the 1976 Business Gift

Give Nature's unique way to preserve Fruits and Vegetables to your friends & associates! ~------Give the gift that keeps on glvmg. bananas or apples, tomatoes, celery, BUSINESS GIFT Your friends and associates will thank onions, mushrooms, parsley ... all your you for years to come. Sun Pantry favorites for snacking or cooking. SPECIAL OFFER! Fruit Drying is healthy, nutritious, Fruits and vegetables prepared the Sun economical and easy. With the Sun Pantry way have a wonderful texture, TO: HOLES-WEBWAY COMPANY Pantry Fruit Drying Kit you and your color and natural taste. And it locks Webway Park friends have tasty, vitamin·rich fruits St. Cloud, MN 56301 in natural fruit sugars in ways that and vegetables year·round with none canning or freezing cannot. Sun dried Yes! I would like to try nature's unique way of of the bother of pressure cookers or preserving fruits and vegetables. Send the quantity of expensive freezers. fruits and vegetables are easy to store­ in any type of jar with a lid or sealable Sun Pantry Fruit Drying Kits I have indicated below. The Sun Pantry method is simple. plastic bags. Produce reduces in size Billed net 30 days, plus shipping and handling. Everything anyone needs to preserve from 5-10 times when dried so they Quantity Price Each their favorite fruits and vegetables is in take up very little space. the kit. All they add is the sun. $12.95 One Sample Kit Since they need no refrigeration-dried The Kit includes a 31 page booklet of fruits and vegetables are great on car $11.95 2·11 Kits illustrations and instructions on how trips, hiking or camping outings. Sun $9 .95 12 or more Kits to sun dry everything from apricots to dried fruit-especially bananas-makes Name ______zucchini plus a deluxe fruit drying tray a nutritious, naturally sweet, chewy and a twelve ounce bottle of Vita·Loc snack for children. The Sun Pantry Firm ______Drying Crystals. Fruit Drying Kit is a great gift idea for Address ______It takes only a few days to have dried anyone who loves fruits and vegetables. City ______Give something different this Christmas! Telephone ______c;,...... " Ameri can

Herticulturist Volume 56 Number 4 August 1977

For United Horticulture the par­ ticular objects and business o f The MURRAY KEENE, Editor American Horticultural Society are to JANE STEFFEY, Editorial Assistant promote and encourage national interest ANTHEA DE VA UGHAN, Editorial Assistant in scien ti fic research and education in DONALD WYMAN, Horticultural Consu ltant horticultu re in all of its branches. ALEX BERRY, Art Director TOM STEVENSON, Book Department AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is the JOHN SIMMONS, Production Coordination official publi cation of The American Horticultural Society , 7931 East The American Horticultural SOCiety, Publisher Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia Mount Vernon , Virginia 22121 22308, and is issued in February, April, 703/768-5700 June, August, October and December. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is only available to members of the Society 2 An Editorial through the payment of annual dues, of which $9 .00 is all ocated for the subscrip­ Congress SpeCial tion. Annual membership dues start at $15.00. 14 See 'Down Under' Plants in L.A. -Lorraine M. Burgess 16 Invitat ion to Seattle-Northwest Ornamental Horticultural Society Refer editorial matters to: Murray Keene 22 Introduction to the Complexities of California Flora-Dick Tilforth American Horticulturist 42 Chorisia speciosa-The Fl oss Silk Tree-Francis Ching Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

Refer advertising matters to: Gardener's Notebook Publisher Services, Inc. 12 Jerusalem Artichoke-D. G. Rout ley 621 Duke Street Alexandria , Virgi n ia 22314 19 A California Magnoli a does we ll in Georgia-James Row land Burgess 34 Gathering Wi ldflowers-With a Camera-John Arm en AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is de­ voted to the dissemination of knowl­ edge in the science and art of growing Education ornamental plants, fruits , vegetables, 10 Useful Garden Center Designs-Lorraine M. Burgess and related subjects. Original papers which increase knowledge of plant ma­ 20 Budding-A Way of Plant Propagation-Robert F. Carlson terials of econom ic and aesthetic im ­ 36 Growing Tuberous Begonias-Robert E. Weidner portance are invited. For manuscript specific ations please address the editor, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121. Historical Horticulture 39 The Franklinia Story-Martha Prin ce Replacement issues of AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST are available at a cost of $2.50 per copy, but not beyond My Favorite Plant twelve months prior to date of current 4 Fragrant Pl antain-Lily-Mervin C. Ei sel issue. 5 Th e Dependable Hostas-Gertrude S. Wister The opinions expressed in the articles 31 Hemerocallis: Cinderella Has Gone to Town - Virginia L. Peck which appear in AMERICAN HORTI­ CULTURIST are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. They are presented as contribu ti ons to CORRECTION: Volume 56 Number 3, Late Spring 1977, of the American Horticul­ con temporary though t. turist contained a rather glaring error. We inadvertently switched the photographs of Rhododendron laetum on page 27 and the flower of Cladrastis lutea on page 42. For those of us who wish to see a cross between American yellowwood and rhododendron , we may have to wait a few years. Our apologies! -Editor

COVER PHOTO BY: Guy Burgess-Overhead close up view of Gazania dramatic South African daisy fast becoming an Ameri­ Second cl ass postage paid at Alexandria, can favorite. Virginia and at additional mailing of­ fices . Copyright © 1977 by The Ameri­ can Horticultural Society. Color separations by CHROMA-GRAPHI CS IN C. An Editorial

Yellow Pages for Green Thumbs

The American Horticultural Society is indebted to a committee chaired by Ernesta D. Ballard which pro­ duced the first Directory in 1971. Ms. Ballard and her staff assembled the entire monograph without the benefit of a previous edition to use as a guide. This project was fi­ nanced by a grant from the Fuller E. Callaway Founda­ tion. Subsequent editions have been produced by the staff of AHS. Why not purchase this useful horticultural tool? One would be handy at your working desk; perhaps you would wish to send another to the record­ ing secretary of your favorite plant society. It makes an invaluable aid for your gardening friends, and is particu­ larly useful at garden club meetings. Perhaps you have an old AHS Directory; if you have used it lately you have discovered that it is hopelessly out of date. We have made over 3,000 changes and revisions. I hope by now you are convinced that a new Directory is worthwhile, particularly since we are offering it FOR A LIMITED TIME at a discount to AHS members. We offer two additional publications that may also be of in terest to you: First, the AHS Plant Sciences Data Center has pro­ duced an expanded Index to over 800 horticultural films. They are listed according to subject and distributor. This guide is an excellent reference for garden clubs, service clubs, or individuals interested in educational 16 mm. color films on a myriad of horticultural topics. Finally, we have revised our 27-page booklet on En­ vironmentally Tol erant Trees, Shrubs and Ground Cov ers . This plant list has been recommended by a nationwide AHS survey program on the performance of plants ex­ Do you need the phone number of the Brooklyn posed to environmental stress. If you need to know what Botanic Garden, the address of the Director of the type of shrub can be used in high pollution areas, or American Rose Society, the location of a 2-year college in what type of tree tolerates high salt levels, then this pub­ horticulture, or the name of gardens to visit on your way lication is for you . to " Plains"? Please refer to page 33 of this issue. Complete and clip Perhaps you could locate this information by checking the order form and send it to AHS Publications Commit­ your fiI s, calling your friends, or writing to our Hor­ tee, National Center for American Horticulture, Mount ticultural Advisory Service- but we have a better way! Vernon, Virginia 22121. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE Why not purchase the updated 3rd Edition of the Di­ DISCOUNT NOW, because this offer EXPIRES ON SEP­ rec tory of Am eri can Horti culture? It has just been ex­ TEMBER 30, 1977. pand d and has sections that will assuredly be of interest Henry M . Cathey 2 to you. President AMERICAN ARBORVITAE (Thuha occidental is) ORDER NOW A very attractive, narrowly pyramidal tree eventually FOR FALL PLANTINC AND reaching a fair size. Instead of the usual needles it pro­ USE THE NEW LOW ONE duces distinctive and fragrant fan-like growth that is highly pleasing. PRICE VOLUME DISCOUNT PLAN! HERE'S HOW IT WORKS COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE Select the varieties you want Combine your order (pecea pungens glauca) with friends to get the lowest volume price. All trees are tied and bundled in units of 5 trees and all varieties Without a doubt the best must be ordered in multiples of 5. All trees are sturdy, known of all our evergreens, its erect form, horizontal well branched transplants 8 /1 to 12 /1 . branches, stiff sharp-pointed ALL EVERGREENS ARE SHIPPED POSTPAID needles and blue color have made it prominent. Adding to ALL ORDERS SENT TO ONE ADDRESS its density is the fact that it holds its nf~edles 7 to 8 years. 5 TREES 10 TREES 1 variety 1-2 varieties $9.00 $16.00 SCOTCH PINE (Pinus sylvestris) 25 TREES 50 TREES Conv6:ltionally pyramidal in 1-5 varieties 1-6 varieties youth, 'Ilis tree soon takes $25.00 $45.00 on a picturesque look that 3 BONUS OFFERS makes it ideal for landscaping. 1 BONUS OFFER The needles are blue-green, relatively short (to 3"). spirally twisted and the bark is 100 TREES 1-6 VARIETIES $85.00 attractively reddish. 7 BONUS OFFERS

NORWAY SPRUCE (Picea excelsa) FREE BONUS Probably the most widely YOUR CHOICE planted of our evergreens, it makes a neat, symmetrical With every order of 25 trees or more you may select tree, reasonably dense and lustrous dark green. With age a bonus from the group listed below. These bonus the branches become spread­ plants will be shipped with your order. Bonus trees ing and the twigs pendulous. are packed in units of 3 and must be ordered that way. Its pendant cones are the largest of the spruces.

25 TREES 1 Bonus of 3 Trees (select 1 variety) 50 TREES 3 Bonuses of 9 Trees (select 1-3 varieties) MUGHO PINE 7 Bonuses of 21 Trees (select 1-3 varieties) (Pinus mugho mughus) 100 TREES Entirely different from most 3 9 /1 -12 /1 Upright Yews of the trees here listed, this 3 9 /1 -12 /1 Spreading Juniper is rounded and compact, low­ growing specimen with many 3 9 /1 -12/1 Globe Arborvitae short stems. The foliage too, helps make it a compact and Bonus plants are valued at 3 for $9.00 dark green mound. ON ALL ORDERS ADD .. . $2.00 west of Miss. River and south of North Carolina and Kentucky AUSTRIAN PINE (Pinus nigra) SEND FOR FREE BONUS OFFER CATALOG The deep, rich green color of the long, stiff needles and dense growth make this a ~E.TERN favorite in the Midwest. With plenty of room old trees may ~ ~AINE For•• t Nur•• ry Co. have a branch spread nearly 3 equal to their height. - Dept. AH 87 FRYEBURG, MAINE 04037 our summers are rather warm. Fragrant Bloom will be more profuse if the plant receives some morning and af­ ternoon sunlight. In this area this Plantain Lily plant sets little or no seed, possibly because of our early fall frost. Mervin C. Eisel The fragrant plantain-lily, like Extension Horticulturist any Hosta, thrives in a fertile moist Landscape Arboretum soil. Generous quantities of well rot­ Uni versity of Minnesota ted manure or organic matter Chaska , MN 55318 supplemented with commercial fer­ tilizer should be tilled into the soil prior to planting. Unlike many of The fragrant plantain-lily is tech­ our perennials, Hostas seem to be nically called Hosta plantaginea. tolerant of poorly drained soil. Hosta or plantain-lilies are one of It is best to divide Hostas in the the few perennials that will flourish spring in areas where the winters in shady areas if moisture and fertil­ are severe. They -can, however, be ity are supplied. This plant is some­ divided at almost anytime during times referred to as the "August the growing season. If division is Lily", which is misleading as it is made in the fall or plants moved late not a true lily, but it is a member of in the season, a loose winter mulch the lily family. is recommended. A serrated steak In my garden I grow about 150 knife is a useful tool for dividing species, selections and cultivars of Hostas and other perennials. Hosta. The fragrant plantain-lily is The fragrant plantain-lily is a one of the best. Chinese native while most Hostas This plant will produce a hand­ are native to Japan. It was probably some tight mound of foliage about introduced into the United States in two feet tall and three or four feet in about the early 1800's and has been diameter after being in the garden extensively grown since that time. It for several years. In the garden is reported to have crossed our coun­ where the plant receives some sun­ try in the pioneers' covered wagons light, the glossy leaves have a dark as one of their treasured pos­ green color, but with little or no sun­ foliage. The flowers are delightfully sessions. At that time it was also light the leaves are glossy but have a fragrant and an asset to any garden grown indoors as a potted plant. The lighter green color. area. The flowers are produced in plant has adorned gardens since that The bloom of the fragrant late August or early September, time. Today, the plant is commonly plantain-lily is the finest of any hence the occasional use of the available in the nursery trade and is Hosta. The waxy flowers are a glis- common name, "August Lily" . inexpensive. tening white and are about four Gardeners in northern Europe If you have a shady spot in the inches in length. The flowers are have difficulty getting bloom on the garden and desire to plant one of the borne in a cluster on top of spikes plant because of their cool summers, oldest garden perennials grown in 4 that come about six inches above the but this is not a problem here where America, consider the Hosta. form golden hue throughout the will only take the trouble to do so. It The growing season. The small ones are is possible that many are hybrid fairly new; the large-leaved and var­ seedlings to which names are as­ Dependable iegated kinds were those that first Signed to which they have no claim. attracted collectors and gardeners. This situation should be borne in Hostas The foliage of plantain-lilies does mind by purchasers of hostas. not expand until late spring, which Large-Leaved Kinds makes it possible for such small Gertrude S. Wister early bulbs as Scilla sibirica and The plantain-lilies with big leaves 735 Harvard Ave. snowdrops to grow closely around are valued for their strong effect. Swarthmore, FA 19081 them. Chief among them is Hosta siebol­ Plantain-lilies can be grown effec­ diana (H. glauca) , a variable species. Its leaves can reach fifteen inches. Among the plants that thrive in tively in large masses of a single species or clone, but they also com­ The plants most prized have leaves shaded situations, the plantain­ puckered and corrugated, and cov­ lilies must be given a leading place. bine effectively with fine-textured plants such as ferns. They are also ered with a bloom like that of a plum These hardy herbaceous perennials or blueberry which gives a blue are often called funkias, and are excellent companion plants for shrubs. They are often used in look. The flowers of these are par­ often so listed in some catalogs, but tially lost in the leaves, and are the for many a long year Hosta has been single lines as edgings, but seem to me to be not at their best used this palest possible purple. Others of the the accepted scientific name of the species have greener leaves and genus. way, perhaps because their strong constitutions lead them to be left flowers on taller stalks which may be Hostas are grown chiefly for their until they are overcrowded and white. Seed from this very fertile foliage effects, although the flowers, shabby. species can give some very attractive usually light purple, but sometimes Given good soil that does not dry plants, even variegated foliage . purest white, can be effective. Those out and protection from hot sun, 'Frances Williams' is one of these with variegated foliage are espe­ hostas develop into mounds of seedlings, with leaves edged with cially useful for their all-summer foliage effective from late spring green gold. Several similar clones decorative effect. until the first frosts. They can be have come from bud sports and from They can be conveniently consid­ grown from chilly Maine and North seed. Any of these are desirable, and ered in three groups, according to Dakota throughout the Midwest and worthy of prominent display. leaf size. The leaf blades of the Middle South, are easy, of course, in Hosta plantaginea (H. subcordata), largest-leaved group run from about the Northwest, and along the east­ the Fragrant Plantain-lily, is loved ten to fifteen inches in length and ern seaboard well into the south. for the delicious orange-blossom eight to ten inches in width; those of Like peonies and daylilies, they can scent of its pure white flowers. They the medium-sized group from about almost be considered heirlooms. are about five inches long, as against five to eight inches by two to four It is a pity that the names of the two to three inches for the flowers of inches. The few small-leaved kinds plantain-lilies are so confused. Ex­ other hostas. Seed pods are rare; the range from about one and a half to cept for the few specialists who sell seeds are worth growing, as they five . inches by less than an inch to them, nurserymen often sell plants will be like the parent. The glossy two inches. In the two larger groups incorrectly named. It is now yellow-green of the foliage gives a there are many with foliage striped, possible for them to straighten out good contrast with the dull blue­ edged, or with large zones of white this mess through consultation with green of H. sieboldiana. or yellow, and some retain a un i- the American Hosta Society, if they Two hybrids of the Fragrant 5 Plantain-lily, obtained by hand crossing, are ' Honey bells' and 'Royal Standard'. Both are scented, but less so than their parent. 'Hon­ eybells' has flowers of pale purple on tall stalks. They fall soon after fading, a good trait. 'Royal Stan­ dard' has foliage and white flowers a little smaller than those of the par­ ent. It blooms freely, one of the best hostas in flower, and grows into a splendid large clump. Hosta crispula (H . fortunei margin­ ato-alba; H. f. albo-marginata) is to me the handsomest of the varie­ gated Hostas . The leaves, about eight inches long, are long-pointed and wavy, somewhat twisted at the ends, and neatly edged with white. A large plant of it, with its graceful and stately foliage, is a striking ob­ ject. The pale purple flowers on tall stalks in midsummer are uninterest­ ing. The seed is hardly worth grow­ ing; variegated seedlings are un­ likely. There are many related clones grouped under the name Hosta for­ tunei, all sterile or nearly so, point­ ing to a hybrid origin for the group. H . fortunei has been called a "species of convenience". Some clones have white leaf margins and may be listed

