For ~ fower cJUU ~ all of us. Apit 16,May 30. The Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is a blooming riot of flower power, Enjoy millions of blossoms and phenomenal international gardens, plus interactive workshops and demonstrations with famous green thumbs from Disney and around the world, At night there 's music from the '60s and '70s followed by IllumiNations, It's great fun for the serious gardener and flower children of all ages! For gourmet brunch packages call us at 407·WDW·DINE and check out www,disneyworld,com for some flower power on the web, Guest Appearances by Home &Garden Television Personalities ______• April 16-17, Kathy Renwald • April 23-24 , Erica Glasener • April 30-May 1, Gary Alan • May 7-8.Kitty Bartholomew . May 14-15, TBD • May 21-22, Paul James . May 28-29, Jim Wilson Included with regular Epcot. admission, Brunch packages sold separately, Guest appearances and entertainment subject to change. © Disney NEA 10060 Southern Living . & ~ co n t e n t s

Volume 78, Number 2 March/Apri l 1999

DEPARTMENTS Commentary 4 Dianthus 24 Members' Forum 5 by Rand B. Lee (!(wanzan) chen7) bulb resource) provenance. Often overshadowed by their showy hybrid cousins) the lesmt-known species pinks haJ7e a sedate charm News from AHS 7 all theilt own that)s well worth cultivating. AHS wins award) Plant a Row for the Hungry) Rockefeller Center Tree ProJect) fossilized flowers. Reflecting Gardens 30 by Molly Dean Focus 10 Thltoughout the ages) landscapers have used the Be sun-smaltt while you garden. powelt of watelt to uni.b and enhance many elements Offshoots 14 ofgal tden design. t Hope sp1 ings eternal. Fragrant Natives 36 Planting the Future 16 by Jim Knopf and Paula Refi Alaskan school children get back to nature Whether YO'll£ live in the West or the East) there are and also help feed the hungry. many natiJ7e plants that will suit yOUlt region- and Mail-Order Explorer 18 delight your sense of smell. Plants for the Southwest. Jack Miller 49 Gardeners Information Service 21 by Kathleen Fisher Leaf rollers on hydrangeas) corn gluten meal This Pennsylvania landscape designelt has borrowed to control crabgrass) growing lemon balm. principles from Zen gardening to t1tansf01tm two very different landscapes into retreats for contemplation Natural Connections 22 and imagination. The wonderful world of ants. Book Reviews 56 Ornamental grasses) gr01:ving roses and perennials in cold climates) hist017 of popular garden plants. Regional Happenings 62 Symposium at Williamsburg) tropical exhibit in Denver, garden tours in San Francisco. On the cover: The showy) fragrant flowers of beebalm (Monarda didyma (Garden View Scarlet')) native to Hardiness and Heat Zones 66 eastern N01tth America) are known for attracting but­ Pronunciations 67 teljlies. Photograph by Alan and Linda Detrick. American Horticultural Society 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 (703) 768-5700 commentary wWlv.ahs.org

~ The American Hort-icultural Soeiety (ABS) educates and inspires people The American Horticultural Society (AHS) celebrates of all ages to become succe.ssful the best in horticulture. Our President Emeritus, H. and environmentally responsible Marc Cathey, is truly one of the great horticulturists of gardeners by adlJancing the art and science of horticulture. our time-and his colorful anecdotes about his family and gardening are legendary. In this and future issues, Marc nturns to this page of The American Gardener to share with you his vast experience and wonderful stories. -Linda D. Hallman, President & CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers 1998 -191j1) y grandmother-Miss Nannie-arrived as KATY' MOSSWtW'lER, CHAmMAN a bride in Davidson, North Carolina, with Lake Buena 'Vzsta Florida the many gardening traditions, skills, and l M NANCY S. 'FfiO.MAS,;FiRST VICE c:~ plants she inherited from her family, the McAuleys. Rotfston, Texas Growing food was foremost, but beauty was always PAUL EOKE, JR.,SEGOND VlOE CHAIRMAN Encmitas, Cali[oY1'ua present in her mini-landscapes. VVlLL~IA.PUSEY,SEeRE~ Nestled in her bride's luggage was a packet of Washingto1', D.C. "pinks" or '~clove" seed (Dianthusspp.). The black saucer-shaped seeds germinated im­ CHARLES HENRY SMITH JiR., TIlliAS'tJRER Middleburg, Vi'l!;,,;a mediately once dry in the capsule and could be stored for several years without losing vital­ ity. She used kettles offresh water to get them to sprout, then transplanted the seedlings to SRERW>N AbLER West Palm Beauh, Florida well-drained spots around the edges of shrubs. The bright pink of the flowers and the tiny L.1v!. BAKERJR. spiky blue-gray foliage were a cheery greeting to visitors. The intense spicy fragrance of the Winston-Salem; North Carolina pinks in the '30s and '40s is still very much alive in my memory. WILLtAM E. BARlUCK, 11H.D. Today, the interest in growing sweet-smelling plants in the garden is greater than ever. ~lvWJjDI.I\.TE PAST CffAJRMAN Pine Mountaiuj GC01lJia. And now we have horticulurral research and dedicated nursery owners to help us propa­ S.EUFJ;.EY BA1\J'LETI gate and grow fragrant native plants appropriate to gardens in different regions of both Sam" Barbara, Califomia eastern and western North America. In tlus issue, landscape designers Jim Knopf and KATHERlNp MCKAY BELK Charlotte, No1'fh Cm'oUnn Paula Refi desctibe garden-worthy fragrant natives. JAMBS L. CORFIELD In addition, Rand B. Lee tells us about species pinks similar to the ones Miss Nannie Geneva, f!tinois grew. These charming perennials can be difficult to find amongst the proliferation ofhy­ A1W3ELLA S. DANE Boston) Massachusetts brid pinks, but they are worth seeking out for their graceful beauty and adaptability. JORN AIJEX FWID Ill-. Gardeners throughout history have recognized the value of using water features in gar­ BiJ'mingham, Alabama dens to reflect plants, garden features, and buildings. Reflecting pools can double the value DOROTHY T )!RELAND BinninghMn, Alabama of beautiful garden scenes and provide a tranquil setting to offset the stresses of modern life. WILL1AM'R. MARKEN In Molly Dean's essay, we'll show you how to make the most ofyour water gardens. Eos Alto~ California Anotl1er way to bring peace and tranquility to the garden is by adapting tecluuques used ThrEODORE R. M,;),W'ON Ki"kland, Washi.!ffto1J. in Japanese and Zen gardens. Kathleen Fisher profiles Jack Miller, an American garden de­ GENE M. MILLER signer who has created two very different Japanese-style gardens in the Philadelphia area. Sil.er Sp,ing, MarylM,d It is our time to use our energy and talents to ensure that we hand down to future gen­ :EGON MOUM;. erations the "seeds" that we have identified as our own personal heritage. Let this issue add Seattle, Washi'!ffto" DUDLEY MORGAN fragrance to your nose, shining laughter to your pools, and create an oasis for your life. Nashville, Tentlesse. We are making final arrangements to greet you at two ofour annual events this summer: GEOFFREY L. RAVSOM our annual conference- with garden tours and award presentations-in Boston June 9 to Pim{;"';gh, Penmylv"nia 12; and our Youtl1 Garden Symposium in Denver July 22 to 24. I hope you will make plans VM-EjUE L. THOMAS Alexandria, Vi,;ginia now to share your ideas and enthusiasm for gardening "vith us at these exciting AHS events. ROBERI El. VOLK Sat; Mal';,,", Califomin

~ PRESIDENT EMERITUS DR. H. MARC CATHEY -H. Marc Cathey, AHS President Emeritus

4 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March / Apl' iI1999 THE AMERICAN members' GARDENER EDITOR DAV1D J. ELLIS

MANAGING EDITOR rum MARY YEE ASSISTANT EDITOR CHRISTINA M. SCOTT

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT MARKC. MOLl~N

DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION JOSEPH YACINSKI DESIGN

~

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD JOHN ALEX FLOYD JR., CHAIR Bi1'mingham, Alabama NINA L. BASSUK Ithaca, New York RICHARD E. BIR BrlnJard, North Carolina JOHN E. BRYAN SC/lt~salito, Califorll.ia Left: The pink double flowers of JOHN L. CREECH Prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' Hendersonville, North Carolina blooming in spring. KEITH CROTZ Chillicothe, Illinois PRUNUS SERRULATA 'KWANZAN' outstanding fall color. What a bonus! PANAYOTI KELAIDTS For years I dreamed of having a 'Kwanzan' Our hilly neighborhood was once a Denver, ColO1·ado pink-flowering cherry tree (Prunus sel'ru­ cherry orchard, but all the old trees were RJCHARD W. LIGHTY Greenville, Delaware lata)--ever since I saw one in a friend's removed when it was subdivided. Since garden. The tree was a cloud of pink, its moving here, planting trees has been my ELV1N McDONALD West Des Moines, I01Va branches loaded with clusters offluffy pink first priority. I am really twice blessed wid1 blossoms. my 'Kwanzan' cherry trees-great beauty ~ After I retired from teaching, I built a in spring and fall. Kathleen E. Cigan ADVERTISING AHS ADVERTISING OFFICE new home in northern Michigan in the Suttons Bay, Michigan 4350 DiPaolo Center, Suite B heart of cherry COW1try overlooking Lake Glenview, IL 60025 Michigan's Traverse Bay. In Spling the hill­ SPREAD THE WORD (847) 699-1707· FAX: (847) 699-1703 sides are covered wid1 white cherry blos­ I fow1d Nancy Goodwin's article on lillie COLOR SEPARATIONS soms. It's a beautiful sight, but it still bulbs (September/ October) delightful. I FILM GRAPHICS doesn't compare with d1e pink 'Kwanzan'. would like to point out, however, that our PRINTER A few years ago I finally planted two org3.1uzation, the International Bulb Soci­ BANTA PUBLICATIONS GROUP of them outside my lower-level walkout. ety, was not included among other org3.l1i­ TheAmloriean Garde>ler(ISSN lOS7·9'!178) is published Their tops are just below my dining zations listed in a box of sources and bimonthly (January/February, March/April, May!June, room windows, but eventually they can resources for more information on bulbs July/August, Sept.mber/October, November/Decem­ bor) by the American Horticultural Society, 7931 'East grow to 25 feet tall. Although still in that accomp3.l1ied the article. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) their infancy, the trees bloomed beauti­ Founded in 1933, the International 768·5700. Member.;hip in the Society includes a sub· scription to The A<11lerican Gardenel: AnouaJ dues arc fully in the spring. One day I looked out Bulb Society has been a source of inform a­ $25; two years, .uS. International dues are 560. S10 of and saw an Eastern bluebird perched tion on bulbs for m3.11Y years. I hope that in annual dues goes toward magazine su0scription. Period· icals postage Jrleaves tance to you or your readers, please do not graphs sent for possible publication will be returned if ac· companied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We of all-a striking coral-red. I had been hesitate to contact us. cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. buying trees and shrubs especially for au­ Robert M. Turley Back issues are available at $5 per copy. tumn interest, and nodung I had read of E-mail Bulb Forum Director Copyright © 1999 by the American Horticultural Society. Prinfed in the U.S.A. 'Kwanzan' cherries had mentioned their International Bulb Society

Ma1'Ch / April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 5 TIMELY TOPIC AHS PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL Let me offer a thank you for the article AHS HORTICULTURAL PARTNER "The Genetics of Geography" by Andy OKLAHOMA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Wasowski in the November/December MRS. ALBERTA WOOD ALLEN issue. This article emphasizes what I am MR. AND MRS. RICHARD At'lGINO trying to promote in Nevada-and what I MRS. RUSSELL ARUNDEL MRS. SUZAt'lNE FRlJTIG BALES wrote about in an article for Pacific Coast DR. WILLIAM E. BARRICK Nurseryman. The right plant for the right MRS. JAMES L. BARTLETT Ja. MRS. WILLIAM BECI MRS. ROBER']; E. KULP J!R. tive on Strengths, Fallacies, and Confusions MR. AND MlRs. GERSON LEIBER We owe a double apology to Samuel in the Concept of Native Plants" (in Na­ MR. AND MRS. MIk1'ON D. LEIGHTON MRS. CAROL¥N MARsH LIN!DsM B. Jones Jr. and his wife, Carleen, co­ ture and Ideology: Natural Garden Design MRS. THON1A8 MARs'H:PGeorgia. Joachim Wolschke-Bulmahn, published in Mil:. JOHN McIDmJGALL In the article on plant hunter Barry 1997 by Dumbarton Oaks Research Li­ MRS. MMTYN L. M~LLl!iR MR. AND MRS. EGON MOLBM:: Yinger (January/February), we incor­ brary and Collection). MONROVIA NURSER¥ COMPANY rectly identified the university at which Secondly, though the genetic difference MRS. WALTER M . MORGAN JR. Samuel Jones earned his doctorate and due to provenance can be extremely sub­ Ms. CAiRO]:. C. MO~SON MR. WILk!AM G. Pl\NNhLL spent most of his career. He is profes­ tle-as Wasowski states- sometimes it also PATRICIA L. PIERCE AND OLIViER C. SM,TH sor emeritus of botany at the Universi­ can be obvious and quite beautiful. To give MRS. F&A,NCES JONES POEl1K'ER .MR. AND M>RS. W1iLLLAM A. j>USE¥ ty of Georgia in Athens, where he you an example: I am currently working J;)R. JULIA W. R!WM.PORT worked for 24 years on the botany de­ with the state of Delaware on roadside veg­ MRS. ALFRED R'rNiDLER ~y A. RlSSEITO, EsQ. partment faculty. He also served as di­ etation studies utilizing the regional flora. MRS. DIANh CARTERSAMPJ,.ES rector of the university'S botanical In seeking commercial sources for arrow­ MJRs. L01:J!SA STUDE SAROFIM MRS. ]OSEPHJiNE M:. SBIfu'ltIconifers, and since found sympathetic, progressive nurs­ MRS. HARVEY C. Wm:[E shrubs- is available by sending a re­ ery people willing to produce plants for us MR. JOHN W. WHITE from local seed, allowing us to celebrate the MR. SAMUEL A. WIGLEY quest to Piccadilly Farm, 1971 Whip­ MRS. MAiULL¥N B. WilLSON poorv.rill Road, Bishop, GA 30621, or unique beauty of provenance. ~ MR. At'lD MRS. ffii. EMERSON ¥O'ONG calling (706) 769-6516. Rick Darke Landenbet;g, Pennsylvania

6 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 \Uln rn mla(

ninimvt '(<:rcirati r Jbonis n utlo CO~ news from ahs

AHS AWARDED FOR HEAT·ZONE MAP ly announced sponsorship by Home and Festival will be artnounced in a future issue For its development of the AHS Plant Garden Television Network of Knox'ville, of the magazine. Heat-Zone Map-and ongoing programs Tennessee. to teach gardeners hmv to use the map to To find out more, visit the GWAA Web ROCKEFELLER CENTER select plants appropriate to their region­ site at lllJVlllgwaa.01lf, or e-mail Heriteau at TREE PROJECT AHS has been elected to the Associations jacq uilleriteau@email .msn.com. AHS has joined several other organizations Advance America (AAA) Honor RoU, a na­ And this spring, we urge you to consid­ in the development of a selies of children's tional awards competition sponsored by the er joining us in planting and harvesting an educational projects offered through an in­ American Society ofAssociation Executives extra row of vegetables to help provide nu­ teractive Web site. The site-initially de­ in Washington, D.C. The AAA awards rec­ tritious food for our nation's hungry. veloped to highlight the festivities ognize outstanding efforts-through edu­ associated with the annual Christmas tree cation, economic development, business RIVER FARM FIESTA display at the Rockefeller Center in New and social innovation, knowledge creation, On Sunday, October 4, nearly 800 chili York City-has expanded to include a va­ standards, and community service-to pepper fans £i-om as far away as San Francis­ riety of projects centered on learning about make Amelica a better place to live . co converged on River Farm for the first an­ trees. Other participants in the program in­ nual AHS Chili Pepper Festival. Despite an clude the RockefeUer Center, the U.S. De­ PLANT A ROW FOR THE HUNGRY overcast sky and a few rain splinkles, the fes­ partment of Education, the Eisenhower Once a working farm w1der the ownership tival was a rousing success. National Clearinghouse for Mathematics of George Washington, River Farm-now A flamenco guitar band provided music and Science Education, and the American the headquarters of AHS- has a long his­ and set the mood for dancing, craft dis­ Forest Foundation. tory of producing fruitful harvests. This plays, raffles, prize give-aways, tours of The Society'S conuibution to the Web spring, however, a section of ground at River Farm's pepper display gardens, and site is a project that describes how to inte­ River Farm will be set aside for a rather spe­ plenty ofspicy food tastings. Twenty seven grate trees into a schoolyard butterfly habi­ cial vegetable garden. The produce from varieties of Capsicum in a wide range of tat. Butterfly gardens are one of the most this garden will be donated to Plant a Row sizes, shapes, colors, and heat-including popular garden-based activities at schools, for the Hungry, a nationwide campaign in 'Habanero', 'Poblano', and 'Ancho'­ but many such gardens focus on herba­ which gardeners and gardening groups set were artfully displayed for vistors to sample ceous plants and don't take illto account aside space in their gardens to grow fresh and purchase. the role woody plants play ill the life cycles vegetables and fru.it to be donated to soup Widespread publicity before the event, of butterflies. The information provided by kitchens and shelters for the homeless. including a four-minute television spot on AHS teaches school groups how to re­ The Plant a Row for the HW1gry can1- WJLA, Washington's ABC-affiliate, en­ search, design, build, and maintain a sus­ paign, now in its fifth year, was developed by couraged many newcomers to visit River tainable butterfly habitat. the Garden Wliters Association of America Farm and introduced many to the Society. For more information about the Rocke­ (GWAA), a non-profit group headquartered As one festival-goer put it, "This is one of feller Center Tree Project, visit lllllllll. net in Manassas, Virginia. GWAA's members are the best-kept secrets in Washington!" tech.o1lf/treetopscience/index.html. spreading word about the campaign The date for this year's Chili Pepper through newspaper columns, magazine ar­ SOUTHERN LIVING ticles, radio and television broadcasts, and GARDENING SCHOOL lectures. The ultimate goal is for Plant A AHS and Southern Living magazine are co­ Row participants to pledge a million pow1ds sponsoring a series of gardening schools to oHood by the MillenniUI11. be held at some of the top botanical gardens James Wilson, a well-known garden and horticultural showplaces across the writer and former co-host of the public Southeast. The schools, taught by So~tthern television series "The Victory Garden," will Living gardening experts Bill Slack and Rick talk about the Plant a Row campaign in one Ludwig, are hour-long lectures on topics of the concurrent sessions at AHS's aru1U­ such as landscape design, use of color in the al conference in Boston this summer. garden, and four-season gardening. According to J acqui Heriteau, chair and Dates and locations of the upcoming coordinator of the Plant a Row campaign, A vendor displays a colorful selection of gardening schools are listed on the back major publicity will result from the recent- chili pepper products at AHS's festival. cover of this magazille. For more detailed

THE AMERICAN GARDENER 7 information about schools at individuallo­ cations, call the host institution.

HMMM ... THE GREAT AMERICAN GARDENER SMITHS' FOR AZALEAS AND LECTURE SERIES HOSTAS, OR THE JONfSfS' As part of the Society'S Great American FOR THE All YOU CAN Gardener lectures, in October AHS spon­ sored talks by prominent national horticul­ o EAT BUFFET? turists at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Featured speakers for the event were John o Alex Floyd Jr., vice president and editor of o Southern Living magazine; JOM Elsley, vice president of product development at Way­ side Gardens in Hodges, South Carolina; and Katy Moss Warner, director ofhorti­ cultural and environmental initiatives at Walt Disney World and chairman of the Deer AHS Board of Directors. The event, held at the Ponte Vedra Inn Damage a and Club, was organized by Carolyn Marsh Lindsay, a Ponte Vedra resident and former Problem? chairman of the AHS Board of Directors. We Have the Solution. WORLD'S OLDEST FLOWERING PLANT UNEARTHED • Virtually invisible, high strength barrier A team of Chinese and American scientists • Protect garden areas or entire property may have discovered fossil evidence of the • Easily attaches to trees or posts world's oldest known flowering plant in Benner's Gardens • 1-800-244-3337 Liaoning province in northeastern China. P.O. Box 875, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Radiometrically dated at between 142 and Website: www.bennersgardens.com 148 million years old, this woody-stemmed plant dubbed Archaefructus liaonin­ gensis-with 35 pod-shaped fruits-pre­ dates by more than 20 million years what was previously regarded as the oldest an­ giosperm' or flowering plant. But scientists are not only marveling about the fossil's age. Close study of the three-inch -long Archaefructus specirnen-

Fossilized imprint of Archaefructus Iiaoningensis recently found in China.

8 THE AMERICAN GARDENER M a rch / April 1999 a fossilized imprint in which portions of the cellular su·ucture are preserved-reveals the beginnings of several ovules, or seeds, en­ closed in podlike fruits much like a pea pod. This is a trait absent from other claimants BEAUTY FROM BULBS to the title of tl1e oldest known an­ giosperm. "Some scientists on the discov­ ery team originally thought this specimen was a legume," says team member David Dilcher, a graduate research professor with the Florida Museum of Natural History and the University ofFlorida in Gainesville, but microscopic examination did not reveal anyI of the scars that would be expected to have been left by tl1e sepals, stamens, or pis­ hls of a legume. Because me surfaces of tl1e podlike orbs are smootl1 and tl1e seeds are enclosed in fruit, Dilcher and his fellow sci­ entists conclude the fossil is the oldest known angiosperm fow1d to date. "The structures we today recognize as fruit developed 60 to 70 million years ago, when plants developed me covering offlesh y pulp that enticed birds and rodents to carry seeds great distances," says Dilcher, who notes that this latest discovery elucidates an important step in the evolutionary process. "Without this development," adds Dilcher, "me co-evolutionary relationship offlowers and animals, including our primate ances­ Glorious spring gardens come alive with tors, would have been radically different." Beauty from Bulbs The discovery was first reported in me No­ vember 27, 1998 issue of Science magazine. The astonishing beauty ofTulip Shirley is unsurpassable for glorious spring gar­ dens and bouquets. A shin1mering, ever-changing palate of glistening GOODBYE ACG- HELLO NACGS ivory-white and luscious purple, this Single Late Tulip deserves a home in For me last five years we have enjoyed some your garden. of the best garden writing around in tl1e Plant an unforgettable drift of 50 of these dazzling tulips in your family's gar­ pages of The American Cottage Gardener, den for the special price of $19.95 (including shipping). We will ship them to a quarterly magazine edited-and mostly you anywhere in the continental U.S. at the proper time for fall planting. written-by garden writers Nancy Mc­ Free 76-page color catalog! Donald and Rand B. Lee. Alas, this philo­ sophical and informative magazine has Send for your free 76-page color catalog featuring over 700 varieties of breath­ ceased publication. taking tulips, narcissi, fritillaria, allium, lilies and exotic flower bulbs. Please don't if Lee is now trying to rally the magazine's hesitate to call us you have any landscaping or horticultural questions. subscribers and others interested in Ameri­ can-style cottage gardening to join a fledg­ o Send me a free catalog! Serving America's Send me 50 Shirley Tulips for $19.95 ling North American Cottage Gardening o finest gardens CCT residents add 6% sales tax) for over 90 years. Society (NACGS). "The goal ofNACGS o Payment enclosed $ ____ will be to provide North American garden­ o Charge to: 0 MasterCard 0 Visa ers with a forum for exploring the classic Acct. No: ______English cottage gardening style and adapt­ Exp. Date:______ing it to North American climate conditions and cultivars," says Lee. He plans to publish Name: ______~ =_------___ a 12- to 16-page journal four times a year Shipping Address: ______and organize an annual seed exchange. Pub­ City: ______State: _____Zip :, _____ lication ofthe first issue of the journal is slat­ Daytime Phone: ______ed for this coming May. Anyone interested in joining the NACGS should send a ag;=~~ John Scheepers stamped, self-addressed envelope to Rand B. 1ft liT;'\\'i ~ 23 Tulip Drive Fax: (860) 567-5323 Lee, NACGS, P.O. Box 22232, Santa Fe, ~l \.l~l!J~ Bantam, COI1l1ecticut 06750 website: www.johnscheepers.com NM 87502-2232. You can also request de­ ~~~ Phone: (860) 567-0838 e-mail: [email protected] tails about the society bye-mail at randbear AGXl @nets .com. ~

March / April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 9 focus march/april sun sense

OZONE IS NOT SOMETHING GARDENERS THINK ABOUT MUCH, but it plays a role in two areas that are related to gardening: skin cancer One is skin cancer) the other is damage to plants. Ozone is a form of oxygen that primarily exists in gaseous form in a thin layer of the by Richard L. Bitner stratosphere that surrounds earth. In this form) ozone is generally n that first really warm day of beneficial to humans because it helps screen out harmful ultraviolet spring, nothing feels better than radiation. But) through the release of certain chemical compounds Obeing able to peel off layers of clothing to let the SlID impart its warmth di­ such as chlorofluoro­ rectIy onto our winter-dulled skins .. For carbons into the gardeners, especially, having ruddy cheeks atmosphere in this and farmer's tan lines by summer's end tes­ tifies to a season well spent. Many of us gar­ century) earth)s ozone den because we enjoy being outdoors, and, layer has been depleted for the most part, because it enhances our health and quality oflife. to the point that But as we learn more and more about increasing amounts of the harmful effects of lIDprotected exposure ultraviolet radiation to sunlight, it becomes clear that all of us who are avid gardeners or horticultural pro­ are reaching the earth. fessionals must take steps to protect our­ This puts humans and selves-and our children-from ultraviolet other animals at a radiation. This does not mean spending less time in the garden, it just means re-evaluat­ greater risk of health ing our gardening habits and taking some problems such as skin simple precautions before heading outside. cancer and cataracts. Today, skin cancer is the most common cancer in both men and women in the Skin cancer is on the United States. About one million new cases rise in the United of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year, States and worldwide) and one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in his or her life­ and gardeners-who time. The number of cases discovered each naturally tend to spend year has been increasing for decades and a lot of time outdoors­ gardeners are among those at highest risk. Ifpredictions of continued depletion of the are increasingly at risk. ozone layer prove valid, the incidence of Ozone that is found these tumors will increase even more in the at ground level­ coming century. sometimes termed ((bad)) ozone--is a leading element of urban smog. TYPES OF CANCER Ozone-laden smog can cause respiratory problems in humans) and it Skin cancer is not a single tumor with a sin­ gle cause. There are three important types of also can have detrimental effects on plants. skin cancer, each with specific characteristics, This special section on ozone is not intended to discourage causes, and natural history. The t\vo com­ gardening or other outdoor activitiesj rather it is meant to alert mon skin cancers are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. A third, potentially fatal , gardeners to the dangers ofskin cancer and to the means ofprotecting form ofskin cancer is melanoma (see sidebar themselves from sun exposure. on "Recognizing Skin Cancer," page 55).

10 THE AMERICAN GARDENER Ma rc h/ Apri l 1999 Sun Safety Guide THIE WEED LNHIBITOR lthough gardeners have no control over any hereditary predisposition they GARDEN BLANKET might have to skin cancer, we must educate ourselves and our children about A protective measures. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself : • Covers entire ga rden eas ily. • Tough, durable, res ists rot and • Limit your ex.posure to the sun: Do mildew. gardening chores before 10 a.m. or • Retain s so il warmth and moi sture. after 3 p.m., when the SW1'S rays are • Needle punched materi al combines less intense. strength with perm eability. • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and a long­ • Blocks out un wanted grass and sleeved shirt with a high collar. Specially weeds, eliminates th e need for made clothing is marketed for individu­ potenti all y hazard ous chemica l als at high risk (see "Sources," page 55). herbi cides. • Wear sLillglasses. Sun exposure is also • 5 Yea r Gua ra ntee again st UV related to the development of cataracts. deteri oration . • Use a sunscreen. Select one wid, a sun Kit in cludes: protection factor (SPF) ofl5 or higher • Gard en Bl ank et (24 'x24 ' ) and apply it 20 minutes before going with Pre-Mark ed Ro ws outside. Reapply frequently and liberally. • Fabri c Pin s for Securing • Check your medicine labels-some • Co mplete In stru cti ons and medicines increase sun sensitivity. Helpfu l Hints • Avoid sLU1tanning parlors. • Protect children. Get them used to wear­ ing sunscreen so tl,at it becomes as much a habit as brushing teetll or washing hands.

