TheThe AmericanAmerican

GARDENERGARDENER® TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AAmericanmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety March / April 2008

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PlantersPlace.com/Plus © 2008 The Scotts Company LLC. World rights reserved. contents Volume 87, Number 2 . March / April 2008

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM 6 MEMBERS’ FORUM 8 NEWS FROM AHS Tom Underwood is AHS’s new executive director, AHS steps up program to grow food for the hungry, details on AHS School on , additional AHS 2008 webinars announced, River Farm part of Historic Garden Week in , AHS co-sponsors 62nd Colonial Williamsburg Garden Symposium.

13 AHS NEWS SPECIAL: THE MATHESON LEGACY AT RIVER FARM An appreciation of Malcolm and Emma Matheson. page 24 14 AHS NEWS SPECIAL: 2008 GREAT AMERICAN GARDENERS AWARDS Meet this year’s award recipients. 18 WOODLAND BEAUTIES BY JOAN DE GREY are coveted additions to woodland , but over- 17 AHS NEWS SPECIAL: 2008 AHS BOOK AWARDS collection and habitat loss are endangering them in the wild. Here are this year’s garden books of merit. 46 ONE ON ONE WITH… 24 SPIKING INTEREST BY C. COLSTON BURRELL Ketzel Levine, NPR’s garden reporter. Plants with bold, spiky foliage can make a ho-hum garden excit- ing. Here are some noteworthy choices you can integrate into 48 GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK your landscape. New palm discovered in Madagascar, Southern Living Plant Collection debuts, research shows that global warming could 30 A PENCHANT FOR PEONIES BY SUSAN A. ROTH mean more pests and diseases for plants, Gail Gee can’t get enough peonies, and once you see her Cornell patents new Inca lily , two garden, you’ll understand why. spruces are American Conifer Society “Collector’s Conifers of the Year.”

36 COMPOSTING DOWN UNDER 51 GREEN GARAGE® BY BARBARA PLEASANT AND DEBORAH L. MARTIN Comparing natural and synthetic fertilizers. For those ready to go beyond the standard compost pile, here are some creative ideas for subterranean composting that can help 54 BOOK REVIEWS solve some common garden problems. The Authentic Garden; Native Ferns, Moss & Grasses; The Homeowner’s Complete & Handbook, and Encyclopedia of Exotic 40 FROM PASSION TO PURPOSE BY MARTY WINGATE Plants for Temperate Climates. After a nomadic life, one of ’s most comprehen- sive collections is taking in , thanks to a 56 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS dedicated group of supporters. 60 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES AND PRONUNCIATIONS

ON THE COVER: -flowering Paeonia ‘Ludovica’, paired here with ‘ Smoke’ , is one 62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT CHARLES MANN of more than 100 in Gail Gee’s garden. Photograph by Susan A. Roth Starflowers shine in the spring garden.

March / April 2008 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 (800) 777-7931 fax (703) 768-8700 www.ahs.org Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

American Horticultural Society President’s Council

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ariail, Jr. ■ Ms. Judy Daniel ■ Mr. Board of Directors Franklin Y. Hundley ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr. ■ Ms. Melissa Marshall ■ MTR Landscape Architects, LLC ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. ■ Mr. CHAIRMAN Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon Arnold Steiner ■ Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey ■ Mrs. Pauline E. Vollmer FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, Maryland SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Leslie Ariail Alexandria, Virginia LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE Mr. Richard C. and Mrs. Katherine Stark Bull ■ SECRETARY Albin MacDonough Plant Baltimore, Maryland Mrs. Susan M. Cargill ■ Mr. and Mrs. Edward N. Dane ■ Mrs. Elisabeth C. TREASURER Arnold Steiner Birmingham, Dudley ■ Mrs. Marion Greene ■ Ms. Minako Henderson ■ Mr. Deane H. IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Arabella S. Dane Center Harbor, Hundley ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve IV ■ Ms. Katy Moss Warner ■ Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

Allan M. Armitage Athens, ■ Suzanne Bales Oyster Bay, ■ William E. Barrick, Ph.D. HAUPT CIRCLE Nancy J. Becker, M.D. ■ Mr. and Mrs. C. William Black ■ Mr. Theodore, Alabama ■ Kurt Bluemel Baldwin, Maryland ■ Katherine Stark Bull , D.C. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle ■ Mr. Gerald T. Halpin John Alex Floyd, Jr. Trussville, Alabama ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, ■ Mrs. Richard W. Hamming ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman ■ Mrs. Margaret Kulp Louisville, ■ Caroline Lewis Coral Gables, ■ Melissa R. Marshall Pittsburgh, Carole S. Hofley ■ Ms. Joann Luecke ■ Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Jr. ■ Carol C. Morrison Palatine, ■ Shirley Nicolai Fort Washington, Maryland ■ Mrs. Rosalyn Milbrandt ■ Dr. and Mrs. David E. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve IV Woodbine, Maryland ■ Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia James T. Norman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Ken Mountcastle ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michel Sallin Groveland, Florida ■ Jeanne Shields Greenville, ■ Steven Still Hilliard, Henry Smith, Jr. ■ Howard McK. Tucker Alexandria, Virginia ■ Robert D. Volk San Marino, Daryl Williams Lake Buena Vista, Florida COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Carter Bales ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Dr. Sherran Blair ■ Count and Countess Peder PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner Bonde ■ Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust ■ Mr. and Mrs. William L. Carr, III ■ Anne S. Chatham ■ Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Demisay ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert 2008 Advisory Council Duemling ■ Mrs. Walter Fletcher ■ Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mrs. Beverly Hanselman, Nashville, – Chair Carolyn V. Foil ■ Ms. Marguerite Peet Foster ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Hohlt ■ Mr. Clarissa Bonde, Washington, D.C . G. Ray Miller, Brandon, Florida Brian Holley ■ Mrs. Elizabeth Hooff ■ Mr. Philip Huey ■ Mrs. Deborah Kern Walter Bull, Columbia, Egon Molbak, Bellevue, Washington Ms. Mary A. Lambert ■ Mrs. Marta Lawrence ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Lindsay Anne Bucher, Silver Spring, Maryland Dean Norton, Mt. Vernon, Virginia ■ Mrs. Dorothy Marston ■ Mrs. Barbara McClendon ■ Ms. Lillian McKay ■ Elaine Burden, Middleburg, Virginia Nancy Keen Palmer, Nashville, Tennessee Mrs. Paul Mellon ■ Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Mrs. Kathryn A. Moss ■ Mrs. Patty Bush, St. Louis, Bob Patterson, Washington, D.C. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. and Mrs. James A. Runde ■ Mrs. Deen Day Sanders Skipp Calvert, Alexandria, Virginia Dr. Julia W. Rappaport, Santa Ana, California ■ Mrs. Josephine Shanks ■ Jeanne Shields ■ Mr. R. P. Simmons ■ Mrs. P.M. Philip Catron, Frederick, Maryland William Sadler, St. Louis, Missouri Spreuer ■ Dr. and Mrs. George E. Staehle ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dr. H. Marc Cathey, Davidson, Deen Day Sanders, Norcross, Georgia John B. Strasenburgh ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Ms. Megan Evans ■ Mr. Russell Clark, Boston, Josephine Shanks, Houston, Joe Viar ■ Ms. Angela M. Vikesland ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk ■ Mr. and Bartie Cole, Owings Mills, Maryland Barbara Shea, Owings Mills, Maryland Mrs. Dennis White ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W. Jim Corfield, Geneva, Illinois Holly Shimizu, Glen Echo, Maryland White, Sr. Edward N. Dane, Center Harbor, New Hampshire Charles Henry Smith, Jr, Middleburg, Virginia Ben Griswold, Glyndon, Maryland Tom Szaky, Trenton, HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Mrs. Enid Haupt ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz ■ Mr. Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, Ponte Vedra, Florida Nancy Thomas, Houston, Texas and Mrs. Bruce Miller Mickey Lynch, Dunmore, Pennsylvania Bryan Thomlison, Haddonfield, New Jersey Bob Malesardi, Easton, Maryland Pauline Vollmer, Baltimore, Maryland Robert and Joanna Martin, Menlo Park, California Joyce and Harvey White, Nashville, Tennessee Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Mt. Vernon, Virginia Joannah Williams, Sebring, Florida Barbara McClendon, Alexandria, Virginia Sheryl Wood, Middleburg, Virginia

Education Sponsor OXO International

Corporate Partners Bradfield Organics ■ The Care of Trees ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company Homestead Gardens ■ Monrovia ■ NaturaLawn of America ■ Osmocote ■ TerraCycle, Inc. To access the members-only Horticultural Partners America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program ■ Bellingrath Gardens and Home ■ Colonial portion of the AHS website at Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Cox Arboretum MetroPark ■ Epcot International www.ahs.org, the username is & Garden Festival ■ The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America ■ The ahs and the password is sprout. Homestead in the Garden Symposium ■ Inniswood Garden Society ■ Leonard Haertter Travel Company ■ Magic of Landscapes ■ Morris Arboretum ■ Botanical Garden & Arboretum ■ Oklahoma Horticultural Society

4 the American Gardener The American NOTESC FROM RIVER FARM GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR Mary Yee ASSISTANT EDITOR N MY GARDEN in Dayton, Oregon, I look forward to spring as a time of re- Viveka Neveln newal and regrowth. It starts with the bold colors of spring-flowering bulbs, EDITORIAL INTERN John Fiege I eases into the striking accents offered by flowering trees and , and con- CONTRIBUTING EDITOR cludes with a new flush of growth throughout the garden. This year, I am espe- Rita Pelczar cially looking forward to the explosion of wisterias and clematis along my arbor, CONTRIBUTING WRITER and the symphony of hydrangeas, forsythias, lilacs, lavender, and cannas bloom- Carole Ottesen ing along my garden path. Regardless of what part of the country you live and gar- den in, I hope that you share the joys of the changing seasons with me—however EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD subtle or dramatic they may be. CHAIR Richard E. Bir Just as our gardens go through cycles, so do organizations Brevard, North Carolina such as the American Horticultural Society. With each cycle Allan M. Armitage Athens, Georgia or change, we are called upon to rise to the occasion, tackle Nina L. Bassuk the matter at hand, identify the challenges we face, and seize Ithaca, New York the opportunities that we are presented with. Such was the Steve Bender case this past January when the AHS Board of Directors gath- Birmingham, Alabama ered for our annual planning workshop at River Farm. John E. Bryan One of the first challenges we faced was the day-to-day lead- San Francisco, California ership for the Society’s work. Just prior to our January work- KASSIE BAKER John L. Creech shop, Deane Hundley announced his resignation as AHS President. Deane shared Columbus, North Carolina with me that it was with mixed emotions that he decided to leave the AHS in Panayoti Kelaidis to pursue other professional interests and spend more time with his . I wish Denver, Deane the very best in his new endeavors and thank him for the many contributions Richard W. Lighty Kennett Square, Pennsylvania he made to the Society. Elvin McDonald With change comes opportunity, and our AHS Board of Directors felt the tim- West Des Moines, ing was right to reassess our leadership structure—both staff and volunteer—to make certain that we are positioning the Society for success in today’s rapidly changing world. I am pleased to share that as our first step towards this renewal, we selected CONTACT US The American Gardener 7931 East Boulevard Drive Tom Underwood to fill the newly created position of Executive Director of the Amer- Alexandria, VA 22308 ican Horticultural Society. Many of you already know Tom from his work with the (703) 768-5700 Society’s programs over the past five years, and I am sure you will join me in con- gratulating him and welcoming him in this new role. I am truly excited by this new EDITORIAL E-MAIL: [email protected] direction and look forward to partnering with Tom and the staff in the months ahead ADVERTISING & E-MAIL: [email protected] as we continue to position the Society for even greater success. CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS Another challenge we faced at our planning workshop was identifying and agree- ing on a set of strategic imperatives for the Society for 2008. Ensuring that we are continually moving forward with visionary new programs, while not losing sight of The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonth- ly (January/, March/April, May/June, July/August, Septem- our day-to-day responsibilities, requires steady commitment from both the AHS staff ber/October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, and our Board members. At the end of the workshop, I was very pleased to see that (703) 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscrip- the staff and Board emerged with a clear sense of direction and a solid list of assign- tion to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; two years, $60. International dues are $50. $10 of annual dues goes toward ments. I look forward to sharing our progress with you in the coming months. magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Vir- ginia, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send As we move into this most exciting time of year for gardeners across America, 3579 to The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, please be assured that your AHS continues to be in capable and caring hands. I Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural hope you enjoy all that this issue has to offer and that it will be an inspiration to Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- your gardening this spring. list of the Vascular Flora of the , and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessar- ily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. —Susie Usrey, Chair, AHS Board of Directors Copyright ©2008 by the American Horticultural Society. Printed in the U.S.A. on recycled paper.

March / April 2008 5 6 resource forgardeners. makethismagazineawonderful views, ing forandwithchildren, andbookre- plants, recycling ofplasticpots,garden- dening world,suchasthisissue’s new aboutmanythingsinthegar- date news regular andup-to- practicaldepartments in known. Thanks forgivingHarold avoice shouldbemuchbetter lack thereof) Fauna (CITES)applicabilitytoplants(or Endangered of Wild Flora and Convention onInternational Trade in onthe chid worldandwhoseviews witz, whoisoneofthe“greats” oftheor- featured HaroldOne Koopo- interview of North America. garden stylesfrom manydifferent regions article’s illustrationsofdifferent houseand itarian pathinteresting, butalsowiththe not onlyhergreat ideasformakingautil- ticle aboutwalkways,Iwasimpressed with Ihave everarticle read. In Pam Baggett’s ar- garden isthebest-writtengarden magazine Snydercle aboutMarvin andhisconifer your bestever. Marty Ross’s Certainly arti- The January/February 2008issuehastobe A WELL-ROUNDEDISSUE avid gardeners andhorticulture profes- data bepresented inthemagazine. While comprehensive, thatkey itisimportant a bookthatwillpresumably bemore timal soilpHforgrowing it. heat zones ittolerates,andwhatistheop- annual orperennial, whathardiness and formation suchaswhethertheplantisan nomenclature, it failstoincludebasicin- the 20thcentury, Latin and itsnew lar opinionsofcoleusintheearlyyears of as theplant’s 1853discovery inJava, popu- ly esoteric(thoughintriguing)pointssuch disappointed. coversWhile thearticle fair- Rogers 2008)leftme (January/February “Coleus’sThe article Comeback” by Ray SHORT-CHANGED ONCOLEUS The American Gardener. In additiontoexcellent the articles, As ifthatweren’t enough,theOne on Although the article isanexcerptAlthough thearticle from the American Gardener Philomath, Oregon Ella May Wulff expense ofthefundamentals. back story, itshould not bedoneatthe sionals doenjoy aplant’s finerpointsand Editor’s note: USDA Zone 11,AHSZones 12to1.It will ered atenderperennial andthrives in the basicsinhisbook.Coleus isconsid- blame here, becauseRayRogers covers all plant, itisclosetomainstream. that wastypecastasdifficulttotrans- types—being introduced. For aspecies stem, red foliage,andweeping new vars—including variegated, twisted andthere are culti- manynew merce dle tracesthatlooklikecave entrances. scars, whichhave three vascular bun- best waystoIDitislookattheleaf ofthe ly inthejuvenile stage.One shape, serrations,andlobing,especial- fy becausetheleaves are variable in difficult plantsforstudentstoidenti- pelo orblackgum). Nyssa sylvatica who identifieditas with Richard Olsen, immediately agreed the lastissueand plant pictured in I sawthemystery Michaeland woodyplantexpert Dirr: mer University ofGeorgia horticulturist We finallyhave adefinitive IDfrom for- Tina CofieldofBear Creek, Alabama. 2007 issueinaphotograph sentinby appeared intheNovember/December plantthat for theidentityofmystery Many readers have offered suggestions MYSTERY PLANTNOLONGER Keep upthe great work. Nyssa Interestingly, it’s oneofthemost MEMBERS is pickingupsteamincom- C The editorsmusttakethe (tu- New York,New York ’ FORUM Bogart, GeorgiaBogart, Michael Dirr Charles Fields Letters weprintmay beeditedforlengthandclarity. [email protected] (note LettertoEditorinsubjectline). Alexandria, VA22308.Send e-mails to American Gardener, American PLEASE WRITEUS! tomatoes couldbeexported. metic features todecidewhatkindof da marketing board wasusingpurely cos- were interested by theideathatFlori- asapromotion forthetomato;weto serve However, we didn’t item intendthenews the UGLYRIPE I love thispublication,butI’m notsure UNDESERVING TOMATO? Editor’s note: slightly acidictoalkaline(68). grow bestinsoilwithapHrangefrom that happenstobeinseason. season, thenI’d say, eatsomethingelse tomato thattasteslikeaoutof that itwillwithstandlongdistances. shipping andpickingunripeproduce so onenergyspent toconserve this country thedistancethatproduce travelsshorten in grown organically? Also,isit cally orisitgrown insoil? in agreenhouse. Is itgrown hydroponi- is grown inFlorida, itmuststillbegrown being grown year round. Even thoughit promoting. 2007 issue(page48)isworth itemintheSeptember/Octobernews tact information. interviewed, pleaseincludedaytimecon- [email protected]. Ifyouarewillingtobe ommendations andstoriestoRitaatedi- electric mowers,pleasee-mailyourrec- mowers, battery-poweredor have hadgoodexperienceswithreel like inputfromAHSmembers.Ifyou energy efficientlawnmowersandwould tor RitaPelczarisresearchinganarticleon DO YOUMOW? If thisiswhatmusthappentogeta to And Ithoughtthatwe are trying I have concernsaboutthistomato Your pointsare well taken. Address letterstoEditor, ® 7931 EastBoulevardDrive, tomato covered ina Port Orford, Oregon Contributing Edi- Jennifer Ewing The

COURTESY OF TINA COFIELD

8 be fullofcollaboration,synergy, andexcitement aswe continuetomove theorganizationforward.” selected by ourAHSBoard timeintheSociety’s tolead theorganizationatthisimportant history. Iexpectthecomingyears to ticulture. Our missionismore todaythanever before,” important saysUnderwood. “I amtremendously honored tohave been Director. created Thisnewly positionwillbecomethetopstaffinorganization,replacing theofficeofpresident THE AMERICANHORTICULTURALSOCIETY Underwood NamedAHSExecutiveDirector tralized drop-off siteforproduce donations. AHSmembers excess tolocalfoodbanks orsoupkitchens. harvest ages gardeners todonatetheir ly basedcampaignthatencour- Association, PAR isanational- oped by theGarden Writers scope oftheprogram. Devel- Hungry (PAR) tobroaden the forces with Plant aRow forthe This year, theAHSisjoining the CapitalArea Food Bank. its River Farm to headquarters Connection ed produce grown in the lasttwoyears theAHShasdonat- of fresh andvegetables, sofor are atriskofhunger. metropolitan Washington, D.C.area proximately 633,000 citizens inthe annually,Americans rely onemergencyfoodservices andap- ACCORDING TO AHS ExpandsRoleinProvidingProduceforLocalFoodBank Tom Underwood News PROGRAMS •EVENTSANNOUNCEMENTS “The AmericanHorticultural Society“The isdedicatedtomakingadifference inpeople’s lives andscienceofhor- through theart From April 1to November 1,River Farm asacen- willserve Food banksare chronically short the American Gardener demonstration garden at America’s Second 24to27million Harvest, The Growing from theUniversity ofCentralFlorida. in ornamentalhorticulture from CalPoly San Luis Obispo andamaster’s degree inscience education inars, andmanagedbehind-the-scenesnurseriesgreenhouses fortheresort. He hasabachelor’s degree den Festival, coordinated trainingandinternships,developed gardening horticultural programs andsem- Vista, Florida. At Disney, hewasinvolved withproducing theannualEpcot International Flower &Gar- tion. Prior tojoiningtheAHS,heworked for20years withtheWalt Disney World Resort inLakeBuena is typicalofmanysimilarnonprofit organizationstoday.” rector, we theSociety are shiftingtoamodelthathasserved well formostofthelastthree decadesand Susie Usrey, chairoftheAHSBoard. “And by repositioning thetopleadershiprole toanexecutive di- munity, theBoard feelsthatheistherightpersontoleadthisorganizationatpointintime,”says tion asDirector ofMember Programs andChiefOperating Officer. January. Underwood, whohasbeenwiththeAHSforfive years, waspromoted from hisformerposi- which wasvacated whenDeane Hundley resigned asAHSPresident andChiefExecutive Officer inearly from Underwood totheposi- bringsnearly30years ofleadershipexperienceinthehorticulture industry “Based onTom’s com- experienceattheAHSandconnectionswithinAmericanhorticultural AHS Board ofDirectors hasselectedTom Underwood Growing Connection Connection Growing left, displaysproducegrownin AHS staffmemberJessicaRozmus, garden, above,fordonation. www.ahs.org 137, [email protected], orvisittheAHSwebsite at contact Jessicacan participate, Rozmus at(703)768-5700ext. tan area and would like to donate their surplus harvest can de- tan area andwouldliketodonatetheirsurplusharvest Virginiawho live innorthern andthesurrounding metropoli- demonstration and clickonthe “River Farm” link. The normally grow,” shesays. or twoofeachkindvegetable you the program literally. “Plant anextrarow totakethenameof ed inparticipating crease thatto1,500 pounds.” produce, and thisyear Ihopetoin- year theAHS donated700poundsof education programs coordinator. “Last garden,” says ducing inTheGrowing Connection we cansupplement whatwe are pro- nations tothefoodbank. members willthendeliver allthedo- Farm by noononMondays. AHSstaff liver ittotheEducation Office atRiver For more informationonhow you Rozmus encouragesanyone interest- thehelpoflocalgardeners,“With March /April2008 as theSociety’s Executive Jessica Rozmus, AHS ,

