Conifer Quarterly

Vol. 24 No. 1 Winter 2007 y r e s r u N i l e s I f o y s e t r u o c , h t i m S . C l l a d n a R Cedrus libani ‘Glauca Pendula’ Color pictures for the Conifer Genetics and Selection Article that starts on page 7. t n e m t r a p e D y r t s e r o F U S M : t i d e r c o t o h P Looking for true blue: Variation in needle color stands out in this aerial view of the Colorado blue spruce improvement test at MSU’s Kellogg Forest.

Foresters use seed zones to determine the optimum seed source for their geographic location.

Many ornamental conifers such as these at Hidden Lake Gardens start as grafted seedlings. The Conifer Quarterly is the publication of the American Conifer Society

Contents 7 Conifer Genetics and Selection Dr. Bert Cregg 16 Pendulous Conifers – A Brief Look Bill Barger 18 Cascades in the Garden Ed Remsrola 21 Shaping Pendulous Plants A grower’s and a collector’s perspective 24 Thuja occidentalis ‘Gold Drop’ Plant Sale Supports ACS Research Fund Dennis Groh 26 Information and History of the RHS International Conifer Register and Checklist Lawrie Springate 28 Tsuga canadensis Cultivars at the South Seattle Community College Arboretum Peter Maurer 35 Just a Couple of Raving Coniferites from Cincinnati Judy and Ron Regenhold 38 Changing Genes – Brooms, Sports, and Other Mutations Don Howse 46 Cornell Plantations Offers Many Favorites, Not Just One or Two Phil Syphrit

Conifer Society voices 2 President’s Message 4 Editor’s Memo 42 Conifer News 44 ACS Regional News

Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BY TOM COX

Conifer n behalf of our officers, the Board of ment at our Board of Directors meeting in tributor to our Conifer Quarterly. The final ODirectors and national office, let me February. The intent is to ensure that we evening provided an opportunity to also Quarterly take this opportunity to wish each of you remain dynamic and look for ways to spend time over a stimulating dinner with Winter 2007 the very best in the New Year. It has been better serve you. ACS member Charles Paquelet. Volume 24, No. 1 our honor to have served you in the past While this position has its share of Being that far north, I took the time to year. challenges, it has also afforded me the op- drive to Tifton, Michigan to see the Harper The Conifer Quarterly (ISSN 8755-0490) is published quarterly by the the American As we usher in the New Year, this is a portunity to meet some very wonderful (Chub) Collection at Hidden Lakes Conifer Society. The Society is a non-profit time for reflection on our past accomplish- people and see some beautiful gardens. As Garden. Despite a blowing, cold rain, this organization incorporated under the laws of the ments as well as the challenges of contin- you travel, I encourage you to seek out the was as good as it gets for a conifer collec- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal uing to grow our organization. The sometimes hidden treasures available to us tion. I later told Chub that I refer to this Revenue Service Code. American Conifer Society had a good as members open their gardens. Here are place as the James Bond garden as there You are invited to join our Society. Please year. Our member retention rate continues but a few of the people and places that was not one hair (blade of grass) out of address membership and other inquiries to the American Conifer Society National Office, to be above 80% and we are operating in crossed my path. The first journey took me place. A ‘must see’ if anywhere near south- P.O. Box 3422, Crofton, MD 21114-0422. the black. All of our meetings were suc- to the home of my good friends Walter and ern Michigan! On the way to Hidden Membership: US $30 (indiv.), $35 (joint), $30 cessful and feedback was positive. The Emilie Cullerton in Doylestown, Pennsyl- Lakes, we had yet another exciting stop at (institutional) $50 (sustaining), $100 (corpo- rate/business) and $130 (patron). If you are Collectors Conifer of the Year program is vania. Besides having a fabulous garden, the nursery of Dave Dannaher in Galena, moving, please notify the National Office 4 now in its second year and is going strong. Walter is past president NE Region. Ohio. Dave is a good plantsman and really weeks in advance. This has proved to be an innovative initia- During our visit, Walter drove us to the has an extensive collection of woody All editorial and advertising matters should be sent to: Evelyn Cox, 342 North tive that not only provides great member home of Helen Donn who owns Watnong gems, many that were new to me. The last Main Street, Suite 202, Alpharetta, Georgia benefit, but also is a source of good PR for Gardens in Parsippany, New Jersey. This stop was one I almost didn't make as it was 30004. (770) 663-7576, or email the Society as we announce it to the media. garden is just about as good as it gets. time to head south and the weather was [email protected]. My thanks to Ridge Goodwin and all of Helen seemed unfazed by the light rain as miserable. This Cincinnati, Ohio garden in Editor the growers who spearhead this. she toured us around for at least two hours. a quiet neighborhood belongs to Ron & Evelyn Cox Earlier, I mentioned the challenges of Also while in the area, I had the pleasure to Judy Regenhold and is loaded with cool Technical Editors continuing to move our Society forward. tour Ridge Goodwin's gardens and nursery. plants. They have accomplished a master- Ethan Johnson In this connection, I recently had discus- Upon leaving each of these gardens, I ful mix of dwarf conifers with companion Susan Martin R. William Thomas sions with presidents of Camellia, Rhodo- mused that unlike here in Georgia, these plants. This stop was well worth the detour. Advisory Committee dendron, Hosta, Rock Garden and Daylilly folks don't have weeds, as I never saw any. All this to make the point that becom- Ellen Kelley, Committee Chair societies. The purpose was to benchmark The next trip was a return to the fabu- ing involved in the ACS has its rewards - Anne Brennan our organization against like societies to lous Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio to we forge friendships that transcend the Marvin Snyder ex officio: Tom Cox determine best practices and pinpoint attend the Conifer Symposium hosted by Society and we have the opportunity to ex officio: Don Wild areas for improvement. These discussions the arboretum. Perhaps because this time I see many beautiful gardens. What could ex officio: John Martin covered areas such as organizational struc- had the opportunity to spend quality time be better? Copyright © 2006, American Conifer Society. tures, meeting formats, websites, publica- with a great plantsman Rich Larson, the On a closing note, I appreciate the All rights reserved. No material contained tions, advertising and public relations. One conifers and maples seemed even more many e-mails, letters and calls that I have herein may be reproduced in any form with- out prior written permission of the publisher. common theme was member retention and impressive than at my last visit. This visit received since becoming president. This Opinions expressed by authors and advertis- age of members. It is refreshing to learn also afforded an opportunity to renew a lets me know you're involved and that you ers are not necessarily those of the Society. that we are doing better than most in re- friendship forged with Dan Luscomb of care about the Society. Note: Hardiness Zone references in the taining members. That is an indication that the Bedgebury Pinetum in the UK. Dan is Conifer Quarterly are USDA classifications we are doing some things right. We will be also a founding member of the British Warm regards, unless otherwise specified. discussing areas for potential improve- Conifer Society as well as a frequent con-

2CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 3 EDITOR’S MEMO BY EVELYN COX

This issue kicks off a new Conifer Quar- aberrant plant behavior. to attend the ACS National Meeting that terly year – its 24th. I think the key to this With the realization that not all of begins July 26 and runs through July publication’s success for almost a quar- our members are at the same knowledge 29? For those planning to also attend the ter-century is that it has been surrounded level, we are soon to begin a column post conference tour, it will run through by smart people. There is a wealth of dedicated to answering your plant ques- August 1. More details can be found on knowledge and talent among its readers tions. This will be simple; submit your our website at www.conifersociety.org. who are also generous and proactive question to me and it will be answered One of the national meeting venues, about ensuring its longevity. To those of by our technical staff. Kubota Gardens, was featured in the fall you who help fill these pages and all of Beginning on page 35 Ron and Judy CQ. In this issue, you can read Peter you who read them, thank you. Regenhold give us a good example of Maurer’s article about the Tsuga If you have been putting off submit- putting pen to paper and writing their canadensis cultivars at South Seattle ting that article that you’ve been think- first article for the Quarterly. After an Community College Arboretum, ing about, make this the year it happens. exciting visit to their spectacular garden, another national meeting venue. This is You might be surprised at how easily I asked if they would be willing to write a meeting you will not want to miss. your plant passion will flow once you an article that showcased some of their See you in Seattle. begin. As winter runs us inside, why not beautiful plants that I felt would be of pull out some pictures of your garden? particular interest – especially to those Happy New Year! In addition to reminding you that spring intrepid collectors among our reader- is not far behind, you might become in- ship. They said they would give it a try spired to pick up your pen. If reminisc- and submitted an article (in record time) ing doesn’t awaken your inner voice, that I think you will enjoy and take a look at upcoming issue themes for find timely as it relates to two plants inspiration. If you see something there in particular. you’d like to write about, take advantage In the lead article starting on page 7, Next issue: of your cabin fever time to submit your Dr. Bert Cregg explains the importance article in time for next issue. Of course, of understanding conifer genetics and Spring 2007 – Reader’s Choice you can also fulfill the editor’s dream by variation, particularly for the nursery Do you have something to share about your conifer garden? Have you discovered submitting articles on future themes in trade. Dr. Cregg does a great job of a special garden somewhere that other readers may like to visit? Do you have a advance of the stated deadlines. explaining a complicated subject in easy story about your favorite conifer(s)? When spring arrives, what will you do in your If none of the planned themes works to understand terms. Also included in garden? These are only suggestions. We want to hear what you have to say. You for you, make up your own. Every arti- this issue are several articles related to pick the subject matter. cle doesn’t have to be centered on the our winter theme of pendulous conifers, main theme. While you can do this in including one by Central Region Presi- Future issue themes: any issue, a special opportunity awaits dent Bill Barger. Some of Bill’s photos Highway Treasures you in the spring issue. That theme will are among the many beautiful ones in Unusual, Rare and Endangered Conifers be “Reader’s Choice” so you decide our special color centerfold submitted Cephalotaxus what you want to write about. Don by some of the talented photographers Hidden Garden Gems Howse gives us an example of picking within our Society. You may see a few your own subject matter on page 38 of plants there that make it to the top of We welcome news alerts about conifers or about our members. this issue as he shares a few stories he your 2007 wish list. Contact Evelyn Cox to discuss your ideas. has heard about speculative causes of Speaking of 2007, are you planning

4CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 5 Conifer Genetics and Selection Publication Dates by Dr. Bert Cregg Deadline to Publication Date Department of Horticulture and Department of Forestry, Issue Calendar Quarter submit articles (approx. mailing) Michigan State University

Winter Jan/Feb/Mar Nov 12 Jan 15 Reprinted with Permission from Seattle Slew portion of the racehorse Spring Apr/May/Jun Feb 11 Apr 16 the Michigan Nursery and Landscape population that enables breeders to de- Summer Jul/Aug/Sept May 13 July 16 Association velop superior lines. The situation is no different in trees. If we collect seed from Fall Oct/Nov/Dec 31 Aug 12 Oct 15 his is an article about tree genetics. a thousand different white pine trees, TFor many readers, the title alone may planted them in a common location, Submit articles/photos to: be enough to make their eyes glaze over. measured their heights after 10 years, and Evelyn Cox, Conifer Quarterly Editor But, if you’re involved in growing plotted the results, we would get a typical 342 North Main St, Suite 202, Alpharetta, GA 30004 • PH (770) conifers in a nursery, landscape, or ‘bell curve’; the bulk of the trees would 663-7576 Christmas tree plantation, a basic under- be around the average height with a small E-mail: [email protected] standing of conifer genetics and variation fraction in the ‘tails’ of the curve on ei- is critical to your business. ther end. The goal for tree breeders is to In its most essential form, genetics is capture the superior genes from the ‘plus’ the study of variation. Think of it this trees in a breeding program. The defini- way, if all racehorses ran a mile in ex- tion of the ‘plus’ tree depends on the goal actly two minutes there would be no need of the improvement program. For indus- to select and breed the fastest mares with trial foresters this usually means select- the fastest stallions. Of course, we know ing trees for superior height and diameter GEE FARMS that there is the small Secretariat and growth, though selection for wood qual- Nursery & Landscaping 10 Acres of Container Plants Conifers, Hosta, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials 8 Acre Arboretum and Water Features Specimens and Grafts Family Owned since 1849 8:00 am till Dusk – 7 days Gary, Kaye & Kary Gee 14928 Bunkerhill Rd., Stockbridge, MI 49285 PH: (517) 769-6772 or 1-800-860-BUSH FAX (517) 769-6204 Visit our Web site @ www.geefarms.com for our plant list

Many ornamental conifers such as these at Hidden Lake Gardens start as grafted seedlings.

6CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 7 ity traits such as wood density and step and working their way up the hierar- ico. The coastal variety, Pseudotsuga Provenance straightness is increasing. For Christmas chy, focusing on other closely related menziesii var. menziesii, is the giant of Provenance is an extremely important tree production, selection focuses on genera in the Oleaceae or olive family. Pacific Northwest Forests and can grow source of genetic variation in conifers. traits such as needle color, needle reten- In selecting conifers for ornamental to over 300 feet in height and 12 feet in Provenance or seed source refers to the tion, and tree form. In landscape nursery purposes or Christmas trees, on the other diameter. But, this variety has evolved in geographic origin of a seed lot. Since production, selection criteria are varied hand, we often find ourselves looking at the mild climate of coastal British Co- soils and climate vary with location and but usually are based on unique or un- genetic variation below the species level. lumbia, Washington and Oregon, where elevation, populations evolve and adapt usual ornamental characteristics, weep- Below are just a few examples of how low temperatures in winter rarely drop to their local site conditions. In the ing growth habit, outstanding foliage tree improvement works beyond select- into the single digits and even more Northwest, foresters began to recognize color, but may also be based on adaptive ing species. rarely drop below zero. So, don’t try to the importance of seed sources during the traits such as disease resistance or grow this one in Michigan. The Douglas- 1930s and 1940s when they realized that drought hardiness. fir that we grow as a landscape tree and many forests that were replanted follow- Christmas tree is the interior variety, ing catastrophic fires in the early 1900s Levels of genetic variation Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca, were growing poorly due to mismatched Back in high school biology, you learned which is adapted to the wide climatic ex- seed zones. The foresters of the day were that organisms are classified in a hierar- tremes of the intermountain West. short on seed and planted seedlings with- chal system beginning with the largest Though slower growing than its coastal out regard to their geographic origin. group and then working to the most cousin, P. menziesii var. glauca can Today, forest geneticists have developed closely related as: withstand the rigors of Michigan winters seed transfer guidelines or seed zones Kingdom and has become a mainstay of the Christ- that govern seed source movement for Phylum (or Division) mas tree industry and is a reliable and fast major timber species. It is interesting to Class growing conifer in the Michigan note that geneticists now differentiate Order landscape. species as specialists that have relatively Family Genus Species A glimpse of the future: Development of micropropagation techniques for Fraser Therefore, when we think about select- fir may lead to further advances in conifer ing trees for a site our initial reaction is improvement. Photo: Kyung-Hwan Han, usually to think in terms of species. Michigan State University. Would a white pine work in that situa- tion? Or, is baldcypress a better choice if Variety the site is wet? What about hemlock in a Many tree species, especially those with shady site? large native geographic distributions, can Sometimes understanding genetic re- show wide genetic variation across their latedness at above the species level can range. A population of a species that be important, particularly in terms of pest shows consistent differences across a problems. For example, the Emerald Ash broad area may be classified as a variety. Borer appears to have strong host speci- For growers in Michigan, Douglas-fir ficity at the genus level, so far attacking represents one of the most important ex- only Fraxinus species in North America. amples of selecting the proper variety. In considering other potential hosts, in- Douglas-fir grows in western North vestigators are following the next logical America from British Columbia to Mex- Foresters use seed zones to determine the optimum seed source for their geographic location. Image:Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

8CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 9 small seed transfer zones, such as Dou- tion). In tree breeding programs, breeders glas-fir, and generalists that may be use controlled pollination techniques to moved greater distances such as western produce full-sib families by crossing two redcedar (Thuja plicata). known superior trees. The forest industry Much of the classic research of prove- has developed many advanced breeding nance variation in conifers was con- programs for important timber species ducted at Michigan State University by including loblolly pine and Douglas-fir. Dr. Jonathan Wright and his students. Dr. As you might expect, conifer breeding Wright and numerous colleagues around is a long-term proposition. Most conifers the country established scores of “com- don’t produce cones or pollen until they mon garden” species and provenance are 15 years old or older and breeders tests. A common garden simply refers to Many conifers don’t produce cones until may not be able to choose the best trees they are 15 years old or older. the fact that numerous seed sources rep- Photo: Bill Barger. out a series of crosses for decades. Be- resent the geographic range of the species cause of this, even the most advanced and are grown in a replicated and ran- northern seed sources often break bud forest tree improvement programs for domized design at the same location, re- conifers are only on their third generation earlier and are more prone to late frost Breeding conifers is a labor intensive moving environmental variation. The of breeding and selection. In the U.S., damage than southern seed sources. This and long-term process. Photo: John pioneering tree improvement research breeding conifers for ornamental charac- may seem counter-intuitive until we stop Hodges, Mississippi State University. conducted by Dr. Wright spurred the to consider that northern provenances are teristics or Christmas trees is even newer. growth of the Michigan Christmas tree adapted to a short growing season, there- open-pollinated family. We know that all Tree breeders in Denmark have some of industry by identifying Scots pine seed fore they require fewer growing degree of the seedlings have the same mother the most advanced breeding lines of sources from Europe with superior form, days in order to break bud than more (cone parent), but we don’t know who conifers for Christmas trees, working growth, and needle characteristics. southerly sources. Selecting the proper the dads (pollen parent) are. Most of the into their third generation on some Adaptive traits (traits that are impor- seed source can also be important in seedlings are half-sibs (like step-brothers species, including the ‘Frijsenborg Blue’ tant for survival) can also vary among managing pests. For example, Shuswap and step-sisters), plus possibly a few selfs noble fir. provenances. A classic example is the and Pillar lake sources of Douglas-fir (seedlings produced from self fertiliza- ‘lost pines’provenance of loblolly pine in from the Okanogan region of British Texas. The lost pines refers to an isolated Columbia are more resistant to population of loblolly pine in east Texas, rhabdocline needlecast than Lincoln or which is separated from the contiguous Kaibab seed sources from the southern range of the species by about 100 miles. Rocky Mountains. Due to the dry climate where they grow and their geographic isolation, the lost Family (Open-pollinated, Half-sib, pines have evolved an array of traits that Full-sib) make them more drought tolerant than The next level of resolution in genetic se- other loblolly pines, including lower lection is family selection. In this con- rates of transpiration, deeper rooting, and text, family refers to the offspring of one fewer stomata per needle. individual in contrast to the broader clas- Numerous other important tree charac- sification of family such as the Pinaceae teristics that are important in the land- or Cupressaceae. As an example, suppose scape vary with seed source. Patterns of a seed collector in Colorado collects 100 bud break and budset are under tight ge- seeds from one Colorado blue spruce Dave Armintrout saves seedling mutants from his nursery beds and grows them on the netic control in many conifers. Ironically, tree, the resulting seedlings represent an grounds of his nursery near Allegan.

10 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 11 Grafted conifers brooms or sports occur as shoots with un- nurseries, such as Briggs Nursery in a number of hybrids, including the ‘Spar- Because of the large number of species in usual growth characteristics on an indi- Washington State, are using tissue culture tan spruce’, which combined the drought the nursery trade and long generation vidual tree. As with seedling mutants, for Rhododendrons and other woody hardiness of Colorado blue spruce with times, ornamental plant propagators have scions from the broom can be grafted plants, but large-scale production of most the softer needles and faster growth rate generally relied on grafting techniques or onto standard seedling rootstocks to ornamental conifers by tissue culture is of white spruce. rooted cuttings to capture unique or de- propagate plants with the desired trait. still some time away. In addition to crosses between species sirable traits. Grafting or clonal propaga- (interspecific hybrids), it is occasionally tion also ensures that propagated plants Clones possible to form intergeneric hybrids are true to type, since seedlings - even The ultimate level of genetic control is to (crosses between two genera). Leyland from a seed orchard or breeding program produce clonal material. Producing a cypress (X Cupressocyparis leylandii) is - will have some level of inherent vari- clone ensures that the entire plant is ge- an intergeneric cross between Monterey ability. New or unusual conifers often netically identical to its parent (grafted cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and arise as seedling mutants or as witches’ trees, in contrast, are only clones from Alaska Cedar (Chamaecyparis brooms. Seedling mutants occur as ran- the ground up). The simplest and most nootkatensis). Leyland cypress is widely dom mutations in seed lots. Nursery common method of clonal production of used in landscaping in the South and is growers that grow tens of thousands of conifers is by rooted cuttings. Conifers also used for Christmas tree production seedlings each year will occasionally find vary widely in their ability to root from Leyland cypress growing in Texas for in regions that are too hot to grow tradi- seedlings in their nursery beds with inter- cuttings. Some conifers, such as arborvi- living Christmas trees. Leyland cypress tional Christmas tree species. esting growth characteristics or outstand- tae and yews, root easily from cuttings is an intergeneric hybrid between ing color. The grower may graft scions and clonal propagation of cultivars of Monterey cypress and Alaska cedar. Summary from these seedlings onto standard root- these species is the norm in the nursery Bringing up the term genetics may re- stock to propagate the trait. Witches’ trade. Most conifers, however, lose the mind some folks of a high school biology ability to root from cuttings as they ma- Hybrids class that they would just as soon forget, ture. In addition to reduced rooting per- One way to produce new genotypes is but in many ways genetics forms the un- centage, plants produced from rooted through hybridization. Hybrids are typi- derpinning of the ornamental nursery and cuttings of mature conifers often exhibit cally formed by crossing two species. In Christmas tree trades. Understanding plagiotropic growth. That is, they lack nature, many conifers form hybrids provenance and the geographic origins of apical dominance and may grow side- where species’ ranges overlap. The areas landscape plants is likely to become more ways, more like a lateral branch than as a where ranges overlap and species hy- important as the debate over what is or is terminal leader. bridize are termed introgression zones. not native continues to intensify. For ex- The other principal methods for pro- Some common examples of introgression ample, Eastern white pine is native to ducing clones are tissue culture or micro- zones are between lodgepole pine and Michigan, but is a Pinus strobus from a propagation. Tissue culture allows the jack pine and between noble fir and seed source in the north Georgia Moun- propagation of plants from only a few Shasta red fir. Artificial hybrids can also tains or New Brunswick a native plant in cells and offers the potential to rapidly be reproduced by controlled crosses and Michigan? How do hybrids and grafted bulk up a newly selected genotype. The offer the potential to combine desirable cultivars fit into the native debate? The development of the micropropagation characteristics between species. Crossing continued development of biotechnology system for a given species also opens up species can also result in a phenomenon will offer advancements for conifer the possibility of inserting specific genes known as hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor oc- growers, but may also generate new con- and genetic transformation. Tissue cul- curs when the progeny of a hybrid grow troversies. If we can develop ‘designer ture systems are becoming increasingly better than either of the original parent trees’, which traits do we choose? What The Merrell broom tree at Hidden Lake common, but still require considerable species. Michigan State University For- if other states choose to ban genetically Gardens is an excellent example of a skill, expertise, and equipment. Some est Geneticist Dr. James Hanover created modified organisms? As with most witches’broom.

12 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 13 things, science will solve the technical questions, but the political choices will For more information: lag behind. The Jean Iseli Memorial Award Interested in learning more about APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED Dr. Bert Cregg is an Associate Professor conifer genetics? Here are some useful The Conifer Society, which supports the development, conservation and propagation in the Departments of Horticulture and resources. of conifers with an emphasis on dwarf or unusual varieties, awards a $1,500 grant to a Forestry at Michigan State University. public garden, arboretum or horticultural institution. Prior, he was a Research Tree Physiolo- American Conifer Society The award was established in 1986 in honor of the memory of plantsman Jean Iseli gist with International Paper and the U.S. http://www.conifersociety.org/ of Boring, Oregon. Jean Iseli was an ACS founder and conifer propagator. Forest Service. The ACS webpage includes an out- standing ‘Conifer Database’ that con- Proposals must contain the following: a. Name, full address, and phone number of the applicant/institution This article was originally printed in the tains descriptions and photos of hundreds of cultivars of conifers. The b. Brief description of how the ACS funds would be used August 2006 issue of The Michigan site also includes updates on ACS meet- c. List of plant materials (if the request involves conifer purchases) ™ Landscape magazine, a monthly publi- ings and articles on a range of conifer d. Budget cation of the Michigan Nursery and topics. Learn why ACS also stands for e. Short overview of mission statement or horticultural background Landscape Association. Addicted Conifer Syndrome! of your institution

Gymnosperm Database Send applications to: http://www.conifers.org/ Ethan Johnson This website is a‘must visit’if you’re into [email protected] (Microsoft Word documents) the botany of conifers. There are de- or by regular mail: scriptions, taxonomy,images,and range maps of conifers from throughout the c/o The Holden Arboretum world.You cannot visit this site and not 9500 Sperry Road learn something new about conifers.An Kirtland, OH 44094 incredible resource. Applications must be received by June 1, 2007

Silvics of North America Ethan Johnson chairs a three-person committee that reviews applications and makes its http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/sil- recommendation to the ACS Board of Directors at the annual summer meeting. vics_manual/table_of_contents.htm Announcements of the award recipient will be made by August 1, 2007. A standard reference for foresters for decades – now available online! This Jean Iseli Memorial Award 2006 publication covers every major forest The American Conifer Society (ACS) granted the Jean Iseli Memorial Award for 2006 tree species in North America. In addi- to Pennsylvania College of Technology. Along with the award came $1,500 from ACS and tion to ecological descriptions, Silvics of matching funds of $1,500 from Iseli Nursery. According to PCToday, the college’s news and North America also provides informa- information website (www.pct.edu/pctoday/), “The grant award will allow us to supplement tion on genetics of many species includ- our existing outdoor ‘laboratory’ with some unusual varieties of conifers and to add a beauti- ing varieties, provenance variation, and ful new dimension from an aesthetic perspective, as well.” hybridization. The school has won the Mid-Atlantic Regional Landscape Field Day Competition 13 out of 18 times. Plans are to use the award for a dedicated dwarf-conifer garden that students will help build. This seems to be a great fit within the stated purposes of the Society.

