Orticulturist News Edition-May 1983

RICAN ORTICULTURIST NEWS EDITION-MAY 1983

Join Us in Philadelphia Society members from across the country will be gathering in Phila delphia for our 38th Annual Meet ing this September 14-18. Philadel phia was not only the cradle of liberty in the 18th century, it was also the cradle of American horticul ture, nurtured by the Bartrams and a host of botanists, plant collectors, seedsmen, naturalists and horticul turists living in and around the Del aware Valley from the colony's very founding in 1683. With its rich gar den history and tradition, this city is regarded as the gateway to the gar dens of America. Today it boasts more gardens and arboreta accessi ble to the public than any city in the nation. This is a city proudly aware of its garden heritage, as evidenced by the collaborative projects of its many garden institutions, and by its popular and prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show in the spring. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which sponsors that mighty show, is graciously helping us plan an exciting program for you, our members, this fall. Among the activ ities planned will be a cocktail re ception at the P.H.S. headquarters; morning lecture and panel discus The Morris Arboretum is one of the gardens the Society will visit during its September sions; and afternoon bus tours to Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. the Main Line, Longwood, the Wil mington area and the Brandywine include the outstanding Duke Gar will visit the Planting Fields Arbore Valley, where we will visit both dens in New Jersey, the Princeton tum and Old Westbury Gardens. public and very special private gar Nurseries and Rutgers University Stops in the Hudson Valley will in- dens. There also will be a full-day Arboretum. In New York State we Continued on page 16 tour of gardens in Chestnut Hill and north,w~h~n~MilieMrurisA~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ boretum. Saturday night will feature the presentation of AHS awards for Inside This Issue horticultural excellence at our An nual President's Banquet. New "Plants Wanted" Column Started ...... 2 At the close of the Annual Meet More New Plants for Your Garden ...... 3 ing there will be a Post Conference Gesneriads Can Harbor TMV...... 3 Tour of fine public and private gar Let Your Greenhouse Do the Talking ...... 8 dens on the Eastern Seaboard. Visits First Yellow Geranium Introduced ...... 12 the most important teaching tools it River Fann Notes has ever had- a greenhouse specifi Our appeal for help to bring a cally designed to meet our educa greenhouse to River Farm brought tional goals. tremendous response from Society Our greenhouse will be approxi members . At this writing, in early mately 40 feet by 20 feet and will March, we have received a total of feature an energy-efficient uneven $37,562.68 from our members. span design. It will look something Your enthusiasm is contagious: like a huge lean-to with its long we're all very excited and very slope oriented to the south for im thankful. proved sun collection. Its northern Industry has also responded to wall will be insulated for reduced our appeal. A well-known green heat loss. Every aspect of the design house designer has been kind of this greenhouse will be of educa enough to donate his services to de tional value. sign our greenhouse. His expertise in through the door of our finished As you might expect, we will use solar design will help us to achieve greenhouse. our greenhouse largely to produce the energy-efficient structure we The designer's generosity is not plants for our numerous displays need. By the time this news edition the only helping hand we will re here at River Farm, but beyond this, of American Horticulturist reaches ceive from outside our general mem we want to use this structure as an you, the designer will have com bership. I've learned recently that a actual classroom for students of all pleted his preliminary drawings and corporation has generously offered ages and levels of ability. We plan will be well into the final stages of to supply the glazing material we'll to conduct classes in propagation, his construction drawings. If all goes need. We are hoping other compa greenhouse growing, greenhouse de according to plan, construction will nies will donate more of the essen sign and greenhouse management. begin this summer. It won't be long tials: automatic timers, automatic Our greenhouse will serve as a place after that when we first walk watering systems, environmental for AHS student interns to gain monitoring systems, pots, imple practical experience and will also ments, soil ingredients, plant carts function as a plant research site. and additional supplies of pesticides Our plans abound, and we cannot )\\1ERICAN and fertilizers. We want to construct wait to begin their implementation. the most exemplary greenhouse In months to come, I will be tell - R°ImCULTlIRIST modern technology can provide. I ing you much more about our will keep you informed of our prog greenhouse and plans for its use. Be VOLUME 62 NUMBER 5 ress in future articles. cause of your generosity, the Soci PUBLICA nONS DIRECTOR Once completed, this greenhouse ety's new greenhouse will be very, Judy Powell will provide the Society with one of very special. - Steve Davis EDITOR Barbara W. Ellis ART DIRECTOR Rebecca K. McClimans EDITORIAL ASSISTANT New "Plants Wanted" Column Started Jane Steffey Many of you are familiar with the will publish them on a space avail Address all editorial correspondence to: The Editor, American Horticulturist Society's plant locator service, one able basis after checking for retail American Horticultural Society of our most often used membership sources through our catalogue file . Box 0105 benefits. With this issue of the news The Society's Acting Director, Dr. Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 letter we are expanding that pro Gilbert S. Daniels, has agreed to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST is pub· gram in hopes of helping members start the " Plants Wanted" column lished monthly by the American Horticul looking for rare and unusual species with two species he has been trying tural Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22308. 703-768- 5700. that are unavailable in commerce. In to locate for several years. If you are our new " Plants Wanted" column growing or know of a source for Dues for membership in the Society start at $20 per year, $12 of which is for we will publish a list of plants and either of these plants, please write to AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. the names and addresses of members Dr. Gilbert Daniels, c/o AHS, PO The American Horticultural Society is a who are looking for them. Individu Box 0105, Mount Vernon, VA non-profit organization. Contributions are als who are growing, or who have 22121. deductible for income tax purposes. access to any of the species listed, Lysichiton americanum, an orna ISSN 0096-4417. Second-class postage can write their fellow member to mental skunk cabbage commonly paid at Alexandria, Virginia and at addi help them obtain these plants. tional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please Please send your " Plants Wanted" called yellow or western skunk send Form 3579 to AMERICAN HORTI cabbage. CULTURIST, Mount Vernon, Virginia lists, including genus, species, com 22121. mon name and a brief description, Lysichiton camtschatcense, a spe Member of Society of National Associa to the Editor, American Horticultur cies of skunk cabbage from northern tion Publications ist news, in care of the Society. We Japan.

