boxwood Garden at the Missouri to grow and sustain plant diversity. This is people”—like-minded folk who never tire Botanical Garden. Photo by Bethany Ottens, what feeds our planet, secures our future, of nature’s beauty and bounty. courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden and sustains all life on Earth.”

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Gardens

bo•tan•i•cal gar•den

The role of botanical gardens as scientifically significant to our survival is as old as botanical gardens themselves. The earliest on record date from the 16th century and were established as university physic gardens Tens of thousands of plant during the Renaissance as a living ode to Europe’s rebirth; Italy’s botanical restoration, rare plant species are rare or endangered gardens in Pisa and Padua date from 1543 and 1545, respectively. Their propagation, conservation and potentially face extinction primary function was about medicine and teaching botany to physicians and biology and genetics, global in this century if current apothecaries. As the centuries unfolded, these science- and research-based change, and economics trends continue. “The threat institutions became strong anchors in communities. botany—all staffed with to biodiversity remains one of While there is no clear agreement as to what constitutes a botanical renowned experts. Its world- the most critical issues we face (or botanic) garden, generally speaking, they are gardens dedicated to wide initiatives in support of as a planet,” he says. “Despite the collection, cultivation, and display of a wide range of plants. Just as a the Global Strategy for Plant conservation strategies, museum, in the traditional sense of the word, houses collections, so too Conservation engage boots- biodiversity continues to does the botanical garden. Since the 1960s, however, the definition of on-the-ground scientists from rapidly disappear as natural a botanical garden has expanded to reflect the complexities, depth, and Madagascar to Southeast Asia, habitats are being destroyed diverse activities in which many of these institutions engage. Peter Wyse providing an international and more and more species Jackson’s definition from 1999 is now the industry standard:Botanical framework to address grave become endangered.” gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for threats to biodiversity. MoBot is one of the the purposes of scientific research, conservation, and display. The 21st-century botanical most active and influential Worldwide, the number of botanical gardens is on the rise. Fewer garden is a place where botany institutions for science- than 800 were on record in 1983; today they number nearly 3,100. About meets the masses, where art, based plant conservation. half are located in North America and Europe, but they are also found all nature, and science intersect. It has an established seed over the globe—in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, South This fusion not only allows bank, a conservation genetics America, Asia, and Africa. The trend for new botanical gardens shows no world-class scientific research laboratory, and international sign of slowing down, and each year new facilities and institutions are to be conducted, but it also programs in ecological being considered, proposed, designed, and opened. provides enriching educational

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Gardens

Left: The conservatory is Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s “jewel of the garden.” This 11,000-square-foot complex, completed in 2003, houses exotic and unusual plants from around the world. Photo by Brad Alston; courtesy of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and cultural opportunities, which engage botanical gardens all over the country, the whole person—heart, mind, and Right: Massive water-platters are a highlight of including Reiman Gardens in Ames, body. Paul Redman, president and CEO Longwood’s water lily display, which features Iowa, and Powell Gardens in Kansas City, of Longwood Gardens, agrees that plant more than 100 varieties. Photo courtesy of Missouri. From butterflies, jumping koi, conservation is one of the most pressing Longwood Gardens and lily pads to life-size gardeners and their issues we face and one that botanical tools, Kenney used over 500,000 Lego gardens can combat head-on. “I think pieces in his traveling installations and it’s also about getting people involved in conservation,” he says. imbedded his creations (over two dozen of them) throughout the “We have a responsibility and an opportunity to connect them to various landscapes. Botanical gardens have even co-opted the farm- the world of plants through beautiful and inspirational settings to-table movement to broaden their appeal and scope. These out-of- we provide.” Admittedly, it’s sometimes a challenge to get people the-ordinary opportunities—in this case culinary experiences—are in the door—or through the gate—but, by providing new and attractive to patrons and supporters. Locally sourced dinners at different programs that attract a broad cross-section of people, botanical gardens—from the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos there is a likelihood that they’ll “get it” once they enter. Longwood Verdes, California, to the Delaware Botanic Gardens—not only is legendary in providing that sort of visitor experience. Its 2017 showcase regional wine and food, which often includes produce illuminated fountain performance turned Pierre du Pont’s original from the host garden, but also provide community-building vision of European-inspired water features into a modern-day opportunities. extravaganza choreographed with lights and music. The fountain As global crises arise—conservation and sustainability, for revitalization project—refurbished with 1,700 jets and streams, example—botanical gardens can be a platform for communicating a kaleidoscopic light show, and new spaces for guests—takes and educating. “Botanical gardens have a broad capacity to deal Longwood’s famous fountains to a whole new level. with pressing human needs that have plant-based solutions: In a bid to attract visitors of all ages, a touring Lego exhibit— breathing, eating, creating livable spaces,” says Shane Tippett, giant sculptures by artist Sean Kenney—was featured in several executive director of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond,

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Gardens

Virginia. “Lewis Ginter is in a “The relevance of unique position to be helpful.” botanical gardens rests on the So what about those kids immutable relevance of the and their tweets? Admittedly, natural world we are charged says Longwood’s Paul Redman, with uplifting for illumination “children are inundated with and edification,” says Tippett. technology.” But the minute “Everything we do—to they walk through the gate, he design, create, and nurture an says, “I hear ‘Wow!’ They’re free impeccable botanical garden, to explore a real world that they stunning plant collections, can touch and hear and listen innovative educational and to. They don’t have the same recreational programs—begins experience with technology. with the notion that we do all And what I’ve seen is the kids these things for the love of our will bring their parents back to neighbors and our community. Longwood.” This is the gift we can bring, Redman and the GCA’s with the hope that as we Dede Petri are on leadership connect our neighbors to the committees of Seed Your natural world we might be able Future, a national campaign to to help connect them one to combat the lure of technology another.” and make horticulture cool in school, which is designed to attract the next generation of botanists and horticulturists.

A Collaborative Vision: Houston Botanic Garden Former GCA President Nancy Thomas (1991-93) has been instrumental in chairman of the board, describes Houston as one of the most ecologically launching the Houston Botanic Garden, which is slated to break ground diverse urban areas of the country. “Our master plan celebrates Houston, next year. Thirty years ago she envisioned a major botanical garden our ecoregions, and our unique identity,” she says. The new Houston for the city and in 2002 she became the first chairperson of the newly Botanic Garden will be an oasis where visitors will be inspired to value incorporated initiative. In 2020, on 120 acres along Sims Bayou just eight plants, gardens, and the natural world. “The original visionaries behind miles from downtown, the first phase of the Houston Botanic Garden is the HBG understood the important role a botanic garden could play in scheduled to open. Houston—culturally, educationally, and scientifically,” says Abendshein. The HBG board, its advisory council, and the local community “The garden will represent what a powerful vision and a dynamic public- collaborated with West 8, experts in urban and landscape design, to create private partnership can do to the landscape of a city and for the people a comprehensive master plan. It is to be phased over several decades. who inhabit it.”

The Sims Bayou and its Bayou Meander frame the site, which is organized Above: The Houston Botanic Garden overview, rendered by West 8, around these two bodies of water. The design takes inspiration from the calls for two distinct precincts defined by the Sims Bayou and its Bayou existing property and its associated challenges. The intended result is Meander: the South Garden and the Island Garden. Included will be trails, that the gardens and structures have been designed to accommodate an open lawn, many gardens, and a plethora of visitor amenities. Photo potential flooding from the adjacent bayous. Nancy Abendshein, HBG’s courtesy of Houston Botanic Garden

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017   The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Gardens

by Gay Legg, St. George’s Garden Club, Zone VI All gardens are different—sometimes reflecting topography, often reflecting the individual nature of Communitytheir gardeners. In community gardens, with plots laidGardens out side-by-side, these differences are particularly obvious. Some are neatly planted with zinnias and snapdragons in rows, beans obediently climbing trellises, and tomatoes tidily caged, while fiery nasturtiums and squash run rampant in others. Community gardens across the country provide a plot to those who want to grow their own vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Some are managed privately, others by recreation departments, and almost all of them have a waiting list. They are found in urban areas, parks, vacant lots, even on rooftops, as well as in suburbs and small towns; wherever they exist they provide a place for gardeners to hoe and harvest together. These gardens have their roots (pun intended) in the “victory gardens” established during World War II, when FDR encouraged Americans to grow their own food to supplement their ration cards. Fenway Victory Gardens in Boston, established in 1942, is the oldest continuously operated community garden in the US. Located in the area known as “The Fens,” freshwater wetlands in the Back Bay district, this site is Life is good with a cup of coffee, part of the famed Emerald Necklace—green spaces designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1880s. a pair of clippers, and a friend on Today, adjacent to the Red Sox’s Fenway Park, in the shadow of skyscrapers, Fenway Victory Gardens a sunny day at Fenway Victory boasts more than 500 plots in its seven-and-a-half acres, tended by over 350 members from every Gardens in Boston. All photos by neighborhood in Boston. The plots are fenced, numbered, and crisscrossed by paths like small country Gay Legg lanes, just wide enough for a garden cart to pass. Some have rustic gates, ponds, and whimsical ornamental Facing page statuary. Some are garden retreats for urban dwellers, with benches and arbors. Yet others are clearly well Top: The whimsical birdbath in this mulched mini-farms producing bountiful crops. In 2011 a special-needs (ADA-compliant) garden offering community garden plot adjacent raised beds and wheelchair access was established. to Fenway Park is in the shape of a A rebirth of community gardens was sparked in the 1970s. (The popular PBS program “The Victory catcher’s mitt and ball. Garden” was first produced by Boston’s WGBH in 1975.) Throughout the country community organizers and back-to-nature enthusiasts established hundreds of projects intended to connect people to land that Bottom left: A gardener tends her could be planted to provide food, reinvigorate dilapidated urban spaces, and help maintain municipal plot a few blocks from the Pacific parks. Ocean in Santa Monica, California. The non-profit American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) was established in 1982 “to Bottom right: In a plot at Brewster’s build community by increasing and enhancing community gardening and greening across the US and community garden on Cape Canada.” With membership in the thousands, the ACGA hosts an annual conference, lobbies to support Cod, gladiolas spike above lilies community gardens, and teaches best practices. Community gardens in many places are utilizing recycled alongside Swiss chard and other containers, exploring new methods of growing hydroponically, and making use of vertical and rooftop leafy greens. spaces. Many grow food to donate to food banks. Benefits include bringing together diverse cultural groups, often immigrant populations whose gardening knowledge, methods, and planting choices add to the learning process. Coast to coast, community gardens are expanding. In Santa Monica, California, there are now four community gardens, the oldest of which was established in 1976 on Main Street, now prime real estate just blocks from the beach; a scarecrow, with tin pie plates flapping in the breeze, keeps watch over the sweet peas. In the village of Brewster, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, a thriving community garden was established on a protected land-trust site. There, in a teaching garden, Master Gardeners mentor children with their own plots, stressing the need for pollinators as well as the best compost for growing giant pumpkins. Even gardeners who have home gardens might sign up for plots to have more sun or better soil, along with the companionship inherent in sharing wheelbarrows, tools, and hoses—and prizewinning zucchini. Surveying a field of fenced plots with neatly coiled hoses and stacked bushel baskets, a Brewster gardener gestures to a neighboring plot with beautiful gladiolas that will be sold at a roadside stand. “There are good gardeners and so-so gardeners,” he says, adding that he’s in the latter group and needs to get back to picking his raspberries before the birds do.

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Gardens Responsible Gardening

I have evolved quite a bit since my early days of gardening, well over 30 years ago. One of the most important lessons I have learned along the way is that we can’t separate our gardens from the natural world. What happens in our gardens has ramifications well beyond our property boundaries. The plants we choose don’t always stay in our gardens, and the plants that we bring into our gardens from other areas of the country and the world can have serious consequences for our natural areas and our native pollinators, birds, and other fauna. The chemicals and fossil fuels often used in traditional gardening are also cause for alarm. The bottom line is, gardening is not always such a “green” hobby. The good news is that there are many things we can do as gardeners that greatly enhance the natural world and the creatures that we share it with. I by Lynn M. Steiner, call this “responsible gardening.” As responsible gardeners, our goal should Saint Paul Garden Club, Zone XI be to combine our love of plants and the joy we get from tending them in our own yard with what we know about our natural plant heritage and our desire to avoid contributing to its further destruction and possible extinction. The result should be a place where we derive much personal enjoyment but cause as little damage as possible. Ideally our gardens should enhance native ecosystems by providing a haven for plant species facing elimination from their habitats by supporting necessary sources of pollen, food, and shelter. Every garden should be a home to more than its owners.

Gardening with native plants will help you become a responsible and sustainable gardener so you can complement your natural surroundings rather than cause further harm to it. Priority is put on choosing the right plant for the right place so you can reduce or eliminate your need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and watering, as well as on choosing plants that are beneficial to native pollinating insects and birds. Here a monarch butterfly enjoysLiatris aspera while a bee hovers nearby. All photos by Lynn Steiner

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Gardens

There are many native plants that are as beautiful as they are functional in the landscape. This garden at the home of author Lynn Steiner includes Allium cernuum, Physostegia virginiana ‘Miss Manners’, Rudbeckia, Phlox paniculata, Dalea candida, and Ruellia humilis, all attractive to humans as well as pollinators.

Responsible Gardening Tips

• At the top of the list is using native plants. Select native plants suitable for traditional gardens and learn how to effectively and acceptably incorporate them into your landscape. The result should be a garden or landscape that reflects a sense of our natural plant communities in a setting that is attractive to us as well as the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that will call it home. • Responsible gardening includes reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides, especially insecticides. It is cruel to lure insects to your garden by planting pollinator-attracting plants and then use deadly chemicals that kill them. • Peat moss is a nonrenewable resource, and gardeners should find alternative products to use as soil amendments, such as well-rotted manure or compost. • Traditional turf grasses provide little or no habitat value for native plants and require a great deal of energy to maintain. Instead of looking at lawn as a carpet you embellish with plants around the outer edges, think of it as a throw rug you use sparingly among the more interesting elements in your garden rooms, which include plants, hardscape, and ornaments. • Water that drains off home landscapes carries with it the chemicals, oils, and other pollutants we use, winding up in storm sewers and nearby lakes and rivers. If your property warrants it, install a rain garden to help keep water on site, where it can benefit your landscape by replenishing the groundwater.

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Dahlias

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Dahlias

Dahlias, ranging from simple daisy-like that the tubers could, among other things, and student of Carolus Linnaeus, who collarette types to exuberant lascinated ones, alleviate stomach pain. Hernandez was unable formalized binomial nomenclature of plant are widely admired for their elegance. Their to publish his manuscript before he died, and animal species. Seeds and plants were variety and splendor belie their humble origin soon after his return to Spain, but scholars soon distributed across Europe, launching the in the highlands of Mexico, where several and students used it and made annotations active cultivation of dahlias by early in the species grow wild. throughout. His work was eventually 19th century. Classification systems emerged, The first known illustration of what published in Rome in the mid-1600s, including use of the genus name Georgina is believed to be a dahlia appeared in The although how much of the content originated rather than Dahlia for a period of time. The Badianus Manuscript: An Aztec Herbal of 1552, with Hernandez remains unclear. error was corrected, but the common name the oldest recorded American herbal. The No records of dahlias reaching Europe “georgina” is still found in parts of Eastern Aztecs were avid gardeners, and the plant was were found until 1789, when José Cavanilles Europe. valued for its medicinal properties. Later that of the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid There are now over 50,000 dahlia century King Phillip II of Spain commissioned received a shipment of seeds of Mexican cultivars, with about 100 added annually. his personal physician, Francisco Hernandez, plants. Among the seeds were those that Interest in dahlias has spawned a robust to travel to Mexico to document Mexico’s we now identify as dahlias, and from these industry, societies of growers and gardeners, natural history. Hernandez produced 16 Cavanilles successfully cultivated three plants. and horticultural shows and competitions folio volumes, with sketches of three dahlias, He named the plants Dahlia in 1791 in around the world, all of which would have during his seven-year journey. He noted memory of Andreas Dahl, a Swedish botanist been unimaginable to the Aztecs.

