COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE Victoria Padilla is recognized as an expert on bromeliads. She will share her knowledge with readers in the OctoberlNovember issue when she writes about their history and development as popular house plants. In addition, look for George Taloumis' article on a charming Savannah townhouse garden and an article on new poinsettia varieties by another expert, Paul Ecke. Roger D. Way will write about new apple varieties and Mrs. Ralph Cannon will offer her G: hoices for hardy plants for damp soils. And last but not least, look for a staff article on money-saving ideas for the garden. We've canvassed over 100 gardeners for their best tips. All this and more in the next issue of American Horticulturist.

Illustration by Vi rgini a Daley

.- VOLUME 59 NUMBER 4

Judy Powell EDITO R Rebecca McClimans ART DIRECTOR Pam Geick PRODUCTION ASS ISTANT Steven H . Davis Jane Steffey ED ITO RI AL ASS ISTANTS H . Marc Cath ey Gi lbert S. Da ni els Donald Wyman H ORTICULTURAL CONSULTANTS Gil bert S. Daniels BOOK EDITOR Page 28 Page 24 May Lin Roscoe BUSINESS MA AGER Dorothy Sowerby EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FEATURES COORDINATOR Broad-leaved Evergreens 16 Judy Canady MEMBERSH IP/SUBSCRIPTI O N Text and Photograph y by Donald Wyman SERVICE Padua 18 Ci nd y Weakland Text and Photography by David W. Lee ASS IST ANT TO THE EDITOR John Si mm ons Bulbs That Last and Last 23 PRODUCTION C OORDINATIO N Isabel Zucker Chro magraphics In c. Plant Propagation-The Future is Here 24 COLOR SEPARATI ONS Chiko Haramaki and Charles Heuser C. Lynn Coy Associates In c. 220 East 54th Sneet Hardy Cyclamens 27 New York, N Y 10022 (212) 751-2960 Text and Photography by Pamela Harper ADVE RTISING REPRESENTATIVE Summer Meadows 28 Replacement Issues of AMERICAN Text and Photography by Martha Prince H ORTICULTURIST a re ava il able at a cost of $2.50 per copy. The opinions expressed in the articl es COLUMNS whi ch appea r in AMERICAN H O RTI CU LTURIST are those of th e President's Page 3 autho rs and are not necessa ri Iy those of Gilbert S. Daniels the Society. They are presented as contributions to contem po ra ry thought. Seasonable Reminders: Herbs Are for Beauty 4 Manuscripts, a rt work and photographs Elisabeth Morss se nt for possible publica ti on will be returned if they are accompa ni ed by a The Indoor Gardener: Potting Soils and Potting Plants­ sel f- addressed, stamped enve lope. What You Need to Know for Success 6 AMERICAN H O RTICULTURIST is the Jane Price McKinnon o ffi cial publicati o n of The American Strange Relatives: The Madder Family 12 H orti cultural Society, 793 1 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia Jane Steffey 22308, (703) 768-5700, and is iss ued in Contributors 14 February, April, June, Augu st, Octo ber and December. Membership in th e Seasonable Reminders: Mulches 34 Society automati call y includes a David F. Hamilton subscription to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. Membership dues Pronunciation Guide 43 start at $20.00 a year, $12.00 of whi ch is design ated fo r AMERICAN Gardener's Marketplace 44 HORTICULTURIST. Copyright © 1980 by The American Horticultural Society. ISS N 0096-44] 7. Second-class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia and at additio nal mailing offices. Postmaster: Pl ease se nd Form 3579 to AMERICAN HORTIC ULTURIST, Mount Vern on, Virginia 22121. ON THE COVER: Cyclamen hederifolium photographed in Virginia (Zone 8). Read Member of Society of Natio nal more about hardy cyclamens in Pamela Harper's article beginning on page 27. Photo­ Association Publications graph by Pamela Harper.

American Horticulturist 1 • Indicate selections desired on coupon below and mail today! , < ". Red Fire Tulips. Giant fire-red Darwin Drumstick Allium. Giant ball·shaped ~~ Paperwhite Narcissus. Clusters of beautiful pure Hybrid tulips on stems 24" tall. Bloom flower heads of reddish purple on stem s ~~~~ white star·shaped flowers. Superior house plant in Apr.·May . only 2 ft. tall. ~, > pebbles and water. Very fragrant long lasting bloom s. # 4902-8/ $1.00; #4903'-24/$2.50 # 4926-10/ $1.00; # 4927-30/ $2.50 ~ # 4956-4/ $1.00; #4957-12/ $2.50 Early Snow Crocus. Early bunch·flow­ Red Queen Daffodils. Ruffled white Sweet Gardenia Daffodils. Dainty white Gardenia · ering crocu s. Mixed colors of yellow, pur· overlapping petals with large orange·red (») like double daffodils with lovely fragrance. Very un · pie, orange . crown . Very striking blooms. - - usual cluster flowers for your garden. # 4900- 8/$1.00; # 4901-24/$2.50 # 4948-6/ $1.00; # 4949-18/ $2.50 ® #4944-5/ $1.00; #4945-15/ $2.50 Glory of the Snow. (Chionodoxa ). Sky Dwarf Dutch Iris. (Reticulata). Sweet Fill out and mail coupon today! blue flowers with white centers, for nat· scented early blooming miniatures. Mul· uralizing. tiply, for naturalizing. # 4904-8/ $1.00; # 4905-24/ $2.50 # 4928-6/$1.00; # 4929-18/$2.50 The Love Tulip. (Marjoletti). Lovely Cardinal Tulips. (Eichleri). Flaming cream ·white with soft pink stripe. Late cardinal·red tulip in waves of green foli· Please send me the items May, 16" tall. age . Low beds, borders. # 4906-8/$1.00; # 4907-24/ $2.50 # 4930-8/ $1.00; # 4931-24/ $2.50 I have checked below. Grape Hyacinths. (Muscari ). Blue flow· Star of Bethlehem. (Ornithogalum) . Amt. Ene!. $ ______ers in grape·like clusters for naturaliz­ Mass of white star·flowers 6" tall. Mul · ing. Apr.-May . tiply, for naturalizing. Check Items Desired # 4908-10/ $1.00; # 4909-30/ $2.50 #4932-10/ $1.00; # 4933-30/ $2.50 R. Fire Tulips Gi. Hyacinths Parrot Tulips D 4902·8/$1.00 D 4920-3/ $1.00 D 4938-4/ $1.00 Harlequin Flowers. (Sparaxi s). A gay Peacock Tulips. Showy full·open tu· D 4903·24/ $2.50 D 4921·9/ $2.50 D 4939·12/ $2.50 mixture of carnival colors 8" tall. Ideal lips. Bright colors and bold markings, Snow Crocus Giant Daffs W. Aconite pot plant. striped foliage . Unu sual. D 4900·8/ $1.00 D 4922-6/ $1.00 n 4940·12/$1.00 #4954-12/ $1.00; # 4955-36/ $2.50 #4934- 6/ $1.00; #4935-18/$2.50 D 4901·24/$2.50 D 4923·18/ $2.50 D 4941·36/ $2.50 Glory of Snow Bouquet Tulips Woo Hyacinths White Snowdrops. (Galanthu s). Charm­ Waterlily Tulips. Low growing tulips o 4904·8/$1.00 D 4924·6/ $1.00 D 4942·6/ $1.00 of cream·yellow with bright rose·red ing small bell·like flowers in abundance . D 4905·24/ $2.50 D 4925·18/ $2.50 D 4943-18/ $2.50 markings. Feb.·Mar. blooms. Love Tulip Drum Allium Sib. Squill # 4912-6/ $1.00; #4913-18/ $2.50 ~ # 4936-10/ $1.00; #4937-30/ $2 .50 o 4906·8/ $1.00 D 4926·10/$1.00 0 4946·8/ $1.00 D 4907·24/ $2.50 D 4927·30/ $2.50 D 4947·24/$2.50 Parrot Tulips. Mi xed colors. Large Star Flowers. (Triteleia). Abundant low· Gr. Hyacinths Red Q. Daffs Gold Jonquils flowers with exotic shapes , colors and growing sweet scented pale lilac flow­ o 4908·10/$1.00 D 4948-6/ $1.00 n 4950-4/ $1.00 ers for rockgardens. designs. Bloom in May . D 4909·30/ $2.50 D 4949·18/ $2.50 D 4951·12/ $2 .50 #4914- 20/ $1.00; #4915-60/ $2 .50 r:~/I #4938-4/ $1.00; # 4939-12/$2 .50 Harlequin FI. Of. Dutch Iris B. Lilybells 4928·6/ $1.00 Winter Aconite. (Eranthis). Golden D 4954·12/$1.00 D n 4952·15/ $1.00 Blue Mt. Lilies. (Ixiolirion). Hardy D 4955·36/ $2.50 D 4929·18/ $2.50 D 4953-45/$2.50 clusters of sky·blue lily·like blooms 15" yellow buttercup·like flowers Feb. , Mar., Wat'lily Tulips Cardinal Tulips H. Cyclamen tall in June . Apr. Only 3·6" tall. 4930·8/ $1.00 #4940-12/ $1.00; # 4941-36/ $2 .50 D 4912·6/ $1.00 0 0 4958·2/ $1.00 # 4916-8/ $1.00; #4917-24/ $2.50 W D 4913-18/$2.50 D 4931·24/ $2.50 D 4959-6/$2.50 (Blanda). A color· Wood Hyacinths. (S . Campanulata). Star Flowers S. Bethlehem Paperwhite N. Hardy Anemones. 4932·10/ $1.00 4956·4/ $1.00 mix of star-shaped blue, pink, white Clusters of bell·shaped flowers. Mixed D 4914·20/ $1.00 D n D 4915·60/ $2.50 D 4933·30/ $2.50 4957·12/$2.50 flowers in early spring. colors of pink, white, blue . D # 4918-6/ $1.00; # 4919-18/ $2.50 # 4942-6/ $1.00; # 4943-18/ $2.50 B. Mt. Lilies Peacock Tulips Gardenia Daff D 4916-8/ $1.00 D 4934-6/$1.00 0 4944·5/ $1.00 I·:.. .. ~' 4917·24/ $2.50 4935-18/$2.50 4945·15/ $2.50 Giant Hyacinths. Mixed colors of vivid Siberian Squill. (S . Siberica). A mass D D D reds , blues, yellows, pinks, whites. Fra · of low growing sky·blue flowers only 6" H. Anemones W. Snowdrops ~~j grant 10" blooms. tall. Bloom Mar.·Apr. D 4918·6/ $1.00 n 4936·10/ $1.00 4937-30/ $2.50 '''~r·JI # 4920-3/ $1.00; # 4921-9/ $2.50 # 4946-8/ $1.00; #4947-24/ $2.50 D 4919·18/ $2.50 D N.Y. Residents Add Sales Tax Giant Daffodils. Large yellow trumpet Golden Jonquils. (Lobularis). Daffodil· daffodils for gorgeou s spring beauty. like flowers of rich golden yellow in EXTRA BONUS DISCOUNTS 14·16" tall, April. abundance , very fragrant. # 4922-6/ $1.00; #4923-18/$2.50 #4950-4/ $1.00; # 4951-12/ $2.50 o Orders $ 5.00 to $ 9.99 ...... 5% Discount ~ o Orders $10.00 to $19.99 ...... 10% Discount Bouquet Tulips. (Firespray). Blazing Butterfly Lilybells. (Ixia). Mi xed col· carpet of scarlet red tulips only 9" tall. ors of reds, pinks, yellows. Star·flowers o Orders $20.00 to $29.99 ...... 15% Discount 3·5 bloom s per bulb. for sunny spots or greenhouse . o Orders $30.00 and over ...... 20% Discount '{) # 4924-6/ $1.00; # 4925-18/ $2.50 # 4952-15/ $1.00; # 4953-45/ $2.50 Hardy Cyclamen. (Neapolitanum ). Love· D Please send me your new Free Catalog. I . ~ ( Iy soft reddish pink blooms in abun · I :'.'::.--..r-\ l~REwE(JtCe:: or ALD G .. dance . For sheltered rockgarden . \~, J"11 J"1 ~ # 4958-2/$1.00; #4959-6/ $2.50 : Name ...... _... _...... _...... I A beautiful full·color book of Van Bourgondien Bros. I Address ...... _-...... -...... __.. _. - i over 1000 rare and unusual flowers, plants, trees and im· Box A-AHa. Route 109 I ported bulbs. Babylon. N.Y. 11702 I City ...... __ ...... I : State ...... __...... Zip ...... _......

POSTPAID & GUARANTEED-Send Today! L ______~ fects it can have upon new gardeners who about it. Established nurserymen will may not know enough to recognize the supply this information. impossibility of the printed cl aims. Be­ 6. Pay particular attention to cause of this concern, I spent a few hours guarantees. For example, the nature and looking into what could be done by se­ extent of the guarantee and how it will rious gardeners to prevent their less be honored should be disclosed fully in knowledgeable friends from being hood­ the ad. The advertiser's identity and winked. mailing address should be fully given. The results of my inquiries were not The Federal Trade Commission has encouraging. The Federal Trade Commis­ established "Guides Against Deceptive sion has issued "Guides for the Nursery Advertising." Check with these, if Industry." These were published in the possible, at a public library. Federal Register in February of 1978, but they are not law. They are simply sugges­ These recommendations put the re­ tions for procedures to be voluntarily fol­ sponsibility on the purchaser. I wondered lowed. The guides cover such items as if there wasn't something more positive proper descriptions, accurate names, size that could be done. The Postal Service is and grade designati on and source of ma­ the answer. If you feel that a plant ad­ terials. The guidelines are recommended vertisement is fraudulent, you should write by the American Association of Nursery­ to your local Postal Inspector's office, or Buyer Beware! men as standards by which members should better yet, to the Consumer Protection conduct their businesses. And members of Office, U. S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant For all gardeners, spring is the most active the organization, by and large, do adhere Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20260. You must period in the garden. In late winter garden to these ground rules. But all nurserymen give them all the details of your objections catalogues arrive, and gardeners spend are not members of this national organi­ to the advertised claim and include a copy many a pleasant evening selecting seeds zation, and there are no laws to back up of the advertisement or catalogue with your and plants that will go into their flower the FTC "guides." The AAN does offer letter of complaint. If enough complaints beds and vegetable plots. Since most se­ the following suggestions for gardeners are received action will be taken. But you rious gardeners depend heavily upon mail­ must realize that the Postal Service can and homeowners purchasing plants by mail: order purchases, the proper identification only act on truly fraudulent offers made and accurate description of catalogue of­ 1. Beware of outlandish advertising by mail. For instance, the offer of a plant ferings are essential to good garden plan­ claims relating to growth, flowering or which is a combination potato and tomato ning. Fortunately, the great majority of fruiting of trees and shrubs, as found in (for a substantial price) isn't always a fraud. mail-order seeds men and nurserymen are such statements as "grows twenty feet in If you plant a few tomato seeds in a hole conscientious businessmen who take great two months," "produces thousands of made in a potato, both plants will grow pains to provide their customers with ac­ exotic blooms in a few weeks," or and will, in fact, naturally graft into a curate information. After all, the only way "supplies many bushels of fruit the first common plant. The resulting plant (plants!) to build a successful business is to establish year." The clue to practically all won't take any less space to grow than a group of well-satisfied customers. misleading advertising is heavily two plants planted separately, and the re­ Or is it? Unfortunately, we all see ad­ exaggerated claims. sults won't be any different, but the cat­ vertisements, usually in the Sunday sup­ 2. When advertising for plants makes alogue offer can't be termed really fraud­ plements, which offer miraculous plants exaggerated claims, before purchasing, ulent, just expensive. For this type of for sale with unlimited guarantees for claims check with established nurserymen, the sensational advertising, all you can do is that certainly exceed anything in the way Better Business Bureau, state extension warn your friends and write a letter of of growth or flowering that any of us has services, botanical gardens or other complaint to the nurseryman involved. ever achieved in our own gardens. The reliable sources of information. There are many strange and wonderful junk mail also seems to bring unsolicited 3. Sometimes common names that plants which we can grow in our gardens. nursery catalogues which offer similar mislead the public are associated with It's a shame that some mail-order nurs­ wonders of the plant kingdom. And then plants, an example being the "amazing erymen can't settle for the truth. Since le­ there is the bargain garden. Why should climbing vine peach," which is not a gal recourse seems to be limited, the best you spend $10 or $20 for a single young peach at all. This "vine" produces a thing we can do as advanced gardeners is tree or shrub when you can have a whole hard, gourd-like fruit, not even edible to educate our less knowledgeable gar­ forest for $1.98? If you are like me, and except when canned as a preserve. dening friends. I know that most of you are from the many 4. Question claims of "tremendous letters we receive at River Farm, you prob­ bargains." This can be done by writing ably find such advertising personally of­ the firm for its retail catalogue in which fensive. It offers no danger to my pock­ you can check regular prices. etbook, for I would never consider placing 5. If you have any doubt about the an order with one of these unsavory nurs­ age, size, grade or quality of the plant, -Gilbert S. Daniels erymen, but I am concerned about the ef- before purchasing write and inquire President

American Horticulturist 3 SEASONABLE REMINDERS

HERBS ARE FOR BEAUIY

An old gardener for a lovely home once bother to identify herbs among the garden gardening and landscaping, one can keep told me proudly that he took care of the plants?" These useful and often greatly entirely to herbal usage, selecting trees, grounds himself, "except for Miss Mar­ enjoyed plants still enrich our lives, and shrubs and vines with herbal uses in mind. gie's herbs." Those he refused to touch he following their journeys and traditions from Given the right conditions, one can even said, believing they were nothing but a country to country, deepen our under­ plant a strip of lawn with chamomile or bunch of weeds. Yet herbs can provide a standing of plants and their close rela­ creeping thyme. full share of anticipated garden beauty. tionship to human life and spirit. As plants Uses of favorite flowers that were ac­ Whether they are plants for flower beds, are lost through development and pollu­ knowledged herbs centered on fragrance foliage accents and groundcovers, or wild­ tion, herbs are reminders of some of the and date back thousands of years. To our flowers in a natural or naturalized area, oldest human conservation efforts; they ancestors, fragrances-the sweet, the spicy one can have one's herbs and use them were plants wanted for the future. and the pungent-were necessities of daily too. America, too, has herbs in its history. living. Whatever the part of the plant that It becomes an absorbing project to track Medicinally, the Indians used many native was used and whether individually (cost­ down herbs for beauty; a few are probably plants, from the giant white pine to the mary, lavender, rosebuds) or in mixtures growing unsuspected in local gardens, their low-growing partridge berry. The settlers (potpourris, sachets), herbs scented cloth­ herbal qualities forgotten. In fact, the list had a special interest in starting a profit­ ing and household linens and freshened can become so long that one asks, "Why able plant trade (sassafras is an herbal ex­ the air. They were worn and carried. They ample) and discovering successful dyes. repelled insects, especially moths in wool­ A monochromatic design approach was The Shakers earned a chapter in history ens (tansy, southernwood, pennyroyal). chosen for this herb garden at Capri land Herb Farm in Coventry, Connecticut. Only for themselves by building up an extensive Some were believed to be therapeutic and herbs in various shades of yellow grow in the business from Old World herbs and native others were thought to be able to ward plot. plants they grew or collected. In one's own off disease. Many a European lady, in her