2 • MAY 1983 NEW! PUT THfSE "SEEK AND Gesneriads Can Harbor TMV DfSTROY" INSECT KILLERS TO WORK IN YOUR LAWN OR GARDEN. SEEIrJII Scientists at the University of Florida fected plants. It is probably a good ELiMINATfS THE MOST DAMAGING have found that tobacco mosaic vi idea to discard any plants that re SOIL COMPLEX INSECTS A rus (TMV), a disease most com main unhealthy for long, because if HOMEOWN[R CAN fACE . .. WITHOUT monly associated with tomatoes and virus is responsible the plant will CHEMICALS ... WITHOUT tobacco, occurs in several genera in never recover. TMV can persist in HARMING PLANTS. These specia l insect'eliminating the gesneriad family. Six gesneriad smoking tobacco and can be trans nematodes actually seek out-and then collections were surveyed, and all ferred from a smoker's hands to a destroy-sod webworms (lawn moth larvae), had virus in a percentage of the plant. The precautions orchid enthu armyworms, white grubs, cutworms, onion maggots, wireworms, root weevils, cabbage root plants. The incidence ranged from siasts take to prevent the spread of maggots, earwigs, and other dreaded soil 11 to 81 per cent, and TMV was virus in a collection will help keep complex insects . . . WITffOUTCHEMICALS, found in 14 of the 20 genera tested, virus from spreading in a gesneriad WITffOUTDAMAGE TO PLANTS, AND WITffOUT HARMING THE ENVIRONMENT. including Columnea, Codonanthe, collection as well. Wash your hands Episcia, Gloxinia, Kohleria, Nemat(; thoroughly after handling each plant an thus, Sinningia, Smithiantha and or group of cultivars, and always Streptocarpus. TMV has not yet use clean propagating tools. Orchid o a~ Co been found in African violets, Saint growers flame or dip-sterilize their IIWISIBLf BuC.~f! 1S'"'\ fo\AONlflEO IN SECT DESTKOYING NEMATODES J paulia sp. tools; gesneriad growers should use {NCOdp lf'c /tl nd (,UPOCilp ..."ul Foliage symptoms of TMV in clean razor blades after grooming or Each nematod e larva measures only 0.6 millimeters in length. members of the Gesneriaceae are propagating each plant. invisible to th e naked eye. Easy to apply- use any garden sprayerl often inconspicuous, making it diffi - The Gloxinian, ONt: fASY·TO·USt: SPRAY APPLICATION cult to recognize and dispose of in- March, April, 1983 Of St:t:KTM IS ALL IT TAKt:S! Each container of SEEKfM Concentrate gives you more than 500,000 of these Insect-destroying nematodes (Neoaplectana carpocapsaeJ. More New Plants For Your Garden Use anytime . . . even during planting or Several interesting new plants will pany, Gleason, Tennessee 38229. transplanting! Simply mix with water and be available this spring, including a Send a self addressed, stamped, busi spray on affected area ... thornless blackberry, a chocolate ness-sized envelope for their lACH Nt:MATODt: IMMt:DlATt:LY BOOINS colored sweet pepper, a vineless, ITS SrARCH fOR PLANT-Dt:STROYING catalogue. SOIL COMPLt:X INSt:CTS-Unlike shorter season sweet potato, an ap 'Gordon' apple trees produce chemicals which rely on direct contact, ple for sub-tropical areas and a new, crisp, juicy, attractive, sweet-tart this nematode seeks out insects below the hardy strawberry. fruit that is suitable for cooking or soil surface. 'Hull Thornless' is a genetically eating. Best of all, they require only WITHIN 24 HOURS AfTt:R CONTACT thornless blackberry cultivar. Unlike 300 to 500 hours of temperatures at WITH St:t:KTM, THt: INSt:CT IS OrAD-and thorn-free cultivars, where the trait 45° F or below to produce fruit. each application puts more than 500,000 nematodes to work. is the result of a chance mutation, Most apples require more than its sprouts will always remain thorn ONt: SINGLt: APPLICATION PROVIDt:S 1,000 hours of sub 45° F tempera "St:t:K AND Dt:STROY" PROTt:CTION less. 'Hull Thornless' bears firm, tures to blossom and fruit. 'Gordon' fOR UP TO 45 DAYS-more than ample sweet, attractively colored fruit, and was developed in Whittier, Califor time to rid your lawn or garden of even should be available at local nurseries nia, just south of Los Angeles in the heaviest infestation. and garden centers. It was developed U.S.D.A. Zone 9, and is available on and released by the U.S.D.A. Agri both standard and semi-dwarf root GUARANTf:f: cultural Research Service at Belts Used according to label instructions, SEEKT'" stocks. It should be available at your will solve your soil complex insect problems. ville, Maryland. garden center and nursery, but it Guaranteed. If dissatisfied, please contact us. 'Coco' pepper bears large, long, also can be ordered through the pimento-type fruit that has a sweet, mail from Armstrong Nurseries, SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OffER mild flavor. The fruit is an unusual, Inc., PO Box 4060, Ontario, CA TO RfADERS shiny, chocolate brown. 'Coco' pep 91761. Their catalogue is free. call toll-free or clip and mail the coupon below to take advantage of this limited-time-only per is available from Gleckler's 'Northland' strawberry is an ex introductory offer: Seedmen, Metamora, OH 43540. tremely hardy, productive cultivar To Charge By Phone. CALL TOLL-fRfE- Their catalogue is free. that produces runners freely and 800-852-5000. Ask for Dept AS. 'Vardaman' is an attractive new bears its fruit in midseason. Its at I Yes! I want to protect my lawn and garden without I I chemicals. Please rush me co ntalner(s) or sweet potato with dark-green foliage tractive, large- to medium-sized fruit I SEEKTII at $9.95 each. (Includes shipping and handling.) and a vineless growth habit that is bright red both inside and out and I california residents add 6% sales tax. I (Each co ntainer treats up to 500 sq uare reel) makes it easy to cultivate between is mild flavored. 'Northland' was I I Total $------( ) Check Enclosed rows. It produces excellent tasting developed and released by the Min I Charge my: ( ) 3: VISA ( ) ffil MasterCard potatoes and yields are better than nesota Agricultural Experiment Sta I AccountNumber _____ Exp. ____ average. "Baby bakers" can be har tion, St. Paul, and should be avail I Signature ------vested in 90 days; full sized yams able in local nurseries and garden I Name ______take a few days longer. 'Vardaman' centers in Minnesota and other I Address ------is available from Steele Plant Com- areas where hardiness is a problem. I City State __ ZIP ____ I Mail to: TNf. IN C.. 3335 Birch. Dept A5 . Pa lo Alto, 0. 94306 1___ ------AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST • 3 USE Denver Garden Features ~ VENT ~rn[(]Urnrn[ Water-Conserving Landscaping

Models for GREENHOUSES. COLDFRAMES and now SKYLIGHTS & SOLAR INSTALLATIONS. FEATURES • Fits most greenhouses • Vertical or Horizontal vents • No electricity. SOLAR POWERED • You select Opening Temperature • Corrosion resistant materials • Durable . Sample tested to 50 years of normal use. Visitors to the Denver Water Department Grounds can learn about ways to conserve water ---OUR GUARANTEE- in their home landscapes. Our openers will open wider. faster. smoother. and more firmly while lihing 1111 to 4 limes the Visitors to Denver should take time The largest and most prominent part actual loads of other similar products. to visit the grounds of the city's of the garden is devoted to very Water Department Administrative drought tolerant plants, most of FREE INFORMATION or Office, transformed last summer which can survive on natural rainfall dealer inquiries welcomed. into a garden demonstrating a new alone and still maintain their ap 8uperiorc;llutovents concept in water conserving land pearance throughout the year. Here 17422 La Mesa Lane scaping called xeriscaping, a word the visitor will find sempervivums, Huntington Beach. Ca. 92647 derived from the Greek word for blue fescue, sedums, zinnias, several dry, xeros. Xeriscaping involves a species of juniper, potentilla, sumac, comprehensive approach to land yucca and several species of trees. scaping that combines design, plant The garden won a National Water selection, construction, irrigation, and Energy Conservation Award soil preparation, drainage, mulching from the Irrigation Association and and maintenance to produce an at an award from the Associated Land tractive landscape that requires a scape Contractors of America. It is minimum amount of water. located at the Denver Water Depart FREE! Howtogetea& To many, the idea of a water con ment Administrative Office, 1600 ily the highest survival of serving landscape in a dry region West 12th Avenue, Denver, Colorado. new plants faster with better suggests expanses of gravel accented roots. Make more money. by an occasional yucca or cactus, but the xeriscaped grounds of Den Discover now a proven ver's Water Department prove that a Sempervivum mist system-the latest in low water landscape can be colorful, reliable solid state feed inviting and varied. In all, 68 species Newsletter back controls. You will love of plants, both introduced and na its simplicity. tive, are represented in the garden, Sempervivum enthusiasts familiar Treat your new plants with and a separate area demonstrates with the British publication on their five types of sod that were specifi favorite plant, called Houseleeks, an amazing fog-like mist cally developed for their drought may not know there is an American environmentthat gets phe tolerance. publication to which they can sub nominal results. The garden is divided into sepa scribe. The Sempervivum Fanciers rate areas demonstrating varying de Association Newsletter has been UNEQUALLED grees of water conserving land published quarterly since 1975, and INEXPENSIVE scapes. The so-called "Typical each six- or eight-page issue con Zone" is planted with commonly tains at least one photograph. The GUARANTEED used plants but demonstrates that subscription price is $10 per year, certain precautions, such as proper $12 for foreign members. For more soil preparation and mulching, can information or a subscription write help reduce the amount of water Dr. C. William Nixon, 37 Ox Bow needed to maintain the landscape. Lane, Randolph, MA 02368.

4 • MAY 1983 Excellent gardening books from sterling Publishing at a special discount rate HUY ANY OF TflESE TITLES fOR 30% LESS TnAN TnE RETAIL PRICE!

[. ;,: n 'LPEPER'S - i ;oior \lcrhllJ -} MODERN .,. .;;."", VERSION '- -" ~ ~ ALLIN ~t&Yf. f ~ \<""~~J£ ' FULL I ~~ . " or" " '.'~:C--_!-<>~ COLOR ~,. ~ :,,,\..~~ f li .. ORCHIDS AS INDOOR CULPEPER'S ~ THE LORE OF FLOWERS, PLANTS, Brian and COLOR HERBAL, Neil Ewart Wilma Rittershausen Nicholas Culpeper With illustrations by Nina O'Connell Have yo u been told that Orch ids are delicate and dif A book that's been in print fo r over 300 years? You This rare and romantic look into the stories behind ficult to grow? Thai they survive only under the most bet! Because it's complete, it's colorful , and it's flowers includes all the legends , herbal lore. controlled conditions in the care of specialists? It's forever timely with its hundreds of safe , effective , historical associations. and name origins of familiar not true! In this instructional book, two of the wo rld's and inexpensive remedies to everyday health prob flowers. along with a revealing look into the foremost orchid experts show you how to grow vigor lems . And now this original classic work , with all its " language of flowers " -their meanings and the ous, beautiful orchid plants in your own home, and charm and elegance, has been combmed in this all significant sentiments they expressed in earlier 29 photos-12 in full color- show you how to use new , large-format edition-with modern full -color times . these exotic blooms to decorate your kitchen, living presentation throughout. 66 pages of exquisite illustrations-44 of them in room , bedroom or study' The 17th century astrologer and physician full color-depict many of the species in their natural Described are dozens of orchid species (with Nicholas Culpeper has provided information on environments , taking you through a paradise of thousands of varieties) , pl us inval uable information almost 400 important herbs and plants ; where they gardens . fields . and meadows . You will read about on: ca n be fo und, their flowering time , their astrological how Tulipmania . lasting for seven years . was • How to select pl aces in your home for growing charac ter and rule rship , along with their medicinal responsible for the winning and losing of many family orchids virtues and recipes . Then, for each plant , herbalist fortunes-about how the Thistle became the national • Providin g the rig ht amount of light, wa rmth , David Potterton adds comments about how it is used flower of Scotland-and how the tragic death of a an d moisture by today's herbalists and those who follow homeo young man gave the Crocus its name . Also included • Cari ng for th e foli age and flow ers pathic medici ne. is a list of each official state flower in the U.S.. plus a • Repotti ng, rooti ng, and prop agati ng techniques It includes hundreds of magnificent , accurate , full sprinkling of appropriate poems written by such • Deafing with pests , cultural fa ults , damag ed co lor illustrations of the herbs and plants described bards as Shakespeare . Wordsworth . and Shelley . plants and more! in the book , plus a reference index of diseases and This enchanting potpourri of beauty and charm will For indoor plan t enthu siasts , orchid lovers, and even interior decorators on the lookout fo r different thei r herbal remedies . Herbalists, gardeners . inform and delight the naturalist , botanist. gardener , healers, and even students of the occult will treasure historian , writer , and the little bit of poet that's in all dramatic decors , this book is the answer to suc this spectacular book. 224pp. 7'/, x 93/,. Paperback cessfully growing orchids at home. 90pp. 5V, x 8'12. of us , 192pp. 7'12 x 93/,. Hardcover $19 .95 retail, Pa perback $7.95 retail, $6 .86 to members of AHS . $12.95 retail, $10.30 to members of AHS . $15.20 to members of AHS ...... -