TOP: PETE OPOTOWSKY / AHS ARCHIVES. BOTTOM LEFT: VIVEKA NEVELN. BOTTOM CENTER: JESSICA ROZMUS COURTESY OF ANTHONY S. AIELLO well asafieldstudyfocusingontree care led andpreservation take inaguidedtourofGeorge Washington’s beloved trees, as istics plantexplorers andbreeders are seekingforthenextgen- focus onthevalue oftrees inthelandscapeandcharacter- andrestoreto select,establish,preserve, trees. Sessions willalso 11. During thistwo-dayworkshop, willlearnhow participants non Estate&Gardens inAlexandria,Virginia, onApril 10and Landscape,” willtakeplaceatGeorge Washington’s Mount Ver- NEWAHS A on Trees April GardenSchoolFocuses School speakers. be amongtheGarden Morris Arboretumwill Tony Aiellofromthe Garden Schoolprogram, “Trees oftheAmerican noted tree enthusiast Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories; cultural researcher Tom Smiley, ofthe Sternberg landscape architect, andarborist Other featured speakersare author, forthisevent. guest horticulturist culture, eration oflandscapetrees. addition tolectures, attendeeswillpar- ture andCurator, Tony Aiello ris Arboretum’s Director ofHorticul- and analysisforCaseyTrees; andMor- Howard of Louisville,Kentucky; Mount Vernon’s Director ofHorti- Dean Norton as , willserve , director ofdatagathering of Starhill Forest; arbori- Mike Hayman Holli Guy . In binar starts at1p.m.binar starts Easterntimeandlastsaboutanhour, there isaccesstoahigh-speedInternet connection.Eachwe- can accessthewebinars from practicallyanylocationwhere computer’s speakersorby telephone.Registered participants presenter’s voice delivered asstreaming audiothrough the nars are delivered asanon-screen slideshow, with the binars—this year, exclusively foritsmembers.Thelive webi- www.ahs.org American Horticultural Society. by TheCare ofTrees—the exclusive tree care companyofthe THE AHS AHS Webinars for2008 FROM APRIL Historic GardenWeek inVirginia www.VAGardenweek.org site, where visitorscantakeaself-guidedwalkingtour. Visit AHS’s River Farm inAlexandriaisaparticipating headquarters or sixhousesandgardens The each,totaling250sitesstatewide. state andspanningfourcenturiesofhistory. Tours includefive historical landmarks stretching thelengthandbreadth ofthe of Virginia, thisevent features beautifulhomes,gardens, and toric Garden Week inVirginia. Sponsored by theGarden Club siasts, andthepublicingeneralcanenjoy the75thannualHis- For more information, call(703)768-5700ext.137orvisit will offerfourfree onlinegarden seminars—orwe- and clickon“Events.” 19 to 27, gardeners, history buffs,designenthu- 19 to27,gardeners, history for more information. March / April 2008 9 10 www.ahs.org M • • ton’s RiverFarm,Alexandria,Virginia. • can Gardens • burg, Virginia. • ber’s-only previewsaleisfrom4p.m.to8onApril17.) ington’s RiverFarm,Alexandria,Virginia.(Pleasenote:Mem- • Gardens, Alexandria,Virginia. Landscape.” GeorgeWashington’sMountVernonEstateand • William Cullina(Registrationclosed.) George Washington’sRiverFarm, Alexandria,Virginia. • Farm, Alexandria,Virginia. • • val. • • Farm, Alexandria,Virginia. • the Experts”Symposium. • Greater PhiladelphiaArea. • ary Effects • Plants.” DenverBotanicGardens,Denver,Colorado. • quet. • • Botanic Garden. MAY 24–OCT.13.GreenGarage MAY 18.FriendsofRiverFarmFamilyPicnic. MAY 9.MagicofLandscapes. MAY 8.Webinar:NewandUnderusedWoodyPlantsforAmeri- MAY 4–7.ColonialWilliamsburgGardenSymposium. APR. 18&19.FriendsofRiverFarmPlantSale. APR. 10&11.AHSGardenSchool. DEC. 11. OCT. 23.Dr.H.MarcCatheyDay. MAR. 20.Webinar:NativeFerns,Moss,andGrasses MAR. 19–JUNE1.EpcotInternationalFlower&GardenFesti- OCT. SEPT. 20. AUG. 22–24.TheHomestead’s10thAnnual“InGardenWith JULY 23–26.NationalChildren&YouthGardenSymposium. JULY 8. JUNE 19&20.AHSGardenSchool. JUNE 6.GreatAmericanGardenersAwardsCeremonyandBan- MAY 27–30. the American Gardener Lake BuenaVista,Florida. George Washington’sRiverFarm,Alexandria,Virginia. sponsored orco-sponsored by theAHS.Visit ark your calendarforthesenationalevents thatare Webinar. Webinar: DesigningwithColorandTextureForVision- by TracyDiSabato-Aust. Annual FriendsofRiverFarmHoliday Reception. by DanHinkley. AHS AnnualGala. or call(703)768-5700formore information. AHS President’sCouncilTrip. Washington, D.C. CALENDAR 2008 AHS NATIONALEVENTSANDPROGRAMS Details tobeannounced. The Homestead,HotSprings,Virginia. George Washington’sRiver Lake BuenaVista,Florida. ® George Washington’sRiver Exhibit atUnitedStates “Trees oftheAmerican “Gardening withNative Washington, D.C. George Washing- George Wash- by Williams- andotherperennialswillbeavailableattheplantsale. AT THE Spring PlantSaleatRiverFarm basis. a firstcome,served with timeforquestionsfrom theaudience.Registration ison tails inupcomingissuesorontheAHSwebsite. ture For Effects.” Visionary Aust is recommended. area oftheAHSwebsite. Space islimitedandearlyregistration Registration willopenonApril 15through themembers-only “New andUnderused Woody Plants forAmericanGardens.” Heronswood Nursery inKingston,Washington, willpresent registration hasclosed. es,” onMarch 20.Thiswebinar isalready fullysubscribedand will present thefirstwebinar, “Native Ferns, Moss, andGrass- 17 from 1:30to5p.m., andApril 18from 9a.m.to 1p.m. River Farm. The show isfree andopentothepublic onApril titled “All ThingsBright AndBeautiful,” inthemainhouseat Garden Clubs–District IIwillholdtheirStandard Flower Show, information, visit efit thegardens andgrounds ofRiver Farm. For additional bers and$3fornon-members.Allproceeds from thesalewillben- on April 19from 9a.m.to4p.m. Parking isfree forAHSmem- 17. Thepubliciswelcome onApril 18from 9a.m.to5p.m., and tend thepreview salefrom 4p.m. to8p.m. onThursday, April niums anddwarf, reblooming, -scented . herbstopine-scentedgera- tomatoes andtopiariesofculinary other plants.Shoppersfrom heirloom willfindeverything and uncommontrees, herbs,perennials, shrubs, annuals,and and 19,more than30vendors willbeproviding avariety ofnew William Cullina A fourth webinar isplannedforOctober—lookA fourth formore de- On July 8,landscapedesignerandauthorTracy DiSabato- On May 8,Dan Hinkley, plantsmanandformerowner of Coinciding withtheplantsale, theNational CapitalArea AHS memberspresenting avalid membershipcard mayat- will present awebinar on“Designing withColorandTex- AHS’s annual plantsaleatRiver Farm onApril 17,18, www.ahs.org of theNew England Wild Flower Society or call(703)768-5700ext.114.

LINDA MCINTYRE / AHS ARCHIVES Explore noteworthy landscapes while learning about America’s great trees and native plants at these exclusive AHS Garden School offerings. ahs garden schools for 2008

April 10 & 11, 2008 This year, the hosts for the American Horticultural Society’s Trees of the American Landscape Garden Schools will be George Washington’s Mount Vernon George Estate in Virginia and the Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado. Washington’s Mount Vernon At Mount Vernon, we will study the stunning trees that beautify Estate and Gardens, the American landscape. And at Denver Botanic Gardens—one Alexandria, of the first gardens in the country to emphasize native plants— Virginia we will study native species. Gardening enthusiasts and with Guest horticultural professionals alike will benefit from these Horticulturist inspirational and informative two-day workshops. Dean Norton, Mount Vernon’s Director of Visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137 for more information on how you can be part of these exciting events. June 19 & 20, 2008 Gardening with Native Plants Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado with Guest Horticulturist Scott Calhoun, garden designer and author

An AHS Garden School guided tour

March / April 2008 11 Colonial Williamsburg Symposium Magic of Landscapes Symposium ON MAY 4 to 7, the 62nd annual Colonial Williamsburg THE SIXTH ANNUAL Magic of Landscapes symposium, co- Garden Symposium, “Celebrating the American Garden: sponsored by the American Horticultural Society and other Bringing People and Plants Together,” will be held in green organizations, will take place on May 9 at the Epcot In- Williamsburg, Virginia. ternational Flower & Garden Festival in Orlando, Florida. Co-sponsored by This year’s symposium, which focuses on strategies for creat- the AHS and Fine ing value with quality landscapes, features speakers Phil Gardening magazine, Myrick from the nonprofit organization Project for Public the event will include Spaces and John Thomas of the landscape architecture firm experts from up and Edward Pinckney and Associates. down the East Coast For the first time, Magic of Landscapes will feature “Tools and elsewhere speak- You Can Use,” a five-segment update on best design and hor- ing on a wide range of ticulture practices, including America in Bloom’s “8 Criteria for topics such as “Restor- American Cities” and “10 Underutilized Plants and Shrubs.” ing New York City’s Optional tours of the historic landscapes of nearby Winter Park Parks and Gardens” will also be offered. Continuing education credits are available and “Flooding the Senses with Water in the Garden.” Option- for various aspects of this program. For more information, al activities will include walking tours, workshops, and demon- please visit www.magicoflandscapes.com.  strations. Call (800) 603-0948 or visit www.history.org/conted for more information or to register for the symposium. News written by Editorial Intern John Fiege and AHS staff. COURTESY OF COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG FOUNDATION GiftsGifts ofof Note Note

In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts received between December 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008.

Mrs. Betty Bates Sakata America In memory of Mr. David Wayne Bohon Mrs. Katherine McKay Belk Mr. R. P. Simmons Ms. Julie Bohon Dr. Sherran Blair Dr. and Mrs. George E. Staehle Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle Mr. Harold Stahly In memory of Bob Lindsay Mr. Richard C. and Mrs. Katherine Stark Bull Dr. and Mrs. Steven M. Still Dr. Sherran Blair Dr. Andrew V. Charles Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk Mr. and Mrs. George Cornelson Mr. and Mrs. Dennis White In memory of Jeanne Katherine Bussey Narmore Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Crane Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. White Mr. and Mrs. C. Gene Faulkner Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Demisay Mr. and Mrs. John Hamm Ms. Carolyn V. E. Foil Mr. John C. Neville Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Gross In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Matheson, Jr. Mr. Bill Haggard Mr. Albert V. Bryan In memory of Robert Plucinski Mr. Gerald T. Halpin The Bryant Foundation Mr. Deane H. Hundley Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Mr. and Mrs. H. Bartholomew Cox Ms. Katy Moss Warner Mrs. Elizabeth Dunn Hooff Mr. and Mrs. Victor duPont Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston Mr. and Ms. J. Scott Finney In memory of J. Fife Symington, Jr. Mr. Philip Huey Mr. and Mrs. John W. Howard Ms. Katy Moss Warner Mr. Franklin Y. Hundley, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Jones Ms. Deborah Kern Mrs. Daniel M. Kristol In honor of Arabella Dane Ms. Marta J. Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence L. Lamade Ms. Luise Strauss Mrs. Charlotte Mathey Lin Roller Menard Interiors & Art Gallery Mr. and Mrs. Harold McClendon, Jr. Mr. and Ms. Davis R. Marshall In honor of John and Karen Windhusen Ms. Rosalyn Milbrandt Mrs. Jane Matz Ms. Lisa Windhusen Monrovia Nursery Company Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. McDermott Mr. and Mrs. Walter S. Montgomery, Jr. Ms. Catherine C. Murdock In honor of the marriage of NCA Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.-District II Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Stifel Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sigmund Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai Dace Brown Stubbs Mr. Arnold Steiner Osmocote/Bloomington Brands Ms. Carole A. White Drs. Julia and Irv Rappaport

If you would like to support the American Horticultural Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, or as part of your annual commitment to charitable giving, please contact Laura Alexander, (703) 768-5700 ext. 127 or [email protected].

12 the American Gardener LEFT: COURTESY OF LIDA STIFEL. RIGHT: MARY YEE by CourtneyCapstack The MathesonLegacyatRiverFarm Pennsylvania. Center attheTyler Arboretum inLima, in AlexandriaandthePlant Records had beensplitbetween acrowded office sition ofRiver Farm, theSociety’s staff president atthetime.Prior totheacqui- exclaimed Trust. “At last,gardening hasahome,” tion from theEnid Haupt Charitable 1973 withtheaidofagenerous contribu- in AHS purchased itforitsheadquarters upforsaleintheearly1970s,and erty in ahomenearRiver Farm. friends asPinkie—and thecouplesettled ried Emma Tompkins—known toher trees, manyofwhich stillflourishtoday. plantings ofperennials, boxwoods, and wing ontheestatehouseandadding grounds over theyears, buildinganew ments tothe cant improve- made signifi- Mathesons in 1919.The and children with hiswife Wellington, then known as which was the property, ther, his childhoodlivingatRiver Farm. His fa- son, Jr. failure., also94,diedofrespiratory her husbandof72years, plications causedby astroke. Aweek later, Matheson On December 14,2007,Emma Tompkins Farm inAlexandria,Virginia. headquarters who hadstrong linkstotheSociety’s River two long-standingfriendsandcontributors greater Washington, D.C.,area recently lost T Malcolm Matheson, Sr., puttheprop- In 1936,Malcolm Matheson, Jr., mar- Malcolm Matheson, Jr. spentmuchof Malcolm Matheson, Sr. the gardening communityofthe TURAL SOCIETY HE AMERICANHORTICUL- David G.Leach died attheageof94from com- Malcolm Mathe- , theSociety’s AS and (AHS) , moved to flower arranger,” says an excellent gardener, flower judge,and grounds atRiver Farm. “My motherwas ticulture extendedwell beyond the the AHSPresident’s Councilsince2003. had beenHaupt Associates membersof Award in2004.BothMalcolm andEmma ceived theAHS’s LocalHorticulture Councilfrom 2003to2007,andre- sory from 1981to1983,wasontheAHSAdvi- on theSociety’sserved Board ofDirectors nial Dames ofAmerica. member oftheNational Society ofColo- House Gardens Committeewhilea ontheDumbarton America; andserved was adirector of theGarden Clubof the Garden ClubofAlexandria,Virginia; twotermsaspresidentEmma of served Malcolm andEmma’s sixchildren. ny wasoftencontractedtoworkattheWhiteHouseduringadministrationofPresi- inally gracedtheWhiteHouseforoveracentury,from1818through1930s. Another partoftheMathesonlegacyatRiverFarmisasetwroughtirongatesthatorig- THE MATHESONS ANDTHEWHITEHOUSECONNECTION welcome visitorstoRiverFarm. The restoredWhiteHouseGatesnow The Mathesons’ contributionstohor- An active member oftheAHS,Emma H ESSPECIAL NEWS AHS According tohistorianWilliamSeale C Lida Stifel , oneof , theCharlesH.TompkinsConstructionCompa- the frontofEstateHouse. played attheentrancetoamixedbordernear their originalgloryandarenowprominentlydis- the gates,whichhavesincebeenrestoredto strumental inidentifyingthehistoricoriginsof er Farm,wheretheyremaineduntil2002. were laterinstalledatthefrontentranceofRiv- which coincidedwiththerenovation.Thegates ter Emma’smarriagetoMalcolmMatheson,Jr., Matheson familyaroundthetimeofhisdaugh- thought thatTompkinsgavethegatesto of unusedmaterialsattheirdiscretion,anditis time, WhiteHousecontractorscoulddispose moved fromthenortheastentrance.At project in1936and1937,thegateswerere- dent FranklinRoosevelt.Duringarenovation Seale, aformerAHSBoardmember,wasin- gral part oftheAHS’sgral part history. legacy willcontinuetolive onasaninte- will bemissedatRiver Farm, buttheir and advicewhenneeded.Their presence River Farm, never hesitatingtoofferhelp committed tothewelfare oftheAHSand AHS projects over theyears.” major reason somany that theysupported deartobothofthem—andIthink a very laugh. Mr. Matheson’s boyhood home was quick asherhusbandwithaquipand lady inher‘garden’ hatand alwaysjustas Mathesons. “Mrs.Matheson wasquitethe ployee andlong-timeneighbor tothe Stephanie McLellan,aformerAHSem- man—but withwitandhumor,” says associate forthe AHS. Capstack is thedevelopmentCourtney Malcolm andEmma Matheson were “Mr. Matheson gentle- wastheperfect March / April 2008 —C.C.  13 AHSC NEWS SPECIAL AHS 2008 GREAT AMERICAN GARDENERS NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS

HE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of T the Society’s 2008 Great American Gardeners Awards. Individuals, organizations, and businesses who receive these awards represent the best in American gardening. Each has contributed significantly to fields such as plant research, garden communication, landscape design, youth gardening, teaching, and conservation. We applaud their passionate commitment to American gardening and their outstand- ing achievements within their fields.

The 2008 awards will be presented on June 6 during the Great American Gardeners Awards Ceremony and Banquet at River Farm, the AHS’s head- quarters in Alexandria, Virginia. To register for the awards banquet or for more information, visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137.

LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY AWARD H. MARC CATHEY AWARD mail-order division, Given to an individual who has made sig- Recognizes outstanding scientific research High Country Gar- nificant lifetime contributions to at least that has enriched the field of horticulture. dens, which he three of the following horticultural fields: founded in 1984 and teaching, research, communications, plant Thomas G. Ranney is a professor of hor- 1992, respectively. exploration, administration, art, business, ticultural science at North Carolina State Both businesses spe- and leadership. University. He leads cialize in beautiful a research program at and drought-tolerant Harold Pellett is the executive director the Mountain Horti- plants for western gardens. of the Landscape Plant Development cultural Crops Re- Widely regarded as a xeriscaping pio- Center headquar- search and Extension neer, Salman promotes waterwise garden- tered in Chanhassen, Center in Fletcher, ing though articles published in national , which he North Carolina, magazines and speaking engagements founded in 1990. where he focuses on throughout the country. This national non- the development of new landscape Salman has introduced more than 25 profit organization is plants. Recent developments include Ca- plant selections with an emphasis on na- devoted to develop- lycanthus ‘Venus’ and transgeneric hy- tive, cold-hardy, and xeric species. He ing durable, stress- brids such as ✕Schimlinia floribunda and also collaborates on regional plant evalu- tolerant landscape plants for all regions. ✕Gordlinia grandiflora. Ranney’s research ation programs such as Plant Select®, Growing up in his family’s nursery busi- has helped change breeding rules for in- which promotes plants suited to the ness in Iowa, Pellett was involved in horti- terspecific and transgeneric hybrids. He Rocky Mountain region. culture from an early age. He received his has also helped preserve germplasm of doctorate from Iowa State University, fo- plants that are extinct or threatened in LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD cusing his studies on plant physiology, the wild. Given to an individual whose work has breeding, and genetics. Pellett then taught Ranney has received numerous awards, demonstrated and promoted the value of horticulture and conducted research for including the Distinguished Achievement sound horticultural practices in the field of more than 36 years at the University of Award for Nursery Crops from the Amer- landscape architecture. Minnesota. His research involved the ican Society for Horticultural Science. breeding and evaluation of landscape Herbert R. Schaal is a principal in the plants, resulting in more than 25 new tree PAUL ECKE JR. COMMERCIAL AWARD renowned landscape architecture firm and shrub introductions. Among these is Given to an individual or company whose EDAW/AECOM the “Lights” series of cold-hardy . commitment to the highest standards of ex- and a Fellow of the Pellett’s many accolades include the cellence in the field of commercial horticul- American Society of Award of Merit from the National Coun- ture contributes to the betterment of Landscape Architects. cil of State Garden Clubs and the Medal gardening practices everywhere. During Schaal’s of Honor from the Garden Club of Amer- more than 30 years at ica. He is also a Fellow of the American David Salman is the president and chief EDAW, he has ap- Society for Horticultural Science and the horticulturist of the retail nursery, Santa plied the principles International Plant Propagators Society. Fe , in New and its of landscape architecture, sustainability,

14 the American Gardener and ecology to a wide range of projects. MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD In recent years, Schaal has specialized in If you know someone you would like to Recognizes a past Board member or friend of design of public gardens, including educa- nominate for one of the 2009 Great the American Horticultural Society for out- tional gardens for children and gardens for American Gardeners Awards, please standing service in support of the Society’s healthcare facilities. Among these, some of visit our website (www.ahs.org) and goals, mission, and activities. his best-known projects are children’s gar- click on “Awards” for more information. dens at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Francis X. Flaherty owns and operates the Morton Arboretum, and the Norfolk Flaherty Iron Works in Alexandria, Vir- Botanical Garden. After earning a ginia, which special- The more than 50 regional and na- master’s degree at izes in hot tional awards he has received have estab- Northwestern Uni- hand-forged orna- lished him as one of the most acclaimed versity’s Medill mental metal work. contemporary landscape architects. School of Journalism, In 2004, Flaherty as- Virag went to Har- sisted the AHS in the B. Y. MORRISON COMMUNICATION vard University on a restoration of a set of AWARD Nieman Fellowship. 19th-century White Recognizes effective and inspirational com- She joined Newsday in the 1980s and won House gates that were discovered at the munication—through print, radio, televi- a Pulitzer for local reporting in 1986. She AHS’s River Farm headquarters. The re- sion, and/or online media—that advances later became editor of the magazine’s stored gates were featured at the 2005 public interest and participation in horti- “Home and Garden” . Philadelphia Flower Show, after which culture. Virag is a Fellow of the Garden Writers Flaherty installed the gates at River Farm. Association and has won that organiza- Additionally, Flaherty hand-forged a Irene Virag is an award-winning freelance tion’s top award for newspaper writing sev- unique metal design piece for the AHS’s journalist who has contributed a weekly eral times. She is an inspirational public Green Garage® exhibit, which is being dis- garden column to Newsday since 1995 and speaker and the author of Gardening on played around the United States, and he writes articles for magazines such as Better Long Island with Irene Virag (Newsday continues to provide quality craftsmanship Homes & Gardens and Fine Gardening. Books, 1999). and support to the AHS.

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March / April 2008 15 FRANCES JONES POETKER AWARD CATHERINE H. SWEENEY AWARD TEACHING AWARD Recognizes significant contributions to floral Recognizes extraordinary and dedicated Given to an individual whose ability to design in publications, on the platform, and philanthropic efforts in support of the field share his or her horticultural knowledge to the public. of horticulture. with others has contributed to a better pub- lic understanding of the plant world and its Renny Reynolds is a renowned entertain- Betty Brown Casey is one of America’s important influence on society. ing, gardening, and lifestyle expert. In the leading philanthropists. In 2001, after be- 1970s he founded coming aware of the Laura Deeter is an assistant professor of RENNY: Design for dramatic decline of horticultural technologies at the Agricul- Entertaining in New trees in the District of tural Technical Insti- York City, an event Columbia since the tute (ATI) of the design firm known 1970s, she donated Ohio State University for its unique floral $50 million to endow in Columbus, where arrangements. Cater- a new non-profit or- she earned a doctor- ing to high-profile ganization called ate degree in 2002. clients such Yves Saint Laurent and the Casey Trees, whose mission is “to restore, Deeter employs a va- White House, the company’s designs have enhance, and protect the tree canopy of the riety of teaching styles been featured in publications ranging from Nation’s Capital.” and methods to create an informal, inter- House Beautiful to Horticulture. The organization works to increase active learning environment. In 2002, Reynolds turned the business community activism and involvement in She travels extensively, speaking on over to his nephew and co-founded Hor- the planting and care of trees through var- many gardening topics, and has authored tulus Farm Nursery & Gardens, an 18th- ious educational initiatives. It has devel- numerous publications on wide-ranging century farm located in Bucks County, oped new mapping and monitoring topics such as landscape ornamentals, Pennsylvania. He is also the author of The systems that have enabled cities and com- plant identification, and student-cen- Art of the Party (Gibbs Smith, 2003). munities around the country to inventory tered learning techniques. their trees and map their successes, encour- Among the honors she has received PROFESSIONAL AWARD aging local involvement. are the ATI Distinguished Teaching Given to a public garden administrator Award, the Ohio State Alumni Award for whose achievements during the course of his JANE L. TAYLOR AWARD Distinguished Teaching, and the Peren- or her career have cultivated widespread in- Given to an individual, organization, or nial Plant Association Academic Award. terest in horticulture. program that has inspired and nurtured fu- ture horticulturists through efforts in chil- URBAN BEAUTIFICATION AWARD Holly Harmar Shimizu has been the ex- dren’s and youth gardening. Given to an individual, institution, or com- ecutive director of the United States pany for significant contributions to urban Botanic Garden since Mike H.C. Devlin and Valerie R. Frick horticulture and the beautification of Amer- 2000. During that co-founded and co-developed the Cam- ican cities. period, she has over- seen a major renova- The Statewide Arboretum tion of the garden’s (NSA), a nonprofit organization based at conservatory and the the University of development of the Nebraska-Lin- new National Gar- coln Institute of den that opened in 2006. Agriculture and Shimizu’s career has included serving as Natural Resources, is a unique network of the first curator of the National Herb Gar- den Children’s Garden in Camden, New more than 80 affiliate parks, arboreta, and den at the U.S. National Arboretum in Jersey, in 1999. With Devlin as the execu- other public garden sites across Nebraska. Washington, D.C., and as the managing tive director and Frick as the director of ed- Founded in 1978, the organization is ded- director at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gar- ucation, this husband-and-wife team has icated to the greening of every communi- den in Richmond, Virginia. created a safe environment where children ty in the state. For 12 years, Shimizu was a host on The in one of the nation’s most dangerous cities Through its Community Program, Victory Garden, a gardening television can learn about plants and nature. the NSA has provided more than $7 mil- show broadcast on PBS and HGTV. She Devlin and Frick also operate several lion in matching grants to 228 Nebraska has also contributed to many books and other programs, including a Youth Em- communities, resulting in more than 850 magazines. Shimizu is on the advisory ployment and Training program for at- landscaping projects. It also provides a board of the American Botanical Council, risk Camden youth through the Camden range of technical assistance, including and has served on the board of directors of City Garden Club, a non-profit they planning, design, plant selection. and the American Public Gardens Association. founded in 1985. water conservation. 

