Conifer Quarterly

Vol. 23 No. 4 Fall 2006 y r e s r u N i l e s I f o y s e t r u o c , h t i m S . C l l a d n a R Picea omorika 'Pendula Bruns' – 2007 Collectors Conifer of the Year Full-size Selection – See back cover for Dwarf Selection. Learn more about them on page 24. See Terri Park's article inside

See Glenn Herold’s See Todd Lasseigne's article inside article on page 7

See Kimberly Karlin’s article inside

See Sharon Stanford's article inside The Conifer Quarterly is th e pub lication of the American Conifer Society

Contents 7 Conifers In Design Glenn Herold 10 Sterling Silver Conifers Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne 16 Small Gets Big J.R.P. van Hoey Smith 20 Made for Each Other Tom Cox 22 Learning to Landscape with Conifers Terri Park 24 Collectors Conifer of the Year

26 Advice We Give Our Clients Dave Dannaher 29 Constructing a Southern Landscape with Conifers Kimberly Karlin 32 On Puget Sound Sharon Stanford 34 ACS National Meeting Don Howse 46 East Meets West - Conifer Artistry of Man and Nature Evelyn Cox Conifer Society voices

2 President’s Message 4 Editor’s Memo 42 Conifer News 44 ACS Regional News

Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 1 Conifer PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE BY TOM COX s I begin this, like many of you, I’ve A special thanks to the following Bylaws were overwhelmingly approved struggled through the last several individuals who, in the generous sharing by a vote of 685 (yes) to 16 (no). From my Quar ter ly Amonths in oppressive heat and dry of their gardens and knowledge, added personal view, the biggest change is the Fall 2006 weather. For those of us with ACS (Ad - greatly to the meeting’s success: streamlining of the board of directors to Volume 23, No. 4 dicted Conifer Syndrome) who lack the two representatives from each region and capacity to say no to the next cool or un - Dr. and Mrs. Alan Solomon, Private the fact that each region will conduct an The Conifer Quarterly (ISSN 8755-0490) is pub lished quarterly by the the Amer ican usual plant (even though we have no idea Garden election to select their representatives. Co ni fer Society. The Society is a non-profit where we will plant it), this time of year is Ruth and Bill Pardue, Private Garden Going forward, as the occasion arises, you or ga ni za tion incorporated un der the laws of the devoted to dragging water hoses around Faye Beck, Private Garden may expect to hear more from your Commonwealth of Penn syl va nia and is tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal our property. For me, this often means sit - Dr. Susan Hamilton, Professor of regional president concerning this. Revenue Service Code. ting down for dinner sometime after 9 pm. Horticulture, University of Tennessee Also of note are the initiatives that the You are invited to join our Society. Please That said, I wouldn’t change a thing. This Duane Ridenour, Beaver Creek Society takes to support conifer develop - address membership and other in quiries to the American Conifer Society National Office, is still the most satisfying endeavor that I Nursery ment and education, and acknowledge sig - P.O. Box 3422, Crofton, MD 21114-0422. can think of. Jim McDonough, Knoxville Botani - nificant efforts. Below are names of Membership: US $30 ( indiv.), $35 (joint), $30 We are now at the point in the year cal Garden individuals or institutions that have (institutional) $50 (sus tain ing), $100 (corpo - rate/business) and $130 (patron) . If you are when the national, central and northeast - demonstrated a commitment to further the moving, please notify the National Office 4 ern regional meetings have been held. The According to our central region mission of our Society along with the weeks in advance. national meeting was held in mid-June in President, Bill Barger, the central meeting awards that were granted. All editorial and advertising matters should be sent to: Evelyn Cox, 342 North Knoxville, Tennessee and I don’t think was also a huge success with over 100 in Main Street, Suite 202, Alpharetta, Georgia I’ve been to a meeting that I enjoyed attendance. I attended the northeastern re - - Dennis Dodge - 2006 ACS Award of 30004. (770) 663-7576, or email more. Shortly after the meeting, I received gion meeting in Hartford, Connecticut in Merit for Development in the Field of [email protected]. a very nice letter from a delightful couple mid-September. As I anticipated, this was Conifers Editor from northern Virginia and would like to a lively meeting which afforded me the - Ridge Goodwin - Marvin and Emelie Evelyn Cox share the following from their letter: “The opportunity to see members who did not Snyder Award of Merit for Dedicated Technical Editors National Meeting was one of the best we attend our national meeting, as well as to Support of the American Conifer Ethan Johnson Susan Martin have attended. I don’t have any early see some fantastic gardens. I also had the Society R. William Thomas records, but I think that I joined ACS real honor to present the Award of Merit in - University of Tennessee Trial Gardens - Advisory Com mit tee shortly after it was formed. I would give person to Dennis Dodge as well as to meet $3,000 Donation Ellen Kelley, Committee Chair this one four stars.” Florence Waxman - widow of the late Dr. - Pennsylvania College of Technology - Anne Brennan This reinforces the fact that there are Sydney Waxman. This is an area steeped $1,500 Jean Iseli Memorial grant Marvin Snyder ex officio : Tom Cox great gardens and great garden people in in rich garden history with so many - Kevin Stevens - $1,000 Scholarship for ex officio : Don Wild every state. ACS was treated to hospitality knowledgable gardeners. More on this attendance at the Research Center for ex officio : John Martin that was as good as it gets and the meeting meeting in the next issue. Japanese Garden Art Copyright © 2006, American Conifer So ci ety. went off without a hiccup. There is a On the business side of the ledger, the On a personal note, I have now retired All rights reserved. No material con tained herein may be reproduced in any form with - quote which pertains to our national meet - board of directors held their semi-annual from the business world. This will afford out prior written permission of the publisher. ings, “Everybody’s job looks easier than meeting in June. Significant actions in - me an enhanced opportunity to pursue my Opinions expressed by authors and ad ver tis - yours, and the better they do it the easier it cluded the completion of the recom - passion for working with plants which ers are not necessarily those of the Society. looks.” Realizing all of the planning that mended revisions to the Society Bylaws many of us share. It will also allow more Note: Hardiness Zone references in the goes into an event such as this and the and the Policies of the Board. A ballot was time to devote to matters of the American Co ni fer Quarterly are USDA classifications seamless manner in which our meeting sent to all current members and the results Conifer Society. See you soon. un less oth er wise spec ified. planners pull them off, I am amazed. are in and the vote certified. The proposed

2CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 3 EDITOR ’S MEMO BY EVELYN COX The morns are meeker than they were, ion plants or planning to create a conifer their way. From Conyers, Georgia, Kim - Regardless of the season, they never garden from scratch? Before plunging berly Karlin wrote in about experience disappoint us. I think I’ll stop here and The nuts are getting brown; in, read the article by Glenn Herold in gained with their extensive conifer col - go for a walk. The berry’s cheek is plumper, which he covers principles of design and lection. See page 29. illustrates how useful conifers can be as If you missed the 2006 national Happy planning! The rose is out of town. tools in your design to create a land - meeting in Knoxville, you can read scape of optimal beauty. Give those about how much fun we had as Don - Emily Dickinson “Nature conifers the emphasis they need while Howse describes it from a western per - making them work for you to create a spective on page 34. You may, after XXVII, Autumn” well-designed garden. reading this, together with the article Speaking of emphasis, conifers can that follows it about the 2007 meeting to light up any garden. In our last issue, be held in Seattle, block out at least July he rose is out of town. The conifer is Susan Martin recommended some lumi - 26-29 on your calendar of fun. Maybe not. Day by day, season upon sea - nous winter golden pines to us. In this you’ll find time for post-tour activities Tson, conifers never go out of town. This issue, Todd Lasseigne suggests some as well. fall, stroll your garden. Assess your “silver” conifers that can be used as If you glance outside your window landscape and the all-season role that tools in making your garden shine. and leaves are twirling in the autumn conifers can play in it. Take inventory. Is Reader response to our call for shar - breezes, your conifers will be dancing your conifer collection intact or in tat - ing landscaping experiences was excel - happily in it, too. As some get ready to ters? Is that extra-special plant you lent. In fact, some articles will be carried change colors, they are preparing to bought at the auction in 1990 now hid - over to later issues as we begin a new reward you with winter interest. den behind the extra-special one you column called “Landscaping with bought at the auction in 2000? Has this Conifers”. In this issue, you’ll find arti - Next issue: dwarf that was supposed to max out at 3 cles from around the country and even Winter 2007 – Special photo issue plus pendulous conifers feet, now grown to 6 feet? How did that one from Rotterdam as J.R.P. van Hoey Some of you have pendulous plants in your gardens. Some of your fellow mem - happen? Were you just too anxious to Smith shares some gardening guidelines bers would like to see them. We don’t know who has what and who wants what plant it in that perfect place you had in developed through his own experiences but we can help you show and tell. The next issue will be our annual centerfold mind when you were bidding for it? Did at Arboretum Trompenburg. See page issue. For newcomers, it’s not what you think. It’s our annual color insert edition, a the plant forget to read its tag or was the 16. good opportunity to see how much photographic talent lurks out there amongst information simply incorrect? Typical From her vantage point near the cones. Send us your photos and/or your stories about pendulous plants by No - growth for Michigan may not be typical Olympia, Washington, Sharon Stanford vember 12. If there are none in your own garden, photos of drive-bys accepted. in Tennessee. tells us about gardening while overlook - Gardens continually evolve. As this ing Puget Sound. Sharon and Ed’s gar - Future issue themes: occurs, you may need to change how den is on the ACS list of member Highway Treasures you situate your conifers. Did you buy gardens open by appointment. Read Unusual, Rare and Endangered Conifers them for their form, their color about it on page 32. The garden of Terri Cephalotaxus characteristics, their texture? Are they and Jay Park is also on that list, and be - placed to optimize those features? Are ginning on page 22, Terri shows us how We welcome news alerts about conifers or about our members. you considering changing your garden conifers helped them cope in suburban Contact Evelyn Cox to discuss your ideas. to integrate more conifers with compan - Indianapolis when urban sprawl crept

4CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 5 Conifers in Design Publication Dates Photos and text by Glenn Herold Deadline to Publication Date Issue Calendar Quarter submit articles (approx. mailing) t wasn’t too long ago that the main function of conifers in a landscape was Winter Jan/Feb/Mar Nov 12 Jan 15 Ito provide winter color. An evergreen Spring Apr/May/Jun Feb 11 Apr 16 conifer could be counted on to spice up Summer Jul/Aug/Sept May 13 July 16 an otherwise drab January panorama. Fall Oct/Nov/Dec 31 Aug 12 Oct 15 Functional? Yes. Exciting? No. But with the conifer palette that now exists, a designer can find one to use for virtually Submit articles/photos to: every design element. A little basic Evelyn Cox, Conifer Quarterly Editor design knowledge will allow you to spice Vertical forms are a magnet for the eye. 342 North Main St, Suite 202, Alpharetta, GA 30004 • PH (770) 663-7576 up your landscape like the pros. E-mail: [email protected] The tools of design line is closely intertwined with form . Let’s start with the tools of design – line, Overuse of vertical elements can be form, texture, and color . Line directs eye agitating, but discrete use of them creates movement. A vertical element will entice an exclamation point in the design. Don’t the eye upward while a weeping plant use vertical or pyramidal forms at the carries the eye toward the ground. Round corner of a house for they draw or spreading forms carry your eye easily the viewer’s attention to that location, across the landscape. Thus, you see that rather than toward the front door. To soften pyramidal forms flank them with GEE FARMS round or spreading forms. Let’s start with the tools of Nursery & Landscaping design – line, form, texture, 10 Acres of Container Plants and color. Conifers, Hosta, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials We invite you to visit our display gardens and new water garden Texture is a measure of the surface featuring many unusual and hard to find plants. qualities of an object. The basic measure - ments of texture - coarse and fine - Family Owned since 1849 usually refer to the boldness of a plant’s 8:00 am till Dark – 7 days foliage. However, texture also includes the reflectiveness of the surface, the den - Gary, Kaye & Kary Gee sity of the leaves, and a description of the 14928 Bunkerhill Rd., Stockbridge, MI 49285 PH: (517) 769-6772 or 1-800-860-BUSH foliage pattern (textural expression). FAX (517) 769-6204 Bold, glossy, or dense foliage will grab Visit our Web site @ www.geefarms.com for our plant list the eye’s attention more than fine, dull, or sparse foliage. Textural expression can be Curved line carries the eye to the gazebo. used to mimic dissimilar objects in a

6CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 7 vignette, thus amplifying eye appeal. create smooth transitions. Rapid changes smaller trees or shrubs, plants to which Color is probably the most overused in design usually create a startling effect, we can relate. and overrated design element. It is easy which may be what you as the designer Creating beauty with conifers to think of color as something to use to want, but may not feel harmonious to attract attention, such as a yellow or var - others. The tools of line, form, texture and color iegated plant, but color is only one of the reside in the conifer family in almost lim - tools you have to work with. Don’t sacri - itless variations for any conifer lover to fice form or texture for color. If you wish use in the landscape. Select them to en - to draw attention to a particular location, Textural contrast between Abies koreana hance the beauty of your landscape for ‘Aurea’ and the hosta creates a strong you have many choices, not just color. point of emphasis. you and your guests to enjoy. Beauty is in Eye magnets include unusual forms and the eye of the beholder! What you per - bold textural contrasts within any ele - ceive as beauty, though, constitutes com - ment, as well as warm colors. But, what - heavyweight (“general”). plete aesthetic organization. Ugliness is ever elements you use, remember a basic Contrast is one way to achieve em - Picea abies ‘Remontii’ mimics the texture sometimes just lack of organization! rule – in order to have a general, you phasis in the landscape. The photo above of the thyme and cotoneaster and helps Using design tools and applying them to need privates. Too many accents or focal illustrates contrast of textural weight, but to soften the harsh paving materials. the principles of design will create that points in the landscape create chaos. you can also contrast any other element aesthetic organization that creates beauty The principles of design of design, such as glossiness, density, and the wow effect that goes with it. size, form, and color. Another way to Scale is the size relationship of one The tools of design are applied to the achieve emphasis is to make a large element to another. We are most comfort - About the author: Glenn Herold is principles of design – repetition, variety, group of a plant, rather than use a solo able with what we call human scale and Professor of Horticulture at Illinois balance, emphasis, sequence, and scale. specimen. But remember, in order are uneasy when we are either much Central College in East Peoria. He is also Repetition and variety work together and to achieve emphasis, you must have larger or smaller that the object(s) next to curator of the Illinois Central College are somewhat self-explanatory. However, subordination. us. Picture yourself in a kindergarten set - Arboretum which he founded in 1980. using repetition and variety does not Sequence is movement in the land - ting. The smallness of the desks makes In addition to dwarf conifers, he is mean that you have to repeat the same scape from one area to another. You you feel like a giant! On the other hand, interested in woodland wildflowers, plant. The repetition and variety are of could think of it as moving from one suppose you are sitting on a patio and all small maples and hostas. He, and his wife the design elements - line, form, texture, room in your house to another room. the plants next to it are 15 feet tall. You Terry, are members of ACS. He has and color. As an example, the yellow in a Each room has its own unique style and might feel like a dwarf. Parks are good served as vice president of the central plant used as a solo specimen in one area design, but relates to the other rooms in examples in dealing with this difference region and is a past president of the of the landscape can be repeated with a an overall theme. In your landscape, you in scale. Large trees used for shade are Central Illinois Hosta Society. yellow variegated plant used in a group may have a patio “room”, a play “room”, typically supplemented with groups of setting in another area. a reading “room”, and countless others. Balance implies equal visual weight These can vary in the amount of light in on each side of a vignette. Visual weight the room, the closeness of the overhead is created by the size of an object, its canopy, the terrain (berms, terracing), texture, form, and color. Those qualities color scheme, etc. Choose an overall 16804 NE 102nd Ave., that attract the eye, such as warm colors, theme for your landscape. This may be as Battle Ground, WA 98604 bold textures, and vertical forms, carry a simple as a preponderance of conifers, heavy visual weight. Fine textures, cool a color theme, a landscape which is catalog $2.00 colors, and rounded or spreading forms attractive to birds, or even landscaping Juniperus chinensis ‘Hetzii’ is out of scale 360-574-3832 fax 360-574-3596 are lightweights. It may take several with culinary uses in mind. To move with this house. e-mail [email protected] lightweights (“privates”) to balance one from one room to another, you need to http://www.collectorsnursery.com

8CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 9 Sterling Silver Conifers leaved cultivars have been selected and named. These continue to be the standard Photos and text by Dr. F. Todd Lasseigne against which other silver and blue conifers are judged and compared. he beauty of conifers can be Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. However, if only for curiosity’s sake, an - attributed to many factors: their glauca) with its distinct blue-green other spruce is a welcome addition to the Tgraceful, architectural form; their foliage as one travels eastward across garden – Picea glauca ‘Sander’s Blue’. evergreen leaves, especially when laden the western mountain ranges. Originating as a semi-stable chimera, with snow; and the color of their foliage. Here, then, is presented a short list ‘Sander’s Blue’ appears like a dwarf Al - From all shades of green to gold to the of interesting conifers with silver or berta spruce, except that certain portions blues and silvers, there is truly a conifer quasi-silver-blue leaves for your consid - of the plant have wax-coated leaves, for every garden and landscape. “Silver” eration in perfecting your landscaping while the remainder of the plant bears the color in conifers is, of course, not true scheme. standard green leaves. Overall, this metallic silver, but a mixture of blue- Abies concolor ‘Candicans’, dense, slow-growing, pyramidal spruce grays to whitened greens. This perceived mentioned above, is certainly a well- appears as a green and blue-green mosaic silver coloration in conifers is usually beloved classic of the silver conifers, but of foliage with no two plants appearing brought about through the deposition of there are others. Another equally exactly alike. waxes or resins on the leaves and stems beautiful fir is the blue Spanish fir – There are many pines that qualify for of the plant. On the leaves, these waxes Abies pinsapo ‘Glauca’. With its bearing silver to blue-white needles, are usually more abundant on the lower spirally-arranged, short leaves, this fir from the familiar Pinus strobus of the Cupressus arizonica ‘Silver Smoke’ leaf surface, but because of mutation sets an elegant stage in any setting. eastern U.S. to the much lesser-known or variation within or among natural Recent medium-term (10 years and digger pine (Pinus sabiniana) of the far Pinus parviflora ‘Adcock’s Dwarf’. Both populations, individuals with waxy counting) grafting studies have even western U.S. and Mexico with its classic are white pines, bearing needles in fives, upper leaf surfaces can be found. Such is shown that Abies pinsapo can be grafted long, grayed-green needles. Two pines and both are Asian species in origin. the case with Abies concolor ‘Candi - onto A. firma rootstocks, thereby allow - impressive for their adaptability and gar - Guangdong pine (Pinus kwangtungensis) cans’, a cultivar selected for its ing for successful cultivation and den merits are Pinus kwangtungensis and is native only to the southernmost exceptionally gray-white leaves. Less survival in warm climate areas such as provinces of China, and yet has grown commonly in conifers, silver color can the southeastern U.S., and in areas with for years in the relatively much colder be caused by light reflective and refrac - poorly draining soils such as the lower climates of Oregon and the southeastern tive qualities of the foliage or stems, or Midwest. U.S. Its short, recurved, brightly-blue- due to the presence of hairs or scales striped needles, often appearing along the along the leaves. These factors which Here, then, is presented a short list branches in tuft-like clusters, are attrac - bring about silver coloration in conifers of interesting conifers with silver tive and noticeable from far away. Like - are almost always an adaptive response or quasi-silver-blue leaves for wise, ‘Adcock’s Dwarf’, an exceptional by plants to drought or desiccation stress selection of Japanese white pine, is dis - during the summer and/or winter your consideration in perfecting tinguished by its very short needles and months. If one studies natural popula - your landscaping scheme. dense, congested growth form and plant tions of a given species, the degree of habit. Thriving throughout much of the silver color generally increases in travel - U.S., ‘Adcock’s Dwarf’ is a pine that ing from a less (water) stressful to a Of course, when it comes to silver- should be better known in gardens. more stressful habitat. Thus, the coastal blue, the cultivars of Colorado spruce Wrapping up the pine family, one Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. (Picea pungens) are king. Even though would be remiss in not mentioning the menziesii) with its elegant emerald- native populations consist mostly of Pinus kwangtungensis true cedars (Cedrus) . Two relatively green leaves transitions into the interior green-leaved trees, many silver- to blue-

