Volume 57 Illustrated with more than 150 photographs and drawings- Dwarfed Fr'uit Trees 9y HAROLD BRADFORD TUKEY. In this authoritative guide the author identifies the important dwarfing rootstocks and describes their propagation and growth in the nursery, He discusses the selection and spacing of trees, bracing and trellising, and fruit trees grown under glass, as bonsai and as ornamentals. He also covers tree structure and physiology, modern scientific theories of dwarfing, soils, fertilizers , pollination, costs, yields, and the locations where dwarfed fruit trees are most likely to succeed. Originally published in 1964 and now reissued , this book is unique in its field. 150 black-and-white photographs, 7V2 x 10. Society member's price: $26.55 (Regularly $29.50).

"Highly recommended for those interested in maintaining ornamental trees and shrubs." -UbraryJourna/ Insects That Feed on TliAT FEED ON INSECTS AND SHRUBS

~traled An l/Ius Trees and Shrubs By WARREN T. JOHNSON and HOWARD H, LYON. "A beautiful book. It is of high quality stylistically-of folio size, with good paper, of excellent design, and with every other page being a ~;A:";~~: full-color plate .. .. There is no question about the authority and competence of Johnson and Lyon _:.::~:._ _ or of the scientific validity of the book." -Choice. 212 color plates, 9 x 12. Society member}'s price: $31 .50 through June 30, 1978; $34.65 thereafter (Regularly $35.00; $38.50 after June 30 . Of related interest------_._------__ ----J AGrowth Chamber Manual Environmental Control for

Edited by ROBEIH W. LANGHANS. Focusing primarily how to provide precise control, and how to keep a chamber on sophisticated growth chambers used for experimental running at optimum conditions. 44 black-and-white photo­ purposes, thirteen experts cover all aspects of the mainte­ graphs and drawings, 6 Vs x 9. Society member's price: nance and operation of growth chambers - how they work, $15.75 (Regularly $17.50).

orebid Biology: Reviews and Perspectives, J Edited by JOSEPH ARDITTI. Enhanced by a generous the largest of families. 10 figures, 20 black-and-white selection of photogr.aphs, both in color and in black and photographs, 4 color plates, 7V4 x lO V4. Society member'S white, and by impressive botanical drawings, this informa­ price: $26.55 (Regularly $29.50). tive book provides an up-to-date look at various aspects of All titles are Comstock Books published by CornelllJniversity Press. Use this coupon to order today!

Ir------~ I THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ----.A GROWTH CHAMBER MANUAL @ $15.75 per copy. I Publicati ons Department , Mount Vern on, Virginia 221 21 __OR CHID BIOLOGY @ $26.55 per copy. I I Pl ease send me at once the books I have indicated below. Prices shown I refl ect a 10% discount on the publishers list price. (Pl ease add 50Q per co py I for postage and handling.) I enclose $ __. 0 Check 0 Money Order Name ______I I __D WARFED FRUIT TREES @ $26.55 per copy. I __IN SECTS THAT FEED ON TREES AND S,",RUBS @ $31.50 per Address ______I co py (through June 30, 1978) I __IN SECTS TH AT FEED ON TR " ES AND SHRUBS @ $34.65 per I co py (after June 30, 1978) City ______,S tate ______J..Zip ___ _ _ I I I ~------~ American HG)rticulturist Volume 57 Number 3 June 1978

Editor: Murray Keene Editorial Assistant: Jane Steffey Horticultural Consultant: Donald Wyman Art Directors: Mary Jourdan and Rebecca McClimans , Grafik Book Department: Tom Stevenson Production Coordination: John Simmons Publisher: The American Horticul­ tural Society, Mount Vernon, Vir­ ginia 22121. 703 /768 -5700 For United Horticulture . . the particular objects and business of the American Horticultural Society are to promote and encourage na­ tional interest in scientific research Cover Photo: Ka tydid on and education in horticulture in all of its branches. Clematis by Elizabeth AMERICAN HORTICULT URIST is Friedman © 1978 the official publication of Th e American H o rticultural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Dri ve, Alexan­ Education dria, Virginia 22308, and is issued in February, April, June, August, 8 Fertilizers for Cultivated Plants-R. Milton Carleton October and December. Mem ber­ 4 Cephalotus Follicularis: The Australian Pitcher Plant-Richard M. Adams, II ship in the Society automatically in­ cludes a subscription to America n 12 Mulches for Gardens and Landscapes-Francis R. Gouin Horticulturist and $1.50 is desig­ 18 Getting A Rock Garden Together-Lynne Meyer nated for each issue of this publica­ tion. Membership dues start at 42 Growing Melons in the Mountains-R. D. Morse; C. R. O'Dell; $15.00 a year. Editorial Matters: Refer to Murray D. A. Bender Keene, American Horticulturist, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 Change of Pace Advertising Matters: Refer to Pub­ lisher Services, Inc., 621 Duke 11 Textures of our Earth-Nancy Hemenway Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 26 Hearts O'Flowers-Francis C. Cox AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is devoted -t o the dissemination of knowledge in the science and art of Travelog growing ornamental plants, fruits, vegetable s , and related s ubjects. 34 The Cary Aboretum-Willard W. Payne Original papers which increase 38 Flowers of the Midnight Sun-Kenneth J. Smith knowledge of plant materials of economic and aesthetic importance are invited. For manuscript specifi­ Gardener's Notebook cations please address the edi tor, 6 Summer Natives Give an Architectural Value to our Woodlands­ Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121. Replacement Issues of AMERICAN Mrs. Ralph Cannon HORTICULTURIST are available at 22 Willows for Pleasure and Benefit-Floyd F. Smith; Dorothy K. Smith; a cost of $2.50 per copy, but not be­ yond twelve months prior to date of George W. Argus current issue. The opinions expressed in the arti­ 30 Ground Covers as Shady Aristocrats-Gary L. Koller cles which appear in AMERICAN HORTTCULTURIST are those of the My Favorite Plant authors a nd ~re not necessarily those of the Society. They are pre­ 3 Mountain Laurel-An American Original-Marcia Bonta sented as contributions to contem­ 14 Mangos-The Apples of the Tropics-Simon E. Malo porary thought. Second c lass postage paid a t Alexandria, Virginia and a t ad­ ditional mailing offices. Copyright © 1978 by The American Horticul­ 1 tural Society. Color separations by CHROMA-GRAPHICS IN C. Editorial "Thank You" The officers and directors of the to amateur gardening-reaching an es­ American Horticultural Society wish to timated audience of well over a million. thank the following members of the Currently the Society is implementing corporate community for their financial a major undertaking of far-reaching support of the programs and activities educational value-the construction of of the Society: a National Center for American Hor­ ticulture. The Center is being built on Alcoa Foundation the Society's 25-acre headquarters at American Garden Products, Inc. River Farm. It will offer a unique and American Telephone & Telegraph Co. significant number of activities designed David Burpee to serve professional and technical in­ Corning Glass Works Foundation terests in horticulture as well as the con­ Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company cerns of the amateur gardener. H . J. Heinz Company What will the National Center be and IBM Corporation do? Proctor & Gamble Company • It will offer indoor and outdoor live Time Life plant displays tracing the develop­ Whirlpool Corporation ment of horticultural programs in America' s corpora tions have long the country from the colonial era to been leaders in supporting our pressing the present. needs in the field of health, education, • It will demonstrate the impact of social welfare, and the arts. More re­ new plant introductions, the effect cently this aid has been expanded to in­ of hybridization and technical re­ clude support of our national heritage in search on horticulture and garden­ the field of historic preservation and the ing over the past twenty decades. conservation and protection of our nat­ • It will present displays emphasizing ural environment. not only ornamental horticulture There is yet another area where the but plants for food and environ­ corporate community is currently turn­ mental enhancement. ing its attention and s upport: the • It will offer audiovisual presenta­ American landscape and its related dis­ tions designed to acquaint the gar­ ciplines of gardening and plant science. dening public with all aspects of These concerns comprise a surprisingly planting, cultivation and plant important component of national inter­ maintenance. est and endeavor. Of most Significance, the National Directing the force of this movement Center will permit the coordination of is the American Horticultural Society. staff, office facilities and expense­ Founded in 1922, the Society is in the sharing among other scientific organiza­ tradition of serving the needs and inter­ tions locating their operations at River ests of more than 35,000 individuals, Farm. professionals, ecologists, environmen­ Will the corporate community con­ talists, scientific organizations, educa­ tinue to help? We have every confidence tional institutions and commercial en­ that it will. Companies joining the Soci­ terprises. It is dedicated to the science of ety as Corporate Sponsors at $1 ,000 or horticulture, plant development, culti­ more annually will be making a signifi­ vation and landscaping. Its impact, cant investment in our ability to extend however, reaches an impressive seg­ and deepen the Society's services to a ment of a considerably wider audi­ greater number of individuals, organi­ ence . .. . the average American gar­ zations and educational institutions. dener. We, in turn, offer the participating cor­ The Society's broad range of activities porations certain benefits in return for have had a marked effect on the face of their meaningful support. this nation to the extent that it has taken For more information concerning the the leadership in disseminating knowl­ Society's appeal to the corporate com­ edge to a wide segment of the popula­ munity for support and preserving tion with topics related to gardening America's landscape, please write Mr. and the horticultural sciences. Its inter­ Thomas W. Richards, Executive Vice ests and services span a range from President, American Horticultural Soci­ 2 technical research in plant development ety, Mt. Vernon, VA 22121 . Moun~· Laurel An Atnerican Original