GROWING PLANT SCIENTIFIC PLANTS PROPAGATION GREENHOUSE WITHOUT SOIL, FOR THE GARDENING, /fans -August AMATEUR P. K. Willmott Rotter GARDENER, At last! A book which explai ns th e prin ci ples of pro Did you know that plants ca n ac tu ally grow better, John I. Wright fessional green house management in plai n language larger and healthier in water without soil? Th is book , for the home gardener. An award- winning hort i base d on th e modern science of hydroponics , shows Create new plants from the on es yo u already have, cultura l con sultant and writer expl ains all the aspects you how pla nts ca n flourish without the need for and avoid paying inflated pri ces for pu rc hased plants of greenhouse garden ing in detai l, inclu ding: me ssy potting soi l. and shrubs. It's simple with Wrig ht's clear, detailed • Type of small greenhouses Al so includes invaluable tips on light requ ire and professional advice on seeds, cutting s, gra fting • Heating and venti la tion ments, fertiliz ation , temperature , water need s, pe st and divisi on , plus more ! 57 explanatory pl ans and • Soil , seed and potti ng compo sts control , growing outdoors, in greenhouses, and in li ne drawi ngs, th e be st ways and time to propagate • Wa te ring and irrigation professional nurseries. Learn to polish, shade, common garden pl ants, method s th at can be used in • Ve geta ble s & fruits under glass stake , train , cut back , pru ne, trim , transpl ant , and any climate and in any part of the world, plus exten • Propag ations, fe rtilizers , more ! propagate . With special advice on keeping your sive indexes of both common and scientifi c names to Using all th e ne west materials and methods, and plants healthy while you 're away, cre ating decorative aid in th e location of exactl y the right species make expl ai ned in extraordi nary depth (w ith 44 ph otos and arrangements, and growing them in bu siness offices, this the perfect book for home gard eners who want to 120 diagrams), you 'll learn to culti vate tom atoes, there 's no reason not to immediatel y get starte d with increase the splendor of their garden s at no cost' melons, Dahlias, Tulip s, Hydrangeas and other good thi s groundbreaking method to pl ant cultivation! 176pp . 7'1, x 93k Hardcover $16 .95 retail, $1 3.10 th ings, all yea r-round with fa bulous results' 200pp. 12Dpp. 73/, x 8'12. Ha rdcove r $12 .95 retait , $10.30 to members of AHS . 7 x 9';" Hardcover $17.95 reta il , $13 .80 to to members of AHS . members of AHS . ~------~------ORDERFORM ------L------~

Prepaid orders to the attention of Barbara Gray, American Hort icultural Society, OTY . TIT LE " DI SCO UNT PR ICE TO AHS MEM BERS Mount Ve rn on, Va. 221 21. Virg inia residents add 4% sales tax. Make checks payable CULPEPER 'S COLOR HER BA L Paper $10 .30 to the American Horticultural Society. THE LO RE OF FLOWERS $15 .20 ORCHI DS AS INDOO R PLANTS Paper $ 6.86 GROWING PLANTS WIT HOUT SOI L $10 .30 NAM E ______PLANT PR OPAGATION FOR THE AMATEUR GARDENER $13 .10 SCIENTI FI C GREE NHOUS E GARDENING $13 .80 ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE ______ZI P ______' Just Pub lished "Incl ud es Postage and Handling Charges All books hardcover unless othe rwise indicated. GARDENERS DATELINE

MARCH I-AUGUST 31 Atlanta Historical Society Exhibition Celebrating Georgia's 250th Birthday Theme: Land of Our Own: Landscape and Gardening Tradition in Georgia 1733-1983 Atlanta Historical Society, 3101 Andrews Drive, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia Information: Susan V. Levine, Atlanta Histor ical Society, 3101 Andrews Drive, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30305, (404) 261-1837 APRIL 23-MA Y 8 46th Annual Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage Information: Maryland House and Garden Pi lgrimage, 1105 A Providence Rd., Tow son, MD 21204

MAY 1 Private Gardens of Annapolis Tour Annapolis, Maryland Information: Historic Annapolis Tours, Inc., Old Treasury Building, State Circle, Annap The garden of the Peoples Republic of China at the International Horticultural Exhibition olis, MD 21401, (301) 267-8149 in Munich.

MAY 5-8 Information: The Arnold Arboretum of Har MAY 25-29 American Rhododendron Society 39th vard University, Att: Kate Nixon, The Ar Greater New York Orchid Society Show National Convention bor Way, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New Red Lion Inn-Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon (617) 524-1718 York Information: Harvey Welch, 4155 S.W. Hills- Information: The New York Botanical Garden, dale Avenue, Portland, OR 97201, MAY 15-21 Bronx, NY 10458, (212) 220-8616, 8637 (503) 227-4252 African Violet Society of America, Inc., 37th Annual Convention MAY 26 MAY 7 Red Carpet Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Roses and May Flowers Day Brandywine Conservancy Wildflower Plant Information: Mrs. Barbara Zimmerman, Reg- William Paca House and Garden, 186 Prince and Seed Sale istration Chairman, W238 S3712 Big Bend George Street, Annapolis, Maryland Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford, Road, Waukesha, WI 53186, (414) 542- Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pennsylvania 0616 Information: Historic Annapolis Tours, Inc., Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Old Treasury Building, State Circle, Annap Information: Brandywine River Museum, MAY 19 olis, MD 21401, (301) 267-8149 Brandywine Conservancy, PO Box 141, Herb Education Day Chadds Ford, PA 19317, (215) 388-7601 United States National Arboretm, 24th and R MAY 26-JUNE 9 Streets, NE, Washington, D.C. AHS Tour of Germany and the International MAY 7-8 Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Horticultural Exhibition Annual Geranium and Pelargonium Show Information: National Arboretum, 24th and Information: See page 9 of this newsletter Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boule- R Streets, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002, vard, Hollywood California (202) 472-9279, 472-9100 MAY 26-28 Hours: Saturday Noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 African Violet Society of Canada National a.m. to 4 p.m. MAY 21-22 Show and Convention Information; (213) 46,))-8665, 837-8827 San Diego Bromeliad Society Annual Show Delta River Inn, Richmond, British Columbia, and Sale Canada MAY 12-13 Casa del Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, Information: Mrs. Anita Thomas, 7818 Main Fourth Annual Menninger Flowering California Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V5X 3K6 Tree Conference Hours: Saturday 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. Florida Cypress Gardens to 5 p.m. JUNE 3-5 Information: Florida Nurserymen and Grow Information: Joyce Brehm, Corresponding American Rock Garden Society Annual ers Association, PO Box 16796, Temple Secretary, San Diego Bromeliad Society, Meeting Terrace, FL 33687 (619) 277-1030 Cornell University, Ithaca, New York MAY 15 Information: ARGS Annual Meeting, Box 3, MAY 25-27 Spring Open House North Campus Union, Cornell University, Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower American Horticultural Society Ithaca, NY 14853 Show River Farm, Mt. Vernon, Virginia Chelsea, London, England JUNE 4-5 MAY 15 Information: The Royal A.orticultural Society, Delaware Flower Show Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum Vincent Square, London, England SWIP Hagley Soda House, off Buck Road, Green Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts 2PE, Telephone 01-834-4333 vill e, Wilmington, Delaware