16 the American Gardener 2008 AHS Book Award Winners

ACH YEAR, the American Horticultural Society recognizes outstanding gardening books published in North America with E its annual Book Award. Books are judged by the AHS Book Award Committee on qualities such as writing style, author- ity, accuracy, and physical quality. This year’s four recipients, selected from books published in 2007, are listed below. Susan C. Eubank, a horticultural librarian for the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia, Califor- nia, chaired the 2008 committee. Other committee members were Gene Bussell, a garden editor for Southern Living mag- azine in Birmingham, Alabama; Thomas Cooper of Watertown, Massachusetts, former editor of Horticulture and The Gardener magazine; Doreen Howard of Roscoe, Illinois, a former garden editor for Woman’s Day who writes for various garden publi- cations; Marty Ross, a regional contributor for Better Homes & Gardens and writer for Universal Press Syndicate who lives in City, Missouri, and in Hayes, Virginia; Marcia Tatroe of Centennial, Colorado, a writer for the Denver Post and Sun- set magazine; and Marty Wingate of Seattle, Washington, a garden columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Foliage by Nancy J. Ondra. Storey Pub- Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toens- lishing, Massachusetts. meier. Chelsea Green Publishing Com- Citation of Special Merit The AHS Book Award is given to pany, White River Junction, . “This outstanding book is like opening publishers for a single book pub- a new box of paints,” says Marcia Full of surprising edible possibilities, this lished in a specific year. However, Tatroe, “provid- book “promotes fresh thinking as to what two AHS Citations of Special Merit ing both inspi- a vegetable gar- are being awarded in recognition of ration and den can be,” says a series or regularly revised refer- practical ad- Howard. “This ence that has become an invaluable vice on using topic is presented addition to horticultural literature. foliage plants.” in a thorough and With more cul- engaging way,” Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s tivars with col- says Susan Eu- All-Region Guide series orful becoming available, author bank. “It teaches Published under the auspices of the Nancy J. Ondra “encourages readers to responsible gar- Brooklyn Botanic Garden since 1945, think conceptually about foliage,” says dening practices this collection of Tom Cooper. “Rob Cardillo’s magnifi- without preaching,” adds Ross. Gene horticultural cent photographs show just how excit- Bussell notes that the book’s production handbooks cur- ing leaves can be,” adds Marty Ross. “reflects Chelsea Green’s earth-friendly rently includes policy,” while maintaining high quality. more than 180 volumes offering A Natural History of North American Trees practical ideas by Donald Culross Peattie. Houghton Viburnums by Michael Dirr. Timber and inspiration Mifflin Company, New York, New York. Press, Portland, Oregon. for North Ameri- This condensed version of two volumes In the first book dedicated entirely to this can gardeners. originally published in the 1950s “keeps versatile genus of landscape trees and alive a tradition of shrubs, “Michael Sunset’s Western Garden Book high-quality writing Dirr has distilled In 2007, Sunset released the eighth and great horticul- his great knowl- edition of the Western Garden Book. ture,” says Cooper, edge of viburnums Because this and brings the late into a handsome “bible” for west- Donald Culross reference full of ern gardeners Peattie’s lyrical es- careful observa- maintains up- says to a new gener- tions and the unre- to-date informa- ation. “It’s like being strained opinions tion built on a taken on a trip to that gardeners rely on him for,” says foundation of visit these trees,” says Marcia Tatroe. Ross. “This book is useful, inspiring, earlier editions, “The black-and-white drawings of each and nicely done, with lots of good color the committee tree are amazingly evocative,” says Marty photographs taken by Dirr as well as chose to recognize the entire body of Wingate. “A must for every horticultural several beautiful illustrations by his work rather than a single edition. library,” says Doreen Howard. wife, Bonnie,” adds Wingate. 

March / April 2008 17 Woodland Beauties 18 spring wildflower intheirgarden can those whowanttoinclude this lovely more recently—tissue culture. Now, ing trilliumsby seed,division,and— Fortunately, more growers are propagat- ofsomespecies. endangering thesurvival native populations inNorth America, their habitatshave greatly reduced the by admirers of aswell asthedestruction thing. Thecollectionofwildspecimens T but overcollectionandhabitatlossareendangering theminthewild. Shy, beautiful,spring-bloomingephemerals,trilliums arecovetedadditionstoawoodlandgarden, White-flowered the American Gardener much love canbeadangerous nize—and easiertolove. But too RILLIUMS ARE grandiflorum Trillium easy torecog- and Virginiabluebells carpetthewoodlandatDelaware’s Winterthurgardeninearly spring. al—that is,theyare plantsthatfadeinto shady garden borders, theyare ephemer- thrive inwoodlandsettingsandmoist trees leafout.Reliable perennials that bloom inearlyspringbefore overwinter inwarmerregions, trilliums cides withthereturn ofrobins, which cause theirflowering timeloosely coin- Purchase ofTrilliums,” page19). tivation (see “Ethical Propagation and trilliums thathave beenproduced incul- more easilypurchase awidervariety of Commonly calledwakerobins be- a diminutive five inchestoafulltwofeet. , andplantsrangeinheightfrom covered inthisarticle. grown inNorth America,theyare not Asia, butbecausetheyare notcommonly There are alsosixspeciesindigenousto are native towestern North America. and southeastNorth Americaandseven the genusTrillium, following spring. dormancy afterflowering and return the All speciesgrow from underground Among theapproximately 48speciesin 35 are native toeastern BY JOANDEGREY

THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE TOP: SUSAN A. ROTH. OPPOSITE BOTTOM: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK ETHICAL PROPAGATION AND PURCHASE OF TRILLIUMS

“The unifying theme for most trillium species is that they are cause they are difficult or time-consuming to propagate. For representative of intact ecosystems,” says Rick Lewandowski, example, William Cullina of the New England Wild Flower So- director of the Mt. Cuba Center in Greenville, Delaware. ciety notes that painted trillium (Trillium undulatum), a native Disturbance of such ecosystems, whether of the eastern United States that bears from development or conversion of white to pale pink , is particular- habitat to agricultural use, has a ripple ly hard to propagate, so much of what is effect. “When the ecosystems begin to sold is wild collected. degrade through human intervention, Tissue culture of trilliums is being invasion by non-native plant species, studied and holds promise for increasing excessive deer browsing, off-site impacts the availability of desirable species. such as erosion, or forest management “Our goals at Mt. Cuba Center,” says practices, trillium populations begin to Lewandowski, “have been to propagate decline,” explains Lewandowski. and grow trilliums from seed, tissue cul- If a trillium-populated area is clear-cut, ture, and division to assist the horticul- the protective canopy is removed, ef- ture industry in its efforts to make trilli- fectively destroying the habitat. It is not ums more widely available through recommended—and is often prohibited by reliable methods that don’t exert pres- law—to dig the plants from a natural sure on native habitats or populations.” stand. However, if the habitat is threat- Before purchasing a trillium, ask ened by development, conservation about the origin of the plants, and, in groups sometimes schedule plant rescues particular, whether the plants are nurs- to save native plant populations. Before ery-propagated. Be sure you are buying attempting a plant rescue, be sure that the Trillium undulatum is difficult to propagate, so plants from reputable nurseries that are property owner is in agreement and you specimens for sale are often wild-collected. propagating trilliums from seed, are in compliance with all applicable laws. divisions, and/or tissue culture—or that Most experts agree that, unfortunately, a large percentage are purchasing their plants from growers who are doing so. of trillium nursery stock is collected from the wild, often be- —Rita Pelczar, Contributing Editor

Depending on the species, the flowers can Few early spring woodland plants are be upright or nodding, but always with as impressive as three outer and three inner ; (USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8, AHS Heat their flower colors include white, pink, Zones 8–1), often considered the showiest maroon, and yellow. of all Trillium species. Commonly called The genus is divided into two sub- the great white trillium or white wake- genera: pedicellate trilliums and sessile robin, it is a vigorous clump-forming trilliums. Pedicellate trilliums bear flow- perennial that can literally create a rolling ers with relaxed petals on a short stalk that carpet of blooms from late April through emerges from the center of the of early June, depending on the location. three leaves. Sessile types lack flower stalks This species features a single stem that so their flowers appear to sit on top of the grows 16 to 18 inches tall, producing a leaves. Flowering time for each species whorl of mid-green leaves, green sepals, varies somewhat depending on the lati- and a large two- to four-inch-wide white tude and altitude of the site. flower with yellow anthers. The flower turns pink as it ages. An established clump PEDICELLATE TRILLIUMS can achieve a spread of two feet, making it The approximately 23 pedicellate species a useful woodland groundcover. are native to North America, northeast Native to northeastern North America Asia, and the Himalayan Mountains. and southward through the Appalachian Nearly all produce solid green leaves and Mountains, native stands display signifi- wide-spreading petals. cant variability in size and flower color. Trillium grandiflorum forma polymerum The deep red flowers of Trillium erectum are (also listed as the ‘Flore Pleno’) striking but possess a disagreeable odor. bears snow-white double flowers. Anoth-

March / April 2008 19 20 banks andamong rhododendron thick- often foundgrowing alongmoiststream of Georgia,Carolina, stands andnorthern Mountains ofTennessee, western North green leaves andsmall,pure whiteflowers. demure five inchesinheightwithblue- to grow, reliable,” saysBush. It grows toa snow onthefoliage.Hardy asarock, easy garden. “It issmallandbrave, oftenwith says itisthefirsttrilliumtoappearinhis Nursery andGardens inDepauw, , April. Gene Bush, owner ofMunchkin earlyspring—mid-Marchin very toearly monly calledthesnow trillium,itblooms centralstates.Com- through the north and southernPennsylvania westward (Zones 5–8,8–5)spans from hiddenbeneaththeleaves. often partially (curled backward), buttheflowers are anthers thatare alldistinctlyrecurved wakerobin, itproduces petals,sepals,and or pink.Commonlycalledbashfulrosy ding flowers thatrangefrom whitetorose southeastern United States withitsnod- um catesbaei albiflorum) erectum any otherpedicillatespecies.Flowers of Northwithin northeastern America,than and colorthroughout itsnaturalrange ed sepals.It displaysmore variability insize deep red-maroon flower withpurple-tint- early June. Eachstemproduces asingle with flowers openingfrom April through son coincideswiththatofT. grandiflorum, with aspread of12inches.Its flowering sea- good clumps.”It cangrow 20inchestall propagate, hasmanyvarieties, andforms vorite trillium,which,hesays,“iseasyto able scentofitsflowers. ThisisCase’s fa- stinking Benjamin, anodtothedisagree- commonly calledthepurpletrilliumor impressive clumps. are hardy, easytogrow, andreadily form fect choicefornovice growers. Theplants 22) recommends T. grandiflorum author ofTrilliums may beinfusedwithdeepred undertones. pink flowers withleaves andstemsthat roseum, er popularvariant is Trillium simile Indigenous totheGreat Smoky The naturalrangeofTrillium nivale From lateMarch through June, Trillium erectum Trillium Frederick expert W. CaseJr., the American Gardener var. which produces softpinktodeep are white. album (Zones 6–9,8–4)graces the (syn. (Zones 4–8,8–1)are (see “Resources,” page (Zones 4–7,7–3)is T. grandiflorum var. T. erectum as aper- forma Trilli- T. trilliums perform aswell forus.” trilliums perform this speciesinour woodlandgarden. Few Delaware. “We have enormoussweeps of of theMt.Cuba CenterinGreenville, vide,” saysRickLewandowski, director “It isacarefree grower and easytodi- white flowers, andstands18inchestall. produces broad leaves, bearslarge creamy ets. Alsocalledsweet whitetrillium,it of selection of Top left: Trillium catesbaei Trillium Trillium grandiflorum Trillium Trillium rivale Trillium aedsicl euvdptl.Aoe ‘PurpleHeart’isanattractive have distinctlyrecurvedpetals.Above: , whichisnativetothePacificNorthwest. forma polymerum the variety maculosum impressive 20 inchesinheight.Leaves of fades topinkwithage.Thestems reach an and asinglecleanwhiteflower thatslowly early spring,producing dark green leaves trillium. Its reddish green stemsemergein monly known asthecoastorwestern white er obefoes o ih:Theflowers bears doubleflowers.Topright: The western North Americannative, (Zones 5–8,8–5),iscom- display deepma-

TOP LEFT: SAXON HOLT. TOP RIGHT: DON JOHNSTON. BOTTOM: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON native to North America. Flowers of these species have no stalk and the three short petals are borne upright directly from the center of a cluster of leaves, which are typically mottled. Although the natural range of yellow trillium (T. luteum, Zones 5–7, 7–4) is limited to western North Carolina, east- ern Tennessee and Kentucky, and north- ern Georgia and Alabama, it has displayed adaptability by escaping cultivation and naturalizing in other regions. This easily cultivated species features mid-green leaves heavily mottled with light green and delicately scented, upright, light yellowy- green flowers that open in April and May. Another species indigenous to a rela- tively small region, T. foetidissimum (Zones 5–9, 9–5) can be found growing wild in and . It is also adaptable to a relatively wide range of soil conditions and can be grown as far north as southern Minnesota. The stems reach 10 inches tall with exceptionally showy olive-green leaves that are mottled with ir- regular bright green blotches with bronze undertones. The maroon petals of the flower are slightly incurved. Despite its common name, fetid trillium is a favorite of , owner of in Raleigh, North Carolina, “A single rhizome multiplies to 15 to 25 flow- ering stems in five years. Also, it grows from seed to flowering in four to five years,” says Avent. “It is truly a marvelous and easy-to-grow specimen.” (Zone 4–8, 8–1), native to the American Midwest and commonly called toad trillium or toadshade, grows 12 inches tall and produces a clump about eight inches across. Its coloring is dramat- ic: the dark-green leaves are mottled with pale green, white, bronze, and maroon. And the flowers, which appear from The flowers of sessile trilliums grow directly on top of their foliage and are not as showy as those March to mid-May, depending on loca- of their pedicellate counterparts. Two commonly available species are Trillium sessile, top, tion, are a vibrant red-maroon. which features dark maroon flowers, and Trillium luteum, above, with yellow-green flowers. Trillium cuneatum (Zones 6–9, 9–6), is indigenous to the southeastern United roon markings, a feature that is uncharac- often marked at the base of the petals with States, from North Carolina to Missis- teristic of pedicillate species. purple flecking. A selection with dramat- sippi, but it can be grown well outside of Another western native, Trillium rivale ic flecking, named ‘Purple Heart’, is some- its native range. According to William (Zones 5–8, 8–5), is indigenous to the times available. Cullina, director of horticultural research Siskiyou and Klamath Mountains in Ore- at the New England Wild Flower Soci- gon and California. The species name SESSILE TRILLIUMS ety’s Garden in the Woods, in Wood- refers to its habit of growing near streams. The second group of trilliums, those stock, , it is “one of the most This dwarf species grows five inches tall; it with sessile flowers, is comprised of ap- vigorous and large of the mottled-leaved

TOP: CAROLE OTTESEN. BOTTOM: KAREN BUSSOLINI features white or pale pink flowers that are proximately 23 species, all of which are species. We grow a form with wine-red

March / April 2008 21 flowers that smell intensely of ripe Underwood’s trillium (Trillium under- to neutral soil, “although some do well in on a warm April day.” woodii, Zones 5–9, 9–5) grows in decidu- clay, and a few, such as T. undulatum, can “Robust T. cuneatum is hard to beat,” ous woodlands within a limited natural handle very acidic, peaty soil,” says Culli- says Cole Burrell of Free Union, Virginia, range including Alabama, western Geor- na. Their water requirement, like their author of A Gardener’s Encyclopedia of gia, and northern Florida, but like many need for light, is somewhat seasonal. Wildflowers. “The mottled leaves are other trilliums, it is hardy well beyond that “Most trilliums need plenty of moisture in slightly ruffled, and the flowers smell of region. Plants emerge early—often in Feb- spring, but can handle drier soil after they Juicy Fruit™ gum.” Grown in moist, ruary or March in the southern part of its go dormant in summer,” says Cullina. humus-rich soil in part to full shade, plants range, in April in cooler regions. The leaves In a garden, soil preparation is critical can grow two feet high, blooming in mid- boast a checkerboard mottling with a cen- for success. Cullina enriches the sandy March through mid-April. tral silver streak. Plants grow about eight loam soil of his woodland garden with inches tall, and the dark purple flowers aged compost, “digging in six to eight have a somewhat unpleasant aroma. inches worth when newly planting, and topdressing with two inches every spring.” Resources GROWING TRILLIUMS IN THE GARDEN Gene Bush likes to improve drainage American Treasures: Trilliums in Trilliums grow best in dappled or seasonal in his beds by incorporating organic mat- Woodland and Garden by Don L. shade; a mature deciduous woodland is an ter such as compost or deciduous leaves. Jacobs and Rob L. Jacobs. ideal growing location. In early spring, be- The leaves can be chopped up to speed Eco-Gardens, Decatur, Georgia, l997. fore the trees leaf out, exposure to sunlight up the process of decomposition. ensures that the plants will flower freely. By Trilliums are bothered by few insect Growing and Propagating Wildflowers the time leaves are fully expanded and the pests; seedlings are susceptible to damage by William Cullina. Houghton woodland is in full shade, trilliums have caused by snails and slugs. Unfortunate- Mifflin, Boston, 2000. entered dormancy. Trilliums will not ly, trilliums are a delicacy for deer. Be- flower well or even survive many seasons cause they produce a single stem each Trilliums by Frederick W. Case and when grown in deep, year-round shade. year, trilliums are particularly susceptible Roberta B. Case. Timber Press, In general, trilliums grow best in a to damage by grazing. When the stem is Portland, Oregon, 1997. humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic removed, the plant loses the only source Sources Eco-Gardens, Decatur, GA. (404) 294-6468. Catalog $2.

Fraser’s Thimble Farms, Salt Spring Island, B.C., Canada. (250) 537- 5788. www.thimblefarms.com. Catalog online.

Munchkin Nursery & Gardens, De- pauw, IN. (812) 633-4858. www.munchkinnursery.com. Catalog $4; free online.

Native Plant Nursery and Gardens, Salem, OR. (503) 581-2638. www.nwplants.com. Catalog online.

New England Wild Flower Society. www.newfs.org.

Plant Delights Nursery, Inc., Raleigh, NC. (919) 772-4794. www.plant delights.com. Catalog online; print catalog for 10 stamps or a box of chocolates.

Besides extreme hardiness and vigor, Trillium cuneatum offers the bonus of fragrant flowers. JOSEPH G. STRAUCH JR.

22 the American Gardener MORE TRILLIUMS WORTH GROWING Name Height/Spread Flowers and Foliage Natural Range USDA Hardiness, (inches) AHS Heat Zones Trillium cernuum 24/10 pale pink, white, or red-brown with eastern North 6–9, 9–6 (nodding trillium) wavy petals on pendant stalks America Trillium chloropetalum 16/8 white, yellow, red, or brown-purple California 6–9, 9–6 (giant wakerobin) flowers; marbled green, gray, maroon leaves Trillium recurvatum 12/12 deep maroon, sometimes white eastern U.S. 5-8, 8-3 (purple wakerobin) or yellow flowers; mottled green leaves Trillium stamineum 15/8 dark red flowers with twisted petals; southeastern U.S. 5–9, 9–5 (twisted trillium) marbled silver-and-green leaves Trillium sulcatum 15/8 blood-red flowers, sometimes yellow, southeastern U.S. 3–8, 8–3 (southern red trillium) cream, or bicolored, on erect pedicels Trillium vaseyi 24/10 large nodding dark maroon flowers; 5–8, 8–3 (sweet wakerobin) large leaves Trillium viride 16/8 yellow-green flowers; green leaves Illinois and Missouri 4–8, 8–1 (wood trillium) with white spots

T. chloropetalum T. recurvatum T. vaseyi

of food for the rhizome, which stores en- mer. The are small with a fleshy in spring. Cut the rhizome into divisions ergy for the following season’s growth. outgrowth called an that con- that contain both and at least one or Plants might survive a few years of graz- tains oils that attract . In a natural en- two buds. “Be careful not to damage the ing but over time will likely succumb. vironment, the ants carry the seeds back root systems, as this will set the plants back In the garden, trilliums combine well to their nest, consume the elaiosome and quite a bit,” says Cullina. Rhizomes with other non-aggressive woodland discard the seed, effectively dispersing it. should be planted as quickly as possible to ephemerals and perennials, including “You can increase your stand if you col- avoid drying out. Plant them two to six ferns, bleeding hearts (Dicentra spp.), dog- lect the ripe seed capsules in mid- to late inches deep and space them six to 24 inch- tooth lilies (Erythronium spp.), columbines summer and plant the seeds immediately es apart, depending on the maximum (Aquilegia spp.), bellworts (Uvularia spp.), a few inches deep,” suggests Cullina. Re- spread of the species. epimediums, woodland phlox, Virginia moval of the elaiosome by soaking freshly Because trilliums are widely adaptable, bluebells (Mertensia virginica), forget-me- collected seeds for about 15 minutes in a gardeners in many regions of the country nots (Myosotis spp.), and wood poppies three-percent hydrogen peroxide solution can enjoy one or more species of this (Stylophorum diphyllum). helps reduce the seeds’ susceptibility to charming spring ephemeral in their wood- mold and rot. Seeds usually germinate land beds or shady borders. However, to PROPAGATING TRILLIUMS within two years and produce blooming reduce the threat of overcollection in their Trilliums are generally slow-growing but, plants in five to eight years. natural habitats, be sure to buy only nurs- over time, many species form large Trilliums can also be propagated by di- ery-propagated trilliums.  clumps or spreading colonies. Each pol- viding their rhizomes, which is usually linated trillium flower can produce a done after flowering, as leaves turn yellow, Joan de Grey is a freelance writer based in

LEFT TO RIGHT: DAVID CAVAGNARO, JESSIE M. HARRIS, LYNNE HARRISON fleshy seed pod that ripens by mid-sum- but also can be done just as stems emerge , .

March / April 2008 23 24 ly opposingelements, whichcausesbothel- relationship andinterplaybetween strong- Tension indesigncomesfrom abalanced ating essentialtensioninplanting design. makes avignettemundane. but toomuchofagoodthing quickly mounding formsare satisfyingtotheeye, a skyfilledwithbillowing clouds,these plants have aneven, rounded form. Like garden season-longinterest. form, alongwiththeplant’s texture, give a form andtexture, shapeandheight.Strong structure—the “architectural” elementsof But tobesuccessful,adesignmustrely on W Spiking Interest Sharp edgesmakesharpcontrasts,cre- In profile, themajorityof garden the American Gardener tend tofocusonflowers first. ing ourgardens, most of us HEN DESIGNING and plant- common garden plantgroups, including ly andsparingly. garden ornaments—usethemdeliberate- ware ofoverload. Treat spikyplantslike form, theeye wandersaimlessly. But be- details around it.Without anarresting to rest, thereby allowing ittotakeinthe ascending bladescreates apointfortheeye your gaze, thesingularcontrastingformof ment thatmakesasuccessfuldesign. the texture offoliage creates visualexcite- garden picture. Hand inhandwithform, lines oftheplantingandanimatesentire eye skyward, whichbreaks thehorizontal lasting impressions. Vertical linesdrawthe cending swords, spears, andlancesmake ements toachieve greater prominence. As- Spiky foliageisfoundin avariety of Just likeasculpture orjardinière holds more shade. that thrive inrichhumusy soilandneed in sunnysites,aswell aswoodlandplants tains wetland plantsidealforloamysoils daceous group, ontheotherhand,con- many toleratemoderateshade. Theiri- fast-draining soilandsunshine, though sification. Theseplantsshare aneedfor do notuniformlyagree clas- onthenew family (Dracaenaceae), thoughbotanists family (Agavaceae) andthedracaena families,mostnotablytheagavenew family (),have beensplitinto zomatous irises andtheirkin. liliesandthebulbousorrhi- woody to address fallinto twogeneralgroups, the However, thebulkofplantsIamgoing andorchids. the sedges,ferns,arums, Desert lilies,onceclassifiedinthelily Desert

KAREN BUSSOLINI Plants with bold, spiky foliage can make a ho-hum garden to consider include A. americana, A. gracilipes, A. havardiana, A. , exciting. Here are some noteworthy choices you can integrate into A. neomexicana, and A. scabra. Take care, particularly if you have children, where your landscape. BY C. COLSTON BURRELL you site agaves that have stiff, sharp spines at their leaf tips, because they can pierce the skin. The twisted powder blue blades of blue sotol or desert spoon ( wheeleri, Zones 7–10, 11–7) are lined with teeth reminiscent of the snout of a sawtooth shark. Roughly spherical in outline, ma- ture crowns reach four feet in height, and give rise to towering, 10-foot spires of densely packed cream-colored flowers. This dioecious genus flowers annually, un- like many other desert lilies. A southwestern desert native, sotol, grows best in well-drained sites with aver- age sandy or loamy soil. Good drainage is essential, and avoid organic mulches, which can retain water around the crown of the plant. Prized for xeriscape gardens, this exquisite plant has a grace lacking in the more menacing agaves and . The long blades that surround the spher- ical crown dance in unison in the wind, and the flowers are favored by insects. Da- sylirion texanum (Zones 9–11, 11–9) has unarmed green leaves and narrow bloom spires, while the spineless filamentlike fo- liage of D. longissimum (Zones 8–11, 11–8) forms a unique, fine-textured crown. Above: An ’s starburst form provides a stunning focal point for this planting at the Boyce Nelson’s blue beargrass ( nelsoni, Thompson Arboretum in . Opposite: In the bog garden at New York Botanical Garden, the Zones 8–10, 10–8) produces a nearly circu- spiky leaves of Carex ‘Joe Dance’, Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubus’, and Juncus effusus contrast well lar mound of three-f00t, smooth-edged with the mounded form of Chelone ‘Hot Lips’ and the broad, rounded leaves of bergenia. blue-gray blades on trunks that can rise to 10 feet or more in the wild. In gardens, this DESERT SUITE Mexican native reaches a modest height of The unfolding rosette of Agave parryi a few feet, crowned with four-foot (USDA Hardiness Zones 7–10, AHS branched spikes of small creamy flowers Heat Zones 12–5) foliage makes a lasting adored by insects. With age, multiple stalks impression on the eye. Its rosettes are make full, wide clumps of exceptional squat and rotund, ultimately attaining beauty. Give plants a sunny, well-drained one to two feet. When the flower finally position in average sandy or loamy soil. arrives, it rises to six feet or more, and Nolina texana (Zones 7–11, 11–7) has more sports more than 100 upright yellow upright, green foliage and bears its creamy flowers in tight tiers. Although each flowers within the sphere of foliage. rosette flowers only once, offsets, or The stiff, channeled awls of pups, may form from the crown before parviflora (Zones 6–11, 12–6), lined with the rosette dies. Among the hardiest of curled threads, are handsome enough, but the agaves, A. parryi thrives in sandy soil. the erect two- to six-foot spikes of tubular, A sloping site is ideal, where excess water creamy cerise flowers nearly steal the show will drain away from the crown. Full sun in late spring. Favored by gardeners and to light shade is best. Several Container plantings such as this hummingbirds alike, myriad spires arising have been named, each with a different australis ‘Pink Stripe’ can be placed to add from a multi-stemmed crown of decora-