Weeks Mills , ME Most cases of basal cell and squamous These tumors occur most often in people (207) 445-5684 or 1-800-982-3204 cell carcinoma are caused by excessive ex­ from fair-skiluled etlmic groups, particular­ posure to the sun or to artificial sources of ly tll0se who fi-eckle easily and have red or untraviolet radiation. Prevention of these blond hair. The incidence of Skill cancer in forms of skin cancer is possible by taking people Witll dark skin-which has higher simple precautions such as those listed in levels of a protective pigment called the box above. Both of these types of skin melanin-is much lower than it is among cancer tend to stay put; that is, they cause people with light skin . But having dark skin problems in the immediate area they are is notan exemption from sun protection; it growing but do not spread-metastasize­ is sometimes more difficult to see and diag­ to other areas of the body. The third type nose the signs ofskin cancer on darker skin. of skin cancer, melanoma, is more serious, Related to tllese factors is an individual's it's all because it does spread readily to other parts skin reaction to strong sunlight. People muscle! of the body. Thus it is especially important who say that they tan only and never burn Thi s hard-working, light­ that it be discovered and u-eated early. when exposed to surilight have lower rates weight little machine does of skin cancer tllan those who burn only all you expect from a tiller, DEADLY SUNLIGHT and more! It cuts through sod, and never tan. It should not be concluded, digs new beds, speed-weeds Several factors increase a person's risk of de­ however, that a suntan is protection against and cu ltivates you r garden in veloping skin cancer. Exposure to the Slill is skin cancer. minutes. And with optional the main cause. It also follows that the de­ The nature of tlle exposure to sun nec­ accessories, it edges borders, trims hedges and digs furrows! gree of risk is related to where a person essary to develop skin cancer differs among lives. Skin cancer is more common in Texas the tl1fee types. The cumulative-or life­ NOW at 1988 prices! NO-RISK one-year trial! than in Minnesota. Worldwide, the highest time-exposure to sunlight is associated rates of skin cancer are found in South with the increased lisk of basal cell and squa­ Call 1-800-366-6268 Africa and Australia because of the high mous cell skin cancers. These cancers tend or mail coupon today! amounts of ultraviolet radiation these to occur on the areas of the body more like­ To: Mantis, 1028 Street Rd., Dept. MT1834 Southern-latitude countries receive. The ly to be exposed to surilight: tlle head, neck, Southampton, PA 18966 risk is also related to a person's lifetime ex­ arms, and hands. There is also an increased lit YES! Please rush me FREE information about the Mantis Tiller/Cultivator ... and your posure to the sun. Most skin cancers appear frequency of tllese cancers in outdoor work­ NO-RISK ONE-YEAR HOME TRI AL! after age 50, but the damaging effects begin ers compared ,'lith indoor workers. Name ------years earlier--even in childhood. The patterns noticed with melanoma Street ______~ 1 Some people also have a hereditary pre­ are not so simple. Sunlight is considered a City------:illl disposition. The dorninant hereditary risk contributing factor, and there is an in­ State,____ _ factor for all types ofskin cancer is skin color. creased risk for this tumor associated with

March / Ap ri l 1 999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 11 Ozone Damage to Plants

~ncer.n over air pollution, especially ?zone pollution, has grown exponen­ tIally ill recent years. Because ozone IS the product of a photochemical re­ C action-hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides in the atmosphere react with ultraviolet light to produce the pollutant-it increases as the days get longer in summer. While it is well known that ozone can be a health risk to humans, there have been fewer studies of its potential threat to plants. Researchers have known for decades that many plants are sensitive to ground­ level "bad" ozone, which is different from the "good" stratosphelic ozone layer that helps block out harmful ul­ traviolet wavelengths. Ozone enters plants through the leaves and can stunt plant growth, reduce crop yields, and-in extreme situations­ can result in plant death. Symptoms vary with individual plants but often include a thickening of the cell walls, causing small, sharply defined, dotlike The world's finest roses, including lesions. Other common symptoms 'English Perfume' (above) and hun­ are bleaching of the upper leaf sur- dreds more. Call anytime for your Hollies are known to be ozone tolerant. face, chlorosis (the absence of green pigmentation), and accelerated senes­ FREE New Roses 1999 catalog. cence, or tissue death. Unfortunately, ozone damage is easily mistaken for any num­ ber of other common maladies, including nuttitional disorders or herbicide injury. 1-800-854-6200 Steven Blitz, research leader at the USDA's Climate Stress Laboratory in Beltsville, 1 ROSE LANE. DEPT. 9l2Y, MEDFORD , OR 97501 www.jacksonandperkins.com Maryland, notes that ozone damage also increases a plant's susceptibility to insects. "Ozone restricts the movement of carbohydrates in the leaves, causing a greater level of sugar to build up," he explains. "This makes them more succulent and tasty to insects." Of course, not all plants are sensitive to ozone damage. And some studies have William Tricker, Inc. ® shown that populations of plants in areas with high ozone levels are sometimes able America's Oldest Water Garden since 1895 to adapt to the pollution; the same species in another location may not have the same Tricker's Water ability to tolerate ozone. Different cultivars of plants may react differently as well. At Garden Catalog this point, scientists don't have a definitive answer to what makes one plant sensitive * Water Lilies to ozone while another can tolerate it. There are a number of vatiables that seem to * Aquatic Plants affect a plant's tolerance. Research in Blitz's lab focuses on plants' abilities to synthe­ * Fish, Lotus size ascorbic acid (vitamin C)-plants with high levels of ascorbic acid appear to be * FREE offers more tolerant of ozone because tl1e acid detoxifies the ozone. This understanding is * Great Prices clitical in the USDA's attempts to create more resistant lines of crops. Everything to make A common misconception about air pollution is that it is only a problem in major a water lily pool urban areas. Certainly it is worse in the Northeast, with its sprawling megalopolis be­ NEW Book.. ONLY $2.00 tween Boston and Washington, D.C. The Southeast is also a bad spot due to greater Tricker's amounts of sunlight combined with the nitrous oxides emitted from cars and the 1101 Water Gardening large number of trees in the region, which give off volatile hydrocarbons. But Blitz Questions and Answers points out that hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides-byproducts of the burning offossil by Biologist Richard Lee, President of Historic fuels--can travel long distances in the atmosphere before they react "vith ultraviolet Wm Tricker. Over light to produce ozone pollution. "It's quite a widespread problem," Blitz says. "Just 1000 Questions and because you live in a rural area doesn't mean that ozone can't affect your plants." Answers on Water According to recent smdies, plants most susceptible to ozone damage include Gardening! Learn melons, soybeans, red maple (Acerrubrum) cultivars, butterfly bush (Buddleia from the experts! 335 pages, 36 color photos spp.), and Zinnia anguJtijolia 'White Star'. Plants that have been identified as and over 120 drawings. ozone tolerant include ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), ONLY $24.95 viburnums, and hollies. Blitz and many otl1er researchers across the country will continue to study the SPECIAL OFFER Order a Book why'S and how's of ozone damage to ensure that farmers and gardeners will have today and receive a FREE color Water Garden Catalog and FREE shipping! ozone-tolerant plants if air pollution levels continue to worsen. Ultimately, Britz ...... CALL TODAy! ...... says, ozone damage of plants wouldn't even be an issue "if people would just spend more time gardening and less time dtiving." 1-800-524-3492 -ChriJtina M. Scott, Assistant Editor 7125 Tanglewood Dr, Independence, OH 44131

12 THE AMERICAN GARDENER Ma r ch / Ap ri l 1999 Risk Factors elow are some COlmnon risk fac­ tors for a person to develop basal Bcell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: To Laura

• Prior slID-induced skin cancer Johnson, • Sun-induced Skill cancer in a first-degree blood relative t:he really • SlU1-induced fi'eckles • Sun sensitivity beautiful • Relative inability to tan after repeated exposure to illltraviolet t:hing radiation • Excessive chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation, occupational about: or recreational • Sun-damaged skin Preen is • Eye color blue or green, hair color red or blond, light skin ""hat: she doesn't: see. a history ofsilllburns , particularly in child­ hood. There is also an increased risk for de­ Like most gardeners, Laura hates weeds. Which is why she loves veloping melanoma if one has already had the other killds of Skill cancer. However, Preen With Preen, she never even sees them- Preen prevents melanoma occurs more frequently in in­ weeds, before they even start. around nearly 200 bulbs, flowers, door workers than in outdoor workers, roses, shrubs, trees and vegetables. and it does not tend to be found on those parts of the body that get the most Silll ex­ And there's Preen 'n Green, which prevents weeds and fertilizes posure. Some researchers suggest that in­ your existing plants. There's also new Preen for Ground Covers, frequent exposure to sunlight-but of a a unique weed pre venter created specifically for use with ground nature to cause sunburn-may be an im­ covers, like daylilies, pansies, ice plant and pachysandra. portant contributing element for melan­ oma. Unlike ilie oilier skin cancers, They couldn't be easier to use- just sprinkle the granules into the melanomas are more common in the 20- soil or mulch then gently water-in No mess, no mixing, and no to-50 age group. A change in a pre-exist­ weeds for up to three months-guaranteed! And if you already have ing mole is the presenting sign of a melanoma in almost all cases. weeds, it's not too late- Simply get rid of your existing weeds and Most skin cancers are self-discovered or tl'len apply Preen. noticed by friends and relatives. Developing So if like Laura, your idea of a a regular habit of self-examination-and having an annual total body surface inspec­ beautiful garden tion by a primary-care physician or derma­ view doesn't tologist-is essential for every gardener. include weeds, Treatment of Skill cancers is determined look for Preen by the dermatologist or plastic surgeon con­ products atyouy sulted and depends on the cell type, their lo­ cation, and ilieir extent. Most cases of local gardening squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer can retailer. And be treated successfully in an outpatient set­ discover the ting with a minimum of discomfort, cost, joys of weed-free and inconvenience. Melanomas need to be completely excised and analyzed illlder ami­ gardening. croscope to determine further treatment.

PREVENTION It is important to wlderstand the dangers of sun exposure and to develop habits neces-

(Continued on page 55) ©1999 Gree nview lebanon PA www.preen.(om

March / April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 13 SPRING SERENDIPITIES The old standbys in the western garden looked okay, but I held little hope for the plants that never had a chance to renew by Jane E. Donnelly themselves last year. Yet as March gave way to April and longer days-and warmer rains-the garden came back. The lilies seem oday, a battered bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa) pushed its to have doubled after their year off. The bleeding heart was enor­ little head one inch above the earth. It was one more pleas­ mous, as were the astilbes. Two weeks ago, one of the two bug­ Tant surprise in two decades ofsurprises my gardens have given banes I had planted two years ago broke through. I couldn't me. Last April we were having our house repainted when my west­ believe it and gave it a silent "welcome back" as I worked fertil­ ern garden, the one that gets so little sun and has required so much izer into the soil. However, there was no sign of its partner, work to coax along, was just beginning its armual rebirth. The which was planted close to the corner of the house and had no painters really did try to be careful not to step on anything that had doubt been trampled by the painters many times. I gave that one already broken through tlle soil when they were working. But the up for lost and figured I'd have to return to the specialtynurs­ lilies, the astilbes, and the two bugbanes that had just been plant­ ery for another. ed the previous year hadn't yet made themselves known-and the Last weekend, I was having one of those out-of-sorts-for-no­ earth above them was trodden solid by the workers. reason weekends when I feel like everyone else needs an attitude That western garden was the first I planted when we moved to check. I couldn't shake off my mood and went to work on Mon­ this house seven years ago. Aesthetically, the placement of the gar­ day in the same funk. After coming home from work, I stole an den was perfect-to tlle west of a lovely, columned, open porch­ hour or so in the garden before supper to renew my spirit. but the location presented challenges: The earth was covered with As I strolled around the yard, with the dog prancing alongside, grass and weeds; there were no worms; the soil was nuui.ent-poor; and the cat threading herself back and forth through my legs, I and there was little sun. But I was naive and determined, and I glanced back at the western garden, which was lit by the low af­ had the bed rototilled. That done, I replaced with a truckload of ternoon sun. I went through my mental inventory of what was compost the hundreds of rocks that had heaved up, and I double­ there and how everything was coming along: ThatJs doing fine. dug the bed. That oneJs doinggreat. I really have to move those where they can get There have been a lot of failures in that garden-which has more sun. The lilies are going to be spectacular again. And look at been fickle-but the successes are therefore even more sweet. One that one bugbane. ItJs already a foot tall. year, it produced award-winning lupines alongside incredible pe­ I walked around to the end of the house. Eternal optimist, I onies in the one sunny spot. The next year, tlle lupines were com­ gazed at the spot where the second bugbane should be. It is there. pletely gone. I have learned very well what grows in shade. Astilbes It's only an inch above the soil, so dark and red it's almost invisi­ are in heaven there. Siberian irises do fine. There are some very ble, but there's no doubt it has happy hostas. There is also a spectacular bleeding heart that pro­ come back. It has withstood last duces numerous offspring every year. The biggest surprise has year's battering and will be cared been the lilies--dozens of unlcnown varieties planted at random­ for this year beyond imagining. I that put on an astonishing show in July, when the newer eastern fOlmd a nearby stick and placed it garden is quiet. The bugbane was added to the garden the year in the ground an inch away so no before last. It didn't do much, and I was looking forward to one will step on it. its second year. This is what gardening is all Everything was fine until last year, when those lilies, about. Much like life, the product the astilbes, and the poor bugbane weren't able to even is a nice consequence of the break through the earth after the painters' work was process. When all is done, I want done. The garden was in pretty sad shape, to know that I've not only lived a and as I put it to bed in the fall, long life, but one with breadth. I decided that it would re­ Being in the garden gives quire a major overhaul in breadth to moments in life , spring-a daunting task. and the moments are truly all But the early warm days we have . .., this year beckoned me out again, to be renewed Jane E. Donnelly is a free­ along witll my plants by spring­ lance writer living in Barring­ time's promise. ton, Rhode Island.

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POLARIS SCHOOLYARD HABITAT education facility for Anchorage school children, Polaris was found­ ed in response to requests by parents for holistic---or all-embracing by Mark C. Mollan interdisciplinary-educational programs. Because few buildings were available to the emerging school, Polaris founders renovated lad in hip-waders on a cool Alaska afternoon, seventh grad­ an old movie theater. When the school opened in 1994, the sur­ er Gina Turrini and 11th grader Kyra Rice squat in mud rounding industrial park offered little space for outdoor activity. Con a pond bank replanting cattails rescued an hour earlier But in 1996, the school was able to purchase five acres ofwetlands from a nearby highway expansion project. Across the field-a five­ that had once been targeted for development. The school initially acre plot rescued from developers-rubber-booted seventh grad­ planned to use the site for a multi-purpose sports facility, but the er Kevin Mauri helps schoolmates Josh Schraer and Ty Wardell NWF came forward with an intriguing counter-offer. move tree stumps and branches to create a haven of brush for "We had been looking for a school in Anchorage to create Alas­ birds and small animals. These students at the Polaris K-12 ka's first schoolyard habitat, and Polaris couldn't have been. more School in Anchorage ar~ all working in their Schoolyard Habitat, ideal. The school's flexible curriculum and community involve­ an innovative program supported by the Alaska office of the Na­ ment, combined with the wetland ecosystem right out their back tional Wildlife Federation (NWF) as part of the Backyard Wildlife door, are the perfect mix, " recalls Kristin Siemann, the NWF co­ Habitat Program. ordinator for the project. "We wanted to highlight the values of Of the thousands of backyard habitats certified by the NWF Alaska's wetlands not only for the onvironment, but also for edu­ in schools, corporate parks, and homes nationwide, the Polaris cation and recreation." Schoolyard Habitat is unusual because it involves students in Polaris teachers, students, and parents met to consider the every stage of the habitat's development. Teachers guide class­ NWF proposal. After much discussion, they voted to set aside half room discussions on how to design harmonious environments of the land for the habitat and use the remainder to build a sports for animals and reestablish native plant species in the habitat, field. Once tl1e decision was made, the school caJ1ed on students, while extra-curricular student and teacher planning committees parents, and local businesses for support. "Parental and student put these ideas into practice. participation is a fundamental principle behind the school," ex­ plains Mark Lyke, a Polaris science teacher and director of the A DIFFERENT KIND OF SCHOOL habitat. "Parents must apply with their children to enroll in the The development of the schoolyard habitat is typical of Polaris school and demonstrate that they will take an active part in their K-12 School's innovative approach to education. An alternative kids' education, as well as support and engage in school activities.

As part of Alaska's first Schoolyard Habitat project, students replant vegetation along a pond bank, left, and prepare the ground for gardens, above, to grow potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables to be donated to a local soup kitchen.

16 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 Also, we really didn't have a budget for the habitat, so commwu­ And instead of ignoring the ty donations of time and supplies were imperative." harsh Alaskan winter, Polaris de­ For more information on The commwuty response was overwhelming-Polaris received signed its cw-riclllum to take advan­ the National Wildlife Feder­ donations, grants, and in-kind conu'ibutions worth more than tage of the short, frigid days. "We ation's Backyard Habitat $115,000. Landscaping companies donated plants, u'ucking com­ never would have started this pro­ panies delivered heavy supplies and trees, and a fence company ject jfit were only a swnmer fling," Program, write to the Back­ provided the perinleter enclosw-e. says NWF coordinator Siemann. yard Wildlife Habitat Program "Alaska's wetlands are bllzzingwith Office, 8925 Leesbl:lrg Pike, HANDS-ON EDUCATION atumals atld activity all tl1rough tile Vienna, VA 22184-0001, or Short courses called "intensives" tlut are held between semesters winter. T here are great natural call (703) 790-4434. Visit at Polaris have provided extra labor for the habitat and a wlique events for students to be able to the NWF Web site at educational opportwlity for the students. Students in intensives study and document over time." take a class several hours a day for tlu'ee weeks to study subjects Some wintertime studies include www.nwf.orglhabitats/ not offered in the standard cuniculum. Last year, almost 50 stu­ Sll b-snow photosynthesis, winter dents took tlle habitat intensive. "I had to get a second instructor pond ecology, animal tracking, and tlle physics of snowshoes. because more tllatl r.vice tlle nwnber of expected students signed Some nearby schools are keeping a watchful eye on tlle progress up," Lyke says. of the habitat. Inlet View Elementary, atl Anchorage neighbor, is Students in tlle habitat intensive toured several gardens in the plaJUling to develop a similat· program. When that habitat opens, Anchorage area to get ideas for their own gat'dens. "The first two Inlet atld Polaris students will share tlleir experiences via e-mail. weeks oftlle intensive we spent learJUng to design a garden," says "Being tlle first habitat in Alaska, we realized we had a certain re­ Jatlet Willis, a JUnth grade student. "We tllen designed one for the sponsibility to do tlle project well so that our experience could habitat and put it together ow-selves." serve as a model for future school prograJ11s," says Lyke. "But our Lyke ensures that educational uses of the habitat span every situation is also quite wlique. Because we are a K-12 school, stu­ subject. "Science instructors take advantage of the living labora­ dents that start and finish their primary and secondary schooling tory by teachirIg about wetland ecosystems, water quality and here will spend a large part of their lives growing up with the habi­ biofiltration, wildlife adaptation, native plant botany, and region­ tat. This will not just be an outdoor laboratory for the school, but al weather patterns atld nUcroclimates," he says. Students also use a daily enllancement in tllese kids' lives ." ..., their mathematics skills to run tlle financially self-sustairIing char­ ity garden, which produces vegetables and potatoes to be donat­ Mark C. Mollan is communications assistant at the American ed to Beatl'S Cafe, a local soup kitchen. Hortic~tltural Society.

THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY PRESENTS THE 7TH ANNUAL National youth car1en symposium . grs ronWIn JULY 22-2 4 , 1 999, DENVER, CO 1-800-777 - 7931 www.a h s.o r g

WHO S H 0 U L D AT TEN D? Teachers NEW! PRE-CONFERENCES and administrators; youth program 1 :00 • 5:00 p.m., Thursday, July 22 \') Junior Master Gardeners Program coordinators; landscape designers and \') Denver Botanic Gardens architects S PEA K E R S : I4t HYft1@ , host \') National Gardening Association of the national TV show - "Gardening in AMERICAN TRACKS America;" MM.. hm@~ , Com­ HORTICULTURAL \') Creating Gardens munity & Rural Development Institute, SOCIETY (previously "The Schoolyard Habitat'? Cornell University; 1Nr*@INIMmlyIllnltMm, \') Integrating Garden-Based c Activities and Curricula Q) coordinators of "Roots and Shoots," an 'iii \') NEW! Linking and Networking to .s= inter-generational gardening program; 0.. Make Things Happen 1J'" NuLife c N@rm~ , curator of the 4-H Child­ Proud sponsor of AHS \') Gardens of the Future .2 Vi ren's Garden, Michigan State University National Education Program \') Garden Basics B o ~------~ ~

March / Apl' it 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 17 orer

HIGH COUNTRY GARDENS: UNCOMMON SELECTIONS SUCCESS IN THE SOUTHWEST One reason for High Country Gardens' success is its dedication to bringing new and exciting plants into the market. Salman de­ by Christina M. Scott sClibes himself as a "collector by nature," and a quick look through his catalog provides a visual testimony of that desCliption. The cat­ hen David Salman started his own nursery in 1984, alog features many uncommon southwestern natives, including he did so out of frustration. Born and raised in the flame flower (Talinum calycinum) and dwarf sundrops (Calylo ­ W Southwest, Salman was tired of watching gardeners phus serrulatus)-both native to the short grass prairies of the force eastern plants into their western gardens- an often futile western Great Plains-and the endangered redbirds-in-a-tree activity that results in dead plants and disappointed gardeners. (Scrophularia macrantha), a penstemon relative grown from seed "Many of the perennials offered in the industry are from an collected on Cookes Peak near Deming, New Mexico. eastern palette," Salman explains. "Those plants just don't In addition to southwestern natives, many plants native to the work out here." mow1tainous regions of South Africa have also found their way So with the help of his father, Salman opened Santa Fe Green­ into the catalog. For this, Salman has Panayoti Kelaidis, curator of houses, Inc., a full -service retail nursery in Santa Fe, New Mexi­ environmental gardens at the Denver Botanic Gardens, to thank. co, specializing in plants that thrive in cool mountain climates. Many ofKelaidis's South African introductions, including the win­ Nine years later, in 1993, he expanded into the mail-order busi­ ter-hardy gazania (Gazania lineal-is 'Colorado Gold') and the ness under the name High Cow1try Gardens. The mail-order cat­ Afiican daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis 'Lavender Mist'), were first alog features the nursery's more uncommon offerings, which, offered in North America by High COW1try Gardens. Purple ice because ofSanta Fe's small population, didn't always sell as quick­ plant (Delosperma cooperi), another Kelaidis introduction that was ly as Salman would have liked. "Sometimes I felt W<:e I had a plant tested and then offered by High COW1try Gardens, has since be­ museum," Salman recalls with a laugh. "I had a lot of interesting come the top-selling grOlmd cover in the Rocky Mountain region. plants that people came to look at, but not to buy." Sales are no "The widespread success of these plants surprises me sometimes," longer a problem, however; today High Country Gardens is one Kelaidis says. "I introduced D. cooperi for us here in Denver, but of the leading mail-order nurseries for introducing new western people from California to Florida are gro'vving it now." Kelaidis plants into gardens around the country. credits High Country Gardens for bringing these plants into the

Nearly all of High Country Gardens' offerings are grown in the nursery's large display gardens. Left: A clump of 'Pink Mist' pincushion flowers, rear, draws attention to Penstemon pinifolius 'Mersea Yellow'. In the fore­ ground, the succulent 'Gold Nugget' ice plant grows over and around a group of rocks. Above: The threadlike gray-green leaves of Agastache rupestris give this best-selling plant a graceful, airy look.

18 THE AMERICAN GARDENER Ma1'ch/ApriI1999 public eye. "David has been at (he To receive a fr.ee catalog, forefront of launching major new plants into cultivation," he says. contact High Country "It's very rewarding for me to Gardens at 2902 Rufina know that these plants are grown Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505- throughout the country." 2929, (800) 925-9387. The Salman's favorite offering, and nursery also maintains an the nursery's top seller, is the fra­ informative Web site at grant southwestern native sunset hyssop (Agastache rupestris), start­ www.highcountrygardens. ed from a single packet ofseeds do­ com. Guided tours of the nated by a private collector six nursery's extensive display years ago. "I've always had a keen gardens are offered in June, interest in hLU1U11ingbird gardens," July, and August. Call ahead says Salman, "and this agastache for group tours. am·acts hummingbirds in droves." The nursery also carlies 17 penste- mon species, including the Ul1USU­ al yellow-flowered pineleaf penstemon (Penstemon pi1$ifolius 'Mersea Yellow'). And Salman is excited about P pinifolius 'Mango', a new cultivar with soft apricot-colored flowers that he will release in 2000.

NOT JUST FOR THE SOUTHWEST Although High Country Gardens specializes in plants native to cool mountain climates, gardeners from most areas of North America can enjoy at least a few of the nursery's unusual offerings. till£:; The one exception is the Southeast, where high temperatures and humidity are fatal to many of these plants. Gardeners in the North­ east and Northwest, however, can successfully grow most of the plants, and Salman and his staff are always glad to help gardeners Get A FREE $30 Value select the right plants for their region. The first time you use your Ames®Vi sa®credit card, One of Salman's eastern customers is Isa Catto, an artist living you'll receive a super gift which includes a floral in New York City. Catto, who gardens on a 25-square-foot pruner, set of six rooftop, moved East from Colorado two and a half years ago. "I Grow America missed my western garden," she says, "so I decided to start one brochmes, a six here." One ofCatto's most recent purchases is lion's-ear (Leono­ month fnle trial subscription to tis leonurus), a South Mrican native wi th fuzzy, orange sherbet­ N ationat Gardening colored flowers. This drought-tolerant plant, along with the oth­ Magazine , a box of ers she has purchased fi·om High CO Ul1try Gardens, fits in perfectly Ames Handle with Catto's busy lifestyle. Because she does a lot of traveling, she Wrap and a subscription to the Ames Grow has little time to pamper plants. "For me, it's a matter of practi­ America Newsletter. (est. retail value $30) cality," she explains. "But even in tl1e East we have water prob­ lems, so xeric plants make sense to me." Receive Discounts On Ames Products For many western gardeners, High Country Gardens has been You'll earn [!Joints toward valuable Ames products. the answer to their prayers. When Virginia Ancin moved from For every $2,000 in net retail purchases, we'll PelU1sylvania to the high plaIDs of Colorado seven years ago, she automatically send YOLl a coupon good for $10 off your ntlxt purchase of Alnes products. There is no was shocked the first season by the deatl1 toll in her garden. "I was limit to the amount you can earn! at a loss," she recalls. "I'd just never tllOught about the differences between eastern and western gardening." Now, instead of slaving Help Support The National Garden over delicate primroses-which inevitably suffered a horrible Ames will ~nake a donation w the National Garden deatl1-she grows such vigorous plants as Mexican hat (Ratibida at The U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington D.C. columnifera), Turkish speedwell (Veronica liwanensis), and snow­ every time you use your Ames Visa credit car.d. You' ll in-summer (Cel'astium tomentosum). "It's a matter of adj usting be an important part of creating this national treasure! to a different style of gardening," she says. "You won't find any dainty plants here, just very hardy, robust plants." It is this growing embracement ofa western style of gardening tl1at Kelaidis finds so exciting. "David is really pioneering a differ­ ent aesthetic," he says. "It's a style ofgardening that was not hand­ There are costs associated with the use of this card , You may contact the ed down to us from the English. This is a truly American way of issuer and administrator of the program. MBNA America® Bank to request specific information about the costs by calling 1·800,847·7378 or gardening." ~ writing to: MBNA America. P.O. Bo, 15020. Wilmington. DE 19850.

