DECEMBER 1983 Members of the American Horticultural Society Will Gather in Miami from March 14-17. 1984 ./ For the AHS Spring Symposium. We Would Lil

Leave winter woes behind and join us in Miami for our Spring Sym­ posium. Tour Fairchild Tropical Garden, famous for its tropical flowering trees, palms and cycads, and stroll through Vizcaya, the Italian Renaissance palace of John Deering. Explore The Kampong, once the home of world-renowned plant explorer David Fairchild. Learn about tissue culture propaga­ tion at the Orchid Jungle, and visit wholesale and retail nurseries filled with exotic plants. Be sure to join us for a unique tropical experi­ ence-south Florida promises to be in the full bloom of spring. For more information about the Spring Symposium, look in the January issue of American Horticul­ turist news or write to the Society's Education Department. You may also elect to extend your horticul­ tural holiday by joining the Post Symposium Tour of gardens along Florida's west coast, the Everglades and EPCOT from March 18-26, 1984. Please join us!

ABOVE: Fairchild Tropical Garden is famous for its collection of palms as well as cycads, orchids, bromeliads and trees native to South Florida and the Bahamas. BELOW: Hibiscus 'Norma', growing in the hibiscus display garden at Fairchild. Barbara W. Ellis EDITOR RICAN PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Rebecca K. McClimans, RKM, Inc. ART DIRECTOR -ORTICULTlIRIST Lynn M. Lynch VOLUME 62 NUMBER 12 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jane Steffey EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Irene Polansky PRODUCTION ASSIST ANT Gilbert S. Daniels HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT BOOK EDITOR Everett Conklin PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ADVISOR Louise Baughn Cindy Weakland ASSISTANTS TO THE EDITOR May Lin Roscoe BUSINESS MANAGER

Connie Clark MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR John Simmons, Chromagraphics Inc. COLOR SEPARATIONS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES C. Lynn Coy Associates, Inc. 55 Forest Street Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 327-4626 Bougainvillea and nasrurtiums add beauty to a sitting area in Las Palmas Altas, a garden in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about this remarkable desert garden, rum to page 28. Photograph by Tom Campbell, courtesy of Phoenix Home/Garden magazine.

Replacement Issues of AMERICAN President's Page by Edward N . Dane 2 HORTICULTURIST are available at a cost of $2.50 per copy. Strange Relatives: The Acanthus Family by Jane Steffey 4 The opinions expressed in the articles Book Reviews by Gilbert S. Daniels 8 that appear in AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST are those of the Improving American Gardens by Frederick McGourty 10 authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. They are presented as Foliage Favorites Text and Photography by Pamela Harper 15 contributions to contemporary thought. Manuscripts, art work and photographs Passionflowers Text and Illustrations by Kathleen Crawford 18 sent fOF plilssible publication will be rerurned if they are accompanied by a The Glass Flowers by Margaret Parke 22 self-addressed, stamped envelope. Las Palmas Altas by Maire Simington 28 AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is the official publication of The American Pronunciation Guide 32 Horticultural Society, 7931 East Sources 34 BoulevaFd Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308, (703) 768-5700, and is issued Gardener's Marketplace 36 monthly. Membership in the Society includes a subscription to AMERICAN Seasonable Reminders: Deciduous Hollies by Steve Bender 39 HORTICULTURIST. Membership dues start at $20.00 a year, $12.00 of which 1983 Index 41 is designated for AMERICAN HORTIClJeLTURIST. Copyright © 1983 The Design Page: Garden Paths Text and Photography by Margaret Hensel 44 by The American Horticultural Society. ISSN 0096-4417. Second-class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia and at ON THE COVER: Although this mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia, looks freshly cut, it is additional mailing offices. PosbDaster: acrually a glass model crafted nearly 100 years ago. See page 22 for more information on the Please send Form 3579 to AMERICAN unique Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Flowers housed at the Harvard Botanical Museum. HORTICULTURIST, Mount Vernon, Photograph courtesy of E. P. Dutton, Inc. Virginia 22121.

American Horticulturist 1 PREsIDENT'S PAGE

hose of you who follow the events American Association of Museums and the of your Society will recall that about American Association of Botanical Gar­ T a year ago the President's Page dens and Arboreta. Other important ac­ contained an announc€:ment by Tom Rich­ complishments during his term as Director ards of his rt'lsignation as Executive Di­ include the completion of a long-range plan rector. It is with great ph'l asure that I can for the development of the entire propefty, now tell you that his successor has been and the development of a computerized chos€:N and that by the time you receive plant records system that keeps track of this issue of American Horticulturist, our the more than 15,000 plants in the Garden. new Executive Directer will be at River Dr. Huckins has been a memb€:r of nu­ Farm. merous organizations, including the He is Dr. Charles Albert Huckins, for­ American Association gf Botanical Gar­ merly Director of the Desert Botanical dens and Arbor€:ta, American Association Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, of Museums, American Society fOf Hor­ Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Huckins ticultural Science, Arizona Native Plant received his Bachelor of Arts degre€: in Bi­ Society, Cactus and Succulent Society of ology from Brown University in 1963. After America, International Association for Plant a tour in the United States Marine Corps Taxonomy, and the National Council for Res€:rve, he attended Cornell University, Th€:rapy and R€:habilitation Through Hor­ where he rec€:ived his Master of Science ticulture. He has been a consultant f(J)r the degree in Horticulture in 1967. He com­ New York City Department of Parks, th€: pleted his Ph.D. in Botany at Cornell in Clov€: Lakes Nursing Hom€: on Staten Is­ 1972. land (where he helped develop a horticul­ While at Cornell, Dr. Huckins served as tural therapy program) and the St. louis a Research Assistant and a Teaching Fel­ Zoological Park. His articles and papers low, working in the University's herbar­ on a wide variety of horticultural topics ium and teaching classes in woody and have appeared in many publications, herbaceous plant materials. Dr. Hu ~kins is marri€:d to the former Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Mathilde Germaine Demisay, who has had Huckins received 'th€: William Frederick a distinguished career in nursing admin­ Dreer Award from Cornell University and istration, sp€:cializing in geriatric care. To­ a grant from the Druce Fund of th€: Uni­ geth€:r they enjoy gardening, traveling and versity of Oxford, England to study and water sports of all kinds. conduct research at major herbaria and The search for th€: most qualified can­ arboreta in Europe and Central Asia. didate for the directorship of your Soci€:ty Dr. Huckins joined the staff of the Mis­ by the Executive Committee and myself souri Botanical Garden in 1974 as Curator has been a very exciting and rewarding of Tropical Plants. While there, he oversaw process: exciting, because we were able to all of the display greenhouse operations at enlist the support and assistance of so many the Garden, including those in the Cli­ people in kindred societies and groups; re­ matron and the Desert House. He was also warding, because so many people reaf­ responsibl€: for the design, development and firmed to us the importance and signifi­ operation of the Garden's new Mediter­ cance of the Society in the world of ranean House, horticulture and gardening. In 1977 he was made Assistant Chid The Committee and I set very high stan­ Horticulturist at the Missouri Botanical dards for the individual to fill this position. Gard€:N and a year later was promoted to Foremost among the qualifications we CAMELLIA NOUVEAU 24" x 36" Chairman of the Department of Indoor sought were proven administrative ability, FLORAL POSTER ART Horticulture. and a dedicatiON to the expansion of the Beautiful Full Color - Hand-Signed In 1979 Dr. Huckins accepted the po­ ideals of our Soci€:ty among the people we sition of Director of the Desert Botanical serve. I believe that as you meet and come ONLY $20.00 S2.50 hondling to know Dr. Huckins, you will agree that OVER 25 SUBJECTS - THE PERFECT GIFT Garden, a 140-acre garden in Phoenix, Ar­ COOPERSMITH STUDIOS #D izona devoted to the study, display and the Society is fortunate. p.o. BOX 6752 . THO USAND OALS, CA 91361 interpretation of plants native to desert SEND FOR FREE CATALOG TODAY regions of the world. During his four-year ~ tenure, the garden was accredited by the -Edward N , Dane

2 December 1983 For the first time - an internationally renowned floral artist creates an original sculptured bell. 'Ghe c50nia c.Rose BY JEANNE HOLGATE

Life-;;ize sculpture of intricate beauty in fine , hand-painted porcelain . .. at the very attractive price of $60 .

Painted by hand. Hand-decorated with pure 24 karat gold . Issued in limited edition.

Fresh and arresting, The Sonia Rose is a triumph of two great traditions. Combining the beauty of floral sculpture ... and the lilting grace of a bell ... in an enchanting new work in fine porcelain to enjoy and treasure always. The creator of this delightful sculpture, Jeanne Holgate, has been acclaimed as Amedca's finest floral artist. Internationally admired, her work is represented in the great floral art collections of the world, including the British Museum, America's famous Hunt Collection, and the private collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Here, the artist has captured a rose in the radiant blush of first bloom. With entrancing precision, the sculpture portrays every vein of each leaf, every curve of each petal-even the tiny thorns growing out of the stem. The colors are of a subtlety that rivals nature itself. And the composition is superbly © 1983 FP united by the bell of fine porcelain, which is ------AD VANCE RESERVATION APPLICATION I hand-embellished with pure 24 karat gold. I I In the tradition of the finest floral sculptures, The THE SONIA ROSE I Sonia Rose I is depicted fully life-size. Each imported I bell will be individually handcrafted under the Valid only if postmarked by December 31, 1983. I supervisioR of Franklin Porcelain. As an indication I Limit: One per person. I of the care that will be taken, the sculpture will be I I assembled by hand. And this intricate work will then Franklin Porcelain I be skillfully painted by hand. I Franklin Center, Pennsylvania 19091 I Importantly for collectors, this is the first I Please accept my reservation for The Sonia Rose by Jeanne Holgate. I sculptured bell by Jeanne Holgate. It will be issued in This original sculptured bell will be crafted for me iR fine, hand­ I I a single, limited edition. A restriction of just one painted porcelain. I sculptured bell per person will be enforced, ami the I I ne€d send no money at this time. I will be billed in three monthly I total editioR will be limited forever to the exact installments of $20.*, with the first payment due before the work is I number of individuals who enter orders by the end I sent to me. "Plus my state sales tax and I of the issuiRg year, 1983. Then, to insure the editioR a tatal of $3. for shipping and handling. I I remains permanently closed, the porcelain molds I will be broken. Signature: ______I I AL.L APPLICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO ACCEPTANCE. TQ brighten your home with a work of unusl!lal I beauty ... and to acquire a future heirloom for your I Mr. / Mrs. IMiss, ______---::- ______I family ... you need only return yQur application no I later than the expiration date it bears: December 31 , I Address, ______I 1983. No payment is required with your reservation. I Please be sure it is postmarked by December 31 st. I City, State, Zip, ______I I 105 I I ~------SlMNGE RELATIVES --.S

or the indoor gardener the " royal and simple. Flowers are borne commonly thistles is divers . ... One smooth, plaine, family" of plants is the Acantha­ in a spike or cluster, accompanied by and without prickles, as the Thistle called F ceae. Superficially a motley cast of prominent bracts (modified leaves on the Beares Breech, or Acanthus sativus, where­ characters whose diversity of flowers and flower stalk). Bracts are often large and of there is another with prickles, which we foliage often masks their kinship, the in­ petal-like, enveloping the flower, and are make the wilde . ... dividual actors in this dramatic assemblage sometimes brightly colored. Flowers are "Beares breech of the garden hath broad present a splendid and exciting horticul­ bisexual; four or five fused petals form a leaves, smooth, somewhat blacke, gashed tural show. tubular or funnel-shaped blossom ex­ on both the edges, and set with many cuts Members of this group of herbs and panding to two lips or five lobes. Fruit is and fine nickes; between which riseth up shrubs are found in the tropical regions of a two-celled capsule, sometimes opening in the midst a big stalke bravely deckt with every continent. In temperate zones many explosively by means of a special ejection floures, set in order from the middle up­ members of the family are star performers mechanism. In most species the seeds are ward, of colour white, of form long, which indoors, in the greenhouse and in con­ borne on small, hooked stalks that aid in are armed as it were with two catkins, one servatories. Readers are undoubtedly al­ dispersal. Seed coats of some species are higher, another lower; after them grow ready familiar with many common names covered with hairs or scales that become forth the huskes, in which is found broad associated with the family : shrimp plant, sticky or slimy when they are wet. seed ...." zebra plant, lollipop plant, pink polka-dot The Acanthaceae family takes its name Gerard goes on to describe the wild spe­ plant, firecracker flower, mosaic plant. from the genus Acanthus, a Latin name cies of Acanthus: "Of the Wilde Beares- Although the plants in this family have based on the Greek word for thorn. Acan­ , breech, called Acanthus sylvestris ... this many characteristics in common, accord­ thus has held a privileged position in both thistle is in stalke, floures, colour of leaves ing to Hortus Third, "classification has the arts and ancient horticulture. One dic­ and seed like the first kinde, having large largely been based on such technical char­ tionary definition of the word acanthus is leaves . . . but thickly dented or cloven and acters as anther shape and position and "an architectural ornament patterned after having many sharpe, large, white and hard pollen surface, which exhibits a great va­ the leaves of the acanthus, used especially prickles about the sides of the divisions riety of patterns." As a result, some of the on capitals of Corinthian columns; a fa­ and cuts, not very easie to be handled or estimated 250 genera and 2,500 species vorite decoration in classical sculpture." touched without danger of the hand and are difficult to identify, a problem for which According to legend, sculptural use of the fingers. the family is well known. leaf originated about 430 B.C., when a "The Ingravers of old time were wont Despite the difficulties in identifying Greek sculptor, pleased with the natural to carve the leaves ... in pillers, and other family members, however, many features form of the acanthus leaf, adopted it as a works and also upon the eares of pots; as appear repeatedly in d~scriptions of the distinctive element in the decoration of among others Virgill testifieth in the third plants. For example, leaves are opposite temple columns. Virgil describes an acan­ Eclog of his Bucolicks." thus design embroidered on the robe of Modern botanical descriptions of Acan­ LEFT TO RIGHT: Crossandra nilotica, thus provide a similar picture: most species firecracker flower; Justicia aurea, formerly Helen of Troy. Jacobinia aurea; and Pachystachys coccinea, Gerard, in his Herbal (1597), classified are thistlelike, with large, ovate or oblong, commonly called cardinal's-guard. this plant with ~histles: "The matter of spiny, toothed and lobed leaves; leaves

4 December 1983 commonly form a rosette at the base of many of the tropical beauties among Acan­ sprouting unexpectedly in nearby pots of the plant; from their center arises an un­ thaceae and place them in center stage; for other plants. Crossandra infundibulifor­ branched stalk bearing a long flowering example, zebra plant (Aphelandra), Fit­ mis has a four-sided, terminal flower spike, spike. tonia, Crossandra, shrimp plant Uusticia with bracts between which the flowers arise. Bear's-breech, which we know as Acan­ brandegeana) and black-eyed Susan vine The flower is tubular, its expanded tip thus mollis, makes a handsome addition (Thunbergia alata). splitting to form a five-lobed lip. This com­ to the hardy border, with its bold basal Front and center is the zebra plant, monly available species with bright or­ leaves two feet in length and a foot wide, Aphelandra squarrosa, a robust, more or ange-yellow flowers is a free-flowering pot and its tall spike of white or lavender-to­ less succulent shrub from tropical Amer­ plant and gives superior bloom under ar­ purple flowers, with leaflike, spine-tipped ica. Its several compact cultivars-'Brock­ tificiallights; in warm climates it serves as bracts. The common name bear's-breech feld', 'Dania' and 'Louisae'-are especially a good bedding plant. Other Crossandra probably refers to the distinctly hairy up­ fine, with terminal, four-sided spikes of species suitable for greenhouse growing are per sides of the leaves. Some 20 species of bright yellow bracts tinged with red, from C. nilotica, a hairy plant with red and or­ Acanthus are now recognized; this one is which yellow flowers emerge. Veins of the ange flowers, and C. pungens, with ex­ from the Mediterranean region. Acanthus glossy, dark green leaves, accentuated by tremely dense spikes of yellow flowers and is the hardiest genus of the family. Frost creamy yellow markings, give the zebra spiny bracts. Crossandra is a genus of about kills the foliage, but the roots survive very plant its special appeal as a foliage spec­ 50 species native to Africa and Arabia. low temperatures. imen after flowers have faded. An appealing and modest member of the It is a constant challenge for gardeners Crossandra, firecracker flower, serves as cast found on many living room tables and to grow plants from other areas of the an example of the mechanism for ejecting in many window gardens is Fittonia. An world in their gardens or greenhouses. seed. It is possible to hear the pods pop, Andean genus of only two species, this Modem technology has enabled us to adopt dispersing the seed, and to find new plants plant was named after Elizabeth and Sarah

Fittonia verschaffeltii var. verschaffeltii, a commonly grown house plant that is native to Colombia and Peru. Its common names include mosaic plant, silver-net and silver-nerve.

American Horticulturist 5 Mary Fitton, the sisters who wrote Con­ Another family member with a promi­ climbs several feet high on fences and among versations in Botany (1817). Fittonias are nent terminal spike is the golden yellow taller plants, as I have seen it do along the hairy and low or creeping herbs, rooting lollipop, Pachystachys lutea. Others among borders of fields in Hawaii. at the joints. The white- or colored-vein the six species of Pachystachys may have Enticing catalogues lead me to want to patterns of the leaves account for the ap­ purple or red flowers, notably P. coccinea, experiment next with Phillipine violet, pellation "mosaic plant." Fittonias are cardinal's-guard. These are excellent pot Barleria cristata, which is commonly grown choice foliage plants in the house or the plants; P. coccinea in particular is rec­ for hedges or borders in Hawaii. It is a greenhouse. Leaves produced on pot-grown ommended by warm-climate growers for hairy shrub with spiny bracts around white plants are rather small. In warm climates, grouping in shady places outdoors. or purple flowers. Another apparently when plants are grown outdoors in shady One of the loveliest blues of the tropical thorny species is "hophead," B. lupulina. or moist positions or in rockeries the leaves garden is Thunbergia grandiflora, blue Its inch-long, yellow flowers protrude from become much larger, and the plants send trumpet vine or skyflower. Skyflower is a hoplike spikes on maroon stems, and the out long runners. In either case, the small, vigorous vine that has become naturalized black-green foliage is appealing. yellowish flowers are inconspicuous. The in many areas of the tropics. In cultivation I once introduced the "royal family" of typical fittonia is F. verschaffeltii var. ver­ it is commonly grown on arbors and plants to a group of indoor light gardeners, schaffeltii. Its leaves are dark green veined porches, where it trails large, funnel-shaped who were intrigued by the specimen plants with rosy red. F. verschaffeltii var. argy­ flowers in drooping clusters. A cultivar, furnished by a local grower. Peristrophe roneura has light green leaves veined in 'Alba', displays equally striking white and Sanchezia sold especially well. Peris­ white. Both F. verschaffeltii var. pearcei blossoms. trophe makes a beautiful basket plant, par­ and F. gigantea have leaves veined with Thunbergia is a genus of 100 or more ticularly P. hyssopifolia 'Aureo-variegata', carmme. species of erect or climbing herbs or shrubs·. which has variegated yellow and green Polka-dot or measles plant, Hypoestes The vining types are especially popular or­ leaves and is commonly called marbleleaf. phyllostachya, is usable as a garden plant namentals. Temperate zone gardeners have Delicate, slender-tubed, rose or purple in temperate regions, but its tropical origin grown fond of T. alata, the black-eyed Su­ flowers in the leafaxils grace this species. in South Africa, Madagascar and South­ san vine. It is grown as an annual hanging Sanchezia speciosa (sometimes called S. east Asia necessitates confining it indoors basket plant indoors and out. Solitary tu­ nobilis) is considered an easy house plant in winter months. It is a perennial herb bular flowers on long stalks are produced to grow. Its handsome, glossy, tapering with a woody base, normally growing to in abundance, literally covering the plant leaves are lemon- or mustard-veined and three feet. Its thin, dark green leaves are and almost hiding the small, triangular are a striking ornamental accompaniment speckled with pink or white dots. Lavender leaves on winged stems. Flower colors may to the bright yellow flower spikes. flowers produced singly in leafaxils are be creamy with a dark purple throat, white In a show featuring Acanthaceae, the numerous and attractive indoors or out. If with a dark center, orange with a dark genus Ruellia cannot be omitted. As with the plant is grown indoors under fluores­ center, or pure white. Cultivars under var­ other members of the family, sorting out cent light, frequent pinching and pruning ious popular names are 'Alba', 'Bakeri' and the large number of ruellias is confusing. will produce a nicely mounded, shrublike 'Aurantiaca'. Some are tropical herbs and shrubs, while plant of moderate size. Thunbergia coccinea bears drooping a few are native to broad areas of eastern About 300 species of Acanthaceae are clusters of scarlet flowers with yellow and southern United States. Flowers are now classified as justicia. Included are throats. T. erecta, king's-mantle or bush usually large and showy, their colors rang­ plants long known as jacobinia and Be­ clock vine, is a woody twiner or a shrub ing from red, blue or purple to yellow or loperone. (It's a difficult adjustment to call to six feet, draped with solitary, blue-pur­ white. An oddity of ruellias is that some the shrimp plant justicia brandegeana in­ ple flowers. T. fragrans, with two-inch white species also produce small flowers that are stead of Beloperone guttata.) This old fa­ blossoms, is fragrant. Clock vine is a com­ self-pollinated and never open. The seed vorite from Mexico, admired for its curv­ mon name applied to several species; the coat of ruellias is mucilaginous (meaning ing or drooping clusters of six-inch terminal vine twines in the direction of the hands gluelike) as well as hairy, two features that spikes, is fouild on many summer porches of a clock. are characteristic of Acanthaceae. Ruellias and doorsteps or in the greenhouse. Downy To whet the appetite of indoor garden­ are grown outdoors in frost-free areas and bronze or rose-to-yellow bracts overlap­ ers-or to meet the demands of the in­ under glass elsewhere. Glossy or varie­ ping the white, red-spotted flowers suggest creasingly sophisticated-discerning gated foliage in addition to the flowers the curved tail of a shrimp. White shrimp plantsmen are broadening the scope of make some ruellias especially attractive pot plant, with white and green bracts, is J. available flowering tropical plants, includ­ plants. betonica. ing many in the acanthus family. As with royal families of history and King's-crown, once known as jacobinia Asystasia gangetica is one that tempted legend, tracing the members of a plaNt carnea, is now justicia carnea. With thin me some years ago. After seeing it pictured family can be a fascinating pursuit. I'll stop and velvety leaves, this vigorous branching in a book on tropical flowers, I located it here so that you can wander through a plant produces a handsome, dense termi­ by telephoning a southern rare-plant happy hunting-ground of plantsmen's cat­ nal crown consisting of prominent bracts seedsman, who shipped cuttings to me. I alogues, looking for the chocolate plant, sheltering rose-purple or pink flowers. grew it in the indoor light garden as a Brazilian red cloak, water wisteria, cari­ Mohintli, justicia spicigera (formerly hanging basket plant, in the course of which cature plant, blue sage, Hemigraphis . ... jacobinia mohintli), produces leaves that, I found that it roots readily from cuttings. o -jane Steffey when placed in hot water, yield a bluing Flowers growing up one side of the trailing Jane Steffey recently retired as the Society's agent used to whiten clothes. Another name stalk are small (about one inch), delicate, Horticultural Advisor. She is now an active for this species is Mexican indigo, which and pale lavender or yellowish. Where it AHS volunteer and will continue to serve as is also the source of a blue dye. grows outdoors in the tropics, it sometimes Editorial Aclvisor to American Horticulturist.