Marcia Bon ta Until quite recently, very little Box 68 h orticultural research had been Tyron e, Pa. 16686 done on the mountain laurel. But to my great delight, I discovered The June is mountain laurel time in Laurel Book by Richard A. Jaynes, central Pennsylvania. Almost ev­ published by Haffner Press in 1975. eryone who loves the outdoors This beautifully done book, with spends at least a few hours viewing many fine color photographs, is the laurel on foot or from a car win­ highly readable for the layman, as dow. well as the expert. Our own Pennsylvania moun­ It answers many questions I have taintop farm produces a spectacle had about mountain laurel; in par­ nearly every year. A wide jeep trail ticular, why it seems to bloom most over a mile and a half long is rim­ med on both sides by thousands of spectacularly every other year. Ac­ laurel bushes. Planted by nature, cording to Jaynes, the seed capsules their beauty rivals any formal gar­ develop on the flowering clusters den. after blooming and limit the new Mountain laurel is one of seven shoot growth which is necessary for of the Kalmia , all of flower bud setting. which are purely American. They During the early part of this cen­ Jaynes also tells of his work with were named after Peter Kalm, an tury, laurel foliage was very popular the Connecticut Agricultural Exper­ eighteenth century Swedish natu­ as greenery in bouquets and iment Station, which began a breed­ ralist, whose journal contained one wreaths. In 1924, one thousand tons ing and genetic study of all Kalmia of the first detailed accounts of the of foliage was used in New York species in 1961 . This is long, dif­ mountain laurel. "Their beauty ri­ City alone. For this reason, quite ficult but rewarding work, and has vals that of most of the known trees stringent laws have been passed in led to the development of new in nature," he wrote. The Swedes many states, forbidding the pruning s trains such as "Goodrich" and called them "spoon trees" because or digging up of mountain laurel. " Shooting Star." He includes a de­ Indians made spoons and trowels of Luckily, since we own many acres tailed list of available gardens and the wood. But the English named of it, I am able to snip a few nurseries throughout the country them laurel since the leaves look branches for bouquets each June. where these new strains can be like their Laurocerasus, according to They make splendid cut flowers, seen, and sometimes· purchased. Kalm. lasting well over a week in a vase. Someday, there may be as many Today, mountain laurel is the Mountain laurel can be rather eas­ mountain laurel varieties as there state flower of both Connecticut and ily transplanted, but it does need an are azaleas and rhododendrons. Pennsylvania, and while its scien­ acid soil. It grows well in shade and This will not lessen my appreciation tific name is Kalmia latifolia , it has even better in full sunlight. Plants in of my own mountaintop laurel dis­ many local names. Calico-bush, the sun seem to produce more of play, but it will enable me to land­ calmoun, and mountain ivy are just the pink-budded varieties, at least scape the home grounds with other a few. tha t has been our experience. beautiful varieties. 0 3 Cephalotus IOllicularis: The Australian Pitcher Plant