6 • MAY 1983 Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday JUNE 16-19 JUNE 21-23 noon to 5 p.m. American Hibiscus Society Annual International Symposium on Admission: $3, children under 18 free Convention Urban Horticulture Information: Wilmington Garden Center, 503 Vero Beach, Florida New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, Market Street Mall, Wilmington, DE Information: American Hibiscus Society, New York 19801 or Mrs. Walter Aldrich, 509 Brigh- Drawer 5430, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, Information: Dr. David F. Karnosky, Direc- ton Road, Wilmington, DE 19809. (305) 943-8625 tor, NYBG Institute of Urban Horticulture, Cary Arboretum, Box AB, Millbrook, NY JUNE 10-12 12545, (914) 677-5343 JUNE 17-19 Fourth Hardy Plant Study Weekend American Peony Society 80th Anniversary JULY 6-10 Edmonds Community Co ll ege, Lynwood, Domes, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Bonsai Clubs International 19th Washington, 15 miles north of Seattle Information: American Peo ny Society, 250 In- Annual Convention Information: Study Weekend Four, Evie terlachen Road, Hopkins, MN 55343, Ramada Court of Flags Resort Hotel, 5715 Douglas, 11907 Nevers Road, Snohomish, (6 12) 938-4706 Major Boulevard, Orlando, Florida WA 98290 Information: I.B .C. '83, Mr. Robert Hutchin- son, 7900 Mindello Drive, South Miami, JUNE 11 JUNE 18-19 FL 33143 New England Gardening Day First Annual Lotus Blossom Festival Strawbery Banke Historic Neighborhood, Lilypons Water Gardens, Brookshire, Texas- JULY 7-10 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire Hours: 11 a.m . to 5 p.m. North American Lily Society Annual Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: Lilypons Water Gardens, Brook- International Show Information: Strawbery Banke, PO Box 300, shire, TX 77423, (713) 934-8525 Southfield Sheraton Hotel, Detroit, Michigan Portsmouth, NH 03801, (603) 436-8010 Information: The North American Lily Soci- ety, Inc., Dr. Robert C. Gilman, Editor, JUNE 13-15 JUNE 19-23 517 South Elm Street, Owatonna, MN Society for Economic Botany 24th Annual Plant Growth Regulator Society of America 55060 Meeting 10th Annual Meeting Miami, University, Oxford, Ohio Kellogg Center for Continuing Education, JULY 9-10 Information: Dr. Charles Heimsch, Botany, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Third Annual Lotus Blossom Festival Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056 or Michigan LilyponsWater Gardens, Lilypons, Maryland Dr. Hardy Eshbaugh, Systematic Biology Information: David Parrish, Agronomy De- Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program, National Science Foundation, partment, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Information: Lilypons Water Gardens, Lily- Washington D.C. 20550 VA 24061 pons, MD 21717, (3 01 ) 874-5133

For Your Garden of-Good Tfiin9~

GARDENER'S SOAP NO-BLISTER TROWEL Prized by French ga rd eners for Ea sy on your hand and arm , this garden generations, thi s soap is so gentle ~!::i;j""": trowel offers a curved handle and cush it can even be used to wash th e III ioned grip that fit the contou r of your hand and leaves of plants. Helps remove flrevent fr iction bli sters. Di stributes workload evenly. persistent dirt from work c lothes, Li ghtweight, molded aluminum assures a lifetime of se rvice. clay pots, window boxes, and #A33 Trowel $7.50 plus $1.25 post. & hdlg. more. Comes with wooden washboard soa p dish. An r------I AHS David Kay Garden and Gift Catalogue, Inc. excell ent gift! 26055-0 Emery Road #A22 Gardener's Soap Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128 $7.50 plus $1.25 post. & hdlg. o Please send me the following: Credit Card Holders CALL TOLL FREE ITEM TOTAL 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week #A44 Gardener'S Soap QTY ITEM NAME NUMBER PRtCE PRI CE 1-800-621-5199. In Illinois, 3/$2 1.00 plus $2 .2 5 post. & hdlg. call 1-800-972-5855.

501 L TEST LAB Don't guess ... test! Thi s complete o Enclosed is my check or money order Sub-Total (sorry, no COD's, stamps or cash) Sh ipping/Handling so il test lab lets you conduct for $ ___ . simple, acc urate tests to improve Tax (Ohio resid ent s only, add 6%% sales tax) the so il Ph of your outdoor and OR CHARGE IT! Total Amount indoor plants. All ows up to 80 (minimum charge order $15.00) I I tests. Inc ludes handy work area, o Visa 0 Maslercard Interbank Number ~-'---'-_..L----' apparatus, so lutions, procedure o Ameri can Express Expiration Date ca rd s and lab guide, and a Signature ______-,---,--:--,- __--,----, ______ca lcu lator that qu ickly converts (required for charge orders) so il test read ing to the type of fertilizer needed. Credit Ca rd #A77 Soi l Test Lab Number I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1/ I I $16.50 plus $1.85 post. & hdlg. Name Address ______Apt. # ______Se nd $1.00 for our colorful new Spring Cata logue (free w ith order). City ______State ___ Zip

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. 7 HORTICUllURAL Let Your Greenhouse Do the Talking EXPlORATIONS Have you ever been away from pumps or give other verbal reports home and wished you could adjust a about greenhouse conditions. EGOR vent in your greenhouse by remote can measure all key environmental control? Well, with the new Envi factors, even those required by hy ronmental Green00use Operations droponic growers. He even has a Reporter, EGOR for short, it's pos telephone alarm system through sible. EGOR is a complete environ which he can automatically call and mental control system for the green tell you the exact nature of a prob house that can be accessed by lem in the greenhouse. telephone and can "talk" to you by EGOR is a system for profession means of a computer synthesized als, or for amateurs with large, voice. After telephoning EGOR and valuable collections. Since his price giving the proper password, the tele tag starts at $5,600, those of us Europe in the autumn offers horticul phone's push buttons become a with smaller collections will have to tural delights to our American Horti computer input panel. Pushing one wait for technological developments cu ltural Society members and friends button, for example, may prompt that may one day bring his price on these exclusively designed trips. EGOR to verbally respond, "the down. For more information on Local horticulturists accompany you. temperature in the greenhouse is 79° EGOR, write or call Hoppmann The arrangements are high qualiry F;" another key or combination of Corporation, 14560 Lee Road, PO with first-class hotels, most meals and keys will instruct him to operate Box 601, Chantilly, VA 22021, tips included. Besides public and pri vents, cooling or heating systems, (703) 631 -2700. vate gardens, visits to diversified nur series are included. AUTUMN ENGLAND September 8- 22 New Directions in Tomato Breeding A different itinerary than our spring trip takes you on a private tour of South American species tomatoes des at altitudes of 12,000 feet, to in Blenheim Palace, the charming Cots and genetic engineering are playing troduce drought and disease resist wolds, the Annual Show in Harro important roles in current tomato ance as well as salt tolerance into gate, the fine Cambridge Botanic breeding programs. Two companies the breeding lines. Cornell Univer Garden, the Royal Botanic Garden at interested in producing cultivars for sity is using a Brazilian species Kew. A large portion of the time is the commercial processing market, whose fruit does not produce ethyl spent in private gardens such as Campbell and Heinz, are using ge ene in its breeding programs. Fruit Sheila Macqueen's Westwick Cot netic engineering to reduce water that does not produce ethylene will tage. Also several days in London for sightseeing and shopping. content in the fruit, thereby reducing ripen more slowly. Scientists hope the need for irrigation. Low-water cultivars with this characteristic AUTUMN GERMANY content fruit could be transported could be allowed to ripen on the September 6-20 from the field to the processing plant before shipping- thereby im An autumn version of our spring ex plant more easily and would also re proving the taste of supermarket ploration. The highlight is IGA '83, the International Horticultural Exhi quire less cooking. In another pro purchased fruit. bition. This 180-acre park will be one gram Heinz is crossing a Peruvian - FioraScope, of the finest shows to be held in Eu species of tomato, found in the An- February, 1983 rope with flower breeders, nursery men and gardeners from all over the world. Also included are magnificent Berlin Botanic Garden, one of the world's finest, as well as Nurnberg, Wurzberg, and Kassel. Other horticultural exploration avail able in 1983 are: Bermuda (April 30- May 7), Spring Japan (April 28-May 18 ), Spring and England (May 12- 26), Germany and IGA '83 (May 26- June 9), Canadian Rockies Uuly 16- 30), South Africa (Sept. 9- 29), Fall New England (Oct. 3- 14), Fall Ori ent (Nov. 1- 24). For any of these programs, please write for your free brochure to the 'Education Department, Amer ican Horticultural Sociery, Mt. Vernon, VA 22121. OR telephone 1-703-768-5700.