Christina M. Scott is assistant editor of The American Gardener.

March/Apl' it 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 19 f pesky intruders threaten your garden's well-being, you could bring in the hit squad. Or, you could take aim with the brand-new I SOUTHERN LNING GARDEN PROBLEM SOLVER, the only encyclopedic reference guide keyed to the South's nine climate zones. Arm yourself SouthemIiving. with at-a-glance diagnostic tools, troubleshooting guides, quick ref­ erence charts, and complete encyclopedias to control weeds, diseases, bugs, and animals that attack your plants.

Hundreds of full-color photos and illustrations will help you identify exactly what's bugging your garden. And you'll get all the dirt on how to fix it from Southern Living, the authority who knows Southern gardening best. You'll get advice, tips, and tested solutions like the latest scoop on earth-friendly problem prevention and natural pest-management solutions. PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT Because once you've put this much time into cultivating your garden, it only makes sense to take care of it. So, go ahead, declare victory over bothersome pests, diseases, and weeds, with the SOUTHERN LNING GARDEN PROBLEM SOLVER - for a beautiful, healthy, garden year-round. Available in Bookstores and Home & Garden Centers everywhere. Or call 1-800-884-3935.

Suggested Retail $24.95 Softcover I 4805810010 I ~ gardeners information service

Every year in May when my Annabelle hy­ clover, and curly dock. As with most pre-emergent herbicides, dranoetlS are leafino out~ a little caterpillar "glues'~ the corn gluten meal must be applied before weed 'seeds germinate. edges of the top two opposing leaves together to make itselfa Using a standard fertilizer spreader, apply corn gluten in spring, «h(JUSe~~~ which damages the leaves and distorts the subsequent just before weed seeds normally begin sprouting in your area. growth andflower buds. Someti'1'11es it '1'11erely folds the leafver­ Reapply sometime after August 15 but before first frost to control tically and seals those edges together. I try to puJJ the leafapart weeds germinating in fall . Twenty pounds ofcorn gluten will treat gently and remove the caterpillar, but often just have to pinch about 1,000 square feet. offthe whole thing~ which makes the plant lose flower buds. I Corn gluten meal can also be spread on flower beds to control cannotfind a~ '1'11ention ofthis critter in ~ reference$. What weeds. Be aware, however, that for several months after applica­ is it~ and what can I do about it? -M.o., Wilmington, VT tion it will also prevent grass seeds or other purposefully planted Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is generally a pest-free plant. seeds from germinating. Don't use it on newly seeded lawns or on However, it sow1ds like your plant probably has a problem with a beds where you would like to plant flower or vegetable seeds. leaf roller or a leaf tier. Leaf rollers twist or A side benefit to corn gluten is that it contains about 10 per­ roll a portion of a leaf over themselves cent nitrogen by volwne, so it also acts as a slow-release fertilizer. and leaf tiers fasten the leaves to­ Corn gluten meal is available from Gardens Alive!, 5100 Schen­ gether with silk thTeads. Both ley Place, 776 Rudolph Way, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025; (812) feed on the leaf, and-when 537-8650; e-mail: [email protected]. A comprehen­ full grown-they pupate in­ sive list of suppliers throughout the U.S. is available on the Inter­ side the roll. A small moth net at www.hort.iastate.edulglutenlhome.html. emerges after about one "veek, mates, and begins the Agood.friend ofmine named Melissa recently passed cycle again. aw~. I read sO'1'11eWhere about a plant caUed Melissa~ which I Left lmchecked, these pests would like to obtain to commemorate hergrave. Can you please can cause significant damage to teU '1'11e about this plant~ and where I canfind it? plants. Inspect your plant peri­ -C.R., San Diego, CA odically in the spring for the first The plant you are referring to is probably Melissa officinalis, also sign ofinfestation. Pull offand de­ known as lemon balm. The generic name is derived from the Greek stroy all affected leaves--caterpillar word melissa, which means "honey bee" and refers to the plant's and all-and be sure to keep the area bee-attracting flowers. Lemon balm, a member of the mint fanlliy beneath the plant free ofleaflitter. The (Lamiaceae), is a lemon-scented perennial herb native to Europe most successful control is obtained with but naturalized in most parts of the world. The plant is grown pri­ the use of an oil-based spray insecticide ap- marily for its sweet-scented foliage, although it does produce small plied to each of the brownish egg masses on white, yellowish, or pinkish flowers that bloom from June to Oc­ the bark or twigs. In late winter, pnme the hydrangea to the ground tober on erect stems up to 24 inches tall. to get rid ofany remaining pests, and to promote regrowth and flow­ This plant is easy to grow from seed, but many nurseries and ering the following year. garden centers carry reasonably priced starter plants in the spring. v.r Billings, owner of Mountain Valley Growers, Inc., in Squaw Pve heard that corn gluten meal can be used to c0n­ Valley, California, notes that lemon balm does best in full sun and trol crabgrass. I have looked in both feed and health food stores well-drained soil and warns, "This plant readily re-seeds itself, so for it~ but no one around here has even heard ofit. Can you teU cut it back severely two to three times throughout the season to '1'11e where to find it and how to apply it? keep it from spreading out of control." For lemon balm seeds, call -c.s., New York, NY Shepherd's Garden Seeds in Torrington, Connecticut, at (860) Corn gluten meal, a by-product of the milling process that yields 482-3638. To order plants by mail, contact Mountain Valley corn starch, is an effective, non-toxic, pre-emergent herbicide. It Growers, Inc. at (209) 338-2775, or check out its Web site at is particularly effective against annual weeds such as crabgrass, but www.mountainvalleygrowers.com . ..., it also prevents germination of perennial weeds such as dandelions, -Melanie Bonacorsa, Information Specialist

For answers to your gardening questions, call Gardeners Information Service at (800) 777-7931 ext. 31 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time, or e-mail us anytime at [email protected].

March / April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 21 natural • connections

ANTS IN' PLANTS by Jennifer M. Wang

n Central America, ants swarm in and out of the hollow thorns located on the stems of the bull's-horn or swollen thorn acacia I(Acacia cornigera). They're busy tending their colony, keeping the food stores stocked with nectar supplied by the tree and, of course, defending t11eir home. What is not obvious at first sight is that in doing this the ants also benefit the tree by protecting it from herbivores-killing or driving off other insects and even attacking and stinging other anin1als. The ants also chew offleaves of other plants that touch the host tree or grow underneath it, preventing it from being shaded or having to share soil nutrients. Although it is the best-known example of ant-plant symbiosis, the acacia and ant partnership is not unique; many plant species in Red carpenter ants tend a colony of aphids on this leaf. In return North America also profit from ant activity. While plants provide for protection from predators, the aphids provide the ants with a ants with shelter, sustenance, or both, ants provide many services nutritious sugary excretion called honeydew. in return, including pollination, seed dispersal, and protection from herbivores. So the next time you curse the ants in your gar­ adapted ways to discourage or exclude ants and other nectar-steal­ den, take a closer look: They just may be doing some good. ing organisms. These adaptations usually take the form ofbarri­ ers between the ground and flowers, or an extra set of POLLINATION nectaries-known as extrafloral nectaries-which serve as decoys Although ants are generally "nectar tI1ieves," feeding in flowers wiili­ to keep ants away from the flowers. The leaves of teasel (Dipsacus out serving to disperse pollen to other blossoms, a few plants have spp.) clasp tightly around t11e stem to form catchpockets for rain adapted to ant pollination. "Typically these are prostrate or low­ or dew, thus excluding ants. Catchfly (Silenespp.), as its name in­ growing plants that have small inconspicuous flowers close to the dicates, features sticky areas on the upper part of its stems that stem," note authors Michaell?roctor, Peter Yeo, and Andrew Lack sometimes trap flies, ants, and other small insects attempting to in The Natural History ofPollination. In ilie western Cascades of reach its flowers . the Pacific Northwest, the Cascade knotweed (Polygonum casca­ Common plants with extrafloral nectaries include peonies and dense) is regularly visited by Formica ants, which pollinate the dense legun1es such as cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) and broad beans stands as t11ey forage for nectar. In t11e southeastern United States, (Vicia faba). In Michigan, the black cherry (Prunus serotina) has another Formica ant species helps pollinate elf orpine (Diamorpha evolved perfect cin1ing: Its nectaries, located near the base of its smaliii) a tiny succulent endemic to hot, dry granite outcrops. leaves, come into full production during the few weeks when its In general, though, ants are not good pollinators because they major defoliator, the eastern tent caterpillar, is still small enough don't travel long distances. Moreover, many ants secrete antibi­ to be killed by ants. As the ants exploit the newfound food source, otic substances that destroy pollen on contact. Some plants have they help drive away the would-be leaf-eaters.

Deterring Ants

n Pests ofthe West) author Whitney Cranshaw notes that "little direct damage is sustained by garden plants because of ants." He points out, h.owever, that large ant cokmies around the base of established plants can be problematic because of disruption to Ithe root system and the buildup of formic acid, which is exuded by many ants. To prevent ants from guarding aphid colonies, he recommends the use of sticky barriers such as Tanglefoot. Ants can be diswmaged from nesting around garden plants by flooding colonies with water as frequently as necessaFy. Ants can also disrupt the use of biological controls to manage pests. If aphids or aphid relatives, such as treehoppers, spittlebugs, scale insects, and mealybugs in your garden are being protected by ants, the introduction ofb~neficial insects may not be effective. "In many cases, the best control of aphids is the control of their ant protectors," writes Craflshaw. -David]. Ellis, Editor

22 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 SEED DISPERSAL In contrast to their rninimal contributions to pollination, ants play a major role in seed dispersal. Research has shown that ants spread the seeds of about 30 percent of the herbaceous plants in West Vir­ Perennial Bedfellows ginia and central New York forests. These plants include DutGh­ man's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), white u'illimTI (Trilliumgrandiflorum), and liverleaf (Hepatica nobilisvar. acuta). In the Sonoran Desert, ants help dis­ perse the seeds of desert thornapple (Datura discolor). Relocation of these seeds by ants is critical for preventing ro­ dent predation and for ensming germination-ant nests often har­ bor higher levels of nutrients and minerals than smrolmding soil. For this reason many seeds have evolved fleshy, nutritive struc­ tmes--called e1aiosomes-specifically to attract ants. "Almost any ant, encountering one ofthese [e1aiosome-bearing] seeds, would take it, drag it back to the nest, strip the e1aiosome part off, and suddenly the seed's in a different location," says Ted Schultz, a re­ search entomologist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Mu­ Treated Southern Pine lumber gives ideal support seum ofNatmal History in Washington, D.C. Common garden for raised flower beds, retaining walls, cold frames plants with e1aiosome-beating seeds include violets (Viola spp. ), and garden borders. It's a durable yet attractive white uillium (Trilliumgrandiflorum), and bleeding heart (Di­ bedfellow for glorious things that bloom. When centra spectabilis) , according to Steven N. Hat1del, a professor of properly used, treated Southern Pine is a nontoxic ecology and evolution at Rutgers University. product that's no threat As is seen in the example of the acacia, in addition to providing to people, plants or pets, SOUTHERN ants with nectar for their services, plants sometimes provide the but it's an invincible foe physical SU'ucture and shelter needed for colonies. Ants at'e op­ of termites and fungi. For PINE portunists that will make their homes in hollow sedges; weeds, details, project ideas and ' •.• 1.,••••• branches, and stems hollowed out by boring insects; at1d pre­ a list of plans, ask for our formed bark cavities. Some at1tS have even been known to take 504/443·4464 FAX 504/443·6612 free Garden & Outdoor Box 641700 Kenner, LA 70064 over galls abandoned by wasp larvae. Idea Book. www.southernpine.com TENDING FLOCKS An unusual behavior particular to ants is their practice of tending colonies of aphids or other homopterat1s-the insect order that includes aphids, treehoppers, spittlebugs, scale insects, and mealy­ bugs-much as farmers tend cows or sheep. As aphids suck sap out of plants, they excrete a sugary fluid called honeydew. The ants guarantee themselves continued access to this nutritious food somce by protecting the aphids from potential predators such as lady beetles and parasitic wasps. Although an aphid colony usually spells bad news for a host plant, when ants are present, it can sometimes be a different story. In guarding homopterans from predators, the ants also drive away other insects that prey on the plat1t. If plant-eating pests more vo­ IF YOU LOVE TO GARDEN ... racious than aphids abound in yom garden, the ants' vigilance in protecting their turf may outweigh the damage caused by the You'll love being part of the American aphids. If, on the other hand, the aphids are doing a number on Horticultural Society. You'll enjoy: yom plants, controlling or disrupting the activity of their ant guardians may be enough to encomage aphid predators to reduce ~ The American Gardener magazine aphid populations to manageable levels. ~ Free admission to flower and garden shows The fascinating interaction between ants and homopterans can ~ Free seed exchange sometimes be wimessed on goldenrod (Solidago spp.) plants in ~ Free admission to gardens nationwide an old field or at the edge of a woodland. According to Andy ~ Discounts on gardening books, and more! Zink, a Cornell University student studying insect relationships, goldenrods are often hosts to treehoppers and their guardian ants. To join, call (800) 777-7931, ext. 10. If you can find a plant hosting both ants and treehoppers, try adding a beetle or other insect to the mix. Watching the ants' de­ fensive reaction to the intruder may make you look at them in a whole new light . ...., American liotticulJ tal Society tM'ER!(".1Ji H,'''1ltr:r.t:~1'i.:RA~ 7931 East Boulevard Drive An assistant editor with Science Scope journal, published by the "t}rTF.'jt' Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 National Science Teachers Association, Jennifer M. Wang lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

March/April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 23

'to pierce holes in' leather or cloth, and then to 18 inches tall depending on tile species, came to mean decorating the edges-in a witll very few-such as D.giganteus-at­ similar manner to the pinked edges of di­ taining heights of up to three and a halffeet. anthus petals." It has also been argued that The best pinks form mounds, pools, or piles Dianthus superbus var. longicalycinus, the name derives from the German word of narrow, needly, gray- to blue-green leaves below, has striking pink filagreed Pinksten, or Pentecost, the Cluistian feast­ tlut continue to grace the border or rock­ flowers with white centers. The pale day around which some of the garden types ery long after the flowers have faded. The yellow flowers of Knapp's pink, may have bloomed; other sources suggest a flowers-carlied one or two per stem or in bottom, belies its common name. link to an old Dutch term pinck oog, which loose bunches-are almost always five­ translates to "small eye," possibly a reference petaled and range from slightly notched to to the contrasting central circular markings deeply cut. The clusterhead pinks-a dis­ fowld on the flowers of many pinks. tinct group of which sweet William is tile best-known example-carry their flowers in Growing Pinks tight little group-hugs at the top of a stem. Like most of the genera in the pink fanlliy Frequently, clusterhead flowers are ringed (Caryophyllaceae )-which includes such with little leaflets or bracts. standard garden genera as Arenaria, Gyp­ Each flower emerges £i'om a more or less sophila, Lychnis, and Silene-pinks are more cylindrical bud protected by a toothed or less adapted to neutral or sli ghtly alka­ calyx-a sheath of sepals. Once the flower line soils. All detest having wet feet, how­ has opened, the calyx thenceforth acts as a ever, particularly in winter, and tlms require kind of bouquet-holder for the petals. In well -aerated soil. Most are hardy to USDA some species, the calyx is not simply green Zone 3 or 4, but despite needing nill sun but is also stained brown or buff or bur­ for best growth, not all are very heat toler­ gundy. Another tootiled calyx, technically ant. Planting pinks where they will receive an epicalyx, protects the base of the true afternoon shade in summer is recom­ calyx. Very often the only difference be­ mended in AHS Zone 9 or higher. tween a species ofpink and its subspecies, or Species pinks bloom in white and a range between two closely related species, is tile of rosy hues-from pink to magenta and shape and lengtll of tlle calyx and epicalyx. deep red. One notable exception is D. knap­ When the flower is pollinated-hawk pii, which belies the genus's common name moths are a big cuLprit out here in the by having pale yellow flowers. Some species West-the petals shrivel and drop off, and pinks also exhibit a contrasting color at the the calyx-tube expands with the growth of center or on the underside of the petals; theseeds~~ tl1ill .Eventuallyitturnspapery breeders have developed a wider range of and tile tip opens to release the seed. flower color patterns on hybrid pinks. Most wild pinks are short, roughly four Propagation Growing pinks from seed is very easy, but named cultivars do not come true to type. Sow seeds, barely covered, in moist, well­ drained, soilless potting mix. Bottom heat will speed up germination, which will occur within one to four weeks. Annual species such as D. chinensis should be sown in late ,:vinter; biennials and perennials can be start­ ed in a cold frame in fall or sown outdoors in summer to bloom tlle following season. Move seeds to a cool place once tlley have sprouted-next to a leaky south-facing win­ dow or under a grow light in the basement is ideal. Once seedlings have developed true leaves, tlley can be u'ansplanted to cell packs or plastic pots; for convenience, I sow my seeds directly into cell packs. The only way to ensure me your named pinks come true to type is to propagate them by division or cuttings. Most species pinks are short-lived perennials that need to be divided every two or three years any­ way. Division can be done in early spring or

26 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 fall. Use a sharp knife or shears to cut clumps into pieces three or fom inches in diameter-make sure each section has a healthy root system and new shoots or stem buds.Take stem cuttings in the cool of the day from vigorous plants in active growth-right after flowering is ideal. Take the cuttings tight below the swollen stem­ nodes of non-flowering shoots. Remove the lower leaves and insert cuttings in moistened verrniculite. Keep hWTlidity high arow1d cuttings by covering the container they are in with a plastic bag supported by stakes. Bottom heat will expedite rooting, which should occm within three months. Perfumed Pinks Some early garden writers called pinks "clove pinks" or "clove gillyflower" be­ cause of the spicy fragrance that character­ izes some species. Of the scented pinks, Superb pink (D. s~~perbus) is widely dis­ Dianthus plumarius-the pink everybody u-ibuted in mountaineous regions ofEu­ thinks of when they think "pink"-is the rope and Asia. This short-lived perennial most famous. Its common name is feath­ species is extremely cold tolerant and will ered pink, but it is also called cottage pink, bloom the first year from seed sown in­ grass pink, snow pink, and-my favOlite­ doors W1der lights in February. From tufts small honesties. Feathered pink is the par­ of tender, narrow, green foliage arise ent of many cultivated pinks---often loosely branched, rather lax stems that can reach grouped w1der terms such as garden, an­ up to tvvo feet tall. Loose clusters of softly tique border, or old-fashioned pinks-and scented, very deeply fiinged, white or pale seed of the true wild form is now difficult Wac-pink flowers bloom in swnmer. to find (See "Somces" on page 28). About Sand pink (D. arena1'i~H), has a fine 16 inches tall when in blossom, this peren­ scent, too. It is hardy to Zone 3, and, despite nial species bears loose clusters of small, its common name, does not need sandy soil sweetly scented, five-petaled, pink or white to thrive. One of me first pinks to bloom in flowers, sometimes \¥ith a darker eye-zone. my garden each spring, this perelmial forms Similar in appearance to feathered pink lovely grassy emerald tufts to about a foot is D. serotinus, a native of east central Eu­ high, topped witl1 deeply fringed white flow­ rope tl1at forms a blue-green clwnp of basal ers in early to midsummer. In areas with leaves and in summer bears one to five fra­ cooler climates, ifthe dead flowers are regu- grant, cream-colored, fringed flowers per 1arly cut off, it may bloom again in late swn­ stem. The flowering stems of D. serotinus mer to early aUtlU11l1. are more slender tl1an those of D. plumar­ Dianthus petraeus, a perennial Croatian ius, however, and reach only six to 12 inch­ wildflower hardy to at least Zone 4, forms es tall. This hard-to-find perennial does a loose, green, prickly basal mat about an best in a somewhat sandy soil . inch high. Its six- to lO-inch leafless stems The famous Cheddar pink (D.gratia­ support fragrant white or, rarely, pink sin­ nopolitanus) is named for me Cheddar gle flowers with deeply notched petals. Gorge in Somt'Jrset, England, where an an­ Cheddar pink (D. gratianopolitanus), cient population still exists. A perennial, it Unscented Pinks top, is a ground-hugging species with forms low, blue-gray mats four to six inch­ Of me W1scented species, maiden pink (Di­ highly fragrant blossoms. Above: The es tall covered in spring with strongly scent­ anthus deltoides) is one of the most fool­ 'Laced Romeo' cultivar of feathered ed rose-colored blossoms that will bloom proof. This loosely tufted perennial has pink (D. plumarius) has burgundy petals through late swnmer if you deadhead reg­ slender mid- to dark green leaves and marked and outlined in white. ularly. Cheddar pinks are quite drought and spreads via a creeping rootstock to form heat tolerant once established and are by far loose mats that make a good groW1d cover tl1e most successful of the dianthuses I grow in full SW1 or part shade. In tl1e wild, maid­ here in dry, clayey Santa Fe. University of en pinks produce flowering shoots up to 15 Georgia horticulturist Allan Armitage also inches tall; cultivated strains tend to be recommends them for me Southeast. shorter. Nwnerous smallish, sharp-toothed,

March/April 1 999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 27 Sources

ALPLAINS SEEDS, 32315 Pine Crest Court, P.O. Box 489, Kiowa CO, 80117- 0489. (303) 621 -2247. Cat alog $2 . • Dianthus amurensis . D. knappii • D. petraeus • D. plumarius (wild form) CHILTERN SEEDS, Bortree Stile, Ulver­ ston, Cumbria LA 12 i PB, England. 00 (44) 01229-581137. E-mail: chiltern [email protected] . • Dianthus arenarius • D. carthusianorum . 0 . deltoides (wild form) • D. gratianopolitanus (wild form) . 0. plumarius (wild form) • D. serotinus • D. superb us THE f RAGRANT PATH, Route 32, Box 156A, Omaha, NE 68122-9504. Catalog $2 . • Dianthus arenaril.:Js • D. gratianopolitanus • D. seguieri pinkish-red flowers bloom on these stems perennial that can be grown effortlessly • D. superbus in June and July, each featuring a minute from seed. Blooming in July and August, it GARDENS NORTH, 5984 Third Line ring of purple dots-and a few long hairs­ forms densely tufted hummocks from Road North, RR #3, North Gower, at the throat. which spout arcing, branching stems of Ontario, KOt>. 2TO, Canada. Sometimes the flowers are more pink large, bright, clear to muddy pink flowers (6 13) 489-0065. r ax: (613) 489-1208. than red, or vice versa. Very occasionally that look much like Cheddar pink blos­ E-mail: [email protected]. they are white. Maiden pinks require regu­ soms. Woodland pinks can reach about 15 • Dianthus amurensis lar watering but will flower even in light inches tall-unless starved-and seem to a D. arenarius shade and have been known to rebloom in bloom forever, adapting well to part shade a D. barbat us the fall in some climates. Native to Scandi­ with regular moisture and moderate feed­ • D. carthusianorum navia and northern Europe, they have been i.ng. They are hardy to about Zone 5 and a a D. knappii known to withstand Zone 3 winters, but little more heat tolerant than some pinks a D. plumarius will also tolerate a good bit ofsummer heat. thanks to thei.r Mediterranean heritage. • D. sylvestris I have had very good luck with Amur My favorite clusterhead is bloody pink GLASStf0USE WORKS, P.O. Box 97, pink (D. amul'ensis). This perennial species (D. cruentus). This Balkan native makes Church Street, Stewart, OH 45778- is sometimes erroneously described as the bluish-green spreading mow1ds of bristly, 0097. (800) 837-21 42. E-mail: plants@ "blue" pink, although the bearded flowers downy fo liage. From late May into early glasshouseworks.com. Catalog $2. are actually rose-purple with a cool bluish July, the plants erupt in stems six to 12 inch­ • Dianthus giganteus cast. For a reason that I have never fully un­ es tall or more, topped with striking bur­ J. L HUDSON, SEEDSMAN, P.O. Box 1058, derstood, in some years or seasons the flow­ gundy-green buds held in tight, globular, Redwood City, CA 94064. Cat alog $1. ers appear bluer than they do at other awned heads. When tl1e buds open-and a Dianthus carthusianow m times. They are very striking, however, tl1ey don't do this all at once- they reveal • D. deltoides (wild f orm) borne on branchlets adorning upright, numerous bright blood-red flowers, all a D. knappii smooth, bright green, slender stems. Amur toothed, with bluish anthers. The effect is • D. superbus pink is long-blooming- flowering from inexpressibly cheerfi.u. Bloody pink is one of PORTERHOWSE FARMS, 41 370 SE June through August if well treated-and the most long-blooming of the cluster­ Thomas Road, Sandy, OR 97055. (50] ) adapts well to part shade. It is said to reach heads; ifyou carefully snip off the fading flo­ 668-5834. E-mail: [email protected]. 15 to 17 inches tall in cultivation, but the rets, others will erupt in tl1ei.r places. The • Dianthus arenarius plants I have grown have been much short­ plant requires a SW1l1Y, well-drained site, but • D. petraeus er, reaching no more than eight to 10 inch­ it also needs fairly regular moisture. A es. I grow mi ne in a half-barrel of perennial, it is hardy to at least Zone 5 and well-drained, loamy soil approximating reasonably heat tolerant if the earlier caveat Resources that of the dry turfY slopes and meadows of is taken to heart. BORDER PINKS by Richard Bird, Timber the species's native habitat in eastern Asia. Anomer ofmy favorite clusterhead pinks Press, Portland, Oregon, 1994. AHS Another floriferous long-bloomer is is D.giganteus. This is a robust pere11l1ial price: $29.95. TIM 007 woodland pink (D. sylvestl'is, formerly D. that will grow 20 to 40 inches tall, bearing inodorus) . This is a gorgeous little alpine flat, narrow, pointed leaves that are often

28 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 Diantllllses Companion Plants enerally speaking, compact, cool-colored flowers with. ci.uk green, gray­ green, or silvery foliage go best with dianthus species. Lavcmdula cmgusti­ Gfolia, the common English lavender, is a traditional backer for pinks. Hardy-witll good drainage-to Zone 5, the cultivar 'Bowles Early' has partichl­ larly fine gray leaves and blooms early on compact plants. Another cu.ltivar, 'Sawyers', has similar foliage and deep purple blossoms. The long-blooming, compact polyantlla rose 'Jean Mermoz' is an­ otller good dianthus companion. At two to tl1fee feet tall, it bears tiny, fiat-, - quartered, button-eyed blossoms in ,varm pink. Rosa 'Baby Faurax', which grows one to two feet tall, has two-inch, dark blue-purple flowers tllat are said to be tlle bluest in the genus. I also like tlle hardy miniature rose 'Scentsational', which bears very fi:agrant urn -shaped pale mauve flow- 'Bath's Pink', a cultillar of Cheddar pink, ers on hardy two-foot plants. fronts Iberian cranesbill. Less traditional companions for pinks are tlle smaller bellflowers (Campanula spp.), yarrows (Achi!:lea spp.), and penstemons. Campanula rotundifolia 'Olympica', the so-called "Scotch" harebell, is a very long bloomer that forms loose mats eight inches square or Wider. It fea­ frosted with the powdery bloom botanists tures the typical pale lavender, bell-shaped flowers of the genus and makes a good term glaucous. From M ay to July, D .gi­ foil for the more alarming colors of Dianthus deltoides. g anteus bears dense heads of small, single, Greek yarrow (Achillea ageratifolia) is hardy in Zones 3 to 9 and grows about toothed purplish-red fl owers on long un­ four inches wide and 18 inches tall. The bright white clustered flowers and the fine­ branched stems. A good stand of these ly divided foliage make a nice contrast \villi the spikey leaves of most pinks. Penste­ plants can stop traffic. A native of south­ mon pinifolius 'Mersea Yellow', 12 to 15 inches tall and hardy to the warmer parts central Europe, D . g iganteus is h ardy to of Zone 4 with good drainage, bears soft yellow blooms for six weeks or more ar

The Yellow Pink former Yugoslavia, Knapp's pink does best opposite: The deeply notched petals Knapp's pink (D. knappii) is one of the few witll full sun in dry, sandy, 01' pebbly soil. It of D. petraeus are a shimmering yellow-flowered dianthus species and prob­ will not overwinter reliably in heavy clay, silvery white. The clustered flowers ably the species responsible for adding yel­ though it is cold hardy to about Zone 3. I of D. giganteus, above left, are low, gold, and orange tones to the love it interplanted in masses with D. cru­ pink with paler centers. bloodlines of florists' carnations. This in­ entusand plants with blue and pink-to-ma­ nocuous, pretty little perennial wilding is genta flowers. usually dismissed by horticulturists as more To paraprnase Scripture, of the making of a novelty than a good garden plant. One of pinks there is no end, and I have barely pundit wrote ofit, "Quite frankly one could grazed the upper surface of the delights this get a far better show from a dandelion,)) but genus has to offer. As you can tell if you this is unfair. Knapp's pink, also known as have come this far, those delights are rather hairy garden pink, is simply sweet. It has understated. But in a world where every pointed green leaves, no t very tufted, and two-bit actor is a star, and where only the straight green stems anywhere from eight biggest, brightest, and showiest plants to 20 inches tall. In June or July these stems seem to engage the attention of the popu­ bear small single sulfur-yellow blossoms in lar media, there is something to be said for clustered heads. Each petal is shallowly small honesties. ~ jagged or toothed, with a brownish to pur­ ple central marking. Native to Hungary, R and B. Lee is founder and co-president of Herzegovina, and the western region of the the American Dianthus Society.