The purposes of the American Conifer Society are the development, conservation, and propagation of conifers, with an emphasis on those that are dwarf or unusual; standardi- zation of nomenclature; and education of the public.

14 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 15 recognizably unique and can better Prostrate or ground covering – all Pendulous Conifers – A Brief Look describe some of these various forms. growth is extremely pendulous with little by Bill Barger With age, many of these forms will often or no vertical growth, will lie on the hen I first became interested in with Abies selections and to a lesser de- exhibit modified habits that may be ground if not staked: Wconifers, among the first forms to gree in Picea, although not guaranteed. different from the form the specimen had • Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ which I was drawn were the weeping The propagation method can also influ- when young. Young specimens may need • Microbiota decussata ones. At that time I had an opportunity to ence the habit. Rooted cuttings are al- to be staked for a few years to develop • Picea abies ‘Wingle’s Weeping’ visit a grove of 20 foot tall Pinus strobus most always more desirable as they will any vertical growth until established. • Pinus flexilis ‘Prostrata’ ‘Pendula’ in winter and that was all it yield truer genetic traits than grafted Below is a list of forms that • Taxodium distichum ‘Cascade Falls’ took to get me hooked. Since then I have plants. Again, the part of the plant from elaborates on the ACS definitions. We never lost my interest in this form and I which the cutting is taken may influence have also listed several selections for Irregular weeping – very erratic growth, am always drawn to them at nearly every the ultimate growth habit. When plants each that exhibit the described habits. We specimen may exhibit any combination collection I visit. are grafted, the understock is genetically have tried to list forms that are generally of the previously mentioned forms: The reason conifers weep is not programmed to supply nutrition to a available and still desirable. • Cedrus libani ‘Pendula’ clearly understood, but in some cases it more vigorous upright form. The scion • Larix decidua ‘Varied Directions’ appears to be a survival mechanism nec- will influence the growth of the under- Upright weeping – pyramidal growth (may be the same as L. xeurolepis essary in the natural range of a given stock but not 100%. The best condition with weeping lateral branches: ‘Varied Directions’) species. Some conifers have characteris- for grafting would be to graft cultivars • Chamaecyparis nootkatensis • Picea abies ‘Inversa’ tics of weeping forms in either their pri- onto the same species as the original se- ‘Pendula’ • Pinus banksiana ‘Uncle Fogy’ mary or secondary lateral branches. lection, although this is often not eco- • Juniperus rigida ‘Pendula’ Many Picea species can display these nomically possible. • Juniperus scopulorum ‘Candelabra’ About the author: Bill Barger joined the characteristics to varying degrees includ- Pendulous forms are often used in • Juniperus scopulorum ‘Tolleson’s ACS in 1995 and has been collecting ing Picea abies, Picea breweriana, and collections as foundation plants or as Weeping’ conifers ever since. Bill is president of the Picea omorika. Often P. omorika and P. focal points in a garden mostly because • Picea omorika ‘Pendula’ Central Region and is the ACS webmas- breweriana are referred to as ‘Pendula’ many selections tend to get large. The ter. He and his wife, Suzanne, live cultivars although they are quite possibly weeping habit makes them graceful and Strict weeping – upright terminal growth in Wadsworth, Ohio where over 500 just species forms. Pinus flexilis is an- interesting and every specimen is unique with strictly pendulous lateral branches: cultivars are displayed in their yard. other tree that is prone to having pendu- and different. These forms are also often • Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green lous habits, mostly due to its native range used in memorial gardens, churches, and Arrow’ in the high mountains. These traits help cemeteries due to their ability to repre- • Picea glauca ‘Pendula’ the trees shed the heavy snow that would sent mood and respect for their surround- • Picea omorika ‘Pendula Bruns’ strip the branches on many other more ings. Dwarf forms are also available; • Sequoiadendron giganteum rigid or brittle conifer types such as Pinus however, I feel that they lack the majesty 'Pendulum' strobus. The previously mentioned of the larger forms. Microbiota decussata spruces are likely to possess the weeping is an example of a dwarf form that will Broad weeping – terminal branch tends habits for similar reasons. grow flat against the ground. This, too, is to arc or may be serpentine with lateral Propagation practices can also influ- a survival mechanism since this genus is branches having various degrees of ence the degree to which any given se- native to very cold and windy climates. weeping habit: lection will be pendulous. If cuttings are The ACS officially recognizes the • Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’ • Picea abies ‘Pendula’ 41370 SE Thomas Road • Sandy, OR 97055 taken from terminal buds, the plants are following forms: upright weeping, 503.668.5834 phone/fax likely to be more upright and if taken prostrate or ground covering, and • Picea pungens ‘Pendula’ EMAIL: [email protected] www.porterhowse.com from lateral branches, they may be more mounding, arching, or weeping. There • Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’ pendulous. This is especially evident are actually several other forms that are • Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’

16 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 17 that mounds its way ever taller with long, To create a hobbit-like hiding place Cascades in the Garden gray-green flowing needles. When nee- for children and the young at heart in the by Edward Remsrola dles shed after the third year, an attractive garden, nothing compares to the Tsuga open smooth bark skeleton is revealed. canadensis ’Pendula’ also known as Sar- See special color section for photos The true prehistoric are Taxodium gents’ weeping hemlock. You need to ike the mesmerizing persistence of provides a very soft look. Its petite size distichum ‘Cascade Falls’ and Ginkgo have your children help you plant it for Lthe tide lapping at the beach, pendu- will never overpower its garden space but biloba ‘Pendula’. While we haven’t yet them to enjoy with their children. Staked lous and undulating plants provide a will captivate your visitor’s imagination. found its fossil heritage, the Taxodium is to six feet, it will spread outward, layer- magnet for the eye, connecting the aerial For dry climates, Pinus banksiana so closely related to the Metasequoia, I ing its dense branches which are thickly garden back to the earth. ‘Uncle Fogy’ presents a bizarre but will honor it in this grouping. ‘Cascade covered in soft green needles, eventually The pendulous plants all “weep” in creative addition to the garden. This Falls’ is a vigorous grower usually creating a peek-a-boo location as small their own peculiar way. Some, like Picea large, sturdy, two-needled Jack pine grafted to the desired height on species hands part the branches to peer out. abies ‘Pendula’ are not predictable up- grows upright, yet its branches wildly understock. It very quickly covers its Picea glauca ‘Pendula’, Picea right growers without some direction extend with both pendulous and undulat- stem, falling swiftly to the garden floor. omorika ‘Pendula Bruns’, and Chamae- from our hands. Staked up to the desired ing branchlets. These branchlets are not There is a new Metasequoia glyp- cyparis nootkatensis ‘Strict Weeping’ height, they then cascade downward and dense, yet not sparse, and the needles on tostroboides ‘Miss Grace’, which will be want to reach the clouds. In twenty years trail laterally once they reach the garden the branchlets twist upward in a slight released before the end of the decade and they all may be 20 feet tall, but glauca surface. These graceful plants inch and semi-circle. The winter buds are densely will appear very similar to the ‘Cascade ‘Pendula’ and ‘Pendula Bruns’ may only weave their way over rigid barriers and covered with resin, giving it a frosty Falls’. Both have soft green, dense, be 30 inches in diameter at breast height, teasingly cross otherwise delineated bor- appearance in the morning winter sun. descending foliage. The Ginkgo ‘Pen- creating a strikingly magnificent profile ders with impunity and style. Some tree form pendulous plants dula’ is a strong upright grower with in the garden. ‘Strict Weeping’ may have Other “weepers” like Picea glauca appear to take on animate forms as they descending pendulous branchlets. a 12-foot base with lower branches strik- ‘Pendula’ have strict constitutions send- mature to stir garden interest in our chil- Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’, ing upward in support of the strong cen- ing them predictably upright, reaching dren and grandchildren and bring a few a true cedar which needs help initially to tral leader. Picea glauca ‘Pendula’ with for the heavens while their branches hug youthful memories to our souls. Two get to its desired height, wants to get to its blue-tinged, green, short, dense nee- their rigid spire frames like wet clothing that immediately come to mind are the ground, but not immediately. Its dles is as tight as a pencil, and omorika clings to the gardener caught in a summer Sequoiadendron giganteum ‘Pendulum’, branches seem to want to arch away from with its bicolor, blue-green, silver nee- rainstorm. and Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’. They could the trunk in its journey to the garden dles looks slightly more open due to re- Some trees have a combination of double for a herd of Snufflufagus from floor, while its branchlets with powder- flection but isn’t. ‘Strict Weeping’ is a characteristics. Cupressus cashmeriana Sesame Street with their falling branches blue needles laying flat on the stem, fall mild green with upward-growing, weep- has a rigid leader and densely clothed full of long or dense needles swinging in like rain to the garden floor. Many have ing branching and loose branchlets that strong apical and horizontal branching. the breeze. The Sequoiadendron ‘Pendu- used this plant as a living fence trained to fall back downward from the leader and The soft green scale “needles” build on lum’ main trunk grows predominantly a trellis to border a special garden spot or gently sway in the breeze. graceful pendulous branchlets with an upright, occasionally dipping, and then arch over an alley entrance. Picea abies Two trees with pendulous branchlets appearance akin to Spanish moss, the growing upright again. It often develops ‘Pendula’ can also be easily trained to a are Pseudotsuga menziesii ‘Emerald lichen that prefers southern live oak and secondary branches that bob and weave. trellis, creating a dense, deep-green bar- Twister’® and Cedrus libani ‘Glauca Pen- swamp cypress in the Carolinas. The scale “needles” are long, soft-green rier that will have to be pruned back over dula’. ‘Emerald Twister’ stays covered in Most of all, the pendulous plants are and flow gracefully in the breeze. The time or its branches will spill out across dense branches and deep-green needles fun. Tsuga heterophylla ‘Thorsen’s bark is thick and fire resistant. Just when the garden and engulf smaller plants in its as it pushes upward and outward in an Weeping’ is the visual garden image of you have marveled how its profile resem- path. We created the illusion of a rising ever-changing form while its branchlets “Cousin It” of The Addams Family fame. bles a llama, continued growth trans- stage curtain with Picea abies ‘Pendula’ fall downward. As it matures, its main Rich, emerald-green foliage is densely forms it into a mastodon. The Pinus to frame the memorial garden of Jean branches seem to turn over and periodi- arranged on procumbent branches, which strobus ‘Pendula’ is a vigorous grower Iseli, the founder of Iseli Nursery. cally expose the pleasant gray lines of its

