ROCK GARDEN

QUARTERLY

VOLUME 54 NUMBER 2 SPRING 1996 COVER: Dianthus nitidus by Paul Martin of Golden, Colorado All Material Copyright © 1996 North American Rock Garden Society ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY

BULLETIN OF THE NORTH AMERICAN ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY formerly Bulletin of the American Rock Garden Society VOLUME 54 NUMBER 2 SPRING 1996

FEATURES

Uplands: Life Among the Alpines, by Catherine Hull 83 Rock Gardening in the Caribbean, by Richard R. Iversen 89 Rock Garden Plants of Newfoundland, by Todd Boland 97 A Rock Garden in the Czech Republic, by Josef Slegl 101

Tilden Botanic Garden: Midwinter Adventure for an Easterner, by Jim Jones 105 Unknown Idaho: Panhandle Gems of a Pacific Outpost, by Panayoti Kelaidis 117 South African Romuleas: New Bulbs for the Rock Garden, by Rod Saunders 125 M'Lady's Slippers: Transplanting the "Impossible," by Don Jacobs 129 Castillejas: Meeting the Challenge, by Ken Sherman 133 Campanulas: Further Musings, by Ken McGregor 139 DEPARTMENTS

Plant Portrait 143 82 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) UPLANDS

LIFE AMONG THE ALPINES

by Catherine Hull

l^ock gardening is a spell: once feet above sea level looking out to you succumb to it, there is seldom any Massachusetts Bay. The landscape turning aside from the passionate love architect Fletcher Steele had designed of small, wild things. There is no point a small upland garden here in the pontificating or preaching—it swoops 1930s. He made a wisteria arbor with you up, or it leaves you cold. stone columns, a border of hybrid tea Do you choose gardening, or does it roses and clematis along a narrow choose you? I thought I had chosen to lawn, a goldfish pool with a full-size make a perennial garden, first in a statue of Neptune presiding at one suburb of Washington, D.C., and later end, and a long border of rhododen• in a small town north of Boston. Then dron and laurel. one day I saw from a friend's window My only previous gardening experi• a wild mountain poppy growing in a ence had been in backyards where I crevice of rock, the orange flower, no had struggled with double digging to bigger than a small butterfly, moving incorporate better soil and compost. gracefully with every breath of air. But here, one thrust of a shovel and Instantly I dropped the idea of a lush CLANG!—a rock! It was soon obvious herbaceous border and began a love that the hill was literally solid granite affair with wild things, especially with only a thin skin of soil. No hole those that grow high in the mountains, deeper than four inches could be dug called alpines. Soon I joined the except in the middle of the lawn. (We American Rock Garden Society. At my later learned that Steele had imported very first meeting, held at the foot of truckloads of loam to create that Mt. Washington, the principal speaker lawn.) But at last there was a reason was Lincoln Foster, the guru of all for rock—a wonderful reason: rock rock gardeners. Then and there my plants. gardening life changed forever. A very My first efforts began on an island strenuous future stretched before me. in the driveway where a granite ledge Happily, my conversion followed underlies a rather thick growth of closely the purchase of our new home. trees—pines, hemlocks, oaks, and The property is on a hill a hundred some Japanese maples planted in

83 Steele's time. By clearing a section of by the movement of glaciers. To create ledge and filling depressions and it artificially in a raised bed one needs pockets with the basic rock garden mix deep underpinnings of small stones or of leaf mold, topsoil, and sharp sand, I rubble. We put in well over a foot, made a setting for a small rock garden. then sandwiched in some leaves or It was intensely satisfying to have my hay to prevent the finer soil mix on top first love, alpine poppies, grow from from sifting down. seed and do well in the company of I had been gathering small plants some other easy-to-please low plants from specialist nurseries and from such as Dianthus and Iberis. friends' coldframes, and I had also This early success led me next to the grown some from seed. Many of the long-overgrown border of rhododen• smallest were inserted between the dron and laurel near the lawn. Lincoln stones on the face of the wall; others Foster had said that if he had to create were placed on top in the prepared a space to grow rock plants, nothing scree bed. The plants were mulched could compare to the planted wall. It with at least two inches of gravel or seemed wise to follow his advice, all stone chips to keep the roots cool and the more because a rock wall was protect the leaves from soil spattering. available: it supported the rhododen• Soon after the granite wall and dron bed that lay along a walk Steele raised bed were completed, plants had planted with flowering dogwood. were flourishing. The backbone was The trees could provide the high dap• provided by small conifers and shrubs, pled shade needed for the wall's such as Daphne, both D. cneorum southern exposure. I felt no compunc• 'Eximia' and D. alpina, Leiophyllum tion about removing the old laurel and buxifolium var. prostratum, and the rhododendron; they had been aging nearly prostrate Vaccinium macrocarpon unhappily for reasons that became evi• 'Hamilton'. The loveliest of all was dent when they were dug. The soil Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Umpqua Valley', they lived in was desiccated and pale, propagated by Alfred Fordham at the with no possibility of moisture reten• Arnold Arboretum. Lewisias were tion, hardly deserving the name of soon thriving, as were small saxifrages earth. and an Asperula nitida ssp. hirtella (or The stones in the existing wall were A. n. puberula, as it is often known), round and unattractive; it was a recently collected by an explorer in bonanza to find a tumbling wall of Turkey; androsaces sowed them• well-weathered granite field stones at selves—in short, it was gorgeous. So the foot of the hill. I must have been much so that I wanted more wild the despair of the skilled masons plants, not only from mountain peaks doing the job, insisting as I did that the but from bogs and woodlands as well. lichened side of any rock be turned With a book in one hand and shovel outward and that they pack between in the other, I tried to dig a bog, suc• the stones the special mix I had pre• ceeding in getting down only about 4- pared. They were able to fill the whole 5" before striking granite. I dutifully depth of the old laurel-rhododendron followed the book's instructions to line bed with newly mixed soil suitable, the designated bog space with several we hoped, for a stony scree for moun• layers of plastic and to fill it with tain plants. In nature, scree is the loose dampened peat laced with a small rock debris found at the base of large amount of sand, although as the years rock masses or left behind on slopes go on I realize that the layer of ledge

84 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) alone would undoubtedly have kept plants came back with us from trips to the moisture in. Not everything in that England and Scotland, along with spot is a bog plant, but Helonias bullata, many plants for the rock garden's Saxifraga pensylvanica, Primula denticu- scree. lata, and Cardamine pentapyhllos do Not all the effort was expended on well. the upland garden. We had been in the Along paths Fletcher Steele must house only a few weeks in the fall of have planned many years ago we 1967 when one night we heard the added woodland plants, among them sound of rushing water outside. Early both the single and double Trillium the next day we thrashed our way and Sanguinaria, Clintonia, Primula, downhill through the dense growth of Erythronium, Arisaema, and ferns. In a brush and trees and found a stream fairly open area near an old hemlock struggling through thickets of alders. we planted Glaucidium palmatum, Had the gods read my wish list? A which has become one of the showiest stream had always been near the top, early spring bloomers and an enor• but neither the real estate agent nor mous favorite. Below a low rock cliff the former owner had ever mentioned by the lawn we planted one of my one. Our discovery triggered vast best-loved ferns, a maidenhair, efforts to clear the alders, deepen the Adiantum venustum, and above on the channel, accentuate the rocky water• level shelf of rock a single Dodecatheon falls, and create a few pockets to hold media 'Album', which has self-sown water even in summer. and created a community. Gentiana The desire to see the stream from scabra, the Japanese fall gentian, the house helped us confront the 40 behaved the same way, colonizing the years' growth of briars, poison ivy, cliff. A few Claytonia virginica planted nettles, wild grape, and unwanted early on have made a wonderful white trees on the hillside—the growth that spring carpet for the shooting stars—a comes after land has once been cleared serendipitous result. and is reverting to its natural wood• Euonymus and ivy groundcovers, land state. Oak, beech, and ash had thoroughly entrenched, had been been strangled and stunted by the planted by Steele as "maintenance competition. In these days of raised free" for his client in the 1930s. When ecological consciousness, it is consid• we pulled them away, some good ered wicked to call any natural state a natives appeared as if released from horticultural nightmare, but we had to jail. The most exciting was Erythronium come to terms with this tangled americanum, which continues to wilderness in order to let in more air spread, with considerable bloom in and light, to widen the view of the early spring. A few patches of Ane• ocean at the upper level, and to make mone quinquefolia came to life and have paths down the hill and up again. been hopping about ever since. For several years, my husband and Little by little, the garden was being a succession of college students pulled extended. We made a dwarf rhodo• and cut. I followed with salt-marsh dendron collection on raised islands— hay and piles of newspapers (we homes for cuttings from Polly Hill's haven't thrown one out for 28 years). North Tisbury hybrid azaleas and for a There may be better ways to discour• few crosses made by Lincoln Foster at age unwanted vegetation, but I can his garden, Millstream, in Falls only report on what we did here. The Village, Connecticut. Other ericaceous biodegradable paper and hay are

UPLANDS: LIFE AMONG THE ALPINES 85 adding a richer, deeper soil quite ed and some plants put in, the ele• rapidly. Of course, much that is ments took a hand. The result was a unwanted gladly seeds in, but so do sunken souffle: I had made the mix too more welcome volunteers. rich in humus, with too much peat and I still needed more space for my leaf mold. So I began again and belat• growing collection of alpines. Where edly listened to advice from others. could I make another bed with suffi• We buried cinder blocks along the cient light, away from the shade and edge near the lawn to support the the drip of trees, preferably with a largest base pieces of tufa and instead northern exposure? The answer was of a soil mixture used only coarse sand the ailing rose and clematis border. to position the other pieces with occa• My attempts to make those plants sional chunks of granite wedged happy had been a complete failure. underneath to hold them in place. A 4" The roses were leggy and had layer of the regular rock garden soil blackspot. The clematis were sup• mix was topped with 2" of stone posed to climb only 16" to the top of mulch to give the plants a start. They the dressed-slate retaining wall, then responded with the usual euphoria of lie down flat and show glad faces to an young plants in fresh soil in settings to admiring audience sipping tea on the their liking. terrace above. But it didn't work that Soon alpine poppies blazed over the way for me. In spite of my teasing and long bed and saxifrages settled in, as training the vines along a horizontal did Aethionema oppositifolium, Andro- trellis on top of the wall, there was sace, Hutchinsia alpina, some penste- more wilt than bloom. Once again, mons, dianthus, and Erinus alpinus— plants were dug out for anyone wish• making a pleasant mosaic of small ing to take them. plants colorful in May and early June. I had been hearing more and more Many of the small ferns took gladly to about tufa—that calcareous rock, very the tufa, and I have had much better porous, pocked with holes and narrow luck with Adiantum pedatum var. sub- tubes. It was our great good fortune to pumilum (often known as A. p. var. learn of an estate where a cache of aleuticum) and Asplenium trichomanes tufa—treasure to rock gardeners—was in that porous rock than in the granite. unwanted by the owners. They let sev• Cystopteris bulbifera forma crispa has eral of us take away all we could carry. taken a very determined and welcome With that unexpected windfall we hold. The happiest combination may soon had an Aladdin's supply in all have been a small pink Erigeron com- shapes and sizes. positus endemic to the Wallowa Fortunately, the rose and clematis Mountains in Oregon and Gentiana bed was at the edge of the long lawn acaulis grown from seed. The past Fletcher Steele had made with import• tense applies to that companionship, ed soil, so it was possible to dig. At as the large gentian gave up after a about 2' down we poured in bags of season of 24 blossoms; young gentians vermiculite, as I had read of its ability have been planted to see if they can to hold moisture under a large raised recreate the good years. There are bed. Next we added lavish loads of small shrubs: Salix arbuscula and S. gravel and sand; then assorted-sized hylematica, Tsusiophyllum tanakae, pieces of tufa were embedded in a Daphne arbuscula (indigenous to the long series of mounds of prepared soil. Tatra Mountains), Ulmus parviflora, Soon after this pudding was complet• Ptilotrichum spinosum 'Purpureum',

86 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) and others to provide a different inter• the continually changing nature of a est and change of texture. Certainly garden. Some plants have a tendency some plants self-sow too vigorously, to move out from the place where they and others fade quietly away, but on have performed beautifully and seek the whole the tufa bed still gives us new ground. I am thinking, for great pleasure. instance, of Primula kisoana, the special You seldom see a rock garden with• color form that Dr. Rokujo in Japan out dwarf conifers. The high moun• sent to Lincoln Foster. It made a strik• tains have only occasional wind-bent ing splash over a yard wide by a stems or twisted trunks above the tree- woodland path for years, then began line, but in a garden landscape more to meander all over, leaving a blank persistent punctuation is needed, space behind. Many plants that don't some backbone for small plants. A lit• wander away or die simply become tle difference in eye level is welcome weak images of their former selves. as one looks at the scree, raised bed, or The scree bed in the granite wall has wall, and a conifer's dark green color been in need of rejuvenation for several and shape help accentuate the plants years, and piecemeal efforts have not around it. Juniperus, Abies, Picea, Tsuga, produced much improvement. I am Chamaecyparis, all are useful and pre• seeking solutions to avoid the upheaval sent in various sizes in our tufa and a total rebuilding would require. I have granite beds. Many of these so-called allowed some biennials too much dwarf conifers proved eager to license: Symphyandra hoffmannii has become giants and had to be moved been a lusty invader, Scabiosa lucida down the hill, where they are now another. For a while Phyteuma orbiculare anchors of dark green or steel blue in was a threat. Honesty (Lunaria annua) all seasons. and rocket (Hesperis matronalis) are all My education as a rock gardener over the place. After battling briars and has proceeded slowly over the years. It poison ivy, such comely takeovers is curious to see what remains constant seemed almost welcome, but the day of in one's affections and what begins to reckoning comes relentlessly: digging pall. And startling how hard some and renewing the soil and replanting lessons are to learn. It is painful to real• are urgently needed. ize that not all the plants you love stay When I tire of working with tiny with you long. Enormous help came to seedlings in a small corner of the gran• me from courses at the Arnold ite scree or tufa bed, I plunge down• Arboretum, and I wish I could have hill. There I can thrash around, cutting taken others at the New England Wild back dock, overzealous daisies, and Flower Society. One acquires books exuberant goldenrod; plant some of along the way—I started out reading the taller Penstemon species, Perovskia, them like detective stories—and there Anemone, different forms of Digitalis, are answers from the experts who lec• varieties of Cimicifuga and Rodgersia, ture at seminars, clubs, and plant soci• and other plants I like. I am not sure eties. The North American Rock yet whether I regret introducing some Garden Society is a constant source of of the ornamental grasses. Many of help, of plant sales and swaps, and of them can become monstrously large seeds. The contagious zeal of all plants- and difficult to move. people is a never-ending propellant. Scattered over the hillside are One of the A-B-C lessons I have shrubs, such as Fothergilla, both F. been shamefully slow in absorbing is major and F. gardenii, Viburnum,

