n ~t1antic Coast Camellias JOURNAL OF THE ATLANTIC COAST CAMELLIA SOCIETY

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VOL. xxxxv SPRING 1998 No.1

) I/ 1.1, I ATLANTIC COAST CAMELLIA SOCIETY

OFFICERS 1997 -1998

PRESIDENT Bill A. Hardwick Rt. 1, Box 35 Reynolds, Ga. 31076 (912) 847-3541

1st VICE PRESIDENT Jeannette Waltz 4705 Snowmass Road Glen Allen, Va. 23060 (804) 346-8798

2nd VICE PRESIDENT Clarence Gordy 7188 N. W. 14th Street Ocala, FI. 34482 (904) 854-1348

SECRETARY AND TREASURER Fred and Clara Hahn 4437 McKee Road Charlotte, N. C. 28270 (704) 846-2245

ASST. SECRETARY AND TREASURER Gloria McClintock 1325 E. Barden Road Charlotte, N. C. 28226 (704) 366-0207

HISTORIAN Pat Pinkerton 631 Hite Road Lugoff, S.c. 29078 (803) 438-6486

EDITOR Jim Darden P. O. Box 1087 Clinton, N. C. 28329 (910) 592-1424 (910) 592-3725 [email protected]

COVER PHOTO

Cover Photo: Mary McLaurin inspects a bloom on one of her 300+ specimen Camellias in Bath, North Carolina. --neura-- it sounds like neuralgia or Vernalis -- of spring IN THIS ISSUE neurosis, which have to do with nerves; Hiemalis -- relating to winter nerves also means lines or veins. The Chrysantha -- golden flowered leaves of the nerve plant, Maranta In This Issue 1 leuconeura, do indeed have whitish Here are a few additional camellia words veinS. and their meanings. Common sense and a little vocabulary Finer Treasure Than Pirate's Gold 2 exercise can help you understand many irnperator -- showy by Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C. plant names. Something else that can alba -- white help is the New Pronouncing Dictionary amabilis -- lovely He Made A Difference...... 6 ofPlant Names, available from Florists arnoenus -- charming by Bob Spear, Columbia, S. C. Publishing Company, 310 South rubra -- red Michigan Avenue, Chicago. purpurea -- purple Mid-Carolina Show Results 9 Editor's Note: The following might be plena -- double, full by Dr. Herb Racoff, Columbia, S. C. of interest to Camellia lovers. First, here elegans -- elegant, beautiful are several Camellia genera. gigantea -- gigantic, large Japonica -- of Japan firnbriata -- fringed Camellia Air Layering 10 Oleifera -- oil bearing undulata -- wavy surface by Sil Caruso & Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C. Sinensis -- of China variegatus -- variegated Reticulata -- netted-veined Editor's Column 16 by Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C. ** * **** ** ** * ** ** *** Say ItAin't So, Moe!!! 17 by Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C.

Moving Large Camellias 18 by Jay Darden, Smithfield, N. C.

An Invitation to Join 20

1998 Atlantic Coast Camellia Shows...... 21

Middle Georgia Show Results 22 by Warren Thompson, Fort Valley, Georgia

Camellia Care In January and February 24 by Ray Bond, Dallas, Texas Outstanding Camellia growers at the 1997 GulfCoast meeting are (left to right) Clarence Gordy, Hulyn Smith, Fred Hahn, and James Smelley. Making Sense of Botanical Names 26 (David ihart) by R. Peter Madsen & Alan McDaniel Virginia Nurserymen's Association 28 Finer Treasure Than Pirate's Gold Each Latin botanical name is actually its form and habit (reptans =creeping, by Jim Darden a fascinating puzzle that can tell you a gracilis = graceful or slender). Other Clinton, North Carolina great deal about the plant and how it is species names are a little more complex, identified. The genus name is always a as in grandiflora; the prefix grandi­ They say that you meet the nicest banks ofthe Pamlico River about a mile noun; mentha--it is a mint. The species means large, flora means flower. Other people in Camellia circles. I've always upstream from North Carolina's oldest name is commonly an adjective common prefixes include leuco- (white), found that to be true, and it was town-"Bath". Mary and her husband describing the genus name: piperata--it macro- (long or large), semper- (always), especially true earlier this fall for Mary James "Mac" McLaurin had lived here is like pepper (strong, pungent, spicy). and brevi-(short). Nell and me. I had been talking to a since 1949. The venue is magnificent, So Mentha piperata is peppery mint. The Sometimes we can recognize only part good friend, Clay Carter, whom I met with the McLaurin's land rising above species name ofa plant can tell you what ofthe plant name, but it may be possible years ago when he was a horticulture the wide river on its north bank. But, color its flowers are (albus = white, to guess the rest, since many English instructor at Beaufort Community Mary lost Mac several years ago and, coccineus = scarlet), what it smells like words are derived from Latin. If we are College in Washington, N. C. Clay knew now in her eighties, she has moved into (foetida fetid or stinky, shown the name Maranta leuconeura, of my love for Camellias, having invited Washington to be with relatives. perfumatissima = like perfume), where from what we have learned here we can me last year to present a program on this It is sad that Mary is only able to visit it originates (chinensis = China, say that whatever maranta is, this great plant at a spring gardeners her gardens on weedends. Sadder still virginiana =Virginia), its natural habitat particular maranta has something white symposium at his college. He told me is the fact that the entire estate has been (aquatica =water, arvensis =field), or (leuco-). Study the part you don't know about "one of the nicest ladies I know" purchased by PCS (Phosphate Canada who has a fabulous Camellia garden. Saskatchewan), a company which mines ********************** But, the garden, he said, is facing a phosphates for fertilizer at a nearby dilemma. stripmine. Indeed, one can look across Her name is Mrs. Mary McLaurin, and the river and at Aurora, about five miles she lived on her beautiful estate on the distant, clearly see a massive strip mine.

