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TheThe AmericanAmerican

GARDENERGARDENER® TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AAmericanmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety March / April 2010

Beautiful, Durable Baptisias Coniferous Groundcovers DynamicDynamic DuetsDuets for Small Spaces forfor ShadeShade

contents Volume 89, Number 2 . March / April 2010

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM 6 MEMBERS’ FORUM 8 NEWS FROM AHS Allan Armitage to host AHS webinar, River Farm Spring Market in April, AHS National Children & Youth Garden Symposium goes to , AHS to participate in 4th annual Washington, D.C.-area Garden Fest, 2010 AHS President’s Council Members Trip to .

14 AHS NEWS SPECIAL 2010 Great American National Award winners and 2010 Book Award winners.

42 ONE ON ONE WITH… page 36 Steven Still: Herbaceous perennial expert.

44 HOMEGROWN HARVEST A bumper of broccoli. 18 DYNAMIC FOR SHADE BY KRIS WETHERBEE Light up shady areas of the garden by using combinations 46 ’S NOTEBOOK that offer complementary textures and colors. Mt. Cuba Center releases coneflower evaluation results, AMERICAN BEAUTIES: study shows bumble bee 24 page 24 populations declining, BAPTISIAS BY RICHARD HAWKE GreatPlants® and Perennial The release of new of Plant Association name 2010 false indigo has renewed garden- of the Year, Berry ers’ interest in the . Botanic Garden to close, Jane Pepper retires as president of page 46 GROUND-COVERING Pennsylvania Horticultural 30 Society. BY PENELOPE O’SULLIVAN 50 GREEN GARAGE® Reduce maintenance and add Garden gloves. vibrant color and texture to the garden by using low-growing 52 BOOK REVIEWS conifers as groundcovers. What’s Wrong with My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?); Homegrown Vegetables, , and ; The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible; and 36 AGAVES FOR SMALL BY MARY IRISH The Encyclopedia of Herbs. Many small selections are well suited for smaller garden sites and also adapt surprisingly well to cultivation outside of their native 56 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS Southwest. 60 HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES AND PRONUNCIATIONS

ON THE COVER: Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum') and celandine poppy (Sty- 62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TOP: LYNNE HARRISON. CENTER: COURTESY OF KLEHM’S SONG SPARROW FARM AND NURSERY. RIGHT: COURTESY OF PETER SCHROEDER lophorum diphyllum) partner beautifully in a shade garden. Photograph by Donna Krischan Mountain fringe ( fungosa)

March / April 2010 3 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY “This is a book to turn to over a lifetime of garden misadventures.” Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens —Dominique Browning The Times Board of Directors CHAIR Susie Usrey Dayton, Oregon FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Don E. Riddle, Jr. Davidsonville, Maryland SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Leslie Ariail Alexandria, SECRETARY Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia TREASURER Arnold Steiner Birmingham,

Sandra Address Chevy Chase, Maryland ■ Allan M. Armitage Athens, ■ Suzanne Bales Oyster Bay, New York William E. Barrick, Ph.D. Theodore, Alabama ■ Kurt Bluemel Baldwin, Maryland ■ Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia ■ Tom Cooper Watertown, ■ Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee Gay Estes Houston, ■ Anne Garland Farrell Richmond, Virginia ■ Carole Hofley Wilson, Wyoming Margaret Kulp Louisville, Kentucky ■ Caroline Lewis Coral Gables, Florida ■ Jack Lowry Phoenix, Maryland Melissa R. Marshall Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ■ Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia Shirley Nicolai Ft. Washington, Maryland ■ J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland Holly Shimizu Glen Echo, Maryland

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner

President’s Council AHS New CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kulp, Jr. ■ Mrs. Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto ■ Encyclopedia of Mr. Arnold Steiner ■ Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

Gardening HAUPT CIRCLE Lynda and Nathan Bachman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie ■ Mr. James R. Cargill ■ Mrs. Susan M. Cargill ■ Mr. and Mrs. Techniques Thomas Farrell ■ Mrs. Richard W. Hamming ■ Mrs. Carole S. Hofley ■ Mr. J. Landon Reeve, IV ■ Mrs. Enid N. Warner COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE Mrs. Sandra L. Address ■ Mr. and Mrs. John H. Ariail, Jr. ■ Mrs. Suzanne F. Bales ■ Mrs. Suzanne F. Bales ■ Nancy J. Becker, M.D. ■ Mrs. Katherine Belk ■ Mrs. George P. Bissell, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. C. William Black ■ Dr. Sherran Blair ■ Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bogle ■ Ms. Amy Bolton ■ Mr. and Mrs. T. Bradshaw ■ Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Burke, “You’ll find step-by-step III ■ Ms. Judy Daniel ■ Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis ■ Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes ■ Ms. Megan Evans ■ Ms. Inger Fair ■ Dr.and Mrs. instructions for , watering, John A. Floyd, Jr. ■ Mrs. Carolyn V. Foil ■ Ms. Marguerite Peet Foster ■ Ms. Amy Goldman ■ Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith ■ Mrs. Joan propagating; information about all Goltzman ■ Ms. LaDawn Griffin ■ Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman ■ Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove ■ Mrs. Elizabeth Hooff ■ Mr. Philip Huey ■ Mrs. Carolyn M. Lindsay ■ Ms. JoAnn Luecke ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bob J. MacLean ■ Ms. Melissa Marshall ■ Mrs. Dorothy categories of plants…sections on Marston ■ Mr. Charles T. Matheson ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harold McClendon, Jr. ■ Ms. Rosalyn Milbrandt ■ Mr. and Mrs. Egon Molbak ■ Dr. organic techniques and recycling; and Mrs. David E. Morrison ■ Mr. and Mrs. James R. Moxley ■ Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai ■ Mr. David D. Parrish ■ Mr. and Mrs. Albin and how to treat pests and MacDonough Plant ■ Mrs. Jeanne O. Shields ■ Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Jr. ■ Mr. and Mrs. William M. Spencer, III ■ Mr. Harold Stahly ■ Dr. and Mrs. Steven M. Still ■ Mr. Howard McK. Tucker and Ms. Megan Evans ■ Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood ■ Mr. Joe Viar disease…. Consider it a plant- ■ Ms. Angela M. Vikesland ■ Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk ■ Ms. Katy Moss Warner ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dennis White ■ Mr. and Mrs. Harvey lover’s mutual fund—a little of this C. White ■ Mr. and Mrs. John W.White, Sr. ■ Ms. Jill Yates and little of that, in a dandy HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Ms. Louise Fruehling* ■ Mrs. Enid Haupt* ■ Mrs. John A. Lutz* ■ Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller* investment.” *In memoriam —Ginny Smith Philadelphia Inquirer

“This is a must have for gardeners Education Sponsor OXO International and landscape designers.” —Joel M. Lerner Corporate Members The Washington Post Brent and Becky’s ■ The Care of ■ Chapel Valley Landscape Company ■ The Espoma Company ■ Furbish Company ■ Homestead Gardens ■ Kurt Bluemel, Inc. ■ Monrovia ■ MTR Landscape Architects, LLC. ■ Osmocote ■ Renee’s Garden

Horticultural Partners America in Bloom Symposium & Awards Program ■ Bellingrath Gardens and ■ Mitchell-Beazley/Octopus Books USA Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Garden Symposium ■ Cox MetroPark 480 pages Hardcover, $45 ■ Epcot International & Garden Festival ■ The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America ■ The Homestead in the Garden Symposium ■ Inniswood Garden Society ■ Morris Arboretum Available wherever ■ & Arboretum ■ Oklahoma Horticultural Society books are sold

4 the American Gardener NOTES FROM RIVER FARM CONTACTS FOR C AHS PROGRAMS, MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DEPARTMENTS

For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership department at HE ARRIVAL 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA of this issue of The American Gardener in your mailbox means 22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in that the official beginning of spring is close at hand—a welcome milestone the mail, call the number above for a replace- as it signals the start of the season in much of the country. This ment. Requests for membership information T and change of address notification can also be year, in particular, it takes on special significance. Here at River Farm, the task of get- e-mailed to [email protected]. ting our gardens back in order after what has proven to be the snowiest winter on THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to record for the mid-Atlantic region will surely keep us busy for months to come. the editor of The American Gardener, write to While we are saddened by the broken limbs, uprooted trees, and damaged The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard that the storms passing through our area left in their wake, it means that the can- Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail to [email protected]. vas of our garden now has some openings where we can put our horticultural DEVELOPMENT To make a gift to the American Horticultural Society, or for information about prowess to the test. We find ourselves re- a donation you have already made, call (800) thinking the garden as once-shady loca- 777-7931 ext. 118. tions become sunny, and as plants that E-NEWSLETTER To sign up for our monthly had become old friends and had long e-newsletter, visit www.ahs.org. been taken for granted are suddenly no INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The AHS offers intern- longer part of the landscape. ships in communications, , and Whether it’s renewing a storm-damaged youth programs. For information, send an e-mail to [email protected]. Information and garden or just getting a start on spring, gardeners across the country will soon be mak- application forms can also be found in the ing their way to local garden centers for plants, supplies, advice…and maybe a sym- River Farm area of www.ahs.org. pathetic ear! A trip to the local garden center or nursery is a sure cure for cabin fever NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN and a great way to get reenergized and gather ideas for the new gardening season. SYMPOSIUM For information about the Soci- The AHS has a long-standing relationship with the horticulture industry—par- ety’s annual National Children & Youth Gar- den Symposium, call (800) 777-7931 ext. ticularly with retail garden centers. We are in that our membership includes 137 or visit the Youth Gardening section of both professional horticulturists and their customers—the common bond being a www.ahs.org. passion for plants and gardens. The AHS serves as an information bridge between RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS the industry and American gardeners, while garden centers across America are where Reciprocal Admissions Program offers members our members look to find the things they need to turn their ideas into reality. free admission and other discounts to more than 250 botanical gardens and other horticultural At a recent industry gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, we had the opportunity destinations throughout North America. A list of to meet with a number of leaders of the garden center industry. One of these was participating gardens can be found in the Mem- Ernest Wertheim, a well-respected horticulturist, landscape architect, and garden bership area of www.ahs.org. For more infor- mation, call (800) 777-7931 ext. 132. center consultant from California. Ernest has been practicing since 1940, and his firm is internationally known for its work in garden center and retail nursery de- RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- sign. He is a longtime AHS member (22 years) and an avid reader of The American round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to 1 Gardener. We salute Ernest for his dedication to helping the industry connect with p.m. Saturdays from April through October. Ad- mission is free. For information about events, American gardeners and wish him belated congratulations on his 90th birthday! rentals, and directions, visit the River Farm sec- Speaking of people who have influenced American horticulture, we are pleased tion of www.ahs.org. in this issue to announce the winners of our annual AHS Great American Gar- TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM Visit spectacular pri- deners and Book Awards. Please turn to page 14 to read about these remarkable vate and public gardens around the world people, organizations, and publications. through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study Program. For information about upcoming trips, call (703) 650-5262, send an e-mail to Happy spring and please enjoy this issue of The American Gardener! [email protected], or visit the Travel Study section of www.ahs.org.

Susie Usrey, Chair, AHS Board of Directors WEBSITE: www.ahs.org The AHS website is a Tom Underwood, Executive Director valuable source of information about the Soci- ety’s programs and activities, finding out about gardening events in your area, and linking to oth- er useful websites. To access the members-only section of the website, this year’s password is . The username is always ahs.

March / April 2010 5 MEMBERSC’ FORUM

ENGLISH IVY’S SPREAD Society (AIS) and the American Horti- I enjoyed the article “English Ivy: Paragon cultural Society (AHS). 2010 Password for AHS or Pariah” (November/December 2009). Shortly after I started the AIS in Janu- Website is oak As a public gardener working in Ontario, ary 1973, an article titled "Ivy Society The members-only section of the AHS I wanted to respond to the quote, attrib- Formed" appeared in the October 1973 website (www.ahs.org), provides access uted to Suzanne Pierot of the American Ivy issue of the AHS’s News and Views. Be- to membership benefits as well as the Society, indicating ivy is only a problem in cause of this article, no doubt, I was invit- contents of each issue of The American the Pacific Northwest and a small area of ed to attend the formal dedication of River Gardener since January/February 2001. Virginia. Based on my experience, I can as- Farm as the AHS’s headquarters. It was on To access the section, the username sure you that English ivy is a huge threat to this day that I met Russell Siebert, who was is always ahs and the password, effec- our ecosystem in this region of Canada, then head of Longwood Gardens in Penn- tive February 1, 2010, is oak. Both user- and I applaud groups such as the No Ivy sylvania. He introduced me to the direc- name and password must be entered in League on their eradication efforts. tors of other botanical gardens, many of lowercase letters.As a reminder, the Silvana Valiani whom I asked to send me cuttings of ivies password is always listed on page 5 in City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with questionable names so that the AIS’s each magazine issue. Research Center could grow them in test IVY SOCIETY’S AHS CONNECTION gardens. Many of the gardens responded, After reading the article on English ivy and that is how our first reference collec- PLEASE WRITE US! Address letters to Editor, The (November/December 2009), I thought tion was created. American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. Send e-mails to I would share the interesting story of the Suzanne Pierot [email protected] (note Letter to Editor in subject line). connection between the American Ivy President, American Ivy Society Letters we print may be edited for length and clarity.