Top-Hosta lancifolia Thunb. Kabitan Right-Variegated hosta with Pink Pyrethrum

6 Top-Hosta plantaginea ~ Below-Hosta 'Royal Standard' E' ~ In,., ~ ('J

o '6 .c 7 "" under the names given as synonyms for H. crispula. Best known of the group is pro bably H . f. ' Aureo­ maculata' (H . f. viridis-marginata; H. f. alb opicta). The large leaves are striking in spring and early sum­ mer, the palest of green edged with dark green. Here, the leaves turn uniform green when the weather turns hot; they may keep their con­ trast longer in cooler climes. Another good large-leaved plantain-lily is H . ventricosa (H. caeru lea) . Although it is called blue, it is actually purple, deeper than most Hostas, with urn-shaped rather than funnel-shaped flowers on stalks that make a well-propor­ tioned plant. The leaves are glossy green above, very glossy under­ neath. It is a very fertile, very uni­ form species, its seedlings just like the parents. The pollen, however, will fertilize other hostas, giving rise to hybrids which mayor may not be of interest. Medium-Leaved Kinds Here again we have a group of re­ lated clones, sterile or nearly so, under the name of H. undulata, another " species of convenience". H. undulata has leaves about six inches long, very wavy and sharp­ pointed, their centers broadly banded with white. This widely­ grown plant is often used for edg­ ing. There are clones with varying widths of center stripes, and one with white-edged leaves. There is one plain green kind, H. u. er­ romena, once considered a separate species, which may sport from var­ iegated kinds, and any such offsets should be cut away, as they are more robust. The Blunt Plantain-lily (H. deco­ rata) is a choice species sometimes sold as 'Thomas Hogg' , a name used for several clones with white-edged Hosta with Fern companion planting leaves. The leaves are about six inches long, fairly broad, rounded at the end of July. a glossy dark green. The flowers, the end or with a short point. They Also choice is Hosta tal'diflora , thickly set on the stalk, are borne and the petioles are neatly edged which blooms here in late Sep­ just above the leaf mound. The dis­ with white. The effective flowers are tember, and may not escape frost tinctive foliage and effective flowers urn -sha ped, a good purple, borne in farther north . The leaf blades, make this a plant to acquire good proportion to the plant toward pointed, are about five inches long, whenever possible. 8 The Narrow-leafed Plantain-lily venusta is som ewhat variable, and right at home an interesting sport or (H. lan cifo lia) is valued for its bloom the seed well worth growing to get an unusual seedling. in late August. It is a toughy, often the smallest plants. Some have leaf Plantain-lily troubles are few. used for edging or massing in the blades only about an inch and a half Slugs and snails enjoy their leaves, shade. Closely related is a plant long. The plants grow into compact especially the variegated ones, often called H. I. albomarginata , clumps, good for a sh ady spot in a which are perhaps comparable to now, unfortunately, caliedH. siebo l­ rock garden, topped in late June by blanched celery or asparagus. Con­ dii , in spite of the long-standing flowers on stalks about eight inches trol with b eer or bait should be name H . sieboldiana applied to tall. H ybrid seedlings can easily be started early. Sometimes crown rot, another species. It is a good tough separated from the true species on also called mustard-seed rot from plant, but the white edge of the leaf the basis of size. the appearance of the yellow to is less striking than that of other Hosta nakaiana is a good plant just brown fruiting bodies, may appear kinds. a little larger, its leaf blades about in a garden. Leaves look a little Plants sold under the name three and a half inches long. It wilted, and pull away easily to re­ 'Minor Alba' (not related to the true blooms in late June. veal a white webbing at the base of and scarce H. minor) are narrow­ Space limits me to all too few Hos­ the plant. Carefully remove affected leaved, about five inches long, and ta s. The last few years have seen the leaves to a paper bag and d estroy. have flaring white flowers on two­ appearance of many new clones and Drench the base of the plant with foot stems in August. Seed gives recently imported species which can "TerracI or" at the rate of one table­ some white-flowered p lants, some only be had from specialists. Many spoon to a gallon of water. Repeat as purple. A delightful white-flowered are not cheap. But consideri ng the needed. Perhaps " Benlate" would clone with white-edged leaves is long life of hostas, they are a good also control this rot. called 'Louisa'. investment for those who have But these are really only minor shade, and enjoy distinctive plants. problems. By contrast, Hostas can Small-Leaved Kinds There is always the chance, too, for be counted on to give years of plea­ These are few and scarce. H os ta the observant gardener to discover sure.

NEW ENGLAND The breathtaking splendor of T he wildflowers illustrated above, as well as many o thers, are now wildflo wers will bring Nature's rare in stock. Simply fill out the o rder form indicating which bulbs you w ish R OOTSTO CK beauty into your garden for you to and in w hat quantity, and we w ill ship them to you by par cel post. For ASSOCIATION enjoy year after year. the best r esults, wildflower bulbs should be planted in the Fall, thus allowing them their proper period of dormancy. Our bulbs will arrive safely at your ho me right at planting time with Selected Native Wild Bulbs full planting and cultivating instruc tio ns. Along w ith your order, you will receive a free copy of o ur illustrated brochure. which includes our entir e se lection of w ildflower bulbs. We guarantee that rootstocks shipped ar e true to name and leave o ur nurser y in good conditio n. However , since we ca nnot control weather conditions or customer's care of stock, the purchaser must assume all risks after stock leaves o ur nurse r y. r ------l 11 NEW ENGLAND ROOTSTOCK ASSOCIATION 1 JACK-IN­ DUTCHMAN'S WILD " I THE-PULPIT Christian Hill, Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230 1> 1 BREECHES CALLA Please se nd me th e following: Arisac:ma rr iphrllum Diet: ntr:.t cucull aria Ca lla palmari:-. PRICES Quantity (onl y ava ilable in mul tipl es of S) ~ I Thb :-.tatc: ly. shadc:-Ioving Resembling rows of panta­ Thi:-. hardy dcnizen of the Minimum o rder S').OO .00 --- spring th rough elrl y sum· down. Ihe.: while and pinkish man y tin) ".... hile and gree n Dutchman'S Breeches 10 of one variet), 9.00 mer. A brown o r whitt."­ .\ / -f " flowers :-.port ye.:llow fl owers o n a 1- 1/ 2" long yd· Spring Beaut}' !'o lripc:::d sp .:lIhc forms the 'waists'- Hardy. long-Iive.:d hn" spikc, framed hy :\ 2S of on~ varic:ty 20.00 W ild Ca ll a 'pulpit' and provides a hood perennials. th ey ca n form a snow-white open k!.lf. T he SO of one: \'arkty .\ .\ .00 White Trillium fo r 'Jac k:.. the upright spadix ri ch ca rpet of fl o""c: rs and plant lend:-. to spread. a:-. new > of each ,'ari c:t)' Bloodroo t in side. Shiny red berries ap­ lush gray-green foliage. rootstock is se nt out to fo rm (.\Obulbs) 2""' .00 pc:ar in Ihe fa ll. \ next yea r's growlh. 10 of eacb \'ariel Y Check desired variel)': (60bulbs) 50.00 o 5 of each var;«y (30 bulbs) 25 of each "arkt)' o 10 of each variery (60 bulbs) ( 150bulbs) 115.00 o 25 o f each var;e[), ( 15 0 bulbs) 50 of each var;e [), (300 bulbs) SO of each \'a rk t)' o (.\00 bulbs) 1'5.00 Tmal Bulbs s ___ _ SHIPPING Wc takc ~rc:at Mass. residents care in pac king and ~xped il ­ add 3% sa les tax ing all ordcrs. Thcrdor~ . Wl' Plus 15% for must c h a r~e lS"h of lhe tota l postage and handling plant order to cm'er postage and handlinK SPRING WHITE Total! ____

BEAUTY TRILLIUM BLOODROOT o Please .send me )'our bulb cata logue. I enclose SI.OO. Claytonia virginica u-iIlium grandiflorum Sa nguinaria canadensis Name______Tender and delicate, these A showy, brilliant w hite Like bright ""hill' stars w ith rapidly- multiplying nowcrs flower with yellow anthers, fi ery ydlow ('enter s. th is appear as harbingers of th e wa"y petals ('hange to I -I / -f" sp ring bloomer Iik e~ Address,______spring. The petals open lO bluish-pink. AJI its parts are in filtered sunlight. As th e fl ow, 1/ 2" diameter and 3rc w hite threes: three le aves, three ersemerge, itskaves unwrap City/ State/ Zip ______or pink with deeper pink petals, three sepa ls, three, and expand. Indians lIsed Ih e Complete cata log availab le at S1. 00. se nt fr ee wi th each onkr j\·1ake chcck:-; parahle to srripes. They close at night chamhered pistil. an d three root for insn·t repdlant and 9 and on cl o udy days. st igmas. warpaint. !.e:::::... ~l~d!.O~~~S!!.c ~~ ~ S9~ ______....J USEFUL GARDEN CEN'tER DESIGNS Lorraine Marsha ll Burgess 202 Old Broadmoor Road Co lora do Springs , CO. 80906

Are you proud of your communi­ ty's very own botanical garden? Do you wish you could inform the pub­ lic of its special horticultural fea­ tures? Then consider these design solutions from other botanical gar­ dens, and persuade a service club to take on the construction of a useful garden shelter as a fall (summer) (spring) project. Build an outdoor bulletin board and mount it on a rock base. Design it with a translucent plastic roof and a locked showcase. If your institu­ tion has published small booklets, offer them for sale from a small box with a lift lid. Include a coin box drop nearby for collecting dimes or quarte,rs to cover the cost of publica­ tion. Arrange for the maintenance of the display by appointing a bulletin board committee to keep show pieces up to date and appropriate to the blooms of the season. (Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Bar­ bara, California) Or construct a hexagon structure with a three-way entry and display Cover a registration shelf with a build a more substantial structure, cabinets on the inside walls. Install a peaked-roof cowling and mount it similar to this roofed, four-way dis­ map table in the center of the 'room' all on two posts. In the sheltered play area. The four showcases are as a diagram of the garden'S design. area arrange magazine-type racks wide enough and high enough to Such a structure is sure to have mul­ for educational material, member­ allow for the exhibition of plants, tiple use, first for information, then ship brochures, or whatever. Invite historical objects, or art objects. as a pleasant retreat against the hot visitors to register their names and Ceiling hooks allow for the hanging summer sun, and finally as a shelter hometowns as they enter the gar­ of two-faced display boards in the from unexpected downpours. Pave den. The whole setup is useful and middle of the showcases. The four the floor with flag or brick, and plant just official enough to discourage corner nooks offer temporary shelter the outside walls with flowering vandalism. (Quail Botanic Gardens, from sun, cold, wind, or rain. (Shar­ vines. (Santa Barbara Botanic Gar- north of San Diego, California) lot Hall rose and herb garden, Pres­ 10 den, Santa Barbara, California) With a little more effort, you can cott, Arizona.) Send now for Top Left- Display case at Santa Bar­ Top Right- Self-Service registration vmlr Free BllrtV91977 bara Botanic Garden . booth, Q uai l Botan ic Gardens . Lo wer Left-Hexagon garden display Lower Right- Sharlot Hall Museu m -''''Fan Gard~~d center at Santa Barbara Botanic Gar­ and Garden, Prescott, Arizona. Gift Ideas Catalog den. - with dozens of Christmas and holiday gift ideas for gardeners. Burpee's 1977 Fall Carden and Gilt Ideas Catalog has 64 big colorful pages of : fine st quality bulbs that produce large beautiful blooms - grapes - berries - fruit trees - flowering shrubs - trees - house plants­ harvest and garden aids . Send for your free Burpee Catalog today and get your entry form for the first Burpee's lIarden Party Drawing. Grand Prize : Trip for 2 to the famou s garden s of Holland and England - the kind of vacation that most gardeners dream about, and very few ever experien ce. Hundreds of other prizes. (No purchase necessary to win). For your free Burpee Catalog mail coupon be low today. Burpee's Garden Party Drawing ends Dec. 30, 1977. Vo id where prohibited by law. ~ W. AU ee Burp ee Co , 1977 W. Allee Burpee Co. I I 7307 Burpee Building, Wa rminster. PA 18974 Clinton, IA 52732, Riverside, CA 92502 I (Please mail to nearest addres s. ) I Plea se send a free copy of Burpee's 1977 Fall I Garden and Gift Ideas Catalog - i nclud i n~ an I entry form for Burpee's Garden Party Drawing to :