Maj. Doug Simon leads Virginia Camellia Society members in potting over 200 air Mary McLaurin, center, stands before a magnificent Camellia Japonica layered plants at memberAldon Thrner's home in Virginia Beach in September, 1997. 'Magnoliaeflora' with Clay Carter (left), Beaufort Community College, and Jim Darden (right) Sampson Community College. (Darden) (Simon) 2 27 Making Sense of Botanical Names While the company has told Mary that home of Gov. Eden, who welcomed the north side ofthe river will not be strip Blackbeard the Pirate into safe haven in by R. Peter Madsen and Alan McDaniel mined, there will be no effort made to Bath in 1717, and possibly was in Virginia Nurseymen's Association Newsletter save any ornamental collection on the collaboration with him. Clay Carter, my August, 1997 property. friend who guided us on this trip, is descended from one of Blackbeard's When I heard of the demise of "Miss" There was a story going around the generic, or genus, mane mentha, and crewmen named Spencer, who probably Mary's garden, which is home to more recently about an English-speaking then is given individuality by the specific came with Blackbeard when the pirate than 300 massive Camellia specimens, I woman who was visiting China and felt name piperata. built a home in Bath. joined forces with Clay and we arranged very lost because she could not But, what happens when several a visit. Mary Nell and I chose a beautiful So, Mac and Mary McLaurin settled communicate with the people very well. related people, with the same generic September Sunday and drove three hours on this wonderful spot in the late 1940's Being an avid gardener, she, of course, name, are also given the same specific to Washington, where we met Clay. He and made their home. Mary remembered visited some of the beautiful Chinese name? Margaret, for example--they all piloted us the remaining 16 miles into a childhood neighbor, a Mrs. Tripp, who gardens, and while puzzling over the look different, but how do we the low country near Bath, where we had a magnificent camellia in precise species of a certain plant, was differentiate among them in turned offofthe narrow two lane road at Washington named Compte de Paris. approached by a Chinese gardener who conservation, when we cannot point to a small sign which told us we had arrived Today, some 70 years later, she still apparently knew what she was doing them and say that is Margaret, not the at "Secota." remembers its fabulous flowers. Even from the few Latin words she was using. other one? We use nicknames, Meg, at ten year of age, when she saw that The name Secota was chosen by Mary He said the proper species name, and Margie, Maggie, Peggy. These are like Compte de Paris, she was hooked. Soon and Mac McLaurin because of its great they had a lovely time going around the names of plant varieties. after settling at Secota she began her own historical significance in the region. garden conversing in botanicalese. The variety is a subgroup name in Camellia collection. When John White landed at Roanoke If we look beyond the intimidating which the plant differs only slightly from Island in 1587 with 119 colonists his One of Mary's childhood schoolmates Latin names for plants, a very simple the species. This further delineates a mission was to establish a permanent in Washington was Churchill Bragaw, classification system is revealed. All specific plant. It is shown in Latin English colony on the Chesapeake Bay whose name graces a dormitory at N. C. plants are identified according to a notation following the genus and species for Sir Walter Raleigh. He sailed to State University where my son lived binomial system--bi meaning two, and and the abbreviation var., as in the England for supplies, only to be delayed more than 40 years later. Mr. Bragaw nom meaning name. So all plants have Mentha piperata var. variegate, the because ofthe war with Spain, and upon started a nursery at Orton Plantation two names (see, now, that was easy-- peppermint with the white variegated returning in 1590 he found nothing left while still a student at N. C. State. that's all there is to it, really.. )-- The genus leaves. of the colony except the word Unfortunately, he lost his life in Italy in and the species. A cultivar (cultivated variety) is a kind "Croatoan" carved on a tree. World War II, but his nursery remained Just as you have a first name and a of variety that can only be maintained at Orton after the war. last name, so does every plant. Your last by human cultivation--it does not come Perhaps he sailed across the Pamlico Mary McLaurin visited the nursery at name identifies you generically as being true from seed or reproduce itself in Sound and up the Pamlico River in Orton and purchased "one of every part of a particular group--Smith, Jones, nature. Hybrid plants are cultivars. The search ofthe Lost Colony, or perhaps he Camellia variety available" for the then or Mentha. Your first name identifies you cultivar name is set off in one of three was looking for the Chesapeake Bay. high price of $1.00 each. The specifically--Sally, George, or Piperata ways--by putting the abbreviation cv. Whatever the reason, John White noted horticulturist at Orton taught Mary the (Pip for short). When writing your name before it, as in !lex cornuta cv. 'Burforii'; in his writings that he found an Indian art of grafting, and she began taking to be classified, as on a government form, by using boldface type; or most commonly, village named "Secota" on the banks of cuttings everywhere she went. Her you put your generic name first, followed by enclosing it in single quotes, as in a creek where it met the Pamlico River. garden grew quickly. In addition to the by your specific name, Smith, Sally; Camelliajaponica'Debutante.' That creek is on, or very near, Mary Camellias, Mary planted azaleas, Jones, George; Mentha piperata (the By the way, the italics are used only McLaurin's land. fatshederas, figs, acuba, ardisia, oleander species name is not capitalized in because it is proper, in writing, to Also of great historical significance and many more fine ornamentals. scientific names). So peppermint, Mentha italicize words that are in any language is the fact that less than a mile from piperata, is identified as being a mint by other than English. Mary's garden is the site ofthe plantation But is was the Camellias that really 26 3 FEBRUARY is unusually warm weather, ants, via their herding ofaphids, and slugs will damage Middle to late February is the begin­ blooms. Ants will herd aphids to the ning of the late blooming season and is buds and the sucking of the aphids will nearing the end of the cold season, ex­ ruin them. Ants will also go into the cept for an occasional "nor'easter." bloom for nectar and, ifnothing else, you Mary Nell Darden There really is not too much to do for may find blooms filled with ants. and camellia plants except protect them from Nocturnal mollusks will go into a Mary McLaurin enjoy the cold and prepare them for the spring bloom for a nice bite of the tender new the flowers market. The primary concern is care of growth, bloom petals, or a drink of at'Secota'. the buds and blooms so that you can nectar. Their slimy trails, will leave profit from what you have worked a year brown streaks on petals, thereby ruining to grow. the bloom. I have seen prize blooms (Darden) If plants are dry and watered just be­ mauled by slugs and snails. fore freezing weather, the sudden onset In later winter, voles and squirrels like of cold can split the plant wide open or to chew the soft bark around the base of otherwise freeze kill it. The water will camellia plants. Voles (sometimes called be taken up by the cambium layer, but "shrews") will completely sever a the pulp will not have sufficient time to camellia trunk in a few minutes. The absorb it and transfer it upward, thereby camellia will look like a miniature beaver evening the water distribution within the sawed it down. They love the soft plant. Uneven water distribution will en­ cambium, particularly when they cannot hance splitting and hasten freeze kill. get to anything else, such as acorns. Be PESTS wary ofvoles; they can be a real problem. In late February, pests can damage Cats are a great solution for rodent good blooms and healthy plants. Ifthere problems. caught her fancy. Mary planted well represented, along with Lallarook, sasanquas and early bloomingjaponicas, Edwin Folk, and Vulcan. I asked if the **** **** such as Margaret Radcliffe, to brighten great large anemone French Imperator, the garden in the fall. She planted late introduced to me years ago by Parker Our loyal varieties, such as Pink Champagne, to Connor, was present, and Mary led me Auctioneer, complement the azaleas in the spring. to a specimen well over my head. Buck Mizell, Over the years she planted nearly 300 fine Today these Camellias are huge and sells camellias japonicas in what grew into a great magnificent, but tragically the loggers for the cause at Camellia garden. have already been and, without regard for the Coastal Mary's collection seems to have all the the treasures growing beneath the pines, Carolina Club great varieties, plus some I've not seen they have taken the timber from half of Picnic, May before. There are several from the the garden with heavy equipment. Most 1997, at Edisto Elegans family, as well as the Betty of the Camellias remain upright in the Island, S.c. Sheffields. Three Ville de Nantes logged area, but many show signs of specimens towered over my head. Other damage from the falling trees or sun scald (Connor) tags carried names such as Victory White, from growing naked in last summer's Imura, Donckelarri, Dr. Burnside, and intense heat. Those in the half of the Julia France. The Tomorrow family is garden still protected by trees are pristine. 4 25 CAMELLIA CARE IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY Perhaps providence prevails and a so since they soon could be lost to the horticultural catastrophe can be averted loggers. Miss Mary indicated that she by Ray Bond in Mary McLaurin's garden. At about had hoped for years that some method of Dallas, Texas the same time I learned of the McLaurin saving the Camellias would emerge, but garden I was also contacted by Greg she had feared the worst for her beloved collection. . By request, I am repeating a series of Extra water is good protection from cold Nace, Director of the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville. I was columns run in the 1995 issues of the weather, if applied a day to two prior to Greg Nace has contacted a large on the Charter Board ofDirectors several North Carolina Association of the onset of the cold. Be sure you don't landscaper in Fayetteville, who has years ago which selected a site for the Nurserymen's Nursery Notes. These over water and drown your camellias. offerred the use of his hydraulic tree garden on a beautiful bluff over the Cape will be edited and updated. Details and Camellias must have serious drainage, diggers to move the plants. Greg is Fear River at its confluence with Cross "how to's" will follow in future publi­ and watering for the winter should not currently attempting to raise the funds Creek. cations. It is being presented in the be so much that this drainage is inter­ that will be required to rent trucks and NovemberlDecember issue in order for rupted. The confluence ofthese two waterways cover other expenses involved in moving readers to have the information avail­ was the location of Campbelltown, the over 100 tree-sized Camellias. Anyone interested in helping to preserve this able for reference at the beginning of Camellias Grown Outside: old Scottish settlement where Gaelic was the period covered. The JanuarylFeb­ spoken in the late 1700's. My Scottish treasure can contact Greg Nace at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, (910) 486­ ruary column will feature information Mulch and water are the keys to suc­ Buchanan and McNeil ancestors passed 0221. for March and April, etc. cessful outside winter care of camellias. the site on their way up the river to settle Be sure your outside camellias are well at Buckhorn. Greg Nace knew of my I certainly hope that this project will JANUARY-This is the middle of mulched with pine bark nuggets or pine involvement in horticulture at Sampson come to pass thi<: winter. It will bring a Community College and with the the blooming season for camellias. needles. Five or six inches of the trunk fine collection of mature Camellias to Fayetteville Camellia Club, so he asked will not hurt in the winter. This will keep Fayetteville, where everyone in eastern if I would be interested in designing a Camellias Grown Inside: the roots warm and prevent loss of mois­ North Carolina, 0;' travelers on Interstate­ Camellia garden for the Cape Fear Many growers move their container- ture as well as giving the roots access to 95, can enjoy the 'auty of Camellias. Botanical Garden. 1gladly agreed, and ized camellias info cold frames for the oxygen. Don't use hardwood bark or My personal goal is to help build a great over the past year my students and I have winter. This will protect them and en- leaves. These tend to mat and deny oxy­ Camellia garden comparable to the one studied and drawn preliminary sketches able them tc bloom without danger of gen to the surface roots. lost at nearby Laurel Lake Gardens and of a Camellia garden on a five acre tract freezing or losing the blooms. Keep the Take care ofyour plants to allow them Nursery, where a 1984 tornado destroyed in the CFBG. inside of the cold frame at about 33 de- to bloom and, in very cold weather, ex­ a two-mile Camellia walk featuring more grees F. to 37 degrees F. If the outside pand your care program so that your Greg has since managed to have the than 600 huge Camellia plants. Another temperature drops to 28 degrees F. or blooms have a chance to survive. Very area cleaned and the pines thinned, so it great benefit ofthis project is the fact that below, heat the house. Residual heat in cold December or January weather can certainly has the potential to become a my students at Sampson Community the ground will keep the temperature damage buds and plants. fine Camellia garden. The only problem College will be able to see the moving of above freezing. If you believe the cold weather has would be finding a large number of the plants, and thereby be exposed to high Camellias go dormant at around 40 killed a camellia (planted in the ground), containerized Camellias and waiting level technology in tree moving that degrees F. for a three day period. You cut it off at ground level. Seal the stump decades for them to become mature. otherwise we would not be able to don't want to wake them up. They will with a good (water based) plant wound Enter Mary McLaurin. demonstrate for them on a hands-on bloom anyway when the temperature is sealer. Place a pine (needle or bark "nug­ On behalf of the Cape Fear Botanical basis. low. Cold weather "triggers" blooming. get") mulch around and over the stump. Garden and the Fayetteville Camellia Many thanks go to Mary McLaurin. Blooms are composed of up to 90% Odds are very great that the plant will Club I have contacted Miss Mary and Clay Carter was right, she is one of the water. Some plants may need extra sprout from the roots ifthe root system is asked if some of her Camellias could be nicest ladies I have ever met. And, I was water to support their blooms, particu- strong and the ground around the roots moved to Fayetteville. She was delighted right as well. You meet the finest people lady if allowed to bloom profusely. stayed above 25 degrees F. to offer the entire collection, especially when you are among Camellia lovers. 24 5 HE MADE A DIFFERENCE NON-RETIC HYBRIDS:

by Bob Spear, Sports Editor Best Small-Protected Joe Nuccio Bill & Sally Hardwick The State Reynolds, Georgia Columbia, South Carolina Best Medium-Protected Ruth Smith Dr. Dan Nathan Fort Valley, Georgia submitted by Dr. Herb Racoff Best Large-Protected Mona Jury Frank Jamison Columbia, South Carolina Fort Valley, Georgia Best Small-Outdoor Night Rider Parker Connor He played high school football with We remember Jim Pinkerton for Edisto Island, S.c. a superman named Charlie "Choo those stepping stones along life's Best Medium-Outdoor Dream Boat Dr. Dan Nathan Choo" Justice and caught the winning highway. We should remember him Fort Valley, Georgia Best Large-Outdoor Mona Jury c. M. Gordy touchdown pass in the Carolina­ for more. In all he did, he competed. Ocala, Fla. Clemson game. He could hit a base­ He competed hard. But he could RETICULATAS: ball pretty well and coached high­ laugh, too. powered prep teams. He served in "Fiery" might have been part ofhis Best Medium-Outdoor Betty Ridley C. M. Gordy the Marines, directed the South Caro­ name-on the athletic field, in those Ocala, Fla. Best Large-Outdoor Massee Lane Var. C. M. Gordy lina High School League, officiated behind-dosed-doors Hearts games, in Ocala, Fla. ACC basketball and raised winning growing his flowers. He demanded Camellias. the best from himself and from his * * * * **** * * ***** ** **

Jim Pinkerton views one of his fabulous show blooms in the 1997 Wilmington Show.

(Darden)

Mildred, have you been gibbing the hens again?