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6 the American Gardener March / April 2010 7 GARDENER Botanical nomenclatureisbasedon Alexandria, VA22308-1300. Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, Garden of Encyclopedia A–Z Society Copyright ©2010 bytheAmericanHorticultural Society. ©2010 Copyright material. Backissuesareavailableat$8percopy. stamped envelope.Wecannotguaranteethesafereturn ofunsolicited possible publicationwillbereturnedifaccompanied byaself-addressed, ily thoseoftheSociety.Manuscripts,artwork,andphotographs sentfor expressed inthearticlesarethoseofauthorsand arenotnecessar- Form 3579to ginia, andatadditionalmailingoffices.Postmaster:Pleasesend magazine subscription.PeriodicalspostagepaidatAlexandria,Vir- $60. Internationalduesare$50.$10ofannualgoestoward and onthe Gardener American The list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and Canada States, United the of Flora Vascular the of list tion to (703) 768-5700.MembershipintheSocietyincludesasubscrip- Society, 7931EastBoulevardDrive,Alexandria,VA22308-1300, ber/October, November/December)bytheAmericanHorticultural ly (January/February,March/April,May/June,July/August,Septem- 8 h American The ADVERTISING & PARTNERSHIPS CONTACT US CORPORATE EDITORIAL The American Gardener American The the American Gardener Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants Garden of Index Society Horticultural Royal CHAIR The American Gardener American The Printed intheU.S.A. E-MAIL: E-MAIL: (703) 768-5700 Alexandria, VA22308 7931 EastBoulevardDrive The AmericanGardener West DesMoines,Iowa Elvin McDonald Kennett Square,Pennsylvania Richard W.Lighty Denver, Colorado Panayoti Kelaidis San Francisco,California John E.Bryan Birmingham, Alabama Steve Bender Ithaca, NewYork Nina L.Bassuk Athens, Georgia Allan M.Armitage Brevard, NorthCarolina Richard E.Bir EDITORIAL ADVISORYBOARD Carole Ottesen CONTRIBUTING WRITER Rita Pelczar CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Krystal Flogel EDITORIAL INTERN Viveka Neveln ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary Yee MANAGING EDITORANDARTDIRECTOR David J.Ellis EDITOR (ISSN 1087-9978)ispublishedbimonth- . Annualduesare$35;twoyears, [email protected] [email protected] , 7931EastBoulevardDrive, The American Horticultural American The on A Synonymized Check- Synonymized A . Opinions ness, Brent andBecky’s becameanAHSCorporateMember in 2009. specialty bulbsandotherplants, basedinGloucester, Virginia. Afamily-owned busi- from theirpurchase. Brent andBecky’s Bulbs isamail-order andretail of purveyor year canselectanon-profit organization,including theAHS,toreceive a donation planting season.Anyone whoplacesan order withBrent andBecky’s throughout the Becky’s Bulbs click ontheBloomin’ Bucks linkonthehomepage. THE AHS’SSPRINGGARDENMARKET RIVER FARM’S MARKETINAPRIL SPRINGGARDEN AHSMEMBERS-ONLY ONVINES WEBINAR HOST ARMITAGE TO BLOOMIN’ BUCKS, THEAHS ANDSUPPORT SHOP FORPLANTS from theMid-Atlantic region and time-testedplants,garden offeringnew supplies, information ontheSpring Garden Market, visitwww.ahs.org dise duringaspecialpreview salefrom 4to8p.m. onThursday, April 15.For more ty Master Gardeners willbeonhandtoanswer gardening questions. “Carpe Diem: Seize theDay,” whichwillbeopento thepublic.Also,Fairfax Coun- trict IIoftheNational CapitalArea Garden Clubswillbehostingastandard flower show, Allan Armitage To learnmore aboutBloomin’ Bucks, visittheAHSwebsite Members toshopandhave willhave afirst-lookatthemerchan- theopportunity , now allows gardeners theAHSwhile preparing tosupport forthe website bers, isnow openin themembers-onlysectionofAHS line registration forthiswebinar, exclusively forAHSmem- Plants, Gardener’s Guide totheBest Vertical A Climbers: & bookonvines,Armitage’sArmitage hasjustcompletedanew award-winning authorofmore thanadozen gardening books, as hecovers andClimbersforAmericanGardens.” “Vines An year. On Friday April 9at1p.m. easterntime,joinArmitage Armitage NVRIYO ERI HORTICULTURIST UNIVERSITY OFGEORGIA a progressive fundraisingprogram created by Brent and PROGRAMS •EVENTSANNOUNCEMENTS that willbepublishedthisspringby Timber Press. On- (www.ahs.org). News will bepresenting thefirstAHSonlineseminarthis on April 16and17will feature vendors to theAHSbyPlants Bonnie earn free herbsandvegetables donated tal purchases reach qualifyinglevels can and uniquegarden art. house by the American Art League.Dis-house by the AmericanArt exhibitintheEstate items andanart spring salewillincludearaffleofvendor inAlexandria,Virginia,headquarters the planters fromlastyear’sevent. merchandise, suchastheseunusualpumice wide varietyofplantsaswellgarden The SpringGardenMarketwillfeaturea As anincentive, shopperswhoseto- Located attheAHS’s River Farm from the March /April2010 or call(703)768-5700. (www.ahs.org) AHS Allan M. . and

TOP: COURTESY OF ALLAN ARMITAGE. CENTER: JAMES GAGLIARDI 2010 YOUTH GARDEN SYMPOSIUM GOES WEST advancements in youth gardening. This year’s event, “The Vi- THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S Nation- tality of Gardens: Energizing the Learning Environment,” will al Children & Youth Garden Symposium is hosted each year take place July 22 to 24 in Pasadena, California. Among the or- in a different city by gardens and organizations that have made ganizations set to host the symposium are Descanso Gardens; Garden School Foundation; Kidspace Children’s Museum; , Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens; Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden; and the University of California Common Ground Garden Program. “Our hosts span the spectrum of youth gardening, from public gardens to school- and community-based initiatives, from preschoolers to teenagers. This symposium will offer something for anyone who is passionate about engaging today’s youngest generations in gardening,” says AHS Director of Member Programs and Outreach Stephanie Jutila. Attendees of this year’s 18th annual event will hear from keynote speaker Roger Swain. The widely recognized “man with the red suspenders,” who hosted television’s longest-run- ning gardening show, The , for 15 years, realized his interest in gardening as a teenager. Now a noted biologist and author, Swain’s childhood hobby has become a lifelong pas- sion that he has shared with people around the world. Symposium participants will also have the opportunity to tour California’s host gardens, attend field trips and workshops, and network with children’s gardening advocates from through- out North America. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a host For more information, e-mail [email protected] or

COURTESY OF THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS of the 2010 National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. call (703) 768-5700 ext. 137.

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March / April 2010 9 10 h akovleZo&Gardensoffersideasforsubtropicalgardening. The JacksonvilleZoo& of participating organizations,visit of participating currently scheduledtoparticipate. are ofArt amongtheothergardensGallery andorganizations Brookside Gardens, Green Spring Gardens, andtheNational nections theyfosterinourcommunitiesandtotheworld.” contributions gardens andplantsmakeinourlives andthecon- den, saysthefestival isintendedto“highlighttheimportant free event isopentothegeneralpublic. a garden bookshopare oftheday’s justafew offerings.This stration, asouvenir photobooth,andauthorssigningbooksat leases, anheirloomvegetable display, afloraldesigndemon- hands-on activitiesforchildren andadults.Beneficial insectre- 2010: stitution’s Enid A.Haupt Garden ontheNational Mall. nual Garden Fest tobeheldonMay 8intheSmithsonian In- Washington, D.C.-area horticulture institutions inthe4than- American Horticultural Society willjoinwitheightother THE INAPRIL FLORIDA TRIPTO THE AHSPRESIDENT’SCOUNCIL IN CELEBRATIONOF PARTICIPATE INMAYAHS TO FEST GARDEN Galvin trip orbecoming aPresident’s Councilmember, pleasecall Museum & Gardens. ofArt For more informationaboutthe Nurseries, theJacksonville Zoo &Gardens, andtheCummer private gardens, attendeeswilltourhistoricGlen St. Mary . In additiontovisitinganumberofexceptionalderwood olyn Marsh LindsayandAHSExecutive Director for thisyear’s program, hostedby formerAHSPresident Car- toric Ponte Vedra Innastheoceansideheadquarters willserve Ponte Vedra andJacksonville area Florida. ofnortheast Thehis- for April 21to25,will explore private andpublic gardens inthe To learnmore aboutGarden Fest acompletelist andtoview Shelley fortheEnid Gaskins A.Haupt, horticulturist Gar- Sponsored by theSmithsonian Institution, Garden Fest the American Gardener 2010 Making Connections at (703)786-5700 [email protected]. AHS President’s CouncilMembers Trip, scheduled National Public Gardens Day, the will include live entertainment and will includelive entertainment www.gardenfest.si.edu. Tom Un- Sue www.ahs.org M ginia. (Note:AHSMembers-onlypreviewsaleisThursday,April15.) Pasadena, California. Banquet. Williamsburg, Virginia. the Experts”Symposium. presented byAllanM.Armitage. Standard FlowerShow. Ceremony. Lake BuenaVista,Florida. OCT. SEPT. 30–OCT.2. SEPT. 25. AUG. 20–22. JULY 22–24. JUNE 10. APR. 17–25. APR. 15–17. APR. 15–17. APR. 11&12. APR. 9. MAR. 3–MAY16. Date tobedetermined. AHSWebinar. sponsored orco-sponsored by theAHS.Visit ark your calendarforthesenationalevents thatare AHS Webinar:“Vines&ClimbersforAmericanGardens,” Great AmericanGardenersAwardsCeremony& River Farm,Alexandria,Virginia. AHS AnnualGala. St. Louis,Missouri. Historic GardenWeekinVirginia. National CapitalAreaGardenClubs,Inc.DistrictII Spring GardenMarket. National Children&YouthGardenSymposium. The Homestead’s12thAnnual“IntheGardenWith or call(703)768-5700formore information. Colonial WilliamsburgGardenSymposium. Epcot InternationalFlower&GardenFestival. America InBloomSymposiumand Awards 2010 CALENDAR AHS NATIONALEVENTSANDPROGRAMS River Farm,Alexandria,Virginia. Hot Springs,Virginia. River Farm,Alexandria,Virginia. River Farm,Alexandria,Vir-

LEFT: COURTESY OF JACKSONVILLE ZOO & GARDENS. RIGHT: AHS STAFF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURALHORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM 2010 TOURS

 

Gardens of East Anglia with AHS Host Stephanie Jutila and Tour Escort Antonia Lloyd Owen of Specialtours May 22–31, 2010 ■ Designed for the connoisseur of English gardens who has perhaps already visited the great houses and gardens within easy reach of London, this trip features the gardens of East Anglia—Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire—a region rich in history. In addition to touring private gardens in charming English villages, we will visit several celebrated sites, including Anglesey Abbey, the Beth Chatto Gardens, and Wyken Hall Gardens.

Gardens and Innovation: Chicagoland and Rockford ! "#" $   %  June 16–20, 2010 ■ This tour will highlight the innovative gardens that have contributed to the greening of Chicago and influenced the horticultural heritage that distinguishes the surrounding communities. In Rockford, Illinois, an America in Bloom award- winning city, we will see how community spirit has fostered the creation of exceptional gardens.        

     Sicily: Gardens and Antiquities      ! "#" $   %     &  # ' ( #          October 28–November 7, 2010 ■ *Exclusive offering for AHS President’s From the sparkling seascapes of Taormina to the Council members. For more information rugged landscape of the island’s interior, this tour about or to join the AHS President’s will explore the fascinating archaeological sites, Council, contact Sue Galvin at (703) 768- 5700 ext. 111 or [email protected]. historical monuments, and fantastic gardens of Sicily. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you.

For more information about upcoming tours in the AHS Travel Study Program, please contact our travel planner, MacNair Travel: • E-mail: [email protected] • Call: (866) 627-6621 • Visit: www.ahs.org GRANT FUNDS AHS YOUTH PROGRAMS INTERNSHIP THE AHS is once again seeking a Youth Programs Intern to as- sist the Member Programs staff with developing the Society’s educational programs, including the upcoming National Chil- dren & Youth Garden Symposium. The intern will also assist with the management of youth gardening programs at the AHS’s River Farm headquarters. Applicants should have an in- terest in educating children and youth about gardening and ex- posing them to garden-related activities. The internship is made possible through a grant funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation’s Community Summer Jobs Program (CJSP). The CJSP was founded in 1971 to introduce college students to the non-profit community. By sponsoring internships at non-profit agencies, the program helps students gain hands-on experience in a variety of organizations while in- creasing the ability of those agencies to accomplish their goals. The application for the Youth Programs Internship THE ANNUAL HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN VIRGINIA is March 31. For information about the internship and applica- THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S head- tion forms, e-mail [email protected] or visit the AHS website quarters at River Farm will once again be a part of Virginia’s His- at www.ahs.org/river_farm/internships_employment.htm. toric Garden Week, an annual tour of the region’s finest gardens, homes, and historic landmarks. “America’s Largest Open House,” COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG GARDEN SYMPOSIUM sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia, will take place April CO-SPONSORED BY the AHS, the 64th annual Colonial 17 through 25 and will include tours of properties ranging from Williamsburg Garden Symposium, “Timeless Lessons from His- the early 17th through the early 21st centuries. This year will mark toric Gardens,” will be held April 11 and 12 in Williamsburg, Vir- the 77th anniversary of Historic Garden Week, making it the old- ginia. Speakers will include noted author and photographer Ken est house and garden tour in the country. Proceeds will benefit the Druse and and author Gordon Hayward. preservation and restoration of historic Virginia gardens. AHS members are eligible to receive discounted registration. Tours in the Alexandria area, including self-guided tours of For more information, contact Colonial Williamsburg at (800) River Farm, will take place on April 17. For more information 603-0948 or visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/conted. on Historic Garden Week, including tour schedules and tick- eting, visit www.vagardenweek.org. News written by Editorial Intern Krystal Flogel. AHS STAFF

In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for gifts Gifts of received between December 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010. The Bachman Foundation The Melville Foundation In Honor of Joan Goltzman Ms. Amy Bolton Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nicolai Schwab Charitable Fund

iNote The Care of Trees Alexandria Virginia Osmocote Mrs. Susan M. Cargill Mr. David D. Parrish In Memory of Jaqueline Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto Bluemel-Meystol If you would like to support

Estate of Jane Steffey Sakata America, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Bluemel the American Horticultural Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Farrell Terra Design Studios, LLC Society as part of your estate Ms. Carolyn V. E. Foil Ms. Angela M. Vikesland In Memory of Phil Loiacona planning, as a tribute to a loved i Ms. Amy Goldman Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk Ms. Denise Bielan one, or as part of your annual Mr. and Mrs. Joel Goldsmith Ms. Katy Moss Warner charitable giving plan, please Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Hanselman Ms. Jill Yates In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm contact: Tom Underwood, Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Matheson, Jr. Executive Director, Kurt Bluemel, Inc. In Honor of Arabella Dane Mrs. Catherine Hendricks at (703) 768-5700 ext. 123 or Ms. Marta J. Lawrence Ms. Dorothy S. Cabot [email protected]. Mrs. Carolyn M. Lindsay Garden Club of St Louis Mrs. Phillip H. McCaull Wolfeboro Garden Club

12 the American Gardener ‘SPOUT TIME!