TOP: CHARLES MANN. BOTTOM: MICHAEL S. THOMPSON form and size. Additional gardenworthy textural interest where needed in a garden. tive leaves make this one of the most re-

March / April 2008 25 26 Dasylirion longissimum Dasylirion Johnson WildflowerCenter,tall,erectfloweringspikesof evening primroses such assedums,gauras,gaillardias, the stifffoliagewithsoftordelicateplants warding lilies.Contrast ofwoodydesert species suchas (Salvia which hasleaves likehuge green bananas. rostrata and imposing iad ofspeciesisavailable, includingthestiff Edge’ hasyellow-variegated leaves. Amyr- plantings, orinseasidegardens. ‘Bright soilorrock gardens,yuccas indry as accent but offsetsperpetuatetheclump. Plant care. Individual crowns bloomonlyonce, and theywillthrive foryears withlittle well-drained soilinfullsunorlightshade like leaves. Plant yuccasinaverage torich, stiff, two-totwo-and-a-half-footneedle- bloom stalksrisefive to15feetabove the ls thatformabell.Erect, multi-branched have three petalsandthree -likesepa- roots. The nodding,creamy-white flowers They grow from woodycrowns withfleshy has avariety ofbrightlyvariegated forms. 12–5)is widelydistributedintheEast,and bayonet along roadsides. Adam’s needleorSpanish familiar inoldgardens, cemeteries,and theeffort. difficult tolocatebutworth tenuifolia Yuccas are quintessentialspikyforms, the American Gardener spp.), andverbenas. Additional ‘Sapphire Skies’, and Y. baccata, ( filamentosa, (both, Zones 8–10, 10–8) are Y. gloriosa, H. campanulata (Oenothera adds afine-texturedcontrastinthiscolorfulsucculentborderdesignedbySusanSpringer.Right:AttheLadybird spherical blue Zones 4–11, spp.), sages and H. Y. such ascannas, apleasingbalanceofopposing elementsisachieved. When theswordlike leavesofyuccaarepositioned infrontofplantswithlarge,broad leaves grows hemi- wildacross thenorthern looked inthesunnywetlands where it calamus, narrow ridgedbladesofsweet flag loving plantsalsofeature spikyfoliage.The thinking ofspikyforms,manymoisture- springstomindwhen Though thedesert THATLIKEWETFEET PLANTS Zones 3–8,9–4)are easilyover- Hesperaloe provide awelcomeburstofcolorinlatespring. (Acorus loamy soilorincontainersfullsun three tofourfeet.Plant sweet flaginfertile ponds, where theflatfansofleaves ascend rhizomes. It’s atitsbestinwatergardens or leaves and odorofitscrushed strong citrus a knockout.Sweet flagisdistinctive forthe most notablywhite-striped‘Variegatus’, is sphere. In thegarden, however, sweet flag,

TOP LEFT: SAXON HOLT. TOP RIGHT: KAREN BUSSOLINI. BOTTOM: MARK TURNER racemosa ‘Snowflake’ creates a billowy cloud of green and white that is dramatically pierced by the linear foliage of Acorus calamus ‘Variegatus’.

part shade. Contrast the verticallity with flat, floating leaves of water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) or bold pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata). For diminutive spikes in sun or shade, Acorus gramineus (Zones 5–8, 9–5) forms a carpet of arching fans in green or in brilliant yellow stripes in the se- lection called ‘Ogon’. Plants thrive in water or equally well in rich, moist garden soil. A well-turned sedge (Carex spp.) pro- vides a garden with season-long texture and distinctive form. Drooping sedge (Carex pendula, Zones 5–9, 9–5) offers spikes with a curve. Crisp, leathery, high arching leaves form a two- to three-foot fountainlike clump. Each blade tapers gradually to a long, sharp point. In late spring, tall stalks rise above the leaves, dan- gling their green like worms on a hook. Despite heat and humidity, they always look crisp and tidy. Plants grow in standing water or evenly moist, rich loamy soil. Once established, they will tol- erate periodic drought. Contrast them with bold-leaved plants such as hostas, a similar look. Light green leaves form a The large-flowered “flag” irises are fa- bergenias, rodgersias, and ligularias. mounding, fine-textured clump that is a miliar sights in late spring and early sum- Fringed sedge (C. crinita, Zones 3–8, 8–1), bit more refined than drooping sedge, with mer wetlands of the East and Midwest. is a deciduous native American sedge with which it is sometimes confused. Most species are stout, with bold strap- shaped leaves and bright indigo, blue-vio- let, or purple flowers. The tetraploid selection of southern blue flag (Iris virgini- Sources ca) called ‘Contraband Girl’ (Zones 4–9, Colvos Creek Nursery, Vashon Island, WA. (206) 463-3655. www.colvoscreek 9–4), with stiff, upright blades nearly four nursery.com. Catalog online. feet tall, stands out from ordinary irises. Plant irises in evenly moist to wet, humus- Desert Gardens Nursery, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 569-1300. www.desertgardens rich soil in full sun or light shade. They also nursery.com. grow well in up to eight inches of water. For container culture, plant them in Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery, Talent, OR. (541) 535-7103. www.srpn.net. rich clay-loam soil. A small division can fill Online catalog. a large container in a season. Southern blue flags excel in pondside plantings, bog gar- Yucca Do Nursery, Hempstead, TX. (979) 826-4580. www.yuccado.com. dens, and in low spots with ferns, sedges, Online and print catalog. grasses, and other wetland perennials. They also thrive in formal settings. For contrast, combine their strap-shaped fo- Resources liage with the airy plumes of astilbe and the Agaves, Yuccas and Related Plants: A Gardener’s Guide by Mary and Gary Irish. bold leaves of rodgersias and umbrella leaf Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2000. (Darmera peltata). Additional irises with excellent foliage Sharp Gardening by Christopher Holliday, Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2005. include , I. hexagona, I. ensata, I. laevigata, and many of the

ROB CARDILLO “Louisiana” hybrids.

March / April 2008 27 28 (grass aloe) MORE PLANTSWITHSPIKYFOLIAGE (New Zealandcabbagetree) Helictotrichon sempervirens Helictotrichon Name Crocosmia Crocosmia scolopendrium Asplenium Kniphofia caulescens Kniphofia patens Juncus grandiflora Dietes australis Cordyline striata Bletilla chathamica Astelia cooperi Aloe (torch lily) (blue oatgrass) (Chatham Islandastelia) (Hart’s tonguefern) (California grayrush) (wild iris) (montbretia) (Chinese groundorchid) Bletilla striata Bletilla the American Gardener Bletilla striata Bletilla ✕ crocosmiiflora –/– ulsnt lega oig nvs-hpdSuhArc 6–9,9–4 SouthAfrica blue-grayfoliageinvase-shaped 4–9, 9–1 fullsunto 3–4/2–3 western stiff,silver-bluebladesform 2/2 SouthAfrica fullsunto fansoflong,narrowbladesfrom 1–2/1–2 fullsunto 2–4/2–3 NewZealand growasshrubinbordersand 2/2 8–9,9–8 fullsunor pleatedleaves,darkmagenta 6–8,8–6 5–20/2–8 NewZealand lighttofull stiff,archingsilverswordsfrom Europeand 1–2/1–2 fullsunto vase-shapedfern,undivided 3–5/4–6 parttofull 1–2/1–2 1–1 Spread (ft.) egt u/hd Remarks Sun/Shade Height/ 1 / 2 /1–1 1 / 2 ulsnt one,ln,tblrlae suhr 7–10,10–7 southern pointed,long,tubularleaves full sunto hybrid summerbulbwithfansoflance- full sunto ih hd containers;needsrich,well- light shade ulsnt nro,kob,scuetlae,SuhArc 8–9,9–8 spikesofnodding SouthAfrica coralsummer narrow,knobby,succulentleaves, light shade full sunto ih hd rosette;erect,dense,-and- light shade Mediterranean roundedcrownwithairyplumes light shade atsaesadurgti ie es Washington State standuprightinfine,dense part shade creepingrhizomes,whiteflowers light shade shapedleavesandarching light shade flowersin spring;form shade hd pa-hpdfod,neswesternAsia multi-crownedclump,showyred spear-shapedfronds,needs part shade shade Crocosmia Crocosmia Crocosmia Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ ‘Lucifer’ plant inrich,well-drainedsoil yellow flowerspikesinsummer, well-drained soil in summer,plantlight, white flowers slightly alkalinesoil lms ilgo nmitsi r toMexico clumps, willgrowinmoistsoilor flowers; invasiveinsomeregions clusters ofred,orange,oryellow drained soil,droughttolerant fruits onbranchedstems flowers standing water,buttoleratesdrought etched withyellowopenindaylight alba has Kniphofia Kniphofia Kniphofia Kniphofia rgnHardiness, Origin ‘Cobra’ ‘Cobra’ 10–11,12–10 9–11, 12–10 Heat Zones 6–9, 9–3 5–9, 8–5

LEFT AND CENTER: SUSAN A. ROTH. RIGHT: MARK TURNER garden space into thirds. For an intimate feel, place a specimen one third of the way from the viewing point. For a more expansive feel, accentuate the perspective by placing the plant two thirds of the way into the space. Use yuccas and their kin to mark the corners of beds. Contrast is the key to ef- fective display. Surround dramatic verticals with prostrate and low-spreading ground- covers. Consider herbaceous as well as woody choices such as junipers and other shrubs. Mounding forms are also effective, but should never dominate. Bold foliage can also set off a spiky form, especially when the leaves are long and delicate. In a moist spot, try elephant ears and cannas backing a phalanx of stiff iris blades. The interplay between light and plants is one of the most beguiling aspects of the garden. As light changes throughout the In addition to its vertical form, ‘Sundowner’ adds color and height to a mixed planting day, so does the way it mingles with as- dominated by foliage. Where it is hardy, it can grow to six feet tall with an equal spread. cending leaves. The most familiar expres- sion of luminescence is found in the In most of the United States, gardeners moist but well-drained soil in full sun or evening garden. Here, dim light plays off make do with a few potted light shade. Native to American , of the surface of flowers and leaves. Back- flax (, Zones 9–11, 12–2) they are tough and tenacious, thriving in lighting a plant is the best way to reveal its scattered outdoors in summer in sunny gravel and sand in the full summer sun. underlying structure. For example, the set- spots where a bit of panache is required. Set out plants while they are young, be- ting sun behind a richly textured yucca or But West Coast gardeners enjoy them as cause they resent disturbance. sotol creates a glowing fountain of light. year-round additions to beds, borders, and Containers offer flexibility for creative containers. A range of warm foliage colors DESIGNING ON THE EDGE displays, as plants with varied water needs makes New Zealand flax cultivars the most Vertical forms fit into gardens in a vari- are easily arrayed in proximity. They are sought-after spikes for curb appeal and sea- ety of ways. To place specimens as focal particularly useful for growing plants that sonal drama. Tangarine, apricot, cerise, points, visually divide the depth of the are not hardy outdoors, but they needn’t be rose, and chartreuse are a few of the colors restricted to seasonal use. In mild climates, presented by the striped foliage. Often, use them to anchor the corners of a bed, to multiple colors appear in a single variety. top lintels, or grouped at an entrance. This species is native to peatlands and If you don’t already have spikes in along stream courses adjacent to your garden, take a stroll with an eye for in temperate New Zealand. Plants demand dull spots. If you’ve combined too many even moisture and in cultivation seem to similar textures, or a bed is bland and also need excellent drainage in full sun to unidimensional, consider adding a verti- light shade. Despite their native haunts, in cal form to enliven the profile. If you are containers waterlogged soil and wet uncertain of how a spiky plant will look crowns are sure death. in the garden, grow it first in a contain- Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yucci- er. If the fit is right, it is easy to make the folium, Zones 4–9, 12–1) is a bold archi- planting permanent. If you already have tectural gem that commands attention spikes in your garden, add a new plant in from even the most jaded gardener. Its a new setting to sharpen the contrast. leafy rosettes of 14-inch, lance-shaped, Wherever you place them, ascending gray-green leaves resemble a yucca. Tall, leaves are sure to please.  stout flower stalks to three feet are crowned by branched, open clusters of Cole Burrell is the author of numerous gar- pale green to white, spherical to conical den books, including , which re- heads with inconspicuous . Plant Iris laevigata thrives in damp locations such ceived the 2007 American Horticultural So-

TOP: SAXON HOLT. BOTTOM: SUSAN A. ROTH rattlesnake master in average to rich, as this one in Sally Geist’s Oregon garden. ciety Book Award.

March / April 2008 29 a Penchant for Peonies Gail Gee can’t get enough peonies, and once you see her Maryland garden, you’ll understand why.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUSAN A. ROTH

O STEP THROUGH the ar- Gee’s plant tastes are catholic, but she WHY PEONIES? bored gate of Gail Gee’s subur- cultivates a particular passion for peonies. “I haven’t met a peony yet that I didn’t love T ban Maryland garden is to enter The peony collection she began five years at first sight,” says Gee. Her beloved pe- the rarefied world of the passionate gar- ago, when she bulldozed her property as onies became the building blocks for the dener. In Gee’s private two-acre realm, the first step in a major garden renovation, two acres of mixed borders in back of her bounded by white lattice fencing, tower- now numbers 200 plants and 140 cultivars. home (another quarter acre is in front, an- ing arborvitae screens, and 1,500 feet of Yet hers is no typical collector’s garden laid other acre in the rear is a woodland gar- black-mesh deer fencing, an intense ob- out in librarylike rows, because Gee’s other den) because their many fine attributes session for plants rules all else. Here Gee obsession is garden design. Her garden is meet the demands of a discerning garden schemes how to find space to fit the next both an exquisite Americanized version of designer. “They bloom big and bold early coveted new plant. an English garden and a peony showcase. in the season,” Gee notes. She also appre-

Pink ‘Paula Fay’ peonies and pale yellow ‘ Moon’ peonies colorfully frame the steps up to Gail Gee’s deck.

30 the American Gardener morning to night, five or more days a week from late winter through fall. Designed with 20- to 30-foot-wide bor- ders on each side and circular nine-foot- wide beds in the center, the garden’s color scheme is modeled on the style of leg- endary English landscape designer Gertrude Jekyll. , blues, lavenders, pastel yellows, white, and silver preside over the west side in the “cool border,” while reds, golds, oranges, and dominate the east side in the “hot border.” CHOOSING THE BEST Gee jokes that her favorite peony is “whatever is in bloom,” but she can be hard-hearted when she needs to be. She selects and plants only the best, so if a peony—or any other plant, for that mat- ter—doesn’t perform, it gets yanked. After years of trial and error, Gee knows what to look for in a peony. Stur- dy stems are critical, because with so many specimens, she doesn’t have time to stake them. Gee also avoids cultivars with double flowers, unless they are accompa- nied by sturdy stems, because these hefty blossoms are more likely to bend toward the ground and stay there. She prefers cultivars with single, semi-double, anemone, and Japanese flower forms that offer bold drama but are less likely to suf- fer during storms. She also prefers culti- ciates that their foliage gleams shiny green vars that develop several, but not too with boldly jagged outlines, the plants many, buds on a flowering stem. “The form attractive, sturdy mounds that give side blossoms support the terminal blos- the garden substance from summer into som and they bloom afterward, extend- fall, and, compared with most other ing the flowering period,” she says. herbaceous perennials, peonies require Gee grows a broad selection of peonies, very little care, especially if you select the including herbaceous garden peonies (cul- best of the best. tivars of ), the beloved Peony plants live extremely long lives, flowers of grandmother’s garden and flourishing for generations without need- Dutch Master still-life paintings; tree pe- ing to be divided. Gee, 48, works under onies (P. suffruticosa), the dinner-plate- the assumption that the peonies she plants size blossoms depicted on Chinese screens; will likely outlive her. “When I’m old and and the latest rage, intersectional peonies gray, the peonies will still be there,” she (P. ✕hybrida), the hybridization break- says. She’s planning a garden that will ma- through that created tree-peonylike flow- ture into an easy-care showplace. ers on herbaceous plants. With this long-term goal in mind, she’s Her current passion is the intersec- incorporated a diverse assortment of tionals, a category of hybrids created by shrubs and small trees to keep the peonies crosses between herbaceous and tree pe- company. As Gee and her garden grow onies, usually with P. ✕lemoinei or P. lutea into their golden years together, she figures Above: One of Gail Gee’s favorite peonies is bloodlines. These plants look like herba- the garden will pretty much take care of it- ‘Ludovica’. Top: In mid-season, Gee’s side ceous peonies on . They die to self, or at least it won’t require the heavy garden is awash in pink from peonies such the ground like garden peonies but the labor she now does mostly by herself, from as ‘Friendship’, ‘Superior’, and ‘Paula Fay’. foliage is more deeply cut and blossoms

March / April 2008 31 grow larger, more like tree peonies. This SUITABLE COMPANIONS hybridizing feat initially introduced yel- Herbaceous peonies bloom in a multi- PEONY-GROWING TIPS low flowers into herbaceous-type pe- tude of shades of pink and red—from Gee grows her herbaceous peonies in onies, but newer crosses offer vivid salmon to coral, pastel to shocking pink, full sun but lets her tree peonies have magentas and fuchsia. “They take a few and blood-red to burgundy—cream, some shade. “ flowers are years to get big enough to create an im- white, and the rare pastel yellow; tree pe- very fragile,” she notes. “The hot sun pact in the garden, but the older ones I onies come in the same colors with the fries them, so they might last only half a have are stunning. Their stems are strong addition of yellow, lavender, and lilac, day. I plant them where they get only and the blossoms can take a lot more heat and the intersectionals boast vibrant yel- morning sun.” than tree peonies,” Gee notes. Her col- lows, reds, and fuchsia. Gee advises She plants bareroot herbaceous pe- lection numbers 15 cultivars. choosing complementary colors as onies in early fall so they have time to es- Because in Maryland it’s not unusual blooming companions. She’s carefully tablish roots before winter. Herbaceous to have a few days of July-type tempera- planned masses of late spring- and early peony tubers should be planted so the buds, or “eyes,” are no more than two inches below the soil surface. “Tree pe- onies and intersectionals should be planted a bit deeper,” says Gee. “There are usually soil line marks on the stems to indicate the planting depth.” Gee amends her rich loamy soil with a yearly topdressing of fine pine-bark mulch and fertilizes in spring with a 5- 3-3 organic fertilizer. Every few years she tests the soil to make sure the pH is within the optimum range for peonies— 6.0 to 7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic). Peonies need a steady supply of water during the growing season from early spring to midsummer. During dry spells, Gee provides supplemental wa- ter. Newly planted peonies should be watered regularly for the first year to help them get established. Gee deadheads rigorously so that as the first blossoms fade, the side buds have room to show off their stuff. Dead- heading also reduces the risk of spread- In the front garden, peonies ‘Rozella’ and ‘Cheddar Charm’ are complemented by purple ing disease and prevents seed set, which irises, including Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’. saps energy from flowering. Peonies are susceptible to a fungal tures in May, Gee avoids late-blooming pe- summer-blooming perennials with blue, disease called onies that are most likely to get cooked by purple, , and white blossoms to cre- botrytis bud a surprise early heat wave. She also seeks ate eye-catching vignettes with the pe- blight (shown out cultivars that have heat-tolerant blos- onies. Pink flowers also bloom with her in the photo, soms that won’t fade in her full-sun garden. peonies, but careful color combining is right), but Gee As a result, Gee’s plantings rely heavily necessary to avoid clashes. Gee’s learned says she has on very early-, early-, and mid-season pe- that a pink that’s on the orange side does not had a onies. Tree peonies bloom early, usually not work well with a cooler hue of laven- serious prob- coinciding with the early-season herba- der-pink or blood-red peonies. lem with this. ceous peonies. Intersectionals tend to She likes to use perennials that develop “If I do see bloom with the mid-season garden pe- tall flower spires—such as false indigo the mold, I immediately cut off affect- onies. Thanks to the overlapping bloom (Baptisia australis), speedwell (Veronica ed buds or stems.” Botrytis spores win- periods, however, peonies reliably festoon spp.), and bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) — ter over in dead foliage, so Gee removes her garden from late April into June, usu- and some that form mats of dainty flow- stems and foliage in late fall, once they ally peaking the third week of May. (For ers—including cranesbills (Geranium have turned yellow. —S.A.R. a list of some of Gee’s favorite selections, spp.), pinks (Dianthus spp.), and violas turn to page 34.) and ( spp.)—because they

32 the American Gardener Above: In Gee's hot border, peonies such as red-flowered ‘Comanche’, lower left and right, mingle with a variety of trees, shrubs, and including a weeping purple , shrub rose ‘Eddie’s Jewel’, elderberry ‘Sutherland Gold’, ‘Gold Mound’ spirea, clematis, and ‘Helmond Pillar’ barberry. Right: Gee has paired tree peonies ‘Shintenchi’ and ‘Kishu Caprice’ with bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) to allow the flower colors to play off each other. provide pleasing contrasts of shape and size most-black leaves and pink-blushed white to the roundness of the peony blossoms. flowers, adds smoldering drama. Turning Irises make natural companions, too, up the thermostat further, Gee works because their linear foliage creates com- gold-leaved plants such as golden pelling lines against the spherical peonies. ninebark (Physocarpus ‘Dart’s Gold’), spi- Ornamental onions, such as Allium sphae- raea (Spiraea japonica ‘Gold Mound’), and rocephalum and Allium christophii, echo golden elderberry (Sambucus racemosa the roundness of the peonies in purple and ‘Sutherland Gold’) into the mixed border white. One of Gee’s favorite combinations along with numerous golden or gold-var- is the tree peony ‘Shintenchi’ growing iegated hostas such as ‘Sum and Sub- amid old-fashioned bleeding hearts (Di- stance’ and ‘Great Expectations’. centra spectabilis), which have the exact Lilacs and shrub , which come shade of the peony’s ruffled petals. She’s into bloom during peony time, make underplanted this combination with great taller companions, adding volume creeping blue phlox (Phlox stolonifera). to the garden. One of Gee’s favorite lilacs In the hot border, the weeping Fagus is the compact ‘Miss Kim’, planted near sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’ and the up- the deck steps so she can enjoy the fra- right ‘Dawyck Purple’, and three different grance. A favorite shrub rose in the pas- quets of single red flowers echoing the cultivars of purple-leaf smokebush (Coti- tel or “cool” border is Rosa ‘Meidiland crimson petals of ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ and nus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’, ‘Velvet Alba’, whose nosegays of creamy white ‘Comanche’ peonies. Gee trained Dublin Cloak’, and ‘Notcutt’s Variety’) echo the blossoms and disease-resistant foliage Bay®, a tall red shrub rose with large, colors of the wine and crimson peonies replicate the charm of bygone gardens. semi-double, fragrant, lipstick-red blos- blooming nearby. Diablo® ninebark An immense specimen of Rosa ‘Eddie’s soms, to grow in the white lattice fence (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’), with al- Jewel’ grows in the hot border, its bou- in the background.

March / April 2008 33 A FEW OF GAIL GEE’S FAVORITE PEONIES Here are some of Gail Gee’s favorite peony selections. Bloom times are based on Gee’s experience in Maryland’s USDA Har- diness Zone 7, AHS Heat Zone 7. In general, herbaceous peonies and intersectionals thrive in USDA Zones 3 to 8 and AHS Zones 8 to 3; tree peonies in Zones 4 to 8, 8 to 4.

