Conifer Quarterly

Home , Microbiota decussata, Pinus culminicola, Pinus heldreichii, Tony Avent, Tsuga canadensis, Tsuga sieboldii

Vol. 25 No. 4 Fall 2008

Pinus heldreichii ‘Smidtii’ 2009 Collectors Conifer of the Year

Dwarf Selection Photo credit: Randall C. Smith, courtesy of Iseli Nursery A scene featuring a pendulous form of Tsuga canadensis from the International ACS Czech Republic Tour taken in the Holata garden in Leder by Jim Kelley The Conifer Quarterly is the publication of the American Conifer Society

Contents

6 The Hemlocks Text and photos by Dr. Bert Cregg

12 Edsel Wood and His Tsuga Seedlings by Don Howse

17 Name that Plant - The Misuse of Trademarks in Horticulture by Tony Avent

24 Collectors Conifer of the Year

27 Planting Guide for Difficult to Establish Conifers by Ridge Goodwin, Director CCOY Program featuring: Success with Difficult to Establish Conifers by Gerald P.Kral & Elmer Dustman

31 In Search of Conifers and Other Garden-worthy Plants Text and photos by Tom Cox

40 Eek! Bag Worms on the March! by Ellen Kelley

Conifer Society Voices 2 President’s Message 4 Editor’s Memo 41 Leaders’ Spotlight on Ridge Goodwin 44 Letter to the Editor 45 New Members 46 ACS 2009 National Meeting

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 1 Conifer FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK his summer, the ACS held two important events. First, we th Quarterly Tcelebrated the 25 anniversary of the founding of the American Conifer Fall 2008 Society. At the National Meeting in Volume 25, No 4 Dubuque, Iowa, 200 people learned more The Conifer Quarterly (ISSN 8755-0490) is about the history of the organization and published quarterly by the American Conifer honored the past presidents who have led Society. The Society is a non-profit organization the ACS during the past 25 years. Ten incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is tax exempt under section of the thirteen former presidents were in 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. attendance. You are invited to join our Society. Please This meeting also had a record 69 address membership and other inquiries to the American Conifer Society National Office, 175 people who indicated that this was their Charisma Lane, Lewisville, NC 27023-9611. first National Meeting. An orientation Membership: US $30 (indiv.), $35 (joint), session was held for the “newbies” to $30 (institutional), $50 (sustaining), $100 (corporate business) and $130 (patron). If you are introduce them to the auction proce- moving, please notify the National Office 4 weeks dures, and each received a small conifer. in advance. This session was well received, and I All editorial and advertising matters should be sent to: Evelyn Cox, 1621 N. Lake Dr., Canton, hope this sort of informational session GA 30115, (770) 663-7576 or email coniferquar- will become a standard part of any meet- [email protected]. ing. I’ll be glad to supply a copy of the Editor one-page handout we used. Evelyn Cox Second, the ACS sponsored its second overseas tour, with a destination Technical Editors Ethan Johnson of the Czech Republic. None of us on the Susan Martin tour knew what to expect, but we saw R. William Thomas amazing gardens and were welcomed Advisory Committee warmly and graciously by gardeners and Ellen Kelley, Committee Chair nurserymen. They were delighted that Marvin Snyder we were interested in visiting their ex officio: Tom Cox ex officio: John Martin gardens. (The gardeners were all men, and all expressed surprise that the presi- Copyright © 2008, American Conifer Society. All dent of the ACS was a woman!) Among rights reserved. No material contained herein may be reproduced in any form without prior written other treasures, we saw many exquisite permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed trough gardens planted in ancient stone by authors and advertisers are not necessarily cattle troughs. those of the Society. The gardeners we met were also Note: Hardiness Zone references in the propagating conifers, using seed, Conifer Quarterly are USDA classifications unless witches’ brooms, and cuttings. One otherwise specified. young man, who had recently completed university studies and was working

2CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 with his father, had published a book National Meeting, and to Tom Whitten- about witches’brooms and gave copies to baugh and all of the others who helped to several of us. Of course the book is in make it a success. I also greatly appreci- Czech, but we can enjoy some fine color ate the dogged efforts of Tom Cox in photos, and the botanical names of the planning and organizing the tour to the plants are understandable. He hopes to Czech Republic. This was a difficult tour expand his first effort and also publish in to put together for a variety of reasons, English. We saw many cultivars not but Tom made it happen. Those of us who available in the U.S., mainly due to the went on the tour had a great time and very tough regulations of the Department learned so much. of Agriculture regarding the importation of plant material. Ellen Kelley Finally, I want to publically express my profound thanks and appreciation to Gary Whittenbaugh, my co-chair for the

ACS members voted overwhelmingly to accept the proposed changes to the by- laws with 129 members returning ballots. Several people suggested using a tape recorder. We do record every board meeting and the secretary also takes notes. The recording serves as a back-up and a check on the accuracy of the minutes. Thanks to all who took the time and effort to vote. Ellen Kelley, President American Conifer Society

Publication Dates

Deadline to Publication Date Issue Calendar Quarter submit articles (approx. mailing)

Winter Jan/Feb/Mar Nov 12 Jan 15 Spring Apr/May/Jun Feb 15 Apr 16 Summer Jul/Aug/Sept May 13 July 16 Fall Oct/Nov/Dec 31 Aug 13 Oct 15

Submit articles/photos to: Evelyn Cox, Conifer Quarterly Editor 1621 N. Lake Dr., Canton, GA 30115 PH (770) 663-7576 E-mail: [email protected]

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 3 EDITOR’S MEMO

Tsuga, commonly called hemlock. In- side this issue, Dr. Bert Cregg’s article (originally published in The Michigan Landscape magazine) points out some cultivars for other zones. Also from Michigan (Dearborn Heights), Dennis Groh shows us beautiful hemlocks, some of which have been in his garden for many years. From Oregon, Don Howse shares his experience with hemlock seedlings from the garden of the late Edsal Wood. There is much confusion about plant cultivar names these days. How did that happen? It should become clearer after reading Tony Avent’s article, “Name that Plant - The Misuse of all is a perfect time to sit in a shade Trademarks in Horticulture.” garden. From a slightly elevated We have become accustomed in fall Fbench, I can sit in mine and look over to finding out about the new Collectors hostas, ferns and hemlocks. Rich, dark- Conifer of the Year selections. Again, green hemlocks contrast perfectly with the CCOY committee has selected two the ferns and hostas here and with their outstanding plants. Many of you other neighbors, dogwoods, rhododen- coniferseurs (a word coined by ACS drons and hydrangeas. I like to watch member Viviane Decker) probably no- the hemlocks swaying and nodding in ticed those fabulous photo shots by the breeze, their needles glistening as Randy Smith of Iseli Nursery on the sun streams through the disappearing covers and have already filled out your canopy. When the broad leaves of taller order form. But if you want to know trees disappear completely, filtered sun- more about the selections first, turn to light streams through the fine texture of the centerfold. In addition, you can read hemlock needles, creating changing pat- about special care of more difficult to terns throughout the day. establish plants, especially the dwarfs, The hemlocks in our shade garden in a separate article crafted by plant are Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock) experts Gerald Kral, Elmer Dustman, cultivars with several specimens of and Ridge Goodwin. Asian species such as Tsuga forrestii, Ridge is our new vice president and chinensis, and diversifolia. Here, they we asked him to introduce himself to prosper in zone 7. members who may not have had the op- Our fall issue theme is the genus portunity to meet him. I enjoyed his

4CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 BY EVELYN COX story and think you will too. We’ve kept that bring excitement to your garden in him busy since last issue getting articles various seasons. If it is a different together for the fall issue. One of those conifer for each season, that’s okay. Just is an update on the 2009 ACS National send a picture of your garden scene that Meeting to be held in Long Island, New has been enhanced by a conifer’s York. This sounds like a great venue presence during a particular season. In with lots of outstanding gardens. Mark other words, we’re flexible. We just your calendars for August 6–8. want to spread the word. I hope that many of you step Hope you enjoy this issue. Try forward and share your stories, plants reading it amongst the hemlocks. and/or photos with fellow ACS readers for our next issue, intended to highlight the beauty and utility of conifers throughout the seasons. To get started, think about particular plants, a group of conifers, or conifers with companions

Next Issue: Winter 2009 Our next issue will feature: Conifers–The All-season Plants.

Suggestions for your submissions are included in the Editor’s Memo above.

Future Issue themes: Please look at future themes and consider sending your articles in advance of published deadlines.

Picea Juniperus Cones Lesser-known Conifers

We welcome news alerts about conifers or about our members. Contact Evelyn Cox to discuss your ideas.

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 5 The Hemlocks Text and photos by Dr. Bert Cregg

This article was originally published in the and tannin, hemlocks are among the elite November/December 2004 issue of The of landscape conifers. Their color, tex- Michigan Landscape magazine, a monthly ture, and graceful elegance add a touch of publication of the Michigan Nursery and class to any landscape. Named cultivars Landscape Association (www.mnla.org). exist for all four of the North American species, though T. canadensis are the emlocks are among the most striking most numerous and most widely used in and graceful conifers in Michigan the Midwest. The American Conifer So- Hlandscapes. Unfortunately, due to their ex- ciety lists over 240 cultivars of T. acting site requirements, hemlocks can be canadensis, compared with 11 for Car- among the most frustrating conifers for olina hemlock, 17 for T. mertensiana and homeowners and landscapers to grow and 8 for T. heterophylla. There are a handful maintain. Worldwide there are eight to ten of named cultivars for some of the Asian species in the hemlock genus (Tsuga), species of Tsuga including southern which occur in moist, temperate parts of Japanese hemlock (Tsuga sieboldii) and North America and eastern Asia. Four Northern Japanese hemlock (T. diversi- Tsuga species are native to North Amer- folia). ica. Western hemlock (T. heterophylla) Regardless of the species or cultivar, and mountain (T. mertensiana) occur in one consideration common to growing the Western U.S, and Canada. Eastern all hemlocks is the need to pay careful at- hemlock (T. canadensis) and Carolina tention to site selection. While hemlocks hemlock (T. caroliniana) are native to can and do grow in open sites, invariably eastern North America. All of the North they perform best in protected areas. American hemlock species grow to be Conifer expert Chub Harper has a simple large trees in forest stands. Western hem- rule for choosing sites for hemlocks: lock is the largest, growing to over 200’ avoid winter sun. Chub states, “The north tall. Hemlocks are valuable trees for lum- side of a structure, or the north side of a ber and for pulp production. Hemlock conifer windbreak works best.” Like bark has a very high tannin content and many conifers, hemlocks grow best on was used by many native peoples for tan- acidic, moist, well-drained soils. ning. Native tribes in the Northwest used Tsuga heterophylla, hemlock to dye fishing nets to make them Westernhemlock less visible to fish in murky water. In The range of western hemlock is disjunct eastern North America, T. canadensis with a coastal distribution from southern bark was used for commercial leather Oregon to southern Alaska and an inte- tanning until the advent of synthetic tan- rior distribution in northern Idaho and in- ning materials. terior British Columbia. T. heterophylla Beyond their use for lumber, pulp, is used in landscaping in the Pacific

6CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Northwest and in Europe, both the mounding form can get quite large with straight species as well as several culti- age. Chub Harper notes: “I still have a vars. Generally it has been assumed that specimen with a trunk diameter of 15” climatic extremes preclude their use in that was too big to move with the rest of the Midwest but most cultivars in the the collection that went to Hidden Lake trade are from coastal selection (Zone 7). Gardens.” (Zone 3) Exploration of the interior range (Zone 5) ‘Lewis’ This is a dwarf, upright form may yield selections with increased toler- growing 3-6’ at age 10. Chub notes: ance of environmental stresses. Western “This is a dandy hemlock, not nearly as hemlock is the state tree of Washington. fussy as some.” (Zone 3) Tsuga diversifolia, ‘Stewart’s Gem’ A compact globe form. NorthernJapanese hemlock A very compact plant, growing to only Native to the Japanese islands of Honshu 15” by age 18. (Zone 4) and Kyushu, T. diversifolia is hardy in ‘Geneva’ The American Conifer Society the southern half of the Lower Peninsula lists this as an intermediate grower (6-15’ (Zone 5). Susan Eyre of Rich’s Foxwil- at age 10) and the specimen at Hidden low Pines Nursery Northwest of Chicago Lake Gardens is in this range. This is a lists this among her “Top Ten” conifers. reliable hemlock that is available through Northern Japanese hemlock has dark several specialty nurseries but is usually green foliage with copious small cones. listed as a slower grower. Medium to Tsuga canadensis, dark green foliage. (Zone 3) Easternhemlock In his Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, Michael Dirr states that if he could plant only one conifer it would be a Tsuga canadensis. Eastern Hemlock makes up the vast majority of hemlocks in the nursery trade in the upper Midwest. In a quick survey of catalogs from three major landscape nurseries specializing in conifers, I found 40 cultivars of T. canadensis. The only other hemlocks listed were straight species (T. diversifolia, T. sieboldii, T. dumosa) and one cultivar of T. sieboldii. The diversity of Tsuga canadensis 'Jeddeloh' Eastern hemlock cultivars is truly remarkable; selections include large trees, ‘Jeddeloh’ A widely cultivated low weeping forms, variegated forms, dwarf, mounding or nest-like plant. Very strik- and miniature plants. In fact some of the ing, 3’-6’ at age 10. (Zone 3) smallest miniature cultivars recognized ‘Everitt Golden’ One of the few golden by the American Conifer Society are se- forms of hemlock. An upright small tree. lections of T. canadensis. Has best color in full sun but will burn. ‘Sargentii’ This extremely handsome Performs well in light shade. A dwarf

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 7 form (3’-6’ at age 10). (Zone 4) of all dwarf hemlock, the new growth has ‘Pendula’ A classic weeping plant for the a star-like appearance.” Reportedly hard shade garden. (Zone 4) to find, I found it listed in Arrowhead ‘Palomino’ A globe form of dwarf hem- Alpines catalog. (Zone 4) lock that belongs to the cinnamon-tip group. It forms a very dwarf compact bush with irregular congested growth. (Zone 4) ‘Hussii’ Broad oval to upright dwarf (3’- 6’ at age 10) short dark green needles. (Zone 4) ‘Minuta’ One of the smallest of all conifers this miniature grows less than 1” per year. Like ‘Hussii’ and ‘Jacqueline Verkade’, this slow-growing form is suitable as a specimen in rock gardens. ‘Gentsch White’ Globe form with creamy white new growth, intermediate size: 6-12” per year, 6-15’ at 10 years. (Zone 3) ‘Frosty’ Variegated Dwarf form with a globe habit. 1-6” per year, 3-6’ at 10 years. (Zone 4) ‘LaBar White Tip’ Variegated form with creamywhite-tippedfoliage.Broaduprightor oval, up to 15’by age 10. (Zone 5) Tsuga canadensis 'LaBar White Tip' ‘Watnong Star’ Chub notes: “My favorite

T.diversifolia,T.canadensis 'Frosty', T.canadensis 'Geneva'

8CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Hemlock Wooly Adelgid The hemlock wooly adelgid is a serious pest affecting hemlock forests and hemlocks in landscapes in the eastern United States. Accord- ing to the USDA Forest Service the hemlock wooly adelgid has been detected in nearly half of the range of eastern hemlock. Over 55% of 26,000 acres of hemlock forests in Tsuga canadensis 'Brookline' New Jersey have been severely im- pacted by the adelgid. Fortunately the hemlock wooly adelgid has not yet established a foothold in Michi- gan. The hemlock wooly adelgid is an aphid-like insect that infests hemlock foliage resulting in severe defo- liation that can be severe enough to cause mortality. The adelgid is an exotic pest that was introduced from Asia (sound familiar?). The initial infestations in North America occurred in the Pacific Northwest in the 1920s. The adelgid has not caused widespread damage to west- Tsuga canadensis 'Guldemond's Dwarf' ern hemlock (T. heterophylla) or mountain hemlock (T. mertensiana) but has been devastating to eastern hemlock (T. canadensis) and Carolina hemlock (T. caroliniana), neither of which has shown resist- ance. The range of the adelgid has increased steadily over the past decade. Quarantine on hemlocks from southern nurseries has helped to keep this pest out of Michigan. Researchers are examining whether cold winter temperatures in the northern end of the T. canadensis range may limit the northern extent of the infestation. Tsuga canadensis 'Gentsch White’

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 9 Gardening with Tsuga Photos by Dennis Groh

Tsuga canadensis 'Everitt Golden' Tsuga canadensis 'Stockman's Dwarf'

Tsuga canadensis 'Coles Prostrate' with Tsuga canadensis 'Betty Rose' with new new spring growth white spring growth flush

10 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Tsuga mertensiana 'Elizabeth' Taken by Dennis Groh in his garden of specimen about 10 years old Tsuga canadensis 'Minuta' Taken by Dennis Groh in his garden of a specimen about 30 years old

Tsuga canadensis 'Moon Frost' Tsuga heterophylla

Tsuga canadensis 'Jeddeloh' Specimen about 35 years old with new spring growth from Dennis Groh’s garden

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 11 Edsel Wood and His Tsuga Seedlings by Don Howse

y good friend and mentor, Edsel of the Cascade Mountains of California, Wood, was an outstanding plants- Oregon, and Washington. The seedlings’ Mman. He had a passion for bonsai. He also names included Mt. Adams, Mt. Bache- had a nursery where he produced plants in lor, Mt. Baker, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, small containers for the bonsai market. Be- Mt. Rainier, Mt. Shasta, Mt. St. Helens, cause he grew many of his plants from and (Mt.) South Sister. Each of the plants seed, he had the opportunity to select and is an upright form, with some degree of evaluate interesting seedlings. Ed passed white variegation or creamy white col- from this mortal existence in 1996 and left oration. I have grown most of the us a wonderful legacy of plants that he in- seedlings that Ed named for the distinc- troduced. Among his many introductions tive peaks of the Cascade Mountains for were a number of outstanding Tsuga ten years or more. However, only re- canadensis seedlings. cently have I been able to get cuttings of Fulfilling a contract, Ed grew Mt. Adams, so I do not have an opinion seedlings of Tsuga canadensis. He would formed yet as to how it will appear in ten sow seed onto a media of Douglas-fir years. bark in nursery flats. After germination, From observations, I have come to the seedlings would be potted into 2-1/4 like three specific plants more than the inch plastic pots and grown in the same others. Mt. Baker, Mt. Bachelor, and media. The trays of potted seedlings were (Mt.) South Sister are the slowest grow- set in a controlled, cool greenhouse on el- ing and the most dwarf or compact of the evated wire benches. Whenever I visited selections. They all have good, white col- Ed, there were several thousands of oration, which stands out in the shaded seedlings growing in the flats. They were garden setting. from succeeding years, and were of vary- Mt. Baker is an upright shrub with ing sizes. As the young seedlings devel- distinctive white color, standing up to 4 oped, Ed would look over the trays and feet in height and 2 feet in width in ten select out any that appeared dwarf, dense, years. It has become a full-bodied plant prostrate, or different in any way. without any side pruning. I imagine a Seedlings with white variegation or sheared or pruned plant would be out- cream colored tips seemed to occur with standing with lots of white foliage. It is some regularity. He would also set aside an attractive plant in the landscape. I am these seedlings and continue to grow growing it in full hot sunlight without them on to be evaluated. any summer burn. Among the white tipped and white Mt. Bachelor is the smallest of the variegated selections, he found several three varieties and multi-stemmed. It has that appealed to him. He named these a broad vase shape. My ten-year-old after the nearby white snowcapped peaks plant is at about knee height and has the

12 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 same breadth. It, too, has very good white his Oak Grove Garden at his Wilsonville, coloration. This plant is ideal for the Oregon, nursery site. On a cold and small garden space without pruning to frosty morning in February of 1997, I keep it small. I can imagine that a sheared found a dense mound of white foliage plant would be very white and dense. tinged rosy pink. It was novel, and I took (Mt.) South Sister is a single some cuttings for propagation. As the stemmed shrub with a more open struc- young plants developed, each winter they ture and very good white foliage color. would become rose colored. I named the The white foliage is distinctive. With plant ‘Woodrose’ in honor of Ed Wood’s some pruning or shearing, it can become name and the rosy winter coloration. The a full-bodied pyramid. In ten years, it has plant has a similar dwarf habit as ‘Moon- reached a height of approximately 4 feet. frost’, with lots of white foliage the re- The seedling named Mt. Hood is mainder of the year. It, too, is a fine plant also a fine plant. It is not as white, and for the lightly shaded garden setting. The grows somewhat larger. My 20-year-old rosy pink coloration makes it a novelty plant is now approximately 8 feet in for the winter garden. height in a pyramidal form. I have tip While I was perusing Ed’s garden, pruned it over the years, which enhances where he had his many seedling intro- the pale white coloration. With the prun- ductions, I came upon a gold variegated ing, it has become a fine shrub or very small tree. The color of the variegation small tree. With close up inspection, one was a rich golden-yellow that was nicely can see that the needles are pale green contrasted with the dark green foliage. I with a faint white coloration. also took cuttings of this plant. As the The varieties named for the other young plants developed, I noticed that Cascade peaks are faster growing and there was a lot of variation in the amount taller, becoming trees. Mt. St. Helens is of golden-yellow variegation, with some the most open and fastest growing of the plants being almost totally green and lot. Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Shasta, and Mt. some having lots of golden-yellow color. Rainier are all good white forms of a sim- I named the plant ‘Wood’s Goldleaf’. ilar nature. I find Mt. Shasta to be the Also, as the colorful plants grew upright, brightest, or whitest, of these tree forms. I noticed that some plants became green Ed introduced a white seedling that and lost all of the variegation in the upper is multi-stemmed and quite dwarf. It is a branches and top of the plant. I now real- broad mound with good color. He and ize that judicial pruning is required to Larry Stanley agreed on the name keep the variegation and color. The plant ‘Moonfrost’. It is a very good plant for seems to be an upright tree form but the intimate garden, and stands out with somewhat compact. My ten-year-old its silvery-white foliage. A sheared plant plant is now about eight feet in height. It can be dense and very white. I recom- has some areas with lots of gold colored mend this plant for a lightly shaded site variegation and some areas with very lit- where it can be a focal point. tle. A few weeks after Ed passed away, Ed also set aside several very small his wife, Arlene, allowed me to inspect seedlings that he kept growing in pots in