Dahliasby Helen Wagner, West Chester Garden Club, Zone V Follow the dotted line Dahlia coccinea Dahlia ‘Alpen All photos by Helen from top left on facing Dahlia ‘Maarn’ Diamond’. Photo by Wagner unless page: Melissa Clark otherwise noted Dahlia ‘Heather Dahlia ‘Wheels’ Feather’ Dahlia ‘Hamari’ Dahlia ‘Excentric’ Dahlia ‘Elijah Mason’ Dahlia ‘Jabberbox’. Photo by Melissa Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’ Dahlia ‘Matilda Clark Dahlia ‘Sugartown Huston’ Dahlia ‘Alloway Sunrise’ Dahlia ‘Evening Lady’ Candy’ Dahlia ‘Elsie Huston’ Dahlia ‘Lavendar Dahlia ‘Lady Dahlia ‘Yellow Ruffles’. Photo by Darlene’. Photo Hammer’ Melissa Clark by Melissa Clark

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Gardens

Collins’s imagination was grounded while “ A sublime garden in Beck’s was rambling and evanescent. As Petronella Collins, Lester’s widow, the forested hinterlands commented years later, “Mr. Beck was always coming up with new philosophies.” of upstate New York” The Becks’ deaths in the 1950s and is how English garden historian Tim Richardson begins his description Innisfree’s opening to the public in 1960 of Innisfree Garden in his book Great Gardens of America. It’s a brought necessary adjustments. Collins set “singular place…of richly interwoven vistas and episodic energies….” about extending paths and unifying the “cups” Another English authority, Hortus editor David Wheeler, who visited into a symbiotic experience for visitors. Not Innisfree in 2013, was so smitten he wrote, “Like the pyramids of least, he oversaw the dredging of the garden’s Egypt or the Great Wall of China, Innisfree helps us to define what we Walter Beck’s heart, 40-acre Tyrell Lake; today’s Pine Island signature cup, The mean by ‘civilization’.” materialized out of the excess muck. Berms Point, features Turtle, After such praise, it’s tempting to write “finis.” But the story of were added and boulders repositioned. To the Dragon, and Owl, Innisfree’s making, from 900 acres rising around a glacial lake 80 miles rocks moved from meadow cup, Beck’s last installation, Collins north of New York City to 185 acres of richly imagined landscape— other parts of the added a ribboning stream wide enough to Rockefeller University bought the rest for its Ecosystem Studies garden to anchor the reflect nearby larches and magnolias. branch—is as “singular” as the garden we see today. lake’s western shore. Making design look natural presupposes Innisfree emerged from a chance meeting at a Harvard lecture in Opening the view a modesty guiding the fashioning hand. 1938. Marion and Walter Beck, she an heiress and plant maven, he toward Pine Island Collins was preternaturally modest. He’d an artist and intellectual, were researching garden concepts for their and, barely visible, come from a family of successful fruit farmers Innisfree estate; Lester Collins was finishing his undergraduate degree the Channel Crossing in New Jersey, and Harvard (with a dose of in English. The Becks had already built a grand Queen Anne-style footbridge, they are Bauhaus) only strengthened his opposition house (demolished in 1982) when Walter discovered, in scrolls at the favorite objects of to the solidity and predictability of the contemplation from British Museum, the designs of Wang Wei, an 8th-century Chinese monumental and formal. Add to this his chairs set under poet, painter, and garden builder. Influenced by Capability Brown’s esteem for maintenance, the dogged, dirty 125-year-old oaks romantic revisions of landscape and Wei’s sense of a garden’s evolving on the rise behind kind, and you have understood Collins’s mystery, Walter began nudging the rocky terrain into Wei-inspired them. Photo by Oliver essentials. He considered mowing almost an vignettes, or what he called “cup gardens”—a moss-covered boulder, a Collins; courtesy of art. (“Whoever mows must be a perfectionist misting waterfall. Lester Collins soon became the stabilizing force that Innisfree Garden [with] intuition.”) would turn Beck’s dream into a finely executed place of wonder. Despite his youth, Collins brought a bedrock of scholarship and experience to his collaboration with the Becks. Before becoming a Harvard dean in 1954, he’d traveled throughout Asia; obtained his master’s in landscape architecture; served in the British Eighth Army’s ambulance corps during WWII; and helped translate the 1,000-year- old Sakuteiki, a Japanese text advocating the study (not the imitation) of great gardens. For nearly two decades he was a principal in the Washington, DC, firm Simonds and Simonds, where his projects included work on the Smithsonian’s Haupt and Hirshhorn gardens, the latter a redesign of the controversial Beaux Arts original. All the while, and until his death in 1993, Innisfree remained on Collins’s drawing board (although he preferred on-site design). He and the Becks shared a commitment to balance and fluid movement through a garden’s space. And the men were steadfast complements:

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 INNISFREE: Maintaining the Dream

by Lorraine Alexander, Millbrook Garden Club, Zone III

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Gardens

Innisfree’s landscape curator, Kate Kerin, a graduate of Cornell’s MLA program (and member of the Garden Club of Orange and Dutchess Counties) goes further; she considers “revolutionary” the sustainable maintenance Collins practiced. “He had a genius for intervening in the natural succession process, working with different ecosystems for specific aesthetic effects.” A storm-damaged tree might be taken out—or reevaluated as sculpture. When deer found the lower branches of a weeping hemlock irresistible, the tree was allowed to glory in its “eccentric” appearance. Maintenance geared to economy is commonplace, but Collins also employed it in the service of biodiversity. He made gardens from the lake’s peripheral wetlands at a time when many people would have filled them in. Aware of their critical role in filtering and controlling runoff while providing habitat for birds and insect-eating vegetation, Fall foliage at Flowers at Innisfree are secondary to he literally waded into the natural bog-making process, weed whacking Innisfree. Photo by landscape. As Collins unapologetically wrote, and pulling up debris by its roots. Grasses, rose mallow, and native blue Lorraine Alexander “Independence of bloom is a hallmark of iris flourished—“but suddenly,” says Kerin, “they were garden-esque.” Innisfree.” Still, flowers—among which, Keeping the lake’s depths healthy proved particularly complex. Terraces that once led 125-and-counting catalogued species of When unsightly algae began to bloom in the 1940s, Collins to the Becks’ house wildflowers—contribute their casual beauty. now provide relaxing devised—two decades before the algae-bloom cycle was understood Water lilies and lotuses take turns adorning interludes for visitors scientifically—a pump system to remove decomposing organic matter, and a way up to one the lake. Near the meadow are two floral effectively starving the algae. (He also stopped the use of traditional of two water jets cups: a bank covered in daffodils, succeeded fertilizers, another algae food.) The water passed through soil and rock at Innisfree. Photo by sweet peas in summer; and, on steep up to a seven-acre reservoir the Becks had installed on the property’s by Oliver Collins; Dumpling Knoll, a mantle of painstakingly western edge. There the resulting “compost tea” was further aerated, courtesy of Innisfree established daylilies, which, Collins felt, then sent via fountains and waterfalls back down to the lake. Garden added vitality to balance the grass berms and terraces. No maintenance program can stand without pest control, and although Innisfree’s healthy ecosystems are its foremost defense, emergencies occur. Phragmites, an aggressive grass, ruins bird habitat and, by extension, flyways. Innisfree meets the attack by injecting an herbicide into each plant stem. A similar tactic halts purple loosestrife, isolated plant-by-plant with sections of PVC piping. Japanese knotweed is weakened and eventually eradicated by the broader stroke of weekly cutting. Such care is rare anywhere. But “Innisfree is like no other garden,” says Charles Birnbaum, founder of the Cultural Landscape Foundation and past coordinator of the NPS’s Historic Landscape Initiative. It is nothing less than a “thoroughly original masterwork.”

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 GCA Profile Getting to Know Dede Petri by Christa Amato, North Suffolk Garden Club, Zone III

What do you find most interesting about the GCA? The creativity and the immense energy and intellect of the GCA club members are, as far as I am concerned, remarkable—and frequently intimidating! The GCA is a unique organization. We don’t tend to think of ourselves this way, but we really are a big business: $2.3 million operating budget; $30 million endowment; $360,000 in scholarships; immense community contributions; the exceptional Archives of American Gardens; a major legislative program. Having spent most of my adult life working with nonprofits, I have always thought that the level of commitment and sophistication displayed by the GCA is exceptional. In these days, the GCA’s unique brand of informed voluntarism is more important than ever. The government can’t do everything, and what is unique about this country is its long- standing embrace of productive civic engagement. That is the glorious tradition in which the GCA finds itself.

How can the GCA continue to remain relevant? I look forward to exploring the best ways we can engage nationally and locally given the cultural Dede Petri is the GCA’s 42nd and environmental challenges before us—children who don’t go outside and think their phone is their best friend; parks challenged by limited resources; historic gardens threatened president. She is a member by development; nature deficit disorder, what author Florence Williams calls the “major of the Georgetown Garden disengagement from the outside.” There is a lot of work to be done and that’s one of the reasons why the Second Club, Zone VI, and resides in Century Campaign is so important. Our founders were quite visionary but it’s time we Washington, DC, with her pay it forward. We haven’t had a fundraising effort in over a decade, while the needs for husband of 34 years, Tom. environmental engagement are greater than ever before. We need to increase our educational opportunities for club members, support meritorious national projects, and enhance our They have one daughter. outreach to our own constituencies. We must have more resources to be able to work at She received her BA and JD capacity. from Harvard. Besides her How do we do that? To borrow a phrase from Marianne Bestler, former many GCA roles, she served Zone XI chairman, make it simpler, make it better. There are so many concerns and issues competing for our time—family, work, other volunteer causes. We simply must make sure as president of the American that we are using people’s limited time and resources in the most productive ways possible. Council of Trustees & Alumni Over the next two years, I am asking club members, zone chairmen, and national committees to examine what they do and how they do it. Is there a better and easier way? for 13 years advocating for Are we focusing on what matters? We keep adding, but are there things we should subtract? higher education reform. In my first mailing to club presidents, I urged them to email me with their thoughts. Since the beginning, the GCA has been an organization open to new ideas and fresh thinking. We She also chaired the Olmsted have to be laser-focused on how our efforts at the national level translate to clubs and club Woods restoration project members. I’m excited to be launching a pilot project specifically focused on clubs and club and served as president members—“On the Road with the GCA.” The GCA already has excellent meetings, of All Hallows Guild at workshops, and conference opportunities, but they are often limited in capacity. This new the Washington National program offers low-cost field trip programs so that we can reach out to clubs to let them know about the many opportunities available in the GCA! Cathedral. I also look forward to a new feature on our website’s public page focusing on club

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  GCA Profile

efforts around the country. I call it “Club of the Month.” We can share our successes and achievements so that members don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Of course, one of the reasons I treasure the GCA is the fact that it retains and respects traditions. The traditions of civility, hospitality, and conversation create a common bond. Given the divisions we are seeing in society today, we need the GCA, since it is a place where we come together and get things done.

What was your first national role? I cut my teeth in the GCA on the Conservation Committee as a zone rep and it was a wonderful experience. I think conservation and legislative affairs are a major interest of many club members—especially younger people whom we must attract. We have the opportunity to use the GCA’s platform to focus in a nonpartisan and responsible way on urgent issues at the local and national level. We want to educate and empower club members, wherever they are on the political spectrum. I am especially excited by our collaboration with the Chicago Botanic Garden in developing H.R. 1054, a bill that focuses on building a pipeline of plant scientists who can address the many environmental threats on our public lands. This ties in beautifully with our Partners for Plants. The GCA’s P4P program provides needed assistance to park managers at a time when many public lands lack botanists and other critical resources. Since the project was launched, Partners for Plants has spawned over 500 projects across the country; I hope that we can grow more. One of the targets of the Second Century Campaign is to build an endowment for this significant program.

Dede chaired the restoration of the once-degraded Olmsted Woods, a five-acre woodland at the base of the Washington National Cathedral. Olmsted was the Cathedral’s first landscape architect. Photo by Dede Petri

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 GCA Profile

At the same time, we can’t focus on everything—which is why we should choose our issues with special attention to our purpose statement and expertise. From the beginning, the GCA has been a unique and powerful voice for scenic beauty, the need for plant scientists, the urgency of healthy national parks, and native plants and seeds. At the national level, it remains to be seen what will happen on the environmental front. That’s why it is especially important and timely for us to focus on what is happening locally and to provide resources so that clubs can engage effectively in their communities on important issues—whether it’s the destruction of an important garden, the damming of a stream, or development practices that ignore water runoff.

Tell us about your family. I can truly say that that my mother was preserving rare native plants before anyone was thinking of it, and she had a glorious A nostalgic image of Dede with wildflower garden to show for it. As a child, I can remember being dragged out regularly to her husband, Tom, biking with their take a look at those darned wildflowers, which I found to be quite a bore. Thankfully, I have daughter. gotten a lot smarter since then! My mother was a reporter and columnist and ran a host of civic organizations in Indianapolis. At the age of 86, she is still actively engaged with the Indianapolis Garden Club where she was president back in the 1980s. Here is another case where the GCA is special—it’s multigenerational. Young and old, the GCA gives us all the chance to compete, advocate, help with hospitality, create floral arrangements, or groom a great specimen. My husband, now retired, is a recovering former member of Congress. He was on the Education and Transportation committees and was instrumental in passing legislation to fund landscaping on federal highways. Now my daughter! She has a column and a blog for The Washington Post called “Compost,” but it has nothing to do with gardening. She is tasked with writing about the events of the day—with a comedic twist! It’s never a dull moment.

How do you unwind at the end of the day? There’s no better way to unwind than working in the garden—although a vodka martini comes in a close second. I must confess also to some trivial pursuits like watching Blue Bloods and Grantchester.

Is there one message you would like to impart? Bill Brinton was a wonderful fellow and a fierce opponent of billboard blight. He died this summer from cancer. In 2016 he was the recipient of the Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal. He truly understood the power of this organization. In his acceptance speech he said, “The GCA has great power. You do. As an organization and as individuals. If you flex your muscle, you can and will change our American landscape. America needs your voice and your leadership. Especially now.” I think he’s right. All of us in the GCA have an opportunity to engage effectively around the country. Let’s do it together!