Very Early-Season Herbaceous ‘Rozella’ “Blooms late mid-season with (bloom late April) plenty of side buds.” A double dark pink with lighter pink edges and very ‘Athena’ “The single, creamy ivory strong stems. flowers have rosy flares; an unusual combination.” ‘Superior’ “This single has a great salmon pink color that holds well and ‘Lady Gay’ “A very delicate single blooms early to mid-season.” ivory with crinkled petals and a rose- pink tint.” Late-Season Herbaceous ‘Athena’ (bloom late May) Early-Season Herbaceous (bloom early to mid-May) ‘Old Faithful’ “I would not be without this semi-double dark red. It’s a real ‘Buckeye Belle’ “This is my favorite showoff.” red for its great deep dark color.” ‘White Frost’ “This double white ‘Coral Fay’ The semi-double pink blooms early to late season, which is flowers bloom on strong stems and about as late as peonies do well in the foliage is finely cut, making a nice my garden.” bush all summer. Tree Peonies ‘Salmon Dream’ This vivid pastel ‘Salmon‘Salmon Dream’Dream’ (bloom late April to mid-May) salmon-pink semi-double keeps its color in cool weather but fades to a ‘Kishu Caprice’ “This silvery pink semi- creamy sheen during long hot spells. double to double blooms before the others on a nice mounded plant.” Mid-Season Herbaceous (bloom mid- to late May) ‘Leda’ A lovely rose-lavender color. Large semi-double ruffled single ‘Cheddar Charm’ Beautiful Japanese- flowers. type with bright gold staminoides and overlapping white petals. The side ‘Shintenchi’ Numerous huge satiny buds extend the bloom period. pink semi-double blossoms with ruffled petals; “great combined with bleeding ‘Cheddar Charm’ ‘Cora Stubbs’ “Numerous side buds heart.” and a lovely fragrance.” The Japanese- type flower is raspberry pink with a Intersectionals full center of pink-flushed white (bloom early to late May) petaloides. ‘Garden Treasure’ “This is a nice bright ‘Ludovica’ Semi-double light rose- yellow semi-double with long-lasting pink, large cupped flowers on a com- blossoms.” pact, 20-inch-tall plant. ‘Morning Lilac’ “The vivid fuchsia color ‘Paula Fay’ Semi-double, vivid rose- shows up well from a distance. The pink flowers have crinkled petals and blossoms have white and deep fuchsia yellow staminoides. ‘Kishu Caprice’ stripes and red-tipped carpels.”

34 the American Gardener Clematis vines also make perfect com- These are joined in late summer by a panions because they bloom in the com- blooming allée of white-flowered crape patible colors of blue, lavender, purple, and myrtles (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’). Resources white at about the same time as peonies. With so many plants to monitor, The American Peony Society, Many then extend their display later into good record keeping is critical to Gee’s www.americanpeonysociety.org. summer. Over time, Gee has amassed success. Ask her to name a particular some 20 clematis cultivars that she has in- plant in her garden and, to reinforce her The Gardener’s Guide to Growing corporated throughout the garden, train- memory, she’ll dig into the mulch for a Peonies by Martin Page. Timber ing them to grow English-fashion through cleverly hidden plant tag or search for the Press, Portland, Oregon, 1997. the shrubbery or twined over the arbor plant on her computer. Here’s where her gates and lattice fences. ‘General Sikorski’ passion turns orderly, for she’s included The Gardener’s Peony: Herbaceous and blankets a tuteur with cornflower-blue every plant she’s grown—whether it Tree Peonies by Martin Page. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2005.

Peonies by Allan Rogers. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 1995. Sources A&D Nursery, Snohomish, WA. (800) 553-3715. www.adpeonies.com. Online catalog.

Adelman Peony Gardens, Salem, OR. (503) 393-6185. www.peony paradise.com. Free print and online catalog.

Century Oaks Peony Farm, Jordan, MN. (952) 873-6555. www.best peony.com. Online catalog.

Klehm’s Song Sparrow Perennial Farms, Avalon, WI. (800) 553-3715. www.klehm.com. Free print and In the cool border, the flowers of ‘White Frost’ peony mingle well with the blue-purple flowers online catalog. of Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ and the variegated foliage of various hostas. Reath’s Nursery, Vulvan, MI. (906) flowers and the double-flowered pale blue lived, died, or was banished—in a data- 563-9777. www.reathsnursery.com. ‘Belle of Woking’ weaves through a Spiraea base. There she notes where the plant Print catalog $3 or online. ‘Ogon’ bush in the cool border. A few of came from, its color and size, garden lo- the rare red clematis, such as the dainty- cation, transplanting history, and yearly Swenson Gardens, Delano, MN. flowered ‘Gravetye Beauty’ echo peony observations on bloom times, perfor- (763) 350-2051. www.swenson colors in the hot border. mance, and special care needs. gardens.com. Online catalog. After the last peony fades, Gee’s garden On stormy or unbearably hot days, she continues to flourish as a variety of sum- takes time out from tending her garden to mer- and fall-blooming shrubs and herba- make note of color combinations that They’re the plant of the future.” Al- ceous perennials come into their own. need improving and holes that need fill- though so far she has been able to stifle Among the constants are daylilies (Heme- ing. This helps during winter, when she the urge to collect other kinds of rocallis spp.), rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syr- plans acquisitions and design changes for plants—daylilies and Japanese are iacus), and bushes (Buddleia the coming season. particularly tempting—Gee admits she davidii). For summer drama, Gee also doesn’t really know where her passion for plants hundreds of cannas, elephant’s ears LIFE AFTER PEONIES? plants will lead her next.  (Colocasia spp.), and other tropical plants. When asked if she has enough peonies, In the sunny central beds, she plants a pro- Gee says with a laugh, ‘No, there’s always Susan A. Roth is a writer and photographer gression of annuals such as blue pansies, something new I want. Right now, I’m specializing in gardening and horticulture. pink multiflora petunias, and blue salvias. feeling the need for more intersectionals. She lives in Washington, D.C.

March / April 2008 35 36 Down Under Composting you make compostinthedark depths issue ifthecompostisnever scooped.If aboveground heap, butthisisnotan be awkward toscoopout compared toan that finishedunderground compostcan most weed seedswilleventually perish. When buriedmore thanafootdeep, or otherproblem materialstogooduse. provide safewaystoputweedy manures some underground compostingmethods be seenorsmelled.On thepracticalside, compost underground isthatitcannot ed, withineasyreach ofroots. puts organicmatterexactlywhere itisneed- problematic, underground composting in gardening sitesthatare notparticularly evaporation. In anysoilsituation,aswell as rials are heatand insulatedfrom surface climates becauseburiedcompostingmate- ing by rainwater. Anditisusefulinhot,dry buried organicmatterislessprone toleach- well inporous, sandy soilsbecausedeeply in siteswithrocky orcompactedsubsoil. depthswhencreatingnew plantingspace the bestwaytotakesoilimprovement to compostgardenerevery shouldknow. It is I subterranean compostingthatcanhelpsolvesomecommongardenproblems. For thosereadytogobeyondthestandardcompostpile,herearesomecreativeideasfor dening Guide dening sion from This articleisexcerptedwith permis- by StoreyPublishing. Deborah L.Martin,releasedin March Some mayconsideritadisadvantage The mostattractive aspectoftaking Underground compostingalsoworks NFINITELY USEFUL vated holesortrenches isamethod compostinginexca-underutilized, the American Gardener The Complete Compost Gar- Compost Complete The by BarbaraPleasantand yet woefully techniques putorganicmatterintherootzone,rightwhereplants needthem. As analternativetounsightlyabovegroundcompostheaps, undergroundcomposting to putunderground compost towork: soil forgarden plants. spots where you wantmore andbetter their nature, sotheyshouldbeusedin posting methodsare basicallyon-sitein needs tobe.Theseunderground com- terpiece, thecompostisexactlywhere it and latergrow plantsontopof your mas- where topsoiland subsoilcometogether, Here we will explore three simpleways ■ ■ start planting. start the bottomwith compostablewaste,and edge ofyour garden? Dig atrough, fill tend abedoraddrow totheoutside garden space. they are anidealwaytowakeupanew ging withlayers oforganicmatter, so beds combinethebenefitsofdoubledig- Layered Craters. Treasure Troughs. BY BARBARAPLEASANTAND DEBORAH L.MARTIN These ready-to-plant Do you needtoex-

DONNA CHIARELLI ■ Honey Holes. Use a rich stash of un- derground compost as the heart of a working garden bed. LAYERED CRATERS If you layer different types of compostable materials into an excavated hole or trench rather than piling them up on the ground, you have a “layered crater.” This is an ideal method for making huge, lasting im- provements in sites that have compacted subsoil or thin to nonexistent topsoil. Historically, the layered crater method shares its background with a well-known innovation made by market gardeners liv- ing near Paris, France, in the 1830s. They discovered that by digging the soil very deeply—to two feet or more and improv- ing its tilth with organic matter, they could get large yields from plants spaced closely. This practice of “double digging” became the foundation of the French In- tensive method of gardening. Like other underground methods, lay- ered craters require a substantial amount Once the digging is done, fill a layered crater with a rich mixture of of work up front, with little or no follow- compostable organic matter that will benefit the soil for years. up labor. The good news is that after only one season, a layered crater will show you lifted out, or sifted from the excavated soil the extra excavated soil, which can be used how good your previously awful soil can using a compost sifter or similar device. for other projects. become if you juice it up with plenty of bi- Removing rocks and roots reduces the vol- ologically active organic matter. ume of the excavated soil, about half of Creating a Layered Crater Most gardeners who make layered which should be piled next to the hole for The crater hole can be of any shape but craters do so because their soil needs a lot layering back into it along with other ma- should not be so large that you cannot of work. Rocks may need to be broken up, terials. You will need a place to set aside reach the middle when you kneel at the edge. Once created, the layered crater will become a footfall-free zone where physical compaction is kept to a mini- mum, so your plan for the site should in- clude pathways that allow easy access. After digging as deeply as you can, begin filling the crater by covering the bot- tom with a three-inch-thick layer of coarse compost materials, such as stemmy dead plants, hay, or thin sticks broken into small pieces. Using a coarse, slow-rotting base layer will keep a little air trapped at the bottom of the crater, and help to pro- vide drainage in the event of prolonged wet weather. Next, add a two-inch-thick layer of shredded leaves or other high-car- bon brown material, topped by an inch of soil. Sprinkle a light dusting of a dry or- ganic fertilizer over the soil and water well. As an insurance policy against having the bottom layers dry out, you can install an access pipe, or “composter’s conduit” that

TOP: MARIE AUGUSTINE TORKE. BOTTOM: DONNA CHIARELLI In arid regions, subterranean composting conserves moisture and helps loosen compacted soil. will allow you to water during dry spells.

March / April 2008 37 38 plants, suchassunflowers oramaranth. immediately as ahometodeeplyrooted treasurenew trough canbeputtowork blooming annuals.In your foodgarden, a better “color bed” plantedwithlong- treasure trough your way toabiggerand to anestablishedperennial bed,oryou can squareadding afew feetofgrowing space treasure trough isagreat techniquefor plants thatare growing alongitsedge.A eventually extend thebedwithoutinjuring versatile plan. If you digcarefully, you can edge ofanexistinggarden bedisthemost shape, butanoblongtrench dugalongthe are burieddeeply, where they stayforever. trenches inwhich compostablematerials call “treasure troughs”—on-site excavated to turnthecompostingtechniquewe material atyour disposal.Thesolutionis maybe you have another potentiallyputrid but islikelytoberifewithweed seeds.Or of animalmanure that’s easyenoughtoget other factor:You have luckedintoasupply enlarge existingbeds.Now let’s addan- you’d liketoopenup thehardpan asyou You’re stillbothered by your subsoil,so plants. does agoodjobofsupporting to enrichyour topsoiltothepointwhere it life inyour landscape,butyou’ve managed Let’s saythatcompactedsubsoilisafactof TREASURE TROUGHS deeplydugbed. be worked likeanyfertile, bit offine-tuning,your layered cratercan light andfluffy, mixinmore soil.Afterthis point. If thetexture ofthemixseemstoo should benicelydecomposedby this mix thematerialincrater, which the season,useadiggingfork toliftand from becomingasinkhole.At theendof compostable materialasneededtokeepit and sinkimmediately, soplantoaddmore surrounding soil. ered craterisfourincheshigherthanthe untilthetopoflay- soil, andfertilizer) Continue addinglayers (greens, browns, kling oforganicfertilizer. Water well. browns, aninchofsoil,andalightsprin- ter withanothertwo-inch-thicklayer of chopped green leaves. Top thegreen mat- terial, suchasgrassclippings,manure, or thick blanketofhigh-nitrogen green ma- Moisture,” right.) (See “A Composter’s ConduittoDeliver A treasure trough canbeofanysize or The filledcraterwillbegintocompact Now thecraterisready foratwo-inch- the American Gardener tection. A roll of 18-inch-wide poultry net- tection. Aroll of18-inch-wide poultry it, you’ll need toaddanotherlayer ofpro- cured withsoil,onceananimaldiscovers wanted attentionofprowling varmints. materials are mostlikelytoattracttheun- defense; shallowly buriedorlightlycovered over thecompostingredients isyour best least afootdeepwitheightinchesofsoil in aboveground compostpiles.Atrough at rious crittersthatare drawntofoodscraps may prove tobeamagnetforthesamecu- A treasure trough filledwithkitchenwastes Discourage Determined Diggers es higherthansurrounding ground. level ofthe refilled trough twotofourinch- by usingenough soiltoraisethesurface shrinkage oftheburiedorganicmaterials it withtheset-asidesoil.Allow forfuture the bottomoftrench andthenbackfill to five inchesofcompostablematerialsin it upnexttotheexcavated hole.Place four out thesoilasdeeplyyou can,andpile to thecompostandalsoprovideaportforwateringhose. after thecraterhasbeenfilled.Thesetwopiecesofpipeallowairtoflowbeneath a PVCelbowconnectorsothattheywillprotrudeaboutfiveinchesaboveground the longerpipe,toeachendofhorizontalpipeataverticalrightanglewith two shorterpiecesofPVCpipe,alsodrilledwitharowholesfacingawayfrom it. Thenlayitatthebottomoflayeredcraterwithholesfacingdown.Fit are growinginthesite. the crater,andconduitprovidesaneasywaytodeliverwaterplantsyou from thetop.Installingacomposter’sconduithelpsgetairandwaterdowninto it canbedifficulttorestorethemoisturealloflayerssimplybywatering spaces betweenthecoarsematerialsatbottom.Shoulddryout, The lowerportionsofalayeredcraterhavenoaccesstofreshairbeyondthe A COMPOSTER’SCONDUITTODELIVERMOISTURE Even ifyour treasure trough iswell se- To create atreasure trough, simplydig To constructaconduit,takelengthofPVCpipeanddrillrowholesin spiritual necessity, andearlypeachgrowers ing ofafishbeneath eachcornseedasa Native Americantribesregarded thebury- to stashawaynutrientsinthe soil.Some bags, peoplecameupwithinteresting ways Before becameavailable fertilizer forsalein HONEY HOLES ered withmore attractive mulch. place itwithcardboard cov- ornewspaper tangle withinthewire, takeitupandre- weeks orso, before weeds cangrow intoa measure. Afterthreeting atemporary for extrasecurity. alongthetrough, too, netting atintervals You maywanttopinorstakedown the off thewire andfasten down theotherend. completed trough, usemetalsnipstocut the treasure trough. If you’re covering a roll itoutuntilyou’ve covered bitof every inches beyond theedgeoftrough and for guarding theburiedtreasure. ting, alsocalledchickenwire, works well You net- shouldconsiderthepoultry Secure theendofwire nettingafew bottom ofalayeredcrater. allows airandmoisturetoreachthe pipe A conduitconstructedfromaPVC

DONNA CHIARELLI (2) in Georgia are said to have buried an old are able to access a reliable supply of Very absorbent materials—even if they leather boot at the bottom of planting moisture from the honey hole. are high in carbon—are always welcome in holes. In both cases, these traditions creat- No matter what compostables you put honey holes. Corncobs make fantastic ed hidden caches of bioactive nutrients into a honey hole, or what you plant filler, as does weathered sawdust or hand- that were slowly released as the materials around it, after a year, it will change from sized pieces of cardboard. For greens, you degraded, which is part of what happens a compost project into a remarkably fer- can use early season grass clippings, foliage when you make compost in a “honey tile, well-drained spot in your garden. from alfalfa or another cover crop, or newly hole.” We don’t recommend planting right pulled juvenile weeds. Rough layers or on top of a honey hole, however, mostly Materials for Honey Holes coarse mixtures are fine, because each ma- because it’s filled with a more massive As in other compost compositions, a bal- terial will support a slightly different com- amount of active organic matter compared ance of nitrogen-rich greens and high-car- munity of microorganisms, which can go to a fish or a shoe. In addition, planting in bon browns will help a honey hole decom- about their business in peace, without being set back by mixing and turning. Avoid using a honey hole as a deposi- tory for a glut of high-nitrogen manure. Plant roots that wander into a moist envi- ronment that’s rich in nutrients may suf- fer damage from chemical overload. To make a honey hole, select a bed that is approximately eight feet square or a sim- ilarly sized rectangle, circle, or oval. In the middle of the space, dig a 20- to 30-inch- wide hole up to two feet deep, or as deep as you can go. Then fill the hole with compostable material or add layers over a period of time. (The hole should be Chicken wire completely filled by the time the compan- laid over the top of a ion plants are planted or emerge from dor- treasure trough helps to mancy.) During the growing season, water keep out unwanted scavengers. the honey hole each time you water your garden and pile garden trimmings over the hole to reduce moisture loss. a honey hole would compromise its sec- pose quickly. But maybe you don’t care how ondary function as a reservoir for moisture fast the process moves along, because you TAKING THE LONG VIEW when there is little water to be had. have no plans to do anything with the fin- All the underground composting meth- Because of these dual talents, a honey ished compost except to spread it around a ods we’ve described have one thing in hole is best used as the heart of a plant- bit. If you can be patient until the growing common—they force you to get behind ing plan for four to six upright plants that season ends, constant moisture (rather than a spade and dig. Deep digging gives you encircle the hole. You can grow any an exact balance of greens and browns) will an honest look at your soil in its raw, plants you like around a honey hole, but have turned the materials into finished, unimproved state, and the more you the best candidates are those equipped to cured-in-the-hole compost. know about what’s down there, the bet- take advantage of all that honey holes ter you can customize composting meth- have to offer: ods to your soil’s particular needs. ■ Tomatoes and other plants that send In the short run, soil improved using out strong lateral roots will take advan- underground composting may seem tage of both the nutrients and moisture chunky and littered with undecomposed they find in the honey hole. materials compared to soil that is mixed ■ Roses and other plants that need wide with finished compost. Stop worrying spacing to ensure good air circulation about the short run. You’re keeping a benefit from the open space created by a composter’s garden now, where time is central honey hole, and earthworms not measured in days or weeks, but in moving in and out of the honey hole help months and years.  to maintain good drainage. ■ Blueberries and other shallow-rooted Freelance writers Barbara Pleasant and shrubs with limited drought tolerance are Honey holes give shallow-rooted plants Deborah L. Martin are, respectively, from much less likely to be damaged by ex- such as blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), a Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, and Allen-

TOP: MARIE AUGUSTINE TORKE. BOTTOM: DONNA CHIARELLI tremely dry weather if some of their roots reservoir of nutrients and moisture. town, Pennsylvania.

March / April 2008 39 from Passion to Purpose the Rogerson Clematis Collection

After a nomadic life, one of North America’s most comprehensive clematis collections is taking root in Oregon, thanks to a dedicated group of supporters.

BY MARTY WINGATE PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALLAN MANDELL

OLLECTING PLANTS isn’t the includes an early 20th-century farmhouse, A HOME IN LAKE OSWEGO same as collecting Lladró fig- barn, and just over 47 acres, of which the Rogerson began collecting clematis while C urines or 18th-century bread- clematis collection has two-and-a-half. Al- he was working as an English professor at boxes. Plant collections are no less though securing its permanent home may Kansas State University in the 1970s. precious to their owners than antique sound like the end of the story, it is really Then, about 25 years ago, he retired and pewter jugs, but they are living things the beginning of a new chapter. moved from Manhattan, Kansas, bringing that are more changeable and more de- The PNCS evolved into the Friends his collection to the much more amenable manding of care. of the Rogerson Clematis Collection environment of western Oregon. For Brewster Rogerson’s passion is about 15 years prior to its final move clematis. He started out growing a in 2005, the collection lived in two- or few, such as Clematis ‘Jackmanii’, five-gallon nursery containers stored which spurred him to “find out more in greenhouses at Gutmann’s Whole- about them than could be learned sale Nursery in an area called Moun- from the nursery lists and popular taindale, near Portland. Despite the gardening literature of the 1970s,” he cramped conditions, the clematis says. But as his passion grew, so did vines flourished under Rogerson’s the size of his collection, which by tender care. 2001 was nearing 900 plants, all liv- By the time the supporters of the ing in pots in the overcrowded green- Rogerson collection and Lake Os- houses of a wholesale nursery just wego found each other, the volun- outside Portland, Oregon. At the teers had almost given up hope of same time, as space to house the col- finding any home, after trying to lection was dwindling, so was Roger- work with various municipal de- son’s ability to take care of the partments in Portland and the sur- plants—as he moved into his 80s, rounding area. “We were beginning macular degeneration was robbing to despair,” says Maurice Horn, co- him of his sight. owner of Joy Creek Nursery in Friends, supporters, and volun- Scappoose, Oregon, and a founding teers from what was then called the member of the PNCS. It began to Pacific Northwest Clematis Society look like Rogerson would be forced (PNCS), which Rogerson helped to found Brewster Rogerson shows off Clematis ‘Kozo’. to sell off the collection. in 2000, came together to find a way to It was November 2004, and at a keep Rogerson’s amazing collection of (FRCC); the group comprises a board of PNCS meeting, Mike Darcy, garden ex- clematis species, hybrids, and cultivars in- directors, members, a part-time curator, pert on Portland radio and television and tact. Despite several obstacles along the and energetic volunteers who all value the resident of Lake Oswego, suggested con- way, this determined group eventually collection and Rogerson’s passion. Their tacting his city. “Everyone else had said found it a home in Lake Oswego, a small aim is to foster an appreciation for this no, so we thought we might as well give town about 10 miles south of Portland, at most fabulous genus and to pass along to Lake Oswego a chance to say no,” says Luscher Farm, a historic homestead that others their knowledge of its cultivation. Linda Beutler, curator of the collection.

40 the American Gardener The Rogerson Clematis Collection includes large-flowered varieties such as ‘Moonlight’, above left , ‘Marie Louise’, top right, and ‘Niobe’, above right.