8 • MAY 1983 NOW... BY MAIL! FLOWER ARRANGING Upcoming AHS SUPPLIES: Events Tools, Techniques, Tricks of the Trade! The Following Society Sponsored tours and other events have been SPECIAL OFFER - scheduled for this spring and sum MAKES A GREAT GIFT: mer. For information about any of these events write or call the Soci The Original ety's Office of Education. May 12-26 Stem Stripper A unique tool for removing thorns THE PERMANENT Our annual trip to the famed Chel and leaves from stems. METAL GARDEN LABEL sea Flower Show. Also scheduled are 95 including visits to public and private gardens only $9ea . postage [, handling A-Hairpin Style Markers 30 $6.50 in Sussex and the Cotswolds, includ B-Plant or Shrub Labels 100 $5.30 ing Sissinghurst and Pusey. C-Cap Style Markers 30 $6.65 ------D-Swinging Style Markers 30 $5.00 The Keth Company E-Rose Markers 30 $6.25 May 26-June 9 Box 128. Dept. PH -1 F-TaU Display Markers 30 $8.60 Oceanside. Ca lifornia 92054 G-TaU Single Staff Markers 30 $6.75 Tour of West Germany's great H-Flag Style Markers 30 $4.70 parks, public and private gardens. J-SmaU Plant Labels 100 $5.00 K-Tie-On Labels 100 $6.10 The International Horticultural Ex Please send me __Orlglna l Stem Strlpper(s) at $9 95 M-Miniature Markers 30 $5.25 each including postage and handling. Enclosed is my L Jcheck hibition in Munich will be a high or t money order (Sorry, no c. o.O.s. CA res. add 60(: ea. lax.) SpeCial Quantity Prices Available Postage Prepaid light. o Please send your FREE Complete list of Floral Supplies. PLEASE Introductory Offer: 1 Each; A, B, C, D, E, PRINT July 17-31 Name ______H, J, K with Water-Proof Crayon Only $2.00 Exploration of the Canadian Rock Address ______ies and the West Coast. Visits to Cily ______PAW PAW EVER LAST Banff, Lake Louise, famed Butchart Slate. ZIP ______LABEL COMPANY Gardens and many of the area's best P.O. Box 93-AH private gardens are planned. Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back! Paw Paw, Michigan 49079-0093 September 9-29 Tour of South Africa October 3-14 WATER-LILIES Autumn in New England Tour in your garden

Lilyponscatalogue Society Founded features everything Gardeners with an interest in cone needed for your bearing trees, including such species gardenpoo~ as Cupressus, Pinus, Picea, Junipe including the pool rus and Thuja, will want to join the newly-founded American Conifer Society. This new, non-profit society will devote itself to developing, pre Lilypons Water Gardens serving and propagating conifers as well as educating the public about these valuable plants and clarifying Waterlilies, Lotus, Aquatic plants, Goldfish, Scavengers, nomenclature. Koi Fiberglass garden pools, PVC pool liners, Sweeps, Membership will include a sub Filters, Pumps, Lights, Statuary, Books and much more. scription to a quarterly publication and invitations to annual meetings. New colorful Lilypons catalogue and seasonal mini catalogs, $3.00. For more information write Mr. I Jean Iseli, Secretary, American Coni Namp~ ______~ __~~ ______LILYPONS WATER GARDENS (Please prtnt) fer Society, 15241 SE Tickle Creek I 1505 Amhort Road 1505 LUypons Road Road, Boring, OR 97009 or Robert I Addres~s ______LUypons, Maryland 21717 Brookshire, Texas 77423 (301) 874·5133 (713) 934-8525 Fincham, President, American Coni I Clty______fer Society, 425 North 5th Street, I Sta YES, Please send me the new color- Lehighton, PA 18235. ful LUypons catalogue and seasonal I ....- ______.... I______Zip mlni catalogs.______I enclose sa.oo . .J AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST • 9 Controlling Lead Uptake in Urban Gardens Large quantities of organic matter percent by volume) and keeping the much more lead than lettuce grown and a soil pH maintained at a near soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0 will in highly organic soils. "In soils con neutral level are the answer to a prevent plants from taking up lead taining large quantities of organic problem faced by many urban gar through their roots. In experiments matter (40-50 per cent or greater by deners-lead contaminated soil. Ac conducted by plant physiologist volume), the lead uptake was zero, cording to scientists at Cornell Uni Nina L. Bassuk, .program leader of even though lead concentrations versity, adding large quantities of Cornell's Urban Horticultural Insti were as high as 3,000 parts per mi l well-rotted compost, manure or tute, lettuce grown in soils with low lion," she says. Leafy vegetables and other organic matter (at least 25 levels of organic matter took up root crops (lettuce, spinach, pota toes, beets) are more likely to ab sorb lead than vegetables grown for their fruit such as tomatoes, squash or peppers. Pesticides Decompose in Alkaline Water Much of the lead in urban soils Pesticides can be ineffective in con water, continues after it has been comes from lead-based paint from trolling pests for several reasons, in sprayed onto the plants and can demolished buildings, but air-borne cluding incorrect application rate, greatly reduce the effectiveness of a lead from auto emissions can also be improper timing, inappropriate pesticide. The rate at which this pro a problem. It pollutes the soil as chemical used for the insect involved cess occurs varies according to the well as adheres to plant parts. and old chemicals that have outlived chemical involved and the alkalinity Bassuk advises against planting veg their effective shelf life. One seldom of the water. Malathion, for exam etables near busy roads, but if that considered factor is water quality. ple, loses its effectiveness very is unavoidable, shield the plants Most pesticides will loose some de quickly in water that is just above with a fence or hedge. All urban gree of their effectiveness in alkaline neutral. Other pesticides affected by grown vegetables should be washed water (a pH value of seven is con alkaline water include Parathion, meticulously. Bassuk has found that sidered neutral, values above that Sevin, Orthene, Di-Syston and Lan washing with pure water removes are alkaline) through a decomposi nate. Some fungicides also are pH only a small portion of the lead ad tion process called alkaline hydroly sensitive and should not be com hering to leaves, and that wash sis. This process, which begins as bined with materials such as hy water containing one per cent vine soon as the chemical is mixed with drated lime or mixed in alkaline gar or one-half percent dishwashing water. These include Captan, liquid is much more effective. Botran, Lesan and Carbamate fungicides. World Record Greenhouse Grower, February, 1983, recommends you take four Bird of Prey Watermelon precautions to reduce the effects of alkaline hydrolysis: 1) frequently A father and son team from Tulsa, check the pH of your water 2) read Scarecrows Effective Oklahoma broke the record for the pesticide labels to see if material is If your scarecrow isn't doing its job, largest watermelon with a cultivar sensitive to alkaline water 3) do not try using a model of an owl or named 'Carolina Cross', which they mix pesticides until you are ready to hawk to scare the crows and black have been developing since 1977. use them, especially if you are com birds out of your garden. Stationary The record-breaking fruit, which ex bining pesticides 4) if your water is models work for a short time, but ceeded the existing record by 19 alkaline, and you are using a sensi birds quickly become used to them. pounds, weighed 219 pounds, was tive pesticide, add a product to neu Michael R. Conover, writing for the 34 112 inches long and had a circum tralize the pH such as Spray-Aide, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment ference of 61 1/2 inches. Buffer-X, Nutrex, Sorba spray or Station's publication Frontiers of 'Carolinia Cross' is available from Tri-fol. These should be available Science, reported that the most ef Grace's Gardens, 10 Bay Street, De from your local garden center or fective models he used in a series of partment 112, Westport, CT 06880, nursery, especially if alkalinity is a tests he conducted were kites with catalogue 50¢. problem in your area. Adding com hawks painted on the underside. mercial vinegar (acetic acid) to the The kites were suspended 60 feet be water has been suggested as a home neath a helium balloon and flown remedy, but, according to Dr. Chris 90 feet above the ground. Evidently, tine Stephens, a professor of vegeta the movement of the hawk-kites pre ble and ornamental diseases at vented the birds from becoming ha- Michigan State University, it "is not , bituated to them. The kites reduced reported to give satiSfactory results bird damage to blueberries by 35 because of its instability and failure percent, and, in a test on ripening to remain on leaf surfaces." corn, by 83 percent.

10 • MAY 1983 ~ Pinch Your PetunIas How _ Many Get ready to pinch your petunias as soon as the hot weather appears. Pe Tools Do You Need tunias are thermophotoperiodic, so their growth habit varies according to temperature and daylength. At To Do All These temperatures of 62° F and below, the plants will always be well Gardening Jobs branched, bushy, compact and multi-flowered. From 63° to 75° F, o Turning over the soil day length affects the plants' growth o Spading and raking seedbeds o Weeding and cultivating habit. If they receive less than 12 o Digging furrows and hilling plants hours of daylight at these tempera o Trimming and pruning bushes tures they will be single stemmed and shrubs and have only one flower. Long o Cutting edges around paths days at these temperatures will pro pinching. Cut off each stem about and gardens o De-thatching the lawn duce more ideal-looking plants. At three or four inches above ground o Aerating the lawn temperatures over 75° F, day length level, weed, fertilize and clean up no longer has an effect, and the dead and dying leaves. You will plants will always be tall and leggy have flowers again in about two and bear very few flowers. weeks. Pinch again in mid August Pinch petunias at planting time in and near the end of September the early spring to encourage (ea rly in September if frost dates in branching and flowering. By the sec your area come early) to maintain ond week in July they need a second the display.