UPLANDS: LIFE AMONG THE ALPINES 87 Daphne, Syringa meyeri 'Palibin', ing with pesticides and herbicides and Heptacodium miconioides, Vaccinium, the overuse of chemical fertilizers? Lespedeza thunbergii and others. We are One environmental theme can hard• planting only small trees and individ• ly be contested—the one praising com• ual specimens, among them Acer triflo- post. For lack of loam and soil on our rum, A. griseum, Cornus kousa, various property we have turned compost- forms of Stewartia, and a Chionanthus making into a homescale industry retusus collected by members of the with cinder block bins in an out-of- Arnold Arboretum staff on the Sino- the-way spot and a shredder to speed American Expedition in 1980. up the process when there is time to In spite of the clearing and cutting use it. Every fall and spring the shred• of our early years here, only about der is in heavy use chopping up the one-third of the hill is in full sunshine. autumn crop of leaves and coping The most shaded areas are being with those left behind in spring as encouraged to grow different species well. These leaves are used for surfac• of ferns as well as lots of Cimicifuga, ing the paths, for mulch, for compost. Epimedium, Vancouveria hexandra, The bins are like the canisters on a Alchemilla mollis, Aruncus, and much kitchen shelf, in which flour, sugar, else. Some of the ferns—the ostrich and salt are stored; here there are bins (Matteucia struthiopteris) is one—are for leaves, horse manure, sand, gravel, adopting a belligerent tone, marching weeds, seaweed, and sheep and cow fiercely up the hill. Asarum europaeum manure when we can get it. When and Waldsteinia ternata are taking hold shredding time or strength run out in along the edges of paths, and many the fall, we pile unshredded leaves in a other plants have been moved down large wire bin, the first of three, so that from the woodland garden where they in three years there is compost of a had multiplied beyond their space. rough sort for general use in the Schools of thought on gardening are woodland and on the hillside. This has continually changing, just as gardens been done unscientifically, without themselves do. One of the most obser• additional inoculants, letting nature vant writers, Mac Griswold, has said do the work. that gardeners want to know if it's Wheelbarrows and trash barrels are possible to restore the environment indispensable parts of our gardening and have a garden, too. There is even efforts—a wheelbarrow is taken to the an outcry in some places against doing various bins and individual ingredi• battle with slugs, chipmunks, and ents put in by the bucketful, the choice woodchucks. It takes a tremendous of which bin and how much depend• mental wrench to perceive their pres• ing on whether the mix is for wood• ence as anything but invasive; in fact, land plants in shade or for plants on it is more than I can do in parts of the the open hillside. For the rock garden garden. Is a favorite plant to be lost the mix is made more fastidiously because it is caviar to a chipmunk or with only leaf mold (mainly oak, since just what the slug was waiting for? Is that is our principal tree) and helpings it to be struck from our list because it of peat, occasionally manure, and is not native? I am sorry that the envi• ample amounts of sand and bags of ronmental crisis has thrust guilt on granite chick grit to provide good some gardeners. Can it be lifted where drainage. plants are concerned and channeled instead onto the matter of overspray- —continued p. 145

88 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) ROCK GARDENING

IN THE CARIBBEAN

by Richard R. Iversen

IN^ountains—Alps, Dolomites, weathered into flat surfaces and steep- and Rockies—inspire temperate rock sided ravines and gullies. Millennia gardens. Gardeners try to recreate ago large blocks of stone broke from these montane environments in minia• the edge of the coral cap and slipped ture, so that they can grow the down eastward to the Atlantic coast, diminutive alpine plants that inhabit creating what we call today the them. Some are successful. However, Scotland District. Rubble of large and many fail to mimic the natural world small coralstone boulders exists. Here and end up as rocky horror shows. As lies Andromeda Botanic Gardens. fond as I am of mountain tops and the Andromeda meanders alongside flora that grows upon them, rock gar• giant, fossil-encrusted coral boulders dens often leave me cold! that sweep down a steep hillside. Rock So it is to my surprise that I've outcrops form its backbone, harmo• become enchanted with rock gardens niously linking one area to another. in Barbados, especially those Iris The outcrops provide rhythm and Bannochie began at Andromeda unity, and in many places are focal Botanic Gardens some 30 years ago. points. The garden is named However, they make no pretense at Andromeda after the mythological imitating mountain summits. Alpine maiden who, like this landscape, was re-creations would be grossly inappro• chained to a rock. priate in a climate where coconut Since the Caribbean rock garden palms and banyan trees grow in cease• isn't emulating a mountain top, side, less heat and steamy air. Here, rock or scree, the plants growing within it gardens are adornments to the coral- generally aren't native to mountain stone outcrops that are so much a part environments, either. They tend to be of the Barbados landscape. Plants xeriphytes, succulent plants adapted grow directly upon the rocks; to sunny, hot and dry, calcareous loca• botanists call them epilithic. Roots tions. Many are old favorites, boyhood penetrate the rock itself. plants I knew from the shelves at Porous coral limestone is the Woolworth's in New York—Aloe, bedrock of most of Barbados. It is Haworthia, Kalanchoe and Sansevieria.

89 arranged each at right angles to the one below it and look bizarre on 6—12'-tall stems towering above my head. Agave americana is a rigid, upright plant of great promi• nence, perhaps better suited to rigid, upright containers than to rugged coralstone terrain. However grown, they become part of the garden architecture. The thick and leathery, strap-like, silvery-blue leaves can surpass 5' in length. Three cultivars offer yellow stripes. Agave americana 'Marginata', the most common, has leaves edged in gold. They twist and snake, then cascade down the side of upright contain• ers or ancient coralstone boulders that serve as their pedestal. Agave americana, American aloe or century plant, hails from dry Mexican deserts, where it survives in barren soils with little Some succulents, like Haworthia water. It tolerates lots of neglect. When from South Africa, are diminutive and it receives good cultivation—a soil of fulfill the temperate rock garden aes• sand and loam with rapid drainage— thetic for dwarf plants. The common speedy growth occurs. Plants often zebra haworthia, Haworthia fasciata, is flower in less than a century. Hot, only 3" tall. Thin leaves are only one sunny climates produce amazing, half-inch in diameter. Its common symmetrical stalks, 20' in height with name foretells its horizontal white greenish-yellow blossoms, in fewer stripes. The rosettes of stiff leaves, con• than 10 years. In less favorable cli• gregating into small colonies, show mates gardeners must wait 50, 75, or more resemblance to sea urchins than 100 years. After flowering the plant zebras! dies. However, the profuse formation Other plants become large, bold, of basal "pups" ensures the agave its and brassy. They command attention place among the rocks. and defy rules of proportion and scale. Agave americana has one liability, a A world of whimsy begins to develop dangerous, stiff spine about 2" in throughout Andromeda Botanic length that arms the apex of each leaf. Gardens. Agaves 5' in diameter crown Eye goggles must be worn when gar• rocks 2' in diameter; 6'-tall cacti top deners are working around agaves. In rocks only 1' high. The 15", triangular public gardens and private ones where leaves of Kalanchoe beharensis, firm, yet children roam the tips should be soft as plush velvet, are the antithesis pruned off. of jagged stones from which these Aloe species are less audacious than plants arise. Pairs of leaves are agaves. Among the multitude that

90 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) exist, virtually every size category is vide a vivid contrast. Their thick rhi• represented, and they cling well to the zomes slowly creep along the rough rocks. Aloe arborescens is tree-like, as its coralstone surface, finding craters in name suggests, with a woody stem which to send down roots. sometimes 12' tall but usually nearer 3' Sansevieria kirkii is the jewel of the at Andromeda. Leaves have prickly genus. A handsome, flattened rosette margins, and from their bases spikes of stiff, yet wavy, leaves is marbled in emerge, and the red flowers open dur• shades of olive, charcoal, and a hint of ing winter months. salmon-pink. Old plants become verti• The l-2'-long, fleshy leaves of the cal sentinels and command consider• herb Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis) are able respect. magical. Their sap is a favorite home Some gardeners say pot-bound remedy for burns and insect bites. This plants of the desert rose, Adenium obe- plant is common and suitable for rock• sum, grow best in gritty soil. These eries, although it was first grown here handsome, succulent shrubs, 3-6' tall, in large field pits for export to London have thick, twisted, fleshy stems. druggists. Ever since early colonists Glossy leaves appear from short brought it to Barbados, it has been a branches during the wet season, then favorite. fall during periods of intense drought. Sansevieria is now my favorite genus. Despite its good form and foliage, it is Most people know them as snake plant for the 3" symmetrical flowers, bril• or mother-in-law's tongue. My Aunt liant carmine-red, that the desert rose Gertrude was too superstitious to allow is grown. Two plants of Adenium obe- one in her home. However, thousands sum grow into the rocks at Andromeda of windowsills in temperate cli• mates are home to handsome specimens of Sansevieria trifasciata. I first purchased the dwarf .4>^^^v-vy> Sansevieria trifasiata 'Hahnii' at a summer church sale in New York l, J'{WP> + Tfrl -i •-ir*? .' rflifr X1 w. -*- JK State's Adirondack Mountains u-jr* v, ^->Z|> i A*P when I was seven or eight years old. The 6" foliar rosette was &^'^^sbSR F# ^:^m growing in a large coffee cup that had a face of felt. The golden foliage cultivar S. trifasciata ;,ir-w 'Golden Hahnii' is as brilliant as a $ black-eyed Susan and is always : in blossom. The tolerance of W Sansevieria trifasciata to many growing conditions makes all its cultivars good candidates for the coralstone rockery. Dozens exist. Spiky, cylinder-shaped leaves, about 3-5' long, of Sansevieria cyclindrica are elegant. On one rock at Andromeda spears of Sansevieria cyclindrica rise above domes of Agave attenuata to pro•

ROCK GARDENING IN THE CARIBBEAN 91 Botanic Gardens, and we plan to add Gesneriads like the red-flowered many more! flame violets, Episcia cupreata and Many native Caribbean species, like Episcia reptans, and their cultivars Jatropha podagrica, gouty foot, are at flourish and flower when grown on home on the rocks. Jatropha, a tropical, damp rocks in slightly shady environ• succulent herb, belongs to the large ments. Not only do they creep around, family of spurges, Euphorbiaceae. they self-sow—but never invasively. Twelve-inch, shield-shaped leaves are Mature plants quickly establish when deciduous and drop during the dry carefully nestled in rock crevices. season to expose a grotesquely Saintpaulia rupicola, an African violet, swollen and gnarled stem or caudex. likewise grows on rocks in its native At Andromeda plants self-seed in the Kenyan habitat. coralstone nooks and crannies. We Recently, we planted a new also transplant small caudices into Anthurium glen, enclosed by boulders, preferred locations. Within six months at Andromeda. The waxy-red hybrids they are up and growing. are omitted to make room for some of I love the albino form of Euphorbia the many wild species with bizarre lactea. Its white, ghostly skeleton is and beautiful foliage. Many of these quick to attract attention and awe. plants, like Anthurium salviniae with Small bones from the 'Ghost Cactus' massive 5' leaves and Anthurium crys- (it's actually not a cactus at all) will tallinum with silvery-white venation send roots directly into coralstone upon large, shimmering, emerald- crevices that hold a bit of soil. Soon the green leaves, are epiphytic or epilithic. space has spirit! Now they live among the rocks. The Not all rock garden species bask in scene is splendid, exotic, and primi• full sun. Damp boulders found in tive; not the quintessential alpine rock shady gully bottoms provide habitats garden. And that's what makes these for the Barbados native epiliths rock gardens so enchanting! Peperomia magnoliifolia, Anthurium It is easy to create a Caribbean rock wildenowii, and the maidenhair fern, garden where boulders already exist Adiantum tenerum. I lay peperomia rhi• on a property. First, search for zomes along rock fissures or places microenvironments, small places with• where they look "natural" and lightly in the rocks that will support plant cover them with an organic compost. growth. Natural fissures or depres• When kept moist, they root in place. sions on the stone's surface become It is hard for a once-temperate gar• the pots for the plants. If no niches can dener like myself to believe that the be found, chisel holes into the rock. beautiful yet fussy maidenhair could Fill them with a soil mix—clay loam ever sporulate so much as to become a and gravel. Now comes the fun. weed and need removal. Yet some• Choose your favorite plants, then learn times it does! The breadfruit fern, new ones, and create a rocky fantasy Polypodium aureum, must be carefully show! monitored for weediness. Without control, sporlings soon completely hide the rock that supports their growth. Pilea microphylla, the artillery Richard Iversen gardened at Andromeda plant, is a weed that needs continual Botanic Gardens in Barbados. He has removal by pulling the base of the now returned to his native Long Island. stems with tweezers. Photos by the author.

92 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) 93 ^SssSspSiiii T^^^^ES •ijy'y c-i*^*av- s*: -

Limestone barrens, Belburns, Newfoundland photos, Todd Boland

94 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2)

Potentilla crantzii (p. 99) Potentilla fruticosa (p. 99) photos, Todd Boland

Cypripedium calceolus var. planipetalum (p. 99) Gentianella propinqua (p. 99)

96 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) ROCK GARDEN PLANTS

OF NEWFOUNDLAND

by Todd Boland

AA^hen most people think of our northern coastal alpine areas, usu• alpine plants, visions of the majestic ally in late October. By midwinter, Rockies, Alps, or Himalayas come to temperatures are plummeting to - mind; after all, many of our cultivated 30°C. The ocean is ice-covered well alpines are natives to these mountains. into June. This keeps coastal tempera• But what about alpines that naturally tures quite cool with the summer max- grow at sea level? Such an image does imums rarely reaching over 18°C. not fit the normal definition of Wind is also a major factor; year- "alpine," a plant growing on top of a round the average wind speed is about mountain. In fact, it seems to be a con• 30 km/h. Keeping these climatic fac• tradiction in terms. tors in mind, you can understand how Newfoundland is Canada's eastern• Newfoundland alpines can grow at most province. Despite the fact that sea level in this area. the island is on the same latitude as Several of Newfoundland's native France, our climate is more like that of alpines grow in typical alpine situa• Norway. The reason for this is that we tions, notably on our Long Range are cursed (from a gardeners point of Mountains. Perhaps the best known view) with the cold Labrador Current. alpine area of the island is in Gros This ocean current brings Arctic Morne National Park. On these waters (including Arctic ice) south to granitic mountains grow Phyllodoce Newfoundland. Even in southern caerulea, Cassiope hypnoides, Loiseleuria areas of the island, the cold Arctic procumbens (photo, p. 95), Sibbaldia water effectively postpones spring procumbens and the beautiful, yet rare, until May or June. Throughout sum• Diapensia lapponica. However, our mer, the temperatures remain fairly widest diversity of alpines does not moderate, averaging around 22°C. grow on mountain tops, rather, just Luckily, in St. John's, our capital city, above sea level! winter does not arrive until December, Some of Newfoundland's alpines and the winter temperatures are rela• are endemic to the island; others may tively mild, with a mean of about -3°C. also be found on mountain tops of However, winter arrives early in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia and

97 The most tenacious Pinguicula vulgaris grow embedded among the cracks in the limestone bedrock. These include Epilobium latifolia, Sedum rosea, several Draba species (D. glabella and D. incana are the most common), Lesquerella purshii, Braya humilis, Oxytropis johannen- sis, and our more dwarf endemic counterpart, O. ter- rae-novae. These last two species are the most notewor• the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec. A sur• thy since they bloom from late June prising number are also distributed until September, bearing abundant, throughout the Canadian Rockies. deep indigo flower clusters. And despite the fact that Newfound• Among the exposed bedrock are land is about 2000 km south of the large areas of pebble-sized limestone Arctic Circle, some of our alpines are gravel. This is a natural, almost level native to the Canadian Arctic. scree. Scattered in these areas are sev• Newfoundland is the southern limit of eral attractive hummock-forming the distribution of these arctic-affinity alpines, including Silene acaulis, plants. Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. aizoides, S. caes- The sea level alpines of Newfound• pitosa, and rarely, Armeria maritima land are mostly distributed along the var. labradorica and Diapensia lapponica. western and northern shores of our The Diapensia prefers acidic rocks but Great Northern Peninsula, from Gros does make an occasional appearance Morne National Park north to Cape on limestone. The thrift is sporadic Norman (photo, p. 95). This region is and mostly on limestone. A few mat- characterized by relatively flat, lime• forming alpines also inhabit the scree stone barrens. The landscape is virtu• areas, including Arenaria rubella, A. ally devoid of trees and at first glance humifusa, Erigeron hyssopifolius, appears as an expanse of jumbled, bro• Minuartia dawsonensis, the silver- ken rock. But close inspection of this leaved Antennaria parviflora, A. haunting landscape will reveal a sur• umbrinella, and A. eucosma, and finally, prisingly wide assortment of alpine Cerastium alpinum. Rarely, you may gems. The flowering season begins in find the extremely hairy form of C. early June, peaks in early July, and alpinum known as the variety lanatum. may continue into early September. Other attractive scree alpines are Viola Although there is a fair diversity of labradorica, Solidago multiradiata, S. native sea level alpines, they generally hispida (photo, p. 93), and Senecio pau- grow in one of three microhabitats. perculus. Scattered along seepage areas