When Lake Oswego said yes, the farmhouse, and a meadow to the east of the organization, not by a government group found not just a home for the col- the buildings. agency. Fundraising for maintaining the lection, but land on which to grow and collection has also provided the funding display clematis along with a supportive FROM TO GARDEN for a curator. For this position, Beutler city and parks department. The two-and- One of the first hurdles the FRCC faced was the obvious choice, since she has a-half acres allotted to the FRCC in- on moving into its new home was the fi- worked with Rogerson as a volunteer cludes the greenhouse—built in 2005 nancing and appointment of a part-time since the collection was in Mountain- just before the collection was moved—a curator. Although the collection is dale. As the author of Gardening With test plot in the community gardens, the housed on city land, Rogerson was Clematis: Design and Cultivation (Tim- historically accurate garden around the adamant that a curator must be paid by ber Press, 2004), Beutler’s expertise, as

March / April 2008 41 Luscher Farm, left, includes an outdoor test plot where Linda Beutler, curator of the Rogerson Clematis Collection, helps to evaluate chance clematis seedlings, above. well as her passion for the plant group, is more than 1,000 plants representing near- The fact that the collection was kept in quite evident. ly 600 distinct taxa. close quarters for so long has resulted in The move to Luscher Farm was a big seedlings of uncertain parentage popping adventure for the plants as well as the vol- SELECTING CULTIVARS up in many a pot. Several of these are unteers. After their many years in a green- Among the many exciting possibilities growing along with the species in the 20- house, up to 90 percent of the plants will related to the collection are its American foot-by-20-foot test plot. For example, the be planted out in the garden. Although clematis species—including Clematis tex- FRCC has found a variety they are calling many are temporarily residing in the ensis, C. pitcheri, C. viorna, and C. ‘’ (the study name). Its flowers greenhouse while planning, design, and crispa—and cultivars developed from have a new-wine color on the exterior and preparation are carried out for the various them. As has been the case with other a velvety interior similar to C. pitcheri, a parts of the garden, Beutler made sure that American plants, European gardeners are possible parent that is native to rocky the entire atragene group, which includes wild for these North American natives, woods, slopes, and bluffs from Texas to Illi- Clematis alpina and C. macropetala and while they are little known or grown in nois. Beutler guesses that C. texensis is an- their cultivars, which are hardy down to American horticulture. These scrambling other possible parent but points out that USDA Zone 3, went outside immediately. vines produce small, urn-shaped flow- figuring out new crosses can take a while “When they moved from Mountaindale,” ers—up to two inches long—that have a because there is a waiting period for a Beutler says, “I promised them they’d distinct curl to the ends of the sepals. seedling to mature to flowering size. never be in a greenhouse again.” Most bloom in shades of lavender, red, or Another possible C. pitcheri/C. texen- Although the collection started out as rose, and they often have a white or sis cross is ‘Vin Rose’. Its flowers are pur- an eclectic mix of whatever struck Roger- cream interior. ple at the receptacle, changing to a son’s personal fancy, it has evolved into a violet-pink at the tips. Both ‘Vin Rose’ public collection that contains clematis of Visiting the Rogerson Clematis and ‘Beaujolais’ have dark petioles and an both botanical and horticultural note. Collection enticing, beguiling look about them, mak- The significance of the collection, says ing you wonder why your garden isn’t Horn, is its depth. “It has both historic The Rogerson Clematis Collection is lo- filled with American clematis. clematis—things that have been lost to cated at Luscher Farm in Lake Oswego, The FRCC’s mission encompasses pro- the trade—and it’s been able to keep Oregon, just south of Portland. Luscher moting and advancing the joy of growing abreast of European and Japanese intro- Farm is open daily to visitors from dawn the genus Clematis through education and ductions,” he says. And while other col- to dusk. For guided tours of the clema- preservation of the Rogerson Clematis lections may be larger, the Rogerson tis collection, e-mail info@rogerson Collection. One way of doing this is to in- Clematis Collection is impressive by any clematiscollection.org. troduce into the gardening world new se- standards: the inventory now includes lections that have come its way. To that

42 the American Gardener Resources American Clematis Society, http://clematis.org.

Friends of the Rogerson Clematis Collection, www.rogersonclematis collection.org.

The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Clematis by Raymond Evison. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2003.

Gardening with Clematis by Linda Beutler. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2004.

An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis by Mary Toomey and Everett Leeds. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2001.

Pocket Guide to Clematis by Mary Toomey. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2006.

Simply Clematis by Edith Malek. American Clematis Society, Irvine, California, 2004. Sources Bluestone Perennials, Madison, OH. (800) 852-5243. www.bluestone perennials.com. Catalog free or online.

Brushwood Nursery, Unionville, PA. (610) 444-8083. www.garden vines.com. Catalog online.

Several new selections, such as ‘Esprit’, above, have been discovered in the Rogerson collection. Chalk Hill Clematis, Healdsburg, CA. (707) 433-8416. www.chalkhill end, the group is keeping an eye on both “especially due to the fact that the bronze clematis.com. Catalog online. ‘Vin Rose’ and ‘Beaujolais’ and other foliage color is held for longer than other chance seedlings that may turn out to be selections of this species’ variants.” It has Digging Dog, Albion, CA. (707) 937- fine garden clematis. If so, the FRCC will pale pink flowers that show a darker bar 1130. www.diggingdog.com. Catalog register the cultivars with the Internation- down each and has a light fragrance. $4 or online. al Registry Authority for Clematis ‘Skylark,’ from the shrubby C. integri- (through the Royal Horticultural Society). folia group, is another plant that the Garden Crossings, LLC, Zeeland, MI. That was what the (then) Pacific FRCC has registered. It has the typical (616) 875-6355. www.gardencross Northwest Clematis Society did in 2001 urn-shaped flowers, but the sepals look al- ings.com. Catalog online. with the selection C. montana var. rubens most like wings. ‘Esprit’, a small, violet- ‘Brewster’. “After observing this volunteer flowered C. viticella seedling, has also Joy Creek Nursery, Scappoose, OR. seedling for several years, it became clear been registered, and more introductions (503) 543-7474. www.joycreek.com. to Brewster and others who saw it that it are on the way. Before registering a new se- Catalog $4 or online. is a superior selection,” explains Beutler, lection, the group aims to have at least 10

March / April 2008 43 plants. This ensures that the plant can be propagated, and isn’t just an oddity. ROBUST AND FLORIFEROUS: CLEMATIS MONTANA CLEMATIS EDUCATION AND HISTORY In much the same way as a proud parent can’t pick a favorite child, Brewster Helping gardeners learn how to grow Rogerson finds it impossible to single out a favorite clematis, but he will own that clematis and use them in the garden are Clematis montana (Zones 6–9, 9–6) and its cultivars are among his many favorites. two aims of the group. Information Clematis montana is a deciduous native to central and western China and the ranges from practical propagation— Himalayas. This robust vine can grow 20 to 30 feet long and it flowers in late something volunteers learn early—to the spring or early summer. Available selections include plants with white flowers or best fertilizer (an organic rose and flower, varying shades of pink, and may be lightly or heavily scented. 4-6-2). “We’re heavy on feeding,” Beut- The trifoliate foliage often has a bronze cast, especially when young, and leaf margins may be entire or slightly lobed. Those ornamental characteristics, along with the reddish leaf stems, help C. montana stay interesting long past its flower- ing period. Its garden uses are on a large scale: It can cover the side and roof of a garage or a fence in only a few seasons; it will grow up into a sturdy, large tree. Along with C. montana var. rubens ‘Brewster’, named in honor of Rogerson in 2001, the Friends of the Rogerson Clematis Collection’s many varieties of C. mon- tana include:

‘Freda’—flowers are a pale pink with a deeper pink edge. ‘Marjorie’—a semi-double, pale pink selection with a greenish tint to the flowers. ‘Tetrarose’—large, deep pink flowers. ‘Vera’—pink, fragrant flowers. ‘Warwickshire Rose’—deep rose-pink flowers. C. montana var. wilsonii —a naturally occurring, white-flowered variety that blooms in midsum- The Rogerson collection includes rare mer; flowers have a cocoa scent. C. montana var. rubens ‘Brewster’ cultivars such as ‘Duchess of Waverly’. ler says, noting that plants get monthly from the group’s website (See “Resources,” defunct Oregon nursery, when he was liv- fertilizer applications from March to Sep- page 43). They also can get a history les- ing in Kansas. Although the cultivar is now tember. Large-flowered vines do not get son by touring the garden around the commercially unavailable, Rogerson has fertilized when they are in flower because farmhouse where the group has planted 30 saved ‘Duchess of Waverly’ from oblivion if they are fed then, dieback can occur. roses and 126 clematis that were available and it is being propagated by the FRCC. “Some things that people think are before . Despite problems with his eyesight, clematis wilt,” Beutler says, “are actually The historic garden contains some Rogerson continues to work with clema- caused by operator error. Never fertilize old favorites, such as the large-flowered tis. “Brewster calls himself a scholar of the a large-flowered clematis when it’s getting ‘Miss Bateman’, which has been in cul- collection,” Beutler says. “He takes the ready to, or is in, bloom.” tivation since 1869, the double-flowered greatest delight in revealing clematis se- Volunteers learn much about propagat- ‘Belle of Woking’ (1875), and the summer- crets to the newly initiated, whipping ing as they take cuttings, divide, and repot flowering, red C. viticella ‘Madame them into a frenzy of enthusiasm. Brew- plants; and no one is finished learning Julia Correvon’ (1900). The clematis fit ster is not only the collection’s founder, he about clematis, Beutler says. When a comfortably into the farmhouse gar- remains its greatest asset,” she adds. Japanese clematis expert visited the collec- den, along with roses such as the fra- While Rogerson’s knowledge and ex- tion a couple of years ago, he explained to grant climber ‘Zéphirine Drouhin’ perience was vital to assembling the col- the group—which included Horn of Joy (1868) and ‘The Bishop’ (1821). lection, it is now up to the Friends of the Creek Nursery, who speaks Japanese and The Rogerson Clematis Collection Rogerson Clematis Collection to find so was able to translate—that the best way contains many rarities, too, such as ways to share this valuable resource and to take cuttings from the non-vining ‘Duchess of Waverly’, a hybrid that Beut- the accumulated information on clema- clematis was to harvest tip cuttings. This ler describes as a “showstopper.” It pro- tis cultivation with gardeners and schol- advice led to eight out of 10 cuttings strik- duces large, violet-red flowers with a ars. “There is plenty of work ahead,” ing—or rooting—a great improvement, reddish stripe down each petal, fading to Rogerson says.  says Horn, from previous results. lavender. The flowers also have showy pale Visitors can get advice from volunteers yellow anthers. Rogerson acquired the Marty Wingate writes for the Seattle Post-

who often are working in the garden, and plant, which originated in 1961 at a now- Intelligencer and is the author of three books. RIGHT: COURTESY OF MAURICE HORN / JOY CREEK NURSERY

44 the American Gardener

46 by LindaMcIntyre Ketzel Levine,AdventuringHorticulturalReporter recently hasreported onenvironmental andotherissuesfrom around theworld.Her eccentricandirrev- F growing plants, there isalso a lotof placefor because itisnot onlyawonderful I chosethePacific Northwest onpurpose, moved toPortland, Oregon? to create your own garden whenyou Did you have tore-learn horticulture soil andrealized Iwasmissingsomething. branches andworking compostintothe dead local park andsawpeoplepruning April day, after akillerproject, Iwent toa er from the stress ofmydeadlines.One D.C., area [where NPRisbased]torecov- would gotogardens in theWashington, have myown garden atthetime,butI Ketzel Levine:Iwasburnedout.didn’t landscape design? radio in1990tostudyhorticulture and What ledyou totakeabreak from reporter reporter.a sports andarts successful career inradio,you’ve been Linda McIntyre: the American Gardener a longstintasthe“Doyenne ofDirt” onWeekend Edition Saturday’s gardening segmentandmore ANS OF National Public Radio(NPR)are familiarwithKetzel Levine,who,beginningin1992,served In your varied and head thaninreality! her garden mightbeeven betterinyour the spacesheinhabits.Theexperience of Talking toherreally getsthelistenerinto providing accesstothegardener herself. around, butmyadvantage asareporter is to hergarden inDublin, you canlook on Helen Dillon inIreland. Sure, ifyou go more static.We didastory, forexample, like televisionshows aboutgardens; they’re um, forfeedingtheimagination.Idon’t lieve inradio, more thananyothermedi- My jobistoigniteyour interest, andIbe- al assistance? and plantsontheradio,withnovisu- What isitliketoreport ongardens ange sedge)! finally successfullygrow Carex testacea about gardening inPortland isthatIcan the EastCoast.One ofthebestthings crossover withspeciesthatgrow well on cation andtherole ofgardeners insafeguarding theenvironment. communi- talked aboutradioasaspecialmediumforhorticultural NPR’s “ClimateConnections” project. Amongotherthings,Levine pared forareporting triptoafarmontheAmazon todepart for (www.npr.org/talkingplants), ing andfilingradioreports, Levinemaintainsablog,“Talking Plants” overnight onatowering firinanOregon forest. In between travel- ordinaire Helen Dillon inDublin, Ireland, andclimbedslept of arare orchid, toured therenowned garden ofplantswomanextra- knee-deep inaHawaiian junglestream following scientistsinsearch have taken heronadventures bothrough andrefined. She’s waded teners whodon’t necessarilyshare herpassionforplants. erent topics interesting stylemakeshorticultural andaccessibletolis- Garden writerLindaMcIntyre caughtupwithLevineasshepre- As aseniorcorrespondent atNPR,Levine’s reporting assignments N NOEWITH ONE ON ONE C … on theNPRwebsite. (or- deners intheMidwest andtheSouth. For anecdotes are theonesyou hearfrom gar- a more forgivingclimate.Thereal telling in themaritimePacific Northwest, I’m in nessing theeffectsofclimatechange. Here Gardeners are onthe front line ofwit- its impactonAmericangardens? patterns are occurring,have you seen time whensomanyunusualweather areporterAs onclimatechangeata what termslike“variegated” mean. whether Ithinkpeoplewillreally know often takenabackwheneditorsask I’mnally gettingtheairtimeitdeserves. onthesubject,horticulture isfi- porting of “ClimateConnections” andotherre- the attentionofavidgardeners. Because ing whilealsoappealingtoandholding ple whocouldn’t care lessaboutgarden- appeal toandholdtheattentionofpeo- The real challenge,frankly, to istrying

SERENA DAVIDSON / COURTESY OF KETZEL LEVINE to grow so that we don’t make things worse in the natural world.

As a tool, has blogging affected how you communicate your message? It changes everything. On the radio, I only have a limited amount of time to work in. On my blog, I can cover the is- sues in depth and even use botanical Latin. Latin is so seductively beautiful. I wish I could do a whole story in it!

You’ve had so many unforgettable re- porting adventures, but sleeping over- night in a hammock on a 210-foot-tall Douglas fir in an Oregon old-growth forest must rank near the top of the list. Sleeping in that tree for NPR’s Morning Edition in 2004 remains one of my great overall life experiences, yes. On the whole, the riskier and more exhausting the reporting experience, the more mem- orable it usually is. Pretty gardens don’t do it for me any- more; I’ve become addicted to the absurd and the inaccessible. No doubt that will Above: On a recent assignment to change once I tire of schlepping both Kaua’i, , to cover a search myself and my equipment up trees, for the rare fringed orchid (Pla- through rivers, and into forests, but I’m tanthera holochila), Ketzel Levine only 55 and not quite ready to slow down. records a conversation with field botanist Steve Perlman of the It doesn’t sound like you have much National Tropical Botanical time to work in your own garden. Garden, who led the search team. Between a ruptured disc in my back last Left: Soaked from head to toe, year and my demanding travel schedule, Levine gamely treks along a my garden looks like hell right now. And I stream with the botanists during am not being coy. I don’t think anything’s the orchid hunt. As she notes in died—it’s just an unholy and unloved her blog about this particular mess. It’s a passing phase, and I’ve made experience, “Yes, you’re right, this my peace with it till the time comes when job definitely has its perks.” I can get out there again and tweak things.

instance, gardeners in the Midwest are the garden and not think about reality, So you’re always finding changes to noticing that lilacs, which used to bloom but it’s much harder now to ignore the make in the garden? around Mother’s Day [in May], are now consequences. Because a plant is consid- Of course! What else would I do, just sit flowering earlier in spring. The folklore ered “pretty” doesn’t necessarily justify and enjoy it? You mean that’s allowed? we’ve built around many garden plants our growing it. Our standards of beauty and their culture no longer holds true. have to change. We know about your passion for I believe gardeners do much more plants, but having spent much of your In your blog, you write about contro- good than harm, and that most of them early career reporting on sports, do versial issues, such as banning popular take the responsibility to share what you still keep up with your favorites, plants like butterfly bush (Buddleia they’ve learned with others. It’s like what and do you have a favorite team? spp.) that can become invasive, espe- Felder Rushing wrote about in his book, Alas, these days I can’t even feign an inter- cially in the Pacific Northwest. Do gar- Passalong Plants: Sharing plants is one of est in professional sports.  deners today have a more complicated the most cherished activities in garden- time than they did in the past? ing. Now the notion includes sharing in- Linda McIntyre is a freelance writer who

TOP: DAVID BENDER; BOTTOM: CLAY TRAUERNICHT. BOTH COURTESY OF KETZEL LEVINE People are entitled to lose themselves in formation on what to grow and what not lives in Washington, D.C.

March / April 2008 47 48 required thecreationofanewgenus. A palmtreediscoveredinMadagascar sumes every lastbitofenergy producing sumes every palms,” itgrows fordecades,thencon- One speciesknown ofafew as“suicide bears fan-shapedleaves upto15feetacross. language ofMadagascar). The30-foottree ed” or“blessed” inMalagasy, thenational (Tahina spectabilis nal oftheLinnean Society. January 2008issueoftheBotanicalJour- covery, whichwasdocumentedinthe dens atKew, England, confirmedthedis- Samples senttotheRoyal BotanicGar- bled ontoapreviously unknown plant. ral display, theysuspectedhadstum- Nathalie Metz sawthepalm’s giganticflo- of anentirely genus. new species,butthecreationnaming ofanew that issounusualitrequired notjustthe Madagascar, apalmhasbeendiscovered species.Butthe discovery ofanew in common thesedays,we rarely hearabout ofvanishingWhile thenews speciesis NEW PALM GENUSDISCOVERED Horticultural NewsandResearch ImportanttoAmericanGardeners Scientists namedtheplant When localresidents Xavierand the American Gardener means “to be protect- Tahina and conserving collectedseeds. and conserving gardens around theworldare cultivating ers aswell asresearchers andbotanical tial discovery in2006—andlocalfarm- specimens have beenfoundsincetheini- with theplantointroduce more plants ed States thisspringwitheightplants, line willdebutinthesoutheasternUnit- “Southern LivingPlant Collection.”The lineofplants,brandedasthe duce anew remaining blooming itselftodeath. one spectacularinflorescence—in essence with velopment Inc., Services, hasteamedup Southern gardeners takenote:Plant De- THISSPRING DEBUTS COLLECTION SOUTHERN LIVINGPLANT GARDENER Spring Sonata Spring Sonata Oakland Oakland Efforts are the beingmadetopreserve Southern LivingSouthern ™ ™ C holly Tahina holly ™ ™ Indian hawthorn Indian hawthorn ’ NOTEBOOK S palms—about 90 magazine tointro- lowing woodyplant selections: Currently, thecollectionincludesfol- nance, andyear-round interest,” headds. mity insize andappearance,low mainte- “quality plantswithfeatures likeunifor- the magazine.Thecollectionwillfeature Living,ern ” saysJohn Floyd, Jr., editorof by readerschallenges articulated of oped specificallyinresponse tolandscape sequent seasons. insub- and expandtotheentire country www.plantdevelopment.com. and otherplantsinthecollection,visit infallandwinter.fruit white flowers inspringanddark purple indica (Raphiolepis called formalin currently usedin process- substitute for an antibacterialproduct example, sugarproducers canuseitas a potential commercial usesbeyond tea.For without thebitterness.Andit hasseveral Washington, provides theherbalattributes and Cereal Research Unit atCorvallis, tural Research (ARS)Forage Service Seed oped andreleased by theUSDA’s Agricul- ed fortheirbitterqualitiestoflavor beer. swallow becausevarieties tend tobeselect- hops teawasanunpleasantmedicineto and otherdisorders. But untilrecently, nal tea,hopshave beenusedtotreat fevers thebrew.hops helppreserve Asamedici- recognized; inadditiontoflavoring beer, of hops(Humulus lupulus) The antibacterialandantifungalproperties BEYOND BEER:HOPSFORHEALTH leaves andplentifulred berriesinfall. Itlittle pruning. features lobed,oaklike velops adensepyramidalformthatneeds showy pinkflowers thatbloominspring. weeping habit,richburgundyfoliage,and petalum chinense Purple Pixie “Many oftheseplantshave beendevel- For more informationaboutthese ‘Teamaker’, hopsselectiondevel- anew Spring Sonata Oakland ™ holly ™ ‘Shang-lo’) hasaunique ™ loropetalum (Ilex ‘Wilcor’) produces Indian hawthorn ‘Magland’) de- have longbeen South- (Loro-

COURTESY OF JOHN DRANESFIELD. RIGHT: COURTESY OF PLANT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, INC. (2) ing. Researchers at ARS are working on de- produce more generations in a season, and mental plant: Alstroemeria ‘Mauve veloping more non-bitter hops varieties as increase their natural ranges. Majesty’, a new Inca lily hybrid. Devel- potential applications expand. Quarles also notes that a warmer cli- oped by Mark Bridgen, director of Cor- mate is likely to increase plant diseases, nell Department of Horticulture’s Long GLOBAL WARMING COULD MEAN MORE particularly those caused by fungi. How- Island Horticultural Research and Ex- PESTS FOR PLANTS ever, “the amount of future disturbance tension Center, this hybrid of Chilean Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide will depend on the actual temperature in- and Brazilian Alstroemeria species blooms levels associated with global warming crease over the next 100 years,” he adds. from summer to the first hard freeze in have documented effects on plants, for northern states. In warmer states, it example, causing weed species to flourish CORNELL PATENTS NEW INCA LILY HYBRID blooms once in spring and again in fall. and increasing levels of allergy-inducing Last November, Cornell University in Its flowers have a unique lavender-lilac , as reported in the March/April Ithaca, New York, patented its first orna- color with darker speckles and a pale yel- 2007 issue of The American Gardener. low throat. ‘Mauve Majesty’ is hardy to However, scientists are also finding that USDA Zone 6, though Bridgen notes global warming will have an effect on in- that if grown in colder regions, “good sect pests and plant diseases. drainage is a must to survive the winter.” William Quarles, integrated pest man- This hybrid is widely available through agement specialist and executive director nurseries and mail-order catalogs. of the Bio-Integral Resource Center, re- ports in the September/October 2007 REGISTER YOUR COMMUNITY GARDEN issue of the IPM Practitioner that recent The American Community Gardening research is showing that “global warming Association (ACGA), a nonprofit orga- will probably lead to increased numbers of nization that works to “promote and sup- structural, agricultural, and forest insect port all aspects of community food and pests.” These increased numbers are ex- ornamental gardening, urban forestry, pected because warmer temperatures will Alstroemeria ‘Mauve‘Mauve Majesty’Majesty’ preservation and management of open

COURTESY OF MARK BRIDGEN allow more insects to survive the winter, space, and integrated planning and man- PHOTO BY ANNE C. ALLEN FROM 2008 GARDENER’S CALENDAR

2008 “Gardener’s” Calendar There are 13 prize-winning colors taken by TGOA/MGCA members, including AHS members who are also members of TGOA/MGCA $6.95 ($59.00 for 10) Postpaid To order: call 515-278-0295 or e-mail [email protected] The Gardeners of America/ Men’s Garden Clubs of America Box 241, Johnston, Iowa 50121-0241 (515) 278-0295 www.tgoa-mgca.org

March / April 2008 49 50 which is to support thedevelopment, which istosupport towards fulfillingtheACS’s mission, ficient quantities.Theproceeds go tors, thenhavingthemproduced insuf- plants thatwouldbeofinterest tocollec- the ACS membershipby identifying program makesrare conifersavailable to early spring. in adecade,andfeatures reddish conesin only about11inchestallby 16incheswide ‘Pusch’ selectionthatgrows isadwarf to to sixfeettallover a10-year period. features aweeping habitandgrows five Conifers oftheYear Blues’ for2008.‘The Picea abies named Northbased inLewisville, Carolina, has The AmericanConiferSociety (ACS), FORCOLLECTORS CONIFERS garden.org to thedatabase,visit dens inNorth America.”To addagarden ofcommunitygar- value andimportance dens, we alsohopetodemonstratethe rate countofthegrowing numberofgar- executive director. “By keepinganaccu- each other,” saysAmyDeShon, ACGA help communitygardeners connectwith neighborhoods and,more importantly, ple findcommunitygardens intheirown garden databaseonitswebsite. lands,” iscreating anationalcommunity agement ofdeveloping urbanandrural on plantsgrowinginurbananddisturbedareas. directs teaching,research,andExtensioneffortsthatfocus leader forCornell’sUrbanHorticultureInstitute,whereshe nell’s horticulturalphysiologyfaculty.Sheisalsoprogram been namedthe2008recipientofScottMedaland Nina Bassuk,aCornellUniversityhorticultureprofessor,has Nina BassukReceives2008ScottMedal PLACESintheNEWS PEOPLE and The Collector’s ConiferoftheYear This databaseisdesignedto“helppeo- the American Gardener Picea pungens to enterafree listing. ‘Pusch’ asitsCollector’s Bassuk hasbeenamemberofCor- versity ofLondon.Fornearly30years doctorate inhorticultureattheUni- Cornell University,thencompleteda elors degreeinhorticulturefrom cultural field.Bassukreceivedabach- outstanding contributionstothehorti- College inPennsylvania,recognizes by theScottArboretumofSwarthmore Award. Theannualaward,sponsored ‘The Blues’‘The and www.community www.conifersociety.org. more informationabouttheACS, visit ture, andeducationofthepublic.For conifers, standardization ofnomencla- andpropagation of conservation, ic GardeninClaremont,California. years astheexecutivedirectorofRanchoSantaAnaBotan- boretum inChicago,Illinois.PriortoMorton,hespentfive Clement W.Hamiltonasitsnextpresidentandchiefexecu- Holden ArboretuminKirtland,Ohio,recentlyappointed New PresidentforHoldenArboretum Society website (www.ahs.org). contents ontheAmericanHorticultural 2008, clickthelinkinthisissue’s table of list ofmore award-winning plantsfor outstanding speciesandvarieties. To seea name plantsoftheyear orgive awards to freelance writerEileen Powell. with Contributing Editor Rita Pelczar and Written byEditor Assistant Viveka Neveln available toitsmembers. the AmericanConiferSocietyismaking Picea pungens Picea abies Many plantsocietiesandorganizations of researchattheMortonAr- boretum programsanddirector been thevicepresidentofar- forests,” saysHamilton. from citystreetstonational trees inalltheirenvironments, mize itsimpactandinfluencefor the HoldenArboretumtomaxi- March. “Ilookforwardtohelping tive officer,effectiveattheendof ‘Pusch’, left,aretworarespeciesthat Since 2004,Hamiltonhad ‘The Blues’,above,and Picea  