I Name ______~~------_ I (Please print) I Address ______L~~ ____ ~~e~~ ____ J

"GROW TALL" in Janco's new Camellia glass-to­ ground greenhouses. Extra height, extra light make these new lean -to and free-standing Ca mell ias idea l for topiary trees, large orn amentals, hang­ ing bas kets. Like all Jancos, they are all­ aluminum for minimum maintenance, fit any site, every budget. Janco is the only manufa cturer with a natio n-w ide network of agents who are working horticulturists , each w ith his own working Janco. They're read y with prac­ tical ad vice on all aspects of erecting your Janco. Write for FREE 48-pg. full-color catalog today! Janco Greenhouses Dept. AH-8 9390 Davis Avenue 11 Laurel, Md_ 20810 (301) 498-5700 is evidence they were cultivated in The versatile but unloved vegetable Rome before 1616. In 1617, Mr. John Goodyer, of Maple Durham, Hamp­ shire, England, " received two small roots thereof, from Mr. Franqueville of London." They may have come from Canada, because Parkinson, in his Paradisus Terrestrus of 1629, called the plant " Battatas de Cana­ da", Canadian potatoes. He said they were common in London, being used for pies with fruit and other vegetables. In his Theatrum Botanicum of 1646, he also used the term " Hierusalem artichoke". Once introduced to Europe , D. G. Routley Canadian potato€ls became widely University of New Hampshire grown, particularly in the M€lditel'­ Durham, NH 03824 ranean region. In Spanish they were called girasol and in Italian , girasole, hence the English corrup­ Jerusalem artichoke-neither an area in 1602 and so did Champlain a tion to "J erusalem" . artichoke, nor from Jerusalem, yet few years later. Indeed, Champlain H elianthus tuberosus, or Canadian one of the oldest cultivated crops in may have been the first to use the potato, or Jerusalem artichoke, has North America. It is almost totally name " artichoke", because he said much to recommend it. Being a na­ ignored by gardeners today. the Almouchiquois Indians had tive American plant, it seems to be H eli anthus tuberosu s, actually a " force des racines qu'els cultivent, resistant to most insects and dis­ sunflower, originated in North lesquelles ont Ie gout d 'artichaut." eases occurring here. It grows in al­ America, probably west of the most any soil and requires little fer­ Mississippi. Indians used seeds of tilizer. The tubers remain in the the larger seeded sunflowers, like ground over winter and can be har­ H eli anthus annuus, for flour, out of vested any time until new growth which they made breads and soups, begins in the spring. They don't and for the oil which they used for eV€ln need to be planted every year, cooking and for a hair dressing. But since the smallest piece of tuber re­ H elia nthus tuberosus was used ex­ maining, if it contains an eye, will clusively for its tubers, particularly grow a new plant. by the Huron Indians. In New Eng­ land, it was used in pottage, a thick The plants themselv€l s are deco­ soup. However, one Indian name is rative, growing eight to ten feet. a skibwan, meaning raw thing, They can be used as an annual hedge which suggests it was eaten raw like but, unfortunately, grow rather a radish. slowly at first, so the hedge doesn't Hariot in 1585 may have seen ar­ really come into its own until sum­ tichokes in Virginia when he de­ mer is over. Only in the fall does the scribed " Kaishucpenauk, a white plant really look at its best; th€ln it is kind of root about the bignes of hen crowned with the beautiful golden egs and nere of that form: their taste yellow flowers. was not so good to our seeming as of Because the tubers overwinter in the other, and therefore their place the ground, Jerusalem artichokes and manner of growing not so much have the potential for becoming cared for by us: the inhabitants In 1612, Lescarbot found them in weeds. They €l scape from gardens, notwithstanding u sed to boil and New England West and South of as they no doubt did from ancient eat many." Maine. He said they had an agree­ Indian gardens, and become estab­ There is little doubt that they were able taste and multiplied in a mar­ lished along roadsides and waste being grown by Indians in New velous manner. places. However, they can be con­ England in the 17th Century. Gos­ Around this time they must have trolled easily in a garden if a metal 12 nold observed them in the Cape Cod found their way to Europe, for there border stri p is placed around them and if no tubers are scattered about. and the sweet taste of stored tubers greatest yield was 28 gallons of al­ Even then, the young plants can be may or may not be appealing . cohol per ton of tubers. cultivated out or killed with an her­ A r ticho kes h ave v alue in the Periodically there is interest in ar­ bicide. diabetic diet because of the low con ­ tichokes for animal feed, but they When Lescarbot in 1612 said they te nt of g lucose, which diabetics have proved less useful and eco- multiplied in a m arvelous manner, cannot metabolize. Fructose, on the nomical than other crops. The tu­ he was entirely correct. In a 1937 other hand, can be used by the body b ers do not store well and the tops Iowa study, the average yield of ten without a requirement for insulin make a silage inferior to that from different varieties was almost 11 and, therefore, is a safe form of corn. Without doubt, artichokes are an tons per acre, but some yielde d sugar for diabetics. Artichokes are easy crop to grow by the home vege­ twice that much. More recently, sci­ undoubtedly the ch eapest sou rce of table gardener. But what to do with entists in Manitoba, Canada, found this sugar. them aft er harvest? Any number of that a Russian strain produced 34 If, as m entioned above, fructose is cooking su gge s tions have been tons per acre; the tubers w eighed the sweetest sugar, w hy does it n ot made by garden writers. Artichokes about one pound each . By way of replace sucrose on ou r tables and in can be peeled and eaten raw in comparison, a typical yield of white our cookin g? And w h y wouldn' t ar­ salad s, or soaked in vinegar first. potatoes might be 12 to 15 tons per tichokes be a good source? The fact They m ay s ubstitute for water acre. is tha t fructose d oesn ' t crystallize Much confusion exists concerning chestnuts in oriental dishes. Indeed, the food value of Jerusalem ar­ they make an excellent crisp pickle. tichokes. Unlike potatoes, which They may also be steamed, boiled, contain the greater proportion of baked, and made into casseroles. their substance in the form of starch, They may be slow fried or quick artichokes contain no starch . In­ fried. And finally, they have even stead, the carbohydrate is inulin, a been u sed in the m anufacture of polymer of the sugar, fructos e . bread sticks, cookies, macaroni and Starch, a polymer of glucose, is noodles. completely digestible by humans, What a v ersatile vegetable! So but inulin is not. Microorganism s why doesn' t everybody grow them? and plants produce the enzyme in­ Apparently the disadvantages out­ ulase which breaks down inulin, weigh the virtues. Inulin doesn' t but higher animals lack this en­ swell like starch and cooked ar­ zyme. tichokes remain extremely watery. Jerusalem artichokes, when dug In frying, a crisp brown coating fresh in the fall, have very little doesn' t develop as on potatoes. And caloric value. Some inulin may be finally there is the taste, described broken down to usable fructose by someone as like that of a Brazil sugar on prolonged cooking, but nut, with a coconut celery aftertaste. both fructose and inulin are soluble readily like sucrose, but rather re­ Whatever the analogy, it is a taste in hot water and much may be mains as a syrup. A syrup is much seemingly less than delectable to the wasted if the cooking water is dis­ less manageable than solid crystals, western palate. And another draw­ carded. The protein content, like and is practical to use only for spe­ back is that artichoke tubers do not that of white potatoes, is low and cial diets. But if fructose isn' t find­ store like potatoes, quickly rotting if they have no special amounts of vi­ ing its way into the sugar bowl, it is not kept cold. tamins or minerals. The best that being used in the beverage, confec­ And so the Jerusalem artichoke might be said is that artichokes in tionery, baking, and canning was undoubtedly more widely the fall might have value in a reduc­ trades. Therefore, it would seem grown in North America and ing diet. that, of those plants which contain Europe in the 17th and 18th cen­ The nutritional picture changes if inulin in substantial amounts­ turies than it is today. With the in­ the tubers are stored either in the dahlia, chicory, Canada thistle, troduction of the white potato, ground or under refrigeration. The goldenrod, onion, and Jerusalem Jerusalem artichokes went down­ enzyme inulase, present in the tu­ artichoke-only the artichoke has hill, never to recover their popular­ bers, breaks down the inulin to fruc­ promise as a source of fructose. ity. tose, and the caloric value increases. Artichokes may have a great fu­ But Jerusalem artichokes do make Figures cited are 22 calories per ture for production of alcohol. Re­ good food for yeasts. Nearly 300 pound for fresh tubers and 235 for search in Iowa showed that yeast years ago, they were widely planted stored tubers. Fructose, howevlH, is would convert 90 per cent of the by the English for making beer. the sweetest of the natural sugars, sugar in artichokes to alcohol. The They could stage a comeback! 13 A PREVIEW OF SOME PLANTS YOU WILL SEE AT THE 1977 AHS CONGRESS IN CALIFORNIA See DownUnder P tsinLA Lorra ine Ma rshall Burgess 202 Old Broadm oor RDad Colorado Springs, CO 80906

If you have wanted to take a will be accepted. The smart garden winter trip to the southern hemi­ visitor should allow at least a full day sphere to see the exotic plants of to enjoy the sights. There are tram South Africa, South America, and tours available at 30-minute inter­ Australia, but can't quite manage it, vals to take you around the full consider instead a trip this winter to spread. After this briefing you can the Los Angeles State and County return on foot to the areas that inter­ Arboretum. Surprisingly, many of est you most. There are picnic areas, the plants you would love in South and the Peacock Pavilion Gift and Africa or South America are Coffee shops for respite and light re­ flourishing in southern California, freshment. much closer to home. If you plan to linger longer, con­ Thi s outstanding Arboretum sider enrolling in adult education boasts remarkable collections of liv­ classes in botany, plant taxonomy, ing plants from every continent, and practical horticulture, and botanical those from the southern hemisphere sketching. Or investigate the Ar­ are in peak condition during our boretum's research programs in winter months. They're yours to ob­ propagation, in testing and intro­ serve and enjoy while the snows ducing new materials, and in pro­ bluster and blow in other parts of bing smog-related problems or in­ the United States. jurious plant diseases. There are terrace, deck, and fencing designs Traveling there this winter or also youth classes and workshops suggest garden ideas worth 'bor­ early spring you can expect to see a for children 6 to 16. With these many rowing' . wide range of Eucalyptus , that activities, a garden-oriented family enormous genus of Australian aro­ The Arboretum, sponsored by might well make the Arboretum the matic and sometimes gigantic ever­ The County of Los Angeles, is lo­ focus of an extended visit in the green trees; the bottle-brush Cal­ cated at 301 North Baldwin Avenue, area, winter, spring, summer, or. listemon ; the trailing African Daisy, in Arcadia, 18 miles from the center fall . Osteosp ermum; a remarkable display of Los Angeles. It occupies 127 acres It' s not that the Los Angeles of giant Aloe (the plant we usually of ground in the San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce needs any grow indoors in small sizes on our at the center of what was the Rancho promotion from me, but I must say coffee tables); the Leptospermum Santa Anita, a vast land grant dating that southern California is a nice tea-tree (having nothing to do with back to the 1700s. If you're searching place to visit (once you get used to the tea plant) of Australian origins, for it today, exit the San Bernardino the crowds). And you can travel and widely cultivated in California; Freeway (Interstate Highway 10) or there in the winter with a clear con­ and Cho risia , a South American tree Interstate Highway 210 at Baldwin science. With your garden under a related to Ceiba, the silk-cotton tree. Avenue, or look for the Santa Anita layer of snow, it doesn't need your Besides all that, the Demonstra­ Park racetrack, a nearby landmark. care now. So - Go West - south­ tion Gardens serve as a good stimu­ The Arboretum is open from 8 in west to be more precise, to see exotic lant for the serious gardener. Plant the morning 'til 5 in the afternoon, plants from foreign lands. It's worth 14 combinations, creative uses, good free of charge, although donations the trip. Far Left-Aloe africana has bold impact with 3' to 4' blooms on 8' plants. Its spiny, prickly leaves have a sculptural qual­ ity. They survive well in areas deficient in rainfall. Left-Aloe ferro x in firecracker red stands 10-12' high. Aloe barb ertonia e is in foreground. Below-Eucaly ptus rhodantha-a South African variety of this enormous genus of evergreen trees.