4 August/September 1980 still room, prepared perfumes, potpourris, complete a garden picture, from drifts of cultivation. The poss ibilities are almost cosmetics, hair rinses and soothing lotions spring bulbs on. The bulbs could be herbal limitless. and salves from flowers. Royal cooks made first choices-poet's narcissus and jonquil. Flowers have in stant appeal; attractive salads and cooked and flavored with flow­ Abroad and at home, summer stars th e foliage revita li zes the garden when the ers, and so did housewives. Rose, violet garden's pretties t flowers, again herbal if fl owers fade, and an autumn color change and calendula (Ca lendula officinalis) were these a re fraxinella, impatience, pinks, in an herb or its surroundings may pro­ kitchen herbs. Numerous fl owers were in­ cornflower, heartsease, peony, hollyhock, duce foliage which takes on new beauty. gredients for beers, wines, cordials and globe thistle, balloon flower, Madonna Crimson blueberry leaves, for example herb teas. They also were planted for bees lil y ... all were used in gardens in the past. (blueberry was used medi cin ally ), com­ to increase their wax and honey produc­ In Colonial America, the indispensable bined with chartreuse-green golden fe­ tion. It is said that many gardens today herbs of the pioneer women came mainly ve rfew, is a vivid fall display. A gray herb lack fragrant plants, another reason for from distant homelands. Native pla nts, next to the blueberry bush would be strik­ turning to herbs. because they were unfamili ar, were apt to ing, too. There are herbs one does not Two other leading purposes for growing win acceptance slowly. Gardeners today forget, out of sentiment and use and from herbs were for their flavor and use as dyes. may not recognize Solomon's seal, but­ a memorable garden visit. Bring herbs for Culinary herbs need not be leafy green terfly weed, Californi a poppy, Turk's-cap their beauty into your gardening. If you confusion when one can plant colorful, lil y and bee balm as wild North American cannot grow them in the ground, grow flavorful nasturtiums, variegated pinea p­ herbs. them in containers (lemon verbena, pros­ ple mint, garlic chives, purple perilla, gar­ If you would like to grow herbs for their trate rosemary, scented geraniums-pel­ den and clary and pineapple sage, borage, beauty, write dow n the plants you think argoniums-to suggest a few ). What op­ caraway thyme (Thymus herba-barona), it would be nice to grow for their flowers portunities they open for delight! wild marjoram and wild or alpine straw­ and foliage. Check them against published -Elisabeth Morss berries. Put in fennel and leek for height, herb lists, but read further. Some herbs are and for near neighbors, daylily (Hemero­ either toxic or strongl y medicinal and thus callis fulva) where there is sun and sweet hazardous to children and curious adults Suggested Reading: cicely where there is shade. Dyes from alike. Also, a name in an index might refer I. Helpful for Reference: A Modern herbs are returning to use with yarn and to a plant which has been mistaken for an Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve (Dover Publica­ fabric and authentically restored antique herb. In a casual selection, the nati ve coun­ tions, Inc., reprint. See also their other textiles. (The herb soapwort will clean tries of the pl ants and their records as reprints on herbs). Plant Us es for the Past them.) The dye herbs are usually at the herbs may range widely. An ancient Pom­ 500 Years, Charlotte Erichsen-Brown bottom of the list for garden beauty, but peiian garden may give you ideas for a (medicinal plants of northeastern USA and among the prettier ones are coreopsis, modern garden, and one still could grow Canada, a 1979 Canadian book which golden marguerite, dahlia, goldenrod, lil y­ much of Charlemagne's fam ous list. By will be listed in the USA. ) Minnie of-the-valley, marigold, sunflower, lady's Charlemagne's orders, recommended herbs Muenscher's H erb Cookbook, Minnie mantle, heather and zinnia. for health and protection, special flowers Worthen Muenscher (good cooking, good Herbs introduce one to fascinating read­ and fruit trees were planted at the royal gardening, good sense). Herb Gardens of ing. They have never failed to go wherever estates and elsewhere. His rose, usefully Delight, Adelma G. Simmons (eight plot Man has gone, even into Space. When a combining health (medicinal herb) and plans, each to a theme. See also her many "home-like" taste was found to be im­ flower, was probably Rosa gallica. His books and pamphlets). Wyman's Garden­ portant to the astronauts, herbs were added houseleek (hen-and-chickens) guarded the ing Encyclopedia, Donald Wyman (Com­ to space flight meals, among them rose­ home from fire and lightning and was prehensive). Sunset New Western Garden mary, savory, parsley, garlic, thyme, sage planted not in the garden but on the roof. Book. (Check plants for herb uses. Ex­ and oregano. From past centuries and civilizations, one panded 4th edition for more western states.) At botanic gardens and historic sites, finds that herbs were used in religion, the II. Herb-Gardening Help: Relevant ma­ herbs are living illustrations for the stories arts, magic, myth and celebration. Note terial published by The Arnold Arbore­ these gardens have to tell. America lags an herb's habits and its hardiness. Is it a tum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Herb behind in planting them for their beauty. plant of limy soils or of acid? Would it Society of America, The Herb Grower Who, for instance, thinks of England's overwhelm another herb by growing magazine, The National Arboretum in flower gardens without herbs? English rampantly? Washington, D.C., historic preservations gardens are sure to have lavender, rose­ A number of authors provide plans for that feature herb gardens and any local mary and thyme. Silvery artemisias and an herb garden, but set aside a place for horticultural society, arboretum or garden lamb's ears, santolinas gray and green, experiments with plants for their visual center. dark germander and variously colored sages beauty, in form, texture and seasonal color. III. Rainy Day Reading: A Chronicle of will be there to reinforce the succession It is as satisfying to achieve a low under­ Herbs This Noble Harvest, Anne Ophelia of bloom with their foliage and to outline planting as to create a tall background, Dowden (beautifully illustrated introduc­ and fill formal patterns. Roses seem less to find a good groundcover as to design tion to herbs). The Pleasure Garden, Anne regimented among flowering annuals and an effective border edging, and to grow Scott-James and Osbert Lancaster (infor­ perennials, and small herbs charmingly a wild herb appropriately as to accent mal account of British gardening, a major surround sundials and sculpture. Herbs with an herb that has been centuries in influence).

American Horticulturist 5 THE INDOOR GARDENER

POITING SoILS AND POITING P1ANrs: 'WHATYOU NEED 10 KNow FOR SUCCESS

At the end of every summer there comes a day when a gardener looks at potted plants and speculates about indoor green­ ery again. Should the palm be sent to the nearest nursing home lobby? Ought the Spathiphyllum that needs water twice a day be divided into several pots? What to do with the best ivy ever seen running down the porch steps, draping itself in every direction, evel'l rooting into the mulch around the yews? Can the living room's one bright window really stand all those hoy a and spider plants? Could at least ol'le of the 'Tangeglow' impatiens be saved? Gardeners who enjoy indoor plants have distributed recipes for concocting potting soils for ge ro. erations. Almost every success story, if shared, describes a secr~t method, a special fertilizer, a marvelous ingredient from the kitchen, laundry or sometimes the garbage pail. Plants become h~irlooms, their provenance lovingly recounted, their caretakers convinced that some partioular revelation accounts for long life and vigor. For example, one fascinating Midwestern recipe, along with the usual eggshells, Ep­ som salts and household ammonia, adds salt and pepper to th~ mix. Coarsely Illustration by Maryellyn Lynott ground? advice for years. But now Cornell has an­ who cannot mix two ounces of some mi­ But announcements from laboratories nounced that cacti grow better in equal croelement into 1,000 gallons of water and res ~ arch greenhouses are no less mys­ parts of sphagnum peat moss and perlite, and rely on capillary watering to distribute tifying. Perhaps charity must prevail in a watered and fertilized daily during the the missing nutrient. biological world where nothing is ever fi­ summer, less often during the rest of the If scientists and commercial growers had nal, but a search for science in indoor gar­ year. So, should all those rules for potting solved all the problems, there would be dening leads one to broken tablets at the succulents be unlearned? And then one no need for continuing discussion of peat foot of a horticultural Sinai. Two 0f the reads that the mystery of soil mixtures is (several kinds), bark (many tree species), long proclaim~d commandments, "Re­ generally "bunk." But "there is a certain vermiculite, perlite, styrofoam, washed view the Literature" and "Read the La­ magic to mixing it .. . a question of feel sand, loam, leaf mold, bone meal, lime, bel," are shattered by conflicting publi­ and smell, not knowledge." So much for superphosphate, treble phosphate, diam­ cations and crushed by commercial science! monium phosphate, fritted trace elements suppliers whose packages do not inform. But scientific research introduced arti­ and even a little molybdenum. Psycholo­ Last spring, one otherwise illuminating ficial growing media, first to commercial gists counsel that ev~ry person needs to writer advised readers to pot foliage plants growers and next to amateurs. Investiga­ succeed at something, so on~ hopes that in perlite and peat moss "with a dash of tion into ingredients and fertilizers con­ the simple business of growing a green potting soil." Which potting soil? Whose tinues with international conferences, re­ plant on a windowsill through several sea­ dash? Like grandmother's recipes, never ports at almost every professional sons is not to become a source of failure to be duplicated! floriculture meeting, and scores of grad­ and guilt. Again: "Plants from deserts often grow uate students measuring and weighing, There seem to be two questions for the best with half their soils made up of coarse testing tissue and preparing intricate graphs. amateur gardener to consider in all this sand." Many gardeners have followed this All this work gives few clues to gardeners oriental water torture of information.

6 August/September 1980 NEW

Should one use a potting mix containing soil" or "African violet soil" or "cactus HORTICULTURAL soil, even if modified, or is plant life safer mix," or more fancifully, with "magic" EXPLORATIONS and simpler with the cake-mix conve­ or "mystery" in the title. They surely are O ffered by nience of a sack of synthetic mix? (One mysterious, because many have no expla­ The America n Horticultural Society feels sorry for city gardeners far, far from nation of materials used. Other more in­ loam. And do they need to buy leaf mold formative labels give a li st of ingredients and steamed manure in pretty little boxes, but omit proportions. Sometimes an in­ Switzerland & Northern Italy cluded fertilizer is noted, without analysis. thereby convincing country cousins of their -fea turing Grun 80, the Swi ss profligacy?) The second question that The secret to buying packaged mixes is Horti cultural and Landscape selecting one with all ingredients listed and matters is what kind of fertilizer, on what Exhibition. schedule, should be added to confined percentages given. Thus, if acidity of September 25-0ctober 9,1980 horticulture for keeping plants clean and sphagnum peat moss is needed for plants green. susceptible to iron chlorosis, the gardener The experience anp advice of floricul­ can so choose. Every label should indicate turists at the University of Minnesota is the range of pH. Perlite is often used to Autumn Exploration of that gardeners succeed when they pay at­ improve drainage; it may not be desirable England tention to the essential principles of plant for some monocot foliage plants because -including a vi sit to East Anglia, growth and then learn to use the potting of high fluoride content. However, if the which encompasses some of the mix and fertilizer they select. Neither growth medium pH is not already at the lo ve li es t countryside in England, and a science nor secret formulas have proved upper limit for the particular plant, adding visit to th e Roy al Horticultural that there is only one way to grow beau­ some additional pulverized limestone will Society's Great Autumn Exhibit in tiful potted plants. A growth medium must help tie up the extra fluoride. If fertilizer London. supply water, air and nutrients; anchor­ is included, the label should state analysis September 11-25, 1980 age, moisture, drainage and appropriate and length of time nutrients are expected fertilizer can be provided in several ways. to be available. Some slow release mate­ This is the science; the secret is the careful rials may supply fertilizer elements for six eye of the gardener who can recognize suc­ or more months; other formulations may New England Tour cess or spot trouble quickly. be depleted in four to six weeks. With -featuring autumn foliage and tours Some successful growers in the Midwest complete label information, one can turn of many public and private gardens in prefer to let no soil into their greenhouses. to the literature with a chance to unlock six New England states. Fear of soil-borne organisms or unknown both the science and secrets of potting September 18-30 components in purchased loam (some­ soils. times carried-over herbicides) are two rea­ The garden supply industry now owes sons. Also, soil is heavy and difficult to consumers a complete and precise labeling mix with necessary amendments. Using standard. Failing that, regretfully, there Autumn Exploration artificial media means that fertilizing and ought to be a law! of the Orient watering can be exact, especially as ex­ For several years the University of Geor­ -repeating a popular tour which perience is gained with a particular for­ gia Cooperative Extension Service has dis­ includes visits to Japan, Taiwan and mula. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potas­ tributed Gerald Smith's report of an ar­ Hong Kong. sium, as well as microelements, can be tificial soil mix developed by Cornell and November 1-24, 1980 supplied to the sterile materials in differing made with materials easily available to amounts according to the crop being grown. home gardeners: Plants grow well, tall floor specimens can 1 bushel shredded peat moss To request additional details or to be picked up and carried about, and smaller 1 bushel perlite or vermiculite make reservations for any of these hor­ ones will not overburden tabletops or V2 cup finely ground agricultural lime ticultural explorations, write to Dor­ shelves. Customers can see the clean, ab­ 1/3 cup 20 percent superphosphate othy Sowerby, Tour Coordinator, sorbent surface of the mix. Some growers 1/2 cup 8-8-8 or similar analysis mixed American Horticultural Society, Mount will not divulge the exact composition fertilizer Vernon, VA 22121. of the medium around the roots of 1 level teaspoon chela ted iron. their handsome plants, even when they This amount will make two bushels of offer plastic bags of it for sale to retail mix. With minor differences, it has almost Our 1980 Congress in St. Louis is customers. the same ingredients and proportions as September 16-20. Don't forget to reg­ Synthetic mixes also are offered to home advised by Henry Cathey in the American ister! Send your registration form (find gardeners at discount stores, grocery su­ Horticulturist article, "Planting in Con­ it in the May issue of News & Views) permarkets, hardware stores, gas stations, tainers" (Vol. 56 #3). to Dorothy Sowerby in care of the So­ garden centers, florist shops and even el­ Smith explains that "artificial mixtures ciety, Mount Vernon, VA 22121. egant downtown department stores. The are usually very low in trace or minor ele­ lightweight packages are easy to pick up ments. Therefore it is more important to and take home. Many are labeled "potting use a fertilizer that contains these trace

American Horticulturist 7 Inside THE INDOOR GARDENER CONTD Gardening with elements than when plants are grown in sizes larger. Fresh soil of the original soil." Uniform mixing is important, and 1-1-1 pasteuri:oed formula is used to fill e~® moistening peat moss, vermiculite or per­ the extra space. Not all the plants would GREENHOUSES lite helps. Adding the chela ted iron to the win best in show, but they are in constant water is the best 'way to ensure uniform danger of being handsome enough to be distribution. The home gardener must re­ stolen away without locks and vigilance, member that artificial mixes do not hold fertilizer against leaching as well as loam's colloidal particles. After a month or two, plants potted in the Cornell formula will The garden supply need fertilizing on a continuing schedule. industry now owes Experience with a plant in its location, affected by light, temperature and humid­ consumers a complete Everlite answers all your needs all ity, must dictate the frequency, amount and precise potting soil year 'round with : and analysis of fertilizer applied. One sci­ labeling standard. Failing • Over 90 models starting at $308 entist recently advised using commercial • Precision prefabrication for fast house plant fertilizers at half the strength that, regretfully, there assembly. • Quality engineered throughout and twice the intervals suggested on their ought to be a law! • Full accessories line including labels. (Why not change the labels and automatic climate controls. build profit from satisfied customers?) Gellhe InsIde slory . .. Write lor catalog-price "'t AH Experience is also the key to watering Call Toll Free (800) 321-3050 artificial mixes properly. Vermiculite and Heat treated mixes containing loam can aJwniqum peat hold moisture longer than a mixture be bought from some garden supply out­ {jreenltpuses, I£LC. containing perlite. No mix should become lets or greenhouses, and industrious gar­ shrunken and crisp before watering. Dried­ deners can make their own. Pasteurizing out peat moss is hard to moisten again, loam is important. It is not hard to bake but a safe horticultural wetting agent added a small amount of moist soil in a shallow to the water helps the mix to absorb mois­ metal pan. A meat thermometer can be ture. Plants must not stand in soggy pots, used to show when the temperature in the WATER lILIES . and home gardeners have trouble with center of the soil mass has reached 160°F, GOLDFISH. SCAVENGERS AQUATIC PLANTS. LIGHTS leaching as effectively as greenhouse grow­ where it should remain for 20 minutes. PUMPS. FILTERS. FOUNTAINS ers. Commercial growers water enough to This baked loam will not smell like fresh FIBERGLASS GARDEN POOLS. KOI New colorful 48 page catalog o nly $1 50 wash fertilizer through the soil at every bread, so peace-loving gardeners wait un­ watering. Minerals not held on mix par­ til unsympathetic family members are not ticles flow away into the drainage system, at home. preventing build-up of fertilizer salts. Plants The soil mixture advised by Richard growing at home in closed containers or Widmer, University of Minnesota flori­ standing in an undrained saucer cannot culturist, for most house plants is: lose these excess salts. So the gardener one to two parts garden soil must take care to drain excess water and one to two parts organic matter avoid overfeeding. one part sand (particle size similar to Growing plants in mixes containing salt) loam, however, has not passed from the He explains that one cup of steamed bone scene. The University of Minnesota's meal or 20 percent superphosphate (or '/2 teaching collection of foliage plants is pot­ cup treble phosphate) should be added to ted in a mix of equal parts soil, sphagnum the mixture. Organic matter may be either Lilypons moss, peat and coarse sand, enriched with rotted manure, leaf mold, humus or acid 0-20-0 fertilizer, and heat treated to re­ (sphagnum) peat moss. If organic matter Water Gardens move organisms. Because there are so many other than sphagnum moss is used, the plants in the always scarce greenhouse quantity should be limited to one part. r-~~~~;~~;;~~~;-, space, pots are fertilized at monthly, or Widmer suggests that perlite may be sub­ I 1580 Amhort Road 1580 Amhort Road I longer, intervals. The solution is a liquid stituted for sand except for "a few plants I Lilypons, Maryland 21717 Brookshire, Texas 77423 I I (301) 874·5133 (713) 934·8525 I 20-20-20 (NPK). The collection is watered such as dracaenas and chlorophytums." I YES. Please send me the new colorful I with ordinary city water, containing chlo­ Widmer offers additional variations: I Lilyponscatalog.1 enclose $1.50. I rine and fluoride. Light conditions are "If you use peat moss, substitute a fertil­ I Name I usually excellent. Plants are grown for easy izer such as 5-10-5 for the bone meal or I (PI":cl.\\' /lnnl ) I maintenance, with repotting done only superphosphate. If the garden soil is light I A~= I when roots climb out of the tops of pots or sandy, substitute peat moss for the sand I C ity I or through the drain holes beneath. Plants or perlite. Acid peat moss should be used I s z I are usually repotted in pots one or two as the organic matter source for acid-lov- L ~a: ______I!:.. __ ___ J