Gypsy Moth Control Methods Tested Since its introduction in the 1960's, spreader/sticker called Acrylocoar@' scientists have worked to develop was added to the mixture. Single ap new strains and improved formula plications at a higher dose (1.5 tions of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) quarts per acre and 2 quarts per that are more effective in controlling acre) were also tested and proved ef gypsy moths and other destructive fective. They reduced defoliation to caterpillars. The U. S. Forest Service about six and eight percent, respec and the Connecticut State Depart tively, and saved the cost of making I ment of Environmental Protection a second application. Untreated con Only one~antiS tested the effectiveness of three new trol plots were 72 per cent defo Mantis will do them all for you ... strains of Bt on gypsy moths in liated in 1982. quickly, easily and economically! 1981 and 1982. They found the Bt is more effective against small, The Mantis Precision Gardening most effective control was two ap younger caterpillars, so spray appli System takes the hard work out of plications of a formulation called cations were made early in the sea gardening. With the Mantis Tiller/ Dipel 4L applied at a dose of one son (May 17) for this reason. Cultivator and its variety of useful attachments, you can turn all your quart per acre mixed in one gallon -Frontiers of Plant Science, yard and garden chores into down of water. Three per cent of a Fall 1982 right fun! For the complete Mantis story, write for our FREE information and find out how much fun gardening Gardeners Prepare for '84 Olympics can really be. ------Mantis Manufacturing Co. Californians are planning to plant, The official rose for the 1984 Olym 2651 Huntingdon Pike, Dept. 186 clean up and beautify a 200-mile pics is 'Olympiad', a red rose from Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 area around the city of Los Angeles Armstrong Nurseries. 7,000 'Olym o Please send complete information on in preparation for the 1984 Summer piad' roses will be planted in and Mantis Precision Gardening and Olympics. AHS California members around Los Angeles before the all the Mantis attachments! who would like to help should write games. 'Olympiad' will be available Name ______or call L. A. Beautiful, 404 South in December, 1983 from Armstrong Bixel, Los Angeles, CA 90017, (213) Nurseries, PO Box 4060, Ontario, Address ______482-1655. CA 917~1. City ______- Florascope, February, 1983 -Florascope, March, 1983 State __ Zip ______

AMERICAN HORllCULTURIST • 11 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY First Yellow Geranium Introduced is delighted to offer to its m e mbers the following books One of the most exciting plants in- lar geraniums, whose star-shaped written by the legendary English troduced this year is the yellow flowers come in all of the commonly gardener flowered geranium hybrid offered by known geranium colors. The yellow Thompson and Morgan. This new flowered plants appeared acciden- plant represents a .color break- tally among the seedlings of a cross through among cultivars of the com- between Pelargonium quinqueloba- mon bedding geranium, and its ap- tum and a named cultivar of the pearance promises many more common bedding geranium. ye llow flowered cultivars in years to Thompson and Morgan has con- come. tracted with a California firm spe- The plant bears semi-double, cializing in tissue culture to propa- primrose-yellow flowers that fade to gate enough yellow geraniums for cream as they age. Its foliage is me- distribution in this COuntry. The dium green and resembles that of an plant also will be available in the ivy geranium. Although the plants British Isles and Europe, but plants are attractive, compact and rela- sold there will be cutting-propa- GERTRUDE JEKYLL tively free flowering, hybridizers at gated. Supplies are very limited, and, which have been specially Thompson and Morgan see room as a result, the plants are quite ex- reprinted to a high standard by the for improvement, and their breeding ANTIQUE COLLECTORS' pensive- $12.00 per plant plus CLUB program continues. One of the ob- $2.95 to cover shipping and han- of Great Britain jects of the program is to produce a dling for each plant. Even at this plant with brighter yellow flowers. price, the company is limiting each GARDENS FOR SMALL COUNTRY HOUSES They are also looking for a stronger, customer to only two plants. To or- (with Sir Lawrence Weaver) more vigorous plant. This first yel- der a yellow geranium write Thomp- $44.50 less 20070 low flowered geranium is only rec- son and Morgan, Department SP3, discount to members $35.60 ommended for use as a house plant PO Box 100, Farmingdale, New Jer- WOOD and GARDEN because it is not as tough as the sey 07727. Cultural instructions will $29.50 less 20070 discount to members $23.60 common bedding or zonal geranium. be sent with each shipment. HOME and GARDEN Finally, they are looking for a plant $29.50 less 20070 that bears as many flowers as zonal discount to members $23.60 geraniums and for flowers that keep Temperature Key WALL, WATER and WOODLAND their petals in heavy rain. These ge- GARDENS raniums breed true from seed, pro- $29.50 less 20070 to Germination discount to members $23.60 ducing yellow flowered offspring, although each plant produces very few Improve verbena germination by COLOUR SCHEMES for the FLOWER GARDEN seeds. storing seed packets in the refrigera- $29.50 less 20070 The yellow flowered geranium has tor for seven days before sowing. discount to members $23.60 an interesting history. Its appearance After sowing, alternate day and GARDEN ORNAMENT was a sheer stroke of luck, say rep- night temperatures. During the day, $49.50 less 20070 discount to members $39.60 resentatives of Thompson and Mor- soil temperatures should be 75° F. gan. The plants appeared unexpect- Nighttime temperatures of 60° Fare LILIES FOR ENGLISH GARDENS edly in the breeding program that ideal. $29.50 less 20070 produced the 'Startel' series of stel- -Florascope, March, 1983 discount to members $23.60 CHILDREN and GARDENS $29.50 less 20070 discount to members $23 .60 ROSES FOR ENGLISH GARDENS New Horticultural Society Greenhouse $29.50 less 20070 discount to members $23.60 The Horticultural Society of New The plants will be for sale and come A GARDENER'S TEST AMENT York announced the opening of its with growing and care instructions. $29.50 less 20070 discount to members $23.60 new greenhouse on February 14, The Horticultural Society of New 1983. The 23-foot-Iong, 12-foot- York's new greenhouse, as well as FLOWER DECORATION IN THE HOUSE high structure envelops the entire their library and gallery, are open $29.50 less 20070 front of the Society'S headquarters weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 discount to members $23.60 at 128 West 58th Street in New p.m. Call or write The Horticultural Make checks payable to York City. The greenhouse will be Society of New York, 128 West The American Horticultural Society and filled with new and unusual plants, 58th Street, New York, NY 10019, send to Mount Vernon, Va 22121, attention Dorothy Sams. Please seasonal exhibits and displays de- (212) 757-0915 for more informa- understand that as these books are being signed to complement the lectures tion and a free educational despatched from England there will be a delay of four to five weeks. and courses taught at the Society. brochure.