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Pour & Store Watering Cans 1.800.545.4411 www.oxo.com 14 AHS 2010Great AmericanGardeners NationalAward Winners call (703)768-5700ext.132. tion, visit dria, Virginia. For more informa- the AHS’s inAlexan- headquarters mony andBanquet atRiver Farm, American Gardeners Awards Cere- sented onJune 10duringtheGreat within theirarea ofexpertise. and theiroutstandingachievements mitment toAmericangardening We applaudtheirpassionate com- dening, teaching,andfloraldesign. cation, landscapedesign,youth gar- as plantresearch, garden communi- tributed significantlytofieldssuch ican gardening. Eachhascon- awards represent thebestinAmer- and businesseswhoreceive these Awards. Individuals, organizations, 2010 Great AmericanGardeners guished recipients oftheSociety’s proud toannouncethedistin- T The 2010awards willbepre- the American Gardener CULTURAL SOCIETY HE AMERICANHORTI- www.ahs.org/awards or is T and leadership. exploration, administration, business, art, teaching, research, communications,plant three ofthefollowing horticultural fields: nificant lifetimecontributionstoatleast Given toanindividualwhohasmadesig- LIBERTY HYDEBAILEYAWARD read an interview with Still,read aninterview turn topage42.) den intheChadwick Arboretum andLearningGarden wasdedicated toStill. (To den ClubofAmerica’s Medal ofHonor in2008.In 2007,theSteven M.Still Gar- Award from the AmericanNursery &LandscapeAssociationin2004andtheGar- Writers Association,andtheAmericanHorticultural Society. al organizations,includingthe Ohio Nursery &LandscapeAssociation, theGarden He intopleadershippositionswithmanyothernationalandregion- hasalsoserved ganization’s journalandcoordinates quarterly itsannualsymposiumandtrade show. use ofperennial plants. One offive founding membersofthePPA, Still editstheor- researchers, andgardeners interested inpropagating, growing, andpromoting the plantgrowers,tion, a1,400-memberinternationalorganizationforhorticulturists, Columbus andaninternationallyrecognized andleaderinthefieldofherba- expert Chadwick Arboretum a gardennamedinhishonoratthe Steven Stillatthe2007dedicationof Still hasreceived numerous awards, includingtheL.C.Chadwick Teaching H ESSPECIAL NEWS AHS HIS YEAR’S a professor emeritusofhorticulture attheOhio State University (OSU)in C recipient oftheAHS’s mostprestigious award isSteven M.Still, utive director ofthePerennial Plant Associa- alogs, andonplanttags. have been published inbooks,magazines,cat- archive ofplantphotographs,manywhich tural publicationsandhasamassedanextensive forhorticul- he haswrittennumerous articles textbook forhorticulture students.In addition, 1980. Now edition,itisastandard initsfourth Plants,ceous Ornamental Chadwick Arboretum andLearningGarden. asthefirstdirectorsearch ofOSU’s andserved re-teaching duties,heconductedhorticultural dents from 1979to2005.In additiontohis and mentored thousandsofhorticulture stu- years before moving toOSU,where hetaught Kansas State University inManhattan forfive horticulture, Still taughthorticulture at After graduatingin1974withadoctorate graduate work attheUniversity ofIllinois. ceous perennial plants. For thelast27years, Still hasbeentheexec- Still’s acclaimedbook,Manual ofHerba- Still beganhisteachingcareer whiledoing was firstpublishedin

AHS STAFF H. MARC CATHEY AWARD LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD B. Y. MORRISON COMMUNICATION Recognizes outstanding scientific research Given to an individual whose work has AWARD that has enriched the field of horticulture. demonstrated and promoted the value of Recognizes effective and inspirational sound horticultural practices in the field of communication—through print, radio, A research geneticist at the USDA’s Agri- . television, and/or online media—that ad- cultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), vances public interest and participation in Robert J. Griesbach A landscape architect based in Bar Harbor, horticulture. earned a doctorate in ge- Maine, Bruce John Riddell is principal of netics from his one-person firm, An author, photographer, and a recognized State University in 1980. LandArt. Riddell re- authority on North American native The following year, he ceived a masters of land- plants, William Cullina joined the Floral and scape architecture from is director of horticulture Nursery Plants Research the University of Penn- and plant curator at the Unit within the USDA- sylvania in 1986. Coastal Maine Botanical ARS. While conducting After graduation, Gardens (CMBG) in research in the genetics of floral plants, Riddell worked with Boothbay, Maine. Griesbach helped to create new floral James van Sweden and Cullina has written , develop new genetic engineering Wolfgang Oehme in Washington, D.C., and contributed pho- technologies, and determine the genetic where he participated in the design of sev- tographs to five highly basis of floral and vegetative colors. eral major public projects, including the regarded books: Growing and Propagating Griesbach has published more than U.S. National Arboretum in Washington Wildflowers of the United States and Cana- 130 articles. He served as the chair of the and Battery Park in New York City. da (2000), Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines ’s Research Riddell’s primary focus is on the design (2002), Understanding Orchids (2004), Committee for more than 10 years and is of intimate residential gardens, but he has Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses (2008), and a past president. In 2006, he was named designed three public gardens in Maine— most recently, Understanding Perennials: A a Fellow by the American Society for Southwest Harbor Veteran’s Park, Char- New Look at an Old Favorite (2009). Horticultural Science. lotte Rhoades Park, and the Coastal Maine Three of his books have received annual Botanical Gardens. Riddell’s designs typi- book awards from the American Horticul- PAUL ECKE JR. COMMERCIAL AWARD cally combine native and naturalized tural Society. He is a sought-after speaker Given to an individual or company whose plantings with site-specific handmade ele- and contributes articles and photographs commitment to the highest standards of ex- ments such as fountains and stonework. to many gardening publications. cellence in the field of commercial horticul- Prior to moving to CMBG, Cullina ture contributes to the betterment of MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD worked at the New England Wild Flower gardening practices everywhere. Recognizes a past Board member or friend of Society in Framingham, Massachusetts, the American Horticultural Society for out- from 1995 to 2006. The late Tom Hoerr II was president of standing service in support of the Society’s Green View Companies, founded in Peo- goals, mission, and activities. FRANCES JONES POETKER AWARD ria, Illinois, in 1955. Recognizes significant contributions to floral Green View Companies A retired registered nurse and longtime design in publications, on the platform, and includes landscape con- resident of Alexandria, Virginia, Betty to the public. tracting, growing-retail Smalley has dedicated centers, and a landscape more than 4,000 hours Jane Godshalk is a member of the faculty design and architectural of volunteer time to the of Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, firm that serves central American Horticultural Pennsylvania, where and northern Illinois. Society over the last 20 she teaches floral de- Hoerr’s vision of high- years at its River Farm sign. She also lectures quality plants and products, innovative de- headquarters. and teaches across the sign, and overall excellence fostered the In addition to help- country. success of Green View Companies. ing with outdoor activi- Godshalk is an Hoerr served on the board of directors ties such as weeding and planting, Smalley artistic judge for the for Excellence in Creative Garden Con- has been an important participant in the Garden Club of cepts, the Illinois Nurserymen’s Associa- AHS Annual Seed Exchange program, fill- America (GCA) and tion, and Peoria City Beautiful. He also ing orders from members in the winter her floral designs have been featured in supported many community causes. months. She also regularly assists at other books and magazines, including a col- Following Hoerr’s death in 2009, events held at River Farm and has been a umn on “Eco-Friendly Floral Design” for Green View continues to be operated by friend and mentor to countless other vol- the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Hoerr’s wife, Jeanette, and their children. unteers over the years. Green Scene magazine.

March / April 2010 15 Among her numerous awards is the ebrate the District’s 100th anniversary in TEACHING AWARD GCA Bonnlyn Martin Medal for “con- 2009. The gift is being used to create the Given to an individual whose ability to sistently innovative floral design.” She is Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in share his or her horticultural knowledge active in the American Institute of Floral Sinnissippi Park. When it is completed with others has contributed to a better pub- Designers and the World Association of in spring 2011, the conservatory will be- lic understanding of the plant world and its Flower Arrangers. come the third largest in Illinois. important influence on society. The Nicholas brothers, who grew up PROFESSIONAL AWARD in Rockford in the 1940s and 1950s, elect- An instructor and acting coordinator of Given to a public garden administrator ed to support the district as a way to the horticulture program at Naugatuck whose achievements during the course of his honor their parents, William and Ruby Valley Community or her career have cultivated widespread in- Nicholas. The donation ties in with their College (NVCC) in terest in horticulture. ongoing efforts to champion the benefits Waterbury, Connecti- of plants and quality of life issues. cut, Robert Herman has Eric Tschanz has been president and ex- more than 30 years of ex- ecutive director of Powell Gardens in JANE L. TAYLOR AWARD perience in both horti- Kingsville, Missouri, Given to an individual, organization, or culture and education. since 1988. During that program that has inspired and nurtured fu- Prior to NVCC, time, he has implement- ture horticulturists through efforts in chil- Herman worked at the ed the first three phases dren’s and youth gardening. Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, of the Gardens’ master where he started the Master Gardener plan. He recently com- Growin’ Gardeners is a hands-on, interac- Program, trained volunteers, coordinat- pleted a more than $9- tive program that inspires and nurtures ed the adult education program, and was million development responsible for all interpretive signage. campaign and oversaw Earlier in his career, while working at a the construction of the new Heartland nursery in Germany, Her- Harvest Garden—the largest edible land- man trained German apprentice horticul- scape in the country. turists and created an internship program Tschanz earned a master’s degree in for Americans. Botanic Garden Management through In 2009, Herman received a national the University of Delaware’s Longwood award for Teaching Excellence from the Graduate Program. In 1982, he became University of Texas. the first director of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens in Texas. URBAN BEAUTIFICATION AWARD Since 1985, Tschanz has been an active young horticulturists and their families. Given to an individual, institution, or member of the American Public Gardens The program is the centerpiece of the company for significant contributions to Association. for which he has served as vice Dow Gardens Children’s Garden in Mid- and the beautification president and then president. land, Michigan. of American cities. Through the program, families are as- CATHERINE H. SWEENEY AWARD signed a four-by-four-foot plot where they An all-volunteer community organization Recognizes extraordinary and dedicated phil- can choose, plant, and grow their own veg- formed in 2004 in Roslindale, a neigh- anthropic support of the field of horticulture. etables. With the aid of weekly lessons and borhood of Boston, a workbook, they learn the basics of gar- Massachusetts, Roslin- In 2006, brothers William, Daniel, and dening and the use of gardening tools. dale Green & Clean Albert Nicholas made a lead gift of Growin’ Gardeners, which began in (RG&C) was created $2,150,000 to the Rockford Park District 2003 with 10 garden plots and 34 partici- by a group of residents whose goal was to in Illinois for a centerpiece project to cel- pants, has grown under the leadership of create green and attractive oases within the horticulturist Melissa Butkiewicz to in- town’s urban environment. clude 84 garden plots and 270 participants. With the help of the City of Boston and other neighborhood groups, six projects have been completed so far. Through spe- Nominations for 2011 cial events like the Green Garden Ex- If you would like to nominate someone change—an educational program that for one of the 2011 Great American Gar- offers participants practical information on deners Awards, please visit our website plant selection and gardening tech- (www.ahs.org) and click on “Awards” niques—and a planned 2010 garden tour, for more information. RG&C continues to bolster community interest and participation.

16 the American Gardener 2010 AHS Book Award Winners

Each year, the American Horticultural Society recognizes outstanding gardening books published in North America with its annual Book Award. Nominated books are judged by the AHS Book Award Committee on qualities such as writing style, au- thority, accuracy, and physical quality. This year’s four recipients, selected from books published in 2009, are listed below. The 2010 Book Award Committee was chaired by Marty Ross, a regional contributor for Better Homes & Gardens and writer for Universal Press Syndicate who lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and in Hayes, Virginia. Other committee members were Scott Calhoun, a garden designer and author based in Tucson, ; Jane Glasby, associate librarian for the Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture in San Francisco, California; Doug Green, a garden writer and online media entrepre- neur based in Stella, Ontario; Doreen Howard of Roscoe, Illinois, a former garden editor for Woman’s Day who writes for var- ious garden publications; Irene Virag, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning writer for Newsday who lives in Fort Salonga, New York; and William Welch, a professor and Extension specialist at Texas A&M University and author of several garden books.

The Brother Gardeners by Andrea Wulf. Alfred A. Knopf, New Parks, Plants, and People by Lynden B. Miller. W. W. Norton York, New York. & Company, New York, New York. “With a well-written and compelling narrative, Andrea Wulf “In an age where public and common spaces are threatened sheds light on a band of 18th century plant-lovers—English by underfunding and privatization, Lynden Miller makes a and American—who changed the world clear case for their continued impor- of gardening,” says Irene Virag. “This tance in our lives,” says Jane Glasby. book is an important contribution to our “Though this intriguing narrative about horticultural heritage,” notes William the demise and restoration of some of Welch. “Lest you fear the book is set in America’s best-known urban parks and staid drawing rooms filled with rattling gardens is New York-centered, the gen- tea cups and powdered wigs, the text is eral principles apply anywhere,” says peppered with tales of English playboys Scott Calhoun. “The author offers a lot on high seas plant adventures, Tahitian of great design and planting observa- orgies, and glimpses into Benjamin tions that worked in these public projects, but also would be Franklin’s passion for horticulture,” says Scott Calhoun. beautiful in home gardens,” says Marty Ross.