8 August/September 1980 Rare varleHes of Dracaena. Philodendron, Palms, Ferns, Hoyos. Dischidlas, Euphorbia., Agave, Aloe, Sansevlerias, Succulents. Cycads, Arolds - plants, tubers. cuttings. FREE brochure or Illustrated ing plants such as azaleas, ca melli as, gar­ (as is done in bonsai work), still lea ving catalog $2.00. (v. denias and citrus. A hi gher proportion of an appropriate shape and structure, then sand (up to 40 percent) is advisa bl e fo r plant and pot ca n continue their close re­ ~..;.;...;..;.~reredCfJf2!£Tl:s cacti and succul ents." lationship. Clea n hands, steril e pruning 12571 (A) Red Hill, Tustin, Ca. 92680 Subsequent fe rtilizing for plants grow­ tools, res terilized liner and pot are part ing in this soil mi x should fo ll ow the sa me of th e surgery. A recovery period in inten­ ········OFFER EXTENDED····:··; careful observations as mentioned fo r sy n­ sive ca re in a cool, well-watched room is thetic mi xes. hel pful. "Schultz -Instant" No matter which kind of growing medi a When repotting in a larger container is the gardener chooses, fertilizing ca n be prefe ralo,e, root pruning is not necessary Ferililier 20·30·20 done carefully enough to avoid constant unles!' [J ere are broken tips to trim. Wid­ with ModelS " MIXERATOR YARD GUN" repotting. Carefull y chosen, often expen­ mer a( vises removing the shoulder of soil sive, containers co mplementing both the arounu ~h e top of th e root ball, and any pl ant and a room's furnishings are not loose r IX. A gradual, squeezing moti on II. teaspoon per gallon conveni ently repl aced. Culture fo r mini­ will ren ove soil without brea king yo ung, water grows mum growth but handsome pl ants may white rvots. Roots at the base of the ball vegetables. flowers. ro ses, be just as des irabl e as in a space-short ca n be loosened. Fres h soil mi x should be trees , shrubs , greenh ouse . The fe rtilize rs added to both la wns. eve ry· put into the bottom of the pot, over th e thing for yard th e mi xes fr om Cornell and Minnesota usual charcoal, sterili zed potshard or stone & garden. will last from six to 12 weeks, but leaching to prevent losin g soil th rough the drain Th e patented non-clogging "Mixcrator" Yard and root uptake will require a new sched­ holes . Firm fr es h soil around the sid es of Gun m akes applicatio n eosy bn larg e or eas. Avaitable at your store or send $7.95 w ith this ul e after that time. Choose a quickly ava il ­ the root ball after the pl ant is placed in ad fo r 5 Ibs Sc huttz Fertilizer plus a $2.95 able liquid or water-soluble fertilizer, or " Mi xe rato r" Free. (Esta te Size 25 Ibs with its new pot. O pen channels th rough the 2 " Mixe rators" $30.00 J. Free delivery. stretch out the time with a liquid or dry, mix are always undesirable. Every pot needs Extended. limited o ff er Immed131 e s h ipment. slow-release formulation. Lea rning to read some space at the top for watering, 1 Y2 Schultz Company the pl ant as well as the label will tell you to 21/2 inches, depending on the size of th e Dept. AHS 11730 Northline, St. L OUIS, MO 63043 how much and how often to fe rtilize. pot. The ordinary practi ce of watering also Whenever repotting is done, cleanliness EBERRIES must be guided by an understand ing of and sanitati on are necessa ry. Was h new 10 VARIETIES AVAILABLE plant science, a keen eye and inquis iti ve plasti c pots with di shwashiilg liquid to EASY TO GROW! fingertips. A thirsty pl ant usuall y signals remove any film and dust. Soak new clay the gardener with wilting leaves, too late pots in clea n water to be moist enough so northern-grown for best care. Overwatering ca n produce as not to absorb water from the soil mix. the same wilting, because roots need air Any pot being re-used should be washed to function and it is not avail abl e in sat­ and disinfected. A soak in one part liquid urated soil. Many a plant lover at so me chlorine bleach to nine parts water for fi ve AbEXAnOERS time has repeated a dousing when drying minutes will kill disease organisms. Dry would have saved a favorite specimen. the pot before using it. Potting tools, plant nURSERIES When in doubt, experienced gardeners push labels and the gardener'S hands should be Dept. AH M iddleboFO, Mass 02346 fingers into the soil, and if damp particles just as clean. Sanitation is an important stick to their hands, they wait to water. part of growing indoor plants, as any STOP KILLING Watering also affects the availability of greenhouse expert will advise. Trainees YOUR PLANTS nutrients, as has been noted. Plant roots are usuall y set to washing pots, not as Easy-to-use precision instruments show take up minerals from the surfaces of soil hazing, but to give them immediate respect status instantly. No chemicals or dyes. Simply insert probes into soil. Funda­ particles, rarely from freestanding water for cleanliness. mental tools for growing all plants. in the soil. Fertilizer elements in this free­ Some aggregation of scientists, or per­ 1 standing water are flushed away as the soil haps a remarkable visionary, may in the drains, even in a properly watered root future proclaim one final solution to all 11 •• "."".3 1 ball. This is the reason that plant nutrition potting practices and problems. (Should * 1 must follow a fairly regular schedule to that occur, most gardeners may not leave 14 replace those elements used by the plant well-trod ways.) But in the meantime, fine --bll-, and those elements flushed away during plants can be grown if gardeners remem­ $19.95 $19.95 $11.95 watering. ber that they need water, nutrients and air 1. Fertility Analyzer - Prevents over One mechalil ical problem remains. What in potting soil, along with appropriate light application of fertilizer. about the plant whose roots have filled 2. pH meter - End soil guesswork - Get and temperature. A known soil mix and acid/ alkalinity balance. the liner of a priceless jardiniere, perfect a known fertilizer are essential for intel­ 3. Moisture/ light meter - Know your in its indoor setting? Fine plant, fine pot, water & light needs. ligent plant care. Science and good gar­ SATISFACTION GUARANTEED but one has outgrown the other. If top dening ililstincts are then bejoined together Environmental Concepts 710 N.W 57th St. Dept. AH growth can be selectively pruned away to to increase the grower's skill. 0 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 3330'9 match removal of edge-of-the-ball roots -Jane Price McKinnon Check, M .O., Mastercharge, Visa SPECIAl! All three $45.95 American Horticulturist 9 ~s______~

HYDROPONICS FOR THE HOME SOUTHERN LIVING GARDENER. Stewart Kenyon. Van GARDENING-TREES AND Nostrand Reinhold Company. New Save time and SHRUBS, GROUNDCOVERS, VINES. York, New York . 1980. 146 pages; money-buy books by Southern Living Magazine Staff. paperback, $6.95. AHS discount price, Oxmoor House, Inc. Birmingham, $6.10 including postage and handling. mail! Order books Alabama. 1980. 260 pages; hardcover, available at a discount $17.95. AHS discount price, $14.30 through the Society. including postage and handling.

for about 350 popular house plants enable this little book to serve two functions. In addition to its obvious use as a reference work, this is a good book to take with you when you go shopping for more house plants. A quick referral will give you all the information you need to make a proper decision as to whether or not to add a new plant to your collection.

OF REGIONAL INTEREST

THE GARDENER'S CALENDAR FOR SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA Each of these books is of particular interest This very clear and simple introduction to AND NORTH CAROLINA. Robert to residents of a limited portion of the hydr.oponics should allow any interested Squibb. University of Georgia Press . United States. In each case either the title individual to succeed with a simple indoor Athens, Georgia. 1980 (first published or the publisher's location clearly indicates hydroponic garden. Specific suggestions in 1787). 189 pages; hardcover, $9.95. the regional interest. All of the titles are on suitable vegetables and herbs, as well AHS discount price, $10.20 including self-explanatory and each book is consid­ as clearly illustrated mechanical sugges­ postage and handling. ered by this reviewer to offer good value tions, should enable even the most un­ for the money and to be worthwhile for mechanical gardener to enjoy a substantial WILDFLOWERS OF THE OUTER gardeners in the region. year-round crop with only limited space BANKS-KITTY HAWK TO and equipment. HA TTERAS. The Dunes of Dare PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS Garden Club. University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, North THE HOW AND WHY OF BETTER GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT. GARDENING. Laurence Manning. Van Carolina. 1980. 165 pages; paperback, $6.95. Robert W. Langhans. Halcyon Press . Nostrand Reinhold Company. New Ithaca, New York. 1980. 239 pages; York, New York. 1957 (paperback hardcover, $14.50. 1980).239 pages; paperback, $4.95. GARDEN GUIDE TO WOODY PLANTS. Sally L. Taylor. The AHS discount price, $4.70 including PRODUCING VEGETABLE CROPS postage and handling. Connecticut Arboretum. New London, Connecticut. 1980. 102 pages; (3rd Edition). George W. Ware and J.P. This is a botany book written for garden­ paperbound, $2 .50 plus 60¢ postage. McCollum. Interstate Printers and ers by a nurseryman. The well-written ex­ Publishers, Inc. Danville, Illinois. 1980. planations of how and why plants grow NATIVE PLANTS FOR USE IN THE 607 pages; hardcover, $14.60. AHS are presented in terms clearly understood CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE. Emile L. discount price, $12.90 including postage by anyone. The information presented can't Labadie. Sierra City Press. Sierra City, and handling. help but make a better gardener out of any California. 1978.251 pages; reader. paperbound, $8.95. AHS discount price, TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT. A. J. $8.85 including postage and handling. Turgeon. Reston Publishing Company. THE POCKET GUIDE TO INDOOR Reston, Virginia. 1980. 391 pages; PLANTS. George Seddon. Simon and ATLAS OF THE FLORA OF hardcover, $15.95. AHS discount price, Schuster. New York, New York. 1979. PENNSYLVANIA. E.T. Wherry, J. $14.80 including postage and handling. 144 pages, softcover, $4.95. AHS Fogg and H. A. Wahl. Morris All three of these books are intended as discount price, $5.70 including postage Arboretum of the University of textbooks for university courses aimed at and handling. Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, the training of professional horticulturists. The pocket-sized format plus the descrip­ Pennsylvania. 1979. 390 pages; As such, they deal mainly with production tions, illustrations and cultural directions paperback, $9.95 plus $1.50 postage. on a commercial scale rather than the more

10 August/September 1980 limited activities of the home gardener. so that many different kinds can be en­ iological and anthropological details tell However, these texts and others like them, joyed in a very small space. Cultural hints, a story that should hold fascination for when intelligently interpreted for the home well-written descriptions and lots of black anyone interested in plants. gardener's reduced scale, can provi de a and white and colored photographs in­ wealth of information and an understand­ troduce the reader to a broad selecti on of THE ENGLISHWOMAN'S GARDEN. ing of basic principles which can greatly the highly varied members of the orchid Alvilde Less-Milne and Rosemary Verey benefit even the most limited home ga r­ family. (editors). Merrimack Book Service. dening efforts. Orchids for Everyone is a well produced Salem, New Hampshire. 1980. 156 and beautifully illustrated guide for the pages; hardcover, $24.95. AHS MORE ORCHID BOOKS beginning orchid grower. If you have a discount, $17.95 including postage and friend or relative who has shown any handling. ' weakness toward the orchid mania, this MINIATURE ORCHIDS. Rebecca book would probably tip the tables and Tyson Northen. Van Nostrand Reinhold lead them to a fascinating, life-long hobby. Company. New Yo rk, New York. 1980. Kang's Orchids has the usual introduc­ 189 pages; hardcover, $26.95. AHS tory chapters on background and culti­ discount price, $20.10 including postage vation. Its real va lu e, however, li es in the and handling. descriptions, li sts of hybrids and excell ent colored illustrations of Phalaenopsis, ORCHIDS FOR EVER YONE. Brian Vanda, Arachnis, Ascocentrum and Ren ­ Williams et at. Crown Publishers. New anthera orchids which are so popular in York, New York. 1980.208 pages; Southeast Asia. For th e adva nced orchid hardcover, $15.95. grower or orchid book co llector, this is a worthwhile addition to the library.

A COLONIAL NURSER YMAN'S CATA LOGUE-BULBOUS FLOW ERS. Henry Budden. Oxford University Press . New York, New York. The story of 36 beautiful English gardens 1980. 109 pages; hardcover, $15.95. is told by each owner-plant likes and AHS discount price, $15.60 including dislikes, climatic and architectural prob­ postage and handling. lems, gardening practices, as well as the Henry Budden was a 19th-century nurs­ history of each garden make for a series eryman in New Zealand. This little book of interesting accounts. The many colored is a well produced, full color facsimile photographs show the end result. Of par­ edition of an 1880's catalogue of intro­ ticular interest to me were the large num­ duced bulbs together with contemporary ber of these gardens that had been devel­ descriptions. A biographical essay by his oped or rejuvenated since World War II . granddaughter puts the whole work in Like a pleasant walk through a garden perspective and opens up another of those with its owner, this new work should give often missed insights into the history of you lots of ideas and inspiration.O horticulture and the love of plants. Defi­ -Gilbert S. Daniels ORCHIDS, THEIR CULTIVATIGN nitely a collector's piece. AND HYBRIDIZA TION. Lee Chew Error: In the June/July issue, the discount Kang. Eastern Universities Press. PLANTS OF THE GODS. Richard price for An Illustrated Treasury of Or­ Singapore. 1979. (Available through Evans Schultes and Albert Hofmann. chids was listed incorrectly as $23.25. The International Scholarly Book Service, McGraw-Hill Book Company. New correct discount price for this book is Inc. Forest Grove, Oregon.) 94 pages; York, New York . 1980. 192 pages; $15.61. hardcover, $15.00. AHS discount price, hardcover, $34.95. AHS discount price, $13.25 including postage and handling. $32.70 including postage and handling. Instructions for ordering books by mail: Northen's Home Orchid Growing mas been This beautifully produced and sump­ Send orders to the attention of Dotty Sow­ the number one primer for orchid fanciers tuously illustrated book has been written erby, American Horticultural Society, for many years. Miniature Orchids is a by a botanist and a biochemist. It will Mount Vernon, VA 22121. Make checks work of comparable quality and should undoubtedly become required reading for payable to the Society. Virginia residents, be the second book purchased by anyone all anthropologists. It is an in-depth study add 4 % sales tax. When a discount price interested in orchids. As the title indicates, of the way in which men have used more is not listed for a book, please add $1.25 all of the hundreds of species described are than 90 hallucinogenic plants in various to the price listed to cover the cost of miniature plants (under six inches in height), cultures of our world. Historical, phys- mailing and handling.

American Horticulturist 11 STRANGE RELATIVES lHE MADDER FAMIIY

FIRST OF A TWO-PART SERIES

beauty and fragrance to the gardener'S world. Some of the identifying characteristics of the madder family are: leaves opposite or whorled; stipl!lles (leafy appendages) present and sometimes fused and leaflike; the flowers, growing in clusters or some­ times in globose heads, composed of four or five s€pals, four or five petals, fOlU or five stamens and a simple style. The fruit may be a capsule, berry or dmp€. Quinine is one of the promint~ nt ex­ amples of the economic utility of plants of this family. The discovery of quinine is said to have be€n as important in the history of medicine as was that of gun powder in the history of war. The source of quinine is the bark of several specks of the genus Cinchona, evergreen trees native to the Andes and belonging to the madder family, the Rubiaceae. Lost in unrecorded time is the true tale of how a Peruvian Indian found that the bark of certain trees, cinchonas, could be used to produce a preventive and palliative for the chills and fevers of malaria. Legends have grown about how the se­ cret of Cinchona passed from the Indians to the Spanish conquerors. Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century history records the at­ tempts and successes of the French, Dutch and British to bring plants and seeds out of South America to establish vast plan­ tations in their Far East colonies. As the bark of cinchonas, known as Peruvian bark, moved into medicine and commerce, it was destined over the years to save millions of lives and relieve im­ measurable suffering. Laboratory synthesis of quinine, which is an alkaloid of the bark, was achieved in 1944; along with other synthetic drugs developed during World War II, it almost replaced quinine. However, during the 1960's, several strains of malarial para­ Illustration by Ali ce R. Tangerini sites developed resistance to synthetic drugs The madder family is so closely associated gether, there are about 5,000 species-trees, but remained sensitive to quinine. Quinine with history and commerce that it is dif­ shrubs and herbs. Although the family is was therefore reinstated in some parts of ficult to decide which dramatic member generally considered more important com­ the world as the drug of choice. or historic connection should take preced­ mercially than from a garden standpoint, Persons with a caffeine dependency may ence in recounting the family story. Cof­ some of the species with showy flowers, be of the opinion that coffee should head fee, quinine, dyes and medicines are all SUehl as the gardenia, have economic value the list of important family members. It derived from plants of this family. Alto- too, and they certainly add a wealth of is an alkaloid derivative of the coffee bean

12 August/September 1980 GREAT NEWS and is used as a stimulant. Trade in coffee (Galium odoratum), an herb of the mad­ FOR YOUR is of major importance to the economy der family that grows in many gardens, HOUSE PLANTS of some nations. And in many instances, is a potential substitute as a fairly good AND YOU the Rubiaceae is identified as the coffee source of red dye in some recipes. family. A related dye plant, gambier (Uncaria Send for FREE The earliest known cultivated coffee is gambir) was used in black-silk dyeing as INFORMATION on Coffea arabica, which is reputed to have NUTRIPONICS TM­ originated in Ethiopia. Most of the 25 spe­ cies of Coffea grow wild in the tropics of Use Coupon Below the Eastern Hemisphere. Coffea arabica The discovery of quinine is now cultivated as a crop plant chiefly in Latin America. Temperate zone gar­ is said to have been as deners know it as a sizable pot plant boast­ important in the history ing glossy, dark-green leaves with wavy of medicine as was that margins and small, white, fragrant flowers which even " in captivity" can produce of gun powder in the colorful red berries. history of war. The dye plants in the madder family are chiefly Rubia tinctorum, madder, and Un­ caria gambir, gambier. It is from the genus Rubia that the famil y takes its Latin and late as the first quarter of the 20th century, its common name. Madder is grown for mainl y because it could be appli ed along the red dye which is extracted by grinding with metallic salts in weighting silk. The Now you can grow healthy plants in­ the root. A long economic and socio-cul­ resinous astringent extract of Uncaria is doors-even tomatoes using a totally tural history is associated with the pro­ used medicinally as well as in dyeing. new and simple system called "Nutri­ duction and use of this dye. Medicinal or healing properties of plants ponics" . Madder dyeing of cotton originated in of the madder family are described in most This new system uses a modern attrac­ India; from there it was transmitted to early references and records of use of these tive planter (or even a used tin can), that other parts of the East and became known plants. The dried rhizomes and roots of acts as a water reservoir for a flower pot as Turkey red-the traditional color of the a Brazilian herb, Cephaelis ipecacuanha, permitting long periods without water­ Turkish fez. It was eventually carried to are the source of ipecac, used medicinally ing if you desire. Your plants gradually Europe by the French. Turkey red was one to promote sweating and for gastric com­ absorb all the moisture they require, of the most sought-after colors of the 19th plaints. In the native tongue, ipecacuanha simply, easily, practically eliminating century. means "roadside sick-making plant." leading causes of house plant failure: in­ In Europe, madder became a plant of In the Rubiaceae there seems to be adequate moisture and overwatering. Fully tested. We have received many let­ great economic importance. It was a prin­ something for everyone. Over 60 genera ters from customers expressing satisfac­ cipal source of wealth in Holland during are listed as cultivated plants. Coffee, qui­ tion. the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. We are nine and dye plants are in a utilitarian told that the French Revolution ruined category. But the economic worth of the NUTRIPONIC KITS A V AILABLE French madder farmers, who were by then ornamental group is also considerable. Kits include our 50-page beautifully il­ top producers, and that they were later The array of ornamentals includes plants lustrated book on Nutriponics along rescued by a decree of Louis Philippe, which for outdoor culture in frosty regions; a with Liqui-SoilTM, special Nutriponic made red caps and trousers mandatory for hardy shrub with fragrant flowers; many pots and planting medium. Windowbox his army. In England, imported madder valuable, colorful, tender species for the also available. was used for dyeing the red British army greenhouse or outdoors in warm climes; uniforms. a rare shrub native to the southeastern WINDOWSILL GARDENS Madder was never cultivated to any great United States; a couple of small woodland Grafton, N.H. 03240, Dept. AH extent in America although Thomas Jef­ subjects and a creeping herb grown as a ferson urged it, as did Bernard McMahon, pot plant novelty. o Send Information Send $4.95 Kit noted American horticulturist of the early Whether you like the exotics, prefer house o o Send $9.95 Kit 19th century. The madder used in the plants, emphasize native plants, seek a rock Include $1.50 for Shipping United States was imported from Holland garden or herb garden, or want one gar­ and France. denia, this family can supply it and present The year 1869 marks the end of large­ multiple choices for further temptation. Name scale production of madder, for it was in A future column will give attention to the Address that year that artificial madder dye was diversity of the ornamental species of Ru­ City, State Zip synthesized and fields of madder were biaceae to bring full circle the contrasts abandoned. of the strange relatives in this family. 0 Checks or Money Orders Only Madder dye is gone, but sweet woodruff -Jane Steffey