Man h/ Ap r il 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 29

Garden Reflections Designed artfully, still water features mirror plantings and provide an air of tranquility in a garden.

b y Molly D e a n

At the heart of our mostly semi-shaded family garden lies a grassy area, south-facing and open to the sun. Here, we have put in a large curving pool. Because we've left most of its surface unobscured by a profusion of aquatic plants, it gives the effect of a large, silvery green mirror. People are usually more drawn to this spot than to any other in the garden, perhaps because of its air oftran­ quility. The water's calm surface invites con­ templation. Here, one can pause on a bench and gaze into gently rippling patterns ofleaf and sky. The reflections are especially mag­ ical at dusk, with deepening sunset hues, flitting bats, and occasional glimpses ofa full moon suspended in the water. Water has been a feature ofgardens ever since humans began forming settled com­ munities more than 5,000 years ago. Con­ trolling and guiding water through irrigation channels was essential to the de­ velopment offood and ornamental gardens. fountains, waterfalls, and combinations "In the Ancient World water fulfilled both thereof, perhaps the most classic use of practical and symbolic roles; once con­ water in the garden is in reflecting pools, opposite: A nearly flawless reflection of trolled and contained in channels and which can serve a number ofpurposes . De­ palm and architecture in a pond in basins, it could give both life and aesthetic signers throughout the ages have recog­ Balboa Park in San Diego. Above: The pleasure," writes George Plumptre in The nized tl1at reflecting pools can complement water's edge offers a double vision of a Water Garden. The importance of water in or enhance the architectural lines of build­ neatly trimmed azalea hedge in its Persian gardens, beginning as early as the ings, statues, and other man-made struc­ spring glory in Washington Park 6th century B.C.,.is thought to have carried tures. One of the best-known examples of Arboretum in Washington State. over into Greek and Islamic culture. This this can be seen in the gardens around the influence eventually spread throughout Taj Mahal in Agra, India, where mirrorlike much of Asia, Europe, and North Africa. pools double the visual impact of tl"le ma­ Although water features for gardens jestic shimmering white edifice, built in range from the simplicity of a still pond to 1654 as a tomb for the favorite wife of em-

March / April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDEN E R 31 s

peror Shah Jahan. In much the same way, na Low Country, many ofwhich were once thin sheets ofpristine water highlight a host part of rice plantations, are good examples The beauty of water in various settings: of stately 17th-century European palaces of such use. In typical Low Country gar­ top, the sunken garden reflecting pool and parks. In a more contemporary setting, dens, shallow lagoons serve as dark mirrors in Butchart Gardens, British Columbia; the famous carillon ofBok Tower Gardens to multiply the effect of dazzling masses of above, autumn color mirrored in a in Lake Wales, Florida- wrought of pink exotic-colored flowers or statuesque live beaver pond in Ontario; opposite: marble and coquina-stands at the end of oaks. Inspired by Magnolia Plantation echoes of the Old South at Drayton a long rectangular reflecting pool. A pho­ Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, Hall in South Carolina. tograph of its reflected image taken on a British novelist John Galsworthy wrote, still day is difficult to distinguish from a pic­ "Brilliant with azaleas and magnolias, it ture of the tower itself. centers around a pool of dreamy water In addition to highlighting architectur­ overhung by tall trilllks wanly festooned by al wonders, reflecting pools mirror and en­ gray Florida moss. Beyond anything I have hance natural scenes. Garden designers seen, it is otherworldly." have taken inspiration from images of One of the most famous reflecting mountains, cliffs, and trees reflected in lakes pools, Impressionist painter Claude and replicated them in miniature in the gar­ Monet's Oriental pond at Giverny, France, den, where graceful plant forms and blos­ mirrors not only the artist's famous water som colors can do double duty. The lilies, but also reeds, irises, and willows tranquil water-based gardens of the Caroli- growing along the shoreline. Monet's

32 THE AMERICAN GARD E NER M ar ch / Ap r il 1999 pond included a wooden bridge, but Chi­ sessed wiili ilie ever-changing surface of nese gardeners of d1e Ming Dynasty peri- water in his later life iliat he painted 236 0d (1348-1644) appreciated d1e reflective canvases of his Giverny pond. "Designers through­ quality of water so much iliey were reluc­ Ofcourse , small garden pools can't hold tant to mar open surfaces of pools wiili ilie profusion of water lilies iliat Monet's even ilie most ornamental of bridges. did, but most gardw.ers find it difficult to out the ages have Revered lotuses and water lilies were con­ limit ilieir choices to a few. To enhance ilie tained in corners or to one side so as not to overall composition, however, it's best to recognized that interfere wiili reflected images-such as ilie stick to a single color ilieme or to use sub­ ilie passage of a silver-edged cloud--or ob­ de variations wiiliin a color fanlliy, such as reflecting pools can scure ilie flash of a golden carp. peaches and golds, light to dark pink, or pale pinks and white. Hardy water lilies are Water Lilies and Lotuses found in every color but blue. complement or Perhaps no oilier plants are as much asso­ If you must have blue, tropical water ciated with reflections as are water lilies lilies-which are grown as annuals in most enhance ... man­ (Nymphaea spp. )-d1e flowers Scottish regions ofNorili America-span every color poet Thomas Campbell saw as "loved little of ilie rainbow and are also exceptionally fra­ made structures. )) islands, twice seen in their lakes." The grant. You can find bold, amazing blues image of the water illy has grown to be syn­ ranging in hue from sky shades to turquoise, onymous wiili Monet, who became so ob- navy, plum, and deep blue-violets. Certain

March/April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 33 Creating a Pond ven though golden carp and Monet-style bridges are beyond the scope of most varieties even wait until dusk to unfurl their gardeners, small garden pools are not. Liner-based pools can easily be con­ blossoms. Tropical lilies create elegant re­ Estructed in one or two days. The basic process involves digging a hole with flections because they hold their blossoms sloping sides to the desired shape and size; leveling the upper edge of the hole to well above the surface of the water. avoid a lopsided appearance; lining the hole with a two-inch layer ofsand and a pro­ Ifplanted in full sun and kept free of too tective underlay such as newspaper or much competition from other aquatic old earpet; and then unrolling a plas­ plants, water lilies are easy to grow. They do riG: or rubber liner over the hole. The best planted in containers filled with a heavy liner should be smoothed to remove garden loam and topped with an inch of wrinkles and will probably have to be gravel. Keep the top of the planter only folded in places to match the shape about six inches below the water surface ofthe hole. Secure the liner along the until active growth has started. At that point, top edge with rocks or concrete the planter can be submerged to the recom­ blocks, then start filling the pool mended depth for that particular species. using a garden hose. The wei&ht of The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is the water will help conform the liner a satisfYing plant for a clear pond, especial­ Dar-k watef peeks :lirem the openings to the excavatioN. Liner edges can ly along its shallow margins; make sure the between water lilies in this pool garden. eventually be wnceaied with paving crown is covered by between two inches stones or other material. Or you can and a foot ofwater. One of this plant's most follow the directions in a good water gardening book (see "Resources," page ~5.) distinctive characteristics is its form: The re­ As well as adding an aura of tranquility to a garden, a pool opens a new di­ flected shape of the lotus's long stem mension, l~aking the garden seem larger ifl the same way that a mirror opens up topped with a ruffled, bluish-green leaf and illuminates a room. The reflections of tall plants at the side of a pool can also pad, sometimes two feet across, resembles lend an illusion of distance. The style of your pool snould blend with the overall an upside-down parasol. A lotus stem ambience ofyour garden. A formal garden, for instance, calls for a pool with a bold tipped with a tapering, pointed bud, on the and simple shape-such as a w ;: tangle or an ellipse-and clean, uncluttered edges. other hand, has a swordlike appearance. An iHegularly shaped pool works best with informal garden spaces. Informal pools Buds unfurl into five- to 12-inch-wide should resemble IDose found in narure, llhe1r perimeters softened by occasionail. flowers that resemble huge airborne pe­ plantings. For reFlective purposes, keep the water srn:face as open as possible, avoid­ onies, tulips, or roses. After the petals drop, ing highiy invasive aquatic plants. A good general rule for both aesthetic and pond­ curiously-shaped seedpods-visually in­ health reasons is to keep at least one-third to one-half of the pool's surface open. triguing in their own right-form. Ifyou want to keep your pool largely free ofplants, it is best not to have fish in the pool. Without plants to provide shade, the pool will get very hot in summer and aquat­ Vertical Effect ic creatures will have fewer places to hide from predators. With fewer oxygenating Tall marginal plants, such as reeds, rushes, or plants, algae may also become a problem and you may need to install a heavy-duty fil­ ornamental grasses, create elegant vertical ter. Also, many of the dyes sold for use in ponds are toxic to water creatures-and reflections. These often require only their sometimes to plantsc-=so make Sille that use ofa dye is compatible .vith the other fea­ roots to be immersed in water; creating a tures you would like in your pool. -M.D. shallow shelf along the edge of the pool dur­ ing construction will provide a place for such plants to grow. Other pools ide classics in­ clude pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata), a native of eastern North America that bears four- to six-illch-tall blue or purple flower spikes amid dark, elongated, heart-shaped leaves; cattails (Typha spp.), the childhood favorite with velvety poker-shaped heads; feathery dwarf bamboo (Dulichium arun­ dinaceum)j and green and white banded zebra rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp. tabernaemontani 'Zebrinus'). Various water-loving irises, such as Japanese, Louisiana, and Siberian, also create strong vertical accents with their blue-green foliage. Iris blossoms ill a waterside setlirtg are par­ ticularly enhanced ill early mornirtg mist and reflected light. Floating and Submerged Plants Keepillg the water ill your pool pure is im­ portant, not only to illtensiJY reflection, but

34 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 The American lIorHcullural Sodely tnviies you io Celebrate the American Gar~ener al our 1999 Annual Conference

Roston~ Massachusetts June 9 - June 12, 1999

Celebrate 1he accompllshmen1s of American gardeners in 1he hls10dc "CUy Upon 1he lIill."

Join wah avid gardeners from across 1he counlry 10 learn new ideas for gardening excellence.

Attend informaHve leclures and demons1raHons by naHonally-k.nown garden experls.

Tour lhe grea1 public and pdva1e gardens in and around Roslon. including 1he Arnold

Arborelum and Garden in 1he Woods.

Meet 1he winners of AIlS's 1999 naHonJ awards for excellence in horHcullure. Tours

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 ARNOLD ARnOR[TUM The woody plant collections at the Arnold Arboretum­ on 265 acres in Boston-comprise a national and interna­ tional resource for research in botany and horticulture.

ROTANICAL MUS[UM AT IIARVARD­ Glass Flowers Collection The true-to-life glass models in this amazing collection depict more than 830 plant species.

MT. AUnURN C[M[T[RY Founded in 1831, Mr. Auburn in Cambridge is the oldest garden cemetery in America. It is beautifully landscaped with more than 2,500 trees, three lalces, and colorful beds FRIDAY, JUNE 11 of flowering plants. GARD[N IN TIl[ WOODS THURSDAY, JUNE 10 Home to the New England Wildflower Society, this 45- acre botanical garden and sanctuary features woodland fM[RALD N[CKLAC[ trails and a plant collection that indudes more than 200 Frederick Law Olmsted designed this legendary system of rare and endangered species. parks and green spaces in and around Boston. The infor­ mal natural settings reflect his compelling vision of the American landscape. ISAn[LLA ST[WART GARDN[R MUS[UM The charm of this historic property lies in its rich art collections and beautiful gardens W[STON NURS[RI[S planted with flow- Since 1923, family-run Weston Nurseries has been pro­ enng jasmines, viding quality plants to gardens throughout northeastern freesias, orchids, America. Its hybridization program has introduced camellias, and numerous cultivars to horticulture. orange trees. TOW[R IIIlL ROTANIC GARD[N ROSTON MUS[UM or tIN[ ARTS This 132-acre garden in Boylston consists of wildlife gar­ The museum's Garden of the Heart of Heaven is a dens, an heirloom apple orchard, a secret cottage, a new public Japanese garden designed in the dry landscape orangerie, and spectacular views. style inspired by Zen temple gardens in 15th -century Japan. SATURDAY, JUNE 12 NORTlI SIlOR[ more A short, scenic drive from Boston, the North Shore tour tor htformaHon, call Jand Danlels will include guided ecological walks through a variety of al (800) 777-7931 ext 10. coastal habitats and native preserves, and visits to private estates and gardens. THURSDAY works of art that also impress upon us JOSEPH HUDAK ci1e importance of our relationship to 1999 AHS Meritorious Service Award MIcnAfl VAN VALKINRURGn ci1e world around us. Winner and landscape architect ((The Accent is on Design but ROGER RAICHE OTHER SPEAKERS Horticulturist and plant collector the Emphasis is on Plants)) PETER ASHTON Charles Bullard Professor of Forestry) Harvard University SATURDAY PETER DEL TREDICJ Director of living collections) TnOMAS POWf:LL Arnold Arboretum Examples of Thomas Powell's floral NORMAN LOWNDS artistry will be featured at ci1e closing Curator, 4-H Children)s Garden banquet for the conference. Powell, and assistant professor f01' the the recipient of AHS's Frances Jones Department of H01,ticulture at Poetker Award for floral design, is pro­ Michigan State University prietor of ci1e Flower Gallery in THOMAS MENINO Washington, D.C. and founder of the 1999 AHS Urban Beautification National Center Winner of this year's AHS Landscape Award Winner and mayor of Boston for Floral Studies Award, Michael Van Valkenburgh is KIRK MEYER in Alexandria, Vir­ founder and proprietor of a landscape Executive director of the Boston ginia. His resume architecture firm in Cambridge and Schoolyard Initiative includes designing Charles Eliot professor of landscape FELDER RUSHING floral arrangements architecture at Harvard University. He Auth01j radio and television host for every presiden­ has been active in many projects in the tial inauguration since President Boston area, including work at Welles­ Kennedy, coordinating floral displays ley College, Polly Hill Arboretum, FRIDAY for the 1985 rededication of the Statue Harvard University, and Peabody Essex of Liberty, and pioneering the use of Museum. MARCO POLO STUfANO foam boards in floral arranging. ((Gardens that Inspire)) DAVID LIITTSCnWAGf:R OTHER SPEAKERS AND SUSAN MIDDLf:TON DOUGLAS BRENNER ((Here Today-Gone Tomorrow)) Editor, Garden Design magazine THOMAS COOPER Editor, Horticulture magazine PAT GRAY Food Projects ADRIAN HIGGINS Writer and editor, The Washington Post MARIAN MORASH Co -host) ((The Victory Garden» Marco Polo Stufano, this year's recipi­ SHEPHERD OGDEN ent of the AHS Professional Award, is President) The cooes Garden director of horticulture at Wave Hill, a FRANCES TENENBAUM public garden and cultural institution 1999 AHS Horticultural These two San Francisco-based pho­ in the Bronx, where he has worked for Communication Award Winner and tographers have spent the last 12 the last 32 years. He has been instru­ editor, Houghton Mifflin Company years photographing endangered mental in transforming Wave Hill from KATY Moss WARNER plants and animals. Their work has a little-known garden into a setting Chairman of the AHS Board of appeared in two books, Here Today: where more than 100,000 visitors a Directors and director of horticultural Portraits of Our Vanishing Species year can enjoy an intimacy with nature and environmental initiatives at (1991) and Witness: Endangered amid a vast cityscape. Walt Disney World Species of North America (1994). KENTWHEALY Middleton and Liittschwager's pho­ Co-Jounde1j Seed Savers Exchange tographs are not only documentations OTHER SPEAKERS JIM WILSON of North America's endangered plants DAN HINKLEY Garden writer, lecturer, and and wildlife-they are captivating Proprietor, Heronswood Nursery television personality AIlS Conference Regislralion torm Reguta earLy! 10% ducoant for regutratiorld pOdtmarlced hefore April 10.

NAME: ______AHS MEMBER #: ADDRESS: CITy/STATE/ZIP: ______E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______- - DAYTIME PHONE: ( __ ) FAX: ( __ ) SPOUSE/GuEST NAME: ______

ADDRESS: Number of Full Regutration Participants TOTAL Includes all events June 9 through June 12 ...... $425 $ Nonmember.! add $25 per bOlMeboliJ ( forfull regutration only) $ Single-Day Regutration o Wednesday, June 9 (Dessert Reception and Lecture) . .. $ 25 per person $ o Thursday, June 10 ...... $155 per person $ o Friday, June 11 ...... $225 per person $ o Saturday, June 12 ...... $225 per person $ o Saturday, June 12 (Closing Banquet Only) ...... $ 80 per person $ Tour.! Only o Wednesday (includes lunch) ...... $ 80 per person $ o Thursday (includes lunch) ...... $ 80 per person $ o Friday ...... $ 80 per person $ o Saturday (includes lunch and dinner) ...... $100 per person $

Suhtotal $ w '"-' « Minlld oiocoant (10%) prior to April 1 ~ 1999 $ :D'" u I wiob to join tbe Predwent 'o CoanciLMemberdbip ($1,000 or more per year) $ ~ I

Total $ :J""'" ~'" Special Services Needed (please specify by April 10): ______'" ~ :;z ' Payment Metbod: -' ~ I o Check enclosed (make payable to American Horticultural Society), OR U o Charge to: 0 VISA 0 MasterCard o~ o Account # ______Exp. date _ ___ Signature ______b I c.. Return tbuform to: AHS Annual Meeting, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. W For more information, call Janet Daniels at (800) 777-7931 ext. 10. '"~ :J'" o :; w ""c.. . lteflc tl( Resources to promote general healthiness ofyour water use large sheets of outdoor mirror, partial­ AHS COMPLETE GUIDE TO WATER feature. Underwater oxygenating plants play ly concealed by fo liage, to add an illusion GARDENING by Peter Robinson. OK important roles here by supplying OA:ygen, of space or to suggest a fa lse entrance or Publishing, New York, 1997. AHS providing shelter for fish and other organ­ exit in a wall . As Gral1aJ11 Rose writes U1 The Price: $25. DK 017 isms, and absorbing excess nutrients, which Romantic Gal'den, " ...tl1e value of mirrors THE COMPLETE POND BUILDER by thus limits algae growth. Floating plants also in a romantic garden has less to do with Helen Nash. Sterling Publishing promote clear waters and serve as food for trickery than it has with the strange and Company, New York, 1995. AHS Price: fish. Some, including cloverlike duckweed sometimes exciting ways in which they can $14.50. STE 048 (Lemna sp.) and the rniniature fern azolla, reflect swilight into unexpected places." THE WATER GARDEN by George which turns red in fall, are tiny. Although they are not to everyone's Plumptre. Thames and Hudson, Another means ofaerating pool water is taste, crystal or glass "gazing balls," which London, 1993. (Out of print.) to re-circulate it by means of an artificial were very popular in some 17th-century THE WATER GARDEN: A PRACTICAL waterfall or fountain. While moving water pleasure gardens, can also provide an air of GUIDE TO PLANNING AND PLANTING by does not offer the same tranquility as a still whunsy or mystery in tl1e garden. Mow1ted Peter Robinson. Sterling Publishing pond, it creates reflections that are scintil­ on pedestals or suspended from a tree, gaz­ Company, New York, 1995. AHS Price: lating and always changing. Certain fow1- ing balls add pale shimmer on a cloudy day $13.50. STE 002 tains discharge water in droplets that refract or raJ1dom spaJ-kles of light when tl1e SW1 hits WATER GARDENING: WATER LILIES AND light like miniature prisms. Others send out them. These objects also provide fascinating, LOTUSES by Perry O. Slocum and Peter water in sheets resembling walls of glass . changing patterns of light and color, like Robinson. Timber Press, Portland, Ore- Symmetrical "bell " or "tulip" fountains those of a kaleidoscope. These ornaments gon, 1996. AHS Price: $42. TIM 056 have the sheer uidescence of soap bubbles. should be used subtly, however; a little glass But water agitation, however minor, can disturb the growth of water lilies. It's im­ portant to remember to keep fow1tall1S and water lilies well apart. You will need a pool large enough to accomodate both. Lighting Creative lighting also enhances a pool's re­ flective ambience. To employ a technique called mirror lighting, hide subtl e lights at the bases of tall plants, such as ornamental grasses, along the edge of water. The plants' uplit forms, when viewed from the opposite side of the pool, will etch perfect reflections, creating a golden-mirror effect. Create complex nighttime water patterns of dark plant forms against luminous water by placing w1derwater spotlights beneath water illy or lotus plants. Or simply enjoy gentle candlelit reflections by placing can­ dles in tall, torchlike outdoor holders along the edge of a pool. and glitter goes a long way. I recently read a For Smaller Gardens description ofa late 14th- or early 15th-cen­ If your garden is too small or crowded to tury Persian garden that sported a six-foot opposite: The seamless meeting of allow construction of even a small in­ tree with silver and gold leaves and fruits of water and sky in a natural tableau in ground pool, consider a water mirror or precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, Washington State. Above: In this gar­ stone trough. Water mirrors can be elabo­ and pearls. What an amazing sight this must den designed by Ann Clark Holt, a rate and ornate, or as simple as a bird bath. have been, sparkling in the sun! stone trough captures the spirit of These can either be wide, shallow basins or While most of us can't afford-and water on a much smaller scale. deep urns; the mirrorlike effect ofsuch fea­ probably wouldn't want-a garden of gild­ tures is often enhanced by painting the bot­ ed, jewelled trees, we can enj oy a few tom of the container a dark color or adding "sparkles" of our own with the shimmer of a dark dye to the water. Stone troughs, a small garden pool or a tiny fountain. In which blend in best in informal or Asian­ both a literal and figurative sense, reflections style gardens, can be elevated on a boulder can double our gardening pleasure. ~ or placed at ground level. Reflective surfaces in the garden need Molly Dean is a free-lance writer living in not be limited to water. Some gardeners Clayton, Ge01;gia.

March/April 1999 . THE AMERICAN GARDENER 35 Scentsationa

Fragrances trigger perhaps the most mys­ plants ar1d ar1in1als. Scent, for example, is reported to be even more terious of the five senses, sometimes evoking intriguing rec­ in1portar1t than sight in guiding honeybees to the right flowers at ollections of past experiences and places. Fragrant native plants, the right time. For night-pollinated flowers like sacred datura, sweet for example, can summon vivid flashbacks to favorite vacations in four o'clock (Mirabilis longiflora), ar1d various evening primroses natural landscapes. Fragrances are often puzzling, too. Why can (Oenothera spp.), scented flowers are especially important. the same scent be so appealing to one person, and so appalling to The scented foliage of plants can also playa role in pest and dis­ another? For example, some people find the smell ofnight-bloom ­ ease control by discouraging excessive attacks by browsing animals ing cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) flowers to be pleasantly musky, and insects. Observant gardeners often discover that scent is an while others consider the odor sickly sweet. Some people love the even better deterrent than taste for discouraging deer damage. smell ofAsian lilies; others find it overwhelming in a closed room. Commercial repellents based on scent, for example, typically work Because both temperature and humidity affect the volatility­ better than those based on taste: Deer don't need to eat the plants and therefore the emission- of scent molecules, scents tend to for the repellent to work, and the repellent often protects nearby come and go with fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and sea­ plants, too. sons. Scents are carried best in humid air. They are also detected The fragrance of some North American native plants plays a best on damp surfaces, which is why tl1e noses of ar1in1als with keen significant part in the appealing, distinct character of different ge­ senses of smell are so often moist. ographic regions. The extensive Ponderosa pine forests of the Because we enjoy many plant fragrances, we tend to forget that Rocky Mountain region, for example, smell very different during they are there to serve a variety of critical biological functions for warm summer days than they do on cool damp evenings. Warm

Highlighted here against a sand­ stone cliff face in John's Canyon, Utah, cliffrose (Purshia mexicana) has pale yellow, roselike flowers that give off a delicate fragrance.

36 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/Ap"iI1999 No matter where you live in North America. suitable fragrant native plants can be found for almost any garden setting. atzves•

summer weather brings out a clear vanilla scent. Cool damp con­ where local deer do considerable damage to avoid over-watering ditions-which often follow the frequent afternoon thunder­ and over-fertilizing. showers-bring out the refreshing scent of pine needles. Sniffing Clever gardeners can savor fond recollections offavorite land­ the bark of Ponderosa pines reveals even more wonders. In warm scapes in their own gardens by growing plants with the foliage, summer weather, most Ponderosa pine bark smells like vanilla, flowers, and bark that offer some of the characteristic scents of while a few trees smell like chocolate and vanilla combined, and these places. Of course, the great diversity of habitats and climates really rare trees smell like cherry mixed with vanilla! in North America mean that you can't always grow that wonder­ Another memorable western fragrance comes from the beau­ fully fragrant plant you remember from your childhood. In east­ tiful blue-green big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). The fresh ern North America, many plants are widely adaptable to large fragrance of this western native shrub is a major part of the emo­ areas, such as along the coastal plain or along the crest of the Ap­ tional appeal of the cattle country we so often see portrayed on palachians. But in the West, many plants are confined in the wild cigarette advertising billboards. In the East, swamp azalea (Rhodo­ to specific regional ecosystems and may require extraordinary mea­ dendron viscosum) lends its spicy fragrance to moist woodlands sures to grow in a garden setting even a few hundred miles from from Maine to Alabama. their natural habitat. It's worth noting that the naturally repellent scents and flavors In the foll owing articles, we've highlighted fragrant native of native plants are often enhanced when these plants are grown plants suitable for a range of garden settings in eastern North without excessive irrigation or application of synthetic fertilizers. America and for specific habitats in the Rocky Mountains and the Thus, it is especially important for gardeners who live in areas desert Southwest.

Fragrant beebalm (Monarda didyma) is the centerpiece of this colorful planting with black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and white garden phlox (Phlox paniculata).

March / April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 37 West is too complex for the USDA zones to be helpful in precli.cting a plant's success. In­ Fragrant Natives stead, it is more helpful to preclict plant suc­ cess by noting places where a plant is known to grow well. for the Roclcies and Intermountain and High Plains Grasslands the Southwest The high grasslands habitat includes cities such as Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Spokane, Washington; and Reno, by Jim Knopf Nevada. These are areas where water needs are low.