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 13 his cool greenhouse. He applied numbers Seedling #10 was named ‘Tualatin’. to these and eventually named them for The plant is very flat and dense with dark nearby Oregon cities and rural locales. green foliage. The city of Tualatin, He named one of the seedlings (seedling named after the Tualati Indians, is found #3) in honor of his good friend, Jean Iseli, south of Portland near the Willamette after Jean passed away in 1986. The oth- River. ers he named for the nearby communi- After Ed passed away, I was in pos- ties. session of two of the seedlings that were There is little difference in these numbered but had never been given a seedlings to tell them apart. They are all name. I had seedlings #11 and #15. very dwarf and spreading in habit. Some Again, they appeared to be very similar have weeping tips. Some are slightly but worthy plants to be recognized. They more mounded that the others. All are are spreading dwarf forms that are simi- dark green. After about ten years of lar to the others. I decided to name them growth, they all attain a spread of about for two other nearby Oregon communi- 15 inches and a height of about 8 inches ties with historical relevance. at the most. They are ideal for the small Seedling #11 was named ‘Charbon- intimate shade garden or the decorative neau’, which is the name of a French container on the patio or at the doorstep. Canadian explorer and husband of the They could be used in trough gardens, young Shoshone Indian woman, Saca- too. I like all of them but cannot, in hon- jawea. Charbonneau came west with the esty, give descriptions that offer lots of Lewis and Clark expedition, the Corps of differences. Discovery, in the early 1800s. A small Seedling #1 was named for the community of homes bearing his name nearby city of Molalla. It has a flat habit sits along the banks of the Willamette and is very dense. Molalla is a logging River. The plant seems to have some up- town near the foothills of the Cascade lift to the branches but is spreading and Mountains, well known for its western- very similar to the others. style rodeo. The plant, ‘Molalla’, is flat Seedling #15 was named ‘Cham- and grows in a dense circular pattern. poeg’, which is a French corruption of Seedling #2 was named ‘Aurora’ for the phonetic Indian name, “Cham-poo- another nearby community, Aurora ick”. Champoeg is today an Oregon State Colony. The Aurora Colony was a reli- Park along the Willamette River. It is gious settlement along the Pudding River here that the Oregon Territory came into in the Willamette Valley. This plant is flat being, and the lands were divided up and spreading, with a slightly pendulous among the early settlers. This seedling is habit. also a dwarf spreading form with dark Seedling #5 was named ‘Canby’. green foliage. This plant has a mounding and spreading A collection of these seedlings is habit. It is very attractive with layered nice to have, including #3 or ‘Jean Iseli’, branches of dark green foliage. Canby is but in reality, they are all similar in habit an agricultural community in the heart of and size. Any one of these varieties is the Willamette Valley. good for the small garden display.

14 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 I am very grateful for the many interesting plants, conifers, and other Author’s note: Two articles appeared in woody forms, that Edsel Wood intro- the Winter and Spring 1997 issues of the duced. We all benefit from the dedication ACS Quarterly Bulletin (Vol. 14, Nos. 1 and effort he made to select, evaluate, and 2) about Ed Wood and the many and propagate these fine Hemlocks. plants he introduced.

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 15 16 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Name that Plant – The Misuse of Trademarks in Horticulture by Tony Avent

This article was first published on the the public by hopelessly confusing the website http://www.plantdelights.com on naming of plants and the communication 12/25/2007. Reprinted with permission. about these plants. Even in the latest edition of Dr. Michael Dirr’s wonderful hen is a plant name not a plant Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (5th name? The sad answer is, more ed.), it is clearly evident, even someone Woften than not in our current world, where as knowledgeable as Dr. Dirr doesn’t al- marketing comes first and accuracy sec- ways know which is a cultivar name and ond. The current plant naming trend often which is simply a company’s marketing violates the International Code of name. Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants The Nomenclature Code (ICNCP), US Trademark Law, and occa- To understand where the confusion lies, sionally the US Federal Trade Commis- let’s start with a few basics about plant sion (FTC) rules concerning deceptive taxonomy. The naming of cultivated business practices. plants is governed by a small book, the To understand the problem, let’s go International Code of Nomenclature for back in time to 1952, when the first In- Cultivated Plants 2004. In the Preamble ternational Code of Nomenclature for to the Code, the purpose is stated: “The Cultivated Plants (hence referred to as the Code aims at the provision of a stable Code) was published to standardize the method of naming distinguishable groups confusing way in which plant cultivars of cultivated plants, avoiding and reject- were named. The Code sets forth the way ing the use of names that may cause error people around the world communicate or ambiguity or throw the above disci- about plants, and as long as everyone plines into confusion.” While the Code is abides by the Code, problems in horticul- not a legal document, such International tural communication are minimal. Unfor- Codes are usually recognized as legally tunately, we have moved into a time valid in most court disputes. where more and more people are under- In Principle 3, the Code states, mining the Code due in part to both igno- “Each cultivar or group with a particular rance and greed, creating a taxonomic circumscription can bear only one ac- nightmare. cepted name, the earliest that is in accor- The current trend of improper and dance with the Rules.” Principle 4 of the confusing use of cultivar names and Code brings up another important point, trademarks, both by growers and mar- “Names of plants must be universally keters of plants, has done an irreparable and freely available for use by any person long-term disservice to the industry and to denote a distinguishable group of

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 17 plants. In some countries, plants are mar- chase, however is not TYLENOL®, but keted using trademarks. Such marks are instead one of many products, such as the intellectual property of a person or TYLENOL® Cold and Sinus Medicine some corporate body and are not there- or TYLENOL® Pain Relievers. In most fore freely available for any person to of these products, the generic name is use; consequently, they cannot be consid- acetaminophen. If a company’s trade- ered as names.” mark name becomes recognized by the Article 19 of the Code further deals public as the product itself (i.e. generic), with cultivar names. The most pertinent the trademark becomes invalid. Several section is Article 19.13, which states, commonly known examples of trade- “For a cultivar name to be established on marks being invalidated because they or after 1 January 1959, its epithet is to be have become generic in the minds of the a word or words in a modern language consumer include: aspirin, cellophane, other than Latin, except as permitted thermos, and escalator. Many other incor- under Article 19.6, 19.7, and Article rectly used trademarks are still in effect, 19.24.” There are many other require- simply because they have not been chal- ments, but these are not pertinent for dis- lenged. cussion of the trademark issue. Now that The current improper use of trade- we understand the basis for naming marks in the horticultural industry had its plants, let’s look at how the improper use origin more than a half century ago. The of trademarks has made a mockery of the worst culprits, in the early years, were the spirit of the Code. rose and bedding plant industry. The rose Trademarks industry seems to have been the first to Trademark names are intended to be used use nonsensical, non-conforming names only to designate product origin or for plant cultivars, while the bedding brands. Trademarking can be as simple as plant industry completely thumbed its writing ™ after a name, but for a more nose at the Code by not even bothering to sound legal footing, the trademark is reg- come up with any cultivar names for istered with the United States Patent and most of their introductions. One of the Trademark Office (USPTO). The trade- most famous roses in horticulture is one mark then becomes a Registered Trade- that everyone knows as Peace. Surpris- mark® for a cost of about $250 (unless ingly, there is no such plant as Rosa you have it done by a lawyer). Trade- ‘Peace’. The plant we grow under this marks are owned by an individual or name is actually Rosa ‘Madame A. Meil- company and cannot be affixed to an in- land’. The trade name Peace was coined dividual item. They are valid for 10 years by Conard Pyle Nursery, and used to if used correctly in commerce, and can be market Rosa ‘Madame A. Meilland’ after renewed indefinitely for 10-year periods. World War II to capitalize on the post- A classic example of a properly used war sentiment. The plant became known trademark is Tylenol®. If you look in the public’s mind as the Peace rose. through a drug store, you will find the Some of the larger nurseries soon re- company had registered Tylenol® as a alized that regardless of the cultivar name trademark. The product that you pur- of the plant, they could come up with

18 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 their own proprietary (trademarked) mar- left with nothing but an invalid trademark keting name and use these names to pro- with no plant attached. A great new plant mote plants which already had valid is then stuck with a nonsensical name. cultivar names. The idea was to convince As I mentioned earlier, Article 19.13 the public that the company’s marketing of the Code does not allow for the use of name was actually the name of the plant. these nonsensical names. In contradicting The next step in the downward spiral was itself, however, the current version of the when nurserymen began intentionally Code now allows nonsensical code name giving their new plants stupid nonsensi- exceptions (Article 19.27). This is where cal cultivar names. Subsequent plant pro- political pressures have crept into what motions would often only tout the should have remained a scientific docu- marketing name, causing the consumer to ment. Privately, one of the authors of the often not realize the plant had a real cul- Code told me the breeders of certain tivar name. The cultivar name, if in- worldwide crops such as alstroemeria, cluded at all in ads and tags, would be carnations, and roses would raise too printed in very small print in comparison much of a fuss if the nomenclature com- to the “marketing name”. The entire idea mittee made the wording in the Code any is for the company’s marketing (trade- stronger. In other words, the authors of mark) name to become the generic name the current edition of the Code caved to of the product in the consumer’s mind. those who were already violating the The practice of using nonsensical names Code, similar to the concept of changing violates the entire purpose for having an laws so that the number of criminals di- International Code of Nomenclature for minish. Cultivated Plants while the use of trade- Many breeders and growers of new marks as generic names violates the legal plants properly choose to try and recoup use of trademarks. their investment in producing a new plant Some breeders blindly follow such by securing a royalty payment from those trends in choosing nonsensical cultivar producing the plant. Plant patents are the names, not realizing that these names are only legal means of protecting a propri- the only official name of their new intro- etary plant. Patents are good for 20 years duction. A UK primrose breeder, Geoff (formerly 17 years) after the date of Nicolle, wanted to name and patent his patent filing. After this time, anyone can new primrose after his granddaughter legally propagate and sell a formerly Katy McSparron. Instead he patented it patented cultivar. Patents require quite a under the cultivar name Primula ‘Prinic’ bit of paperwork and a fee that many PP 12,892 and marketed it under his smaller growers may find a bit expen- granddaughter’s name. I have corre- sive. Many growers have the false im- sponded with his granddaughter who is pression that trademarks give them an furious and stubbornly insistent that the easier and cheaper alternative to patents, plant is named after her. Unfortunately, but this is not the case. it’s becoming quite common that people To further complicate matters, some who are to be honored or commemorated plants are both patented and subse- with a plant being named after them are quently marketed under a company’s

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 19 trademarked name. Some nurserymen ing more common as the lack of under- think they can get the 20-year protection standing about proper trademark use de- the plant patent provides, plus a further teriorates. Are you confused yet? measure of protection by trademarking a The issue becomes more confusing second (marketing) name for each plant. the more you investigate. Do you re- Once the patent expires, others could member the Cornus florida x kousa hy- propagate a formerly patented plant, but brid dogwoods from Elwin Orton’s in theory could not sell it under the com- breeding program at Rutgers? They were pany’s trademark name. A classic exam- patented with the cultivar names of C. ple is Monrovia’s Limemound® spirea. ‘Stellar Pink’ PP7207, C. ‘Galaxy’ At the end of its patent protection in PP7204, C. ‘Aurora’ PP7205, C. ‘Con- 2003, everyone could propagate Spirea stellation’ PP7210, C. ‘Rutfan’ PP7206, ‘Monhub’ PP5834, but Monrovia as- and C. ‘Rutlan’ PP7732. As you can see, sumed no one else could then legally sell all of the dogwoods except two were the plant as Limemound® spirea. Unfor- given sensical (word or words in a mod- tunately both nurseries and many trade- ern language) cultivar names. Interest- mark lawyers who advise nurseries seem ingly enough, once the dogwoods hit the not to understand basic trademark law. market, the original sensical cultivar Trademark law states that a trade- names were changed by the breeder to mark name can be used with (not for) any nonsensical names and the original sensi- product produced by the owner of the cal cultivar names were then trade- trademark. For example, if the owner of marked. For example, Cornus ‘Stellar the trademark was growing four different Pink’ became ‘Rutgan’ (Stellar Pink®), gold spireas or 100 different trees, they ‘Galaxy’ became ‘Rutban’ (Galaxy®), could all be marketed under the same ‘Aurora’ became ‘Rutdan’ (Aurora®), trademark name, despite being distinct ‘Constellation’ became ‘Rutcan’ (Con- cultivars. Trademark names belong only stellation®), ‘Rutlan’ was marketed as to a company, and not to a particular (Ruth Ellen®) and ‘Rutfan’ was mar- plant or product. In other words, a single keted as (Stardust®). This violates the cultivar named Limemound spirea does International Nomenclature Code; not exist. section 19.13 as cited above and #9 of the Article 12.1 of the Code cites Rosa Preamble, which states “The only proper ‘Korlanum’, which is marketed under reason for changing the name of a distin- three different trademark names, each guishable group of plants are either a owned by a different company, Surrey, more profound knowledge of the facts Sommerwind, and Vente D’ete. This resulting from adequate taxonomic study causes the public to assume that there are or the necessity of giving up a name that three different roses, when they are all is contrary to the Rules of a Code.” the same plant. In the case of Therefore the correct names for each of Loropetalum chinensis ‘Hines Purple these hybrids were the original cultivar Leaf’, it is marketed under at least two names under which they were patented. different trademark names, Plum De- The reason for the name switching is so light, and Pizzaz. This practice is becom- that once the patent expires, anyone can