American Horticulturist 13 AMERICAN Gilbert S. Daniels is the current President work done in Southeast Asia and South of the American Horticultural Society. He America. He is presently teaching at Flor­ HORTICULTURAL holds a doctorate in botany from UCLA ida International University in Miami. SOCIETY and is the former Director of the Hunt Institute for Bot'anical Documentation, Elisabeth Morss' continuing interest in Carnegie-Mellon University. using and growing herbs began with cook­ OFFICERS ing in her childhood and a victory garden David F. Hamilton holds a doctorate in in World War II. She has lectured widely, Dr. Gilbert S. Daniels horticulture from Purdue University. He often showing her slides, and has served PRESIDENT is presently Assistant Professor of Nursery on the National Executive Board of The and Landscape Management in the De­ Herb Society of America. She is author­ Mrs. Erastus Corning, II partment of Horticulture at Purdue. He illustrator of Herbs of a Rhyming Gar­ FIRST VICE PRESIDENT is also a member of the Southern Nurs­ dener and has been writing about herbs erymen's Association, the American So­ as plant material, the recent focus of her Dr. Harold B. Tukey, Jr. gardening. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT ciety for Horticultural Science and Pi Al­ pha Xi, an honorary horticultural society. Mrs. John M. Maury Martha Prince is an artist, writer and lec­ SECRETARY Chiko Haramaki is a Professor of Orna­ turer who gardens on Long Island. Her mental Horticulture at The Pennsylvania special interest is wildflowers, with em­ Edward N. Dane State University where he teaches plant phasis on rhododendrons and our native TREASURER propagation and arboriculture. His re­ azaleas. A graduate of Piedmont College search is concerned primarily with micro­ in Georgia, she also studied art at the Art Thomas W. Richards propagation and weed control. He is a Students' League in New York. Exhibits EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT member of and an active participant in a of her work have appeared at many gal­ number of scientific and horticultural leries, gardens and arboreta. A selection Dr. Henry M. Cathey organizations,. of her paintings was recently chosen for IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT purchase by Hunt Botanical Institute. Pamela Harper received her horticultural BOARD OF DIRECTORS training in England. While in England she Jane Steffey is a graduate of Hood College owned a specialist nursery and wrote The with a major in botany. She is the current TERMS EXPIRING IN 1980: Story of a Garden, published in 1974. She horticultural advisor to the American also has written articles for many horti­ Horticultural Society, handling member J. Lyle Bayless, Jr. cultural magazines and is the owner of the Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. inquiries. A long-time gardener herself, she Mrs. Benjamin ·P. Bole, Jr. Harper Horticultural Slide Library. has recently specialized in indoor plants Everett Conklin and for a number of years wrote "The Mrs. Nicholas R. du Pont Alfred M. Hunt Charles Heuser is an avid gardener who Indoor Gardener" for the Washington Post. Mrs. William Wallace Mein is currently the Eastern Editor of the In­ Mrs. Pendleton Miller ternational Plant Propagators' Society. He Captain Walter W. Price, Jr. Donald Wyman is Horticulturist, Emeri­ has conducted research in juvenility, graft tus, of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard incompatibility, tissue culture and root TERMS EXPIRING IN 1981 : University. He is a past president of the initiation. As an Associate Professor of American Horticultural Society and was J. Judson Brooks Horticulture Physiology at The Pennsyl­ a recipient of the Society's coveted Liberty Dr. Gilbert S. Daniels vania State University, his present duties Harold Epstein Hyde Bailey Medal. He is the author of Mrs. Howard S. Kittel include teaching as well as research. Mrs. Joseph G. Poetker Wyman's Gardening Encyclopedia and Dr. Ha'rold B. Tukey, Jr. many other books and magazine articles. Theodore Van Veen Jane Price McKinnon is Extension Hor­ James W. Wilson ticulturist and Associate Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and Isabel Zucker earned a B.S. degree in flor­ TERMS EXPIRING IN 1982: Landscape Architecture of the University iculture and ornamental horticulture from of Minnesota. She has a special interest Cornell University, took graduate courses Richard J. Both Edward N. Dane in perennial flowers, inherited from her in landscape architecture and has been, in Jackson R. Eddy father, who was one of the first county succession, a retail florist, landscape de­ Mrs. A. Lester Marks agricultural agents in Mississippi, and who signer and garden writer. She has been Mrs. John M. Maury Mrs. Edward C. Sweeney still gardens today at the age of 93. garden editor of The Detroit Times, di­ Mrs. William C. Weaver, Jr. rector of the National Garden Bureau (a Dr. John A. Wott David W. Lee holds a doctorate in botany public relations and educational arm of from Rutgers University. His current in­ the garden seed industry) and, most re­ terests and research have been in the cently, house plant columnist for Horti­ botany of tropical rain forests, with field- culture. t~

14 August/September 1980 ROM

FROM HOLLAND WITH LOVE ... flower bulbs at wholesale prices! Spectacular FREE color that only GARDEN bulbs can give BOOK... - Tulips, featuring Crocus, more than tOO Hyacinths, full page Daffodils, color photos of Dutch lris- the world's all these and most beautiful more can now flower bulbs. be yours .. . Tells when shipped from and how to Holland direct plant them. to you. When they Each bulb bloom. How guaranteed to tall they grow. bloom and And more. Free satisfy. to you if you act now.

To get your Free Garden Book and p.o. Box 338. M ontvale, NJ 07645 olesale price list Name mail* this coupon ------or use attached Address ------postcard. City State __ zip __ 1 _____ ·~e=t~ ~U~ad= s~ __ .!!!!.w~u!:;h:e~=I~ . _ _ s.!J I DUTCH GARDENS, XN(c ~ LlSSE -HOLLAND Buy your bulbs at wholesale prices direct from H alland. Now that the energy squeeze is forcing many of us into smaller homes, our gar­ Broad-leaved dens are becoming smaller, too, but never­ theless, people want interesting plants about them. Even time for gardening seems to be diminishing. For these reasons there is Evergreens nothing better for small space gardens than the broad-leaved evergreens-those plants that have green foliage all year, many of which need only minimum care to be kept looking their best. Many of these evergreens have inter­ esting flowers and fruits as well as varied leaf texture, which is always an asset. Un­ TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY fortunately, there are fewer species of ever­ BY DONALD WYMAN green plants in the North than there are in the South, but altogether there are a as 'Va rdar Vall ey'. A third is ' In gli s', a T he winter creeper (Euonymus fortu­ good many va ri eti es from which we can Midwest selection introduced abo ut 10 neil and its several va rieties o f low ever­ choose. yea rs ago. Admittedl y, these are not o f­ green forms make fin e groundcovers. Some Everyone knows the boxw oods that fered by every nurseryman, but they are have very sma ll leaves like 'Minima'; oth­ lu xuriate in the So uth, yet there are a few avail able and are wo rth searching fo r by ers have larger leaves like 'Colorata', which vari eties that will withstand temperatures Northerners who want box in their foun­ turn purplish in the fall and retain this of - 3 0 0 F in the North. One, na med dati on pl antings. color all winter. The old-fashi oned favo r­ 'Vardar Va ll ey', grows about two to three An excell ent groundcover now becom­ ite E. vegeta, or evergreen bittersweet (now feet hi gh and three to four feet across in ing avail abl e is the 'Skogsholmen' coto­ cl assifi ed under E. fortunei), is hardy as 20 yea rs. It is a va ri ety o f the mo re tender neaster, a selecti on first introduced in Swe­ far no rth as Boston, but sometimes it may English box (Bux us sempervirens) and was den a b o ut 2 0 years ago. An excell ent lose its leaves during severe cold . There first found in the Balk ans in 1935. An­ pla nting of this foot-high, small-l eaved Continued on page 36 other is the va ri ety 'Welleri ', selected by evergreen can be seen in the Royal Botanic Two broad-leaved evergreens whi ch are ideal Gardens at H amilton, O nta ri o, Canada . the Weller Nursery o f H o ll and, Michigan, fo r many small space gardens are left, Pieris which withstands the same temperatures 'Skogsholmen' is well worth trying, fo r it japonica, and right, the rhododendron and is of about the same height and width has glossy fo li age a ll winter. cultivar 'Album Elega ns'.

American Horticulturist 17 TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID W. LEE

In the shadow of the great Ba­ route to the spices of the East, silica of Sa int Anthony of Padua and the Dutch became a wealthy is a modest garden whose im­ and powerful nation after break­ portance goes far beyond its two ing the Arab monopoly on the hectares of land. The botanical spice trade. Renaissance botan­ garden of Padua was founded in ical gardens had a direct eco­ 1545 by officials of the Medical nomic interest and importance, Faculty of this Italian city's fa­ and the garden at Padua rapidly mous university, where Galileo swelled from new additions taught and where Petrarch and brought back from the four cor­ Dante wrote. Many private gar­ ners of the world. The number dens were founded earlier by in­ of varieties of plants in the gar­ dividuals and royalty, but they den increased from around were at most collections of in­ 1,500 in 1552 (o fficially some teresting and attractive plants. 1,200 varieties when the first cat­ The garden at Padua was the first alog was published in 1591) to scientific institutional garden, and a maximum of some 16,000 spe­ it is by far the best preserved. cies in the 19th century. Among Today it conserves the same or­ early additions to the garden were ganiza tion and original stone­ the lilac (Syringa vulgaris), first work. A visit to this beautiful introduced from Eastern Europe little garden is a visit to the sci­ in 1565 and later spread over the entific foundations of the Euro­ rest of Europe; the sunflower pean Renaissance, providing clues ABOVE: The main entrance to the Padua garden. RIGHT: The circular (Helianthus annuus), brought to the curious as to how the sci­ wall of the original garden, with the greenhouse protecting Goethe's from the new world in 1568; ence of botany developed during palm on the left. sesame (Sesamum indicum), that time. brought from the old world trop­ Professor Franco Bonafede, Padua was an important city serves the original regulations, ics in 1590; and rhubarb (Rheum who occupied the first profes­ in the 16th century. It had fallen admonishing visitors not to break rhaponticum), brought from East sor's chair in Europe specifically under the influence of the pow­ branches, pick plants, walk on Asia in 1612. designated for a lecturer on me­ erful city-state of Venice in the the flower beds or disobey the Perhaps the most important of dicinal plants, founded the gar­ previous century. Since Venice director. These rules were writ­ Padua's contributions to the in­ den as a means of demonstrating had no university, that of Padua ten in Latin, a language which troduction of exotic plants was medicinally valuable plants or became the intellectual center of all students and other visitors the potato (So lanum tubero­ "simples." In those times there the Venetian Empire. Medical understood, as it was the scien­ sum). Brought back from the was little love lost between students came from all over Eu­ tific language of the Renaissance. South American Andes, it was apothecaries and physicians. The rope to study at Padua, and they The garden also became a re­ introduced to Padua in 1590 and latter often accused the former had ample opportunity to be­ pository of the strange and ex­ thence spread to many other of substituting cheaper and less come familiar with the garden. otic plants brought back by Ven­ places in Europe. Even today one potent plants and not even Soon its fame spread throughout ice's wide-ranging merchants and can see the small-tubered plants knowing the identifications of Europe and other universities the university's alert faculty. This that must be very similar to those other medicinal plants. Thus the started their own: Pisa two years was the age of exploration, and first planted almost 400 years ago, garden at Padua was a teaching later, Leiden in 1587, and Mont­ expeditions not only searched for and only remotely resembling tool to help young physicians pellier and Heidelburg in 1593. mineral wealth but also for new today's improved varieties. recognize medicinal plants. Bot­ From its very beginning the gar­ plants, which might become Few of the garden'S early plant any as a scientific discipline de­ den at Padua became a valuable sources of medical treatment, introductions survive today. The veloped out of this concern about teaching resource for genera­ dyes, perfumes, spices or food. oldest is an ancient chaste tree medicinal plants, with its first tions of medical students. Even After all, Columbus' motivation (Vitex agnus-castus) planted in publications being herbals. today the main entrance pre- for exploration was to find a short 1550 and still growing next to

18 August/September 1980

20 August/September 1980 Perhaps the most important of Padua's contributions to the introduction of exotic plants was the potato. Brought back from the South American Andes, it was introduced to Padua in 1590.

the main entrance. A giant gingko the development of European tree was planted in 1750. The botany. The library houses an­ famous palm of Goethe, sur- cient books (some of the first rounded by its own cylindrical produced by the printing pr@ss) greenhouse, is well over 400 years and old collections of pressed old. This ancient specimen of the plants whose labels predate the dwarf palm (Chamaerops hu- binomial scientific names of mitis) was the pinnacle of Linnaeus. Goethe's quest for the perfect and Padua is only a short distance archetypal plant. from Venice, much less beautiful Besides illustrating the origin than the latter city, but interest­ _and development of botany dur- ing for its long intellectual and ing the Renaissance, the Padua artistic traditions. For someone garden also reflected the more interested in horticulture, a visit general Renaissance passion for to this small garden at Padua is reason and order: The garden was a return to an era when the ex­ filled with ptants of medical im- citement of the Renaissance was portance and also with strange causing a revolution in the ways exotic plants that tickled botan- that man viewed and studied ical curiosity. These plants were plants. Few gardens have as rich planted in beds in a precise geo- a history, and none as early an metric pattern which exists in- ' origin as that at Padua. tact today. The general organi- ' ------­ zation of the garden was set out How to visit the garden: Padua by the architect Giovanni Mo- is less than an hour by bus or roni, who was in the process of train from Venice. One can stay designing the neighboring church in Padua (there are many hotels) of Saint Giustina at the time the or easily make a day trip from garden was formed. Today even Venice. The garden is about a the stones used to divide the par- five-minute walk from Padua's cels of earth are still in place, and main tourist attraction, the Ba­ these divisions define a tiny, or­ silica of Saint Anthony. It is open derly and circular world, aligned weekdays and Saturdays from 9 to the points of the compass. a.m. to 12:30 p.rn. and from 3 Adjacent to the original gar­ to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from dens, and still in excellent con­ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The garden is dition today, exists what must closed from the first of Novem­ be the oldest botanical institute, ber to the end of March. More where first construction began serious horticulturists who may in 1564. The Institute, presently want to visit the adjoining Bo­ devoted to such research as the tanical Institute and library, or physiology of algae and plant visit the garden during the off taxonomy and ecology, pre­ season, should write the Direc­ serves additional insights into the tor, Prof. Luigino Curti, Istituto early history of the garden and di Botanico E de Fisiologica Ve­ getale, Via Horto Botanico, Once inside the garden, the Basilica Padua, Italia, to make advance of Saint Anthony can be seen rising arrangements. The Institute (but majestically in the background, partially hidden by buildings of the not the garden) is closed Botanical Institute. during part of the sUmmer. 0

American Horticulturist 21 22 August/September 1980 Bulbs That Last And Last

BY ISABEL ZUCKER

Every year for 32 years, usually during the in Michigan, in Zone 5b of the Plant Har­ be planted, other times when they shouldn't last week in April, a 10-foot-long, not-too­ diness Zone Map published by the United according to the "experts," but mostly straight row of narcissi starts to bloom in States Department of Agriculture. Most when I happened to have time and was my front yard. These are of the variety winters the temperature drops to about able to discover where they were growing. 'Diana Kasner'-fragrant, with flaring - 8°F, and occasionally we have a winter This article is a sort of chronicle of which white petals and palest yellow cups. They low of -15°F. Summer temperatures may of my bulbs survived, how long they have were the first bulbs planted in this garden. go to 90°F, and we usually have a drought, stayed in my garden and my other expe­ I had bought 25 bulbs, thinking that to which may last six weeks, in August or riences with them. be "only a few" until I mentioned this to September. The same autumn that 'Diana Kasner' a friend, far wealthier than I, who said The ice-age glaciers which once covered was planted a friend gave me, as a "new that she'd bought "only a few"-three­ this area conveniently left five different garden" gift, 25 bulbs of another narcissus because she understood that this variety soil types in this acreage, all of which test named 'Clamor'. multiplied rapidly. She was so right. as circumneutral, about pH 6.5. Our house Since I'd had to give my husband and These bulbs are crowded and should is built into a hill, the dome of a lateral son a sales talk to get them to dig the sod have been lifted, split and replanted long moraine formed when a glacier pushed from this former farm and make a bed since, but every year I look at them and material to either side while cutting the large enough for the 'Diana Kasner' bulbs, they are so pretty just as they are, with valley below, with its stream, a part of the I planted those of 'Clamor' in individual flowers crammed together, that I decide River Rouge system. holes in a wooded area where I had no to leave them alone. After all, any plant For all of these 32 years I have been heavy sod to contend with. that demands nothing and takes care of planting and transplanting bulbs before, They bloomed nicely for the first five itself is an asset to any garden. during and after our house was built, years and still send up leaves every spring, My six-acre garden is north of Detroit sometimes in autumn when they should but there are now only occasional flowers. So you see, there is a big difference be­ tween bulbs that stay with me and bulbs that stay and flower. The next few years were devoted to moving shrubs from the old garden to the new, and it wasn't until our house was finished that the next bulbs were planted. These were snowdrops, of which I dug a handful, split them and set them on either side of our brand new front doorstep. Since the house faces south these bloom extra­ early, a week or more before others in the garden. And, through the years, they've seeded in a dozen different spots, seeming to favor light shade for their new abodes. Those beside the doorstep never had been lifted or divided until the autumn of 1979 when my Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa) planted at one side of the step died and had to be replaced. In digging the dead plant and making a hole for the new, I unearthed literally hundreds of snowdrop bulbs. Continued on page 38

~ FAR LEFT: Anemone blanda 'Radar'. LEFT: i Tulipa tarda.

American Horticulturist 23 BY CHIKO HARAMAKI AND CHARLES HEUSER

Many gardeners today, if they read enough culture we have been doing this for cen­ of the horticultural literature available, are turies by taking cuttings and producing familiar with terms such as tissue culture millions of new plants which are identical propagation, meristem culture or a num­ to the original plant. ber of other names for plant propagation In recent years horticulturists have been by new "scientific" cloning techniques (as using only a few cells, or at least only a opposed to the old cloning methods). But small section of tissue, to be developed few gardeners really know how the proc­ into complete plants. Propagators place ess works. The principle is relatively sim­ a sterile piece of tissue in a sterile nutrient ple, but the steps necessary to actually medium and grow it under aseptic con­ clone plants in such amazing numbers are ditions. Variations of this process have complex, requiring laboratory standards been called meristem culture, mericioning, of cleanliness and chemicals with names tissue culture, test tube plants, callus cul­ almost impossible to pronounce. In the ture, short tip culture, single cell culture, interest of science, and in spite of these anther culture, embryo culture, micro­ verbal obstacles, we asked authors Har­ grafting, somatic hybridization and a host amaki and Heuser to describe this cloning of other names. Basically, these processes process step-by-step for our readers. Such can be grouped under the term microprop­ technological developments make it ap­ agation since new plants are being repro­ parent that the future is here-most likely, duced starting with only a few cells in each many of the plants purchased by gardeners case. today come not out of the ground, but out Plant tissue has been grown in aseptic of a test tube. culture for about 50 years; it has been only 20 years since these techniques have been Recently in the news we have been hearing used to reproduce complete plants. about the possibility of cloning humans There are a number of r

Plant Propagation The future is Here

24 August/September 1980 LEFT: Primarily herbaceous flowering and foliage plants are being micropropagated today. At left, tiny Lythrum and daylily explants aFe in the rapid multiplication stage. Each shoot can develop into a new plant as long as aseptic conditions, which inhibit bacterial or fungus growth that kills-the developing plants, are preserved. ABOVE: The fully-grown daylily above, a product of tissue culture propagation, is in_distinguishable from a daylily propagated by older methods.

American Horticulturist 25

Summer Meadnws

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTHA PRINCE

What is a meadow? "A tract of low or levelland producing grass for hay." That may be the dictionary definition, but how dull and utilitarian! I have searched my gardening and horticultural reference books in vain. To me, a meadow has to do with sunny summer afternoons and buzzing bees and flowers sprinkled in tall green grass. It is a place to spread a blanket, gaze placidly at acres of sunlight and do absolutely nothing. This meadow is not the "Alpine meadow" (I can find some references to that). The plant treasures of the high meadows, such as those in the Rockies, are exquisite miniatures not easily usable except in perfectly maintained rock gardens or in cool greenhouses. A meadow, for most gardeners, should be something possible; after it is established, it should be easy to maintain. Most of the meadows I know were for hay once, but no longer are. Land that is stabilized as "open," perhaps by long years of grazing, tends to stay that way. Wildflowers come into the grass, but trees are slow to encroach. A meadow started afresh will cost the gardener some time at the beginning; tree saplings will invade. A yearly mowing (or scything) in autumn will not be enough at first. The reward, however, can make the effort well worthwhile-something lovely and essentially work-free. My favorite meadow is in Maine. A little dirt road dips between birch woods on both sides; it is so narrow that the slim birches meet for a canopy. This deeply shaded tunnel opens into a large oval of sunlit grass. The vista is unexpected, and a delightful surprise. The view from the main road gives no clue. We have owned the meadow for a

ABOVE LEFT: Yarrow, Achillea lanulosa. LEFT: Joe-Pye weed, Eupatorium maculatum. RIGHT: Oxeye daisy, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum.