6 23 MIDDLE GEORGIA CAMELLIA CLUB athletes. Jim Pinkerton made a dif­ the state, and he built the Flora pro­ ference. His breed is so rare. gram from the start. Friends, players Georgia National Fair Show Jim Pinkerton died Sunday, but the and rivals gathered with Pinkerton Perry, Georgia-October 11, 1997 lessons of life he taught South Caro­ not long ago to share memories ofthe Submitted by Warren Thompson lina youngsters in his more than three way they were. Tales of yesterday, Fort Valley, Georgia decades in education will endure in some no doubt embellished by the the generations that felt his guiding passing years, flowed freely. So did Best Bloom Protected Frank Houser Var. Dr. Dave Scheibert hand. Velvet-glove soft or iron-fist the tears. Marshallville, hard, he had a special gift of deliver­ They talked about the games­ Georgia ing his message. Pinkerton's Flora teams against Best Bloom Outdoor Edna Bass Parker Connor Edisto Island, S.c. He coached at Kingstree, Colum­ Mooney Player's Lower Richlands Best Miniature Fircone Var. Bill & Donna bia, and A. C. Flora high schools. His squads and the Shepherd 1958 Columbia squad ranked best in Eau Claire powerhouses ofthe Baker- Charleston, S.C. Best Novice Bloom Kiku Toji Suzanna Beard Warner Robins, Georgia Best Seedling or Mutant #014 Parker Connor Edisto Island, S.c. Best Sasanqua or Species Sparkling Burgundy Hillary Perdue Bonaire, Georgia Best White Bloom Fifth Avenue Lib Scott Aiken, S.c. Best 'Georgia National. Fair' Georgia National Fair Rupert Drews Charleston, S.c. Best Collection ofThree Debutante Dr. Dan Nathan F rt Valley, Georgia Best Collection of Five five different Lib Scott Aiken, S. C. JAPONICAS:

Best Large-V L.-Outdoor Ruffian C. M. Gordy Ocala, Fla. Best Medium-Outdoor Magic City Parker Connor Edisto Island, S.c. Best Small-Outdoor Kiku Toji C. M. Gordy Ocala, Fla. Best Large-VL.-Protected Charlean Var. Lib Scott Aiken, S.c. Best Medium-Protected Nuccio's Gem Frank Jamison Fort Valley, Geo:-gia Jim Pinkerton whoops it up with camellia buddy Bill Robertson at last Best Small-Protected Takanini Warren Thompson year's Gulf Coast Camellia Meeting. Fort Valley, Georgia (Hahn) 22 7 Robertson era. They laughed about I remember a Flora football game ATLANTIC COAST SHOW DATES big plays and particular moments. against old Dentsville High. He Mostly, they agreed, they have been vowed to curb his impetuosity on the January 10-11: Gainesville Camellia Society blessed by receiving his wise coun­ sidelines and would watch from the Oaks Mall Gainesville, Florida sel. top of the press box. His pledge Pinkerton coached at Flora in the lasted one mistake; he practically January 17-18: Aiken Camellia Club long-ago days that I covered high flew to the field to make his point. Aiken Mall school sports. We swapped lies about Be sure the player did not make that Aiken, South Carolina Marine Corps days and needled each mistake again. January 24: Coastal Carolina Camellia Society other regularly on any number oftop­ Tough, abrasive and excitable, his Citadel Mall ics. He chaffed at being labeled style might be out of date in this era Charleston, South Carolina "Dean's Boy" after Dean Smith's of political correctness. That's too North Carolina basketball team won January 31: Beaufort Council of Garden Clubs bad. He reached a plateau reserved Boys & Girls Club a string of games he officiated. "His for the special ones, and we should Beaufort, South Carolina teams win no matter who the referee be thankful he passed this way. is," Pinkerton shot back. February 7-8: Charlotte Camellia Society Carolina Place Mall Pineville, North Carolina

February 14-15: Mid-Carolina Camellia Society Columbia Mall Columbia, South Carolina

February 21-22: North Georgia Camellia Society Atlanta Botanical Gardens Atlanta, Georgia

February 28: Middle Georgia Camellia Society Houston Mall Warner Robins, Georgia

February 28: Tidewater Camellia Society Independence Mall Wilmington, North Carolina

March 7-8: Fayetteville Camellia Club Cross Creek Mall Fayetteville, North Carolina

March 14: Piedmont Camellia Club Holly Hill Mall JIM PINKERTON Burlington, North Carolina 1924 - 1997 March 28: Virginia Camellia Society Chesapeake Square Mall Chesapeake, Virginia 8 21 An Invitation To Join MID-CAROLINA CAMELLIA SOCIETY South Carolina State Fair Camellia Show We hope that you will join the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society. Let's enjoy Columbia, South Carolina Camellias together. October 3-4, 1997 The Atlantic Coast Camellia Society was organized September 13, 1980 at submitted by Dr. Herbert Racoff Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The purpose of our organization is to extend the Columbia, South Carolina appreciation of Camellias and to promote the science of Camellia culture. Through JAPONICAS-OPEN: our Camellia shows and programs, and by exchanging knowledge and ideas with the Camellia specialists within our membership, we feel that everyone in the ACCS Best Large-Very Large Nuccio's Pink Lace Parker Connor benefits from being a member of this organization. Whether you are a beginning Edisto Island, S. C. Camellia fancier or a veteran Camellia competitor, the ACCS is dedicated to Runner-Up Showtime Mrs. H. C. Scott providing information, shows and social events that you will find helpful, entertaining Best Medium Feathery Touch Parker Connor and enjoyable. Edisto Island, S. C. Runner-Up Ville de Nantes Mrs. H. C. Scott Annual dues for membership in the ACCS are $12.50 for singles or couples. The membership year runs from September to September. A membership entitles Best Small Willamina Rupert Drews you to three issues of Atlantic Coast Camellias, the journal of the Atlantic Coast Charleston, S. C. Camellia Society. These are issued January 1 (spring), May 1 (summer) and Runner-Up Pink Pearl Mrs. H. C. Scott September I (fall). In addition, your membership provides an invitation to our annual Best Miniature Bon Bon Red Var. RupertDrews meeting in October in Myrtle Beach, S. C. This event has been especially successful Charleston, S. C. in recent years, with over 100 participants in 1986, and with such keynote speakers Best White Bloom Ivory Tower Parker Connon as Julius Nuccio and Sergio Bracchi. Edisto Island, S. C.