10 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 11 recently introduced cultivars of Cedrus ‘Silver Mist’, a silver-gray-leaved form upright, pyramidal evergreens bear strik - deodara with very good silver-blue fo - of the familiar shore juniper, has ing silver-blue to powder-blue foliage liage color are worth noting – ‘Glacier especially pleased me. This clone and they are all not easily found in culti - Blue’ and ‘Bush’s Electra’ (or ‘Electra’). originated in Japan and exhibits a more vation. ‘Glacier Blue’ is a superb, small-statured restrained growth rate; but, unlike other Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yaku’ is a cultivar exhibiting a somewhat spreading shore juniper cultivars, it must be given blue-white form of the Japanese cedar. habit, yet still bearing the classic pendant full sun conditions throughout its life or This clone hails from the southern Japan - branch tips of the species. ‘Bush’s Elec - plants will decline severely. Lastly, the ese island of Yakushima, where, tra’, on the other hand, exhibits orthodox silver eastern redcedar, Juniperus virgini - evidently, the native populations of this upright growth habit with a narrow ana ‘Glauca’, is an old cultivar of a species typically bear this unusual foliage pyramidal form in youth. However, familiar eastern North American tree, but coloration (possibly as an adaptive re - unlike other Deodar cedars, ‘Bush’s is still poorly known. Although old plants sponse to Yakushima’s warmer climate). Electra’ is very densely branched with can occasionally be found in arboreta, ‘Yaku’ is the most brightly blue-white young plants filling in much more this plant is not widely cultivated. It is as colored cultivar of any Cryptomeria quickly than do seedling plants. In many adaptable as the species and deserves to japonica , much more colorful than ways, ‘Bush’s Electra’ is like an im - be more widely planted. ‘Tarheel Blue’. In North Carolina, ‘Yaku’ proved form of ‘Compacta’. Both ‘Glac - The final trio of silver conifers in this has erroneously been called ‘Tony’s ier Blue’ and ‘Bush’s Electra’ have article includes members of the former Blue’. Cunninghamia lanceolata ‘Samu - striking silver-blue foliage. Taxodiaceae (the baldcypress family), rai’, originating in Tennessee, bears In the cypress family, Arizona cy - Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Glauca’ now all included in the Cupressaceae [the sharply-pointed, bright silver-blue fo - press (Cupressus arizonica) stands out (true) cypress family]: Cryptomeria liage, a mature plant standing out as a immediately for its bright silver-gray fo - japonica ‘Yaku’, Cunninghamia lanceo - beautiful beacon in any landscape. It is presses (Chamaecyparis) is Austrocedrus liage. Two cultivars that have proven lata ‘Samurai’, and Sequoiadendron gi - believed to be hardier than the similarly chilensis , the Chilean incense-cedar. This their worth over time in the humid and ganteum ‘Hazel Smith’. All three of these appearing Cunninghamia lanceolata fabulous and underappreciated conifer wet southeastern U.S. are ‘Carolina Sap - bears elegant silver-white to whitened- phire’ and ‘Silver Smoke’. Although in green markings on both the upper and color both are similar (with ‘Silver lower leaf surfaces. With a minimal Smoke’ being slightly more silver-gray), breeze, the movement of the branchlets ‘Carolina Sapphire’ develops a broad- creates a shimmering effect. As long as a oval canopy in time while ‘Silver well-drained site is provided, this ever - Smoke’ remains more columnar. Similar green has proven itself hardy at tempera - in foliage color to both of these Arizona tures near 0°F. cypresses is Chamaecyparis thyoides There are many, many junipers that ‘Glauca’, the blue Atlantic white-cedar. qualify for bearing silver or blue-silver Although many clones and cultivars of foliage, among them Juniperus deppeana Atlantic white-cedar have proven to be ‘McPhetter’ (a brilliantly blue form of the disappointingly short-lived in cultivation alligator juniper); Juniperus scopulorum (in clayey soils), ‘Glauca’ survives and ‘Wichita Blue’ (a smaller-sized, and in - thrives better than most. It also has more tensely silver-blue-leaved cultivar of color interest, owing to the glaucous Rocky Mountain juniper); Juniperus × waxy coating on its scale leaves. A pfitzeriana ‘Blue Vase’ (a Pfitzer-type Southern Hemisphere relative of the true juniper of the brightest blue-gray color); cypresses (Cupressus) and false cy - Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yaku’ Sequoiadendron giganteum ‘Hazel Smith’ and many others. Juniperus conferta

12 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 13 ‘Glauca’. Lastly, Sequoiadendron gigan - teum ‘Hazel Smith’ is a smoky-gray se - lection of the Sierra redwood; its brightly The Jean Iseli Me mo ri al Award colored scale leaves standing in stark APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED contrast to the usual somber green color The Conifer Society, which supports the development, con ser va tion and propaga - of the species. tion of conifers with an emphasis on dwarf or un usu al varieties, awards a $1,500 This concludes your tour of sterling grant to a public garden, arboretum or horticultural institution. silver-colored conifers to be considered The award was established in 1986 in honor of the memory of plantsman Jean in your landscape or garden scheme, any 2006 is our 60 th year in Iseli of Boring, Oregon. Jean Iseli was an ACS founder and conifer propagator. one of which will surely make it shine. business. We offer dwarf Proposals must contain the following: and unusual conifers and a. Name, full address, and phone number of the applicant/institution About the author: Todd Lasseigne, an Japanese maples from small b. Brief description of how the ACS funds would be used ACS member, is Executive Director of to specimen sizes. c. List of plant materials (if the request involves conifer purchases) the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden in When the snow flies, we make d. Budget North Carolina. He earned his master’s custom plant labels by order. e. Short overview of mission statement or horticultural background degree at the University of Georgia, stud - of your institution ied abroad in the U.K. for one year as the 816 Holly Pike Send applications to: Martin McLaren Fellow, and obtained his Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065 doctorate at N.C. State University. Ethan Johnson (717) 486-5142 Formerly assistant director of the JC [email protected] (Microsoft Word documents) www.suncrest-gardens.com Raulston Arboretum at N.C. State, or by regular mail: he now resides in Kernersville, North c/o The Holden Arboretum Carolina. He has written articles for Fine 9500 Sperry Road Gardening magazine, Nursery Notes, and Kirtland, OH 44094 NM Pro. Applications must be received by June 1, 2007 Ethan Johnson chairs a three-person committee that reviews ap pli ca tions and makes its recommendation to the ACS Board of Directors at the annual summer meeting. Announcements of the award recipient will be made by August 1, 2007.

41370 SE Thomas Road • Sandy, OR 97055 503.668.5834 phone/fax EMAIL : [email protected] www.porterhowse.com

14 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 15 Small Gets Big plan on which they can elaborate is a and 3m (10 feet) in diameter. Planted 40 great help and a good solution for long- years ago. by J.R.P. van Hoey Smith term management. Pinus sylvestris ‘Watereri’ was he owners of a small garden and the He was owner of the estate Muskau, situ - Garden architects often plan on the planted 60 years ago. Its height now is curator of an arboretum have the ated on both sides of the river Oder, now short term in order to generate immediate 4m (13 feet), its diameter, 7m (23 feet). Tsame problem: “Where to plant what?” the border between Germany and Poland. success. Very often, they do not know the One can walk under and admire its beau - This is one of the most interesting and in - Beyond his own park, he also developed plants they work with and how these be - tiful orange bark. formative facets. The expression, “One is several other parks including Branitz to have in the future. They are not assisted never too old to learn” is very relative. which he moved after selling Muskau. In when nurserymen do not give advice These are only some examples. Unexpected problems, not foreseen, al - practice, this means that if two trees against buying a certain plant. ways have to be countered. touch each other, after ten years, you Below are some plants with which I About the author: J.R.P. van Hoey Smith Everywhere in our society, some have two half-trees as the other halves have experience in the Arboretum is a lifetime member of the ACS. Consid - form of advice or guidelines can be given are dead, owing to not enough light. I Trompenburg in Rotterdam. For their ul - ered as one of the world’s authorities on which mostly are learned in the practice. prefer one whole to two halves! timate size, they were planted too closely conifers, he is co-author of CONIFERS Often, even following this advice or or too near a path. Cutting or pruning THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA, these guidelines, mistakes are made and Mistakes are made and one only back is then the solution. Both ways can Volumes 1 and 2. His awards include: one only later realizes that wrong esti - later realizes that wrong estimates be ugly and painful. Pruning conifers is The Laurens Medal, the Vetch Memorial especially difficult. All of these were sold Medal in Gold and the ACS Award of mates were made. were made When showing individuals or groups as “suitable for rock garden or trough”. Merit for Development in the Field of around, many times the following ques - Mostly, the sellers are not familiar with Conifers in 2005. Upon acceptance of the the properties of the plants; it is not done ACS award, he quoted Marten Luther: “If tion I have to face: “The arboretum is so Before and after gaining much expe - beautiful but what is your system of man - intentionally. Moreover, on poor sand, I know I will die tomorrow, today I will rience, we realize that we know not they keep their intended form more easily plant a tree!” agement?” I always answer that I have no enough. Mistakes are made but they have system at all, only guidelines. I am in than when they are planted in rich soil. to be repaired. This can be achieved by Cryptomeria japonica ‘Vilmorini - shipping and I only have seen the inside cutting or transplanting. As a matter of of a university when giving a lecture. The ana’ should be suitable for a trough. After fact, planting is always done too closely. 30 years, the height is 1.80m (6 feet) and Contact the Editor guidelines are: I do so, too, realizing that transplanting 1. I always mix, as much as possible, it is 2.5m (8 feet) wide. Standing too should be done in the future. Please address all editorial and evergreens and deciduous plants in close to a path, it should be replaced as Even the most prominent dendrolo - pruning is nearly impossible owing to its advertising materials to: order to have a beautiful garden also gist sometimes gambles, not always cor - in winter. compact habit. rectly estimating how big a plant will Evelyn Cox 2. I look carefully at the combination Juniperus communis ‘Hornibrookii’, grow. Once the Dutch most knowledge - 342 North Main Street of colors. Two different shades of bought as a dwarf. After 30 years, it is able dendrologist S.C.A. Doorenbos saw Suite 202 pink, especially with rhododen - 60cm (2 feet) high but the spread is 6m 1,500 different conifers on one hectare (20 feet)! I have to prune it for keeping Alpharetta, GA 30004 drons, should never be planted next (2.5 acres) and this he called “the to each other. the path open and saving its neighbors. owner’s stamp collection”. Pinus parviflora ‘Adcock’s Dwarf’. (770) 663-7576 3. The vistas should be kept widely For a park and any arboretum, it is open. Sold as suitable for a trough it is now necessary to plan on the long term. It 1.20m (4 feet) high and the diameter is [email protected] 4. “The axe is my paintbrush, now the should be nice for following generations chainsaw is my paintbrush.” 1.60m (5 feet). and money for transplanting is often Pinus sylvestris Beauvronensis’, The expression in 4. above originates missing. The next generation is mostly from Duke Puckler, the famous German everywhere thought to be a compact less knowledgeable and is not aware of dwarf – here measures 2m (6.5 feet) high landscape architect from around 1900. the history. There, making a good basic