6 December 1983 Presenting the leading gardening books from Sterling Publishing at a special discount rate . .. BUY ANY OF THESE TITLES FOR 20% LESS THAN THE RETAIL PRICE!

"CACTI AND SUCCULENTS, Gunter Andersohn . Over 500 "HOW TO GROW FUCHSIAS, Brian and Valerie Proudley, CULPEPER'S COLOR HERBAL, Nich­ magnificent full-color photographs and diagrams cover­ authors of Fuchsias in Color. The Proudleys cover every­ olas Culpeper. A Classic (that's been . (TI-P!?l.'~~ ing every aspect of cacti , from what they are and how they thing beginners need to know in order to make their in print for over 300 years!) All new. Cokwrl':...... :- ~ grow to where they live and their varied uses. Includes fuch sias thrive; general guidelines , cultivation in garden Large format paperback lUll color "t" ~!Ih their requirements for light, warmth and water: propaga­ or greenhouse , composts, propagation , training , winter throughout, info on almost 400 herbs .' ~"_ tion , pest control , indoors , outdoors and in greenhouses. care , and even a section on fuch sias as house plants. & plants-their medicinal virtues , ..,.~:r" f# I.:l. Shows the cacti in their natural environments , tell s you BONUS : An excellent pest-control chart, which tell s how plus completely new, modern com- ~ . T how to tend your cacti month by month . Two separate to prevent damaging pe sts or deal with them , if neces­ mentary on the use of the herbs to- ! / 'j A-Z guides cover the most interesting genera and spe­ sary. 96 pp. Paper $3 .95 retail, $3.15 to AHS members . day. Index of diseases & their herbal . '. ' cies . 316 pp. Hardcover $19.95 retail, $15.95 to AHS remedie s. 224 pp. Paper $12.95 re- ~ members. FUCHSIAS IN COLOR, Brian and Valerie Proudley. 199 full-color photos. A list of nearly 400 cultivars & species tail, $10 .35 to AHS members. !!II> .- and complete info on cultivating, propagating , training , ~~~~:.-. · THE WEED HERBAL , Audrey Wynne winter care , compo sts, pest control and how to maximize Hatfield. This weed herbal covers all flower production . 206 pp. Hardcover $12.95 retail, the most common American weeds , $10 .35 to AHS members. with an excellent drawing of each one . Create curative lotions, teas , tonics , zestful soups , your own wines ; learn which are an asset to your compost heap, which can cure your ills , and which you should actually cultivate because they benefit the soil or en­ LEXICON OF SUCCULENT PLANTS, Hermann Jacobson. courage plants growing nearby. 192 A descriptive survey of every plant considered to be pp. Paper $5.95 retail, $4.75 to AHS succulent (all 8,600 species ). arranged alphabetically members . with 1,600 photos and full notes for cultivation . 664 pp. THE HERBAUST, Joseph E. Meyer. A Hardcover $37.50 retail, $30 .00 to AHS members. cl ass ic-complete American guide covering 450 herbs (291 of them in full color) with a description of each plant , its habitat , medicinal use and the way to prepare it for teas. cor­ dial s, cosmetic s & dyes. 304 pp. Hardcover $14 .95 retail , $11 .95 to AHS members . PLANT PROPAGATION FOR THE AMATEUR GARDENER , John I. Wright. Create new plants from the ones you RHOOOOENORONS & AZALEAS, Mervyn Kessell. A already have . All major methods are covered (methods for complete handbook which introduces the huge range of any climate & any part of the world) , with 57 explanatory rhododendrons & azaleas to gardeners, describing which plans & line drawings and extensive indexes of both THE ILLUSTRATED REFERENCE ON CACTI & OTHER plants are suitable for variou s purposes, detailed planting common and scientific name . 176 pp. Hardcover $16 .95 SUCCULENTS IN 5 VOLUMES, Edgar & Brian lamb. advice , propagation , pest control & more . 71 full-color retail, $13 .50 to AHS members. Provides fast and easy recognition of the world 's cacti and photos . 192 pp. Hardcover $17.50 retail, $14 .00 to AHS SCIENTIFIC GREENHOUSE GARDENING, P.K. Willmont. succulents , including description , country of origin and members . general cultivation . Series contains over 1,300 magnifi­ Explains the principles of professional greenhouse man­ cent photos , 400 in splendid full color! Each volume ROSES-A Popular Guide, Mark Mattock. "A striking , agement in plain language . Uses the newest materials & 261-310 pp. Hardcover $20 .95 each retail, $16.75 each to color-packed guide to varieties with full cultural informa­ methods to explain heating & ventilation , soil & com­ AHS members. Order complete set for $83.75. Save tion including hybridizing , pruning and the combating of posts , watering & irrigation , propagation and more! 44 $21.00. pests and diseases ."-The Gardener. 88 full-color pho­ photos-14 in full color. 220 pp. Hardcover $17.95 retail, tos . 176 pp. Hardcover $12 .50 retail, $10.00 to AHS $14 .35 to AHS members. ~_. "GAZEBOS and Other Garden Structure DeSigns, Janet A. ,-m_e_m_b_e_rs_. ------i Strombeck and Richard H. Strombeck. 53 fabulous and r unique deSigns-Victorian , Traditional , Rustic , Oriental ORCHIDS AS INDOOR PLANTS , and Modern plus designs for 7 classic arbors (that make Brian & Wilma Rittershausen . Ex­ picturesque garden pathways) , and 13 "strombellas"­ perts show you how to grow vig­ intimate structures for shading a bench , swing , sandbox , orous , beautiful plants in your own picnic table and more . Detailed blueprints can be or­ home . Dozens of orchid species (with dered for all styles , includes one set of plans for the thousands of varieties) described , most popular "Tiffany " gazebo , plus two mini-plans of plus info on the ones most likely to birdfeeders . 96 pp. Paper $7.95 retail, $6.35 to AHS thrive, the plants' natural environ­ members . ment & growth patterns , and much more . 90 pp. Paper $7 .95 retail, GROWING PLANTS WITHOUT SOIL , Hans August Rotter. HANDBOOK FOR FLOWER ARRANGERS, Phyllis Page. A $6 .36 to AHS members . Shows you how to grow larger & healthier plants without practical book with arrangements for every season of the ORCHIDS AND THEIR CULTIVATION messy potting soil. Invaluable tips on light requirements , year: driftwood miniatures, Christmas , Japanese ar­ fertilization, temperature , water needs , pest control, rangements and even styles of another age! 123 photos in (Revised), David Sander. Completely updated, contains new info on com­ transplanting , propagating , more . Bonus : a complete full color! 170 pp. Hardcover $9.95 retail, $7.95 to AHS listing of plant species & growing conditions . 40 pages in members. posts , chemicals , potting tech­ niques, pest control, indoor & out­ color. 120pp. Paper$7 .95 retail, $6.35 to AHS members. door orchids , propagation & fertiliza­ "HOW TO PAINT THE CHINESE WAY, Jean Long. With tion , history, more . "A well-written hundreds of illustrations (8 pages in full color) , this basic and well-illustrated introduction to introduction begins with the "Six Fundamentals" and growing orchids ." American Hor­ then shows how to paint the traditional flowers and land­ ticulturist . 168 pp. Hardcover $19 .95 scapes. "Certainly the best at its price ." Library Journal. retail, $15.95 to AHS members. 128 pp. Paper $7.50 retail, $6 .00 to AHS members. ORDER FORM Prepaid orders to the attention of Deborah Harpster, American Horticultural SOCiety , Box 0105 , Mount Vernon, VA . 22121 . Virginia residents add 4% sales tax . Postage and handling is an additional $1.25 per book; 3 or more books shipped postage free. Make checks payable to the American Horticultural Society. OTY. TITLE PRICE

THE LORE OF FLOWERS, Neil Ewart, Illustrated by Nina O'Connell. A rare and romantic look into the stories behind flowers ; their legends, herbal lore, historical asso­ NAME ______ciations, name origins . It also reveals the "language of ADDRESS ______flowers." 66 pages of exquisite illustrations--44 of them --=-______in full color. Great gift! 192 pp. Hardcover $19.95 retail, CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______$15.95 to AHS members . 'NEW TITLE Dept. AHS2 HORTICULTURAL EXPLORATIONS BooK REVIEWS

WOODLAND PLANTS. A lengthy chapter on home landscape and Heather and Robin Tanner. Schocken garden design is worth the price of the Books. New York, New York . 1982. (A entire book. limited edition of 1500 copies) . 213 pages; hardcover, $60.00. AHS discount price, $49.50 including postage and ROCK GARDENING handling. ROCK PLANTS FOR SMALL Although all of the 69 species of woodland GARDENS. plants discussed in this British book are Roy ton E. Heath. Collingridge Books. native to England, Woodland Plants may London, England. (3rd edition). 1982. still be of interest to many American gar­ 144 pages; hardcover, $17.95. AHS The springtime offers horticul­ deners. For one thing, it is a beautiful book; discount price, $15.90 including postage tural delights to our American Hor­ each of the plants has been drawn from and handling. ticultural Society members and life by Robin Tanner, and the full-page pen friends on these exclusively de­ and ink drawings would be suitable for COLLECTORS' ALPINES. signed trips. Local horticulturists framing if they weren't already so beau­ accompany you. The arrangements Royton E. Heath. Timber Press. tifully bound. The accompanying narra­ are high quality with first-class ho­ Portland, Oregon. (2nd edition). 1983. tels, most meals and tips included. tives, written by Heather Tanner, treat the 543 pages; hardcover, $39.95. AHS Besides public and private gardens, natural history of each plant and include discount price, $35.50 including postage visits to diversified nurseries are occasional historical comments as well. and handling. included. Delightful for reading and viewing, and an JAPAN IN THE SPRING excellent book to consider as a present for ROCK GARDENING. (April 26-May 16) Visit the a discerning gardener. H. Lincoln Foster. Timber Press. subtropical island of Kyushu with Portland, Oregon. (Reprint edition). its dramatic volcanoes and famous GARDEN WAY'S JOY OF 1982. 466 pages; softcover, $22.95. parks, such as Iso with its magnifi­ GARDENING. AHS discount price, $21.00 including cent landscape gardening. Visits to Dick Raymond. Garden Way postage and handling. the temple gardens of Kyoto, beau­ Publishing. Charlotte, Vermont. 1983. tiful Nikko, nurseries in Angyo, the Although these three books would appear 365 pages; softcover, $14.95. AHS bonsai village of Omiya, and Tokyo to cover the same subject, in fact they do are also scheduled. discount price, $14.20 including postage not. The first two books are British, and and handling. PACIFIC NORTHWEST (May) accordingly, almost all of the cultural in­ A repeat of our very popular trip to Based on a popular television series, this formation and plant lists are of use only Washington and Oregon, which be­ book clearly illustrates the author's "wide to the knowledgeable gardener who can gins in Seattle with private garden row" method of vegetable gardening. It is make the transition to American gardening visits. See the University of Wash­ a how-to book for the gardener who raises conditions. Rock Plants for Small Gardens ington Arboretum, the Rhododen­ his own food, and includes many colored is specifically about trough or sink gar­ dron Species Foundation, the beau­ photographs showing all the details of the dening, a method of growing alpine plants tiful Olympic Peninsula, the rose author's techniques. There are lots of good gardens of Portland, famous nurser­ in large, shallow containers rather than ideas for the advanced gardener, as well ies and spectacular Crater Lake. directly in the soil of the garden. It is a as instructions for the beginner. Other hortieul.tural explora­ gardening style usually reserved for the tions available in 1984 are: specialist collector, but one which is par­ Israel (March 7-20), Florida (March THE BEAUTIFUL FOOD GARDEN. ticularly applicable to the small urban gar­ 18-20), Spring in the South (March Kate Rogers Gessert. Van Nostrand den. Collectors' Alpines devotes 170 pages 23-30), Spring and Fall England Reinhold. New York, New York. 1983. to the general cultural needs of alpine plants (May & September), Switzerland 264 pages; hardcover, $24.95. AHS and the special garden structures used for (June 5-18), Japan Cruise (July discount price, $20.70 including postage growing them. The remaining 360 pages 19-Aug. 7), New Zealand (Oct 21- and handling. are an encyclopedia of alpine plants and Nov. 8), Autumn in the Orient This unusual gardening book suggests that should be of infinite value to the rock gar­ (Nov. 1-21). edible plants need not be relegated to a den enthusiast even if the plants are not For any of these programs, please separate "vegetable garden," but can in­ grown in a special alpine house. write for your free brochure to the stead be incorporated into any flower bed. Finally, Rock Gardening is an American Education Department, American Horticultural Society, Mt Vernon, Many common and not-so-common edible book that specifically covers the problems VA 22121. Or telephone 1-703- plants are discussed, with special attention of growing alpine plants in the American 768-5700. to their decorative features, their edible use garden. If you are a novice at rock gar­ and value, and their cultural requirements. dening, then H. Lincoln Foster's book is

8 December 1983 essential. If you are already an enthusiastic This is not only a textbook but a valuable and climate of this vast region where fire grower of alpine plants, you will want to reference work for anyone involved with and invading woodland were once the only read all three books. landscape plants. suppressors. The natural equilibrium was Landscape Planning for Energy Con­ shattered by the sod buster and his plow, THE GARDEN IN AUTUMN AND servation provides a clear treatment of the and in recent years the bulldozer, day tiles WINTER. effects that climate and surrounding ter­ and chain saws have virtually killed the Raymond Foster. David and Charles, rain and vegetation have on man-made productive prairie slough and protective Inc. North Pomfret, Vermont. 1983. structures. Many examples are large-scale stands of trees. The aesthetic and wildlife 232 pages; hardcover, $24.95. AHS site plans beyond the scope of the individ­ costs have been high-unwarranted ditch­ discount price, $21 .20 including postage ual gardener; yet many examples of single­ ing, draining, scraping and damming with and handling. family dwellings are also given. While not public funds have in many ways destroyed The aim of this book is to extend the dec­ of direct use to most gardeners, the infor­ our ability to use and enjoy the land. orative season in the garden through the mation in this book would be extremely Madison discusses what can be done to use of late fall ane very early spring flow­ useful to anyone building a new home. encourage prairie restoration and provides ering plants as well as plants that remain -Gilbert S. Daniels "how-to" guidelines for developing a ornamental throughout the winter. While backyard tallgrass plot. The author pleads the idea is very worthwhile and the sug­ WHERE THE SKY BEGAN: LAND for the establishment of a Pra,irie National gestions are good, this is again a British OF THE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE. Park in the Flint Hills of Kansas and stresses book and gives no hint of true hardiness John Madison. Houghton-Mifflin the need for more government support. in the descriptions. In addition, most of Company, 1982. 329 pages; softcover, Conservation activities of private groups the winter flowering suggestions are not $13.95. AHS discount price $13.75 are also highlighted. very applicable to the United States. For including postage and handling. The future of the tallgrass prairie is a the very experienced gardener this work This book provides a framework for un­ matter of concern for all generations; it is may offer some new ideas, but for anyone derstanding one tragically rare endangered not just a matter to be dictated by short­ else extreme caution is recommended. biome-the tallgrass prairie. The book is term, local economic interests. This book a fascinating account of how the prairies provides both intellectual challenge and shaped, and were in turn modified by, our spiritual renewal for the dedicated envi­ LANDSCAPING pioneer ancestors, and is also a story about ronmentalist.O - Jack DeForest, Ph.D. how a natural order eventually came to be LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR dominated by the imperatives of a new Gilbert S. Daniels is the Immediate Past EASTERN NORTH AMERICA. President of the American Horticultural human order. Society. Jack DeForest, Ph.D., is a free- Harrison L. Flint. John Wiley & Sons. The reader learns about the geology, biota lance economist living in Alexandria, Virginia. New York, New York. 1983. 677 pages;

hardcover, $59.95. AHS discount price, ------~ $51.85 including postage and handling. LANDSCAPE PLANNING FOR ORDER foRM ENERGY CONSERVATION. Gary O. Robinette and Charles Please send me the books I have checked below at the special McClemmon. Van Nostrand Reinhold. AHS discount rates. New York, New York. 1983. 224 pages; hardcover, $25.45. AHS discount price, 0 Woodland Plants $49.50 Enclosed is my check for __ books $21 .00 including postage 'and handling. 0 Garden Way's Joy of $14.20 Both books. are intended to serve as texts Gardening For the total amount of $ for students of landscape architecture, but o The Beautiful Food Garden $20.70 Please allow six weeks for delivery. wiH also be of interest to any advanced 0 Rock Plants for Small $15.90 Discount price includes postage. Virginia ga.rdener involved in a medium- to large­ Gardens residents add 4 % sales tax. scale landscaping pFoject. Collectors' Alpines $35.50 Landscape Plants for Eastern North 0 Mail to: DebOFah Harpster America deals with over 1,500 species suit­ 0 Rock Gardening $21.00 American Horticultural Society P.O. Box 0105 able for growing in eastern North Amer­ o The Garden in Autumn and $21.20 Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 ica, exclusive of the immediate Gulf Coast Winter area and subtropical Florida. Excellent line o Landscape Plants for Eastern $51.85 Ship to: drawings illustrate 500 primary species, North America clearly showing the scale and general habit Street: o Landscape Planning for $21.00 of each plant both early in its life and at Energy Conservation City: maturity. The author disC\~sses seasonal Where The Sky Began: Land interest, cultural requirements and prob­ o $13.75 of the Tallgrass Prairie State: Zip: lems. related to each species, and provides descriptions of cultivars where applicable.