15 The members of the Northwest Ornamental Horticul­ SEATTLE tural Society wish to extend an invitation to those attend­ Lake Washington Ship Canal-the Canal is an Army ing the American Horticultural Society Annual Congress Corps of Engineers navigation project located in the October 25-29, 1977, in Pasadena, California, to visit the heart of Seattle which connects Puget Sound with a large coastal northwest either before or after the Congress. We freshwa ter harbor composed of Salmon Bay, Lake Union will have an enthusiastic committee standing by to make and Lake Washington. the necessary arrangements--by appointment only­ The Carl S. English, Jr., Gardens-located on the including courtesy transportation to visit private gar­ grounds at the locks, offer an extensive and colorful dens, rare and unusual plant nurseries, private bonsai selection of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Seven collections, the Arboretum and other local horticultural acres of outstanding native material and plants grown features located in both Tacoma and Seattle. Please give from seed, obtained from botanical gardens and ar­ ample advance notice by writing to or telephoning: boretums world-wide, make this ornamental garden a The Northwest Ornamental Horticultural Society horticultural mecca of the Pacific Northwest. Native University of Washington Arboretum trees, shrubs and groundcover combine with walkways Seattle, Washington 98195 and benches to provide a restful, park-like atmosphere. Telephone: 206-543-8800 A brochure is available at the Corps office which shows a Should you arrive in Seattle by air-on a clear day­ suggested garden tour route. The flower beds, shrubs both Seattle and Tacoma will appear insignificant in and trees are numbered on a map for easy reference to scale amongst the vast bodies of water (Puget Sound Ba­ the plant listings. sin, lakes, and rivers) all lying at the immediate base of The University of Washington Arboretum in Wash­ spectacular mountain ranges. Spectacular because they ington Park-This 200 acre facility designed by the Olm­ rise majestically from sea level and varying from 10,000 sted Brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts, may be ex­ to 15,000 feet. pected to have as brilliant a display of autumn color as To quote previous comments made by Dr. Henry T. can be found anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Al­ Skinner: " All this provides a variance of microclimates though there are numerous areas of bright fall color which supports a uniquely plant-rich region. Not only throughout the grounds, the Japanese Garden is perhaps its own native material but also enabling the cultivation the jewel of these. of horticultural specimens from temperate to near sub­ The Home of Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton Miller-this tropical plants. The uniqueness being that this can be four acre site provides a variety of exposures and hor­ duplicated nowhere else in this country. Combine cli­ ticultural conditions from woodland to arid areas. The mates with good growing soils, stock witn gardeners, garden is intensively developed as a collector's garden amateur and commercial, and the inevitable result is a and for this reason it is constantly changing. Primarily, it maxi-sized version of the Jermyns Gardens." features the species (over 5,000 different species) en­ We are looking forward to the opportunity of both demic to thirty-five countries from arctic to subtropical meeting you and welcoming you to the Northwest. regions. Of particular interest are the Ericaceae and ever­ green oak collections; and all collections are tied together Mrs. Pendleton Miller by the extensive use of Northwest natives. In its entirety Member AHS Board of Directors it is treated as a single plant with an intermingling root Following is a small selection of horticultural attrac- system. 16 tions you may wish to visit. The garden is situated on the bank of Puget Sound fac- ing the Olympic Mountain Range. On a clear day the home where the planting consists of five varieties of garden becomes the foreground of a spectacular view of dogwood, natives nullalii, and canadensis and Comus the mountains directly across the water. mas, Cornus kousa , and Cornus florida rubra. Later hybrid The Garden of Mr. and Mrs. Brian O. Mulligan, Kirk­ rhododendrons have been placed at key entrances to land, Washington-this is a collector's garden of about formal gardens. A green garden of ferns and hosta an acre, 26 years old, situated on a western slope on provides a cool terrace off the dining room. sandy soil, designed chiefly to provide plant interest There is also a rose garden, planted in beds according throughout the year. The principal features indude a to color surrounded with borders of peonies and phlox. number of conifers and dwarf conifers, evergreen and "Lakewold"-is one of the oldest gardens in the Lakes deciduous trees of the Pacific coast and an emphasis on District. Giant Douglas fir trees dominate the scene and plants and shrubs for winter flowering. form the setting for a collection of rhododendrons which The Ericaceae family is well represented with rho­ thrive with companionable tree species in this cool cli­ dodendrons, gaultherias, pernettyas, vacciniums, erica mate. and others. Some rock garden and alpine plants are also Under the guidance of Thomas D. Church, Lakewold grown on walls and banks. A good selection of ground has lately been redesigned and refreshed. An outstand­ covers is distri buted throughout the garden and a wide ing feature from the earliest days is the brick walk lead­ variety of ferns of all kinds for both woodland and drier ing from the residence to a vine-covered summer house areas. A small greenhouse is used partly for propagation at the end of the garden. Bordering this walk are box­ and in the winter for protection of less hardy plants. wood parterres, within which spring and summer plant­ The Bloedel Reserve--located 45 minutes west of ings produce a succession of blooms. downtown Seattle, on historic Bainbridge Island, the An Elizabethan knot garden forms its geometric pat­ Reserve represents a rather unique variant of a public tern with various culinary herbs. garden. Not a botanic garden nor an arboretum, yet shar­ Most recently a rock garden has been added, with ing features of both. paths winding through the woods and down to the shore Here, the main objective is to show man working of the lake. harmoniously with nature, to the mutual advantage of both. With about 110 acres of Puget Sound lowland forest, the Bloedels have created a setting where native and selected exotic ornamental plants share a backdrop of man-made ponds and streams. A Japanese garden area, complete with tea house; a quiet reflection pond surrounded by a tall hedge of yew; a woodland walk through the' glen' with its waterfall, creek and small pond are just a few of the features found at the Reserve. Freeway Park-perhaps one key to the revival of inner citi@s throughout the nation. Buried is a short stretch of Interstate 5, a concrete canyon of 10 lanes of traffic bear­ ing 133,000 cars through the center of Seattle each day. The traffic still moves. But the freeway trench has been Its almost time to select bridged over with a splendidly landscaped 6-acre urban park filled with trees and grass and flowers and cascad­ bulbs for your garden! ing water-including a 32-ft. high waterfall which totally The new, the rare, the un­ seed, exotic houseplants are masks the roar of traffic a few feet below. usual - you'll find them all, clearly described and illustrated as well as the finest of the along with the latest accessories TACOMA familiar flowers in this hand­ and materials. Park's FLOWER "Madera", home of Mrs. L. T. Murray-is an Italian some and colorful 48-page BOOK will help make your book. Spring flowering bulbs gardening dreams come true - villa set in a park of 27 acres which was landscaped by from Holland, perennial flower and it's Free Fred Cole. Built in 1917, this is one of the older estates in GEO. w. PARK SEEO CO.,INC. the Lakewood area. Established plantings of our native 4 Cokesbury Rd., Greenwood, S. C. 29647 Rhododendron macrophylla line a long drive which Please rush Park 's Free Flower Book winds beneath a 400-y@ar-old fir tree. It passes a Japanese garden especially noted for its refinement and NAME (Please Print) patina where a waterfall cascades into pools surrounded by Japanese maples, Ukon cherry, pines, and forty­ STREET OR RR BOX NO. year-old azaleas. Lanterns from Japanese temples and CITY carefully placed stones, selected for their symbolic mean- STATE ZIP ing, all add authenticity to this area. ' 17 A rolling lawn and stairway to the lake surround the

'Samuel Sommer' flower just after opening ACalj{orrria Magnolia DoesWell in rgia James Rowland Bu rgess 1858 Ridgewood Drive, N.E . Atl anta, Georgia 30307

The Magnolia grandlflora 'Samuel The trees branched well with 29 , 1966, two years after the trees Sommer' selected in 1952 by Dr. strong central leaders the first spring were planted, the temperature Maunsell Van Rensselaer, Director and bloomed the following year. dropped to twelve degrees below of the Saratoga Horticultural Foun­ Mature leaves are four inches zero Fahrenheit with six inches of dation, has lived up to advance wide and eight inches long. Leaves s now and moderate wind. The notices concerning its beautiful are dark green, distinctly veined young trees survived without pro­ foliage, spectacular blooms, and at­ and delicately edged with a lighter tection. tractive seed cones. The clone, Plant shade of green , tinted yellow. Twice in the late sixties snow and Patent No. 2015, has also demon­ Leaves are thick, slightly cupped on ice storms broke large healthy limbs strated remarkable ability to with­ the sides, and firmly attached. They from trees over a wide area of the stand severe and unusual weather have a waxy appearance on top and campus. Once the tops were broken conditions. a pleasing, velvety, brown tomen­ out of a 'Saint Mary' and a seedling Two specimen trees were planted tum underneath. Ma g nolia g randiflora . Neither by the author on the campus of Blooms are striking in bud and ' Samuel Sommer' has ever lost a Reinhardt College at Waleska, when opening resemble giant, limb or branch from snow or ice. Georgia in April 1964. The trees, white cottage tulips. When fully In August, 1973, a tornado with which were in six-gallon containers opened they measure from twelve to high winds felled a dozen mature had been pruned to four-foot stan­ fourteen inches across. Blooming trees including pines and oaks. It dards with one terminal bud and begins in la te May and lasts through completely destroyed two vigorous, less than a dozen leaves at the top. July. Flowering is prolific with fifty twenty-year-old sugar maples lo­ Expecting the trees to be beauti­ to sixty blooms per tree. cated sixty and fifty feet respectively ful, we planted them near the en­ Seed pods are very symmetrical from each of the magnolias. The trance to the campus on a clay hill­ and uniform in size. Their color maple fifty feet away, with a diame­ side. We prepared holes seven feet changes from the look of fine silver ter of ten inches, was twisted cleanly in diameter and three feet deep, to bright red when the shiny seeds from its roots below ground level spacing them sixty feet apart and appear. and the surface was scarcely dis­ fifty to sixty feet from other trees. A The ability of the 'Samuel Som­ turbed. Obviously the main force of mixture of clay, topsoil, and com­ mer' to withstand adverse weather the tornado missed the magnolias, posted hardwood leaves was used to conditions is remarkable. Waleska but they withstood terrific winds partially refill the holes. A four-inch is located in Cherokee County, with no broken limbs or branches. mulch of aged pine sawdust was Georgia, forty-seven miles North­ The Magnolia 'Samuel Sommer' is applied, leaving a six-inch catch west of Atlanta with an elevation of clearly a super tree among the trees basin for watering. A moderate twelve hundred and fifty feet above of the world. amount of a special nursery fertilizer sea level. Freezing temperatures are was used and water supplied as frequent in winter. Twenty degrees Possible Source: M. Gossler, of Gossler needed until the trees were well es­ is not unusual and zero tempera­ Farms Nursery , 1200 Weaver Road, tablished. tures sometimes occur. On January Springfield, Oregon 97477. 19 A WAYOF PIANT PROPAGATION

By Robert F. Carlson The Plant Material are lined out in rows in the spring. Michigan State Uni versity On an amateur scale, these can be East Lan sing, MI48824 Usually in budding, a rootstock planted in the garden or other suit­ and a variety (cultivar) of an orna­ able location. These are budded in A bud on a plant is only a few mental or fruit variety is involved. August or September. The bud millimeters in size, but properly However, in changing a young tree sticks are of current shoot growth handled can grow into a beautiful from one variety to another vari­ with leaves attached. The leaves rose bush, a dwarf apple tree, or a ety, only varieties are involved. are cut from the bud stick leaving large shade tree. This is called "top working" and 1/4 inch of leaf petiole next to the In contrast to seed, these tiny can be done by budding or graft­ bud (Fig. 2). buds generally grow into plants ing. The T-Bud identical to the parent variety. The rootstocks (of roses, apples, Vegetative buds are located on cherries, maples, etc.) upon which The most common method of year-old stems at the base of the the variety buds are placed usually budding is the T-bud. This is usu- leaf petiole (Fig. 1). Buds are re­ ferred to as being " vegetative" in contrast to seed which are of " ge­ netic" make-up. In the ornamental and fruit in­ dustries, the budding technique is a tremendous tool in propagating varieties true to name, growth and fruiting ;:haracteristics. Literally millions of plants are budded an­ nually by nurserymen throughout the world. Many amateurs also use this method to enhance the beauty of the urban landscape.

What is Budding?

Budding is the transfer of one or more buds from a plant to another plant of the same genus or species. The methods of doing this are vari­ Fig. I.-The apple seeds at left will grow into trees if properl y germinated and cared for, but each resulting tree and fruit will b e different and not like the able and can be done at different m other tree. The buds to the rig ht (chip buds at the top and T-buds bottom) were times of the year depending on cut from a 'Delicious' bu d stick and all 8 buds, if properl y budded, will grow into plant material and location. 8 n ew Delicious apple trees similar in tree and fruit to the mother tree. 20 ally done when the newly formed short cut horizontally across the bud was placed is cut just above bud is well developed and dor­ stem through the bark and another the bud allowing the bud to be mant and the plant (rootstock) on cut about 1 inch long downward forced to grow and produce the which the bud is placed is actively and parallel to the stem, forming new plant (Fig. 3) . growing. In other words, it is done the T-shaped cut. The top wings when the bark is slipping, which where cuts join at the top are lifted Inverted T -Bud means that the plant sap is flowing so that the bud can be slipped in so that the bark easily separates between the bark and wood. The inverted T-bud is some­ from the wood. In removing the bud from the times used in budding so~e plants The T-bud is made on 1- or bud stick, hold the stick firmly for because healing appears to be 2-year-old shoots by making a cutting a I-inch sliver containing more rapid. The method for in­ verted T -bud is the same as the T-bud, but the bud is slipped into the inverted T from the bottom rather than from the top (Fig. 4) .

The Chip Bud

The chip-budding method is similar to the T-bud, but can be done when the bark of the stock is not slipping. As the name indi­ cates, only a chip containing the dormant bud from I-year shoot is used. The stock for best bud take should be growing or starting to grow, which means that chip bud­ ding can be done in the spring. Note that in most budding of fruit trees, the bud contains a sliver of wood under the bark; however, Fig. 2.-Bud sticks of each showing (top) a bud stick with leaves from which 4 in some plant budding such as buds (center) have been removed. Bottom, a bud stick with leaves removed ready roses, the sliver of wood is re­ for bud removal. moved so that only the bark with the bud. Slip this bud into the intact bud is used. open T-cut, making certain that it A chip about 1 inch long is re­ is parallel with the stock and fits moved from the stock by making a snugly at the top of the T. The bark short downward cross cut at the of the bud should be in contact base, at an angle, and a second cut with the wood of the stock, thus above parallel with the stock, to matching the cambium of both make the place for the bud. From a bud and stock. The "cambium" is a dormant bud stick, a similar chip 3 or 4 cell layer between the bark containing the bud is cut and this and the wood. Then wrap the bud is placed on the stock matching the wi.th a rubber band so that it is held original cut surface on the stock. firmly in place until united with The bud is wrapped with drubber the stock. If the rubber band has band to hold it securely until not come off by itself one month growth commences. After the bud later, it should be removed. has started to grow and produc~ a Fig. 3.-A one-year-old apple tree This newly inserted bud, usually shoot, the stock portion above the showing where it was budded to a done in August or September, is bud is cut off (Fig. 5). dwarfing rootstock and where the root­ In all budding by the T, or chip, stock was cut above the bud allowing dormant and will remain so until the McIntosh bud to grow into a dwarf spring the following year. At that or patch bud, the bud should be tree. time, the stock upon which the Continued on page 28 21 A PREVIEW OF SOME PLANTS YOU WILL SEE AT THE 1977 AHS CONGRESS IN CALIFORNIA An Introdudion to the Complexities of California FIOla Dick Tilforth, Horticu lturist Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Claremont, Califo rnia 91711

As the State of California is miles of Pacific Ocean shoreline, Community" for each regional ele­ studied, one of the first facts noted is two major mountain ranges plus ment of the vegetation that is charac­ that it is consistent only in its incon­ many minor ranges, two large des­ terized by the presence of certain sistencies. It is 158,693 square miles erts, six large offshore islands, and dominant species. Munz and Keck of high and low, wet and dry, cold some rather large areas of volcanic use 29 communities and admit that and hot, and almost everything in activity (one of which has been his­ these are broad headings. Robert F. between. The diversity of Califor­ torically active) encourage plant en­ Thorne, after many years of field nia's topography, weather, and soil demism. work and study of the California types makes the California flora one This collection of climatic, geolog­ flora, has made a further breakdown of extreme variability. A statistical ical, and edaphic conditions has led of these communities and has ar­ analysis (Howell, Wasmann Journal to the commonly used concept of rived at 78 communities and sub­ of Biology, Vol. 30, 1972) gives the "Plant Communities." Munz and communities within the state. state 155 families, 857 genera, and Keck (1959) use the term " Plant The area commonly called South- 5027 species. If one includes the subspecies, varieties, and hybrids, the count comes to 6658. These figures may be impressive, but what is more impressive is the great variety of natural landscape situations that cause this vegetative display. The elevation extremes are from 14,494 feet at Mt. Whitney to 282 feet below sea level at Badwater in Death Valley, and these two points are only about 85 miles apart . The rainfall ranges from more than 100 inches a year in the northwest­ ern corner of the state to two inches or less a year in some of the desert districts. Temperatures have climbed to 134° F. in Death Valley and dropped to a recorded low of 45° F. below zero at Boca, Nevada County. The growing periods along the southwest coast are 365 days a year but fewer than 100 days a year Above-High Sierra near Yosemite National Park, Califomia. in the northern mountainous area. Right-Bird of Paradise Shrub, also known as luguminosae is These extremes, with just about a highly decorative plant in full bloom. Prevailing winds often bend 22 every soil type imaginable, 1555 the flower petals into a drift angle somewhat like the tail of a bird.