The Explorer’s Garden by Daniel J. Hinkley. Timber Press, Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart. Algonquin Books, Chapel Hill, Portland, Oregon. . “This book is a wonderful education in the form of a book,” “I love Stewart’s criteria for inclusion of a plant in this says Marty Ross. “It offers an opportunity to learn about rare book…..a body count! The histories of various “perps” are and interesting plants, see them entertaining, educational, and spell- beautifully photographed, and read binding,” notes Doreen Howard. “The the fascinating stories about collect- book contains stories well told, and I ing them,” says William Welch. “I love the illustrations, which are appro- particularly liked the propagation and priately macabre,” says Jane Glasby. hardiness comments Hinkley provid- “Stewart has uncovered a treasure ed with each plant, and I wound up trove of great plant stories, and relates with a way-too-large must-grow list them with a sense of humor,” says after reading it,” says Doug Green. Irene Virag.

Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr. Stipes Publishing L. L. C., Citation of Special Merit Champaign, Illinois. The AHS Book Award is given to publish- ers for a single book published in a spe- First published in 1975, this volume has become an essential reference for hor- cific year. However, this year a Citation ticulture students, professionals, and home gardeners. The most recent 6th edi- of Special Merit is being awarded in tion (2009) covers more than 2,000 taxa of trees and shrubs. “Dirr’s updated recognition of a regularly revised refer- edition, the culmination of a life’s work of observations and experience, is a de- ence that has made significant contribu- light,” says Marty Ross. “His book is a friendly, opinionated masterwork, and a tions to horticultural literature over time. reference I couldn’t do without.”

March / April 2010 17 18 The bold,thick,gray-blue foliageof the American Gardener Shade Shade Dynamic Duets Light upshadyareasofthegardenbyusing plantcombinations sieboldiana Hosta that offercomplementary texturesandcolors. ‘Elegans’ provides astrikingcontrasttothelacy,finely-textured frondsofwoodland ferns. BY KRISWETHERBEE for for

SUSAN A. ROTH DEGREES OF SHADE Not all shade is created equal. Trees of different types and heights—along with adjacent walls, houses, or other structures—create shadows of vary- ing scope and intensity. Knowing the degree and duration of shade in a giv- en area will help you select plants that are best suited to your setting.

Part shade areas receive sunlight for part of the day (about three to six hours) whether in the early morning or late afternoon.

Dappled or light shade refers to areas that receive filtered light in summer from a high, open canopy of decidu- ous trees. This of shade is ideal for a wide range of shade plants that will tolerate full sun in winter.

Deep shade is dense year-round shade cast from a building, large ever- greens, or other large trees with dense canopies. These low-light conditions still support a number of intriguing and attractive plants noted mostly for their foliage, but gardening options are definitely more limited than with other types of shade.

Regional climate also affects how much shade certain plants need to thrive. For instance, can be OR YEARS I was envious of gar- Most gardeners don’t have to manu- grown in nearly full sun in New Eng- deners who were blessed with facture shade, as we did, in order to take land, but in the Deep South they will F shade. Yes, you heard me right— advantage of the broad palette of attractive grow best in a site that gets medium to blessed with shade! Though my husband shade-loving plants—including herba- deep shade. In warmer regions, a num- and I live in the Pacific Northwest— ceous perennials, bulbous plants, grasses, ber of plants—coral balls (Heuchera where it’s presumed that every gardener and shrubs—that are now available. spp.) for instance—do well planted in is sun-challenged—when we moved into a site that is sunny in the morning but our home most of the potential garden- DESIGN TIPS at least partly shaded during the heat of ing space was in bright light to full sun. The to creating an attractive shade the day in summer. Observing where Over the years we worked at creating garden is selecting harmonious duets or plants thrive in neighboring gardens shady niches to satisfy our craving for trios of plants that have complementary and local public gardens will offer clues the boldly shaped of hostas and attributes. For instance, look for foliage to help you place your plants, but in ligularias, the subtle textures of bug- plants that offer intriguing textures and some cases trial and error will deter- banes (Actaea spp.) and sweet woodruff patterns and match them with plants mine the optimum site. —K.W. (Galium odoratum), and the delicate flo- prized for their colorful or berries. ral sprays of heucheras and astilbes. “A well-designed garden bed is anchored

DAVID CAVAGNARO ‘Copper Canyon’ coleus and ‘Red ’ caladium both thrive in moist, humus-rich soils.

March / April 2010 19 20 lwred fatle,shownwith flowerheads of astilbes, shades ofbrown andremainattractiveallwinter. Polemonium By selectingshadeplantswith ornamentalfoliage,likecoralbells the American Gardener ‘Brise d’Anjou’,top,youcancreate alongseasonofinterest.Thepersistent Carex dolichostachya Carex ‘Kaga Nishiki’, above, dryto (Heuchera sp.) and roots poseaproblem you canbringlight urn. In dark areas where impenetrabletree object suchasapaintedbench orcolorful the deepestshadewithaneye-catching bloom color, andoverall shape.Illuminate layers ofyour spacewithtexture, foliage, tal patternsthatwillfillinthe vegetative by planning forvividlyarrangedhorizon- them againstthebackdrop offoliage. accent tothesefoliageplants,orframe of theplanting.Use flowering plantsasan texture—as thefoundation orbackbone tive foliage—think variegation, shape,and shade gardens feature plantswithattrac- “icing onthecake.” asthe All additionalplantswillthenserve look great togetherformostoftheyear. withthreemends thatyou start plantsthat World Report Show.” Bovshow recom- sion hostoftheonlineweekly “Garden Los Angelesgarden designerandtelevi- form, orcolor,” saysShirley Bovshow, a round andcontributedramaticfoliage, year plantsthatperform by structural Consider horizontal aswell asvertical The mostinteresting compositionsfor

TOP: DAVID CAVAGNARO. BOTTOM: RICK WETHERBEE LINDA MCINTYRE / AHS ARCHIVES with coralbells ster Gold’with gation withthebolderscallopedleavesofheucheras. combo mixestwodistincttextures—narrowbladesofvarie- of dazzlingperformersforshade. providesalongseasonofbeauty. blue formoist,shadyareas. bells. Forcontrast,combinewithanypurple-leavedcoral mix theforestgrasswithanyofgoldenorchartreusecoral ford’ with best groundcoversfordryshade. fect foilfortheheart-shapedleavesofbarrenwort—one for moistshade. Gold’: Awonderfuldark-and-gold groundcovercombination ■ of herclients. cess withthesecombinations inherowngardensandthose er inSanJose,California(USDA Zone8),hashadgreatsuc- Laura LivengoodSchaub,anaward-winninglandscapedesign- ANDPACIFIC NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA NORTHERN ■ interest withdecorativeflowerheads. ‘Purple Candles’:Thistexturalcombinationalsoofferswinter ■ ■ ■ (USDA Zone5),editorof Indiana-based MIDWEST ■ ■ ■ scorpioides) ( ■ ommends thefollowingcombinations. den DesigninOttsville,Pennsylvania(USDAZone6),rec- Jerry Fritz,ownerofLindenHillGardensandGar- NORTHEAST Negligee’ andbluebells deer-resistant pairforshade. pairing. with herfavoriteblue-and-goldcolor bold leavesofthisligulariaworkwell rea’ and ginica): ing Green ing violet flexuosa of theirfavorite,eye-catchingplantcombinationsforshade. Knowing thatplantrecommendationsvaryfromregiontoregion,Iaskedexpertsaroundthecountryweighinonsome REGIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FORSHADEPLANTCOMBINATIONS Golden tuftedsedge Golden Japaneseforestgrass Bugleweed Ligularia dentata Ligularia Hydrangea arborescens Hydrangea Symphytum Symphytum Barrenworts Carex conica Carex podophylla Rodgersia (Viola labradorica): labradorica): (Viola Dependable, deer-resistant ‘Blue Panda’:Thelacyfoliageofcorydalisistheper- macrophylla. Brunnera Lysimachia magazine, offersthislist Actaea racemosa Actaea (Ajuga (Heuchera Jo EllenMeyersSharp ✕ ( uplandicum ‘Marginata’ andheucheras:Thisevergreen ‘Britt MarieCraw- ‘Chocolate Chip’)with : aneye-catchingcomboofgoldand (Mertensia vir- (Mertensia (Carex elata (Carex A wonderful Indiana Liv- Indiana and purple spp.): Foragoldenspotintheshade, ‘Annabelle’ with ‘Axmin- spp.) with ‘Black (Hakonechloa macra (Hakonechloa ‘Au- The ‘Aurea’) andforget-me-not Barrenwort variety ofplantsandthrivesindryshade. lutea Corydalis Astilbe chinensis Astilbe Lamium (Epimedium ‘Aureola’) ‘Cannon or C. sp.) combineswellwitha Black’) andrainlilies combination lightsuptheshadegarden,especiallyinwinter. the wispytexture ofsedges. broad, short,coppery-colored leavesofajugaworkwellwith added texturalinterest. the fall-bloomingbulbspeekingupthroughgroundcover. contrast year-roundinaprotectedspot. the darkphormiumunderplantedwithrichgreenrainlily. vides theperfectbackdroptocontrastinggrasslikefoliageof green leavesinshadesofgreen,yellowandpink,mirrorbushpro- (Sutera cordata): (Sutera ■ ■ gramineus (Acorus ■ ■ ■ (Epimedium ■ ■ tions forthesoutheasternUnitedStates. North Carolina(USDAZone7B/8),suggeststhesecombina- lance writerwiththeGardenofWords,L.L.C.inWilmington, Horticulturist SOUTHEAST ■ pogon planiscapus): pogon Zealand flax with thebroadleavesofhostas. light shade,theamsonia’slacy texturecontrastsbeautifully Colchicums White cyclamenwith Ajuga Heuchera Blue stars Mirror bush Giant chainfern Cast-iron plant ‘Bronze Beauty’withanysedge (Phormium spp.): Bothgrowwellindryshadeandbring ‘Amethyst Myst’withgoldendwarfsweetflag Katie Elzer-Peters,agardenconsultantandfree- (Colchicum (Amsonia ( repens (Coprosma The tallfernwiththeflowinggroundcoveris ‘Ogon’): Offersgloriouscolorandtexture The darkgrassservesasadramaticfoilto ( elatior) (Aspidistra (Woodwardia fimbriata) fimbriata) (Woodwardia ( candida): (Zephyranthes Liriope nation forhotclimates. ning asasimple,sculpturalcombi- Blanco’: Thesesucculentsarestun- zerumbet these dynamiccombosforshade. World Report”show,recommends and hostoftheonlineweekly“Garden (USDA Zone8B),gardendesigner Los Angeles-basedShirleyBovshow ANDSOUTHWEST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA with ■ roon colorofthecordyline. and greenisstrikingagainstthema- ‘Jurred’: Thetropicalgingerinyellow ■ shady slopeornearwater. simply spectacular,especiallyona spp.) andhostas:Greatcombo for ‘Dark Delight’or spp.) andblackmondograss Variegated shellginger Chiastophyllum oppositifolium Chiastophyllum spathulifolium spathulifolium Sedum ‘Silver Dragon’:Thissparkling ‘Pink Splendor’)withNew ‘Variegata’) with March / April 2010 Phormium (Carex (Carex with barrenwort With itsever- with bacopa spp.) Cordyline (Alpinia (Ophio- —K.W. ‘Platt’s ‘Capo : The 21 PLANTS FOR CHALLENGING SITES FOR DEEP SHADE ■ Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior): 16–24 inches tall; will even grow in dark shady areas, such as underneath decks or stairs. USDA Zones 7–10, AHS Zones 12–4. ■ (Clivia miniata): 16–24 inches tall; in cold areas, grow in container and bring indoors in winter. Zones 9–11, 12–1. ■ Fatsia (Fatsia japonica): 5–12 feet tall; can be grown in con- tainers; tolerates dry soil in shade. Zones 8–10, 10–8. ■ Bleeding hearts ( spp.): 1–4 feet tall; D. spec- tabilis grows best in part shade. Zones 3–9, 9–1. ■ Japanese aucuba (Aucuba japonica): 3–8 feet tall; prune to maintain desired height, spotted forms fade in deep shade. Zones 7–10, 12–6. ■ Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.): 1–3 feet tall; thrives in loose, organic-rich soil. Zones 3–8, 9–1. Bleeding hearts ■ Sweet woodruff (Galium odor- atum): 8–12 inches tall; can be invasive—best as groundcover or pathway edging. Zones: 5–8, 8–6. ■ Ternstroemia gymnanthera: 3–8 feet tall; thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Zones 8–10, 10–8. FOR DRY SHADE ■ Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis): 18–26 inches tall; part to almost full shade. Zones 4–8, 8–6. ■ White wood aster (Aster divaricatus, 2 feet tall, Zones 4–8, 9–1) and blue wood Solomon’s seal and celandine poppy, top, are aster (A. cordifolius, 2–5 feet tall, Zones 5–8, 8–1): light to part shade. excellent choices for brightening up deep ■ Bear’s breeches (Acanthus spp.): 4–5 feet tall; part to near full shade. shade. Above, the chartreuse foliage of Fatsia ■ Barrenwort (Epimedium grandiflorum); Height: 8-12 inches; part shade; Zones: paired with a dark purple barberry create a 5–8, 8–5. classic color combination. ■ Hostas ( and hybrids): 1–4 feet tall; part to full shade. ■ Lamb’s ears ( byzantina): 1–2 feet tall; part shade. Zones 4–8, 8–1. to the area and preserve the ’s delicate roots by adding container plantings of var- FOR DAMP SHADE iegated plants, pale-colored flowers, and ■ Beebalm (Monarda didyma and hybrids): 15–48 inches tall; part to dappled foliage in hues of silver, yellow, and gold. shade. Zones 4–10, 10–1. With a little planning, a bit of inspira- ■ Coral bells (Heuchera spp.): 15–20 inches tall; part to dappled shade. tion, and clever combos, you’ll be well on ■ Caladium (Caladium bicolor): 1–2 feet tall; part to full shade. Zones 15, 12–4. your way to transforming sun-challenged ■ Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus): 3–6 feet tall; part to almost full shade. Zones gardening spaces into shade gardens that 3–7, 7–1. will be the envy of your neighborhood. ■ Ligularia spp.: 3–6 feet tall; part to full shade. ■ Lobelias (Lobelia cardinalis, L. siphilitica, L. hybrids): 2–4 feet tall; part shade. A regular contributor to The American Gardener, Kris Wetherbee is a freelance

writer based in Oakland, Oregon. LEFT: ALAN AND LINDA DETRICK. TOP RIGHT: DONNA KRISCHAN. BOTTOM LYNNE HARRISON