12 • MAY 1983 ~ ) " ,,~ t .",:; " '. , GARDENERS MARKEI'PIACE

AFRICAN VIOLETS Copy must be received two Classified Ad Rates: Large selection from leading hybridizers. List months prior to publica- 50¢ per word; $10.00 40¢. PLEASANT HILL AFRICAN VIOLETS, Route 1, Box 73, Brenham, TX 77833. tion date. Send orders to minimum per insertion the attention of Cindy ALTERNATE ENERY PLANTS Weakland, American Horti- BROMELlADS FREE RJEL! Novel ornamental shade tree yields car/tractor fuel substitute. Large yield, fast cultural Society. Box 0105, DECORATIVE BROMELIADS at reasonable growing; Zone 6. Guaranteed. Seeds 50/$5.00. Mt Vernon, VA 22121. prices. 22 page DESCRIPTIVE LIST $1.50. Also Trees $15.00, Postpaid. HI-PRO NURSERY, 80 page booklet BROMELIADS FOR MOD- Dept. 185P R.R.l, Boswell, B.C. VOB lAO. Or call (703) 768-5700. ERN LIVING with 135 color photos, $5.00 for both. THE BROMELIAD TREASUR Y 639 Payment for all classified Bend Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. ' AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWER SEEDS BULBS Rare, selective, coll ection. 200 species of bril- advertisements must be liant, AUSTRALIAN WILDFLOWERS. Plant- made in advance. All copy If you're looking for top-quality flower bulbs, ing guide with order. Books available. Two In- in larger quantities, and at affordable prices; ternational Postal Reply Coupons for FREE subject to the approval of write for our FREE price list: McCLURE & descriptive lists. BUSHLAND FLORA AUS- the Society. ZIMMERMAN, QUALITY BULB BROKERS, TRALIAN SEED SPECIALISTS. Box 118, Scar- 1422 Thorndale, Chicago, IL 60660. borough 6019, Western Australia. BONSAI CACTI & SUCCULENTS Spring Bonsai magazine-catalogue, $3 .50. Bon- Winter hardy cacti & succulents. Echinocereus, 1HE AVANT GARDENER sai care information, unusual starter trees, tools, Coryphantha, Opuntia & others. Send 25 ¢ for "DIFFERENT, EXCITING, GREAT FUN TO pots, fertilizers. Visit or write to: SHOEN BON- descriptive list. WINTER COUNTRY CACTI, READ-for the gardener who wants to get more SAl AND JAPANESE GARDEN, 601 E. Gude 8338 E. Lehigh Dr., Denver, CO 80237. out of gardening!" Subscribe to THE AVANT Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. (301) 762-0878. EXOTIC .. . WEIRD & UNUSUAL ... Cacti GARDENER, the most useful, most quoted of Bonsai books, plants, pots, soil components, and Succulent plants ... Completely New 1983 all gardening publications. Every month this tools, annealed copper wire. Catalog $1.00, re- Fu ll y Illustrated Catalog .. . $1.00 (Refundable unique news service brings you the newest and fundable. BONSAI ASSOCIATES, INC., Dept. with first order). K & L CACTUS NURSERY most practical on-going gardening informa- HH, 8510 Stevenswood Road, Baltimore, MD (AHS), 12712 Stockton Blvd., Galt, CA 95632. tion-new plants, products, techniques, with 21207. CARNlVOROUS PLANTS sources for every item, plus feature articles, spe- Carnivorous, woodland terrarium plants and cial issues. Now in its 14th year. Awarded the BOOK SEARCH SERVICE supplies. Book, The World of Carnivorous Plants, Garden Club of America Medal for outstanding Send your list of wanted gardening books. I' ll $6.95 postpaid. Illustrated catalog 25 ¢, PETER achievement in horticulture. Special to new sub- try to find them. No obligation. (Out-of-print, PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, NY 14424. scribers, $10 for a full year. Sample copy $1. hard-to-find, antiquarian.) EDWARD F. Rare and bizarre carnivores. Quality plants, THE AVANT GARDENER, Box 489M, New SMILEY, BOOKSELLER, RFD 5, 43 Liberty supplies at discount prices. Informative illus- York, NY 10028. Hill Road, Bedford, NH 03102. trated catalog 50¢. WIP, 1347 17th., Los Osos, BOOKS CA 93402. AZALEAS & RHODODENDRONS DRY SPRING FLOWERS FOR WINTER CATALOGS FRAGRANT YELLOW AZALEAS- Greatest BOUQUETS! Two Step-by-Step Books: PRE- FREE Gardening catalog. Inflation fighter prices. selection of varieties in landscape sizes. Mail- SERVED FLOWERS 3rd Ed. $2.95 and DRIED order catalog $2.00 (deductible). CARLSON'S Seeds, Pl ants, Trees, Supplies 4,000 items. Plas- BOUQUETS 2nd Ed. $8.95. SHOW AND TELL tic pots: 100,3"-$9.48; 100,4"-$14.08. Peat GARDENS, Box 305-AH2, South Salem, NY DIRECTIONS, hundreds of explicit photos. 10590. Pots: 100, 2%"-$6.42: 100, 3"-$8.67. All Williamsb urg, Modern bouquets, bridal keep- shipped prepaid. See catalog for other sizes. sakes, etc. Add $1.00 postage one or both books. EXOTIC VIREYA-Malaysian Rhododendrons- MELLINGERS AMH, North Lima, OH 44452- FREE NEWSLETTER (send stamp). ROBERTA 9731. Container, Greenhouse, House Plants. New MOFFITT, Box 3597, Wilmington, DE 19807. Catalog, other Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Com- 96-page color catalog has many sensational val- panion Plants, $2.00 refundable. THE BOVEES Horticultural and Botanical Books Bought and ues on more than 1,300 varieties Peonies, Day- NURSERY, 1737-C SW Coronado, Portland, Sold. Current Sale Catalogue, over 1,000 Titles, lilies and Iris, plus timely tips. $2 (deductible OR 97219. $1.00. POMONA BOOKS, Rockton, Ontario, on first catalog order). GILBERT WILD & SON, Canada, LOR IXO. INC., AH-5 ~ 83 j oplin Street, Sarcoxie, MO BEGONIAS EXOTICA 4, enlarged to 16,300 photos, by Dr. 64862. THE THOMPSON GREENHOUSE "A Living A.B. Graf; 2,590 pages in 2 volumes, $175. TROPICA-7,000 color photos of exotic plants CLOTIllNG Museum of Begonias" owned and operated by LEE jeans. Factory outlet work clothes, shoes. Millie and Ed Thompson. Over 1400 different and trees, $115. EXOTIC PLANT MANUAL- 4,200 photos, $37.50. EXOTIC HOUSE Bargains on new shirts (low as $4.95), LEE jack- species and cultivars displayed. While in New ets, boots, gloves, coveralls. Send $1.00 for cat- York plan to visit. HOURS: 9-12 Noon Mon- PLANTS-l,200 photos, $8.95. Circulars gladly sent. ROEHRS, Box 125, E. Rutherford, Nj alog. SARA GLOVE CO., 16 Cherry Ave., Dept. day, Wesneday, Thursday, Saturday; 2-5 p.m. C-131, Waterbury, CT 06704. Fridays. Other times by appointment. Call the 07073. Thompsons at (5 16) 283-3237. LOCATION: BRITISH TEAK GARDEN SEATS COMPOST BAGS Southampton College Campus, Southampton, Solid Teakwood Garden Seats-featured in the 'POST HASTE composting bags let you have N.Y. Open all year. No admission.fee. A num- aboretums & gardens of England. The perfect useable compost in two weeks. Made from ber of small plants are available for sale. Branches heirloom gift for church, park or private garden. DuPont's "Tyvek," 'POST HASTE bags hold and garden groups are welcomed. Seminars by Send $1.00 (deductible) for color catalogue and in heat but let air circulate and excess moisture the Thompsons are also available. For arrange- current price list. COUNTRY CASUAL, 17317 escape. Send $1 for postage with order: 1 bag, ments and scheduling call (516) 283-3237 or Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874. $1.95; 5 bags, $8.95; 10 for $16.95, to FOR- (516) 382-1633. (3 01 ) 428-3434. ENCO, PO Box 9088, Wilmington, DE 19809.

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST • 13 I

DRIP IRRIGATION GREENHOUSE GROWING IRIS DRIP IRRIGATION- ideal for flowers, vege Hard-to-find hobby, greenhouse equipment and More than 1,500 varieties of Bearded Iris at tables, etc. Save water, reduce disease, increase supplies. Unique Catalog. $2.00, refundable. affordable prices. Catalog $1.00, refundable with yields, durab le . Free information. MISER IR CH ARLEY'S GREENHOUSE, 12815-AH first order. CAL-DIXIE IRIS GARDENS, 14115 RI GATION, Box 94616 AH, Lincoln, NE Northeast 124th Street, Kirkland, WA 98033 . Pear Street, Riverside, CA 92504. 68509-4616. HELP WANTED MAPLES DOG REPELLENT Head gardener, former historic house museum Matsu-Momiji Nursery- Rare & Unusual Ma Protects garbage cans, shrubs, gardens and lawns and public garden. Estate background and ples + Pines. New descriptive catalog $1 (re from rov ing dogs. The waterproof repellent that knowledge of herbaceous plantings essential. fundable) PO Box 11414, Philadelphia, PA 19111 works for weeks. Treats over 225 running foot Must have had supervisory experience. Housing (215) 722-6286. or 500 square foo t. One container with direc available. Write: Director, Old Westbury Gar MISCELLANEOUS tions $3.50 or 2 for $6.00 ppd. LOUMAC den ~, PO Box 430, Old Westbury, NY 11568. CHEMICAL COMPANY, PO Box 8382 AS, Learn organic gardening & farming first hand! Chattanooga, TN 37411. HERB PLANTS As a member of Sativa, you can arrange to visit 10 Herb plants- $8 .00. State inspected. UPS working Midwest farms/homesteads for a EDUCATION weekend or longer. Room & board provided THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN paid. Send 25 ¢ for list. ABC HERB NURSERY, Rte. 1, Box 313, Lecoma, MO 65540. FREE ! Yearly $8 membership provides 6 annual SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE. A program newsletters with opportunities & locations. designed to train professional horticulturists HERBS Write: SATIVA, Box 2410, Champaign, IL through a combination of academic work and A HERITAGE OF HERBS by Bertha Reppert 61820. practical field experience. Curriculum includes now in paperback; $7.50 postpaid includes cat Ideas, inventions, new products wanted now for botany, horticulture and landscape design, with alog. THE ROSEMARY HOUSE, Mechanics presentation to industry. Call toll free 1-800- work experience at both the Botanical Garden burg, PA 17055. 528-6050. In Arizona, call 1-800-352-0458. in the Bronx and at the Cary Arboretum in Extension 831. Millbrook, NY. Full-time and part-time pro HORTICULTURAL GIFTS NATIVE PLANTS-HARDY PERENNIALS grams available. Licensed by the New York State "HORTICULTURAL TREASURES"- A stun Education Department. For catalogue write: ning catalog collection of juried gifts for men RUSSELL GRAHAM PURVEYOR OF School of Horticulture, Education Building, THE and women who garden. Specialty hand tools, PLANTS. Featuring hardy cyclamen, native NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN, Bronx, solid teak British garden seats, Colonial style plants, hardy ferns, novelty daffodils, lily spe New York 10458. Or call : (212) 220-8739. oak hayforks, traditional egg baskets, pot pourri cies, specialty bulbs and hardy perennials. An EPIPHYLLUM HYBRIDS cottages, antique doll saw