em California, as defined by Munz environment of the Inland Sage will not germinate until they have (1935-1974) , consists of about one­ Scrub Community. Several species been subjected to the heat of the quarter of the state's total area but of Lupines, both annual and peren­ Chaparral fires. In the spring after a contains about 58, or 74%, of the nial, and some very pretty Monkey seemingly disastrous fire followed total plant communities. As we can Flowers are to be found scattered by some winter rain the area comes touch only on this southern portion, through this community. Some of alive again with new growth, and we find that it loses some of the ex­ the larger shrubs are Rhus laurina many annuals show up that haven't tremes noted above, but is still a and Rhus ov a.ta , the Laurel Sumac been seen for years. Because of the noticeably diverse area. One of my and Sugar Bush. large geographic area occupied by first recollections of this diversity The Chaparral Community is de­ the Chaparral, it has been divided was a leisurely Sunday drive when I scribed as a broad-leaved, sclero­ into some very distinct subcom­ arrived in Southern California. This phyllus scrub. It is one of the most munities by Dr. Robert Thome. In drive started at the seashore, went noticeable communities on the the south it is represented by Island east to the desert and back by way of slopes and ridges of Southern Chaparral, Chamisal, Red Shanks the San Gabriel Mountains, reach­ California. The Chaparral is charac­ Chaparral, Desert Transi tion ing a road elevation of over 7300 terized by long, hot, dry summers Chaparral, and Mixed Chaparral. feet. On this same Sunday drive I with cool and sometimes wet win­ Island Chaparral of the offshore is­ saw or could have seen at least thirty ters. These scrubby areas are subject lands is characterized by several en­ of the plant communities mentioned to fires that are not regular or fre­ demics, including several species of above. quent but are necessary for the Manzanita and Ceanothus, and As one travels the highways (or health of both the flora and fauna of Dendromecon rigida ssp. harfordii, preferably the backroads) of South­ this community. The vegetation of the Tree Poppy, with large, yellow, ern California, one cannot help but the community has adapted to this poppy flowers that are evident notice the changes in the vegetation. condition of infrequent fires and against the grey-green foliage most Starting at the coastal bluffs in San many of the dominant shrubs are of the year. The white-flowered Diego County one might be sur­ able to re-establish themselves by Cros sosoma californicum is found prised to see Bergerocactus emoryi stump-sprouting from ground-level only on San Clemente and Santa and Opuntia prolifera, cacti that are crowns. Many of the annual seeds Catalina Islands and again about 300 usually considered to be in a hot, dry; sandy desert far from the ocean. This community is called the Maritime Desert Scrub in areas of lit­ tIe rain but within a stone's throw of the ocean. These cacti will be in as­ sociation with shrubs of Enc elia californica; the Lemonade berry, Rhus integrifolia; and the spiny Box-Thorn, Lycium californicum . Also on the coastal bluffs and a little further north can be seen the Sea Bluff Succulent Community. Here is the fleshy-stemmed Giant Coreop­ sis, a miniature "tree" which can reach a height of five feet or more with yellow flower heads up to three inches across. Here too are several species of the succulent Dudleya and the shrubby Isomeris arborea , or Bladder Pod, which is covered with yellow flowers nearly all year. If one visits the island of Santa Catalina or San Clemente, one can add to this community the St. Catherine' s Lace, Eriogonum giganteum. This is an en­ demic shrub on three of the offshore islands. Further inland and at a little 24 higher elevation is the hotter, drier Limber pine, Pinu s flexilis at Mt. Baden , elevati o n 93 00 feet. miles south on Guadalupe Island off mountains of Southern California the coast of Baja California (Mexico). and the coast ranges north to the San Chamisal and Red Shanks Francisco Bay area. It is identified Chaparral are both dominated by by its long, blue-green needles and the genus Adenostoma. Adenostoma its cones that reach a length of fasciculatum, the Chamise or Cham­ twelve inches and are the heaviest isal, and Adenostoma sparsifolium, pine cones in the world. Along with Red Shanks or Ribbon Bush, form the Coulter Pine can be found Quer­ Create your own colorful se tting. you r own atmosphere almost pure stands in their respec­ cus kelloggii , the deciduous Califor­ of beauty. tive communities. nia Black Oak. The Black Oak can at­ Our 1977 ca tal og is better than any previous year. Hundreds of Supporting a different kind of tain magnificent proportions, a natural color pictures and full Chaparral are the north slopes of the huge, massive trunk, a height of description make this edition an excellent guide to se lecting Transverse Ranges (San Gabriel and around 80 feet with a large, spread­ and planting those magnificent San Bernardino Mountains). The ing crown. Along with the pines and Dutch Bulbs which signal the awakening of Spring. northern slopes of these ranges are oaks there are many shrubs and Pl ease let us know where to often called the desert slopes and are herbs such as the Pink-Bracted send your free catalog. the gateway to the Mojave Desert. Manzanita and the low perennial SEND IN YOUR Here is the Desert Transition Mule Ears, Wyethia ovata. REQUEST TODAY Chaparral, and in it are found Quer­ Above the Coulter Pine Forest is cus turbinella , the shrubby Desert the Yellow Pine Forest. This com­ Oak, another Ceanothus that is a munity is dominated by Pinus pon­ low, rigid shrub with creamy-white derosa , Yellow Pine or Ponderosa flower clusters, the Mexican Man­ Pine, from 4500 to 7500 feet and zanita, Antelope Bush, and the Pinus jeffreyi, or Jeffrey Pine, at 6000 Cliff-Rose. All of these are evergreen to 9500 feet. Also found in this Yel­ and capable of survival under very low Pine Forest is the largest of our harsh conditions. Here also are the California pines, the Sugar Pine, Flannel Bush, Fremontodendron Pinus lamb ertiana. This pine can californicum, and the common Yucca reach heights of 150 feet or more and whipplei, Our Lord's Candle. This has cones that are 12 to 18 inches Yucca with its five subspecies can be long. Many other plants of interest seen in many chaparral areas of the can be found here such as the Moun­ southern half of the state. When in tain Dogwood, White Fir, and the flower this Yucca can change an lovely Incense-Cedar, Calocedrus otherwise drab, scrubby hillside (Libocedrus) decurrens. into a glorious sight with the flower At even higher elevations is found stalks ranging from six to ten feet bhe Lodgepole Pine Forest with high with their masses of creamy­ Pinus murrayana, sometimes as a white blossoms. nearly pure forest, up to 9600 feet. In all of the areas discussed the Pinus flexilis forms the timber­ larger, dominant shrubs and trees line forest called Limber Pine Forest Vegetable Factory® are mentioned, but at one's feet are which reaches about 11,400 feet on often small, ephemeral plants of Mt. San Gorgonio. SOLAR PANEL much interest. For example, in the Of special interest is the GREENHOUSE Desert Transition Chaparral one Bristlecone Pine Woodland with an might see Allium fimbriatum, one of open, low woodland of Pinus lon­ USES 60% the many wild onions to be found in gaeva (P. aristata of California au­ California. This little bulbcus plant thors) ranging up to 11,500 feet. One LESS HEAT. Th is practical thermal wall greenhouse produces, when the rains have been Bristlecone Pine is reported to be solves the energy cost problem. Patented good, one leaf and a flower stalk rigid double-wal l construction, tested in 4600 years old (Schulman, 1958), Vermont. Cost about V3 as much to heat only a few inches high with a termi­ perhaps the oldest living thing in as ord inary greenhouses. More than pays for itself in heat savings alone. Exclusive, nal umbel of lovely rose-purple the world. Growing on the dry, factory direct only. All models and sizes, flowers. rocky slopes of the Inyo-White 5 yea r wa rranty. Free Color Brochure. Call or Wr ite for fnformation Before the higher elevations are Mountains and the mountains sur­ o (; left behind, check the 2000 to 7000 rounding Death Valley, it survives ~--~-'t- P.O. Box 2235 .s::: Dept. AH-8 0.. for millenia under almost unaccept­ foot level for the Coulter Pine Forest. Grand Central Station The Coulter Pine occurs in all the able conditions. New York, N.Y. 10017 25 (212) 686-0173 To many the desert is a desolate, there is only enough moisture to plants, but in many of our desert re­ destitute, barren, and inhospitable support a limited number of plants. gions they are scarce or missing en­ land, yet to others it has an irresisti­ Any seedling that has the misfor­ tirely. On rocky, well-drained ble fascination. About two-thirds of tune to appear too close to a mature slopes of both deserts cacti will be Southern California is desert and is creosote bush soon " learns" that life found in abundance in what is divided into two parts, the Mojave is hard and that it can be a long time known as Stem-succulent Scrub Desert, or high desert, and the Col­ between drinks. This is a country Community. Depending on the lo­ orado Desert, or low desert. The where the yearly but unrelia ble rain­ cation one might find rather large high desert is generally considered fall amounts to two to six inches and collections of the genus Opuntia with to be above 2000 feet and to the where the hot, dry winds blow fre­ its numerous species; the Barrel north, and the low desert below that quently. Cactus , Fero cactus species; elevation and to the south. Again By contrast there is another desert Hedgehog and Mound Cactus, there is a great variety of conditions. plant, whose name and location Echinocereus species. The Mammil­ Mountains of 4000-6000 feet are not shall remain unstated, that grows larias and Corypanthas are not uncommon . Telescope Peak is only in cracks and crevices in almost common, and finding one often 11,049 feet high and Clark Mountain vertical limestone cliffs. According takes careful searching. is, 7,929 feet high. The Colorado to a few men who watch this type of This very brief introduction to the Desert drops to more than 200 feet situation, there are less than a dozen plant life of California is not in­ below sea level at the Salton Sea. plants of this species known to exist. tended to answer many questions. More than one hundred families are This plant, along with other very Instead it is hoped that by these few represented in these deserts and, selective plants, forms what is called words many questions will arise, using Dr. Thome's concept, there the Desert Rock Plant Community. tempting you to find the answers. are fifteen plant communities. Among these are species of the Lip The plants of California and their The desert communities are all Fern and the Cloak Fern. Many of habitats are obviously diverse. characterized by an extremely harsh the plants in this group grow What happens to this heritage can environment. Proper study of the nowhere else except in these cracks only be controlled by our own ef­ adaptation by desert plants to this and crevices where there is no ap­ forts. If we respect and protect it for environment would take a lifetime. parent soil, moisture, or relief from what it is, this flora will persevere: if Pictme a member of the lily family the heat and cold and winds of these we don' t, it will disappear. Students that grows from 15 to 30 feet high, desert rock faces and slopes. of the many-faceted science of with flowers up to three inches long Because desert rains are usually botany have a lot of research yet to in dense, elongated panicles. This is heavy downpours but of very short do before this assemblage of natural the Joshua Tree, Yucca brevifolia, of duration (usually a matter of a few material is fully understood. Plant the high desert. There is the minutes), the water tends to run off enthusiasts have years of work Ocotillo, or Fouquieria splendens, of to the lowest point. Here it is ab­ ahead of them in understanding, the low desert, with its many, spiny sorbed into the sandy soil almost in­ growing, hybridizing, and selecting canes up to 20 feet high with a stantly, but below the surface it is the best out of this flora. Let us hope scarlet-flowered panicle at the top of sometimes held in storage. These that ignorance or apathy will not every stem. If there has been recent sandy washes and arroyos support allow this opportunity for research, rain, the Ocotillo will have fleshy the Desert Microphyll Woodland. development, and enjoyment to be leaves all up and down the stems. As Here are found the Palo Verde, Cer­ denied to those of the future. soon as the soil moisture is de­ cidium floridum; Smoke Tree, Dalea pleted, the leaves dry up and drop spznosa; Desert Ironwood, Olneya off. The next rain, regardless of sea­ tes ota; Desert Willow, Ch ilopsis son, will cause the leaves to appear linearis, plus many others. These again and the cycle is repeated. plants can send their roots down to The most common and well great depths to tap this moisture known of the desert shrubs is the that is held beneath tht-: hot, dry sur­ Creosote Bush, Larrea tridentata . face . This group of plants has This plant covers thousands of miles another thing in common, they can of non-alkaline slopes and valley and do present a spectacular floral Top Left-'Tree Poppy' at Santa floors in the community named the display if seen at the right time of Catalina Island. Creosote Bush Scrub. These shrubs the year. Top Right-Passiflora mo l/ issima has a are not growing closely together but As yet nothing has been said less complex flowerhead . The tubular are spaced as if planted in a uniform, about cacti, and to many people the calyx is 5" long. open pattern. Competition is the desert means cacti. It is true that in a Bottom-Pi ttosporum Laurel-a delight­ 26 probable reason for this pattern as few areas the cacti are the dominant ful ornament.

BUDDING "scion" refers to the variety where or tape should be cut to prevent Continued from page 21 the bud was taken, or sometimes girdling the new bud. called the" scion variety". phasing upward, and not upside­ A similar bark patch with a bud The Shoot Patch Bud down on the stock. If the bud is in the center is then removed from inverted, chances are less of unit­ the bud stick (scion) and placed on In some difficult to bud or graft ing with the stock and, if it does the stock where the patch was re­ plants, such as the Walnut species, unite, the resulting shoot from the moved. Agairi, it is very important the shoot patch has been used with bud will have an objectionable that the area of the patch bud fair success. A 4-inch shoot de­ crook so that a straight tree will not matches cQmpletely and secun~ly veloped from a bud on a one year develop. the patch area on the stock. branch is used ratheJ; than the The patch bud, once in place on dormant bud alone, and therefore The Patch Bud the stock, is wrapped either with this is done in late spring when grafting tape or with a rubber young shoots are developing (Fig. As the name indicates, a patch of band. The patch area should be 6.). the bark (no wood) is removed covered with the wrap to prevent The method is the same as for the from the stock. A smooth area of drying. Since this is done when the patch bud in that a patch of bark is the stock should be chosen since stock is growing, the rubber strip removed from the stock, providing this makes it easy for removing the patch and matching the bud patch. Fig. 4.-Left: The T-bud Olt is at the top of this photo and the inverted T-bud be­ low. Right: The same after the 2 buds have been tied with the rubber strip. The patch can be either rectangular Note that 2 buds can be put on one stock in case one fails to grow. or square, often depending on the Fig. 5. Below-A dormant cherry chip bud placed on an actively growing cherry diameter of the ~tock and size of stock showing how the shoot developed (left) from this chip bud. Note that in the bu~ patch. In doing this, the this case, the stock was not cut off above the bud because other buds were placed bark must be slipping for ease of on the same stock making this into a multiple budded tree. removing the bark patch from both Fig. 6. Top Right-Left: bark patch removed from stock. the stock and the scion. The Right: shoot patch put in place and wrapped with rubber strip. To prevent dry­ ing, the patch area should be covered with grafting compound and plastic bag . . Fig. 7. Below Right-About all materials that are needed for budding are a sharp knife and rubber bands. These bands or strips of rubber come in different sizes, an average size being 4 x 3/16 inch. Good, healthy plant material also is most de­ sirable for success.