American Horticulturist 9 Improving American Gardens

BY FREDERICK McGOURTY

mericans are strange people. We and West, where there is more of a sense needs contrast with something of lighter spend millions of dollars a year on of order, if not law, parks are repositories appearance, such as the variegated ajuga. A mowers, vegetable seeds, fertiliz­ for Victorian bedding schemes that have Gardens such as Strybing and Wave Hill, ers, pesticides, ingenious machines to do not improved with the years. Parks de­ it seems to me, teach good design more in weeds, and countless other pieces of partment landscapers are so fond of blood­ effectively than do most botanic gardens horticultural paraphernalia, but we are not red amaranthus and orange cockscomb that and university arboreta, where the em­ really gardeners in the full sense of the they sometimes skip the traditional buffer phasis, more often than not, is on "col­ word. True, a number of us have mastered of grey-leaved plants such as dusty miller. lections." I have always been a bit suspi­ the technique, some would say art, of A riot of color, indeed. An unkind visitor cious of this term, because an assemblage growing good tomato plants, in fact, to might muse that the American sense of of plants does not necessarily make a gar­ the point that in most parts of the country violence extends even to the garden. den. This is as true in the public sphere as the word garden strictly refers to rectan­ One only hopes that the wanderer from in the private. Alas, my own travels have gular plots filled with vegetables arranged abroad-and the American bent on learn­ included too many institution-run gardens in tidy rows like soldiers at attention. Yet ing more about American gardening­ that bear closer resemblance to rustic fields the growing of ornamental plants (as if all would include Golden Gate Park's 70-acre with randomly planted saplings hidden in plants are not ornamental), much less their Strybing Arboretum in San Francisco and the grass than to horticultural showcases. placement in relation to each other, is seen New York City's Wave Hill on his itin­ Still, such displays are tremendously as quite another question. Such matters are erary. The first is a big but tasteful mixture useful, provided the home garden(lr uses consigned to what is imprecisely and often of both cool- and mild-climate plants, with them wisely. They restore the perspective disdainfully referred to as the flower bor­ false cypresses from Alaska growing near that can be distorted by a winter-long der, which as far as most of us are con­ eucalyptus trees from Australia. Plants reading of nursery catalogues with their cerned, is tended by little ladies in clean thrive in the San Francisco climate, and it glowing, exaggerated descriptions of plants. denim who make dead floral arrangements seems they can't be killed there even with If a tree or shrub happens to be a real and belong to the Beige Thumb Garden a pickax. The thoughtful arrangement of canine of the plant world, the traits are Club. According to this all-too-common plants at the Arboretum is the West Coast's apt to show up in the rigorous arena of image of gardening in America, real Amer­ most effective public advertisement for the low-maintenance arboretum. ican men don't grow flowers, except per­ horticulture. Some diamonds-in-the-rough survive in haps dahlias or chrysanthemums with Wave Hill has a handsome setting on a such gardens, too: the silverbell trees (Hal­ blooms the size of dinner plates. bluff overlooking the Hudson River in the esia carolina), lace- bark pines (Pinus bun­ Sadly lacking in our American view is northern reaches of New York City. This geana) and monarch birches (Betula max­ the awareness that is in the placement, relatively small public garden (28 acres) is imowicziana) that many people know only selection and combination of ornamental a treasure-trove of unusual plants artfully from descriptions in books. Occasionally, plants where the art of gardening lies. Not placed or allowed to roam with slight there is the fine touch as well, by accident only are we unwilling to invest our time, abandon. There are lovely combinations or design: double file viburnums (Vi­ energy and money in ornamental plants, that change from year to year. One of them burnum plicatum var. tomentosum) planted but we also seem to lack the patience to that is fairly constant consists of variegated at the bottom of a hill so the visitor can select, study and experiment with them. If liriope planted with maroon-leaved ajuga better appreciate the upright flower clus­ America is ever going to develop a strong in a shaded area. This presents a flowering ters on horizontal branches; Japanese styrax horticultural tradition, it is to this aspect effect all summer long when viewed from (Styrax japonicus) on a knoll above a path of gardening that we must turn our atten­ a distance. Another combination I admired so the bell-shaped flowers are seen from tion. once at Wave Hill was a green-and-cream­ beneath; silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) Visitors from overseas are sometimes leaved ajuga as a ground cover under a growing at the edge of an open meadow disappointed with the gardens, public or dome-shaped dwarf Japanese holly, Ilex so the wind exposes the glistening white private, they find in America. The parks crenata 'Helleri'. The latter is a fine plant undersides of the leaves. in major cities of the East, designed for a that unfortunately has been overused in Specialized areas within the larger more genteel century, are now one step contemporary suburban plantings. Its fo­ framework of botanic gardens can, of removed from a jungle. In the Midwest liage is somber green most of the year and course, be useful to the home gardener.

10 December 1983 American Horticulturist 11 themums. Your plants will survive inat­ So where does a new gardener turn to see tention for a few weeks, and if they don't, examples ofgood design? ... Often it is by why bother to grow them? Apart from the pleasurable task of pursuing beauty, it is chance, driving on an unfamiliar road. ... important to see other gardens at their peak, not only to get ideas for your own but to Every once in awhile gems occur, even.in front have an idea of how yemrs stands. yards, and one must guard against driving off The English Fix the road. There should be a horticultural Look at the world's great gardens with your own in mind. Don't come home with no-fault clause. the notion of recreating Sissinghurst or Hidcote in your back yard, but from each The Synoptic Garden at Planting Fields design that have appeared in the last 25 fine garden you see there will likely be Arboretum, Oyster Bay, New York is a years. Goodness knows, there are plenty some ideas that apply to your own. A good substantial grouping of shrubs arranged of disasters on the home garden scene, but notebook is one of the horticulturist's best more or less alphabetically. It is a sur­ at least here there is a better chance of tools, for memories are short and true prisingly winning combination, and the finding imaginative use, exuberance, love, beauty can temporarily blind. Analyze why visitor is able to quickly pick out woody care, and sometimes just plain good de­ particular garden arrangements and plant plants he has read about in books or cat­ sign, which is not to be taken for granted combinations work and others don't. Even alogues. Ideas on rock gardens are to be anywhere. It helps to be a bit uninhibited, in very good gardens there are effects that found by the score in the New York Bo­ for gardening is a creative art, not a bu­ don't come off, and it is important not to tanical Garden's rock garden. Similarly, reaucratic one. have your judgment obscured because you gardeners interested in Japanese gardens How does one find such gardens? Often have heard of a famous garden since child­ can benefit from a close look at the hill­ it is by chance, driving to work in the hood. Save the reverence for later. You are and-pond garden at Brooklyn Botanic morning on an unfamiliar road and spot­ not a Moslem going to Mecca. Garden. As for cacti and other succulents, ting an unusually attractive combination I am an Anglophile, and with years of the finest large-scale arrangement in the of shrubs or of textures. The combination experience I have even learned to drink country is at Huntington Botanical Gar­ of bold and refined foliage, light and dark, tepid ale, eat bubble and squeak, and bear dens in San Marino, California. Plenty of pleasing floral forms-this is what gar­ left at the roundabouts with my eyes wide other institutional gardens offer other spe­ dening is all about. It is matchmaking, as open. But one of the barriers to the de­ cial themes. Vita Sackville-West once described it. There velopment of thriving American horticul­ is seldom the danger of a bad automobile ture, it seems to me, is Anglomania. One Other People's Gardens accident while driving this way, but every expects this sort of Union Jack world view So where does a new gardener turn to once in awhile gems occur, even in front in Auckland, Victoria and Cape Town, but see examples of good design? A few land­ yards, and one must guard against driving it is quite prevalent in the nicer neighbor­ scape architects engage in it, and every so off the road. There should be a horticul­ hoods of Shaker Heights, Santa Barbara often a mall or office building has plant­ tural no-fault clause. and Wilmington, too. At garden club ings that haven't come out of the dull ever­ How else does one see private gardens meetings the learned speaker usually speaks green mold of juniper, Japanese holly and of distinction? One good way is to take in worshipful tones about the patron saint mugo pine-or their mild-climate varia­ advantage of the tours associated with the of English herbaceous borders, Gertrude tions of pittosporum, photinia and po­ various regional and national meetings of Jekyll (usually mispronounced as Jek-kel, docarpus with a slather of mondo grass. the American Horticultural Society and the as in Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde, instead of Washington, D.C. is a joy to visit these American Rock Garden Society. I have seen Jee-kyl-but this does not matter much days because of the imaginative plantings some lovely, memorable gardens this way unless the club happens to have a Gertrude of Wolfgang Oehme and Jim Van Sweden, and have often come home chock-full of Jekyll Study Group that has really looked who have used ornamental grasses exten­ ideas to put to work in my own garden. into such things). I confess that in my ca­ sively and the more rugged sorts of her­ There is no copyright on garden schemes reer as a nurseryman the clincher for the baceous perennials such as Sedum 'Au­ or plant combinations. Initially, if you are sale of a certain violet to a certain kind of tumn Joy' or 'Indian Chief' to alleviate the unsure of your design abilities (and what customer is the remark that it happened cold pomposity of government buildings. creative person isn't?), it's hardly a felony to be Vita Sackville-West's favorite. It is nice to see some landscape architects to selectively crib. After awhile, you will What does matter is for Americans not interested in plants again instead of decks gain confidence and begin to experiment. to follow too literally the plant recom­ and other structures. Yes, there will be a few failures along the mendations, planting times and other Basically, though, the new gardener must path-that is what compost heaps are for. pronouncements found in English garden­ look to other home gardens if he wants to In our own way we can all be Rembrandts ing books, whether they are written by find refreshing examples of how to use in the garden. outstanding horticulturists or second­ plants. One is apt to learn far more this Try to travel, some years even in the high raters. (A curious notion exists here in the way than through the infrequently pub­ gaq:lening season when you should be home former colonies that there is no such thing lished, usually mediocre books on garden dividing bee balm and pinching chrysan- as a second-rate English horticulturist.) The

12 December 1983 ./ ) v -), . c: f -..., C

~

Barbara Gibson recommendations in these books are as review as an editor were imports, nearly dozen garden writers in America make a misleading as a fun-house mirror, for the all from England. Economics, that is, the decent go of it, and not many of these drive greater part of England has a winter cli­ cost of color plates and editing, makes it Bentleys. mate like that of Norfolk, Virginia (U.S .D. more enticing for the American publisher Rather few who wrote about plants in A. Zone 8), where one may see an occa­ to distribute an English gardening book past years did well either, but the country sional palm. The cool English summers, than to do their own with an American had more good garden writers a generation on the other hand, are matched in the United author. It is a rather small matter to print ago, when the breed really gardened: States only by a few coastal areas in the an extra few thousand copies of the Eng­ Montague Free, Norman Taylor, Ralph Northeast and Northwest. Also, rainfall in lish book for the American market. Bailey, the Rockwells, the Nehrlings, the England is spread more evenly throughout A recent refinement has been the so­ Wisters. They were gardeners first, writers the year than in the States, though London called international edition, to be sold in second. Thinking of a slightly earlier time, receives less annual precipitation than New England and here. Virtually all of them we probably won't see the likes again of York. emanate from England. I have worked on Liberty Hyde Bailey- it is almost forgot­ Basically, England is a dandy place to several of these editions myself but do not ten that there was a superb group of garden, and a wide range of plants can be think that the genre succeeds as a rule. The plantsmen who worked with him to pro­ grown there that won't live for long in United States happens to be a huge country duce the most eminently useful gardening most parts of America, except along the with a very large variety of climates. It is publication of the century, the massive Pacific Coast. Pity the innocent Illinois hard enough to write a national gardening Standard Cyclopedia of Hortic.ulture. gardener who dreams of growing shrub book, but it is exceedingly difficult, per­ One of the saddest moments I have ex­ veronicas (Hebe) from New Zealand be­ haps impossible, to do an international one perienced was at a meeting of the Garden cause of the glowing descriptions of them with much meaning. But does it matter? Writers Association, where a well-estab­ in English gardening books, which, as often Most such books are coffee-table volumes, lished scribe undiplomatically asked what as not, may refer to them as perfectly hardy. not meant to be read, with pretty color a certain plant was, and it turned out to Yes, but where? It is better to pay attention pictures and nice to give Aunt Abigail at be a snapdragon. It is perhaps to his credit to the principles of gardening mentioned Christmas. that he asked, but you wonder what actual in English books than to the plants they Yes, it does matter. There will be no gardening he does, not to mention what recomm€nd. distinctive new American horticultural lit­ sort of information he passes along to erature until gardeners here begin to see readers. So we have many "researched" Books from Overseas through the imports. To the uninitiated" accounts today, to put it gently-Califor­ Do Americans read English gardening writing may seem a romantic, remunera­ nia writers who have not been east of Lake books? It would seem so, for more than tive craft. The former is sometimes true; Tahoe writing cultural recommendations half of the gardening books I received for the latter is not. Probably fewer than a for blueberries in Maine; New Yorkers who

American Horticulturist 13 truly believe that the southern boundary redo, and the new gardener is almost at a potatoes, aluminum siding that can hide a of the United States is Staten Island, telling loss deciding which cultivars to begin with, ramshackle house immediately and planes Southerners that Japanese honeysuckle is despite the existence of plant society lists that can get us from Washington to Paris an attractive, easy-to-grow vine. of favorites and some "test" gardens for in several hours if we want to get away The more money from mega-corpora­ particular groups.. Time, perhaps, will sort from it all quickly. tions that flows into horticulture (and in out the rash of new cultivars. We are used to quick results, so why not case you haven't noticed, there has been a instant gardens? I know what the archi­ Nurserymen considerable amount of late), the worse and Architects tects are talking about. They are dealing this situation is apt to become. Standard­ I recently asked a friend who is a re­ with people who oft€n have been quite ization is desirable for profit margins, but spected nurseryman what he thought would successful in another field, one where time it is not necessarily good for gardens. One be central to the improvement of American is of the essence and where most things hopes that the modest increase in regional gardening. He quickly replied that there can be subservient to the clock, if not the gardening books in the last several years could be no strong American horticulture stopwatch. But if ·the concept of instant is not just a death-bed reaction to this without a strong nursery industry. He is a gratification is misapplied in the garden it growing standardization. mild, courteous man who has received can wreak havoc: the nine Pieris planted awards from a number of groups, and the side by side where five would be better; Specialists, Buffs and Freaks bitterness of his tone took me aback, al­ the fast-growing trees planted, though But enough nostalgia. Today is the age though the essence of his remarks came as nearly all of that ilk are trashy, weak­ of the specialist. Th€re are hosta growers, no surprise. Physical labor, he remarked, wooded and short-lived; the spars€, first­ hemerocallis buffs, iris freaks. They cer­ is something Americans consider vulgar. year perennial border that the homeowner tainly are growers, but are they gardeners? It is all right to jog or play tennis, but if fills in with the gal!ldiest annuals he can Some are, but the monotony of huge num­ the labor has a purpose other than slim­ obtain because his architect seems so un­ bers of just one kind of plant suggests a ming the waistline or cleaning cholesterol concerned with the fleeting nature of life. nursery, not a garden. In Kansas one tires from the arteries, it is demeaning. More The architect does what he can, but it is even of wheat seefl against the horizon. of an irritant to my friend, however, is that disturbing to hear the cry of a thirty-year­ Yes, it is beautiful in its own way, but people regard the growing of plants as old, "I'll be old and gray before that tree enough is enough. It is diversity of form something not to be taken seriously. The does anything." Architects have a lot of that makes a garden. friendly nurseryman is always there if you Type A clients, and a certain numb€r of There are many attractive new cultivars, want free advice on anything from termite these won't make their way to retirement, thanks to the specialist. Some 980 "new" control to growing bigger salvia. And it's so maybe it's best to bend a bit and give daylily cultivars wer€ registered in one re­ perfectly all right to use as much of his partial gratification, while explaining that cent year by the American Hemerocallis time as you see fit, even at the peak of his it will be necessary to return in a couple Society alone. But what thought has gone ~pring season, while you go and buy your of years to clear the jungle. Solac(l for the into their garden uses or to determining annuals at a benefit given by the church architect is to cry all the way to the bank. which ones are, in fact, good garden plants? bazaar. A common notion is that one is a One spring awhile ago I designed and And no one seems to ask if there is a need nurseryman for the pleasure of it, and that installed several perennial borders for a for new ones. The name game has made is the real recompense. well-to-do client. They were of consider­ a mockery of the cultivar concept and can Contrary to what the reader may think, able length, and I was relieved that for their lead to horticultural confusion. Pity the I do have a few friends who are landscape future care a paid gardener would be in new gardener who gets caught up in it, architects. They grit their teeth when I tell attendance. I set the plants a bit closer than particularly if he has the notion that a $25 them I am writing a new article, and a few I would in my own garden, knowing that plant is better per se than a $5 one. Not months after publication we are on speak­ the owner wanted quick results, but I didn't surprisingly, many nurserymen have learned ing terms again. My quarrel is not with plant them so close as to make the plan the marketing principle, that is, if there is them as much as it is with the dreary mo­ self-defeating in two years' time. The bor­ difficulty selling a plant for $5, the price notony of plants used in contemporary ders were coming along quite w€ll, with should be raised to $10, not dropped to landscaping. Opportunities have been lost, 'Pacific Giant' delphiniums and black $2.50. and the plantings around a senior citizens' snakeroot (Cimici{uga) two feet tall by early The idea of planned obsolescence has development in New Jersey aren't much May, before much growth had really oc­ also trickled down into horticulture. Who different from those surrounding a curred. To my surprise the owner called on earth, or at least on American soil, would McDonald's in Seattle or a savings and one day and said, "But I really wanted an like to have "obsolete" cultivars of peon­ loan association in Little Rock. English border with plants six feet tall in ies, daylilies and hostas that will go on I asked my architect friends what they the back." I replied, "Madam, I am giving living in the garden without disturbance felt should be done to improve gardens. you something more important-an for another 25 or 50 years? Certainly not One response, of course, was to hire more American garden." ., the nursery industry, though there may be landscape architects. Another, which I a few mossbacks among older gardeners. found more interesting, was for Americans Frederick McGourty is a designer of perennial Exciting things are happening with each to learn patience. Impatience is even more gardens, nurseryman and lecturer. He served as editor of the Brooklyn Botanic GaFdens of these plant groups, but it doesn't mean a part of our lifestyle than the microwave Handbook series for fourteen years and is we should all run home and redo the gar­ oven (whose invention, incidentally, em­ now owner of Hillside Gardens in Norfolk, den. All too often there is no garden to anates from it). We have instant mashed Connecticut.

14 December 1983

------~-- Foliage Favorites

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA HARPER

Yucca (ilamentosa 'Bright Edge'.

ew plants are in flower for longer silken, threadlike curls or filaments-hence than two months, and two weeks the name filamentosa. F is nearer the mark for most. Fo­ My collecttld plant bears its creamy, liage plants earn their place for half the waxen bells at the tip of a stout stalk tow­ year, and a few the whole year long. Many ering to nine feet. However, most plants also have beautiful flowers. What more sold as Y. filamentosa have softer, non­ could one ask? Perhaps that they are of impaling leaves, less showy filaments, and easy culture and don't fall prey to the many flower spikes less than four feet high, in­ ills our gardens are heir to. That's a tall cluding three cultivars called 'Golden order, but one that's met by plants sold Sword', 'Bright Edge' and 'Starburst'. (probably incorrectly) as Yucca filamen­ 'Golden Sword' has leaves striped and tosa, or Adam's needle. Y. filamentosa has striated primrose yellow, with the broader tough, untearable, swordlike leaves that yellow stripes towards the middle of the form stout, trunkless clumps less than three leaf. 'Bright Edge' has the colors reversed. fetlt high. A white pencilling edges each 'Starburst', also called 'Variegata', has ro­ leaf, and this peels back at intervals into settes of shorter, broader leaves-more daggers than swords-each broadly edged techniques are changing that, and there'll with pale cream flushed with pink. This be enough of its great, quilted, glaucous one---a New Zealand introduction I think­ leaves for everyone. Make the leaf less blue, may be less hardy than the others; it has add a yellow edge, and you'll have 'Frances not yet flowered for me. Williams', voted number one in a Hosta Yuccas need sun and don't object to dry, Society poll. H. undulata has graceful stems infertile soil. Y. filamentosa is U.S.D.A. of lavender flowers; H. sieboldiana, Zone 5 hardy, and the leaves of 'Golden chunkier spikes of white satin bells. Sword' or 'Bright Edge' spiking through Hostas can endure a lot, but do best in the snow are a cheery sight on a January partial shade and a soil rich and moist but day. Plant goldthread cypress, Chamae­ not sodden-just the conditions enjoyed cyparis pisifera 'Filifera Aurea' or the by slugs. Hostas, slugs' favorite dish on a smaller 'Golden Mop', within the same smorgasbord of plants, too often end up sweep of the eye, and you'll have forsythia as full of holes as Swiss cheese. Over the gaiety through the winter months. years I've tested many suggested reme­ Pulmonaria 'Mrs. Moon' begins its six­ dies- each progressively less gentle than to lO-month sojourn (varying with the cli­ the last-from pleading with them to go mate) in earliest spring- by the weather, away, to spreading sand or ashes around not the calendar, which in Zone 8 means (supposedly painful to their soft bellies), late February or March. Stems clad in grey­ to leaving saucers of beer for them to die mottled, pixie-eared leaves bear a long happily in, to the night hunt with flashlight succession of coral pink flowers fading to and jar of salted water. I suggest routinely blue before shriveling neatly away, leaving applying commercial bait to plants that are the spray of mixed pink and blue unmarred proven magnets to slugs. by dead heads. Each three-quarter-inch It is an interesting phenomenon that corolla, champagne glass shaped with a Oriental species of a plant tend to be more scalloped rim, is clasped in a calyx glit­ ornamental than their European or North tering with silken hairs. A basal rosette of American counterparts. And so it is with foot-long, mottled leaves follows the flow­ ferns. In the genus Athyrium, no other can ers and remains ornamental until the ad­ hold a candle to A. goeringianum 'Pictum', vent of really cold weather; in Zone 8 it the Japanese painted-fern. The purple stem is more or less evergreen but shabby for a of each broad-based, tapering frond is month or two preceding flowering time. feathered with silver-she€ned, purple-veined Physicians once believed that a plant's leaflets. Painted-fern is easy to grow in the appearance held clues to its medicinal eastern United States but temperamental properties, the so-called "doctrine of sig­ in England. It obviously prefers sunny natures." Curative qualities were ascribed summers to overcast ones, as its grey fo­ to lungwort because of its blotched leaves, liage suggests, but it does need protection which were thought to r€semble diseased from scorching afternoon sun. It is drought lungs. But not all lungworts are spotted. tolerant if it can root deeply, but needs Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams'. Some, such as P. angustifolia, with blue frequent watering if it must compete with RIGHT: A~hyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'. flowers, and P. montana (formerly P. surface-rooting trees. In my own garden it rubra), with shrimp pink flowers, have plain leopard plant, which sells on sight to flower grows at the foot of a large' camellia, facing green leaves. So does a plant with creamy arrangers. Each large, glossy-green, rounded east, and is underplanted with snowdrops. yellow, tubular flowers marketed as "pul­ leaf is coin-dotted bright yellow. The pret­ The only snag with such doubling up is monaria lurea" (which isn't a lungwort at tiest patch I've seen was in dappled shade that both are disturbed when one must be all but a comfrey, Symphytum sp.). Two combined with blue bugleweed. divided, but neither the fern nor the snow­ handsome kinds to watch out for (neither Hostas go dormant in autumn and re­ drops need dividing very often. of which are yet readily available) are P. emerge quite late in spring. Make virtue The word pictum, meaning painted, is saccharata 'Argentea', with silvery white out of necessity by underplanting them with a name encountered again with Arum ital­ leaves, and P. longifolia, with lance-shaped, early daffodils. No genus is richer in hand­ icum 'Pictum'. This Jack-in-the-pulpit grey-spotted leaves. some foliage plants, and the United States relative is sometimes sparing with its hooded Experienced gardeners come to recog­ now leads the field in the introduction of flowers and stocky, late-summer spikes of nize clues to cultivation, among them that new cultivars. The old Hosta undulata­ scarlet berries. However, the handsome grey- and hairy-leaved plants are adapted for years the best seller- remains one of leaves more than make up for this and are to sunny sites. With lungworts, which are the most distinct, each curly, pointed leaf doubly welcome b.ecause they appear in drought- but not sun-resistant plants, this liberally spread with butter yellow. To autumn. It is Zone 7 hardy, and though is misleading; they will grow in quite dry maintain its variegation, lift big clumps the leaves bow low in obeisance to frost, shade, but the leaves wilt if hot sun strikes and discard those portions showing too they stand up as proudly as before once them, even when the soil is amply moist. much green. Another old-timer, H. sie­ the weather warms. A ribbon of green­ If you like yellow varitlgated aucubas, boldiana 'Elegans' (also called Blue Giant), so dark it approaches black-frames a then you'll probably also appreciate Lig­ yields few divisions and has been in short wavy, spear-shaped leaf checkered in dark ularia tussilaginea 'Aureo-maculata', or supply. However, modern propagating green, silver and cream. Part shade is needed,