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  The GCA By the Numbers

THE GCA BY THE NUMBERS 2017-2018

200 member clubs 12 in 40 states and the geographic zones and zone District of Columbia leadership (and 12 geographic zones) club members serving at the GCA national level

$2.3M operating budget sourced from dues, investments, and contributions sponsored flower shows

Almost 18,000 club members

3 annual national conferences: Shirley Meneice Horticulture 50 current and 470 total Conference * Partners for Plants projects NAL * GCA conserving national, state, and local Annual Meeting public lands throughout the US 21 national and special committees providing All illustrations by Betsy Bosway, programmatic resources Indianapolis Garden Club, Zone X

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 The GCA By the Numbers

4,750 gardens 28 merit-based Founders Fund scholarships & 85 documented projects across the US. to date in the fellowships awarded awarded to $50,000 Smithsonian’s to scholars: new projects in 2017 $335,000 in Archives of 2 017 American Gardens

Library with books 3,300 on topics relating to the GCA’s 20 national and purpose. Archives 400 zone and club with extensive awards presented GCA histories and annually materials 560+ approved judges in Floral Design, Horticulture, 58 Freeman Medal Awards and Photography recognizing underused North American native plants, 23 winners since 1995

8 position papers on public policy issues: Clean Water; Over 85 domestic and international Visiting Clean Air; Climate Change; National Parks; National Gardens trips since 1979 Public Lands; Native Plants; Sustainable Agriculture, Seed Diversity, and Food Security; Transportation

7 publications inform our membership

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Garden History & Design

Garden Inspirations by Joyce Connolly, Museum Specialist, Smithsonian Gardens

With tens of thousands of images of historic and contemporary gardens of all kinds, everything from modest vegetable patches to elaborate parterres, The Garden Club of America Collection at the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens serves as a never-ending source of inspiration. Recently this creative spark was embodied in a Smithsonian exhibit, Garden Inspirations, which showcased garden vignettes based on images in the GCA Collection. In this exhibit, horticulturists from Smithsonian Gardens (which maintain the many gardens and landscapes surrounding the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall in Washington, DC) incorporated plants, furnishings, and other features into mini- garden rooms that drew thousands of Wvisitors in with the question, “What garden elements inspire you?” These fabricated vignettes and others like them documented in the GCA Collection interpret garden design in a medium that, while intentionally short-lived, is creative, inspirational, and instructive. They have a long tradition in the GCA, particularly in the countless flower shows it has hosted over the years. Historic images in the GCA From top, left to right: Fifth Season Collection include both dioramas (a garden in Barrington, Illinois, scene in miniature often with a painted photographed by Eric W. Craig, was background) and vignettes (a functional interpreted in the exhibit. All photos segment of an indoor or outdoor living courtesy of the Smithsonian’s space containing furniture, accessories, and Archives of American Gardens a floral design).

Monk’s Garden, 1933 Flower Show, While photographic images of gardens Rye, New York are essential in documenting their beauty and design, three-dimensional dioramas Section of Herb Garden, 1942 New and vignettes are naturally suited to York Flower Show, Photographed by portraying gardens given their essential F.W. Cassebeer, New York elements of scale, layering, shape, and flow. These proxies often serve as devices that span the sometimes challenging transition between concept and actualization. The

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Garden History & Design

W The Rossetti Garden, Fairfield, Connecticut, photographed by Stacy Bass (right) is contrasted with the miniature interpretation in the exhibit (left).

Olmsted Brothers firm, for example, had garden furnishings that made it easy for Victorian. Both are juxtaposed against a its own model-making shop on site that attendees to imagine such a space for 20th-century room that shows in real time fabricated models with everything from themselves. the phenomenal transformation in design trees and buildings to hardscaping and Images of garden models and vignettes happening just after World War II, in this topographical contours so that clients in the GCA Collection provide wonderful case sharp-cornered Scandinavian-style could get a better sense of a proposed insights into then-current design trends, furniture, amorphic-patterned drapes, and design before it was undertaken. Landscape as well as unexpected bonuses like historic spare yet dramatic flower arrangements. architect Beatrix Farrand was noted for and cultural movements and events. A While dioramas and vignettes are having large- and full-scale mock-ups of model of an opulent New York garden seldom ever meant to be long-lasting, features like urns, steps, and gates placed in 1922 with elements like a parterre, the inspiration and ideas that gardeners where they were destined to go in a garden allée, and tennis court speaks to dizzying take from them last much longer, if to ensure that she and her client were wealth in the US during the Jazz Age, not a lifetime. Like gardens, these tools pleased with the effect before the actual for example, while a vignette of a monk’s are ephemeral. Thanks to images in component was installed. garden in 1933 with understated plantings the GCA Collection at the Archives of William Seale, in The Garden Club of and a small religious shrine provides a American Gardens and the ongoing work America: 100 Years of a Growing Legacy, simple and contemplative space during the of the GCA’s Garden History & Design notes that early GCA flower shows height of the Great Depression. Some of Committee, these images live on and help featured models of gardens that average the most informative images of vignettes lend insight into our multifaceted garden homeowners might emulate. “The models,” in the GCA Collection show full-sized heritage. said Seale, “proved a gratifying expression rooms with flower arrangements. A series of the educational ideals of the GCA.” from the New York Flower Show in Miniature models of gardens led to larger 1947 contrasts interpretations of classic vignettes with full-sized flower beds and designs ranging from colonial to early

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Visiting Gardens

Visiting Gardens

Far and Near

in 2017

by Julie Badger, Sand Hills Garden Club, Zone VIII

In 2017 the Visiting Gardens Committee and Chairman Betty Snellings have been busy entertaining and educating GCA club members and friends lucky enough to find spots on its fascinating trips. Not for the faint-hearted, these trips are packed with glorious gardens and respected for their expert guides. Why are they important? In a word, discovery; in two, broadened horizons. Seeing the garden cultures of other places, whether at home or overseas, brings participants closer to understanding different ideals of beauty, historical periods, horticultural diversity, and what we all have in common: our love of gardens.

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Visiting Gardens

Next was a guided tour of Centennial Park. Its centerpiece is a restored steel and concrete copy of the Parthenon (now housing an art gallery), originally built for the 1897 Centennial Exposition. The comprehensive renovation of the park, started in 2013, includes the restoration of Cockrill Spring, which produces 100 gallons of fresh water every minute. New rain gardens have been created to filter storm runoff into the lake. Cocktails at Craighead House, listed in the Smithsonian’s Archives of American

The entrance to the Howe Garden. Photos by Gardens, was a favorite stop as were gardens Missy Janes in Belle Meade, a well-known Nashville neighborhood. The tour of Cheekwood Nashville: Estate & Gardens began with its famed Spring Gardens in Howe Garden, which is maintained by the Music City Always recognized Garden Club of Nashville. (It underwent a as Music City, Nashville is so much more near-$1 million renovation in 2012 thanks to than the hopping nightlife it is known for, the club.) The visit included guided tours of as those on this trip discovered. The city’s its Japanese garden; woodland sculpture trail; Each garden visited was spectacular. natural beauty and fascinating history are nature sanctuary; and herb, perennial, and only two attributes of this city on the move. wildflower gardens. The mansion is now the Carnton Plantation’s exquisite gardens The first day began with visits to two Cheekwood Museum of Art. and museum offered another look into the private gardens with Ben Page, a local history of Tennessee—it is the site of the landscape designer with a deep appreciation bloody Civil War Battle of Franklin. On a of historic influences. Tennessee’s First Lady, lighter note the Country Music Hall of Fame Crissy Haslam, graciously led the group tour provided a glimpse into the heart of through the Governor’s Mansion gardens Nashville’s music-making. restored by Page. The kitchen and cutting History, natural beauty, and gracious gardens are recognized teaching gardens hospitality—thanks to the Garden Club of within the Master Gardener program, often Nashville—make Nashville the exciting and visited by students. Last year it provided vibrant city it is today. over 2,700 pounds of produce served in the mansion. The kitchen garden at the Governor’s Mansion.

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Visiting Gardens

The group’s guide for three days was Gerald Luckhurst, a “complete gentleman” and former GCA scholarship intern from England who received a GCA/RHS Interchange Scholarship, spending his year stateside at UMass Amherst. What a treat his reunion with some Zone I club members was! Now an accomplished landscape architect in Portugal, Luckhurst took them to the Royal Palace of Queluz, the “Versailles of the North,” and its magnificent botanical garden, which he helped restore. He also squired them to Monserrate Palace, the University of Coimbra Botanical Garden. Photo by court’s summer residence in Sintra, where John Bermel he worked on the gardens’ restoration and Regaleira in Sintra. Photo by John Bermel is presently a maintenance consultant. Among other favorite destinations were The Monserrate gardens won a prestigious the gardens (with zigzag stairs) encircling Portugal: Quintas, European Garden Award in 2013. Braga’s Bom Jesus do Monte, a place of Gardens, and pilgrimage given Minor Basilica status by Azulejos This past spring’s trip to Pope Francis in 2015; the rococo monastery Portugal began in the northern city of Porto church and restored gardens of Tibaes; and with a tour of characteristic quintas (villas Coimbra, Portugal’s medieval capital. They or estates), a cruise on the Duoro River, visited Arboreta and went to Bussaco Forest and a port tasting, which gives this wine Park and Ombria, which boasts a pair of region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sequoias planted by the Duke of Wellington. its name. The magnolias at 17th-century Modern garden styles were not ignored. Quinta do Alao enchanted tour-goers, as Lisbon, the tour’s home base and Portugal’s did decorative, baroque touches by Italian capital, offered easy access to sculpture, artist and architect Nicolau Nasoni (1691- rose, and water gardens at the Calouste 1773). Purchased by English businessman Gulbenkian Foundation and to the c.1989– John Allen in 1839, Quinta de Villar 92 Centro Cultural de Belem, an “open d’Allen boasts an exceptional collection of city” with extensive grounds and innovative camellias, many of them hybrids that Allen rooftop gardens. created. Another display of camellias came at Casa do Campo—this time as topiaries. In Lousada the hosts shared stories of their 15th-century manor house and restored gardens. A woodland garden with specimen trees, fountains, and follies awaited the tour in Aveleda, where the local Vinho Verde was sampled. Bussaco Forest Park. Photo by Janet Scales

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Visiting Gardens

Northern Light: Stockholm, built on 14 islands and often Magical Sweden and called the “Venice of the North,” provided a Denmark July’s tour to these two base for day trips: to Drottningholm Palace, Scandinavian countries allowed visitors to the residence of the country’s royal family; experience a series of handsome castles and to the Sodra Arstalund allotment gardens, a their gardens. Arriving in Copenhagen, Swedish innovation that affords city dwellers the group strolled among the spectacular the pleasure of creating and maintaining flowers on display throughout one of the flower-filled garden plots fronting dollhouse- world’s most visited theme parks, Tivoli like cottages; and to Millesgarden, the Gardens. The next morning everyone former home of sculptor Carl Milles and his moved on to the impressive gardens of artist wife, Olga, on the island of Lidingo, Frederiksborg Castle, built at the end of the where their well-balanced garden showcases 17th century as a royal residence. The group terraces, fountains, columns, and, of course, also visited the Royal Danish Horticultural sculptures. Society Garden, which was laid out in 1884 and is one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful Botanic Gardens at Gothenburg. small parks, with many rare, exotic flowers, shrubs, and trees. The third day found everyone crossing the Oresund Bridge into Sweden and to Malmo Castle, c. 1530, where the head gardener led us around a charming, organically-managed sequence of small gardens. A walking tour of nearby Lund included Kulturen open-air museum and botanical garden, founded in 1690. Among the group’s favorite sites was Krapperup Castle, whose 80 garden acres were transformed from a formal to romantic layout in the 1800s. Time in Gothenburg was divided between the city’s (and Europe’s largest) botanical garden, established in 1923, and its Garden Society of Gothenburg park, renowned for its roses. Gunnebo House—a late-18th-century masterpiece of Gustavian architecture—and Gardens was a delight. The 2.5-acre estate is a “heritage park” with English- and Italian-style gardens, a Krapperup Castle near Gothenburg. potager, and, reopening in 2018, an orangery reconstructed from original drawings to contain exotic fruit trees. Drottningholm Palace gardens. Photos by Crissy Cherry

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  the gca board of associates Atlanta!

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Board of Associates

tlanta was the Board of Associates’ In the late afternoon, geared up for the destination last year, organized by predicted rain, our stalwart group embarked chairs Diana Barrow and Marian on an adventure to historic Oakland Hill.A “Garden Hues and City Venues in Cemetery, established in 1850 and a shining Hotlanta” was hailed for the variety of its example of the “rural garden cemetery” of the venues and showcased “old Atlanta” alongside 19th century; it is still used as a community the Atlanta of the 21st century. Thirty-six park. We toured with guides “Bobby Jones” intrepid BOAs descended on the city, in and “Margaret Mitchell” (both buried there), gorgeous full bloom, with great enthusiasm. and the rains never came! The biggest challenge was, generally, Atlanta’s A tour of the Governor’s Mansion, home horrible traffic and, specifically, a too-close The GCA’s Board of Associates of Governor Nathan Deal and his wife, encounter with an illegally parked cab Sandra, began our next day’s discoveries. followed by an unplanned stop behind a was created in 1935 as a way Built in 1968 on 18 acres of wooded grounds stalled car. Other than that, the evening of “to keep alive the interest that is in the heart of Buckhead, it houses one of our welcome dinner, at the Piedmont Driving the finest Federal furniture collections in Club, established in 1887 and overlooking always created by service” and America. We were charmed by Georgia’s first the Olmsted-designed Piedmont Park, was a honor those who have worked lady and her funny anecdotes about “life in fabulous start. the Mansion” and personally welcomed by The next day was our “garden day,” as we together at high levels within the Governor Deal. visited three private gardens in the Buckhead organization. Its members are former Moving into downtown Atlanta, we district before heading to the Atlanta toured by bus such sights as Olympic Botanical Garden, where we saw the plant officers, directors, zone chairmen, Park, the Civil Rights Museum, and areas clones in the experimental greenhouses. We national committee chairmen, and reclaimed by the Atlanta Beltline. Lunch at next stopped at Boxwood, a Cotswold-style the handsome Capital City Club, founded manor designed by architect Philip Shutze annual meeting chairmen. Although in 1833, fueled a visit to Coca-Cola (1890-1982), and that night dinner was BOA members have no particular headquarters and the Coke Archives. (A hosted by Betty and Robert Balentine in the nostalgic note was struck when we were each garden of their beautiful home, designed by powers or duties, the popular BOA given a dime to get a real Coke out of the another prominent Atlanta-based architect, trips are an annual excuse to get old-fashioned vending machine.) The last Neel Reid (1885-1926). stop was the Millennium Gate Museum, The following morning we visited together. Recent BOA trips include a triumphal arch celebrating peaceful Goodrum House, a Shutze blend of the Hamptons; Hudson Valley and achievement, with special attention given to neoclassical and Regency styles, and then Georgia’s history and people. headed to the Atlanta History Center, one the Berkshires; Philadelphia; and Our farewell dinner that night was at the of the largest museums devoted to urban Portland. BOAs also have traveled Peachtree Golf Club, founded by legendary and suburban history in the US. Our first golfer Bobby Jones. The clubhouse, built in stop there was Swan House, a resplendent together outside the US to Bermuda, 1857, is DeKalb County’s finest example Palladian structure also designed by Shutze. Toronto, and Vancouver. In fact, it of surviving antebellum architecture and Its lavish gardens are surrounded by 22 acres was the perfect setting for our last night of woodland. We walked the Swan Woods seems that there are few places the together, replete with toasts and talk of future Trail, a Founders Fund winner, and visited BOAs have not been. The next BOA reunions. the Cherokee Garden Library, where Director —Diana Barrow, Trustees’ Garden Club, Zone Staci Catron, a GCA honorary member, trip is to St. Louis in late April 2018. VIII; Marian Hill, GCA President (2011-13), discussed notable volumes from the library’s Peachtree Garden Club, Zone VIII collection. Photos by Blair Matthews Louis