28

., , a place for the patch with a 4-inch shoot from the bud stick of the va­ Fox fhll Farm riety to be budded. The patch HERBS . Grow our plants in your home and garden for their flavors, fragrances, shoot bud must be rapidly and :nsect repelling qualities. etc. Spring and Foil planting guides in­ tenderly handled when transferred cluded in our informative brochure. to the stock, beca use this is an ac­ Send 50c for your copy. FOX HILL FARM· Box 7AH Parma, MI. 49269 tively growing soft shoot. After the transfer has been made, wrap with rubber strips or tape to hold the patch with shoot in place. This ac­ SEAWRIGHT complished, place a plastic bag GARDENS over the entire shoot and stock so that humidity is built up inside and around the shoot. Part of the ' i stock above the patch may be cut /.' '-- off to accommodate the plastic bag. ( Shade the plant or patch area to $ prevent overheating in the sun. $~tn Grad ually allow air circula tion around the bud by cutting holes in TETRAPLOID DAYLILIES plastic bag and after the patch and 134 Indian Hill shoot bud has taken or is healed, Carlisle, Massachusetts 01741 remove the plastic bag. Telephone: (617) 369-2172

Budding Skills and Tools Write for Catalog

There is no mystery in budding, but a certain amount of skill and "know-how" makes it an interest­ ing art. Anyone who is " handy with his or her hands" can bud. So give it a try, and you will be amazed at your results. For best success in budding plants of any kind, it must be done at the right time. The plant mate­ rial (stock and bud) should be available and in condition for proper healing of the bud after it has been put in place on the stock. As far as tools needed for bud­ Send today for my FREE fact filled, informative ding, a sharp pocket knife will suf­ COLOR CATALOG fice. Special budding knives can be obtained also, but success depends Full size, home gardener, more on skill in handling the sharp quality California knife. A good whetstone for keep­ REDWOOD greenhouses. ing the knife sharp is most impor­ tant (Fig. 7). FREESTANDING MODELS, Budding rubber bands .or tapes LEAN-TO AND DOMES! are available at nursery supply 95 stores. These should be kept in a From $112 cool place when not in use to pre­ vent deterioration. ~ R£WuJIIF/l-. Finally, it is a good idea to keep a THE GREENHOUSEMAN® few band aids handy in case of 980 17th Ave., Dept. 71-H "knife slip". Budding is fun, and Santa Cruz, Calif. 95062 with some experience, the results 29 can be pleasing and enjoyable.

' Scarlock ' Hemero~ Cinderella Has Gone to Town

Virginia L. Peck Middle Tennessee Sta te University, Murfreesboro , TN 37132

Though species of the genus renewed in the late 1940' s and means. Hemerocallis are reported to have 1950' s , when amateur horti cul­ The agent which has been em­ grown in the yards of the early col­ turists, along with professional ge­ ployed to induce tetra ploidy in a onists, the hybrid daylily as we neticists and botanists, turned their number of plant species is col­ know it today is a relative newcomer attention to research and develop­ chicine, an alkaloid obtained from to the United States . With the ment of this promising new peren­ the autumn crocus (Colchicum au­ number of refined cultivars of nial. New forms and colors began to tumnale) and originally used in the highly pedigreed modern tum Cinderella fulva into just a poor treatment of gout. In 1937 it was Hemerocallis running well into five relation, as thousands of happy proved experimentally that this figures, it is difficult to believe that backyard pollen daubers joined in substance inhibits certain phases of only 35 or so years ago hybrid day­ the search for the apple green, the cell division, but allows the chromo­ lilies were almost non-existent in pure white, and the elusive true somes to du plicate themselves in the the gardens of America. blue daylily. Howev er, the most normal manner. Thus, the usual dip­ The pioneer work of three dedi­ radical development in the evolu­ loid number of chromosomes in the cated botanists during the early de­ tion of the daylily was the cell is doubled, resulting in four sets cades of this century laid the emergence on the scene of the tet­ of chromosomes in the same cell, or groundwork for the transformation raploid form in the late fifties. It the tetraploid number. of old Cinderella fulva into a queen might be appropriate at this time to Typically tetraploid plants are of modem perennials. A. N . Stew­ note briefly a few facts about tetra­ larger, and often superior in other ard, professor of botany at Nanking ploidy for the better understanding ways, to diploid forms of the same University duri.ng the 1920's, col­ of non-professional but interested variety. The superiority of the in­ lectt?d and brought back many na­ horticulturists. duced tetraploid over the diploid tive species of daylily from China Spontaneous tetraploidy, or natu­ form in many plant species led some and East Asia. A. B. Stout, New ral chromosome doubling, occurs workers in the late 1940's to attempt York Botanical Garden from 1911 to frequently among many plant spe­ to induce tetraploidy in daylilies 1957, studied and described the cies through natural evolutionary with colchicine. Among these were biology of the plant and expanded processes. No natural tetraploids in Robert Schreiner, W. Quinn Buck, the range of the species cultivars day lily have ever been reported, and Hamilton P . Traub, who re­ through hybridization. E. J. Kraus, however. Stout, in 1932, in his sur­ ported several induced tetraploid professor of botany at the University vey of chromosome numbers in day­ forms in daylily in the late forties of Chicago 1927-1949, refined the lily, found the somatic number of 22 and early fifties. material then available through chromosomes to be basic for all The later fifties and early sixties thousands of daylily crosses. species of daylily, excepting several were marked by significant progress .r:::o Momentum in day lily research in induction techniques with day- :; clones which had the triploid >- and breeding initiated by these lily material, both by these early £J'" number of 33 chromosomes. There­ o early workers came almost to a halt fore the only way of obtaining tet­ workers and others. By 1959 Robert .r:::o "- during the Great War years, but was raploids in daylily was by artificial Griesback and Orville Fay reported 31 flowering over 100 tetraploids by because of the undesirable charac­ should be paralleled by increase in treating with colchicine many seed­ teristics of a number of the induced the range of heritable traits, thus ex­ lings in a juvenile state of develop­ plants. The flowers of some of them panding the number of possible ge­ ment. During the sixties greater were too stiff to open properly; netic combinations and speeding up diversity of tetraploid breeding ma­ thick, ungainly scapes were consid­ the evolution of new colors, forms , terial became available through col­ ered unattractive when compared varieties. Let us take a look at the chicine treatment of mature clones with the thin, graceful scapes of metamorphosis of Cinderella fulva . of different genetic lines. Both pro­ many diploids .. And the scrawny lit­ Species day lilies normally send fessionals and zealous amateurs tle flowers perched four feet aloft on up only one scape each bloom sea­ joined in the efforts to convert old these sturdy columns were viewed son, but some of today's hybrids favorites and produce new ones dimly with a jaundiced eye by tet­ grow and may produce bloom the using varying techniques of applica­ raploid sceptics. But however hum­ year round. Evergreen varieties per­ tion of colchicine. In 1964 Toru ble the early induced tetraploid may form better generally in southern lo­ Arisumi of the United States De­ have been in comparison with later calities, and some of the remontant partment of Agriculture at Beltsville, advanced diploids, it was not nearly types may continue to send up Md., reported 17 tetraploid forms of so humble as its diploid counter­ scapes throughout the year. Dor­ named cultivars of various genetic part. Some of the earlier diploids mant cultivars do better in more backgrounds. Improved progeny of used in the experimental work with northern climates, and remontance the induced tetraploids began to colchicine were not very far away is not uncommon if the growing appear in commerce and to enter the from Cinderella! And rapid progress season is long enough. It is true that breeding programs of many work­ away from Cinderella was severely the repeat bloom habit has been ers. By 1967 there were 66 tetraploid impeded by the barrier of the low bred into both diploid and tetra­ cultivars registered by the American fertility factor in the induced tetra­ ploid hybrids, but it is our experi­ Hemerocallis Society which had ploids. A very small percentage of ence that tetraploids are more per­ been grown from the seed of in­ them were seed fertile, though a sistent rebloomers than the dip­ duced material. larger number were pollen fertile. A loids, some clones sending up new Both theoretically and actually, favorite maxim among early work­ scapes before the first one has the tetraploid daylily is superior to ers was, "If it's fertile, it's good!" bloomed out. This does not mean the diploid in a number of ways. Though breeding with tetraploids that a variety with no genetic back­ The' flower is larger, for one thing. in the first decade or so was not an ground for repeat bloom will sud­ This does not mean that all tetra­ easy process for any of us, selective denly tum into a continuous bloom­ ploid daylily flowers are larger than breeding with the early "dogs," er if it is converted to tetraploid. It all diploid flowers. On the contrary, combined with production of newer means simply that the reb loom some diploids are larger than some tetraploids from better genetic ma­ habit is increased in the tetraploid if tetraploids. But if the tetraploid and terial, eventually yielded a breeding that tendency is already present in diploid versions of the same cultivar supply of tetraploid seedlings. The the genetic makeup of the plant. are grown side by side under equal difficulties involved in getting The same kind of generalization conditions, the overall aspect of the seed set were considerably di­ can be made regarding other charac­ tetraploid is that it is larger, as are all minished when the breeding stock ters of the daylily. The colors in our of the floral parts: petals, sepals, consisted of seedlings rather than early tetraploids should have dis­ ovary, style, stamens, anthers. In induced material. In our own expe­ couraged even the eagerest " hem" some instances the tetraploid will be rience, breeding presented no great beaver: brownish reds, muddy as much as double the size of the problem by the time of the 1967 crop pinks, nondescript yellows and diploid . Petals and sepals are of seedlings, many of which were oranges, tawny blends of all of thicker, and substance is heavier. four or five generations away from these. All of the colors of the spec­ The color of the flower is richer, the induced ancestor, and for the trum were present in mixed form, more intense, because of the thick­ first time parents could be selected and our job was to unmix and isolate ness of petals. The floral scape is almost as rigidly as with diploids, them into basic clear and clean col­ stronger, sturdier. Substance of rather than having to cross just those ors. Through selective breeding foliage is increased and its color is that were fertile, as had been done with the tetraploids, we can now darker green, more luxurious. Veg­ in the past. approximate the range of colors of etative vigor in all the plant parts is The speeded up tempo of im­ the rainbow. Clear shades of red in greater. provements in tetraploid daylilies in all the varying hues are represented; In the early days of tetraploids, the past decade seems to confirm pinks range from pale shell to deep many daylily enthusiasts were scep­ one of the theoretical potentialities rose, almost red; yellows go from tical of the tetraploids and were un- of the tetraploid. That is, that in­ very near white to the deepest gold 32 able to visualize their potentialities crease in chromosome numbers or orange; and in purple, the grada- tion ranges from palest lavender petaloids have cropped out on this petal. Or yesterday'S bloom on that through the deeper purples to vel­ one, forming peony shaped blooms; lime yellow may be still sitting there vety black. or symmetrically arranged petals perkily beside today's wide open, Though improved colors denote a and sepals may appear as usual, ex­ dewy-fresh bloom this cool morn­ major advance in this decade of cept that there are eight or ten ing. The near-whites are cloud pale breeding with tetraploids, perhaps marching around the flower instead in the soft morning light, the near­ the greatest advance has been in the of the normal six. Midribs of petals blues emulate the summer sky, and changing form and shape of the on a red have put up a ragged, the green-throated, cherry-bright modern daylily. The generally larger comb-like ridge or crest down the reds look like Christmas ornaments. size of the tetraploid makes it a more centers. And this lovely pink-the Has the wand of the fairy god­ imposing, even spectacular, garden fluted edging on the petals creeps mother truly touched Cinderella in flower, in some cases. Greater width clear down into the heart of the the night? of petal and sepal, a more compact flower and onto the back of the overall aspect, has been a primary goal in breeding in anum ber of or­ namental floral species. It has been New and Revised of particular importance in Hemerocallis , inasmuch as the in­ florescence produced in the species AHS Publications cultivars is of a generally thin , stringy nature. Petals in present day AHS is offering three useful gardening tools to its members: tetraploid day lilies frequently mea­ 3rd Edition of the DIRECTORY OF AMERICAN sure three inches or more in width, HORTICULTURE, revised July 1977. Normal publication sepals two inches. The long spidery price-$7.50. petals have become shorter and DISCOUNT COST TO AHS M EM BERS-$6.50 postage wider, creating a rounded, overlap­ paid. ping, compact general form. Other shapes break away from careful symmetry into graceful, fle xible, Index to twisting or recurved petals and/or Horticultural INDEX TO HORTICULTURAL FILMS, Films sepals in contrast to the stiff, awk­ produced by AHS Plant Sciences Data Center, revised ward shapes of the earlier tetra­ June 1977. Normal publication price-$6.50. plaids. And one of the more recent, DISCOUNT COST TO AHS MEMBERS-$5.50 postage paid. and most sought after, develop­ ments is in the decorative edgings of petals, as well as sepals. Many of to­ ENVIRONMENTALLY TOLERANT day's most popular tetraploids carry TREES, SHRUBS AND GROUND COVERS very heavy ruffling on the edges, or a plant list recommended by a nationwide AHS survey lacy, knobby piecrust and fluted or program on the performance of existing plants exposed to environmental stress, revised June 1977. Normal pleated edges. Additional features publication price-$3.50. on some are a contrasting margin on DISCOUNT COST TO AHS MEMBERS-$3.00 postage the edging, usually gold or amber or paid. white, but other colors are coming. At this time three named tetraploids Use the order form below. PLEASE PRINT. have a purple margin completely surrounding all three petals. The 1------1 heavy, creped, seersucker-like Please send me __ copies of AHS Directory of I finish on a number of the present I American Horticulture at $6.50 each ...... $ tetraploids is also a great contrast to Please send me __ copies of Index to Horticultural Films at the smooth, formal texture of the I $5.50 each ...... $ earlier ones. I Please send me __ copies of Environmentally Tolerant Trees, Shrubs and Ground Covers at $3.00 each ...... $ Breaks in color and form these I PLEASE NOTE: This discount offer is valid ONLY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30,1977. days send the "hem bug" scurrying Clip this form and send it to: out by daybreak to the seedling I AHS Publications Committee, patch when the new crop begins to I National Center for American Horticulture bloom, to see what Santa Claus has I Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 ~ brought during the night. Extra ------33 eringWildfiowers with a era

John Armen 122 Wightman Avenue Norwich , CT 06360

Black Eyed Susan Trout Lily Tiger Lily

34 Spiderwort Showy Lady's Slipper Buttercup To gather wildflowers with a camera is an expression of gratitude for the wonders of nature. This appreciation can become a way of life. The benefits are much more than pictures.