16 December 1983 For more finely wrought silveriness, buy the artemisia sold as Artemisia versicolor (meaning variously colored), a name both incorrect and absurd for this curly, front­ of-the-border perennial resembling a hud­ dle of silver wire netting. It is either A. splendens or one of its kith and kin, but you probably won't find it under that name. Prickles notwithstanding, thistles have their protagonists. You'll find the Scotch thistle, Onopordum acanthium, in some of the finest gardens. The bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare, is also sometimes called Scotch thistle; this, too, is a handsome plant but very invasive. Onopordum acanthium self­ seeds abundantly, but most of the seedlings come up quite close to the parent plant. It is biennial or monocarpic (dying after flowering). In spring the clumps of palest grey leaves have the sheen of fine satin. In the second year, candelabras of winged, spiny stems and typical purple thistle flow­ ers are sculpturesque against the sky. For a somewhat similar effect, the cardoon, and given moist, rich soil, the tuberous Southern wild ginger, Asarum vlrglnl­ Cynara cardunculus, might be preferred roots spread fast enough that leaves can cum (formerly Hexastylis virginica ), has where it is hardy (Zone 9), especially by be spared for the covetous hands of flower leaves that are of similar texture and col­ those who favor edible ornamentals. (:ar­ arrangers. If growing A. italicum from seed, oring to those of ivy-leaved cyclamen, but doons resemble artichokes, but the edible don't be disgruntled by the plain green are heart-shaped instead of angular, a bit part is the leaf stalk. This makes a colossal leaves of seedings; while the ugly ducklings larger, and held in clumps instead of a flat clump (about six feet square) of arching, may turn out to be swans when fully fledged, carpet. Wild gingers tolerate dry shade but grey-green, incised and spiny leaves, and seed sources aren't always reliable. If third­ prefer a deeper, moister soil. The flowers, is best grown by itself as a specimen plant, year plants are still green, toss them out resembling little olive jars, would be noth­ not mixed into a border. and try again. A. italicum 'Marmoratum' ing to write home about even if they weren't Either you like variegated foliage, or you isn't nearly as handsome (the larger leaves tucked out of sight under the leaves. How­ don't. Even if you don't, you'll probably are only faintly marbled grey) and is also ever, in the Southeast the leaves give year­ like the forms of Iris pallida 'Dalmatica' more vulnerable to frost. round beauty, getting progressively less (which itself has better foliage than most If your garden is too cold for painted­ evergreen towards their V.S .D.A. Zone 6 modern hybrid bearded irises) called arum, or if you lack the rich, moist soil, hardiness limit. 'Aurea-variegata' (sometimes sold as 'Ze­ don't feel deprived-Cyclamen hederifol­ There are so many plants for shade: Al­ bra') and 'Argenteo-variegata'. The first is ium is hardier (V.S.D.A. Zone 6). In fact, chemilla mollis, valued for the way dew­ striped yellow, the second striped white. few plants better tolerate dry, root-filled drops and rain spangle the folds of the The pale blue flowers can't compete in shade than this plant, which is often sold rounded leaves; the 'Burgundy Glow' bu­ beauty with modern kinds, but the flowers as C. neapolitanum. Furthermore, none has gleweed in beet red, cream and green; var­ are there for a week or two, and the leaves, lovelier leaves, intricately patterned in iegated Solomon's seal ... but let's move throughout the growing season. greens and greys, and arriving in autumn out into the sun. Finally, I recommend Houttuynia cor­ to carpet the ground into summer. The Who hasn't admired the velvety clumps data 'Variegata', with the warning that in word hederifolium means ivy-leaved, but of mullein or flannel weed (Verbascum thap­ the moist, humus-rich soil it likes, it is there are ivies and ivies. For ivy buffs, the sus) gone wild in the meadows and often invasive. So striking a plant has to be for­ one C. hederifolium most resembles in size, self-seeded into gardens? Salvia argentea has given this fault, and giving away chunks shape and patterning is Hedera nepalensis bigger, more silkily silver, cotton-coated ro­ to its admirers (nearly everyone who sees 'Marbled Dragon'. Cyclamen hederifol­ settes. It is a hardy perennial but usu;rlly it) keeps it in check. Each leaf is patterned ium's leaves are preceded, in about Sep­ short-lived, being vulnerable not so much in green, yellow and bright pink, which tember, by a profusion of miniature flo­ to cold as to sodden summers and soggy alone would be enough, but it also bears rist's cyclamen in pink or white. Plant the winter soils. Branched stems of white or pale dainty, four-petaled, waxy white flowers tubers shallowly, and be sure you put them pink flowers tower over the leaves in early in late spring on stems approaching two the right way up; they root from the sides, summer, looking very much like clary sage, feet in height. My plants prefer light shade, not the bottom (which is usually smooth Salvia sclarea. I've read that clumps live longer but where summers are no~ as long and and rounded), any protuberances coming if flowers are removed, but if started early hot, it does well in full sun . ., from the top. Once established, there will indoors, S. argentea grows fast enough to be seedlings by the hundreds, and these be worthwhile as an annual. Try it with Pamela Harper is a frequent contributor to American Horticulturist. She is the owner of will flower the third (sometimes the sec­ curly-leaved purple perilla, Perilla frutescens Harper's Horticultural Slide Library in ond) year. 'Crispa', for contrast. Seaford, Virginia.

American Horticulturist 17 Passionflowers

assionflowers are TEXT AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY KATHLEEN CRAWFORD P. X alatocaerulea, called among the most Passiflora pfordtii by some P interesting-not to flInseries, is a hybrid whose mention unique and seed parent is P. alata by pollen extraordinary-of all plants. of P. caerulea. Leaves are three­ They are also easy to grow in lobed, like P. alata. The flowers warm situations, as well as easy are large and exceptionally to start from cuttings or seed. lovely, with striking, multiple Often called passion vines, purple and white coronas. most of the 400 or so species Petals are pink. Occasionally a are climbers, though the genus flower of this hybrid will have Passiflora also contains a few six petals and six sepals, shrubs and trees. Most instead of the usual five members of the genus are each with which most native to the Americas, passionflowers come equipped. although a few exceptions are Some of the flowers are found in Asia and Australia. fragrant, like parent P. alata, They climb by means of while others are not. This tendrils in the leafaxils, and lovely vine seldom sets seed, the flower peduncles are also but it is easy to grow from axillary. The fruit-yellow, red, cuttings about 10 inches long, orange or purple-is edible in taken nearly any time of the most species and is commonly year and rooted in sand. P. X sold in tropical American alatocaerulea is a garden markets. Because of its favorite and the passionflower widespread popularity, the fruit that is most frequently sold at is frequently transported long nurseries. Its flowers have been distances to market. Some used in the manufacture of Passiflora caeruiea, blue passionflower. species of passionflowers have perfumes. It is free-flowering, narcotic and sedative making it alternately with decorative coronas, with flat, short-tubed flow@rs properties, and the stems and conspicuous and invisible as it followed by two-inch, yellow opening every day all summer, leaves are often dried for use in shows brightly or merges with fruit. and with a scattering of flowers folk medicine. bars of sunlight and shadow. In An old garden favorite is at other times of the year as There is interesting variation other areas of the country P. caerulea or blue passion­ well. This hybrid grows 12 to from one species to another. where passionflowers grow, the flower, a native of Argentina 15 feet tall or more but is not Leaves may be ovate, entire or decorative Gulf fritillary and Brazil. It is hardy in the rampant. The stems are angled. two-winged. Most garden butterfly, Dione vanillae, Southeast, in southern P. mollissima, commonly varieties have palmately lobed flutters around the colorful California and in parts of the called pink passionflower, is leaves that are smooth-edged or vines. Occasionally the British Isles. Leaves, which are one of several pink species. It is serrate, and shiny or velvety. caterpillars are numerous divided into five or seven lobes, the most common of all The stems may be angled or enough to be pests; however, are glabrous. Flowers are flat passionflowers, and is among round. The elaborate floral they are usually harmless and with short tubes and have the most satisfactory and structures include large, striking inconspicuous, and one notices greenish white petals and durable. Widespread in its coronas of filaments that fill only the lovely orange sepals. The beautiful and Andean homeland, this lovely the center of the flat flowers; butterflies with metallic, silvery intricate floral center consists vine grows to altitudes of or, in some instances the reverses on their wings. of the stalk of stigmas and 12,000' feet and will withstand corona may be inconspicuous Probably the hardiest stamens, and the wonderful several degrees of frost. It is a in the company of colorful passionflower is the herbaceous surrounding corona of multiple large vine with beautiful, long­ petals. The corona may consist Passiflora lutea, with its small, blue-purple and white tubed flowers that hang down of one circle of filaments or a three-quarter-inch flowers. It filaments. P. caerulea is a in rich profusion. Coronas are series of several circles. grows wild from Florida, north moderately sized vine, small, bl!lt the light pink Butterflies of the to Pennsylvania and west to somewhat lacy, but durable flowers look beautiful against Heliconiidae family only lay Illinois. and drought resistant. There the rich green leaves, which are their eggs on passion vines. In Much more decorative, and are various cultivars and serrate, three-lobed, and vary in Florida the zebra butterfly, hardy as far north as New hybrids; one is 'Constance size from rather small near the Heliconius charitonus, is often Jersey, is the "maypop," P. El'liott', which has ivory white branch tips to as lONg as eight seen around these vines, its incarnata. It is a rampant vine petals. inches. Flowers, on hanging black and yellow stripes with pretty, two-inch flowers Pink and blue passionflower, peduncles and often in axillary

18 December 1983 Passiflora manicata, commonly called red passionflower. pairs, are followed by fruit that Jamaica and other West Indian is egg-shaped and silvery green islands. The flowers of turning to pale orange. P. laurifolia have petals that are P. mollissima produces white marked with red, and a abundant edible fruit in corona of three series of California as well as in the filaments that are purple and tropics. In South America the white. fruit is made into a drink called We have raised karuba; in Australia, where it is passionflowers in California­ raised commercially, it is called in both our first garden, which banana passion fruit. is 38 years old, and our new, Hawaiians, too, think it has a five-year-old garden-for many banana flavor and call it years, and we have found that banana lilikoi. P. mollissima is they are durable, easy tel grow naturalized in several places and easy to pwpagate. We outside South America, discovered, for example, that including Hawaii, where it lO-inch clllttings can be rooted grows profusely in the cool, in sharp sand, out-of-doors, in foggy, tree-fern forest on the gallon cans. They respond well slopes of the great volcanoes. to some water in California's P. peduncularis flowers are dry summer, but well­ like those of P. mollissima, established, large vines of except that they have short P. caerulea, P. mollissima and tubes and are pure white. P. manicata can get by with P. manicata, red little or no water all summer, if passionflower, is splendidly necessary. Unfortunately, bright and free flowering. It is gophers have a passion for the red species most often seen passionflowers, so keep a sharp in California. Easy to grow lookout for those pests, or from cuttings, it makes a large plant your passion vines in vine of richly shining, green, large pots. three-lobed leaves, against Growing the vines in large which the bright red or coral pots with supporting trellises red flowers stand out in can be a splendid answer to brilliant profusion. The short­ raising passionflowers in colder tubed flowers are centered with climates; not only are the pots small but striking coronas of decorative, but the short, purple filaments, plus passionflowers can be some greenish filamelilts within summered out-of-doors, and Passiflora mollissima, pink passionflower. the tube. Usually found draping the vines can be pruned back to garden walls and climbing and can even be found along any fruit that has "squeeze­ a reasonable size for bringing trees, this vine is still rather the shores of the Galapagos out" seeds.) inside when the weather turns unusual, even though it has Islands. Other common names Noteworthy among the many cold. The plants will bloom been grown in gardens for include running pop, love-in-a­ other passionflowers is profusely during the late many years. It is a native of mist and wild water lemon. It P. quadrangularis, which has summer and early fall, and will Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador is Iilaturalized in black lava curiously twisted and curled, appreciate a rest from October and Peru. Fmit is a yellow­ rocks in Hawaii and forms a purple corona filaments and until December or January. green, with seeds in pulp, like small, light vine. The leaves are red petals. Its very large, eight­ Keep plants in full sun, but other passionflowers. said to emit an unpleasant to-twelve-inch yellow fruit-the slowly diminish watering and There are also several other smell when crushed. The granadilla-is very popular in do not fertilize. The soil should splendid, red-flowering passion flowers are delicately exquisite Mexico and Central America. be kept on the dry side, but vines: P. coccinea, found In creations, with fringy, lavender Almost as popular is P. edulis, should nevef'be allowed to dry Florida and Louisiana; and white corona rays im which has purple fruit. Both of out completely. When signs of P. jamesonii, long-tubed, like several series that nearly these rather tender vines are growth become evident in tbe P. mollissima; P. X exoniensis, conceal the white and lavender raised commercially as far early spring, repot if necessary which is a hybrid of petals. These lovely flowers away from their South and resume watering. An early P. antioquiensis and must be enjoyed in the morning American homeland as spring pruning will also help P. mollissima; and P. vitifolia hours, as the flowers close Australia. force branching and encourage and P. antioquiensis (formerly again before noon unless it is P. laurifolia has oval, entire more blooms. 0 P. van-volxemii), having bright overcast or fainy. Buds, flowers leaves and yellow fruit about red flowers with short tubes. and fruit are enfolded in bracts the size and color of a lemon. Kathleen Crawford is a garden P. foetida, dawn finely lacinated like green lace. Because it is rather watery and writer and a botanical illustrator passionflower, has a wide Poha jam is made from the red insipid compared to a lemon, it whese drawings have appeared in distribution in South America fmit. (P0ha is Hawaiian for is called water lemon in American Horticulturist.

20 December 1983 Passiflora foetida, commonly called running pop, love-in-a-mist or wild water lemon.

American Horticulturist 21 The ylass glowers

BY MARGARET PARKE

n a blustery spring day, after checking the vegetable and flower O seedlings growing in boxes on my windowsills, I put away watering cans and fish emulsion, and started out on a pil­ grimage. Mecca, in this case, was the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Flowers at Harvard's Botanical Mustmm. Driving northward along the back roads (which seemed more harmonious with the spirit of my mission than turnpikes), I searched for signs of the wildflowers that would shortly deck roadsides, meadows and woodlands. It was still too early, and only evergreen trees, deciduous bare branches and melting, dirty snowdrifts­ winter's remnants-spotted the country­ side. Once inside the red brick museum build­ ing on Oxford Street in Cambridge that houses the glass flowers, the season ad­ vanced miraculously. If, as some say, the Garden of Eden is irrevocably lost to mod­ ern society, here was a paradise of eternal spring and endless summer where plants bloomed, insects pollinated and fruit hung heavy on the bough day and night, re­ gardless of the weather. Old-fashioned cherry wood cases held starflowers, violets, rue anemones, lady's slippers, asters-all the flowers of one's childhood-and many others, including ~ orchids, hibiscus and cacti. One case held

0.. a breathtaking marsh marigold, Caltha ~ palustris, its yellow petals glistening as if i:!' ~ they had just been sprayed by some rushing brook. The delicate white flower of an­ The Blaschka glass flowers are so lifelike, it is difficult to distinguish the live specimen from the glass model. ABOVE: Meadow lily, Lilium other favorite, bloodroot or Sanguinaria canadense, photographed in the wild. RIGHT: The lily's glass canadensis, was embraced by its single, counterpart, housed in Harvard's Botanical Museum. lobed leaf. It was easy to imagine that it had just been transplanted from a shady glen. No two people who come to see the glass flowers (about 200,000 come each year) carry away the same impression. Yet whether one is a plant lover, an art fancier, a student or a tourist, he or she is sure to enjoy the collection. Not only are the glass plant models unique, they are also beautifully formed and impeccably accu­ rate. Scientists have described them as a marvel of science in art, and a marvel of art in science. The epithet has stuck. How did this remarkable collection of ii December 1983

spected the shipment and had then nailed the case shut. Even so, the broken pieces were astonishing, and Goodale knew that he had taken the right tack. He was able to obtain financial support for his project from Mrs. Elizabeth C. Ware and ber dalJlghter, Mary Lee Ware. Mrs. Ware later formally presented the collection to Har­ vard as a memoria,l to her late husband, Dr. Charles ELiot Ware, a Bostonian doc­ tor and a Harvard alumnus. As it turned out, the collaboration be­ tween Harvard and the Blaschkas was to last for 50 years. Altbough the elder Blaschka died in 1895, Rudolf c0ntinued work on the collection until, his energy expended, he retired at the age of 80 in 1936. He died two years later without ever having seen his life's work assembled in Cambridge. When Leopold was alive, he and his son worked long hours at theiF craft, bringing to it the dedicated passion of religious zeal­ ots. They lavished superb skill, patience and devotion on each leaf, stem, petal and fruit of the thousands of plant models they created. They were constantly experi­ menting with different types of glass, each time selecting tbe one whose qualities best suited the particular plant model they were portraying-a cactus with spines to be spun of glass, or a mountain laurel, Kalmia lati­ folia, with leathery leaves to be shaped from heavier glass. They pulled and worked the molten glass with simple tools-or­ dinary pincers and tweezers-into the de­ sired shape. Whalebones, quills and fine brushes were used to create details, such as cobweb veins on leaves, or nectar glJlide­ lines on petals. At first, Rudolf, who accomplished most of the color wmk, used a process known nearly 4,000 plant models come to be? Blaschka and his son, Rud0lf-at their home as "cold painting"; that IS, a paint con­ Who were the gifted craftsmen who fash­ in Hosterwitz, near Dresden, Germany. sisting of glJlm or glue or both, plus mineral ioned each model by hand? What were the The Blaschkas' home, which contained pigments, was applied for the colored parts. glass-modeLing methods they used? the glassworking studio of the two men, After his father's death, however, Rudolf In tbe late 1880's Professor George Lin­ was a substantial building of wood and devised a different technique,: tinted, pow­ coln Goodale, founder and first director stone construction, typical of German dered glass was brushed on, then annealed of Harvard's Botanical Museum, was country houses. At the time of Goodale's to the base coat under high heat for a more searching for an appropriate botanical dis­ visit, the Blaschkas were working on models satisfactory and permanent finish. The an­ play for his new museum. He wanted a of marine invertebrates for museums nealing process was used to preserve the permanent exhibit, one that would have throughout Europe, and Goodale could color and form of the models. academic value and stit! show the beauty now view a larger sampling of tbeir work. During the 41 years in which Rudolf and vitality of the plant kingdom: Several In particular, he noticed a vase on tbe man­ worked alone, he was under constant pres­ models of sea animals made of glass had tle holding some stlmning, lifelike orcbids sure due to the phenomenal amount of been acquired by another of Harvard's tbat Leopold had made years earlier for work required to complete each six-month museums for its zoological display. When his wife. Before Goodale left, he convinced consignment. Professor Goodale and Miss Goodale saw them, he was impressed and the Blaschkas to make sample plant spec­ Ware often suggested that he take on an decided to visit their creators-Leopold imens in glass, and to ship them to him at assistant. But Rudolf, whose family tra­ Cambridge. dition of glassworking could be traced back A glass model of Echinocereus engelmannii to the 15th century, would say, "If you looks just like a cactus growing in the wild. When the glass models arrived some The models were removed from ~heir museum months later, they were shattered-dam­ wiJil send me someone who has generations cases for these stunning photographs. aged by customs officials who had in- of artists in glass behind him, who will