20 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 sell the dogwoods under the nonsensical are also told by their trademark lawyers names, but in theory they cannot use the as long as they enforce their trademarks, breeder’s trademark name. By trying to by making sure the cultivar name is al- make sure everyone knows the plants ways included with the trademark name, generically by his trade name, the their trademarks would remain valid. breeder has, however, unintentionally This bizarre thinking, however, defeats rendered his trademark invalid. the entire reason for improperly using If you visit the United States Patent trademarks, which is to trick the public and Trademark Office website, into thinking the trademark name is the www.USPTO.gov, you will see the generic name of the product. It is this Patent Office itself has no understanding intentional deceit that will one day bring of either US Trademark Law or the the Federal Trade Commission onto the ICNCP. A classic example of this confu- horticultural scene. sion occurs in the patented plant, Itea vir- A properly used trademark would be ginica ‘Sprich’ PP 10,988. Despite the one such as Star® Roses, which is used fact the cultivar name of “Sprich” is not a to market a large group of roses under a “word or words in a modern language” single umbrella trademark. This trade- (Article 19.13) and therefore violates the mark would have remained valid if they spirit of the Nomenclature Code, it has had not then began using their trademark become the legal cultivar name once it to also market individual cultivars such was indicated as such in the patent appli- as Rosa ‘Wezaprt’ as Bronze Star ™ cation. If you read the patent application Rose and Rosa ‘Wezlavn’ as Silver Star® for I. virginica ‘Sprich’, it states, “The Rose. new Itea virginica cultivar is being mar- Court Cases keted under the trade name Little Until 2006, one of the few cases that Henry®.” Because a trademark cannot be might have gone to trial was when Iver- permanently affixed to a particular item, son Perennials tried to enforce a legal it shows the USPTO doesn’t even under- trademark they owned for the name stand its own regulations. Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’. The This use of trademarks as secondary unpatented plant had been previously “pseudo-cultivar” names for a particular published with ‘Butterfly Blue’ as the plant violates both the spirit of the cultivar name, so they were wrong in Nomenclature Code, as well as US trade- both trying to trademark a cultivar name mark law. Trademark law clearly states if and also by using their trademark im- a trademark name becomes the common properly on a single product. Fortunately, use (generic) name of a particular item, a number of nurseries banded together then the trademark becomes invalidated. against Iverson’s and the trademark Trademark lawyers have long advised infringement case was abandoned before nurseries to write the cultivar name in it reached court. single quotes and smaller type and then Finally, in 2006, a case of improp- the trademark name without single erly used trademarks actually reached the quotes in larger type. In their minds, this courts in Van Well Nursery Inc. et al. v. keeps their trademark valid. Nurseries Mony Life Insurance Company et al. (de-

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 21 cided March 16, 2006). In this compli- those in the nursery industry who have cated case, Mony Life Insurance Co. ac- improperly used trademarks to market in- quired property from A/B Hop Farms due dividual plants for the last several to a defaulted loan. The property con- decades. The case illustrates that despite tained apple trees known as Smoothee® best faith efforts on the part of the trade- and Scarlet Spur®. When Mony Life In- mark owners to keep their trademark surance Co. tried to sell the land by men- names valid, it is impossible once the tioning that it contained Smoothee® and public views the trademark name as Scarlet Spur® apple trees, Van Well generic. Not only will the industry be left Nursery and Hilltop Nurseries sued for with shameful nonsensical cultivar trademark infringement. Their contention names that will exist as long as the plants was that the apples trees were actually are grown, but nurseryman who have the cultivars ‘Snipes’ and ‘Gibson’, al- spent large sums of money on trademarks though they had marketed them under the and trademark attorney fees and then trademark names Smoothee® and Scarlet used the trademarks in violation of US Spur®. The Lanham Trademark Act, sec- Trademark Law, will be left feeling the tion 15, says is not the actual misuse of financial sting with no way to recoup the trademark for a single product that their losses. Once the Federal Trade makes it invalid, but instead the percep- Commission (FTC) wakes up and is tion of the public that the trademark urged to act as they were recently with name is the product itself that renders the the discrepancy of advertised and deliv- mark invalid. ered pot sizes, those who market individ- The judge in the Van Well case cor- ual plants under trade names will have rectly ruled that in the public domain, the another fight on their hands. apples were known as Smoothee® and It would be nice if nurseries, who in- Scarlet Spur®, and therefore the legally deed are ethical, but misinformed, would registered trademarks were now invalid, take the lead in reversing this terrible because they had become known as the trend. It would also be a nice change if product instead of the source of the prod- groups such as the Perennial Plant Asso- uct. (The Smoothee® trademark was ac- ciation (PPA) and the American Nursery tually not immediately cancelled, only and Landscape Association (ANLA) because the owner was not a party in this would take a strong position on the long- particular lawsuit.) The Scarlet Spur® term detrimental effects of dual plant trademark was cancelled despite the fact naming through trademarks, both to the the trademark owners had followed their industry and the consuming public. The legal advice and always included the reg- best way to end this trend is for reputable istered trademark symbol along with the nurseries to take a public stand against correct cultivar names when advertising this confusing practice for the long-term the apples. The case hinged on the age- good of horticulture. Short of this, it is old adage in determining the validity of a going to be up to the Garden Writers As- trademark. A trademark must tell “who sociation (GWA) and the American Pub- you are” and not “what you are.” lic Gardens Association (APGA) to This case has huge implications for identify plants by their one and only cul-

22 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 tivar name, and hopefully at the same 7) Bitlaw - The Lanham Act time embarrass those who persist in mak- http://www.bitlaw.com/source/15usc/ ing up stupid nonsensical names for good 8) www.seattletrademarklawyer.com plants and illegally using trademarks to (Van Well Nursery case) deceive the public. About the author: Tony Avent is an inter- References national plant explorer and owner of Plant Delights Nursery, Inc. and Juniper 1) USPTO Web Site Level Botanical Gardens in Raleigh, http://www.uspto.gov/index.html North Carolina. Plant Delights has been 2) Making Your Mark by Vincent featured in newspapers and periodicals Goria/October 1, 1996/American Nurs- across the nation, including the New eryman York Times, Southern Living and Horti- 3) Manual of Woody Ornamental Plants culture Magazine, where Tony serves as - Michael Dirr - 1998 Contributing Editor. He is a frequently 4) International Code of Nomenclature published freelance writer and lecturer. for Cultivated Plants - 1995 His book So You Want to Start a Nursery 5) ANLA Directory of Plant Patents - was published by Timber Press in July of 1997 2003. He and his wife Michelle live with 6) Plant Patents and Federal Trademarks their four cats, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby and on Plants - National Association of Plant Zirconia, in Raleigh. To learn more, go to Patent Owners www.plantdelights.com.

Another Thread in the ACS Fabric Shortly after the Spring ’08 CQ appeared, I received a call from Tommye Walter. She was concerned that the description of the Dubuque Arboretum in the article about the 25th An- niversary National Meeting did not mention the Walter Collection of conifers. Mrs.Walter told me the story of her donation of 475 conifers to the Dubuque Arbore- tum in 1996, following her husband Bill’s death in 1994. She related that a group from Dubuque (the Breitbach Nursery) made two trips to her home in Godfrey,Illinois,to dig,ball and burlap the plants.The transportation to Dubuque by refrigerated truck was donated at no charge. In spite of his disability, (his legs had been severely burned at the age of 18), Bill was an active gardener and plant collector; at his death he had over 800 conifers, all meticu- lously recorded in detail. “He was forever making new beds for new acquisitions,”Tommye said. As we look back at where we have come from as a plant society, it is appropriate to remember plantsmen such as William Walter, whose passion, knowledge and enthusiasm are woven into the fabric of the American Conifer Society.

Thank you,Tommye, for this reminder. Ellen Kelley

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 23 2009 Collectors Conifer of the Year

The Collectors Conifer of the oldest reproduction, Mr. Smidt’s Year committee is delighted to first generation graft, can be announce this year’s two win- seen in the Pruhonice Research ning selections for the Collec- Station near Prague, Czech Re- tors Conifer of the Year, dwarf public, where it now appears to and full-size selections! be a broadly conical shrub about 3 feet in height. It is handsome Enclosed with your Conifer and ideal for the small intimate Quarterly is your Collectors garden space, such as a rock gar- Conifer of the Year information den or even as a container plant. and ordering packet. Please in- A ten-year-old plant may be 12 dulge yourself by welcoming inches in height and 12 inches these exquisite new plants into across, appearing like a bright your garden, and at the same green globe. The foliage is time, assist the Society in fulfill- dense, and the needles are sharp ing its worthy mission! and about 3 inches in length. It grows best in a well-drained Pinus heldreichii ‘Smidtii’ site, with full sun exposure. (formerly ‘Schmidtii’)

In the rock garden, this very dwarf form of Bosnian pine is a dense globe with bright green needles and appears like an emerald in a platinum tiara. It was found as a naturally occur- ring seedling in the mountains near Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, in 1926 by Mr. Eugene Smidt from Czechoslavia. The original plant still resides today in the mountains near Sarajevo, Croatia. The

24 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Pinus strobus ‘Niagara Falls’ scapes in Suffern, New York, Appearing like a broad, cascad- found this plant as a bud muta- ing waterfall on a mighty river, tion, or sport, on an older speci- this form of weeping white pine men of weeping white pine is an improvement of the very (Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’) in popular weeping tree often used 1998, near Congers, New York. in commercial and residential They sent the scions to Iseli landscapes. It is dense and full Nursery in Oregon, where it was in appearance, with short intern- propagated and recently re- odes and numerous branches, all leased to the wholesale nursery cascading from the highest point trade. Be among the select few the plant is trained to. Brothers to have this handsome broad Mike and Ken Yeager of Hick- cascade of white pine in your ory Hollow Nursery and Land- home landscape!

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 25 66 Jackson Lane, Bethlehem, CT 06751

Owner: Dennis Dodge Phone/Fax 203.266.7783 www.bethlehemnursery.com [email protected]

Over 500 varieties of conifer & ornamental gems at reasonable prices! Unique colors and character for all seasons - dwarf to specimen!