A variety of Camellia topics are addressed in articles published in Atlantic JAPONICAS-PROTECTED: Coast Camellias. In addition to regular features concerning Camellia culture in the landscape and in the greenhouse, articles cover such topics as Camellia planting, Best Large-Very Large Early Woodville Red Dr. Herbert Racoff grafting, rooting, judging, pruning, gibbing, disease control, insect control, new Columbia, S. C. Runner-Up Carter's Sunburst Pink Mack & Ann McKinnon and old varieties, show preparations and results, liming, fertilization, spraying, Columbia, S. C. mulching, disbudding, and nursery production. Numerous photographs and Best Medium Betty Sheffield Supreme Mack &Ann illustrations are provided. McKinnon Columbia, S. C. We invite you to join and welcome you as a member. Please make your check Best Small Grace Albritton Starfire Mack & Ann McKinnon payable to the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society. Fill out the convenient application Columbia, S. C. blank below and mail it to: Atlantic Coast Camellia Society Runner-Up Kiku Togi Var. Bill Hardwick Reynolds, Georgia 4437 McKee Road Best Reticulata Open Frank Houser Var. Rupert Drews Charlotte, N. C. 28270 Charleston, S. C. Best Reticulata Protected Betty Ridley Bill & Mildred Robertson NAME _ Ninety-Six, S. C. Best Hybrid Protected Debbie Bill & Mildred Robertson Ninety-Six, S. C. STREET ADDRESS _ Best Sasanqua or Species Ko-Gyoku Dr. Herbert Racoff Columbia, S. C. CITY STATE ZIP _ Gold Certificate-Open Parker Connor PHONE )( Edisto Island, S. C. Silver Certificate-Open Rupert Drews Check here ifyou want a membership card. Charleston, S. C. 20 9 CAMELLIA AIR LAYERING pretty massive, so, just by virtue of backhoe and had it loaded on a the weight ofthe rootballs, they need lowboy trailer by a trackloader. The by Sil Caruso and Jim Darden to be moved with a mechanical spade. thing had a 12 foot root ball and was Clinton, North Carolina I think you can expect success if the 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Back to plants are kept well watered during your Camellias. All small enough Sil Caruso, my former high school Geraldine, to record the questions posed the re-establishment period. I assume to move with conventional equipment principal at Clinton High School and by the audience in hopes of further Camellia sasanqua would perform if some one has tree spades in your now an avid Camellia grower in his refining the art of air layering. This similarly, but I have only moved area. A 36" to 48" spade for the retirement, presented a program to the article is our effort to bring that those up to about 4 feet or so. Al smaller trees (4"-5" caliper) should Fayetteville Camellia Club last January information to you. Sil and I will Hight, Mecklenburg County, N. C. work with wire baskets. Use a Big on the topic of Air Layering. Using a comment on each stage of the process. 3. I would put in a call to a fellow John (brand name) type of spade for set of photographs that I made of his Q: What size Camellia branch is best named Ray Bond. He has become the bigger ones with 72" to 96" techniques over a six month period, Sil for air layering? the Camellia "guru" for the Wake spades. I'm not sure who might have did a fine job of explaining this such equipment in your area. The Photo #l-A suitable Camellia branch County Mens Garden Club. These interesting method of woody plant Arboretum may want to call around propagation to about 50 of our club for air layering. guys are quite knowledgeable. The editor oftheir newsletter is Ed Alston to see if some one would rent the members. Sil: I have used banches from 114" to 3/ equipment. The DOT in the Raleigh @ (919) 782-7669. He can put you In the Spring, 1996, issue of this 4" inches in diameter. I prefer 1/2" inch in touch with Ray. Ann Clapp, area had a large spade on a truck. journal, Sil described many of his air limbs which are mature enough to set Clifford Ruth, Henderson, N. C. layering secrets in an article entitled flower buds. Master Gardener, is another Camellia "Eureka!."In his presentation to the officianado @ (919) 787-9852. Carl Jim: The fact that you can air layer a Fayetteville club he demonstrated his A. Matyac, Wake County, N.C. limb consisting of 1-3 year old wood techniques. I asked Sil and his wife, (Editor's note: It is really heartening means that an air layered Camellia is 4. Look around and see if you can find a copy of "The Tree and Shrub to see such a good and immediate Transplanting Manual." For what its response from our fine young worth, here is my standard pitch. It's extension agents across the state. In better to dig lateral roots than to try fact, we have contacted a very good and dig a hole to China. Move the local landscaper in Fayetteville, Mr. Charles Allen, of Green Biz shrub to its new location as soon as Landscaping, who will be employed possible. Carry the rootball, not the trunk ofthe plant. They will probably to move the Camellias. He will do the work beginning in mid-January, need to use chains and a hoist ofsome type. Keep the rootball moist and and he will be using a 40" hydraulic shaded during the transport. They tree spade. This seems to be might want to wrap them in wet consistent with the suggestions from burlap. Paul G. McKenzie, Harnett the Horticulture agents mentioned County, N.C. above. Also, Ray Bond has published 5. While I haven't had any a series of Camellia articles in the N. experience moving Camellias of that C. Nurserymen's Association journal size, I have been involved in moving which will be reprinted in the journal. The first is in this issue.) some rather large specimen plants. Once we dug a Japanese Maple with Photo #1 a IS" caliper. We dug the tree with a 10 19 MOVING LARGE CAMELLIAS usually years ahead of a tip cutting stem, cutting away all tissue along about propagate. This certainly gives you a one inch ofstem. This includes the bark, by Jay Darden mature plant sooner, and often bloom green cambium, and everything down to Horticulture Extension Specialist buds emerge the very first year. I the white wood. Remember, the active North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service remember Carl Allen bringing a nice 'Dr. xylem cells remaining in the woody tissue Johnston County, North Carolina Clifford Parks' plant in a one-gallon pot will still function to bring water and to the Wilson Camellia Show that Joe nutrients up from the roots and deliver (Editor's Note: My son Jay (James BE transplanted. No one said that it Austin and I chaired several years ago. these vital materials to the leaves and stem B. Darden IV) has graduated from couldn't be done. Here are some of The plant was air layered the previous tissue beyond the air layer. N. C. State University and is now a the responses. March, and then severed and potted in Q? When do you air layer Camellias? Horticulturist with the N. C. July. Six months later is had a fine 7" Extension Service in nearby bloom which was wide open. Photo #3-Sheet sphagnum peat moss Smithfield. He recently learned of being applied to the wound in March. Photo #2-Cutting the stem for air the Mary McLaurin project (see layering. Sil: I air layer in March. This allows article in this issue) and wanted to time for roots to form by July. help. He sent a blanket E-Mail to Q: Is is necessary to remove all of the Jim: Some growers use sheet sphagnum his fellow Extension horticulturists cambium (green layer)? peat moss, others use regular peat moss. statewide, and got some interesting Sil: Yes! Since the cambium produces I have used both with good results. The responses that might help us in both the xylem (wood) and the phloem important thing is to keep the medium moving Camellias. Here is some of (outer layer), all of the cambium must barely moist so that new roots will find the packet he sent me.) be removed to prevent healing without a welcome medium for growth and will I sent an E-Mail to all the root production. not dry out. March is the best time for Horticulture agents in North 1. My gut feeling is February would Jim: You must completely girdle the this procedure, since this is just before Carolina. I have one address that I be the best month to try this. I re­ can type in which goes to all commend using a root stimulator Horticulture agents. Here is the product. We had to use this stuff in message sent out. "I have been made Florida all the time. I thought it was aware of a situation where several like a snake oil, but I am a firm hundred large camellias have been believer now. The 'home owner' donated by an individual to a public b d If· F t·l h·ch ran pre er IS er lome, w 1 garden. The sizes vary from head costs about $16.00 a gallon. I am high to 15'-20',4"-8" caliper. If the telling you, this stuff does miracles plants are going to be saved they must in getting the right micro-nutrients to be moved this year. They do not have it. Good luck. the option of root pruning this year Karen P. Ferrell, Davie County, N. C. and transplanting next year. Does anyone have any experience moving 2. I have moved some rather large large Camellias, and if so, do you Camellia japonicas when I was doing have any suggestions?" landscape installations in New Bern, I printed all the responses that I several at less-than-ideal times. I received. Some of the information I never lost any of them, so it seems got back was not so good. The best that they tolerate the insult reasonably thing I got from it was that they CAN well. The plants you speak of are Photo #2 18 11 SAY IT AIN'T SO, MOE!!! by Jim Darden Clinton, North Carolina

We are all periodically asked questions Atlantic Ocean. Two hurricanes came like, "How do I get my Camellias to roaring through Wilmington, Fran and bloom better?," or, "My Camellia Bertha, and virtually destroyed Moe's doesn't ever bloom. What can I do?' landscape. Pine trees came crashing After the standard answers suggesting through his fence and smashed into the phosphorus fertilizer or better winter pro­ dormant, uncooperative Camellia, forc­ tection, I sometimes run completely out ing it to the ground. of good answers. Well, believe it or not, the florally Moe Kotler, however, has things fig­ challenged Camellia was jolted from its ured out pretty well. Moe, a member of slumber and that very winter it bloomed the Tidewater Camellia Club in as if trying to make up for lost time. So, t Wilmington, N. c., planted the Camel­ the next time a novice Camellia grower I lia pictured below nine years ago. It repeats the worn out question above, never bloomed. Let me repeat that. It keep a straight face and advise them to NEVER bloomed. Moe was in a quan­ Photo #3 order up a good category 4 hurricane, let dary. What could he do to make his fa­ it smash your house, landscape, and Ca­ vorite plant perform? mellias, and see what happens. Moe says Then the answer came out of the wild he guarantees blooms by the pound. blue. Or, more accurately, out of the

Moe Kotler and the Wayward Camellia

(Kotler)

Photo #4

12 17 Editor's Column the sap rises. The rising sugar and Q? When do you uncover the new root by Jim Darden chemicals will foster shoot growth and system? Clinton, North Carolina root production at the wound. The air Photo #5-Roots from the wounded layer needs to be in place when this sap stem have grown into the peat moss. begins its upward movement. So, late Contrary to rumor, I am still alive February or March is the ideal time. Sil: I check the bulge beginning in late and kicking. No, I have not broken spring to see if I can detect root tissue my back (as rumor has it). Nor have Q? What do you use to cover the air layer by feel. I do not remove the foil while it is rooting? I broken my leg. I did fall off of a covering, however, until July. There is short step ladder while covering a Photo #4-Sil has used aluminum foil usually a good root mass by then. greenhouse and twisted my knee. to cover this air layer on a 'Lady Clare' Jim: As the air laye~ed branch grows Has anyone noticed that, as we camellia. during the 'spring it assimilates sugar, grow older, we are not as limber as Sil: I use aluminum foil to wrap the air growth hormones, and many other we used to be? I have twisted knees layer. It is pinched lightly at both ends, organic chemicals. These migrate before much more severely than this allowing rain water to enter the top and downward through the phloem until they time. In fact, last year while skiing I moisten the peat moss, while allowing reach the wound. If the phloem is excess water to drain out at the bottom. completely removed at the wound, then fell several times and really should these chemicals can descend no farther. have injured myself. But, the old bod Jim: Some growers will also line the inside ofthe aluminum foil with a plastic They mass at that point and, in such high endured and I kept on ticking. concentrations, the growth hormones bag or Saran Wrap. This will help keep Not this time, however. Just a cause the primordial root cells to slight bend, loud "pop," and my MCL these men in recent issues, (Carl in the peat moss moist, expecially if you have problems with birds pecking holes initiate growth. You can add your was strained and ACL broken. I am the Spring, 1997 issue, and Jim in the in the foil, thus allowing too much water own growth horm ne to accelerate this scheduled for the arthroscope summer, 1996 issue), and both will to evaporate. process. The ruot primordial cells December 30, so January will be be sorely missed. .,.",.....--- down time for me. I just hope this But the sad news does not end issue ofthe journal is mailed by then. there. Just this past weekend I learned Don't worry though, you will of the passing of Louise Mayo, one probably see me prowling around of Fayetteville's best Camellia several Camellia shows with my growers for decades. And then Bill camera in February and March. Kemp in Goldsboro, who I never had I wish I did not have to report to the pleasure of meeting, but who was .. you that several of our Camellia a leader in our society some years friends have passed away since the ago. last issue of this journal. First there We will all miss these fine was Carl Allen, who toured me Camelliafriends. I certainly hope that through his Camellia garden just the next Editor's Column will bring weeks before his passing with no hint better news. of health problems. Then Jim Pinkerton, one of the very best Jim Camellia growers in the country. I have done articles honoring each of Photo #5 16 13 become root initials, which grow until Allen even used a mist system over his to support the upper portion ofthe plant. Jim: Sil Caruso has hundreds of air layers growing on Camellia branches in they break through the bark and finally newly potted air layers for several weeks Q? Can a drip system be used for several localities in southeastern North become new roots. so they would not wilt while developing watering the air layer in the pot from July a larger root system. Carolina. He has planted over 100 new Q? When do you pot the air layer? until November? Camellia varieties in his garden over the Q? When do you permanently plant the Photo #6-The severed air layer is potted Sil: No! Keeping the foliage moist is last three years thanks to the procedure new Camellia into the ground? into a 20r 3 gallon container. crucial. Since I do not have a of air layering. Nearly all of these are greenhouse, I keep a water hose supply Sil: I pot the new plant in July. This Sil: I do my permanent planting in early mature plants which flower the first year handy. Depending on the number of air will allow sufficient time for the new root November. This allows the roots to in the landscape. If you want an layers I have, I use a watering can or system to expand into the medium by stabilize by mid-winter. inexpensive and interesting way to hose. By keeping water near, I can wet collect Camellias and have fun, why rAt early November. Jim: It is fine to leave the Camellia in the leaves whenever they become dry, consider air layering? Jim: Remember, the new root system is the pot until the next year if it takes that sometimes several times a day on hot disproportionate to the plant, much long for the new root system to become summer days. smaller than such a plant requires. After mature and reach the sides of the potting the plant you will need to grow container. Don't plant into the landscape it in the shade and keep it moist. Carl until the root system is mature and able *******************

Photo #6

Fred and Clara Hahn with a winning show bloom in Wilmington.