16 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 17 SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND IMAGES TO THE Seed Exchange Program CONIFER QUARTERLY

Articles - Text file formats After a brief hiatus, we are pleased to announce that the Seed The reason for this 900-pixel lower limit Exchange Program is back in full swing. As was announced in is that a 900-pixel wide image printed at the Spring 2006 edition, Mr. Wayne Jope has graciously agreed Three acceptable file formats are Mi - the industry-standard resolution of 300 to step up to the plate and administer this program. Over the crosoft Word (.doc), Text (.txt) or Rich pixels per inch (ppi) can be printed no Text Format (.rtf). If you use WordPer - years this program has served as a real member benefit for larger than 3 inches wide (900 fect, the article must be saved as text those wishing to obtain seed of rare and unusual species at a pixels/inch divided by 300 pixels equals (.txt) prior to submission. If you cannot 3 inches) . Front cover shots are typically very low cost. This is made possible through the generous con - submit your article electronically , mail 4.5 inches wide. If you used a low-reso - tributions of a number of individuals and institutions that take your typed, double-spaced pages to the lution camera setting to save memory the time to collect, catalog and then send us the seeds. editor . If you do not communicate elec - when you took the picture, it cannot be tronically, allow time for the editing artificially enhanced. The numbers To obtain a form that you may use to order the seeds go to the process to be accomplished through the can be changed but the quality will not ACS website www.conifersociety.org. postal system. Please consider looking increase. at future themes and submitting your ar - ticle well in advance. In general, images selected for the On a related note, please keep the following guidelines in mind: Photos and other Image formats covers will be published in color, while images used on interior pages will be Seed cleaning - all seed should be cleaned before being published in black and white. The editor sent to the Chairperson. Every article can benefit from a great will make every effort to return original picture. Professional quality slides can slides and drawings to the sender Seed Chairperson is not responsible for seed viability now be converted to a computer disk at and viability testing will not be done through this pro - via First Class Mail after the issue is your local photo shop. Original sketches published. However, the American gram and drawings, when appropriate to the Conifer Society cannot be responsible Seed Chairperson is not responsible for taxonomic subject matter can be mailed for scan - for materials lost during shipping. verification ning by our production team. High-qual - Digital media such as CDs will not be ity digital images can be accepted as returned unless specifically requested e-mail attachments in Photoshop (.psd), within three months after publication. Please forward all donations as well as questions to Wayne at: TIFF (.tif) or JPEG (.jpg) formats. JPEG is preferred. ACS Seed Exchange IMPORTANT – Digital image resolu - tion guidelines: c/o Great Hill Hort Foundation Contributors should 137 Kensington Rd verify the pixel resolution of each image Hampton Falls, NH 03844 before submission. No image less than e-mail [email protected] or fax (603) 929-1810. 900 pixels wide can be considered. A pixel width of 1200 or more is preferred . Keep in mind that pixels will be lost if excess background area must be cropped out.

18 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 19 Made for Each Other hold?” Book review by Tom Cox I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to broaden his or her knowledge of pines, particularly re - his book review comes about in a areas of the Northern Hemisphere and garding how certain ones are inter - somewhat circuitous manner. Sev - "is the majority condition among the twined with the existence of other plant Teral months ago, my good friend and world's so-called soft pines". Unlike and animal life. At slightly under 150 fellow conifer enthusiast (nut), Jody most pine species, these pines’ cones do pages, it's an easy read, and for the most Karlin donated a 6' (20m) Pinus albi - not open up as part of the reproductive part, non-technical. I think it would also caulis (whitebark pine) to our arbore - process. Instead, they rely on specific be appropriate for children as you look tum. Not being familiar with the birds to release the seed. In the case of to pique their interest in nature and il - species, I began some research. While the Clark's Nutcracker, the birds shred lustrate the importance of mutualistic this review is not about P. albicaulis; I the cones with their bills and then bury relationships. shall inform you that being a timberline them in the ground. Some are later tree native to high altitude areas of eaten, and those that are left germinate Western North America, it did not the next year. survive long in the heat and humidity of Mr. Lanner also develops the Clark’s Nutcracker Georgia. further interdependence of plant and All was not lost, as my studies led animal life. One such example is the me to a most interesting book written by Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) . Ronald M. Lanner titled Made for Each Following the growth of the P. albi - Other - A Symbiosis of Birds and Pines. caulis seedlings, various spruce also The premise of the book is that start to appear. Since they prefer some "some trees and birds are made for each shade for proper growth, they start life other" and that certain pines are unable in the shadows of P. albicaulis and then to reproduce without the help of partic - their presence encourages other ular birds. In the case of P. albicaulis it plant life. Fascinating how the chain is the Clark's Nutcracker. Mr. Lanner lengthens. tells us that the nutcracker “cannot raise The author devotes an entire its young in these habitats without feed - chapter to the genus Pinus , offering ing them the nutritious seeds of the some interesting tidbits, particularly on whitebark pine.” By this mutual inter - the Pinyon pines. This chapter is an play, a symbiotic or mutualistic relation - excellent follow-up to the summer ship is created. The author points out edition of the Conifer Quarterly that that “in playing out their roles these featured pines. partners change the landscape. The The premise that certain pines 66 Jackson Lane, Bethlehem, CT 06751 environment they create provides life's and bird species may have co-evolved necessities to many other plants and an - is thought provoking. In the end, the imals. Working in concert, Clark's Nut - author examines long-term conse - cracker and the whitebark pine build quences of the destruction of the pine Owners: Dennis and Mary Lou Dodge Phone/Fax 203.266.7783 ecosystems.” forest on the entire ecosystem and asks, www.bethlehemnursery.com [email protected] This same incredible phenomenon “If so, has it happened more than once? is repeated throughout certain other Does it continue? What does the future

20 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 21 Learning to Landscape with Conifers Buxus microphylla ‘Wintergreen’ 2 a local hardware store and mulch with Hibiscus syriacus 3 in 1 (red, white, fine pine bark where the slope isn’t too (How I Contracted Addicted Conifer Syndrome) blue) steep. by Terri Park Hosta ‘Birchwood Parky’s Blue’ That’s the research that started the Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Sungold’ Addicted Conifer Syndrome. An article t was autumn 1994 and I was presi - The total planting area was approx - Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’ about free-form beds of conifers in Fine dent of my neighborhood association imately 15 feet x 65 feet. I developed a Juniperus communis ‘Jackii’ Gardening gave it another nudge. Iwith my finger on the pulse of new de - list of possible plants that would grow in Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Pygmaea We then joined the American Conifer velopment in our previously rural area. our Zone 5 and threw in a few flowering Chimo Hiba’ Society from that article and attended Our northern Indianapolis suburb was shrubs for a bit of color interest. I had al - Juniperus sp . (unknown from Dawes the National Meeting in Chicago in feeling the pinch of the city creeping ready learned that a monoculture hedge arboretum - has yellow tips.) 1997. After meeting so many nice into our area. There were new subdivi - was not the correct path, and wanted to Chrysanthemum sp. ‘Rust Cushion’ people, we were hooked! sions planned for both ends of our rural design a random pattern repeat with Thuja occidentalis ‘Holmstrup’ We’ve since removed an entire county road and anticipated traffic flow much variety and a more natural look Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ apple orchard of 24 trees and fruit-bear - in the hundreds per day. We had previ - than the traditional “formal hedge.” My Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Elf’ ing vines and shrubs that required high ously enjoyed knowing who owned instincts told me that I didn’t have a for - Juniperus chinensis ‘Plumosa Aurea’ maintenance, enlarging our conifer every car that passed our house. Change mal house (rural farmhouse) so I Acer griseum collection to cover about three acres of was coming with a vengeance, and I shouldn’t have a formal hedge (mono - Ilex glabra ‘Densa’ our nearly four acre plot. Among them needed to design a living screen from culture and boring). So, as a do-it-your - Heuchera ‘Splendens’ are other rare and unusual trees and traffic. selfer, I applied a little drafting Picea pungens ‘Iseli Fastigiate’ shrubs that will grow in our area, I began that winter researching knowledge to the projected plant size at Hosta ‘Blue Betty Lou’ accompanied by a modest number of evergreen woody shrubs and trees of in - 15 years and came up with a landscape Hemerocallis ‘Chicago Princess’ sun and shade perennials dotted in terest. I didn’t want to hide the entire plan. This was virgin territory for me. Hemerocallis ‘Song of Praise’ between as color complements. house from the road, but did want a My plant lists were limited to the Variety is achieved through change What started out as a defense chest-high sight blockage of the cars run-of-the-mill plants available in nurs - of texture, color, and shape, even though against urbanization turned into an going past in ten years time. We have a eries at the time plus a few that I most of the shrubs are in the same height extreme love for conifers for their year- 100-year-old home and it sits only 40 searched to find. I started with a plan range 11 years later. Some of the earlier round beauty and low maintenance. feet from the right of way. Our four that zigzagged plants in a mixed border. deciduous blooming shrubs have been Weighing beauty and effort, conifers are acres provided a buffer from the other Some of the original plants have now replaced by ACS auction plant acquisi - a lot of bang for the buck, and they sides, but the proximity of the road was been removed and replaced with more tions and I had a couple more Thuja oc - can be enjoyed in the five drab months the problem. Half of our 280 feet of desirable conifers. After ten years, the cidentalis ‘Little Giant’ that did not from November to March. We’re truly frontage, was already planted in Tsuga plants are in this order: withstand the snowplow’s load and be - addicted! canadensis as a natural hedge. My Hosta ‘Glory’ came disfigured. These were replaced husband Jay and I picked up any book Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ by better conifers. The Hydrangea About the author: Terri and Jay Park from the hardware and garden stores Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’, Cotoneaster have been members of the ACS since that contained “evergreen” information Taxus X media ‘Densiformis’ divaricata, and Rhodendron ‘Purple 1997. Regional meetings are a favorite because we wanted all-year screening Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’ Gem’ were moved or replaced. The part of their conifer-collecting hobby from traffic. Thuja occidentalis ‘Holmstrup’ Nikko Blue hydrangea (which turns because visiting other collectors’ gar - Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ Change was coming with a pink in alkaline soil and blue in acid dens always provides inspiration in Thuja occidentalis ‘Recurva Nana’ soil) originally served as my “acidity plant material and design and other vengeance, and I needed to Taxus X media ‘Densiformis’ index” plant to tell me if I’d added members become friends. design a living screen Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot's Spire’ enough sulfur under the hardwood Clematis ‘Niobe’ from traffic. mulch to change our neutral Indiana Thuja occidentalis ‘Little Giant’ clay. I’ve since located a pH meter from