BIG SAGEBRUSH (Artemisia tridentata). The clistinct, fresh scent of the blue-green Trying to cover the entire West temperature, works amazingly well in the foliage fills the air in many western land­ in one short article would be impossible­ eastern North America. In most ofthe West, scapes. With its attractive foliage, it is sur­ there are too many ecoregions and microcli­ however, USDA zones are worth little. prising big sagebrush is not used more in mates. So, to illustrate the potential to Throughout the Great Plains and Rocky non -irrigated, urban landscaping. If not enhance local gardens in any region with Mountain West, it's not so much how cold pruned, it grows into nice natural "bonsai" fragrant, regionally native plants, I am fo­ it gets, but how it gets cold that matters forms. With some pruning, more regular cusing on selected areas ofthe Rocky Moun­ most. It is sudden freezes late in spring, after forms are easy to develop. This shrub ap­ tains and the desert Southwest. I lots ofwarm weather, that remularly destroy pears to grow well in most soils, with the many fruit tree crops. Likewise, early fall exception of clay. Grows best in full sun. The Rocky Mountain West freezes often limit success witl1 some plants, Height: 1-10 feet and over. Width: 2-8 especially those that depend on gradually feet and over. Water zone: VL-M. Don't expect "average" in the Rocky cooling weather, rather than shorter day CHOCOLATE FLOWER (Berlandiera lyrata). Mountain West. Average is only the result of length, to begin dormancy. Also, some The irresistible fragrance of this flower-a mathematical computations. The Wild West plants need a warm SUll1ffier and don't mind rare example of a scent that nearly everyone is a land of extremes, where normal is ab­ really cold winters. Rocky Mountain pmon agrees on-is very much like milk chocolate. normal, and abnormal is normal. This is es­ pines (Pinus edulis), for example, are more The yellow daisylike flowers open only in the pecially the case where climate is concerned. limited at high altitude by cool summers morning in hot weather, but in Boulder, The USDA plant-hardiness zone system, than by cold winters, whereas the sin1ilar­ Colorado, where I live, it blooms from late which bases preclictions of plant success on looking Mugo pine (P mugo) grows very May to November. It grows well to at least average-not record-minimum winter well at both high and low elevations. The 6,500 feet in Boulder~to 7,500 feet near Santa Fe, New Mexico--and is not both­ ered by deer. Grows best in full sun but thrives in all kinds of soil. Height: 1 foot. Width: 18 inches. Water zone: L. GOLDEN CURRANT (Ribes aureum). The clistinctive spicy clove scent of the flowers is remarkable and drifts considerable clis­ tances from the plant at times. Contrary to much written material, not all plants have scented flowers, and there seems La be no meaningful way to clistinguish R . aureum from what some botanists consider its east­ ern cousin, clove currant (R . odoratum). However, purchasing grafted cllitivars, such as R. odoratum 'Crandall' and R . au­ reum 'Gwen's Buffalo Currant', eliminates the gamble about getting a scented plant. The tiny fruits vary from orange to black, with a flavor that ranges from wonderful to bland. Fall color is variable, but can be a beautiful burgundy-red. Grows best in full sun to part shade. Height: 2-5 feet. Width: Spanish missionaries burned the fragrant foliage of brittlebrush as incense. 2-4 feet. Water zone: M.

38 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 THREE-LEAF SUMAC OR SKUNKBUSH (Rhustrilobata). The fragrant leaves of this woody shrub produce a strong, fi'esh scent that is pleasant to most people, so I'm puz­ zled as to how it earned the name skunkbush. The yellow spring flowers also produce a nice, delicate, sweet scent, and the berries have a wonderful lemonlike taste. Fall color is variable, but can be a spectacular yellow or red-orange. Full Slill to very light shade. Height: 2-5 feet, but variable. Widd1: extremely variable; suckers to eventually form thickets up to 25 feet across. Water zone: L-M. Other Choices EVENING PRIMROSE (Oenotheraspp. ). This perennial has flowers that exude a light sweet scent at night. (VL-M) The large, sweet-scented flowers of sacred datura, above left, bloom near dusk. SAND VERBENA (Ab1ronia frag1rans). Wild beebalm, above right. naturalizes well with black-eyed Susan. Perennial with very sweet scented flowers . (VL-L) CLiFFROSE (Pu1'Shia mexicana). The fra­ microclimate. The leaves are evergreen in SHOWY MILKWEED (Asclepias speciosa). grance of the light yellow flowers on this shady locations but typically turn reddish in Perennial with sweet scented flowers. (L-M) evergreen woody shrub is delicate and sunny locations. With moderately fertile WILD CUCUMBER (Echinocystis lobata). A wonderful. Most of the bloom is in May soil , the plants will spread into an attractive perennial whose flowers have a delicate, ex­ and June, but it can bloom anytime until grow1d cover. Established plants will grow otic scent. (M-H) mid-fall. Cliffroses are often pictmesquely well under very dry conditions. Height: 1-2 irregular in shape, but prwung will allow a feet. Width: 4-5 feet. Water zone: M. more controlled suburban appearance. SACRED DATURA (Datura innoxia). The Pinon-Juniper Woodlands Grows best in full SW1. Height: 5-15 feet. spectacular white night-opening flowers on Width: 3-5 feet. Water zones: VL-L. tlus short-lived perennial have a delicate In areas where the pinon-juniper wood­ CREEPING MAHONIA (Mahonia repens). sweet scent. Hawkmoths are drawn to land ecosystem dominates-including The pretty yellow flower clusters on this them in significant numbers and, accord­ Santa Fe, New Mexico; Trinidad, Col­ low-growing woody shrub produce a light, ing to rumor, can become intoxicated by orado; Blandin, Utah; and Reno, Neva­ delicate, sweet fragrance. At 6,000 feet in the legendary "visionary" properties of the da-water needs of most native plants Boulder, Colorado, blooming occms from nectar. This species is perennial in Boulder, are generally very low (VL). early March to late May, depending on the Colorado, and also multiplies moderately

Water Requirements for Western Natives

ecahlse th~ Rocky M.olilltains and the Southwest are pre­ April through October) water requirements. The nlilllbers, based dominately illy, it is important to take into account me on typica.:l condi'tions in Denver, assmne that litde or no rain has Brdative water needs of any plants you are considering for fallen in either time period:. The follmving lalilciscall'€ wat®r zones your garden. Typically, more than half of the water supplied can be used for grouping plants ofsimilar water needs anywhere to western cLties is applied t.o landseaping. With water supplies in the Rocky Mountaill region or the southwestern deserts, rec­ fast diJ1l:linishirtg, water conservation is art i!llcreasingly critical ognizing that the actual amOlJJ.1ts of water applieui needs to be issue in the West. adjusted fOF local conditions. The following waterim.g guidelines aJie based on the relative needs of plooLs, rather than me exact amount'S rteeded, and are HIGM WA'H1R ZONE PLANTS (H) These pZants need 18 to 20gal­ useful througRoutllie arid and serrn-aridWest. Con.trary to much lons per square foot per season, O1r a halfinch ofwater three times horticultural writing, the exact amount ofwa.er needed by indi­ a week. vidual plants can rlever be d~terrnined accuratdy, because weam­ MODERATE WATER ZONE PLANTS (M) These need 10 or more er conditions are always changing, and because variations in soils, gallons jJer squal'e foot per season, or three-q14a1rters inch ofwater slopes, and light exposttre all affect water requirement's. By once a week. groupiNg plarJ.ts with similar water needs, however, wat'ering lev­ LOW WATER ZONE PLANTS (L) These need zero to 3 gallons per els cart be modified tG meet prevailing conditions. The guiddirtes square foot per season, or a halfinch ofTflater every two weeks. for water zones are broken. ont into both weekl¥ (inches per week VERY lOW \/VATER ZONE PLANTS (VL) These need no irrigation in miciswnmc;)r) and seasonal (total gallons per square fOGt from atatl.

Mavch/April1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 39 ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER (Juniperus scopulorum). Foliage has a fresh resinous scent. (VL-L) THREE-LEAF SUMAC (Rhus t1'ilobata). See description on page 39. WILD CUCUMBER (Echincocystis lobata). The flowers on d1is perennial vine have a delicate, exotic scent. (M-H)

Ponderosa-Gambel)s Oak Forests

Cities in d1is ecoregion, wluch encompass­ es generally low to moderate water zones, include Flagstaff, Arizona; Durango and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Couer d'Alene, Idaho.

BUBBLE GUM MINT (Agastache cana). The fragrance of the leaves and flowers on d1is perennial is truly reminiscent of bubble gum, and the showy flowers are close to bubble-gum pink. Th.ough d1is plant is rare in nature, it's easy to grow in gardens in places like Denver, Santa Fe, or Albu­ querque. Deer don't bother it, but both hawkmoths and hummingbirds love it. It grows best in full sun. Height: to 3 feet. Widd1: about 2 feet. Water zone: M. PONDEROSA PINE (Pinus ponderosa). The unnUstakable vanilla scent of d1e bark in warm weather is amazing. Alternately, the needles provide a delightful pine scent in cool, damp conditions. The lower branch­ es typically die, providing more space at ground level. In isolated landscape situa­ tions, Ponderosa pines are likely to attract a variety of birds, including several species of nuthatches, chickadees, and Stellar's jays. The needles of Ponderosa pine, top, from seed. Height: 1 Y2-3 feet. Width: 2-6 Grows best in soil that never becomes exude a piney scent in damp weather, feet. Water zone: L. Caution: All parts of soggy. Height: 60-100 feet. Width: 25-30 while the bark smells like vanilla in the plant are highly toxic ifingested . feet. Water zone: M. warm summer weather. Cold hardy and heat tolerant, fragrant sand Other Choices Other Choices verbena, above, has musky-scented CURL-LEAF MOUNTAIN MAHOGANY (Cer­ FRAGRANT ASH (F1'axinuscuspidata). This flowers that open late in the day. cocarpus ledifolius). The foliage on this trees's panicled white flowers exude a pleas­ shrubby tree has an intriguing, pleasant ant scent. (M) scent. (VL-L) GOLDEN CURRANT (Ribes aureum). See FERNBUSH (Chamaebatiaria millefolium). description on page 38. The fernlike foliage on dus shrub gives off LEWIS'S MOCK ORANGE (Philadelphus a spicy or resinous scent. (VL-L) lewisii). The flowers of this deciduous GOLDEN CURRANT (Ribes aureum). See shrub are scented like orange blossoms. description on page 38. (M) ONE-SEED JUNIPER (Juniperus monosper­ NATIVE YARROW (Achillea millefolium var. ma). This tree's foliage has a fresh resinous occidentalis). The foliage of dus perennial scent. (VL-L) ground cover has a strong, fresh scent. (M) PINON PINE (Pinus edulis). The needles on ROCK SPRAY (Holodiscusdumosus). Thefo­ d1is evergreen tree give off a fresh resinous liage of this deciduous shrub is fragrant. scent. (VL-M) (L-M)

40 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 t ldil ~'1tivc,-

THREE-LEAF SUMAC (Rhus trilobata). See to affect native vegetation significantly, giv­ description on page 39. ing each a distinctive visual character. WILD BEEBALM (Monardafistulosa). This Desert gardening is definitely challeng­ perelmial's foliage smells like Earl Grey tea. i.ng, but it offers lmequaled rewards. Each (M-H) desert-and each garden-presents a unique pattern of precipitation, soil, sun and shade, cold and heat, humidity and Aspen-Spruce-Fir Forests wind. Microclimates offer opportlmities for delightful contrasts. Cities in this ecoregion of moderate to high Desert gardeners also face several sig­ rainfall levels include Aspen and Telluride, nificant choices. They can embrace the Colorado; Jackson, Wyoming; and Lake desert, by enbancing tlleir favorite aspects "Desert gardening Talloe, California. of tlle natural landscape, or tlley can chal­ lenge prevailing conditions by creating AMERICAN ASPEN (Pop~dus tremuloides). what alTIOWltS to an oasis. Combining both is definitely challeng­ The fragrance of the wood is distinctive and approaches usually offers the greatest satis­ interesting, especially in wet weather. As­ faction . On tlle otller hand, it is futile, ing, but it offers pens grow best in moist soils, and they are wasteful, and never particularly rewarding most attractive when some of the "volun­ to defY the desert by attempting to convert unequaled rewards. teer" trunks are allowed to grow. Under­ it to eastern "Iawnscapes." planting with a natural growld cover such Each desert-and as creeping mahonia (Mahonia repens) Sonoran Desert eliminates the need to mow and trim around lots of trunks. The leaves' yellow The Sonoran Desert, which covers each garden-presents fall color is legendary, and their fluttering 120,000 square miles of nortllwest Mexi­ in swnmer, together with the tree's beau­ co alld adjacent areas of Arizona and Cali­ a unique pattern of tiful white bark, are additional ornamental fornia, has tlle warmest winters of tlle tl1fee qualities. This tree will sucker to form deserts. Freezing temperatures seldom last precipitation, soil, colonies Grow in sun or dappled shade. more tllall a few hours; swnmer high tem­ Height: 20-60 feet. Width: to 40 feet. peratures frequently exceed 115 degrees Water zone: H. Fal1renheit. Elevations range from below sun and shade, cold sea level to about 4,500 feet. Preci.pitation Other Choices averages from less thall two inches to about and heat, humidity ENGELMANN'S SPRUCE (Picea engelman­ 12 inches a yeal·, Witll distinct summer alld nii). The foliage on this conifer smells like winter rainy seasons. Though the temper- and wind." pine needles. (H) NARROW-LEAF COTTONWOOD (Populus angustifolia). The foliage and wood on this deciduous tree have a scent similar to aspen. (H) SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa). The fo­ liage on this conifer smells like pine needles. (H)

Warm-Winter Deserts of the Southwest: Sonoran) Mojave) and Chihuahuan

Summers in all of these deserts are notori- 0us
y hot, with intense swilight and tem­ peratures that fluctuate widely between day and night. Hwnidity is extremely low, and evaporation exceeds scanty precipitation by as much as 10 to 30 times. In the Sonoran Desert, for example, annual rainfall is as low as three inches in some places, while annu­ al evaporation can be as much as 90 inch­ The daisylike blooms of chocolate flower (Berlandiera Iyrata), above left, offer a es. The timing of annual rainfall varies delicious fragrance that earned the plant its common name. Palmer's penstemon, enough in these three southwestern deserts above right, has sweetly scented pink flowers that bloom in dramatic spikes.

Manh/April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 41 Creosote bush, above left, blooms at the base of a Saguaro cactus. Purple sage, above right, puts on a show with its royal purple flowers and silver-blue leaves. Opposite: The scarlet blossoms of autumn sage light up this perennial garden. atures are high and the rainfall scant, distri­ cluding highway medians, erosion-control in the Chil1Uahuan and Sonoran deserts. It bution into two seasons results in extraor­ plantings, and in resorts. Full SW1. Height: is hardy to any extreme ofheat and can usu­ dinarily dramatic vegetation; in April and 3 feet. Width: 3 feet. Water zone: L. ally take brief cold spells to -10 degrees. May, the Sonoran often provides the great­ The leaves have a sticky resin that exudes an est display of annual wildflowers in the Other Choices amazing smell sinlliar to that of fresh rain. three deserts. DESERT LAVENDER (Hyptis emoryi). This I never walk through a stand without rub­ Water zones are generally very low, ex­ perennial e}"'Udes a fresh lavender scent after bing my hands against the foliage. Strong cept in arroyos-dry gullies that are peri- a rain or when foliage is bruised. (L-M) wind, aided by hmnidity, often carries the 0dically flooded. Cities in this region SCARLET I'IEDGENETTLE (Stachys coccinea). fragrance miles from where plants grow. Al­ include Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; and The foliage on this perennial in the mint though seldom planted in warm desert Palm Springs, California. fanlliy has a strong intriguing scent. (H ) landscapes, tl1.is shrub deserves more use in revegetation projects, mass plantings, and BLUE PALO VERDE (Parkinsonia florida). in fragrance gardens. Grows best in full sun The state tree of Arizona is a major con­ Mojave Desert and prefers a firm or gravelly soil to pure tributor to the soft, dusty green look of the sand. Height: 4-9 feet. Width: 3-10 feet. Sonoran Desert, where temperatures rarely The Mojave Desert covers about 35,000 Water zone: L. drop below 15 degrees, and summers are square miles in southern California, Neva­ DESERT OR BLUEBALL SAGE (Salvia dor­ hot. Its sweet, golden blossoms burst on da, and Utall, with elevations ranging from rii). This small gray shrub blends in with the scene by March and cover the bare about 280 feet below sea level to 4,000 feet many others in the upper Mojave and lower green stems, which are leafless most of the above. The temperatUre reading ofl34 de­ Great Basin deserts-including parts of year. Its low-branching habit and multi­ grees in Death Valley is the highest record­ Nevada and Utah-most oftlle year, ex­ trunk form grace a variety of landscapes­ ed in North America. Winters, however, cept during its spring bloom. Then, small, from freeway plantings to courtyards-in are colder than in the Sonoran Desert, with round balls of deep blue flowers cover tlle low desert cities. It becomes sculptural with temperatures in some valley floors record­ plant. These complement the fragrance of age, requiring oruy minor prmling to open ing zero degrees. Rainfall, which occurs the foliage, which smells like a pungent, up the branches. It grows best in loose, mostly during winter, averages three to tart basil . Desert sage is the most drought­ well-drained soil in full sun. Height: 20 four inches on the desert filoor, increasing tolerant salvia, surviving on four to six inch­ feet. Width: 25 feet. Water zone: L. to about 11 inches at higher elevations. es of annual precipitation and enduring BRITTLE BUSH OR INCIENSO (Enr;elia fari­ As with the Sonoron Desert, water cold to at least -10 degrees. It is not yet nosa). Vast areas of the warmest desert re­ zones are very low, except in arroyos. Cities commonly used in landscapes and looks gions are covered with this gray-leafed in the Mojave include Barstow, Victorville, great under a yucca clump or against a dark shrub, which reaches its upper limit below and Yucca Valley, California; Las Vegas, wall. Full sun, any soil. Height: 11/ r 3 feet. 3,000 feet in the searing inner gorge of the Nevada; and St. George, Utah. Width: 2 feet. Water zone: VL-M. Grand Canyon. Early Spanish missionaries burned the foliage as incense in place of CREOSOTE BUSH (Lanrea tridentata). Other Choices their familiar frankincense. Its yellow, daisy­ Dominating vast areas of the Mojave GREEN BRITTLE BUSH (Encelia frutescens). shaped flowers add to the color display in Desert, this open, olive-green evergreen The green foliage on this hardy shrub­ many landscapes where it is adapted, in- shrub is also fairly common on gravelly soils which can grow in locations to 6,000 feet

42 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 It beh aves as an herbaceous perennial Desert. Grows best in full sun and sandy below 5 degrees but is evergreen above 15 soil. Height: 3- 5 feet. Width: 4- 6 feet. degrees. Grows in any soil and does best in Water zone: VL o nly. full sun or dappled shade. H eight: 2-3 feet. MARIOLA (Parthenium incanum). This Width: 2-3 feet. Water zone: M . compact, gray shrub seems to grow natu­ BROOM DALEA (Pso1'othamnus scopar­ rally where the soil is rocky or gravelly, but ius). In areas where creosote bush can't it also readily adapts to clay. The small germinate because of unstable soils, this leaves, which shed during dry periods, are broom li ke shrub commands areas of shaped W

Chihuahuan DeseJtt • LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR WESTERN Press, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1995. REGIONS by Bob Perry. Land Design AHS price: $18. NMP 002 T he Chihuahuan Desert covers more than Publishing, Claremont, California, 1992. • THE XERISCAPE FLOWER GARDENER: 200,000 square miles in north central AHS price: $44. LDP 001 A WATERWISE GUIDE FOR TFtE ROCKY Mexico and adjacent regions of southern • NATIVE PLANTS FOR SOUTHWEST­ MOUNTAIN REGION by Jim Knopf. New Mexico and western Texas, with ele­ ERN LANDSCAPES by Judy Mielke. Johnson Books, Boulder, Colorado, vations ranging from 2,000 to over 6,000 University of Texas Press, Austin, 1991 . AHS price: $14. JOH 001 feet. Freezing winter weather is common, 1993. AHS price: $20. UTP 001 often lasting several days, making this • NATURAL BY DESIGN: BEAUTY AND desert less " Mediterranean" and semi­ BALANCE IN SOUTHWEST GARDENS Sources tropical than the other two. Also, the sum­ by Judith Phillips. Museum of New AMERICAN DESERT PLANTS, INC., mer "monsoon" produces most of the Mexico Press, Santa F-e, 1995. AHS 961 Starr Pass Boulevard, Tucson, annual precipitation-and the greatest price: $28. MNM 001 AZ 857B. (520) 792-2041. P>rice list summer perennial fl oral display of the • PLANTS FOR NATURAl GARDENS: free. www.DesertP/ants.com three deserts. SOUTHWESTERN NATIVE AND ADAPT­ FORESTfARM, 990 Tetherow Water zones are generally very low or IVE TREES, SHRUBS WILDFLOWERS Road, Williams, QR 97544-9599. low, except in arroyos. Cities include Albu­ AND GRASSES by Juditl:l Phillips. (541) 846-7269. Catalog $4. querque and Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Museum of New Mexic:o Press, Santa www.forestfarm.com EI Paso, Texas. F-e, 199§. AHS price: $22. MNM 002 HIGI:I COUNTRY GARDENS, 2902 • SHRUBS AND TREES OF liI:IE SOUTH­ Rufina ~treet. Santa F-e, NM 87505. AUTUMN SAGE (Salviagreggii). Naturally WEST DESERTS by Janice Emily Bow­ (505) 4]8-30~ 1; (800) 925-9'H87. fOlmd in the mountains above the desert in ers. Sotlthwest Parks and Monuments Catalog free. northern Mexico and western Texas, this Association, TlKson, Arizona, 1993. LAS Plblf.AS, 3232 bas Pilitas, low green shrub is very popular in land­ AHS price: $11 . SRM 001 Santa Margarita, CA 91453. (805) scaping. In places li ke Albuquerque, Las • WILD PLANTS AND NA"FIVE 438-5992. Catalog on the Web site Vegas, PhoenL1::, and Tucsolil, it is common PEOPLES OF THE FOUR CORNER. at wwwLasPi/itas.com in small courtyards, along streets, and in Musewm of New Mexico Press, Santa PLANTS OF THE SOUTHWEST, Agua front of businesses. T he scent of basil is re­ fe, New Mexico, 1997. AHS price: Fria Road, Route 6 Box 11A, Santa leased when the small green leaves are $18. NMP 001 Fe, NM 87501. (505) 867-1322; crushed, and hummingbirds love the tubu­ • WILD PI:.ANTS OF THE PUEBlO (800) 788-7333. Catalog $3.50. lar flowers. Red and pink flowers are most PROVINCE. Museum of New Mexico www.P/antsoftheSouthwest.com common, but whites are being grown too.

March / April 1999 THE AMERI CAN GARDENER 43 sagebrush. An evergreen, its native habitat ranges from the central Great Plains region into the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts, Fragrant Natives for and well into Mexico. However, unlike big sage brush, this plant grows on more un­ stable sandy soils, takes more heat and dry­ Eastern Gardens ness, and has smaller leaves . When the needlelike leaves are bruised or when the air is moist, it gives off an almost minty fra­ b Y P a u I a Ref grance. It is at its best spaced about SLX feet apart so plants retain their individual form and looks great in contrast to a dark green ground cover. Grow in full sun and well­ drained soil. Height: 4 feet. Width: 4 feet. Water zone: L. Fragrant plants have always t"" with om=,o,," nlu,. suJ 'p"i· TEXAS MOUNTAIN LAUREL OR MESCAL­ been in vogue, but many of the fragrant mens cast a bit of shade, bloom attractively BEAN (Sophora secundiflora). This ever­ plants native to eastern North America have in season, and-if chosen carefully-can green shrub or small tree resembles wisteria been overlooked or underused by designers even boast the bonus offragrance. in leaf and flower. The first time I smelled and gardeners. If a garden)s components) it was near Carlsbad Caverns in early April, fragrant and otherlvise, are drawn from AMERICAN SNOWBELL OR STORAX and the breezes saturated the air with its nature)s palette, then its design should also (Styrax americanus). Around Atlanta, sweet scent, which is reminiscent of grape take inspiration from the plant communi­ where I live, tl1e fragrant white, bell-shaped bubblegum! Native from far southeastern ties that occur in nature. That means inte­ flowers bloom in April, just after those of New Mexico into central Texas and north­ grating trees) shrubs) and vines that thrive in dogwood (Corn us florida). Growing ern Mexico, it takes heat and some cold­ similar environments_ When plants are se­ singly in shallow water and along stream down to zero degrees, briefly. Popular in lected for their appropriateness to the site, banks in USDA Zones 6 to 8, this small landscapes just about everywhere from San they not only appear in context) but their U-ee adapts to acidic soils in full sun or light Antonio to Phoenix. Grows best in part chances for long-term success are enhanced. shade. An ideal garden location would be shade to full sun and in neutral to alkaline For gardeners east ofthe Mississippi, there are on a slope where the suspended flowers can soils. Height: 8-18 feet. Width: 6-20 feet. fragrant native species available in every be enjoyed from below. Water zone: L-M. plant category and for a variety ofsoil types AMERICAN YELlOWWOOD (Cladrastis and cultural conditions. kentukea, formerly C. lutea). This is a low­ Other Choices branching, vase-shaped tree native to well­ DAMIAN ITA (Chrysactinia mexicana). The Trees drained limestone soils in river valleys, foliage of this small evergreen shrub has a slopes, and ridges along streams. It is also pungent minty scent when crushed or The average residential property has room perfectly content in either moderately acidic when it rains. (VL-L) for one or more small to medium-sized or alkaline soils in the landscape. It succeeds PALMER'S PENSTEMON (Penstemon palmeri). This perennial's flowers have a delightfully sweet scent in spring. (L) SAND VERBENA (Abroniafragrans). The flowers on this sprawling perennial have an intense and delightful sweet scent. (L) SWEET FOUR O'CLOCK (Mirabilis longiflo­ raj. The white, night-blooming flowers of this sprawling perennial are sweetly scent­ ed. (L-M)

A landscape architect in Boulder, Colorado, Jim Knopf is author of The Xeriscape Flower Gardener: A Waterwise Guide for the Rocky Mountain Region, and is com­ pleting a companion book, Waterwise Landscaping with Trees, Shrubs and Vines: A Xeriscape Guide for the Rocky Mountain Region, California and the Desert Soutl1west. David Cristiani, a landscape designer living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed information about desert gardening. American wisteria is less likely than its Asian counterparts to escape its bounds_

44 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 in Zones 4 to 8, producing a full canopy of bright green foliage in summer that turns yellow or golden yellow in fall. Yellowwood is notorious for failing to bloom when young, and it flowers abundantly only in al­ ternate years. But the effect of its 12-inch­ long fragrant panicles is spectacular in late Mayor early June. The best bloom is pro­ duced in full sun, but yellowwood will flower adequately at the edge ofwoodlands . SOUTHERN CRABAPPLE (Malus angustifo­ lia). A large shrub or small tree that occurs in Zones 5 to 8 in valleys, lower slopes, fence rows, and old fields, Southern crabap­ ple frequently forms thickets from sprout­ ing roots. It is unforgettable in spring, with flowers that resemble small single roses, opening pink and later fading to white. The foliage emerges an appealing red but may become seriously disfigured by fungal dis­ eases such as fireblight. If not completely defoliated, the leaves turn orange-red in au­ tumn. The bark is scaly and quite colorful, and the fruit is unrivaled for wildlife habitat gardens. Crab apples require full sun and re­ sent poor drainage. SWEETBAY MAGNOLIA (Magnolia vi'flJini­ ana). Though native to stream banks and boggy places, this tree adapts to typical gar­ den situations as long as the soil is acidic. In particularly dry soils, it may require sup­ plemental water during droughts. Mature height is about 20 feet in the North, but in the South it can reach 60 feet. Sweetbay is deciduous at the northern limit ofits range (Zone 5) and semi-evergreen farther south (Zone 9). M. virginiana var. australis is an evergreen southern form. Sweetbay is tol­ erant of shade and produces three-inch­ wide, waxy, white, lemon-scented blooms late in spring. These give way to conelike mounded shrub two to four feet high. It Top left: American yellowwood is an structures bearing bright red seeds. With bears honey-scented white flowers in April underused ornamental tree that pro­ the slightest breeze, sweetbay's leaves re­ to early May before the foliage emerges. duces dangling panicles of fragrant, veal their silvery underside, and its narrow, Dark green to blue-green leaves cloak the creamy white flowers in late spring. Top upright habit permits siting it against a shrub's upright, elegant branches. In au­ right: The clustered stamens of dwarf fence or close to a building. tumn these turn a combination of yellow, fothergilla flowers resemble a bottle­ orange, and scarlet that is effective for brush. Above: The fragrant yellow flow­ Shrubs weeks. Despite its native habitat, dwarf ers of common witch-hazel light up the fothergilla grows equally well in drier sites woods in late fall to early winter. Shrubs are the workhorses of the land­ and can be used in combination with foun­ scape. They fill in gaps between trees, dation shrubs or form a mass planting in a screen unwanted views, and act as back­ natural area. It grows best in part shade, drops for perennials and annuals. With but has better fall color in full sun. A pool these selections, you can have all that and of woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) fragrance as well. makes an appropriate underplanting. Be­ cause the species can be quite variable in DWARF FOTHERGILLA (Fothergilla gar­ habit, hardiness, heat tolerance, and foliage denii). This witch-hazel relative, native to color, named selections are worth consid­ moist, acidic soils of the southeastern eration. 'Blue Mist' has bluish foliage and coastal plain, develops into a dense, does well north of Zone 7; 'MountAiry'-