15 become root initials, which grow until Allen even used a mist system over his to support the upper portion ofthe plant. Jim: Sil Caruso has hundreds of air layers growing on Camellia branches in they break through the bark and finally newly potted air layers for several weeks Q? Can a drip system be used for several localities in southeastern North become new roots. so they would not wilt while developing watering the air layer in the pot from July a larger root system. Carolina. He has planted over 100 new Q? When do you pot the air layer? until November? Camellia varieties in his garden over the Q? When do you permanently plant the Photo #6-The severed air layer is potted Sil: No! Keeping the foliage moist is last three years thanks to the procedure new Camellia into the ground? into a 20r 3 gallon container. crucial. Since I do not have a of air layering. Nearly all of these are greenhouse, I keep a water hose supply Sil: I pot the new plant in July. This Sil: I do my permanent planting in early mature plants which flower the first year handy. Depending on the number of air will allow sufficient time for the new root November. This allows the roots to in the landscape. If you want an layers I have, I use a watering can or system to expand into the medium by stabilize by mid-winter. inexpensive and interesting way to hose. By keeping water near, I can wet collect Camellias and have fun, why rAt early November. Jim: It is fine to leave the Camellia in the leaves whenever they become dry, consider air layering? Jim: Remember, the new root system is the pot until the next year if it takes that sometimes several times a day on hot disproportionate to the plant, much long for the new root system to become summer days. smaller than such a plant requires. After mature and reach the sides of the potting the plant you will need to grow container. Don't plant into the landscape it in the shade and keep it moist. Carl until the root system is mature and able *******************

Photo #6

Fred and Clara Hahn with a winning show bloom in Wilmington.

15 Editor's Column the sap rises. The rising sugar and Q? When do you uncover the new root by Jim Darden chemicals will foster shoot growth and system? Clinton, North Carolina root production at the wound. The air Photo #5-Roots from the wounded layer needs to be in place when this sap stem have grown into the peat moss. begins its upward movement. So, late Contrary to rumor, I am still alive February or March is the ideal time. Sil: I check the bulge beginning in late and kicking. No, I have not broken spring to see if I can detect root tissue my back (as rumor has it). Nor have Q? What do you use to cover the air layer by feel. I do not remove the foil while it is rooting? I broken my leg. I did fall off of a covering, however, until July. There is short step ladder while covering a Photo #4-Sil has used aluminum foil usually a good root mass by then. greenhouse and twisted my knee. to cover this air layer on a 'Lady Clare' Jim: As the air laye~ed branch grows Has anyone noticed that, as we camellia. during the 'spring it assimilates sugar, grow older, we are not as limber as Sil: I use aluminum foil to wrap the air growth hormones, and many other we used to be? I have twisted knees layer. It is pinched lightly at both ends, organic chemicals. These migrate before much more severely than this allowing rain water to enter the top and downward through the phloem until they time. In fact, last year while skiing I moisten the peat moss, while allowing reach the wound. If the phloem is excess water to drain out at the bottom. completely removed at the wound, then fell several times and really should these chemicals can descend no farther. have injured myself. But, the old bod Jim: Some growers will also line the inside ofthe aluminum foil with a plastic They mass at that point and, in such high endured and I kept on ticking. concentrations, the growth hormones bag or Saran Wrap. This will help keep Not this time, however. Just a cause the primordial root cells to slight bend, loud "pop," and my MCL these men in recent issues, (Carl in the peat moss moist, expecially if you have problems with birds pecking holes initiate growth. You can add your was strained and ACL broken. I am the Spring, 1997 issue, and Jim in the in the foil, thus allowing too much water own growth horm ne to accelerate this scheduled for the arthroscope summer, 1996 issue), and both will to evaporate. process. The ruot primordial cells December 30, so January will be be sorely missed. .,.",.....--- down time for me. I just hope this But the sad news does not end issue ofthe journal is mailed by then. there. Just this past weekend I learned Don't worry though, you will of the passing of Louise Mayo, one probably see me prowling around of Fayetteville's best Camellia several Camellia shows with my growers for decades. And then Bill camera in February and March. Kemp in Goldsboro, who I never had I wish I did not have to report to the pleasure of meeting, but who was .. you that several of our Camellia a leader in our society some years friends have passed away since the ago. last issue of this journal. First there We will all miss these fine was Carl Allen, who toured me Camelliafriends. I certainly hope that through his Camellia garden just the next Editor's Column will bring weeks before his passing with no hint better news. of health problems. Then Jim Pinkerton, one of the very best Jim Camellia growers in the country. I have done articles honoring each of Photo #5 16 13 SAY IT AIN'T SO, MOE!!! by Jim Darden Clinton, North Carolina

We are all periodically asked questions Atlantic Ocean. Two hurricanes came like, "How do I get my Camellias to roaring through Wilmington, Fran and bloom better?," or, "My Camellia Bertha, and virtually destroyed Moe's doesn't ever bloom. What can I do?' landscape. Pine trees came crashing After the standard answers suggesting through his fence and smashed into the phosphorus fertilizer or better winter pro­ dormant, uncooperative Camellia, forc­ tection, I sometimes run completely out ing it to the ground. of good answers. Well, believe it or not, the florally Moe Kotler, however, has things fig­ challenged Camellia was jolted from its ured out pretty well. Moe, a member of slumber and that very winter it bloomed the Tidewater Camellia Club in as if trying to make up for lost time. So, t Wilmington, N. c., planted the Camel­ the next time a novice Camellia grower I lia pictured below nine years ago. It repeats the worn out question above, never bloomed. Let me repeat that. It keep a straight face and advise them to NEVER bloomed. Moe was in a quan­ Photo #3 order up a good category 4 hurricane, let dary. What could he do to make his fa­ it smash your house, landscape, and Ca­ vorite plant perform? mellias, and see what happens. Moe says Then the answer came out of the wild he guarantees blooms by the pound. blue. Or, more accurately, out of the

Moe Kotler and the Wayward Camellia

(Kotler)

Photo #4

12 17 MOVING LARGE CAMELLIAS usually years ahead of a tip cutting stem, cutting away all tissue along about propagate. This certainly gives you a one inch ofstem. This includes the bark, by Jay Darden mature plant sooner, and often bloom green cambium, and everything down to Horticulture Extension Specialist buds emerge the very first year. I the white wood. Remember, the active North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service remember Carl Allen bringing a nice 'Dr. xylem cells remaining in the woody tissue Johnston County, North Carolina Clifford Parks' plant in a one-gallon pot will still function to bring water and to the Wilson Camellia Show that Joe nutrients up from the roots and deliver (Editor's Note: My son Jay (James BE transplanted. No one said that it Austin and I chaired several years ago. these vital materials to the leaves and stem B. Darden IV) has graduated from couldn't be done. Here are some of The plant was air layered the previous tissue beyond the air layer. N. C. State University and is now a the responses. March, and then severed and potted in Q? When do you air layer Camellias? Horticulturist with the N. C. July. Six months later is had a fine 7" Extension Service in nearby bloom which was wide open. Photo #3-Sheet sphagnum peat moss Smithfield. He recently learned of being applied to the wound in March. Photo #2-Cutting the stem for air the Mary McLaurin project (see layering. Sil: I air layer in March. This allows article in this issue) and wanted to time for roots to form by July. help. He sent a blanket E-Mail to Q: Is is necessary to remove all of the Jim: Some growers use sheet sphagnum his fellow Extension horticulturists cambium (green layer)? peat moss, others use regular peat moss. statewide, and got some interesting Sil: Yes! Since the cambium produces I have used both with good results. The responses that might help us in both the xylem (wood) and the phloem important thing is to keep the medium moving Camellias. Here is some of (outer layer), all of the cambium must barely moist so that new roots will find the packet he sent me.) be removed to prevent healing without a welcome medium for growth and will I sent an E-Mail to all the root production. not dry out. March is the best time for Horticulture agents in North 1. My gut feeling is February would Jim: You must completely girdle the this procedure, since this is just before Carolina. I have one address that I be the best month to try this. I re­ can type in which goes to all commend using a root stimulator Horticulture agents. Here is the product. We had to use this stuff in message sent out. "I have been made Florida all the time. I thought it was aware of a situation where several like a snake oil, but I am a firm hundred large camellias have been believer now. The 'home owner' donated by an individual to a public b d If· F t·l h·ch ran pre er IS er lome, w 1 garden. The sizes vary from head costs about $16.00 a gallon. I am high to 15'-20',4"-8" caliper. If the telling you, this stuff does miracles plants are going to be saved they must in getting the right micro-nutrients to be moved this year. They do not have it. Good luck. the option of root pruning this year Karen P. Ferrell, Davie County, N. C. and transplanting next year. Does anyone have any experience moving 2. I have moved some rather large large Camellias, and if so, do you Camellia japonicas when I was doing have any suggestions?" landscape installations in New Bern, I printed all the responses that I several at less-than-ideal times. I received. Some of the information I never lost any of them, so it seems got back was not so good. The best that they tolerate the insult reasonably thing I got from it was that they CAN well. The plants you speak of are Photo #2 18 11 CAMELLIA AIR LAYERING pretty massive, so, just by virtue of backhoe and had it loaded on a the weight ofthe rootballs, they need lowboy trailer by a trackloader. The by Sil Caruso and Jim Darden to be moved with a mechanical spade. thing had a 12 foot root ball and was Clinton, North Carolina I think you can expect success if the 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Back to plants are kept well watered during your Camellias. All small enough Sil Caruso, my former high school Geraldine, to record the questions posed the re-establishment period. I assume to move with conventional equipment principal at Clinton High School and by the audience in hopes of further Camellia sasanqua would perform if some one has tree spades in your now an avid Camellia grower in his refining the art of air layering. This similarly, but I have only moved area. A 36" to 48" spade for the retirement, presented a program to the article is our effort to bring that those up to about 4 feet or so. Al smaller trees (4"-5" caliper) should Fayetteville Camellia Club last January information to you. Sil and I will Hight, Mecklenburg County, N. C. work with wire baskets. Use a Big on the topic of Air Layering. Using a comment on each stage of the process. 3. I would put in a call to a fellow John (brand name) type of spade for set of photographs that I made of his Q: What size Camellia branch is best named Ray Bond. He has become the bigger ones with 72" to 96" techniques over a six month period, Sil for air layering? the Camellia "guru" for the Wake spades. I'm not sure who might have did a fine job of explaining this such equipment in your area. The Photo #l-A suitable Camellia branch County Mens Garden Club. These interesting method of woody plant Arboretum may want to call around propagation to about 50 of our club for air layering. guys are quite knowledgeable. The editor oftheir newsletter is Ed Alston to see if some one would rent the members. Sil: I have used banches from 114" to 3/ equipment. The DOT in the Raleigh @ (919) 782-7669. He can put you In the Spring, 1996, issue of this 4" inches in diameter. I prefer 1/2" inch in touch with Ray. Ann Clapp, area had a large spade on a truck. journal, Sil described many of his air limbs which are mature enough to set Clifford Ruth, Henderson, N. C. layering secrets in an article entitled flower buds. Master Gardener, is another Camellia "Eureka!."In his presentation to the officianado @ (919) 787-9852. Carl Jim: The fact that you can air layer a Fayetteville club he demonstrated his A. Matyac, Wake County, N.C. limb consisting of 1-3 year old wood techniques. I asked Sil and his wife, (Editor's note: It is really heartening means that an air layered Camellia is 4. Look around and see if you can find a copy of "The Tree and Shrub to see such a good and immediate Transplanting Manual." For what its response from our fine young worth, here is my standard pitch. It's extension agents across the state. In better to dig lateral roots than to try fact, we have contacted a very good and dig a hole to China. Move the local landscaper in Fayetteville, Mr. Charles Allen, of Green Biz shrub to its new location as soon as Landscaping, who will be employed possible. Carry the rootball, not the trunk ofthe plant. They will probably to move the Camellias. He will do the work beginning in mid-January, need to use chains and a hoist ofsome type. Keep the rootball moist and and he will be using a 40" hydraulic shaded during the transport. They tree spade. This seems to be might want to wrap them in wet consistent with the suggestions from burlap. Paul G. McKenzie, Harnett the Horticulture agents mentioned County, N.C. above. Also, Ray Bond has published 5. While I haven't had any a series of Camellia articles in the N. experience moving Camellias of that C. Nurserymen's Association journal size, I have been involved in moving which will be reprinted in the journal. The first is in this issue.) some rather large specimen plants. Once we dug a Japanese Maple with Photo #1 a IS" caliper. We dug the tree with a 10 19 An Invitation To Join MID-CAROLINA CAMELLIA SOCIETY South Carolina State Fair Camellia Show We hope that you will join the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society. Let's enjoy Columbia, South Carolina Camellias together. October 3-4, 1997 The Atlantic Coast Camellia Society was organized September 13, 1980 at submitted by Dr. Herbert Racoff Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The purpose of our organization is to extend the Columbia, South Carolina appreciation of Camellias and to promote the science of Camellia culture. Through JAPONICAS-OPEN: our Camellia shows and programs, and by exchanging knowledge and ideas with the Camellia specialists within our membership, we feel that everyone in the ACCS Best Large-Very Large Nuccio's Pink Lace Parker Connor benefits from being a member of this organization. Whether you are a beginning Edisto Island, S. C. Camellia fancier or a veteran Camellia competitor, the ACCS is dedicated to Runner-Up Showtime Mrs. H. C. Scott providing information, shows and social events that you will find helpful, entertaining Best Medium Feathery Touch Parker Connor and enjoyable. Edisto Island, S. C. Runner-Up Ville de Nantes Mrs. H. C. Scott Annual dues for membership in the ACCS are $12.50 for singles or couples. The membership year runs from September to September. A membership entitles Best Small Willamina Rupert Drews you to three issues of Atlantic Coast Camellias, the journal of the Atlantic Coast Charleston, S. C. Camellia Society. These are issued January 1 (spring), May 1 (summer) and Runner-Up Pink Pearl Mrs. H. C. Scott September I (fall). In addition, your membership provides an invitation to our annual Best Miniature Bon Bon Red Var. RupertDrews meeting in October in Myrtle Beach, S. C. This event has been especially successful Charleston, S. C. in recent years, with over 100 participants in 1986, and with such keynote speakers Best White Bloom Ivory Tower Parker Connon as Julius Nuccio and Sergio Bracchi. Edisto Island, S. C.