98 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) in the scree grow our three native reach 1 m and has leaves felted with species of primrose. Primula lauren- white on both sides. This makes it the tiana is the most distinguished species, most noticeable shrub of the coastal with relatively large clusters of lilac barrens. Although mostly confined to flowers and heavily farinose leaves. our serpentine mountains, very desir• Unfortunately, young or starved able specimens of Rhododendron lappon- plants may be confused with P. mis- icum may be found scattered among tassinica, which dwarf P. laurentiana the other dwarf shrubs. closely resembles. Our third species, Along much of the coastline of the the diminutive P. egaliksensis, has Great Northern Peninsula the lime• white flowers and efarinose leaves. stone barrens end abruptly as low Shrubs also grow in these gravels, cliffs, generally 3-6 m in height— albeit very dwarf forms. Common although this drop may be over 30 shrubs include Arctic willow (seven meters in the Cape Norman region. At species of Salix), Potentilla fruticosa var. the base of these cliffs there often accu• tenuifolia (a prostrate form, photo, p. mulates a band of peaty, gritty soil, a 96), Betula pumila, Shepherdia canadensis Shangri-La for many alpines. var. prostrata, Arctostaphylos alpina, and By far the most attractive species white mountain avens (Dryas integrifo- along the cliff bases is the yellow lia). Of the arctic willow species, Salix lady's-slipper, Cypripedium calceolus reticulata is one of the most attractive, var. planipetalum (photo, p. 96). This having small, rounded, net-veined variety is endemic to northern leaves with a metallic, purple-green Newfoundland and the north shore of sheen. Salix vestita (photo, p. 93) has Quebec. The plants are very dwarf, leaves of a similar texture, but they are often under 15 cm, and have pale yel• larger, lighter green, with characteris• low, untwisted petals. This is quite dis• tic silver-silky hairs on the lower sur• tinct from the more common variety face. It only grows to 15 cm. Salix Can• parviflorum, whose petals are very dida, known as the hoary willow, may twisted and tinted mahogany. In local

ROCK GARDEN PLANTS OF NEWFOUNDLAND 99 areas, Cypripedium calceolus var. pla- tion. This happened with plants of nipetalum is so abundant that it is diffi• Sedum rosea and Iris hookeri I collected cult to hike without stepping on them! several years ago near Point Riche. In Overall, these coastal oases are a the wild, both species grow approxi• kaleidoscope of colors. Pink, purple, mately 15 cm tall, but after two years or blue flowers originate from Pyrola in cultivation, they both reached over asarifolia, Rubus acaulis (photo, p. 93), 30 cm. On the other hand, I expected Viola palustris, Iris hookeri, Pinguicula the shrubby cinquefoil to grow more vulgaris, Gentiana nesophila, and Gen- upright once in cultivation, but the tianella propinqua (photo, p. 96). plants I collected from the limestone White-flowered alpines include barrens appear to be genetically pros• Anemone parviflora, Parnassia palustris, trate dwarfs. P. glauca, Polygonum viviparum, Cornus As a rule, I have had less luck with suecica (photo, p. 94), Stellaria longipes, taprooted alpines. The fibrous-rooted Tofieldia pusilla, and Erigeron hyssopi- species are generally easy and will folius. Yellow-flowered Potentilla even thrive in regular garden loam. crantzii (photo, p. 96), P. nivea, Most of my native alpines are growing Alchemilla minor, Solidago multiradiata, in a mix of one part loam, one part and S. hispida complete the picture. peat, and one part three-eighths-inch These latter species are all quite chip stone. All but the true scree common, but there are also some rare species do fine in this mix. Native species which may be encountered in Antennaria species become almost the right area. Arnica chionoppa, A. weedy under cultivation and require tomentosum, Braya fernaldii, B. longii, judicious thinning. Sedum rosea makes Potentilla usticapensis, Crepis nana, and a bold statement with its beautiful the exquisite Calypso bulbosa are bluish foliage (the flowers are of only among these rarities. secondary importance to the gardener). The limestone cliffs, too, contain Silene acaulis produces very tight some treasures, such as the ferns buns, covered in pale lavender flowers Polysticum lonchitus, Asplenium viride, from late May to early June. Our and Cystopteris fragilis, as well as sev• native form has small flowers (only 4 eral Draba species, the silver-rosetted mm) compared with plants in the Saxifraga paniculata var. labradorica, Rockies. On the other hand, Saxifraga Sedum rosea, and the ubiquitous oppositifolia has flowers almost twice as Campanula rotundifolia. large as I have seen on plants else• Over the years I have tried my hand where in the country. In my garden, at growing several of our native this is in full glory by early May. alpines. Some have been a great suc• The goldenrods, Solidago multiradia• cess, others total failures. Whenever I ta and S. hispida, are wonderful addi• collect native alpines I always collect tions to any rock garden. The glossy, plants from soon-to-be construction deep green leaves of S. multiradiata... sites, collect seed, or take cuttings. Too contrast nicely with the globular many of Newfoundland's wildflowers, flower heads. The entire plant reaches alpines in particular, are in serious only 10-15 cm. Solidago hispida, with its danger due to over-exploitation. hairy, gray-green leaves, produces One thing to keep in mind when dense, cone-shaped flower heads on growing collected native plants is the stems that reach to 20 cm. fact that growth forms can change dra• matically once a plant is under cultiva• —continued p. 146

100 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) A ROCK GARDEN

IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

by Josef Slegl

]\^[y friend Tony Liska lives in Juniperus communis 'Hibernica' and /. Decin, a town on the Elbe River in the virginiana 'Sky Rocket'. But these quite northern Czech Republic. His house ordinary conifers have been systemati• stands on the southern hillside of the cally pruned over the last 20 years and Elbe Valley. Tony was once an active formed with thin copper wire; because sportsman, and he loved to play water of this, they are of very compact, polo. About 20 years ago he was monolithic, columnar shape. Here also afflicted by a serious disease—the is placed Chamaecyparis pisifera agent of infection was Bacillus hortus- Intermedia' and C. pisifera 'Squarrosa plantae-saxorum. Since that time dumosa', which by the same means instead of channeling all his creative were trained to quite globular and power to sports, he has concentrated it very compact shapes. In recent years in his new hobby—alpine and rock Tony's passion has been concentrated gardening. more on very miniature conifers, The first signs of Tony's sickness including Picea abies 'Little Gem', the were as follows. First his orchard and dwarf P. glauca 'Laurin', and others. A vegetable garden were deserted. Then specialty is another dwarf which Tony he started to bring home stones. named Picea abies 'Krnak'. It is planted Tony's garden is not large, very small in a pan and named after conifer by American standards; if we don't enthusiast and gardener Josef Krnak, count the paths and driveway it occu• who found this form as a witches' pies about 150 sq. meters. But it con• broom in the forest about 30 years ago. sists of stony slopes. The first kind of Its annual increase is really very small, stone used was the local, hard, fluo- only as much as 2 cm. Its texture is rite-rich sandstone. Crevices between irregular, and its relatively long nee• stones were constructed to be as small dles remind one at first sight of a small and tight as possible, and here Tony pine. planted his first miniature alpines. At There is always something in bloom the beginning he planted several quite in this part of the rock garden; the popular conifers. Remaining from this buns and tiny clusters of Porophyllum time on the southern slope are saxifrages and those of the Xanthizon

101 section bloom profusely, as do the Pinus leucodermis 'Satelit', and Abies choice smaller drabas and some select• balsamea 'Nana'. ed smaller selections of phloxes. Later But Tony's main interest and pas• they are followed by tiny species of sion is saxifrages. Although you can carnations, gentians, campanulas, and see such commoners as Saxifraga Edraianthus, as well as solitary plants cochlearis, S. paniculata 'Minutissima' used here and there, including some and S. longifolia in his garden, the main bulbous plants, such as Tulipa and objects of his affection are the smallest Fritillaria. Here and there are rocks species—porophyllums, formerly covered with colonies of Sempervivum known as kabschias. He cultivates at cultivars. present about 400 species, hybrids, Along the driveway on the opposite and cultivars, of both European and side, is a narrow strip of land, artifi• Asiatic origin. They are everywhere, in cially extended by stones formed into crevices in the rock garden proper, in a steep slope leaning against the wall. troughs, pans, and also in pots This north-facing slope has enough plunged in the sand of raised beds. light for dwarf rhododendrons to This saxifrage passion engrosses Tony thrive very well. In addition to the completely; each new plant that species R. radicans, R. russatum. R. appears on the horizon highly excites obtusum, and R. myrtilloides, cultivars him; immediately he searches for a of R. repens and others such as 'Joseph cutting. Hill', 'Chikor' grow here. To my sur• Recently Tony's new acquisitions prise ramondas, Lewisia, and several are primarily the Himalayan species other alpines are here as well. and their new hybrids and cultivars— The eastern yard, only about 5' and, of course, new results of wide, is covered by larger sandstone hybridizing work of other Czech boulders. Here are many heathers, and breeders. On his bench you will find the dominant plants are conifers and long lists of all his saxifrages. Each Juniperus davurica 'Expansa Variegata', new acquisition is very carefully prop-

102 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) r *-«? x *^ *l%"± ^% -5§§ >f HHE k -m$j^ % I "^Sjr*^.* agated by cuttings. In recent years he what is perhaps th•Le Vsmalles ^ V t spruce'%* — has also been growing seed of some Picea abies Tigmy'. All other sites on species of the Porophyllum section in the wall are completely devoted to hopes of acquiring new and perhaps saxifrages; well, here and there a pock• better cultivars. et has been permitted to some choice As Tony's passion for alpines primrose or other highly esteemed increased and turned over time into an plant. obsession, the rock garden underwent As he has doesn't have an abun• numerous reconstructions. The origi• dance of space, Tony uses every free nal hard sandstone suddenly seemed spot in the garden, plus he plants his not to be good enough for more and jewels into troughs and pans, and even more choice alpines...and Tony had to into holes in solitary travertine rocks. purchase a trailer for his car and In choice pans of earthenware and search for limestone tufa, a smooth good pieces of tufa the plants require travertine. The nearest locality for tufa much attention and time. In this gar• is about 500 miles from home, but no den you see pans filled with travertine effort and expense did he mind. The stones as well as with schists, harder sandstone was gradually replaced by sedimented limestone, or very porous travertine—and he began to build up a volcanic tufa, all in accordance with higher wall. Each stone was handled the requirements of the chosen plants many times and finally carefully and with Tony's aesthetic view. There placed—or changed for another. Holes are pans and troughs everywhere—all and pockets were dug out of each full of plants. rock. An automated watering system He solved this problem in his own was built. The wall eventually reached way, building up a vertical iron con• a height of over 8'. At the top is built a struction with shelves for more and miniature pool from which the porous more pans. Inside the construction are tufa takes up water. On this wall there miniature pipes for automated water• was found a place for the miniature ing, and on each shelf are very shallow Pinus silvestris 'Compressa' and for aluminum dishes from which the pans

A ROCK GARDEN IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC 103 can take up water. Pans used are some specific pan or tray. As the round, oblong, or elliptic, and in each assortment of suitable pans and are planted four or five kinds of sax• troughs on the market has not been ifrages. Sometimes a miniature conifer satisfactory until now, Tony has made is added. Here are a few examples of many contacts with people who pro• some plantings in these pans: duce ceramics and clay hardware to 1. Saxifraga x boydii 'Sundance', encourage them to amplify the spec• S. x petraschii 'Kaspar Maria trum of containers available. Sternberg', S. x megaseaflora When I last visited Tony, he was 'Dana', S. x bertolonii 'Berenica' digging a huge hole near the garage. When I asked, he told me that this 2. Picea glauca 'Laurin', Saxifraga will be the Japanese garden. He burserana 'Lutea', S. x edithae explained some details of his plans: 'Bridget' Until now running water is lacking in the garden, and there is not enough 3. Saxifraga stenophylla, S. x space for more bonsai. Thus the garage anglica 'Cranbourne', S. x must be destroyed and more tufa megaseaflora 'Karel Capek' brought in. Tony is looking for a typi• cal Japanese stone lantern, he is 4. Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana preparing a new batch of plants, find• Gracilis', Draba bryoides var. ing a pump for water, and acquiring imbricata, S. x anglica 'Beatrix many other necessities. In the next Stanley', S. marginata 'Minor' year, where the garage now stands In earliest spring, when the sun there will be another miniature garden shines on the just-thawed ground, the with a waterfall, more stones, minia• garden sparkles like the richest jewel• turized trees and shrubs, and new, ry. It is hard to choose where to look choice miniature alpines... first. On the large, dark stones of vol• Tony Liska is a very kind man. We canic tufa glisten the magenta flowers have travelled together to visit plants of the difficult Saxifraga x kellereri 'John in their mountain homes. Each visitor Kellerer'; in sandy beds in 5" clay pots, to his garden brings home some plant where the collection of rarest and most or small tree. But be warned: Bacillus difficult saxifrages is held, we see an hortus-plantae-saxatilis awaits you ample spectrum of colors, the sax• wherever Tony is, and from him you ifrages accompanied by tiny carna• can be easily infected, and doomed tions, various species of Edraianthus, until the end of your life to search for Campanula, and even Physoplexis stones, bring ever new plants home, comosa or Saponaria pumilio. and be plunged always into working Tony's enthusiasm and passion for with various soil mixes, constructions, everything miniature led him also to and cuttings... another kind of gardening—growing dwarf trees, bonsai. In his propagation beds we see any number of potted seedlings and rooted cuttings of conifers, evergreens, and deciduous broad-leaved trees that may over time be trained as bonsai. Perhaps each of Josef Slegl suffers himself from the rock these is trained from its early stages gardening disease and gardens in Decin, with the idea of planting it later into Czech Republic.

104 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) TILDEN BOTANIC GARDEN

MIDWINTER ADVENTURE FOR AN EASTERNER

by Jim Jones

JL he search for plants as they grow in the wild is a frequent topic in rock garden journals, often including daunting descriptions of local hazards braved. The articles, one might say, discuss two aspects of the experience: the journey and the goal. The journey takes in the total ambiance—heights, depths, leeches, whatever—while the goal, the basic reason for the whole exercise, is the delight• ful plants to be found in that locale. Now, it might seem hardly worth pointing out this dichotomy, so inseparable the two parts might appear to be, but, as I will show, under certain circumstances the latter can be attained with only the scantest nod to the former.

Hold the Leeches In contrast, say, to trekking through Nepal, the diverse flora of California can be sought out and enjoyed with relative ease and comfort (barring the odd earthquake, deluge, or lightning strike). But to do justice to the Golden State's outstanding riches would be a daunting task, given the size of the state and the incredible number of ecological niches it includes. Sunset's New Western Garden Book, for instance, divides California into 19 zones, whereas the entire rest of the US finds 10 quite enough. Each zone is packed with its own array of beautiful, distinctive species. One could with profit start at San Diego in January, meander through the zones and months, and finish up at, for instance, Yosemite Park in July. Or one could visit the Botanic Garden in the Tilden Regional Park at Berkeley and see a substantial slice of the pie in just one day. My own introduction to the Botanic Garden was entirely fortuitous, an off• shoot of the 1995 Winter Study Weekend in Seattle, after which I dropped down to see my daughter in Oakland. She directed me to the Garden, then hurriedly left for work—having already experienced my one step/one photo garden view• ing style at Kew Gardens during her junior year abroad. And so for one cloudy, comfortable, cool day at the very end of February, she left me on my own in floristic heaven.