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Garden History & Design Logan Desert Garden Scottsdale, Arizona Scottsdale sits atop thousands of feet of alluvial owner, Kent Logan, who accompanied us. Five native desert plants—sometimes enhancing a fill. The mountains and buttes of the valley are the years after beginning their collaboration, this is singular sculpture, at other times massed into mere tips of the bedrock lying below a mile or still a work in progress. Having our gaze narrowed geometric groupings. Here, plantings are art. more of sand and gravel. Consider these seemingly to individual elements effectively blocked the Halfway through the property the vista opens to incongruous elements: a butte with a bare spine distraction of peripheral vision. Were a visitor terrace-based structures surrounded by more beds descending precipitously to an apron of manicured to the garden to experience it on her own, the of sculpture backed by native scrub and desert green golf course fairway. Framed against a bright, sculptures’ unusual shapes and materials would plants. There is not a blade of grass on the entire cloudless sky bleached by midday sun, this was beg for focus to add meaning. property. Rock, gravel, and other hardscape define the backdrop for the much-anticipated tour of the This was especially true in the relatively the garden paths and beds and provide seamless Logan Desert Garden by the Garden History & intimate entrance to the property and the gardens transitions to the outdoor galleries. Design and Horticulture committees. at the bottom of a slight slope, where the The Logans are major collectors of The 2.5-acre desert property consists of a grounds’ only grove of small trees offers welcome contemporary art. Most of their collection will be contemporary house by architect Eddie Jones and shade. As one ascends, the trees block the view gifted to the San Francisco Museum of Modern a garden including approximately 20 vignettes— up to the house, while in the other direction they Art and the Denver Art Museum. Their garden plantings designed to showcase selections from obscure the communal driveway and neighboring is documented in the Smithsonian’s Archives of the owners’ extensive collection of contemporary houses. American Gardens. sculpture. Experiencing the entire garden, which seems —Garden History & Design Committee, Our viewing was enhanced by architect Bill larger than it is, involves walking around circular special thanks to Nancy Swanson and Tonneson and the informal exchanges with the beds of cacti, agaves, euphorbias, and other Columbine Garden Club, Zone XII

Circular mounds of golden barrel cacti. Photos by Spiraled young saguaro cacti. Artful plantings of agaves and aloes. Jason Roehner

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 GCA Profile

views over the rolling Virginia mountains were a celebration of America’s wilderness, the plants that Lewis and Clark had brought back from their expedition were a reminder of promises that lay in the West, and the fields near the pleasure ground were a manifestation of Jefferson’s vision of an agrarian republic. Or take George Washington, who instructed his estate manager on the eve of the Battle of New York in August 1776 to plant a new garden at Mount Vernon—a grove of trees and shrubs that were all native species. I like to think of it as Washington’s horticultural Declaration of Independence.

What fascinates you about gardens? Gardens are windows into a wider world of culture, politics, the sciences, and the arts. I’m interested in Andrea Wulf at Mount Vernon. Photo by Dean Norton how our relationship to nature has changed over the past centuries. During medieval Andrea Wulf, 2017 recipient of the Sarah Francis times we enclosed our gardens with high Chapman medal for literary achievement related to any aspect walls to shut out nature. For two centuries of the GCA’s interests, is a modern-day extreme biographer. settlers in America believed that untamed Her far-flung travels around the world enable her to become forests were hostile environments, while fully immersed in her research. She is as at ease buried in neat fields were seen as the epitome of Thomas Jefferson’s plant diaries (for Founding Gardeners) as beauty. Controlling and improving nature she is exploring the glaciers of the Ecuadorian Andes for her was their goal. Then it all changed when latest book, The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s English gardeners invited nature back New World. “All my books are about the relationship between into the garden by replacing topiary with humankind and nature—a subject that is very much a part of unclipped trees. And now, as we realize what you do at The Garden Club of America,” Wulf said in her the extent of environmental destruction, acceptance speech at the GCA Annual Meeting in Baltimore. there are more and more people talking about the ‘rewilding’ of our countryside. All this teaches us so much about how we Your book Founding a strong and vigorous nation; native species understand the world around us. Gardeners examines the were imbued with patriotism and proudly deep relationship America’s planted in gardens, while metaphors drawn What are you working on first four presidents had from the natural world brought plants and next? I’m currently working on a very with gardening. Why is this gardening into politics. I believe that it’s exciting project—a graphic novel about important? America’s first four impossible to understand the making of Alexander von Humboldt. Born in 1769, presidents—Washington, Adams, Jefferson, America without looking at the founding he went on a daring five-year exploration and Madison—all used nature in their fight fathers as farmers and gardeners. through Latin America. He was a genius for America. They not only created the polymath, brazenly adventurous, insatiably United States in a political sense, they also How can we see these beliefs curious, and famous across the world in his understood the importance of nature for and philosophies in their time. We are using hundreds and hundreds this nation. Golden cornﬁelds and endless gardens? You can see it everywhere. of von Humboldt’s original manuscripts, rows of cotton plants became symbols for Jefferson’s Monticello, for example, is drawings, and sketches. It’ll be beautiful. America’s economic independence from a living tapestry of all the subjects that —Nancy Inman, Britain; towering trees became a reﬂection of interested him for years. The majestic Albemarle Garden Club, Zone VII

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  GCA Profile Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson 2017 Distinguished Service Medal

You hail from County Kilkenny What exactly is biodiversity, and were educated at Trinity and why do we need to be College Dublin. Tell us a little concerned? about your journey from Ireland to Kew to the Missouri Biodiversity describes the variety and Botanical Garden. diversity of all life. It encompasses all species and their genetic basis, their My first position after several years ecosystems, and the interactions between working on a PhD in plant taxonomy was species. While our understanding to become the curator/administrator of of biodiversity has grown, we have Trinity College’s small botanic garden. I become increasingly aware of the had to learn everything about running a devastating threats to biodiversity by botanic garden—from plants to payrolls, human activities—the relentless loss horticulture to HR. I became fascinated of natural habitats, the species they that we were growing some remarkable contain, and the ecosystem services they and rare species from all over the world, provide—driven by population growth, and I realized that even in my little garden unsustainable development, and a wide we could play a part in addressing plant variety of human-induced impacts. extinction. In 1985 I led an expedition Losing biodiversity not only impacts our Peter Wyse Jackson, president of the Missouri to Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, which present-day lives but also greatly limits Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of Missouri opened my eyes to the possibilities for our future options. Biodiversity provides Botanical Garden botanic gardens to have a new focus on the foundations of world agriculture, all plant conservation. I remember well the of our food, forestry, fisheries, and many Peter Wyse Jackson, president of the Missouri day when I successfully rooted a few medicines. It provides the ecosystem for Botanical Garden, was honored by the GCA cuttings of a threatened hibiscus there goods and services we need for clear air in May for his distinguished service in the and, in the process, doubling the world’s and water, pollination, decomposition field of horticulture. Under his stewardship population of that species! I realized that of waste, soil health and renewal, and a at MoBot, a vast array of programs and we could do this for tens of thousands multitude of natural resources. We all facilities have been introduced that address more threatened plants. This experience know that we need to live more sustainably mission-critical global issues of plant led me from Trinity to the Royal Botanic and use resources in a way that does not conservation. Wyse Jackson’s significant role Gardens Kew to help establish Botanic compromise our own future and those of in plant systematics as well as his emphasis Gardens Conservation International the coming generations. on expanding the garden’s living collection (BGCI), an organization building and Many of the world’s poorest people rely and footprint in horticulture affirm his well networking botanic gardens and their work on biodiversity for their daily subsistence deserved reputation as one of the leading in plant conservation. After 18 years with needs—wild foods collected during times of botanists and plant conservationists. His BGCI, I returned to Dublin to become famine, medicinal plants gathered and used tenure at MoBot followed that of Peter Raven, director of the National Botanic Gardens for healthcare (often based on thousands whose vision helped secure its international of Ireland in 2005. Little did I know that of years of accumulated knowledge on reputation as a preeminent botanical garden. I would be invited to join the Missouri how medicinal plants can be used), or wild Wyse Jackson and his wife, Diane, live on the Botanical Garden in 2010. trees harvested for lumber, shelter, or fuel. garden grounds; they, as well as Raven and his I remember well my Irish history lessons wife, Pat, are members of the Garden Club of about when one plant crop failed in the St. Louis. Wyse Jackson recently spoke to the 1840s—the potato—one million people Bulletin. died of hunger and disease, and a further million fled the country in poverty.

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 GCA Profile

Describe for us MoBot’s worldwide conservation and research initiatives. We understand that as one of the world’s major botanical and conservation institutions we have a responsibility to build knowledge and our understanding of the importance of plants. Our programs around the world are particularly focused on developing countries, such as parts of Africa, Madagascar, and Latin America, where we are working with partners to discover and describe their plant species, documenting the threats they face, as well as to build national and local responses to conserve them. These countries often contain much more plant diversity than regions closer to home, and their plants are often poorly known. Strengthening local communities in areas of high biodiversity and training scientists and conservationists are important and urgent tasks, so that they are better able to tackle their own biodiversity conservation priorities. It is a bit of a cliché to talk about the importance of the ‘global village,’ but it is what we believe and what drives us forward. —Madeline Mayhood, James River Garden Club, Zone VII Climatron at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the first geodesic dome to be used as a conservatory. Photo by Steve Frank, courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden

Biodiversity is fundamental to ourselves and the diminishing number achieving sustainability; its importance and variety of species with which we share has often been lost in our efforts to grow it. Plants play a key role in maintaining economies and society, as we forget that it the planet’s basic environmental balance is one of the essential pillars on which true and ecosystem stability and provide an sustainability will be built. Even gardeners important component of the habitats who love plants sometimes underestimate for the world’s animal life. Halting the their importance as the basis of all life disappearance of biodiversity is one of on Earth. As we lose tens of thousands of the greatest challenges faced by humanity. plant species (a quarter of all plant species Each one of us needs to play a part. By are currently threatened in the wild) and saving plants we are saving ourselves! biodiversity in general, we are seeing an increasingly impoverished planet—for

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  GCA Profile Stephanie Jutila: from GCA/RHS Fellow to Botanical Garden CEO

Stephanie Jutila was awarded the GCA and Royal Horticultural Society What was the major take-away Interchange Fellowship in 2000. Now president and CEO of the Greater from your fellowship? To stay Des Moines Botanical Garden (and member of the Des Moines Founders steadfast in my desire to be a passionate Garden Club), she has rooted her life’s work in horticulture. advocate for public horticulture—something Jutila is a native of Cloquet, in northern Minnesota. Her journey that has stuck with me for 17 years. The began with undergraduate and postgraduate concentrations in fellowship year remains such an impactful horticulture, museum studies, and nonprofit management at the part of my life that it seems like it was just University of Minnesota. In addition she studied at the Smithsonian yesterday. Institution; the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in Are there things you have St. Paul. implemented at GDMBG that Since her appointment as GDMBG’s CEO in 2011, a multi-phased result directly from your time in capital campaign raised $18.6 million, which includes establishing a England? The opportunity to work on $3 million endowment to support the garden. These funds were used the site master plan for the Royal Botanic on seven acres of outdoor gardens, updates to the original 1979 facility, Gardens is an experience that will forever and infrastructure repairs at the geodesic conservatory. In 2013, after 34 influence my thought process regarding years of municipal leadership, GDMBG assumed the lease for the 14- public gardens. Core to that thinking is acre property and took over its operations. Following the transition in making visitors’ navigation of the garden governance, the garden has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors and more intuitive, encouraging their immersion engaged over 19,000 people in its mission-driven educational programs. in it. GDMBG continues to grow steadily as its leadership team implements plans for future site and program development designed to positively Is your club involved with impact the community. projects at GDMBG? The Des Moines Founders Garden Club is a solid supporter of GDMBG making capital and Tell us about your GCA/RHS Fellowship? My fellowship annual operating investments to help further its mission and vision. year in the UK was one of the richest years of my life both professionally Individual club members also contribute in a variety of ways, from and personally. From 2000 to 2001 I had the opportunity to work serving on the board of directors to volunteering. alongside Sir Peter Crane, the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, to create the gardens’ first comprehensive master plan for the 300-acre What would you say to those thinking of applying site. Through this work I collaborated with the board of directors, a for a GCA/RHS Fellowship? In order to pursue your career cross-institutional team, as well as outside consultants to reposition goals, you need to dream big, take risks, and be fully invested in your Kew in the 21st century. The goals were to attract a broader audience, pursuit. Apply! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. deliver valuable visitor experiences while honoring the gardens’ history, and expand services. During the fellowship year I also worked with the Why are botanical gardens important? These gardens are National Trust, the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, and the Royal living museums, rich in botanical collections. They educate visitors Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. about the vital role plants play in societal and ecological health. They can be urban oases, protectors of rural land, or connectors to other How did your fellowship experience affect your life’s green spaces. Their plant collections are unique with respect to their path? The fellowship honed the direction of my career. It affirmed individual histories and regions. And for that reason plant enthusiasts my belief that public gardens need more champions and that I could should visit these gardens regularly to experience plant diversity have a rich career in public horticulture. Most importantly, I was able around the world. to invest in aligning my career with the near- and long-term visions —Sandy Dansby, Scholarship Committee Vice Chairman, for a public garden. The fellowship year moved me forward, opened The Monroe Garden Study League, Zone IX my eyes, and deepened my inspiration.