A variety of Camellia topics are addressed in articles published in Atlantic JAPONICAS-PROTECTED: Coast Camellias. In addition to regular features concerning Camellia culture in the landscape and in the greenhouse, articles cover such topics as Camellia planting, Best Large-Very Large Early Woodville Red Dr. Herbert Racoff grafting, rooting, judging, pruning, gibbing, disease control, insect control, new Columbia, S. C. Runner-Up Carter's Sunburst Pink Mack & Ann McKinnon and old varieties, show preparations and results, liming, fertilization, spraying, Columbia, S. C. mulching, disbudding, and nursery production. Numerous photographs and Best Medium Betty Sheffield Supreme Mack &Ann illustrations are provided. McKinnon Columbia, S. C. We invite you to join and welcome you as a member. Please make your check Best Small Grace Albritton Starfire Mack & Ann McKinnon payable to the Atlantic Coast Camellia Society. Fill out the convenient application Columbia, S. C. blank below and mail it to: Atlantic Coast Camellia Society Runner-Up Kiku Togi Var. Bill Hardwick Reynolds, Georgia 4437 McKee Road Best Reticulata Open Frank Houser Var. Rupert Drews Charlotte, N. C. 28270 Charleston, S. C. Best Reticulata Protected Betty Ridley Bill & Mildred Robertson NAME _ Ninety-Six, S. C. Best Hybrid Protected Debbie Bill & Mildred Robertson Ninety-Six, S. C. STREET ADDRESS _ Best Sasanqua or Species Ko-Gyoku Dr. Herbert Racoff Columbia, S. C. CITY STATE ZIP _ Gold Certificate-Open Parker Connor PHONE )( Edisto Island, S. C. Silver Certificate-Open Rupert Drews Check here ifyou want a membership card. Charleston, S. C. 20 9 Robertson era. They laughed about I remember a Flora football game ATLANTIC COAST SHOW DATES big plays and particular moments. against old Dentsville High. He Mostly, they agreed, they have been vowed to curb his impetuosity on the January 10-11: Gainesville Camellia Society blessed by receiving his wise coun­ sidelines and would watch from the Oaks Mall Gainesville, Florida sel. top of the press box. His pledge Pinkerton coached at Flora in the lasted one mistake; he practically January 17-18: Aiken Camellia Club long-ago days that I covered high flew to the field to make his point. Aiken Mall school sports. We swapped lies about Be sure the player did not make that Aiken, South Carolina Marine Corps days and needled each mistake again. January 24: Coastal Carolina Camellia Society other regularly on any number oftop­ Tough, abrasive and excitable, his Citadel Mall ics. He chaffed at being labeled style might be out of date in this era Charleston, South Carolina "Dean's Boy" after Dean Smith's of political correctness. That's too North Carolina basketball team won January 31: Beaufort Council of Garden Clubs bad. He reached a plateau reserved Boys & Girls Club a string of games he officiated. "His for the special ones, and we should Beaufort, South Carolina teams win no matter who the referee be thankful he passed this way. is," Pinkerton shot back. February 7-8: Charlotte Camellia Society Carolina Place Mall Pineville, North Carolina

February 14-15: Mid-Carolina Camellia Society Columbia Mall Columbia, South Carolina

February 21-22: North Georgia Camellia Society Atlanta Botanical Gardens Atlanta, Georgia

February 28: Middle Georgia Camellia Society Houston Mall Warner Robins, Georgia

February 28: Tidewater Camellia Society Independence Mall Wilmington, North Carolina

March 7-8: Fayetteville Camellia Club Cross Creek Mall Fayetteville, North Carolina

March 14: Piedmont Camellia Club Holly Hill Mall JIM PINKERTON Burlington, North Carolina 1924 - 1997 March 28: Virginia Camellia Society Chesapeake Square Mall Chesapeake, Virginia 8 21 MIDDLE GEORGIA CAMELLIA CLUB athletes. Jim Pinkerton made a dif­ the state, and he built the Flora pro­ ference. His breed is so rare. gram from the start. Friends, players Georgia National Fair Show Jim Pinkerton died Sunday, but the and rivals gathered with Pinkerton Perry, Georgia-October 11, 1997 lessons of life he taught South Caro­ not long ago to share memories ofthe Submitted by Warren Thompson lina youngsters in his more than three way they were. Tales of yesterday, Fort Valley, Georgia decades in education will endure in some no doubt embellished by the the generations that felt his guiding passing years, flowed freely. So did Best Bloom Protected Frank Houser Var. Dr. Dave Scheibert hand. Velvet-glove soft or iron-fist the tears. Marshallville, hard, he had a special gift of deliver­ They talked about the games­ Georgia ing his message. Pinkerton's Flora teams against Best Bloom Outdoor Edna Bass Parker Connor Edisto Island, S.c. He coached at Kingstree, Colum­ Mooney Player's Lower Richlands Best Miniature Fircone Var. Bill & Donna bia, and A. C. Flora high schools. His squads and the Shepherd 1958 Columbia squad ranked best in Eau Claire powerhouses ofthe Baker- Charleston, S.C. Best Novice Bloom Kiku Toji Suzanna Beard Warner Robins, Georgia Best Seedling or Mutant #014 Parker Connor Edisto Island, S.c. Best Sasanqua or Species Sparkling Burgundy Hillary Perdue Bonaire, Georgia Best White Bloom Fifth Avenue Lib Scott Aiken, S.c. Best 'Georgia National. Fair' Georgia National Fair Rupert Drews Charleston, S.c. Best Collection ofThree Debutante Dr. Dan Nathan F rt Valley, Georgia Best Collection of Five five different Lib Scott Aiken, S. C. JAPONICAS:

Best Large-V L.-Outdoor Ruffian C. M. Gordy Ocala, Fla. Best Medium-Outdoor Magic City Parker Connor Edisto Island, S.c. Best Small-Outdoor Kiku Toji C. M. Gordy Ocala, Fla. Best Large-VL.-Protected Charlean Var. Lib Scott Aiken, S.c. Best Medium-Protected Nuccio's Gem Frank Jamison Fort Valley, Geo:-gia Jim Pinkerton whoops it up with camellia buddy Bill Robertson at last Best Small-Protected Takanini Warren Thompson year's Gulf Coast Camellia Meeting. Fort Valley, Georgia (Hahn) 22 7 HE MADE A DIFFERENCE NON-RETIC HYBRIDS:

by Bob Spear, Sports Editor Best Small-Protected Joe Nuccio Bill & Sally Hardwick The State Reynolds, Georgia Columbia, South Carolina Best Medium-Protected Ruth Smith Dr. Dan Nathan Fort Valley, Georgia submitted by Dr. Herb Racoff Best Large-Protected Mona Jury Frank Jamison Columbia, South Carolina Fort Valley, Georgia Best Small-Outdoor Night Rider Parker Connor He played high school football with We remember Jim Pinkerton for Edisto Island, S.c. a superman named Charlie "Choo those stepping stones along life's Best Medium-Outdoor Dream Boat Dr. Dan Nathan Choo" Justice and caught the winning highway. We should remember him Fort Valley, Georgia Best Large-Outdoor Mona Jury c. M. Gordy touchdown pass in the Carolina­ for more. In all he did, he competed. Ocala, Fla. Clemson game. He could hit a base­ He competed hard. But he could RETICULATAS: ball pretty well and coached high­ laugh, too. powered prep teams. He served in "Fiery" might have been part ofhis Best Medium-Outdoor Betty Ridley C. M. Gordy the Marines, directed the South Caro­ name-on the athletic field, in those Ocala, Fla. Best Large-Outdoor Massee Lane Var. C. M. Gordy lina High School League, officiated behind-dosed-doors Hearts games, in Ocala, Fla. ACC basketball and raised winning growing his flowers. He demanded Camellias. the best from himself and from his * * * * **** * * ***** ** **

Jim Pinkerton views one of his fabulous show blooms in the 1997 Wilmington Show.

(Darden)

Mildred, have you been gibbing the hens again?

6 23 CAMELLIA CARE IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY Perhaps providence prevails and a so since they soon could be lost to the horticultural catastrophe can be averted loggers. Miss Mary indicated that she by Ray Bond in Mary McLaurin's garden. At about had hoped for years that some method of Dallas, Texas the same time I learned of the McLaurin saving the Camellias would emerge, but garden I was also contacted by Greg she had feared the worst for her beloved collection. . By request, I am repeating a series of Extra water is good protection from cold Nace, Director of the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville. I was columns run in the 1995 issues of the weather, if applied a day to two prior to Greg Nace has contacted a large on the Charter Board ofDirectors several North Carolina Association of the onset of the cold. Be sure you don't landscaper in Fayetteville, who has years ago which selected a site for the Nurserymen's Nursery Notes. These over water and drown your camellias. offerred the use of his hydraulic tree garden on a beautiful bluff over the Cape will be edited and updated. Details and Camellias must have serious drainage, diggers to move the plants. Greg is Fear River at its confluence with Cross "how to's" will follow in future publi­ and watering for the winter should not currently attempting to raise the funds Creek. cations. It is being presented in the be so much that this drainage is inter­ that will be required to rent trucks and NovemberlDecember issue in order for rupted. The confluence ofthese two waterways cover other expenses involved in moving readers to have the information avail­ was the location of Campbelltown, the over 100 tree-sized Camellias. Anyone interested in helping to preserve this able for reference at the beginning of Camellias Grown Outside: old Scottish settlement where Gaelic was the period covered. The JanuarylFeb­ spoken in the late 1700's. My Scottish treasure can contact Greg Nace at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, (910) 486­ ruary column will feature information Mulch and water are the keys to suc­ Buchanan and McNeil ancestors passed 0221. for March and April, etc. cessful outside winter care of camellias. the site on their way up the river to settle Be sure your outside camellias are well at Buckhorn. Greg Nace knew of my I certainly hope that this project will JANUARY-This is the middle of mulched with pine bark nuggets or pine involvement in horticulture at Sampson come to pass thi<: winter. It will bring a Community College and with the the blooming season for camellias. needles. Five or six inches of the trunk fine collection of mature Camellias to Fayetteville Camellia Club, so he asked will not hurt in the winter. This will keep Fayetteville, where everyone in eastern if I would be interested in designing a Camellias Grown Inside: the roots warm and prevent loss of mois­ North Carolina, 0;' travelers on Interstate­ Camellia garden for the Cape Fear Many growers move their container- ture as well as giving the roots access to 95, can enjoy the 'auty of Camellias. Botanical Garden. 1gladly agreed, and ized camellias info cold frames for the oxygen. Don't use hardwood bark or My personal goal is to help build a great over the past year my students and I have winter. This will protect them and en- leaves. These tend to mat and deny oxy­ Camellia garden comparable to the one studied and drawn preliminary sketches able them tc bloom without danger of gen to the surface roots. lost at nearby Laurel Lake Gardens and of a Camellia garden on a five acre tract freezing or losing the blooms. Keep the Take care ofyour plants to allow them Nursery, where a 1984 tornado destroyed in the CFBG. inside of the cold frame at about 33 de- to bloom and, in very cold weather, ex­ a two-mile Camellia walk featuring more grees F. to 37 degrees F. If the outside pand your care program so that your Greg has since managed to have the than 600 huge Camellia plants. Another temperature drops to 28 degrees F. or blooms have a chance to survive. Very area cleaned and the pines thinned, so it great benefit ofthis project is the fact that below, heat the house. Residual heat in cold December or January weather can certainly has the potential to become a my students at Sampson Community the ground will keep the temperature damage buds and plants. fine Camellia garden. The only problem College will be able to see the moving of above freezing. If you believe the cold weather has would be finding a large number of the plants, and thereby be exposed to high Camellias go dormant at around 40 killed a camellia (planted in the ground), containerized Camellias and waiting level technology in tree moving that degrees F. for a three day period. You cut it off at ground level. Seal the stump decades for them to become mature. otherwise we would not be able to don't want to wake them up. They will with a good (water based) plant wound Enter Mary McLaurin. demonstrate for them on a hands-on bloom anyway when the temperature is sealer. Place a pine (needle or bark "nug­ On behalf of the Cape Fear Botanical basis. low. Cold weather "triggers" blooming. get") mulch around and over the stump. Garden and the Fayetteville Camellia Many thanks go to Mary McLaurin. Blooms are composed of up to 90% Odds are very great that the plant will Club I have contacted Miss Mary and Clay Carter was right, she is one of the water. Some plants may need extra sprout from the roots ifthe root system is asked if some of her Camellias could be nicest ladies I have ever met. And, I was water to support their blooms, particu- strong and the ground around the roots moved to Fayetteville. She was delighted right as well. You meet the finest people lady if allowed to bloom profusely. stayed above 25 degrees F. to offer the entire collection, especially when you are among Camellia lovers. 24 5 FEBRUARY is unusually warm weather, ants, via their herding ofaphids, and slugs will damage Middle to late February is the begin­ blooms. Ants will herd aphids to the ning of the late blooming season and is buds and the sucking of the aphids will nearing the end of the cold season, ex­ ruin them. Ants will also go into the cept for an occasional "nor'easter." bloom for nectar and, ifnothing else, you Mary Nell Darden There really is not too much to do for may find blooms filled with ants. and camellia plants except protect them from Nocturnal mollusks will go into a Mary McLaurin enjoy the cold and prepare them for the spring bloom for a nice bite of the tender new the flowers market. The primary concern is care of growth, bloom petals, or a drink of at'Secota'. the buds and blooms so that you can nectar. Their slimy trails, will leave profit from what you have worked a year brown streaks on petals, thereby ruining to grow. the bloom. I have seen prize blooms (Darden) If plants are dry and watered just be­ mauled by slugs and snails. fore freezing weather, the sudden onset In later winter, voles and squirrels like of cold can split the plant wide open or to chew the soft bark around the base of otherwise freeze kill it. The water will camellia plants. Voles (sometimes called be taken up by the cambium layer, but "shrews") will completely sever a the pulp will not have sufficient time to camellia trunk in a few minutes. The absorb it and transfer it upward, thereby camellia will look like a miniature beaver evening the water distribution within the sawed it down. They love the soft plant. Uneven water distribution will en­ cambium, particularly when they cannot hance splitting and hasten freeze kill. get to anything else, such as acorns. Be PESTS wary ofvoles; they can be a real problem. In late February, pests can damage Cats are a great solution for rodent good blooms and healthy plants. Ifthere problems. caught her fancy. Mary planted well represented, along with Lallarook, sasanquas and early bloomingjaponicas, Edwin Folk, and Vulcan. I asked if the **** **** such as Margaret Radcliffe, to brighten great large anemone French Imperator, the garden in the fall. She planted late introduced to me years ago by Parker Our loyal varieties, such as Pink Champagne, to Connor, was present, and Mary led me Auctioneer, complement the azaleas in the spring. to a specimen well over my head. Buck Mizell, Over the years she planted nearly 300 fine Today these Camellias are huge and sells camellias japonicas in what grew into a great magnificent, but tragically the loggers for the cause at Camellia garden. have already been and, without regard for the Coastal Mary's collection seems to have all the the treasures growing beneath the pines, Carolina Club great varieties, plus some I've not seen they have taken the timber from half of Picnic, May before. There are several from the the garden with heavy equipment. Most 1997, at Edisto Elegans family, as well as the Betty of the Camellias remain upright in the Island, S.c. Sheffields. Three Ville de Nantes logged area, but many show signs of specimens towered over my head. Other damage from the falling trees or sun scald (Connor) tags carried names such as Victory White, from growing naked in last summer's Imura, Donckelarri, Dr. Burnside, and intense heat. Those in the half of the Julia France. The Tomorrow family is garden still protected by trees are pristine. 4 25 Making Sense of Botanical Names While the company has told Mary that home of Gov. Eden, who welcomed the north side ofthe river will not be strip Blackbeard the Pirate into safe haven in by R. Peter Madsen and Alan McDaniel mined, there will be no effort made to Bath in 1717, and possibly was in Virginia Nurseymen's Association Newsletter save any ornamental collection on the collaboration with him. Clay Carter, my August, 1997 property. friend who guided us on this trip, is descended from one of Blackbeard's When I heard of the demise of "Miss" There was a story going around the generic, or genus, mane mentha, and crewmen named Spencer, who probably Mary's garden, which is home to more recently about an English-speaking then is given individuality by the specific came with Blackbeard when the pirate than 300 massive Camellia specimens, I woman who was visiting China and felt name piperata. built a home in Bath. joined forces with Clay and we arranged very lost because she could not But, what happens when several a visit. Mary Nell and I chose a beautiful So, Mac and Mary McLaurin settled communicate with the people very well. related people, with the same generic September Sunday and drove three hours on this wonderful spot in the late 1940's Being an avid gardener, she, of course, name, are also given the same specific to Washington, where we met Clay. He and made their home. Mary remembered visited some of the beautiful Chinese name? Margaret, for example--they all piloted us the remaining 16 miles into a childhood neighbor, a Mrs. Tripp, who gardens, and while puzzling over the look different, but how do we the low country near Bath, where we had a magnificent camellia in precise species of a certain plant, was differentiate among them in turned offofthe narrow two lane road at Washington named Compte de Paris. approached by a Chinese gardener who conservation, when we cannot point to a small sign which told us we had arrived Today, some 70 years later, she still apparently knew what she was doing them and say that is Margaret, not the at "Secota." remembers its fabulous flowers. Even from the few Latin words she was using. other one? We use nicknames, Meg, at ten year of age, when she saw that The name Secota was chosen by Mary He said the proper species name, and Margie, Maggie, Peggy. These are like Compte de Paris, she was hooked. Soon and Mac McLaurin because of its great they had a lovely time going around the names of plant varieties. after settling at Secota she began her own historical significance in the region. garden conversing in botanicalese. The variety is a subgroup name in Camellia collection. When John White landed at Roanoke If we look beyond the intimidating which the plant differs only slightly from Island in 1587 with 119 colonists his One of Mary's childhood schoolmates Latin names for plants, a very simple the species. This further delineates a mission was to establish a permanent in Washington was Churchill Bragaw, classification system is revealed. All specific plant. It is shown in Latin English colony on the Chesapeake Bay whose name graces a dormitory at N. C. plants are identified according to a notation following the genus and species for Sir Walter Raleigh. He sailed to State University where my son lived binomial system--bi meaning two, and and the abbreviation var., as in the England for supplies, only to be delayed more than 40 years later. Mr. Bragaw nom meaning name. So all plants have Mentha piperata var. variegate, the because ofthe war with Spain, and upon started a nursery at Orton Plantation two names (see, now, that was easy-- peppermint with the white variegated returning in 1590 he found nothing left while still a student at N. C. State. that's all there is to it, really.. )-- The genus leaves. of the colony except the word Unfortunately, he lost his life in Italy in and the species. A cultivar (cultivated variety) is a kind "Croatoan" carved on a tree. World War II, but his nursery remained Just as you have a first name and a of variety that can only be maintained at Orton after the war. last name, so does every plant. Your last by human cultivation--it does not come Perhaps he sailed across the Pamlico Mary McLaurin visited the nursery at name identifies you generically as being true from seed or reproduce itself in Sound and up the Pamlico River in Orton and purchased "one of every part of a particular group--Smith, Jones, nature. Hybrid plants are cultivars. The search ofthe Lost Colony, or perhaps he Camellia variety available" for the then or Mentha. Your first name identifies you cultivar name is set off in one of three was looking for the Chesapeake Bay. high price of $1.00 each. The specifically--Sally, George, or Piperata ways--by putting the abbreviation cv. Whatever the reason, John White noted horticulturist at Orton taught Mary the (Pip for short). When writing your name before it, as in !lex cornuta cv. 'Burforii'; in his writings that he found an Indian art of grafting, and she began taking to be classified, as on a government form, by using boldface type; or most commonly, village named "Secota" on the banks of cuttings everywhere she went. Her you put your generic name first, followed by enclosing it in single quotes, as in a creek where it met the Pamlico River. garden grew quickly. In addition to the by your specific name, Smith, Sally; Camelliajaponica'Debutante.' That creek is on, or very near, Mary Camellias, Mary planted azaleas, Jones, George; Mentha piperata (the By the way, the italics are used only McLaurin's land. fatshederas, figs, acuba, ardisia, oleander species name is not capitalized in because it is proper, in writing, to Also of great historical significance and many more fine ornamentals. scientific names). So peppermint, Mentha italicize words that are in any language is the fact that less than a mile from piperata, is identified as being a mint by other than English. Mary's garden is the site ofthe plantation But is was the Camellias that really 26 3 Finer Treasure Than Pirate's Gold Each Latin botanical name is actually its form and habit (reptans =creeping, by Jim Darden a fascinating puzzle that can tell you a gracilis = graceful or slender). Other Clinton, North Carolina great deal about the plant and how it is species names are a little more complex, identified. The genus name is always a as in grandiflora; the prefix grandi­ They say that you meet the nicest banks ofthe Pamlico River about a mile noun; mentha--it is a mint. The species means large, flora means flower. Other people in Camellia circles. I've always upstream from North Carolina's oldest name is commonly an adjective common prefixes include leuco- (white), found that to be true, and it was town-"Bath". Mary and her husband describing the genus name: piperata--it macro- (long or large), semper- (always), especially true earlier this fall for Mary James "Mac" McLaurin had lived here is like pepper (strong, pungent, spicy). and brevi-(short). Nell and me. I had been talking to a since 1949. The venue is magnificent, So Mentha piperata is peppery mint. The Sometimes we can recognize only part good friend, Clay Carter, whom I met with the McLaurin's land rising above species name ofa plant can tell you what ofthe plant name, but it may be possible years ago when he was a horticulture the wide river on its north bank. But, color its flowers are (albus = white, to guess the rest, since many English instructor at Beaufort Community Mary lost Mac several years ago and, coccineus = scarlet), what it smells like words are derived from Latin. If we are College in Washington, N. C. Clay knew now in her eighties, she has moved into (foetida fetid or stinky, shown the name Maranta leuconeura, of my love for Camellias, having invited Washington to be with relatives. perfumatissima = like perfume), where from what we have learned here we can me last year to present a program on this It is sad that Mary is only able to visit it originates (chinensis = China, say that whatever maranta is, this great plant at a spring gardeners her gardens on weedends. Sadder still virginiana =Virginia), its natural habitat particular maranta has something white symposium at his college. He told me is the fact that the entire estate has been (aquatica =water, arvensis =field), or (leuco-). Study the part you don't know about "one of the nicest ladies I know" purchased by PCS (Phosphate Canada who has a fabulous Camellia garden. Saskatchewan), a company which mines ********************** But, the garden, he said, is facing a phosphates for fertilizer at a nearby dilemma. stripmine. Indeed, one can look across Her name is Mrs. Mary McLaurin, and the river and at Aurora, about five miles she lived on her beautiful estate on the distant, clearly see a massive strip mine.