105 A Brief History of Tilden The roots of the Botanic Garden lie in a| large-scale seed collection made in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps for the California Forest and Range Experiment Station (subsequently the U.S. Forest Service in Berkeley). These seeds germinated, grew, and were joined by additional varied collections of native woody species, providing inspiration for Howard McMinn, professor of botany at Mills College and consultant to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, to propose a garden devoted to native plants forR northern California. Professor McMinnl persevered, forging a cooperative agree• ment between the Forest Service and theP East Bay Regional Park District and pry• ing his choice for director, James Roof, from other commitments. Construction began on January 1, 1940, greatly aided by the availability of a small army of WPA workers. Otherwise, the auguries were not so favorable, with World War II imposing a four-year hiatus on completion and the post-war economy absorbing the bulk of the labor supply. However, there was a reservoir of needy students, and with their help and that of his small staff, Mr. Roof wrest• ed the Garden from its war-time reversion to a jungle-like state and set it on the path to full operation.

106 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) And operate it did, blessed with a singularly supportive climate that provided a haven for a large number of both northern and southern species right at the limit of their usual ranges. At 282 meters (942') above sea level the worst of the coastal fog is held at bay, and yet the hot, dry days that can typify September in the San Francisco Bay area are ameliorated; at the same time, freezes are limited in severity and extent. Exploiting this situation to the full, niches have been fash• ioned in the Garden corresponding to seven California ecotypes, from desert to redwood forest, all fully exposed to weather, except for those under a scattering of glass rain-caps in the desert section. Here and there in the various sections a satisfying number of species to delight the rock garden• er can be found, often in specially prepared beds. Wayne Roderick succeeded James Roof in 1974; at present the Director is Stephen W. Edwards. Under their guidance the Garden has been fashioned into a center for preservation and education, and just sheer enjoyment. It nestles on a ridge above Berkeley in the larger setting of Tilden Regional Park, an expanse of undulating trails quite extensive enough to satisfy those needing a physical jus• tification for their plant viewing. It is readily reached by car but, judging from the day I visited, by no means heavily used. In fact, I had the whole place to myself, and I took full advantage of my splendid isolation.

One Step/One Photo A California member of NARGS told me later that winter, January through April, is the peak bloom time in the Botanic Garden. Mind you, this was not at all apparent as I stepped through the gate. There were no masses of color, and the setting was quite sere, since this was not peak foliage time. But step by step treasures unfolded, and I review them here as I encountered them. Most esti• mates of hardiness I have hazarded are based on the Sunset book. Lomatium cf. utriculatum. I submit that the western Apiaceae represent a major untapped source of rock garden treasures, most certainly to be treasured for the metal-foil sharpness of the dissected foliage and often for the flowers as well. Here we see a grade-B representative, really quite attractive and apparent• ly rather vigorous, but not the choice huddled mound of, say, L. canbyi. Lomatium utriculatum is probably also not very hardy; at least seeds I've received were collected at a mere 1680 m, which by past experience isn't high enough to be equivalent to the Boston area, where I live. An altitude of 2100 m is more likely to provide the winter-cold hardiness I'm after. But against all that I balance the February bloom, making this and all those that follow of great interest to members in areas more temperate than Massachusetts.

TILDEN BOTANIC GARDEN 107 Zigadenus fremontii. (photo, p. 107) With its bold foliage and relatively dense racemes this is one of the more attractive members of a genus that, truth to tell, is in general of only modest garden value. Occurring below 1000 m, it can be expected to have only modest resistance to cold.

Etythroniutn multiscapoideum 'Cliftonii' (photo, p. 110). It was with the greatest joy that I heard recently that E. multiscapoideum has been successfully grown in the Northeast. 'Cliftonii' is a form selected from the wild that can only be described as luscious. Seed of this form is sold by at least one person in the United Kingdom and occasionally by the Botanic Garden itself, offering addi• tional hope that it can both be obtained and grown outside California.

Allium cratericola. (photo, p. 106) There is little promise of hardiness here, as this wild onion comes from the Coast Ranges, but it is a superior species and a promising winter-bloomer for warmer regions or the alpine house.

Dentaria californica (Cardamine californica, C. integrifolia, p. 106). This is a plant for some shade and moisture. I won't rush to fill my alpine house with it, but I can see it bringing early cheer where it is hardy, perhaps among hellebores. The same can be said of the next plant encountered, Cynoglossum grande, which could add a stately presence to the same setting. Sunset rates the Cynoglossum and the following two species for its zone 4, which implies as low as -17°C (0°F).

Trillium chloropetalum 'Giganteum'. Here again the only appropriate word is luscious. What a show this would make in the garden! But in my garden? Hope seems dim. To begin with, hardiness is open to question. And then, should a hardy strain be available, there is something like nine years between germina• tion and blooming...should seed be available. Naturally, I would leap at the chance to try.

Ribes speciosum (photo, p. 110). Now and then my attention would in fact be pulled to a higher level: by the startling weird pipes of Aristolochia californica suddenly dangling in front of my nose; by the pretty rose flowers of Ribes mal- vaceum, or by the fuchsia-like blooms of R. speciosum, an eye-catching red against the subdued background. It is described as just about evergreen if enough mois• ture is available, but summer-dormant under droughty conditions. What an opportunity for those in warmer, drier regions to combine this currant with other plants of the same strange persuasion—Clematis napaulensis and Daphne jezoensis come to mind—for a truly minimalist summer garden.

Arctostaphylos regis-montana (photo, p. 110). I will leave you as I left the gar• den, with the vision of this truly magnificent plant. On which California moun• tain, I wonder, does it reign? Because this is surely a plant to seek out in its native habitat as well, whatever the challenges of the journey.

Jim Jones gardens in Lexington, Massachusetts. He started gardening in the 1960s and joined NARGS some ten years later.

108 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) Tilden Park, Berkeley, California (pp. 105-108) photo, Jim Jones 110 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) Ill Silene hookeri (pp. 143-44) photo, Rex Murfitt

Physoplexis comosa in garden of Tony Liska (pp. 101-104) photo, Josef Slegl

112 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) photos, Marilyn George

Coptis occidentalis in seed (p. 119)

113 Lilium columbianum (p. 120) Penstemon confertus (p. 120)

Chimaphila menziesii (p. 118) Pyrola picta (p. 118) photos, Marilyn George

114 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) Cornus canadensis (p. 118) Clintonia uniflora (p. 118) photos, Marilyn George

115 Clematis occidentalis (p. 120) Clematis occidentalis, double form (p. 120)

Calypso bulbosa (p. 118) Linnaea borealis (p. 118) photos, Marilyn George

116 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) UNKNOWN IDAHO

PANHANDLE GEMS OF A PACIFIC OUTPOST

by Panayoti Kelaidis

]\^[y first trip through the Idaho of second-growth woodlands. At sub- Panhandle was on the way to the First alpine elevations the lodgepole pine Interim International Rock Garden (Pinus contorta), whitebark pine (Pinus Conference in Seattle and Vancouver albicaulis), and the invariable twinning in midsummer of 1976. I had read of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and enough North American botany to Englemann spruce (Picea engelmannii) know that the lake country of the are to be expected—these are found on Bitterroot Valley of Montana as well as both the Cascades to the west and the the neighboring parts of Idaho were Rockies to the east. Not just conifers, very special: in fact they are almost a but many woody plants recall the perfect blend of coastal Pacific flora West Coast—Pacific alders and big- and the drier, more continental Rocky leaf maple, for example, trace their Mountain flora directly to the east. The way far inland hither, along with the woods throughout this region consist most famous disjunct of all, western mostly of conifer species of the great dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) occurring Pacific Coastal forest: giant red cedar locally in the Lolo River drainage. As I (Thuja plicata), two kinds of hemlock drove farther north and westward (Tsuga heterophylla, with T. mertensiana from Colorado, I was struck by the at higher elevations ), two species of grandeur of this outpost forest, look• larch (Larix occidentalis and the sub- ing almost like rainforest to my south• alpine L. lyallii) as well as Douglas fir ern eyes, its towering trees and diver• (Pseudotsuga) and more widespread fir sity of conifers growing together much species (Abies). The now famous west• as they do in California. I felt as if I ern yew even occurs here (Taxus brevi- were about to arrive in Seattle. folia)—the best source for the miracle Of course, a considerable amount of drug Taxol, which shows such Pacific humidity and rainfall must promise for breast cancer treatment. pass over the Cascade crests to regen• This is the region where western white erate a second lush, nearly maritime pine (Pinus monticola) is of particular woodland several hundred miles abundance, size, and splendor—and inland. But I theorize that plants from still constitutes an important element this region might well have developed

117 a greater tolerance than those of the larly thickly and commonly in woods coast to continental extremes of throughout the Panhandle. There are humidity and temperature. Indeed, two species of pipsissewa {Chimaphila over the years the conifers and shrubs menziesii, photo, p. 114; and C. macula- we obtain from this area have proven ta), the former smaller, almost white. quite adaptable to zone 5 Colorado. Both are characteristic of the Pacific More time will be needed to fully Northwest. Chimaphila umbellata has a assess the real parameters these plants much wider range and is the only will tolerate both in the southern species found over most of the Rockies and other parts of the world. Rockies. What strikes me again and again as I Closely allied to pipsissewa are the return to this region for further explo• numerous species and variations on ration is that this is not just a Pacific Pyrola, the shinleaf of the Canadian outlier: this region harbors an abun• carpet. Their waxy, nodding flowers dance of unique floral elements so out• with curving stigmas are fascinating to standing, so abundant and unusual, examine up close, varying from deep that it is amazing how little recogni• rose or red in the commonest sorts to tion this region has received, even in an icy chartreuse in P. chlorantha or the botanical literature. As far as rock gar• diminutive P. minor. Two species of dening consciousness is concerned, pyrola are quite local and distinctive: northern Idaho and westernmost P. picta (photo, p. 114) has very showy Montana barely exist. foliage marbled with deep purple and A stop anywhere in the Lake Pend white as well as green; the strangest of d'Oreille region is sure to produce a the genus is arguably P. aphylla, a list of choice woodlanders characteris• saprophyte development that derives tic of the Canadian carpet: Cornus nutrients not from the miraculous canadensis is not rare and blooms and action of chlorophyll as most plants seeds much more heavily here than do, but from decayed matter in the you can ever expect it to farther to the rich, humusy woods where it grows, south in Colorado (photo, p. 115). (it lives in symbiosis with a fungus, Linnaea borealis and Calypso bulbosa which does the actual work). This (photos, p. 116) seem to grow particu- ghostly plant usually signals the pres• ence nearby of allied saprophytic eri- cads, such as Monotropa and Hypopitys. One of the many coralroot orchids, or phantom orchids, could be near as d rJu well, for these are plants of the dark• est, least disturbed forests, redolent of woodsy aroma and moist shade, part of the ecosystem of old-growth forest. You are certain to encounter two distinctive species of groundcover on even the shortest visit to a woodland hereabouts: the delicate beadlily, and £ ^ 'Nj^^ robust goldthread. The former, Clintonia uniflora (photo p. 115), makes lax mats of pale green, liliaceous rosettes. In early summer a pure white, six-petalled lily almost 2" across

118 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) appears in each rosette, transforming the coastal plant. Oval-leaf winter- over the next month or so into a bright green (Gaultheria ovatifolia) shares the blue berry. Beadlily occurs far to the same overall range (B.C. to Idaho and west and south along the Cascade axis, n. California) and habitats as the vio• but never as abundantly as in these let, growing in dense, coniferous inland Idaho woods. woodlands and forming slowly Nearby you are likely to find a true spreading mounds 4-5" tall. It superfi• endemic of this region: a very sturdy cially suggests the Japanese G. ade- and broadleaved goldthread (Coptis nothrix more than the other North occidentalis, photos, pp. 113,115), mak• American species. ing lax mats in mossy woodlands. The Perhaps the feature that surprised leaves are more coarsely cut than the me most in the Panhandle region was species found in the Cascades to the the incredible local abundance of east, recalling a strawberry, perhaps, ferns. The famous sword fern, or a wiry Waldsteinia in outline. Polystichum munitum, so prevalent on Indeed, there is W. idahoensis occurring the western face of the Cascades and very locally in high mountains not too coastal Californian mountains, can be far south. Specimens of this do not quite common here as well. If you are suggest that it compares with the lucky, you might run into Anderson's Eurasian W. ternata, which makes such fern (Polystichum andersonii), distin• an outstanding groundcover in partial guished by its deeply divided pinnae shade. But the Coptis is another matter: and single poliferous bud towards the it is everywhere hereabouts. It has ends of the fronds. very substantive leaves that come Four species of shield fern through winter unscathed. In the gar• (Dryopteris) might be encountered in den it quickly forms a patch of dark- this area, including Dryopteris cristata, green foliage in earliest spring over• otherwise restricted far to the east and hung with incredibly delicate, spidery the north. Deer fern (Blechnum spicant) blossoms quite similar to those of its is known from a few localities; it is coastal and Japanese cousins. The sub• another dramatic disjunct. Disjunction sequent seeds are nearly as showy as seems to be a specialty of the region: the flowers. Goldthreads are not the dutchman's breeches, for instance, are sort of plants that make the cover of thought of as eastern wildflowers. Fine Gardening, but for anyone with a They nevertheless occur quite thickly love for woodland's faerie scale—and in places along the western edge of what rock gardener doesn't so love?— this region, sometimes growing in they have an irresistible appeal. quite dry and sunny sites. Much brighter in bloom, a diminu• Not everything in this region is tive violet, Viola orbiculata, sometimes buried in deep woodlands: rock slides grows nearby (photo, p. 113). This tiny and cliffs in the mountains and near gem displays gleamingly bright yel• lakes frequently display a rich, distinc• low flowers over a long season in tive saxatile flora, including shrubby spring and grows in the Cascades as penstemons, phloxes, and husky erio- well. It has a wide range throughout gonums. Quite a few dramatic the conifer woodlands practically to endemics occur slightly farther south, treeline. It is closely allied to the red• probably due to the fact that much of wood violet (V. sempervirens), but it is central Idaho was never glaciated by not evergreen and lacks the stolonifer- Pleistocene ice sheets. Several ous habit and purple-flecked leaves of Synthyris doubtless persist in this

UNKNOWN IDAHO 119 region because of this phenomenon, years, its slow-to-ripen seed eluding the commonest and showiest of which the collector intimidated by September being the husky Synthyris missurica or October snows in its high off-road with large, round leaves like a slightly home. matte-surfaced, clumping Galax. These If you come through this region at sport a rich sheaf of Muscan'-colored the right time of year, in a good year, Veronz'ca-shaped flowers for weeks in you may find meadows gleaming and the early spring. This is commonest at dancing with wood lilies, Lilium elevations approaching treeline, where columbianum (photo, p. 114). They can it can knit together cliffs or rock slides grow to 6' or more in height and bear with its incredibly waxy, lustrous dozens of bright yellow turk's caps leaves. tinged with a bit of orange. I regret to The coarsest talus is sure to have say that the most stunning displays heavenly mounds of Philadelphus I've ever seen of this fabulous wild lewisii, the fragrant mock orange flower were on clear-cuts, almost blooming in early to midsummer, removing the sting of environmental beloved of the local people and the outrage. This is a plant whose bulbs Idaho State Flower. Ocean spray can endure long years of increasing (Holodiscus discolor), the frothy Spiraea shade from maturing trees, waiting for relative, is common in clearings, along the release by fire or desecration to cel• with the lustrous Rhamnus purshiana, ebrate once more with its brilliant another outlier from the Pacific Coast flowers. flora. This is a first taste of one of the Twining among these shrubs is loveliest landscapes of North America. Clematis columbiana, highly variable in The rolling mountains are somehow the color and intensity of its wonderful more gentle than the rugged ranges to lilac or blue flowers (photo, p. 116). the east or west. These gentle hills and Double forms are not unheard of in huge lakes somehow combine and this American cousin to C. alpina. recall elements of the Upper Midwest A bewildering variety of penste- and the Cascades all in one. The rich mons in the Humiles and Proceri sec• flora likewise seems to draw on floris- tions can be found in clearings, along tic elements from places far away, and streams, or in rocky habitats. The harbors a rich assortment of local spe• tinier, bluest ones are apt to be one of cialties. Those who live here know this several subspecies of Penstemon pro- is a well-kept secret, and we who visit cerus, while larger, laxer-flowered find ourselves coming here again and plants can come in very pure blues, again. purples or even yellows. The largest may be Penstemon wilcoxii, the yellow• est P. confertus (photo, p. 114), and the airiest P. albertinus. The name Penstemon attenuatus covers a multi• Photo by Marilyn George tude of forms and sins in between. High above treeline in the Bitterroot Crest dividing Idaho from Montana the largest-flowered, showiest yellow Panayoti Kelaidis travels widely in the penstemon of all occurs. This is American West and the world in Penstemon flavescens, coming into search of wild plants which can be bloom well past the 4th of July most added to the palette of gardeners.