Richard M. Adams, II Department of Biological Sciences , Union College, Sch enectady, NY 12308 The expression " carnivorous plant" immediately brings to mind the Venus fly trap (Diona ea mus­ cipu/a) , which has long been a source of fascination to plant en­ thusiasts because of the "steel trap" motion by which its carnivorous leaves capture lured insects. Egually fascinating to the perceptive plant person, however, are the carnivor­ ous pitcher plants, whose leaves form hollow pitfalls structured to trap insects without any associated motion. ~ Cephalotu s follicularis, the Austra- "~ D lian pitcher plant, is the smallest B o and most intricately structured of ~ the pitcher plants. A single species Cephalotus Jolliculnris in its own family, the Cephalo­ taceae, it is endemic to the damp on the inside and out, which are strengthen the pitcher and serve as areas of extreme southwestern conducive to the luring, capture, walkways to lead earthbound in­ Australia-the Albany swamps and and digestion of insects. A slippery, sects up to the pitcher orifice. Cap­ around the King River. ridged rim extends around the tured insects are digested in a fluid Unlike other pitcher plants, in pitcher orifice. The ridges extend as secreted by the pitcher and serve as which every leaf forms a pitcher, stationary "teeth" into the pitcher a source of nutrients. Cephalotus produces two types of opening. Although it was known While the pitcher is similar in leaves: foliage leaves and pitcher that the underside of the protective structure to those of Nep enthes and leaves. Both rarely exceed two lid contained nectar glands which the Sarraceniaceae, the three inches in length in cultivation. The lure insects to the pitcher, it was not families are not related. Cephalotus foliage leaves are produced in the until the accompanying scanning is, in fact, related to roses at the fall to carryon photosynthesis over electron microscope photograph order level, as revealed by flower the frost-free winter, while the was taken by the author that nectar structure. The flowers, small, buff pitcher leaves, pale green with at­ glands could be seen lining the colored, and supported by a two­ tractive reddish markings, develop teeth. These probably play an inte­ foot stalk, are not a significant asset during the winter to be ready to gral role, together with the slippery to the decorative nature of the catch insects in the spring. nature of the rim, in the capture of plant, however, and are best re­ The pitchers are equipped with insects by this plant. On the out­ moved since they decrease the 4 structures of intricate fineness, both side, three girder-like ridges plant's vigor. Like other pitcher plants, plants may be grown in terrariums. Cephalotus is worthy of cultivation Good drainage and proper ventila­ as a miniature ornamental and a col­ tion must be maintained, however. lector's item. Although still quite An ideal set-up is to keep the plant rare in cultivation, it is one of the in a pot which is placed in a loosely easiest pitcher plants to grow. It tol­ covered terrarium having a layer of erates a comparatively wide range moist gravel at the bottom. of cultural conditions for tempera­ Fertilizer. As with all carnivorous ture, light, watering, humidity, and plants, ca ptured insects serve as a soil. source of nutrients, especiall y ni­ Culture trogen, which may be lacking in the Temperature. Cephalotus may be cul­ substrate. These nutrients may al­ tiva ted successfully under inte r­ ternatively be provided by a bal­ media te-to-wa rm growing condi­ anced chemica l or organic fertilizer tions (night temperature 50-70°F). administered to the roots. . It will survive a light frost. Temper­ P ropaga tiol1. Cephalotus is easily atures of around 50°F, which would propagated by stem cuttings, which signify the approach of winter in its will root in a few weeks under mist habitat, favor the production of and w ith bottom hea t. Leaf cuttings foliage leaves; while warmer tem­ and divisions are also suc­ peratures, indicative of summer, cessful. This obviates any need for favor pitcher leaf production . the removal of plants from the lim­ Ligh t . Although Cephalotus is ited wild stands to accommodate found in moist, open areas, the those who may wish to include this low-growing plants are hidden by striking, but easy-to-grow, plant in an overgrowth of grasses and their collections. sedges. Thus, filtered light or Acknowledgement semi-shade is recommended for The author wishes to express ap­ greenhouse or windowsill growing. preciation to Dr. D. Huttleston, Equally good results can be ob­ Messrs. P. Nutt and R. Smith, tained under lights by maintaining Longwood Gardens, for their criti­ the plants 6 to 12 inches from the cal reviews of the manuscript. 0 fluorescent tubes. Soil and Water. Overwatering is not a problem associated with the pitcher plants, but Cephalotus prefers to be References kept drier than most, without being DeBuhr, L. 1976. Field Notes on allowed to dry out. Excessive water Cephalotus folliculari s in West­ may result in the shedding of the ern Australia . Carnivorous Plant pitcher leaves, while the closing of Newsletter 5:8-9. the pitcher lid indicates wilting. Hodge, W. H. 1962. A Rarely Culti­ Spagnum moss is an ideal growing vated Pitcher Plant. The Ameri­ medium, for it combines high water can Horticultural Magazine retention properties with good aera­ 41:13-16. tion. Peat moss or commercial Kutt, D . 1976. Cultivating houseplant soils may also be used. Cephalotus follicularis. Car­ The use of clear plastic pots allows nivorous Plant Newsletter 5:10. soil moisture conditions, as well as Mazrimas, J. 1976. On Growing the root growth, to be monitored. Shal- ~ Australian Pitche r Plant low pots or trays encourage the ~ Cephalotus. Carnivorous Plant spreading habit of the plant. "8 o Newsletter 5:10-12. Humidity . A relativ~ humidity of ~ Pietropaulo, J. and P. 1974. The 60-90 percent is ideal. This may be .3 World of Carnivorous Plants. higher than is available for some ~

Mrs . Ra.lph Cannon 5849 North Kastner Avenue Chicago, IL 60646

In the last 25 years, modern farm­ ing has reduced many meadow areas once growing summer wild flowers. Road and expressway con­ struction has taken out many more acres. As gardeners, we have a commitment to conserve all the wild plants that we can, and to keep

these flora alive and growing. 0 ;;: There are many native plants of ~ architectural value growing in our ~ woodlands which we must con- ~ ;;: serve and enjoy. These are not rare Cl. or endangered plants, but they are Rudbeckia interesting and produce great color to ayvait another rebirth. The deli­ ferns are a magnificent sight with among the trees. Most of the plants cate tints of the spring flowers are their great shuttlecocks rising are perennial and herbaceous. They replaced by the stronger hues of among the profusion of other ferns, have been planted by nature and summer and fall . The dividing line such as Athyrium filix-femina, Dryap­ occur either in sunny spots or at the between spring and summer na­ teris marginalis, the Osmundas and outer fringes of the tree branches. tives is an arbitrary one. Summer Onaclea sensibilis. They all colonize Others appear at the edges of plants with their blooms are eagerly happily and their foliage is of lasting shadows where there is light. awaited; for they are a bright em­ interest, creating a quiet oasis of Nature generally keeps its plant­ broidery on nature's landscape. green through the growing season. ing simple. Single specimens in In early summer, the ferns on the Besides the ferns, which cannot small patches create restless spots, hillside add dignity and beauty. be surpassed for grace and varia­ but plants growing naturally in the They are at their best with their dif­ tion, are the herbaceous plants that wild appear in sweeps or drifts ferent hues of green, all of pleasing give colorful bloom during the which give a handsome effect. texture. For architectural emphasis, summer season. These drifts are of aesthetic impor­ two large ones that are favorites are A slender plant blooming in early tance. They are natural works of art. Dryopteris galdieana, the golden wood summer is Camassia leichtlinii. These Summer plants grow and bloom fern, which grows two to three feet onion-like bulbous plants are hardy after spring natives have carpeted in height, and the bold ostrich fern, and grow in sunny meadows. Their or colonized under the trees, giving Matteuccia pensylvanica, growing five blooms are star-like, six-parted 6 a pastoral effect before fading away to six feet in height. The ostrich flowers, (white, in our woods), and woodland w he re ver it grows is Cimicifuga racemosa . The rising torch-like spires drift among the cushions of Smilacina racemosa, al­ ways vying for suprem acy, and p resent a statue-like appearance. These tall Cimiclfuga plants of fi ve to eight feet with large co mpound, toothed, butter-cup-like leaves and wa nd-like racemes of buds, resem­ ble strings of pearls and always at­ tract a tte ntion . Whe n the buds open , the feathery, d ecora ti ve plumes of small white fl owers are a further attraction in their environ­ ment. Unfortunately, these fl owers have an unpleasant fragrance, but are so co nspicuous and beautiful that the odor is not strong enough to be objectionabl e. Even after the Above-Ecliil1acea purpllren flowers have formed seed heads, borne on racemes of 15- 18 inches in the spikes of seed remain an impor­ length. The whole blooming stalk tant feature. grows three to four feet high . The Th erm opsis caroliniana, fortu­ blooms start at the bottom of the nately, proves to be one of the most race m e and work upward . Th e majestic of all the summer bloom­ leaves are strap shaped, about 12 ers. They brighten up any area and inch es long and one inch wide . are vigorous in growth;-three to They grow happ il y and will seed four feet tall -and produce spires themselves to produce a fine group of bold, golden, lupine-like fl owers, planting. Every summer they charm making them ideally suited for the us with their excellent ap pearance woodla nd. They have p ea-like and are most effective when they leaves, three-parted, grayish-green become massed. in color. They bloom in July and will Verol1icas trum virginicum albulI1 , a grow in sun or dappled light. Their w hite, starry-flowered for m of impressive seed head s are interest­ Culver's root, grows four to five feet ing and will remain on the plant high. Its well spaced w h orls of T17 erl1l0pS1S over winter. They are easily propa­ slende r, finely toothed , la nce­ single zone surrounded by a mass gated from seed . shaped leaves are terminated by of . Best known, of course, is The latest seasonal fl owers are the dense racemes of small white fl ow­ Rudbeckia fu lgida with its rou gh native asters and goldenrods. They ers, also in whorls. They like to leaves and golden daisy-like fl owers signal the cl osing dates for summer grow in open areas where daffodils with blackish-purple cones. activity and greet the turning of the and shooting stars bloomed p ro­ Another cone fl ower of decorative leaves on our maples. The pictur­ fusely in the spring. Given the right value is Echinacea purpurea, rising on esque " New England aster" and the environment, the root stock w ill sturdy stalks three to four feet high. " New York" are just a couple of the produce a mass of plumes. If not al­ The blooms a re a rich, reddish­ many that roam at will and decorate lowed to crowd, they become excit­ purple color, adorned with a large the whole orchard. ing plants of architectural emphasis dark cone with a flush of orange. Blue lob elia and Ph ytola cca are and always a lovely sight. They are long-lasting even when other plants prized for their display Two beautiful members of the cut for the vase. Their leaves are of leaves, fl owers, and fruits. All of Compos itae family with rich colors rough, ovate, toothed, and grow al­ these summer natives, paragons of that light up a sunny, shady situa­ ternately. Growing in drifts, they sturdiness, not only give architec­ tion are among the most handsome are a great attraction and add gaiety tural emphasis to our woodland but plants growing in our woods. They to the open spaces. They continue join to produce such a pageant of ha ve a long season of bloom. to flower for weeks. The dried cones color that we can readily see why Though their colors are many, their can be used for winter decoration. nature's art demands all of our ad- form is daisy-like, consisting of a One planting that will enliven the miration . 0 7 Plants