22 the American Gardener LEFT: SUSAN A. ROTH. RIGHT: JUDYWHITE / GARDEN PHOTOS Adams, Massachusetts,2003. Shady Retreats:20PlantsforColorfulPrivateSpacesinYourBackyard Shade: IdeasandInspirationforShadyGardens Perennial Combinations The CompleteShadeGardener Resources Whitney GardensandNursery, Well-Sweep HerbFarm, Greer Gardens, Busse Gardens, Avant Gardens, Sources Eugene, OR.(541)686-8266. North Dartmouth,MA.(508)998-8819. Big Lake,MN.(763)263-3403. Port Murray,NJ.(908)852-5390. by C.ColstonBurrell.RodaleBooks,Emmaus,Pennsylvania,1999,updated2008. Brinnon, WA.(800)952-2404. by GeorgeSchenk.TimberPress,Portland,Oregon,1984(updatedversion?) by KeithWiley.TimberPress,Portland,Oregon,2007. www.greergardens.com. www.bussegardens.com. www.avantgardensne.com. www.wellsweep.com. www.whitneygardens.com. blue saucer-shapedflowers. me-nots completetheunderstorytriowithaccentsofbright echo thegoldenfoliageof‘AllGold’hakonegrass.Forget- afternoon shade.Above,’syellowstamenssubtly Ligularia andhostas,left,favorfullmorningsunwith by BarbaraEllis.StoreyBooks,North March / April 2010 23 24 Baptisias American Beauties: Baptisias American Beauties: the American Gardener sistance topests,andwinterhardiness. mental qualities,culturaladaptability, re- recommend based ontheirsuperiororna- identify anumberofwildindigosthatwe saw successesandfailures butmanagedto commercially available untilrecently. We limited numberofwildindigosthatwere Zone 5).Our trialwasfairlysmallgiven the (USDA 5b, AHSHeat 17 different wildindigosattheGarden nois, since1999Ihave grown andassessed Chicago BotanicGarden inGlencoe, Illi- is apromise ofgreater thingstocome. selectionsinrecentof fantasticnew years genus, andtheintroduction ofanumber plant breeders have takenaninterest inthe gardeners. owners But and somenursery native plantenthusiaststhanby average ter known andperhaps more respected by “Everyman” plants.Their qualities are bet- ever, Idonotthinkofwildindigosas al Plant Association. Perennial Plant oftheYear by thePerenni- American beautyhasbeennamedthe2010 care, andpest-resistant nature, thistrue flower spires, handsomefoliage,easeof tional garden plantprized foritscolorful naturally comestomymind.Anexcep- W known asfalseorwildindigos,these da andwestward toTexas. Commonly ca, rangingfrom CanadasouthtoFlori- Baptisia There are approximately 20speciesof KNOWWILDINDIGOS GETTING TO in thegenus renewed gardeners’interest cultivars offalseindigohas The releaseofpromisingnew Wild blueindigo show toeffectagainst thedensefoliage. striking inearly summerwhentheflowers BY RICHARDHAWKE As managerofplantevaluations atthe With theexception ofB.australis, how- native toeastern North Ameri- false indigo() perennials, blue dependable HEN CONSIDERING Baptisia. (Baptisia australis) (Baptisia tough, is

DAVID CAVAGNARO The glowing flowers of yellow wild indigo (B. sphaerocarpa ‘Screamin’ Yellow’) make a bold statement in the background of this perennial border.

plants are in the pea family (). flowers. If you want to replicate an at- green to blue-green to green. Plants are Some species have a long history in cul- tractive plant (assuming it’s not a propri- clump-forming with upright vase-shaped tivation, dating back to the 1700s when etary ), you’ll need to propagate to rounded habits. Because they dislike they were grown as a blue-dye substitute by softwood cuttings. root disturbance, avoid dividing clumps; for true indigo (Indigofera spp.). The The distinctly pealike blossoms are pro- trim stems around the edges if they get too genus name comes from the Greek bapto, duced in many-flowered , dramat- large or—better yet—plant them in a site meaning “to dip” or “dye.” ically rising above or arching outward from where they have ample elbow room. Wild indigo flowers are predominantly the plant. Structurally, the flowers consist Wild indigos are often spindly or open blue, white, or yellow, although shades and of the standard (upstanding dorsal ), in youth, slowly adding stems as they ma- subtle variations occur naturally. Wild in- wings (two lateral ), and keel (two ture. Plants range from a diminutive 12 digos are promiscuous, so new color forms lower petals fused together). Most wild in- inches up to a statuesque seven feet tall. are not uncommon where two or more digos bloom for about three weeks begin- plants or species are grown together. ning in spring, and white-flowered species CULTURE AND COMPANIONS Baptisia species are commonly grown generally tend to bloom later than blue- or Sun-loving wild indigos thrive in moist, from seed, which means that flower yellow-flowered plants. The floral display well-drained soils but are adaptable to color, habit quality, and size can vary may be shortened by unseasonably warm poorer and drier soils once established. widely from plant to plant. Years ago, I temperatures. The inflated elliptical or These durable plants are heat- and planted B. australis seeds in my home round seedpods, which age to black or tan, drought-tolerant, essentially trouble-free, garden hoping to enjoy its spires of vi- persist on the plants late into the season. and long-lived. Most wild indigos, in- brant blue flowers. To my dismay, my Most wild indigos have handsome cluding many of the southern species, are

ROB CARDILLO plants turned out to have insipid blue three-part leaves that range from gray- winter hardy to at least USDA Zone 5. Fo-

March / April 2010 25 26 alba Botanic Garden. Baptisia australis and ‘Shenandoah’) is afavorite attheChicago red-leaved switchgrass(Panicum virgatum coal-stemmed ing—an expansive mixed planting ofchar- small groups. Mass plantingscan bestrik- ows, whethergrown asspecimensorin borders, wildflower gardens, andmead- mote overly lushfoliargrowth). high nitrogen whichcouldpro- fertilizers, mental feeding(especiallyavoid useof tile soils,theyneedlittleornosupple- grow well inpoorsoils.Conversely, infer- nitrogen. Thistraitallows wildindigosto atmosphericnitrogenconverts touseable beneficial bacterium(Rhizobium root nodulesonwildindigoscontaina Like othermembersofthepeafamily, the species growing inhighlyalkalinesoils. liar chlorosis canbeaproblem forsome es makegoodcompanions. irises, phlox, asters,andornamental grass- var. such asB.sphaerocarpa propriate forsmallgardens, species shorter other perennials inthegarden. plants, standingheadandshouldersabove OVERVIEW OFBAPTISIASPECIES oaia/omnNm egtWdhNotableFeatures Height/Width Botanical/Common Name B. tinctoria B. sphaerocarpa B. perfoliata B. bracteata B. bracteata B. australis B. australis B. arachnifera B. alba B. alba B. Wild indigoswork well inperennial While largerwildindigosare notap- (catbells) (blue wildindigo) (largeleaf wildindigo) (yellow wildindigo) (cream wildindigo) (compact bluewildindigo) (hairy rattleweed) (white wildindigo) (longbract wildindigo) minor the American Gardener var. macrophylla var. var. are choices.Peonies, perfect Baptisia var. macrophylla alba var. minor leucophaea leucophaea are great structural ‘Purple Smoke’ and and B. australis –/– rgtylo lwr,ruddse osCnrl ot 5–9,9–5 Central,South 7–9,10–6 paleyellowflowersinmidsummer Southeastcoast 2–3/2–3 brightyellowflowers,roundedseedpods clearyellowflowers,attractivebluishleaves 2–3/3–5 2–3/2 1 4–9,9–5 1 compactwithpurpleflowers East,Central 1–2/1–2 purpletovioletflowersinearlymidsummer 5–9,9–6 3–4/3–6 1 Southeast whiteflowers whiteflowerswithpurpletinting;brownstems 5–7/2–3 3/2–3 (feet) sp.) that 1 1 1 / / / 2 2 2 2creamywhiteflowers /2 /2 yellowflowers /2 1 B. / 2 Dusky purplestems make Smoke’ astandout. pale yellowflowers Baptisia ‘Purple most With theexception ofwildblueindigo, OFSHOW THE BEST plant, three tofourfeettall,buthas amore flowers inJune. ‘Purple Smoke’ isabushy smoky-purple stems,whichbear purple in theearlyspringgarden becauseofits main ontheplantintowinter. warmer climates.Theblackseedpods re- Chicago area; flowers openearlierin stems from mid-May tomid-June inthe olet-blue flowers inerect racemesgracethe three tofourfeet tall andsixfeetwide.Vi- garden habit, plantwithadense shrubby the box on page28.) ommended selectionsinotherregions, see excellent choicesfortheMidwest. (For rec- received highratingsinthetrialsandare some species.Thefollowing wildindigos we alsonotedgeneticvariability within species inourtrialwere actuallyhybrids; anumberofplantsidentifiedas served ic hybridswere species.We soldastrue ob- species readily hybridize, someinterspecif- time, becauseitwaslittle-known that dominately seed-grown species.At that trial, thewildindigosoffered were pre- tive our plantcatalogs.Whenwe started Baptisia Baptisia australis Baptisia at eta 4–9,9–5 East, Central eta,Suh5–9,9–5 Central, South AHSHeatZones Range aieUSDAHardiness, Native eta,Suhat4–9,9–5 Central, Southeast Georgia at eta 3–9,9–4 East, Central 5–9,9–5 Central, South ‘Purple Smoke’ isastandout species are listedonlyinna- is asturdy, reliable 7–9, 9–6

COURTESY OF KLEHM’S SONG SPARROW FARM AND NURSERY refined habit than B. australis. It was a bit a secondary period of bloom produces Although I would not place Baptisia slow to establish in our trial and was prone shorter . Long-legged ‘Carolina Moonlight’ at the top of the list to chlorosis in our alkaline soil. ‘Purple ‘Midnite’ is strongly vase-shaped and of exceptional wild indigos, it certainly de- Smoke’ remains a garden favorite 14 years grows to four feet tall and wide. serves an honorable mention. Another se- after it was introduced by the late Rob Largeleaf wild indigo (B. alba var. lection made by Rob Gardner, it features Gardner at the North Carolina Botanical macrophylla, formerly B. leucantha), is an soft-yellow flowers on strongly upright in- Garden in Chapel Hill. elegant resident of Midwestern tallgrass florescences in June. Although touted as a ‘Twilite’, ‘Starlite’, and ‘Midnite’— prairies. Although not a strong bloomer, vigorous selection, it suffered from foliar the first offerings in the Prairieblues™ se- its creamy white flowers open later than chlorosis in our evaluation. I believe that ries—were hybridized by plant breeder other wild indigos—typically in mid-June with a lighter soil and a bit of patience, this Jim Ault at the Chicago Botanic Garden into early July. It has the potential to reach can be a top-notch plant.

The cultivar ‘Twilite’, above, is defined by its lemon-yellow keel. Largeleaf wild indigo, right, performs much better in part shade than its blue-flowered counterpart.

and introduced through the Chicagoland seven feet tall in flower, although in our NEW ON THE HORIZON Grows® plant introduction program. trial it was about half that height. Over the years, many North American na- ‘Twilite’ features bicolored deep violet Native from Missouri and Oklahoma tive plants have gone on the Grand Tour flowers highlighted with a yellow keel. south to the Gulf Coast, yellow wild indi- of and returned home with a so- Growing five feet tall and seven feet wide, go (B. sphaerocarpa), is a showstopper. It phisticated new look. But in the case of our a four-year-old plant bears well over 100 blooms from late May into late June and native wild indigos, all the breeding has oc- stems. Soft-blue-flowered ‘Starlite’ pro- has a robust habit to three feet tall and five curred at home. Pioneers such as ‘Purple duces impressive 24-inch-long inflores- feet wide. Flower color among our evalua- Smoke’ and ‘Carolina Moonlight’ paved cences atop stems three feet tall. Growing tion specimens varied from bright to soft the way for many superb new selections four feet wide, its vase-shaped habit be- primrose yellow. The round seedpods are that have been introduced in recent years. comes broadly rounded with age. The distinct from the oblong seedpods of other ‘Chocolate Chip’, introduced by Hans deep violet-blue flowers of ‘Midnite’ are wild indigos. ‘Screamin’ Yellow’ is a supe- Hansen, plant breeder at Walters Gardens

LEFT: COURTESY OF KLEHM’S SONG SPARROW FARM AND NURSERY. RIGHT: DAVID CAVAGNARO borne in long clusters over two feet long; rior selection with golden yellow flowers. in Zeeland, Michigan, is fittingly named

March / April 2010 27 for its chocolate-purple-and-yellow flow- ers, which are a delicious novelty atop ro- REGIONAL FAVORITES bust stems to three feet tall. Plants grow to three feet wide. NEW ENGLAND: Tom Clark, collections manager at the Polly Hill Arboretum on ‘Solar Flare’ is the latest offering in the Martha’s , Massachusetts, values wild indigos for their tolerance of dry Prairieblues™ series. Its unusual two-toned sites, bushlike presence in the garden, and their colorful flower spires. Although flowers open clear yellow, aging to a deep he does not find ‘Carolina Moonlight’ to be a particularly strong grower, he likes orange. ‘Solar Flare’ has a dense habit, lovely pale-yellow-flowered ‘Anne’, a vigorous but little-known selection. He es- growing four feet tall and slightly wider. pecially admires the new Prairieblues™ series for their heavy flowering and range ‘Lunar Eclipse’, a future Prairieblues™ of colors. He has grown an inspiring combination of var. macrophyl- introduction, offers a kaleidoscopic floral la with tall Allium ‘Mount Everest’—both are white-flowered but offer a fantastic display—flowers open white with a hint contrast of shapes. of lemon yellow, age to cream, and finally turn a deep violet. MID-ATLANTIC In her Baltimore garden, Angela Treadwell-Palmer, president of Avid plant collector and breeder Tony Plants Nouveau, a plant introduction company, says ‘Purple Smoke’ is her favorite Avent of in North these days. She loves its grayish leaves, smoky-purple stalks, and smoky-periwin- Carolina has long championed wild indi- kle flowers with charcoal highlights in the keel. In early June, she welcomes the gos, and in recent years he has introduced deep blue to deep lavender flowers of wild blue indigo. This stalwart plant with its a number of superior selections. Baptisia sturdy, upright habit can replace many medium-sized flowering shrubs and makes alba var. alba ‘Wayne’s World’ is a vigorous a wonderful hedge. She ‘Twilite’ as one of the brawniest and most floriferous selections she has ever grown. “The color combination is to die for with its rich, chocolaty, burgundy petals and complementary yellow keels,” she says.