28 August/September 1980

What are good meadow flowers? I could answer, "Any kinds you want," and not be too far wrong. There are no rules.

dozen years but are not sure of its hybrids or cultivars and having them delicate-looking segmented leaves and complete history. There was a revert. If yo u are starting a meadow curly tendrils, it is another welcome farmhouse which burned more than 30 from an old lawn or clearing, I'd suggest alien. One often finds this planted by years ago (the stone cellar is still there), you let it grow untouched for a season, highway departments along road and we know from the deeds that the to see what is there. Seeds and pl ants embankments. The look is soft, billowy farm dates back for more than 100 are available at some nurseries; others and inviting. years. Near the old foundation are can be collected along roadsides and in Among the lupines, most gardeners currant bushes, a pear tree and some waste places. In autumn, I always seem grow only the Russell hybrids. Two daylilies. The meadow is edged with a to have my coat and jacket pockets full native species, one eastern and one forest of oak, birch and spruce; within of seed envelopes! I'm sure I could, in western (naturalized in New England), its boundaries are one oak, two one afternoon, dig at le as t a dozen are my candidates for the meadow. beautiful clumps of white birch and species I like from the vacant lots, First, Lupinus perennis. These flowers three mounds of lilacs-one double parking areas, ditches and construction are usually blue, but may be found in purple, one single lavender and one sites. Such collecting is not harmful, as pink or white. Larger is the Washington white. The only thing we have had to is the wanton digging of woodland lupine (L. polyphyllus). I have waded pull out, in a real tug-of-war, is the wi ldflowers. This sort of treasure hunt waist-deep in these lovely flowers when invasive and stubborn Spiraea latifolia can be fun. We once did a photographic visiting California; somehow they were (known as meadowsweet or hardhack). series on vacant lots-billboards, junked introduced into Maine a long time ago In another location I might like it, but cars, rear-ends of stores; the flowers we and are quite common in the wild. as a woody, twiggy plant it is not for a found were beautiful. A wildflower is a There are annual lupines, also, and I meadow. Meadows should be pleasant weed only when it is in the wrong pl ace. would not want to offend any Texas to walk in with sandals and bare legs. I Here is a sampler of meadow readers by omitting L. subcarnosus, the do not know the grasses, but meadow possibilities. I am onl y choosing flowers bluebonnet. grass should be soft; luckily for us, the I've liked in some of the meadows I Among the clove rs, the loveliest for grass there is perfect. We have some know. There are many, many more. meadows is the red clover, Trifolium good flowers but want more. • Carrot-or Parsley Family pratense. It is not red, but a light purple In Georgia we have the beginnings of Daucus carota, Queen Anne's lace, is an or a pinkish lavender. And oh, how a meadow. This was never a grazed immigrant, but a most welcome one to fragrant! No wonder bees flock to it. location, rather a long-ago tennis court America's roadsides and meadows. The I'm glad they do-one of the great and part of a lawn. How good a flowers look like flat, white sa ucers, breakfast pleasures is clover honey on meadow it will make I cannot be sure, prettily sprinkled everywhere. Have yo u hot biscuits. Emily Dickinson wrote: but so far there are at least no tree­ noticed that the tiny center flower in There is a flower that bees prefer, invaders. This is true despite the each circle is usually purple? And butterflies desire; surrounding oaks and Chinese chestnuts. • Loosestrife Family To gain the purple democrat At least five appropriate flowers are Lythrum salicaria, the purple loosestrife, The humming-birds aspire. already blooming at the edges. may be called a pest by some, but to me Do not be prejudiced against it because What are good meadow flowers? I this European immigrant is one of the of your battles with lawn clover, a low could answer, "Any kinds you want," handsomest plants for large meadows. and very different species. and not be too far wrong. There are no Tall, with dense and striking terminal • Primrose Family rules. It doesn't matter if you have both clusters of blossoms, it paints many Plant names can sometimes cause perennials and self-sowing annuals, both New England meadows with color. In confusion. In this family the genus native wildflowers and naturalized Massachusetts, the roadsides and low Lysimachia is called "loosestrife," which aliens. They must be tall enough not to open hills where the loosestrife grows is the English name of a quite different be buried in uncut grass, hardy for your are very special. Loosestrife prefers family (see above). Whorled loosestrife climate, resistant to insect problems and moist locations, but I know several of is a tall but unusually dainty plant; five­ disease, sun-loving, tolerant of imperfect its chosen habitats which are dry. petalled yellow flowers having red soil conditions (you will not be • Pea-or Bean Family centers are held out from the axils of fertilizing or liming) and attractive. At least three of the genera in this the whorled leaves. This is L. Coarser growth habits than you would family have species I'd want in any quadrifolia. In our Maine meadow it want in a garden border are quite meadow-the vetches (Vicia), the blooms along the edges where it gets a acceptable. Of course, the flowers lupines (Lupinus) and the clovers bit of shade. Whorled loosestrife is should all be "true to seed. " You want (Trifolium). native as far south as Georgia; I know it the plants to go to seed, and there Vicia cracca, really a climber which there in some hilltop clearings. would be little point in buying special seldom has anything to climb, is called Lysimachia terrestris is aptly called cow vetch. The lavender pea-flowers are swamp candles. This is for the damp Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria. in long, dense clusters. With attractive, meadow only, and the flowers (borne in

American Horticulturist 31 a dense, narrow spike) are showier than those of L. quadrifolia. The yellow candles are very pretty. Range is similar. • Milkweed Family Butterfly weed is one of the few meadow plants considered for garden use. Asclepias tuberosa has brilliant orange flowers, sometimes verging on red or yellow, which are arranged in umbels (as in "umbrella"). The flowers are fascinating to examine close up. Five petals are sharply reflexed downward below an upright crown, or corona. I have painted butterfly weed several times, but I can never include quite all the details. There are curved "horns" inside the corona which I can only capture if I enlarge the flower. Black butterflies would be the perfect addition to a photogaph of butterfly weed, but somehow they always escape. You can find plants in many places where digging would be acceptable, but the roots are deep and tough. When I was a A Monarch butterfly on goldenrod (Solidago sp.). little girl, I was told the root goes all the way to China. Several nurseries list A. the meadow gardener than any other, Three other genera have yellow­ tuberosa, and I would suggest ordering but then, it should. This is one of the flowered species most of us know. A plants. largest family of wildflowers we have. favorite of mine is the fall-blooming • Mint Family The word "composite" explains itself. golden aster (Chrysopsis mariana), Here are several meadow possibilities. I Tiny flowers of one kind form the disc, which is not an aster at all. It is one of would choose, first, Monarda didyma, and flowers of another kind form the the flowers waiting at the edge of our the bee balm. Dense, shaggy-looking rays surrounding it. Take a look meadow-to-be in Georgia. I like flower clusters are a strikingly brilliant through a X8 magnifier at one of the Coreopsis auriculata for a bit of early­ red. If your area is host to the ruby­ flowers of a large-disc species; if you summer gold. The most-loved of the throated hummingbird, these will invite choose a fresh flower (with the ray coneflowers is Rudbeckia hirta, the him to dine in your meadow. Much like flowers in good condition) the disc black-eyed Susan. This happy species M. didyma, except in color, is Monarda flowers will be closed. You will see that brightens meadows all summer long and media, called purple bergamot. Both of the arrangement is in neat spirals, an well into autumn. I have painted the these tall, native species are garden­ example of Nature's mathematical cheerful, sunny faces several times. The worthy. precision. There are so many genera and most-loved of the asters is the New • Lobelia Family species that some exasperated botanists England aster (Aster novae-angliae). The If you have a moist location, nothing greet a plant, handed to them for beautiful, rich purple shames some of its could be more striking in late summer identification, as "ADC" (Another good but paler or smaller-flowered and early fall than the brilliant red Damned Composite"). relatives. cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis). I The goldenrods (Solidago sp.) are easy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (the give slide talks on wildflowers to recognize as a genus but are almost white-flowered yellow flower, by its occasionally, and a projected impossible for the nonbotanist to name!) is our dear, familiar oxeye daisy. photograph of a single flower always separate into species. There are so I imagine daisies are the favorite brings forth "ooohs" and "ahhhs." A many. Some are larger and showier than summer flower of most children, just as picture appeared in American others; both growth habit and blooming violets are in spring. I don't care that Horticulturist for fall, 1978 (Vol. 57, times differ. One handsome, upright, people pull them up or call a meadow No.5). The Georgia meadow in which terminal-flowered species is S. speciosa. of them a daisy field (a somewhat the photograph was taken is a low, A flat top is seen in S. rigida; in S. derogatory remark). moist one. It is really a woodland caesia the flower heads grow in little Achillea is another white composite I clearing nestled in the curve of a small tufts all along the upper stem, at the leaf like. A. lanulosa (yarrow) has flat­ stream. There it grows with a blue axils. S. nemoralis bears its flowers in a topped flower clusters and fern-like companion, L. puberula. I prefer this graceful, plume-like array. As these leaves. A weed? Perhaps. species to the larger, coarser and tough perennials grow in many I like thistles (Cirsium), as do the bees showier L. siphilitica with which more neglected vacant city lots and numerous and butterflies. A year or so ago I spent people seem familiar. roadside ditches, it should not be too a frustrating afternoon trying to • Daisy Family difficult to find and dig a plant or two photograph a Monarch butterfly on a This family, botanically the Compositae, you like. In a few years you may have purple puff. I even poured sugar-water has more appropriate flowers to offer more than you want. on it. No matter at which thistle I aimed

32 August/September 1980 the camera, the self-willed butterfly sought another. However, the prickles make thistles wrong for a walkable meadow. Still, in the Composite family, a resemblance (at least in the pinkish­ purple color, and in the puff effect of the flower clusters) can be had in some species of Liatris. These are called blazing-stars or gayfeathers. Northern blazing-star (L. borealis) is the one most " thistly" looking. Other species are nice too. Some have more closely-packed spikes of flower heads (as L. spicata). The genus Eupatorium has several candidates. I like the white snakeroot (E . rugosum) with fluffy-looking white Vegetable Factory® heads. It prefers the shady edges of the meadow. If cows or sheep should ever graze there, however, beware. Have you SOLAR PANEL GREENHOUSE heard of "milk sickness"? The cows get sick and so would you if you drank USES 60% LESS HEAT. their milk. Pat ented double-wall construction, Th ey can be erected at any time of this practical greenhouse more than pays the year with no contractors needed. The Joe-Pye weeds are handsome, for itse lf in heat savings alone! Exclusive, factory direct only, 5 year with sturdy-looking purple or pinkish Eve ry section is not one, but two warranty, all models and sizes, or solar flower heads, but they are a bit tall for panes of rigid reinforced acrylic, se par­ panels only. any but large meadows. E. maculatum is ated by a th ermal ai r space that retains Send $1.00 for Full-Color Brochure hea t two and one-half times longer than mailed First Class. attractive. It is listed, usually, for damp a gree nhouse mad e of sing le-pane glass. Call or Write for fnformation places. There is a lot of it in a damp What's more, these double panels P.O. Box 2235 meadow near our home on Long Island. won 't shatter, no costly foundations are req ui red, transmit more so lar energy than Dept. AH-8 I am especially intrigued by the purple­ glass, and diffuse th e burning ra ys of the New York, N.Y. 10017 red stems with very rugose, deep-green sun automatically. '----__---I (212) 867 -0113 leaves; I photographed, close-up, a portion of the stem with the lower parts of a few leaves. An enlarged print is quite interesting. Cichorium intybus is the chicory, that ~R1CANHORf[CULTURlST Revolutionary handpowered bluest of all blue weeds. Admittedly, the growth is scraggly, but the flowers are SHREDDER How does Now you can shred prunings, tough stalks, as perfect a blue as you can find in any twigs. o ld plants and leaves for compost mate­ yo ur ga rden ri a l o r attracti ve mulch. Just turn the handle. flower. It is an alien, but is at home grow ) Ameri­ New, patented cutter design makes reductio n anywhere and everywhere. can Horticul­ easy a nd quick . Vo lume of waste reduces by 90070 . C ut s The hawkweeds (Hieracium) are turist is not composting European immigrants. Some really are only filled with time by beautiful pic­ mo nths. weedy looking, but the color of devil's­ tures, but also Smaller paintbrush (H. aurantiacum) is a fine with helpful ro ts faster. red-orange for good display. After all, in gardening in­ a meadow where intrusiveness is not formation. necessarily a vice, weeds can be called Now you can keep your issues of Amer­ wildflowers again. I certainly intend to ican Horticulturist all in one place for allow them into our Maline meadow. quick, handy reference. These attractive And that is enough for the daisy binders will hold 18 issues. That's three years' worth of gardening know-how. family! I have listed perhaps only two dozen Our magazine title is attractively em­ of the possible meadow plants. Even so, bossed in gold on a ri ch, leather-like green no meadow could have all of them. No spine. Easily applied gold numbers are in­ cluded uo help you add dates and volume one should. Some meadows may be numbers. bright, colorful and cheerful (perhaps Three or more binders for $4.50 each or with chicory, Queen Anne's lace and $5 .00 for one binder postpai d. Send your black-eyed Susans), or be peaceful, with check to Binders, The American Horticul­ j\!lst the green and white of grass and tural Society, Mount Vernon, Virginia daisies. Meadows can be whatever you 22121 and we will fill your order like or need the most. A meadow is a promptly. state of mind, I think. ~~

American H ortic~ !turist 33 SEASONABLE REMINDERS

MULCHES

Mulching is one of the most beneficial gardening practices, yet is one of the most neglected in the culture of landscape plants. Most herbaceous plants, even most trees and shrubs, benefit by a mulch, no matter how hardy they appear to be. Mulches are used to conserve moisture in the soil, to retard drying and to slow the rate of evaporation. Organic mulches will absorb and hold water, and this at­ tribute is especially effective during dry periods. Mulches also help maintain a more uni­ form soil temperature by reducing the rapid changes that occur at the soil surface. The soil temperature under a mulch insulation may be five degrees cooler in summer than that of an unmulched soil. In winter, soil does not freeze so deeply under a mulch, which is important for shallow-rooted plants, for some evergreens and for those plants. in areas of borderline hardiness. In unfrozen soil, the water needed by ever­ greens is still available. Alternate freezing and thawing in soils is reduced by the in­ sulating effect of mulching, thus reducing damage to roots, which is important to shallow-rooted plants. Other reductions in soil erosion and water runoff occur as a result of mulching. At the same time, mulches act to prevent crusting and compacting of the soil sur­ face. Organic materials, particularly, help keep the soil surface loose as they protect Bark is an attractive and functional mulch for this pl anting in Winter Haven, Florida. it from puddling and packing during heavy rains. Since soil structure is not destroyed, background to heighten the visual effect Mulches do not have any marked influ­ good aeration is maintained. This im­ of flowers and plant material. ence on the mineral content of plants. proves absorption and percolation of water Fruit and flower quality also may be However, depending on the nature of the in the soil. influenced by mulching. Fruits and flowers mulch, the nitrogen content of soils may Humus (organic matter) added to the of plants such as strawberries, peonies, require corrective actions by the gardener. soil through organic mulches also influ­ tomatoes and chrysanthemums, when Organic materials, if they are essentially ences physical properties such as soil struc­ mulched, are less prone to mud splattering fresh and undercomposed, will be acted ture, texture, aeration and waterholding during heavy rains and to infection from on by soil microorganisms and will utilize capacity. soil-borne diseases spread by splashing available soil nutrients in the upper soil Weed problems also can be reduced when water. layers. To avoid this competition, nitrogen the mulch itself is weed free and is applied Despite these beneficial effects, mulches must be added before applying the mulch. deeply enough to prevent weed seed ger­ have limitations and should be used prop­ Partially decomposed organic mulches may mination or to smother existing smaller erly. Mulches cannot smother large weeds. not require extra nitrogen. weeds. Such a practice saves the time and Neither can they diminish plant diseases labor of hand weeding. and, with the possible exception of pol­ Time of Application Mulches create a pleasing appearance yethylene film or aluminum foil , they can­ The time of year to apply mulching ma­ in the landscape by providing a cover of not reduce insect attack. Rodents often terial depends on its purpose. Is it func­ uniform color and interesting texture. Dark­ find havens in mulches, especially during tioning as a growing mulch or as a pro­ colored mulches serve as a contrasting the winter. tective mulch?

34 August/September 1980 Growing or cultural mulches: These are This prevents them from becoming a com­ avail able for use by the landscape gardener normally applied during the pl anting and pacted, soggy mess which will cause injury is bark. Because of its many gradations in growing season. Most organic mulches are when applied over tender herbaceous per­ particle size, the species from which it came applied to established ornamental plant­ ennials. Avoid leaves coll ected from stree ts and the variable treatment given it before ings in midspring when the soil has warmed frequently treated with oil or calcium chl o- marketing, bark may be successfull y used sufficiently for active root growth. If you for improving soil mi x, adding organic are applying an organic mulch to newly matter to the soil, erosion control, deco­ set vegetable or ornamental pl ants, do so Mulches do not have any rative ground covering-for almost any after they are put into place and thor­ marked influence on the purpose. Readily available in metropoli­ oughly watered. tan areas at competitive prices, bark is Growing or cultural mulches may be mineral content of plants. most commonly found in three-cubic-foot partly or entirely removed at the end of However, depending on bags, although certain types can occasion­ their immediate usefulness (growi ng sea­ the nature of the mulch, all y be purchased in bulk volume from son), or they may be incorporated into some garden centers. For landscape use, the soil for their permanent effectiveness the nitrogen content three grade standards have been adopted as humus. Seldom is their entire removal of soils may need based on the particle size. The grades are recommended. adjustment. decorati ve bark, soil conditioner and base Winter or protection mulches: These are or shredded bark. applied in early fall or before the onset of Sawdust, wood shavings and other wood frost to reduce winter injury to plants. In rid e. Both oil and salt are toxic to plants. refuse are very commonly used in so me early spring as soon as new growth begins Very dry leaves ca n present a fire hazard. areas. When avail able, they are usually to appear and all danger of hard freezing Leaves also harbor insects, diseases and relati vely cheap. Nitrogen deficiency of weather is past, remove most of the winter weed seeds and rodents. Corrective action plants is a lm ost ce rtain with sawdust mulching materials at two or three weekly may be necessary to prevent depletion of mul ches if fertilizer is not applied regu­ intervals so that plants may become ad­ soil nitrogen when usi ng leaf mulches. For larl y. The alleged toxicity of sawdust is justed to their environment. This is par­ woody perenni als and trees, leaves are usuall y due to a nitroge n deficiency in the ticularly true with most herbaceous peren­ probably one of the best short-term soil, whi ch res ults from the microbial de­ nials, roses and newly planted shrubs and mulching materials. composition of the material. These ma­ evergreens. Evergreen boughs or pine needles are terials should be decomposed two to three usuall y recommended for winter protec­ years before being applied, and a two-inch Characteristics of a Good Mulch tion of newly-set or somewhat tender or­ mulch is about the maximum for most Each mulching material has its advantages namental pl ants. Though not always avail­ plants. and disadvantages, so it is you, the gar­ able, they are comparatively cheap in many Straw fr om wheat, timothy, oats, rye dener, who must make the decision as to areas. Pine needles decompose slowly, but and barley can be used for winter protec­ which to use. In general, a mulch should they do increase soil acidity, which is ben­ tion and as a summer mulch. Though gen­ be economical and accessible, be easily eficial for many plants. They are easily erally available and comparatively cheap, applied, incorporated or removed, stay in handled and give a very pleasing appear­ straw is highly fl ammable. Unless chopped place, and be relatively free of noxious ance. However, evergreen boughs or into short lengths, it decomposes rather weed seeds. It should not be offensive to branches do constitute a fire hazard when slowly. Humus is dramatically increased you or neighbors, and should not harbor dry. by straw mulches and, subsequently, so insects, diseases and rodents beyond your Peat moss is a direct source of organic is the waterholding capacity of soil. Ad­ ability to control them. matter and can greatly improve the phys­ ditional nitrogen applications are neces­ Mulch materials will be either organic ical condition of soils. Sphagnum peat moss sary to prevent nitrogen deficiency of plants or inorganic. Organic materials vary from increases soil acidity, while hypnum peat mulched with straw. Straw does harbor fresh materials to those well decomposed. moss is usually neutral or slightly alkaline, insects, diseases, weed seeds and rodents. They absorb and hold moisture and, when but it decomposes much faster and is less Grass or lawn clippings can be used to completely decomposed, they add small fibrous. Peat greatly increases the water­ a limited extent. They should be applied amounts of nutrients to the soil. The holding capacity of soils, but when the loosely because they mat when wet. Extra amounts are generally so small, how­ surface of a peat mulch becomes very dry, nitrogen fertilizations may be required. ever, that the mulch does not function as it will shed water, necessitating stirring. Lawn clippings often contain seeds of nox­ a fertilizer. Carelessly tossed cigarettes can ignite peat, ious plants such as dandelion, common but it smolders rather than flames. Fine plantain and crabgrass. Organic Mulches peat will often be blown away in windy Manures, packaged and mixed, are Leaves-whole or shredded-are used weather, but chunky peat will hold. Self­ sometimes used for mulching. Though a rather extensively in areas with many trees. seeding of some plants may occur in peat. good soil builder, their disadvantages often They are probably the most inexpensive While peat is usually easy to handle and outweigh their advantages. The source of material available. Mix leaves with some has a pleasing appearance, it is often rather supply is very limited and generally ex­ other light material such as straw and make expensive. pensive. They may harbor insects, disease certain they are partially rotted before use. One of the most versatile materials and weed seeds. Manure can be very ob-