Plants, on the other hand, have R. Milton Carleton 1938 High Point Road no digestive apparatus (even the Sarasota, FL 33577 so-called carnivorous plants merely allow the flies and other insects they Growth of plants is influenced by trap to rot where their bodies will four elem ents-heat, light, food permit the simple compounds to and water. The gardener can do lit­ reach the plant's vascular system). tle about light and heat as a rule, but They are unable to break down food and water are, to a consider­ elaborate foods and use them di­ able degree, subject to his control. rectly. Man can eat hamburgers: Science is now in agreement that plants cannot. at least 15 elements are essential to and the nutrition of animals. They What this means is that all com­ the growth of green plants­ are alike in that all living things, plex, organic fertilizers, applied for carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phos­ whether a human being, a giant use by green plants, must be broken phorus, potassium, nitrogen, sul­ Sequoia, a fungus or a mouse­ down by some agency into simple fur, calcium, iron, magnesium, bo­ must have some source of energy chemicals, almost into elemental ron, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, foods-sugars or starches that are form, before they can be of any use. and molybdenum. "burned" by living cells, as fuel, in That agency is the microorganism We do little to control carbon in the process of living. population of the soil-fungi, bac­ the open garden. Plants take their teria, and similar organisms, which They differ in that green plants supply from the carbon dioxide in are able to digest organic matter. In air. It is perhaps the most important are able to manufacture their own this process, they use some of the single element in the amount energy foods out of simple carbon energy and build nitrogen, phos­ needed-nearly half the weight of dioxide, water and minerals from phorus, potash and other food ele­ many plants is carbon. Oxygen is the soil, whereas animals must de­ ments into their own cells. liberated as a gas in the process of pend upon these same starches, When these microorganisms die carbon utilization from water taken manufactured in plants, for their (and their life cycles are usually up by the roots. This water is the energy. quite short), the elements are then source of the plant's hydrogen Animals, including man, have available to plants, less a certain loss needs. organs capable of ingesting elabo­ inevitable in the long chain of or­ Differences Between rate organic substances, whether of ganism to organism. Plants and Animals animal or vegetable origin, and by Here we have the reason for ad­ There are fundamental dif­ digestion, reducing these into sim­ vantages and disadvantages of nat­ ferences, as well as similarities, be- ple compounds, which can circulate ural manures and other organic fer­ 8 tween the feeding of garden plants through the body and be used. tilizers. Obviously, they cannot begin feeding plants the moment itial preparation of soils for turf, the plants, or require only a slight they are applied. Various chains of old-time practice of applying an or­ change to make them so, such as bacteria are needed to complete the ganic fertilizer to the lawn in late fall sulfate of ammonia. breakdown of protein (the source of has little to recommend it. For one Although tremendous differences nitrogen in organic fertilizers) into a thing, it does not break down and are claimed by organic gardeners whole series of simpler forms. do much feeding in the cool soils of favoring so-called "natural" fertiliz­ Soil organisms are not always fall. For another, it feeds certain ers, these must all be broken down predictable in their working. They fungi, which are active at low tem­ finally into the same ammonia­ are fussy about pH, seration, and peratures and cause the various dis­ nitrite-nitrate products, which are about their own food supply. At eases lumped under the name released in much shorter time by temperatures below 60 degrees, Snow Mould. This does not mean chemica ls. most of them stop moving and feed­ an outright condemnation of such Herein lies the advantage of ing. Because their activity is low at fertihzers, if they have been used chemicals. They are available to this stage, they live longer, retain­ without ca using difficulty in the plants almost as soon as applied, ing the foods absorbed earlier. This past, but if Snow Mould attacks and produce rapid responses in is useful in fall, when unused fer­ year after year, avoid all forms of growth. It is not unusual to apply a tilizer elements in the soil are taken organic fertilizer. chemical fertilizer to a lawn, and see up by bacteria and fungi. They Delayed nitrogen burn is a puz­ the grass turn a darker green color serve as a blotter to absorb these zling condition w hich often occurs in two or three days. Immediate re­ plant foods and conserve them for in lawns. It is caused by improper sults mean rapid use of the material use the following spring. use of organic fertilizers, usually applied, however. Almost all chem­ The slowness with which organic sewage s ludge. Because no im­ ical plant foods must be applied at fertilizers are released depends on mediate effect can be seen after ap­ short intervals where maximum how they are ''bound up" in the plying sludge to turf in early spring, growth is wanted. basic material. Dried blood, perhaps amateurs often figure they have not Because they are not dependent the most valuable single fertilizer, is applied enough fertilizer and put on upon soil bacteria to make them largely available about as soon as another dose. If weather conditions available, they can be absorbed by water can dissolve it. Unfortu­ change suddenly and temperatures plants in early spring. This makes nately, it commands such a high soar into the nineties, soil bacterial them useful on lawns when grass is price that very little is today avail­ action may be so rapid that far more making rapid growth long before able for fertilizer use. It contains nitrogen is released than either the the soil warms up. every element needed by plants in a grass or plants can absorb. Practically all vegetable crops are form that can be taken up for use The result is a nitrogen burn, fed chemically, when grown com­ almost at once. At the opposite pole exactly like that caused by applica­ mercially, because growth can be is humus, also a highly valuable or­ tion of too much chemical nitrogen, kept at maxi mum by regular feed­ ganic source of nitrogen. Here ni­ but seldom associated with the fer­ ing. trogen is so tightly bound that at tilizer application because the cause The one disadvantage claimed normal pH readings, it will be re­ and effect are so widely separated. against chemical plant foods is that leased at a rate of between 1 percent of " burning". This occurs if applied Chemical Fertilizers and 2 percent a year. This means at rates higher than recommended, that it will remain as a source of fer­ The difference between chemical or if applied dry and not sufficiently tility for half a century or more. The and organic fertilizers is largely one watered to dissolve all of the salts. long " pay-out" of humus means lit­ of complexity of the latter and the The advantages of liquid fertilizers tle to the gardener raising a crop of simplicity of the former. In a strict have brought on a rash of claims, lettuce, but when planting a lawn interpretation of the word " Or­ which is not substantiated by re­ (which cannot be rolled up to allow ganic", it should be applied to all sults: they merely increase costs to him to get at the soil underneath), materials which contain carbon. exorbitant figures for the amount of or a tree (whose roots may not be This, however, makes the fertilizer actual plant foods they contain. accessible again in his lifetime), it is urea an organic fertilizer, since, While these are convenient for use the only material that can be used while it is made artificially, it does on house plants, they are certainly for "permanent" feeding. contain carbon and cannot be dis­ illogical for use on lawns and gar­ All garden soils should contain tinguished in any way from urea ex­ dens. some organic matter, however, be­ tracted from urine. High analysis dry chemicals are cause of its beneficial effect on soil In general, we consider a fertilizer available to be mixed with water for organisms. chemical if it is made of salts or simi­ application through a hose, which Although the use of organic mat­ lar materials in simple form, which are often more economical than ter is highly recommended in the in- are either immediately available to Continued 011 pnge 28 9