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 GCA Profile

Left: Stephanie Jutila. Photo courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Middle, left: The Rutledge Conifer Garden. Photo by Kelly Norris, courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Middle, right: In the Koehn Garden Japanese daylilies (Hemerocallis thunbergii) tower over the coneflowers, phlox. Photo courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Bottom: Looking northward to Persona I, II, and III with the Koehn Garden in the background. Photo by Kelly Norris, courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Zone Meetings ZoneMeetings

Happy Zone II delegates gather after a delicious awards luncheon in the Delegates toured the magnificent garden at Hollister House. Photo by Hollister House barn before setting out for an amazing garden tour. Photo by Julie Peet Meredith Ward

America in 1861. Architect Ehrick Awards Highlights Zone II Rossiter (1854-1941), a graduate of Zone Civic Improvement Award: • Awards luncheon at Hollister 20 clubs in Connecticut The Gunnery school, was influential Connecticut Valley GC House barn and garden tour and Rhode Island in remaking Washington into an Zone Civic Improvement with owner George Schoellkopf understated, idyllic summer colony Commendation: Lake Waramaug • Tour of Rossiter House “Rock The Garden” with Washington Green reflecting Task Force, Inc., proposed by • Enjoying summer with our June 21-22, 2017 an idealized vision of a classic WGC friends in the Litchfield Hills New England village. Many of The Gunnery Zone Communications Award: Washington’s elegant summer homes Hosted by Washington Garden Penny Ross, Fairfield GC were designed by Rossiter and still Club, Washington, CT exist today. Delegates were treated Zone Conservation Commendation: Steep Rock Association Chaired by Barbara Blake, to overnight stays in club members’ , Susie Magee homes, enjoyed tours of spectacular proposed by WGC Horticulture/Photography Show gardens, and were inspired by the Zone Conservation Award: Jane chaired by Gay Vincent-Canal, speakers and program planned by Harris, Middletown GC Ann Kearney WGC. Zone Horticulture Award: Gay Incorporated in 1779, Washington Vincent-Canal, WGC Speakers From left: Caroline Garrity, Dede is a rural town in Litchfield County Zone Horticulture Commendation: Sean Hayden Petri, Susan Schieffelin, and Julie named after our first president, who , executive director, Hollister House, proposed by Peet after the opening business traveled through the area during Northwest Conservation District, WGC “Managing Storm Water Runoff meeting at The Gunnery. Photo by the American Revolution. With Katherine B. Pitney Award: Angela Through the Use of Rain Ann Franzen an abolitionist past—Washington Lineberger, GC of Darien was a stop on the underground Gardens” Zone II Gavel Award: George railroad, providing safe haven for Lisa Turoczi, Earth Tones Native Davis, GC of New Haven slaves fleeing capture—and rich Plant Nursery, “Native Plantings architectural heritage, Washington in Rain Gardens” Zone Garden History and Design Award: Cynthia Rubin, Sasqua is a town imbued with history and Dede Petri, GCA first vice GC aesthetics. Washington’s Gunnery president (2015-17), Susan school was founded by Frederick Schieffelin, Zone II chairman, Birthday Certificates: WGC, Gunn, an abolitionist who also “How the GCA Can Help Meet Connecticut Valley GC established the first summer camp in Your Club’s Goals”

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Zone Meetings

Nine awards were presented to recipients. Photo by Jennifer Mercurio Awards dinner guests enjoying the festivities at the Windwatch Country Club overlooking Long Island Sound. Photo by Jennifer Mercurio

Cutting Arboretum on the south Barbara Spaulding Cramer Zone Highlights Zone III shore and the Smithsonian-affiliated Floral Design Education Award: • Trips to Old Field Lighthouse, 23 clubs in New York Carriage Museum on the north Laura Haley, The Little GC of Long Island Museum, Bayard shore. The awards dinner venue Rye Cutting Arboretum, Fire Island “It’s a Shore Thing” had a spectacular view across Long Zone Floral Design Achievement Lighthouse May 23-25, 2017 Island, and both clubs agreed the Award: Pamela Kindler, Rye GC • Conservation Exhibits: “Benefits mission of “It’s a Shore Thing” was Hyatt Regency Long Island, Zone Historic Preservation of a Rain Garden” by SSGC of accomplished. Hauppauge, NY Commendation: Old Westbury LI; “Oyster Reseeding for Clean Hosted by North Suffolk Garden Speakers Gardens, proposed by North Water” by NSGC Club, Stony Brook, NY; South Dr. Jeff Levinton, Stony Brook Country GC of Long Island • Specialty drink created by Ashley Side Garden Club of Long University, “Clean Water & the Zone Photography Award: M. Liz Duvall, a 2009 winner of the Island, Inc., Islip, NY Long Island Sound” Piazza, Three Harbors GC GCA Summer Scholarship in Field Botany Chaired by Christa Amato, John Turner, Seatuck Zone Judging Award: Daphne NSGC; Cindy Mullin, SSGC Environmental Association, Hellmuth, GC of Lawrence of LI “Natural Resources of Long Zone Appreciation Award: Nan Photography Show chaired by Island” Berger, Syracuse GC Dickie Furgueson, SSGC of LI; Jason Siebenmorgen, GCA Zone Garden History & Design Joan Rockwell-Gifford, NSGC Scholar, 2016 Rome Prize Award: North Country GC of North Suffolk Garden Club and Fellowship, “The Role of Plants in Long Island South Side Garden Club of Long Italian Gardens” Medal of Merit: Leslie Clarke, GC Island, Inc., put their heads together Awards of East Hampton; Anne Endler, to showcase both shores of Long Philipstown GC; Beth Hickman, Creative Leadership Award: Island. A lecture took place outdoors Rochester GC; Jean McCarroll, Marilyn Donahue, The Little GC at Old Field Lighthouse overlooking NSGC Cindy Mullin and Christa Amato, the Long Island Sound and at of Rye Zone III meeting co-chairs. Photo by the Fire Island Lighthouse on the Zone Conservation Commendation: Jennifer Mercurio Atlantic Ocean, giving attendees John Turner, Seatuck full exposure to the glories and Environmental Association, differences of the two shores of Long proposed by SSGC of LI Island. In one action-packed day of touring, stops were made at Bayard

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Zone Meetings

were treated to sumptuous dinners at members’ river view or country homes. The meeting concluded with an awards dinner at the beautiful Anderson Pavilion with its sweeping views of the riverfront bringing Rivertopia full circle. Speakers Len Sauers, PhD, adjunct professor, Xavier University, “Global Warming and Water Rivertopia co-chairs Marian Leibold Scarcity” and Vallie Geier, Cincinnati T&CGC. Thane Maynard, director, Touring Greenacres educated delegates about sustainable farming and Photo by Sara Osborn Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical agricultural practices. Photo by Marian Leibold Garden, “The Nature of Hope: Zone X Saving Species from the Brink of 11 clubs in Indiana, Extinction” Fernald Preserve, US Dept Michigan, and Ohio Tim Maloney, CEO and of Energy, proposed by GC of president, Haile Foundation/ Cincinnati “Rivertopia: Growing, Greening, US Bank, “Innovative Initiatives Barbara Spaulding Cramer Zone Giving” Transforming Cincinnati’s Floral Design Education Award: Neighborhoods” Debra Oliver, Cincinnati June 13-15, 2017 Carter Randolph, PhD, executive T&CGC Residence Inn, Marriott director, Greenacres Foundation, Zone Horticulture Award: Nancy Hosted by Cincinnati Town “Greenacres’s Mission: Education, Linz, GC of Cincinnati & Country Garden Club, Conservation, Generative Zone Horticulture Commendation: Cincinnati, OH Farming, and Music” James Bissell, GCA honorary Chaired by Marian Leibold, Awards member, proposed by Akron Vallie Geier GC; Greenacres Foundation, Creative Leadership Award: Dedee Business Meeting chaired by proposed by Cincinnati T&CGC Several Cincinnati T&CGC O’Neil, Akron GC Mary Harman, Country GC; Zone Judging Award: Lorna members, including Sharon Frisbie, Zone Civic Improvement Amy Cooke, Indianapolis GC Mierke, GC of Cleveland; Nancy treated attendees to sumptuous Commendation: Tim Maloney, Rivertopia was the perfect moniker Nicholson, GC of Michigan dinners in their homes. Sharon’s Haile Foundation/US Bank, for Zone X’s three-day meeting in terrace overlooks the Ohio River proposed by Cincinnati T&CGC Zone Appreciation Award: Dale Cincinnati hosted by the Cincinnati Naylor, GC of Cleveland and the skyline of Cincinnati. Photo Town & Country Garden Club. Zone Civic Improvement by Betsy Bosway Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award: The whimsical name nods to the Commendation: Cincinnati Nature Bryna Bass, Cincinnati T&CGC; significance of the Ohio River’s Center, accepted by President and • Bus tour of downtown Kathy Gooch, GC of Dayton relationship with the Queen City. Executive Director William H. Cincinnati’s revitalized The meeting featured important Hopple III, proposed by GC of Highlights neighborhoods Cincinnati connections between town and • Welcome dinners and tours • Smale Riverfront Park’s country thereby showcasing both Zone Conservation Award: Jane • A horticulture challenge featured spectacular gardens, paths, and aspects of this vibrant, beautiful Ellison, Shaker Lakes GC; Jane young sapling trees in the hotel’s landscape host city. Highlights included Elder Kunz, Indianapolis GC lobby that were propagated by • Private garden tours on the last tours of Greenacres, Turner Farm, Zone Conservation Commendation: members. The most prolific morning People’s Liberty, Findlay Market, Suzy DeYoung, La Soupe, species was the bur oak (Quercus Eden Park, and the very impressive proposed by Cincinnati T&CGC; macrocarpa). Smale Riverfront Park. Delegates

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Milestones ClubMilestones: Celebrations

CVGC members gather to celebrate the grand opening of the Heritage Rose CVGC members watch as Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy cuts the Garden and the club’s centennial anniversary. Photo by Deb Key ribbon at the Heritage Rose Garden’s dedication. Photo by Deb Key

Zone II Zone VII for the new garden, which is The Garden Club of Lexington was Connecticut Valley appropriately sited within the Garden Club of founded in 1916 by twelve women Garden Club nation’s oldest public rose garden. Lexington who affiliated with the Garden Club West Hartford, CT Lexington, KY of America in 1924. Its purpose is Elizabeth Park is listed on the conservation, beautification, and Founded in 1917 National Register of Historic Founded in 1916 education. In 1950, the Henry Clay Joined the GCA in 1933 Places. The garden was officially Joined the GCA in 1924 Foundation asked the club to create opened on June 6, 2017, by a formal garden on the grounds of In June the Connecticut Valley Governor Dannel P. Malloy, On Thursday, July 20, the Ashland honoring Henry Clay. In 1950, the Garden Club of Garden Club celebrated its who commended the club for its Kentucky Historical Society, Lexington hired landscape architect 100-year history and the club’s devotion to many civic projects represented by Dr. Andrew Henry Kenney to design a formal signature centennial project, the over the years and to the creation Patrick, unveiled a marker parterred garden, which was gifted to new Heritage Rose Garden in of a garden that is truly accessible. commemorating the Garden Club the Henry Clay Estate and opened to Hartford’s Elizabeth Park. To the delight of all, Governor of Lexington’s 100 year history the public. The garden is maintained The garden club began planning Malloy proclaimed June 6 as and its many contributions to by the Garden Club of Lexington members and contains more than 120 Lexington, notably the formal for its centennial seven years Connecticut Valley Garden Club varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers. garden at Ashland, the Henry ago, when it voted to create a Day in the State of Connecticut. Mayor Jim Gray was on hand Clay estate. The double-sided cast new, handicap-accessible rose The grand opening was for the ceremony and declared bronze marker reads: garden featuring heritage rose attended by more than 100 guests. July 20, 2017, the Garden Club varieties, many of which are It capped off a year of celebration of Lexington Day. A host of local nearly extinct. With the guidance and recognition for the club’s dignitaries and honored guests of consulting rosarian Stephen centennial anniversary. Scanniello, the garden includes —Barbara Kiefer From left: GCL History Committee several 19th-century roses and an members Meloyde Kinkead, apothecary’s rose from France that chairman; Jessica Nicholson, dates back to 1612. Janie Pappas; and Kathy Dalton. Through the club’s annual Not pictured: GCL President Kathy fundraiser, “Set to Celebrate,” Brooks and Mimi Milward. Photo more than $100,000 was raised by Kim DeCamp

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Milestones

were present, including represen- was designed in 1925 by David tatives from the offices of Senator Adler, Chicago’s preeminent Mitch McConnell, Congressman architect. Andy Barr, and Governor Matt Eighty-eight club members Bevin. The 60 club members and their husbands attended the and their guests celebrated with celebration. Ten former presidents, refreshments in the garden after were honored with graceful stems the ceremony. The club was also of roses. Liz Lindsay was also recognized by Congressman Barr honored for her 68 years as a before the US House of Repre- member. Decorations reminiscent sentatives and recorded in the of the early days of the Founders From left (back): SGC members Jane Yerkes, Laurie Riley, Lyn White, Pam Green, BJ Anderson, Dorothy Strong, Jenny Wyatt, Suzette de Turenne, Congressional Record. were designed, arranged, and Catherine Roach; (front) Marilee Ahalt, Trudy Baldwin, Hope Stroble, Iris —Mimi Milward donated by members Becca Wagner, and Catherine Parker. Photo by Peggy-Paige Most McFadden and Carrie Lee Major. A continuous PowerPoint Zone VIII presentation played during the Zone XII The grand finale was a cocktail hour. Opening with re-creation of the GCA’s first visit Founders Garden photos of Mabel Ringling (1875- to Seattle, in 1923, and tour of Club of Sarasota, Seattle Garden Club 1929), founding president, and Seattle, WA the city by barge. The centennial Inc. Marie Selby (1885-1971), charter dinner-dance celebration party Sarasota, FL Founded in 1917 member and founder of the Joined the GCA in 1923 in April was aboard the MV Founded in 1927 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Skansonia in Lake Union. Over Joined the GCA in 1984 100 members and guests attended. viewers enjoyed a pictorial history This has been quite a year Committee co-chairs Marilee of Sarasota highlighting the for the Seattle Garden Club’s The 90th anniversary of the Ahalt and Barbara Feasey created a club’s community projects. An commemoration of our 100- Founders Garden Club of truly spectacular night. impressive silent auction generated year history. Centennial Chair Sarasota, Inc., was celebrated at interest and much-appreciated —Carol Eland a dinner dance held in late April Hope Stroble kicked off the year revenue. The club’s Ways and with an opening luncheon and at Sarasota’s Field Club, formerly Means committee hosted the the winter home of Sarah and skit depicting club members of event with the generous support old and members today. It was Stanley Field (of Marshall Field & of club members. Company in Chicago). The home a grand tribute to our founders. —Barbara Dubitsky To mark our anniversary, a major grant of $100,000 was given to the Washington Park Arboretum for the renovation of the pond along Azalea Way and the creation of the Centennial Garden to celebrate our founding. The arboretum, developed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in the late 1930s, was initially funded by a gift from SGC in 1934. Today, 83 years later, it is truly fitting that Centennial Chair Hope Stroble From left: Founders President Gina Gregoria, Becca McFadden, and Carrie our centennial gift be given to this lighting the candles. Photo by Peggy-Paige Most Lee Major at the 90th anniversary celebration. Photo by Alison Elizalde magnificent arboretum.

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 NewsWorthy NewsWorthy

Zone I “The event coincided with the Beacon Hill Garden Club Garden Club of traditional and popular Thursday Boston, MA Mount Desert Social and was a wonderful Northeast Harbor, ME opportunity for community fun and fellowship,” said event chair The Garden Club of Mount Cammie Disston. Desert has always been proud Arrangements included a of giving back to the local decorated bird house with a “For community. The Greenhouse Sale” sign at a real estate office, a Project at the area elementary necklace made of succulents at a school and the Marina jewelry shop, a money tree at the Beautification Project at the public bank, and a bouquet of sunflowers marina are two examples. Since and tools at the hardware store. the garden club’s Open Garden The arrangements were beautiful Day is held in even-numbered and very creative. years, President Freddy Shaw The evening concluded with In April Beacon Hill Garden Club members—five teams in all—created floral suggested an evening of fun for a cocktail reception at the arrangements that were inspired by watercolors painted by BHGC founder the community in 2017. local community center, The Gertrude Beals Bourne. Zone I Flower Show Rep Kathy Michie was on hand On July 27, area residents Neighborhood House. Members to assess the arrangements’ success in illustrating these works of art. Susan were invited to “Main Street had fun, and the businesses and Kearney and Sandra Gilpatrick masterminded the event, held at the Childs Blooms,” a strolling tour in residents appreciated the club’s Gallery in Boston’s Back Bay. From left: floral arrangement creators Leslie Northeast Harbor. GCMD contributions on Main Street. Adam, Marty Keating, Molly Sherden, Sonja Yates, Sandra Gilpatrick, Janie members designed interpretive —Meredith Moriarty Walsh, Rachel Claflin, and Susan Birkett. Text by Karen Taylor; photo by Gary arrangements for the shops, Kearney galleries, and restaurants.