March / April 1999 THE AMERI C AN GARDENER 45 Hardy Fragrant Natives for Northern Gardens lthough southeastern gardeners have a much wider palette of fragrant na­ mixed pine forests in Zones 4 to 9 and can tive plants to choose from than those in more northerly regions) don't de­ waft pleasantly across a quarter-acre home­ Aspair if you live north of USDA Zone 5-there are still plenty of hardy site. The reddish-brown blossoms are held fragrant native plants to grace YClUr garden. Here are a few suggestiollS for fragrant terminally on the multi-branched, amor­ natives that will thrive in cooler climates. phous shrub, which marnres at six to nine Common witch-hazel (Hamamelisvirginiana) grows into a large shrub @r$mall feet. Individual plants within the species ex­ tree. Its fragrant) yellow, straplike flowers emerge from late fall to early 'winter) de­ hibit fragrance of varying intensity, pre­ pending on the region. Native to much of eastern North America, from Camada to sumably due to gen.etic variation within the Ge@J.'gia am.d west to N@bras­ wild population, so it is advisable to select ka, it also offers lovely yellow plants when tl1ey are in bloom. The yellow­ faIl color. Zcme 3-8. flowered selection, C. floridus 'Athens', Sweet fem (Comptonia however, is reliably fragrant. Sweetshrub peregr.ina) 0:S a deciduous produces leathery kuit capsules that con­ shrub witb £liagrbogs. The knee-jerk solution calls for storm the coastal plain from Newfol:1Jldland SQlilith to Georgia. Zone 3-8. sewers and catch basins, but swamp­ Th@ folJl:owimg fragrant plantS are also suitable for rrorthem gardens. M@st are dwelling natives are genetically pro­ descnibed in gr(later detail im the maID tex\';. grammed to handle occasional inundations. TREES: Fring(ltree (Ohionanthus vi1Jfinicus), Zone 4-9; AmericaJil ydlowwood A handful are, in addition, ornamental and (C1Clidrastiskentukea), Zone ~8. pleasantly scented. SHRUBS: SW(l(ltshrub (Calycanthusfloridus), Zoae 4=9 (suff@rs wmter mjury below SWAMP CYRILLA OR TITI (Cyrilla racemi­ -15 to -20 d@grees Fahreahei:t); summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) and cuttivars, flora). It grows naturally in sunny swamps Zone ~9; spice btlSfl: (Lindera benzoin), Zone ~9; wittch-nazel (HamamelisfIJer­ and low pinelands from Zone 6 southward, naZis), Zone .p8; swamp aza:Iea (Rhododendron v.iscosum), ZONe 4=-9. becoming a 10-foot shrub of sprawling PERENNIALS: Beebalm (Monarda didyma) and ci1ltivars, Zone 3-8; false Solomon's habit. Its rich, green foliage is evergreen in seal: (Smitacina r.acemosa; also mown as Maianthemum racemosum ssp. racemo­ mild climates but turas orange and scarlet sum), Zone ~-8 . -DavidJ. Ellis, Editor in fall in its northern range. In June and July, six-inch-Iong racemes of fragrant white flowers are borne on the previous developed from F. maJor-has good fall is particularly welcome in July throughout season's growth. Cyrilla is strikingly beau­ color and heat tolerance. Zones 4 to 9. This three- to eight-foot-tall tiful beside a sunny pond or massed along FLORIDA LEUCOTHOE (Agarista populifo­ deciduous shrub has numerous twiggy open ditches. 'Graniteville' is a low, spread­ lia). One of the best evergreen shrubs for stems. In its native habitat-bogs and wet ing selection introduced by Woodlanders shaded locations, its arching branches can pine savannas-summersweet spreads by in Aiken, South Carolina. reach eight to 10 feet and retain their foliage underground stems. Its upright white or SWAMP ROSE (Rosa palustris). The native to ground level, perfect for screening a pale pink flower spil(es are magnets for bees American swamp rose flourishes in low, wet parked car or a compost pile. The lustlCous, and butterflies. It is useful in groups in places across the Eastern seaboard in Zones pointed leaves create a softly textured hedge, moist shade, where it withstands occasion­ 3 to 9 . Its seven-foot canes bear clusters of and creamy, distinctly honey-scented, urn­ al flooding. It also thrives nicely and fragrant pink blooms, followed by vividly­ like flowers appear in Mayor early June. blooms more prolifically in a sunny mixed colored hips in fall. Swamp rose is at home Though wild stands occur in wet woodlands border. Several new cultivars offer useful next to a sunny pond, where it would enJoy from Zones 6 or 7 to 9, Florida leucothoe variations, including 'Chattanooga', which consorting with blue flag (Iris versicolor) or grows satisfactorily in competition with tree has exceptionally long panicles. 'Hum­ pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata). roots as long as the soil is acidic and has a fair­ mingbird', at three feet, is smaller than the VIRGINIA SWEETSPIRE (Itea 'l7i1lfinica). De­ ly high organic component. species. The best pink form is 'Ruby Spice'. ciduous thickets of Virginia sweetspire SUMMERSWEET (Clethra alnifolia). SWEETSHRUB OR CAROLINA ALLSPICE populate wooded swamps and streamsides Bloom is scarce in the summer woodland, (Calycanthusfloridus). This shrub's fi:uity in Zones 5 to 9. In May, six-inch racemes so the delectable scent of the summersweet fragrance is common in hardwood and of lightly scented white blossoms create a

46 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 1

frothy presence in open shade. The plant's fumed colonies in fertile hardwood forests erect branches reach three to five feet in along dle East coast. Among the best for height and, given sufficient moisture, grow garden use are the Piedmont azalea (R. quickly. Virginia sweetspire is ideal for con­ caneJcens), Florida flame azalea (R. aus­ trolling erosion in drainage areas and will trinum), and sweet azalea (R. arbonscens). grow in drier sites, as well. The most wide­ These deciduous slu·ubs d1l"ive in very rich, ly grown cultivar, 'Henry's Garnet', pro­ orga ni c soils that are moist but never duces consistent reddish-purple fall color, soggy. Their ideal habitat is a gende slope though it can develop leaf spot i.n soudlern leading down to a stream, where their gardens. The leaves also shed radler quick­ roots can tap into hidden spri.ngs. Slender ly, limiting the period of effective color. stems reach six or eight feet in time, and Arkansas plantsman Larry Lowman's in ­ their delicate flowers of pink, orange, and troduction, 'Saturnalia', displays cleaner fo­ white, respectively, attract numerous but­ liage as well as brilliant color in autumn. terfly species. 'Sarah Eve' flaunts strikingly beautiful SPICEBUSH (Linde1'a benzoin). T his decid­ blush-pink flowers. uous shrub is native to moist woodlands £i·om Maine to Florida and Texas, but in an eelf a gardenJs compo­ Shrubs for Moist Shade ornamental setting it provid es a more at­ tractive habit when planted in nearly full nents, fragrant and Finding fragrant plants for a moist, shady sun. Its foliage provides dle fragrance, giv­ garden situation may seem miraculous to ing off a distinct, lemony scent when some, but here are some good choices for bruised. Spicebush has an understated otherwise, are drawn naturalizing. beauty, revealing pale yellow flowers on BUTTON BUSH (Cephalanthus occidentalis). bare stems in late winter and golden yellow from natureJs palette, A rangy, rounded shrub for Zones 5 to 10, fall foliage . button bush typically grows six to nine feet VERNAL WITCH-HAZEL (Hamamelis ver­ then its design should high. Spherical, creamy white blooms up to nalis). Late winter brings the blooms of an inch in diameter, produced in early sum­ vernal witch-hazel. Growing in the also take inspiration mer, are a nectar source for monarchs and moist soil along rocky streams in Zones tiger swallowtails. The plant's nudets are 4 to 8, these multi-stemmed, rounded eaten by waterfowl, a bonus in dle wood­ plants will sucker to form large masses. from the plant com­ land habitat garden. It grows best in moist, Flowers may be ye llow to red, measur­ boggy soil or at the edge of a pond. ing as much as three-quarters of an inch munities that occur NATIVE AZALEAS (Rhododendron spp.). across. Pungently fragrant, they are ef­ Several species of native azalea form per- fective for three to four weeks . in nature. JJ

The starlike yellow blossoms of Carolina jessamine. left. sparkle in the branches of a supporting tree; the vine can also be used to highlight a mailbox or fence. Virginia sweetspire. right. is an ideal shrub for naturalizing in moist. sunny sites. In addition to its fragrant summer flowers. it often provides incandescent fall color.

March/Apri l 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 47 Fragrant Natives

Asian counterparts, in June this vine pro­ ern United States in Zones 6 to 9. Growing duces fragrant, drooping clusters of pealike 10 to 30 feet in height, it often cloaks the lavender flowers the size of grape clusters. forest floor, blooming when aerial rootlets Because blooms appear long afrer the last allow it to climb a cooperative tree. There it frost, cold damage is avoided. Adaptable in produces white, sweetly ftagrant flowers in Zones 5 to 9, it can be restricted to a pick­ flat-topped clusters in spring. The foliage is et fence or allowed to climb 20 feet or a glossy, deep green, turning pale yellow in more. American wisteria grows best with fall. This vine climbs just as easily on a rocky moist, fertile soil and a half-day of sun. W outcrop or a cedar post, suggesting several frutescens 'Amethyst Falls' blooms abun­ possibilities for garden use. Ted Stephens of dantly as a young vine. Reportedly, this cul­ Nurseries Caroliniana in North Augusta, tivar's initial burst of color is followed by a SOUtl1 Carolina, endorses tl1e nearly ever­ second, equally impressive, flowering. green cultivar 'Chattooga'. CAROLINA JESSAMINE (Gelsemium sem­ pervirens). Driving across the southern Herbaceous Perennials coastal plain in April from, say, Macon to Savannah, travelers are treated to the sight Low-growing fragrant plants should not be of Carolina jessamine strung throughout ignored in the garden. Scents emanating Buttonbush grows best in or around the open, piney woods. For city-dwellers, from ground level can be the most water and produces globular, c::reamy it becomes the quintessential mailbox vine: provocative to visitors because they are white flowers in mid- to late summer. clear yellow, fragrant trumpets in spring, sometimes more difficult to trace to tl1eir evergreen foliage thereafrer. A cooperative source than taller plants. Below are some Climbers twiner with a tenacious constitution, it is good choices for Eastern gardens. useful on trellis or arbor, blooming best in Vines contribute scent and height to native sun, but sporadically in part shade. Caroli­ BEEBALM (Monarda didyma and cultivars). plantings. They can be grown near the na jessamine adapts to almost any soil, and This colorful, floriferous member of the house so their fragrance is readily available its blooms lure spicebush swallowtails and mint family has aromatic foliage. It does best or naturalized on a fence or on trees or hummingbirds. A double-flowered culti­ in moist soils and full sun in Zones 3 to 7. shrubs. var, 'Pride of Augusta', is also available. Although the lacy, scarlet flowers of the WILD CLIMBING HYDRANGEA (Decumaria species are stunning, it can be prone to AMERICAN WISTERIA (Wisteria frutescens). barbara). This underused native is com­ mildew. Mildew-resistant cultivars such as Restrained and garden-friendly, unlike its mon in the oak-hickory forests of the east- 'RaspberryWme' (purplish red), 'Marshall's Delight' (purplish pink), and 'Cherokee' (rosy pink) are better choices in hwnid areas. Sources Resources FALSE SOLOMON'S SEAL (Smilacina race­ mosa). This upright perennial with creamy _ TI:IE FRAGRANT PATH by Louise white fragrant flowers tl1rives in moist, Hleebe Wilder. Hartley & Munk, Point shady sites in Zones 3 to 8. Roberts,Washington, 1996. fo:NS HAY-SCENTED FERN (Dennstaedtia punc­ price: $13.50. HM 001 tilobula). A rhizomatous fern with hairy, • GARDENING WITH NATIVE PlANTS OF yellow-green fronds that arch out ftom the tl:lE SOliJ1iH by Sally Wasowski with base. The foliage exudes a clean, fresh scent Andy Wasowski. l'aylor Pyblishing, reminiscent ofnewly cut hay when bruised Dallas, Texas, 1"9!:}4. AI:iI~ price: $25. or brushed against. It grows in part shade lAY 001 or full sun and will tolerate dry soil once es­ • LANDSCAPING WitH NATIVE TREES tablished. Hardy in Zone 3 to 8. by Guy Sternberg afld Jim Wilson. (haJ!lters Publishing, Sl;)elburne, Today, for many of us, gardening is about Vermoflt, 1995. AHS price: $20. connectedness. A landscape designed witl1 GHA 001 nature in mind reaches beyond appearances • MAN\:JAL OF WOODY LANDSCAPE and asks to be appreciated in all its aspects. ~LANTS by Michael A. Dirr. Stipes Scented natives can be found in every plant ~ublishing, Champaign, Illinois, 1998. category and for a range of cultural condi­ AI;;IS price: $68.80. sri 004 tions, so providing for fragrance ought not • NATIVE SI:IRUBS AND WOODY VINES to be an afrertl10ught. Individual fragrances OF THE SOutHEAST by leonard E. reveal tl1emselves witl1 time and can become f'oote 8fld Samuel B. ]Qnes, Jr. Timber a garden'S most delicious dimension . ..., Press, Portland, Oregon, 1989. AIf;IS price: $16. llM 159 Paula Refi is a landscape designer living in Atlanta) Ge01'gia.

48 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/Ap1'il 1999 A Tale of Two Elements derived from Zen gardening unite two very different Gardens Japanese-style gardens.

b y Kat h e e n F she r

Jack Miller has two gardens. Both of them his vvife, an art dealer, he co-owned an art gallery in Manhattan looked to the East for their inspiration, yet in many ways they and for several years he helped her set up exhibits throughout the couldn't be more different. Northeast. But it was Miller's passionate commitment to Japan­ Miller's home garden, named Dans la F6ret-"in the woods"­ ese-style gardening and the reputation he earned for creating his by his French-Canadian wife, Carmen Morin-Miller, is a green home garden that led to his being hired-five years ago at the age cathedral of hardwoods carpeted by two acres of moss in a bucolic of70-to oversee development of the Pagoda garden. setting outside tiny Collegeville-about 25 miles northwest of cen­ tral Philadelphia-where Miller has lived most of his life. A Woodland Treasure Trove His second garden, the Pagoda, which he was hired to create and Miller is hardly a Johnny-corne-lately to gardening. When he bought tend, has a central floor of stones-so reflective that you need sun­ his three-acre Collegeville property almost 50 years ago, he began glasses to visit at midday-and surrounds a five-floor office build­ planting azaleas, rhododendrons, and bm.'woods. Already gracing ing just off I -7 6 in the Philadelphia suburb ofBala Cynwyd. the landscape were oaks at It's not remarkable that a professional gardener also has an im­ least 75 years old, as well as Flowering plants-with a few pressive garden at home. But Miller's occupation for 18 years in­ ironwood, maple, hickory, exceptions, such as azaleas­ volved the artificial breeding of cattle. He also did a stint in the sassafras, dogwood, and are restricted in Miller's moss­ U.S. Army, stationed in the Philippines dwing World War II. With serviceberry. The woodland carpeted home garden.

March / Ap1'i I1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 49 floor was rich with treasures: Jack-in-the­ rock here or at the bend of a path there, like pulpit, mayflower, Solomon's seal, par­ punctuation marks. Maintaining the overall tridgeberry, wintergreen, dogtooth violets, mood are the unchanging hues of moss, bloodroot, and even uilliums. evergreens, stones, sand, and gravel. It was about 20 years ago that Miller's Malota worked closely with Miller fom "Zen meditation ... is burgeoning interest in gardening led to a or five days a montl1 for five years, but tl1e friendship with Japanese landscape designer final artistry evident in the garden is Miller's. based on the belief Hiroshi Makita. Malota needed a place to ''When it comes to painting or drawing, I'm stay for a short time; Miller's S011 had just left terrible, but I tl1ink of myself as an artist in that the sole path to home and the Collegeville basement was lU1- tl1e garden," says Miller. "What Hiroshi did, occupied. In return for the room, Makita more tlun anytl1ing, was to malce sure tlut would teach Miller about Japanese- and Zen­ I didn't break tradition." The Millers have enlightenment is style gardening. Miller had spent consider­ several bullcy scrapbooks documenting tl1e able time in various parts of Asia following garden's creation-from the early phases of power over the self. his World War II duty and had become en­ cleating, carpentry, at1d heavy lifting to tl1e amored ofAsian art, so it seemed logical to later stages of planting and shaping. 1begoalofagarden him to apply Asian principles to gardening. For instance, there are five gates, each Miller also felt that gardening practices in Witl1 its own symbolism. The low-topped that incorporates Zen America seemed to be to let plants become "Humble Gate" is often tl1e only entry to overgrown-and then take them out. a Japanese garden, explains Millet". Those who enter are forced to bow, thus paying aesthetics is ... to re- Adding Zen Elements homage to the garden and its creator. An­ Zen meditation, observes Miller, is based on otl1er is a basket gate, so-called because the flect and enhance this the belief that the sole path to enlighten­ curved roof over tl1e gate resembles at1 in­ ment is power over the self. The goal of a verted shallow basket. The gates also act as sense ofself-discipline garden that incorporates Zen aesthetics is, frames for long garden views, and one helps therefore, to reflect and enhance this sense support a 35-year-old wisteria. "The wiste­ and austerity. )) of self-discipline and austerity. Suggestion ria was there first," notes Miller. "We just and symbolism are used to bring out the es­ built the gate close by and let its tentacles sential natme of garden features. With the flow up and become part of it." exception of azaleas and some spring­ Among other distinctive features in tl1e blooming U"ees such as chenies, flowering garden are four bridges, including a 22- plants are kept to a minimlU11. More subtle foot rainbow or moon bridge that travers­ color is provided by Japanese maples­ es a large dry pond and a carved stone Miller grows more tl1an 20 selections-and bridge over a "river" of gratute pebbles. In numerous hostas, tucked in at tl1e foot of a all, there are 12 different stone basins, in-

50 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/Ap1, iI1999 eluding a tiny one off the back of the house tile juniper almost yearly to retain its form. that captures overflow fi'om the hose spig· Stone is an important element in a Zen ot. In typical Japanese tea garden style, one garden, and here you wi ll find nearly a to the right of the front door is there for dlousand tons of it. Carmen, who was born guests to lise for purification of body or in Quebec, is especially proud of more dlan spirit. There are also two "waterfalls" that, 50 tons of smooth Quebec glacier stone like the rivers and ponds, are dry: One is and pebbles, collected from a band that created with stones, the other with a 20- stretches from 200 miles nordl of Quebec year-old weeping juniper (Juniperus City down to Maine. "They are one of my Japanese-inspired features abound in p1'ocumbens 'Nana') that drips over a stone signatures," says Miller. "I've used them Miller's home garden: The basket retaining wall to a floor of sandstone peb­ eveql'vvhere I've put a garden." gate-so-called because it bears a bles. Behind it, a drooping leucothoe (Leu­ There are also some 700 tons of gran­ resemblance to an inverted basket­ cothoe Jontanesiana) almost twice as old ite, 50 tons of native slate-not counting opposite left, is one of five gates in the creates an upper falls. To those who love some 700 stepping stones-and 50 tons of garden. A dry stream made of crushed Japanese gardens, one of the most beauti­ New Jersey sand and pebbles that were stone, opposite right, flows under a ful aspects of this feature is the patina of used fo r tile simulated waterfall. low bridge, one of four. Below, a pale moss and algae that the years have painted The Millers say there are approxi­ expanse of granite pebbles sets off a on the rubblestone wall. "Some gardeners mately 1,400 feet of winding trails here, lichen-encrusted stone wall draped by might scrub it off," says Miller. Although plus a mosaic path of a variety of red sand­ Juniperus procumbens and a flowering the effect seems effortless, he has to pnU1e stones, set "to give a feeling of musical, Glenn Dale azalea.

THE AMERICAN GARDENER 51 rhythmic motion," explains Carmen. the traditional bamboo rakes as the tool of Two of the most prominent features choice, the task is gargantuan under this oak drawing a visitor along these paths are a canopy. Miller shakes his head. "I won't even gazebo, situated at the summit of the gen­ try to tell you what fall is like for us." More tly inclined landscape, and a group of damaging and harder to deal with are wood­ strongly vertical rocks toward the very back land animals such as squirrels and chipmunks. of the property line. Japanese gardens are "We're always repaiting places where they've supposed to mimic nature; while this been digging." He was blessed, he admits, grouping looks from a distance like a by having the perfect spot: protected, dap­ mountain, it also suggests a brooding pres­ pled shade, and rich, acidic soil. "This ence that could be either threatening or place is a dream. I never even water." The arching moon bridge in Dans la benevolent, like the monolith from the Foret, below, stands seven feet high and Stanley Kubrick movie 2001: A Space The Pagoda spans 22 feet over a "pond" of gravel. Odyssey. That's the idea, says Mil1er. "What There's a moss garden at the Pagoda, too, Right: Jack Miller shaping plants in the comes back to you when you look at tl1ese to the left of the entrance and about the size Pagoda garden. things will depend on the state of mind of an average home vegetable patch. Moss

('Although Zen you're in. Three or four people will all see was almost the only thing that would grow different things." in this spot because there's asphalt just a foot Underlying and uniting tl1e garden is under the soil. But it's a terrible place for gardening honors the amazing moss, which the Millers be­ moss, too, because it's completely unpro­ lieve to be one of the biggest expanses in tected from hot sun and drying wind. This many religious and the world. Miller estimates there are 30 dif­ past summer, the "vind blew in what Miller ferent kinds of moss in their garden, al­ calls a moss "lookalike"-an algae that had culturaltradition~ though they have not been officially to be carefully eradicated from the moss. inventoried. Much of it simply came in on The Pagoda is a 37-year-old office build­ its own. "I would point out to Hiroshi ing in the shape of a pagoda developed by a there is plenty of where there was a good spread of moss, woman who became enthralled by Japanese and we would remove grasses and other culture and art after living in Japan for sev­ room for innnova­ plants, and patch it if we needed to." eral years. "She came back saying that she In spite of the fact tl1at it never needs would build a building tl1e likes of which tion and even play. )) mowing, anyone who thinks moss is a low­ Philadelphia had never seen," says Miller, mait1tenance ground cover should be quick- '''and I would have to say she's right." The 1y disabused. Leaves that fall on top in the structure is now owned by Kennbert In­ autumn need to be quickly but gingerly re­ vestors, headed by Bob Kennedy and Bert moved, and even with leaf- blowers replacing Lofgren. The primary tenants are Primestar

52 THE AMERICAN GARDENER Ma1'Ch/Aprit 1999 Miller

Partners, a satellite relay operation, and Lof­ is also a bridge of stepping stones, a stone gren's Mainline Personnel. slab, and a "flat bridge," which, like one at It was Lofgren who, having heard about his home in Collegeville and other Japan­ Dans la Foret and the landscapes Miller had ese gardens, is nevertheless slightly humped designed for several private gardens, asked in the middle. him to take on the Pagoda landscape in Here, too, is a dry waterfall. Each of the 1993. "The interview took about 30 sec­ four levels is made of a slightly larger rock. onds. He asked if! thought I could do it, "This suggests water falling at different and if I would do it," recalls Miller. speeds," says Miller. "You're also supposed Although there were existing elements to suggest the origins of the falls you cre­ Among the whimsical touches Miller has worth keeping-a Japanese maple some 20 ate. In this case, our origin was a former added to the Pagoda garden is an irregu­ feet high and wide, a mature sourwood dumping ground," backed, he might add, larly shaped piece of slag, eelow left, (Oxydendrum arboreum), a cedar ofLeb­ by a parking lot. that is spray-painted gold. For safety rea­ anon (Cedrus libani), a bird's nest spruce Although there are none of the usual ac­ sons, Miller replaced the water in a pond (Picea abies 'Nidiformis') now three feet tall coutrements of a public picnic area, such as in the center of the Pagoda garden, and almost six feet across, and appropriate- tables or trash barrels, a scattering of large below, with symbolic crushed stone.

ly, a Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora Japoni­ flat-topped rocks in one area invites em­ ca, now sometimes listed as Styphnolobium ployees and others to escape to nature dur­ Japonicum)-there were also headaches. ing breaks. Under the sprawling Japanese Most notable was a five-foot-wide overhang maple, another rock invites meditation. In from the jutting roof of the pagoda, creat­ front of the picnic area is a stand of bamboo ing a "rain shadow" around the building. (Phyllostachys nuda) with the lower leaves Lofgren's only requirement was that the stripped. This creates a sense of mystery by new garden be accessible to employees and half revealing and ha'lfhiding a elump ofliri­ the public. Because of its potentialliabili­ ope and a small hill on the other side. ties, the huge pond that had been the gar­ Here, as at Miller's home garden, are den's focal point was slated to be removed. more than 20 species of bamboo. These in­ Since Miller's bent was toward dry gardens elude the dwarf Pleioblastus pygmaeusvar. anyway, it wasn't a difficult decision to con­ distichus, which forms white leaf margins as vert the area into a pond ofstone, comple­ it ages. Used as a ground cover, it is sheared mented today by four bridges. The first you back annually. On a berm to the right of the come to, after entering through a Humble front entrance, interspersed with conifers Gate, is a zigzag bridge. The origin of this such as Pinus strobus 'Pendula'-there are design is derived from the belief that the 31 different conifers in the one-acre land­ devil always travels in a straight line. There scape-are three species of Sasa bamboos,

March/April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 53 including the beautiful variegated S. turing toward the stones in the dry pond at veitchii. Some of these bamboos are re­ the Pagoda. "But these rocks were already strained underground, bat other clumps here." Others would frown on the vertical grow unencumbered. "Bamboo won't get rocks he uses to such effect. "They would out of hand if the gardener is attentive," call them tombstones." There is even a be­ Miller assures, then adds, "There's a joke lief that evil will befall anyone who sets a flat going around that Jack Miller is planting rock upright. bamboo all over Pelmsylvania because he's Miller also professes a weakness for tl1e 75 and won't be around long enough to deep, round indentations he calls "dynamite worry about it! It's OK. .. . I started it." holes" in large rocks. "Most people would While the history of Dans la Foret is one tmn these to the back. But I think they just Resources of taking advantage of exquisite surround­ give viewers something else to think about." ings-albeit with 50 years of hard work­ Both of Miller's gardens contain ele­ CREATING JAPANESE GARDENS the Pagoda story is one of overcoming ments tl1at let visitors exercise their imagi­ by Philip Cave. Charles c. Tl:Ittle obstacles. The large overhang, for instaIilce, n a.tions. One bit of whimsy is the pieces of Company, Iflc, B0ston, 1993. AIl;i5 precludes plants next to the building, so slag tlut he has rescued from steel refinery price: $13.50. lUT (')01 Miller has been creative with stonework refuse and spray-painted gold. An especial­ ENHANCE YOUR GARDEN WITH and sculpture. In one place, he planted a ly intriguing one bangs on a wiSteria arbor JAPANESE PIt.ANTS: A PRAGI'ICAL Japanese maple slanting out fi:om the struc­ at the Pagoda. Is it a monlcey? A dragon? SOURCEBOOK by Judy Glattstein. ture, a ploy that may look odd to Western At Dans la Foret, it seems that every­ Kodansha II11:e~l1ati0nal, Wew York, eyes but is an appropriate conceit for a where you turn, there is reason to smile. Hl96. AHS price: $20. KOID 001 Japanese garden. Turtles play an important role in Japanese JAPANESE GARDEN DESIGN by MaK P. In back, he topped a potentially haz­ mythology and are often included symbol­ Keane. Charles If. Tuttle Company, r ardous three-foot-deep emergency storm ically in Zen gardens-the Millers have a Inc., Boston, 1997. ~HS price: $28. drain area with granite slabs and shaped a whole family of stone turtles, as well as a r:u:r 0Q2 formal rockscape. But what to do about all triad of buffalo and a "deer" resting under JOURNAL OF JAP~ESE GARDENING. of Primes tar's techno-paraphernalia: a two­ an azalea branch. A weeping Norway spruce An annual swl\lsG'rlptiorn t@ 1i hi~ story generator, a hulking transformer, and is in training to become Don Quixote's bimonthly magq,lifle published by about a dozen air-conditioning units? In horse, Rocinante, "but Jack has had trou­ Roth Tei~en is available for $35. Write addition to more bamboo, Miller has plant­ ble getting the rump right," says Carmen. to P.O. B0X 159, Qref-ielcl, PA 12069. ed Amur silvergrass (Miscanthus flO1ridu­ Perhaps the oddest feature in the garden ORIENTAL G~RDENING by l'he Ius), desQribed as growing to nine feet but is an 80-pound rock that has been set into Japalilese Gar.etel'l 50ciety, of OregQ>n, pushing 12 when it produces its silvery the trwUc of a tree. But this is no laughing wi1:1'i Kate Jer0me. Panthe0n 80®ks, flowerheads. There is only so much he can matter. Miller says that in the early '80s he New Y0~k, 1996. AHS priee: $20. do to hide all these contraptions, so he's at­ began having nightmares in which giants PAN 001 tempted to distract the eye with ground­ were lobbing rocks at him. This went on for level plantings and rocks that feature almost two years. In one, the giant missed arresting color patterns. To one side of the and the rock stuck in a tree. He woke up in Pagoda's back entrance he's laid flagstones a sweat and described the dream to Car­ around a Japanese maple, accompanied by men. "Why don't you do that in the gar­ an upright stone that looks remarkably­ den?" she suggested. Says Jack: "I'm not a perhaps because we visited during Hal­ believer in the supernatural, but after I did loween week-like someone draped in a it, I never had those dreams again." sheet poised to yell, "Boo!" Says Miller: "It You would think that a three-acre garden makes the women who work here a little at home and another acre to care for would nervous WIDen they leave after dark. I'm be sufficient work in your seventh decade. hoping they'll get used to it." But this fall, Miller began designing anoth­ er Japanese garden for a home in the main­ The Art of Compromise line suburb of Wayne. "I'm going to Although Japanese and Zen gardening continue to exercise my right to make honor many religious and cultural traditions, money," he laughs. "Saturday I almost killed tl1ere is plenty of room for innovation and myself helping two other men move a rock even play. Sometimes the rules just have to by hand mat weighed a ton. I'm working a be broken because there is no choice. For in­ lot harder than I did before I retired 20 years stance, purists might feel tl1at large shade ago, and I know I'm in better shape." ~ trees don't belong in a Japanese-style gar­ den, yet it is the red oak canopy that gives Kathleen Fisher is a free-lance Jvriter living Dans La Foret its signature atmosphere. in Alexandria, Vir,ginia. H er most recent "In most Japanese gardens, the rocks book, Herbal Remedies, was published in would be more row1ded," says Miller, ges- Febr-uary by Rodale Press.