Nancy Hemenway plants. She appreciated things in 1524 30th Street, NW nature that I had hardly stopped to Washington, DC 20007 contemplate: a delicate insect web ©Nancy Hemenway surrendering its moisture to the morning sun; the intricate trail of the fiddler crab whose mosaic ap­ If you witness a July sunrise at peared on the beach at low tide. Juniper Point, in the Boothbay Har­ Upon reaching her studio, I talked bor region of Maine, you will be too with her. The result is recorded be­ overwhelmed with the tranquility of low. I hope you don't mind if I the scene to notice a small rowboat share it. heading for Mouse Island. Instead, your interest will be directed toward M.K. one of the many lobstermen tending his traps, or a 40-foot motor-sailer "What interests me most in na­ rounding Tumbler Island, heading ture? The delicate shadings on a for Monhegan. tulip , the lace of orb webs on I met Nancy Hemenway and her morning grass, and a single feather rowboat as a college student. I was lying on pine needles are all impor­ employed by her parents as "cap­ tant to me as an artist. It is often the tain" of the motor launch and reluc­ intricate detail, rather than the ex­ tant weed-puller in the gardens. pansive view, that absorbs me. Nancy was forever dabbling in oils Because I work in embroidery and and water colors, producing inter­ textiles, I find myself saying, 'How Left-Winter Weave (trees) esting and somewhat abstract paint­ Above-Nancy Hemenway in her can I capture so much beauty with ings of fog, waves, trees, and rocks. summer studio my medium? What stitches trans­ Hardly a day went by that she did late the curve of a bird's wing and not gather some fresh impression In 1977, she produced one of her the floating grace of the dandelion?' from nature to be reshaped in her many exhibitions for the Bowdoin There is also the clear knowledge mind for specific use in her art. Her College Museum of Art. The results that beauty is everywhere, not just proficiency is startling, be it were breathtaking. She stirred the in the forests, or a June garden, but sculpture, tapestry, or oil. Her latest imagination of all who attended the in simple plants poking up through form, "Bayetage", reflects the opening. the city pavement. culmination of her efforts. It brings I had the good fortune to be The open country and tall pine a new dimension to art. She works aboard Nancy's rowboat, with her woods of New England were my in full-b!'}died, raw wools, rare al­ two grandchildren, one early July childhood haunts. Much of the pacas, delicate mohair, and exquis­ morning in 1977. The destination wonder and love of nature that in­ ite gossamer organdy. All are skill­ was Mouse Island, some 600 yards spires my tapestries comes from N ~ fully blended into tapestries with off the coast. She was using the late memories that go back to the age of ~ I:: <..> ({) striking effect. Her inspirations Harry Emerson Fosdick's studio, four. I still think of forest trees as l:l C o come not only from Maine, but from which clung precariously to the the most imposing of all the world's E iO' high in the Andes of Bolivia, the edge of the eastern shoreline. sculptures. My tapestries express CE >­ Blue Ridge Mountains, and the I photographed her nature walk my feeling of awe. I also remember D o o white sand beaches of North with her granddaughters and mar­ from my youth blowing dandelion .r:: "- Carolina. veled at her knowledge of native Continued on page 33 11 for s