120 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2)

Romulea hirsuta (p. 127) Romulea schlechteri (p. 127)

Romulea monadelpha (p. 126) Romulea atrandra (p. 127)

122 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2)

Romulea amoena (p. 126,127)

Romulea subfistulosa (p. 127) photos, Rod Saunders

124 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) SOUTH AFRICAN ROMULEA S

NEW BULBS FOR THE ROCK GARDEN

by Rod Saunders

JL he winter rainfall area of South The genus Romulea has two centers Africa, situated in the western Cape, is of distribution, firstly the countries rich in many bulb species, some very around the Mediterranean, with one showy and well known, such as gladi• or two outlying species, and secondly oli and freesias, others only of interest a group of 67 species in the southwest• to collectors and specialists. However, ern Cape Province. These two far- some of the most beautiful of the bul• flung centers are connected by 6 bous species have been largely over• species with discontinuous distribu• looked by growers—romuleas are one tions on the mountains of Ethiopia, such group. East Africa, central Africa, and the The genus Romulea is closely allied Drakensberg of South Africa. to Crocus, and the flowers are similar In South Africa the majority of the in appearance. In fact, in the pre- species are concentrated in the winter Linnaean era a species of Romulea was rainfall area from Calvinia to Caledon, assigned to this genus. The early tax• with the greatest number coming from onomy was varied; in addition to the Calvinia, Niewoudtville, and Crocus, 5 species of Romulea were Clanwilliam areas. Visiting these now described as Sisyrinchium, Bulbocodium, dry, dusty localities during the sum• and Ixia. Adason in 1763 established mer months, there is a distinct absence the name Ilmu for the genus, but this of growing plants emerging from the never gained acceptance. In 1772 hard-baked ground. Yet in March, at Maratti, not aware of the name Ilmu, the onset of the Southern Hemisphere established the name Romulea for the winter and thus the rainy season, the species growing near Rome. landscape is transformed. A whole Numerous authors used this name, progression of annual and bulbous and by 1905 the name was in such plants push their way through the general use that it was conserved damp soil and begin to bloom, starting against the older name Ilmu. It was a with the amaryllids (such as narrow escape—I cannot imagine the Haemanthus, Brunsvigia, Boophane, name Ilmu for the genus, however Hessea and Strumaria) and culminating learned it may be. in September with the spring display

125 for which the area is famous. At times, soil can be home to flowers of such Romulea species such as R. monadelpha beauty. (photo, p. 122) and R. amoena (photo, The plants of Romulea are usually p. 124) grow in such profusion that less than 15 cm tall, and bear grass-like they blanket the veld with their red leaves. The funnel-shaped flowers flowers. have a wide range of colors—white, Romuleas are found in a variety of red, orange, yellow, blue, and shades habitats and at varying altitudes, with of mauve and purple. The best known some species growing in deep sand at red species are R. monadelpha, R. sabu- sea level and others on dry, rocky losa and R. amoena. Romulea tabularis, a plateaus more than 2000 meters above clear blue, is to the best of my knowl• sea level. A number of species grow in edge the only blue-flowered species in seasonally moist places, while two South Africa (photo, p. 123). Some of species are aquatic (R. aquatica and R. the yellow-flowered species are fairly multisulcata). well known and are the easiest to Anyone who has seen romuleas in grow. The flowers of R. flava are either the field cannot but be moved by their white or yellow with some pink and beauty, range of colors, and fragility. blue forms, and it is showy, with a These feelings are enhanced by the long flowering period. I have it grow• often extreme conditions under which ing in my driveway, where it is almost they grow. I am always amazed that a weed. Romulea tortuosa (photo, p. such arid, seemingly impoverished 121) is one of the best yellow-flowered

126 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) species, displaying attractive, spirally Romuleas are best established from arranged leaves (although this seed sown in a well-drained, sandy arrangement does not always occur in potting medium in autumn. Leave the cultivated plants) and deep yellow pots out-of-doors where they are flowers borne just above the ground. exposed to warm days and cool to cold This species is divided into three sub• nights. This temperature fluctuation is species, of which two are of interest. probably one of the factors in breaking Romulea tortuosa ssp. tortuosa has seed dormancy. Plants will generally attractive, 25-mm wide, yellow flowers flower in their third year. with dark centers. The second sub• In areas with dry summers and wet species, R. tortuosa ssp aurea, has deep• winters the bulbs could safely be er yellow flowers, 23 mm across, with• grown out-of-doors and would make out dark centers, and is unusual in the ideal rock garden subjects and also genus because the flowers are scented. look good in the cracks between Romulea tortuosa is common, and both paving stones. We have collected seed subspecies may be seen flowering by of the following species at high alti• the thousands in a good year on the tudes, and suggest that they are likely Niewoudtville Plateau and elsewhere to be hardy: Romulea monadelpha, R. in the western Karroo. amoena, R. subfistulosa (photo, p. 124), My favorite area for seeing R. atrandra (photo, p. 122), R. hallii, R. romuleas is the high, bleak, wind• monticola, R. sabulosa, R. tetragona swept, cold, but hauntingly beautiful (photo, p. 123), R. syringodeoflora and Roggeveld Plateau, situated at an R. tortuosa. Coastal species, such as average altitude of 1600 meters with Romulea flava, R. eximia, R. saldanhensis, high points reaching over 1900 meters. R. tabularis, R. schlechteri (photo, p. By South African standards the area is 122), R. hirsuta (photo, p. 122), and R. intensely cold (Sutherland is the cold• citrina are not as likely to be hardy and est place in South Africa), and in win• probably need a little protection in ter temperatures frequently drop as colder areas. low as -16°C (2°F). The area is often Hopefully in time more and more covered in snow in winter but never species of this worthwhile genus will for long periods. This bleak plateau is become available and find their way home to 27 species of Romulea and has into cultivation. one of the highest concentrations of species of the genus in the western Cape. With such diversity in a genus, it is not surprising that species of Romulea respond well to cultivation, both in rock gardens and in pots. They are most rewarding, very showy pot plants, with a good color range and a long flowering period with a succes• sion of gem-like flowers. With careful selection of species they should be Rod Saunders is proprietor of quite hardy with minimal problems in Silverhill Seeds, PO Box 53108, USDA zones 7, 8, and 9. Experience Kenilworth 7745 Republic of South may prove that even colder conditions Africa. Tel. (021) 762 4245 Fax (021) may be tolerated. 797 6609. Photo by the author.

SOUTH AFRICAN ROMULEAS 127 Cypripedium acaule, above, plants in flower; below, plants 19 months after transplanting

128 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) M'LADY'S SLIPPERS

TRANSPLANTING THE "IMPOSSIBLE'

by Don Jacobs

It can not be said too often, or stat• tion, from a gardener's viewpoint: the ed too emphatically, that more natural preservation of plants suffering rapid habitats must be set aside and subject• destruction in the wild. Among the ed to minimal disturbance. The rea• first to come to mind in any such dis• sons are manifold. Naturalists need no cussion is Cypripediutn acaule, the stem- more reason than respect for the diver• less ladyslipper. It is so named sity of the natural world. But pragma - because the large, pink moccasin tists may justly ask why. We have mil• flower is held erect on a leafless scape lions of acres of national and state rather than on leafy stems, as in most parks, which are acreage eliminated other Cypripediums. Its pair of broad from the tax base, and conversely add leaves arise directly from the root- maintenance costs to the tax burden. crown. This universally admired plant In response, we need only remind our• has acquired a reputation for being selves of the crazy-quilt of plants and nearly impossible to transplant, and it animals that blanket our globe. Major is frequently cited by conservationists vegetation types and their accompany• who advocate forbidding all wild ing animals cover considerable areas, plant collecting. Considerable support but within each are numerous vari• for such recommendations is revealed ants, so individual that an experienced by the nearly 100% failure of ladyslip- naturalist can determine his location pers collected for wholesale and mass- without a map by observing the biota marketed in plastic bags through gar• present. We, therefore, may preserve den centers. Edgar Wherry, the emi• our natural heritage more effectively nent gardener and botanist, stated, with many well distributed, modest- "The Pink Moccasin-Flower is one of size preserves than with a few remote, the most difficult of our native plants giant parks. Both are desirable, to cultivate. When transplanted it may because some animals require large bloom the first year, but usually pro• ranges or broad buffer zones for pro• duces only foliage the second, and tection from predators. fails to come up the third." This having been said, I want to But I have long maintained that ver- speak to another phase of conserva• boten, or forbidden, things, become

129 more interesting and are viewed as a ladyslippers." I explained that I was challenge by many. Furthermore, it is behind in my work schedule, and I had virtually impossible to enforce such little space available in my garden at laws pertaining to plants, except the time. I asked who would be in the against large commercial enterprises. group. Among them was a team from a Actually, as urbanization spreads large public garden. I suggessted that rapidly across our country, many of they transplant the ladyslippers and our choicest wildflowers are being was informed that they refused eradicated by bulldozers more rapidly because they had failed repeatedly in than by plant collectors, in a much the past to grow their own transplants. more thorough and complete destruc• They would concentrate on native aza• tion than ever occurred through hand leas. At that point I agreed to partici• collecting. So what are our options? As pate as a demonstration. individuals or even conservation When I joined the group, with only groups, our power in dealing with the my slender trench-spade and two let• bulldozers of so-called progress is tuce cartons, they looked disappointed, essentially nil. But why do we always and said, "You know there are hun• consider only negatives or restraints? dreds of ladyslippers here. How many Our most effective remedies for many are you taking?" I said, "I plan to take problems are positive actions based on the first 50 I come to." The young lady knowledge. who had failed in previous attempts Now I will relate a true story. In said, "But we filled a pick-up truck September of 1992 I received a call with soil and few more plants, and from a plant rescue team member. I they died in a year or two. How can was informed that the group was mak• you expect to move them successfully ing a return rescue trip the following in two boxes?" I explained that I would Saturday to a huge subdivision devel• move them bare-root. I still recall her opment just north of Atlanta, Georgia. shock: "Bare-root—but they require The speaker said, "Dr. Jacobs, we soil microbes." I said, "Wrong! the would like you to join us to rescue symbiotic fungi are in their roots, so if

130 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) the roots are happy, so are the fungi." I the subdivision, I estimated 3,000- asked how they dug them, and she 4,000 plants were present; several hun• explained how they used a sharp dred were rescued. Most of the spade to lift a ball of earth with each remainder were bulldozed, but some plant. Once again I said, "Wrong!" I still survive on developed homesites. carefully pushed my narrow spade At the research garden, a site was horizontally under a ladyslipper, and selected that had not been previously shook it free from the litter as I lifted. cultivated. It is beneath large oaks and The seldom-branched, shoestring roots revealed no vole tunnels. A heavy dangled a foot or more long. Since the steel rake was used to remove the litter plant's food reserves are in these roots, and score the compact soil. The orchid successful transplanting requires mini• roots were spread flat on this interface, mal damage to them. and the sandy litter was scattered back Furthermore, the roots do not enter over them. About 2" of wood-chip the inorganic, consolidated soil. They compost was added. A light coat of spread in the transition between litter dolomite dust was scattered on the and consolidated soil, making it easy surface, and the planting was watered to lift them intact. Digging balls of thoroughly. As new growth began in earth invariably cuts across roots, and the spring of '93, a light top-dressing increases risk of breakage in handling. of 6-12-12 granular fertilizer was To transport the plants, a layer of added. The additions of dolomite and sandy humus from the site was spread granular fertilizer on initial plantings in the carton, and the bare-root plants are standard procedure with me at were carefully stacked until the Eco-Gardens, where our annual rain• desired number was collected. They fall of 50" insures an acid medium and were then covered with more sandy leaching of nutrients. Established humus and taken to the transplant site plantings obtain adequate nutrients at Eco-Gardens. During my survey of from recycling of organic matter, so

crown after vole damage

M'LADY'S SLIPPERS 131 later supplements are seldom The roots of Cypripedium acaule, like required. Where alkaline soils are the those of many terrestrial orchids, emit rule and rainfall is 30" or less, I do not an odor of urea, which seems offensive recommend adding dolomite or gran• to rodents. Nevertheless, I have ular fertilizer. Each gardener must observed instances of voles eating the work with the hand he was dealt. foliage down to the roots, leaving no Since this was a recorded demon• bud for next season's growth. Such stration, I made certain predictions plants usually die. Therefore, vegeta• and stated that the site would not be tive propagation is not very promising. disturbed for at least three years. I pre• On the other hand, vigorous plants will dicted 50 to 52 crowns in the spring of spontaneously produce multiple buds. '93, with approximately 20 flowers, When dormant, these plants may be and half that many seed capsules lifted and carefully cut apart between formed. The actual '93 count was 51 the buds, protecting the attached roots, crowns, 21 flowers, 10 seed capsules. replanting as individuals. For Spring '94 I predicted about 65 Disseminating this kind of informa• crowns, about 35 flowers, and half as tion should greatly increase success of many capsules developing. Actually plant rescue efforts, add to enjoyment 59 crowns appeared, producing 31 of our gardens, and allow all serious flowers, and 16 capsules. The spring gardeners to participate in wildflower '95 count was 66 crowns with 40 flow• preservation. But we must not general• ers. Summer droughts (as in '93 and ize carelessly in our methods. Each '95), damage from falling branches, kind of plant should be approached burrowing rodents, etc., can alter the with respect, so as to learn its peculiar annual increment. With vigorous requirements. Other kinds of terrestri• plants and optimal soil, moisture, and al orchids are equally desirable garden shade conditions, an annual increment plants, but both structure and require• of about 30% can be expected. ments are vastly different. This, of No one has yet devised a reliable course, should be expected, because regimen for growing this plant from each has evolved to take advantage of seed. As recently as 1941, J.S. Doig a particular niche in the scheme of stated, "No one has yet produced things. flowering plants from seed of this species." Since then, several workers have germinated seeds on sterile media with varying success in grow• ing on, but commercial production from seed is not in sight. Some recent observations at Eco-Gardens of rather mysterious spontaneous development Don Jacobs gardens at Eco-Gardens of ladyslipper seedlings has stimulat• near Atlanta, Georgia. His interests in ed exciting speculation in this direc• plants, and all biology for that matter, tion. Cypripedium acaule occurs in the are wide-ranging. Photos by the wild from Alabama, Georgia, and author. South Carolina in the South to near the Arctic Circle in northern Canada, and from dry pine woods or oak-hickory forests in the South to sphagnum moss bogs in the North.