The Lenox Garden Club Lenox, MA At the 2017 GCA Annual Meeting, The Lenox Garden Club gifted 69 glass lantern slides and 14 120mm slides to the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens. LGC also provided funds for the digitization of these slides. Present at the transfer were Marianne Salas, Garden History & Design chairman, LGC President Gloria McMahon, and Paula Healey from the Smithsonian. The slides depict GCMD members Freddy Shaw and estate gardens of the Berkshires Cammie Disston admire a floral during the 1920s and 1930s— decorated lobster pot. Photo by often called the “Golden Age” of Meredith Moriarty American gardens. Text by Georgia Lee, Milton GC

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  NewsWorthy

The Tastes of Spring! Yes! Party. Worcester Garden Club Yes! Food and drink trucks! Oh Hortulus Worcester, MA yes! A visit to the new colonial Greenwich, CT kitchen garden at historic Ogden House. My, oh my! An appearance The new Friendship Garden by the Lancraft Fife and Drum at The Nathaniel Witherell in Corps. Unexpected surprise! Greenwich was opened in May By combining the unveiling with much fanfare. It has been of a totally redesigned colonial many years in the making. In kitchen garden with an evening 2012 the land, which is now in-club horticulture show, Tastes a magnificent garden, was the of Spring, our members enjoyed a epicenter of a construction zone. memorable meeting. Today the heart of the facility Last fall the Horticulture Com- is a tranquil, glorious, and mittee and its co-chairs, Suzy Dale peaceful place. The garden was and Peggy Moore, decided to hold designed to enhance residents’ an in-club horticulture show at sensory perceptions through In June the Worcester Garden Club hosted a tour of two gardens that are the May membership meeting fea- the selection of trees, shrubs, documented in the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens. Guests turing classes filled with herbs and and plants, which is especially were treated to a rare glimpse of the Steele-Stoddard-McDonough garden spring greens entries. In the winter important for residents who (above), an impeccably restored historic private garden, and a walk through Whitney Vose, the powerhouse suffer from Alzheimer’s disease Brigham Hill Farm, a yet-evolving contemporary garden that has the grace behind the brand new revision and other forms of dementia. and scale of the majestic gardens of the past. This tour was unique in of the Ogden House colonial Hortulus donated a generous gift its focus on documented gardens, and the garden owners spoke of this kitchen garden, wanted to find a to The Nathaniel Witherell so rigorous but rewarding process. Text and photo by Georgia Lee, Milton GC way to unveil the new garden to its dream of a serene, happy, and the membership. Club President comfortable outdoor space for the Zone II Judy Urquhart thought, “Why residents could come true. not combine the two events into —Rinda Bishop Fairfield Garden Club an evening party on the grounds Southport, CT of Ogden House? Let’s make it more fun and hire food and drink trucks.” Suzy Dale said, “Why not make it a fundraiser?” A creative team put together an imaginative silent auction to raise funds for the beautification of Fairfield, programs that benefit the elderly, and other commu- Standing by the Hortulus plaque, nity projects. A surprise visit by from left: Laura Cunningham, Jane Lancraft Fife and Drum Corps Ghazarossian, Livvy Floren, Karen brought smiles to all on a beauti- Sadik-Kahn, David Brownwood, and ful spring night. Rinda Bishop. Photo by Antreas Ghazarossian —Ellen Gould FGC Members enjoy a beautiful evening party at Fairfield’s historic Ogden House. Photo by Joe Plescia

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 NewsWorthy

New Canaan Garden Club Garden Club of New Haven New Canaan, CT New Haven, CT

NCGC members Jocelyn Glatthorn, Anda Hutchins, Lydee Hummel, Alice Newly planted, flowering trees flank the walkway on the upper Green. Photo Wyman, Molly Scott, Louise Havens, and Shirley Stancik. Photo by Jane Gamber by Caren Carpenter

Last spring the New Canaan the rich biodiversity of Irwin by As part of its Project Trees Department, the Proprietors of Garden Club held a successful adding plantings and trees to help initiative, the Garden Club of the New Haven Green, and The plant sale fundraiser and protect the environment and the New Haven spearheaded an effort Care of Trees landscape company. instructional planting activity endangered monarch butterfly. to extend the visual interest and The team expanded and for children at Irwin Park Barn. Butterflies represent the essence impact of the trees on the historic implemented plans envisioned by Club members were on hand to of nature; freedom, beauty, and Green. Known for decades as renowned international landscape provide assistance with selecting peace. Irwin Park provides an the Elm City, New Haven had, architect Diana Balmori by using plants and advice about best opportunity for people of all ages over many years, lost the vast underplantings, spring blooms, planting practices. Open to the in our community to enjoy the majority of its namesake trees to and fall color to intensify the public for the first time, the changing seasons and connect disease and storms. In response visual impact of the elms. In addi- barn is part of the 36-acre park, with nature.” GCNH began to grow, plant, and tion to lining the perimeter of the which is a vibrant community An important civic project for reintroduce the elm to its rightful Green with six new elms, major gathering place for walking, the NCGC since 2005, Irwin place both on the historic Green plantings on the upper Green jogging, and exercising dogs on its Park provides social, health, and throughout the city. In 2014 include 11 white dogwoods and environmentally friendly Flexi- and environmental benefits GCNH received the prestigious nine white cherries flanking the Pave trails. for residents of the town of Founders Fund Award for this angled walkways, three 12’ pink NCGC manages ongoing New Canaan and those from project. magnolias augmenting the stone conservation and beautification neighboring communities. This year an ad hoc committee, foundation of Trinity Church projects at Irwin Park, including —Ellen McMahon consisting of members Cordalie on the Green, and one large red the addition of 44,000 daffodils Benoit, Susan Ehrenkranz, maple honoring the work and and 42 trees. Judy Neville, Melanie Ginter, and Chair Carol dedication of longtime GCNH Irwin Park Committee co-chair, Ross, was charged with develop- member Jennifer Radford. described NCGC’s role: “As ing a plan to update and enhance —Lupi Robinson stewards of this varied habitat, the Green. Partners in the effort we continue our efforts to sustain included the New Haven Parks

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  NewsWorthy

a long history of industrial use Zone V and farming. Park biologists and Village Garden Club volunteers of all ages constantly of Sewickley battle invasive species and grow Sewickley, PA appropriate replacement plants for the park in greenhouses. Today the sounds of regeneration Village Garden Club of Sewickley in the native tallgrass from members boarded a motor coach eastern meadowlarks, bobolinks, and headed to Ohio to experience grasshoppers, and Henslow’s one of America’s newest national sparrows reward the hard work. parks, Cuyahoga Valley National We shared the Towpath Trail along Park. The park preserves 33,000 the historic Ohio and Erie Canal acres along 22 miles of the with happy bikers, walkers, and Cuyahoga River between Akron RGC members divide and transplant native perennials from the pollinator strollers. Our guide explained the and Cleveland. Individual citizens garden to other areas of the Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by Sarah history of the canal as we stopped and state and local governments Barringer to seek out herons and frogs. We are credited with saving the green learned the goal for the park is to space and historic features from wisely provide stewardship based Zone III development. In 1974 Congress on environmental conditions and This year plant tags were added created the Cuyahoga Valley conservation priorities. The last Rye Garden Club to the garden to help visitors National Recreation Area as an stop on the tour was the Visitor Rye, NY identify flora. Started from seed urban park, leading to its National Center, where club members lined and plugs, many of the plants Park designation in 2000. up to buy lifetime National Park Two years ago Rye Garden Club outgrew their place after their Staff members in the park’s passes. celebrated its centennial and second summer. The club held a Environmental Education Center —Mary Kay Poppenberg installed a pollinator garden at workshop in late October of last prepared us for our tour. VGC Westchester County’s Edith Read year to divide and transplant the members learned about land Wildlife Sanctuary as a gift to the perennials that had flourished. restoration projects to combat community. Today the pollinator Anise hyssop (Agastache garden is thriving! The three foeniculum), New England aster raised beds of native perennials (Symphyotrichum novae-agliae), and corner beds of native shrubs purple coneflower (Echinacea and vines serve as a food and purpurea), and short-toothed mint nesting source for pollinators (Pycnanthemum muticum) were and as an educational garden divided and planted elsewhere in for park visitors. Along with its the sanctuary. A visit to the garden living splendor, two large, colorful today is sure to yield sightings of information boards at the entrance bees, butterflies, and birds. underscore the importance of RGC looks forward to the pollinators and the value of native future of this garden, all the life plants. RGC was awarded a that buzzes within it, and further Partners for Plants grant enabling collaboration with Westchester them to contract a graphic County. designer to create the signage. —Sarah Barringer VGCS members and spouses take a break on the patio of the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. Photo by Tanya Bass

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 NewsWorthy

decaying trees in place to provide Wissahickon Garden Club habitats for beetles and frogs. Mill Mountain Philadelphia, PA What an inspiration!” says Eva. Garden Club James River Garden Club’s Roanoke, VA Queen Bee Challenge encourages club members to become more Mill Mountain Garden Club’s green by emulating the Queen. “Get Outside” committee went on Monthly challenges motivate a road trip to Alexandria in June. members to adopt green The outing was inspired by Dean habits—composting, recycling, Norton, director of horticulture or transitioning to a pesticide- at Mount Vernon, who concluded free lawn, for example. “When his presentation to our club last members meet the challenge and winter with, “Come see us.” We report back to the committee,” wasted no time taking him up on explains Tenley, “we honor them his invitation. at the next meeting.” Our visit began in the beauti- One of the driving forces ful gardens of two Garden Club behind the Queen Bee Challenge of Alexandria members: Leslie is its infinitely sharable template. Ariel and Marty Moore. The next Fraser Davis, conservation chair morning we pedaled the nine-mile trail from downtown Alexan- Visiting the gardens of club members is an easy way to gain inspiration of Tuckahoe Garden Club of dria to Mount Vernon. Norton for one’s own garden, borrow ideas, and build club camaraderie. Last May Westhampton, also in Richmond, directed our group to his favorite Wissahickon Garden Club members toured five WGC gardens; three are was one of the first to jump on garden areas. Ongoing archae- documented in the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens and all board. Her monthly newsletters reflect the owners’ personalities. Shown above are the spring perennials ology and research ensures the cover topics from “The Joys of that grace the bluestone steps leading the way to Leslie Purple’s inviting garden designs and plantings are Composting,” “Detoxing Your swimming pool. Text by Carolyn Adams; photo by Maryalice Cheney historically correct. The huge, lush Home,” and “Healthy Lawns” fruit and vegetable garden was to responsibly combating Martha Washington’s special inter- mosquitoes—without using Zone VII est. Today it is farmed with the broad spectrum insecticides. Eva Clarke and Tenley Beazley, same methods and tools used in Both clubs offer the same sorts of James River both serious environmental the 18th century. President Wash- monthly topics, pop-up events, Garden Club stewards, recently introduced ington spent years corresponding and workshops. A composting Richmond, VA their Queen Bee Challenge to with other colonial gardeners to workshop and a tour of their club. Modeled after Queen plan the types and placement of Richmond’s waste-water treatment Elizabeth II’s environmental the magnificent trees on the prop- plant have been recent club advocacy, the Queen Bee erty. We were thrilled to escape the collaborations. Challenge distills her green summer heat in the shade of box- —Madeline Mayhood initiatives and practices into woods he planted. After a leisurely programs applicable to an tour of the grounds and buildings American garden club audience. we boarded a boat for the relaxing “Queen Elizabeth II has some of cruise back up the Potomac River the most beautiful gardens in the to Alexandria. Camaraderie, fun, world, and they are maintained and education—all great reasons Crowned a Queen Bee winner is organically. She composts, plants to get outside! JRGC’s Alice Massie (center). wildflowers for pollinators, leaves —Libba Wolfe

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  NewsWorthy

advertising and other unsightly Zone IX intrusions. He believed in the power of citizens to take a stand Greenville for the irreplaceable resources Garden Club that matter most. Because of his Greenville, MS foresight, we all can be part of a mobilized citizenry that ensures Greenville Garden Club members our scenic surroundings for discovered that recycling— generations to come. Bill chose conservation at its most to mark the 30th anniversary of personal—could be attractive, the successful Jacksonville city functional, and fun when we charter amendment banning new literally transformed “trash into billboards and removing more treasure” to demonstrate recycling than 1,400 existing billboards as a at our flower show. For the day of celebration. He created the conservation exhibit, members Scenic Jacksonville Endowment sought everyday objects that were to Protect and Enhance Scenic headed to the landfill and gave Beauty in Jacksonville. The Late them new life. The project was Bloomers Garden Club was MMGC members at Leslie Ariel’s garden in Alexandria. Photo by Pam Moskal challenging, but so rewarding. honored to support Bill on “his The creativity of the members was day.” absolutely amazing! —Leslie Pierpont Zone VIII Our new “treasure” included environmental protection and the N.B. On June 19, 2017, Bill a potting shed built from wood Late Bloomers maintenance of the quality of life. Brinton lost his battle with cancer. pallets and old tin. Wrenches, Garden Club On May 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, His early death is a tragic loss for all bicycle chains, rebar, and snipped Jacksonville, FL Bill was honored for his lifetime of who believe in his causes. tin became a horse’s head. Old service as a protector of unspoiled cotton gin parts were converted Bill Brinton received the GCA’s views. He successfully battled into tables with rotating tops. Two Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal local, state, and national forces in 2016 in recognition of his bent on visual assault caused outstanding achievement in by the installation of outdoor

Honoree Bill Brinton with Susan Caven, LBGC, on “Bill Brinton Day.” Photo The new potting shed and accessories made from recycled objects. Photo by Leslie Pierpont by Bland Currie