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF SCOTT ARBORETUM OF SWARTHMORE COLLEGE. TOP RIGHT: COURTESY OF HOLDEN ARBORETUM. CENTER: COURTESY OF RANDY SMITH / ISELI NURSERY. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF LARRY STANLEY / STANLEY & SONS NURSERY LEFT: COURTESY OF GARDENER’S SUPPLY. RIGHT: COURTESY OF PLANET NATURAL by RitaPelczar Comparing NaturalandSyntheticFertilizers nificant differences intheiravailability andhow thesematerialsaffectthesoilenvironment. natural rock nutrients,butthere powders) are cansupplythenecessary andsyntheticfertilizers somesig- A NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY applying excessive amountsofnaturalfer- and groundwater. zone andcontaminatenearby streams leach through thesoilbeyond theroot amounts ofthesesolublenutrients can serious orlethaldamage,and significant sides: toomuchcanburnplants,causing bulky. But their availability hasitsdown- whichcanbequite natural fertilizers, sive andare ofteneasiertoapplythan forms. Theyalsotendtobelessexpen- soil organismstobreak themintosimpler that plantscanuse,theydonotrequire tilizers. Because theyare already inaform for plantuptakethanthoseinnaturalfer- are generallymuch more readily available tural Systems Labin Beltsville, Maryland. works attheUSDASustainable Agricul- A. Cavigelli,aresearch soilscientistwho soil organismsdoubles,”explainsMichel grees Celsius(18degrees F),theactivity of increase insoiltemperatureevery of10de- rate ofactivity. “A ofthumbisthatfor rule 50 degrees Fahrenheit (F),sodoestheir soils, butastemperatures riseabove about fungi, actinomycetes, andearthworms. gesting organisms,whichincludebacteria, tures, air, moisture, andofcoursethedi- tion, requires time,appropriate tempera- them. Thisprocess, known asmineraliza- isms before plantsare abletomake useof that mustbebroken down by soilorgan- trients intothesoilascomplexmolecules Naturalparticles. introduce fertilizers nu- ofthesoilthatsurrounds soil uid portion plant roots from the soilsolution,theliq- Most plantnutrientsare obtainedby Although itispossible toburnplantsby The nutrientsinsyntheticfertilizers These organismsare inactive incold same 16essentialnutrientsforhealthygrowth. (from Bothnaturalfertilizers organicsources and BUMPER CROP OF tomatoes, a colorful bedoffloweringtomatoes, acolorful annuals,andatowering oakallneedthe global ecosystems.” “are betterforthelong-termstabilityofour convenient, saysKome, naturalfertilizers, maybemorethough syntheticfertilizers arenatural fertilizers comparable.Andal- Kome, crop yieldsbetween syntheticand According toUSDAsoilscientistCharles soil solution,lessislostthrough leaching. bodies, releasing themgraduallyintothe microorganisms retain nutrientsintheir been aged—itisfarlesslikely. Andbecause tilizer—or by using manure thathasnot emulsion, and seaweed are broken down manure, boneorbloodmeal,fish mealor improving asoil’s structure. These sameorganismsalsocontribute to lease ofnutrientsintothesoil solution. foracontinuousre- ganisms isnecessary taining aviablepopulationoftheseor- A healthysoilisalive withorganisms.Sus- SOIL GARDEN SUSTAINABLE Natural, right,arenowwidelyavailableinavarietyofformulations. Natural andorganicfertilizers,suchasthesefromGardener’sSupply,aboveleft,Planet As natural fertilizers such asanimal As naturalfertilizers RE GARAGE GREEN C ® and theirbeneficialeffectsonsoil. organisms, depletingtheirpopulations crease insalts,which isdetrimentaltosoil cancauseanin- use ofthesefertilizers effect onsoilstructure. Andtherepeated cilitating themovement ofairandwater. structure by increasing pore spaceandfa- gates. Soil aggregation improves thesoil’s toclingtogetherformaggre-particles secrete astickysubstancethatcausessoil by soilmicroorganisms, thesecreatures thetic—will have ananalysis onthelabel levels. naturalorsyn- Afertilizer—whether Many containnutrients,butoftenatlow soil primarilytoimprove thesoilstructure. and peatmoss,forinstance,are addedto amendments suchascompost, leafmold, amendments are considered Soil fertilizers. considered soilamendments, butnotallsoil Most fertilizers—save foliartypes—canbe ANALYSIS FERTILIZER NATURAL Synthetic have fertilizers littleorno March / April 2008 51 52 wider rangeofnutrients.TheDramm tain nutrientlevels ortheymaysupplya for specificcrops. Thesehelpboostcer- powders orplantandanimalby-products may besupplementedwithnaturalrock their analysisonthelabel.Formulations organic materials). age nutrientanalysisofmanycommon belowfactors (seethechart fortheaver- fed, theageofmanure, andother on thetypeofanimal,whattheywere age ofnutrientsisvariable, depending suchasmanure,fertilizers, thepercent- liquid formulations.For non-packaged yard manure or toprepackaged dry tilizers, rangingfrom time-testedbarn- as soilamendments. analysis isnotrequired onproducts labeled itcontains.This sium, andphosphorus detailing thepercentage ofnitrogen, potas- ings inbothenergy andmoney. cover cropscouldleadtosignificant sav- fertilizers suchasanimalmanure and agriculture’s energyuse.Using organic er accountsforasmuch29percent of U.S. DepartmentofAgriculture, fertiliz- cial fertilizerneeds. rotation wouldfurtherreducecommer- plants ascovercropsorpartofacrop $85 peracre.Usingnitrogen-fixing tion costoftheircropsbyasmuch ers, farmerscouldreducetheproduc- stituting manureforcommercialfertiliz- Service (NRCS),byappropriatelysub- by theNationalResearchConservation According toarecentreportpublished WITH MANURE SAVING MONEYANDENERGY Commercial state naturalfertilizers There are manykindsofnaturalfer- According todatasuppliedbythe the American Gardener also indicateyour soilreaction (pH)and nutrients are supply. inshort Thetestwill er needssothatyou know exactlywhich your soiltestedtodetermineyour fertiliz- sources offertilizer, you shouldfirsthave Whether you usenaturalorsynthetic ness andtoavoid environmental damage. done properly tomaximize itseffective- for healthyplantgrowth, itshouldbe Although applyingnutrientsisimportant EFFECTIVELYUSING FERTILIZER too hot,dry, toowet.” ing stressful situations,[suchas]toocold, the plants’ internalimmunesystemdur- which plantsuse.Thecytokininshelp natural hormonescalledcytokinins several micronutrients, “Kelp contains of Dramm says,inadditiontoadding er, called“Drammatic K.”Tim Tetzlaff species ofkelptotheirfish-basedfertiliz- Corporation, forexample,addsfour ary 1999. ers,” byRichKoenig,ExtensionSoilSpecialist andMikeJohnson,GrandCountyExtensionAgent,Janu- The chartisfromUtahStateUniversity Extension’sonlinebulletin,“SelectingandUsingOrganicFertiliz- **Special propertiesorcharacteristics ofthematerial. *Approximate rateofnutrientreleasefrom thematerial. FOR VARIOUSORGANICMATERIALS AVERAGE NUTRIENTCONCENTRATIONSANDRATESOFAVAILABILITY aeil%Ntoe hsht oah%Aalblt*Notes** %Availability* %Potash %Phosphate %Nitrogen Material ienels0501so acidic slow 1 0 0.5 Pine needles eaesug – – – oeaezinc,iron veryslow moderate 0–1 0–1 2 0–0.5 1–4 weedseed zinc,iron moderate 0–1 moderate 1 2–6 moderate alkaline Seaweed extract 2–3 Sewage sludge 1–2 alkaline 5–10 Sawdust moderate rapid moderate 0–0.5 moderate 0.5–1 0.5–1 moderate alkaline 2–5 0 2–4 0 1–2 1–1.5 rapid 1–2 2–3 moderate Manures: Cattle 3–7 1.5–2 0–0.5 0–1 Legumes slowtomoderate 0 Leaves 1–2 12–14 6–12 0 Kelp 1–2 1–2 Hoof/horn meal 1–2 3 1–3 12 Grass clippings 11–30 Fish meal 0.5–1 Feather meal 12 Composts 6 1–6 Cottonseed meal 2–3 Blood meal Bone meal Alfalfa hay odahs01237rapid 3–7 veryslow 1–2 1 0 0–0.5 Wood ashes 0–0.5 Straw/corn stalks wn – .– – rapid 1–2 0.5–1 2–3 Swine he – .– – oeaeweedseed weedseed moderate rapid slow 2–3 1–2 1–2 0.5–1 1–2 0.5–1 3–4 3–4 1–2 Sheep Poultry Horse –. –. slow 0–0.5 0–0.5 1 timing. Know theneeds oftheplantsyou different plantsbothinamountsand are unavailable forplantuse. that, even thoughtheyare present, they trients tobecomechemicallyboundso pH istoohighorlow, itcancausenu- whether itneedstobeadjusted.If your rapid 5 slow 1 Nutrient among somewhat needsvary zinc, iron acidic acidic acidic

TOP: COURTESY OF PURE BARNYARD, INC. BOTTOM: KEITH WELLER / COURTESY OF ARS-USDA WORLD’S #1 TOP Sources Pure Barnyard, Inc., (makers of Cock- PLANT SUPPLY The following sources carry a variety of adoodle DOO). www.purebarnyard. PLANT natural fertilizer products. com/cockadoodledoo/default.asp. #1HEALTH EXTRA LIFE Greatest Guarantee-Offer PROOF Ever 65YEARS, $5,000. GUARANTEED to be Bradfield Organics, www.bradfield Terracycle, Inc., www.terracycle.net. Worldunchallenged, CHAMPION organics.com. #1 Activator, #1 Trans/ #1 Extra #1 REVIVER, PLANTER, GROWER, WORLD’S FAIR SCIENCE-MEDAL-WINNING #1 Perfecter V TMs Clean Air Gardening, www.cleanair Resources I 50 IN gardening.com/fertilizer.html. The Soul of Soil, A Guide to Ecological ONE Soil Management by Grace Gershuny VITAMINS-HORMONES USED BY U.S. –– FERTILIZER GUARANTEED Departments of –– PESTICIDE –– POLLUTING BioUSABLES As Advertised in Dramm Corporation, www.dramm.com and Joseph Smillie. AgAccess, Davis, AGRICULTURE, ARMY, NON TM Better Homes & Gardens NAVY, AIR. Etc. TO ADD TO FERTILIZING for growing Landscape Architecture ALSO BY STATES, Horticulture CITIES, COUNTIES, DOUBLE MONEY-BACK California, 1995. UNIVERSITIES RECOMMENDED TOP VALUE BY EXPERTS OF TV, RADIO, BOOKS, EXTREME Concentration Extremely Green Gardening Company, MAGAZINES, Drop-A-CupTM or CONFERENCES Dozens Drop-A-GalTM OF THE www.extremelygreen.com. Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener’s WORLD’S Guide to the Soil Food Web by Jeff SCIENCE & INDUSTRY ONLY GOLD MEDAL WORLD’S FAIR 1940 science Gardener’s Supply Company, Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis. Timber ADD to any fertilizingTM • 50 INSTANT BioUSABLES NORMAL PURE COMPLEXES • From Carbon-Hydrogen-Oxygen MIRACLES www.gardeners.com. Press, Portland, Oregon, 2006. natural organic crystals • Save plants from waiting while IN EACH trying to make them • Unique. Nothing is “like” it. DROP! SEE TO BELIEVE–– HEALTHIER, FASTER plants MultiBloom, www.multibloom.com. National Sustainable Agriculture BEAUTY and CROP yieldADDED TO 21 FERTILIZERS by 21 Growers YOU CAN Research Service (NSARS) Alternative ORDER PINT, Planet Natural, www.planetnatural. Soil Amendments, http://attra.ncat.org/ QUART, GALLON, Billions–PROVEN com/site/index.html attra-pub/altsoilamend.html. or DRUM B A L A N C E D ORIGINAL ADDED TO 18 FERTILIZERS, by 18 Growers

plan to grow before you se- lect or apply your fertiliz- NEARLY 1000 BOOKS, CONFERENCES, er, and be aware of RECOMMENDED BY MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS,TVs, RADIOS common nutrient defi- USED BY FIVE U.S. DEPARTMENTS TO HELP WIN WORLD WAR II ciency symptoms. For ex- OF GOVERNMENTS, STATE UNIVERSITIES, LEADING THOUSANDS ARBORETUMS, BOTANICAL GARDENS, PARKS SYSTEMS ample, tomato plants are U.S. STATES and CITIES IN MULTIPLE-DRUMS LOTS FLOWERING PLANTS SHOW WINNERS – “everywhere” heavy feeders. If they don’t HEALTHY, TOXICS-FREE FOODS GROWERS UNIQUE. Far easier plant success get enough nitrogen, lower leaves begin to yellow. Never apply more fertiliz- er than recommended. Most natural fertilizers take time to break down, so work them into the soil in advance of planting or active growth. Subsequent applications can be made by topdressing that supports plants both physically— with dry formulations such as Bradfield providing anchorage for the aboveground Organic’s Tasty Tomato and Veggie, or growth—and nutritionally. While using 11 XMAS TREES 17 HYDROSEEDING 22 12 REFORESTATION 18 LANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS Cockadoodle DOO, or applying soil or synthetic fertilizers may be more conve- 13 HYDROPONICS 19 PROPAGATION 23 INTERIORSCAPING 14 FIELD CROPS 20 ANTI-EROSION 24 15 BONSAI 21 ENVIRONMENTAL 25 WEATHER DAMAGE foliar applications of liquid fertilizers nient and less expensive in the short term, 16 TISSUE CULTURE IMPROVEMENT 26 WATER GARDENS such as Terracycle All-Purpose Plant these products may cause significant im- AT CONSCIENTIOUS PLANT DEALERS WORLDWIDE Food or Country Select MultiBloom. balances in soil and water ecosystems in Used, tipped to, and supplied by thousands of conscientious Maintaining a continuous supply of or- the long term. Instead, aim for sustain- plant-selling firms. On every continent, without salesmen. ganic material such as compost will help ing a healthy soil system that minimizes REFUSE “just as good,” false, cheaply made, unbalancing substitutes – often 991/2% water. sustain a balanced soil environment that environmental impact while maximizing NOTHING IS AT ALL “LIKE”  is conducive to healthy plant growth. garden results. 50 VITAMINS-HORMONES V A LIVING SYSTEM Made in U.S.A. by VITAMIN INSTITUTE I Rita Pelczar is a contributing editor for The 12610 Saticoy Street South, North Hollywood, CA 91605 Website www.superthrive.com COURTESY OF DRAMM The soil environment is a living system American Gardener.

March / April 2008 53 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

The Authentic Garden: Five Principles for Cultivating a Native Ferns, Moss & Grasses Sense of Place William Cullina. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts, Claire E. Sawyers. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2007. 285 pages. 2008. 272 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $40. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $34.95. BILL CULLINA has done it again. Following his books on na- IF YOU CONSIDER yourself a conscientious consumer, one tive wildflowers and on native trees, shrubs, and vines, this time who tries to tread lightly on the earth, then the ideas Claire Cullina tackles a somewhat less familiar suite of plants—those Sawyers presents in her elegantly writ- noted more for form and texture than ten book, The Authentic Garden, will for flowers. As Director of Horticul- resonate with you. Globalization is tural Research for the New England ever-present in our world today, but Wild Flower Society nurseries, he the 21st century American backyard brings 25 years of experience growing should—more than anything else in and propagating native plants to bear, our lives—be an honest reflection of with an air of authority and a sense of its place, she maintains. humor, in this third and final volume Whether we’ve been dazzled by de- in his series on native American plants. sign magazine photographs of Euro- Cullina explores a subtle world pean or Asian landscapes or toured populated by such charming characters them in person, it’s easy to be seduced as spleenwort, haircap, and broomsedge—the ferns, mosses, by them. As director of the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore and grasses that grow in North America. He starts by defining College in Pennsylvania, Sawyer’s own resume suggests she terms—clearly articulating his concept of “native” and ex- might be inclined to “borrow” from her years living and work- plaining why it is an important consideration from an ecolog- ing in , Belgium, and France. Yet the most powerful ical standpoint rather than from one of semantics. Equal weight theme she draws from these distinct landscapes is to extract is given to discussions of plant hardiness, light, soil, and pests. lessons rather than mimic their look. The meat of the book, the encyclopedic listings, is divided into “This book is about how to make gardens true to a place, a four parts: Ferns; Mosses; Grasses, Sedges and Rushes; and Prop- time, and a culture. . . to capture and reflect a certain authen- agation. Sidebars provide detailed explorations of topics such as tic spirit so that in turn these gardens will nurture the spirits of invasive plants, fern hybridization, and evolution. Throughout, those who frequent them,” she writes. In a conversational tone, beautiful photos by the author augment his vibrant words. supported by excellent photography, Sawyers escorts the read- By his own admission, Cullina had limited familiarity with er through five guiding principles to make a garden authentic: many of the plants before writing the book, which may account Capture the Sense of Place; Derive Beauty from Function; Use for occasional subtleties of identification or garden performance Humble or Indigenous Materials; Marry the Inside to the Out- being overlooked. I also noticed a few inconsistencies in format. side; and Involve the Visitor. For example, Parts I and II—handling ferns and mosses—con- Sawyers underscores the point of each principle using ex- tain useful chapters covering anatomy, while in Part III, grass amples from private and public gardens around the country. anatomy is included under “Gardening with Grasses” rather than She demonstrates that the most successful landscapes are ones having its own chapter. However, Cullina’s considerable skill is ev- where the owners or designers have observed and worked with ident in Part IV, which focuses on propagation. He provides con- the spirit of place rather than struggled against it. cise techniques appropriate for each group of plants, as well as a The Authentic Garden reads like a mission statement for any- chart with specifics for propagating each genus. one blessed with the stewardship of a piece of land. With these Overall, Cullina has produced an authoritative, readable, and lessons in mind, we can derive a deep sense of satisfaction from enduring reference. It will provide experienced gardeners with the our environment, wherever it may be located. specifics they crave, while newcomers are sure to fall under the —Debra Prinzing spell of these under-appreciated native gems. —C. Colston Burrell Debra Prinzing is a southern California-based garden and design writer and the author of Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways C. Colston Burrell is a garden designer, and coauthor of Hellebores: (Clarkson-Potter/Random House, 2008). A Comprehensive Guide (Timber Press, 2006).

54 the American Gardener The Homeowner’s Complete Tree & Shrub Handbook Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates Penelope O’Sullivan. Storey Publishing, North Adams, Massachusetts, Will Giles. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2007. 440 pages. Pub- 2007. 408 pages. Publisher’s price, softcover: $29.95. lisher’s price, hardcover: $49.95.

ONE PROBLEM with garden books that try to say too much IN HIS Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates, Eng- about everything is that they often end up saying too little lish gardener Will Giles states emphatically that he had “an all- about anything. Happily, this is not embracing approach to my selection of the case with The Homeowner’s Com- exotic plants…though I am sure some plete Tree & Shrub Handbook by gar- purists will disagree with my choices.” den designer and author Penelope No one, however, should quibble on the O’Sullivan. The clean, crisp photog- book’s quality. The descriptions are well- raphy by Karen Bussolini—be it of written and full of good information on the exquisite curling bark of a paper- growing requirements. The images are bark (Acer griseum), an uphill plentiful, clear, and color-correct, pro- woodland path in three seasons, or an viding plenty of inspiration to those gar- arborist in full-helmeted gear 20 feet deners living in cooler climates to try up a tree—reinforces the compre- growing tropical exotics. hensive treatment of the subject. Helpful and clear illustrations After a foreword by Fergus Garrett, the head gardener at the also supplement the text. renowned Great Dixter garden, Giles explains in the introduction This book begins with a couple of chapters on basic design that the plants he chose to include in this encyclopedia are “sub- concepts. “With a solid plan,” writes O’Sullivan, “you can tropical or tropical in appearance but in fact originate in cooler arrange plants and garden structures to enhance your house, climatic regions of the world, as well as true tropicals and sub- please your family, and simplify your life.” To that end, she gives tropicals that, for various reasons, flourish in temperate gardens her readers the necessary building blocks. For example, she ex- and in some cases are able to withstand several degrees of frost.” plains important factors such as mature size and growth rate to However, as with many books that originate in the United consider to ensure selecting the right plant for the right place. Kingdom, it does not give cold hardiness ranges. Instead, it lists Next, a section on how to care for landscape plants covers every- minimum temperatures in Celsius and notes if plants are tender, thing from planting and pruning to common insects and diseases. semi-tender, half-hardy, frost-hardy, or hardy, based on the au- Both sections contain numerous insightful sidebars as well as thor’s experience growing these plants in the British Isles. In his handy charts and lists of plants that have specific attributes. defense, Giles explains that he purposefully eschewed the U.S. The book’s final 250 pages are where it really earns its keep. Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zones in an effort to en- Here, O’Sullivan lists 357 shrubs and trees, which she includes courage readers to “push against boundaries, experiment with dif- “for several reasons, but mostly for their garden merit.” Many ferent care and maintenance regimes, and make the most of selections are personal and personalized. For example, her microclimates in your garden.” mother gets a nod in the weigelias. And to enjoy the mottled The book’s 14 chapters are divided into useful segments bark of Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) she advises patience based on a plant’s form and use in the garden, for example, because after several years in her garden, her own specimen “Grasses, Grasslike Plants, and Restios” and “Cacti, Succulents, hasn’t yet begun to exfoliate. Yuccas, and Other Spiky Things.” I would caution that some So it goes from Abelia ✕grandiflora to Zenobia pulverulen- of the groups of plants described in the book display a propen- ta. For each plant, O’Sullivan succinctly describes its charac- sity for growing out of control in various regions of the United teristics and suggests landscape uses. Each entry lists the States. For example, many bamboos, such as Phyllostachys spp., origin, hardiness zones, light and soil requirements, growing can be invasive on this side of the pond. The same goes for tips, and any cultivars of particular merit. She also takes care plants such as Akebia and Ampelopsis, so I would advise doing to warn of any weedy tendencies in particular regions of the a little further research before planting some of these exotics. country. Many of the listed plants are then tucked into a use- If you are seeking the ultimate treatise on tropical plants, ful planning chart at the end of the book, along with addi- look elsewhere. But if you want a pleasant, well-written book tional sources of tree and shrub information, a glossary, and to use as a reference on tropical and tropical-looking plants, this an index. Complete, indeed! would be a good choice.  —Bob Hill —Robert Bowden

Owner of Hidden Hill Nursery & Sculpture Garden in Utica, Robert Bowden has been the director of the Harry P. Leu Botanical Indiana, Bob Hill is also a garden writer and co-host of a garden Gardens in Orlando, Florida, for 14 years and is the author of Florida’s radio show in Louisville, Kentucky. Top Ten Garden Guide (Time Warner/Sunset Books, 2008).