18 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 19 smooth bark. Cedrus libani ‘Glauca Pen- plants I hope you enjoy in your garden. dula’ matures into a large tree with a Shaping Pendulous Plants strong leader. Its heavy branches reach About the author: Edward Remsrola is an outward to support its legions of breezy, early American Conifer Society contribu- Shaping from a grower’s perspective: own way and is not inhibited by garden- densely-needled branchlets. Similarly the tor and soul mate of the late Jean Iseli. Pendulous Plants, Presentations, and ers’ expectations of perfection in its Juniperus scopulorum ‘Tolleson’s Weep- How They Get There ascent. Its geotropism is ever present, ing’ is initially stacked up in the produc- by Ed Remsrola even though it takes a circuitous route tion nursery and grows into a large tree Growers have helped many pendu- showing its personality along the way. with horizontal branches that droop at the lous conifers reach their potential. The Growers don’t feel their prosthesis tips while its branchlets and needle-like naturally prostrate plants like Picea work is a betrayal of the plant character- scale descend. abies ‘Pendula’ or Cedrus atlantica istics, rather a gentle assist to help the Cedrus deodara ‘Prostrate Beauty’ ‘Glauca Pendula’, after being grafted a plant find its place in the garden. is a most welcome sport from the “Cali- few inches off the ground, can be af- fornia Christmas Tree”. Compact, low- Shop our online catalog at: fixed to a stake until they grow to a de- growing and powder blue, it has the www.girardnurseries.com sired height in the next three or four cutest, softest appearance in the garden. years. They are then left to mature and It layers as its spreads gently arching up Producers of rare and cascade downward. Some growers do a unusual conifers, shrubs, high graft at the desired height on an and out with pendulous branchlets laden and trees. Originators of with typical deodara needles, narrow but the Girard Line of azaleas, established staked understock and let thickly placed, creating a dense appear- rhododendrons, and Ju- the graft grow downward for the next ance. I think it looks best placed alone. niper ‘Saybrook Gold’ three or four years before marketing it. (Pat.#5014). Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ has been a When the gardener receives the garden staple for fifty years, and contin- Visit our retail garden plant they may stake up a branch to gain ues to be a welcome addition for a special center and gardens. a taller ultimate height or have it trail away on a trellis to another garden loca- focal point where its ground hugging Girard Nurseries “running” can be directed over and 6839 N. Ridge East tion or focal point. Our late friend Eddie Picea abies ‘Pendula’ – 24-inch graft around any object. Unlike ‘Prostrate P.O. Box 428 Rezek had an extreme example at his Beauty’ which grows on its own, Geneva, OH 44041 home in Long Island where a Cedrus at- (440) 466-2881 lantica ‘Glauca Pendula’ was secured to procumbens ‘Nana’ needs to be staked to Fax (440) 466-3999 a desired height and directed in its mean- and circumnavigated the eave of his home, creating an airy curtain effect. derings. www.girardnurseries.com These are but a few of the cascading Naturally upright growers like Picea omorika ‘Pendula Bruns’ may have a slight “wobble” to the stem that is eventually covered by the cascading branches. A grower can avoid this by affixing a piece of bamboo to the 66 Jackson Lane, Bethlehem, CT 06751 hardened off part of the stem extending beyond the new growth. Another naturally upright- growing pendulous plant is the Sequoiadendron Owners: Dennis and Mary Lou Dodge Phone/Fax 203.266.7783 giganteum ‘Pendulum’. After being www.bethlehemnursery.com [email protected] staked for a couple of feet, it goes its Picea abies ‘Pendula’ – staked

20 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 21 try to find a smaller branch growing out of the top of a larger branch and prune Seed Exchange Program the larger branch off near the union. This does several things; first and most Dear Fellow Conifer Enthusiast, importantly, it hides the cut; secondly, the higher branch will give the plant a I would like to thank the many members that made seed contributions bit more vertical height; and, finally, to support our seed exchange program this year. Yet our level of do- you can take off quite a bit of growth nated seed is very low and members wishing to order will find that the and not visibly harm the selection. If you need to remove some length always demand is higher than our availability. However, I'm thinking that next do this at a junction of three or more year will be better with enough seed to fill most all orders. One of our branches and remove the main branch. contributing members considers the entire spectrum of cone bearing Again by doing this you will be able to plants when collecting seed. I often tend to be discriminating when remove quite a bit of growth and you collecting seed looking for select varieties, witches brooms, etc. Yet… will increase the fullness of the foliage. perhaps next year I'll get a closer look at all of the conifers in my Staking is often an option (if not a collection, searching for every viable source and hopefully be able necessity) with many weeping forms to contribute more next year. So I challenge myself and welcome all Tsuga heterophylla ‘Thorsen’s Weeping’ and, when I talk about staking, I am re- interested members to help next year’s seed exchange program get ferring to two separate methods. When back on track. Please contact me anytime during the year if you Shaping from a collector’s perspective: young, many weeping forms MUST be anticipate making a donation. [email protected] or 978-834-7843 Caring for Weeping Conifers 101 staked for at least a few years to start by Bill Barger them going the right direction. To do Sincerely, Those of you that know me are aware this, simply tie the terminal leader to a Wayne A. Jope that I generally don’t like to prune, stake to encourage vertical growth. It American Conifer Society Seed Exchange stake, or shear. I want to see how any may be necessary to replace the stake if C/o Great Hill Horticultural Foundation particular selection will perform if left the plant growth exceeds the height of 137 Kensington Road alone and what traits make it special the stake yet you wish to continue. To Hampton Falls, NH 03844 from other selections. I have to be hon- get a slightly different appearance, you est though; there are exceptions even in can wind the terminal branch in a my yard. serpentine and tie at the points that Weeping conifers present a particu- intersect the stake or use several stakes lar problem that can drive me crazy and, to get a different look. to break it down in its most basic terms, Another type of staking is done by We mourn the passing of they weep. I realize that is what they are “fencing” the branches. To do this, sim- LCpl Cliff Collinsworth supposed to do, but as a rule they just ply install stakes so that they hold the branches where you want them to grow. The ACS family would like to express condolences to the don’t weep the way I want them to or family of LCpl Clifford R. Collinsworth who was tragically within the boundaries I have set up for You can tie them if you wish to keep them. Fortunately, there are some things them off the ground. This is a good way killed while serving in Iraq. Cliff is the grandson of Don I can do to bring things back under con- to keep plants in their beds without and Harriet Wild. Don served as ACS president during trol. Pendulous plants are generally very pruning or to send growth in a new the period 2004-2006. As a U.S. Marine, forgiving when it comes to adjusting direction. Cliff exemplified patriotism and will be greatly their growth habits. Not really much to it at all. Good missed by his family and friends. To prune pendulous plants, I like to luck.

22 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 23 Thuja occidentalis (T.o.) ‘Gold Drop’ Plant Letters to the Editor Sale Supports ACS Research Fund To: American Conifer Society At the least, the problem is unpleas- Re: Earthworms ant; I have large swaths of worm castings by Dennis Groh I have an unusual problem in some and many writhing worms in very public of my garden areas at work (Cornell areas. I have a constantly growing source The Opportunity dicate on your form and, if the supply al- Plantations). We have way, way too of a high pH material in a garden where I The vision and generosity of Mr. Al Forinash lows, you would be contacted based on order many earthworms. After some basic re- grow rhododendrons, which want a and Dr. Clark West allows the ACS to make receipt date for the opportunity to make an search and reading, it looks like these lower pH. Some of my herbaceous an unusual one-time offer. Because of ship- additional purchase of this plant. worms are an exotic species from Asia; plants’ crowns look like they’re rotting ping issues, the offer is available only to I’m not certain which one. They consume from being buried in these castings. ACS members in the continental United The Plant organic matter at an amazing rate and It is an unusual problem, and in States. Using the order blank inserted in the In 1985, Dr. West collected seed from a T.o. produce very large volumes of castings ways, a fascinating one. If any reader has winter CQ, continental U.S. members can ‘Holmstrup’ (a green cultivar) in Bernheim which have a very high pH. These worms suggestions or information of any kind, I order a relatively new conifer introduction Forest, Kentucky. One of the seedlings was can grow quite large; up to 10-11 inches would be most grateful. on a first-come, first-served basis. This plant selected because of its superior form, fo- long. There are so many of them that gar- has not been widely available and is only in liage, and its golden yellow color. Dr. West dens are stripped of organic matter and Phil Syphrit the hands of a few collectors, some of whom named it because of its shape at a young age. are buried many inches deep in castings. Gardener, Cornell Plantations got an early opportunity at the recent Central The original plant is now 20 years old and is It is an amazing example of a given envi- Region Meeting. The net proceeds from this 5.5 feet high and 4 feet wide. The lack of ronmental element having become way To: American Conifer Society sale will be placed in the ACS Research chlorophyll makes the plant a slow grower out of balance with astounding effects. Re: Yellow Powdery Substance on Fund. As this fund increases in value, it will and it is classified as a dwarf. It is a bright There’s a lot that I don’t know about Cones of Canadian Hemlocks be used to support selected conifer research yellow on all sides in full summer sun. In these worms. Exactly where did they On a stand of mature Tsuga related to the ACS mission statement. winter, on the sun side, it develops a nice or- come from? What are appropriate control canadensis, I spotted some yellow flecks. It needs to be emphasized that this offer ange cast. The foliage is dense and healthy methods? Can I kill all the eggs in the Approaching the trees I discovered “yel- is NOT a part of the new Collectors Conifer on this superior cultivar. castings? How? Can these sterilized cast- low” cones or, better, cones with a yellow of the Year (CCOY) program. Propagation This plant is listed in the ACS Conifer ings then be safely used as a soil amend- powdery substance. There were several efforts for this plant began long before the database under index # 104639. It has also ment? I know there is some amount of of these yellow cones but only one at a CCOY program was finalized. The ACS will been featured on the front cover and men- research being done on this issue here at time, even within a group of otherwise offer this hand-grafted plant without collec- tioned in the ACS Bulletin Fall 1997 issue Cornell and in Pennsylvania at the green cones. The stems and needles of tor embossed tag or replacement guarantee. (Vol.14, No. 4, pp. 146-151). Mr. Al Fori- Schuylkill Center, but I don’t know how the trees looked healthy. I did not detect The price will be $50, which includes ship- nash has been hard at work for years propa- conclusive these efforts have been. Are woolly adelgids. ping to any location in the continental United gating this cultivar by grafting it onto T. o. Plant experts to whom I showed my States. The unusually low delivered cost of rootstock from propagation material sup- there other places doing similar work? ‘Gold Drop’ to ACS members could only be plied by Dr. West. It can successfully be I’d also like to offer this letter as a photos during our Annual Meeting in kept at $50 dollars because Mr. Al Forinash grown north into USDA Zone 3, but can be- cautionary tale. Pay attention to your Knoxville had not seen this phenomenon has generously agreed to donate all his prop- come stressed by heat and drought south of earthworms! If the population seems un- before, but guessed that a fungus causes agation efforts for the benefit of the ACS and Zone 7 unless carefully sited and cared for. usually large; if the individuals are un- this yellow powdery substance. its members. Girard Nurseries in Ohio has usually large; if their movement reminds Do any of our plant scientists know agreed to provide the packing and shipping Thanks you of small, muscular snakes; if your the answer? of Mr. Al Forinash’s grafted plants based on The ACS and its members thank Al Forinash mulch and other organic matter disap- instructions from Mr. John Martin. The and Dr. Clark West for their generosity and pears at a very fast rate; if you have large Maude Henne available supply is limited to about 150 Roberta and Jeff Forinash at Girard’s quantities of castings; if you see anything Charlottesville, Virginia plants in #1 containers. In an effort to make Nursery for their support. like this in your garden, take a closer look it widely available to ACS members, there at your worms. For us, it has developed will be a limit of one per member. If you into an alarming problem. would like to have more than one, please in-