22 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 23 Collectors Conifer of the Year Picea omorika ‘Pendula Bruns’ “Elegant” and “graceful” are two descriptive terms that come to mind when view - he Collectors Conifer of the Year committee is delighted to announce this year’s ing this narrow upright form of Serbian Spruce. The many short branches, laden two winning selections for the Collectors Conifer of the Year! One is a charm - with numerous bi-colored needles, hang and overlay one another on this narrow Ting dwarf golden spruce that the committee thinks is one of the most exciting dis - skyward growing tree. This stately conifer, whether staked and trained as a slender coveries of recent times; the other is an oddly interesting slow-growing columnar spire, or allowed to develop individual character by permitting its leader to meander spruce with a pronounced weeping habit. Both are now available and are being of - gracefully as it ascends, is sure to become an ele - fered for sale exclusively to members of the American Conifer Society. gant focal point in the garden. Growing slowly

when young, it soon develops like an exclamation y r e s

mark. It is at its best when combined with low r

Our plants, grown for us by a select group of Oregon growers who specialize in u N

i conifer production, are shipped to you in a dormant condition in early to mid- growing summer perennials or dwarf shrubs, such l e s I as heathers or heaths. It was first introduced by March. With a USDA hardiness rating of zone 4, both spruces should be adaptable f o

Bruns Nursery of Germany in 1955 and, only re - y to most areas of the United States where conifers are commonly grown. Both plants s e t cently, has this fine selection become available to r come with a conditional one-year/one-time replacement guarantee. Plants will be u o c

shipped to you via UPS ground transportation where they can be planted immedi - American gardeners. The Serbian spruce is re - , h t garded by many to be the most beautiful spruce i ately or maintained outdoors in a protected place until the ground can be worked. m S

.

species, and ‘Pendula Bruns’ is, perhaps, the finest C

l l of all the Picea omorika selections. a All plants offered in the Collectors Conifer of the Year program will be accompa - d n a

nied by our beautifully designed plant label created exclusively for the American R Conifer Society. This unique, 30 pt. anodized-aluminum tag with its photo-etched information permanently engraved identifies each plant with its botanical name, the year of its selection, and certification that it is a designee of the American Conifer Picea orientalis ‘Tom Thumb’ Society Collectors Conifer of the Year program. Like P.T. Barnum’s General Tom Thumb, a diminutive curiosity, this Golden Gem of oriental spruce is a wonder to display. It was originally found as a baseball sized The purpose of the Collectors Conifer of the Year program is to make conifer rari - witches’ broom in Nyack, New York on the upright golden form of oriental spruce ties available for purchase by our membership that are not ordinarily found through named ‘Skylands’. ‘Tom Thumb’ grows to a dense, low mound with radiating tiny normal conifer-supply channels. Very often, plants that have high value to collectors twigs bearing numerous short bright golden-yellow needles at the outer tips. The do not enjoy mass appeal, and are consequently produced in only nominal amounts. shaded interior foliage of the cushion is lime-green, creating a pleasing contrast to The selection committee’s objective is to identify plants that would be of interest to the bright golden-yellow outer color. ‘Tom Thumb’ is ideal for the small, intimate conifer collectors, then have them produced in sufficient quantities so that everyone garden setting like the rock garden, miniature railroad garden, trough display, or in the Society may enjoy them. The proceeds from this endeavor will go towards individual decorative pot. This very special golden miniature spruce has been y

r coveted by conifer collectors since

fulfilling the mission of the Society, which is to educate the public in the apprecia - e s r

tion and enjoyment of conifers, attract new members, and provide services such as u its discovery about 20 years ago, N

i l and this offering of 250 five-year-old the Collectors Conifer of the Year program that add value associated with member - e s I

f plants is the largest single crop

ship in the Society. o

y

s release to date. Every collector will e t r

u want to have this Golden Nugget

Enclosed with your Conifer Quarterly is your 2007 Collectors Conifer of the Year o c

, nestled in his or her garden treasure information and ordering packet. Please indulge yourself by welcoming these exqui - h t i

m chest.

site new plants into your garden, and at the same time, assist the Society in fulfilling S

. C

l

its worthy mission! l a d n a R

24 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 25 information that people tell me they to collectors), but under -used plants, Some Advice We Give Our Clients have heard or read. I explain what the along with a general description for my old -timers taught me, “When you plant area. The description may vary in your by Dave Dannaher them low, they never grow.” Planting in area. clay soils requires a good soil prep, then planting at , or a little higher than , Pinus mugo ‘Valley Cushion’ y love of gardening and being out - mindset that anyone qualifies as a land - ground level. We use hardwood bark (miniature Mugo pine ): 2 inches doors started at a very early age. scaper . mulch to aid in moisture retention and new growth per year, small dark My father used to tell the story about Our philosophy is that gardening temperature control. When it decom - green needles, a tight 2 -foot plant how, as a tiny toddler in diapers, I would should be fun . I ask people, “Now how poses, it amends the soil. in 12 years that is an excellent per - follow him around the garden with a much fun can it be if you have to keep We stress the importance of regular former. trowel in one hand and a dirt clod in the replacing plants? Sure, you might have and thorough watering . The last water - Pinus sylvestris ‘Beuvronensis’ other! So no one was surprised when I gotten it while you were picking up a ing should be just before it gets cold. In (dwarf globe Scotch pine) : Nice graduated from Ohio State University few items at the grocery, maybe it was central Ohio this is just about the time globe shape. Requires little or no with a degree in landscape horticulture on sale, or maybe it is the latest “fad” the turkey is going into the oven on pruning, grows 4-5 inches per year, and started my own business, Dannaher plant, but sometimes you get what you Thanksgiving. I think it was Mark becomes a 3-4 foot rounded globe Landscaping. pay for!” So we stress proper plant Twain who said,” Common sense ain’t in 10-12 years. One of the first non-college books I selection and plant care. so common” , and he was right. We Picea pungens ‘St. Mary ’ ( minia - purchased , (in 1973) was Manual of have a few clients who think that “regu - ture globe blue spruce): A flat Cultivated Conifers by P. den I found my market niche in lar and thorough watering” doesn’t topped globe that grows about 2 Ouden/Bloom. I was amazed at the in - producing rare and unusual apply to their vacation time or irrigation inches per year, 2 feet in about 10 credible number of plants that were plants. My special interest is systems! years. hardy for our area (central Ohio) but in dwarf conifers. Occasionally, when I travel to other Pinus parviflora ‘Bergman’ were not locally available. Local grow - nurseries, I get to see some new and (Japanese white pine): An upright ers assumed that these plants were too exciting plants that are in production, shrubby form with blue-green “exotic” looking and since there was but not yet released to the public. Call twisted needles, 4-6 inches growth little demand for the unusual plants, Proper plant selection begins by me old-fashioned, but I really believe per year, 4-5 feet in 10 years. there was not a market for them. I soon asking the client about the site - how that you have to grow a plant for several Pinus cembra ‘Silver Sheen’ realized that the only way I was going to much light, how much wind, maximum years before you really know how it is (dwarf Swiss stone pine): Good get some of these plants was to graft and height, soil type, natural boundaries going to perform in your area. This is blue-green needles, nice slow py - bud them myself. I still use my original such as sidewalks, air conditioners , etc. why I tend to use “tried and true” plants ramidal growth, 4-6 inches per hot hut for propagation, but I am con - We always suggest a few evergreens to and save the newest selections for a year, 4-5 feet in 10-12 years. stantly learning and refining my tech - “anchor” the landscape throughout the little “pizzazz” , but never as the main niques, producing about 7,000 grafts seasons. Clients can be easily over - anchors. On my list of new and exciting plants every year. Not bad for a “Mom and whelmed at the number and different Finally, I will share some of my fa - are: Pop” business! types of plant materials from which they vorite “tried and true ” ( though not new Picea abies ‘Perry’s Gold’ (Nor - I found my market niche in produc - can choose. This is where professional way spruce): Lemon yellow new ing rare and unusual plants. My special guidance and advice can be helpful. We I tend to use “tried and true” growth of 2-4 inches per year, ap - interest is in dwarf conifers. Over the stress the added benefits of many dwarf plants and save the newest pears to be a slow pyramid. past 30 years, the nursery industry has conifers - that they require less mainte - selections for a little “pizzazz”, Metasequoia glyptostrobodies changed dramatically in response to nance (watering, pruning and fertilizing) ‘Gold Rush’ (Dawn redwood ): Yel - chain grocery stores incorporating and are very easy to grow. but never as the main anchors. low needles mid to tip of branch, garden centers into their sales and the I am amazed at the amount of mis - chartreuse colored needles where