24 December 1983 begin at the age of ten and work ten hours a day for 10 years, then I could begin to teach him." Unfortunately, the Blaschka glassworking tradition abruptly came to an end when Rudolf, who was childless, died in 1938. The Ware Collection as a whole pro­ vides an excellent overview of the plant sciences and has proven remarkably ac­ curate in botanical detail. The models' ac­ curacy was put to a test early on by Walter Deane, president of the New England Bo­ tanical Club from 1908 to 1911, who ex­ amined 16 specimens from the collection under a magnifying lens and compared them with his own herbarium specimens. In every instance the glass models copied the. exact details of the original live plants. After a rigid inspection of Aralia spinosa (commonly called devil's-walking stick or angelica tree), Deane said, "In this cluster, with flowers so small that I counted of buds, blossoms and developing fruit from 2,500 to 3,000. Yet every flower has its five petals, and five alternating stamens with long filaments." Deane found the un­ der parts of the flower clusters to be equally as accurate. He concluded that the botan­ ical accuracy of the complex inflorescences and even their degree of pubescence were almost beyond belief. Deane's conclusion is not surprising, considering that the two Blaschkas had both a sound training in and knowledge of the natural sciences; Rudolf was an expert in mid-European flora and Baltic fauna, while Leopold was the foun­ der of the art of representing natural his­ tory subjects in glass. Richard Evans Schultes, present director of the Botanical Museum, could be cast as the archetypical botanist. A world au­ thority on hallucinogenic plants, Schultes spent 12 years in the Amazon jungles studying plants before coming to his pres­ ent post at Harvard in 1953. He has been lecturing ever since, and shows paternal concern for his students as well as for the glass flowers. Schultes feels it is fitting that the "quintessential" botanical teaching tool is located at Harvard, where botany was first taught on a coll€ge level in this country. "We don't have sumptuous greenhouses where our students can study plants," he said. "But we have a grand compensation for this-the glass flowers. Here students can find representatives of the entire plant .su The showy blossoms of Iris versicolor look remarkably real rendered in glass. The book The Glass Flowers at Harvard, described in the Sources section on page 34, provides a complete story and description of these spectacular models. kingdom in bloom at one time and under chids) and the dicotyledons (including del­ paradise, a note of alarm has been sounded one roof. Even in greenhouses plants are phiniums, lupines, cacti, and coffee and recently. Some of the glass flowers will usually in bloom for only a short period." tea plants)-are represented he. e. soon be 100 years old, and with the aging According to Schultes, Harvard's Ar­ The orchids, the most advanced of the process have come problems. Sadly, Ru­ nold Arboretum has a greenhouse, but most monocotyledons in the evolutionary sense, dolf Blaschka was mistaken when he of the work is done outside. Reflecting on make up the largest family in the plant thought that the annealing process would the high heating costs involved in running kingdom, with about 30,000 speci ~ s. Of make the glass models last forever, barring today's greenhouses, he noted that p~r­ the glass flower orchids, showy lady's-slip­ any sort of violence. MaflY mod~ls have haps it is just as well that the botany depart­ per, Cypripedium reginae, is the Blaschka been slowly, but irr~versibly, deteriorat­ ment does not have fancy greenhouses to jewel that attracts the crowds. ing. The surface colored glass is pulling maintain. An overwhelming 200,000 species of away from the base glass and, in some The glass specimens in the Ware Col­ plants comprise the dicotyledon division. cases, pulling the underlying glass wi,th it. lection run th~ gamut of the plant king­ The daisy family, Compositae, is the most It was not until 100 models were Femoved dom. Represented are 164 families and 780 advanced evolutionary group of plants y~t from tht'lir cases to be photograph~d re­ species of temperate and tropical flora Ila­ to appear on earth. A bank of cases against cently that the pervasiveness of the con­ tive to North America. Each life-size model the wall in this section contaifls dahlias, dition was notiC{~ d. is surmunded by satellite models that re­ goldenrod, asters, marigolds, cosmos afld As one moves through nh~ ~xhibit area, veal various plant parts, greatly enlarged l~ttuce. crumbled glass cafl b~ seen in some of the for easy study. Usually a cross section of Up to this point, a peripat~tic tOUl' of sh.owcases, lying on the mounting boards the plant's ovary is shown. The plant spec­ the Ware Collection has introduced us to where it has fallen. Th~re are also broken imens are arrariged in an orderly fashion, those plants that have been most impor­ leaves and other damaged flower parts. from primitive plants to the more ad­ tant in terms of providing food, clothing Such sights are distressing, and it is easy vanced families, to demonstrate the path afld shelter for civilizations throughout to understand how Professor Goodale must of evolution. history. In addition to these riches, there have felt on that day long ago when he One can see nature's plan unfold by fol­ are visual studies of other biological phe­ received the first deliveries from the lowing the sequence of the exhibit, begin­ nomena. Blaschkas and opened a box of broken ning with the primitive nonflowering plants, A special display of 64 glass models cen­ glass. the cryptogams. Among the first plants to ters on furngal diseases that attack fruits of Experts say the deterioration of the appear on th~ earth over thre~ billion y~ars the Rosaceae fa,mily- apples, pears, peaches models is due to fluctuating humidity (es­ ago, cryptogams include algae, fungi, liv­ and strawberries, in particular. Brown rot pecially lowering humidity), which causes erworts, mosses and ferns. and apple scab are shown in various stages the surface GOlon~ d glass to contract and Tucked into the cryptogam s~ction is a of development on the fruit. The fruit forms separate from the glass underneath. In­ special exhibit showing the fascinating life are marvelous and represent a departure stallation of an air conditioning system, cycl~s of these primitive plants. Visitors, from the glassworking teohniques used by they claim, would do much toward sta­ for example, can view the life Ci:ycle of a the Blaschkas for their other models; some bilizing the humidity and preventing fur­ fern, consisting of two generations: a free­ of the large., heavy fruit is made of blown ther damage. Schultes has discovered that living, sexually indel"~ndent, gametol"hyte glass, r~inforced and strengthened with this would entail other expensive construc­ generation, which develops after the ripe WIre. tion as well, not only for efficiency, but to spore falls to the ground; and a sporophyte According to Schultes, the most popular ensure that the old museum building com­ generation, which is the adult fern as we exhibit demonstrates the sundry means of plies with fire laws. The collection also know it. To aid us along this complicated pollination. Rudolf Blaschka worked on needs to be cleafled, as dust that has ac­ road, the Blaschkas have rendered a glass these models from 1924 until he retired in cumulated over the years has now left a model of a spiral sperm cell, magnified 1936. Duriflg this time his scientific and thin, greasy film on the glass flowers, dull­ 2,000 times, so that we can se~ the minute glass-modeling talents were at their best. ing their luster. Furthermore, new, air­ hairs that th~ cell uses to lash itself through We are treated to the antics of bees with tight, well-lighted cases are needed to keep the water to the archegonium of a neigh­ pollen grains stuck to their heads, backs the collection in good condition. boring prothallus. and legs, sipping nectar from sweet violets So far there has been no money available The next step along the evolutionary path (Viola odorata), Scotch broom (Cytisus for these purposes. Fund-raising efforts, in this glass herbarium is the gymnosperm scopar.ius), scarlet runner (Phaseolus coc­ including an exhibit of 22 models at Steu­ collection, represented by such plants as cineu5, formerly P. multiflorus) and red ben Gallery in New York City in 1976, pine, hemlock, spruce and juniper. The larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule). An eve­ are still under way. Ironically, the glass graceful ginkgo tree, with its fan-shaped, ning butterfly (Zygaena) places its pro­ flowers-~he "flowers that never fade"­ emerald green leaves, occupi~s a promi­ boscis into a disk floret of a bachelor's­ have become an endangered sp~cies. nent showcase in this section. button (Centaurea cyanus), exposing the Near the tumstile on the way out, a The angiosperms, the next group of plants immature stigma cove[(~d with pollen. graceful branch of apple blossoms-still in in the Ware Collection, are comprised of Here, too, is a visual "quick study" of the freshness of bloom- tempts one to lin­ about 250,000 sp~cies. The two great the spectacular symbiotic relationship be­ ger in the glass garden, to ruminate OR groups of angiosperms-the monocotyle­ tween Yucca filamentosa and the pronuba the passage of time and b~auty. 6 dons (for example, grasses, lilies and or- moth, captured in glass. This yucca Cafl only be fertilized by the pronuba, which, A Blaschka model of pitcher plant (Nepenthes in turn, needs the plant to complete its own Margaret Parke is a free-lance writer and sanguinea) exhibits amazing botanical detail, photographer whose anicles have appeared in from the hairy wings of the pouch to the long life cycle. Organic Gardening and Westchester tendrils that aid the plant in climbing. Amidst the delights of this glass gardefl magazines as well as the New York Times.

26 December 1983

n Paradise Lost, John Milton de­ scribed the Garden of Eden as a place I that had a "palmy hillock" and LasPalmas "flow'rs of all hue." This lush, pastoral garden was cooled by gentle brc.~ ezes and filled with lilting bird song. It's a setting which, transposed into Altas present time, would aptly describe Las Pal­ mas Altas, a three-and-a-half-acre desert oasis nestled into the cactus-studded, rock­ strewn side of Camelback Mountain in BY MAIRE SIMINGTON Phoenix, Arizona. This modern-day Gar­ den of Eden was conceived m(')fe than 20 years ago by the late John Holmes Rhuart and his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy . . . a happy rural seat of various view: and Joseph Shirley, to surround their com­ Groves whose rich Trees wept odorous Gums and Balm, fortabl€ home on the mountainside. Others whose fruit burnisht with Golden Rind "We envisioned the garden as a quiet Hung available . ... and separate enclave that could exist as a -John Milton world of its own," explained John Rhuart, Paradise Lost a retired bank executive and self-taught

28 December 1983 FAR LEFT: A sitting area in the lower garden surrounded by bougainvillea and nasturtiums. TOP LEFT: Partially shaded by palms, the swimming pool glistens in the Arizona sun. Mosaics on the bottom of the pool give the illusion of swimming fish. LEFT: Tall palm trees rower over the garden and home, which were named after them. ABOVE: Buttercups, Ranunculus sp., deck paths and walkways throughout Las Palmas Altas.

horticulturist. "I also wanted a tropical Because he was so fond of the terracing a century), prefers to water flowers indi­ garden where I could grow orchid trees he had seen in the magnificent gardens of vidually-a drip irrigation system has not (Bauhinia sp.), bougainvillea and Jacar­ South Africa, Rhuart decided to incor­ been installed. All plants are still hand anda trees. To accomplish this, we had to porate this type of design into his own watered. provide an area that was as frost-free as landscaping theme. The rocks used in the While the terracing project was impres­ possible." High shade as well as frost garden were hauled in as the mountain sive in scope, the most herculean task was protection are provided by tall palms, road that now winds around the home was transplanting 36 mature palms from the olive and eucalyptus trees, oleander and chiseled into existence. Other rocks were old Rhuart childhood home some 15 miles arborvitae. used to contain the soil and prevent it from away. Rhuart and the Shirleys were so fond Rhuart was a collector of plants and sliding down the steep grade as part of the of the tall palms that they named their new landscaping ideas from the many spectac­ mountain was scooped out to build the homestead, Las Palmas Altas, after them. ular gardens he and his family visited home. The palms, each weighing several tons throughout the world. In addition to trop­ Winding walkways surrounded by rocks and many over 60 years old at the time, ical plants, Rhuart collected exotic speci­ were painstakingly placed as the terraced were brought in two at a time on long, mens from South Africa, Italy, Australia, garden was being built. Today the yard flatbed trucks. All but one survived the South America and even humid New Zea­ has some 50 winding terraces spaced at move, which even the modest Rhuart ad­ land. Today, Las Palm as Altas is a show­ irregular intervals, like the contours of a mitted "was one of the most difficult tasks case of tropical plants interspersed with piece of crushed newspaper. Partly because I've undertaken." In total, it took about semi-tropical and arid-region vegetation of this unevenness-and partly because the four years to complete the terracing and demonstrating the compatibility of tlora head gardener, Joe Flores (who has been transplanting. from many regions. with the family for more than a quarter of Other mementos of the childhood home

American Horticulturist 29 were incorporated in the landscaping at Mrs. Shirley's request, including a massive, white cement fence (dismantled into sec­ tions and then reassembled piece by l"iece), a hitching post and a lattice-covered tea­ house. From the street, which winds around above the house, the view down into Las Palmas Altas looks like a jungle valley where verdant growth and tall trees hug a steeply cut wedge of earth. At almost any time, the otherwise tranquil rhythm of rustling leaves is punctuated by the thrashing of quail, the soft cooing of mourning doves and the high-pitched chirping of sparrows. The terraces marking the entrance to this desert Eden are filled with hundreds of saucer-shaped buttercups (Ranunculus sp.) arnd iridescent, jewel-toned anemones. The Persian or turban buttercup, (R . asia-

TOP: Statice and buttercups thrive in the sandy, porous soil of this desert garden. ABOVE LEFT: A blossom from an orchid tree, Bauhinia sp. ABOVE RIGHT: Nasturtiums figure in the plantings throughout Las Palmas Altas. BOTTOM LEFT: Desert spoon, Dasylirion wheeleri­ also commonly called bear grass or spoon flower-is native to west Texas and Arizona. BOTTOM RIGHT: A nasturtium peeks from between the leaves of Agave americana, commonly called century plant or American aloe. Tom Campbell's photographs courtesy of Phoenix Home/Garden.

30 December 1983 ticus), two species from New Zealand (R. ingtons and the 'Sunbelt' cultivars), cas­ covered by a sprawling, yellow Lady Bank's buchananii and R. lyallii) and the 'Tecol­ cading petunias, amaryllis and Clivia add rose, Rosa banksiae, and partially shaded ote Giant' strain thrive in the sandy, po­ color to the pastoral setting. An unex­ by a Western catalpa, Catalpa speciosa. rous soil of Las Palmas Altas. Each spring pected surprise is the collection of potted The enclosure houses a lily pond, where the single- and double-flowered, multi-hued succulents tha t thrives alongside more glistening orange and pinto goldfish dart flowers burst forth from the parched earth tropical plants. from underneath one waxy lily pad to the to splash bright color over the rough, muted The view from the patio to the garden next. On occasion, a racoon ambles down brown beds. below is always lovely. During the spring from the mountainside to play bandit, Planted among the 3,000 buttercups are it is even more magnificent, when thou­ skillfully scooping its prey from the pond. 1,500 anemones, including the semi-dou­ sands of richly hued yellow, red and or­ The path continues to wind through high, ble 'St. Brigid' and 'De Caen' as well as its ange, crinkle-petaled nasturtiums spill over shaded areas, where it feels cool even in mixed strain 'Creagh Castle'. Providing the rocks and dirt path walkways. There Phoenix's 1l0-degree summer heat. Bees further floral interest are velvety, sky blue are also mounds of lavender lantana and and hummingbirds seem to be in perpetual Dutch iris, as well as bright, purple-eyed, clumps of rose-colored verbena that cling motion here, drawing nectar from aloe vera trailing African daisies (Osteospermum to the hillside. (A. barbadensis) blossoms and fairy-dus­ fruticosum) and various colorful annuals, It is this view, which resembles a Monet ter,(Calliandra eriophylla). Further along such as petunias, statice, alyssum and stock. painting, that is said to have inspired part the path, Mexican honeysuckle, Justicia The colorful display flows from the en­ of the restoration of Monet's Garden at ghiesbreghtiana, and chuparosa, J. cali­ try garden to the adjacent main rose gar­ Giverny on the Seine. Mrs. Gerald van der (ornica, are also frequented by these air­ den, to the east of the house. Although the Kemp, who was commissioned to restore borne creatures. Among the birds' favorite two gardens are separate, the sweep of the garden, was impressed by the large plants are several mature black mission fig blossoms gives a unified look to the front number of nasturtiums at Las Palmas AI­ trees, date palms and apricot trees, the fruit of Las Palmas Altas. tas. She used these flowers liberally in the of which they begin to poke at as it be­ Moving from the riot of spring and sum­ newly completed Monet garden there. comes sweet and succulent. mer color, the visitor is soothed by masses The path winding down from the patio As the path winds back up to the front of greenery surrounding the entrance to to the garden and pool is lined with plants of the house, it passes other desert natives the home. A large schefflera and a grace­ of unusual texture and form. To one side such as desert willow, Chilopsis linearis, fully weeping queen palm (Arecastrum is a bed of almost surrealistic-looking ka­ and Lysiloma thornberi, commonly called australe) drape the entryway as Algerian lanchoes, an organ-pipe cactus (Lemaireo­ fern of the desert, although it is actually a ivy (Hedera canariensis) clings to its walls. cereus thurberi) and a desert spoon (Dasyl­ member of the pea family. It also passes The calming, green foliage provides a irion wheeleri). Planted amongst these are by one of the family'S prized specimens, smooth transition to the subtle surprises yellow bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gil­ an Alyogyne huegelii from Australia. A that are to be found in the large garden to liesii) as well as mesquite and palo verde member of the mallow family, this shrub the rear of the home. As in Eden, there are trees. Night-blooming cereus snakes its way has large, lavender blossoms that resemble plants and views to delight the senses at through several of these trees in search of those of the hibiscus. every turn. support. Past the entryway, the path leads to a One of the first surprises occurs along Rhuart always loved cacti and succu­ stone and boulder stepway to the adjacent the walkway to the back porch. Here, many lents. Although a few fine specimens are main rose garden, which is marked by a kinds of vegetation provide a dense ground scattered throughout Las Palmas Altas, he variegated oleander. It is here that most of cover: wild violets with their deep green, directed much of his energy with these plants the more than 100 roses are planted. Rhuart heart-shaped leaves; purple-heart (Set­ toward improving the collection of the treated them-many with such respected creasea pallida 'Purple Heart'); English ivy; nearby Desert Botanical Garden, which he names as 'Tropicana', 'Command Perfor­ and inch plants (Fittonici sp.). A few patches helped found in 1935. mance', 'Song of Paris' and 'Allspice'-as of 'White Emperor' tulips grace the walk­ Rhuart also donated many rare flower old friends. way in spring. Toward late spring an acan­ seeds to the Garden. However, to delight At one end of the garden is an old cot­ thus (or bear's-breech) blooms, its jagged, the discerning viewer, he planted a few tonwood stump that has been decoratively jade green leaves spreading like a flounced unusual South African natives in his own covered with turquoise blue copper rocks skirt around its purple-tinged flower spike. yard as well. On close observation, one from Oracle, Arizona. Framing a wall to These plants thrive outdoors even in Ar­ can find cape daisy or monarch-of-the-velt the south of the rose garden is a wisteria izona's intense summer heat and sunshine, (Venidium (astuosum), Ixia and Watsonia and an exquisite orange trumpet vine, because they are protected and shaded by (commonly called corn lily and bugle lily, Campsis radicans. sweeps of magenta-colored bougainvillea respectively), and orange and yellow Spar­ Noting the remarkable feat of combin­ vines. This is one plant that has been lib­ axis tricolor. ing so many diverse plant forms and land­ erally sprinkled throughout the landscape. Passing many of these specimens, the scape styles, one of Rhuart's friends called From any vantage point in the garden one path eventually meanders down to the the style of the garden one of "studied or more of these vines hang lazily, framing swimming pool. Even here surprises await carelessness." The effect is calming, an Eden the view with their colorful, tissue paper­ the unsuspecting visitor. Under the glim­ in the desert. "I have melded together many like bracts. mer of the water surface, red and yellow plants to create this garden," Rhuart To the rear is a densely-shaped yet airy mosaics give the illusion of fish flitting their explained, "and now I share it with others patio. Star jasmine and the feathery, two­ tails as they swim along the sides of the who are gardeners at heart." 6 tone foliage of heavenly bamboo (Nandina pool. domestica) cloak the patio posts. Large Tucked between the pool and the side Maire Simington is a free-lance writer and the pots of geraniums (both Martha Wash- rose garden is the lattice teahouse. It is Garden Editor for Phoenix Home/Garden.