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 NewsWorthy

members made a rug out of old have contributed over 70 million natives. Worried about the loss water hoses and zip ties. Floral corks to ReCork’s recycling center. of shade, we decided our natives vases and mesh from onion bags Club members also recycle plastic should be relocated to a new area were used to plant acorns. Coke tape dispensers and printer ink under healthy trees. With the help bottles became hummingbird cartridges with copper tabs. This of Summit MetroParks, which feeders, and chopsticks and wine year they collected members’ provided luscious mulch under corks became plant labels. household hazardous waste and the healthy trees, Partners for As no Southern garden is com- old paint for proper disposal. Plants, and some of our former plete without them, rubber tires —Ouida Drinkwater rescue committee members, plans became planters; an ancient Radio were made for the relocation. Flyer red wagon became a home In April we started moving to succulents; and a functional Zone X the native plants: blue cohosh, equipment stand was made from GCJ members Cheryl Welch, waterleaf, wild geranium, ginger, a sculptural limb and a rake. We Hollidae Morrison, Sarah Dabney Akron Garden Club mayapple, Christmas ferns, sedges, even created a chandelier from Gillespie, and June Stone with Akron, OH bloodroot, cutleaf toothwort, wire and Edison bulbs that glowed boxes of corks ready for shipment trout lily, trillium, hepatica, in a tree above the potting shed. to the recycling plant. Photo by Back in 2002 our Wildflower Jack-in-the-pulpit, rue anemone, Ouida Drinkwater The weather for our outside Rescue Committee dug up 15,000 and twin leaf. In the process we native plants from a construction exhibit was perfect as we demon- recent 100 pound shipment was discovered that the original bed, site. We planted many of these strated how we turned trash into the club’s second delivery, after a thanks to the addition of new natives at the historic Mustill treasure and made a real contri- 60-pound load a few years before. trees, was doing well despite all Store area along the Ohio and Erie bution to conservation in our GCJ Conservation Chair Hollidae of the changes. Now we have two Canal in downtown Akron. beautiful world. Who knew that Morrison said members used to healthy native woodland beds Fast forward to 2014, when addressing a subject so serious pick up corks from area restau- thriving in a revitalized, historic the City of Akron removed the could be so much fun! rants when the program began area of downtown Akron. diseased shade trees that had —Bland Currie, Merrill Greenlee but now rely on member contri- —Sue Klein protected our healthy woodland butions gathered from parties and events. “It’s a small thing to keep The Garden Club of from the landfill, but the fact that Jackson the corks are recycled into useful Jackson, MS products, like flooring, is the main reason to recycle.” And ReCork Lay a single cork from a wine pays for the shipping. bottle on a kitchen scale, and “Cork oak trees are fantas- it barely moves the needle. So tic carbon sinks,” according to imagine how many corks it takes ReCork. “They absorb carbon to weigh 100 pounds before from the air and lock it into their shipping them to a recycling bark.” Harvesting the bark, which center in Montana. is done by hand, occurs every Recycle. Recycle. Recycle. The nine years. This process causes no Garden Club of Jackson began environmental damage or harm to collecting corks years ago when the cork trees, which can live 300 Conservation Chair Sarah Dabney years. From left: AGC members Sue Klein, Elaine Fiocca, Laura Preston, Ginger Gillespie suggested the project... The club joins more than 3,000 Hayne, Dedee O’Neil, Ellen Hay, and Mary Bauer, working at the new woodland garden. Photo by Sue Klein and how the pile has grown! The cork collection partners who

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  NewsWorthy

pollinator wall, and water-con- organizations can see the results serving design. The resourceful in the preserved vintage gable The Garden Club of display received the GCA’s Ann trim, fish-scale siding, and original St. Louis Lyon Crammond Award. LGCC interior doors and woodwork. A St. Louis, MO is very proud of its members’ new foundation was also built for entries, efforts, and seven GCA the 120-year-old house. In May, 14 members of The Flower Show awards. No togas Enter the Cedar Rapids Garden Garden Club of St. Louis fulfilled were worn! Club. Our support and skills— a long-standing invitation to The conservation and education —Anne Hildreth and plants—were sought out, and visit Ste. Geneviève National exhibit of the Temple of Sounion we happily stepped in. One mem- Landmark Historic District along was visualized and brought to ber drew a landscape plan and the banks of the Mississippi River life by Jan Rodenfels. Photo by Zone XI another relished the challenge of in Missouri. This historic town Debby Kelley saving the lovely fruit tree in the was settled between 1735 and the Cedar Rapids front yard. The “vintage” foun- late 1740s. Its earliest residents Garden Club Little Garden Club dation served as the backdrop for were French Canadians who of Columbus Cedar Rapids, IA ferns, daylilies, hydrangeas, hostas, farmed the rich, alluvial soil along Columbus, OH peonies, coral bells, alliums, and the river, produced salt, mined Pristine now, but this 1890s house a charming dwarf Serbian spruce. lead, and trapped furs. Following has a story to tell. Frankie House The Little Garden Club of CRGC members donated plants the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the is named after a little girl who Columbus flower show, It’s All from their gardens and provided town’s French-speaking residents died there long ago. Over the Greek to Me, was held in the new sod for the entire property. suddenly found themselves years immigrant families moved in quaint college town of Granville, The restoration is complete, citizens of the United States, and out. The home was eventually Ohio, 30 miles outside of and the house is up for sale. It despite the town’s distinctive purchased by a church, but when Columbus. The show’s theme is eligible for the city’s Rebuild- French character, culture, and church officials realized they could was based on the Greek Revival ing Ownership Opportunities language. no longer afford the upkeep they architecture of the Robbins Together program, which offers Today much of historic Ste. voted to bring in the wrecking Hunter Museum. Ann Lowder, down payment assistance to quali- Geneviève’s charm is due to the ball. a longtime LGCC member and fied applicants. Frankie House has preservation of features from Then came Save CR Heritage. the museum’s director, invited us seen a lot of Cedar Rapids history the Colonial settlement. Narrow This nonprofit group rescued to host the show in the historic go by its front door. Today it truly streets and fenced gardens the historic Wellington Heights home. We were delighted that sparkles, and the grounds are lush surround its unique 18th-century house, moved it, and embarked on over 650 garden lovers were able with plants. French architecture. Buildings a two-year restoration. Today 44 to enjoy our Greek-themed show. —Suzanne Barnes with their vertical log walls and Flower Show Chair Debby roofs supported by massive Kelley worked with her commit- Norman trusses are based on tee to create an impressive event traditional architectural styles that also included garden tours, originating in France and French vendors offering unique wares Canada. Ste. Geneviève is home to on the lawn, and an outstand- three of the five very rare poteaux ing conservation and education en terre (posts in the ground) exhibit featuring an enormous houses left in America. Temple of Sounion. The exhibit We visited a number of the was positioned on the front porch historic houses: Bolduc House, and intrigued guests with its recy- Felix Valle House State Historic cled materials, vertical plantings, The “Dirty Fingers Brigade” of CRGC. Photo by Suzanne Barnes Site, and Bauvais-Amoureux

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 NewsWorthy

Lake Geneva Garden Club Lake Geneva, WI

GCSTL members standing on the back steps of Bolduc House Museum. Photo by Diane Wyse Jackson

House. We also visited Ste. restored a small, genuine log LGGC members at the July House and Garden Cruise boutique. Photo by Geneviève’s renowned rose and cabin. Our visit to Ste. Geneviève Martha Cucco vegetable gardens. Our wonderful will not be forgotten quickly. It has been a rewarding and getic and ambitious season at its day was hosted by John Karel, a —Diane Wyse Jackson awarding summer for the Lake August annual meeting. Individ- longtime GCSTL member who Geneva Garden Club and its ual members received awards for lives in Ste. Geneviève and has members. It began with Historic their outstanding participation Horticultural Hall presenting the this year. And most importantly, Kenilworth Garden Club 2017 Friend of the Hall Award several grants were awarded to Kenilworth, IL to the club. LGGC has been local charitable organizations. involved with the Hall since its —Amy Brown inception in the early 1900s. The Geneva Lake Conservancy also honored three LGGC members, Town and Country Grace Hanny, Mary King, and Garden Club Sarah Schuster, for their tireless Sheboygan, WI efforts to protect the lake and nearby shoreland, wetland, and As early as 1962 and continuing native species areas. again in the late 1990s, the It was all hands on deck for Town and Country Garden the biennial House and Gar- Club partnered with the City of den Cruise on July 12. The Sheboygan to beautify our main record-breaking rainfall did not street. This year TCGC updated keep guests away from the always the 50 large planters on Eighth Street, which club members helped Celebrated floral designer Sybil Brooke Sylvester introduced her first book, profitable and sold-out event with fresh, and gave an anecdote-filled lecture about her floral design philosophy its garden tours and outstanding select. TCGC members maintain as well as numerous tips and techniques at the Kenilworth Garden Club’s boutique. All 17 tours departed all the planters on Eighth Street annual spring luncheon fundraiser. From left, standing behind the author on antique yachts taking guests to as well as in the Harbor Centre are: Cathy Murphy, KGC benefit co-chairs Kathy Elmer and Beth Glass, walk through the three lakefront South Pier District. Jo Stroub KGC President Lenore Macdonald, and Julia Kyle. Text and photo by Chris homes and their gardens. served as the chair of this year’s Wiedrich Our club celebrated its ener- project. TCGC members also

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  NewsWorthy

maintain a small garden at Mead Over 100 guests wearing specially- and white palette greeted guests at Public Library, which is the “kick designed eyewear were on hand to a garden filled with mature dog- off” corner to the Eighth Street raise funds at The Garden Club of woods, camellias, dwarf English planters. This garden, created by Honolulu’s James Bond-themed boxwood, dwarf daphne, and TCGC in 2013 as one of the dinner and auction at the Oahu flowering cherry trees. GCA’s Centennial Tree Project Country Club. Ninety items were The fourth garden showcased plantings, was nearly lost when sold at silent and live auctions a pool area ringed by hydran- the city decided a few years ago to featuring club members and geas, rhododendrons, geraniums, totally reconstruct the downtown spouses as jovial “auctioneers.” and ferns leading to a formal area. Thanks to efforts by TCGC, More hilarity was provided by rose garden. Last was a dramatic the garden at Mead Library was teams of spouses who created garden designed by OGC’s own saved. floral arrangements on stage. This Shari Bashin-Sullivan. The garden OGC members Marlene —Pat Schutt successful event raised $35,600 for Hallenberger, Margie Murphy, and wrapped around the entire house, the Honolulu Community Club Louise Diracles enjoy a cup of tea allowing beautiful views from each Fund. during the “Tea in the Garden” tour. room. A pool garden afforded —Sarah Richards Photo by Barb Boster a calm space for relaxing, while another area had bursts of color with blooming rhododendrons, from irises, dahlias, lilies, and Orinda Garden Club flowering dogwoods, and a doll- annuals. Orinda, CA house for grandchildren. Another Active and many associate garden featured an elegant display members played an important In May, 550 members and guests of oakleaf hydrangeas, rhododen- role in the tour’s overwhelming of the Orinda Garden Club drons, boxwoods, and a variety success. The net proceeds from TCGC members planting the new strolled through five private Orinda of blooming roses surrounding the fundraiser will support the containers. Photo by Gary Klein and Lafayette gardens during the a serene pool overlooking the club’s charitable and beautification “Tea in the Garden” event chaired Berkeley hills. A soothing green projects. by Marlene Hallenberger and —Ann Cinderey Zone XII Louise Diracles. Guests also were The Garden Club of treated to a marketplace where Honolulu local vendors offered accessories, flavored olive oils, and home decor. Honolulu, HI The plant sale featured succulents and vegetables propagated by members. Sue Andersen-Berger, an avid tomato grower, provided more than 300 tomato plants. Exquisite floral designs by OGC members were at each home. In the evening members enjoyed cocktails and appetizers while a silent auction offered prized items from restaurant dinners to Warriors Nancy Shaw poses with “James basketball tickets. Bond” at GCH’s fundraising event. Club President Margie Looking through the arbor to a serene pool and harmonious garden. Photo by Photo by Jackie Johnson Murphy’s garden dazzled visitors Yoni Mayeri

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Late Bloomers

Late Bloomers and Sage Advice —Betsy Bosway, Indianapolis Garden Club, Zone X

We asked some of our hard-working GCA club members to tell us about their favorite gardening tools. Enjoy reading the results!

My favorite gardening tool is a The Zenport Deluxe small It’s a toss up between my Felco The Hori-Hori knife would be swoe, originally made by the scissors and the Leonard #6 or #7 pruners or my Hori- my first pick but I can’t live Wilkinson Sword Company in Deluxe Stainless Steel Soil Hori Japanese farmer’s knife. without my Smith & Hawkins England. There are American- Knife are my favorite tools. The knife does nearly everything Ladies Shovel. It is 3’ tall with made swoes which have The scissors are perfect for for me—serving as both a trowel a 5” X 8” spade and I can use wooden handles but do not gardening and horticulture. and a weeder. It can cut roots; it much more easily than other have the same curvature as —Jan Sweeney dig holes for bulbs, removes long handled shovels. mine. GCA Judging Committee Chairman, deeply rooted weeds, and easily —Katherine Shepperly —Linda Grieve Indianapolis GC, Zone X creates furrows for planting GCA Horticulture Committee Chairman, GC of Morristown, Zone IV GCA Horticulture Committee Vice seeds. It is strong enough to Chairman, Des Moines Founders GC, Without a doubt, my favorite stand up to my heavy clay soil. Zone XI red handled trowel. My favorite tool is a gift given tool is my —Barbara Tuffli I painted the handle red so Woodside-Atherton GC, Zone XII to me at the end of my term as My well loved Felco pruners that I can always find it in the president of the Seattle Garden and a pair of Instinct garden! My best tools in the garden Club. It is a PKS copper Performance gloves are my —Lindsey Clark are my hands. I love to feel garden spade engraved with favorite tools. I always have GCA Horticulture Committee First Vice my initials. Its edges are Chairman, GC of Dayton, Zone X the soil, to dig small holes for spares of these gloves. They fit plants or seeds, to tenderly sharp and effective, its well snuggly and provide perfect weighted, and I love the feel Fiskars Extendable D-Handle check plants, and to gently pat dexterity while pruning. My of the wooden handle. Copper Stand-up Weeder makes it soil into place. My manicurist Felco pruners are in great lectures me to wear gloves, tools can actually improve soil shape after I learned how to easy to weed without breaking quality. your back. As a tall woman, which I don’t, but it is job care for them at the Meneice security for her! —Jenny Wyatt Conference in Brooklyn. the adjustable height model Seattle GC, Zone XII works for me! —Kingslea von Helms —Cindy Hilson GCA Horticulture Committee Zone Rep, GCA Treasurer, Hancock Park GC, Zone XII —Donna Ganson The GC of Houston, Zone IX GCA Historian, GC of Lawrence, Zone III

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Head to the Web www.gcamerica.org Head to the web to be inspired, connected, and informed

The Visiting Gardens Committee South Africa. Scotland. New Zealand. Dallas. Santa Fe. The Hudson River Valley. Take your choice. These are all upcoming trips planned by the Visiting Gardens Committee. On each of these one- of-a-kind adventures, club members have the chance to see the most spectacular gardens—both private and public—with outstanding guides. Luxe accommodations, incredible sightseeing, and GCA camaraderie make these trips unforgettable. The Visiting Gardens landing page has detailed instructions for signing up on each particular trip’s “interest list”—a necessary step. There is also detailed information about procedures, wait lists, and itineraries of past trips. Additionally, the committee facilitates club member visits to the gardens of other GCA club members throughout the United States—a true advantage of GCA association. Take the time to explore the Visiting Gardens landing page, and check out which trip is the one for you. Then get ready to pack your bags!