March / April 2008 55 REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

AHS APR. 11–13. Bloom ’n’ Garden Expo. NORTHEAST Events sponsored by or including official Franklin, Tennessee. (615) 790-5721. CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT participation by AHS or AHS staff members www.bloomngarden.com. MAR. 28–30. Capital District Garden & Flower are identified with the AHS symbol. Show. Hudson Valley Community College. RAP APR. 11–13. Spring’s Best Plant Sale. Troy, New York. (518) 786-1529. Events hosted by botanical gardens and Memphis Botanic Garden. Memphis, www.gardenandflowershow.com. arboreta that participate in AHS’s Reciprocal Tennessee. (901) 576-4100. Admissions Program are identified with the www.memphisbotanicgarden.com. MAR. 29 & 30. Swing Into Spring with RAP symbol. Current AHS members showing a Orchids. Show and sale. Connecticut Orchid APR. 12. Annuals & Perennials for the Sum- valid membership card are eligible for free or Society. West Hartford, Connecticut. mer. Class. Riverbanks Botanical Garden. discounted admission to the garden or other (860) 838-1919. www.ctorchids.org. Columbia, South Carolina. (803) 779-8717 benefits. Special events may not be included; ext.1141. www.riverbanks.org. APR. 11–13. 25th Annual Spring Festival. contact the host site for details or visit Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies. Kerhonkson, ww.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. APR. 18–20. Spring Plant Sale and Garden New York. (973) 379-3386. Party. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens. www.midatlanticbonsai.freeservers.com. Charlotte, North Carolina. (704) 687-2870. RAP MAR. 29. Native Plants: Cultivars http://gardens.uncc.edu. APR. 27. NYC GROWS Garden Festival. Considered. Lahr Symposium. U.S. Show and sale. Union Square Park, National Arboretum. Washington, D.C. APR. 19 & 20. An EPIC Celebration of Spring: New York, New York. (802) 291-0645. (202) 245-2708. www.usna.usda.gov/ Flower & Garden Expo. St. Augustine, Flori- www.nycgrows.org. Education/events.html. da. (904) 829-3295. www.epiccommunity services.org. Looking ahead APR. 9–13. American Daffodil Society Con- MAY 2 & 3. Cape Cod Conservation District vention and Show. Richmond, Virginia. RAP APR. 23–26. Semi-Annual Plant Sale Spring Plant Sale. Barnstable Village, (478) 783-2153. www.daffodilusa.org. and Garden Gift Shop. Wing Haven Gardens Massachusetts. (508) 771-8757. and Bird Sanctuary. Charlotte, North Caroli- www.capecodcd.org. APR. 15. April Shower of Flowers. Workshop. na. (704) 331-0664. www.winghaven Tudor Place. Washington, D.C. (202) 965- gardens.com. MAY 3. May Gardeners’ Market. Garden 0400. www.tudorplace.org. Education Center of Greenwich. Cos Cob, APR. 24–28. National Garden Club Connecticut. (203) 869-9242. AHS APR. 19–27. Historic Garden Week in Convention. Memphis, Tennessee. www.gecgreenwich.org. Virginia. The Garden Club of Virginia. (804) (314) 776-7574. www.gardenclub.org. 644-7776. www.VAGardenweek.org. RAP MAY 3 & 4. Cherry Blossom Festival. APR. 24 & 25. Boxwood Symposium. Ameri- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Brooklyn, New RAP APR. 25-27. Plant Sale and Garden can Boxwood Society. Charlotte, North Car- York. (718) 623-7200. www.bbg.org. Fair. U.S. National Arboretum. Washington, olina. www.boxwoodsociety.org. D.C. (202) 544-8733. www.fona.org. MAY 9–12. Galleries in Bloom. Educational NORTH CENTRAL sessions and display. Berkshire Museum. APR. 26. Rare Plant Auction. Longwood Gar- IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI Pittsfield, Massachusetts. (413) 443-7171. dens. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. (302) www.berkshiremuseum.org. 658-6262. www.rareplantauction.org. RAP MAR. 31, APR. 7, & APR. 14. Plant Identification. Class. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and . MID-ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST Ann Arbor, . (734) 647-7600. PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/default.asp. THROUGH APR. 13. An Alphabet Garden of RAP MAR. 22 & 23. Annual Orchid/ Orchids. Exhibit. U.S. Botanic Garden Con- Bromeliad Show & Sale. Flamingo Gardens APR. 5. Green Fair. Mitchell Park servatory. Washington, D.C. (202) 225- & Wildlife Sanctuary. Davie, Florida. (954) Horticultural Conservatory. Milwaukee, 8333. www.usbg.gov. 473-2955. www.flamingogardens.org. . (414) 649-9800. www.county.milwaukee.gov. MAR. 20. Green Roof Tour. Scott Arboretum. MAR. 28. Plant Fair and Sale. Callaway Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. (610) 328- Gardens. Pine Mountain, Georgia. (706) RAP APR. 5 & 6. Orchid Extravaganza. 8025. www.scottarboretum.org. 663-2281. www.callawaygardens.org. Sale and show. Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-5440. MAR. 29 & 30. Camellia Sale. Brookside Gar- RAP MAR. 29 & 30. Annual Plant Sale. Harry www.chicagobotanic.org. dens. Wheaton, Maryland. (301) 962-1400. P. Leu Gardens. Orlando, Florida. (407) www.brooksidegardens.org. 246-2620. www.leugardens.org. RAP APR. 19. Garden Author Symposium.

56 the American Gardener RAP APR. 10 & 11. Plant & Garden Sale. Winterthur Hosts Trillium Symposium Myriad Botanical Gardens. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (405) 297-3995. www.myriadgardens.com. THE FIRST-EVER Trillium Symposium will be held in Winterthur’s Copeland Lec- ture Hall in Wilmington, Delaware, from April 17 to 19. This two-day conference, RAP APR. 12 & 13. Mid-American Regional with an optional field trip on the third day, will coincide with the sweeps of trilliums Lily Society Sale. Missouri Botanical Gar- and other ephemerals that illuminate woodlands in springtime. den. St. Louis, Missouri. (314) 577-9400. Dedicated gardeners, as well as academic and industry professionals, will discuss the www.mobot.org. cultivation of these charming American wildflowers, as well as RAP APR. 11–13. Spring Plant Sale and the many aspects of the genus’s Gardening Festival. Lady Bird Johnson ecology, biology, and considerable Wildflower Center. Austin, Texas. (512) 292- conservation and propagation 4200. www.wildflower.org/plantsale. challenges. Along with Win- RAP APR. 18–20. Lone Star Greats: terthur, sponsors include the Mt. Tough Texas Plants. Lecture and plant Cuba Center in Greenville, sale. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Delaware, and the New England Garden. Dallas, Texas. (214) 515-6500. Wild Flower Society in Framing- www.dallasarboretum.org. ham, Massachusetts—two institu- tions that are actively propagating APR. 26 & 27. Earth Day and Oleander Festi- trilliums. The American Public val. Moody Gardens. Galveston, Texas. Gardens Association, based in (800) 582-4673. www.moodygardens.org. Wilmington, is also a sponsor. RAP APR. 27. Wichita Garden Council Rare The Mt. Cuba Center is the Plant Auction. Botanica, The Wichita Gar- originator of the symposium. “We dens. Wichita, Kansas. (316) 264-0448. are delighted to convene this www.botanica.org. first-ever Trillium Symposium, along with our partners,” says SOUTHWEST Rick J. Lewandowski, director of AZ, NM, CO, UT the Mt. Cuba Center. “Our goal is to promote one of America’s MAR. 29. Real Gardens for Real People. Gar- Trillium grandiflorum, shown here, and its kin will be den tour. Scottsdale/Moon Valley, Arizona. most beloved wildflowers and the subject of a first-ever symposium in Delaware. bring to the public a greater (602) 470-8086. www.cals.arizona.edu/ maricopa/garden/gardentour.html. awareness of its beauty, conservation value, and horticultural potential.” Presentations during the symposium will include such topics as classification, mor- RAP APR. 9. Landscaping for Small Spaces. phology, distribution, propagation, conservation challenges, and uses for home gar- Workshop. Desert Botanical Garden. Phoenix, deners. There also will be a field trip to Shenk’s Ferry Wildflower Preserve where, from Arizona. (480) 941-1225. www.dbg.org. late March until the end of May, woodland glens shelter a profusion of wildflowers. For registration and more information, visit the Symposium website at www. RAP APR. 11 & 12. Spring Bulb Show and trilliumsymposium2008.org. Competition. Red Butte Garden. Salt Lake —Linda Yang, former New York Times garden columnist and author of City, . (801) 581-4747. www.redbutte The City Gardener’s Handbook (Storey Publishing, 2002). garden.org.

RAP APR. 24. The Explorer in the Garden: Digging in the Garden as Metaphor. Lecture. Fellows Riverside Gardens and Mill Creek wood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. Denver Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. Metro Parks. Youngstown, Ohio. (330) 740- Niles, Michigan. (269) 695-6491. (720) 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. 7116. www.millcreekmetroparks.com. www.fernwoodbotanical.org. RAP MAY 9 &10. Plant Sale. Denver Botanic APR. 29–MAY 1. International Greening RAP MAY 10. Spring Plant Sale. Leila Ar- Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) 865- Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Confer- boretum. Battle Creek, Michigan. (269) 3500. www.botanicgardens.org. ence. Minneapolis, Minnesota. (416) 971- 969-0270. www.leilaarboretumsociety.org. 4494. http://greenroofs.org/minneapolis. WEST COAST SOUTH CENTRAL CA, NV, HI Looking ahead AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX AHS MAY 2–4. Orchard in Bloom Garden APR. 10. Agaves, Yuccas and Related Plants. Show. Indianapolis, Indiana. (317) 713- RAP MAR. 24.–APR. 12. Tulip Extravaganza. Lecture. Southern California Horticultural 5720. www.orchardinbloom.org. Garvan Woodland Gardens. Hot Springs Society. Los Angeles, California. (818) 567- National Park, . (800) 366-4664. 1496. www.socahort.org. RAP MAY 9 & 10. Plant Sale with the Pros. www.garvangardens.org. Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Madison, Wis- APR. 12. Open Garden: Sacramento consin. (608) 246-4550. www.olbrich.org. MAR. 28 & 29. A Celebration of Edible Flowers. Historic Rose Garden. Plant sale and tours. Herbal Forum. Festival Hill. Round Top, Sacramento, California. (916) 448-0811. RAP MAY 9 & 11. Festival of Blooms. Fern- Texas. (979) 249-3129. www.festivalhill.org. www.cemeteryrose.org. COURTESY OF MT. CUBA CENTER

March / April 2008 57 New Exhibit Part of Garfield Park Conservatory’s Centennial Celebrations

ON MARCH 1, as part of its centennial celebration, a new per- In Chicago style, 200 tons of stone and 3,900 linear feet of manent exhibit, “Sugar from the Sun,” opened in Chicago’s bent steel went into the building of this exhibit, funded by a grant sprawling Garfield Park Conservatory. The purpose of this ex- from the National Science Foundation. Its opening coincides hibit is to present, in a way that will be interesting to a diverse with a major renovation of the conservatory, which covers 4.5 population, the process that allows plants to harness sunlight to acres and houses specimens from around the world, including produce food, oxygen, and other resources. 1,850 plants in this exhibit alone. Four botanical environments immerse visitors in the elements In addition to the opening of “Sugar from the Sun,” the Con- necessary to plants and all life on Earth—sunlight, air, water, and servatory has several other events planned, including a Grand sugar. A meandering path leads through groves of fruiting plants, Centennial Opening on April 13, to celebrate its 100th year. The

The Garfield Park Conservatory, shown above in 1908, celebrates 100 years with the opening of its exhibit, “Sugar from the Sun,” left.

mist-shrouded waterfalls and reflective pools, and lofty aeries of Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance is also publishing a beauti- epiphytes. Sixty-five hidden speakers provide visitors with a seam- fully illustrated book, which comprehensively presents the his- less narration as they stroll through this sense-enveloping story tory of the Conservatory and the surrounding West Side of plants, keeping traditional museum signage to a minimum. neighborhoods using personal vignettes, historical documents, “We hope ‘Sugar from the Sun’ will instill wonder in visitors of and both archival black-and-white and contemporary color pho- all ages,” says David Snyder, director of education and exhibit tography. For more information, call (312) 746-5100 or visit development, “and start conversations about this mysterious www.garfield-conservatory.org. process, which happens at a level we cannot see.” —John Fiege, Editorial Intern

APR. 12 & 13. Garden Tour & Spring Biodiver- RAP MAY 10. Tour of the Historic High NORTHWEST sity Plant Sale. Occidental Arts & Ecology Plains Arboretum. Cheyenne Botanic Gar- AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY Center. Occidental, California. (707) 874- dens. Cheyenne, Wyoming. (307) 637- 1557. www.oaec.org. MAR. 29. The : From Third 6458. www.botanic.org. Century Athens to Your Garden. Symposium. APR. 14. Practical Pruning: A Workshop Symposium. Northwest Horticultural Soci- CANADA for Arborists and Landscapers. University ety. Kenmore, Washington. (206) 527- of California. Davis, California. 1794. www.northwesthort.org. MAR. 26. An Ecological Vegetable Garden. (800) 752-0881. www.extension. Class. Arboretum at the University of ucdavis.edu/agriculture/. RAP APR. 12. Early Bloomers. Plant sale. Guelph. Guelph, Ontario. (519) 824-4120 Washington Park Arboretum. Seattle, Wash- ext. 52113. www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum. APR. 16–19. Out of the Wild & Into the Gar- ington. (205) 325-4510. www.arboretum den VI. Symposium. Rancho Santa Ana foundation.org. RAP APR. 12 & 13. Creating a Community Botanic Garden. Claremont, California. Garden. Workshop. Glendale Gardens & (909) 625-8767. www.rsabg.org. RAP APR. 26. Spring Plant Sale. Woodland. Victoria, . (250) Botanical Garden. Boise, Idaho. (208) 343- 479-6162. www.hcp.bc.ca. RAP MAY 3 & 4. Montrose African 8649. www.idahobotanicalgarden.org. Violet Society Show & Sale. Descanso RAP APR. 24. Using Native Plants in Your Gardens. La Cañada Flintridge, APR. 26 & 27. Glide Wildflower Show. Glide Garden. Class. Royal Botanical Gardens. California. (818) 949-4200. Community Center. Glide, Oregon. (541) Hamilton, Ontario. (905) 527-1158. www.descansogardens.org. 496-3323. www.glidewildflowershow.org. www.rbg.ca. 

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A–C C. pitcheri C. PITCH-ur-eye I. giganticaerulea I. jy-gan-tih-see- Raphiolepis indica raf-ee-o-LEP-iss (6–9, 9–6) ROO-lee-uh (7–10, 10–7) IN-dih-kuh (7–9, 9–7) Acorus calamus AK-or-us C. viorna C. vy-OR-nuh (5–9, 9–1) I. hexagona I. hek-sah-GO-nuh KAL-uh-mus (USDA Zones 3–8, C. viticella C. vih-tih-SEL-luh (8–10, 10–8) S–Z AHS Zones 9–4) (4–11, 9–1) I. kaempferi I. kemp-FAIR-eye A. gramineus A. gruh-MIN-ee-us Sambucus racemosa sam-BOO-kus C. texensis C. teks-SEN-sis (3–9, 9–1) (5–8, 9–5) ras-eh-MO-suh (3–7, 7–1) (4–11, 9–1) I. laevigata I. lee-vih-GAY-tuh Agave americana uh-GAH-vee Spiraea japonica spy-REE-uh Cotinus coggygria ko-TY-nus (3–9, 9–1) uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh (9–11, 12–5) jah-PON-ih-kuh (4–9, 9–1) ko-JEE-gree-uh (5–9, 9–3) I. sibirica I. sy-BEER-ih-kuh A. gracilipes A. gruh-SIL-ih-pees Stylophorum diphyllum sty-lo-FOR- (3–9, 9–1) (8–11, 12–5) um dy-FIL-lum (5–8, 8–1) D–I I. virginica I. vir-JIN-ih-kuh A. havardiana A. huh-var-dee-AN- Trillium catesbaei TRIL-ee-um (4–9, 9–4) nuh (6–10, 12–5) Darmera peltata DAR-mer-uh KAYTS-bee-eye (6–9, 8–4) A. montana A. mon-TAN-uh pel-TAY-tuh (5–8, 8–5) T. cuneatum T. koo-nee-AY-tum J–R (7–10, 10–7) Dasylirion longissimum das-il- (6–9, 9–6) A. neomexicana A. nee-o-mex-ih- LIR-ee-on lon-JIS-sih-mum Juncus effusus JUNG-kus eh-FEW- T. erectum T. eh-REK-tum KAN-uh (9–11, 12–5) (8–11, 11–8) suss (6–9, 9–6) (4–7, 7–3) A. parryi A. PAIR-ee-eye D. texanum D. tek-SAY-num Loropetalum chinense lor-o-PEH- T. foetidissimum T. fee-tid-ISS-ih- (7–10, 12–5) (9–11, 11–9) tal-um chy-NEN-see (8–9, 9–8) mum (5–9, 9–5) A. scabra A. SKAY-bruh D. wheeleri D. WHEE-ler-ee Mertensia virginica mur-TEN-see- T. grandiflorum T. gran-dih-FLOR- (7–10, 12–6) (7–10, 11–7) uh vir-JIN-ih-kuh (3–8, 7–1) um (4–8, 8–1) Allium christophii AL-ee-um Dicentra spectabilis dy-SEN-truh Nepeta racemosa NEP-eh-tuh T. luteum T. LEW-tee-um kris-TOF-ee-eye (3–9, 9–5) spek-TAH-bih-liss (3–9, 9–1) ras-eh-MO-suh (4–9, 8–1) (5–7, 7–4) A. sphaerocephalum A. sfeer-o- Eryngium agavifolium ee-RIN-jee- Nolina nelsoni no-LIE-nuh T. nivale T. nih-VAY-lee (5–8, 8–5) SEF-uh-lum (4–11, 12–1) um uh-gah-vee-FO-lee-um NEL-son-eye (8–10, 10–8) T. ovatum T. oh-VAY-tum (5–8, 8–5) Amsonia hubrichtii am-SO-nee-uh (6–9, 9–6) N. texana N. tek-SAN-uh T. rivale T. rih-VAY-lee (5–8, 8–5) hew-BRIK-tee-eye (5–9, 9–3) E. pandanifolium E. pan-dan-ih-FO- (7–11, 11–7) T. sessile T. SEH-sih-lee Baptisia australis bap-TIZ-yuh lee-um (9–10, 12–10) Paeonia lactiflora pee-O-nee-uh (4–8, 8–1) aw-STRAY-liss (3–9, 9–1) E. yuccifolium E. yuk-ih-FO-lee-um lak-tih-FLOR-uh (3–8, 8–1) T. simile T. SIM-ih-lee (4–8, 8–1) ✕ Buddleia davidii BUD-lee-uh (4–9, 12–1) P. lemoinei P. leh-MOYN-ee-eye T. underwoodii T. un-der-WOOD-ee- duh-VID-ee-eye (6–9, 9–3) Fagus sylvatica FAY-gus sil-VAT-ih- (3–8, 8–1) eye (5–9, 9–5) Carex crinita KAIR-eks kry-NY-tuh kuh (5–7, 7–5) P. lutea P. LEW-tee-uh (3–8, 8–1) T. undulatum T. un-dyew-LAY-tum (3–8, 8–1) Hesperaloe campanulata hes-pur- P. suffruticosa P. suh-frew-tih-KO- (4–8, 8–1) C. pendula C. PEN-dyew-luh AL-o kam-pan-yew-LAY-tuh suh (5–8, 8–5) YUK-uh buh-KAY- (5–9, 9–5) (8–10, 10–8) Phlox stolonifera FLOKS sto-lon-IF- tuh (4–9, 12–4) Clematis alpina KLEM-uh-tiss H. parviflora H. par-vih-FLOR-uh ur-uh (4–8, 8–1) Y. filamentosa Y. fil-uh-men-TOH- al-PY-nuh (4–9, 9–6) (6–11, 12–6) Phormium tenax FOR-mee-um suh (4–11, 12–5) C. crispa C. KRIS-puh (6–9, 9–6) H. tenuifolia H. ten-yew-ih-FO-lee- TEN-aks (9–11, 12–2) Y. gloriosa Y. glor-ee-O-suh C. integrifolia C. in-teg-rih-FO-lee- uh (8–10, 10–8) Physocarpus opulifolius fie-so- (7–11, 12–7) uh (4–11,7–1) Hibiscus syriacus high-BISS-kus KAR-pus op-yew-lih-FO-lee-us Y. rostrata Y. ros-TRAY-tuh C. macropetala C. mak-roh-peh- sih-ree-AH-kus (5–9, 10–3) (3–7, 7–1) (5–11, 12–2) TAL-uh (6–9, 9–6) Humulus lupulus HEW-mew-lus Picea abies PY-see-uh AY-beez C. montana C. mon-TAN-uh LEW-pew-lus (4–8, 8–1) (2–8, 8–1) (6–9, 9–6) Imperata cylindrica im-peh-RAH- P. pungens P. PUN-jenz C. montana var. wilsonii C. mon- tuh sih-LIN-drih-kuh (4–9, 9–3) (3–8, 8–1) TAN-uh var. wil-SOWN-ee-eye Iris ensata EYE-riss en-SAH-tuh Pontederia cordata pon-tuh-DEER- (6–9, 9–6) (3–9, 9–1) ee-uh kor-DAH-tuh (3–11, 12–1)

60 the American Gardener GARDENC MARKET

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March / April 2008 61 62 by AllanM.Armitage Starflowers: ShiningBrightlyintheSpringGarden my favorite things,mystarflowers.” things outfrom theever-more bloatedlistofmyfavorites. Usually Isay, “Letmetellyou aboutoneof are someofyour favorite plants?”Well, thatstopstheverbal lava flow, topickafew asInow musttry about mychildren, grandchildren, andsteroid-free baseball, thequestionisquicklyrephrased to,“What A mer. Asfor me,Iwelcome theinvasion. ers godormantanddisappearin earlysum- Unlike thedandelion,however, starflow- they grow liketheubiquitous dandelion. gardens ofWilliamsburg, Virginia, where from Aiken, South Carolina, tothefine thuglike. Iseetheminoldhomesteads the Southeast, plantscanbecomealmost rapidly. In some gardens, in particularly in fullsun,where colonieswillincrease starflowers willthrive inwell-drained soil porcelain blue hue. shaped flowers have alovely whitishto March orApril. Theinch-widestar- two—pleasantly fragrantblossomsin usually bearsone—andoccasionally about sixinchesabove thefoliageand them.Thefloweringcrush stemrises bothers you, myadviceissimplydon’t seems toturnsomepeopleoff, butifit like garlic,althoughnotaspungent.This theysmell inches long.Whencrushed, green, nearlyflatleaves are sixtonine rock gardens. along paths,atthefront ofborders, orin available inmygarden. Theyare lovely in likepeaswhenever spacebecomes enough oftheselittlebulbstopackthem Zones 5–9,AHSHeat Zones 9–5),Iget (Ipheion uniflorum, plantings after flowering, separatebulbs colonies are wanted,simplylift existing Offsets are readily produced, soifnew PROPAGATION Native toArgentinaandUruguay, Emerging infall,thenarrow, pale When Ibuyspringstarflowers the American Gardener deners, I am often asked, “What are someofyour favoritedeners, Iamoftenasked,“What things?”AfterIlaunchintoadiscourse S ITRAVEL USDA Hardiness around the country andtalkaboutthegreatest, newest,orweirdestaround thecountry plantsforgar- Starflowers formcoloniesofbrightblossoms. four- orsix-inchpot,placethepotin containers. Plant seven to10bulbsina years tomaintain vigor. twotofour Plants canbedividedevery about twoinchesdeepwhere desired. and offsets,replant immediately LN NTESPOTLIGHT THE IN PLANT and justenjoythe starflowers. advice istostayoutoftheschoolyard fight is acceptedalmosteverywhere else. My Milla The taxonomyof The NameGame clared nomic InformationSystem(ITIS) hasde- names pending onthetaxonomicbody,under flux. Thegenusisalsopublished,de- Starflowers canalsobeeasilyforced in . AlthoughtheInternationalTaxo- Tristagma Brodiaea, Triteleia, Tristagma, Triteleia, Brodiaea, C the propername, Ipheion is inastateof Ipheion and author, speaker, andphotographer. Georgia, Allan M.Armitage isawell-known A horticulture professor atthe University of Mill’, which hasdark violetflowers. with asmallwhitecenter, and‘Froyle Bishop’, which haslovely pinkflowers may well be thesame. Star’‘White alsoresembles ‘Album’ and similar to‘Album’ buthaslargerflowers. a handsomecontrast.‘Alberto Castello’ is highlighted by apurplevein thatmakes ‘Album’ hasterrific,largewhiteflowers lavender blue. larger—up totwo-inch-wide—flowers of probably the mostpopularcultivar, has flowers are Blue’, adeeperblue.‘Wisley ‘Jesse’ issimilarto‘Rolf Fiedler’ butthe often willencouragemore flowering. merous. Dividing thecoloniesmore slower tofillinandflowers are notasnu- flower stems.Unfortunately, coloniesare handsome clearblueflowers onshort shorter, widerleaves thanthespecies and nificantly different from thespecies. lections available,are butonlyafew sig- There are anumberoffinestarflower se- SELECTIONS COLOR and scentare theeffort. worth with tulipsforshow, buttheirdelicacy pot outtoflower. Theycannotcompete heit foreightto10weeks, thenbringthe peratures are around 40degrees Fahren- refrigerator oracoolgaragewhere tem- Two othercolorchoicesare ‘Charlotte Among white-flowered selections, ‘Rolf Fiedler’ isoutstanding,bearing 

ALLAN M. ARMITAGE