American Horticulturist 31 PRONUNCIATION GlUDE

The accent, or emphasis, falls on the syllable Barleria cristata Hosta sieboldiana that appears in capital letters. The vowels bar-LER-ee-ah kris-TA Y-ta HOSS-ta see-bold-ee-A Y-na that you see standing alone are pronounced B. lupulina b. lew-pew-LY-na H. undulata h. un-dew-LA Y-ta as follows: Bauhinia bough-HIN-ee-ah Houttuynia cordata i-short sound; sounds like i in "hit" Beloperone guttata who-TY-nee-ah cor-DOT-ah o-long sound; sounds like 0 in "snow" a-long sound; sounds like a in "hay". bell-o-per-O-nee goo-T A Y-ta Hypoestes phyllostachya Betula maximowicziana hy-po-PES-tees phy-lo-STAKE-ah BET-yew-la max-i-mo-wicks-ee-AY-na Ilex crenata EYE-lex kren-A Y-ta Acanthus mol/is ah-CAN-thus MOLL-iss Caesalpinia gilliesii I. decidua i. de-CID-you-ah A. sativus a. sa-TEE-vus see-sal-PIN-ee-ah GILL-eez-ee-eye I. laevigata i. lee-vi-GA Y-ta A. sylvestris a. sil-VES-triss Calliandra eriophylla I. serrata i. ser-A-ta Agave americana cal-i-AND-ra era-o-PHYL-la I. verticillata i. ver-tis-ill-A Y-ta ah-GAV-ee a-mer-i-KAN-ah Caltha palustris CAL-tha pah-LUSS-tris Iris pal/ida EYE-ris PAL-id-ah Alchemilla mol/is Campsis radicans CAMP-sis RAD-i-kanz I. versicolor i. ver-si-KOL-or al-che-MILL-ah MOLL-iss Catalpa speciosa Ixia ICKS-ee-ah Aloe barbadensis ka-TAL-pa spee-see-O-sa Jacaranda jack-ah-RAN-da AL-oh-ee bar-ba-DEN-sis Centaurea cyanus Jacobinia carnea Alyogyne huegelii cen-TAW-ree-ah sy-AN-us jay-co-BIN-ee-ah CAR-nee-ah al-yo-JYNE-nee who-GEL-ee-eye Chamaecyparis pisifera ]. mohintli j. mo-HINTEL-eye Aphelandra squarrosa kam-ee-SIP-er-us pi-SIFF-er-ah Justicia betonica aff-el-LAND-ra squar-ROS-ah Chilopsis linearis jus-TICK-ee-ah/jus-TEES-ee-ah bet-ON-i-ca Aralia spinosa ah-RAIL-ya spin-OSS-ah kill-OP-sis lin-ee-A Y-riss ]. brandegeana j. bran-DEJ-ee-ay-na Arecastrum australe Cimicifuga sim-i-si-FOO-ga ]. californica j. kal-i-FORN-i-ka are-ee-CAST-rum aw-STRALISTRAIL-ee Cirsium vulgare ]. carnea j. CAR-nee-ah Artemisia splendens SIR-see-um vul-GARE-ee ]. ghiesbreghtiana j. gees-BRET-ee-ah-na ar-tem-EES-ee-ah SPLEN-denz Crossandra infundibuliformis ]. spicigera j. spiss-i-JEER-ah A. versicolor a. verse-i-COL-or cross-AND-ra in-FUN-di-bule-i-FORM-iss Kalmia latifolia Arum italicum AIR-urn i-TAL-i-cum C. nilotica c. ni-LOT-i-ca CALM-ee-ah lat-i-FOL-ee-ah Asarum virginicum C. pungens c. PUN-jinz Lemaireocereus thurberi as-AR-um ver-JIN-i-kum Cyclamen hederifolium lee-mair-ee-o-SEAR-ee-us THUR-ber-eye Asystasia gangetica SYKE-la-menlSICK-la-men Ligularia tussilaginea ass-i-T A Y-see-ah gan-JET -i-ka head-er-i-FOL-ee-um lig-u-LAIR-ee-ah tuss-i-la-GIN-ee-ah Athyrium goeringianum C. neapolitanum Lilium canadense ah-THIGH-ree-um gair-rinj-ee-A Y-num c. nee-ah-poll-ah-TAY- ,num LIL-ee-um can-ah-DEN- see Cynara cardunculus Lysiloma thornberi sigh-NAR-ah car-DUNK-u-lus lie-sih-LOAM-ah THORN-ber-eye Cypridedium reginae Nandina domestica sip-ri-PEE-dee-um REJ-in-ee nan-DEE-na dough-MES-ti-ca Cytisus scoparius Nepenthes sanguinea si-TEE-sus sko-PAIR-ee-us ne-PENTH-theez san- GWIN-ee-ah Dasylirion wheeleri Onopordum acanthium dasa-LEER-ee-on WHEEL-er-eye on-o-POR-dum ah-CAN-thee-um Delphinium nudicaule Osteospermum fruticosum del-FIN-ee-um new-di-CALL-ee oss-tee-o-SPERM-mum fru-ti-KO-sum Echinocereus engelmannii Pachystachys coccinea eh-kah-no-SARE- ee-us ENG-el-mon-ee-eye pak-i-STACK-us cock-SIN-ee-ah Fittonia gigantea P. lutea p. LOO-tee-ah fit-TONE-ee-ah ji-GAN-tee-ah Passiflora alata pass-i-FLOR-ah al-A Y-ta F. verschaffeltii var. argyroneura P. X alatocaerulea f. ver-SHAFF-elt-ee-eye are-jeer-o-NEW-ra p. ah-la-toe-see-RULE-ee-ah F. verschaffeltii var. pearcei P. antioquiensis p. an-tee-qui-EN-sis f. ver-SHAFF-elt-ee-eye PEARCE-eye P. caerulea p. see-REW-lee-ah Halesia carolina P. coccinea p. cock-SIN-ee-ah HALES-ee-ah ca-ro-L Y-na P. edulis p. ED-yew-liss FOR GARDEN-TYPE PEOPLE Hebe HEE-bee P. X exoniensis p. exon-ee-EN-sis Famous Swiss pr uners, English Thatched Bird Houses, Hedera canariensis P. foetida p. FEE-tid-ah Danish Dibbles. German Ga rden Tools. Iowan Digger HEAD-er-ah canary-EN-sis P. incarnata p. in-car-NAT-ah Tr owels. even Bri ti sh snail bait holders. and much, much more If you are a keen Gardener. my new 48 page cata­ H. nepalensis h. nepal-EN-sis P. jamesonii p. JAMES-son-ee-eye log IS well worth 50 ". Send check. coi n, even stamps to Hemigraphis hem-i-GRAPH-iss P. laurifolia p. laur-i-FOL-ee-ah WALT NICKE, Box 667 A, Hudson, NY 12534 Hexastylis virginica P. lutea p. LOO-tee-ah hexa-STY-liss vir-GIN-i-ka P. manicata p. man-i-CA YT-ah

32 December 1983 r------Send me P. mollissima p. moll-ISS-i-ma P. pedu/1cu laris p. ped-unk-you-LAIR-iss Burpee~ free P. quadrangularis p. quad-rang-you-LAIR-iss P. van-volxemii p. van-vol-EX-ee-mee-eye garden catalo P. viti(olia p. vir-i-FOL-ee-ah I want your full-color garden Perilla frutescens catalog describing more than pear-ILL-ah fru-TESS-enz 1,800 vegetables, fl owers, trees, Peristrophe hyssopi(olia shrubs, bulbs, and garden aids. (If yo u ordered from Burpee in pera -STR 0 PH -ee hiss-op-i- FO-lee-ah 1983, your new catalog wi ll be Phaseolus coccineus sent to you automatically in phase-ee-O-lus kok-SIN-ee-us January.) Since 1876, Burpee has been P. multif/orus p. mul-ri-FLOR-uss developing new vegetable and Pinus bungeana fl ower va rieties that are easier PY-nus bun-jee-A-na to grow and more productive. Your satisfa ction is guaranteed Pulmonaria angusti(olia or your money back any time pull-mon-AIR-ee-ah AN-guss-ri-FO-lee-ah within a year. Special discoun t P. longi(olia p. lonj-i-FO-lee-ah for ordering early. P. montana p. mon-TAN-ah ~~, P. rubra p. REW-bra P. saccharata p. sack-ar-A Y -ra B urpee. Ranunculus asiaticus w. Allee Burpee Co. ra-NUN-kew-lus ays-ee-AT-i-kuss 2034 Burpee Building, Warminster, PA 18974

R. buchananii Name ______~ r. bu-KAN-an-ee-eye Ad&ess ______R. Iyallii r. lie-ALL-ee-eye Rosa banksiae RO-za BANK-see-ee City ______State ______Zip,____ _ Ruellia rue-ELL-ee-ah Salvia argentea SAL-vee-ah ar-JEN-re-ah S. sclarea s. SCLAIR-ee-ah r.;r ==::- Sanchezia nobilis san-CHEZ-ee-ah NO-bil-iss S. speciosa s. spee-see-O-sa CATALOGUE Sanguinaria canadensis sang-gwin-A Y-ri-ah can-ah-DEN-sis FOR Sedum SEE-dum Setcreasea pallida ser-CREE-see-ah PAL-id-ah RD Sparaxis tricolor spar-AX-iss TRY-col-or Styrax japonicus STY-rax ja-PON-i-kus Symphytum sim-PHY-tum Carolina are our fields fJ? Thunbergia alata greenhouses filled to grow. thun-BERGE-ee-ah al-A Y-ta with hardy herba­ You deserve T. coccinea t. cock-SIN-ee-ah ceous peren­ quality & we T. erecta t. ee-REC-ta nials, selected grow it. T. (ragrans t. FRAY-grenz trees & shrubs Send $2 T. grandif/ora t. grand-i-FLOR-ah Tilia .tomentosa & our own {refundable TILL-ee-ah toe-men-TOE-sa native wild­ with your first order} for our Venidium (astuosum flowers. Spring catalogue. You will ven-ID-ee-um fast-ooh-O-sum Gardeners first & last, our also receive our Fall edition Verbascum thapsus commitment is to grow the when it becomes available. ver-BASS-kum THAP-sus best of the new introductions Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum as well as the old favorites. Holbrook Farm vy-BUR-num ply-KA Y-tum We take pride in our ~ toe-men-TOE-sum mountain-grown plants, fJ? ~&Nursery Viola odorata Route 2, BOX 223B, 4017 we harvest them carefully so Fletcher, NC 28732 vy-O-Ia/vee-O-Ia o-door-A Y-ta Watsonia wat-SON-ee-ah Yucca (ilamentosa YUCK-ah fill-ah-men-TOE-sa

American Horticulturist 33 Better Seeds From the SoURCES lorth t Johnny's Selected Seeds, A up here in Albion, Maine, we THE ACANTHUS FAMILY Louisiana Nursery, Route 7, Box 43, Ope­ develop some ofthe finest, hardi­ Members of the Acanthus family men­ lousas, LA 70570, catalogue $1.00. est vegetable and flower seeds tioned in this month's "Strange Relatives" Wayside Gardens, Hodges, SC 29695, cat­ you can buy. are available from the following nurseries. alogue $1.00. Plants White Flower Farm, Litchfield, CT 06759, catalogue $5.00 . . A Decade Of Research Country Hills Greenhouse, Route 2, Corning, OH 43730, catalogue $2.50, Seed For over 10 years, Johnny's Se­ has an extensive list of Acanthus Thompson and Morgan, P.O. Box 100, lected Seeds has been supplying family members, including 13 of the Farmingdale, NJ 07727, catalogue free. avid gardeners like yourself with 14 species mentioned in the article. Cyclamen hederifolium (formerly C. seeds .. _hardy, dependable vari­ Kartuz Gr@enhouses, Inc., 1408 Sunset nepalensis) is available from Nichols eties that perform in the most dif­ Drive, Vista, CA 92083, catalogue Herb and Rare Seeds, 1190 North Pa­ ficult climates and short growing $1.00, lists justicia and seven species cific Highway, Albany, OR 97321, cat­ seasons. Imagine how well these and cultivars of Thunbergia. alogue free, and Siskiyou Rare Plant seeds will do in your garden. Logee's Greenhouses, 55 North Street, Nursery, 2825 Cummings Road, Med­ Our professional staff con­ Danielson, CT 06239, catalogue ford, OR 97501, catalogue $1.50. tinuously tests all of our seeds for $2.50. Asarum virginicum (formerly Hexastylis vitality and germination. Our Seed virginica) is available from Woodland­ standards are higher than the U.S. J. L. Hudson, Seedsman, P.O. Box 1058, ers, Inc., 1128 Colleton Avenue, Aiken, Government's, and we guarantee Redwood City, CA 94064, catalogue SC 29801, catalogue $2.00. that our seeds will perform in your $1.00. garden, to your satisfaction. Thompson and Morgan, P.O. Box 100, GLASS FLOWERS Farmingdale, NJ 07727, catalogue The Botanical Museum of Harvard Uni­ Famous Catalog free. versity, which houses the Glass Flowers collection, is located on Oxford Street in DECIDUOUS HOLLIES Our catalog, famous for the vast Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is open to amount of gardening information Deciduous hollies should be available from the public every day of the year except it holds, is almost more of a man­ well-stocked nurseries and garden centers New Year's, July Fourth, Thanksgiving and ual than a catalog. It will make in most parts of the country where they Christmas. Hours are Monday through you a better gardener. Once you can be planted. They are also available Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday see our catalog you'll know why from the following mail order sources. hours are 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. General ad­ gardeners, beginning and ad­ Plants mission to the University Museum (in­ vanced turn to Johnny's Selected Louisiana Nursery, Route 7, Box 43, Ope­ cluding "Glass Flowers") is $1.50 for adults, Seeds as the most reliable and in­ lousas, LA 70570, catalogue $1.00. $ .50 for children. Admission is free to all formed supplier of garden seeds. Winterthur Plant Shop, Winterthur Mu­ on Mondays. seum and Gardens, Winterthur, DE Won't you write for your FREE 19753, catalogue free. copy today? Seed J. L. Hudson, Seedsman, P.O. Box 1058, Redwood City, CA 94064, catalogue FREE CATALOG $1.00. F. W. Schumacher Co., 36 Spring Hill Road, Please send my FREE copy of Sandwich, MA 02563, catalogue free. Johnny's Selected Seeds 1984 FOLIAGE FAVORITES catalog. Name ______The following companies offer excellent selections of the plants mentioned in Pamela Address ______Harper's article. The stunning photographs of the glass flower models accompanying Margaret Town ______Plants Busse Gardens, 635 East 7th Street, Route Parke's article are just a small sample of those found in The Glass Flowers at Har­ State-.Zip ______2, Box 13, Cokatom, MN 55321, cat­ alogue $1.00_ vard, a recently published book on the col­ A Johnny's Selected Seeds Garden Place, 6780 Heisley Road, Men­ lection, written by Richard Schultes, Di­ •...J Box 100, Albion, Maine 04910 tor, OH 44060, catalogue free . rector of the Botanical Museum, and

34 December 1983 WORK WEAR FOR THE William Davis, Keeper of Scientific Ex­ hibits. Over 80 of the fragile models from HORTICULTURIST the Ware Collection were carefully re­ Imprinted with a wood cut moved from their cases and photographed illustration and type in I/01b for the book. The result is a spectacular <6~tma"" from an 18th display of full-color photographs of these Century text on European wild lifelike models. The photographs are ar­ plants, this T-shirt makes an ranged by families, and each is accom­ excellent clothing idea in the panied by a description of the plant. garden, in the greenhouse, or The book also includes a history of the on a field expedition. Contact collection. us for Clubs with 12 orders or The Glass Flowers at Harvard, which more for FREE club names or retails for $15.95, is available at a special logos on the back. discount price of $14.95 (including post­ Printed in green on beige high quality, age and handling) to AHS members. To 50/ 50 blend, short sleeve sportswear. order a copy write Deborah Harpster in Send check or money order for care of the Society. $7.95 plus $1. 75 for postage and handling to: IMPROVING AMERICAN GARDENS MIO-TOWN TRANSFER P.O. Box 2786 Gardeners planning to travel to New York Greenville, S.c. 29602 or California should include the following Pl ease indicate style, size and quantity: gardens recommended by Fred McGourty Name ______S __M __L __XL on their itinerary. Phone or write for more information, hours and admission fees be­ Address ______O Visa o Mastercard fore planning your trip. Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gar­ City'______Card # ______dens, Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA 94122, (415 ) 661-1316. State ______Zip, ______Signature ______Huntington Botanical Gardens, 1151 Ox­ ford Road, San Marino, CA 91108, (213) 792-6141. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx, NY 10471, (212) 549-2055. WATER- LILIES Planting Fields Arboretum, Planting Fields in your garden Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771, (516) 922- 9200. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, 1000 Wash­ Lilypons catalogue ington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225, features everything (212) 622-4433. needed for your The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, garden pool, NY 10458, (212) 220-8700. including the pool PASSIONFLOWERS Passionflowers are available from the fol­ lowing sources. Lilypons Water Gardens Plants Country Hills Greenhouse, Route 2, Corn­ ing, OH 43730, catalogue $2.50. Waterlilies, Lotus, Aquatic plants, Goldfish, Scavengers, Kartuz Greenhouses, Inc., 1408 Sunset Koi Fiberglass garden pools, PVC pool liners, Sweeps, Drive, Vista, CA 92083, catalogue $1.00. Filters, Pumps, Lights, Statuary, Books and much more. Logee's Greenhouses, 55 North Street, Danielson, CT 06239, catalogue $2.50. New colorful Li1ypons catalogue and seasonal mini catalogs, $3.00. Seed ]. L. Hudson, Seedsman, P.O. Box 1058, I Redwood City, CA 94064, catalogue N a m~ ____~ ~ __~~ ______LILYPONS WATER GARDENS (Pleas e print) I $1.00. 1512 Amhort Road 1512 LUypons Road Address..s ______P.O. Box 10 P.O. Box 188 I Steve Pirus, P.O. Box 693, Westminster, LUypons, Maryland 21717 Brookshire, Texas 77423 I Clty'--______. ______CA 92683, catalogue free. (301) 874-5133 (713) 934·8525 s~ ~ ______YES, Please send me the new color- I Thompson and Morgan, P.O. Box 100, ful Lilypons catalogue and seasonal I Farmingdale, NJ 07727, catalogue free. I Zip mini catalogs. I enclose $3.00. I______..-J