American Horticulturist 35 SEASONABLE REMINDERS CONT'D EVERGREENS CONT'D

Continued from page 17 are also the dainty 'Gracilis' or 'Silver Queen' cultivars, both with white-marked leaves-always interesting for color vari­ ation wherever they are used. The box huckleberry (Gaylussacia bra­ chycera) is worth searching out also. It is rare, slow-growing and only about 18 inches tall. Ball shaped, it is very dense in habit and stands out in winter. One plant that bears special mention, and it is only available today from one or two nurseries, is the dwarf form of the drooping leucothoe (Leucothoe fontane­ siana 'Nana'), only about two feet tall and six feet wide after 20 years of growth. It has all the many excellem characteristics but none of the disadvantages of the native leucothoe-good, waxy, white flowers on Pea gravel, a decorative mulch, covers a series of steps adjacent to a planting in Columbus, the underside of arching branches in the Indiana. spring and glossy, green foliage sometimes tinged with red, but smaller and less leggy jectionable to apply, as well as being un­ season, especially if heavier plastic is used. than the native species. Though hard to sightly. It a,lso decomposes rapidly and has However, it does crack easily, permitting come by, it is worth searching out and to be replenished frequently. weed growth. It is relatively expensive, does not require renewal pruning as does There are numerous other organic and it is not biodegradable. the species. mulches available only in certain local€s. Newspaper and other shredded papers For strictly acid soil areas the little, low, These are often plant processing byprod­ are sometimes used as mulch because they evergreen mountain cranberry (Vaccinium ucts such as corncobs, hulls (cottonseed, are readily available and inexpensive. vitis-idaea var. minus) is a low, mat-like chocolate,buckwheat, pecan, peanut), hops, However, some papers contain dyes which groundcover, requiring acid, moist soil. tobacco stems, mushroom compost, paper now are considered to be pollutants. This plant is outstanding when its red ber­ pulp and leaf mold. Muck and poultry Newspaper does decompose rapidly, but ries are evident in the fall. litter are also occasionally used. However, it should be incorporated in the fall or it Such broad-leaved evergreens as rho­ disadvantages of such mulches often out­ becomes a rodent harborer. dodendrons and the native mountain lau­ number the advantages. Most of these Asphalt, as a light spray, and asphalt rel are grown in many places where acid byproducts carry insects and diseases and paper is sometimes used by landscape con­ soil is available. Spe(ial mention might be harbor rodents. They often tend to have tractors, but it is impractical for the home made of the efforts of the Weston Nurser­ offeflsive odors and require extra appli­ gardener. ies of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, which cations of nitrogen. Fiberglass mats also are occasionally selects and grows some of the striking red­ used. They are expensive and difficult to flowered forms of this native American Inert (Inorganic) Mulch Materials handle due to the eye irritation they cause. plant. These will become the very popular Crushed stone, gravel chips and pebbles Aluminum foil is used to some extent varieties of the future, when present ex­ are materials that may be used for the ef­ in vegetable plantings. Some claims of in­ perimental efforts are completed for prop­ fect they create. The material may be col­ creased growth and increased insect re­ agating these varieties asexually. ored to blend in with features of the home, sistance have even been made. This is Other good evergreen choices for small patio or landscape. When used near lawn probably due to the reflective effect and gardens are old-fashioned favorites like areas, there is some danger that rotary the increased light 0(:1 the underside of the American holly (hardy north to Bos­ mowers can "throw" the stones and cause the foliage. However, aluminum foil is ton) and its close but not so well-known injury. These materials are impractical for expensive. relative, the longstalk holly (flex pedun­ the vegetable garden. Mulches can be of invaluable help to culosa), with leaves about the size and Polyethylene film and polyethylene­ the gardener, but he needs to know their shape of those of mountain laurel. The coated paper are popular as mulches not advantages and disadvantages, the best time longstalk holly is a tree form, eventually only in the garden but also around the to use them and the type of mulch to growing about 30 feet tall, with clusters home where they are used underneath apply for a given situation. By applying of red, long-stalked berries that can re­ stones, wood chips or other such mate­ the information covered in this over­ main on the tree all winter if there are not rials. Clear polyethylene should not be used view of mulches and their uses, every too many hungry birds in the area. A na­ because it allows weeds to grow beneath gardener should be able to benefit from tive of Japan, it is hardy in the same area it. Opaque polyethylene is easy to handle their application. C~ as the American holly and is dioeciotls, so and can be lifted and used more than one -David F. Hamilton both male and female plants should be

36 August/September 1980 grown to ensure berry formati on. For red berries in the fa ll , th e ,1LIc uba the stem. The fl owers, appearing in July, Two other po pular plants for the North and the skimmia a re widely used in the are sma ll but fr agra nt, and the pl ant grows should not be overl ooked, namely the South. The Japanese a ucuba (Aucuha ja­ well in sun or shade. As a clipped hedge mountain andromeda (Pieris (I oribunda), ponica) is taller, growin g lip tn I ~ fe'et it does well indeed. which eventually grows about six feet ta ll , with thi ck, glossy, evergreen It.] \ C, lip to Another po pula r pl ant in the South is and the japanese andromeda (P. japon­ the J a pa nese pittosporum (Pittosporum ica), a bout nine feet tall. The latter is the tobira). Eighteen feet high, with thick, more interesting, with pendulo us clusters rubbery, evergreen leaves which are four of waxy, white fl owers simil ar to those of in ches long, this pl a nt serves well as a blueberries, a nd glossy, evergreen leaves. One r Ef nt that bears clipped hedge. It is available from many The mountain andromeda has upright special mention, and it is nurse ri es. The cherry laurel (Prunus lau­ flower clusters a nd leaves that a re not only available today from rocerasus) is also widely used as a hedge. glossy; both species a re supposed to grow It has lustrous, evergreen leaves four to six well in either alkaline or acid soil s. one or two nurseries, is in ches long a nd one- half inch wide, a nd Finall y, for the northern ga rdeners, tht're the dwarf form of the sma JJ , white flowers which appear in M ay are the cultivars o f Japanese ho ll y (Jlex drooping leucothoe and a re borne on erect panicles. Either as crenata); some are low and mo undlike in a specimen plant or in a clipped hedge it habit (' H ell eri', 'Green Cushi on ' and 'Sto­ (Leucothoe fontanesiana has merit, fo r its habit of growth is ve ry kesii '), others a re ta ll er in habit (' Convexa' 'Nana'), only about two dense. A cultivar of this species, 'Otto and ' Microphyll a'). A 40-yea r- old pl ant feet tall and six feet Luyken', is o nl y a foot hi gh and twice as of I. crenata 'Convexa' wiJJ become ap­ broad, a nd the species P. schipkaensis is proximately nine feet tall and 24 feet across, wide after 20 years of ha rdy as far no rth as Boston if planted in and I. crenata 'MicrophyJJ a' eventua JJ y growth. a protected pl ace. grows about 20 feet tall. The C hilean pernettya (Pernettya mu­ Fortunate are those who live in the South, cronata), one of the very few Chilean plants for they have ma ny broad-leaved ever­ grown in North American gardens, is a greens from which to choose. First and fine, low evergreen, a bo ut 1'/2 feet ta ll foremost would be that glorio us evergreen seven in ches long and with brilliant red with lustrous, evergreen leaves about three­ tree, the southern magno li a (Magnolia berries. However, the sexes a re separate, quarters of an inch long. Its bright-red grandi(lora), with leaves five to eight in ches so both male and female pl ants sho uld be fruits, which grow in clusters, a re each long a nd large, conspicuo us flowers as grown to ensure fruiting. The fo li age may about o ne-half inch in di ameter. Altho ugh much as eight to 10 in ches across. Ca­ burn in the full sun, therefore, pa rti al shade the fl owers a re perfect, several forms should mellias, too, a re well known and widely is desirable. The Japanese skimmia (Skim­ be grown together in the same planting to used . The English ho ll y, more tender th an mia japonica) also has red fruits and sexes ensure good fruiting. Grow them in full the American species, seems to be more separate, with bright, evergreen leaves three sun, for if grown in the shade they get at home in the no rthwest Pacifi c Coast to fi ve inches long a nd brilliant red fruits leggy a nd require fr equent correctional area, but where it has suitable atmospheric up to o ne-third inch in di ameter. It is pruning. The fruits a re effective through moisture, it makes a fine tree specimen in handsome, especia ll y if grown in partial the fall and winter. the South as well. shade. Its near relative, S. reevesiana, is Last on my li st of evergreen pl ants for The glossy-leaved Ja panese privet (Li­ only 1'/2 feet ta JJ , but it has perfect fl owers areas o ther than the cold North is tht' gustrum japonicum) is a fast growing shrub, so that aJJ plants fruit, a n asset in the sma JJ David viburnum, which is very popular eventually reaching a height o f 18 feet, garden. in the coastal area of the Pacific North­ with leathery leaves two to four inches Boxwood and its many varieties are much west. It makes a handsome groundcover, long. Another privet, sometimes called the used throughout the South. Here, this plant not over three feet taJJ , and should be grown glossy privet (L. lucidum), although its reaJJy comes into its own. Grown in the as such, not as a n individual plant. It is slightly larger leaves are not as glossy as sa me areas is th e thorn y e laeagnu s a quick-growing "fiJJ er" and serves weJJ those of japanese privet, can grow 30 feet (Elaeagnus pungens), with intensely fr a­ in ma ny situations. tall. Both plants make good evergreen grant, smaJJ, white flowers in early fall. M any of the plants mentioned here are "fillers" and fine clipped hedges. The leaves are 1'/2 to four inches long, and available in local nurseries throughout the A plant that frequently blooms aJJ sum­ the plant has a vigorous habit of growth. a reas where they are grown. Most a re mer is the glossy abelia (Abelia and gran­ This japanese shrub, eventuaJJy growing available from specific nurseries noted in diflora). Popular from Florida to New York 12 feet ta JJ, is probably the most popular the Brooklyn Botanic Garden buJJ etin, and on the Pacific Coast as weJJ , the slightly of the evergreen shrubs now used in the " Pl a nts a nd Gardens", Vol. 33, No.2, pink, tubular flowers are three-quarters South. Summer 1977 (write BBG, Brooklyn, NY of an inch long with one to four flowers Slightly taJJ er (up to 18 feet) is the hoJJy 11225). One not so recorded is Buxus in a cluster. The glossy, evergreen leaves, osmanthus (Osman thus heterophyllus), 'Vardar Valley', grown by the Westo n about 1'/2 inches long, turn slightly bronze with prickly, lustrous, dark-evergreen Nurseries of Hopkinton, Massachusetts in the fall and keep that color aJJ winter. leaves, very much resembling those of hoJJy . (write Weston's in Hopkinton, MA 01748). Glossy abelia makes a fine specimen or However, these leaves are opposite, while AJJ have merit where they prove hardy and hedge. those of holly are borne alternately along are worth a little trouble to locate. 0

American Horticulturist 37 BULBS THAT LAST CONT'D

Continued from page 23 a vagrant trowel, but the picture is still were repeatedly unsuccessful in their pretty. Hyacinths and tulips have both in­ plantings. This included most of those sorts As there would be a lapse of some weeks creased to clumps, hence there may be I'd tried with subsequent failures. And it before a new dogwood would arrive, I three tulips or half a dozen hyacinth flower included all cultivars of Anemone blanda picked up all exposed bulbs and bulblets, stems to a group. I like these smaller, dain­ except 'White Splendor' and 'Radar'. Of put them in a frisbie the dogs had ruined tier flowers better than blooms from last­ course I promptly bought corms of 'Radar' and placed it on a shelf by the kitchen fall-planted bulbs. For one thing, the smaller and agree with the University's findings. door so I wouldn't forget to replant the flower clusters are not top-heavy and thus 'Radar', too, continues to flower and I'll snowdrops. are not broken by wind, though I regret buy more. Flowers, described in some cat­ Contrary to the dictum that one must that the dogs, running heedlessly across alogues as red and white, are really lav­ never allow bulbs to dry and then expect the path, sometimes damage them. ender tinged deep rose with a white cen­ them to survive, these, dug in August and Into the crossway beds went first bulbs ter-effective with the white and yellow replanted in late September, came up in of two favorite narcissi from our former of the nearby anemones and tulips. spring and many bloomed. Some of these garden- old timers still listed in today's Also on the list of nonperformers from bulbs had a further journey since I gave catalogues-'Trevithian' and 'Mrs. R. O. the University were brodiaeas with which the largest to our youngest grandson, Backhouse'. 'Trevithian' is a jonquil hy­ I'd had disastrous results-plant in au­ hopefully a gardener in the making, who brid which bears several butter-yellow tumn, nothing in spring-time after time. took them home to Pennsylvania where flowers to a stem; outer petals are almost So, this publication relieved me and I he reported that they, too, bloomed. flat, the trumpet medium in size. Excep­ no longer blame myself for the repeated The bulbs mentioned so far were planted tionally long stems and true jonquil fra­ failures. in more or less small, isolated areas. The grance make this variety especially good Other bulbs were later bought and real bulb moving, replanting, buying and for cutting. planted in the bed I've been describing­ planting started when more civilized areas 'Mrs. R. O. Backhouse' was once fa­ large-flowered tulips, which bloom for from were ready. mous as the pink daffodil. The perianth three to five years, and a number of spe­ These were, at first, just narrow borders is white, the trumpet is first pale apricot­ cies, none of which lasted as long as does along either side of the front path, 30 feet pink deepening in color as it ages. Since T. tarda. from house to drive, and slightly wider the pink fades l~ast if flowers are in shade, In the bed on the opposite side of the beds stretching right and left from the path I planted the bulbs where the shadow of front path there have been many plantings, bounded by a low wall that separates the the garage shades the blooms until noon. one after another. This bed is partly under drive from the dooryard garden I'd always Both of these narcissi have been lifted, a five-trunked silver maple. From a small wanted. The reason I wanted it here is one and bulbs have been divided three times tree 32 years ago it has grown to a large every gardener will appreciate. In our for­ during the 27 years since they were planted. one, spreading its branches and its roots mer garden I'd found that the plants I saw Each time there have been extras to give and thus making it difficult for even bulbs most often and therefore enjoyed most away. to thrive underneath. were those I passed during the frequent At the same time I moved narcissus bulbs However, Puschkinia scilloides libano­ walk from back door to garage. I also moved a handful of bulbs of a fa­ tica, the Lebanon squill, in palest blue, Our present garden is arranged differ­ vorite tulip species, Tulipa tarda. This has blooms there for at least three or four ently, as are the buildings, so that while slender leaves, almost parallel with the years, and snowdrops flower year after my most frequent walk is still from kitchen ground, which form a rosette, and star­ year well before there is any shade. At the door to garage, I pass part of the front shaped flowers of yellow near the center, moment I'm in the process of turning the yard instead of the back. white at the tip. The bulbs have greatly area into a hosta planting. At first I planted water-lily tulips (Tu­ increased and seedlings grow nearby, some Certainly no one should complain of the lipa kaufmanniana) in the beds along either even in the gravel of the driveway. Except bulbs that they can't grow when there are side of the front path. These bloomed well to admire them when they bloom, no one so many that need only to be planted. for four years. Then I tried the variety of has ever paid any attention to these little Down the slope from my maple tree to a T. kaufmanniana called The First' with tulips. lawn below there are little stone steps. On the same results. Next I shifted to T. praes­ I had planned to have groups of blue either side of these I planted snowdrops tans 'Fusilier', changing the color scheme and white anemones next to and flowering and winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis from creamy yellow to bright red. with Tulipa tarda. In anticipation I planted which grows from corms), both moved The latest planting has stayed longest­ a dozen bulbs of each color. The scheme from our former garden. Here they have for 10 years. There is an inner row of 'Red was delightful the first year after planting, taken care of themselves, increased and Emperor' tulips, an outer one of blue hy­ but from then on only the white, Anemone seeded, so that from a handful of each I acinths; a brilliant picture for late April. blanda 'White Splendor', appeared. Else­ now have a solid planting two feet wide These are followed by impatiens or be­ where I tried pink-flowered anemones, with and 10 feet long. gonias or both for summer color, the plants the same negative results. At the foot of the steps is a group of set out between the bulbs before their leaves Then, several years ago, Michigan State Scilla campanulata, the correct name of disappear entirely. University published a list of bulbs and which is Endymion hispanicus. I planted There are now a few gaps in these rows corms (anemones grow from corms which, bulbs 15 years ago and you'd never guess due to bulbs dying or being inadvertently though different, are handled like bulbs that they were lifted, split and replanted ruined by being chopped into pieces with and hence are included with them) that just two years ago, they are so thick. Their

38 August/September 1980 blue flowers last only a week, but stems trilliums (wake-robin). While native spe­ are long enough for cutting. cies of both grow in our woods, I never Further west from the steps is a bed next had grown or knew anything about these to the playhouse which was moved from westerners. To my surprise and pleasure our former home and now has been used they produce more flowers with each pass­ and loved by two generations of young­ ing spring. sters. A low wall keeps lawn mowers from In the border I have grown a number this bed and in it, with summer-flowering of ornamental onions (alliums) over the hydrangeas, are many small bulbs: blue­ years. Alliums, with me, are a sometime and white-flowered grape hyacinths (Mus­ thing. Those that have done best, from the cari botryoides and M. botryoides 'Al­ viewpoint of staying with me, are A. kar­ bum'), Scilla sib erica, the Siberian squill, ataviense and A. ostrowskianum, both of and various glory-of-the-snow (Chiono­ which grow and flower for three or four doxa luciliae) cultivars in white, pink and years before disappearing. A. moly, the blue. golden garlic, said to naturalize well, is The nicest thing about these little bulbs, erratic. Although leaves appear regularly, aside from the fact that they require no bulbs bloom only once in two or three care, is that they spread. It is not unusual years. And A. giganteum, which is so lovely for me to see a lone bloom of one or an­ for cutting, blooms but once. other in an out-of-the-way spot, often a My prize allium, which so far has stayed long way from where they were planted. with me, was purchased at the rare plant In moving about the garden you and I sale in Seattle, Washington, at the Con­ have now arrived at the "bed" garden, a gress of the American Horticultural So­ way of ensuring masses of flowers all sea­ ciety in 1973. Labelled A. crenulatum, it son in as small a space as possible since A narcissus oldtimer, 'Trevithian'. grows about six inches high, blooms rosy­ my time for weeding is severely limited by lavender in September to October, and has job and housekeeping. fore these are in flower Iris reticulata has now formed a clump so it is ready to lift Here, among peonies, irises, phlox, hos­ blossomed. Its common name, "netted" and divide. tas and many other perennials, are bulbs. iris, confuses many. Just pull down gently I sometimes wonder if the loss of allium Among them are crown imperial (Fritil­ on one petal and the netting will be re­ bulbs is due to chipmunks which live un­ laria imperialis), which definitely does not vealed. This iris, in place for 15 years, has der the terrace flagstones or red squirrels stay with me. Planted in autumn it blooms now formed clumps which produce many which occupy nearby birdhouses (one beautifully the first spring. Thereafter it flower stems. squirrel to a house). Do they eat the bulbs? produces leaves but no flowers. Yet, in our Three beds in the bed garden are de­ I know that the fox squirrels, which live former garden 10 miles away I had bloom voted to lilies. I cannot remember the vast in our woods, eat the crocus corms during year after year! On the other hand the little number of species and varieties that I have winter. Of thousands planted under hick­ guinea-hen fritillarias, F. meleagris, nat­ grown, but I know that the Bellingham ory trees in that area only a handful bloom uralize and increase with no care at all, hybrids are the longest lasting. It is cer­ in spring. Those are Dutch crocuses. even in grass under a tree! tainly 20 years since the first bulbs were Meanwhile, the species crocuses planted The same one-year-bloom-and-only­ planted and I now have a whole bed full, near the playhouse up on the hill bloom leaves-afterwards plagues me with the having lifted and divided the bulbs every yearly and have done so, some for 10, hardy amaryllis or naked lady (Lycoris four years. some for 20 years! squamigera or Amaryllis hallii) and both Madonna lilies (Lilium candidum) also My husband has claimed for years that spring-and summer-flowering snowflakes have a good record for staying with me. I am "God's gift to the nursery business" (Leucojum vernum and L. aestivum). Several clumps have been in residence for because I buy so much nursery stock. What Bulbous irises are one of my favorites. 15 years. Other lilies last from three to six he says about my bulb buying is too ribald In the bed garden are several varieties each or eight years. Their chief enemy in my to print. But I'm gradually reforming and of Dutch and Spanish irises that have been garden is rabbits which, given a chance, buying fewer bulbs while depending more there at least 12 years, forming clumps eat the leaves to the ground as soon as and more on those that stay with me.(~ which are split only if I happen to notice they sprout. For this reason the lily beds one when weeding. While I love the clear are bordered with chicken wire, which yellows and purples of some varieties, I'm doesn't add to the beauty of the garden Some mail-order sources for bulbs: de­ particularly partial to 'Purple Sensation', but does permit me to grow lilies. Jager Bulbs, Inc., 188 Asbury St., South with violet blue standards and falls with On the opposite side of the house from Hamilton MA 01982; Geo. W. Park Seed a yellow blotch-edged gentian-blue, and the bed garden there are a flagstone terrace Co., Inc., Greenwood SC 29647; John 'Oriental Beauty', with lavender-blue with a flower border around half of it and Scheepers, Inc., 63 Wall St., New York standards and creamy-yellow falls blotched a wildflower garden in the shade of trees. NY 10005; Van Bourgondien, 245 Far­ deeper yellow. Five years ago I planted in the wildflower mingdale Rd., Babylon NY 11702; Mary Spanish irises bloom after Dutch irises, garden several West Coast erythroniums Mattison vanSchaik, Cavendish VT 05142; thus prolonging the season. But long be- (adder's-tongue or dog-tooth violet) and Wayside Gardens Co., Hodges SC 29695.