24 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 25 New Conifer Registrar Appointed new cultivar that does not duplicate a name age registration of new introductions by the http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/register- by the RHS already applied to another cultivar with raiser or introducer, although anyone can pages/coniferform.pdf and sent directly to The Royal Horticultural Society has which it might be confused, and that it register an existing cultivar to preserve me. I can supply a printed version of the recently approved the appointment of a new complies with the Articles (Rules) and Rec- clarity in its naming. Details of new regis- form if preferred and Guidance Notes for registrar to replace Sabina Knees who has ommendations of the Code. trations are also published separately, in the its completion as well. More details relating Registration in some plant groups had Conifer Quarterly at present. to registration and the new form are given reluctantly retired in order to work on the begun independently prior to that, often by To encourage more growers to register in Trehane, P. (2003) Stability in the nam- Flora of Arabia. national rather than international bodies. new cultivars, a new Registration Form was ing of conifers; introducing the new regis- The new Registrar is Lawrie The registration of conifers apparently developed by a previous Registrar, Mr. tration form for cultivar names, in Mill, Springate. From 1969–1990 Lawrie began in c.1947, when the American Asso- Piers Trehane, to help achieve consistency R.R. (ed.), Proceedings of the Fourth Inter- worked in horticulture and thereafter in ciation of Nurseryman, Inc. placed two in data compilation. This form ensures that national Conifer Conference in Acta Horti- plant science. He began gardening at a for- Tsuga canadensis cultivars on its Woody the provisions of the International Code of culturae number 615. mer private estate (Nonsuch Park, Surrey) Plants Register. The task passed to the Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants are fol- Registration forms for use in North but spent most of that period working on Arnold Arboretum in 1959 and continued lowed in the registration process, and is de- America can be downloaded from: the temperate to tropical plant collections until 1980. The Canadian Ornamental Plant signed with ease of use in mind, especially http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/register- of Manchester University. He has studied Foundation also registered a few conifer from the viewpoint of growers, horticultur- pages/Usform2.PDF and Guidance Notes amenity horticulture at the Somerset and cultivars up to that date. However, it was ists and any other interested parties who from: http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/regis- Cheshire Colleges of Agriculture and Hor- not until 1970 that an International Regis- wish to register a new name. terpages/Usnotes.PDF. These forms are ticulture and plant taxonomy at Reading tration Authority for conifers was recog- Registration forms for countries sent to the US National Arboretum in the University. Since 1994 he has been based at nized when the Royal Horticultural Society outside of North America can be first instance. the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, was appointed to that role. All previous reg- downloaded from: mainly writing and editing floras (Mo- istrations were incorporated into a new In- rocco, Arabia, Pakistan, Bhutan, European ternational Conifer Register. A Preliminary Garden Flora) with some teaching and List of registrations was published in 1985. The International Conifer Register compiled by J. Lewis, edited by A.C. Leslie can be course organization in plant diversity and To date, a comprehensive Register and obtained from the RHS. For further details contact: [email protected]. Parts published some joint plant-insect studies (Kenya, Checklist has been published in four alpha- so far include: southern Italy). He is also assistant editor betic parts (out of eight) covering names in Part 1. Abies to Austrotaxus. (1987). 61pp. £1.75. of the Sedum Society Newsletter. genera from Abies to Pherosphaera. The Part 2. Belis to Pherosphaera (includes the genera Cedrus, Cryptomeria and Larix). Register and Checklist includes all botani- (1989). 100pp. £2.50. Information and cal and horticultural names which have Part 3. The Cypresses (Chamaecyparis, Cupressus and × Cupressocyparis). (1992). been applied to conifers, giving brief de- 197pp. £3.50. History of the RHS tails of origin and characteristics for the Part 4. Juniperus. (1998). 144pp. £8.00. cultivars. Remarkably few conifers have Photocopies of the Preliminary List, comprising registrations from 1947–1984 (24pp.), are International been submitted for registration, particularly available from me. compared to the two hundred or so culti- Supplements to the register have been published in the International Dendrology Society Conifer Register and vars processed each month by the RHS Or- Year Book 1992: 21–28 (publ. 1993); I. D. S. Year Book 1994: 61–63 (publ. 1995); I. D. S. chid registration team – what on earth Year Book 1997: 64–68 (publ. 1998); and in Conifer Quarterly 19: 84–91 (2002); 21 No. l: Checklist 17–21 (2004); 22 No. 1: 10–13 (2005). by Lawrie Springate happens to all those cultivars? So much of my time is spent extracting details of culti- Please contact me if you have any further queries about registration: he principle of establishing interna- vars from conifer literature and trade cata- logues to make the Register and Checklist Mr. L.S. Springate Ttional registers and registration author- International Conifer Registrar as complete as possible. Reconstructed his- ities for plant cultivars was included in the Royal Botanic Garden tories of origin and introduction produced first independent International Code of 20A Inverleith Row after the event by a third party are in- Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants in Edinburgh EH3 5LR evitably prone to error. There is a remark- 1953. The purpose was to bring stability to UK able amount of contradiction in available the use of cultivar names, in particular, by Email: [email protected] ensuring that a single name is given to each literature. So, I would particularly encour-

26 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 27 species to be found in the Pacific North- Tsuga canadensis is notoriously Tsuga canadensis Cultivars at the South west. These plants represent over 10% slow growing in youth when compared of the 150-odd known cultivars, as listed to most other conifers. Careful observa- Seattle Community College Arboretum in The Cultivated Hemlocks, by John C. tion by nursery operators over the by Peter Maurer Swartley. Nearly 100 of these cultivars course of many years has shown that are currently available for purchase at seedling growth rate varies according to FEATURED VENUE – 2007 ACS National Meeting various nurseries throughout the west- the age of the plant. For the first two Seattle, Washington July 26-29 ern United States. “Some are so ugly years both seedlings and transplants that they defy adjectives”, laments grow about 1 to 2 inches per year. In the Michael Dirr in his book Manual of third to fifth years growth is from 3 ast year at this time I was enrolled Seattle area nurserymen, Charles and Woody Landscape Plants. While it is inches to 8 inches per year. From the 6th Las a student in the landscape horti- Clark Malmo. Over time, the mission of true that there are some ugly selections, year on, growth can be from 10 to 20 culture program at South Seattle Com- the arboretum has grown to include as well as some novelties attractive only inches per year, depending on under- munity College (SSCC). As part of my demonstration gardens and community to the hardcore collector, there are ground water supplies. Ten year plant studies I was evaluating plants in the outreach, with guided walks and an an- many, many forms that will appeal to sizes range from 4 ½ to 6 feet. As ex- arboretum there and kept coming across nual “tea in the garden”. the home landscaper. The less desirable pected, dwarf garden cultivars will cultivars of Tsuga canadensis, each one The 6-acre arboretum continues to selections - those that are ugly, poor per- always grow much more slowly. formers – will weed themselves out over different from the others. Everywhere I grow and thrive today, thanks largely to For a map and more information time. But when you walk through the ar- looked there was another little hemlock. the work of volunteers and horticulture visit: boretum as I did, you too will discover While reading the names and planting classes under the guidance of horticul- http://dept.seattlecolleges.com/arbore- the many cultivars available – white- dates on the plant labels, the proverbial ture instructor and arboretum coordina- tum, or www.coenosium.com. The tipped, curly-leaved, golden-variegated, light bulb lit up over my head. What a tor Van Bobbitt. There are a dozen 2007 ACS National Meeting will be weeping, ground-hugging and more. great learning tool this could be. This gardens with various themes, including in Seattle and members may want to With so many plants to choose from, the was a real opportunity to learn about the perennials, maples, roses, rhododen- familiarize themselves with some of aim of the Arboretum’s collection will confusing array of Tsuga canadensis va- drons, a winter garden, a sensory gar- the attractions beforehand. The SSCC continue to be the education of students rieties. An appraisal of how these plants den, and conifers large and small. The Arboretum and its Coenosium Rock and the public as to their ornamental po- looked after fifteen years of growth latest addition, dedicated in 2005, is the Garden will be one of the featured tential. could help identify the ones most valu- Coenosium Rock Garden. This alpine- destinations, so book your reserva- able for home landscapes. style scree garden, complete with rush- tions early! For details, see The idea of an arboretum at SSCC ing mountain stream, displays hundreds www.conifersociety.org. was conceived in the mid-1970’s, pri- of dwarf and miniature conifers in a nat- marily as a teaching facility for the uralistic setting. The plants here were brand-new horticulture program at the donated by Coenosium Nursery owner college. Former horticulture instructor Bob Fincham, an American Conifer So- Steve Nord led the effort to secure the ciety founding member. A walk through funding and the volunteers needed for this jewel of a garden is an exciting ex- site development on a shoestring perience for the conifer enthusiast and a budget. With little city money available, great venue for publicizing the value of funds were successfully raised from pri- dwarf conifers in the home garden. vate donations. For example, initial The seventeen cultivars of Eastern plantings in the early 1980’s included Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) found at 125 Bosnian Pines (Pinus heldreichii) the SSCC Arboretum display one of the donated as a memorial to prominent most diverse public collections of the

28 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 29 Seventeen cultivars of Tsuga canadensis at SSCC 4. ‘Curly’ – UNCLASSIFIED – Disc. 1969 by Harold Epstein, of Larchmont, NY Steve Nord has indicated a planting date of 1987 in the Milton Sutton Conifer in friend’s garden Garden Phase II (MSCG Phase II) and of 1989 in the Milton Sutton Conifer Garden Planted mid-MSCG Phase I, west of Pinus strobus ‘Torulosa’, ~1989 – 3 feet tall x Phase I / Dawley Garden (MSCG Phase I). All of these plants were from 1-gallon 5 feet wide, good condition containers. The plants found in the Coenosium Garden were planted in 2002, but Short, broad, rounded leaves are held 90 degrees from shoot, more or less 2-ranked. were already quite large at that time. Each leaf curls downward, giving a very unusual overall appearance. The growth The cultivars are categorized according to Swartley. Each plant is placed into habit is upright and compact. 3 ½ feet tall x 3 ½ feet wide/20yrs one of 15 groups according to its dominant characteristic, whether foliage or growth habit. Categories include: LITTLE-LEAF; LARGE-LEAF; SPARSE-LEAF; 5. ‘Everitt Golden’ – GOLDEN GROUP – Disc. 1918 on an exposed slope in NH DENSE-LEAF; WIDE-LEAF; CINNAMON-TIP; TWIGGY; YEW-LIKE; WHITE- by S.A. Everitt TIP; GOLDEN; GLOBOSE; CONICAL; FASTIGIATE; SPREADING; & PEN- Planted mid-MSCG Phase I, under Acer platanoides, ~1989 – 4 feet tall x 3 feet DULA. A few cultivars defy categorization, and are listed as UNCLASSIFIED. wide, shaded and leggy A dense, stiff, coarse-textured tree, with upreaching branchlets. Leaves are closely Entries include: set, not 2-rankd. Color is golden yellow in spring and summer, changing to greenish Name; Category; Year and place of discovery, if known; yellow, and finally bronzy. Plants can appear chlorotic. The color is best in full sun. Arboretum location; Date planted; Size and condition at the time of this report Growth is compact and conical, but will eventually achieve 15-20 feet. 5 feet tall x (2006); Description; and Growth potential 3 feet wide/20yrs

1. ‘Brookline’ (formerly ‘Sargentii #4’) – PENDULA GROUP – Disc. ~1857 nr 6. ‘Golden Splendor’ – GOLDEN GROUP – Selected and introduced in 1979 by Fishkill, NY by Gen. J. Howland. Planted in Coenosium Garden 2002 – 1 foot tall John Mitsch of Mitsch Nursery, Aurora, Oregon x 3 feet wide, good condition Planted in mid-MSCG Phase I, under Acer platanoides, ~1989 – 6 feet tall x 3 feet Mound-like, with horizontal branching, much wider than tall, new growth follows wide, shaded and leggy, distinctly drooping tips and pendulous branchlets, this plant the contours of the branches. The original ‘Brookline’ was at Holm Lea, the former is not golden. (Possibly needs sun for golden foliage to develop?) estate of Charles S. Sargent in Brookline, MA until it was destroyed by fire in the An upright tree with golden foliage, it responds well to shearing. Takes full sun 1980’s. In 1965 it was 7 feet tall and 30 feet wide. 4 feet x 10 feet /20yrs well. Normal growth habit except for golden color. 4 ½ –6 feet tall/10yrs

2. ‘Cappy’s Choice’ – PENDULA GROUP – Seedling selected in 1970 by James 7. ‘Horsford Contorted’ – UNCLASSIFIED – Disc. In 1970 in VT by William C. Caperci at Mount Rainier Alpine Gardens Nursery in Washington State Horsford. Planted in MSCG Phase I, west end, ~1989 – 2 ½ feet tall x 3 feet wide, Two plants: fair condition. Each year the branchlets twist into tight coils or even knots. As the Planted in MSCG Phase II ~1987 – 3 feet tall x 4 feet wide, good condition branchlets mature, they partially untwist. This is a slow-growing, mounded small Planted in MSCG Phase I, west end ~1989 – 1 foot tall x 3 feet wide, fair condi- shrub of striking appearance. 3 inches/yr in youth, 3-5 feet tall and wide/10yrs tion, drainage issues This is a compact and low-growing pendulous shrub. The fine-textured, light-green 8. ‘Hussii’ – TWIGGY GROUP – Disc. 1900 in CT by John. F. Huss foliage shows some golden highlights in full sun. 2 inches/yr, or 3 ½ feet tall x 3 ½ Planted in mid-MSCG Phase I, east of Abies pinsapo, ~1989 – 4 feet tall x 4 feet feet wide/20yrs wide, good condition. Very crowded short and twiggy branchlets with densely crowded dark green nee- 3. ‘Cinnamomea’ – CINNAMON-TIP GROUP – Disc. 1929 by Frank L. Abbott nr dles. Slow growing and upright, with definite terminal shoots. It usually develops Athens, VT into a small tree of open, irregular habit. 6 feet tall x 4 feet wide/20yrs Planted in Coenosium Garden 2002 – 3 feet tall x 4 feet wide, good condition 8a) ‘Everitt Denseleaf’ – Unrecognized cultivar name, indistinguishable from T. Leaves near branch tips are pointed and whorled; mature leaves are blunt. Young canadensis ‘Hussii’ shoots are densely red-brown pubescent. Plant grows 1/3 wider than tall over time. Two plants: 5 feet tall x 7 feet wide/20yrs A. Planted in MSCG Phase I, under Acer platanoides, ~1989, 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide, fair condition