Maj. Doug Simon leads Virginia Camellia Society members in potting over 200 air Mary McLaurin, center, stands before a magnificent Camellia Japonica layered plants at memberAldon Thrner's home in Virginia Beach in September, 1997. 'Magnoliaeflora' with Clay Carter (left), Beaufort Community College, and Jim Darden (right) Sampson Community College. (Darden) (Simon) 2 27 --neura-- it sounds like neuralgia or Vernalis -- of spring IN THIS ISSUE neurosis, which have to do with nerves; Hiemalis -- relating to winter nerves also means lines or veins. The Chrysantha -- golden flowered leaves of the nerve plant, Maranta In This Issue 1 leuconeura, do indeed have whitish Here are a few additional camellia words veinS. and their meanings. Common sense and a little vocabulary Finer Treasure Than Pirate's Gold 2 exercise can help you understand many irnperator -- showy by Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C. plant names. Something else that can alba -- white help is the New Pronouncing Dictionary amabilis -- lovely He Made A Difference...... 6 ofPlant Names, available from Florists arnoenus -- charming by Bob Spear, Columbia, S. C. Publishing Company, 310 South rubra -- red Michigan Avenue, Chicago. purpurea -- purple Mid-Carolina Show Results 9 Editor's Note: The following might be plena -- double, full by Dr. Herb Racoff, Columbia, S. C. of interest to Camellia lovers. First, here elegans -- elegant, beautiful are several Camellia genera. gigantea -- gigantic, large Japonica -- of Japan firnbriata -- fringed Camellia Air Layering 10 Oleifera -- oil bearing undulata -- wavy surface by Sil Caruso & Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C. Sinensis -- of China variegatus -- variegated Reticulata -- netted-veined Editor's Column 16 by Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C. ** * **** ** ** * ** ** *** Say ItAin't So, Moe!!! 17 by Jim Darden, Clinton, N. C.

Moving Large Camellias 18 by Jay Darden, Smithfield, N. C.

An Invitation to Join 20

1998 Atlantic Coast Camellia Shows...... 21

Middle Georgia Show Results 22 by Warren Thompson, Fort Valley, Georgia

Camellia Care In January and February 24 by Ray Bond, Dallas, Texas Outstanding Camellia growers at the 1997 GulfCoast meeting are (left to right) Clarence Gordy, Hulyn Smith, Fred Hahn, and James Smelley. Making Sense of Botanical Names 26 (David ihart) by R. Peter Madsen & Alan McDaniel Virginia Nurserymen's Association 28 ATLANTIC COAST CAMELLIA SOCIETY

OFFICERS 1997 -1998

PRESIDENT Bill A. Hardwick Rt. 1, Box 35 Reynolds, Ga. 31076 (912) 847-3541

1st VICE PRESIDENT Jeannette Waltz 4705 Snowmass Road Glen Allen, Va. 23060 (804) 346-8798

2nd VICE PRESIDENT Clarence Gordy 7188 N. W. 14th Street Ocala, FI. 34482 (904) 854-1348

SECRETARY AND TREASURER Fred and Clara Hahn 4437 McKee Road Charlotte, N. C. 28270 (704) 846-2245

ASST. SECRETARY AND TREASURER Gloria McClintock 1325 E. Barden Road Charlotte, N. C. 28226 (704) 366-0207

HISTORIAN Pat Pinkerton 631 Hite Road Lugoff, S.c. 29078 (803) 438-6486

EDITOR Jim Darden P. O. Box 1087 Clinton, N. C. 28329 (910) 592-1424 (910) 592-3725 [email protected]

COVER PHOTO

Cover Photo: Mary McLaurin inspects a bloom on one of her 300+ specimen Camellias in Bath, North Carolina. n ~t1antic Coast Camellias JOURNAL OF THE ATLANTIC COAST CAMELLIA SOCIETY

" ITI r- r-

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VOL. xxxxv SPRING 1998 No.1

) I/ 1.1, I