26 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 27 shaded, fast grower of 2-3 inches Constructing a Southern Landscape per year, a large tree . About the author: Dave Dannaher is an Pinus bungeana ‘Silver Ghost’ ACS member in Galena, Ohio. We with Conifers (lace bark pine): One the finest asked him to share his knowledge of barked trees! Not new to us , but selecting and caring for plants. Text and photos by Kimberly Karlin recently named by Rich Larson of the Dawes Arboretum . bergii ‘Yatsabusa’ soon joined the Cu - Ginkgo biloba ‘Munchkin’ pressus. Jody and I developed favorites, (ginkgo) Dwarf habit 3 feet X 3 The task at hand was to landscape feet’, small dime sized leaves, our new property using something “tough as nails”. Pinus strobus ‘Tiny Curls’ (white other than azaleas and magno - pine): A dwarf selection of con - lias, so common in southern land - torted white pine, after 5 years scapes. ours are just 2 feet high, a very Before landscaping nice plant. n the summer of 1999, a small Holly - from among different genera, of course. Happy Gardening! wood juniper ( Juniperus chinensis He grew to love the Chamaecyparis ob - I‘Torulosa’) was planted in the front of a tusas , and I, the Cedrus deodaras. Both yard filled with mature red oaks and sim - of us enjoy unusual varieties, particularly ple fescue. With its upturned branches dwarfs. We liked the dwarfs because they and deep green foliage, this young tree look as if Gulliver could travel between would soon start an evolution, if not a them, and because you can pack so many revolution, in the Karlin garden. A small of them into a small garden space. step in the effort to beautify our property We have learned some things along would, over the course of six years, lead the way about using conifers here. For in - to many, many, (did I say many?) stance, that full sun in Oregon, where conifers to follow. many of our trees originate, is morning The task at hand was to landscape sun in Conyers, Georgia. Yellow and var - The Conifer Quarterly our new property using something other iegated Chamaecyparis posed a chal - than azaleas and magnolias, so common lenge. Because they have less in southern landscapes. A Cupressus ari - chlorophyll, thus less UV protection, a would like to wish zonica var. glabra was our next conifer balance had to be struck to give these acquisition. The door to the world of plants enough sun for them to keep the Y O U conifers had been opened, and my hus - stunning gold color while not sun- band Jody and I were just peering in. scorching them. This necessity taught us That is, until Jody fell head first into the that most conifers will grow as well in THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAY SEASONS oblivion that is Addicted Conifer Syn - part shade. My favorite, the dwarf, drome. whitish Cedrus deodara ‘Snowsprite’, Having a large strip of full sun area, does very well, and seems drought-toler - we are able to try many conifer cultivars, ant now that it is established. balancing the dwarf bushy forms with Drought conditions, daytime high taller, more open ones. A Pinus thun - temperatures in the 90’s and nighttime

28 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 29 lows in the 70’s, posed another challenge. that challenges both plants and laundry uprights and prostrates by fastigiates to gardeners will learn, as we did, that a We found that all of our trees needed to detergents alike. A successful solution for achieve contrast as well as to demon - unique landscape can be constructed with be watered frequently the first year they us was the creation of raised beds. We strate the many different growth habits of the myriad forms and colors available were planted. After that, they survive have been successful using milled pine conifers. within the world of conifers with only well except during extremely dry periods bark mulch (often augmented with mush - One of the most fun parts of garden - property lines to limit them. We currently when it’s back to frequent watering. room compost), a slow-release fertilizer ing for us is finding the plants. We dis - have over 1200 different species in our There are some genera having few and, occasionally, a hint of michorhiza covered that some of the large garden garden - a testament to the number of species that survive, let alone thrive, even when planting directly into the centers (not to be confused with nurs - choices for a southern landscape. Good here. Abies is a prime example. We cur - clay/soil mixture. eries), occasionally have jewels misla - growing to you all! rently have some Abies koreana ‘Silber - In 2001, our search for more unusual beled, or worse, dying and on clearance. locke’ grafted onto the heat-tolerant plants led us to involvement with the We sometimes find nice plants that were About the author: Kimberly Karlin is a Abies firma root-stock, and are hopeful ACS. This added to our knowledge and, actually mislabeled for sale at a more former labor and delivery nurse now for this newcomer. In Zone 7B, we have of course, our collection of plants. A col - than reasonable price. We look for the assisting her husband with their actually seen some conifers grow faster lector’s garden was born, and a trial gar - “ill” ones in the far back, in what we refer nursery and aquarium business. She is a than their labels indicated, or than the den was conceived. Since then, we have to as the “rehab section”. Many of the regular contributor and compiles our growth we have heard could be expected found and tried species that were either ones we’ve bought were root-bound, and news column. for them within their native habitats. Oth - not well known or not commonly used in suffering from dehydration. Some had a ers, well, “kill and learn” as Jody says. the southeast. The landscape of our own broken branch or leader. Pruned, trans - We also had to deal with poor soil garden changed from areas planned for planted and watered, many of these finds quality. Years of old growth oaks pro - adult trees to beds arranged to show off have become wonderful trees in just a vided nutrient rich top soil; but hidden varied colors and structures in a less-for - couple of years. beneath, was the mineral-laden red clay mal display. Weepers were planted near Conifers are under-used in Georgia because many gardeners do not know that so many of them can tolerate the heat and humidity here. We hope that more Shop our online catalog at: www.girardnurseries.com

Producers of rare and unusual conifers, shrubs, and trees. Originators of the Girard Line of azaleas, rhododendrons, and Ju - niper ʻSaybrook Goldʼ (Pat.#5014).

Visit our retail garden center and gardens.

Girard Nurseries 6839 N. Ridge East P.O. Box 428 Geneva, OH 44041 (440) 466-2881 Fax (440) 466-3999

www.girardnurseries.com The Karlin’s home after 6 years of landscaping with conifers

30 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 31 On Puget Sound Though we had dabbled with Text and photos by Sharon Stanford gardening for many years, the size of this project was daunting. n November of 1999, Ed and I bought a 0.8 acre parcel of land overlooking him to take a look at this new project. IPuget Sound near Olympia, Washington. Dave's vision was to bring in granite It had been completely logged in the 80's, boulders and create a rockery similar to and as tends to be the case with bare that in the Royal Botanic Garden Edin - ground in the Pacific Northwest, had burgh. He said he envisioned that a mix become covered with small alders. When of perennials, small trees, and shrubs the previous owners put the property up would be planted in this area. His vision for sale, they hired a bulldozer to push included a mix of plants that would cre - down all the alders and left them as three ate a rich tapestry of color, texture, and huge slash piles. There was no vegetation form throughout the year without being worthy of retention for a residential dependent on bloom. Of course, the garden, only weeds and more weeds. backbone would be based on conifers. We liked Dave's overall vision, so he said the next step was to arrange for a day when we could meet him at the Safeway parking lot in Sandy, Oregon. We could then follow him to see his friend Don Howse. Little did we know that this was fluttering on 20 more specimens in Don's We have a sign on the wall of our the first step on a journey that might one growing field, to be dug and moved when garage. It says, "When does it become an day require a 12- step program! dormant. We were hooked. Obsession?" We may be candidates for a Six hours later, our heads were From that day, our journey has led us 12-step program, but we aren't ready to buzzing from the wealth of information on a quest to learn more about conifers go yet. that Don shared with us. Roughly 75 and find more ways to integrate them into We had a vision for a house to go on conifers were carefully stowed in the our landscape. Our quest for more About the author: Sharon Stanford and this property and moved forward with back of our mini-van and in the back of knowledge led us to join the American her husband Ed are members of ACS. construction. Then, in the spring of 2000 Dave's pick-up truck plus ribbons were Conifer Society and meet many wonder - as construction was nearing completion, ful people who are so willing to share we turned our attention toward creating a their knowledge and love of conifers. landscape to surround our home. Though we had dabbled with gardening for many years, the size of this project was daunt - ing. We didn't really know where to begin but knew that we needed help. That's where our good friend Dave Baird, owner of Fairie Gardens in Tumwater, Washington came in. We had asked for his advice on our previous gar - den and were very pleased with those re - sults, so the logical first step was to invite

32 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 33 ACS National Meeting Knoxville, June 2006 uals and also their collections, telling Carolina silverbell, sassafras, bass - us many interesting stories to accom - wood, hickory, mountain maples, A Westerner’s Perspective pany the photos. He also employed sugar maples, chestnut oak, sour - by Don Howse recorded music during the presenta - wood, American beech, and yellow tion. This is a wonderful historic ac - birch. At higher elevations, we ob - count of conifer collectors and served flowering Rhdodendron he people of the Southeastern the plants for the auction. Again, collections during the past century catawbiens along the roadside. This Region - specifically the folks in there were far more donations than which should be archived. Hopefully, was a very diverse and rich forest. Tand around Knoxville - worked very the meeting planners had anticipated. it can be made available for educa - hard and put together a superb 2006 The selection of unusual conifers was tional purposes. Several members Unfortunately, the hemlocks are National meeting. For those of you superb. They were all inventoried and also presented short programs about being attacked and killed by the hem - who were unable to attend, you labeled, then set on tables around the their particular interests. Susan Mar - lock woolly adelgid which, as we missed a fine opportunity to see perimeter of the dining room. With tin’s presentation about the Wollemi know, has become a problem unique gardens, beautifully displayed lots of help, the work was much eas - pine and its introduction into the throughout much of the native hem - plants, the beautiful Great Smoky ier, and we all had a good time look - United States generated much inter - lock forests in North America. Even - Mountains, and the opportunity to ing over and discussing the fine est from the audience. tually, we entered the spruce-fir forest share those sites with fellow conifer selection of conifers. as we approached the spine of the and plant enthusiasts. Mostly, you After breakfast the next morning, mountain range. At Newfound Gap, missed a very generous portion of As evening arrived, we enjoyed we all boarded coaches and headed with an elevation of 5,064 feet, we southern hospitality. the opportunity to renew old friend - for Great Smoky Mountains National had broad vistas out over the forest ships and also make new ones. There Park. Upon entering the park, we lands of both Tennessee and North We gathered at the Crowne Plaza were many new faces this year in at - stopped at Sugarlands Visitor Center Carolina. Fir trees ( Abies fraseri ) had Hotel in downtown Knoxville on tendance, and sadly, the absence of where a volunteer docent came become apparent on the slopes. We Thursday afternoon, June 15. The many who had attended previous aboard each bus to act as a guide as continued to climb to Clingman’s hotel was conveniently located near years. Approximately 110 members we drove on up into the park. The Dome at 6,643 feet elevation. the old historic district of Knoxville and spouses attended this year’s na - highway climbed through rich forests with many opportunities to enjoy tional meeting. After a nice light buf - of numerous deciduous trees and The coaches halted at the visitor good food and libations. Market fet dinner, we enjoyed the keynote shrubs and some conifers. On the parking area and let us all out. The square was only a couple of city presentation by Bob Fincham, of lower slopes, oaks and pines ( Quer - blocks from the hotel where, during Eatonville, Washington. Bob had put cus sp. and Pinus sp. ) are common. that first evening, free entertainment together a PowerPoint presentation Among the pines are Pinus echinata, was being performed on an erected titled “The History of Conifer Culti - Pinus pungens, Pinus rigida, Pinus stage. vars since 1932”. The program was strobus, and Pinus virginiana . As we about conifer collecting and the col - gained elevation, the pines were re - The Crowne Plaza was very lectors in America during the twenti - placed by Canadian Hemlocks comfortable and the staff did a fine eth century and up to present. This (Tsuga canadensis ). These were tall job feeding us and attending to our was a fine presentation recalling the and erect. Numerous deciduous needs. The hotel was a good choice many names we have heard about species were growing among the for the meeting. As people arrived, during each of the decades since the pines and hemlocks. Some that we The steep, paved trail to Clingman’s Dome we all pitched in and helped set up 1930’s. He showed photos of individ - observed included Magnolia fraseri ,