30 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 31 B. Planted in Coenosium Garden 2002, 3 feet tall x 3 feet wide, good condition of Bonsai Village, Wilsonville, OR. Planted in MSCG Phase I under Acer platanoides, ~1989. 8 feet tall x 8 feet wide, 9. ‘Jacqueline Verkade’ – CONICAL GROUP – Seedling selected 1961 by John good condition Verkade of Verkade’s Nursery, NJ. An upright and open form, wide-reaching, with branches held at 45 degrees, tips Planted MSCG Phase I, east end, ~1989 - 3 feet tall x 3 feet wide, shaded and leggy weeping. Leaves are dark green and smaller than average. The very small forward- A globose to conical dwarf form with very dense foliage. It has very small leaves sweeping, creamy-white spring growth is held through the summer, followed by on tiny stems. 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide/20yrs white changing-to-green summer growth. This results in an interesting white – green – white pattern by midsummer. It will develop into a conical tree in time. 10 10. ‘Jeddeloh’ – SPREADING GROUP – Discovered ~1950 in a cemetery in West feet x 10 feet / 20yrs Germany. Introduced in 1965 by Jeddeloh Nursery Planted in MSCG phase II, ~1987 – 4 feet tall x 5 feet wide, good condition 15. ‘Pendula’ – PENDULA GROUP – Unknown origin A low spreading shrub with swirling, indented ‘bird’s nest’ center. Globe-shaped in Planted in MSCG Phase I, west end, ~1989. 3 feet tall x 6 feet wide, good condi- age, with gracefully pendulous outer shoots. Bright and fresh green needles. An out- tion standing landscape subject. 3 feet tall x 5 feet wide/20yrs A prostrate, dense and undulating carpet that gradually builds height with new over- lying growth. It is often trained as a small tree, forming a hemispherical mass of 11. ‘Jervis’ – TWIGGY GROUP – Discovered as a seedling prior to 1956 near Port pendulous branches hanging to the ground and completely hiding the interior. This Jervis, NY by G.G.Nearing is one of four clones of the Sargent’s weeping hemlock introduced by Henry Two plants: Winthrop Sargent in the 19th century. 6-8 inches/yr A. Planted in Coenosium Garden 2002, 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide, good condition B. Planted in Coenosium Garden 2002, 3 feet tall x 3 feet wide, good condition 16. ‘Rugg’s Washington Dwarf’ – CINNAMON-TIP GROUP – Unknown origin Foliage is dense and congested, very dark green. Form becomes regularly conical, Planted in MSCG Phase I, by streambed, ~1989. 4 feet tall x 3 feet wide, good yet quite dwarf. It is similar to ‘Hussii’, but stays more compact with age. 4 feet tall condition x 3 feet wide/20yrs A globose or cushion-form plant, resembling a heath. It will eventually become an upright, loosely globose shrub. Spring foliage is bronze-yellow. Current and second 12. ‘Kelsey’s Weeping’ – PENDULA GROUP – Disc. 1929 in East Boxford, MA year twigs are cinnamon-colored. 5 feet x 7 feet /20yrs by H.P. Kelsey Two plants: 17. ‘Wodenethe’ (formerly ‘Sargentii #2) – PENDULA GROUP – Disc. ~1857 nr A. Planted in mid-MSCG phase I, by streambed, ~1989. 3 feet tall x 2 ½ feet wide. Fishkill, NY by General J. Howland Good condition, shaded Planted in MSCG Phase I, east end, ~1989. 1 foot tall x 3 feet wide. Good condi- B. Planted in Coenosium Garden 2002. 3 feet tall x 4 feet wide. Good condition tion, quite prostrate An asymmetrical form, combining one or more long-reaching stems ascending at an Forms a large spreading shrub of irregular habit, broader than high, with no vertical angle, with long pendulous branchlets, in time forming a living curtain of hanging trunk unless trained. It eventually develops a few massive ascending branches with branches. (Width is measured in direction of stem growth). 3 feet tall x 5 feet pendulous terminal shoots. wide/20yrs. 4 feet tall x 8 feet wide/20yrs. The 60 year size potential ranges from 10 feet x 20 feet to 20 feet x 40 feet 13. ‘Lewis’ – TWIGGY GROUP – Selected in the early 1960’s by C.M. Lewis of Skylands, Sterlington, NY Planted in Coenosium Garden 2002, 4 feet tall x 3 feet wide, good condition Bibliography A slow-growing and rather narrow upright plant. It will form an irregular pyramid with stiff and rigid growth. Leaves are crowded, erect and tightly adpressed to the American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Dorling stem. 4 feet tall x 3 feet wide/20yrs Kindersley, 1996. Bloom, Adrian. Gardening With Conifers. Firefly Books, 2002. 14. ‘Mt Shasta’ – WHITE-TIP GROUP – Selected prior to 1989 by Mr. Edsel Wood Bobbitt, Van. “The Creation of the South Seattle Community College Arboretum”.

32 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 33 Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin, Autumn 2005. Cutler, Sandra M. Dwarf & Unusual Conifers Coming of Age: A Guide to Mature Just a Couple of Raving Coniferites from Garden Conifers. Barton Bradley Crossroads, 1997. Cincinnati Dirr, Michael A. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. Stipes Publishing Co., 1998. by Judy and Ron Regenhold Grant, John A. and Carol L. Trees and Shrubs for Pacific Northwest Gardens. Timber Press, 1990. ell, here we go again! We were yard. When we purchase yet another plant Hill, Susan and Susan Narizny. The Plant Locator, Western Region. Black-Eyed Wleaving on a short, early-spring trip that we cannot live without, we call it an Susans Press, 2004. a few years ago, headed to the hills in east “upgrade” (a term we learned from a The Hillier Gardener’s Guide to Trees and Shrubs. David & Charles, 1995. central Ohio to see the wildflowers bloom. fellow conifer addict). While a soothing We live in Cincinnati, in the far south- term and one we fully admit, we simply Jacobson, Arthur Lee. Trees of Seattle, 2nd Edition. Arthur Lee Jacobson, 2006. western corner of the state, about 150 love the disease we acquired and share it Krussman, Gerd. Manual of Cultivated Conifers. Timber Press, 1985. miles from our destination. Oops! On the freely. Something in the garden will get Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset Publishing Corporation, 2001. Internet, just before leaving, we finally too big, forcing a hard choice. Our friends Swartley, John. The Cultivated Hemlocks. Timber Press, 1984. found a place that has that Picea omorika are happy when the discarded choice goes Van Gelderen, D. M. and J. R. P. van Hoey Smith. Conifers, The Illustrated ‘Pendula Bruns’ in the very size that we home with them. Conversely, our long, Encyclopedia, 2 volumes. Timber Press, 1996. have been “pining” for, but we have to go hot, horribly humid and bone-dry to central Michigan to get it. No problem. summers or erratic winters and springs About the author: Peter Maurer, 49, is It’s only an extra 600 miles. This is not the will give us a spot. It hurts for a little while married and takes care of his 3-year-old first time that we have gone a little out of but then we’re off again. boy. A professional chef for 28 years, the way for a plant. Of course, this plant he is currently changing careers to will barely fit into our car’s trunk, and we High moments in our garden pursue his passion for plants. He lives in will be away for four days. Who needs With a small garden, we have specialized Seattle, Washington. luggage? in the very dwarf and slow-growing Such are the lives of raving conifers. We also have many dwarf plants coniferites, severely infected with A.C.S. that grow with more vigor, and larger (Addicted Conifer Syndrome), a disease plants that need to understand our space The American Conifer Society that many members of the ACS (American constraints. We candle, trim, cut, move, will offer a $500 Scholarship Conifer Society) know well. In the early whatever it takes to get the plants to for 2007. Eligibility require- years of our infection, we would drive understand that there is only so much ments and applications may 1,000 miles round trip to central Pennsyl- room, so they had better be careful. Nar- be downloaded from the TOP- vania for our latest fix of new grafts, over row and vertical plants are welcome be- ICS section of the ACS website a two-day weekend. Then, turn right cause, with them, the sky is the limit. A or from: around a couple of weeks later and head to conifer such as the Picea omorika ‘Pen- eastern Pennsylvania and New York for dula Bruns’ was a must-have, and it has more plants - another 1,600 miles - over a been a winner for us - fairly slow growing, ACS Scholarship Committee four-day weekend. Our enthusiasm was nice and narrow habit, with a wonderfully Gerald P. Kral insuppressible. After more than 25 years, stylish flair. Very enticing. We were 900 Winton Road N this fever has not been quenched, only fed. delighted when we learned of its selection Rochester, NY 14609 8938 Newburg Road These days, we must be more selec- as one of the two Collectors Conifers of Rockford, IL 61108 tive with our choices. We have a small the Year (CCOY) for 2007. Can this be More then one Scholarship Phone: (815) 332-5610 suburban lot that is packed with our validation that our disease is a good thing? may be awarded. favorite things. Our conifer friends know, When we learned that the CCOY Fax: (815) 332-7495 however, that a lack of space does not committee’s choice for dwarf selection E-mail: [email protected] mean much, whether in our car or our was also within our garden’s treasure

34 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 35 trove, we thought that this is surely a sign leaves, trees with huge leaves, tubed lady’s slipper orchids, along with the acid- distressing losses was the Pinus parviflora that the hunt must go on. We had fallen in leaves, variegated leaves, and those with loving English crested fern and the alka- ‘Glauca’ that was the source of a distinc- love with Picea orientalis ‘Tom Thumb’at narrow and strap-type leaves. You name it. line-loving Phyllitis scolopendrium fern. tive witches’ broom. For several years first sight, and like a tenacious suitor, pur- The slow-growing ‘Chase Manhattan’ and Somehow, all of the garden residents running, the late heavy frosts and deep sued it with a passion. That was a chal- the tiny-leafed ‘Munchkin’ fit well. For appear to be in scale with their surround- freezes devastated the early buds. Luckily, lenge indeed. We scrounged and hunted the latter, we drove an extra 300 miles ings, living in peaceful harmony with each early grafting has assured survival for until we found it. Not wanting to take a early this fall. We find all gingkoes to be other. This is true down to the smallest of descendents of the broom. chance on that one, we acquired several trees of distinction, especially the first one the dwarf conifers, which are the plants There are also a couple of other over the years. It is still one of our favorite we ever planted in our backyard (30-plus we love most. Among a significant collec- brooms and sports that have originated in and most highly-prized dwarfs. A slow years ago) that now towers above its tion in a somewhat small space, the dwarfs this garden. Certainly notable is a broom grower, at least here in Ohio, with great companions. find a very cozy home. Our list includes on a 30-plus-year-old Picea abies ‘Pyg- color and tight, neat habit, ‘Tom’ certainly We’ve found other strong contrasts Pinus parviflora, mugo, strobus, flexilis, maea’. The growth is so tight that even deserves CCOY honor. with myriad forms of beech (Fagus). As it and banksiana; Abies alba, concolor, taking a cutting is difficult, much less has few slow-growing varieties, we have koreana, procera, lasiocarpa, pinsapo, attempting to graft it. The broom is now Conifers and friends to be brutal if we want them to remain. cilicica, nordmanniana, and bornmuelle- about 8 inches in diameter on a plant about While our garden abounds with conifers, it The Fagus sylvatica ‘Tortuosa’has been in riana; Picea orientalis, omorika, abies a foot tall with a 32-inch spread. also contains many companion plants. We the front yard for some 25 years. Because and glauca; Cedrus atlantica, deodara We just keep looking around at all of feel that a garden of conifers with varying it is our favorite beech, we offer it tough and libani; Pseudotsuga menziesii; Tsuga the treasures we have accumulated. We shades of green, blue, and gold provides a love. Primarily a lateral grower, drastic canadensis; and more. watch intently for treasures unknown or fabulous backbone for a northern (zone measures keep it “contained”. Countless In some of these families, we have not yet found. The hunt is still immensely 5–6) garden. Conifers have strength and hours of hard pruning are spent trying to several to very many named cultivars. The exciting to us. Why quit now? Some character, presenting a gardener numerous keep up with its rapid growth habit. At the Pinus parviflora species is our first love, things are just worth going the extra mile. choices for companions. Japanese maples other end of the spectrum is Fagus sylvat- especially ‘Tamina No Yuki’, ‘Shiro- Happy gardening from a couple of have long been a favorite of ours, and they ica ‘Cochleata’ that has grown to about 6 janome’, ‘Fubuki Nishiki’, ‘Shikoku- raving coniferites. (And thanks to ACS, are excellent companions for conifers. The feet high in 20-plus years. Then there are goyo’, ‘Goldilocks’, ‘Myojo’, and even we have plenty of company!) vibrant spring leaves in greens, pinks, the ‘Rotundifolia’, ‘Tri-Color’, the pendu- ‘Regenhold’ from our own original broom reds, and whites create gorgeous contrasts lous golden beech, and others that must be tree. About the authors: Ron and Judy Regen- near conifers with their brilliant spring closely watched. Small and less-hardy varieties of hold garden in Cincinnati. They have been flush. The same can be said in fall, with Our huge, old bald cypress (Tax- conifers and other tender plants find their members of ACS since the formation of leaves of intense scarlets, maroons, and odium distichum) with its knees growing homes in troughs. We like these portable the Central Region. golds. In summer, they combine to form everywhere, and the dwarf Taxodium dis- gardens within a garden. They can be dense screens in which the birds can find tichum ‘Peve Minaret’, and the flat-grow- displayed anywhere through the summer nesting sites. The structure of the maple ing ‘Wooster Broom’ work well with the months and even moved and protected branches in winter alongside the conifers, other plants. The Chamaecyparis during some of the harsh winters. Troughs both laden with snow, is breathtaking. nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ is another have saved many a botanical life. Another deciduous-type tree, the great love as it reaches for the stars. All of Ginkgo, is a great favorite and close these friends share our space and our lives, Nature’s gains and losses companion plant that provides excellent along with many ‘Kingsville’ boxwoods, Some years, our very warm late winter textural contrast in the garden. It is techni- profuse spring wildflowers, Asian days are followed immediately by biting cally not a conifer but like a conifer, is a varieties of Arisaema, water gardens with cold winds, low temperatures, and heavy gymnosperm bearing seeds in an miniature varieties of lotus and water freezes, frosts, and even snow. These have unenclosed (naked) condition. Over the lilies, a bog garden, and bog-troughs with caused the most damage to the early years, we have collected slow growers, fancy, laced pitcher plants to eat our bugs budding plants. We have lost some old, narrow growers, trees with tiny and small (we wish). And we can’t not mention the established trees as a result. One of our