30670 SW Peach Cove Rd., West Linn, OR 97068 503.949.4944 cell 503.873.9803 office/fax [email protected]

Want to learn more about conifers? Go to our Web site www.conifersociety.org

26 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Planting Guide for Difficult to Establish Conifers by Ridge Goodwin, Director CCOY Program

s many of you are aware, the Collectors three years old when shipped, the latter an Conifer of the Year committee offers our elderly seven!), neither would be very for- Amembership two plants each year that the com- giving of lapses in care throughout the first mittee feels are the most interesting and excit- critical year or two before they could be said ing of the many we have under consideration. to have established themselves. It is typical that we select a standard growing We are committed to making the most variety and pair it with a slow growing or dwarf exciting plants in all of coniferdom avail- form. As the program gains experience, we able to you, our members, and we know that have become aware, through requests for re- the dwarf forms, even with the challenges placements, that these latter dwarf forms are they present, are often the most sought after the most likely to give our members trouble. by serious collectors. Certainly ‘Pixie Dust’ The success rate with our first introduction, and ‘Tom Thumb’ are two of the most beau- Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’, tiful dwarfs to ever grace a conifer collec- was high based on the number of replace- tion, and we know what a joy it is for those ment claims we received, while more peo- who were successful and are now showcas- ple experienced problems with Picea glauca ing these remarkable little plants in their ‘Pixie Dust’. Likewise, Picea omorika ‘Pen- gardens. We will continue to search the dula Bruns’ seemed to be widely successful, world for plants of this caliber, but we think but Picea orientalis ‘Tom Thumb’ found the we need to help you improve your odds of going difficult in approximately 10 percent success with those that even the “experts” of our member’s gardens. So far, both Picea say are difficult. However, difficult does not pungens ‘The Blues’ and Picea abies mean impossible. It does mean that you ‘Pusch’ are doing quite well, with only one have to pay close attention to their special reported loss so far this year. needs, and when you do, the results are very This variability of outcome is most rewarding! likely related to the differences in the size, So let’s go to the experts! We happen to growth rates, and basic “toughness” of our have two on our payroll who regularly ad- selections, with the more dwarf forms usu- vise us and live in Rochester, New ally giving us the most difficulty. This is by York, where weather extremes are com- no means unexpected, after all, these plants monplace. Jerry Kral and Elmer Dustman are dwarfs; their root systems are dwarf, are master gardeners who have co-authored their metabolisms are slowed down, and the care sheets we regularly send out with they are vulnerable to harsh changes in their our plants each spring. We have asked them environment that more robust forms easily to specifically address the special needs of shrug off. Both ‘Pixie Dust’ and ‘Tom dwarf plants, and what is required to transi- Thumb’ can be considered extreme dwarfs tion them from the ideal world of their pre- and, almost by definition, are going to be a vious container culture to the more harsh challenge for the average gardener. Even demands of your conifer garden. What they though ‘Pixie Dust’ and ‘Tom Thumb’ were have to say follows. well established plants (the former was

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 27 Success with Difficult to Establish Conifers (especially those that are dwarf) Acclimate, Acclimate, Acclimate by Gerald P.Kral & Elmer Dustman

he Collectors Conifer of The Year TEN TIPS (CCOY) program offers unique and excit- Tip #1 Ting plants that have the potential of becoming Begin acclimatizing your plant by closely prized additions to any conifer collection. Each duplicating the conditions the plant was one is a highly sought after cultivar of which growing in before it arrived on your few are ever produced. Achieving success and doorstep. A greenhouse is not required. displaying a specimen CCOYhas, in the words Simply leave it in its pot and put it some- of our new national vice president, “become where where you can give it almost daily at- the ‘Holy Grail’of conifer collectors.” tention for a few weeks. When harsh Almost any plant you buy in a garden conditions are predicted, protect your plant. center or through mail order has been grown Water it almost daily, but make sure that it under ideal conditions. Light, moisture, drains quickly. Start with morning sun and drainage, growing medium, and extremes of gradually increase the exposure. Avoid late temperature have been carefully monitored afternoon sun. and controlled. Since it is likely that such a plant has never experienced any serious en- Tip #2 vironmental stress, planting these plants in Don’t assume your plant is ready to go into your garden from their ideal beginnings can the ground the day you receive it. We know be a harrowing experience. Suddenly, the that some of you received plants this past safe and “all needs met” environment is spring that were in active growth with gone. Your plant is now exposed to the ran- newly emerging candles, while similar dom rigors of independent existence. Some plants in your garden could have been three conifers can be especially sensitive to this to four weeks from the same growth sudden change in environment. stage. The best course of action would be to The basic care sheets you receive with acclimatize the plant by moving it indoors your CCOY offer a rough guide for success on frosty nights and outdoors on nice days with most plants. For more difficult chal- and wait until the growth on the new plant is lenges, such as dealing with some dwarf in sync with the growth on similar plants in conifers or in situations where you might your garden. It would then be OK to plant. want to try stretching the hardiness limits of a plant, you might consider the following Tip #3 tips as an extra “insurance policy” to in- When you decide to plant your conifer in crease your odds of success. These tips can your garden, keep one thing in mind: the be summarized in three words: “Acclimate, plastic pot containing your plant does not Acclimate, Acclimate!” allow the growing medium to rapidly lose water to the surrounding environment. A plant in a plastic pot may need water once

28 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 every two to three days, while the same the plant from its smaller pot and place it in plant in the ground can quickly lose water to the larger pot. Fill the space around the root the surrounding soil and need water daily or ball with this soil, watering it in until the sometimes more often, especially on hot, spaces are filled. Make sure that you don’t windy days. You will need to acclimate your put extra soil on the surface of the original plant to independent water absorption. The growing medium when you do this. A grow- use of a watering bag, sometimes called an ing season in this larger pot will produce “alligator bag,” can dramatically improve abundant root growth into your soil. Since survival. Fill the bag every few days, and the plant’s new roots are now into the same the water trickles out at a slow, steady rate, soil it will be planted in, the “boundary bar- keeping the soil moisture around the plant rier” effect is minimized. constant. I use a small plastic pail with three, 1/8-inch holes punched through the Tip #6 bottom. This doesn’t look great, but it really Size does matter. Repotting each season works, and you don’t have to guess when produces larger root systems, and the larger the plant needs water. the root system is when planted, the better the plant’s chances of survival. Tip #4 Unless you can give your plant almost daily Tip #7 attention during its first several weeks, it is If the thought of a nursery does not appeal better to keep your plant in its pot and pro- to you, another strategy that allows acclima- vide a “nursery” where you can easily care tion is to temporarily enjoy your plant in an for it. Such a nursery does not need to be attractive container. Weathered hypertufa, elaborate. It should be located in a protected the new Styrofoam pots, or frost-proof con- area where you can easily satisfy the cul- crete containers can safely and attractively tural requirements of your plant and moni- display your plant for several years. The tor it often. A raised bed with the pot buried container should have a minimum depth of in heavy compost or soil works fine. This 8 inches and hold a minimum of 2 cubic feet keeps the root zone temperature cooler, of growing medium recommended for con- more constant, and encourages better root tainers. Such containers can be safely left growth. Plants can be kept year-round under where you want them if the conifer is rated such conditions. Just remember to twist the one zone hardier than your zone. Otherwise, pot every month or so during the growing provide some winter protection. For exam- season to discourage the roots from growing ple, you can lower containers needing such through the pot’s drainage holes. protection onto the patio floor and cover them with snow each time you shovel. An- Tip #5 other trick is to “box” or wrap your con- While in your nursery, you can expose your tainer with Styrofoam or bubble wrap. plant to its new growing medium (your soil) Avoid covering and surrounding the con- by repotting. Roots growing from one tainer with leaves or straw because this is medium into another have to overcome a very inviting for voles and chipmunks. Cov- “soil boundary barrier.” This can take sev- ering the container with pine branches eral weeks and delay rapid root growth into works well. the surrounding soil. Choose a larger pot (1 Such container growth does two im- to 2 inches wider and deeper). Get soil from portant things: it dwarfs the above ground the area where you will be planting your plant growth while increasing the root mass. conifer. Do not amend it. Carefully remove Often, after two to three years, the roots oc-

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 29 cupy the entire container, much to the cha- ing, improved air circulation, and making grin of rock garden enthusiasts who plant sure the plant is not stressed can all help. conifers in their hypertufa containers. Their Contact your local cooperative extension chagrin is your delight. A lot of roots with a office for several organic and non-toxic fun- small top almost guarantees transplant suc- gicide recipes. cess. Good luck! Tip #8 The year or more spent in your nursery or container also resets the plant’s biological clock to your climate. When you decide to put the plant into your garden, do it as soon as the frost is out of the ground. Since your plant is now in sync with your climate, you do not need to worry about early frosts or even snow. Keep a watering bag on it the first season, and your plant should flourish.

Tip #9 Colored or variegated conifers can be difficult, but success is especially rewarding. Colored or variegated areas seem to be sensitive to light intensity. I placed Picea glauca ‘Pixie Dust’ in a protected nook on the west side of my white house. By spring, the entire side of the plant facing the house was sun scalded due to reflected winter sunlight. Another ‘Pixie Dust’, only getting four hours of morning sun had no sun scalding. Often, a plant will outgrow this tendency to scald. The first year, my Pinus densiflora ‘Oculis Draconis’ entered spring with every needle scalded, but it showed viable buds. By July, it was beautiful. The following spring, the scalding was less, and by the third spring, the scalding was almost non- existent. Providing some sort of winter shade can greatly reduce scalding. Shade fabric draped over the plant or laying pine boughs over the plant works great.

Tip #10 Sometimes variegated or colored plant parts will develop browning during the growing season. This is probably not scalding but a disease or fungal attack, especially during hot, humid conditions. Preventative spray-

30 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 In Search of Conifers and Other Garden-worthy Plants Text and photos by Tom Cox

ince founding our arboretum in 1990, I Before we could unpack, Rich had have traveled extensively in search of us in his golf cart, looking at conifers. In Srare plants to add to the collection. This has my opinion, he had his priorities in order. been a travel-intense summer for me, and I Even with wheels, this magnificent gar- would like to chronicle some recent trips, den and nursery, spread over many acres as well as spotlight some of those people and two farms, requires a lot of walking who work hard to create gardens and/or to see everything the way I like to. And make plants available for all of us to enjoy. walking, we did. My mantra is “daytime Each is spectacular in his or her respective is for walking and nighttime is for talk- niche, and after reading this, you may want ing.” to visit them. Owing to the age of their plantings, In connection with attending the it was an excellent opportunity for us to ACS National Meeting this year in see many unusual specimens in cone. Dubuque, Iowa, Evelyn and I planned a Since our arboretum is in Georgia, it was visit on the front-end with our friends a learning experience to spend focused Rich and Susie Eyre, who own and oper- time examining species that are not ate Rich’s Foxwillow Pines Nursery. This suited to the southern heat and heavy clay was our first visit there. Located in rural soil. Two plants in particular caught my Woodstock, Illinois, their nursery epito- fancy: Pinus heldreichii ‘Indigo Eyes’, mizes a family-run business with both which had the most amazing blue cones spouses being active. In addition, Rich’s that I have seen on a pine, and a truly mother, Margaret, volunteers by potting, weeping form of Ginkgo biloba, which is labeling, and selling Hosta in connection with the family’s support of Heifer Proj- ect International, which they all describe as their “other passion.” This is but one of the ways these good folks give back. Both Rich and Susie are long-term members and sup- porters of the ACS. At the National Meet- ing that followed our visit, Rich lent his auctioneering talent in support of the ver- bal auction, and you can frequently see them volunteering at ACS events. Susie is also the individual who coined the phrase “Addicted Conifer Syndrome” Pinus heldreichii ‘Indigo Eyes’ and so aptly defined its symptoms.