34 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 35 number of dead fir trees was astound - Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Here we had a ing and we learned about the damage fine lunch at the Park Vista Hotel on done by the imported balsam woolly a hilltop overlooking the city. After adelgid. This insect has decimated lunch, we returned to Knoxville and the mature fir forests on these high the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where we mountain slopes. Young trees not af - could rest and freshen up for the fected by the adelgid were growing evening activities. among the many dead trees - appear - ing like erect, silver-bleached skele - When I arrived in the dining tons. Unfortunately, the many smaller room, the members had re-gathered trees will become hosts to the adel - for the social hour. With drinks in gid. As the trees grow older, they will hand, they were milling about and develop a rough bark where the adel - marking the sheets for the items on gid can live, sucking the energy and the silent auction. The selection of life from the maturing trees. plants was outstanding, and there was plenty for all. There was a nice selec - The Gardens of Ruth and Bill Pardue We all hiked up the steep, paved tion of plants in the raffle, too, and trail to the watch tower erected at the tickets were being sold at this time. summit of Clingman’s Dome. From Prior to dinner, the members repre - the finest and largest private collec - and we raised nearly $10,000 for the there we had terrific vistas and could senting the Western Region made a tion of wild animals in a private re - good works of the Society. appreciate the beauty of the Great PowerPoint presentation about next serve in the USA. Telling many Smoky Mountains. The humid air in year’s (2007) National Meeting in humorous stories as he spoke extem - After another fine breakfast on the lower valleys causes the “Smoky” Washington State, near Seattle, and poraneously, he delighted us with his Saturday, we all gathered for the An - effect, and the distance one can see is the planned post-conference bus tour humor, knowledge, and many fine nual Business Meeting. Beside the limited, even on clear, sunny days. to Puget Sound and the Olympic photographs of his operation. We usual details of financial reports and The famed Appalachian Trail crossed Peninsula. thoroughly enjoyed this presentation. exchanging the gavel of leadership, our path at the summit, and some we had the pleasure of learning of the folks meandered short distances into The Silent Auction closed, and The evening ended with a lively recipients of the merit awards. As I the surrounding woods. Beside the fir we sat down to a very nice served verbal auction, with Ridge Goodwin know this information has been re - (Abies fraseri ), there were specimens dinner. Following dinner, we were serving as Grand Auctioneer. In his ported elsewhere, I will leave the de - of red spruce ( Picea rubens ) growing treated to a slide program by Don suave manner, Ridge did a fine job tails for your perusal there. at this elevation. These trees repre - Shadow of Shadow Nursery in Win - sent the most southern extent of the chester, Tennessee. He is renowned After the Annual Meeting, we range of Picea rubens . for his selections and collection of again boarded our coaches and deciduous trees like dogwoods ( Cor - headed off for a full, hot day of After spending a couple of hours nus sp. ), maples ( Acer sp. ), redbuds garden inspection and fun. The two at this elevation in the bright sunshine (Cercis sp. ), and many others. He has coaches went to separate gardens to and fresh air among the many other taken a keen interest in conifers, es - begin with, and then exchanged tourists, we reboarded our coaches pecially the forms of bald cypress places later in the morning. The The pond in Faye Beck’s garden and descended the park slopes to (Taxodium distichum ). He also has Gardens of Ruth and Bill Pardue are

36 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 37 situated on a shady hillside, adjacent bright yellow specimen of Metase - ested us most was the assemblage of den that we found on a wooded ridge, to a dense forest of southern decidu - quoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’ mature trees that had been part of the with a sweeping view on one side to - ous trees. There is a grand display of that caught the eye of every visitor as old nursery. Old specimens of Cedrus ward the Tennessee River, and even water features, including waterfalls they came around the corner of the libani , and Cedrus atlantica , possibly the mountains in the distance. This is and koi ponds, set off with tons of house. Trough gardens and a rock seedlings, were in a line on the brow one of the finest gardens that I have rock work. The gardens surrounding garden featuring miniature and dwarf of a hill. Nearby was a fine specimen seen created by an individual using their home, feature a broad array of conifers are nicely situated among the of Abies nordmanniana , also a proba - one's own physical labor. Intercon - plant material both herbaceous and flowering perennials. ble seedling. necting pathways, lined with stacked woody, including many conifers. stone walls led to terraces, glades and There is a nice display of trough The two busloads of conifer en - Among deteriorating old lath meadows with babbling brooks, gardens with conifers featured in thusiasts re-gathered at the Knoxville houses and greenhouses were a group seeping walls, water falls, pools, them. Numerous hemlocks ( Tsuga Botanical Gardens and Arboretum. of immense Metasequoia glyp - fountains, and unexpected garden art. canadensis vars.) were featured in the We were ushered into a stone-walled tostroboides , the dawn redwood. One garden. It is a very nicely developed open greenhouse, where box lunches old tree was in decline, but seemed to The artful detail in the garden is a home garden, well worth the visit. and refreshments awaited us. The be the largest and possibly the oldest testimony to a love of hard work and host and docents told us about the in the group. It was speculated that dedication to the unfinished product. The other garden is much newer, history of Howell Nursery, and how the others may have been seedlings Dr. Solomon and his wife Andrea being only a few years old. Faye the old nursery site has been recently from the large specimen, as still Cartwright have every right to be im - Beck has done an outstanding job acquired and was being renovated to smaller seedlings seemed to be grow - mensely proud of what they have cre - creating this complete garden in such become a premier new Botanical ing in the jungle of weeds and vines. ated. Conifers are included in the a short time-span. Among the rock Garden and Arboretum. It is quite A very old form of Picea abies was diverse mix of plants, which also work and water features is an out - near to downtown Knoxville and has growing nearby above a low wall. It contains many species of deciduous standing display of perennials, creat - a grand history, having developed as may have been something like ‘Clan - trees. The back slope and sunken gar - ing a riot of color. Prominent at the a family nursery and farm along with brassiliana’ , or a related dwarf form, dens have a very tropical sense to far corner of the garden is a superb the nearby city. that is now large and anything but them with lush foliage and flowering dwarf. Chamaecyparis obtusa and perennials. The garden is also an art Although the garden also Cryptomeria japonica cultivars gallery where many pieces of bronze, is only a few years into de - were found throughout the old collec - steel, and stone sculpture, some quite velopment, we were all tion of nursery stock. Being a fairly humorous, are permanently dis - amazed at the work already new enterprise, renovating this old played. The use and reuse of falling accomplished. Stacked nursery site is a monumental task, but water is significant to the garden and stone walls, and curious the volunteers and dedicated staff are very pleasant. The amount of dry round stone buildings are doing a fine job, are motivated and it stone wall and walks is amazing, and featured at the site. The will be worthwhile to return and see it Dr. Solomon has laid every single main house, which will be - as it develops. stone. As the afternoon became very come the offices of the warm and humid, we gathered on the Botanical Gardens and Ar - After a short drive we arrived at porch of the house, and enjoyed the boretum, is a beautiful the home of Alan Solomon. We serenity of the site. It was a wonder - structure by itself. Of trudged up a steep driveway and were ful opportunity to relax, walk the So many brilliant minds - so little time. course, the thing that inter - very pleasantly surprised at the gar - trails and paths as we felt able, par -

38 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 39 Give the gift of Conifer Society Member - ship!

Itʼs easy to share the Conifer Societyʼs benefits with a friend. Just copy and mail the form below with your payment by Dec. 10, 2006 , and weʼll send the recipient: ▲ Our Welcome Package that includes information about growing conifers, our organizationʼs activities, and the names of members to contact in that re - gion for local updates. ▲ (or send along your own personalized note A card announcing your gift and we’ll enclose it with the Welcome Package)

▲ Four issues of the Conifer Quarterly , beginning with the Winter 2007 issue in mid-January

CONIFER SOCIETY GIFT MEMBERSHIP ORDER

Your (sender’s) name, address, and phone #: The amount of dry stone wall and walks is amazing, and Dr. Solomon has laid every single stone.

❐ take of their ample refreshments, and final repast together, a blue grass A check or money order for $30 is enclosed (US funds), payable to the Amer. Conifer Soc. ❐ bask in true southern hospitality. band played for us on the lawn. Charge $30 to my Discover / AmEx / Visa / MC (circle one). Mo/Yr expires: ___ / ____

Card# ______Signature ______Our fifth and final stop for I must say the folks of Knoxville the day was at the University of were very warm and friendly, and ______Tennessee display and test gardens made us feel truly welcome. Maud MEMBER’S NAME SECOND MEMBER’S NAME (same household) for plants to be used in mid-southern Henne and her committee did a fine landscapes. Colorful beds of annuals, job putting this meeting together, and ______STREET ADDRESS perennials, shrubs, and trees greeted the members of the Southeastern us as we entered the site. New dis - Region should be very proud of their ______plays of conifers have recently been accomplishment. I was so impressed CITY STATE ZIP CODE COUNTRY added to the collection, and we took I went out and bought a bottle of ______the time to help identify and correct Southern Comfort, which I sip and (AREA CODE) TELEPHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS some of the labeling. A tent had been recall the courteous and warm south - Mail to: American Conifer Society National Office, PO Box 3422, erected where a superb dinner was ern hospitality we all enjoyed. Crofton MD 21114-0422 being catered. While we enjoyed our The American Conifer Society is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership fees listed are those in effect at time of printing and are subject to periodic adjustments.