36 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 37 arboretum. I tell the story about the dis- mens (Fagus sylvatica ‘Tortuosa’). Changing Genes covery of the plant as a myth whenever Today, beautifully contorted specimens Brooms, Sports, and Other Mutations I show the tree. of the European beech can be found Around the late 1970s, Mac along this axis that is in alignment with by Don Howse Alexander of Mount Clemens, Michigan the track of the meteor. sent Jean Iseli (of the Iseli Nursery of How often are plant mutations ex- have often been asked by visitors to tion came to mind is that, recently, I was Boring, Oregon) cuttings of a Chinese plained as a result of some phenomenon Imy gardens to explain the term shown a Thuja plicata broom that is juniper (Juniperus chinensis) that he, of nature? Lightning strikes and passing “witches’ broom.” One can ponder the very diminutive and congested, looking too, claimed had been struck by light- comets and meteors are examples of idea of an ugly old woman with a black not at all like the parent species. It was ning and that the resultant plant changed these phenomena. I am not wise enough conical hat and cloak riding a straw about the size of a tennis ball, and truly color, becoming gold. Today, we have to dispute them, nor am I able to con- broom across the sky. Yes, it is all myth- unique. Later, I heard about such a Juniperus chinensis ‘Mac’s Golden’ in firm these theories and speculations. ical and fun when we cannot otherwise broom occurring at the time of the pass- our available repertoire of plants. Perhaps they are mostly true. How do explain a quirk of nature. ing of the comet Kohoutek in 1973, thus Later yet the story was told, even on we set about proving the theory that However, the “broom” we refer to the naming of the resultant plant. Later national TV, that Juniperus horizontalis plants modify their genes and are the re- is a mutation, perhaps a “bud mutation” still, I was shown pictures of another ‘Mother Lode’™ was struck by light- sult of some naturally occurring phe- on a plant. We have derived the term similar broom that occurred when the ning, and the plant being offered on the nomena? witches’ broom from the same term in comet Hale-Bopp passed by in our solar market was the resultant plant. Well,I Have I opened a can of worms? I German, hexenbesen. We often denote system in 1995. Now we have two, basi- was present when the original plant, expect criticism and added comment on witches’ broom with the letters WB, cally identical, brooms named for growing in a #1 pot, was found and this article, and I hope it stimulates a while our European counterparts use the comets. Are they the same plant and brought in for observation and eventu- lively discussion. It is good that these letters HB following the parent plant’s someone misnamed the comet? What is ally to production. It was a tiny golden changes in our plants do occur, as we botanical name. Brooms can occur and their relationship to the passing comets? sport on a plant found in a production then benefit from the new variations. be caused by several vectors, such as It has been suggested that the brooms bed with several thousand other similar Nature is not stable and unchanging - mistletoe, viruses, and genetic bud mu- are the result of the passing of the ‘Wilton Blue Carpet’ junipers. If it had that is the constant. tations. It is the latter group that we gen- comets in our solar system. I suppose it been struck by lightning, I am sure the erally can propagate and that later is possible, but I have the feeling it is pot would have melted and the plant, become known as a named cultivar. pure speculation, and I am without any plus many of the surrounding plants, My question is, what causes the bud way to argue the point, for or against it. would have been fried. Through judicial to mutate? Besides brooms, we also Many years ago, the late Andy pruning and other good cultural prac- have variations of color, growth habit, Sherwood of Gresham, Oregon, who tices, the golden sport was saved, in- and sometimes texture. A golden sport was a well-known nurseryman, intro- creased, and even propagated. Today, would be a variation of color. A weeping duced a golden form of the Noble Fir, we have a nice golden mat for the land- branch on an otherwise upright tree Abies procera ‘Sherwoodii’. He scape and a marketable plant. But I would be a variation of growth habit. A claimed, I am told, that the scions were know for sure that it was not the result change in foliage type, such as a rever- taken from a mature tree somewhere of a lightning strike. It was a good story. sion on a dwarf form, would be a varia- near Mt. Hood that had been struck by The honorable Dick van Hoey tion of texture. Not all variations are lightning. The portion of the tree that Smith of Rotterdam, Holland, tells of a desirable and worthy of production. grew after the lightning strike had meteor passing over Europe, from Den- Often, the mutation or variation is iden- turned golden in color. Unfortunately,I mark to northern Spain. Later, along the tical to another already being grown or cannot argue with him now. It is a beau- same path that the meteor traveled, the produced. tiful tree, golden and very stately in Fagus sylvatica (European beech) have The reason that the cause of muta- habit. I have a 40-foot specimen in my all become mutated as contorted speci-

38 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 39 2006 is our 60th year in business. We offer dwarf and unusual conifers and Japanese maples from small to specimen sizes. When the snow flies, we make custom plant labels by order.

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40 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 41 Among them were Dr. Richard Bitner, trees that have been grown in the wild. Conifer News writer and photographer; Talon Buch- Only small potted ones have previously Compiled by Kimberly Karlin holz owner of Flora Wonder Arboretum; been available to collectors. This Daniel Luscombe, Assistant Curator of increased demand has elevated the price Conifers celebrated in Great Britain place. This thinning will allow the aspen the Bedgebury Pinetum and cofounder for a mature wild-grown tree to more According to Town Crier (UK), the to return, renewing the ever-changing of the British Conifer Society; Susan than $1,000 and some are willing to pay week of October 1st was decreed Na- cycles that forest populations go Martin, Curator of the Conifer Collec- up to tens of thousands of dollars for tional Conifer Week. National Conifer through. tions, Dogwood and Maple Collections one. Week brings together retailers, British at the U.S. National Arboretum; Joe Sometimes increased demand stim- Conifer Society members, and other Spreading the Word Stupka, phenomenal witches’ broom ulates the criminal mind, as in this case. enthusiasts in the renewed effort to First-time conifer event in Georgia hunter and Gary Whittenbaugh, the The article reveals some interesting increase the use of conifers in gardens. On November 9, at the State Botanical 2005 extraordinary trough-builder and interplay between brazen thieves and With an emphasis this year on the many Garden of Georgia, the first all-day recipient of the Marvin and Emelie the Hong Kong police department - par- shapes that conifers both grow naturally conifer symposium was held. As a part Snyder Award for Dedicated Support of ticularly for one persistent inspector to, and can be shaped into, the British of the Garden’s perennial symposium the Conifer Society. Topics covered in- named Roger Brooks who finds camou- Conifer Society hopes to educate the series, the collaborative effort led by cluded the Gotelli Collection (Martin); flage, night-vision goggles and helicop- public on year-round, as well as winter, Jeannette Coplin, Director of Horticul- Gardening with Conifers (Bitner); ters among the tools necessary to catch interest that these trees provide. ture and Grounds, sought to educate Bizarre Witches’ Brooms (Stupka), Past, the elusive thieves. If that’s not enough, Now, how do we begin a National listeners to the world of conifers. Six Present and Future Conifers in Cultiva- once stolen trees are captured, he must Conifer week in the U.S.? Sounds like a speakers, consisting of horticulturalists, tion in the UK (Luscombe); Recent prove that they are from Hong Kong. All good idea to me! scientists, and nursery owners, lectured Conifer Cultivar Introductions (Buch- this to save Hong Kong’s lucky conifers. on a variety of topics to a crowd of holz) and Trough Gardening with Thank you Hong Kong police depart- Sacrifice for another species about 60 people. The topics covered Conifers with demonstration (Whitten- ment and Inspector Brooks. A September article in the Boise Weekly everything from the myth that conifers baugh). There were many ACS mem- describes a plan of the U.S. Forest Serv- will not grow in Georgia (or the south- bers in attendance enjoying good fun Members in the news ice to remove approximately 100 acres east for that matter), overviews of and fellowship in addition to much Terri Park, ACS member from Indi- of conifers in the Sawtooth National growth requirements and needs, pests, conifer gardening knowledge presented anapolis, sent this news about two other Forest in Idaho. The purpose of the tree and possibilities that we may have in the in a very entertaining way. ACS members. Dr. Ed Hasselkus was removal is to help save the aspen stands future with conifers as a result of graft- featured in an article in the January 2007 there. Over a period of decades factors ing experiments. With a great response New kind of criminal Horticulture magazine (page 36) high- such as disease, a lack of natural forest from this first venture, perhaps the Russ Fling, one of our Columbus, Ohio lighting over 33 years in teaching at the fires, cow herds moving in, and the en- garden will plan more events around the members, shared an article he found in University of Wisconsin and the Arbore- croachment of conifers has caused the soon to become popular conifers that we the October 23, 2006 Wall Street Jour- tum where he has done a lifetime of gradual loss of up to 60 percent of the already know and love. nal describing a new kind of criminal, work. In the November 2006 issue of aspen trees. This change in the tree men who steal “lucky” trees from Hong Carmel Magazine (Carmel, Indiana), population has affected the wildlife A conifer symposium at the Kong nurseries, yards and parks and page 71, Dan Kittle’s nine photos are populations as well. Dawes Arboretum smuggle them back to the mainland. worthy representations of the rare The plan calls for a selective thin- On Saturday, October 21, 2006 an all- According to the article, the Buddhist conifer plant material that he success- ning, choosing conifers of 12 inch day conference was held at the Dawes pine (Podocarpus macrohphyllus) is be- fully grows in Zone 5. (Terri says he caliper or less to be downed and left to Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. Rich lieved by the Chinese to bring good luck readily admits to zonal denial). decay naturally. The article stated that Larson of the Dawes conducted the but has been economically out of reach no trees with snags or nests will be seminar which featured many well- of many Chinese. Increased Chinese af- removed, thus preserving any habitats in known and knowledgeable speakers. fluence has fueled demand for mature