American Horticulturist 35 GARDENER'S +IPIACE

CLASSIFIED AD RATES: TIIE AVANT GARDENER BRAND NEW 1984 Cactus and Sacculent 50¢ per word; $10.00 minimum per insertion. 10% "DIFFERENT, EXCITING, GREAT FUN TO Bookshop Catalogue. Over 127 new books. discount for three consecutive insertions using same READ-for the gafdener who wants to get more We're the largest! Send for your FREE 10-page copy. Copy must be received two months prior to catalogue NOW to: RAINBOW GARDENS publication date. Send oeders to the attention of Cindy out of gardeniNg!" Subscribe to THE AVANT GARDENER, the most useful, most quoted of BOOKSHOP, Box 721-AH, La Habra CA Weakland, American Horticultural Society, Mount 90633. ' Vernon, Virginia 22121. Or call (703) 768-5700. all gardening pulDlications. Every month this uni~ue news service brings you the newest and "BEAUTY IN FLOWERS" by Mrs. Herbert APPLE TREES most practical on-going gardening informa­ Greger: A step-by-step guide to the art of flower tion-new plants, products, tecnniques, with arranging. Hard cover copy $7.50 plus $1.00 Granny Smith, Ozark Gold, Yates, Fuji, all sources for every item, plus feature articles, spe­ postage. Quantity rates available. Mrs. Ine adapted to the South. We guarantee our trees cial issues. Now in its 14th year. Awarded the Greger, 12025 Edgepark Ct., Potomac MD to be clean, healthy stock, 4 ft. tall, semi-dwarf. Garden Club of America Medal for outstanding W8~. ' The rootstock mrn111 is toler-ant of a wide range achievement in horticulture. Special to new sub­ of growing conditions. $10.00 ea. Ppd. Minimum scribers, $10 for a full year. Sample copy $1. EXOTICA 4, enlarged to 16,300 photos, by Dr. TWO fler order. FRUITWOOD NURSERY, Box THE AVANT GARDENER, Box 489M, New A.B. Graf; 2,590 pages in 2 volumes, $175. 303A, Molena, GA 30258. ATIN: Paul Vignos. York, NY 10028. TROPICA-7,000 color photos of exotic plants Order 9 get 1 FREE. and trees, $115. EXOTIC PLANT MANUAL- AZALEAS & RHODODENDRONS 4,200 photos, $37.50. EXOTIC HOUSE AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWBR SEEDS LANDSCAPE SIZE AZALEAS: "Select, Don't PLANTS-1 ,200 photos, $8.95 . Circulars gladly Rare, selective, collection. 200 species of bril­ Settle!" Exbury, Windsor, Robin Hill, North sent. ROEHRS, Box 125, E. Rutherford NJ liant, AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS. Plant­ Tisbury, Glenn Dale, Gable, Natives, and FRA­ 07073. ' ing guide with order. Books available. SeNd two GRANT YELLOWS. Mailorder Catalog $2.00 BRITISH TEAK GARDEN SEATS International Postal Reply Cmlpons for descrip­ (deductible). CARLSON'S GARDENS, Box 305- tive lists. BUSHLAND FLORA AUSTRALIAN HC58, South Salem, NY 10590. Solid Teakwood Garden Seats-featured in the SEED SPECIALISTS. Box 118, Scarborough arboretums & gardens of Englanci The perfect 6019, Western Australia. BONSAI heirloom gift for church, park or private garden. BONSAI PLANTS, Indoor and Outdoor, Pots, Country Casual's newest catalog of "HORTI­ Tools, Books. Catalog "AH." BONSAI FARM, CULTURAL TREASURES" offers juried gifts PO Box 427, Lavernia, TX 78121. for men & women who garden. We introduce the stunning British Collection of Chippendale BOOKS style seating. Two of these Chinese lattice pat­ tern selid teakwood benches were presented as Just released in 1983! GREENHOUSE MAN­ wedding gifts to Prince Charles & Lady Diana. AGEMENT-SECOND EDITION by Robert W. Choose from other gifts for gardeners: spe­ Langhans, Cornell University Floriculture Pro­ cialty hand tools, lace impressed stoneware wall fessor for 25 years. Valuable information on baskets with Williamsburg floral bouquets, gold summer cooling, winter heating and ventilation. NOW YOU CAN PRODUCE NEW floral jewelry-including herb pins & pendants, Benches, containers, fertilizers, watering, pest HEALTHY PLANTS FOR LESS floral magnets, traditional egg baskets, Colonial control and supplementary lighting are also dis­ oak hayforks & shepherds crook and, antique THAN 1¢-NOT 25¢ or 30¢! cussed. 270 pages with over 100 illustrations. doll ornaments reproduced in pressed wood and Send $21.00 postpaid to HALCYON PRESS resin. For a catalogue send $1.00 to COUN­ YES-WE DO! OF ITHACA, 111 Halcyon Hill Road, Ithaca, TRY CASUAL "Horticultural Treasures" 17317 NY 14850. AQUAMONITOR GE-rS THE MAX­ Germantown Rd., Germanto~n, MD 20874. IMUM FROM THE SUN. IT AUTO­ GARDENING BOOKS: New and oat-of-print MATICALLY SHADES WITH titles; many British imports; large selection in BROMELIADS TIMELY BURSTS OF MIST-RAPID areas including garden history, garden design, DECORATIVE BROMELIAD PLANTS. 21 page DESCRIPTIVE LIST with prices, $1.50. GROWTH WITHOUT BURNS. roses, rock gaFdening, herbaceous plants, bulbs, trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, etc. Send Also 80 page BROMELIADS FOR MODERN YOU SAVE A "BUNDLE"-FUEL $1.00 fer catalogs. WARREN BORDERICK, LIVING with 135-color photos, $5.00 for both. THE BROMELIAD TREASURY, 639 Bend BILLS DWINDLE. 695 4th Avenue' (PO Box 124), Lansingburg, NY 12182. Drive, Sunnyval ~ CA 94087. OUTDOORS OR INYOU SAVE TIME DRIED FLOWERS SO NATURAL THEY BULBS AND MONEY. LOOK FRESH! Show & Tell Books: "STEP BY Flame Lily (Gloriosa Rothschildiana) exotic NOTHING CAN COMPARE-NOT STEP BOOK OF PRESERVED FLOWERS," 3rd. blooms, 3 tubers $10 postpaid with instruc­ tions. Rafe bulb List $1.00, deductible with or­ EVEN COME CLOSE. Ed. 48 pg. includes Microwave and 3 other drying methods for 100 flowers, $2.95. "STEP BY STEP der. WILLETTS, POB 446, Fremont, CA 94536. BOOK OF DRIED BOUQUETS" 2nd Ed. 136 FREE BROCHURE DESCRIBES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES THE MARVELOUS PROPAGA­ pg.; Williamsburg, Modern, Centerpieces----over 285 photos, color & black and white, $8.95. $40,000 ON 1/3 ACRE! New Hydroponics­ TION EQUIPMENT. Add $1.00 shipping or both books $12.90 ppd. inexpensive, practical. Booklet details commer­ FREE newsletter, send stamp. ROBERTA cial possibilities. FREE Information. CARDI­ MOFFITT, Bex 3597, Wilmington, DE 19807. GAN'S, Box 1657, Brenham, TX 77833. Try Us for evasive Horticultural, Botanical, CACTI & SUCCULENTS Pomological Books, any age, worldwide. Cat­ Cacti/Succulent plant and seed catalog. $1.00. alogue, 1,000 Titles, $1. POMONA BOOKS, MESA FLORA NURSERY, N.B.V. 1002, Yucca Rockton, Canada LOR 1XO. Valley, CA 92284.

36 December 1983 SPECIAL OFFER BRAND NEW 1984 full-color ca talog now FLOWER VASE LAPEL PIN JEWELRY For a Limited Time Only available. New Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllums), SIL VERiGOLD Flower Vase Jewelry. Original Hoyas, ChristmaslEaster Cactus, Rattail Cacti, Handcrafted Design. Send SASE : Rhipsalis. Includes $3 .00 off coupon, separate REILISHEARER JEWELRY Dept. 12AH3, Cactus Bookshop Catalogue. All only $1.00: BEGONIAS PO Box 86 Station G Buffalo, NY 14213. RAINBOW GARD ENS, Box 721-AH123, La Habra, CA 90633. FOR GARDENERS WHO COOK The Complete Reference Guide "CATALOG OF UNUSUAL SUCCULENTS" And cooks who garden. THE FOOD ENTHU­ by M.L. and E.J. Thompson Discover the largest selecti on of weird and un­ SIAST NEWSLETTER is an unapologetica lly usual succulents--over 150 photographs of suc­ upscale recipe monthly. Innovative, seasonal culent crests, variegates, living stones, and odd­ cuisine, emphasis on cooking with herbs, fresh balls. Send $1.00 today. "CATALOG OF food. By a professional chef and a professional UNUSUAL SUCCULENTS" Dept. A12, 553 writer, both passionate ga rdeners. An ideal gift. Buena Creek Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. Charter subscription special $29 .1yea r. Addi­ tional subscriptions ordered at same time, $25.1 C~OROUSPLANTS year. THE FOOD ENTHUSIAST NEWSLET­ Carnivorous, woodland terrarium plants and TER. Box 205, AH, Birmingham, MI 48012. supplies. Book, The World of Carnivorous Plants, Check with order, pl ease. $6.95 postpaid. Illustrated ca talog 25 ¢, PETER PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, NY 14424. FRAGRANCE SEEDS FOR FRAGRANCE, herbs, and the CATALOGS English Flower Garden. Catalogue $1. THE "FREE CATALOGUE" ... LOWEST PRI CES FRAGRANT PATH, Box 328, Fort Calhoun, EVER-TOP QUALITY SUPPLIES ... Pl asti c NE 68023. g" x 12" 384 pages Over 2450 varie1ies Over 850 Illustrations 165 In color pots, hanging baskets and much more. SAVE! GIFTS PLANT COLLECTIBLES, 103E Kenview Av­ Beginner & Advanced Growers enue, Buffalo, NY 14217. Hawaiian Pictorial Calendar 1984. Bea utiful Color Photographs. Great Christmas gift. $5.00 History Illustrated with old botanical and horticultural prints. CLOTHING postpaid. PALAMA, Dept. AH, 534 Olinda Road, Makawao, HI 96768. Classification Facts and LEE Jeans. Factory outlet work clothes, shoes. characteristics of the 8 groups of GREENHOUSE ACCESSORIES Bargains on new shirts (low as $5.95), jackets, begonias ... over 2450 species and boots, gloves, coveralls. Send $1 for catalog. COMPLETE MIST PROPAGATION SYS­ cultivars. SARA GLOVE COMPANY, 16 Cherry Ave., TEMS. Get phenomenal propagation results­ Culture Special needs of the 8 Dept. C-131, Waterbury, CT 06704. Greater financial yield! Unequalled-inexpen­ groups with many step-by-step sive-FREE BROCHURE. AQUAMONITOR, pictures for potting, mixes, staking, COMPUTER GARDENING Box 327-B Huntington, NY 11743. pruning, fertilizing, spraying, COMPUGARDEN: The blueprint for your green propagating. GREENHOUSES thumb. Let our computer help plan your wide­ ;?Recial Techni~ues For hanging bed vegetable garden. For FREE brochure write 8 ft (L), 4'/2 ft (W), 6'/2 ft (H), $69.95. Larger containers, naturalistic growing, COMPUGARDEN, INC., 725 Richmond Av­ model available. FREE information. Write: hybridizing, terrariums, and the enue, Silver Spring, MD 20910. SOLARLITE GREENHOUSE, 6938B Foothill different growing environments: Blvd. Tujunga, CA 91042. ~indow garden, fluorescent light DIARY HARPER HORTICULTURAL SLIDE gardef', outdoor garden and INDOOR PLANT DIARY-Organized space LmRARY (PAMELA HARPER) greenhouse. for all your information about growth needs All books shipped UPS or First Class Mail We supply many of the pictures in American and activity of 20 individual plants. Special col­ within 2 days after receipt of order. Horticulturist. Over 50,000 slides of plants and umns for feeding schedules. Ideal to leave with gardens available. Duplicates $2.00. Lecture sets plant "sitter." $2.95, THE IDEA GROUP, Box on many topics $25.00 rental. 1983 catalogue 622, No. Branford, CT. 06471. $25.00 $1.50. 219 Robanna Shores, Seaford, VA 23696 Oacket price $37.50) DWARF CONIFERS (804-898-6453). Over 170 types of dwarf conifers described by HERB-GROUND COVER-ROCKERY Mall to: The Thompsons SubSidiary of Millie Thompson . In c.: , size, shape, color and texture. Many types suit­ Wide selection of HERBS, super hardy P.O. Drawer PP able for Bonsai. 50 page catalog $1.00 (refund­ GROUND COVER and ROCKER Y plants. Southampton. NY 11968 able) . Botanic Plant List FREE. WASHING­ Catalog gives culinary and medicinal uses and Please send an autographed copy of TON EVERGREEN NURSERY, Box 388AH, growing instructions. Special section on creat­ BEGONIAS for me. I understand that the Leicester, NC 28748. (704) 683-4518. ing ground cover and rock gardens. Catalog $2, price of $25.00 (Jacket Price $37.50) in­ cludes shipping charges. FERNS refundable on first order. Reasonable prices. Name ______Hardy Ferns: American, English, Japanese. Send LOST PRAIRIE HERB FARM, Marion, MT stamp for listing. FRONDS, INC., Box 20026, 59925. Address ______Cincinnati, OH 45220. HERBS FLOWER ARRANGING SUPPLIES Herb Collection: One sage, one Mint (our choice Carefully selected supplies, equipment and ac­ of varieties), one Burnet, one Italian Oregano State Zip cessories for flower arranging, corsages, house­ and one Lemon Balm; well established in pint perennial cans for $9.75 ppd. To be shipped in o Check or money order enclosed. plants. Illustrated catalog 25 ¢. Retailers use let­ o Chargeto __Visaor __MasterCard terhead. DOROTHY BIDDLE SERVICE, GM1, spring. WRENWOOD, Rt4, Box 361, Berkeley Number Expiration date __ Greeley, PA 18425-9799. Springs, WV 25411. FREE CATALOG. Flower arranging supplies. HOSTAS I I I I I I I I I " I I I " Low prices. Wide selection tools, wire, foams, Also peonies, daylilies and Japanese Iris. FREE frogs, vases, drieds. FLOWER DESIGNER'S Catalog! CAPRICE FARM NURSERY, 15425 Signature BENCH, Box 839 AH, Auburn, NY 13021. SW Pleasant Hill Rd., Sherwood, OR 97140.

American Horticulturist 37 GARDENER'S MARKETPLACE CONT'D

varieties sempervivum. Sampler collections: NURSERY STOCK BY MAIL HOUSE PLANT ACCESSORIES AND Sedum 8/$5.95; Sempervivum 8/$5.95. Order SUPPLIES ANTIQUE APPLES, NUTS, PEARS cold and both for $10.00 ppd. STANN LYMAN, AL­ Send legal size stamped envelope for catalog. drought hardy trees and shrubs for food, feed, PINE GARDENS, Box 247AH, Dallas, OR FLORA AD ASTRA, Route 1, Box 333-A-2, windbreaks, wildlife, rootstocks. Retail and 97338. Monticello, GA 31064. wholesale. SASE for catalog. BEAR CREEK FARMS, Box 411-A, Northport, WA 99157. HOUSE PLANTS SEEDS ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, CACTI ORCHIDS WORLD'S LARGEST SELECTION of quality & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. 1984 Cat­ ORCHIDS! ORCHIDS! ORCHIDS! Brome­ rare seeds from every continent. Thousands of alog $1.25. LAURA Y OF SALISBURY, Rt. 41 liads, Staghorn Ferns, Books, Peters Fertilizer, hard-to-find exotics, tropicals, houseplants, (Undermountain Rd.), Salisbury, CT 06068 (203) Potting Mixes, Supplies for indoor and green­ palms, flowers, bulbs, hardy perennials, trees, 435-2263. house culture. REQUEST CATALOG. FOX ferns, alpines, rare herbs, medicinal, edible plants. Hundreds of exclusives. Highly informative il­ RAREST PLANTS EXCLUSIVELY; otherwise ORCHIDS, INC, 6615 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205. lustrated 112 page catalog $1.00. Free vegetable commercially unavailable, 180 succulents, 50 catalog, with European and Oriental varieties. cycads, 70 Bamboo, 150 Sansevierias, 200 Hoyas, PERENNIALS WORLD SEED SERVICE, Box 1058-AT, Red­ 250 variegates, 80 palms, exotic foliage, shrubs, HARDY PERENNIALS, herbs, wildflowers. wood CityJ CA 94064. trees, books. Catalog and newsletters, $4. EN­ Strong plaNts, reasonable prices. Descriptive THE WORLD'S LARGEST and most famous DANGERED SPECIES, 12571(A) Redhill, Tus­ catalog $1.00. SEXTON NURSERY, 23340 tin, CA 02680. seed catalog. 200 pages, 4,000 varieties, 1,000 Doane Cr. Rd. AH, Sheridan, OR 97378. color pictures. A major book of reference. The JASMINES WRENWOOD'S Mid-Winter Perennial Sale­ Encyclopedia of how and what to grow from Maltese Cross (Lychnis chalcedonica), Ginger seed. The Bible of seed catalogs to gardeners in JASMINE SEED, and other rare seeds. Inform­ Mint (M. 'Emerald N' Gold'), Yellow Stonecrop over 100 countries. Vegetables, pot plants, ex­ ative, illustrative 112 page catalog $1.00. (Sedum ellacombianum), English Pennyroyal otics, perennials, alpines, rockery, latest and best WORLD SEED SERVICE, Box 1058-AT, Red­ (Mentha pulegium), Maiden's Pink (Dianthus annuals, trees, shrubs and bulbs from seed with wood City, CA 94064. delt. 'Zing'), Dwarf Coreopsis (C 'Baby Sun'), rare items unobtainable elsewhere. Write for MAPLES Mountain Alyssum (A. montanum), Cottage ~nk FREE copy: THOMPSON & MORGAN, INC, (Dianthus plumarius 'Sonata'), Tea Mint (M. Dept., A.H.S. D.4 PO Box 531, Pittston, PA MATSU-MOMIJI NURSERY- rare and un­ 'Blue Balsam'), and Rose Campion (Lychnis 18640. usual maples and pine. Descriptive catalog ($1 coronaria atropurpurea). All are well estab­ refundable) now featuring older plant material. RARE MAllE SEED: JAPANESE MAPLES, lished in pint perennial cans- $1.95 ppd. each UNUSUAL SPECIES, AND SELECTED CUL­ PO Box 11414, Philadelphia, PA 19111 (215) or 3 of the same variety-$5. 70 ppd. Will be 722-6286. TIVARS. Small packets for collectors, special­ shipped in the spring. Prices to change Feb. 1- ists and bonsai use. Send 20¢ for list: MAPLE­ order now and save. WRENWOOD, Rt. 4, Box MISCELLANEOUS WOOD SEED COMPANY, 6219-A S.W. Dawn, 361, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. Lake Oswego, OR 97034. STICK IN THE MUD Handcrafted COPPER Unusual Rock and Shade Plants, Hosta, Hem­ Hummingbirds, Quail, Ducks, Butterflies, etc., RED ROMAINE, RADICCHIO, PINK celery, erocallis, Sempervivum, Shrubs, Iris and Native will add a touch of elegance to your house and Ruegen and Alexandria Alpine strawberries, Americans. 24 Page Catalog. Please send 40¢ garden. Catalog: 50¢. HILLSETT, AH-12, 3821 white cheesecake pumpkin, purple and yellow in stamps. ROCKNOLL NURSERY, 9210 U.S. Camino Blanco, P.O. Box 13283, Tucson, AZ bell peppers. 150 different varieties of unusual 50, Hillsboro, OH 45133. 85732. and hard-to-find seeds, all listed in 1984 cata­ log, illustrated with original line art, enhanced Inventions, ideas, new products wanted for PHALAENOPSIS (MOTH) ORCHIDS with historical, cultural and culinary informa­ presentation to industry and exhibition at na­ Blooming size, values to $20.00. Minimum or­ tion. Send $2.00 to LE MARCHE SEEDS IN­ tional technology exposition. Call 1-800-528- der 3 plants, $9.50 each, postpaid. Catalog $1.00, TERNATIONAL, PO Box 566, Dept. Y, Dixon, 6050. Arizona 1-800-352-0458. X831. credited on first order, GREEN VALLEY OR­ CHIDS, RT 1, Box 233S, Folsome, LA 70437. CA 95620. MINIATURE ROSES (504) 796-5785. FREE CATALOG: Unusual Seed Varieties: plus wide selection of tomatoes. GROW: Purple Pep­ Choice windowsill plant! Blooms constantly! PLANTS-RARE BUT AFFORDABLE (Over 300 varieties) guaranteed safe delivery­ pers, Purple Broccoli, Pinky Eggplant, Green Extensive selection: * American Natives * Out­ year 'round. Canada, U.S.A. Collector's cata­ Ripe Tomatoes and More. GLECKLER'S standing Ornamentals * Uncommon Conifers logue $1.00. Send Today! MINIATURE PLANT SEEDMEN, Metamora, OH 43540. * Wild Fruit * Hardiest Eucalyptus * Wildlife WORLD, Box 7 A, Sardis, B.C, Canada, VOX Plants *. Affordable containerized starter-plants. TREE PROBLEMS-BOTANICAL OR 1YO. Informative catalog-$1.50. FORESTFARM, LEGAL NERINES 990 Tetherah, Williams, OR 97544. For Directory of members of the American So­ ciety of Consulting Arborists- the experts in The Autumn Flowering Diamond Lily, New cat­ RARE NATIVE PLANTS alogue- 80 descriptions- $2.00. 20 bulbs­ tree care and appraisals for legal matters, write: Rhododendron chapmannii, R. austrinum, R. stunning colours-$30, includes post and pack­ ASCA, 315(AH) Franklin Road, North Bruns­ speciosum, R. serralatum, R. prunifolia, Mag­ ing. NERINE NURSERIES, Weiland, Malvern, wick, NJ 08902. nolia ashei (Weatherby), Magnolia pyramidata, Wocester, WR13 6LN England. Stewartia malacrodondron. Grown from native UNUSUAL INDOOR PLANTS NEW PERENNIAL POPPIES seed or cuttings. Write for prices and shipping Unusual Indoor Plants. 1,800 Varieties- Be­ gonias, Ferns, Geraniums, Herbs, Exotics. NEW Far Superior to existing Oriental Poppy vari­ dates. SALTER TREE FARM, Rt. 2, Box 1332, Madison, FL 32340. 1982-84 catalog with more color $2.50. eties. FREE catalog. MOHNS, INC, Box 2301, LOGEE'S GREENHOUSES, AH, 55 North Atascadero, CA 93423. ROCK PLANTS- UNUSUAL Street, Danielson, CT 06239. Over 300 varieties for Sun & Shade. Hardy in NURSERY STOCK southern Ohio. 24 page catalog. Please send 40¢ WOODLANDERS MILLIONS OF SEEDLINGS: High quality at in stamps. ROCKNOLL NURSERY, '!I210 U.S. RARELY OFFERED SOUTHEASTERN NA­ reasonable prices. Over 100 selections for 50, Hillsboro, OH 45133. TIVES, woody, herbaceous, nursery-grown. Christmas trees, ornamentals, windbreaks, con­ Many hardy northward. Also newly introduced servation, wildlife food and cover, etc. FREE SEDUM- SEMPERVIVUM exotics selected for Southern gardens. Send SASE catalog, CARINO NURSERIES, Box 538J, In­ NEW SEDUM-SEMPERVIVUM 1983 Cata­ for extensive mailorder list. WOODLANDERS diana, PA 15701. log: 25 ¢; Over 100 varieties Sedum; over 350 AH, 1128 Colleton~ Ave., Aiken, SC 29801.