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 31 aptly named ‘Weeping Wonder’. Yes, I ers.” said, “truly weeping,” as opposed to the Expecting to spend an hour or less, horizontally-growing form that is mis- we were there much longer. We ended represented in the trade as being pendu- our visit with a glass of delicious Aus- lous. Adding to its allure, its discovery trian wine on their screened-in deck look- was as a weeping broom in the cemetery ing over their dense forest with the where Abraham Lincoln is buried. There Mississippi river in the distance. Then, is also a form we later saw in Austria we adjourned to a nearby village where while on the ACS international trip that they introduced us to a well-known looked identical but was labeled ‘Mutant restaurant named Kalmus, famous for Weeper’. their hamburgers. On the second day of our visit, fel- Doc is a young 89 and has an amaz- low ACS member Jody Karlin flew up ing recollection of every plant in his large from Georgia and joined us at Foxwil- estate. Spending time with great nursery low. Jody also runs a nursery and is people like Doc and Bobby, and others in equally passionate about conifers. De- this article, is as good as it gets for me. It spite having two full days, I left wishing illuminates the enrichment that my pas- we had one more day to explore and ask sion for plants has brought to my life, in- Rich further questions. It was a special troducing me to individuals and taking treat to spend time with these quality me places that I will forever treasure. people in a garden setting filled with so Next on the journey was an all-too- many beautiful plants. brief visit with ACS President Ellen Kel- After attending another stellar ACS ley and her husband, Jim, in Bettendorf, National Meeting in Dubuque, which Iowa. This is no ordinary garden but you can read about in the next Conifer rather a treasure of beautifully displayed Quarterly, we were off to see some more conifers that were skillfully intermingled great gardens. Before leaving the beauti- with companion plants such as dogwoods ful state of Iowa and its friendly people, (Cornus) and numerous Hosta. It is obvi- we visited Ridge Road Nursery in Belle- ous that Ellen and Jim spend a great deal vue. Owned by Eugene (Doc) and of time searching for the “rare and un- Roberta (Bobby) Coffman, this is a nurs- usual.” In addition to the selection of rare ery and grounds perfect for the intrepid plants, I was impressed by their pristine collector who is looking for the unusual. condition. It is reassuring to see that there Though not conifer-centric, this type of are others besides myself that have this nursery also appeals to me as a collector magnificent obsession. of many kinds of plants. I saw some rare After pulling weeds back home in and unusual cultivars, including a one-of- our arboretum for several days, I was off a-kind dwarf Kentucky coffee tree to our U.S. National Arboretum and a (Gymnocladus dioicus) and Viburnum wonderful day with their Conifer Collec- sieboldii ‘Wavecrest’, which is one of tions Manager, Christopher Carley, and Doc’s introductions. Dr. Michael Dirr de- long-time friend, George Waters. George scribes this Viburnum as having “brick to previously worked in the Asian collec- barn red fall color, large leaves, and flow- tion and is now tending the Gotelli and

32 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Watnong Collections of Dwarf and Slow terly) and Bedgebury Curator, Chris Growing Conifers. We spent all day look- Reynolds. Bedgebury is an official gov- ing at and talking plants. I was shown a ernment agency under the auspices of the Pinus x schwerinii (P. strobus x P. U.K. Forestry Commission, similar to our wallichiana) that had the largest clusters U.S. National Park Service. of cones any of us had ever seen. It gave Before going further, it is appropriate the appearance of clusters of bananas. to define the word “pinetum,” which We all wondered if this was induced by translates as a scientific collection of previous-year stress. living coniferous trees. From my corre- spondence with Dan, a founding member of the British Conifer Society, I knew this was a vast collection spanning 2,000 acres, but I was not mentally prepared to take in the immensity and age of the plantings. The Bedgebury website lays claim to “the world’s finest collection of conifers,” and having visited many gardens throughout the world, I would agree. Over the course of the five days that I spent exploring this vast collection, I had the opportunity to see almost every conifer species in the world, except those growing in a tropical area such as New Pinus x schwerinii Caledonia. Not only are there representa- (P. strobus x P. wallichiana) tive specimens, but most are of a mature form where even cones could be studied. Despite some age and, in my mind, a From the genus Abies to recently discov- need to remove some plants that are ered Wollemia nobilis and Xanthocyparis beyond their prime, this is a reverential vietnamensis, it was a thrill to see so place for me. The National Arboretum is many rare specimens in one place. a part of our American treasure. As fund- Their mature collection of southern ing cuts are being proposed, one wonders hemisphere conifers such as Austroce- what the future holds. (See Spring 2008 drus, Prumnopitys, Widdringtonia, and Conifer Quarterly Vol. 25 No. 2 for more Saxegothaea is also world-class. Standing on these cuts.) in an entire plot of mature Monkey Puz- From our capital, I caught a plane zle trees (Araucaria araucana) was like from Dulles to Heathrow airport in Lon- being in Chile. Other wonders were some don for a first-time visit to the Bedgebury of the oldest and tallest specimens of Pinetum. A representative met me at the Leyland cypress (X Cupressocyparis ley- airport, and after a drive of several hours landii) in the world (see picture insert to on the motorway, I arrived at Bedgebury. see how large they can grow). I also saw I was greeted by Dan Luscombe (fre- for the first time specimens of Picea far- quent contributor to the Conifer Quar- reri from Burma, Pinus culminicola from

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 33 Mexico, and Juniperus procera from the uniqueness of this site or why it’s Africa, the only juniper native to the there. southern hemisphere. Fulfilling their mission of conserva- tion of rare and endangered conifers, the major portion of the plantings are wild collected, and even today, Dan and Chris are getting ready for their next trip this fall, which will include China and northern Vietnam. Next to Dan’s computer is a large world map that pinpoints the locations of all the threatened and endangered conifers in the world. Their intent is to collect in each of these locations. Partici- pating in this type of work has to be so exciting, and I confess to a wee bit of envy. During this same visit, I had the opportunity to visit the gardens of Kew at Wakehurst. This 300-acre site was breathtaking with a vast array of beautiful plants. To view English yews (Taxus baccata) more than 100 years old, growing on sandstone cliffs with their roots spreading over the boulders, is something one rarely (if ever) sees in the United States. Another find was a weeping form X Cupressocyparis leylandii of Torreya nucifera from Japan. Wake- hurst is also the site for the Millennium Bedgebury is not a well manicured Seed Bank, which is the world’s largest garden, in the traditional garden sense, but rather a conifer treasure like no other in the world. Plants here are allowed to grow in a somewhat natural setting, and adequate walking and bicycle paths are plentiful. While there are some stunning cultivars scattered about, this is a place to see species, and one can virtually traverse all continents (except Antarctica) without needing a car or plane. An investment in signage and promotional material would serve well to better educate the public, as my sense is that most visitors have no appreciation (beyond the natural beauty) for Taxus baccata

34 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 wild seed bank. Since 2001, this state-of- they had driven a car and could write a the-art underground facility has con- check, then drive off with a carload of served more than 13,000 species and rare goodies. One plant, in particular, expects to conserve 24,200 species by caught my eye—a solid, bright gold form 2010. Wakehurst is close to Bedgebury, of Thujopsis dolabrata, discovered by and one could easily see both without Derek and still unnamed. This selection much travel. came from a sport from Thujopsis The next visit was to Sir Harold dolabrata ‘Nana’, so it will likely be a Hillier Gardens in Hampshire, England. dwarf. There was also a bright gold What Bedgebury is to conifers, Hillier is Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Lucas’, which to collections of hardy trees and shrubs I’ll be looking for. from around the world. There is likely no other garden in the world with the collection of woody plants that are displayed here. One of my frequent reference books is The Hillier Gardener’s Guide to Trees & Shrubs, which discusses more than 4,000 plants—all growing at Hillier Gar- dens. In addition to an unbelievable array of conifers planted about the grounds, there is a world-class dwarf conifer garden filled with many previously unknown cultivars. I counted three mature specimens of Pinus heldreichii ‘Smidtii’ Derek Spicer with unnamed bright gold (formerly listed as ‘Schmidtii’), which to form of Thujopsis dolabrata some represents the holy grail of pine cultivars. These were all about 4 feet (1.2 This visit ended with a sumptuous m) tall and more pyramidal than previ- lunch that Derek’s wife, Carole, prepared ously observed. This visit also afforded of fresh cheeses from the local market, the opportunity to see one of my most salad, various meats, and tasty fruit that sought-after, non-coniferous plants for was topped off with a perfect Spanish red our arboretum, a variegated Kentucky wine. There was, of course, more talk of coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Varie- conifers. An extended stroll through his gata’). According to Dr. Michael Dirr, it plantings and container plants can be is virtually unknown in the U.S. likened to a kid’s trip through a candy The final leg of my England trip store. The two-and-a-half hour drive took me to the home and nursery of back to Bedgebury with Dan behind the Derek Spicer. Derek is the owner of Kil- wheel, and I with garden books piled worth Conifers, which lays claim to the everywhere, went quickly. True to his “largest selection of conifers in the U.K.” keen British wit, Dan kept referring to He also is the first and only president of my reading material as being like the col- the British Conifer Society. Kilworth is oring books we give children to keep one of those locations where one wishes them occupied on long drives.

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 35 The final morning at Bedgebury from England. Adrian is a frequent guest concluded with one last brief walk on the television show, The Victory Gar- around the place where I stayed. As I bid den, as well as author of the popular farewell to my hosts, it was with a twinge book, Gardening with Conifers. It was of sadness, as five days was not enough enlightening to have the opportunity to in this magical place. Dan and Chris were converse with him. the consummate hosts, and we found much in common, including good food and drink in the evenings. We entered as acquaintances and exited as friends. Eng- land is expensive these days, but the people are friendly, and the countryside is spectacular. After being dropped at Gatwick airport, it was on to Prague, Czech Repub- lic. There, I met up with Evelyn and 18 other conifer lovers who participated in Brian Jacob, Adrian Bloom, and Don the 12-day garden tour of the Czech Re- Howse at Oregon Garden public with stops in Austria and Ger- many. Because long-time ACS and board Located less than two hours from of director’s member Gerald Kral has Portland, the Oregon Garden is an 80- agreed to write up this event, I’ll only say acre site that features a beautiful conifer that it was one of the best trips I’ve ever display garden made possible by the gen- participated in, and I had the opportunity erosity of a number of ACS Western Re- to see the original Pinus heldreichii gion nursery members. I was also shown ‘Smidtii’. The gardeners we met along the future expansion site and the archi- the way are most passionate about witch- tectural plans. The Oregon Garden es’ brooms, and after the first day, we all should be considered a “must see” site knew that we were experiencing some- when visiting Oregon. thing quite special. I know you will enjoy Then, it was on to Porterhowse Gerald’s write-up in the winter Conifer Nursery and Arboretum in Sandy, Ore- Quarterly. gon, which was created by Don Howse. After being home for less than a Don and I walked around for almost four week, it was off to the Farwest Show in hours in a cold, driving rain. While this Portland, Oregon, in search of more was at least my fifth visit, I never get conifers and other garden-worthy plants. tired of seeing his wonderful collection Arriving a day prior to the show, I met up and hope to return next year. Don is a with ACS members Don Howse (long- treasure trove of knowledge and has a time ACS supporter and frequent Conifer way of making everyone feel at ease with Quarterly contributor) and Brian Jacob their questions. I could fill this story with (President, Western Region) at the a list of his plants. One in particular Oregon Garden in Silverton, Oregon. caught my eye: the Chinese weeping Accompanying Brian was Adrian Bloom spruce (Picea brachytyla) from China,