42 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 43 25 people. We then were taken on a slow ride A short distance down the same road ACS Regional News through the nursery fields, which cover more was Jantunen Farms, where we finished the than 100 acres. One group had an adventure- day. The gardens at Jantunen Farms have Southeastern Region these events are still mostly untried in our some ride as the mules became spooked and been developed in a European style, with tall by Flo Chaffin, SE Regional President area, this one turned out to be a great suc- ran briefly through freshly-tilled, soft soil. hedges and narrow alleys. Groves of trees, cess, both in attendance and in attendee eval- Somehow they missed running over the like Acer griseum and Acer davidi are under- The SE Region continues to be actively in- uation. As a result, the State Botanical beautiful conifers planted in those rows, and planted with herbaceous perennials. Theme volved in spreading the word about conifers. Garden plans to have a conifer symposium thankfully no one on board was hurt. Each gardens are dispersed throughout the 50-acre First of all, we now have a Membership annually! Members in any region can start a wagon had a guide who described the plants site. The 11-year-old gardens are immacu- Chairman, Kathryn Moomaw, to begin to dialogue about projects such as this with and told us about the growing techniques late and well tended. We were in awe of the coordinate local groups with regional local gardens and even garden centers. used at Wells Nursery. After returning to the work that had been done to create such a groups, local gardens and garden centers, Everyone benefits and the burdens of organ- entrance area, the wagons set out again with beautiful sight. An empty polyhouse was and with other local members. Please call ization are shared. the remainder of our participants. Later we used as our gathering area where we again her if you have ideas. We are already seeing all enjoyed a fine catered lunch under an enjoyed a very nice catered dinner. A silent the rewards from this grass roots approach, Western Region erected tent. auction was held as well as the traditional and feel confident that the momentum will In addition to planning the 2007 ACS Na- In the early afternoon we all drove verbal auction. Brian Jacob the president of build as more and more of our members be- tional Meeting in Seattle, Washington to be across to the southeast of Mt. Vernon to the Western Region welcomed all of us, and come involved. held July 26-29 with a post tour to follow, Dave Helms’ garden and nursery known as made introductions and announcements. Second, Vice President Duane Ride- the Western Region hosted a meeting in Mt. The Cambium Connection. Dave has spent Everyone was pleased with their purchases. nour has been very busy this fall with several Vernon, Washington on October 14, 2006. many years developing gorgeous gardens Larry Stanley presented a photographic ACS items on his agenda. He’s been scout- Don Howse’s write-up on this meeting fol- with many fine old specimens. He is an conifer journey to Europe, especially in Hol- ing in Kentucky for our 2007 regional meet- lows. artist, to which his magnificent gardens at- land, Czeck Republic, and Austria, where he ing, and toured Yew Dell Gardens On a damp and dreary Saturday morn- tested. There are many whimsical aspects to had visited with many conifer growers and and Bernheim Forest Arboretum - two fabu- ing about 70 folks gathered together at Wells his garden, and a great deal of attention to enthusiasts. As usual, he was humorous and lous gardens worthy of a meeting group tour. Nursery, in Mt. Vernon, Washington. The detail. The cameras were clicking as we all his program was educational as well as en- He has also been leading some conifer tours nursery is located on a point of rich alluvial inspected his display. Among his many spec- tertaining. He also conducted the successful of his own, most recently at the Knoxville land surrounded by the Skagit River. Neil imens - too many to be enumerated here - we auction. Botanical Garden. This gathering brought 28 Hall and his staff greeted us warmly, offering found outstanding specimens of Abies con- Members attended from throughout the attendees, including all but four members in us juices, coffee, and rolls. Neil told us some color ‘Blue Cloak’ standing about 40 feet in Pacific Northwest, and also from California. Tennessee. Hopefully, this will generate new of the history of Wells Nursery using a height and Abies grandis ‘Pendula’ which We all had a good time and the officers and memberships and continued enthusiasm in portable microphone. He also told us en- many of us had not seen previously, also volunteers of the Western Region are to be that area. lightening stories regarding many of the about 30 feet in height. There were many commended for the fine meeting. Maud Henne continues to give talks in plants that have been introduced by Wells more plants on display, all of which were im- her Charlottesville, Virginia area, most re- Nursery over the years. Two of the stories maculate, beautifully displayed, and obvi- Northeast Region cently to the Virginia Native Plant Society. I were about Cedrus libani ‘Green Prince’ and ously had been grown for many years. The ACS NE Regional Conference will be am sure there are others not mentioned here also Picea orientalis ‘Mt. Vernon’. Beautiful Everyone was amazed at the work Dave has held in Auburn, New York September 14-16, that are doing the same. I would encourage specimens of these and many other plants done and the work of beauty he has created, 2007. Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll find an anyone in the southeast who is involved in were arranged for our inspection near the en- mainly by his own hands. His container and interesting article by Phil Syphrit on one of speaking or organizing to contact Kathryn, trance gate. They also had plants for sale to field nursery is adjacent to his home and gar- the meeting venues, Cornell Plantations. and certainly to forward your information on the members in attendance. dens. We were given sheets indicating which to me and to our newsletter editor Kimberly While many of the folks meandered plants were for sale, with the sizes and Central Region Karlin. I’d especially love to hear from among the nearby plant displays and the ad- prices. Conifer enthusiasts never fail to haul The Central Region’s 15th Annual Meeting South Carolina and Alabama! jacent fields of old specimen trees, others away treasures, and there were many to be will be hosted by the Region on June 22-23, In Georgia at the State Botanical Gar- boarded two wagons, which were tethered to purchased that day. Sales were concluded in 2007 at the Radisson Hotel Madison in den, a group of local ACS members put on a teams of black mules. The wagons were cov- his garage where we also could find trays of Madison, Wisconsin. Look for more infor- whole-day symposium about conifers. While ered surreys each of which held about 20 to home-made cookies, fudge and other delec- mation at www.conifersociety.org. table treats.

44 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 45 sity, exists on an academic calendar, run- talis ‘Gowdy’, and ‘Skylands’; Juniperus Cornell Plantations Offers Many Favorites, ning fall through spring. This academic chinensis ‘Daub’s Frosted’; J. horizontalis Not Just One or Two calendar was one major factor in Planta- ‘Lime Glow’; and J. squamata ‘Holger’. tions’ decision to plan and create the Pinus mugo ‘Slow Mound’and ‘Mops’are by Phil Syphrit Mullestein Garden, which was dedicated also very reliable and attractive round at the western end of Plantations Road and in May, 2001. The Winter Garden helps us buns. One particular Picea pungens Foreword by Gerald P. Kral angiosperms toward the eastern end. connect with the rest of Cornell by being a ‘Procumbens’ is surrounded by several The American Conifer Society NE Re- Many of the conifers in the gymnosperm garden which is at its best while the stu- sedum including ‘Purple Emperor’, ‘Sun- gional Conference will be centered in the area were probably planted by a Civilian dents are here. It includes trees and shrubs set Cloud’, and ‘Ruby Mantle’. The color wine producing area of Central NewYork Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s with winter interest, unusual bark, berries combination of these sedums and this State and will take place September 14- and early 1940s. Several Junipers on Plan- that stay colorful in the cold, and many spruce is beautiful. 16, 2007. Attendees will have the oppor- tations’ Gymnosperm or Conifer Slope conifers. There is a Stewartia pseudo- There are two very nice Metasequoia tunity to tour Cornell Plantations, the have identification tags from this era. camellia, Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’, glyptostroboides at the bottom of Gym- botanical garden, arboretum and natural The Juniper I mention in the very first and several cultivars of Cornus sericea in- nosperm Slope. On Comstock Knoll, areas of Cornell University. The last 5 sentence is one of those older trees, a cluding ‘Bud’s Yellow’and ‘Cardinal’. We home to Plantations’rhododendron collec- years has seen a remarkably rare and un- Juniperus rigida, near the top of the have several nice Chamaecyparis pisifera tion, we have two very nice Sciadopitys usual dwarf conifer collection come into Conifer Slope. This particular tree is dark and C. obtusa in this garden. I really like verticillata, perhaps 30 feet tall, and a very existence. Part of Phil Syphrit’s job is to green, has an even, slightly weeping C. pisifera ‘Filifera Sungold’. attractive bank of Microbiota decussata. I maintain this collection. Syphrit’s article shape, and has needles that are much Keinzle Overlook is one of the few love the soft plum color of Microbiota in gives readers a unique perspective of a softer than many J. rigida I have known – places on Cornell’s campus where you can winter. conifer collection and those planning to a good thing since it grows at the junction get a really good view into Plantations’ What is my overall favorite conifer? attend a small taste of what Plantation’s of two paths. botanical gardens. Tower Road is one of Considering that I’ve already named about Conifer Collection has to offer. During the 1960s, the Conifer Slope Cornell’s major streets. It runs beside the a dozen things I really like in three or four became overgrown with shrubby weeds. Overlook which sits atop Gymnosperm different gardens, it’s pretty obvious my Slope and gazes down into the Winter real answer is “Hard to say.” So many “This Juniperus right here is one In the early 1980s we began reclaiming this valuable collection and significant Garden. It is important that whatever is conifers have many selling points. I love of my favorite trees in the whole col- “weeding” continues to this day, revealing planted in this overlook doesn’t block the balsam firs because they make me think of lection. It is just lovely and much softer some beautiful full-sized trees, and open- view. Part of Keinzle was planted in mid- Christmas trees. I love white pines be- than you’d expect. As for my favorite ing inviting glimpses of the botanical gar- sized conifers in the 1980s; but, as plans cause they remind me of my life in Maine. dwarf, we’d better wander up to the dens. There is an Abies alba, a Cedrus for the Winter Garden progressed and as Larches are lovely. Hemlocks are soft and Keinzle Overlook.” libanii, and two or three Abies veitchii the urge to continue reclaiming the gentle. Sequoias are amazing. Choose just which are all around 50 to 60 feet tall and Conifer Slope intensified, it became obvi- one or two? No way. ornell Plantations was formally estab- are magnificent. This de-brushing makes ous that a collection of dwarf conifers Clished in 1944. One of the original de- Plantations more visually linked to cam- would be a logical choice for the remain- About the author: Phil Syphrit has a Bach- sign concepts for Plantations was sort of a pus. As unwanted woody weeds are re- der of Keinzle. Small plants wouldn’t elor’s degree in Communication and Folk- “trip through time.” Beebe Lake pretty moved from the slope, conifer specimens block the vista, dwarf conifers flow logi- lore from Western Kentucky University. much marks the western boundary of are being added. In spring, 2006 several cally into Gymnosperm Slope’s full-sized He lived in Maine and New Hampshire Plantations, and a fairly long road mean- new trees were planted on the upper part coniferous trees and a major pathway from 1983 until 1998, working in muse- ders eastward from the lake toward the of the Conifer Slope, including Sciadopi- down the eastern bank of the slope leads ums and orchards. He has been in Ithaca, hamlet of Varna. This road, Plantations tys verticillata ‘Joe Kozey’, Pinus into the Winter Garden. Since April, 2002, New York since then and now works at Road, curves through the botanical gar- bungeana ‘Rowe Arboretum’, and Pinus many dwarf and intermediate conifers Cornell Plantations in the rhododendron dens, skirting the Mundy Wildflower Gar- leucodermis, with its strong texture and have gone into Keinzle. and conifer collections. He and his wife den and weaving through the F.R. dark color. Some of my favorite plants in the Katy are avid contra-dancers and share Newman Arboretum. The “trip through Many people think of gardens from Overlook include Chamaecyparis their house with a three-legged cat named time” idea had plantings of gymnosperms spring through fall. Cornell, as a univer- nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’; Picea orien- Simon.

46 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 Vol. 24 No. 1 CONIFER QUARTERLY 47 Directorate

Officers President Tom Cox, 1621 N Lake Dr., Canton, GA 30115 PH (770) 772-9747, FAX (770) 663-4063, E-mail: [email protected] Vice President/ Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3938 Treasurer PH (563) 650-2212 Secretary Kathleen Pottratz, 42438 SW Vandehey Rd., Gaston, OR 97119 PH (503) 985-7561, E-mail: [email protected] Past President Don Wild, 3058 Cross Creek Ct., Ann Arbor, MI 48108 PH (734) 662-6461, E-mail: [email protected] Directors Term expires 2007 Ethan Johnson, 669 E331st St, Eastlake, OH 44095 PH (440) 975-1675, E-mail: [email protected] Gerald Kral, 900 Winton Rd. N, Rochester, NY 14609 PH (585) 288-5082, E-mail: [email protected] Randy Oster, 29600 SE Kowall Rd., Estacada, OR 97023 PH (503) 630-7975, FAX (503) 630-7955, E-mail: [email protected] Term expires 2008 Flo Chaffin, 3650 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 PH (706) 310-0143, E-mail: [email protected] Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3938 PH (563) 650-2212

Regional Presidents Northeastern Region Larry Nau, 25 Knollwood Dr., Churchville, NY, 14428 PH (585) 202-1815, E-mail: [email protected] Central Region Bill Barger, 3200 Rohrer Rd, Wadsworth, OH 44281 PH (330) 336-9695, E-mail: [email protected] Western Region Brian Jacob 13455 SE Lafayette Hwy., Dayton, OR 97114 PH (503) 868-7914 Email: [email protected] Southeastern Region Flo Chaffin, 3650 Colham Ferry Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677 PH (706) 310-0143, E-mail: [email protected]

Conifer Society Staff National Office John Martin, P.O. Box 3422, Crofton, MD 21114-0422 PH (410) 721-6611, FAX (410) 721-9636, E-mail: [email protected] Editor, Evelyn Cox, 342 North Main St, Suite 202, Alpharetta, GA 30004 Conifer Quarterly PH (770) 663-7576 E-mail: [email protected]

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

www.conifersociety.org

48 CONIFER QUARTERLY Vol. 24 No. 1 h s a n i r o F l A y b o t o h P Thuja occidentalis ‘Gold Drop’ Plant Sale Supports ACS Research Fund Photos by Judy and Ron Regenhold of their garden. See their article inside.

A portion of the Regenhold garden Pinus parviflora 'Fubuki Nishiki' showing a variety of dwarf conifers

Picea orientalis Picea orientalis 'Tom 'Skylands' and Picea Thumb' with good glauca 'Pendula' friend Pinus parviflora reaching 'Goldilocks' to the sky

Abies concolor Picea omorika 'Treblitzensis' 'Archer's Dwarf' on a standard, center, near the lower pond, with Pinus parviflora 'Bergmani' on the left