SOUTHEAST “We find that all species of wild indigo perform equally well here,” says Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, North Carolina. He refers to them as “redneck lupines” for their superficial floral resemblance to finicky lupines (Lupinus spp.). He feels that ‘Carolina Moonlight’ is the best hybrid cultivar cur- rently on the market for his region. Many forms of B. australis, including the Prairieblues™ series, are poor selections for warmer climates because the foliage envelops the open flowers, obscuring them. Among Avent’s foliar favorites are B. arachnifera, a rare coastal species growing to 16 inches tall with short spikes of yel- low flowers and -shaped leaves, and yellow-flowered B. perfoliata, growing to 30 inches tall, with attractive glaucous leaves reminiscent of eucalyptus.

UPPER MIDWEST Baptisia australis var. minor is a favorite of Mike Heger at Am- bergate Gardens, a nursery near Minneapolis, Minnesota. He likes this well-pro- portioned Great Plains native because its shorter habit allows it to be used in a va- riety of landscapes. ‘Purple Smoke’ is a hardy and vigorous plant that has proven its worth in the far north. A mature specimen produces an amazing number of stems with large flower spikes that make a dramatic floral display. He highly rec- ommends the Midwestern native B. bracteata var. leucophaea (formerly B. leu- cophaea) for its early, creamy-yellow flowers, which are a delight in the spring gar- ‘Carolina Moonlight’ is a cross between B. den. “It is a bit slow to establish and some patience is required during its juvenile sphaerocarpa and B. alba. years but the payoff on the other end is worth the wait,” he says. white-flowered selection that grows to four GREAT PLAINS Harlan Hamernik of wholesale Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson, Ne- feet tall and three feet wide. Baptisia braska, unequivocally prefers B. australis var. minor to B. australis. Topping out at bracteata ‘Butterball’ features large boun- two feet tall, it has large, more glaucous leaves and tight bouquets of blue flowers tiful racemes of creamy yellow flowers on that stand up like candles above the foliage. “Baptisia australis var. minor is a compact stems to 18 inches tall and 24 more beautiful plant overall,” he adds. Creamy-yellow-flowered B. bracteata is an- inches wide. The light blue flowers of B. other of his favorites. The large, pendulous flower clusters droop to form a skirt at australis var. minor ‘Blue Pearls’ are pro- the base of the dense plants, and when dried, the hairy gray-green leaves make an duced in profusion on upright stems to attractive addition to floral arrangements. Both of these Great Plains natives are three feet tall and two feet wide. tough perennials for drought-prone gardens. —R.H. COMING ATTRACTIONS

Thanks to the ongoing work of many BILL JOHNSON

28 the American Gardener Sources Ambergate Gardens, Chaska, MN. (877) 211-9769. www.ambergategardens.com. Klehm’s Song Sparrow Farm and Nursery, Avalon, WI. (800) 553- 3715. www.songsparrow.com. Niche Gardens, Chapel Hill, NC. (919) 967-0078. www.nichegardens.com. Plant Delights Nursery, Inc., Raleigh, NC. (919) 772-4794. www.plantdelights.com. Prairie Nursery, Inc., Westfield, WI. (800) 476-9453. www.prairienusry.com. Resources Armitage’s Native Plants for North American Gardens by Allan M. Armitage. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2006. Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada by William Cullina. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, Massachusetts, 2000.

plant breeders, the future for wild indi- gos in American gardens is bright. Paul Cappiello, director at Yew Dell Gardens in Crestwood, Kentucky, is currently working with sterile plants in an effort to lengthen bloom time. He has already developed a couple of bicolored forms and a strain of apricot-flowered plants. Jim Ault is investigating a number of complex hybrids, selecting for novel flower colors and refined habits. And Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens is ex- panding the color range of wild indi- gos—pinks, lavenders, bicolors, and dark brown blends are all in the works. “The color diversity in baptisias is amazing,” he says. “It is one of the most exciting genera of plants to be working on.” Tony Avent is in agreement. “We have some new cultivars in the pipeline—and so does Hans Hansen— that will blow away anything currently on the market,” says Avent. Gardeners, you are forewarned.

Richard Hawke is manager of the plant evaluation program at the Chicago Botanic ™ ™ RICHARD HAWKE Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. Prairieblues ‘Lunar Eclipse’ will be a future release from the Chicagoland Grows program.

March / April 2010 29 30 BY PENELOPEO’SULLIVAN Conifers covering groundwith ments ofyour garden. that theywillbecomeindispensableele- textured, andsoappealing socolorful, Groundcover coniferscanbesorichly regions, garden sites,anddesigns. to findconiferssuitableforavariety of nipers, , ,—it’s easy from different genera—includingju- stead. With hundreds ofchoicesavailable spreading conifersasgroundcovers in- borders. landscape sitessuchasslopesandmixed groundcovers suitableforchallenging and sizes thatenhancetheirversatility as Spreading coniferscomeinmanyforms USES MYRIAD LANDSCAPE T natural banksand steepmanmadeslopes. cover conifersistohelp control erosion on panion forornamentalgrasses. cultivar makesastunningwintercom- silver foliage,this wide. With itsfeathery two tothree feethighandsixtoeight Juniperus virginiana garis). (Erica carnea) suchasheaths mounding smallshrubs companionfor 10 years, is theperfect about 12inchestalland30widein forms alow, spreading moundthatgrows var ofmugo (Pinus mugo),which ed inmasses.The‘Valley Cushion’ culti- make effective groundcovers whenplant- (Larix decidua deciduous weeping European pet’ Korean (Abies koreana) the landscapeasitexpands.‘Green Car- instance, makesuneven low moundsin The mostcommonuseforground- Slightly tallerspreading also shrubs the American Gardener Another taller, spreading , color andconvenience, consider Forinto everything? year-round IRED OFVINCA? Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’, for and heathers(Calluna vul- ‘Pendula’) alsoundulate. ‘Grey Owl’, grows Ivy getting and the The silvery-bluefoliageof winter landscape,above.Oppositepage: with cutleafstephanandrainaConnecticutlandscapedesigned byNatureworks. of retaining walls. boulders orgently cascadingover theedges attractive nestledbetween landscape Connecticut. Creeping junipersalsolook at Broken Arrow Nursery inHamden, agation andplantdevelopment manager living mulch,”saysAdam Wheeler, prop- “You canusethem forweed control, as ground, anchoring thesoilastheygrow. velop roots where theirbranchestouch the conifers won’t stand.Some selections de- heat, andheavysoils—thatsomeother problems—such assalt,wind,drought, talis) pose, creeping horizon- juniper (Juniperus overusedAlthough somewhat forthispur- spreads quickly andtolerates conifers asgroundcovers. texture tothegardenbyusinglow-growing Reduce maintenanceandaddvibrantcolor Juniperus virginiana Juniperus Juniperus squamata Juniperus ‘Grey Owl’standsoutagainstgrassesinthis ivy orperiwinkle (Vinca South forashadygroundcover insteadof . It has caughtonallthrough the “the complementforJapanese perfect (Cephalotaxus harringtonia fat needlesofprostrate plumyew considers theundulatinghabit andlong, Creek Nursery inKnoxville, Tennessee, Duane Ridenour, managerofBeaver beshowcased.shrubs—can For example, of thegarden—usually specimentrees or soothing backdrop againstwhichthestars as a home. Theyalsocommonlyserve plantings around thefront andsidesofa conifers includetheiruseasfoundation Other traditional roles forspreading ‘Blue Carpet’mingleshappily spp.), which can ‘Prostrata’)

ROB CARDILLO KAREN BUSSOLINI March / April 2010 31 32 Low-growing Siberian carpetcypressisevergreen, hardy,anddeerresistant. ing timeandresources neededtokeepit duced thesize ofhislawnandtheresult- sloping front garden. In thisway, here- under aredbud (Cercis canadensis) press aged alargeswathofSiberian carpetcy- owner, alandscapedesigner, hadencour- Pennsylvania subdivisionwhere the I visitedaninvitinghomelandscapeina a garden devotedyears tolawn.Afew ago, recumbent conifersistoreduce thearea of rarely damagedby deer. yew(Taxusunlike true ter oftheAmericanConiferSociety. And, president oftheSoutheast regional chap- be invasive,” saysRidenour, whoisalso Another incentive forcreating bedsof the American Gardener (Microbiota decussata) spp.), plumyewis to fillin on his was consistent,albeitwithmore panache, interest, andcreated anattractive lookthat ed erosion ontheslope,offered textural looking good.Thegroundcover prevent- In hisbook finishing touchforthenewbed. panions throughholescutinthefabric.Alayerofmulchoverfabricprovides landscape fabrictohelppreventfutureweeds,thenplantyourconifersandcom- can takeuptosixmonths)orwithanherbicide.Laydownalayerofwater-permeable before plantinggroundcoverconifers.Weedscanbeeliminatedbysolarization(which weeds—such asmugwort pert AdrianBloomrecommendsgardenerstaketimetoeradicateanyperennial WEED BEFOREPLANTING Gardening with Conifers Conifers with Gardening (Artemisia vulgaris) (Artemisia (see “Resources,”page34),Britishgardeningex- turn from purple-bronze. green toasilvery arching stems ofSiberian carpet cypress ple tintsinwinter.” Even more striking,the seasons. Juniper buildsupplumandpur- “Different pigmentsbuildupindifferent plants,” saysWheelerofBroken Arrow. ple, andbronze. pur- some coniferstakeonshadesofrust, blue, cream, andbicolor. In coldweather, ing from goldandlimetosilver, powder Today’s groundcovers comeincolorsrang- IN LIVINGCOLOR Wheeler alsolikes bonus ofburgundy-plumwintercolor. smothering groundcover withtheadded Lode’ formsaground-hugging, weed- fall before thefine-textured needlesdrop. green inspringandturnsvivid yellow in larch cultivars ‘Pendula’ and‘Puli’ islight orange-gold inlatefallandwinter. in springandsummer, turninganintense spreading coniferwithlime-green foliage (syn. ‘Carsten’s Wintergold’), adwarf ing conifercandothetrick. feat; onewell-placed low andwide-spread- aren’t toaccomplishthis alwaysnecessary Swaths ofgeometricfoundationplantings wallsofahouseandtheground.vertical harsh perpendicularanglebetween the stone steps.Coniferstaketheedgeoff and ments suchasdriveways,sidewalks, scaly foliagehelpssoftenhardscape ele- Their often-gracefulhabitsandneedledor and cascadeover stoneretaining walls. flow likewaterover andaround boulders rocky ormountainousterrain.Theycan hand becausemanyspeciesoriginateon rounding properties. with thewell-groomed lawnsofsur- or Canadathistle Gold-needled “Temperature affectsthecolorofmany The deciduousfoliageofEuropean Rock gardens andconifersgohandin J. horizontalis Pinus mugo (Cirsium arvense) (Cirsium —P. O’SULLIVAN ‘Carsten’ ‘Mother —

JOSHUA MCCULLOUGH Several cultivars of Colorado masse.” He likes the combination for the Midwest and the East is soil pH, or the de- (Picea pungens) are notable for powder upper South of ‘Formanek’ Norway gree of a particular soil’s acidity or alkalin- blue needles. Low-growing ‘Glauca Pros- spruce (P. abies) with P. pungens ‘Procum- ity. Soils in the East tend to be neutral to trata’ is one of Wheeler’s favorites. “I have bens’. “You have big masses melding to- slightly acidic, while in the Midwest they it growing down a bank meandering gether, light green with ice-blue,” he says. are generally neutral to slightly alkaline. through boulders,” he says. “I’m hoping “It resembles white caps on the sea.” The conifers most adaptable to the more it will look like an icy blue stream.” An- When planting carpeting conifers, be alkaline soils of the Midwest include other conifer with very blue foliage is the sure to leave room for them to spread for a arborvitaes (Thuja spp.), false cypress ‘Monber’ (Icee Blue®) selection of creep- few years before they start to overlap. To (Chamaecyparis), and yews (Taxus spp.). ing juniper. Its foliage contrasts well with fill the gaps while the conifers are young, Pines, spruces (Picea spp.), and junipers that of another juniper cultivar ‘Jade you can plant space-filler perennials or will grow well as long as the soil is neutral River’, which has light blue-green foliage. small shrubs that can gradually be moved (pH 7) to slightly acidic. Combining conifers with complemen- elsewhere when they are no longer needed. In the Pacific Northwest, the limiting tary or contrasting foliage can create a very factor for conifer success is often excess satisfying design. “I like the blue of ‘Glau- CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS moisture. “Some plants don’t do well in ca Prostrata’ or an upright blue spruce with Conifers have an undeserved reputation the Pacific Northwest, where we have so the plum and burgundy winter foliage of for being difficult to grow. But conifer ex- much rain and cold,” Buchholz says. “For

CONIFERS IN CONTAINERS If the scale of your garden is too small for groundcover conifers, you can still enjoy low-growing species in contain- ers. Certain conifers benefit from con- tainer planting because their texture and color is easier to appreciate when elevated off the ground. Sometimes these are paired with vertical plants to add a three-dimensional quality. “More and more you’re seeing con- tainer plantings of miniature upright plants contrasting with a conifer trailing over the edge,” Talon Buchholz says. His wholesale nursery in Oregon offers 12-inch-square boxes that contain a dwarf paired with a low-growing conifer—either J. horizontalis ‘Pan- cake’ or Sequoia sempervirens ‘Kelly’s Prostrate’ (USDA Zones 7–10). Buch- holz says that after three or four years, when the plants’ roots outgrow the con- tainer, they can be transplanted into the garden. —P. O’SULLIVAN Colorado spruce cultivars such as ‘Procumbens’ have attractive blue foliage.