54 THE AM ERICAN GARDE N ER March/April 1999 (Continued from page 13)

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March/Apl, it 1999 THE AMERICAN GARD ENER 55 also addressed-the first treatment of the scribes, in considerable detail, the rules for subject in public literature-and the issues scientific nomenclature. BOtl1 chapters are of maintenance and invasiveness are accurate, but tl1e technical natme of the thoughtflilly discussed. nomenclature chapter can lose the reader's The extensive individual grass entries are interest and probably would have been outstanding. Clean, sharp photographs­ more effective as an appendix. most by the author-clearly demonstrate These reservations aside, The Color En­ the desirable characteristics of different cyclopedia ofOrnamental Grasses is a strong grasses. A few regional improvements step toward bringing ornamental grasses to the public eye and removing fears about their culture. I predict a strong smge in or­ namental grass landscaping, due in large part to this book. It will no doubt be used fre­ quently as a reference by botl1 professionals and backyard gardeners for many years. -John Snowden john Snowden is the owner ofBluest em Nurs­ ery, a wholesale nursery in Arlington, Texas, specializing in ornamentalgrasses.

~ general reference GROWING PERENNIALS IN ~ pest identification COLD CLIMATES. Mike Heger and john Whitman. Contem­ ~ CD-ROM reference porary Books, Lincolnwood, Illinois, 1998.

448 pages. 8Y2 x 11 fl . Publisher's price, THE COLOR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF hardcover: $49.95. AHS price: $35. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES: SEDGES, CON 002 RUSHES, RESTIOS, CAT-TAILS, AND SELECTED BAMBOOS. GROWING ROSES IN COLD Rick Darke. Timber Press, Portland, Ore­ would be helpful to cover variations in CLIMATES. gon, 1999. 325 pages. 8Y2 x 11 fl. Publisher's structures or color performance within a jerry Olson and john Whitman. Contempo­ price, hardcover: $49.95. AHS price: $35. species, but this is a minor shortcoming rMyBooks, Lincolnwood, Illinois, 1998. 272 TIM 160 considering the depth of coverage of such pages. 8Y2 x 11 fl. Publisher's price, hardcov­ major genera as Miscanthus, Pennisetum, er: $39.95. AHS price: $28. CON 001 he use of ornamental grasses in Amer­ and Festuca. A wide range of other orna­ iGan landscaping has trailed that of mental grasses and similar plants, such as hese excellent books have been a long Tmore traditional plants. Now the sedges and restios, are covered as well. time coming. For more than 15 years growing popularity of native plant land­ Rather than focusing on just the most at­ TI've gardened in far northern Michi­ scaping and xeriscaping, fueled by increas­ tractive and well-known plants, Darke also gan's Zone 4, and it has often frustrated me ing water shortages and a more widespread includes a few species that demand an "ac­ that so few garden writers 1.mderstand my environmental ethic, demands an even quired taste." climate. These authors do, and they share more inclusive approach to ornamental I was disappointed, however, in the their expertise and experience in a clear, us- grass books. This book-the first major chapter "Learning from Grasses in Na­ treatment of grasses since John Greenlee's tive Habitats." The title raises hopes for 1992 The Encyclopedia of Ornamental important progress in the literature, but, Grasses-succeeds in demonstrating the unfortunately, the chapter doesn't live up beauty and diversity of these plants. to its potential. Darke fails to address two Rich color photographs and evocative important questions: "Why are grasses in prose effectively illustrate Darke's under­ different spots within a natural habitat?" standing of grasses and their uses. He ex­ and "How can a gardener translate this plains how lighting and grasses work into positioning?" Darke does explain, together throughout the seasons and in­ with the help of richly detailed photo­ troduces the important concepts ofland­ graphs, that you can plant a few non­ scaping with grasses, including form, grasses with grasses or use a few texture, color, and contrast. Selection specimen grasses among other plants for practices and what to expect or look for an effective landscape design. However, when shopping for ornamental grasses are giving a general landscape picture-with­ also covered. out detailing why particular grasses grow Darke provides the "how-to's" of grass where they do-falls short of fully in­ propagation, although his timetable for di­ forming the reader. visions could be expanded for those who Darke discusses grass structures to help live in milder climates. Grass diseases are the reader with field identific

56 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March / Ap r il 1999 able way, enhanced by good color photos ther get five stars or none, which is odd, tlleir names, and, witll tlle aid of excellent, of selected plants. and one of the considerations is consumer easy-to-read maps, teUs us how tlle plants Growing Pennnials in Cold Climates cost. Because plices fluctuate over time and ended up in foreign lands. Sometimes the covers 50 genera, including more than have nothing to do with garden perfor­ reasons for the spread of a plant are not 1,700 species or cultivars, each hardy to -20 mance, I feel that this is an inappropriate what we would expect. During the reign of degrees Falu'enheit or below. For each gen us consideration and greatly weakens the Caesar Augustus (43 B.C.-14 A.D.), for ex­ the authors desClibe the plants and explain overall rating system. ample, the Romans discovered that the cu.ltW'al needs clearly and concisely. These In bOtll books, many sources are listed SpaIush flavored tlleir wine by immersing desCliptions include everything you expect for each group ofplants. Canadian readers­ clove-scented carnations (Dianthus from a good plant encyclopedia, but with re­ and there will be many-will be disappoint­ car)lophytlus) in it. "As tl1e dunking habit alistic attention to oW' special climate. Quick ed that so few Canadian soW'ces are listed in spread," notes Grimshaw, "so did the plaI1t, reference cllarts list the differences bet\veen Perennials, though Roses lists many. SoW'ce aI1d it was soon cultivated all over Europe." species and cultivars in the genus in question. listings in both books take up far more room Interspersed tl1roughout tlle book aI'e than necessary. In the next editions-books short profiles of famous plant hunters or of this caliber will sW'ely run to more tllan botaIusts, such as Amelica's John BaI,tram, one edition-it would be effective and less (1699-1777), a Quaker farmer from repetitious to have master soW'ce lists in the Penl1Sylvalua who introduced at least 200 back of tlle books and only a brief list of native American species to Europe, and names in the text. This would leave more EnglaIld's Reginald Farrer (1880-1920), room for plant descriptions. known as "the rock garden wizard," who But these are minor quibbles. While is credited with the development of the Growing Pennnials in Cold Climates and modern rock garden. Grimshaw also in­ Growing Roses in Cold Climates are excel­ cludes short vignettes offamous gardens­ lent references for begiluung and interme­ including Sissinghurst, Versailles, and tl1e diate gardeners, tlley have much to offer Huntington BotaIucal Gardens-aIld clas­ more experienced gardeners as well. I'm sical garden styles, ranging from JapaIleSe very glad to own them and recommend them highly. -Nancy McDonald Afree-lance writer, Nancy McDonald ex­ periments with cold-hardy plants in her Grand Mal'ais, Michigan, cottage garden.

Growing Roses in Cold Climates covers THE GARDENER'S ATLAS: THE 700 species and named cultivars of roses. ORIGINS, DISCOVERY, AND The descriptions of roses and how they CULTIVATION OF THE MOST should be treated in a severely cold climate POPULAR GARDEN PLANTS. are excellent. As a rose lover, I'm delighted John Grimshaw. Finfly Books, Buffalo, New with the level of detail provided for planting York, 1998. 224pages. 8!l2x ll".Publisher's and care ofeach kind ofrose. I am a little dis­ pl'ice, hardcover: $29.95. AHS price: $21. appointed, though, by the large amowlt of FIR 007 space devoted to roses that must be given the extreme winter protection oftippin g and f you've ever wondered about the histo­ bmying the plant each year. Still, many roses ry of the elusive Joseph Rock peony are listed that require little or no protection I(Paeonia rockii), then you'll want to read beyond good cultmal practice-and those John Grimshaw's The Gardener's Atlas. instructions are sinlple and complete. Grimshaw, a plant htmter and lectmer, SW'­ Particularly welcome in both books are veys more than 20 plant families, covering gardens to plantations of the American realistic hardiness ratings given by temper­ the history, cultivation, collection, charac­ South. The book is crammed with gor­ ature rather than by zone; cultural infor­ teristics, and hybridization of hundreds of geous photographs of plaIltS and gaI'dens, mation for both organic and non-organic species along tlle way. as well as beautiful botanical illustrations. gardeners; planting instructions for both Beginning with the early history of cul­ Grimshaw's work is, of course, subjec­ bare-root and potted plants; practical prop­ tivated gardens ill the Babylonian empire, tive in its selection of plant fanUlies aIld spe­ agation directions; a good glossary; and a Egypt, Persia, and the Far East, the book cific plants, and my only complaint is tl1at lesson on how to order from a catalog. then quickly moves on to discuss early plant the book is not more comprehensive. It ap­ Pel'ennials also includes information on collectors and provides a brief description of pears Grimshaw would have plenty to write plant longevity and how long you can ex­ plant fanUlies native to different continents. about in a second or even tlllid volwne. pect the plant to bloom from seed. The main section of The Gardener's The Gardener's Atlas is perfect for any Both books use a five-star rating system Atlas is organized by major plant groups, gardener who likes Ius tory, any historian for plants. In Roses, one to five stars are inclUdi.Jlg the rose, daisy, orchid, magnolia, who likes to garden, or anyone else who awarded based on many factors, including and heather families. Grimshaw explains simply enjoys reading fascinating stories hardiness. In Perennials, however, plants ei- the origin of each family, how plants got about the intriguing people and plants that

March / April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 57 are part of our horticultural heritage. t11e nursery. Click again on any nursery in -Jane Berger t11e list and you'll be given the full address, A landscape designer, Jane Berge1' is a part­ phone and fax numbers, e-mail addresses, nerin the Garden Design G1'oup in Alexan­ and a direct link to nursery Web sites-if dria, Vir;ginia. they have t11em . And if you connect to one of these Web sites, simply hit the back but­ ton on your browser to return to Plant In­ PLANT INFORMATION ONLINE. formation Online; you won't have to log Univenit'y ofMinnesota Libraries, St. Paul, back on. Minnesota. Annual subsc1'iption price: in­ Don't have a particular plant in mind? dividual: $39.95; institutional/commercial: Go to "Information on North American $59.95. Nurseries" to search for nurseries by plant specialty. A pull-down box allows you to se­ f you purchase a lot of plants through lect from broad categories, such as nurs­ i mail-order catalogs, you may already be eries specializing in rock garden plants, there's a Ifamiliar with The Andersen Horticultur­ hOlllseplants, evergreens, and water plants, al Library's Source List ofPlants & Seeds, a or from nurseries that deal with specific published index that is updated every t1u'ee plants, inclucling peonies, roses, orchids, years. Following publication of the 1996 clematis, and ferns. You can also search for eclition, however, the time-sensitive source nurseries by name or by city, state, country, list has gone high-tech under the name and by whether a firm is retail or wholesale. Plant Information Online, located at Finding a mail-order nursery has never home page http://plantinfo.umn.edu. This online ser­ been easier. vice provides fully updated sources for Another nice fearure of this service is the more than 60,000 plants, listings for more Members Mailbox, where you can e-mail than 1,000 North American seed and questions to the Web site's eclitors. Ques­ pla.nt providers, and more than 150,000 tions and answers deemed to be of general citations of botanical illustrations and interest to subscribers are posted. photographs from 150 current horticul­ This is an excellent resource for anyone with tural journals and books. who gardens by mail. Updated daily, the The site is simple to navigate, and find­ site is t11e most comprehensive resource for ing sources for your favorite plants is a plants available by mail-order. So if you've I snap. Under "Sources for Plants & Seeds," ever spent hours scouring t11e pages of 25 you can search for plants by scientific or catalogs trying to remember where you saw common name. You may be as vague or as that 'Tutti Frutti' rhododendron adver­ J detailed as you wish, but-as with any tised, subscribe to Plant Information On­ a backyard. search engine-if you are too vague, you'll line and spend less time witl1 your head in have to wade through a long list of unre­ a catalog and more time willi your hands in lated "hits." A list of plants matching your the garden. Ifyou prefer to use the printed search criteria is retrieved very quickly, and version of The A ndersen Horticultural Li­ with a simple click of the mouse button bra17 's Source List, don't despair. The next you can pull up a list of retail and whole­ eclition is tentatively scheduled for publica­ sale mail-order nurseries that carry that tion in the year 2000. ~ plant. The nursery list includes company -Christina M. Scott www.ames.com names, catalog prices, and the city, state, Christina M. Scott is assistant editor of The and country (United States or Canada) of American Gardener.

The Ames website is our latest tool for lawn and garden care. On it you'll find literature, helpful tips, newsletters, Mark Laird offers readers a wealth of visual and literary materials on-line product ordering, a dealer to revolutionize our understanding ofthe English landscape locator and more. So vi.sit and book­ garden as a powerful cultural expression. This work uniquely bridges the gap in landscape history between design and mark it. Its your garden spot on the web. planting and horticultural studies.

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58 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March / Ap r il 1999 ~ PUBLISHING AND THE l.t\lvlERJCAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, TWO TOP NAMES IN GARDENING, BRING YOU A FULL RANGE OF BOOKS THAT SET THE STANDARD FOR GARDENING REFERENCE. Theres somethingfor everyone!

AHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants AHS Pruning and Training AHS Complete Guide to Water Gardening AHS Encyclopedia of Gardening Cbristopbel' Brickell, juditb Zuk Cbristopher Brickell, Dav· Joyce Peter Robinson Christopher Brickell $79.95 $.34.95 $34.95 $59.95 Over 15, 000 plants in 6,000 Covers every aspect of water The definitive gu ide to gardening photographs and illustrations gardening building technique, techniques, planning and maintenance. "Finally, one-stop sleuthingfor-­ with expert advice and ideas. "Tbe standard in the field is set by the almost any plant, anywhere. " American Horticultural Society's -Better Homes and Gardens invaluable Encyclopedia of Garden in g." -People Magazine

AHS G.eat Plant Guide The AHS Practical Guides $16.95 $8.95 each Ahandy compact gUide An ew series of practical, to the best 2,000 note­ illustrated gUides that worthy [D lants with condense essential know-how concise descriptions and of top garden experts into over 1,000 full -color compact attractive, gU ides photographs. that deal with planting, planning and building.

AHS Plant Propagation Alan Toogood $34.95 Abeautifully illustrated guide on how to Where Learning reproduce plants in the Comes to Life garden by seeds, cuttings, grafting and Avai lable wherever books are much, much more. sold or call1-888-DlAL DKP Visit us at www.dk.com Publishel"s price, hardcover: $34.95. AHS price: $25. TIM 157 gardeners' This revised edition of Lewis and Lynch's 1992 guide to these revered garden plants and wildflowers is updated to include the lat­ books est hybrids, cultivars, and name changes. As in the original, the authors provide anec­ To better serve our members, AHS has teamed dotes about the history and discovery ofvar­ up with Amazon.com . We can nOlV offer bet­ ious bellflowers, as well as tips on cultivation. ter discounts on most titles, faster deliveries, Hundreds ofencyclopedic entries reveal the more inventol'y, and improved access to hard­ fantastic variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to-jind titles. The books listed here are based on available to the gardener. Contains 75 color perceived reader interest, unusual subject photographs and 20 line drawings. matter, or substantive content. To order, or for information about other gardening books, please call Trish Gibson at (800) 777-7931 DESIGN ext. 36 or visit our Web site atwww.ahs.org and link to Amazon. com. NATURALISTIC GARDENING: with beau1:ifulleaves. Helpful sidebars focus REFLECTING THE PLANTING on topics of special interest, SIKh as orna­ PATTERNS OF NATURE. mental grasses, bamboos, fragrant plants, PLANTS Ann Lovejoy. Sasquatch Books, Seattle, 1998. and plants with ornamental bark and berries. 160 pages. Publisher's price, softcover: The book also offers a variety of easy-to-fol­ $21.95. AHS price: $18. SAS 009 low garden designs that you can integrate Award-winning garden writer Ann Love­ into your own landscape. A resource guide joy looks to nature for inspiring garden de­ lists organizations, mail-order nurseries, and signs in this colorful new book, graced with books for further reading to help you create beautiful photography by Allan Mandell. the perfect foliage garden. Contains more Lovejoy explains naturalistic principles in than 100 color photographs. detail and describes how they can be ap­ plied to any garden, whether large or small, urban or rural. Individual plant portraits are TRAVEL sprinkled through the text, providing a closer look at some of the more intriguing THE GARDEN TOURIST 1999. plants in a naturalistic setting. Numerous Lois G. Rosenfeld. Garden Tourist Press, planting schemes that provide color and fo­ New York, 1998. 264 pages. Publisher's price, liage year round are also illustrated. Con­ softcover: $18.90. AHS price: $18.90. tains 100 color photographs. GTP001 For eight years, The Garden Tourist has directed readers to North America's best

THE GARDENER'S GUIDE TO GROWING DAYLILIES. Diana Grenfell. Timber Press, Portland, Ore­ gon, 1998. 160pages. Publisher'sprice, hard­ cover: $29.95. AHS price: $22. TIM 158 A practical reference for one of the most Tourist popular flowering plants in the garden. The A Glide to ~ Ganh!n "f4tln, author, a leading authority on the genus ShoIIS .. ~ EWeiIls Hemerocallis, provides a wealth of infor­ mation on cultivation, propagation, and garden uses, together with encyclopedic entries describing hWldreds ofcultivars. In­ formation on history, botany, and breeding of daylilies gives the gardener an idea of THE FOLIAGE GARDEN: TAPESTRIES how a genus of only 30 species now in­ OF COLOR, SHAPE, AND TEXTURE. cludes more than 40,000 different selec­ Becke Davis. Friedman/Fairfax, New York, tions. Contains 74 color photographs. 1998. 144 pages. Publisher's price, hardcov­ er: $21.50. AHS price: $20. FF 005 CAMPANULAS: For those who want more out of their gar­ A GARDENER'S GUIDE. dens than showy flowers that last only a frac­ Peter Lewis and Margaret Lynch. Timber tion of the gardening seaSOR, this book Press, Portland, Oregon, 1998. 176 pages. shows how to create a garden full of plants

60 THE AMERICAN GARDENER March/April 1999 garden events. As with previous volumes, nearly every page of this delightful book. the 1999 edition lists nearly 1,000 "best­ of-the-best" garden events in 49 states THE GARDEN EXPLORED. and nine Canadian provinces. This new Mia Amato. Henry Holt and Company) edition has expanded with the addition New York) 1997. 60 pages. Publisher)s price) of a "Guide to Gardens," which provides soJtcover: $12.95. AHS price: $11. HOl 020 complete information on more than 440 This book is not another how-to gardening gardens in the United States and Cana­ reference; instead, it explains why some da. Another new feature is 10 short arti­ things work in the garden while others cles on what to see and do in selected don't. Through written explanations and great North American garden spots. dozens ofhands-on projects, you'll learn the There is also a section on selected garden answers to such questions as "Why do plants tours and horticultural events around the respond better to morning waterings?" and world, including Europe, Asia, and "Why prune at a certain time of year?" A South America. An indispensable guide great book for gardeners who want to learn for the traveling gardener. about what's going on beneath the garden surface and within the plants they grow.

MISCELLANEOUS

TOOLS OF THE EARTH: THE PRACTICE AND PLEASURE EARTH ON HER HANDS:

OF GARDENING. THE AMERICAN WOMAN MIAAMATO ~~ Jeff Taylor. Chronicle Books) San Francisco) IN HER GARDEN. AND T H E EX P L OR A TO RI UM 1998. 174 pages. Publisher)s price) hardcov­ Starr Ockenga. Clarkson N. Potter) Inc. ) The----- er: $25. AHS price: $18. CHR 013 New York) 1998. 240 pages. Publisher )s price) Each of the 24 essays in this delightful hardcover: $55. AHS price: $40. POT 002 book highlights one commonly used gar­ Writer and photographer Starr Ockenga den tool- from the shovel to the harvest examines the private gardens of American GARDEN basket- and explores its meaning, feel, women who, she says, are the backbone of ---eHplof'ed history, and use. In a witty and often mov­ America's gardening renaissance. Concen­ Discover the uneHpected ing style, Taylor explores the subtle trating on the gardening experiences ofl8 science o f lessons about life, patience, and practical­ fascinating women, the book becomes, as ity that working a garden can teach. A Ockenga claims, "a remarkable resource of sun, nnd great book for anyone who has ever felt a a half century of everyday gardening across special bond with their favorite garden America." Each profile is accompanied by trowel or watering can, or for anyone who a complete garden plan and comprehen­ simply loves spending time in the garden. sive plant lists and tips on plant culture are Illustrated with color photographs by given for many of the featured gardens. Rich Iwasaki. Large-format color photographs grace

AHS HORTICULTURAL BOOK SERVICE ORDER FORM SHIP TO: Name CHOOSE PAYMENT METHOD: Address o Check enclosed. Amount: $ City State Zip o Charge to: o VISA o MasterCard Daytime phone ( Account # Exp. date Book Code Qt y. Book Title Price Each Tot al Signature

STANDARD SECOND- NEXT-DAY SHIPPING DAY AIR AIR Subtotal $3 p~r $6 per $8 per Virginia resid ents: Add 4.5% sales tax shipmem shipment shipment pILls.95¢ plus $1.95 plus $2.95 Postage & Handling (see chart) per Item per Item per Item Total M ail complet ed f orm t o: AHS Horticultural Book Service, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Or call toll-free (800) 777-7931 ext. 36. Prices in effect until April 30, 1999. After expi ration date, orders will be filled pending availability. Please al low four to six weeks for delivery. Pr ices subject to change without notice.

March/April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 61 Richmond, Virginia. (804) 644-7776. Today, and Tomorrow. Lecture by J. Mattew s Evans, Senior Landscape Architect APR. 23-25 • Northeast Pennsylvania and Horticulturist of the U. S. Capitol. Flower Show. 109th Fi eld Artillery Friends of River Farm . River Farm, Alexan­ Armory, Wilkes-Ba rre, Pennsylvania. dria, Virginia. (703) 768-5700 ext. 10. (717) 457-8301 . NORTH CENTRAL APR. 24 . Herbs Galore. Festival. May­ mont Foundation. Maymont He rb Gar­ MAR. 6-APR. 18 • Foremost's den, Richmond, Virginia. (804) 358-7166. Butterflies Are Blooming. Butterfly ga rden exhibit. Frederik Meijer Ga rdens, APR. 25 & 26 • House and Garden Grand Rap ids, Mich igan. (877) 975-3171 . Tour of Historic Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. Shenandoah­ MAR. 13-21 • Chicago Flower and Potomac Garden Council. Martinsburg, Garden Show. Navy Pie r, Ch icago, West Virginia. (800) 848-8687. Illinois. (312) 321-0077.

MAY 1 • Herb Fair and Sale. Goose MAR. 13-21 • Indiana Flower and Creek Herb Guild. Oatlands Plantation, Patio Show. Indiana State Fa irgrounds, Leesburg, Virginia. (703) 177-3174. Indianapolis, Indiana. (317) 576-9933 . a look at what's MAY 7-9 • 16th Annual Wildflower MAR. 13-28 • Spring Flower Fest. happening around Symposium. The Wintergreen Nature Olbrich Botanical Ga rdens, Madison, Foundation. Wintergreen, Virg inia. Wisconsin. (608) 246-4550. the nation (804) 325-8172. MAR. 18 & 19 • Plant Exploration: MID-ATLANTIC MAY 12 . The Capitol: Yesterday, Protocol for the Present, Concerns for

MAR. 7-14 . Philadelphia Flower Show. Pennsylvania Convention Center, Celebrating American Garden Design Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (215) 988-8899. eld March 2S through 31, the 53rd Colonial Williamsburg Garden Sympo­ MAR. 18 . Tropical and Temperate sium, co-sponsored by AHS, will celebrate the heritage of American garden Bulbs of Summer. Lecture by Brent Hdesign with forums, clinics, and hands-on workshops led by garden design Heath. Friends of River Farm. River Farm, experts and horticultural leaders. Well-known speakers, including Rick Darke and Alexandria, Virginia . (703) 768-5700 ext 10. Darrel Morrison will outline European influences on the evolution oflandscape de­ sign in America, explore the meaning and value of contemporary gardening, and MAR. 19-21 . Richmond Home and provide a look ahead to garden design in the 21st century. Garden. walking tours Garden Show. State Fairgrounds on and design workshops will focus on perennials, herbs, and container gardens. Op­ Straw berry Hill, Richmond, Vi rginia. tional tours of private gardens will also be available. (804) 288-5653. The registration fee of $250 includes conference present3ltions, daily refresh­ ments, closing reception dirn1er, and fi:ee admission to all Colonial Williamsburg MAR. 20 . Slide Show. Pot omac Valley museums and exhibition buildings. AHS members receive a 10 percent discount on Chapter of the North American Roc k registration. For more information, contact the Colonial Williamsburg conference Garden Society. Ri ver Fa rm, Alexandria, regisu'ar at (SOO) 603-094S, or write to: Registrar, Garden Symposium, Williams­ Virginia. (703) 768-5700 ext 10. burg ]institute, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, P. O . Box 1776, Williamsburg, VA 231S7-1776. -Mark C. Molian, Communications Assistant MAR. 27 • Native Plant Symposium. U.S. National Arboretum, Washi ngton, D.C. (202) 245-452 1. Southern Gardening School and California Show

APR. 10 . Flower Design Short Course HS is co-sponsoring two other notable events this spring: the Southclrn Living for the Amateur. Class w ith Thomas Garden School and the Southern California Spring Garden Show. The Garden Powell. Friends of River Fa rm. National A School series of educational shows will take place from February through May Center for Fl oral St udies, Alexandria, at many of the South's premier bota1ucal gardens and destinations. Each show will fea­ Virginia. (703) 768-5700 ext 10. ture the latest in garden design and techniques from experts. The seri.es begins at the Disney Institute in Orlando, Florida, on February 27. CallAHS at (SOO) 777-7931 APR. 15-17 . River Farm Garden ext. 10 for a destination near you. Festival and Plant Sale. River Farm, On the West coast, AHS joins with the Southern California Garden Alliance in Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 768-5700 ext 10. hosting the 10th annual Southern California Spring Garden Show in Costa Mesa, California, on April 15 through I S. The show will feature lavish floral arrangements, APR. 17-24 . Historic Garden Week informative seminars, and a variety of vendors. Call (714) 435-2160 for details. in Virginia. The Garden Club of Virginia.