In most home gardens, mulches Francis R. Gouin generally consist of wood chips, University of Maryland pine bark, shredded bark, pine College Park, MD 20742 needles, straw, peat moss, aged sawdust, tan bark or garden com­ The gardener who revised post. In recent years, there has been popular nursery rhyme stressed one an increase in the use of pea stones, of the most important features of a marble chips, granite chips, ground good mulch. Horticulturists have tires, plastic films, newspapers, and long recognized the value of fiberglass .sheets. Some of these mulches in the garden and in the newer mulching materials are com­ landscape. A good mulch should Mary, Mary quite contrary, patible with the landscape design help control weeds, reduce the fre­ How do es your garden grow? and the kinds of plants being mulched. quency of watering, allow water to Use a mulch and you will find , Marble chip mulch have become percolate through to the soil, and You 'll seldom need to hoe . . . keep the soil cooler in summer and popular in many areas because they warmer in winter. In the landscape, taken on a new look, especially in are attractive and provide contrast­ a mulch should enhance the ap­ commercial agriculture. Black plas­ ing color and texture to the land­ pearance of the plants and not de­ tic mulches are being used in the scape. In general, most plants re­ tract from it. production of strawberries, cut spond well to being mulched with Mulches have played and con­ flowers and vegetables. Reflective marble chips, and in some instances tinue to play an important role in mulches, such as aluminized plas­ improved plant growth has been agriculture. In addition to being tics and aluminized paper, have observed. However, in several cases used in landscapes, mulches are added a new dimension to mulches. marble chip mulches have caused a used in the production of fruits and In addition to controlling weeds and severe decline in plant vigor and vegetables. In addition to control­ conserving soil moisture, reflective death of certain species, especially ling weeds and preventing the mulches repell insects, reducing the ericaceous plants. Azaleas, rhodo­ evaporation of water from the soil, need for pesticides. They are being dendrons, andromedas, mountain mulches help to keep fruits and used in many areas for growing laurel, and other related plants fre­ vegetables clean. What would squash, cucumbers and other vine quently lose their vigor within one strawberries be called if it weren't crops. To help farmers harvest year after marble chip have been for the straw mulch protecting the muskmellons earlier, clear plastic applied over their roots. Freshly berries from lying on the garden mulch over sterilized soil is being crushed marble and smaller size soil? Mudberries? Sandberries? tested in several eastern states. Soils stones appear to be more damaging Dirtberries? under the clear plastic mulches than larger stones or stones that Although mulches have generally warm quickly and the plants grow have been weathering for a long been considered to be loose mate- more rapidly, especially in early period of time. Since marble con­ 12 rials, in recent years they have summer. sists primarily of calcium carbonate, soil beneath the marble chip mulch Washington, D.C. and Baltimore Because it is li ght, weeds can easily becomes less acid with each irriga­ areas died last winter. Close exami­ push their way up through the tion, and the availability of iron in nation of many dead plants re­ mulch. As the sun bakes the wet the soil is reduced. The plant vealed that the original root systems p eat moss, it forms a hard crust symptoms generally appear as iron of the winter-killed plants had died which sh eds water like asphalt. chlorosis of the new foliage and one or two years previously, and Crusting is also a problem when eventual die-back of the branches. minimum winter temperatures had sawdust or grass clippings are used Shredded bark, bark nuggets, killed the new roots growing in the as mulches. Although companies and wood chips from tree chippers mulch. have attempted to market coarse are currently the mos t popular To avoid over-mulching, inspect grades of peat moss, as they disin­ mulches used by home gardeners. the plant carefully, using a garden tergrate w ith time they form a Their popularity is primarily due to rake or fork to loosen the existing water-sh edding crus t. A good their availability, low cost, persis­ mulch. If 1 to 2 inches of undecom­ mulch should not shed water away tence, and appearance. They gener­ posed mulch remains, delay apply­ from the roots of plants. Peat moss ally contain all of the attributes of ing any new mulch until next year. is an excellent soil conditioner and good mulch, especially if they have To derive the maximum benefits the major ingredient in many pot­ been composted. However, many from an organic mulch, delay apply­ ting mixes. Its uses should be lim­ home gardeners are overusing these ing the mulch until fa ll . Mulches ited to those and not to mulching. mulches and losing many plantings applied in the fall delay freezing of Now that water is fast becoming a as a result. the ground, beca use a loose mulch scarce commodity in many areas of There is a tendency among many has a higher insulating value than a th e country, and many municipali­ home gardeners to apply a fresh mulch that is compressed. If mulch ties have issued bans on watering layer of mulch in the spring, is needed, a pply only a 1 to 2 inch la w ns and garden s, more home whether or not the plants need it. In layer. gardeners should be using mulches many instances, yearly applications Compos ted bark, wood chips, to grow bea utiful gardens while of bark mulches result in a gradual and shavings are better than fresh conserving water. Black plastic buildup of organic matter around materials. To compost, simply mix mulch and even newspaper mulch the stems of plants, often covering approximately 4 oz. of ammonium are easy to use when planting an­ the stems of lower branches. Some nitrate, or urea, or 10 oz. of 10-6-4 nual flower or vegetable gardens. plants can tolerate this gradual fertilizer with every bushel of fresh To use these mulches, simply pre­ buildup while others cannot. mulch. Thoroughly m oisten the pare the soil as you normally would Overmulched azaleas, rhododen­ mulch and cover with a sheet of and rake smooth. Avoid walking on drons, andromedas, yews, and hol­ clear plastic. Twice each month, mix the prepared soil as much as possi­ lies frequently stop growing and the compost and moisten if needed . ble to facilitate planting. Spread the begin to decline in vigor. Symptoms Within 2 to 3 months the composted black plastic mulch or several layers of decline generally appear as lim­ mulch is ready to use. Wood chips of newspapers over the prepared ited new growth, small leaves, iron from trimming, collected when the soil. If newspapers are used, cover chlorosis, and sporadic die-back of plants are in full folia ge, compost only small sections at one time and branches throughout the plant. If quickly without any additional fer­ soak the paper with a fine mist im­ the plants are unable to initiate new tilizers. Composting will not only mediately. Do not walk on the roots higher up the stem and into improve the mulching properties of newspapers after they have been the upper layer of mulch, they gen­ the bark, wood chips or shavings, layed down; otherwise, you will erally die. If the plants can initiate but will also improve the appear­ punch holes through them. If plant­ new roots higher up the stem, fre­ ance of the mulch. If the mulch can­ ing through black plastic mulch, cut quently observed in over-mulched not be composted, simply apply the an X mark 4 to 6 inches wide and Japanese hollies, privet, and for­ 1 to 2 inch layer of mulch uniformly plant through the 4 loose flaps of sythia, the plants will survive but over the area and broadcast the rec­ the plastic. If newspapers are used, new growth will frequently be lim­ ommended amount of·fertilizer over make a hole sufficiently large to ac­ ited. However, the roots growing in the mulch, and water thoroughly. commodate the plant with your fin­ the upper layer of mulch are more There is a tendency among be­ gers or trowel. Water the plants susceptible to drought and winter ginning home gardeners to use pea t thoroughly, immediately after injury than the original roots grow­ moss as a mulch. The common hor­ planting, and scatter a thin layer of ing in the soil. Over-mulching, ticultural grades of peat moss sold organic mulch over the plastic or combined with the coldest winter in locally are undesirable mulches. newspapers as camouflage. 40 years, is one of the main reasons The particles are generally too fine Mulching is a time-proven hor­ why many hollies, Japanese privet and are easily blown away by wind ticultural practice. Learn to use it and boxwood plantings in the unless watered down immediately. wisely and enjoy gardening more. o 13 THE APPlES OF THE TROPICS