14 • MAY 1983 PLUMERIAS New, old and foreign varieties of common and GREAT NEWS First Time Offer in the U.S.! PLUMERIA cut uncommon vegetables. 4 vegetable Amaranths FOR YOUR tings from the most fragrant, exotic named cul and other warm weather leafy vegetables, dis tivars. Send for FREE descriptive price list. Also, tinctive oriental Brassicas, many other interest HOUSE PLANTS Plumeria seeds from the best hybrids-12 for ing edibles. Informative catalog-25 ¢. GREEN $3.50. Book-The Exotic Plumeria (Frangi LEAF SEEDS, PO Box 89H, Conway, MA AND YOU 01341. pani) by Elizabeth H. Thornton-covering cul Send for FREE tivation, propagation and care. $4.50 per copy. TETRAPLOID DA YLILIES THE PLUMERIA PEOPLE, PO Box 720291, INFORMATION on HQuston, TX 77272. Over 450 hybrids; exotic new Tetraploid In troductions. Catalog $1.00, deductible with or NUTRIPONICS TM.... POSITION WANTED der for plants. SEA WRIGHT GARDENS, 134 Use Coupon Below Married couple wishes gardening position on Indian Hill, Carlisle, MA 01741 (617) 369-2172. estate with greenhouse. Both Sandhills Com Visitors welcome! munity College horticulture grads. With grounds TOOLS maintenance and greenhouse experience. Re THE INTENSIVE GARDENING HOE. Here's sumelReferences. Paul M. Schmidt, 2812 Ro a hoe to grow old with. Ideal for precision work binhood Road, Greensboro, NC 27408. in perennial borders, or where plants are close. Expert property care. Land, flora , structures, Remove weeds under and close to plants a tra administration, capably handled. Permanent ditional hoe can't. Send $14.95 (includes ship position sought with on-site housing. L.S., P.O., ping) to EARTHLY PLEASURES, 183 Park Ave., Box 761, Ojai, CA 93023. Lexington, KY 40508. Gardener/Groundskeeper. Fourteen years ex TREE PROBLEMS-BOTAN1CAL OR perience. College certified in landscape horti LEGAL culture and Washington State Master Gardener. For Directory of members of the American So Resume upon request. Contact James Trainer, ciety of Consulting Arborists-the experts in 1739 Trenton Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98310 tree care and appraisals for legal matters, write: (206) 373-8834. ASCA, 315(AH) Franklin Road, North Bruns RHODODENDRONS & AZALEAS wick, NJ 08902. Now you can grow healthy plants in LANDSCAPE SIZES requiring no coddling UNUSUAL INDOOR PLANTS doors-even tomatoes using a totally choice, hardy Rhododenrons and Azaleas. Cat Unusual Indoor Plants. 1,800 Varieties-Be new and simple system called "Nutri alog $2.00 (deductible). CARLSON'S GAR gonias, Ferns, Geraniums, Herbs, Exotics. NEW ponics" . DENS, Box 305-AH32, South Salem, NY 10590. 1982-84 catalog with more color $2.50. LOGEE'S GREENHOUSES, AH, 55 North This new system uses a modern attrac SPECIALIZING IN THE UNUSUAL. Dwarf Street, Danielson, CT 06239. Rhododendrons, Evergreen & Deciduous Aza tive planter (or even a used tin can), that leas, Dwarf Conifers, Companion Plants. Cat UNUSUAL PLANTS acts as a water reservoir for a flower pot alog $1.00, refundable. THE CUMMINS GAR Begonias, African Violets, Geraniums. Cuttings permitting long periods without water DEN, 22 Robertsville Rd., Marlboro, NJ 07746. or plants. 12 African violet leaves $10.50 ppd. ing if you desire. Your plants gradually (201) 536-2591. Price list SASE. KRISTY'S CREATIONS, 3111 absorb all the moisture they require, SEA 0N10N Windsor, Dept AHS5, Waco, TX 76708. simply, easily, practically eliminating Beautiful, unusual "Sea Onion" (Bowiea): two WILDFLOWERS leading causes of house plant failure: in year size bulbs $3 postpaid. Haworthias, little Spring planting. Guaranteed highest quality adequate moisture and overwatering. starlike succulents: collection 10 different $15 tubers, rootstock, etc. FREE descriptive catalog. Fully tested. We have received many let postpaid. HOUSE PLANTS UNLiMITED, 1-70 MASTER GARDENS-C, 8044 Ray Mears Blvd., ters from customers expressing satisfac at Millersburg Exit, Columbia, MO 65201. Suite 111-148, Knoxville, TN 37919. tion. SEDUM-SEMPERVIVUM NUTRIPONIC KITS A V AILABLE NEW SEDUM-SEMPERVlVUM 1983 Cata log: 25¢; Over 100 varieties Sedum; over 350 Kits include our 50-page beautifully il varieties sempervivum. Sampler collections: Erratum lustrated book on N,utriponics along Sedum 8/$5.95; Sempervivum 8/$5.95. Order The cover article in the November, with Liqui-SoiITM, special Nutriponic both for $10.00 ppd. STANN LYMAN, AL pots and planting medium. Windowbox PINE GARDENS, Box 247 AH, Dallas, OR 1982 issue of American Horticultur also availabte. 97338. ist news stated horticulturist Peter SEEDS Ascher was the first person to grow GROW EVERGREENS from seed year round. North American terrestrial orchids Indoors, outdoors and in greenhouse. Complete from seed in a growth medium in WINDOWSILL GARDENS instructions $1.00. Send stamp for price list. Grafton, N.H. 03240, Dept. AH FREE sainple pkt. with all inquiries. RECOR'S which all the ingredients are known TREE SEED, 640 El Paso, Denver, CO 80221. and defined. Other individuals have Send Information IMPORTED SEEDS from the World's largest germinated Cypripedium and other o Send $9.95 kit and most famous seed catalog. 200 pages, 4,000 terrestrials in fully defined media, o varieties, 1,000 color pictures. A major book and although Ascher's method may o Send $19.80 kit Include $2.00 for shipping. of reference. The Encyclopedia of how and what be an improvement, he was not the to grow from seed. The Bible of seed catalogs to gardeners in over 100 countries. Vegetables, first to accomplish this feat. pot plants, exotics, perennials, alpines, rockery, Readers who would like copies of Name latest and best annuals, trees, shrubs and bulbs two scientific papers on the subject from seed with rare items unobtainable else can send their request along with a Address where. Current customers automatically mailed. Write for your free copy: THOMPSON & self-addressed, stamped, business City, State Zip MORGAN, INC., Dept, AHMY3, PO Box531, sized envelope to Assistants to the Pittston, PA 18640. Editor, in care of the Society. Checks or Money Orders Only

AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST • 15 2ND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT AflRICAN ALEXANDRIA, VA OIITICULTlIRIST AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES P.O. Box 0105, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

prune back lateral branches and 'Bradford' Pears Need Corrective Pruning generally open up the center of the 'Bradford' pear, the remarkably dis- Forestry, Parsippany-Troy Hills, tree. Watch for suckers or water- ease and insect free tree that has be- New Jersey, as the "main trunk sprouts throughout the summer and come a common sight along streets grows and expands it literally remove them. and in yards across the country, can pushes apart and severs entire tree -The Shade Tree, January, 1983 develop serious structural problems branches at their intersection with if not properly pruned. Semi-mature the trunk." Corrective pruning trees have a dense, tight, closely solves the problem. Prune trees in branched habit, and, according to the autumn after the leaves fall or in Space Shuttle Joseph Jannarone, Superintendent of the winter. Remove multiple leaders, Carries T est Seed Space shuttle Challenger carried veg- Join Us in Philadelphia etable and flower seed on its maiden voyage. Scientists at the Geo. W. Continued from page 1 take advantage of early bird dis- Park Seed Company, who provided clude the Rockefeller Estate and counts by getting your reservations the seed, used it to study the effects Sleepy Hollow in Tarrytown. We and check in well ahead of the dead- of space travel on germination, dor- will also see the horticultural high- lines. If you really want to reduce mancy, vigor and genetic mutation. lights of New York City. Make costs at these big meetings, give us a The ultimate goal of the project is to plans to reserve September 18-24 for good turn-out and early reserva- develop new seed packaging and this special tour. tions. To help cut down on mailing storage methods for outer space. So that's the preview. Watch for a costs, you will receive only one bro- 'J anie Yellow' marigold, 'Afternoon descriptive brochure in June, and chure notice (a second notice will Delight' portulaca, 'Hotline' salvia, appear in the July newsletter), so 'Bush Baby' watermelon and herb even if you are about to leave town seeds such as basil and sesame made on vacation, get that reservation and the trip. AHS Awards hotel room booked by August, -Greenhouse Grower, please. February, 1983 The AHS committee chaired by board member Mrs. B. P. Bole, Jr., which is responsible for making horticultural awards at major garden Free Nitrogen in Grass Clippings shows, recently gave citations to displays at the Boston and Philadelphia According to the Connecticut Agri- thatch build up in a lawn. Both Cor- flower shows. The Pennsylvania cultural Experiment Station in New nell and Michigan State Universities Horticultural Society received a cita- Haven, more than 50 percent of the have reached essentially the same tion for its display, "City Green," at nitrogen you apply to a lawn in the conclusion. Raking is only desirable the Philadelphia Flower Show. In form of fertilizer can return to the if the grass has gotten unusually tall Boston, Allen Haskell received a ci- soil if you don't rake and remove between mowings. tation for his display, "Shade Gar- grass clippings. Results indicate that -National Landscape Association den of Hostas." the clippings contribute very little to Tech Notes, December, 1982