American Horticulturist 39 PLANT PROPAGATION CONT'D

Continued from page 24 disease-free plants; several techniques as­ sure production of plant tissue or organs that are free of virus, fungi and bacteria. Another reason is to rapidly multiply plants which are normally slow to propagate by conventional methods. True-to-type cat­ deya orchids, for example, were divided once a year to produce another plant, but it is theoretically possible to produce a million new orchid plants in one year start­ ing with an excised bud from the original plant. Another benefit of micropropaga­ tion is that it conserves space. Instead of maintaining rows of stock plants for cut­ tings and scions, with tissue culture a sin­ gle plant could supply all the needed prop­ agules. Tissue culture can-additionally be used ~o produce homozygous plants for plant breeding through anther culture. New cultivars have been formed with the use of callus culture. The induction of muta­ tions has been speeded up in some cases. Formerly the micropropagation of plants and roots. Indoleacetic acid, indolebutyric was limited to res€arch institutions, but acid, napthaleneacetic acid and 2,4-di­ today there are a number of commercially chloro-phenoxyacetic acid are auxins which operated laboratories engaged in this op­ aid in callus ahd root formation and de­ eratioh. In the United States most of these velopment. Cytokinins such as kinetin, 6- firms are located on the West Coast or in benzyladenine and 6(-y;y-dimethylally­ the southeastern states. The plants being lamino)-purine and adenine sulfate are used propagated are primarily herbaceous to stimulate shoot formation and devel­ flowering or foliage plants. Only a few opment. Gibberellins stimulate growth. woody perennials are being reproduc€d. Other compounds used include inositol In Italy, strawberries and fruit trees are and the amino acids. Occasionally, un­ being micropropagated on a commercial defined organic supplements such as co­ scale. conut milk, orange juice, tomato juice, banana puree, casein hydrolysate, yeast Nutrient Medium Requirements extract and malt extract are included in The basic nutrient medium used in micro­ the nutrient medium. ABOVE: Lythrum explants in the rapid propagation contains inorganic salts, sugar, Propagators use deionized or distilled multiplication stage before they have been vitamins, growth regulators and water. water to dissolve the nutrients. Most make separated for propagation in individual flasks. Although a number of inorganic nutrient stock solutions of the inorganic salts and BELOW: This daylily explant, growing in vitro, shows new shoots, callus and roots. salt m.edia have been devised, most of those vitamins at 100 times concentration and in use are modifications of the Murashige store them in the refrigerator. Auxins such and Skoog high salt medium, which has as naphthalenlacetic acid are dissolved ini­ adjusted to 5.7 for semisolid media and worked on a wide range of plant species. tially in a small amount of ethyl alcohol to 5 for liquid media. The pH can be ad­ The inorganic nutrient salts contain all of and diluted with distilled water. Cytoki­ justed with 1.0 normal potassium hy­ the major and minor nutrient elements nins, such as kinetin, are dissolved in a droxide or sodium hydroxide to raise it required by plants. Sugar, a carbon source, small volume of 0.5 normal hydrochloric for a more basic solution, or with 1.0 nor­ provides a readily available supply of en­ acid or dimethylsulfoxide and are diluted mal hydrochloric acid to lower it for greater ergy for the growing tissue. Sucrose is a with distilled water. acidity. If a semisolid medium is desired, most suitable carbon source. Thiamine is agar is dissolved in the solution and then the most commonly added vitamin, while Media Preparation heated. When it becomes translucent, the pyridoxine and nicotinic acid, which fre­ Many commercial propagators use pack­ medium is poured into culture containers quently improve culture growth, are also aged nutrient mixes which are available such as tubes, vials, flasks or mason jars. used. for a number of different media and con­ After capping, the medium is sterilized Auxins and cytokinins are the most tain all the necessary components. Whether at 121°C (250°F) for 15 m.inutes at 15 common growth regulators added to the using commercial mixes or stock solu­ pounds pressure. Once cooled to room solution. Their proper balance and selec­ tions, the components are dissolved or temperature, the medium is stored in tion is essential in the production of shoots diluted with distilled water and the pH is the refrigerator.

40 August/September 1980 Sanitation on leaf sections which may have been dam­ Aseptic conditions are necessary in all as­ aged by sterilization. The trimmed plant pects of micropropagation. The parts to parts, which are called explants, may range be cultured are selected from plants grown in size from 0.2 mm to 20 mm. Cultures preferably in greenhouses or other rea­ from larger explants are more likely to be sonably clean areas. Plant organs free of contaminated while those from smaller insects, diseases and mechanical damage explants are harder to get established. are desired. Since plant parts that are prop­ Workers often place the explant in a dis­ agated will usually carry fungi, bacteria infectant solution again for one minute or virus, the initial requirement in tissue before it is placed in the culture tube. preparation is to rid the plant part of these These new cultures are placed in a con­ organisms. Propagators place virus in­ trolled environment with the temperature fected plants under high temperatures for at 25°C (7rF), and at low light levels of several weeks to inhibit virus multiplica­ 100-150 foot ca ndles for 16 hours per day. tions. The shoot tip still continues to grow, After a clean culture has been established however, and is usually free of the heat and starts to grow, it is generally trans­ inhibited virus. The shoot apex, consisting ferred to another medium containing am­ of the meristem and a few primodialleaves, ple amounts of a cytokinin to induce ad­ is used as the explant. The plant parts are ventitious bud formation and development. sterilized by soaking in a five to 10 percent These shoots are separated and a number solution of a commercial liquid bleach of them are placed in each large flask, containing sodium hypochlorite for five which contains a medium that favors root minutes. Other disinfectants such as 70 initiation and development as well as fur­ percent ethyl alcohol or calcium hypoch­ ther shoot growth. These jars are then lorite can be used. Propagators usually placed under higher light intensities (500- autoclave glassware and equipment for 30 1,000 foot candles) to precondition the minutes at 15 pounds pressure at 121 °C. plants before they are removed from the Transfer chambers where the plant ma­ containers and transplanted into soil. The terials are dissected are kept clean of dust potted plants do best when placed in high and other debris. Most chambers have humidity chambers such as a fogged house, positive pressure with microbial filtered shaded plastic tent or a mist house until air as well as g~rmicidal lamps. All dis­ the plants become established in the soil. secting tools such as forceps, scalpels and Then the humidity can be gradually re­ dissecting needles also are frequently dis­ duced and the light intensity increased. infected with a 70 percent ethyl alcohol Each year the variety of new plants which solution. Personal cleanliness on the part has been successfully propagated by tissue of the propagator is important to reduce culture increases many fold, but they have bacteria spread, as well. A propagator been primarily herbaceous flowering or should trim and clean his fingernails, wash foliage plants or vegetables. Lack of suc­ his hands and arms with soap and water, cess in micropropagation of woody plants, then disinfect them with alcohol before such as redwood, fig, heavenly bamboo, working in the propagating room. apple, aspen, birch, rose, elm, orange, rho­ dodendron and eucalyptus, is due to prob­ lems of dormancy, maturity of the tissue, The Isolation and Culturing of the cyclic growth patterns and the production Explant of toxic substances by the culture. Prop­ A wide variety of plant parts have been agators are overcoming these limiting fac­ used as sources for explants; most com­ tors by using juvenile tissues, seedlings, monly, shoot tip or vegetative buds have seed parts, pretreatments and a daily change been used. Other parts have included flower of nutrient solutions. buds, leaves, petals, stems, roots, bulb With the advances now being made, tis­ scales, cotyledons, embryos, anthers and sue culture of plants has become one of runners. the most significant developments in the After the plant part has been surface­ history of plant propagation. The increas­ sterilized with a 5 percent Clorox solution ing number of new plants which can be and rinsed several times with autoclaved tissue oultured, the new techniques and distilled water, it is ready to be dissected. the better understanding of the biological Propagators trim the plant part to re­ processes involved are rapidly cha~ging move most of the exterior leaves in the the methods of plant propagation used in case of shoot tips or to remove cut surfaces the nursery industry. ~~

American Horticulturist 41 HARDY CYCLAMENS CONT'D

Continued from page 27 (about one year in three) with half an inch and early autumn flowering C. purpur­ them topsy turvy is an easy mistake to or so of sifted leaf mold. In October, seed­ ascens, long known as C. europaeum. The make if the tubers are dormant. The lings appear by the hundred, packed closely heart-shaped, silver-marbled leaves are smooth, rounded side goes down. The top together on top of the parent tuber. Un­ almost evergreen, the bright-pink shuttle­ is usually slightly concave, with little willing to let "survival of the fittest" pre­ cock flowers slightly fragrant. All my cy­ knubbles from which will come leaves and vail (there can never be too many cycla­ clamen are in the same place, in dry shade flowers. The roots, deceptively, rarely come mens), I wait until I hold in my hand a under an oak, and they do well there, but from the bottom of the corm, sometimes cluster of rounded leaves from which dan­ this species roots from the bottom and from the top, usually from the sides. gle pearly tubers on threadlike two-inch would probably be better still in a fairly Therefore, what is under the tuber (it can stalks. These are dibbled in at the outer deep, humus-rich soil. The tubers of this even be rock) is less important than what edges of the patch, or wherever I want to and the following species do not grow is on top. Cover them with an inch or two establish a new colony. nearly as large as those of C. hederifolium. of leafy or peaty soil, under which both Plant them one inch deep and about four flower and leaf stalks will radiate out as inches apart. much as six inches before emerging. In C. coum (Zone 6) has plain, green, cool summer regions this species can stand rounded leaves and chubby flowers of full sun, but shade is usually preferable. magenta, paler pink or a purple-stained The best place for C. hederifolium is white, huddled close to the ground for around the base of deciduous trees and protection, as well they might in January larger shrubs. It will even grow in the per­ and February. I prefer C. x atkinsii similar manent gloom beneath conifers. Only when The roots of cyclamens, but with marbled leaves and a flowering mine were lost to sight under a spreading deceptively, rarely come time which comes two weeks earlier. In juniper hedge did I retrieve them (still my garden the white, rose and deep-pink flowering) and replant them under an oak. from the bottom of the forms are intermingled and I think they Dry shade spells death to many plants; it corm, sometimes from the look prettier this way, enhancing each other, is a marvel that so fragile looking a flower top, usually from the than in patches of separate colors. These will thrive there and self-sow. winter cyclamen are drought tolerant and Cyclamen flower stalks have an intrig­ sides. will naturalize under trees. The front of uing way of coiling, springlike, around the a shaded border would be another good ripening seed capsule. Years ago, as the My first C. hederifolium tubers cost 4d place, or perhaps at the foot of a boulder pods on my first cyclamen were fattening, each from an English Woolworth's and (shaded side) in the rock garden. They take I read that this spring uncoiled again when measured three inches across. Those days well to pot culture and give early bloom the seeds were ripe, catapulting them far are gone, but this species is neither rare in the cool greenhouse. afield. I haunted the area where the plants nor exhorbitantly priced. Expect to pay C. repandum, least hardy of the species were growing for the next few weeks, ea­ $1.00 for a flowering tuber about an inch I grow, has survived 5°F. The ivy-shaped ger to watch this Jack-in-the-box perfor­ across, $1.50 for the white form. Or grow leaves, gray patterned but less markedly mance. It was a non-event. John Gerard, them from seed, to flower the third year so than those of C. hederifolium, emerge in his 16th-century herbal, explained what (Editor's note: to find out how, read Eliz­ in March, followed a month later by flow­ really happens: abeth Corning's article on sowing seed for ers of that brilliant magenta I find dis­ There succeed (the flowers) little winter bloom in the June/July 1980 issue tasteful in the moss pink (Phlox subulata), round knops or heads which contain of American Horticulturist). It is worth but very attractive in a cyclamen because slender browne seeds: these knops are paying more for larger corms, because small of its delicacy of shape and texture and wrapped after a few daies in the small ones may be dug up by squirrels and chip­ the translucence of its petals when lit by stalkes, as thred about a bottome, where munks. Alternatively, cover the bed with gleams of sun. it remaineth so defended from the wide mesh chicken wire or plastic netting, Gerard, describing the "Vertues" of cy­ injurie of winter close upon the ground, sifting leaf mold over it so that it does not clamen wrote that: covered also with the green leaves show. Flowers and leaves will make their Being beaten and made up into aforesaid, by which meanes it is kept way through the mesh. Specialist growers trochisches, or little flat cakes, it is from the frost, even from the time of his ship the corms at a suitable planting time. reported to be a good amorous medicine seeding, which is in September, un till Most books say that dormant corms are to make one in love, if it be inwardly June; at which time the leaves do fade slow to establish (if at all), but I have had taken. away, the stalkes & seed remaining bare no trouble with them. Space them six inches I nibbled one-it tasted too nasry for and naked, whereby it injoyeth the Sun apart. further experiment. Besides, I love cycla­ (whereof it was long deprived) the There are other cyclamens for other sea­ mens for themselves. 0 sooner to bring them unto maturitie. sons, none quite as hardy as C. hederi­ Just so. But mine come to maturity with­ folium. In my own garden five species keep An excellent mail-order source for cycla­ out benefit of sun, the oak having by then up between them an almost constant mens (many species) is Edgar L. Kline, leafed out to shade the site. During this succession of flowers. If C. hederifolium 17495 S. W. Bryant Road, Lake Grove summer dormancy I top-dress the bed does well for you, try next the summer OR 97034.

42 August/September 1980 ______PRONUNClATION CUIDE ______

Guide to Botanical Names in This Issue Cyclamen repandum Magnolia grandiflora SYKE-Ia-men re-PAN-dum mag-NOL-ya grand-i-FLOR-ah The accent, or emphasis, fall s on the Daucus carota DAW-kus ka-RO-ta Monarda didyma mo-NARD-ah DlD-i-ma sy llable which appears in capital letters. Elaeagnus pungens Monarda media mo-NARD-ah MEE-dee-ah The vowels which you see standing alone ell-ee-AG-nus PUN-jinz Muscari botryoides are pronounced as follows: Endymion hispanicus mus-KA-ree bot-ree-OY-deez i-short sound; sounds li ke i in " hit" ' en-DlME-ee-un hi ss-PAN-i-kus Osmanthus heterophyllus o-Iong sound; sounds like 0 in "snow" £ranthis hyemalis oz-MAN-thus het-er-o-FIL-us a-long sound; sounds like a in " ha y" air-AN-this hy-MAL-iss Pemettya mucronata Euonymus fortunei per-NET-ee-ah mew-kro-NA Y-ta yew-ON-i-mus FORTUNE-eye Phlox subulata FLOCKS sub-yew-LA Y-ta In many cases there are several ways of Euonymus vegeta Pieris floribunda pronouncing the same word. This guide yew-ON-i-mus VEDGE-i-ta PY-er-iss flor-i-BUN-da attempts to convey the most generally Eupatorium macula tum Pieris japonica accepted version. yew-pa-TOR-ee-um mack-yew-LA Y-tum PY -er-iss ja-PON-i-ka Eupatorium rugosum Pittosporum tobira Abelia a-BEEL-ya yew-pa-TOR-ee-um rew-GO-sum pit-TAHS-por-um Achillea lanulosa Fritillaria imperialis pit-o-SPOR-um tow-BEER-ah a-KILL-ee-ah lan-yew-LOS-ah frit-ill-A Y-ree-ah im-peer-ee-A YL-iss Prunus laurocerasus Allium crenulatum Fritillaria meleagris PRUNE-us law-ro-SER-ah-sus AL-ee-um kren-yew-LA Y-tum frit-ill-A Y-ree-ah mell-ee-A-gris Prunus schipkaensis Allium giganteum Galium odoratum PRUNE-us skip-KEEN-sis AL-ee-um ji-GAN-tee-um GA Y-Iee-um o-door-A-tum Puschkinia scilloides libanotica Allium karataviense Gaylussacia brachycera push-K1N-ee-ah sill-OY-deez AL-ee-um ka-ra-tav-ee-EN-see gay-Iew-SACK-ee-ah brack-i-SER-a h lee-ban-AH-ti-ka Allium moly AL-ee-um MOLL-ee Helianthus annuus Rheum rhaponticum Allium ostrowskianum he-Iee-AN-thus AN-yew-us REE-um ra-PON-ti-kum AL-ee-um oss-tro-ski-A-num Hemerocallis fulva Rosa gallica RO-za GAL-i-ka Amaryllis hallii hem-er-o-KAL-iss Rubia tinctorum REW-bee-ah tink-TOR-ee-um am-ah-RILL-iss HALL-ee-eye hem-er-OCK-a-Iiss FUL-va Rudbeckia hirta Anemone blanda ah-NEM-o-nee BLAN-da Hieracium aurantiacum rood-BECK-ee-ah HER-ta Asclepias tuberosa hy-er-ACE-ee-um aw-ran-TY -ah-kurn Scilla campanulata ass-KLEE-pee-us too-bur-O-sa Ilex crenata EYE-lex kren-A-ta SILL-ah kam-pan-yew-LA Y-ta Aster novae-angliae Ilex pedunculosa Scilla siberica SILL-ah sy-BEER-i-ka ASS-ter NOV-ee ANG-li-ee EYE-lex pe-dunk-yew-LOS-ah Sesamum indicum SES-ah-mum IN-di-kum Aucuba japonica aw-KOO-ba ja-PON-i-ka Iris reticulata Skimmia japonica Buxus sempervirens EYE-riss re-tick-yew-LA Y-ta SKIM-ee-ah ja-PON-i-ka BUCK-sus sem-per-VEER-enz Leucojum aestivum Skimmia reevesiana Calendula officinalis lew-KO-jum ess-TIV-um SKIM-ee-ah reevz-ee-A-na ka-LEN-dew-Ia o-fiss-i-NA YL-iss Leucojum vemum lew-KO-jum VER-num Solanum tuberosum Cephaelis ipecacuanha Leucothoe fontanesiana so-LA Y-num too-bur-O-sum se-FEEL-iss i-pi-ka-KWAN-ah lew-KO-tho-ee fon-taynes-ee-A-na Solidago caesia Chamaerops humilis Liatris borealis sol-i-DA Y-go SEEZ-ee-ah KAM-er-ops HEW-mill-iss Iy-A-tris bor-ee-AL-iss Solidago nemoralis Chionodoxa luciliae Liatris spicata Iy-A-tris spy-KAY -ta sol-i-DA Y-go neem-o-RA Y-liss ky-on-o-DOCK-sa loo-SILL Y-ee Ligustrum japonicum Solidago spedosa Chrysanthemum leucanthemum li-GUS-trum ja-PON-i-kum sol-i-DA Y-go spee-see-O-sa kris-AN-thee-mum loo-KAN-thee-mum Ligustrum lucidum Solidago rigida Chrysopsis europaeum li-GUS-trum LEW-si-dum sol-i-DA Y-go RlDGE-i-da kris-OP-sis your-o-PEE-um Lilium candidum LIL-ee-um CAN-did-um Spathiphyllum spath-i-FIL-um Chrysops is mariana Lobelia cardinalis Spiraea latifolia spy-REE-ah lat-i-FO-lee-ah kris-OP-sis mare-ee-A YN-ah lo-BEEL-ya car-di-NA Y-liss Syringa vulgaris Chrysopsis hederifolium Lobelia puberula si-RlNG-gah vul-GA Y -riss kris-OP-sis head-er-i-FOL-ee-uITI lo-BEEL-ya pew-BEAR-yew-Ia Thymus herba-barona Cichorium intybus Lobelia siphilitica TY-mus HER-ba ba-RO-na si-CORE-ee-um in-TY"bus lo-BEEL-ya siJilh-i-LlT-i-ka Trifolium pratense Cinchona sin-KONE-an Lupinus perennis try-fO-lee-um pray-TEN-see Cirsium SER-see-um lew-PINE-us per-EN-iss Tulipa kaufmanniana Coffea arabica Lupinus pol}/phyllus TOO-lip-ah koff-man-ee-A-na KOFF-ee-ah ah-RA YB-i-ka lew-PINE-as pol-ee-FIL-us Tulipa praestans Coreopsis auriculata Lupinus subeamosus TOO-lip-ah PREE-stanz k0r-ee-OP-sis aw-rick-yew-LA Y-ta lew-PINE-us sub-car-NO-sus Uncaria gambir Comus kousa CORN-us KOO-sa Lycoris squamigera un-KAY-ree-ah GAM-beer Cyclamen atkinsii ly-KOR-iss skwa-mi-JER-ah Vaccinium vitis-idaea minus SYKE-Ia-men AT-kins-ee-eye Lysimachia quadrifolia vack-SIN-ee-um VY -tus-eye-DEE-ah MY -nus Cyclamen coum SYKE-Ia-men KOOM Ji-sa-MACK-ee-ah kWQ-dri-FO-lee-ah Vida cracca VISH-ee-ah KRAK-kah Cyclamen neapolitanum L ysimachia terrestris Vitex agnus-castus SYKE-Ia-men nee-ah-pol-i-TAY-num Ii-sa-MACK-ee-an ter-REST-tis VY -tex AG-nus-KAS-tus Cyclamen purpurascens Lythrum salicaria SYKE-Ia-men pur-pur-AS-cmz LITH-rum sal-i-KA Y-ree-ah