Siberian carpet cypress or junipers,” perts and enthusiasts advise that it’s just a example, you have to be careful with ju- Wheeler says. Talon Buchholz, owner of matter of selecting the appropriate species nipers because they can get diseased in Buchholz and Buchholz Nursery in Gas- for your region and site conditions. “The sites where it’s always moist.” ton, Oregon, concurs, touting the beauty ideal conifer soil is slightly acidic and rich Over the last few years, the southern and simplicity of a “quilt of mixed conifers but free-draining,” says Wheeler. “Many United States has seen dramatic shifts in that cover ground with color.” conifers are upland native plants that grow weather, ranging from drought to flood- Duane Ridenour offers one caveat on mountain tops where temperatures are ing. “The great thing about conifers is that when combining colorful conifers. “Be cool in summer, the topsoil is thin, and once they’ve been established for a year or careful that you don’t put one here and there’s good drainage.” so, they can take drought,” says Ridenour. one there,” he says. “If you want to them According to Wheeler, the major dif- The biggest conifer-growing problem in

KAREN BUSSOLINI to blend, you have to plant them en ference in garden conditions between the hot climates is the increased respiration

March / April 2010 33 Sources Arrowhead Alpines, Fowlerville, MI. (517) 273-3581. www.arrowheadalpines.com. Bethlehem Nursery, Bethlehem, CT. (203) 266-7783. www.bethlehemnursery.com. Broken Arrow Nursery, Hamden, CT. (203) 288-1026. www.brokenarrownursery.com. Forestfarm, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Oriental Garden Supply, Pittsford, NY. (585) 586-3850. www.orientalgardensupply.com. Wavecrest Nursery, Fennville, MI. (888) 869-4159. [email protected].

Resources American Conifer Society, Lewisville, NC. (336) 945-0483. www.conifersociety.org. Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Clinton, IA. (563) 242-4771. www.bick-arb.org. Conifers for Gardens: An Illustrated Encyclopedia by Richard L. Bitner. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2007. Dwarf & Unusual Conifers Coming of Age: A Guide to Mature Garden Conifers Featuring the Gotelli Collection of Dwarf and Slow Growing Conifers at the United States National Arboretum, Washington, D.C. by Sandra McLean Cutler. Bar- ton-Bradley Crossroads Publishing, North Olmsted, Ohio, 1997. Gardening with Conifers by Adrian Bloom. Firefly Books, Buffalo, New York. 2002. Although deciduous, low-growing larches have interesting branch structure and foliage. rate of plants such as spruces and . grown on their own roots, including cul- PRUNING AND MAINTENANCE Combine warm, wet, clay soil with heat tivars ‘Pendula Bruns’ and ‘Pancake’, When selecting a groundcover conifer, and humidity, and conifer roots become which grow to about a foot tall and three it’s best to choose the right size plant for susceptible to fungal diseases. feet in diameter in 10 years. Both do well your location so it will not need pruning “Because nighttime temperatures are in the upper South—Kentucky, Ten- to restrict its growth. Sometimes, how- often in the 80s, conifers don’t get a nessee, and North Carolina, particularly ever, shaping a conifer or curbing its chance to rest. They’re still processing in the mountains—but not further growth is necessary. To encourage bushi- sugars at night,” says Ridenour, who lives south. For gardeners in warmer climes, ness and slow growth of pines, spruces, in Tennessee’s Cumberland Mountains. Ridenour recommends low-growing de- and firs, pinch some of the fresh growth Ridenour is testing some northern odar cedar (Cedrus deodara) cultivars that resembles candles at the branch tips conifers grafted on rootstocks tolerant of such as ‘Feelin’ Blue’ and ‘Prostrate Beau- in spring to early summer, depending on heat and poor drainage. He also collects ty’, which are better adapted to the heat the growing season. Do this while can-

Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) cultivars and humidity of the lower South. dles are soft and lighter in color than the KAREN BUSSOLINI

34 the American Gardener RECOMMENDED- GROUND-COVERING CONIFERS Where possible, the plant size shown is for 10-year-old plants (these are marked with an asterisk*). Otherwise, size is at ma- turity, which can vary considerably based on factors such as level of care, planting site, and soil conditions.

BotanicalName/Common Name Height/Width Ornamental Attributes and Uses Origin USDA Hardiness, (feet) AHS Heat Zones Abies koreana ‘Green Carpet’ 1/3–4* slow-growing, dense, mounded form with eastern Asia 5–6, 6–5 (Korean fir) green-and-silver needles; ideal for rock gardens, border edges Cedrus deodora ‘Feelin’ Blue’ 1/6 outstanding blue-gray undulating central Asia 7–9, 9–7 (deodar cedar) groundcover; tolerates heat, humidity Cephalotaxus harringtonia 1–2/4–8 broad, dark green needles; furrowed semi- eastern Asia 6–9, 9–3 ‘Prostrata’ peeling bark; tolerates heat, humidity, (prostrate plum yew) drought, deer, part shade once established Juniperus horizontalis ‘Monber’ 1/2–1/ 8 dense, silver-tipped blue foliage Canada and 3–9, 9–1 Icee Blue® northern U.S. (creeping juniper) Juniperus horizontalis ‘Pancake’ 1/2/4* forms a dense mat akin to woolly thyme Canada and 3–9, 9–1 (creeping juniper) northern U.S. Juniperus ✕pfitzeriana 1/4* light yellow new growth contrasts with hybrid 4–9, 9–1 ‘Daub’s Frosted’ fine-textured blue-green older growth (Pfitzer juniper) Larix decidua ‘Pendula’ 2/10* unstaked, forms striking groundcover Europe 3–6, 6–1 (weeping European larch) with undulating form; deciduous foliage is lime-green in spring, gold in fall Microbiota decussata 1/5* feathery green foliage on arching stems eastern Russia 3–7,7–1 (Siberian carpet cypress) turns purple-bronze in winter; tolerates part shade, drought, salt, and wind Picea abies ‘Formanek’ 1/2/3* forms dense mat with medium- green Scandinavia 3–8, 8–1 (Norway spruce) foliage Picea pungens 1/8* silvery blue foliage; pinch leaders that Rocky Mountains 2–8, 8–1 ‘Glauca Procumbens’ may appear to keep spreading habit (Colorado spruce) Sequoia sempervirens 1/4–5* soft blue-green texture; tolerates part shade coastal California 8–9, 9–8 ‘Kelly’s Prostrate’ and Northwest (prostrate coast redwood) Taxus ✕media ‘Green Wave’ 3–4/6–8* dense mounding form with dark green foliage hybrid 5–7, 7–5 (yew) previous year’s growth. You can also you have pruners in your hand and you For Ridenour, ease of maintenance is prune the main candle in the bud clus- see a job that needs to be done, then that’s just one of the many benefits of using ter back to the branch tip and pinch the the best time to do it,” he says. conifers as groundcovers. “No other remaining candles as they develop to cre- Other conifer experts prefer to defer group of plants has given me so much ate denser coverage. optional pruning to specific periods in the pleasure in the garden for so little effort,” Prune dead, damaged, or diseased plants’ growth cycle. Wheeler prunes he says. Add to that their year-round branches on a conifer immediately, no conifers any time from July through beauty, intriguing variety of textures, and matter the time of year. With groundcov- March, avoiding the time when most ac- longevity, and you may wonder why you er conifers, particularly spruces and pines, tive growth occurs in his region. “Make don’t have more conifers covering ground if you see a leader or upright stem grow- clean cuts to major branch angles with in your garden. ing upward, remove it right away. sharp pruners,” he advises. Ridenour When it comes to cosmetic pruning, prunes his conifers just as new growth The author of The Homeowner’s Com- experts have different approaches on tim- starts to appear, typically when the for- plete Tree & Handbook (Storey, ing. Buchholz’s philosophy is to prune for sythias begin blooming—in late February 2007), Penelope O’Sullivan lives in appearance whenever he sees the need. “If or early March in his region. Stratham, New Hampshire.

March / April 2010 35 36 Parry’s agaveis strikinginacontainer. With itsblue-gray leavesandblackspines, mament—terminal spinesand marginal The secondistochooseplants whosear- consider smalltobeundertwo feethigh. I small—for thepurposesofthis article species orselectionsthatare inherently spaces. Thefirstistofocusonthose mind whenselectingagaves forsmall are notarmedlike warriors. suited tosmaller-scalegardens—and some many smalleragave speciesthatare well icana), ular five-foot-tall blueagave believe the mightygiants,likethespectac- are nothardy, orbecausetheymistakenly these plantseitherbecausetheythink only apatioorsmallyard turnawayfrom beauty. However, manygardeners with low maintenance,drought toleranceand tocombine trast, andexquisite symmetry agaves fortheirrangeofcolor, texturalcon- compact gardens. season interest onascalesuitedtomore conditionsyet offermulti- withstand dry plantsthatcan ers—on thehuntfornew trends hasgardeners—and plantdevelop- spaces. Theconvergence ofthesetwo conditions andever smallergardening plant choices:increasingly drought-prone T out oftheirnativeSouthwest. surprisingly welltocultivation garden sitesandalsoadapt are wellsuitedforsmaller Many smallagaveselections There are three strategiestokeepin gardenersDesert have longturnedto the American Gardener are theironlychoices. But there are adjustment inourlandscapesand dening are causingaconsiderable WO TRENDS Agaves in Americangar- for smallgardens (Agave amer- BY MARYIRISH

LYNNE HARRISON teeth—is either absent or tiny and soft. The third strategy is to grow agaves in containers that are large enough to allow the plant to thrive but small enough to re- strict its ultimate size. DIMINUTIVE SPECIES The tiniest of all agaves is A. toumeyana subsp. bella. Rarely over six inches tall and wide, this central Arizona native has dark green leaves marked with white and ac- cented on the margin by curled white fil- aments. Despite its size, this species is hardy to at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Two other tiny agaves, A. parviflora and A. po- lianthiflora, are virtually indistinguishable from the former without flowers. A Mexican native, A. parrasana, has spatula-shaped, gray-green leaves lined with short maroon teeth and spines. Hardy to at least 20 degrees, this diminu- tive plant is eight to 10 inches tall and up to two feet wide. One of the most stunning small agaves is A. victoriae-reginae, well known for its

Agave parviflora, above left, is a tiny plant with distinctive fibrous strips on its leaves. Left: The popular A. victoriae-reginae has neat rosettes of white-edged leaves.

tight, crowded rosette composed of thick, deeply keeled, dark green leaves variously lined with white. The leaves have no teeth but end in a pair of short, black spines. This Mexican species is cold hardy to 0 de- grees. A number of yellow-variegated se- lections, including ‘Golden Princess’, generally stay even smaller than the species. A. victoriae-reginae has hybridized freely with A. scabra to form a hybrid group that is sometimes listed under the name A. ferdinandi-regis. The selection ‘Sharkskin’ is part of this group and has dusky gray to gray-green leaves that are up to 30 inches long, with smooth, ma- roon-edged margins and a sturdy, solitary spine. Although these species and hy- brids are quite cold tolerant, they are very sensitive to wet, cold soils. There are a host of agave species with blue-gray leaves that are under two feet tall. The most commonly grown—and among the most cold hardy—is Parry’s agave (A. parryi), native to northern Mex- ico and Arizona. Known in at least three

TOP: GARY IRISH. BOTTOM: JOSHUA MCCULLOUGH varieties, and even more forms, this species

March / April 2010 37 38 With blue-grayleavesandcontrastingdarkspines, inches tall—andA.parryi smallest—rarely growing more thaneight the varieties, with gooddrainageandplentyofsun.Of a plantforalmostanylocationblessed rosette. Hardy toatleast0degrees, thisis symmetrical leaves heldinaperfectly with numerous blue-green togray-blue typically grows totwofeettallandaround deep purple teeth is a colorful choice. deep purpleteeth isacolorful gray leaves rimmedwith regularly spaced A. macroacantha, consideration, thecharming, 12-inch-tall choice formanycoldwestern gardens. Hardy toatleast20degrees, thisisagood to wide,well-armed tosmooth-margined. to 24incheslong.Leaves rangefrom thin have green, gray, or blueleaves thatare 10 Arizona and southernCalifornia,itmay ofwesternable speciesfrom thedeserts agave (A.deserti). than desert gray-blue leaves heldinatightrosette. the mostdramatic,featuringnearlyround In gardens where coldisnotastrong Few agaves are more drought resistant the American Gardener A. parryi var.A. parryi with itsnarrow, blue- var. A highlyvari- couesii truncata is the is border between and Texas, New whichstraddlesthe Chihuahuan Desert, Often overlooked are fourstarsfrom the AGAVES CHIHUAHUAN filaments andhighlyregular teeth. has wide,well-armed leavestono withfew scure theleaves andthevariety schidigera tion ofdelicatefilamentsthatalmostob- The variety multifilifera that were onceconsidered separatespecies. three feettall.It hastwodistinctvarieties on asteminoldageandmaythenreach rosette. Hardy toatleast20degrees, itrises and formanextremely symmetrical white andlinedwithslenderfilaments stiff, deepgreen leaves are marked with is the15-inch-tallA.filifera. sive, fancifully-shapedteeth. to deepgreen-leaved formswithexpan- shaped plantsthatare nearlypure white, variable speciesthatrangesfrom urn- seek anyoftheforms One oftheoldestagaves incultivation Gardeners inwarmerclimatescan also A. macroacantha A. is agoodsmallagavebestsuitedforgardensinwarmerregions. has aprolifera- A. titanota, Its numerous a shindagger Mexico, andArizona. Theaptlynamed gins andwidelyspacedwhiteteeth. and rimmedwithprominent whitemar- gray leaves thatare upto30incheslong marginata, of itsforms,sometimeslistedas broad range.One of themoststunning species shows immense variation over its with palesplotchesontheback.This yellow-green uprightleaves are marked plant 12to18inchestallwhosenarrow, grees andaslow cli- as–20 degrees indry excellent coldtolerance,down to0de- Both ing, butgenerallyunnamed, hybrids. other species—creating someoutstand- it andA.lechuguilla—aswell asmany and there are countlesshybridsbetween shadow. But thisspeciesishighlyvariable back sideoftheleafshows alinearpale regularly spaced white teeth;typicallythe are dark green withwhitemarginsand pin down. Theleaves ofmost selections Agave lophantha A. lophantha (A. lechuguilla) features narrow, deepblue- and is equallydifficultto A. lechuguilla is anupright A. albo- have