40 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 41 Conifer News order to seed some natural areas as well for sale to the public. Compiled by Kimberly Karlin

ACS Celebrities garden. The article discussed Gary’s Pine Seedlings in Uganda ACS past presidents Dennis Groh long-term passion for conifers and Don Wild, along with Dr. Frank and some of his conifer recommen - The Monitor of Kampala, Uganda re - Telewski, Professor at Michigan dations along with suggested ported July l about a program organ - State University and Jack Wikle companion plants. ized to help communities begin were filmed at Hidden Lake Gardens private investing in commercial tree discussing conifers and making planting. In October 2005, 10,000 suggestions for taking care of them. More on Wollemi seedlings of Pinus caribaea were planted by the Muzira Society, one of The segment was originally run late A recent article “Coming to your the ten communities being supported last year and has been rerun around Backyard: A Nearly Extinct Tree” by by the Sawlog Production Grant the country on HGTV’s Rebecca’s Bart Ziegler in the September 20 Scheme (SPGS). SPGS provides 8938 Newburg Road Garden. issue of the Wall Street Journal says, grants to commercial tree farmers and Early this year, while Dennis and “The Wollemi pine is so ancient that Rockford, IL 61108 individuals. Over 200 members of the Carole Groh were working in their it may have provided shade and Phone: (81 5) 332-5610 Society planted their own pieces of yard, Dennis got a call on his cell sustenance to the dinosaurs.” While Fax: (81 5) 332-7495 land with the pines, giving them a phone from the local ABC television the focus of the article is about find - E-mail: [email protected] new option for income in addition to affiliate. They had heard about ing rare plants for the garden, it fea - their other jobs. Dennis and Carole’s Japanese maple tures a color photo of the Wollemi in collection and wanted to come out the wild and one in captivity and tells and take a look. The caller arrived us that anyone can have one now More Insects shortly thereafter. From the other from the exclusive U.S. retailer, side of the car a man with a camera National Geographic. The article According to the website Timesleader also appeared. Before Dennis knew also had a list of websites and cata - .com, a diminutive insect that kills it, he was wired for sound. And that logs offering rare and endangered species of pine trees by boring holes is how he appeared on TV in his gar - plants. in the wood has been found in Penn - dening best. The initial footage was sylvania. The sirex wasp, found in shot in summer but the crew Luzerne County and suspected in returned later to add the fabulous fall Dwindling Population Bradford county, is moving south color of the maple collection to the from New York State. The wasp previous footage which has aired The Miami Herald recently covered the dwindling population of the impacts pitch pine, red pine and around the country on HGTV’s Scotch pine. Visit the website Rebecca’s Garden. Pinus elliottii var. densa in Miami- Dade County and the Florida Keys www.timesleader.com to find out The garden of Gary Whitten - more about this pest. baugh, ACS central region past where development is quickly taking president, was featured in an article its toll on these trees. To counteract “A Miniature Masterpiece” in iowa - this, cones are being collected in

42 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 43 ACS Regional News A Dictionary of Conifer Shapes

Central Region Southeast Region Cascading - Generally a horizontal, require staking to the desired height as Gale and Deloris Folkerts hosted the In addition to hosting the National weeping form, e.g., Microcachrys their tendency is to creep e.g., Pinus 7th annual Iowa Rendezvous held in Meeting in Knoxville in June, the tetragona densiflora ‘Pendula’ Reinbeck with 62 people in atten - Southeast Region members continue dance. After a tasty lunch at the host to give talks on conifers to Master Fastigiate - Narrowly upright, colum - Prostrate - Ground creeping habit, pros - garden, four other gardens and one Gardening groups. Knoxville ACS nar, probably won’t become half as trate plants rarely exceed 3’ in height wide as tall, e.g., Cephalotaxus har - Juniperus daviruca ‘Expansa Varie - arboretum were visited. Several new members also have done several pre - ringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ gata’ members were in attendance. In sentations on conifers as has the addition to Iowans, Chub Harper Asheville group. Dave Gommol Globose - Globe like in shape, can be - Pyramidal - Conical habit, typical of brought a group from Illinois. One from Iseli Nursery gave a “Conifer come as wide as tall or often times most conifers and some cultivars e.g., couple came from Nebraska, another 101” presentation on August 25. On more broad than tall, e.g., Picea orien - Cedrus deodara ‘Deep Cove’ from Wisconsin. November 9 the State Botanical talis ‘Bergman’s Gem’ Garden of Georgia will present an Spreading - Horizontal branching, plant all day/all Conifer Symposium for Northeast Region Pendulous - Weeping; will usually will usually be twice as wide as tall at their annual perennial conference. In grow along or close to the ground maturity. Term usually used for plants Over 100 people attended the North - a departure from the usual, this unless staked. Many weeping plants that are larger than 3’ high e.g., Picea east Regional Meeting in September year’s symposium will be devoted to in Hartford, Connecticut. After conifers. This should be a great drenching rains for most of the week occasion to educate the gardening before the meeting began, the skies public on the use of conifers in the cleared and presented the kind of southeast ( http://www.uga.edu/~bot - weather tailor made for garden garden/Events.html#special ). tours. Beautiful gardens, great hospitality and tasty food combined Western Region to make the meeting a roaring As hosts of the 2007 ACS National success. During a brief business THE ENHANCEMENT OF meeting, the new regional president, Meeting, the Western Region is NATURE ’S DEFINITIVE SPACES Larry Nau, was installed. Dennis getting ready for your visit next July. Have you marked your WOLF-RUN Dodge, winner of this year’s ACS NURSERY calendars yet? Award of Merit for Development in LANDSCAPES the Field of Conifers, was presented •RARE AND UNUSUAL PLANTS with a commemorative gift. •EXOTIC CONIFERS Karen & Mark Priebe 610-779-5717 Toll Free 877-779-5715 29 Klappenthal Road Fax 610-779-0555 Reading, PA 19606 E-mail: [email protected] wolfrunnursery.com

44 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 45 East Meets West – The Conifer Artistry Fujitaro and his sons, Tak and Tom , Featured conifers include: rebuilt the landscape business and Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Pendula’ - of Man and Nature began extensive plantings of nursery weeping Douglas fir stock. Many of these nursery areas are Abies grandis - grand fir gardeners who had a dream. He wanted still present today. In the sixties, Fujitaro eading up to our 2007 National Abies lasiocarpa - Alpine fir Meeting in Seattle, Washington, the to display the beauty of the Northwest in placed over 400 tons of stone to create Lnext several issues of the Conifer Quar - a Japanese manner and was soon de - the Mountainside which features water - Abies procera - Noble fir terly will feature some of the gardens signing and installing gardens through - falls, reflection pools, carved stones and Pseudolarix amabilis - golden that will be on tour. The purpose in this out the Seattle area. As his landscaping the plants he had worked with through - larch is to heighten your awareness of how business prospered, the garden was out his life. Pinus strobus ‘ Pendula’ - weeping special this event will be. expanded to its current size of 20 eastern white pine acres. For many years the family’s Eventually, the property became a target Pinus densiflora ‘Pendula’ - weep - In this first installment, we will acquaint garden was a center for social and for condominium developers. With ing Japanese red pine you with the Kubota Garden. cultural activities for the Japanese encouragement from community Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’ - community in Seattle. groups , the Seattle Landmarks Preserva - table top Japanese red pine tion Board designated the 4.5-acre core The history of Kubota Garden started in Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’ area of the garden as a Historical Land - 1927 when Fujitaro Kubota purchased The garden was abandoned for four - weeping Atlas cedar mark of the City of Seattle. five acres of swampland and began a years while the Kubota family suffered Athrotaxis cupressoides - Tasman - internment at Camp Minidoka in Idaho garden. Like many members of ACS, ian cedar during World War II . After the war, Mr. Kubota was one of those self-taught In 1987, the City of Seattle acquired the Picea abies ‘Inversa’ - Norway garden from the Kubota family. spruce 2006 Conifer Quarterly Advertising Rates Dimensions Cost ($ US) Cost per 4 issues Ad Type (W x H) per issue (10% discount)

Full page 5 x 8 in. 195 702 Half page horizontal 5 x 4 in. 135 486 Half page vertical 2.5 x 8 in. 135 486 Quarter page horizontal 5 x 2 in. 85 306 Quarter page vertical 2.5 x 4 in. 85 306 Eighth page 2.5 x 2 in. 55 198

Submit inquiries, ad material and payments to: Evelyn Cox, Editor 342 North Main Street, Suite 202, Alpharetta, GA 30004 PH (770) 663-7576 • E-mail: [email protected]

The American Conifer Society welcomes advertising from companies and individuals selling conifers, companion plants, gardening supplies and other plant-related products and services. Kubota Garden in Seattle, WA.

46 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 Vol. 23 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 47 Directorate

Officers

President Tom Cox, 1621 N Lake Dr., Canton, GA 30115 PH (770) 772-9747, FAX (770) 663-4063, E-mail: [email protected] Vice President/ Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3938 Treasurer PH (563) 650-2212 Secretary Kathleen Pottratz, 42438 SW Vandehey Rd., Gaston, OR 97119 PH (503) 985-7561, E-mail: [email protected] Past President Don Wild, 3058 Cross Creek Ct., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 PH (734) 662-6461, E-mail: [email protected] Directors

Term expires 2007 Ethan Johnson, 669 E331st St, Eastlake, OH 44095 PH (440) 975-1675, E-mail: [email protected] Gerald Kral, 900 Winton Rd. N, Rochester, NY 14609 PH (585) 288-5082, E-mail: [email protected] Randy Oster, 29600 SE Kowall Rd., Estacada, OR 97023 PH (503) 630-7975, FAX (503) 630-7955, E-mail: [email protected] Term expires 2008 Flo Chaffin, 3650 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 PH (706) 310-0143, E-mail: [email protected] Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3938 PH (563) 650-2212

Regional Presidents

Northeastern Region Larry Nau, 25 Knollwood Dr., Churchville, NY, 14428 PH (585) 202-1815, E-mail: [email protected] Central Region Bill Barger, 3200 Rohrer Rd, Wadsworth, OH 44281 PH (330) 336-9695, E-mail: [email protected] Western Region Brian Jacob 13455 SE Lafayette Hwy., Dayton, OR 97114 PH (503) 868-7914 Email: [email protected] Southeastern Region Flo Chaffin, 3650 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 PH (706) 310-0143, E-mail: [email protected]

Conifer Society Staff

National Office John Martin, P.O. Box 3422, Crofton, MD 21114-0422 PH (410) 721-6611, FAX (410) 721-9636, E-mail: [email protected] Editor, Evelyn Cox, 342 North Main St, Suite 202, Alpharetta, GA 30004 Conifer Quarterly PH (770) 663-7576 E-mail: [email protected]

Graphic Design & Monya Barnes, 2255 Barrett Drive, Cumming, GA 30040, Printing PH (770) 888-0434, E-mail: [email protected]

www.conifersociety.org

48 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 23 No. 4 y r e s r u N i l e s I f o y s e t r u o c , h t i m S . C l l a d n a R Picea orientalis 'Tom Thumb' 2007 Collectors Conifer of the Year Dwarf Selection