American Horticulturist 43 ~MAA¥IPlACE

"INTRODUCTION TO THE STAPELIADS," CLASSIFIED AD RA TIS: 30 rt per word; $ 7.00 Color illustrations, cultmal information. $6,95. minimum per insertion. Special headings, $2.00 List of over 100 of these amazing Starfish flow­ extra. 10% discount for three consecutive in­ m, 25rt. RAINMAN NURSERY, 20101 Han­ sertions using same copy, Copy must be received son, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, two months prior to publication date, Send or­ ders to the attention of Cindy Weakland, "Rush twenty-five cents for a booklist of American Horticultural Society, Mount Ver­ treasures, non, Virginia 22121. Or call (703) 768-5700. Some ancient, some recent, on gardening lore, On flowers, the purest of humankind's pleasures, On Apples to Zinnias, on herbs and much AFRICAN VIOLETS more" Pomona Books, Rockton, Canada, LOR lXO 1,000 plus varieties African Violetts, including miniatures, and other gesneriads. All supplies. LET YOUR LOVE FOR PLANTS PUT YOU Catalog 50rt, DORIS GREEN'S HOUSE, Dept. WHY FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE PAY OUT­ IN BUSINESS. AH80, 7260 Brickey Lane, Knoxville, TN 37918, DO YOU. , , , , Want to be your own boss? RAGEOUS PRICES for scrawny, tasteless gro­ , .. Need a little extra money--or a lot? , , , cery store vegelables? African Violets-Fredettes. Blooming-size $2,50 each, Small $1.25 each. Minimum order $10,00. Want to choose your own working hours? Now - with food prices sky rockeling al almosl Bill and Marleen's Violets, 550 Colebrook, MY BOOKLET CONTAINS CONCISE, SIM­ PLE DETAILS OF HOW I GROSSED $20,000 unbelievable rales - you can cuI your famil y's food Webster Groves, MO 63119, IN THREE MONTHS. ON MY OWN. ON bill 10 Ihe bone and grow plump, juicy ri ch lasling Michigan's authorized distributor for Fredette A SHOESTRING, SO CAN YOU. Send $5, vegelables almost every monlh of Ihe year' Originals, Other leading hybridizers. BUG­ postpaid, to IVY, Box 142 A, Ivy, VA, 22945. TUSSLE VIOLETS, 5280 Haven Rd" Leonard, Yes' Grow delicious, moulhwatering vegetables MI 48038. Phone 313-628-3478, List 25rt and CANNING SUPPLIES early as February and lale as December with large SASE, Visitors welcome, MASON LIDS-Buy name brand lids in b\:llk GUARD 'N GRO, Ihe solar powered mini green­ and save 40%, Regular and Wide Mouth sizes. house. AMERICA'S FINEST-146 best violets and gesneriads. Beautiful color catalog, illustrated All with pop-up vaC\:lum indicators. Money back SOlAR DESIGN Growing Aids catalog, PLUS 8 page "Tips" on quality guarantee. Forget artificial lighting! Forget artif.icial h ea lin g~ GUARD Violet Growing, 50rt. FISCHER GREEN­ 1 Case Regular Lids (1920 lids) $47 'N GRO works it s magi<.: entire ly off sola r energy. '/2 Case Regular Lids (960 lids) $26 A ll yo'u do is place GUARD 'N GRO ove r seeds. cuttings. or HOUSES, Oak Ave" Dept, AH, Linwood, NJ transplants . 08221. 1 Case Wide Mouth Lids (1 440 lids) $59 GUARD 'N GRO's the rm al air cell s trap and seal in solar heat '12 Case Wide Mouth Lids (720 lids) $32 . protects plants from freezing cold. killing frost. sleet. hail LARGEST SELECTION-Save 20/40% on Plant Visa or M,C.-Include card #, signature and and hig h wi nds .. . keeps plants warm and mois!. In sures fast. full vigorous plan. grow.h EVEN ON C LOUDY FREEZING Stands, Light Fixtures, Growing Accessories, expiration date with order. Home Can Corp" COLD DAYS , A ll this w ithout a ny artificial light or he at Lamps (30 kinds-discounts to 45%) FREE 1591 Fleetwood Drive, Elgin, IL 60120 whatsoever! CATALOG, Indoor Gardening Supplies. Box GUARD 'N GRO weighs Sibs! Measures 40" long x 18" wid e x 2 1" tall. Perfect fo r porch. palio. backyard or small space 40567, Detroit, MI 48240. CATALOGS cont ai ne r gard e ning. Fo lds nat for storage ! Add-o n GUARD 'N GRO extensions available . Each exte ns ion doubles the THE AVANT GARDENER COMPLETE RHODODENDRON CAT A­ le ngth o f each GUARD 'N GRO unit. Lets you prolect your LOG-An indispensable guide to better grow­ entire garden S pring, Fall and Winter! YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT IT, now don't miss ing, Information on culture, disease, growing, FREE the most useful, the most quoted and reprinted pruning and alkaline areas, plus U,S. Zone map, of all gardening publications. Subscribe to THE Now - with food prices going through the roo f - you can 68 pages 36 color pictures, Send $2,50 (de­ g reat ly reduce the end less expe nse of having to pay o utra­ AVANT GARDENER, "the great green gossip ductible) to: BALDSIEFEN NURSERY, Rho­ geous prices for " bl ah " tasting supermarket prodw.:e . You sheet of the horticultural world," Twice monthly, can grow delicious mouth watering vegetables this w intt' r dodendrons for the Connoisseur, Inc., Box 88- while your friend s are paying high prices fo r them in stores . 24 times a year, this unique news service brings A, Bellvale, NY 10912, Let us rush you the startling facts and free information kit you all the firsts-new plants, products, tech­ with the complete GUARD 'N GRO story. niques, with sources, plus feature articles and BEGONIAS-All types. Illustrated, descriptive special issues. Now in its 12th year, and awarded catalog featuring over 500 varieties, many rare the Garden Club of America Medal for out­ ami unusual. $1.00, MILLIE THOMPSON, PO standing lit~rary achievement, Special to new Drawer PP, Southampton, NY 11968, 516-283- subscribers, $10 for a full year. Sample copy 3237, $1. The Avant Gardener, Box 489H, New York, 96 PAGE COLOR CATALOG has many sen­ NY 10028. sational values on more than 1300 varieties BLUEBERRIES Peonies, Daylilies and Iris, plus timely tips, $1 (deductible on first catalog order). Gilbert Wild Blueberry Plants, 12 choice varieties, Aspara­ & Son, Inc" AH-680 Joplin Street, Sarcoxie, gus, Rhubarb, Flowering Shrubs, Raspberries, MO 64862. etc. Free price list, COMMON FIELDS NURS­ ______MAIL COUPON NOW! ------ERY, Ipswich, MA 01938, CONES & PODS , GUARD 'N GRO ~ Cones and Pods, many varieties: Pines, Spruce, Dept. AH·8 ,St. James, NY 11780 BOOKS Hemlocks, Redwoods, Sequoias, Illustrated cat­ .... INTERESTED IN GORGEOUS books on Af­ Yes ' Rush me m y FREE GUARD 'N GRO fae. kit. I wan.- alog plus ideas 50rt (refundable) Cones-G, 42664 rican Violets, Begonias, Bromeliads, Epiphyl­ to save mo ney and c ut my food bill to the bone by grow ing Upper Calapooia, Sweet Home, OR 97386. t my own delicious vegetables this Fall and Winter with lums, Orchids and MORE? We are the LARG­ GUARD 'N GRO mini gree nhouses. No obligation . No EST, with tne NEWEST books around! ~ ale s perso n will call . DAFFODIL BULBS EXAMPLE: Books on BROMELIADS: 17; Name ORCHIDS: 30; CACTI, SUCCULENTS: 50, Special Naturalizing Mixture (8 + vari~ties) Addre~ ______Beautiful, annotated catalog 25 rt , RAINBOW Bushel $65; Peck $20. King Alfred Bushel $46; GARDENS BOOKSHOP, BOX 721-AH, La Peck $14. 10% Discount before June 15. Post­ : City State ___ Zip __ L ______Habra, CA 90631. paid East of Mississippi, 10% extra West, Free

44 August/September 1980 folder fe atures additional varieties, collections, unnecessary. Send name, address, phone num­ Send $1.00 per newsletter, $5.00 for 6 months. mixtures. River's Edge Farm, Rt. 3, Box 228A, ber to Webster, 175-5th Ave., Suite 1l01-1461A, Plants Talk, 607 N. Davis, Arlington, TX 76012. Gloucester, VA 23061. New York, NY 10010. PROPAGATION BREAKTHROUGH-don't DAYLILIES HERBS gamble-use only the best mist controls. Guar­ DA YLlLlES-Most beautiful, most versatile OLD-TIMEY HERBS for today's gardeners. anteed, versatile, portable, indoor, outdoor, perennials. Growing 500,000 plants, all colors, Seeds, plants, teas, books, botanicals, scented automatic, economical. Write Aquamonitor, Box types and sizes. Send 50¢ for new color catalog. geraniums. Catalog $1 .00 (deductible). YAN­ 327, Huntington, NY 11743. HOUSTON DA YLIL Y GARDENS (A), PO Box KEE PEDDLER HERB FARM, Dept. AH80, 7008, The Woodlands, TX 77380. Burton, TX 77835. ORCHIDS EPIPHYLLUMS FREE' 6 HERB SEED PACKETS: Sweet fennel, CORSAGE ORCHID KIT containing 5 baby coriander, di ll and curled cress; all used in salads orchid plants with potting medium and instruc­ EPIPHYLLUMS (ORCHID CACTUS), RHIP­ and/or for seasoning. Di shrag gourd (luffa SALIS, HOYAS. 6 rooted Epiphyllum cut,tings tions: choose Catdeya, Phalaenopsis or Onci­ sponge) is ea ten as summer squ ash or dried for dium. $4.50 complete; 3/$12.00; postage, $1.00. $10.00 postpaid, all named and different. Or­ sponges. Fenugree k produces a maple fl avored ders outside United States please add $6.00 for Jungle-Gems, Box 3215A, Portsmouth, VA seed used in baked goods, candies and syrups. 23701. "Agriculture Inspection Fee." Cuttings deliv­ A $4.14 value. Packing and shipping $1.00. ered April thru October only. Catalog 50¢. Send to YANKEE PEDDLER HERB FARM, INCREDIBLE ORCHID HYBRIDS. Wide se­ BEAHM EPIPHYLLUM GARDENS, Dept Burton, TX 77835. AH80, 2686 Paloma St., Pasadena, CA 91107. lections of quality plants. FREE LIST. Special: HOUSE PLANTS Two blooming-size Cattleya hybrids $15.00 EVERGREENS postpaid in USA or two blooming-size Pha­ HA WAIIAN PLANTS. Send 50¢ for new 14- laenopsis $15.50. Golden West Orchids, 947G BABY EVERGREENS, seeds, seedlings, rho­ page illustrated catalog. Many rare and unusual Greenfield , El Cajon, CA 92021. dodendron, azaleas, flowering shrubs, shade plants included. Hana Gardenland, PO Box 248 trees, large assortment of rare and standard AH, Hana, Maui , HI 96713. PECANS plants. Catalog free. GIRARD NURSERIES, Geneva, OH 44041. MAIL ORDER PECANS: Quart each of halves, pieces, meal. Three-quart sampler $9.75 postpaid! Hermi­ FLOWER ARRANGING SUPPLIES Save water, time and money. " DRIP IRRIGA­ TION FOR LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN," tage Farms, Box 143-HO, Hermitage TN 37076. FLOWER ARRANGING SUPPLIES AND a planning and install ation guide for the home­ Free brochure. Large selection. EQUIPMENT. Also carefully selected supplies owner. Trickle Soak Systems, 8733 Magnolia, for corsages, house plants and terrariums. Suite 109, Santee, CA 92071. POSITION WANTED Wholesale and retail, since 1936. Catalog 10¢. Dorothy Biddle Service, GM-1, Hawthorne, NY BROMELIADS. 8 different mature bromeliads. Botanist with training in Landscape Architec­ 10532. Growing instructions. Labeled. Postpaid $8.75. ture and Horticulture desires position related 2 page listing for 15 ¢ stamp. Cornelison Bro­ to above disciplines. Location Open. Contact: COMPLETE CATALOG OF FLOWER AR­ meliads, 225 San Bernardino, N. Fort Myers, David C. Dister, 3242 Jefferson Ave., Cinci n­ RANGING SUPPLIES-foams, containers, ac­ FL 33903. nati, OH 45220. cessories, books and tools. Low Low prices. Send 25 ¢. Designers Bench, Box 839 AH, Au­ MISCELLANEOUS ROSES--MINIA TURES burn, NY 13021. GRO-MAX 27-9-9 FERTILIZER is better be­ Grow indoors and outdoors. No yard or apart­ cause it contains no cheap muriates (ch lorides), GARDEN FURNITURE ment is too small to enjoy the pleasure of grow­ sulphates, sodium, or urea. Soluble, odorless, ing these little roses. Free color catalog of se­ Solid Teakwood Garden Seats-featured in th e with trace elements for maximum growth. lected varieties. NOR' EAST MINIATURE arboretums & gardens of England. The perfect Guaranteed. One pound $6.00 postpaid. Prod­ ROSES, INC., Box " AH", Rowley, MA 06969. heirloom gift for church, park or private gard en. uct information for self-addressed, stamped en­ Send $2.00 (deductible) for the 10 page British velope. United Applied Research, Inc.; Dept. A; colour catalogue and current price list. Precip­ PO Box 1164; North Riverside, IL 60546. SEEDS itation, In c. 17317 Germantown Rd., German­ WORLD'S LARGEST SELECTION of quality town, MD 20767. (301 ) 428-3434. Rare, Reasonable, Guaranteed: Aroids, Varie­ rare seeds from every continent. Thousands of gated Bromeliads, Variegated Musas, Myre­ exotic ornamentals, tropicals, houseplants, GREENHOUSE GROWING mecodias, Miniature Orchids, Rare Sansevi­ palms, flowers, bulbs, perennials, trees, rare LEARN GREENHOUSE GROWING with our erias, Palms and Cycads. Stamp for list. Jerry herbs, medicinal, edible plants. Illustrated 128pp nationally famous home study course. All new Horne, 10195 S.W. 70 Street, Miami, FL 33173. catalog $1.00. Free vegetable catalog, with Eu­ and exciting. Certifi cate available. FREE DE­ ropean & Oriental varieties. WORLD SEED TAILS. Growers Associated, Box 585AH, Cal­ COOKIE RECIPES; why wait for Christmas to SERVICE, Box lOS8-AT, Redwood City, CA istoga, CA 94515. make these culinary creations. Send $2.00 to: 94064. Cookies, PO Box 45, Bala-Cynwyd, PA 19004. HARPER HORTICULTURAL TOPIARY SLIDE LIBRARY (PAMELA HARPER) RHODODENDRONS, AZALEAS, from super­ Topiary frames. Charming animal shapes for We supply many of the pictures in this issue hardy to greenhouse varieties; dwarf conifers, home and garden. Wholesale and retail. Write (see cover and pages 26 and 27) and other gar­ rock garden rarities. We ship. Catalog $1.00 for price list: Topiary, Inc., 41 Bering, Tampa, den magazines. You may rent these and 25,000 (refundable), THE BOVEES NURSERY, 1737A FL 33606. others, or buy duplicates. Lecture programs on SW Coronada, Portland, OR 97219. many topics. Catalog $1. 219 Robanna Shores, VEGETABLE SEEDS Seaford, VA 23696. BOLDUC'S GREENHILL NURSERY-Exotic & Hardy Ferns. 2131 Vallejo St., St. Helena, Save money on your grocery bills: grow your own vegetables from seeds. These vegetables HELP WANTED CA 94574. Please send self-addressed, stamped envelope for list. were specially chosen for balcony/patio, city, Part-time piece work. Webster, America's fore­ suburban and country gardens. Information: most dictionary company needs home workers PLANTS TALK! Receive monthly newsletter G.B. Enterprises, 655 Jeffrey Street, #103, Boca to update local mailing lists. All ages; experience written by interesting and different houseplants. Raton, FL 33431.

American Horticulturist 45 The new Paperwhite Narcissus from Israel (left), and the older French strain. A new. and better strain of Paperwhite Narcissus ... really.

Horticulture is regretably not immune to the tempta­ Paperwhite. They have succeeded, as the photo tion to shrill, "New, and improved," a refrain ac­ shows, and the new strain (the blooms on the left) is a quired from the modern merchants of detergents. It's marked advance. Larger blooms on exceptionally seldom true, for outstanding color breaks and excep­ strong stems yield a rich, spicy fragrance as delight­ tional new hybrids are rare indeed. For this reason, ful as the older French strain. real improvements are the more to be valued. We have one and can report it without modesty for we Please order from this advertisement: 25 had no role in its development. Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs and a half-peck of bulb fibre (the ideal planting medium), $20.00, plus 10% Paperwhite Narcissus, long a favorite bulb for forc­ for handling and prepaid delivery east of the Missis­ ing, have been grown in America and Europe for sippi, 15% west of the River and Gulf states (Conn. many years and are so widely known they no longer residents add sales tax). Bulbs will be shipped in time attract much attention in commerce. However, Israel for winter forcing. has become involved in the production of bulbs in the last decade and the Israelis set out to improve on the Please order now. -Sincerely, Amos Pettingill

White flower farm Plantsmen Litchfield 7704, Connecticut 06759