rounded by a riot of flavors, but the English language has invented few names for flavors, and neither I be­ lieve, has any other language. And because of that I cannot tell you what my mangos taste like. There is a strange intoxication, a 'mango madness' that comes on us at that season." There are those, however, who resist new taste expe­ riences and find it difficult to appreciate any unfamiliar flavor. Thus, we have the view of the nescient Eng­ lishman who, when first introduced to the mango in India, caricatured the fruit by saying: "A ball of tow soaked in molasses which you have to eat in the bathtub." It is human nature to accept exotic flavors grudgingly, but the fact remains that there are so many widely different types of mango that the inexperienced can quickly form a bad opinion if first confronted with an unimproved fibrous sort with its typical turpentine flavor. However, as with most highly developed fruits, there is a world of difference between the fruit from a wild seedling and that from a grafted superior commer­ cial . 'Tommy Atkins' Mangos are so popular and abundant in warmer latitudes that they have been called the "apple of the Simon E. Malo tropics." In the Orient, and in India in particular, man Universi ty of Florida Agricultural Research and Education Center has grown mangos for over 4,000 years. The Aryans Hom es tead, FL 33031 who invaded the Subcontinent around 1500 B.C. re­ corded their keen partiality for this fruit in the Vedas, the To the uninitiated, the mango conjures feelings of four books which register their complex religious beliefs mystery and fascination, associated with visions of and practices. Ever since the rise of Indian civilization, faraway exotic places. However, it needs no introduc­ the mango has been inextricably associated with their tion to South Floridians, who have relished it for over 80 culture and folklore. A sacred tree to the orthodox Hin­ years. Its delicious flavor and aroma captivate the gus­ dus, it plays an important role in their mythology and tatory senses of local residents during the summer ceremonial rites. Akbar, the great Mughal emperor months, some say making the heat and humidity more reportedly planted the famous Lakh Bagh orchard near bearable. Darbhanga-in northeast India-which, with 100,000 David Fairchild-the great American horticulturist trees, was perhaps the largest in the world of the 16th and mangophile-wrote about Florida's mango season century. 14 in "The World Grows Round My Door": "1 sit here sur- The mango is native to Southeast and is believed to have evolved specifically from the forests of northeast as a form of apomixis. It is significant in that it assures India and northern Burma, where many of the wild uniformity in seed propagation of the Indochinese forms of Mangifera indica L. , and othe species of Mangi­ mango, since the seedlings are actually a type of clone. fera, are so prevalent. We recognize three races of groups The constantly uniform )1ucelJar seedlings make excel­ of the cultivated mango. The two most prominent-the lent rootstocks because variability in the root is highly Indian and the Indochinese-differ from each other in undesirable in graftage. certain well defined characteristics. The Indian race has A third, less important group of mangos, is a con­ totally monoembryonic seeds-as do most plants-i.e. glomerate of assorted types most of which are polyem­ their seedlings are subject to genetic segrega tion and bryonic. Many are common in the African and American concomitant variability, which leads to the production tropics. Their origin goes back to the dawn of the spice of fruit entirely different from the mother tree. This trade, during which they were introduced to the African group is also known to have, in most cases, a stronger coasts from the Orient by early Arab traders. More re­ flavor and fragrance, particularly when compared to the cently, Portuguese and Spanish navigators brought Indochinese group, which is generally milder in taste them from India and the Philippine Islands to Brazil, and aroma. This latter group is characterized by being Central America and Mexico. Some polyembryonic polyembryonic, a condition in which the gametic (zygo­ varieties (apomicts), such as the 'Manila' of Mexico, tic) embryo, if present, seldom if ever develops because have remained largely unchanged since the 16th cen­ it is inhibited by others whose origin is in the nucellus of tury. Various polyembryonic forms, generally known in the fertilized egg. This phenomenon is also referred to Florida and Central America as "Turpentine" for their

Left-Mangos in flow er Above-'Jubilee'Tree

peculiar flavor, make ideal rootstocks since their large seeds give vigorous seedlings of uniform size. Under most conditions, the mango is a medium size tree with dense foliage. The leaves are lanceolate, leather-like in texture and dark, dull green when ma­ ture. Young leaves can be from pale green to a spectacu­ lar burgundy in color, and always glossy. Trees have the peculiarity that their branches seldom flush out in new growth at the same time. Consequently, during the rainy season a tree may have several flushes in various stages of development with different colors, according to the age of the leaves. Mango trees are sensitive to sudden temperature 15 drops and react unfavorably, sometimes in unpredicta­ tirely too expensive. An irrigation system with a capac­ ble ways. They are very susceptible to frost conditions; ity of 1/4 inch per hour will give adequate protection thus, temperatures of 25°F for a night are deadly even to down to a temperature of 20°F, if the wind does not large trees. On the other hand, uninterrupted year­ blow at speeds over 5 miles per hour. Water prevents around warm weather is ideal for best performance and the temperature from going below 32°F, because as it growth. Consequently, trees are stunted in regions turns to ice it releases a certain amount of heat (heat of where the nights are cool, even if the days are ver;y fusion), which protects plant tissue from cold injury. warm or hot. For instance, Florida are com­ Thus, paradoxically the crucial element is to maintain a monly dwarfish in southern California, Israel, the Ca­ cover of ice on the foliage, continuously washing it with nary Islands and southern Spain, which share an arid, sufficient water so that the ice does not become super­ semi-desert climate, with considerable fluctuations be­ cooled, damaging the tissues underneath. tween day and night temperatures. Additionally, the Most of the world's modern commercial mango cul­ newly formed embryo of young fruit has the peculiarity tivars have originated in South Florida. The farming of being even more susceptible to chilly weather than areas surrounding Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm other plant parts. It aborts if the temperature remains in Beach have been veritable melting pots for a great the high thirties or forties for considerable period£ of number of mango introductions which started in 1833. time, and the resulting condition is a seedless, golf ball­ That year Henry Perrine brought mango seeds, and sized fruit-commonly referred to as nubbins-which seeds of other tropical fruits, from Mexico, but none of have no commercial value. these plants prospered. Years later in the 1880's, and Mango growing is confined in the continental U.s. to continuing after the turn of the century, many choice the southern third of Florida because unfavorable win­ Indian and Indochinese cultivars were brought from the ters elsewhere. Even here, in areas below Lake Orient by private growers and by the U.S. Department Okeechobee, the temperature may occasionally of Agriculture. Interestingly enough, none of these in­ drop-as it did in Jan. 19-20, 1977-to a minimum of troductions proved successful in the humid environ­ 26°F which spells disaster for mango orchards. At pres­ ment of South Florida, but outstanding varieties began ent, the best protection again£t these conditions is to appear in their progeny as a result of a blending of sprinkler irrigation, since oil burning in heaters is en- their best characters. Today, we have a considerable "Lord & Burnham makes a truly fine greenhouse. It's the one I chose for myself."

"A greenhouse is a very impor­ tant purchase. You'll probably buy just one - as the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. That's why it really makes good sense to get the best - one that will last and give you years and years of gardening pleasure. That's why I chose Lord & Burn­ ham - both for my home and for my T.V. series Crockett's Victory Garden. Their product is excellent and has been for over 120 years. If you're thinking about buying a greenhouse, talk to Lord & Burnham first. I never seriously considered anyone else." r------, • ~" LORD & BURNHAM • I Division Burnham Corporation I • IRVINGTON, N.Y. 10533 Dept. 8 •