132 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) Castillejas:

Meeting the Challenge

by Ken Sherman

Do you remember your first rock So I tended to put off uprooting the garden? It probably began when a ghostly remains until my more metic• neighbor gave you a box full of ulous neighbors began objecting. sedums and, since they were Besides, it was a blow to my ego to described as being rock plants, it was have bragged about some new trea• necessary to scour the roadsides in sure, only to have it later waste away. search of rocks to put with them. Then I always preferred to state with mock you visited a nursery and happened to authority, "This is what it looks like see a sign above some pretty, bloom• when it is dormant," and I could often ing little things that were called rock get away with it for six months or garden plants, and the next thing you more. I just hoped that they would knew you had a pleasing patch of have forgotten about it by then. color in your yard that begged for One of my favorite plants was a more. Soon your weekend outings glowing red paintbrush that found its became plant gathering trips, based on way to the garden after a fishing trip. the idea that if it is wild and not too It was terribly wilted—as was almost tall then it must be a rock garden everything that I brought home in plant. Before long that little space was those days—but I announced it to be overgrown with all sorts of likely sub• dormant. I forgot about it myself until jects in various stages of dying, while the next spring, when I discovered a others had become noxious weeds. huddled group of hairy little leaves But there were just enough successes emerging at the base of the twiggy to spur you on to the next level—buy• remains. Blooming followed several ing a book about rock gardening. weeks later, and I added one more "I That is pretty much how I got start• told you so" to my list of victories. ed 20 years ago. I was, and remain, a Then something happened that terrible procrastinator, especially would change the way I looked at rock when it comes to maintaining my gar• gardening forever and would eventu• den. I was always running across ally lead me to a horticultural career. I some plant I had presumed dead that ran across a book written by someone was miraculously rejuvenating itself. named Lincoln Foster at a book sale. It

133 would be several years before I truly end loader. There were some failures appreciated how important this find with these wastrels, of course, but suc• was, but as I was pouring through cesses outweighed them, and some Rock Gardening, familiarizing myself fascinating "secrets" emerged to testi• with the new-to-me language of fy to the amazing adaptability of botany, I fell upon a statement under plants. the genus Castilleja that grabbed me. Much has been written about seed "IMPOSSIBLE," it said. "VIRTUALLY propagation, including David Joyner's IMPOSSIBLE." excellent article in the Fall 1995 Rock Now, if I had read that pronounce• Garden Quarterly. But other propagat• ment several years earlier, I would ing methods seem to have been dis• probably never have attempted to missed, due to the presumed need of a bring my first paintbrush home, or I host plant to provide water and food would certainly have yanked it out of supplements to Castilleja root. While a the ground when recovery wasn't evi• hemi-parasitic relationship certainly dent within a few days. But reading exists in wild settings, I have come to this after my marginal success, this the conclusion it is not a prerequisite was an irresistible challenge, not to go to successful cultivation. I base this unanswered. I have always been bold statement on observations that I afflicted with a malady that causes me have made and leave it up to others to to challenge conventional wisdom. I reproduce my results. I am not a suspect that there must be something botanist, so maybe my naivete allows masochistic about this, but all some• me the privilege of not being bound one has to do is say, "You can't do by scientific methods of investigation. that," and I am overwhelmed by the I am free to make a different set of urge to prove them wrong—often assumptions and draw my own con• with disastrous results. Nevertheless, clusions. paintbrush cultivation seemed tame The first assumption is that if a enough. I just needed to find out why plant has acquired the need to para• I had experienced success when so sitize another plant in order to meet many others had failed. certain requirements, then perhaps Several years after my preliminary those requirements could be met in encounter with paintbrush gardening, some other way. Castilleja chromosa is a we moved from the wet Willamette common species of the dry scablands Valley to the high desert region of cen• east of the Cascade Crest. The paint• tral Oregon, where my rock gardening brush is associated with drought-resis• skills took a giant leap forward. The tant perennials such as Festuca idahoen- almost-forgotten questions surround• sis and Achillea millefolium. Both of ing Castilleja were revived by the flam• these are very efficient at extracting ing chorus of flowers that dotted the and storing meager amounts of mois• sagebrush and juniper landscape. By ture, and their cycle of dor• this time I had developed a keen mancy-active growth coincides per• awareness of how unacceptable was fectly with that of the paintbrush, the practice of randomly digging making for an ideal host-parasite rela• native plants; nevertheless, rampant tionship. My conclusion was that the construction was putting vast acreages primary dependency of Castilleja is of sagebrush under asphalt: an abun• for a host that can provide water. dant supply of wild plants could be The dominant Castilleja species of snatched from the path of the front- the subalpine meadows is C. miniata.

134 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) Here the habitat is wetter and the pri• roots to be found within many feet. mary hosts are Trifolium species and a This would then support my assump• few other rhizomatous, shallow-root• tion that the parasitic bond could be ed perennials. Water requirements I broken if sufficient water was made presumed could be met in these moist, available. meadow soils. Indeed pure stands of Evidence of sensitivity to the avail• the paintbrush have been found on ability of water has been found in gravel bars and moraines with no transplanting. Dug plants kept in other associated plants or encroaching sealed plastic bags for several weeks

CASTILLEJAS: MEETING THE CHALLENGE 135 show no signs of wilting. Self-sown stops at the leaf nodes. Meanwhile, seedlings have been found with their each broken roots becomes pinched roots grasping and penetrating buried and immediately forms a callus. All chunks of rotten wood and porous moisture within the tissues is con• rock; both substrates have great water- tained by the sealing of the roots and holding potential. If the need for mois• the wilting of the top growth. Once a ture is acute, then we can assume that state of equilibrium is reached, the the plant would be very sensitive to plant remains in a stage of induced the slack of it. It makes sense within dormancy until a healthy new root this paradigm that a dug transplant system can begin taking on water wilts within minutes if it is not placed again. During this dormant time, the in a plastic bag. Yet in this case an bark-like root covering reappears. amazing chain of events seems to be Dormancy may last from one to eight taking place to preserve whatever months, depending on the amount of water is possible. damage and the time of the year in When in active growth, the roots of which the transplanting occurred. Castilleja have a brittle, almost succu• While in this dormant state the plant lent texture. As dormancy sets in, a appears quite dead, and it is no won• thin, woody bark develops that per• der that so many attempted trans• sists until the roots are able to take on plants end up in the compost pile. moisture after the ground thaws in the The crown is the center of growth spring. This covering may serve as a activity for the plant, and special treat• layer of protection during winter ment is required to protect it. It is a months, as it gradually disappears thickened, bark-covered organ, or during the growing season. Even the caudex, from which new growth most careful digging while the plant is emerges. It is usually buried about an actively growing will sever some inch underground in Castilleja, and, if roots, causing a disruption in the exposed, will fail to produce the next plumbing. Wilting begins at the bracts season's buds. Frost heave may some• and progresses downward with brief times serve to assure burial of the

136 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) caudex, pushing up the soil and pro• These living crowns can be stripped ducing a fluffy layer that may also act from the caudex with a few roots as insulation. New growth buds are attached and buried in sand, then produced in autumn around the base placed in a tightly sealed cold frame. If of the previous season's stems where this operation is carried out in early they emerge from the caudex. The spring, and care is taken not to lose buds remain closed throughout the any of the tender buds, growth can be winter and are very weakly attached. expected within three months. There Should they be knocked loose, it is are many variables here, but I have almost certain that new buds will not used this procedure to produce flow• be produced, and the plant will be ering plants. unable to manufacture food when it A far better procedure, and the one emerges from dormancy in spring. In to produce the most consistent results, spite of the fragile state of the buds, is to remove the vegetative, food-pro• this is the best condition in which to ducing shoots and treat them like cut• transplant paintbrushes. tings. This is best done in mid to late As growth commences, the domi• summer, before seed production has nant buds develop into flowering begun, when these secondary stems stems and the remaining buds carry are about 2" in length. Each stem is on the task of food production. removed from the caudex with a Vegetative shoots remain shorter and downward push to provide a heeled leafier than the flowering stems, and cutting. While rooting will occur with• their leaves usually persist long after out a heel, it is much faster when a seed production is complete. It is these heel is present, usually occurring with• stems that produce the bud crop of the in three weeks. Care must be taken not next year's growth. As this pattern is to crush the stem, as it is quite soft. The repeated each year, the caudex roots are very thin and hair-like, mak• becomes increasingly larger and more ing examination of cuttings somewhat complex. Multiple crowns develop, risky. I line the cuttings out in a flat and some may eventually rot away. and use horticultural-grade pumice as

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CASTILLEJAS: MEETING THE CHALLENGE 137 a rooting medium because of its water dryland species with their own kind holding capabilities and high aeration. and species that prefer moist soils Also, the larger grain size allows for with plants of like taste and require• the cuttings to be inspected without ments. As with any other plant in the root damage that might occur with garden, drainage is important. This is heavier sand. especially true in winter when the Soon after rooting begins, a slight woody caudex is most apt to rot. thickening will become noticeable just Other propagation techniques need above the roots. This is the new caudex to be tried. I suspect that root cuttings forming, and new shoots will begin to may be possible, and on one occasion, appear as thin, whitish attachments simple division was successful with a radiating outward from it. These slow• large specimen whose crown had ly curve upward, until they just break developed into a twisted bundle. The the surface, where they will remain entire mass was carefully unwound, until spring. The presence of these and the division operation resulted in shoots will show as a pronounced five plants. All eventually flowered bulge in the spring. Then the new and set seed. plants can be potted up or planted out I may have been just plain lucky directly. In either case, it is very impor• with that first paintbrush 20 years ago, tant to harden the paintbrushes off but the following successes have come gradually, exposing them gradually to as a result of trying to crack the riddle, the vagaries of outdoor temperatures taking on a fun challenge. I am contin• and conditions. Be careful not to dis• ually amazed by the adaptability of so lodge the new growth when trans• many difficult plants and the hidden planting. The safest approach is to set mechanisms that they employ to the cutting into the planting hole by ensure survival. With continuing suc• grasping the remnant of the shoot cesses with plants such as Draba mol- taken during the previous summer. lissima and Primula allionii in our gar• Then sift the soil over the roots and den, I find it increasingly difficult to stems until the caudex and the new take pronouncements of plants as shoots are buried. A gentle watering "impossible" literally. Being patient is will settle the soil and expose the tips a must for growing plants. Rock gar• of the buds. If too much of the stem deners are great innovators, and per• becomes visible, add more soil. The haps this tale will inspire someone stems will gradually emerge through else to uncover new secrets about this the soil and lose their white color as fascinating genus and enrich us all the leaves begin to develop. An occa• with these discoveries sional check for wilting and additional watering as necessary during the first few weeks will ensure a healthy, flow• ering plant by early summer.

Cuttings that have been potted up are given a dose of 14-14-14 Osmocote Ken Sherman and his wife Linda have when growth begins, while those that been rock gardening in Bend, Oregon, are planted straight to the garden for about 17 years. They have a series of seem to do fine without any feeding. crevice and scree gardens and a nursery Once established in the garden, they called Alpine Specialties. They also build will accept any watering regime, rock gardens for commercial and resi• although it makes sense to plant the dential landscape customers.

138 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) Campanulas:

Further Musings

by Ken McGregor

JL he Summer '95 issue of the leaves. The English bluebell, (not a Quarterly I found to be most interest• Campanula) in marked contrast, has ing, dealing in depth as it did with changed its name as often as a petty Campanula, a genus of which I am par• thief: Endymion non-scriptus, or Scilla ticularly fond. Some of the accompa• non-scripta , or S. nutans , or S. festalis , nying photos were mouth-watering: I or Hyacinthella non-scripta. One visual• have never yet grown C. tommasiniana izes even now, somewhere, somehow, —but I will! some botanist renaming and reclassi- Bells, both floral and cast, have long fying it. had a potent hold on the imagination, associated as they are with churches A Gastropod Speculation and temples, with weddings, death, Bells have inspired poets to rhap• and with the macabre. The widespread sodic lines of melancholia. But we rock and beautiful campanula, the Scots gardeners do not need to ask for bluebell, C. rotundifolia, has since time whom the bell tolls. We know only too immemorial. Also called the harebell, it well that it likely tolls for our only is associated with the brown hare, plant of C. zoysii or Physoplexis comosa, whose path you crossed at your peril, reduced overnight to a sluggy mess. as the rabbit might be a witch return• High-alpine campanulids seem ing from a coven. To children C. rotun• very vulnerable to slugs and snails. It difolia was the pixie cup, as every illus• seems incredible that they could ever tration to A Midsummer's Night Dream have evolved and survived in nature. or fairy-story bears witness. There can be only one possible expla• In marked contrast to so many nation: they developed and repro• other plants, C. rotundifolia has amaz• duced in a mollusk-free environment. ingly managed to retain its Latin It is interesting to speculate on the name. This despite the fact that its sequence of events. Let us postulate a stem leaves are linear, not round, and group of mountain proto-campanulids so its epithet could be said to be a mis• isolated at the end of the Pleistocene nomer. To be honest, however, it does from their parent stock and subject to have a few, transient, round, basal Darwinian selection. In those habitats

139 Zone Molluskan status Typical campanulids A Virtually absent Campanula zoysii, C. cenisia, C. alpina, Physoplexis comosa, Edrianthus pumilio B Condition adverse. C. barbata, C. excisa, C. pulla, C. Snails predominate over slugs. carpatica

C Conditions favorable C. portenschlagiana, C. Slugs predominate except cochlearifolia, C. patula, Edrianthus at very high pH levels. graminifolia. Phyteuma hemisphaerica and in the presumably then prevailing would be capable of meeting the gas• colder conditions, land mollusks could tropod challenge; the less resistant—or not survive. Thus, random develop• is it the most attractive?—would be for ment of a chemical in the campanuloid all time confined to the highest peaks plant tissues that as a side effect also where weather conditions remained acted as a scent or taste attractor for inhospitable to their slug admirers. slugs would have no immediate And thus we find a zonation in alpine adverse affect on the plant population. regions. The undeniable attraction that cam• Slugs and snails are, of course, panulas have for these spineless beasts closely related, but, in my experience, is so strong—could it be some inadver• slugs do far greater damage to cam• tent form of mollusk pheromone? panulas than snails. Whenever I have Slugs, of course, are hermaphroditic, ring-fenced a prized bellflower with so it is interesting to speculate on how pellets, the victims have invariably they might attract other individuals been slugs. Snails have one advantage without driving themselves crazy with over slugs in high-arctic (as in desert) self lust. In the presence of a pre-exist• conditions—they are less dependent ing mollusk perfume, any climatic on free water for slime production— warming could be catastrophic and and snails can probably survive lower favor predator rather than prey. temperatures, especially where shal• With climatic amelioration, i.e. low scree or talus occur. warming, the by now newly evolved Apart from zoological differences, Campanulae, Phyteumae, Edrianthae i.e., radula variation, color, and size, would re-adjust their distributions slugs are, to me, of three kinds: 1) those across the landscape. Some species that burrow, such as Milax and the