36 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 India, and Burma (Farjon 1990). This woods (Cornus), Japanese maples rare spruce has branches that gently (Acer), redbuds (Cercis), and many other sweep down in a graceful pendulous woody gems. The owner, Gary Handy is manner and is as spectacular as any a certified plant geek who always has an weeping tree. eye for the unusual. The next morning, Dr. John Ruter After an early morning visit to the from the University of Georgia and his Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Saturday PhD student, Ryan Conteras, joined me was devoted to the Farwest Show. The for a visit to the renowned Buchholz & Farwest event is one of North America’s Buchholz Nursery in Gaston, Oregon. As top nursery and greenhouse industry a side note, Ryan was one of two winners trade shows and affords the opportunity of the 2008 ACS Scholarship award in to see many of the latest plant introduc- connection with his research on “Non- tions under one roof. winter Browning of Cryptomeria.” Succinctly put, the Hoyt is the best Similar to several other great nurs- free show in the city. It contains 12 miles eries in the area, Buchholz & Buchholz of walking trails that meander through a has an extensive reference garden that collection of more than 1,000 species of reads like a who’s who of rare plants. trees from all corners of the globe. It is a Some of the largest examples of unique surreal experience to walk among forest conifer cultivars in existence are on dis- giants of mature specimens of Picea, play here. If you are in the area and have Abies, Calocedrus, Thuja, and Pseudot- time, a call to them requesting permis- suga. My favorite is the Picea trail, which sion to walk around would provide a takes you through tall stands of Picea ori- memorable experience. entalis and Picea smithiana. For the best Before the day came to an end, I re- view in the city, leave the visitors center visited two more nurseries. No trip to parking lot and walk up the hill past the Oregon is ever complete for me without a holly collection. You will soon come to a visit to Stanley & Sons Nursery in Bor- vista from which, on a clear day, you can ing, Oregon. I don’t know if it’s Larry’s see Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, Mt. St. Helens, welcoming personality or the great mix and Mt. Rainer. of plants, but both Evelyn and I love to I was up early on Sunday for a first- visit here. There is no better place to time visit to Boyko Nursery, which is stroll and see many of the newest selec- also located in the town of Boring. tions of dwarf cultivars in the world. It Owned and operated by Jim and Judy has been interesting over the years to ob- Boyko, this nursery is one of those loca- serve the growth of one of the rarest tions where you know as soon as you conifers on earth, Cathaya argyrophylla drive up, you are happy you made the that, at approximately 12 feet tall, must trip. The Boykos have gardened here for be the largest in the U.S. more than 30 years, and many of their The day concluded at Handy Nurs- plantings attest to this. They have one of ery, also in Boring. This is not a conifer the first plants of Pinus contorta ‘Chief nursery, but it is well worth a stop if one Joseph’, which must be at least 8 feet tall. is looking for some of the choicest dog- While this is a cultivar that does not stand

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 37 out in late summer, I can only imagine their director for marketing and commu- what it must look like in winter. I have nications, Nancy Buley, take me on a tour asked Jim to send a picture when it turns of their vast operations. Despite having its bright yellow color (hopefully with the day off after the exhausting Farwest snow) for the winter Conifer Quarterly. Show, Nancy was excited to show me They have a number of unusual conifers some of their newer introductions of red that are not in their catalog, such as a var- maples (Acer rubrum), oaks (Quercus iegated form of Microbiota decussata, sp.), and Styrax (Styrax japonica). One which Jim found, and a pendulous yellow particular plant really caught my atten- Chamaecyparis nootkatensis. He also has tion: Liquidambar styracifula ‘Emerald a large block of seed grown Pinus strobus Sentinel’. Despite being a weed tree in that were collected from Pinus strobus Georgia, this narrow and compact form is ‘Pendula’. It was intriguing to see the a showstopper that I will be looking to various forms that these plants devel- add to the arboretum. oped, and no doubt, several good selec- The final stop of the trip was yet an- tions will be made. other highlight. Kinen’s Big & Phat Spe- cial Plants Nursery located in Gresham, Oregon. It is owned and operated by Mr. Norbert Kinen, who at age 75, proudly proclaims that he will live past 100. Like so many other stops, this is a nursery run by an individual passionate about collect- ing, and his plantings reflect this. From a 25-foot, perfectly formed monkey puzzle tree (Aracaria araucana) to numerous Chamaecyparis cultivars, complemented by well-grown Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), this was a virtual Garden of Eden. Norbert has a well-stocked nursery and is one of the few places I have found that offers the monkey puzzle tree in its catalog. Jim Boyko and Pinus contorta While there have been a lot of miles ‘Chief Joseph’ and so many beautiful plants that still have my head swimming, it is the good, The next stop was a revisit to the down-to-earth people that I most treasure great J. Frank Schmidt & Son Nursery lo- from these journeys. Each of them has a cated in the Boring/Gresham area. This passion for plants that I share, and those nursery is one of the gold standards for older than I serve as an inspiration. I shade tree introductions, and no one sometimes ask myself, “If I weren’t grows these types of trees any better. gardening, what would I be doing?” They have been doing this for more than The answer is, “Probably not having as 60 years. I had the good fortune to have much fun.”

38 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Places Tom visited ur condolences to long-time member, former ACS Board member and national treasurer, www.richsfoxwillowpines.com OOrlan Gaeddert, on the passing of his wife Lou Ann. www.ridgeroadplants.com Lou Ann Gaeddert died on August 19 in California after battling cancer. She was an accomplished www.usna.usda.gov writer of novels, children’s books and cookbooks. www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury Lou Ann and Orlan lived for many years in Canaan, New York and graciously opened their gar- www.kew.org/visitor (Wakehurst) den for all to enjoy. Many of us remember the beau- www.hilliergardens.org.uk tiful sloping terrain with a wonderful collection of conifers and companion plants. In Good Housekeep- www.kilworth-conifers.co.uk ing magazine, April 1991, Lou Ann spoke of Orlan’s www.oregongarden.org work in his garden in this way, “His enthusiasm was so inspiring, I wanted to write about characters who www.porterhowse.com shared his passion.” www.stanleyandsons.com Both Orlan and Lou Ann were instrumental in the outstanding success of the Northeastern Region’s www.handynursery.com/ annual meeting in Lenox, Massachusetts in Septem- www.hoytarboretum.org ber of 2002. Thanks to Joan and Frank Goodhart for providing www.jfschmidt.com this information to the CQ.

. .EWBURGEWBURG 2 2OADOAD 2OCKFORD 2OCKFORD ) ),, PP FF INFOINFO JJCARLSONGROWERSCOMCARLSONGROWERSCOM

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 39 EEK! BAG WORMS ON THE MARCH by Ellen Kelley

This is a True Story. Another True Story. A friend of ours pulled many bagworms off a blue spruce It was 5:30 pm and my husband and I and dropped them into a garbage can were just ready to leave for our usual without a lid, sitting outside the garage. Friday night supper at a local restaurant. The next morning, the garbage can was ”Look!” my husband exclaimed. He was empty, and the bagworms were back on pointing to the top of the car. I looked. the tree. There on the shiny blue surface of our car The moral of these tales: when re- were what appeared to be several very moving bagworms, never take the prison- small bagworms, definitely not what we ers alive. Crush them (yuck!), or drown were accustomed to finding on the top of them in soapy water. Whether you find our car. “What? How?” I gasped. We set just one or many, remove them and keep aside our plans temporarily and began looking—they move around and usually to look for a possible source of the tiny you won’t find them all the first time you villains. look. “A-ha!” said my husband as he For more information, see my article pointed toward a city-authorized brown on bag worms in the Spring ‘08 issue of paper lawn refuse bag. I went around the the Conifer Quarterly. car to look. On the outside of the lawn refuse bag were several of the wicked worms. Then we cast our glances around the garage. Bagworms were on the walls, on the ceiling, on the garden tools and just about every other surface in the garage. We looked more carefully at the bag: there within was the source—a Pinus strobus ‘Blue Shag’ we had re- moved because of its deceased condition, and obviously heavily infested with bagworm bags containing eggs. We had failed to notice what should have been easily visible. We launched our search and destroy mission. We pulled off every bagworm we could reach and swept off the others. We counted nearly 100. We tossed each one into a bucket of soapy water. Then Bagworm closeup by Jim Kelley we went to supper.

40 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Leaders’Spotlight

Editor’s Note:The following is the first in I not gotten into the nursery business and a series of articles planned to familiarize come to know what a Symphoricarpos members with current leaders of the berry looked like. I never had the dream American Conifer Society. We have again. asked each of our present slate of officers My mother, whose maiden name and directors to prepare a short biography was Jane Moon, was the first woman to let you know about them and their con- calling on the trade as a wholesale nurs- nection to plants and the Society. eryman’s representative. She loved her work, and I remember the stories she From my early teens until my late would tell of interesting people in the 30s, I was troubled by a recurring dream business and the experiences she had, all that someone was chasing me. The scene of which must have had its effect, be- of the chase was always a long, low se- cause in 1970, I left the employ of the ries of parallel tunnels that I could only Xerox Corporation and joined my mother crawl through on my hands and knees. in the nursery business. We had a splen- Occasionally, there would be a break in did time together as business associates the wall of the tunnel where I could shift for nine years until she died, and I am lanes, so to speak, but no matter how fast proud to say that of my generation, I am I went or how many times I shifted lanes, one of the few men who can say he my grim pursuer was right behind me! followed his mother into business. She One morning, half awake, I started was quite a gal! having the dream again and thought to I have fared pretty well in the nurs- myself, “I wonder if I can manipulate this ery business probably because, as my in any way?” So, I rolled myself over in mother used to say, we carry a recessive the tunnel and looked up, and there hang- gene that connects us with our nursery- ing down were masses of white berries. men ancestors. They were, of course, the “Symphoricarpos,” I cried out, sitting owners of the Moon Nursery that was bolt upright in my bed. “Symphoricar- founded in 1767 in Yardley, Pennsylva- pos!” It didn’t take me long to make the nia. An old advertisement that hangs on connection that those “tunnels” were ac- my office wall states “Before the Battle tually flowering shrub rows abandoned of Trenton, Moons were Nurserymen.” I years ago by the Moon Nursery in the have served the trade for 38 years as a fields behind the house where I spent my wholesale nurseryman’s representative early years. The “pursuer” was my and as a broker of nursery stock. I was cousin, Danny Moon, who lived two Jean Iseli’s first salesman, and by virtue doors down. The one thing I still find re- of carrying his suitcase to the first meet- markable about this story is that my mind ing on Long Island, I am a founding carried around a perfect snapshot of these member of the Society. Being an early plants for more than 30 years, which devotee of conifers, I started a hobby would have been unintelligible to me had nursery at my farm in Pennsylvania

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 41 approximately 25 years ago, which between three and four Jack Russell Ter- promptly veered out of control and now riers who keep things lively! We love to consists of 28 acres. It’s called the Half travel and work in our gardens and, when Moon Nursery because well, you see, I time permits, often go off together—she am a half Moon! in pursuit of the wily antique, and I in I live in Holicong, Pennsylvania, pursuit of the wily trout! with the only wife I’ve ever had, JoAnn. Our daughter Amanda lives with her hus- Ridge Goodwin band in Brooklyn, New York. We share a Vice President and Treasurer stone house built in 1833 with anywhere

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42 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Specializing in Rare, Unusual, New, and Useful Deciduous Trees, Shrubs and Conifers

Mail Order Website will be up and running January 1, 2008! www.yellowwoodrareplants.com

Contract propagation and orders welcome 1-888-442-1600 ext 2

YYouou are cordially invited too join the

American Rhododendron Society

2008 is our 62nd year in business. AnAnnual Subscription of $35 (USA)A) We offer dwarf and unusual conifers Benefits: quarterly journal,urnal, and Japanese maples. seed exchange, chapter afaffiliation,ffiliation,filiation, conventions