The joy of gathering wildflowers with a camera is in tainer to carry your equipment. Stay with one film, searching for them. It can offer a lifetime of excite­ Kodachrome 25, until you are happy with the results. ment. ... an adventure you enjoy throughout the To take the picture, thread the close-up lenses 2 and 3 year both indoors and out. This is an adventure you can (in this order) onto your camera, set your camera on the pursue alone or with someone else. However, the best proper shutter speed for the electronic flash according pictures cannot be made when you feel like doing it. to your camera manual, set the f stop at 16 or 22, set the Fleeting moments in nature, the hues and shapes of a feet at infinity, plug the extension cord into the camera sunrise or sunset, nesting birds, and wildflowers at and the light, aim the light at the flower about 15 inches their best-are indeed brief. Only the alert can immor­ away and approximately 60° to the right or left of the talize them on film . camera. If you are alone, push a stick into the ground Once you decide to gather wildflowers with a cam­ and clamp or tie the light onto it at the required posi­ era, purchase a good pictorial guide. (Suggestion: "A tion. Find the flower or group of flowers in your view­ Field Guide to Wildflowers" by R. T. Peterson and M. finder, move the camera toward or away from the McKinney.) Make yourself familiar with the color and flower until you see it in perfect focus, compose or shape of the flower, note the shape of the leaves and make the picture--Iook carefully for distractions, such their arrangement on the stem. Note the time of the as sticks, etc.; if you like what you see, release the shut­ season when it blooms and the type of terrain where it ter. For a second picture set the focus at the minimum may be found growing. The first cue to look for is color; feet, change the light angle keeping it approximately 16 therefore, scan the area carefully. After you have inches away and repeat the procedure. Shoot a roll of 20 gathered a few wildflowers on film-show your collec­ pictures in this way, varying (1) the light to subject dis­ tion to friends and social groups. Get as many people as tance (an inch or two), (2) the focus ring, (3) the f stop possible familiar with your interest. In this way you between 11 , 16 or 22, and (4) use each portrait lens alone will pick up leads in locating the more rare flowers. on the camera. Be sure to keep notes recording your (Many wildflowers are rare indeed, therefore do not camera settings, and light to subject distance for each pick them unless you know the plant. Also, be careful slide. When you view your slides, check the notes and not to trample flowers-this is especially important if a plan to make adjustments accordingly. The results group of people is involved.) should excite and motivate you to study and improve If you are a real beginner, a patient photography your work. store clerk can be a big help. Remember that you're All of the illustrated flowers were growing in Con­ doing this for fun, therefore don't let the language of necticut. If you should be travelling north or south the photo "experts" dull your enthusiasm. Buy the best through this beautiful state, stop off at Exit 82 of the equipment you can afford and be proud of what you Connecticut Turnpike (Route 52). You will im­ own. The equipment listed here is basic and will sup­ mediately make the acquaintance of a town over 300 plement whatever approach you may eventually years old where wildflowers still grow along its country choose. roads and woodland. The town is Norwichtown­ You should have a single lens reflex camera (SLR), an settled in 1659. A slow 10 minute ride will get you to electronic flash with a guide number of 40± with ASA "The Green", "Meeting House Rocks", historic old 25 film, an extension cord for the flash unit, numbers 2 homes and country lanes. Mc:.ny of these flowers may and 3 close-up portrait lenses, a couple of small clamps, be found growing along the narrow country Connecti- insect repellent, a small notebook, pencil, and con- cut roads! 35 Robert E. W eidner Nu rseryman 537 O cean VI ew A ve. B nias Encinitas , CA. 92024

Camellia flowered If you live in a climate favorable to and forms more to the American growing tuberous begonias, " count taste. your many blessings", for they will Tuberous begonias are propa­ give you bloom for m onths in the gated by two methods, cuttings and shade garden. seed. Only a relative few come from In coastal California we enjoy cuttings, and these are to perpetuate them from mid-June to sometime in and increase a very fine or a named November or December. In colder variety. Millions are grown from climates, early frosts send them into seed to produce plants for sale or their dormancy. tubers for the ensuing years. A great increase of interest has been stirred by people who like to For the home owner, tubers or grow plants in containers. Tuberous started plants are most satisfactory. begonias, given a proper soil, fil­ When tubers are received, they tered sun, consistent watering plus should be started indoors in flats or fertilizing, thrive as well in large pots with any porous potting mix, pots as planted in the garden. Then be it leaf mold and sand, peatmoss to top that there are hanging basket and perlite, redwood sawdust, types that provide glorious bloom. finely ground pine bark- whatever Though the blooms are somewr.at is convenient. The tubers are smaller than the upright varieties, planted hollow-side up and barely they bloom far more profusely. It is covered. Temperatures in the low not unusual for a well grown basket 70's at night are best. Strong light to have dozens of flowers at one but not full sun through a window time. helps keep the growth strong and The parent species come from not stretched. South America, and so much breed­ When the growth is well started, ing has been done that no re­ 3-4 inches, a light feeding with fish semblance remains to the original fertilizer is beneficial. Though one species. Today's plants have many can read of many different fertilizers huge blooms four to fi ve inches in and changes to get bloom, you may diameter, and come in many colors. be sure that they are perpetuations In America, nearly all the breed­ of myths of long ago. We have found ing has been done in a small area of that fish fertilizer used according to California, mainly around Santa directions on the container will con­ Cruz. We like the American be­ sistently give good results. We espe­ gonias best, because they are bred cially do not like quick release fer­ with disease resistance in mind. In tilizers such as ammonium sulfate, 36 addition, they have produced colors for the fine roots are easily burned. When growth reaches 6" or more week. To help people remember it is time to pot or plant in the gar­ when to fertilize, we say it is a " Half den. If in pots, use any good light Catholic" plant .... fish every potting mix, and cover the tuber an other Friday. inch or so. A pot with a 10" If you wish to plant in the soil, in minimum diameter and 6" depth your garden, it should have a great should be used. Deeper pots tend to deal of humus added, and the bed become soggy. Water in thoroughly should be 6" above surrounding to settle the plant well. From then soil, to insure perfect drainage . on, keep the soil moist. As the plant Heretical as it may sound, in our own grows it will use more and more wa­ garden, we merely bring in red­ ter. Fish fertilizer should be used wood sawdust or very finely ground after two weeks, then every other bark chips, make a layer 8-10 inches

37 above ground without mixing with As the upright type begins to get Carmel Valley Begonia Gardens soil. We plant all our shade plants, taller, the wise gardener will stake Rt. 2, Box 954 begonias, fuchsias, primulas, cy­ them so stray dogs, little boys, and Carmel Valley, Ca. 93921 clamen, whatever, in this material. hard winds will not break them. All plants root out into the medium, The varietal forms of the tuberous The Begonia Gardens consistent feeding taking care of begonia are many, and we have Comer of Piraeus and Normandy their nutrition need. It is impossible never detected ilny great difference Leucadia, Ca. 92024 to overwater; and that is important in vigor. There are three basic vari­ Plants only-no tubers to a " sprinkler-forgetter" like me. eties in the large flowering group: Open for viewing and digging We have little trouble with in­ camellia flowered or double rose mid-June through mid-September. sects. Passing earwigs may take a form, the flowers resembling huge No shipping. nip now and then. Slugs and snails roses or camellias; double ruffled enjoy the growing conditions, so carnation type: frilly ruffled petals If you decide to plant in the ground, plant with the leaves point­ ing outward. The huge central flower is male, the one or two small single side flowers are female. An interesting point about tuber­ ous begonias is that they make a compact mass of fine roots, and thus are easy to transplant. We grow 25,000 in raised ground beds, and it is a sight to behold to see thousands of people come from mid-June thru mid-September to dig plants to take home. Their ecstatic remarks make the work worthwhile. After you have enjoyed your summer's bounty of flowers a light frost will destroy the vegetative growth to ground level. If the plants are in containers, do NOT remove the tubers, but merely put in a place where they can not freeze or be rained upon. The tubers when dormant will not tolerate con­ stant wetness. If the plants are in beds, and if you live in cold country, let all vegeta­ Carnation flowered tion dry, then lift the tubers, clean well and allow to sun dry for several baiting is wise. in many variations; Picotee type: days. Then they may be packed in a There are two diseases we are both in ruffled and rose form, small carton with DRY peatmoss. If concerned with, stem-rot and pow­ characterized by a darker edging of you live in California, where there dery mildew. We have seen much each petal, sometimes beautifully seldom is a deep frost, we find it more mildew on European varieties, variegated throughout the flower. best to leave the tubers in the so we tend to omit them. When the ground. plants are established in their per­ All of these forms come in both up­ No one can guarantee that tubers manent home, a week to ten days, right and hanging basket varieties. will survive. If they do you will see we like to drench the plant and soil growth start any time from March with "Benomyl". This is a systemic One can get a beautiful catalog in on. Again they must be put in strong fungicide, available under different color merely by writing to: light and the cycle starts again. You trade names in retail outlets. Many Antonelli Bros. may then look forward to yet fungicides are sold, but " Benomyl" 2545 Capitola Rd. another summer of the extraordi­ is a good preventive against pow­ Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062 nary color and beauty that the dery mildew, and a great aid if tuberous begonia adds to your gar­ 38 stem-rot strikes. Other sources include: den. by Martha Prince 9 Winding Way Locust Valley , N. Y . 11 560

"October 1,1765. Fine, clear cool morning. The thermometer is 56."

So begins a fragment of the diary of John Bartram of Philadelphia, America's great self-taught botanist and plant collector. Bartram meticulously kept a diary, but only one eight-month section survives, and it includes this notable date. Mystery stories are fascinating, even to botanic scientists (and to flower buffs), and on this lovely Oc­ tober day began a continuing Seed Pod Close up of tree trunk. mystery-the whereabouts of g Franklinia alatamaha . ;t c

John and his son William were on .g(; a horseback journey near the coast of ~ Georgia, heading for the ferry at Fort E Barrington on the Altamaha River. ~ ::< (Where the extra "a" in the botanic 15" name came from is conjecture.) The ~ Bartrams were collecting plant mate- a: rial, both for their own nurseries and for nurseries in England. "This day's riding was very bad, through bay swamps." He mentions tupelo trees, cypresses in deep wa­ ter, brush, briers and palmettos, "yet we got safe through all." This was in dry weather, evidently, and he says the day's journey was often on piney ground three or four feet above the swamp. He notes, "In wet seasons most of it is covered with water (for) a long season." After "dining on bread and a pomegra­ nate by a swamp", they lost their way and reached the Altamaha some four miles below Fort Barrington. Flower of Franklinia alatamaha. 39 Both Bartrams were very poor at es­ finish satin, the seed capsules are as he called them. He lists the height timating distances, so "four" must large, hard as nuts, and round. as fifteen to twenty feet; in cultiva­ be taken with the proverbial grain of When ripe, the seed capsule splits. tion today, the mature height may salt. Five fissures open from the top, al­ be somewhat more. Another plant As to the now famous and beauti­ ternately with five from the bottom. collector, Moses Marshall (of ful Franklinia , his brief entry is There are really five sections with a Philadelphia also) , found and col­ merely, "This day we found several divider in each. Each "storage bin" lected plants in 1790. The trees were very curious shrubs, one bearing holds four ne·atly stacked seeds reported for the last verified time in beautiful good fruit." (He did not (forty seeds in all) . The empty pods 1803, by John Lyon, a Scotsman. mean fruit in the edible sense, but are attractive to save as a sample of Lyon for a few years had a nursery in seed.) Nature's marvelous design. Charleston. It might be noted that In 1773, son William found the The area where the Bartrams the Bartram's nursery catalogue of trees again. According to his found them is Zone 9, but they will trees available in 1792 lists Travels , he was on the northeast side grow beautifully in the New York Franklinia . There exists a copy of the of the river, once more on the way to area (in acid soil, moist but well­ catalogue, handwritten, by George Fort Barrington. This time he men­ drained). The easiest propagation is Washington's private secretary, a tions that the trees are " in all their by cuttings; seeds need stratifica­ Mr. Dandridge. blooming graces" , and that they ap­ tion, and do not germinate well. As The Franklinia trees in today's pear to be a species of Gordonia . each tree produces so many seeds, gardens and arboreta are descen­ Just two hundred years ago, prob­ however, this should not have been dants of these collected trees. How­ ably this very month, in 1777, he a problem in the disappearance of ever, even today some botanists and saw them for the last time, in "per­ the tree from the wild. others are almost obsessed with fect bloom." Bartram wrote that there were two finding the original Bartram station. By this time he has decided the or three acres of the trees, or shrubs They tramp endlessly through trees are not Gordonia at all, but a new "tribe" (a word he sometimes used for genus), which he named for Benjamin Franklin. Actually, he was wrong in 1777, and right in 1773. Franklinia alatamaha is a Gordonia . Our only other American one is Gor­ donia lasianthus, a much taller and evergreen tree with similar, though smaller, flowers. However, even the new Hortus Third , bowing to tradi­ tion, merely lists it under Gordonia JU.. (Present day) and writes it up under Franklinia . It is bad enough to lose a tree; worse to • lose its name as well! William Bartram was not given to