140 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) immatures of many other species, to Seed Adventures whom I attribute most root damage; 2) Misnamed seeds, as mentioned by those Avion types which scythe off others, can result in great disappoint• fleshy-rooted forms such as C. barbata, ments, but they can also yield delights. C. radula, and C. sartorii at ground level; From the 1991 list I chose P. comosa and 3) the abseilers who seem to feed (#3969) and Phyteuma humile (#3973). from the top of the foliage down— Both flowered for me this year—both small Arion species and a giant Umax. being, I think, slightly different forms At this juncture I must admit that of Phyteuma scheuzeri, a species of the whole of the foregoing hypothesis, horned rampion characterized by including slug types, is a mere flight of long, linear bracts below the flower fancy of mine, a whimsy, which I have head. This is a plant I had previously set in scientific jargon to give it cre• not encountered. Both accessions have dence. But, and a large reservation, flowered continuously for months on can you disprove it, or come up with a end, and I find them very attractive. more satisfying theory? High Collar Cold Shoulder Campanula zoysii Returning again to the slug prob• Plants of my A zone are well loved, lem, early in 1995 I recalled I once read particularly those like C. zoysii, which in a Victorian gardening book that C. are most difficult to grow. Inciden• zoysii and the like could only be grown tally, this plant was reputedly named in the rock garden when surrounded for a Texan shotfirer, Charlie Zoyse, by a 4"-high zinc collar. As an experi• who, whilst working as an expert on ment, I tried plastic collars instead. In Swiss tunnels, invented the crimping Europe, and, I have no doubt in the pliers used to secure explosive States also, table-water, cola, and the primers. Previously to this innovation, like now come in plastic bottles about these were crimped by biting; Charlie 4" in diameter. By removing the top wished to retain his job after his teeth and bottom—easy to do with a sharp decayed. An alternative, but less knife or scissors—a smooth cylinder 4" attractive theory, is that the plant was wide by 8" high is created. The con• named in honor of Karl Freiherr von tainers in the States may differ slight• Zoys, an 18th century Austrian ly. At least 2" must be sunk in the soil botanist. both for stability and protection Thus far I have failed to obtain C. against burrowing pests. zoysii seeds from the seed exchange. A I have used these high collars this plant purchased last year at great year on C. cenisia, C. saxifraga, C. troger- expense duly disappeared in its con• ae, and so on. Seedlings of C. maka- centric pots in autumn and failed to re- schvilii (from Mr. Jurasek) I divided emerge in the spring. Physoplexis into two groups: one-half left in a pot, comosa did reappear, and I was the other in a cylinder on the rock enchanted both by the flower and later work. Those in the cylinder grew con• by the intricate lacing of the develop• siderably better. My only loss so far ing fruit. If this was an underwater has been the delightful C. excisa, which plant, one would expect to see tiny succumbed not to a slug but to a cater• shrimp imprisoned therein—the fruit pillar of the small white butterfly, looks as if it belongs to some order of Pieris rapae. An open-topped cylinder silicaceous sponge. is clearly still subject to aerial attack, although I was surprised, as I do not

CAMPANULAS: FURTHER MUSINGS 141 recall caterpillars attacking other cam• beholder is a camera lens, both the panulas. Of course, no alternative food blue and red bands of the spectrum. was available to the caterpillar, pre• Most of us who take pictures know sumably hatched there and effectively how difficult it is for this reason to imprisoned. render the blue on film. Certainly bell- The summer of 1995 has been flowers photograph best in the cold exceptionally hot and dry in Britain, light of morning and in partial shade, necessitating twice-daily watering. I rather than in direct sun. If one uses a have lost a number of kabschia sax• pale blue 82A filter the blues in the ifrages, and other choice alpines, but photographs appear closer to what our not the high-collared campanulas. eyes see. A tip: if one of the darker Presumably the cylinders conserved blue 80 series or similar filter is used moisture. But please don't count on on a campanula with few visible this with your own precious speci• leaves, and the shot is set up in front mens—or if you do, don't blame me of a brown sandstone rock or brown for failures! mat board, the blue will appear strengthened whilst the background Unnecessary Divisions? will be rendered as a natural-looking Authorities say that certain cam• gray. panulas need to be regularly propagat• ed: C. pulla and C. excisa certainly seem The Difficult-to-Cultivate to die out if left unattended, although I Bells are ubiquitous: from Canter• have not found this to be the case with bury to Bow; from temples to ships to the oft-mentioned C. garganica. hippies. They are loved for their shape Usually such dependency in plants is and symbolism, the floral forms for due either to exhaustion of one or their color as well. Last time I was in more trace elements in the soil, or to a the States, driving down in stages build-up of toxins or parasites in the from New England to New Orleans, I soil. If a compound fertilizer with thought I would take a look at the trace-elements is used in moderation native habitat of the Liberty Bell. I got on such species, the first consideration lost on the freeways and back streets should be resolved. Has anyone iden• of Philadelphia and am sorry to say I tified a virus or, say, an eelworm infes• missed it. Liberty is rapidly becoming tation that could explain the latter? I an endangered species in the devel• imagine that subterranean slug attack oped world and seems virtually is often the unsuspected culprit. Until extinct where it has been introduced in the mystery is solved, certainly one the past half-century. It seems as near• should favor planting such species in ly impossible to cultivate as Campanula areas where they can move laterally to zoysii. fresh fields and pastures new.

Photographing Discounting the muddy pinks and whites of some cultivars, the color of Ken McGregor is a seventy-something campanulas is lovely. The blues are who has a small garden and greenhouse not the cobalt blue of gentians, but in mid-Wales, roughly 50% of the garden rather that of delphiniums and of being rockwork. He is an admirer of gen• moody Holly Golightly blue. As such tians and saxifrages and is a member of it tends to reflect, when the eye of the the Saxifraga Society.

142 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) PLANT PORTRAIT

Silene hookeri

It is gratifying to witness the extent to which North American rock gardeners take interest in their own natives. The lovely and challenging plants have for too many years taken second place to those of other continents. Only a few years ago rumors still circulated describing their strange cultural requirements, and they had a reputation of being impossible to grow. For many years a few men and women across the land were quietly growing the North Americans, content with their group of horticultural peers. Today, on the other hand, there is a lot of pub• licity; articles and books abound, even International Conferences have been held devoted to these plants. Everywhere skilled gardeners are pushing back barriers to their successful cultivation. The Rock Garden Quarterly has grown into a highly respected publication. I think it fair to say we are progressive in the field of growing our native mountain flowers. Imagine my consternation and surprise to read in a 1938 copy of the Quarterly Bulletin of the Alpine Garden Society that in England a man had not only grown and showed but had hybridized large plants of a hybrid of Melandrium hookeri with M. pulchrum. "What," you may well ask, "is that?" Some may remember Melandrium as an outdated name for some of the native Silene species. Melandrium hookeri is now known as Silene hookeri and M. pulchrum as Silene cali- fornica. I was very surprised to learn that these tricky species from the Siskiyou Mountains were known and grown in Britain over 40 years ago. Silene hookeri was first introduced into Europe over 100 years ago, and since that time many British garden writers have described it as "a plant suitable for the rock garden and alpine house." Some say they managed to keep it going for several years. Under any kind of cultivation, it must have superb drainage and complete rest during the summer and absolutely no water throughout the win• ter. Most British writers stated that S. hookeri required full sun, and this may well be true in some climates. Boyd Kline, of Medford, Oregon, always grows his native silenes, with success, in partial shade. I have always found Silene hookeri growing wild in the shade of light woodland and have noted that it totally dis• appears, becoming dormant, as the hot summer approaches. Very little research was necessary to find the grower of that 1938 plant. It was none other than the famous Mr. G. H. Berry (1880-1956), skilled grower of a wide range of choice plants. He was particularly recognized for his skill growing Asian gentians in pots and for his excellent book, Gentians in the Garden. He maintained a large garden just outside London, where he grew a wide range of plants in addition to his beloved alpines. He possessed a brilliant, inquiring mind that led him to carry out detailed and extensive soil mixture trials oriented to the successful cultivation of choice alpines in pots. Pot-grown Aretian androsaces ran a close second to his gentians, although the list of his triumphs included many difficult species such as Eritrichium nanum, and, of course, Silene hookeri. His exhibits at the shows were always of outstanding quality, often 143 showing several specimens of a particular species with each plant grown in its own special soil mixture, showing the different results, if any. G. H. Berry made the cross between Silene hookeri and Silene californica during June of 1935 with the latter species as the seed parent. The seed was sown as soon as it was ripe. As often happens, the hybrid was extremely fertile, produc• ing lots of viable seed which germinated readily. Flowers appeared the following June, bearing petals of soft pink, without any pale eye. There is a black-and- white photograph in the Quarterly Bulletin of the AGS showing a large, pot-grown specimen in full flower. Even without color it is easy to see that the fading to a white eye, so typical of S. hookeri, is absent. Other than that, the size and shape of the individual flowers are very similar to S. hookeri. It is possible that the lacinia- tion of the petals could be deeper than shown in the photo, but one would need to see live plants to really judge. It is interesting to note that the vivid scarlet color of S. californica does not dominate the pink shades of S. hookeri. The natural distributions of these two species overlap in the Siskiyou Mountains, both flowering at about the same time in May and June, yet there appear to be no reports of natural hybrids. Perhaps we may hear from an obser• vant reader that they do exist? In nature S. hookeri is a plant some 5" tall, with procumbent stems clothed with narrow, grayish, sticky leaves. The bright flow• ers are usually soft pink but can vary to almost pure white. The five petals are about an inch long and are each deeply divided into four lobes. Silene californica is very similar in foliage and habit to S. hookeri, is usually sev• eral inches taller, and produces scarlet flowers with deeply laciniate petals. A few years ago I collected a very pale form, almost white (photo, p. 112). It was spotted from a moving vehicle as we negotiated an area of highway con• struction in the Siskiyou Mountains near Happy Camp, California. Closer exami• nation showed it to be hanging almost out of the soil at the top of a 30' bank that had recently been regraded by highway crews. I was able to rescue it from cer• tain death: most of the root system was already exposed, and it was a simple matter to remove the gravelly soil and expose the main taproot, literally collect• ing from the bottom up. These unique conditions made collecting feasible. I got the plant back to Victoria, USDA approved, and over-wintered it in the alpine house. It flowered in late spring, and I collected some seed and gave it away. I lost the plant the following winter, probably from too much moisture at the wrong time. It would be fun to attempt to remake the S. hookeri x S. californica cross today. The first challenge would be to produce the necessary breeding stock. Silene hook• eri seed is usually available from the seed exchanges but all too often turns out to be an inferior, biennial Lychnis. In my garden, this unknown species (or hybrid) seeds itself freely, often over-wintering in full leaf, and during mild spells will often produce a few of the pleasing-pink flowers. The pink petal color is the only thing this impostor has in common with S. hookeri. No mention of the North American silenes could be complete without a trib• ute and a plea for the reintroduction of the fantastic S. hookeri var. bolanderi. This truly exotic-looking flower bears 3-4" wide, spidery flowers of pure white, each petal laciniated all the way down the petal to the center of the flower. For more on this delightful, challenging plant, see Boyd Kline's "Some Western Treasures," American Rock Garden Society Bulletin Vol 39:p. 184; ill. p. 187. —Rex Murfitt

144 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) UPLANDS: LIFE AMONG THE ALPINES —continued from p. 88

Why do gardeners garden? the size of the flowers, the very look of Especially, why try so hard to grow the plant. An alpine generally needs to temperamental plants with fussy be only a few inches high; a woodland requirements and unpredictable per• plant graceful, not heavy. sonalities? And what makes a plant a Plants from the wild are my weak• favorite? Summon the poets—let me ness, it's true, but I also garden just for count the ways. It is as irrational, per• the feel and the smell of it. Mere earth sonal, and idiosyncratic as the garden• in spring can summon the heart as er's genes. Often I think I would give imperatively as the fragrance of any up a large section of rock bed if I could familiar flower. But the moment is at have one perfect specimen of Androsace hand to reconcile the urge to grow 'Millstream' or Physoplexis comosa, or plants with the need to spend more have a fern return and flourish as hours on other pursuits. Adjusting Asplenium ceterach once did. For rock expectations, refocusing goals, coming gardeners, it has to do with delicacy, to terms with what is rather than what the structure of leaf and flower fitting is wished for—these are lessons I need together with a clock's perfection of to learn. No sooner said than the parts, far too rigid a comparison for thought of a new planting of Arisaema shapes so fragile. But contradiction sikokianum pops up, or a bank of leaps with every work: there is nothing species azaleas to transform a boring visibly fragile about the cushion of a corner. How not to answer the chal• saxifrage—often a sturdy community lenge of convincing Primula japonica to of minute rosettes—but the flowers settle in permanently by the stream? that open on the nearly invisible stems Who would willingly shun the above that cushion are as thin in petal prospect of more shrubs whose fra• as silk, their very stature and texture grance in season can suffuse the whole speak of crystal air, high places, free• garden, or forego a recently discov• ered plant that quickens the blood? dom, uniqueness. Nothing humdrum, Did I just apply moderation? Or use nothing overdone or blowzy, or the word reconcile? As long as there's repeated too often. We wait for blos• life, let springs come, and let me at the soms, are enraptured by them, and trowel! then wait again for another season— fleeting, evanescent—all the qualities that are hard to capture or tame. Plants from all the wild places— Catherine Hull gardens in Manchester, meadows, swamps, bogs, woodlands, Massachusetts, with her husband Harry. as well as alpines—are there to satisfy Catherine specializes in alpines, rock the yearning for flowers that are slen• plants, and woodland wildflowers, and der rather than fat; unusual rather is a long-time member of the New than commonplace; elegant and grace• England Chapter of NARGS. Photo by ful rather than bulky. When an alpine the author. is well grown, it is said to be "in char• acter," conforming to the ideal in the This article appeared in Arnoldia Spring wild. Fertilizers, overwatering, too 1995 and is published with the permis• much cosseting, can change the height, sion of the Arnold Arboretum..

145 ROCK GARDEN PLANTS OF N —continued from p. 100 Potentilla crantzii and P. nivea are flowers lack in size, they make up for easy to cultivate and quite low, reach• in abundance. The dwarf Shepherdia ing to 10 cm. Potentilla crantzii pro• and Salix Candida add nice silver duces a small mat of deep green accents to the rock garden. Salix vestita leaves, each with five leaflets. It bears not only has lovely leaves on a low, 25 a mass of blooms in June. The diminu• cm, globular shrub, but it has the tive P. nivea forms a little tussock of added interest of large, orange over• silvery, strawberry-like leaves and wintering buds. The dwarf birch is at dainty, upright stems, each topped its best in autumn when its leaves turn with a few 1-cm wide flowers. a blazing scarlet. Normally, this plant has silver under• In certain years some of our native sides to the leaves and green above, alpines suffer, and a few plants perish. but I was fortunate to find a plant with I feel that part of the problem with silver on both leaf surfaces. these more finicky alpines is that in Several other natives that I found to relatively warm areas the plants be of easy culture are the various Viola become overheated. In their natural species, Campanula rotundifolia, state, these sea level alpines are Alchemilla minor, Erigeron hyssopifolius, exposed to cool ocean breezes even and the silver-white rosetted Saxifraga during July and August. However, my paniculata var. labradorica. Cystopteris garden is located in our capital city, St. fragilis and Asplenium viride are best John's, one of the warmer areas of the grown in cracks filled with gritty peat. island. The extra heat encountered by Our native primroses are somewhat alpines growing here can be tolerated difficult to keep in the garden, but P. by some, but not all. laurentiana will generally last about If you have the chance to visit four years. Our Gentiana and Genti- Newfoundland, I highly recommend a anella species are basically annuals and trip to our Great Northern Peninsula best left to gently self-sow around the to see these sea level alpines for your• rock garden. self. Unlike many mountain alpines, Not to forget our native woody you do not need to hike long distances plants, I have had great success with over steep terrain—just step out of Dryas integrifolia, and prostrate forms your car and stroll along the beach! of Potentilla fruticosa, Betula pumila, and Shepherdia canadensis and several of our native arctic willows, namely Salix Drawings by Rebecca Day-Skowron reticulata, S. vestita, and S. Candida. Unlike the relatively large, ever• green leaves of Dryas octopetala, our native dryas has small leaves which Todd Boland gardens in St. John's, turn rusty in winter, making the plant Newfoundland. He is always on the look dead. However, come May, the lookout for something new, experiment• plant turns green and produces flow• ing with new plants for Newfoundland. ers only slightly smaller than its larger Space constraints in his small garden cousin. The prostrate form of Potentilla have inspired him to try more and more fruticosa definitely has smaller flowers pot culture; his vegetable plot has recent• than its refined brethren, but what the ly been sacrificed to alpines.

146 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) ERRATA

Volume 53(3) p. 178, top. This plant should have been labeled Campanula alpina ssp. alpina. p. 184, bottom. This photo was taken by Ted Cochrane. The Editor apolo• gizes. There may be an error in identification of a Gaultheria procumbens in the Vol. 54(1) issue.