Head to the Web Help Needed? Did you forget your password? Or, heavens, have you never logged on? Don’t be Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by Gina Brandt embarrassed. Just use your email address as your user name and hit FORGOT PASSWORD. Then follow the prompts; an email with your password will be sent to you. If you’d like to change your password, click My Profile in the Members Area to edit. Select an easy password (or a complicated one that most of us promptly forget—in that case just click FORGOT PASSWORD and start again). Did you know that the website contains a wealth of information about other club activities, club members, and events in any zone? All publications (there are seven of them) are available online. Are you interested in starting a community garden? Do you want to increase your horticultural knowledge? Is your club thinking about a P4P project? The Horticulture Committee’s landing page is filled with useful information to make you a better gardener or inspire a club project. The calendar is your ticket to finding out about what is happening throughout the GCA. And then there’s shopping at the GCA store. You can’t have too many GCA scarves! So head to the web for a good look at the GCA.

Vegetables growing at Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, Pennsylvania. Photo by Debbie Laverell On the Road with the GCA: Not up for a big trip? Then let your inner-traveler still surface. There’s New York City, Philly, DC, Austin, Boston, or Chicago. The new “On the Road with the GCA” trips offer unparalleled opportunities for GCA clubs and club members to visit different cities throughout the country, learn from experts, and maybe even tag on a visiting gardens adventure (if you are so inclined) or a great dinner at a hot restaurant. You might make it an overnight and add an extra day to sightsee, visit a college friend or adult child, or sneak in a shopping opportunity just for yourself. Any way you do it, you’ll have the guarantee of a fun, interesting, and unique learning experience planned for you by the GCA. Find out about the “On the Road with the GCA” trips on the GCA website in the members area under “National News.” Signing up is easy online or by calling HQ at (212) 753-8287. Utah highway. Photo by Debbie Laverell

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Dig Deeper

DigDeeper: Resources

The Role of Gardens in Healthy 3 Y. Fan, K.V. Das, Q. 8 C.D. Wu, E. McNeely, JG Innisfree: Maintainting Communities Chen (2011), “Neighborhood Cedeño-Laurent, W.C. Pan, the Dream page 16-19 page 30-32 Green, Social Support, Physical G. Adamkiewicz, F. Dominici, Joanna Lombard, AIA and LEED Activity, and Stress: Assessing the S.C. Lung, H.J. Su, and J. D. AP, is an architect and professor at Cumulative Impact,” Health & Spengler (2014), “Linking Student the University of Miami School of Place, Nov 17(6): 1202-11. Performance in Massachusetts Architecture and Miller School of Elementary Schools with the 4 C.C. Branas, R.A. Cheney, Medicine Department of Public ‘Greenness’ of School Surroundings J.M. MacDonald, V.W. Tam, T.D. Health Sciences. She is studying Using Remote Sensing,” PLoS Jackson, T.R. Ten Have, (2011), “A the effects of the built environment ONE, 9(10): e108548. Difference-in-Differences Analysis on children and the elderly. The Innisfree Garden, located in Mill- of Health, Safety, and Greening 9 Rod H. Matsuoka (2010) first results of this work were brook, NY, is open Wednesdays Vacant Urban Space,” American ‘‘Student Performance and High published in 2006, with subsequent through Sundays until October 15. Journal of Epidemiology, 174 (11). School Landscapes.’’ Landscape and publications in peer-reviewed For more information about Innis- Urban Planning, 97 (4): 273–82. journals and books in public health 5 K. Alaimo, T. Reischl, J.O. free, go to www.innisfreegarden.org. and architecture. Allen (2010), “Community Responsible Gardening A catalogue of the garden’s wild- page 26-27 In addition to her research she Gardening, Neighborhood flowers, compiled over a three-year co-authored Historic Landscapes Meetings, and Social Capital,” period by poet-naturalist George of Florida (Deering Foundation, Journal of Community Psychology, Petty and writer Marilyn Katz, is 2001) with Rocco J. Ceo; authored 38(4), 497-514. on the website. Although Lester The Architecture of Duany Plater- Collins’s 1993 book, Innisfree: An 6 Zyberk and Company (Rizzoli, Eugene C. Fitzhugh, David R. American Garden, is out of print, 2005); and co-authored Great Bassett Jr., Mary F. Evans (2010), copies may be found online. Houses of Florida (Rizzoli, 2008) ”Urban Trails and Physical Activity: Innisfree’s owner, Walter Beck a Natural Experiment,” American with Beth Dunlop. Lynn Steiner is a prolific garden (1864-1954), was a recognized Journal of Preventive Medicine, 39 Footnote references are: writer and superb photographer artist in his day. He was commis- (3). sioned to paint 80 portraits of 1 David R. Coffin (1982), “The specializing in using native plants. Civil War veterans, which are at ‘Lex Hortorum’ and Access to Her latest book is Grow Native: the Smithsonian. Gardens of Latium During the Bringing Natural Beauty to Your Renaissance,” The Journal of Garden Garden. Her other books include Garden Inspirations page 38-39 History, Vol.2 (3):201-232. Prairie-Style Gardens: Capturing the Essence of the American Prairie The Smithsonian’s new exhibit 2 Roger S. Ulrich (1984), “View Wherever You Live Rain (2010) and Cultivating America’s Gardens also Through a Window May Influence Gardens: Sustainable Landscaping uses images from the GCA Col- Recovery from Surgery,” Science, 7 Scott Brown, Joanna Lombard, for a Beautiful Yard and a Healthy lection in its Archives of American New Series, Vol. 224, No. 4647 Kefeng Wang, Margaret Byrne, World (2012). Gardens. For an insider’s look at (Apr. 27, 1984): 420-1. Matthew Toro, Elizabeth Plater- She loves travel as much as this exhibit, join the “On the Road Zyberk, Daniel Feaster, Jack Kardys, gardening and is leading a garden with the GCA” program next May Maria Nardi, Gianna Perez-Gomez, and art tour to Mallorca and at the Smithsonian. Attendees also Hilda Pantin, Jose Szapocznik Menorca in 2018. For more will meet with the director and (2016), “Neighborhood Greenness www.northern- information go to tour the vault—a not-be-missed and Chronic Health Conditions in gardener.org and look at classes, opportunity. Medicare Beneficiaries,” American books, and events. Journal of Preventive Medicine, July, 51(1):78-89.

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Book Review BookReview

continuing temptation for and observations that provided gardeners who would rather read inspiration for scientists, explorers, than weed. Both are practiced, and philosophers around the hands-on gardeners who read world. widely and give thoughtful Wulf describes von Humboldt’s recommendations—and who life as an adventure story and says aren’t ashamed to admit that his thinking is “incredibly relevant they have changed their methods today: already in 1800, he spoke over the decades. As Christopher about harmful human-induced writes in his preface, “I foresee a climate change.” She also describes time when…many more gardens him as a visionary who has and backyards all across North influenced modern environmen- America will make their own talists, crediting von Humboldt’s Garden Revolution: contributions to the health and The Invention of concept of interconnectedness as How Our beauty of their local ecosystems.” Nature: Alexander an inspiration for Rachel Carlson’s Landscapes Can Weaner is widely recognized von Humboldt’s New Silent Spring. “One of the most Be a Source of for his vast, sustainable meadows, World important contributions was that Environmental but even those who garden by by Andrea Wulf he came up with the concept of Change the half-acre will find useful Alfred A. Knopf, 2015 nature as a web of life,” she writes, by Larry Weaner and advice and helpful concepts. The “an idea that still shapes our book begins and ends with close thinking today. As scientists are Thomas Christopher In The Invention of Nature, scrutiny of an accidental planting trying to understand and pre- Timber Press 2016 author Andrea Wulf masterfully of cardinal flower, a plant whose dict the consequences of climate portrays the life of Alexander rapid disappearance has frustrated change, von Humboldt’s inter- Garden Revolution is a book for von Humboldt (1769-1859), more than one gardener. The disciplinary methods are more our time, one that would not who was the most famous explanation of this perennial’s relevant than ever.” This is a book have been written even ten years scientist of his age. Through reproductive strategy, and that worth reading. ago. And while much of it is impeccable research, she recounts of many other plants, is part of —Tamera Galvin, revolutionary, the reader needn’t his childhood in Germany, his the framework for designing Ridgefield Garden Club, Zone II fear to carry it through airport expeditions in Russia and North workable, sustainable gardens security. The revolution that and South America and chronicles that are both beautiful and the authors espouse is one of the experiments, drawings, environmental sustainability as manageable. well as economical landscaping. A winner of the 2017 American This is a book that tells us how to Horticulture Society’s Annual work in harmony with our land— Book Award, Garden Revolution not how to transform a forest into is a book that belongs on every a meadow or a wetland into an serious gardener’s wish list— English cottage garden. beautifully written, full of big new Many in the Northeast ideas, and superbly illustrated. know Larry Weaner from his —Jane Harris, GCA Library annual ecological landscaping Committee chairman, Middletown conferences (he became a GCA Garden Club, Zone II honorary member in 2015) and Tom Christopher from his 14 gardening books—a

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Bulletin Board BulletinBoard: Cuttings from the Calendar

October NC. Info: Courtney Douglas December 8 On the Road with the 10-12 Zone Meeting & Flower ([email protected]); Louise 7 Home Tour (VIII), Annual GCA,”Visit to Longwood Show (XI), Glaciers to Wells; Ashley Wimmer Christmas Home Tour, Gardens,” Philadelphia, PA. Gardens, Garden Guild of 10-29 FASG Workshop, La Jolla, Peachtree GC, Atlanta, Info: [email protected] Info: to Info: Margot Bean (5beans@ 14-18 Winnetka, Winnetka, IL. 11-4 CA. Info: Fleur Rueckert (fleur. GA. Non-GCA Major Flower Gail Hodges (gailhodges@gmail. [email protected]) sbcglobal.net) Show (I), The Boston Flower com) 31 On the Road with the GCA, January & Garden Show, Savor Spring!, Seaport World Trade 13-14 GCA Flower Show (IV), The “Central Park Celebration”, 14-26 Visiting Gardens Trip: New Center, Boston, MA. Info: Rose City: Preserving the Past, GCA HQ, NYC. Info: gca@ Info: Zealand. Betty Snellings Christine Paxhia (cpaxhia@hotmail. Protecting the Future, GC of gcamerica.org ([email protected]) Madison, Madison NJ. Info: com) November February Janet Baker (bakerjan@optonline. 19 On the Road with GCA, net) 2 Fundraiser Luncheon (IV), 4-10 Photography Study Group “Protecting Our Trees,” Casey NJ Committee of the GCA, 17-18 Workshop, Yosemite Valley. Trees HQ, Washington, DC. GCA Flower Show (X), Summit, NJ, Stony Brook A River Runs…, GC of Info: Eloise Carson (eloisecarson@ Info: [email protected] GC, GC of Trenton. Info: Alice me.com) April Michigan, Grosse Pointe St. Claire-Long (astclairelong@gmail. Farms, MI. Info: Carol Whitehead 2-26 com); Penny Hoffman NAL Conference, 4 On the Road with GCA, ([email protected]) to Washington, DC. Info: Hollidae 8 Zone Mini-Meeting 3-1 “Lady Bird’s Legacy,” Lady 17-20 Morrison ([email protected]) Photography Study Group (V), Wissahickon GC, Bird Johnson Wildflower Workshop, Shaker Village, March Info: gca@ Philadelphia, PA. Info: Joan Center, Austin, TX. Harrodsburg, KY. Info: Eloise gcamerica.org Biddle ([email protected]) 1-3 GCA Major Flower Show Carson ([email protected]) 12-13 Zone Judging Workshop (II), Preview of Spring: The 9 Zone Judging Workshop 18-20 Boutique Fundraiser (V), (VIII), Floral Design, Color of Light, Green Fingers (III). Info: Cathy Westerfeld Pizzazz, GC of Allegheny Horticulture, & GC, Greenwich, CT. Info: ([email protected]) County, Pittsburgh, PA. Info: Photography, Augusta, GA. Sarah Morena (sams40@optonline. 9-11 GCA Flower Show (VIII), www.gcacpgh.org/pizzazz net); Martha Robinson Heard Info: Amy Nowell (bamynowell@ Founders GC of Sarasota, ([email protected]) 19-20 Zone Judging Workshop (X), gmail.com) Inc., Sarasota, FL. Info: Somerset Inn, Troy, MI. Info: 29 Zone Judging Workshop 3-11 Non-GCA Major Flower Gina Gregoria, Christine Lindsay Mary Smart (maryfsmart@gmail. (IV), Floral Design, Show (V), 2018 Philadelphia ([email protected]) com) Horticulture, & Photography, Flower Show, Wonders 9-13 Visiting Gardens Trip: Dallas. 23-26 Zone Meeting & Flower Baltusrol Golf Club, of Water, Philadelphia Info: Betty Snellings (bettysnellings@ Info: Show (VII), Cultivating Springfield, NJ. Info: Lynn Convention Center. gmail.com) theflowershow.com; Fleur Rueckert a Lasting Legacy, Twin Filipski ([email protected]) City GC, Winston-Salem, ([email protected])

Garden & Art Tour to Mallorca & Menorca April 29–May 9, 2018

Travel with horticulturist More info: bmichel@ Lynn Steiner, Saint Paul GC, on carlsonwagonlit.com a special guided tour of these 1.800.533.0324 amazing Spanish Balearic islands. northerngardener.org

The Bulletin :: Fall 2017  Honoring the service of our presidents. With gratitude from the rest of us.

PartingShot: Camellia Photo by Colesie Sterling, Piedmont Garden Club, Zone XII Competition: : Inspirations 2017—Opus for Spring, The Portland Garden Club Flower Show, Portland, Oregon, May 2017 Awards: First Place and GCA Photography Creativity Award; Class: Fantasia (a creative techniques image, highly manipulated) Judges’ Comments: “An absorbing and compelling image that is beautifully rendered.” “Sophisticated! Evocative! Mysterious!”

 The Bulletin :: Fall 2017 Ornaments for Every Season Open Year Round Tues - Sat 10 am - 5 pm A Destination Closed Sun & Mon To Shop From Over 5,000 Find The Schumacher Items From Garden In The Archives of American Gardens Around The 4 Union Hill Road Service | Guidance World West Conshohocken, PA 610.825.5525 Resources gardenaccents.com

Listen to the Land is an engaging, informative, and poignant memoir of a life spent tending one particular property, a woodland oasis in Alabama. Louise Agee Wrinkle grew up on this land, returned to it in mid-life, and has, for the last 30 years, tended it with care and creativity, according to her philosophy of allowing the land to speak for itself.

Published by Birmingham Home and Garden | birminghamhomeandgarden.com I think that family, friends, garden club members, master gardeners, and other serious gardeners will ﬁnd this book inspiring and informative. —Neil Odenwald, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, past Director, Robert S. Reich School of Landscape Architecture, Louisiana State University

The Plant Proﬁles will be valuable to any gardener. This is not just a list of plants with descriptions, but rather examples that Wrinkle has or had in her garden, and her personal experiences with them. —John Alex Floyd, Jr., Ph.D., Retired Editor in Chief, Southern Living

This is a coming-of-age story that spans a lifetime and is a must-read for any avid gardener today. —Fred Spicer, Executive Vice President and Director, Chicago Botanic Garden COMING NOVEMBER 2017 To order: www.listentotheland.net 14 East 60th Street New York, NY 10022 (212) 753-8287 [email protected] www.gcamerica.org

Gardens open now through Nov 19

Gardening on a higher level

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