38 December 1983 SEASONABLE REMINDERS DECIDUOUS HOLLIES

everal years ago I had the honor foremost, background plants. On the other to the plant as black alder. of interviewing Kathleen Meserve, hand, in fall and winter, deciduous hollies Clusters of small, white flowers are borne Screator of the famous Blue Hollies. can be spectacular, as brilliant clusters of in the leafaxils of the current season's At one point during our conversation, I bright red fruit often play counterpoint to growth in June. Winterberry is dioecious, mentioned that I admired several decid­ the lustrous white of freshly fallen snow. so a ratio of one male plant for every six uous species of holly. In a season so devoid of show, their splash or so females is necessary for fruit pro­ Her face drew into an expression of utter of color grips the eye and focuses our at­ duction. The sex of the plant is evident disgust. "Deciduous hollies?" she inquired tention. It reminds us that life goes on de­ only when it is flowering, with the male reproachfully. "Now why would anybody spite the gloom. flowers exhibiting prominent stamens laden want to grow such an ugly plant?" Perhaps the best-known and most appro­ with yellow pollen and the female flowers, I replied that the fall and winter displays priately named of aU deciduous hollies is a central, enlarged pistil. of the red berries of many deciduous hol­ winterberry, !lex verticillata. It is the har­ In early September, the 1/4-inch berries lies are a great ornamental asset. diest of all native American hollies, thriving (actually drupes) become noticeable as they "One grows holly for foliage in winter, as far north as Ontario, New Brunswick and gradually change from green to bright or­ not berries," she stated firmly. Nova Scotia. In its native setting in the east­ ange-red. Depending on the number of birds Well, each person has a right to an opin­ ern United States, winterberry is commonly in the neighborhood, the berries may per­ ion, and even Mrs. Meserve will admit that found on acid soils along swamps, marshes sist through January. When the shrubs are she is more opinionated than most. But and lowlands. It may grow as high as 20 leafless and sunlight glints off beaming red then again, so am I. And while I acknowl­ feet but usuaUy does not exceed nine or 10 fruit clusters, the effect is stunning. One edge Mrs. Meserve's tremendous contri­ feet in cultivation. stops, looks, and looks again. bution to horticulture for having created Winter berry's habit is that of a large, In the home landscape, winterberry is beautiful evergreen hollies suitable for the rounded shrub with a considerable mass best used in a naturalized setting. It tol­ home landscape, personally I lament the of fine, twiggy branches. The stems are erates both shade and "wet feet." A group­ fact that so few deciduous hollies are pres­ dark grey or light brown. The serrate, el­ ing of these plants along the edge of a still ently being used. Holly foliage, it seems to liptic-to-obovate leaves are dark green in pond is magnificent in October and No­ me, is attractive close up but unspectacular summer and range from two to three inches vember. Winterberry is also suitable for (except for the variegated forms). This in length. After a hard freeze they abruptly banks, median strips, mass plantings and means that evergreen hollies are, first and turn black, leading some people to refer the shrub border. When used against a Perhaps the best-known and most appropriately namedofa1l deciduous hollies is winterberry, flex verticillata.

American Horticulturist 39 SEASONABLE REMINDERS CONT'D ~Scml of tlte OricH~ foundation, small evergreens should be eter), though more profusely borne. In late planted in front of it to conceal any leg­ summer and early autumn, they put on a giness. A serviceable option is to plant dwarf magnificent show before dropping in mid­ winterberry, flex verticillata 'Nana', which November or being eaten by birds. Fine­ fruits as heavily as' the species but is much tooth holly is hardy to U.S.D.A. Zone 5. lower growing. 'Sparkleberry' is a novel hybrid pro­ Two excellent red-fruiting winterberry duced by the United States National Ar­ cultivars are 'Christmas Cheer' and 'Win­ boretum. It results from an interspecific ter R@d'_ 'Chrysocarpa' is a yellow-fruited cross between flex verticillata and Ilex ser­ cultivar. rata. Combining the best properties of both, A close relative of winterberry is Ilex its large, bright red berries are borne more laevigata, or smooth winterberry. As the profusely than those of winterberry and name implies, its leaves are more finely persist longer than those of finetooth molly. toothed than those of winter berry . It is also Although each of the deciduous hollies :Dwarf ~ltapis txcc/sp a smaller-growing shrub. However, its or­ mentioned is distinctive, all are similar in ange-red fruits are slightly larger and may numerous respects: all are dioecious and qrcclI 1111" Vllriqllkd vllridies be produced parthenocarpically (without require at least two plants for significant pollination or true fertilization), thus mak­ fruit production; all tol@rare smade and KOBAN • DARUMA • TENZAN ing a male unl'lecessary for fruit produc­ moist soils; all make excellent' plants for KOE>A'RUMA • GYOKUHO tion. Be this as it may, larger crops of more naturalized areas, banks and shrub bor­ ZUlKONISHIKI • CHIYODAZURU persistent berries result from n~ gular pol­ ders; and, most importantly, all have been Send $1 tor cataJog-$5 tor book lination. As an added attraction, the leaves greatly overlooked as landscaping plants of smooth willterberry turn yellow in the by the American public. fall. The plant is hardy to U.S.D.A. Zone Gene Eisenbeiss, research horticulturist ~--~-I~I------~ 5. at the National Arboretum, has devoted The largest of the American deciduous cOl'lsiderable effort to the development of hollies is possum haw, Ilex decidua. In its superior deciduous hollies. Fruit produc­ ~S~~i:..1572/643·2067 - 643·587' native range of southern woods, it may tion, plallt vigor and habit have all been reach 30 feet in height. Under cultivation, improved; now the focus is on upgrading however, it grows to about two-thirds this the foliage. Introducing significant fall color height. Possum haw's habit is that of a to deciduous hollies is one goal. Eisenbeiss small tree with a dense network of grey, believes that early fall defoliation would You'll Love ascending branches_ The obovate foliage also be a worthwhile achievement, as it our Lupines ranges from two to three inches in length would fully reveal the resplendent fruit and is dark green in summer, changing to several weeks ahead of schedule. For a delicious yellow (and, rarely, reddish purple) in late Winterberry is by far the easi@st decid­ color range of autumn. Bright red or orange berries ripen uous holly to locate in the nursery trade. seven superb in September and often persist until April­ Many local nurseries carry it, and some varieties of longer than those of any other deciduous excellent cultivars are available (see the Lupines, order our Russell's holly. Possum haw is hardy to U.S.D.A. source list on page 34). The rest are nearly Hybrids Lupine Zone 6. impossible to locate commercially. This is Collection_ Just Because of its size, possum haw is out hard to ul'lderstalld, especially since they 13.99, shipped of place against a house. A better use of are easily propagated by softwood cut­ postage paid at the plant is in a naturalized area, perhaps tings. The only solution, as I see it, is to planting time. on the edge of a clearillg or in the back­ bombard locall'lurseries with requests for Order before ground of a woodsy planting. During the these plants in hopes that they will spread February 15th summer, its dark green foliage is a back­ the word to the wholesale growers. receive, FREE, drop for flowers and smaller ornamentals; My tribute to deciduous hollies has a dwarf lupine of our choice. in autumn and winter, its spectacular fruits reached its end. I 1l0W await Mrs. are sparks of flame against the bitter sky. Meserve's poison pen note in the mail. But Our 1984 Perennial Wishbook is An excellent deciduous holly introduced I rather think that it won't be wming; she brimming with hundreds of garden from Japan into this country in 1866 is and I both know that a holly, even an design ideas. Send $1.00 for your copy today. finetooth holly, Ilex serrata. Although "ugly" deciduous one, is still better-look­ similar in appearance to winterberry, it is ing in winter than 90 percent of this world's (Free copy with plant order) smaller in all respects. It forms a rounded, plants_ 0 spreading shrub approximately eight to nine -Steve Bender feet tall in cultivation. Its serrulate leaves Steve Bender is the new Assistant Gardcm 4838 Douglas Ave. range from one to 11/2 inches in length. Its Editor for Southern Living magazine and is a Racine, Wi. 53402 scarlet fruits are smaller than those of win­ frequent contributor to American terberry (about one-eighth inch in diam- Horticulturist.

40 December 1983 Replace 1983 INDEx Ugly Store­

An annual index to articles appearing in American Bought Plant Horticulturist magazine is printed in each December issue. Hangers A separate, cumulative index has also been published for the years 1922-1971 and is available in paperback for $10. The Alternative To Although no index for the years 1972-79 has yet been Macrame For Your published, these back issues have been catalogued by the Hanging Plants

editorial staff. Address inquiries to Lynn M. Lynch. Back Colorful metal hangers fit all issues of the magazine, if available, are $2.50 each. 3-hole hanging planters. Use indoors or out. Water or AUTHOR Primrose Family. June 5; The Verbena carry plants without damage. Fa mil y. August 4. Choose Red . White. Blue. Aden, Paul. Hostas. August 30. Green, Yellow. Orange, American Horticulturist, The Staff o f. New Stine, Dona Logan. California Poppies . April 25. Beige. Gray, Black, Nickel, Plants for '83. February 15. Brass. 3/ 2.89, 5/ 3.95. 10 Straley, Ge rald Bane. The Other Evening Bender, Steve. Brookgreen. August 25; or more/ 72¢ ea. Add $1 Deciduous Hollies. December 39; The Sour Primroses. June 3l. shipping/ handling for each Gum. October 31 . Taloumis, Geo rge. The Seven Ga bl es Garden. 5 . Mass. Residents add 5 "10 Bonta, Marcia. Alice Eastwood. October 10. October 25. tax. Send to: Brown, Joan Sayers. The National Herb Trimble, Michael B. Moss and Li chen Garden. June 20; Water Gardens. August 20. Gardens. February 30; Reading Tree P I an ta ~ t iq u M Leaves. June 9. e.r Crawford, Kathleen. Passionflowers. Tucker, Arthur O. Two Popular Vi ctorian Auspin Enterprises December 18 . Garden Magazin es . April 10. Dept 000. 422 Northboro Rd . De Blasi, Anthony. Jasmines. October 22. Marlboro, MA 01752 Ferebee, Libby Matthis. The Cuning Garden. June 26. SUBJECT/TITLE NOW... BY MAIL! Fretz, Dr. Thomas A. Trilliums. April 16. Acanthus Family, The. December FLOWER ARRANGING Harper, Pamela. A Favorite Honeysuckle. 4. February 26; Foliage Favorites. December Alice Eastwood. October 10. SUPPLIES: 15; Garden Work of Art. April 19; Seaside Alliums. A Season of Flowering Onions. Tools, Techniques, Gardening. August 26. August 12. Tricks of the Trade! Hensel, Margaret. Garden Paths. December Amaranth Family, The. AprilS. 44; Shade. April 41; Trees. June 41 ; Vistas. American Gardens. Improving American February 41; Walls. October 40 ; Water. Gardens. December 10. SPECIAL OFFER - August 38. Apocynaceae. The Dogbane Family. February MAKES A GREAT GIFT: Hume, Elizabeth. The Delaware Valley: A 10. Garden Heritage. August 15 . Aristolochia. February 4. The Original Ingwersen, Will. Bunercups of the World. Blaschka Glass Flowers. The Glass Flowers. June 24. December 22. Stem Stripper Loewer, Peter. A Catalogue Review. February Botanists. Alice Eastwood. October 10. A unique tool for removing thorns 33; A Garden Small. October 16; A Season Box Family, The. October 4. and leaves from stems. of Flowering Onions. August 12. Brookgreen. August 25. 95 including Martin, Tovah. Aristolochia. February 4. Buttercups of the World. June 24. only $9ea. postage £, handling McGourty, Frederick. Improving American Buxus. The Box Family. October 4. Gardens. December 10; Long Flowering California Poppies. April 25. Perennials. April 28. Catalogue Review, A. February 33. ------Parke, Margaret. The Glass Flowers. Curator of the National Herb Garden: Holly The Keth Company P.O. Box 645 December 22. Shimizu. June 15. Corona del Mar. CA 92625 Robertson, Josephine. The Tradescant Trust. Cutting Garden, The. June 26. February 23. Deciduous Hollies. December 39. Sawyers, Claire. Stamp Gardens. February 28. Delaware Valley: A Garden Heritage, The. Pl ease se nd me __Original Stem Strlpper(s) at S9.95 each including postage and handling. Enclosed is m y U chec k Shojaat, Jeanne. Curator of the National August 15. or LJ money order. (Sorry. no C 0.0 .5. CA res. add 60~ ea. lax.) Herb Garden: Holly Shimizu. June 15. Desert Gardens. Las Palmas Altas. December o Pl ease send your FREE Complete Li st o f Floral Supplies. Simington, Maire. Las Palmas Altas. 28. PLEASE PRINT: December 28. Design Page, The. Garden Paths. December Name ______

Steffey, Jane. The Acanthus Family. 44; Shade. April 41; Trees. June 41; Vistas. Address ______December 4; The Amaranth Family. April February 41; Walls. October 40; Water. City ______5; The Box Family. October 4; The August 38. Dogbane Family. February 10; The Evening Diseases. Reading Tree Leaves: A Guide ·to State. Zip ______Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back!

American Horticulturist 41 1984 INDEX CONT'D

Diagnosing Symptoms. June 9. Harvard Botanical Museum. The Glass Herb Garden, Holly Shimizu. June 15. Dogbane Family, The. February 10. Flowers. December. 22. New Plants for '83. February 15. Eastwood, Alice. October 10. Herb Garden. Curator of the National Herb Nurserymen, Mail Order. A Catalogue Eschscholzia. California Poppies. April 25. Garden, Holly Shimizu. June 15; The Review. February 33. Evening Primrose Family, The. June 5. National Herb Garden. June 20. Nyssa sylvatica. The Sour Gum. October 31. Fantasy Plants. February 20. Hollies, Deciduous. Deciduous Hollies. Oenothera. The Evening Primrose Family. Favorite Honeysuckle, A. February 26. December 39. June 5; The Other Evening Primroses. June Fences and Walls. Walls. October 40. Honeysuckle. A Favorite Honeysuckle. 31. Foliage Favorites. December 15. February 26. Onions, Flowering. A Season of Flowering Garden Design. Garden Paths. December 44.; Hostas. August 30. Onions. August 12. Shade. April 41; Trees. June 41; Vistas. llex. Deciduous Hollies. December 39. Other Evening Primroses, The. June 31. February 41; Walls. October 40; Water. Improving American Gardens. December 10. Passionflowers. December 18. August 38. Insects. Reading Tree Leaves: A Guide to Paths, Garden Paths. December 44. Garden Paths. December 44 . Diagnosing Symptoms. June 9. Perennials, Long-Flowering. Long-Flowering Garden Small, A. October 16. Jasmines. October 22. Perennials. April 28. Garden Work of Art, A. April 19. Las Palmas Altas. December 28. Plant Explorers. Alice Eastwood. October 10. Gardens. Brookgreen. August 25; The Lichen Gardens. Moss and Lichen Gardens. Plants For: Cutting GaFdens. The Cutting Cutting Garden. June 26; The Delaware February 30. Garden. June 26; Valley: A Garden Heritage. August 15; Las Long Flowering Perennials, April 28. foliage Favorites. December 15; Palmas Altas. December 28; Moss and Lonicera. A Favorite Honeysuckle. February Fragrance. Jasmines. October 22; Long Lichen Gardens. February 30; The 26. Bloom Period. Long-Flowering Perennials. National Herb Garden. June 20; Seaside Magazines, Two Popular Victorian. Two April 28; Seaside Gardening. August 26. Gardening. August 26; The Seven Gables Popular Victorian Garden Magazines. April Poppies. California Poppies. April 25. Garden. October 25; Stamp Gardens. 10. Primwses, Evening. Tne Other Evening February 28; The Tradescant Trust. Mail Order Nurseries. A Catalogue Review. Primroses. June 31. February 23; Water Gardens. August 20. February 33. Ranunculus. Buttercups of the World. June Glass Flowers, The. December 22. Moss and Lichen Gardens. February 30. 24. Hand, Harland. A Garden Work of Art. April National Herb Garden. The National Herb Reading Tree Leaves: A Guide to Diagnosing 19. Garden. June 20; Curator of the National Symptoms. June 9. Seaside Gardening. August 26. Season of Flowering Onions, A. August 12. Seasonable Reminders. Reading Tree Leaves: A Guide to Diagnosing Symptoms. June 9; Deciduous Hollies. December 39. Seven Gables Garden, The. October 25. Shade. April 41. Shimizu, Holly. Curator of the National Herb Garden. June 15. Sour Gum, The. October 31. Stamp Gardens. February 28. Strange Relatives. The Acanthus Family. December 4 ; The Amaranth Family. April 5; The Box Family. October 4; The Dogbane Family. February 10; The Evening Primrose Family. June 5; The Verbena Family. August 4. Tradescant Trust, The. Febn:lary 23. Trees. June 41. Trees, Insects and Diseases of. Reading Tree Leaves: A Guide to Diagnosing Symptoms. June 9. TrilIiums. April 16. Tupelo, Black. The Sour Gum. OGtober 31. Two Popular Victorian Garden Magazines. April 10. Verbena Family, The. August 4. Victorian Garden Magazines. Two Popular Rep<00.1

42 December 1983 CG~ ~ ~cromdloo ~ ...... o o

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ell-placed paths are as indis­ priate to provide some reason. Placed as pensable as trees and shrubs to if there were no ch.oice but to go around, W a successful landscape. Even the justification for a curve could be any­ when they are simply joining house with thing from a tree too beautiful to chop garage, vegetable garden, flower border down or ignore, to a particularly fragrant and compost pile, paths serve as a frame­ mock orange or a clump of iris. work that shapes the landscape. Paths can be as various as the landscape A logical placement of paths can emerge they traverse, as straightforward as the naturally from the patterns of daily rou­ gridwork of brick and stone at Sissinghurst tines, but following these footsteps will not in Kent, England, or as lightly defined as necessarily take full advantage of the po­ the winsome brick serpentine through the tential drama and beauty of your land­ daffodils at Dumbarton Oaks. In keeping scape. The shortest distance between two with the simplicity of a country landscape, points is not always the most interesting. a path may be only a hint of a direction, Because paths are so central to estab­ a swath through tall meadow grass. lishing a garden framework and mood, their The selection of paving materials will placement should be the result of thought­ depend, in part, on whether the intent is ful observation. When deciding where a to harmonize or to contrast with the char­ path should go, it is important to observe acter of the garden. Various patterns of Garden paths can take many forms. Here, a not only how you get from here to there, stone walkway contrasts with a wide grass path. brick can be formal or informal. Likewise, but also where you may cut through a Both serve the same purpose-to lure the visitor mown grass can become formal when en­ hedge for a view of the surrounding hills through the garden. closed by box parterres, or easily flowing or the spot where you would turn to ob­ like the grass paths between herbaceous serve a favorite oak in al!ltumn. th.e landscape, they also unite it by drawing borders at Great Comp in Kent, England. For a shady walk in summer, observe attention to its strongest features. Properly I know of one path in particular that the shadows of trees at various times of sited paths can help make sense of an oth­ quietly yet brilliantly illustrates the sen­ the day. Or study the land's contours for erwise amorphous landscape. sitive use of various surfaces. Meandering a change in elevation that might provide Few things are more frustrating in a gar­ through a pine woods, this narrow path's an exciting vantage point or different per­ den than a path that leads nowhere. It is "pavement" is pine bark laid lengthwise. spective that could be incorporated into like a joke that drags on without a punch Past wild wood asters and goldenrod in your garden. The placement of paths can line. A path needs a goal, whether it is a autumn, where the path edges close to a and should take advantage of existing sundial, fountain, bench or view. But there small stream, the surface ebbs into a pav­ landscape features. is no rule that says this goal must be bla­ ing of stream gravel worked well into trod­ When considering path placement, think tantly apparent, the end result of a straight den wild grasses. about where you want to go, how you line. A glimpse of water through trees or Whenever this path's direction may be want to get there and what you want to shrubs is often a far more effective lure doubtful, good-sized flat stones from the see, touch and smell along the way. While than the pond or stream in full view. stream are sunk into the gravel and con­ a set goal is frequently the objective of a Partially hidden, an object or scene re­ tinue a ways along the path to indicate well-placed path, the experience along the mains unknown and demands further ex­ direction. Adding an extra bit of visual way is often as important as arriving at ploration. A path that offers partial weight, these stones also help establish a the compost pile or shrub rose garden. glimpses, then veers away, then entices onc€ sense of priorities when other crossing pa ths All too frequently a landscape develops more, titillates one's sense of expectation. converge. 6 without a preconceived plan, the place­ The easiest way to veil a path's goal is to -Margaret Hensel ment of structures and features the result introduce a curve. And while the object of Margaret Hensel, a landscape designer and of expediency rather than logic or aesthetic this shift in direction may be to tempo­ 9 garden writer, is a regular contributor to o sensitivity. Paths not only divide and shape rarily obscure a view, it is often appro- American Horticulturist. f

44 December 1983

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