62 THE AMER I CAN GARDENER March / Ap r il 1999 the Future. Conference. Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-8261 . Medieval Landscape Conference and Garden Fair MAR. 27 • Creating a Natural uring the second weekend in April, an interdisciplinary medieval landscape con­ Landscape. Seminar. Muskegon Com­ ference and garden fair sponsored by the Pennsylvania State University's Center munity College, Muskegon, Michigan. Dfor Medieval Stucli es will bring gardens of the Middle Ages to life through (616) 788-3380. scholarly discussion and garden re-creations. On Friday and Saturday, Aplil9 and 10, the conference, titled "Scenes and Seasons: APR. 10 . The Art of Gardening Cele­ The Meclieval L'lndscape," will bring together scholars from the fields of reli gion, en­ bration. Seminar. Chadwick Arboretum, gineering, history, and landscape architecture to explore the concept of tl1e garden for Columbus, Ohio. (61 4) 688-3479. nobles and serfs, and tile roots of our present views about nature. The $25 admission fee for the two-day conference, held at tl1e Nittany Lion lim in State College, Pennsyl­ APR. 21-APR. 25 • Cincinnati Flower vania, is waived for all teachers and students witl1 identification. Show. Ault Park, Cincinnati, Ohio. The admission-free Medieval Garden Fair, held on the Pennsylvania State Uni­ (800) 670-6808. versity campus, will showcase functioning medieval-style physic, kitchen, and orna­ mental gardens planted witl1 herbs and flowers typical to the period. For more APR. 30-MAY 2 • Orchard in Bloom information on these events call tl1e Center for Medieval Studies at (814) 863-7484. Garden Show. Holiday Park, Indian­ apolis, Indiana. (317) 290-7673. Tropical Exhibit Opens in D enver NORTHEAST ast November, Boettcher Memorial Conservatory opened a new living exhibit MAR. 11-14 . Rochester Flower and "Tropical Botanica"-a look at Colorado's prehistoric landscape. Visitors to the Garden Show. The Dome Center, L12,800-square-foot glass and concrete structure at Denver Botanic Gardens Henrietta, New York. (716) 265-9018. (DBG) are awed by tl1e the centerpiece of tl1e new exhibit, a 40-foot-taJI artific ial APR. 17 . If Only We Knew: Land­ banyan tree, which conceals a new elevator, scape Preservation in Context. supports two new viev.ri.ng decks, and hosts 1890-1950. Symposium. Wave Hill, Bronx, scores of living epiphytes. New York. (718) 549-3200 ext. 204. With me help of state-of-the-art weamer simulation devices and hundreds of tropical APR. 22 • Identification of Plants plants from around the worl d, inhabitants Using Taxonomic Keys. Workshop. of me semi-arid climate of contemporary University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Denver can now get a glimpse of me tropi­ Rhode Island. (401) 783-5895. cal climate Colorado enjoyed at the begi.n­ ning of the Cenozoic era, some 65 million APR. 24 & 25 . Nantucket Daffodil years ago. Festival. Nantucket Garden Club. T hematic tours oftl1e tropical exhibit Nantucket, Massachusetts. (508) 228-4133. offer insights into today's diminishing u'opi­ cal rainforest. For more information call me Denver Botanic Gardens' 40-foot-tall MAY 7-9 • New, Classic and Extra­ DBG at (303) 370-8220. - M.c.M. artificial banyan tree. ordinary Plants for Urban Gardeners. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York. (718) 817-8137. MAY 8 . Native Plant Sale. Central APR. 27 & 28 • Florescence: The Arts Puget Sound Chapter Washington Native In Bloom. Flower show. Museum of Fine MAY 14-16 . Plant Sale and Plant Society. Bellevue Botanical Garden, Arts, Houston, Texas. (713) 520-71 11. Herb Fair. Berkshire Botanical Bellevue, Washington. (206) 634-1209. Garden, Stockbridge, Massachusetts. MAY 12 . Harvesting and Drying (413) 298-3926. SOUTH CENTRAL Herbs for the Home. Workshop. The McAhan Herb Gardens at Festival Hill, NORTHWEST MAR. 6-APR. 11 • Dallas Blooms: Round Top, Texas . (409) 249-5283. Birds In Paradise. Flower festival. MAR. 25-28 • Boise Flower and Dallas Arboretum, Dallas, Texas. SOUTHEAST Garden Show. Boise Center on the (214) 327-8263. Grove, Boise, Idaho. (888) 888-7631 . MAR. 18-21 . Student Career Days MAR. 19 & 20 . Plant Sale. Mercer and Horticultural Competition. MAR. 27 & 28 . Oregon Camellia Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, Associated Landscape Contractors of Show. Japanese Garden Society of Ore­ Humble, Texas. (281) 443-8731. America. Lexington, Kentucky. gon. Portland, Oregon. (503) 223-4070. (800) 395-2522. MAR. 27 & 28 . Gardening Festival APR. 17 & 18 . Hood River Valley and Plant Sale. Lady Bird Johnson MAR. 25-28 • Festival of Flowers. Blossom Festival. Hood River Valley, Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas . Flow er and garden show. Spring Hill Hood River, Oregon. (541) 386-2000. (512) 292-4200. College, Mobile, Alabama (334) 639-2050.

March/April 1999 THE AMERICAN GARDENER 63 Secret Gardens of the East Bay ain or shine, 10 private gardens in the San Francisco Bay area will open Rtheir gates on Sunday, April 25, to benefit scholarship and academic pro­ grams at Park Day School in nearby Oak­ a look at current offerings land. Highlights of this popular tour include an English-style garden, an exten­ from the marketplace sive garden forest with more than 800 conifers, a Zen temple garden, and a gar­ den blending plants and modern art. Do­ CLASSIFIED AD RATES: All classified advertis­ cents and designers will be on hand to ing must be pnpaid. $2 per word; minimum $50 answer questions at each stop in the tour. per insertion. Copy and prepayment must be re­ Tickets- $35 per person- ceived on the 20th ofth e month three months prior include a tour map and detailed de­ to publication date. Send ordel's to: AHS Adver­ scriptions of each garden. Lunch boxes tising Office, 4350 DiPaolo Center, Suite B, are available by reservation. For more GlenvieJV, IL 60025, or call (847) 699-1707. information, call Park Day School Gar­ den Tour at (510) 653-6250. BEEKEEPING ~M. c.M. An English-style garden in Piedmont. QUALITY BEEKEEPING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. Explore the miracle. Fr ~ e catalog. BRUSHY MOUNTAIN BEE FARM, 1-800- BEESWAX (233-7929). APR. 10 & 11 • Spring Orchid Show Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico. and Sale. Jacksonville Orchid Society's (505) 296-6020. BOOKS Garden Center, Jacksonville, Florida. (904) 275-2826. WEST COAST H ortica: Color Cyclopedia of Garden Flora with Hardiness Zones and Indoor Plants, APR. 10 & 11 and 17 & 18 .. Spring MAR. 18-21 . San Francisco Flower 8,100 color photos by Dr. A. B. Graf, $238. Wildflower Festival and Native and Garden Show. Cow Palace, San Tropica 4: 7,000 color photos of plants and trees for warm environments, $165. Plant Sale. Reflection Riding Arboretum Francisco, California. (800) 829-9751 . Exotic House Plants: 1,200 photos, 150 in & Botanical Garden, Chattanooga, color, with keys to care, $8 .95. Tennessee. (423) 821-9582. MAR. 19-21 • Orchid Oasis: Orchid Shipping additional. Circulan gladly sent. Show and Plant Sale. San Diego ROEHRS CO., Box 125, East Rutherford, NJ APR. 16-MAY 30 . Epcot International Orchid Society. San Diego, California. 07073. (201) 939-0090. FAX (201 ) 939-0091. Flower and Garden Festival. Includes (619) 444-8839. lectures series co-sponsored by AHS as part of the Great American Gardener Lecture MAR. 19-APR. 18 . Tulipmania: BOOKS ON GARDENING, LANDSCAPING, PLANT-HUNTING, BOTANY, ETC. series. Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Spring Festival of Flowers. Descanso A stock of over 3,000 titles, including Vista, Florida. (407) WDISNEY. Gardens, La Canada Flintridge, California. rare color plate books. (818) 952-4401 . APR. 17 • Azalea and Rhododendron Free catalog from: ST. ANN'S BOOKS Show. Smyrna Civic Center, Smyrna, MAR. 27 & 28 • Bonsai Show. Rectory House, 26 Pri ory Road Georgia . (404) 634-1019. Huntington Botanical Garden, San Malvern, Worcs. WR14 3DR, U.K. Marino, California. (626) 405-2141. Tel: 01144 1684562818 APR. 24 • Herb Education Day. Sem­ Fax: 011 44 1684 566491 inars. Chattahoochee Unit of The Herb APR. 16 & 17 • Southwestern E-mail: [email protected] Society of America. Atlanta Botanical Botanical Systems Symposium: The Garden, Atlanta, Georgia. (404) 876-5859. Evolution of Ecological Adaptation. FERTILIZERS Rancho Santa Ana, Claremont, California. GROW A GREAT GARDEN. Environmentally SOUTHWEST (909) 625-8767 ext . 251 . safe products. Kelp, fish, blood, bone, alfalfa meals. Greensand, Dynaweed, plaflting mix, di­ MAR. 13-MAY 31 . Botanical Art MAY 8 & 9 • Orcbid Festival. atomaceaous earth, rock phosphate. Free catalog. Show. Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Huntington Botanical Gardens, San SEABORN/ LANE, INC. 1-800-457-5013. z Colorado. (303) 370-8021. Marino, California. (626) 405-2141 . o GREENHOUSE PLASTICS ~ BOB'S SUPER-STRONG GREENHOUSE iii APR. 10 & 11 • Home Garden Tour. CANADA w PLASTIC-Pond Liners. Resists hailstones, yellow­ uz Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tucson, ing, leafburning. Samples: 2 stamps appreciated. Box :':\ Arizona. (520) 326-9686. APR. 22-MAY 3 • World Orchid Con­ 42AG, Neche, ND 58265; 204-327-5540 daily. o ference. Vancouver, British Columbia. ~ HOSTAS ~ APR. 24 . Garden Fair. Albuquerque (604) 681-5226. Same-day registration :J o Garden Clubs. Albuquerque Garden available every day of conference . HOSTA SPECIALISTS- Field grown, large U

64 THE AME R ICAN GA R DE NER March/April 1999 choice selection inducting species , classics, new and our temperanu'e-cono'olled truck to IDS depots in exclusive varieties. Descriptive catalog, includes the USA for local disoibution. Catalog $3. Please ALIMINHM LANI.CAPE EBGING color, $3. SAVORY'S GARDENS, INC. , 5300 submit retail orders by fux at (905 ) 689-6566, or call Whiting Avenue, Edina, MN 55439-1249. in on (905) 689-9323. HORTICO INC., 723 Rob­ ~=~~u~~~WIDSCAPE EDGING. son Road, Waterdown, Ontario LOR 2H1. Tel: Used by contractors for over a decarle. I Product Is now available to home owners. (905 ) 689-6984 or 689-3002. E- mail : hortico NURSERY STOCK 'Flexible, Permanenl, Easy To Install' fII& @bigwave.ca; Web site: http://www.hortico.com/ TREE/SHRUB SEEDLINGS. Wholesale plices. PROUNE lIDGING 1-800-356-9660 C.w.1I Beaut:if)r property. Malee money growing Cluistmas t3505 Barry Street, Holland, MI 49424 trees, ornamentals, nut trees, timber. Windbreales, SCENTED GERANIUMS noise barriers, wilcllife food/ cover. Easy instruc ­ SCENTED GERANIUMS. Over 70 va rieties tions guaranteed. FREE color catal og. CARINO available for immediate shipment. For latest li st atld THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN NURSERIES, P.O. Box 538AG, Indiana, PA prices, send $1 to THE SCENTED GERANIUM School of Professional Horticulture, Academic 15701. www.catmonurselies.com. SPECIALIST, Box 182, Washington, KY 41096. and practical training, two year program. For complete catalog, send $7.50. Write: School of Professional Horciculrur~ PEONIES NYBG, Bronx, NY 10458 or phone BEAUTIFUL JAPANESE/CHINESE TREE SEEDS (718) 817-8797 for information . _ . ~~,.. PEONIES. Wide vatiety of exotic, INEXPENSIVE UNCOMMON SEEDS for exceptional gardens: peonies available. Catalog $3. All plants 3 years old hard-to-find ornatnentals, unusual perennials, fl ow­ and older. SMIRNOW'S SON'S PEONIES, Dept. ery vines, atltique armuals, rare alpines, trees, tropi­ EarthCo Soil Analysis AG, 168 Maple Hill Road, Huntington, NY cals, wilclflowers, herbs, heirloom vegetables. Catalog 11743. Phone: 516-421-0836. $1. HUDSON SEEDS, SR2, Box 337-AG, La­ Honda, CA 94020. V Basic Test ($15): pH, organic PERENNIALS matter, phosphorous, potassium, BEAUTIFUL PERENNIALS at pleasing prices. TRAVEL magnesium, calcium+ recommendations Send for FREE catalog-our biggest everl BLUE­ ENGLAN D AND WALES GARDENER'S V Advanced Test ($30): basic test + STONE PERENNIALS, 7201 Middle Ridge TOUR- May 12-27,1999. Garden-writer es­ Road, Madison, OH 44057. corted to Chelsea Flower Show plus 17 outstmd­ micronutrient analysis ing spring private md public ga rdens. Priced in V Complete Test ($40): advanced Cmadim $, U.S. clients save approxinlately 45 per­ test+ soil classification (% sand, silt & HARDY MAINE PERENNIALS cent. Call DISCOVER TRAVEL, LTD. 1-800- clay) We provide your garden with only the best!! 540-2892. www.discovertravel. on.ca. E-mai l: Many new and haed to rmIFID<:(207)92.3-3836 Highest Quality, Best Selection, Low Costl ~ .~ FREE Dr. . Ork, Catalo a who swho ofexc~tionai Your SouTC~nd MiCf:Oitri9;uon 9 plants.... catawg $3 231 E. San Francisco SI. 800-616-8321 Willits, Ca 95490 email: dripwr1

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THE AMERICAN GARDE NE R 65 Dulichium arundinaceum 6-11,12-6 P. pinifolius 'Mersea Yellow' 4-11, 12-1 Enceliafarinosa 7-9, 9-7 Philadelphus lewisii 4-8,8-3 hardiness and E. frutescens 7-9, 9-7 Phlox divaricata 3-9, 9-4 Fothergilla major 'Mt. Airy' 5-9, 9-3 Phytlorrachys nuda 7-11,12-7 Fraxinus cuspidata 5-8, 8-4 Picea abies ' Nidiformis' 2-8, 8-1 heat zones Gaultheria procumbens 3-8, 8-1 Pinus rrrobus 'Pendula' 4-9, 9-3 Gazania linearis 'Colorado Gold' Pleioblarrus pygmaeus 7-11, 12-7 8-10, 10-1 Polygonum cascadense 5-8, 8-5 For yo~tr convenience, most of the cultivated plants feat~tred in this edition oft he magazine an listed Gelsemium sempervirens 7-9, 9-7 Polyrrichum acrorrichoides 3-8,8-1 here with their USDA Plant H ardiness Zones and Geranium maculatum 4- 8,8- 1 Pontederia cordata 3-9, 9-1 AHS H eat Zones. If ai s listed in place of USDA Populus angustifolia 4-9, 9-2 hardiness zones, it means that plant is a true an­ P. tremuloides 1-8,8-1 nual-it completes its life cycle and dies in a year Holodiscus dumosus 6-9, 9-5 Ratibida columnifera 3-11,12-1 or less. Tropical plants that require minimum tem­ Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' Rhododendron arborescens 5-9, 9-4 peratures warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit­ 3-9, 9-1 R. austrinum 6-10, 10-7 the minimum average temperature in USDA Impatienspallida 11,12-1 R. canescens 4-7, 7-4 Zone 11-)vill be listed by minimum average tem­ Itea virginica 5-9, 9-5 R. viscosum 4-8, 8-4 perature rather than by zone numbers. Juniperus monosperma 6-9, 9-3 Rhus trilobata 4-6, 6-2 Jprocumbens'Nana' 5-9, 9-1 Ribes odoratum 5-9, 9-4 J scopulorum 3-7, 7-1 Rosa palurrris 3-9, 9-1 Abies lasiocarpa USDA 5-6, AHS 6-5 Larrea tridentata 8-11, 12-8 Abronia fragrans 6-9, 12-5 Leonotis leonurus 10-12, 12-1 Achillea ageratifolia 3-9, 9-1 Leucothoe fontanesiana 5-8, 8-3 Salviagreggii 7-9,9-7 A. millefoliumvar. occidentalis 5-7,7-4 Lindera benzoin 4-9, 8-1 Scrophularia macrantha 5-9, 9-5 Agarrachecana 5-11,12-5 Magnolia virginiana 6-9, 9-6 Smilacina racemosa 3-8, 8-3 A. ruperrris 7-11, 12-7 Mahonia repens 5-8,8-3 Sophora japonica 5-9, 9-5 Anemone quinquefolia 4-8, 8-1 Malus angurrifolia 5-8, 8-1 S. secundiflora 7-11, 12-7 Artemisia filifolia 5-8, 8-3 M. ioensis 5-8, 8-1 Stachys coccinea 4-8, 8-1 Berlandiera lyrata 7-9,9-7 Mirabilis longiflora 9-11, 12-1 Styrax americanus 6-8, 8-6 Calycanthus floridus 4-9, 9-1 Miscanthus floridulus 6-9, 9-3 Talinum calycinum 8-10, 10-8 Calylophus serrulatus 3- 8, 8-1 Monarda didyma 4-9, 9-1 Trilliumgrandiflorum 4-7,7-3 Campanula rotundifolia 'Olympica' M. firrulosa 3-9, 9-1 Veronica liwanensis 4-8, 8-1 5-8,8-4 Wirreria frutescens 5-9, 9-6 Cedrus libani 6-9, 9-3 Cephalanthus occidentalis 5-10, 12-3 Nelumbo nucifera 4-11, 12-3 Cerarrium tomentosum 3-7, 7-1 Osteospermum ecklonis 'Lavender Mist' The codes above are based on a number of com ­ Cercocarpus ledifolius 6-9, 9-6 10-11, 6-1 monly available references and are likely to be con­ Chionanthus virginicus 4-9, 9-3 Oxydendrum arboreum 5-9, 9-4 servative. Factors such as microclimate s, plant Cladrarris kentukea 4-8, 9-3 Parkinsonia florida 6-9, 9-6 provenance, and use of mulch may affect indi­ Clethra alnifolia 4-9, 9-1 Penrremon barbatus 'Elfin Pink' vidual gardeners' experiences. To purchase a Comptonia peregrina 2-8,8-3 4-8, 8-1 durable t J.Vo -by-three j oot poster ofthe AHS H eat­ Cyrilla racemiflora 6-9, 9-5 P. palmeri 3-11, 12-1 Z one Map, call (800) 777-7931 ext. 45.

Datura innoxia 11 , 12-4 Decumaria barbara 6-9, 9- 6 Delosperma cooperi 8-10, 10-8 Dennstaedtia punctilobula 3-8, 8-1 Dianthus amurensis 3-8, 8-1 D. arenarius 3-9, 9-1 D. barbatus 5-8, 9-1 D. carthusianorum 5-9, 9-1 D. caryophyllus 7-10, 10-7 D. chinensis 7-10, 10-6 D. cruentus 5-9, 9-3 D. deltoides 3-11, 10-1 ... D. giganteus 4-9, 9-1 oro.,..porV__-­ D. g ratianopolitanus 4-9, 9-1 D. knappii 3-9, 9- 1 D. petraeus 4-8, 8-1 -.~ !- .iOlO ' 20 e .nolOUI) \I D. plumarius 4-9, 9-1 '15010 . 110

D. superbus 3-8, 8- 1 • ~ 1 0 D. sylverrris 5-9, 9-4

66 TH E AMERICAN GARDE N ER M arc h / Ap ri l 19 9 9 Cercocarpus ledifolius Gaultheria procumbens sur-ko-KAR-pus leh-dih-FO-lee-us gawl-THEER-ee-uh pro-KUM-benz Chamaebatiaria millefolium Gazania linearis kam-ee-bah-tee-AIR-ee-uh mih­ guh-ZAY-nee-uh lin-ee-YAR-iss lih-FO-Iee-um Gelsemium sempervirens Chrysactinia mexicana jel-SEE-me-um sem-pur-VY-renz kris-ak-TIN-ee-uh mex-ih-KAN-uh Holodiscus dumosus Comptonia peregrina hol-o-DIS-kus dew-MO-sus comp-TOH-nee-uh pair-eh-GRY-nuh Hymenoclea monogyra Cyrilla racemiflora hy- meh-no-KLEE-uh mon-o-JY-ruh sy-RIL-Iuh ras-em-iJl-FLOR-llh Hyptis emoryi Datura innoxia HIP-tiss eh-MOR-ee-eye duh-TOO-ruh in-NOK-see-llh Larrea tridentata Decumaria barbara LAR-ree-uh try-den-TAY-tuh dek-yew-MAY-ree-uh BAR-bar-uh Leonotis leonurus Dennstaedtia punctilobula lee-o-NO-tis lee-o-NUR-us den-STET-ee-llh pw1k-tili-LO­ Leucothoe fontanesiana bew-luh 100-KO-thoh-ee fon-tan-ee-zee-AN-uh Diamorpha smallii Lindera benzoin a simple speaking guide to dy-AM-or-fuh SMAW-Iee-eye lin-DAIR-uh BEN-zo-in Dianthus amurensis Malus ioensis plants found in this issue dy-AN-thus am-ur-EN-sis MAL-us eye-o-EN -siss D. arenarius Nelumbo nucifera Abronia fragrans D. ar-en-AIR-ee-us neh-LUM-bo new-SIH-fer-uh uh-BRO-nee-uh FRAY-granz D. carthusianorum Parkinsonia florida Agarista populifolia D. kar-thew-see-uh-NO-rum park-in-SO-nee-tll FLOR-m-duh ah-guh-REES-tuh pop-yew-li-FO­ D. caryophyllus Parthenium incanum lee-uh D. kair-ee-o-FIL-I us par-THEE-nee-um in-KAY-num Agastache rupestris D. cruentus Phyllostachys nuda ah-guh-STAH-she roo-PES-triss D . krew-EN-tus fil-lo-STAY-kiss NEW-duh Anemone quinquefolia D. gratianopolitanus Picea engelmannii uh-NEM-o-nee kwin-lnve-FO-lee-uh D . grat-see-ay-no-pol-m-TAY-nus PY-see-uh en-gul-MAN-ee-eye Berlandiera lyrata D. knappii Pleioblastus pygmaeus bair-Ion-DEER-uh ly-RAY-tub D. NAP-ee-eye play-o-BLAS-tus pig-MAY-us Calycanthus floridus D.petraeus Polystichum acrostichoides kal-ee-KAN-thus FLOR-ih-dus D. peh-TREE-us pah-LISS-tili-kwn uh-kro-stili­ Calylophus serrulatus Dulichium arundinaceum CHOY-deez kal-ih-LO-fus sair-yew-LAY-tus dul-IK-ee-wll ah-rwl-dee-NAY-see-wn Pontederia cordata Cedrus libani Echinocystis lobata pon-tub-DEER-ee-uh kor-DAH-tub SEED-rus LIH-ban-eye eh-kee-no-SIS-tus low- BAY-tub Psorothamnus fremontii Cephalanthus occidentalis Encelia farinosa saw-ro-TRAM -nus free- MON -tee-eye sef-uh-LAN-thus ahk-sih-den-TAL-iss en-SEE-lee-uh fair-m-NO-suh Rhododendron austrinum Cerastium tomentosum Fraxinus cuspidata ro-doh-DEN-dron aw-STRY-num seh-RASS-tee-um toh-men-TOH-sum frak-SIH -nus kus-pm-DAY-tub R. canescens R. kan-NES-senz R. viscosum What's in a Name: Cercocarpus ledifolius R. viss- KO-sum Rhus trilobata member ofdle rose family (Rosaceae), curl-leaf mountain mahogany is na­ RUS try-lo-BAY-tuh tive to higher elevations of the western United States from dle eastern slopes Ribes odoratum A of the Sierra Nevada-Cascade divide to dle Rockies. Its common name refers RY-beez o-doh-RAY-tum to the distinguishing characteristic of this tall shrub or small tree: leathery leaves that Scrophularia macrantha are rolled Ullder at the margins. skroff-yew-LAY-ree-uh mak-RAN-thuh Hopi Indians used dle plant's reddish brown bark to dye leather, and the hard Smilacina racemosa wood was often used to make tool handles. Its slow-burning wood also produced smy-luh-SY-nuh rass-eh-MO-suh the preferred charcoal used for smelting ores in dle 19th century. Curl-leafrnoun­ Sophora japonica tain mahogany can be extremely long lived; several trees in central Nevada are be­ so-FOR-uh jall-PON-ili-kuh lieved to be approximately 1,300 years old. S. secundiflora The genus name Cercocarpus--derived from dle Greek words kerkos, meaning S. sek-un-dif-FLO-ruh "tail," and karpos, or "fruit"-alludes to the plumelike style that remains attached to Talinum calycinum the fruit. The specific epithet, ledifolius, is derived from the plant's foliage, which re­ tub-LY-num kal-ili-SY-num sembles dlat of plants in dle genus Ledum. Viciafaba VIH -see-till FAY-buh

Manh / April1999 THE AMERICAN GARD ENER 67 ~s your most trblsted source on gardening information for over 30 years, Southern Living now brings its expertise to an exciting and fun live show. Join us at one or more of the South's premier botanical gardens and destinations as a Southern Living Garden Specialist shares the latest in garden design and technique.

SHOW DATE LOCATION FOR TICKET INFORt'\1ATlON February 27 Disney Institute at the Walt Dwney World"' Resort (407) 827-4800 March 2 Atlanta Botanical Garden (404) 876-5859 x 548 March 9 Memphis Botanic Garden (901) 685-1566 x 152 March 16 Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden (803) 779-8717 x 1117 (Columbia, SC) March 18 New Orleans Botanical Garden (504) 483-9386 March 19 Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain, GA) (706) 663-5153 March 23 The Mint Museum of Art, with Ribbonwalk, (704) 372-9594 Charlotte's Botanical Forest March 24 San Antonio Botanical Garden (210) 829-5360 April 7 The Dallas Arboretum (214) 327-8263 x102 April 17 Bellingrath Gardens and Home (800) 247-8420 x 163 April 24 Missouri Botanical Garden (314) 577-5141 May 22 Biltmore Estate (888) 844-4696 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL All attendees receive a FREE gift bag, resource guide, and an AHS Plant Heat-Zone Map! SOCIETI'