• NAME • Jim Crockett. Star of Crockett's Victory Garden T.V. Series • ADDRESS • Author of the Time-Life Encyclopedia of Gardening I. CITY '. Send today for your copy of the new 1978 Lord & Burnham Catalog, • STATE ZIP I 16 Jim Crockett's personal guide to the finest greenhouses in America . • ______• number of commercial cultivars which excel by their at­ fects which tend to make them not as profitable to the tractive appearan ce, toleran ce to disease, a nd grower. Good examples of these are 'Sensation', 'Van productivity-three attributes lacking in old world Dyke', 'Jubilee', and 'Smith', which have proved re­ mangos. markably better in tropical areas with lower humidity The cultivars most likely to be encountered by the than Florida. reader in northern and midwestern ci ties are primarily The overriding and most limiting cultural factor of 'Tommy Atkins' and 'Keitt'. The first is a midseason mango production in most warm areas is susceptibility (mid-July-August) mango which has most of the qual­ to a nthracnose disease. It is particularly relevant in ities a grower wants, n amely: tolerance to anthracnose Florida because its humid climate encouarges the spread disease (ca used by the pan-tropic fungus Colletotrichul11 and infectivity of the fu ngus. Control requires repeated gleoesporiodes) , outstanding production, and a striking applica tions of fungicides, which start before the growth reddish color. 'Keitt' is a late (August-mid Sepi ) of the panicles and usually end before fruit harvest. mango, also with good productivity and tolerance to Spraying is a costly operation, contributing over 40% to disease, but lacking the attracti ve appearance of 'T. At­ the price of the frui t. kins'. Its dull, pinkish color and large size is a marked Most of the U.S. cons umption of this mouth­ disadvantage in marketing. However, with the possible exception of 'Kent', mango connoisseurs would un­ watering, tropica l delicacy co mes from Florida. Limited hesitatingly put 'Keitt' ahead of most varieties for its imports of Mexican mangos have to be fumigated flavor, fiberlessness and overall outsta nding eating qual­ against several species of fruit flies which are endemic in ities. There is a concensus that 'Kent' has the most de­ that country, and which might otherwise threaten the licious, best balanced fl avor of the commercial cultivars vast fruit industry of the U.S. and 'Irwin' has perhaps the mildest taste with the least Mango production is increasing by leaps and bounds fragrance. Other varieties are 'Palmer' and 'Haden', in many tropical areas, encouraged by modern transpor­ both with the characteristi c strong mango flavor which ta ti on and fruit handling facilities. Indeed , jet appeals to the experienced taste buds of Floridians. tra n sport-by solving the age old problem of Small quantities of other promising cultivars are also spoilage-is quickly making " the apple of the tropics" a produced; however, they are handicapped by small de- world-wide item of commerce. 0 Revolutionize Your Gardening T

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In the rock garden, rocks and Lynne Meyer gravel are used in many ways: as a 10705 Great Arbor Drive Potomac, MD 20854 garden path or mulch, or as a scree or moraine, incorporated into the soil. But, most importantly, these The presence of rocks does not materials serve as the structural guarantee the creation of a rock framework of the garden. How garden. Rocks contribute a variation rocks are used is important and in form and texture in many land­ should reflect the natural origins of scape settings. the rock garden, both in types of A rock garden features particular rock selected and their placement. types of plants which have a natural The best site for a rock garden is association with rocks in their na­ an existing natural rock outcrop­ tiv ~ habitats. A " true" rock garden is frequently confused with another ping. This is a rare situation. Most type of garden with rocks, the"rock­ gardeners will have to select a site ery". This garden contains mix­ and construct from scratch. An ap­ tures of plants: fruit trees, annuals, propriate and favorable location is highly bred double-flowered per­ the first prerequisite to a successful ennials, as well as a representation garden. An existing slope is a good of "rock plants". beginning, particularly one that "Alpine gardens" and "rock gar­ faces frequently-used, outdoor dens" are terms often used areas, where one can spend long synonymously, but "alpine gar­ moments contemplating the deli­ dens" represent a special type of Rock gardens are thought to have cate textures and intricate patterns garden in which only alpine or developed in some centuries of the flowers and foliage of the rock mountain flora are grown. Climate B.C. An account of the eighteenth garden plants. A north or northwest frequently limits gardeners in their century garden of the Emperor of orientation is ideal. It helps prevent culture of alpine plants. The alpine China in Peking describes a view of rapid moisture depletion, which garden is often incorporated into a "stones and rocks scattered to pro­ often occurs on southern slopes. larger rock garden with the specific duce a deceptively wild and rustic The loca tion of the garden calls for a goal of simulating one of nature's effect-to seem truly a work of na­ naturalistic surrounding, not one alpine regions, characterized by ture!" Rock gardens were also a part which is formal or architectural in waterfalls, pools, and conifers. of seventeenth century England, character. Flat areas can be carefully An exotic garden may also be a and became increasingly popular in regraded to include a variety of part of a rock garden with flora from the late eighteen-hundreds through slopes and to recreate nature's desert regions. The red, purple, and the efforts of William Robinson, an areas, where rocks appear emerging ochre colors of desert rocks, how­ ardent proponent of the naturalistic through eroded soil. Nature's rock ever, are difficult to use away from school of design. He gave to their gardens are not always pretty their natural setting. The warmth design a variety and intricate detail, places; they have a starkness and and vibrancy of these colors need the result of his extensive knowl­ vastness which cannot be easily re­ the strong sun and crystal blue skies edge of wild flowers and alpine produced. We must apply lessons 18 of the desert. plants. nature teaches us about using rocks

and placing plants. The first thing to ground springs during a relatively foliage texture and color, as well as learn is not to use too many rocks. short growing period. In most gar­ of flowers. Most rock garden plants The dominance of stone, except dens, there is a need to supply have fine textured foliage. Many perhaps in a small alpine area, will water for longer periods, and to add exhibit leaves with shades of blue or make a garden harsh. Rocks should water-holding humus to all but the gray-green. The careful combina­ not cover more than two-fifths of top inch of scree material. As large tion of textures and colors through­ the area. As plants grow and rocks form our.garden cliffs with the out the garden in rhythmic patterns spread, they should be contained so scree below, dwarf conifers repre­ can create a beautiful effect. Flowers that at least one-tenth of the area sent forest trees. The scree is the may not be necessary in the rock remains rock. In nature's gardens, perfect background to exhibit these garden to produce interest or the exposed surfaces of rocks vary characteristics. Dwarf conifers can beauty, but are always enjoyed. in size and height. Most rocks ap­ have a value equal with rocks in Many rock plants have small flow­ pear firmly imbedded in the earth. forrning the structural frame of the ers easily missed unless closely This "iceberg effect" is important. garden. In a small garden, one viewed. Others have their small In na ture, as soil is eroded the specimen may set the theme and flowers grouped in fairly large, cleavage lines of the rocks become scale for the entire design. Cedrus showy clusters. Although spring apparent. In alpine regions, cal­ deodara 'Pendula' is a graceful, will be the time for an abundance of careous zones exhibit horizontal or weeping choice. Picea abies 'Pen­ bright flower colors, plants can be onl y sligh tl y inclined fiss ures. dula' is also good. chosen to provide flowers through­ Siliceous ranges often have vertical Rocks and gravel make an effec­ out the summer months as well. fissures, sharply pointed crests, and tive mulch in nonscree areas until Nature plants in large masses, slopes covered with rubble. In the plants spread to fill the spaces be­ which are repeated across her gar­ average garden (approximately two tween rocks. Large, flat stones are den. These masses are punctuated hundred square feet), at least one an ideal material for steps and by smaller groupings to provide rock should be large enough to walkways. They last forever and are contrast in unending variety, with make machine handling necessary. harmonious. Gravel can be used but all colors displayed in a continuous Irregular spacing of various sized requires replacement and is some­ kaleidoscope. Many rock plants in­ rocJ