NORTH AMERICAN ROCK GARDEN SOCIETY loin Today! Benefits of Membership Include: Beautiful, Colorful Quarterly Bulletin; Seed Exchange offering Thousands of Species of Seed at Low Prices; Spectacular National Meetings; Meet Fellow Gardeners Send $25 to: Jacques Mommens, Executive Secretary, PO Box 67, Millwood, New York 10546

EASTERN WINTER STUDY WEEKEND '97 -• """JS^"'.

SJJ^ ^^&J£jf January 24—26,1997, Philadelphia, PA Hosted by the Delaware Valley Chapter, N ARGS Featuring Christopher Brickell, Peter Cannington, Vojteck Holubec, Paul Meyer, Ron Ratko, Elizabeth Strongman—plus! Rock gardeners are constantly searching for new & exciting plants. Come with us to far places, learn of unique new finds and hopefully learn to grow them in your microclimate. Break-out sessions will feature six more experts, with practical info and "how-to" in the fields of how to get ready to travel, bringing plants back alive, taking photographs worth showing, creating special habitats at home and how to handle all those ever-morphing plant names! There will also be a raffle, plus plant and book sales areas. For more information, send a S.A.S.E. (business size) to: Anne McClements, Registrar 50 South Prestwick Ct., Dover DE 19101

147 NARGS COMING EVENTS

ANNUAL MEETING: UTAH FLORA '96 July 10-13,1996 Snowbird Resort, Wasatch Mountains, Utah Field Trips, Workshops, Talks, Plant Sales Registrars: Gayla Dalton (801) 544-0052 Elaine Sullivan (801) 544-5882 PO Box 1813 Layton, UT 84041-1813

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152 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) Mt. Tahoma Nursery Alpines for the Enthusiast

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155 THE AMERICAN DAFFODIL SOCIETY, INC

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LEWISIA SEEDHUNT —22 species and hybrids wide variety of flower colors Seed of Cerinthe, Cneorum, Dahlia 'Bishop international orders accepted of Llandaff, Schizanthus, Xanthisma, as well —retail, wholesale as uncommon annuals, perennials and many Salvias. Send $2 orSASE to:

Send $1.00 for descriptive list to: Rare Plant Research 13245 SE Harold Seedhunt, P.O. Box 96, Freedom, CA, 95019-0096 Portland, OR 97236 USA FAX (503) 762-0289

THE ALPINE GARDEN SOCIETY The largest society in the world concerned with rock garden and alpine plants with enthusiasts in many countries

The Society offers: * a high quality Quarterly Bulletin, with many colour photographs * a quarterly Newsletter with details of events and specialist publications * a panel of experts to advise on rock garden and alpine plants and their cultivation * a large and comprehensive seed distribution * tours to mountain regions around the world to see plants in the wild Overseas Members £18 Sterling per year (Payment by Mastercard easy). Enquiries welcomed. The Secretary, Alpine Garden Society, AGS Centre, Avon Bank, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 3JP, UK.

157 N-A-R-G-S BOOKSTORE

NOW AVAILABLE North American Rock Garden Society Pins and Shoulder Patches, $5.00 each, postpaid, or $9.00 for two pins, two patches, or one of each and Rock Garden Plants of North America: An Anthology from the Bulletin of the North American Rock Garden Society, edited by Jane McGary, 508pp., 105 color plates, Now $40

BOOKS—Our prices, as listed here, are approximately 80% of listed retail price at other stores.

AGS Expedition to China Field Notes, by The AGS $6.00 Alpine Flower Finder [for the Rockies], by J.L. Wingate & L. Yeatts $5.00 Alpines in the Open Garden*, by Jack Elliott $23.00 Alpines in Pots, by K. Dryden $7.00 Alpines: The Illustrated Dictionary*, by C. Innes $32.00 Alpine Wildflowers [of the Northern Rocky Mt. States], by D. Strickler $8.00 Alpine Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains*, by J. Duft & R. Moseley $11.00 Androsaces*, by G. F. Smith & D.B. Lowe $11.00 Azaleas*, by F. Galle $60.00 Bitterroot, by J. DeSanto $10.50 Botany for Gardeners, 2nd Ed., by B. Capon $13.00 Bulbs for the Rock Garden*, by J. Elliot - NEW $24.00 Collecting, Processing and Germinating Seeds ofWildland Plants*, by J.A. Young & CG. Young.... $20.00 Colorado Flora - Eastern Slope, revised, by W.A. Weber $22.00 Colorado Flora - Western Slope, revised, by W.A. Weber $22.00 Creative Propagation, by P. Thompson $18.00 The Cultivation of New Zealand Plants, by L. Metcalf - NEW $15.00 Cushion Plants for the Rock Garden*, by D. Lowe - NEW $24.00 Deer Resistant Ornamental Plants for the Northern U.S., by P. Stephens $6.00 Dierama: The Hairbells of Africa*, by O.M. Hilliard & B.L Burtt $24.00 Encyclopedia of Alpines*, 2 vols.*, by AGS $280.00 Euphorbias: A Gardener's Guide*, by R. Turner - NEW $24.00 Ferns for American Gardens*, by J. Mickel $48.00 A Field Guide to the Alpine Plants of New Zealand*, by J.T. Salmon $24.00 Flowers ofWyomings Big Horn Mountains & Basin , by E.R. Jensen $13.00 A Gardener Obsessed*, by G. B. Charlesworth $20.00 The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hardy Geraniums*, by T. Bath & J. Jones $24.00 The Gardeners Guide to Growing Hellebores*, by G. Rice & E. Strangman $24.00 The Gardeners Guide to Growing Lilies*, by M. Jefferson-Brown & H. Howland $24.00 The Genus Cyclamen*, by C. Grey-Wilson $22.00 The Genus Dionysia*, by C. Grey-Wilson $32.00 The Genus Hosta*, by WG. Schmid $48.00 The Genus Primula, by J. Halda - NEW LOWER PRICE, $45 List $18.00 Guide to Flowering Plant Families, by W. Zomlefer $22.00 Guide to Locating Rocky Mountain Wildflowers, by P. Kelaidis $4.00 Hardy Geraniums*, by P.F. Yeo $32.00 Hardy Herbaceous Perennials*, 2 vols., by L. Jellito & W. Schact - Strong on Alpines $100.00 Hosta*, by D. Grenfell - Now out of print $30.00 The Hosta Book, 2nd ed., by P. Aden $14.50 Japanese Maples*, by J.D. Vertrees $32.00 Japonica Magnifica*, by D. Elick & R. Booth $120.00

158 ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY VOL. 54(2) N-A-R-G-S BOOKSTORE Making the Most of Conifers & Heathers, by Adrian Bloom $10.00 Manual of Bulbs*, by J. Bryan, Ed, RHS series $40.00 Manual of Orchids*, J. Stewart, Ed., RHS series $40.00 Miniature Gardens*, by J. Carl, trans. M. Krai - about trough gardening $21.00 Mountain Plants of the Pacific Northwest, by R.J. Taylor & G.W. Douglas $16.00 New Zealand Alpine Plants, by A.F. Mark & N. Adams - NEW, Fully revised reprint $25.00 New Zealand's Apine Plants Inside and Out, by B. Malcolm & N. Malcolm $12.00 The Opinionated Gardener*, by G. Charlesworth $14.00 Peonies, by A. Rogers - NEW $28.00 Pesfs and Diseases of Alpine Plants*, by P.R. Ellis, et al $36.00 Primula*, by J. Richards $40.00 Propagation of New Zealand Native Plants, by L. Metcalf - NEW $17.00 RHS Index to Plants*, by M. Griffiths $48.00 The Rock and Water Garden Expert, by D.G. Hessayon $9.00 Sagebrush Country: A Wildflower Sancturary, by R.J. Taylor $10.00 Sedum: Cultivated Stonecrops*, by R. Stephenson $40.00 Serpentine and its Vegetation*, by R.R. Brooks $38.00 Steam's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners*, by W.T. Steam $24.00 Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the U.S., Canada, and Greenland*, 2 Vol., by J.T. Kartesz $120.00 A Utah Flora*, by Welsh, et al $65.00 Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge, by R. Jolley - NEW to Bookstore $16.00 midflowers ofSW Utah , by H. Buchanan $6.00

* denotes hard cover Following items are postage paid: NEW—NARGS Pins $5.00 NEW—NARGS Shoulder Patch $5.00 Decal—ARGS Dodecatheon or ARGS Shoulder Patch $.75 NARGS Note Paper—line drawings of 12 different plants, with envelopes $4.75 Seed—3 methods $2.50 Troughs—construction and plants $3.50 Plant drawings by L.L. (Timmy) Foster (3 different sets, each set contains 12 drawings) $12.00 for one set, $22.00 for 2 sets, $30.00 for 3 sets. BACK ISSUES OF THE ARGS BULLETPN, ROCK GARDEN QUARTERLY Last 4 issues, $7.00 each; 1990-Spring, 1995 issues, $5.50 each; 1943-1989 issues, $1.50 each, $5.00 by year, Some issues unavailable

In addition to the above listings, any book listed by Timber Press may be special ordered through the NARGS Bookstore at a 20% discount; for a complete list of titles write to Timber Press, 133 S.W. Second Ave., Suite 450, Portland, OR 97204-3527

Ernie O'Byrne, North American Rock Garden Society Bookstore 86813 Central Road, Eugene, OR 97402 USA Please print name and address clearly. Country of origin and postal code must be included. Allow 8-12 weeks for overseas shipment. Orders must be prepaid in US dollars by check on a US bank or by intl. money order (VISA and MC accepted—include signature, date of exp., and full acct. #). Add postage and handling First Book, US $3.00 Each Additional Book $1.50 First Book Outside US $5.00 Each Additional Book abroad $2.50

159 CHAPTER CHAIRPERSONS Adirondack Bill Plummer, 10 Fox Lane East, Painted Post, NY 14870 Allegheny Larry Hankowitz, 262 Horning Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102 Berkshire Anne Spiegel, 73 Maloney Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Calgary /Alberta Sheila Paulson, 6960 Leaside Dr., SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6H5 Canada Columbia-Willamette lane McGary, 33993 SE Doyle Rd., Estacada, OR 97023 Connecticut Sylvia Correia, 27 Lynn Dr., Preston, CT 06365 Delaware Valley Mike Slater, RD 4, Box 4106, Mohnton, PA 19540 Emerald Marietta O'Byrne, 86813 Central Rd., Eugene, OR 97402 Gateway Robert Pries, 6023 Antire Rd., High Ridge, MO 63049 Great Lakes Richard Punnett, 41420 Harris Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 Hudson Valley Michael Donovan, 214 Highbrook Ave., Pelham, NY 10803 Harold Lange, 86 Beech Hill Rd., Pleasantville, NY 10570 Long Island Shelley Herlich, 43 Greenfield Lane, Commack, NY 11725 Fred Knapp, 58 Kaintuck Lane, Locust Valley, NY 11560 Manhattan Steve WhiteseU, 150-67 Village Rd. #GD, Kew Grdn Hills, NY 11432 Minnesota Karen Schellinger, 31335 Kalla Lake Rd., Avon, MN 56310 Mt. Tahoma Steven Hootman, PO Box 3798, Federal Way, WA 98003 New England Stuart Sotman, 73 Mt. Vernon St., West Roxbury, MA 02132 Newfoundland Bodil Larsen, Box 50517, SS#3, St. lohn's, Newfoundland A1B 4M2 Northwestern Judith Jones, Po Box 1090, Gold Bar, WA 98251 Ohio Valley Barbara Abler, 990 Blind Brook Dr., Worthington, OH 43235 Ontario Barry Porteous, 3 Breda Ct., Richmond Hill, Ont. L4C 6E1 Canada Ottawa Valley Lois Addison, 201 Wagon Dr., Box 9015, RR 1 Dunrobin, Ont. KOA 1T0 Canada Piedmont Norman Beal, 2324 New Bern Ave., Raleigh, NC 27610 Potomac Valley Robert Faden, 415 E. Mason Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301 Rocky Mountain Andrew Pierce, PO Box 2078, Evergreen, CO 80439 Shasta Betty Barnes, 5801 South Hwy. 3, Etna, CA 96027 Siskiyou Kelley Leonard, 3008 Madrona Lane, Medford, OR 97502 Southern Appalachian Marie Schroer, 106 Robin Crest Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28791 Watnong Ellyn Meyers, Buck Gardens, 11 Layton Rd., Far Hills, NJ 07931 Wasatch Bruce Grable, 2166 Wellington, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 Western Mark Blackburn, 577 Noe St., San Francisco, CA 94114 Wisconsin-Illinois Ed Glover, 503 Johns St., Mount Horeb, WI 53572

QUARTERLY STAFF. Editor Gwen Kelaidis (303) 368-7530 7530 E. Mississippi Dr., Denver, Colorado 80231-2504 Advertising Manager Al Deurbrouck (412) 653-0281 6915 Hilldale Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15236 Proofreading Assistants Barbara and Ted Cochrane, Madison, Wisconsin Bernice Petersen, Littleton, Colorado Anne Spiegel, Wappingers Falls, New York Editorial Advisors Rochelle Herlich, Commack, New York Faith Magoun, Manchester, Massachusetts Frederic Graff, Seattle, Washington Guest Artists Paul Martin Rebecca Day-Skowron Rod Saunders Jim Jones Todd Boland Marilyn George Rex Murfitt Don Jacobs OFFICERS President James L. Jones (617) 862-9506 45 Middle Street, Lexington, MA 02173 Vice President Patricia Bender (206) 364-1561 4123 NE 186th Street, Seattle, WA 98155 Recording Secretary Alice Lauber (206) 363-7357 18922 45th Place NE, Seattle, WA 98155 Treasurer Marcel Jouseau (612) 224-0300 43 North Chatsworth St., St. Paul, MN 55104 Administrative Director-at-Large Joann Knapp (516) 671-6590 58 Kaintuck Lane, Locust Valley, NY 11560 Immediate Past President Norman Singer, Sandisfield, Massachusetts President Emeritus Harold Epstein, Larchmont, New York

DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD 1993— 1996 Joann Knapp, Locust Valley, New York Bobby Wilder, Raleigh, North Carolina Lawrence Thomas, New York, New York 1994— 1997 Brian Bixley, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Jack Ferreri, Verona, Wisconsin Micheal Moshier, Seattle, Washington 1995— 1998 Dick Bartlett, Lakewood, Colorado Anna Leggatt, East York, Ontario, Canada Carole Wilder, Hastings, Minnesota

Managers Executive Secretary Jacques Mommens (914) 762-2948 PO Box 67, Millwood, NY 10546 Seed Exchange Elisabeth Harmon (203) 274-0290 75 Middlebury Road, Watertown, CT 06795 Bookstore Ernest O'Byrne (541) 935-3915 86813 Central Road, Eugene, OR 97402 Archivist Marnie Flook (410) 778-4038 23746 Lovely Lane, Chestertown, MD 21620 Slide Collection William Plummer (607) 962-2640 10 Fox Lane East, Painted Post, NY 14870 Library Janet Evans, c/o Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, 325 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

You are invited to join the North American Rock Garden Society. Membership includes a subscription to Rock Garden Quarterly and participation in the seed exchange, as well as other benefits. Annual dues: US $25; UK £17; Canada $32. Payment by check on a US bank, International Money Order, VISA &MC ($US25), or check in appropri• ate currency from country listed above. General Membership, $25 (domestic or foreign, single or joint); Patron, $75; Life Member, 40-59 years old, $500; over 60 years old, $450. Membership inquiries and dues should be sent to Executive Secretary, NARGS, PO Box 67, Millwood, NY 10546. Address editorial matters pertaining to the Quarterly to the Editor. Advertising matters should be addressed to the Advertising Manager, 6915 Hilldale Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15236. The Quarterly is published quarterly by the North American Rock Garden Society, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Second Class postage is paid in Millwood, New York and additional offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Rock Garden Quarterly (ISSN 1081-0765), PO Box 67, Millwood, NY 10546.