poetic adjectives. He burst into II them about the flame azalea (R. calendulaceum) , and now he does ,u."" - _...v. once more. After describing it sim­ >1, _ _ ..!k ply as " of the first order for beauty - ~ .u. ~ and fragrance of blossoms", he 0 1 2 3 I I I _... adds, "of a snow white colour, and ,u __ MILES IJL .lIL_ ornamented with a crown or tassel . >11 _ _ lL_ .ill1 of gold . ...." ill., __ ili I will not quote his rather dry bo­ --~ \t, >1U.>l tanical description. The tree is really -__~-__ -ili-_ _ :.J.L _ -.Ilt _ _ the most special for its late summer \l.I ___ _ Jb -oIlJ,_ and early autumn bloom. It is in­ --~-~ .!lu - - -t'\.IL~D-.illU~--,w:::-- ...... illU - .>llli _ · .Jk.. - - ... _lU -- __ \j_ _ .ili. .u, ___ JJlt. _ teresting at all times; the bark is >ILl _.\U_ ili __ _~.1L ~ illL _ _ ~ .Ju.. _ lL.JJ..I.IL_ >I"- striped distinctively, the buds are --_ .lJb_illI.L. ..>.L_.L _ _ illU __ w...... - -=-Ji.-_ -~ - - .. ..>J.i.L.. ..J..I.L.. _ _ :..w..... __ 'illJJ_.>olu _.J.I.t.,._,W_ round green balls seemingly cov­ 40 ered in a soft green shade of matte- swamps and over sand ridges, year them. The whole area is too new in eight miles away,-still a very small after year, searching. It is almost cer­ geologic time. area (but reasonable, even for a rare tainly a vain project, and for several Dr. Robert Carver, of the Geology tree population). I cannot be sure, of reasons. First, the identical trees Department at the University of course, that they were really cannot exist, as the tree is not so Georgia tells me "The coast of Geor­ Franklinia . But what else could they long-lived. Even the collection in gia is a highIy dynamic system, and have been? Gordonia lasianthus is a Bartram's Garden (now a park in is constantly changing." In the ab­ fairly common coastal wetland tree, Philadelphia, open to the public) sorbing science known as but this was in the lower Blue Ridge does not date from the lifetimes of paleogeography (the mapping of Mountains. For me, it is now my either Bartram. past time), we find that all the Franklinia that is lost! Searching in a possi ble locations da te from Next, a look at the government's vaguely remembered area of the Holocene (or Recent) time. These quadrangle map shows what the deep woods is difficult, and I have sites were under the sea until at least land is like. Only the site of Fort Bar­ never had the time in the years since the last 5000 years. No tree species rington is on safely high ground. I became really interested. Some­ can be as young as that! Except for that one little spit of land, day, when botanists give up on the not a single spot on the northeast Right at Fort Barrington the pres­ coastal search, I may arrange for a ent spit of dry land was underwater side of the river even rates a single helicopter expedition to search for for at least a mile back from the pres­ 10' contour line. The whole area is "my" lost Franklinia, many miles ent Altamaha. Four miles south (as known as Buffalo Swamp. My belief away. is that the original Bartram trees mentioned by John Bartram), at least Coincidentally, a few years ago were quite simply drowned! The ac­ three miles on the northeast side the then President of the Bartram were underwater. The whole sand companying map does not extend to Society (a descendant of John's) had ridge shown on the map was depos­ the actual mouth of the river, which separately put forth the theory that ited since that time. Spots on that meanders in channel after channel the trees originated upstream. An ridge reach forty and even fifty feet on a very lazy exit to the Atlantic. A article of mine brought us together number of marsh "islands" dot the in elevation today. Further seaward for a correspondence. the marsh islands were all under the area, but there are only two real If you have access to an ar­ ocean. In one sentence (1773) islands-Sapello and St. Simon's boretum, Franklinia alatamaha is William mentions the rice planta­ (noted as a resort). Information fur­ worth a special late summer visit. tions on Cathead Creek; there was nished by the Tidal Datum Section, The finest painting of the flowers no Cathead Creek. of the National Ocean Survey, gives So, where did the trees come from? that I know of is the one in Audu­ the highest estimated tide at the The obvious answer would be "up­ bon's Birds of America. It is Plate 185 present-day railroad bridge (just river". I realize no authority has ac­ (Bachman's Warbler), and it is not three and a half miles south of Fort knowledged a reported "find" as au­ by Audubon at all. He almost never Barrington) as 7' above Mean Sea thentic, but I have a small footnote touched a background. This was Level. The Chief of the Section, of my own to mention here. My painted by a little Charleston spins­ James Hubbard, writes me that the mother and grandmother were both ter named Maria Martin, in 1833. It estimate is based on ocean condi­ quite good amateur botanists. They is also identified as Gordonia pubes­ tions only; the actual water level often visited relatives near Charles­ cens; I can find nothing as to where could reach greater heights due to ton, Grandmother in the 1870's and that name originated. The painting the incoming fresh water. (The tide Mother around 1900. Franklinia shows, and beautifully, more pre­ gauge at the bridge itself was swept alatamaha grew in some Charleston cise detail than does a photograph. away in the 1930's.) An inundation gardens. For the Bartrams it was al­ There is a black and white drawing of the tree site could have been salt most "headquarters", and Lyon had by William himself in the British water, as well as fresh! No stand of once had a nursery there. When I Museum in London, but I know of trees could survive such treatment. was a child, in North Georgia, my no currently available published If I had unlimited research time I mother pointed out some late­ source. Any library should have the would Emjoy finding old sea cap­ blooming trees with white Audubon book for you to study. I tains' logs for the period after 1803, flowers-in virgin woods. She said have painted the flowers myself, but and look for a hurricane on the (and I quote), "Poppycock", to the that picture is in the Hunt Collection Georgia coast. (The government has story that the Franklinia was lost. I at Carnegie-MeHon University in never tried to reconstruct weather of am sure she did not realize the Pittsburgh. the time.) botanic fuss and furor going on Meanwhile, the mystery of the There is another fascinating as­ about it. "My trees" were not up­ lovely Franklinia cannot be called pect to the trees' origin. They could river from the Altamaha, but on a "solved", and filed away. Perhaps it not have developed as a species in small source for the Savannah. One never will be, and will tantalize the area where the Bartrams found of the Altamaha sources is less than botanists forever. 41 A PREVIEW OF SOME PLANTS YOU WILL SEE planted, only a handful have sur­ AT THE 1977 AHS CONGRESS IN CALIFORNIA vived, the most notable one being at the Bel Air Hotel. In 1953, Dr. Sam Ayres collected a package of CHORISIA SPECIOSA Chorisia seed while on a trip to Brazil which he shared with the Ar­ boretum. These initial plantings of trees performed so spectacularly well that the Arboretum made prop­ agating material available to the nursery industry as a part of its Plant SS- Introduction Program for Southern By Francis Ch ing, Director Arboreta and Botanic Gardens, California. Co unty of Los A ngele s Arcadia, CA 91006 The trees are fast growing, averag­ ing six to eight feet for the first year and then slow as branching takes over, and finally reach a mature stage by forming a canopy of thirty to forty feet in diameter at a height of 40 to 60 feet. Besides producing a wide variation of pink colored flow­ ers, seedling grown trees may take as long as ten or more years before flowering while grafted varieties will flower in three or four years in five gallon containers. Since mature trees reach a height of sixty feet, they are definitely not for small gar­ dens. Some trees will flower while in full leaf while other trees will drop all of their leaves prior to flowering. Clonal selections will vary, as 'Sep­ tember Splendour' will start to flower in August while in full leaf reaching its peak in mid-September with medium pink flowers. 'Los Angeles Beautiful' peaks in mid­ November with the darkest of flow­ ers while 'Lasca Beauty,' another deep pink flower, is at its best in Unlike temperate areas of the each year. From as early as August mid-Decemb er devoid of any United States, Southern California through January, these rapid grow­ leaves. enjoys a milder climate although ex­ ing trees from Brazil will produce The compound leaves are divided tremes of winter and summer tem­ flowers in varying shades of light to into five to seven leaflets. New peratures can vary from 20°F to dark pink with centers ranging from leaves appearing in early spring are 110°F. The climate is subtropical (or white to shades of yellow. The five somewhat bronze colored turning to Mediterranean) in nature; true trop­ petaled flower very closely resem­ a rich apple green. icals can rarely survive a winter, and bles a hibiscus measuring up to A very distinguishing characteris­ temperate-type plants noted for eight inches in diameter. Mature tic of this tree is its unmistakably their fall foliage color are in limi ted trees will produce a profusion of green trunk and branches and its numbers and not always dependa­ flowers for three months at a time numerous thick based spines ble. with the fallen flowers forming a (which tum greyish with age) cover­ Although fall foliage color may be solid carpet to match the colorful ing the tree and branches. A few undependable, fall flower color is overhead canopy. trees have been noticed to be thorn­ not lacking as such plants as Cho risia Choris ia is native to Brazil and less but no more desirable as the speciosa (Floss Silk Tree) provide a was first planted in the Los Angeles thorned trees apparently have their 42 spectacular colorful flower show area in the early 1930's . Of the few merits. Seed pods are green colored about iversity of Toronto and now spends eight inches long and shaped like an much of his time as a naturalist and na­ avocado. When the pod dehisces in ture photographer. Books The book includes 150 full color re­ summer, a puff of silky cottony ma­ productions. Each flower is accom­ terial expands out from the pod panied by a descriptive text that forming a white ball hanging much Reviews by Tom Stevenson provides important botanical details as like a Christmas ornament. Like its well as other information, both fact cousin the Kapok tree, this material WYMAN'S GARDENING and folklore . has been used for stuffing pillows, ENCYCLOPEDIA The flowers are arranged in four by major groups according to their com­ cushions, and mattresses. Donald Wyman mon ha bitats, with brief introductions Mature trees are hardy to temper­ Ma cmillan Publishing Co . describing each habitat and the charac­ atures as low as 27°F for brief New York , N . Y. - 1977 teristics of the flowers found there. periods. Young seedlings may have 1221 pages, illustra ted, $19.95 The purpose of this book, they say, is to show the beauty of some common their tips burnt but will recover Donald Wyman was horticulturist at Harvard University' S Arnold Ar­ and some rare wildflowers to remind well. Chorisias grow well along the boretum for 33 years and is now hor­ us of those we might look for in spring, coastal areas and inland 100 miles to ticulturist emeri tus. A former presi­ summer or fall. Palm Springs and from San Diego to dent and director of the American Hor­ " Since only a few of thousands may Santa Barbara and beyond. They ticultural Society, he has received be presented, we believe we have cho­ may also be found growing in the highest horticultural awards in the sen some of the loveliest. Our hope is United States and Great Britain. that, knowing even a few of our wild­ warmer areas of the Gulf States. At The encyclopedia, a revised and ex­ flowers by name and sight, people will the Arboretum, trees have per­ panded edition, is an unexcelled guide appreciate them in their natural setting formed equally well in good and to all aspects of gardening, indoors and and leave them there. If they are not marginal soils. Infrequent deep wa­ out, covering techniques from green­ destroyed, they will continue to bloom tering during the summer months house management to tree surgery. for generations to come." More than 9,500 different plants are appears to be best for maximum described with information on hardi­ MANUAL OF WOODY growth. These trees will not perform ness, ornamental value, cultivation, LANDSCAPE PLANTS well in a lawn where the watering is propagation, diseases and pests. There by usually frequent and shallow. are 10,000 articles, 206 drawings, 170 Michael A. Dirr Chorisias appear to be free of dis­ photographs (62 of them in full color), Stipes Publishing Co. and a 6-color Hardiness Zone map of Champaign, Ill . - 1977 eases and pests and are not visually the United States and Canada. 532 pages, illustrated, $12 .80 affected by smog. Some 52 lists of plaI)ts for specific paperback, $16.80 hard back Another species, Chorisia insignis, purposes are given, most of them con­ Professor Dirr is with the Depart­ is distinguishable by its white taining the scientific name, height, ment of Horticulture, University of Il­ petaled flowers with yellow centers hardiness zone, and common name of linois. This book is a revised edi tion on . that fade to brown with age. While each plant. This can be a considerable one published in 1975. aid to the busy gardener who wishes to It details the common and not so trees of this species at the Ar­ make a quick selection of plants for common woody ornamental decidu­ boretum are all small in stature, no some specific purpose in his garden. ous trees, shrubs, ground covers, and more than fifteen feet tall, it is not Plants have been listed alphabeti­ vines as well as the narrowleaf and known why others in the Los cally with descriptions after the scien­ broadleaf evergreens which are Angeles area grow as tall as C. tific names. Common names are adapted to Midwestern and Eastern cross-indexed. Exceptions are fruits climates, the author says. speciosa . Chorisia insignis usually has and vegetables which are listed and " It is designed as a teaching text for an extended flowering period from described according to their common woody plant materials courses but N ovem ber through March with scat­ names. should serve as a valuable reference to ten~d flowers appearing throughout The generic discussions include the anyone interested in woody plants. the year. correct pronunciation of the genus, "As a teacher of woody plants I was general notes about plants in the often frustrated by the lack of a good In keeping with the Arboretum's genus, where they are native, how text which included identification program of serving its community of they are propagated and notes on in­ characters and the ornamental and cul­ seven million people, 1,000 trees of sect and disease pests and their con­ tural features. This text attempts to fill Chorisia speciosa were grown for trol. the gap and provide the student and Arbor Day 1977. These trees were WILDFLOWERS interested plantsmen with concise, fac­ tual treatment of the subject matter. distributed to 1,000 participating by Mary Ferguson and Richard Saunders "Much of the information is based schools in the Los Angeles area. Van Nostrand Reinhold Ltd. on my observations and subsequent Added to the numerous Chorisias New York , N.Y. - 1977 inferences I have drawn concerning already distributed and planted, 190 pages , wonderfully illustrated, the relative merits of a particular plant. this spectacular fall flowering tree $19.95 I plan to revise and enlarge the book in three years . .. " may one day become the most beau­ Mary Ferguson has been recognized internationally for her wildflower pho­ The book provides the vital statistics tiful and dominant tree in the tography. Richard Saunders retired re­ for a large number of landscape plants Southern California landscape. cently as professor of history at .Un- and should be in every public library. 43 Gardeners Mar~lace

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Fountains and Waterfalls HALF-RATE CHARTER ISSUE OFFER Some copies " Organic World" charter issue sti ll Your complete source for fountains. wa­ avai lable $2 postpaid. Or get charter issue terfalls. garden pools and garden ornaments. plus $12 two-year subscription at introductory Free catalog. Roman Fountains. Inc Box half rate. Mai I $6 to : "Organic World ," Drawer 44 10190-AHC Albuquerque. N M 87114 9669, Marina Del Re y, Calif. 90291 . Gardeners' Questions &Answers

By Tom Stevenson

Q: Birds go after my peaches Q: I planted radishes this Q: Can impatiens plants be and grapes before they are ripe spring and all I got was a lot of grown indoors during the winter enough to pick. Can I pick them healthy leaves, no radishes. Was it as house plants? early and let them ripen indoors? because the seed was no good? A: It can be done and it is a A: Peaches are best if allowed A: Most likely it was due to one good idea to take cuttings in Au­ to stay on the tree until fully ripe. of three things: Sowing the seed gust and September to root for in­ Tree ripened peaches gain as much too thick and not thinning when door use in the winter. as 300% in quality during the last they came up; application of too Make the cutting four to six few days of maturation, according much nitrogen fertilizer; or heavy inches long, make the cut just be­ to specialists. clay soil. neath a leaf where the stem is swol­ A peach with whitish, yellowish The plants need to be spaced at len. It can be rooted in a glass of or golden ground color is nearly least one inch apart; they need to water or sand. After they root, they ripe. It is at this stage they are usu­ be given enough fertilizer (the can be grown in water or in good ally picked for sale at roadside amount depends on the fertility of potting soil. stands. Peaches picked a little early your particular soil) to grow rapid­ The potted cuttings should be will turn soft and have good flavor ly because if they grow slowly they left outdoors in a semi-shady place ifkept in a cool place out of the sun. do not have the best flavor; if they until late summer. The longer grapes stay on the vine, get too much nitrogen almost all of The major problem getting im­ the sweeter they will be, up to a the growth will be above ground. patiens to bloom indoors is insuf­ certain point. They will not get any Radishes mature quickly and re­ ficient light during cloudy winter sweeter after being picked. A taste tain their good flavor only a few weather. Artificial light, as from a test is the best guide to ripeness of days after maturing, so it is best to floor lamp, will help. grapes. Pick them when the flavor make small plantings at weekly Q: I love fresh mushrooms and suits your taste. In some cases it intervals rather than one or two big 1'd like to grow them if it is possi­ may be possible to use netting to ones. ble and practical for me to do so. keep birds from getting at the fruit. Q: What can you spray cab­ Q: When is a good time to take Can you tell me how to get started? bage with to control worms? They rose cuttings and how should I go A: Mushrooms are hard to start eating the cabbage before it about rooting them? grow and unless you have know­ heads. A: Late August and early Sep­ how and ideal conditions, you can tember are good times to take rose A: Cabbage and related cruci­ buy fresh mushrooms at the store cuttings. Miniatures, climbers and fers are attacked by diamond back cheaper than you can raise them. ramblers are easy to root while hy­ moth worms, imported cabbage To start, go to the public library brid teas are more difficult. worms and cabbage loopers. All and borrow a book on how to grow The cutting should be 8 to 9 three are most destructive and them. inches long. A shoot that has just must be controlled if you are to get You need a cool basement with a borne a flower makes a good cut­ a crop. temperature of 60°F or lower. The ting. Remove the flower stem. Bacillus thuringiensis , sold under humidity must be maintained Take the cutting by making the cut the trade names of DipeC Thurcide above 70% to avoid production of just below a leaf. Remove the lower and CiotroC is a safe microbial in­ dry, tough mushrooms. The room leaves from the cutting, leaving secticide which destroys all three must be kept well ventilated. two or three at the top. Put the cut­ species of worms. A spray or dust A special compost is needed. ting between moist newspaper to program should begin soon after This is usually made from horse keep it from drying out. Dipping planting and continue every seven manure and straw. It is very dif­ the bottom end of the cutting in days through harvest if worms be­ ficult to prepare a suitable compost Rootone (available at large garden come a problem. Directions on the in small quantities and your best centers) just before planting en­ label should be read and followed bet is to buy prepared compost courages rooting. closely. from a commercial source.