Dues may be sent to: Laura Grant, Executive Director Please call ahead PP.O..O. Box 525 (717) 486-5142 Niagara Falls, NY 14304-05250525 USA

816 Holly Pike ARS WWebsite:ebsite: Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065 http://wwwhttp://www.rhododendron.org.rhododendron.orgon.org www.suncrest-gardens.com Letter to the Editor

KINDRED BY CHOICE, BY HOBBY the hands of their garden companions from their routine day to day’s worry.) [The] brotherhood of coniferites is more The official guide, acting as qualified, than any other kinship by blood or lan- unbiased, and open, recounts the old and guage; it is a fellowship by choice. modern Czech history and various as- That’s why I write these lines to CQ. pects of present life in Bohemia. It does not appertain to me to judge, In July 2008, I met a party of U.S. but I hope the visitors felt it alike. conifer lovers (hobbyists and nurserymen), led by American Conifer Soci- Jaroslav Kazbal ety’s immediate past president Mr. Cox Praha, Czech Republic and present lady president Mrs. Kelley. 7/31/2008 [The] itinerary was prepared by [a] Dutch travel agency which consulted Note: Jaroslav Kazbal accompanied the the program with some prominent recent ACS tour in the Czech Republic (Czech and foreign) conifer collectors as a conifer expert. He seemed to relish and, excuse me that colloquial expres- this position. He joined in several lively sion, nuts. discussions as to identification and The combination of the commercial origin of particular conifer cultivars, and proficiency and botanical aspect has showed himself to be extremely knowl- shown to be a lucky one. (The profes- edgeable. Jaroslav was a delightful sional care of [the tour guide] of the gentleman with a great sense of humor. sightseeing aspect of the visit relieved

41370 SE Thomas Road • Sandy, OR 97055 503.668.5834 phone/fax EMAIL: [email protected] www.porterhowse.com

44 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 New Members

CENTRAL REGION INTERNATIONAL SOUTHEASTERN Patrick Jackson, AR Beijing Botanical Garden, Institute REGION Andy Schmitz, IA of Botany, Yudan Tang, China Chad Husby, FL Matt Hamblin, IA NORTHEASTERN Tom Redmon, GA Shirley Altenhofen, IA REGION Jack & Deborah Hempling, GA Elizabeth & Andrew Hosmanek, William & Sandra Journeay, Ryan N. Contreras, GA IA Canada Gary Freiberg, GA Keith Guess, IA Haverford College Arboretum, Stephen E. Sherling, GA Jane Denton, IA Martha VanArtsdalen, PA Sid Wilson, GA Carolyn & Mark Kehrli, IA Jackie Cameron, CT William B. Florence Jr., GA Greg Stuecker, IA Tim Cicchese, CT Debbie & Jerry Parks, GA Sylvia Popelka, IA Claire D. Goldthwaite, MA Luci Smoak, NC Joseph Slater, IL James L. Griffith, MA Elizabeth V. Broome, NC David Myers, IL Michael Root McGrath, MA Jane L. & Thomas J. Davis, NC Kelvin C. Boyle, IL Wendy Davis, MD Robert & Barbara Smith, SC Jerry Ellington, IL Tom & Margy Gardner, MD South Carolina Botanical Garden, Joan Buckles, IL Gail Gee, MD John Bodiford, SC David & Georgia Reithel, IL Marlyn Heintzelman, MD Linda Ayala, SC Kathy Day, IL Julie Brady, MD Foster Levy, TN Kenneth E. Hundrieser, IL Kingsbrae Garden, Canada Sandy Kay, TN Leonard Koerber, IN Franklin Simpson, NH Suzanne I. Askew, TN Donald R. Dixon, IN Carol Devries, NJ Rachel Dahlen, TN Laura Snipes, IN Lisa & Steven Abramowitz, NJ Matt Dawson, TN Sandra Lamp, IN Gary H. Mihok, NJ Charles Cavender & Paul Martin, Pamela & James Carter, MI Brad Bernardini, NJ TN Nancy B. Simpson, MI Edward & Deborah Shinn, NJ Geoffrey Lee, TN Eileen Long, MN Kathleen Jacobs, NJ Joanne T. Burns, VA James M. Sumner, MI Kimberly Eierman, NY Cheryl Fee, VA Fredric & Cindy Frownfelder, MI Benjamin & Frances A. Burr, NY Sharon Logan, VA Kerry McIndoo, MN Vladimir Gavrilouk, NY WESTERN REGION Allyson Lomax, MN Faisal Al-Khabbaz, PA Neal Wiltz, CA Stephen Pierson, MO Glenn Bustard, PA Donna McIntosh, CA Michael Roling, MO Christian Choltko, PA Susan P. J. Lovett, CA Thomas & Teresa Clayton, OH Hiram Munger, PA Mark Wallace, CO Connie Zuga, OH Louis Staph, PA Janice Platt, CO Steven Lovett, TX Elizabeth P. Overton, PA Dr. Bruce Roberts, ID James S. Beard, ASLA & Roxanne Ron Gatto, PA James E. & Teresa Berry, OR Rusch, WI Joan Loeffler, PA Molly Hartman, OR J. D. & Diane Belanger, WI Larry & Marlene Downey, Canada Barbara Hildebrandt, OR Dona Retzak, Thomas Masek, WI Karen Blair & Robert Fields, VT Becky S. Ludden, OR Tate’s Tree Company, Bill Tate, Richard Orr, Tamara Swanson-Orr, WI OR Marilyn Dahl, WI Mark Van Hoef & Chris Ames, Bonnie Grossenbach, WI OR Ryan Soule’, WI James Eggerman, WA Deborah Riehl, WA Bethany & Larry Lael, WA

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 45 ACS 2009 National Meeting Hyatt Regency Hotel, Hauppauge, New York August 6 –8 by Ridge Goodwin

he Northeastern Region is pleased no less grand. Huge trees were bare- to host the 2009 annual meeting on rooted and thrown around like so many TLong Island, where we will visit a matchsticks, as houses built in potato representative sample of some of the fields became reforested almost most impressive estates and gardens overnight. Grand alees were built, ex- ever built in this country. travagant water features constructed, At the turn of the twentieth century, and lavish gardens created with hun- Long Island consisted mostly of rural dreds of varieties of annuals and peren- towns with small fishing villages dotted nials. Money was no object when men along its 120 miles of coastline. Coinci- were happy to work for a few dollars a dentally, in nearby New York City, huge day, so maintaining a 2,000 rose collec- fortunes were being created. Led by the tion was hardly a problem. Interestingly construction of a network of commuter for conifer enthusiasts, this period of our rail lines that would connect the city to history also coincided with the opening this bucolic countryside, Wall Street of China and Japan to plant explorers, tycoons and other assorted titans of unleashing a flood of exotic new plants, industry who suddenly found the oppor- particularly conifers, available for the tunity to escape the turmoil of the city, first time to wealthy collectors. This began building huge weekend estates resulted in many of these large estates for themselves on this beautiful and featuring their own “pinetum,” or plant undeveloped land. zoo. The results were quite remarkable, We will visit three of these storied if for no other reason than the scale of estates, which are very much reminis- the structures and the magnitude of the cent of the lifestyle depicted in F. Scott gardens unselfconsciously imitating the Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby: the great baronial houses of Europe that Planting Fields, Old Westbury Gardens, were built several hundred years earlier. and the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. All The immensity of labor expended in the have their old pinetums and their mag- construction of these estates was aston- nificent old specimen trees, and all are ishing. Building materials came from all beautifully landscaped. Also on our itin- over the world, skilled craftsmen were erary will be Hofstra University, where recruited to execute fine detailing in we will find a conifer collection that has wood and stone, and the interiors were been assembled over the years, along furnished in a manner both regal and with other unusual specimen trees. sumptuous. Last, but by no means least, we will The exteriors of these estates were visit what many people believe is the

46 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 country’s premiere public garden, the flowering shrubs, ancient trees, and New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, wonderful specimens—the strange, the New York. Here, we will find the newly curious, the bizarre—it’s all here restored conifer collection initiated by waiting for you. Mark your calendars the late Robert Montgomery, now now! known as the Benenson Collection of Dwarf and Unusual Conifers. It is here that you will see the original R.H. Mont- Don’t miss your gomery spruce (Picea pungens ‘Mont- gomery’) and many plants discovered Conifer Quarterly! by the late Dr. Sid Waxman in his work Contact the Society with with witches’ brooms. In the arboretum, you will find an interesting species your new address. conifer collection that is used by the research center, which is a very impor- John Martin tant part of the arboretum. But the best American Conifer Society part of the NYBG is the gardens! From 175 Charisma Lane the fantastically extravagant Enid Haupt glass conservatory through acres of Lewisville, NC 27023-9611 ever-changing floral displays, masses of

Did you know? by Maud Henne • A mature hemlock can produce cones up to 450 years of age. • A healthy tree will produce its first cone crop at the age of about 20 years. • The oldest hemlock recorded is 988 years old. • The tallest is 166 feet.

Source: Peterson Field Guides Eastern Forests pages74 and 75

Vol. 25 No. 4 CONIFER QUARTERLY 47 Directorate

Officers

President Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3938 PH (563) 650-2212 Vice President Ridge Goodwin, P.O. Box 310, Holicong, PA 18928 Treasurer PH (215) 794-3216 Secretary Kathleen Pottratz, 42438 SW Vandehey Rd., Gaston, OR 97119 PH (503) 985-7561, E-mail: [email protected] Past President Tom Cox, 1621 N Lake Dr.,Canton, GA 30115 PH (770) 772-9747, FAX (770) 663-4063, E-mail: [email protected]

Directors

Term expires 2010 Scott Burrell, 428 North Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23221 PH (804) 339-0873, FAX (804) 354-8247, E-mail [email protected] Christopher Daeger, Stanley M. Rowe Arboretum, 4600 Muchmore Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243 PH (513)-561-5151, E-mail: [email protected] Joe Harris, III P. O. Box 518 Boring OR 97009-0518 PH (503)-663-3822, E-mail [email protected] Gerald Kral, 900 Winton Rd. N, Rochester, NY 14609 PH (585) 288-5082, E-mail: [email protected]

Regional Presidents

Northeastern Region Larry Nau, 25 Knollwood Dr.,Churchville, NY, 14428 PH (585) 202-1815, E-mail: [email protected] Central Region Bill Barger, 3200 RohrerRd, Wadsworth, OH 44281 PH (330) 336-9695, E-mail: [email protected] Western Region Brian Jacob 13455 SE Lafayette Hwy., Dayton, OR 97114 PH (503) 868-7941 Email: [email protected] Southeastern Region Duane Ridenour, P.O. Box 361, Jacksboro, TN 37757 PH (865) 310-1026

Conifer Society Staff

National Office John Martin, 175 Charisma Lane, Lewisville, NC 27023-9611 PH (336) 945-0483, FAX (336) 945-0484, E-mail: [email protected] Editor, Evelyn Cox, 1621 N. Lake Drive, Canton, GA 30004 Conifer Quarterly PH (770) 663-7576 E-mail: [email protected]

Graphic Design & Monya Barnes, 2255 Barrett Drive, Cumming, GA 30040, Printing PH (770) 888-0434, E-mail: [email protected]

www.conifersociety.org

48 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 25 No. 4 Photo taken by Tom Cox of a Tsuga canadensis unknown cv. at Boyko Nursery, Oregon Pinus strobus ‘Niagara Falls’ 2009 Collectors Conifer of the Year

Full-size Selection Photo credit: Randall C. Smith, courtesy of Iseli Nursery