GARY IRISH AN OVERVIEW OF AGAVES Sources Alplains, Kiowa, CO. (303) 621- The genus Agave is composed of about 200 to 250 species that are native to 2247. www.alplains.com. arid regions in the western United States south through Mexico, Central Amer- Arid Lands , Tucson, AZ. ica, and the West Indies. Along with , agaves are members of the agave (520) 883-9494. or century plant family (Agavaceae). They commonly grow in dry hillsides, www.aridlands.com. deserts, arid plains, forests, and coastal plains. High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, Perhaps the most distinctive feature of agaves is their rosette of rigid, fi- NM. (800) 925-9387. brous, and often sharply-toothed leaves. Designed for water storage, the leaves www.highcountrygardens.com. live 12 to 15 years on average, and it is not uncommon for them to remain on Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, NC. a plant for its entire life. (919) 772-4794. Another adaptation to dry climates is the agaves’ root system; the shallow- www.plantdelights.com. growing, wide-spreading roots are very fine and die off when soil water levels Do Nursery, Giddings, TX. are low. Then, when it rains, the roots can be regenerated quickly to make the (979) 542-8811. most of even the slightest soil moisture. www.yuccado.com. Although they are usually referred to as perennials, most species of Agave are monocarpic, meaning they only bloom once in their life, so they could be more accurately considered multiannual. When they do flower, agaves’ inflo- Resources rescences are often very tall, reaching over 30 feet in some species. Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants Bats are important pollinators, as well as bees, wasps, moths, and beetles. by Gary and Mary Irish. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, 2000. —Krystal Flogel, editorial intern for The American Gardener Crazy About Cacti and Succulents edited by Ray Rogers. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Brooklyn, New mates, but many of the hybrids are not Agave neomexicana is smaller, usually York, 2006. nearly as hardy. to two feet tall and wide, with a more sig- Agave havardiana has dozens of dusky nificant range of leaf color. In the wild, green leaves marked by regular spines and most are dusky green with small teeth and USDA Zones 9 and above. Among these a rigid terminal spine held in a stunning- spines, but forms in cultivation tend to is the stunning foxtail agave (A. attenua- ly regular rosette. Plants grow up to three have paler, almost white leaves rimmed ta) with its large, light green leaves at the feet tall and as much around and are cold with dark purple-brown teeth and a long, end of a trailing white stem, and its beau- hardy to at least 0 degrees. stiff terminal spine. This agave, too, is tiful hybrids ‘Blue Flame’ (with A. scabra) hardy to at least 0 degrees. and ‘Blue Glow’ (with A. ocahui). Along All of these Chihuahuan species, es- with octopus agave (A. vilmoriniana), pecially the last two, are highly tolerant which has narrow, arching leaves up to of wet, cold winters at least through four feet tall, and the urn-shaped A. USDA Zone 8. desmettiana, these plants are all favorites in the western United States for their dra- KINDER, GENTLER AGAVES matic forms and ease of handling. In considering agaves without spines, the choices cover a wide range of appear- CULTIVATION AND CARE ances. Agave ocahui is a symmetrical The most vital cultural requirement for plant with deep green, smooth leaves that success with agaves is excellent drainage. In is particularly effective in a pot. The sim- areas with clay soil, or where there is abun- ilar A. pelona has darker, often brown dant rainfall, placing agaves on a mound margins and a long, tapered, terminal or in a raised bed helps wick water away spine with fewer and narrower leaves. from their roots. Waterlogged soils, espe- The wondrous A. bracteosa is one of the cially when they are cold, will kill these finest, unarmed small agaves for any gar- plants. In areas with reliable and consistent den. Plants support only a dozen or so rainfall, fill the hole with gravel and/or mix celadon leaves that curl and curve grace- gravel generously into the backfill before fully. Plants range in size from 8 to 15 inch- putting in the agave. Avoid placing agaves es tall and are fully hardy to at least 20 in a site where water naturally collects or Minimally-armed agaves such as A. ocahui degrees and perhaps colder. drains from a roof or gutter. are called for in garden sites where sharp- Larger agaves without significant ar- These superb drought-tolerant plants

GARY IRISH tipped selections could be hazardous. mament are generally suitable only for have the root system typical of most suc-

March / April 2010 39 40 sometimes listed under Delights NurseryinRaleigh,North Carolina,above.Amongtheseis Tony Aventgrowsdozensofsmall agavespeciesincontainersatPlant schidigera TIPS FORGROWINGAGAVES INCOLD CLIMATES the American Gardener ‘Shiraito noOhiNakafu’,top,a golden green-variegatedhybrid A. filifera. A. A. the Southeast,Aventrecommends den, hepairsagaveswithavarietyofdwarfsedums. growing groundcoverssuchasiceplants home anddisplaynursery.Forcompanions,hesayslow- pots, Aventhasplantedtheminraisedbedsaroundhis a problem,”hesays. las. “Ifthecontainerisbiggerthanagave,that’s agaves sotheplantscanserveastheirownumbrel- tainers thatarethesamesizeorabitsmallerthan need tobemovedashelteredlocation. if theygetrainedon.”Atthatpoint,headds, ens intheearlyfall,containerplantswilldiequickly all summerlong,”hesays,“butoncedaylengthshort- a good-drainingmix,theycansitoutsideintherain winter protection.“Honestly,aslongyougivethem main factorstokeepinmind.Thefirstisprovide in acold,wetclimate,”hesays. to plantthemlateintheseason—aftermid-August— thicker basethathelpsshedwater.“Youneverwant season becausethatgivesthemtimetodevelopa is thattheyareallgrowingonaslope,”saysAvent. “One thingInoticedwhenlookingatagavesinthewild on aninclinesowaterwon’tcollectaroundthebase. aggregate—or peagraveltoimprovesoildrainage. amendments suchasPermaTill—aporousgranular ing soil.”Aventrecommendsincorporatingcoarse winters areoftenwet,youneedextremelywell-drain- winter,” saysAvent.“Soinclimateslikeourswhere in theground,absolutekeyistheymustbedry nursery inRaleigh,NorthCarolina.“Foragavesgrown grows nearly200agaveselectionsathishomeand is TonyAvent,ownerofPlantDelightsNursery,who hardiness isthecriticalfactorforagavesurvival. In manyregions,wintermoisture,ratherthancold- growing agavesinregionswelloutoftheirnativerange. Many gardenersandhorticulturistsaresuccessfully here, theyarealwaysamazed,” saysAvent. ize—when peopleseewhatwe’ve donewithagaves “There’s alotmoretothegenus thanpeoplereal- the mat-forming spp.) “gonicelyunderneaththeagaves,asdosomeof nae of Parry’sagave,andtheeasy-to-grow likes the Among smallagavesthathaveperformedwellin In additiontogrowingdozensofagaveselectionsin The otherculturalconsiderationistoselectcon- For agavesincontainers,Aventsaystherearetwo Avent advisesplantingagavesearlyinthegrowing According toAvent,it’salsocriticalplantagaves One suchnotedagaveenthusiastintheSoutheast because ofitsmanyvariegatedforms.Healso A. ferdinandi-regis A. Dianthus species.” Inhisrockgar- hybrid group,selections A. victoriae-regi- A. A. lophantha. A. (Delosperma —M.I.

MARK TURNER (2) culents: shallow, with a fine web of fast- release fertilizer in the late spring, or AGAVES IN CONTAINERS growing roots that die off as soon as the apply liquid fertilizer at half the recom- Agaves are well suited to container cul- soil is dry. This clever adaptation to mended strength once a month during ture. The same cultural principles apply drought has a downside in that when the warm season. to growing agaves in pots as those in the water is plentiful, agaves take it up and Agaves are very heat tolerant and—in ground. Provide excellent drainage and never quit until the water does, by which all but the hottest regions—they will grow ample sun, water when the soil is dry, fer- time they have begun to rot. So while best in as much sun as you can manage. In tilize lightly, and apply mulch—particu- good drainage helps, careful attention to very hot regions, provide agaves with some larly rocks or gravel. prevent overwatering is also important. afternoon shade or filtered shade from a In addition, agaves grow best in con- Be sure that the soil dries out signifi- high canopy. tainers made of clay, which keeps the pot- cantly between waterings. Even in the hot Cold tolerance in agaves varies by the ting soil from holding too much moisture. Arizona desert where I live, most of my species, and it may take some experimen- It also helps to choose pots that are wider agaves thrive when watered just twice a tation or consultation with local growers than they are tall to accommodate agaves’ month in the summer. to find the best species for your region. shallow radial root system.

Agaves, cacti, and a variety of drought-tolerant plants grow well together in this colorful anf richly-textured dry landscape.

For agaves in containers, test the soil When using agaves outside of their GETTING HOOKED with your finger or a long prod and be sure known range, or if a sudden or unex- No matter what part of the country you that the pot is dry nearly to the bottom be- pected cold snap is predicted, you can call home, you can successfully include fore watering again. In the winter this may briefly cover them with row covers, blan- striking agaves in your garden by selecting be a few weeks, in the summer possibly kets, or sheets for protection. Plastic adaptable species and providing the right weekly depending on the temperatures must be used with a frame so that it site and soil conditions. Start with one and and the size of the pot. doesn’t touch the plant. you may find yourself hooked. Agaves rarely need to be fertilized, re- Placing agaves on a southern exposure, gardless of where they are growing. Even snugging them up to the south face of Mary Irish is the author of several garden- with agaves growing in containers, a light large rocks, and providing rock or gravel ing books, including—with her husband, hand is best. Apply a layer of to mulch will also help to prevent . Gary—Agaves, Yuccas, and Related the top of the potting soil once a year, or For tips on growing agaves in regions with Plants (Timber Press, 2000). She lives in

GARY IRISH lightly sprinkle a small amount of slow- wet winters, see the sidebar on page 40. Scottsdale, Arizona.

March / April 2010 41 42 by GwynethEvans tvnSil MentoringaLoveforPerennials Steven Still: and Materials class,“For landscape. Itell thestudentsinmyWoody what theycangrow anddesignwithinthe joyment andinterest inlearningabout A love for plants.Students findmuchen- next generationofhorticulturists? thing you have tried toimpress onthe ateacher,As whatisthemostimportant stores.and soldmycrops togrocery 4-H events, diddemonstrationsatshows, growingproduce. I started vegetables for a necessityformyparents tohave fresh Garden.tory It wasnotonlyahobby, but land where theygrew vegetables inaVic- nois, where my parents hadanacre of Steven Still: the fieldofhorticulture? Gwyneth Evans: S itus in the Department ofHorticultureitus intheDepartment andCrop Science.Over theyears, hehasinspired andmentored cator, firstatKansasState University andlateratTheOhio State University, where heisnow professor emer- recent award, andplansforthefuture. (For more Hyde abouttheLiberty Bailey Award, seepage14.) tive role. Freelance writerGwynethEvans spoketoStill recently abouthislife-longwork inhorticulture, ceous plantsinthelandscape,Still asitsexecutive hasserved director since1984andcontinuestoplayanac- trade organizationthatprovides andpromotes theuseofherba- educationtotheperennial plantindustry has spenthislifesharingwithothers“a great love foraninterest inhorticulture”—primarily asanedu- TEVEN STILL, the American Gardener I grew uponafarminIlli- What drew you into this year’s recipient oftheAmericanHorticultural Society’s Hyde Liberty Bailey Award, cause there wasstillnotextbook, Ilec- course inherbaceous plantmaterials.Be- ing positionatKansasState, Itaughta mation. Later, inmyfirstfull-timeteach- or images;we didn’t have alotofinfor- hadnoslides subject, andtheinstructor Illinois, there wasnotextbookonthe perennials asastudent atUniversity of Many years ago,whenItook a courseon will there bea5thedition? Herbaceous Plants Ornamental How didyou comeaboutwriting the foundationofindustry. tions.” Plant identificationcoursesform tifying them,andreport your observa- as you walk. Take interest inthem,iden- tice andcommentonplantsyou encounter the next10weeks Iwantyou toreally no- N NOEWITH ONE ON ONE nial plantidentification.” DiSabato-Aust, “one ofthefirstvaluable resources onperen- tion. Thebook,now edition,was,according initsfourth to namental Plants him towritethegroundbreaking Manual of Herbaceous Or- filling andsuccessfulcareer inhorticulture.” Garden, landscape designerandauthorofTheWell-Tended Perennial including Tracy DiSabato-Aust, aninternationallyknown many studentswhoare now world, leadersinthehorticultural C A foundingmemberofthePerennial Plant Association It wasalsoStill’s devotion tohisstudentsthatprompted who credits Still withhelping“to guidemetoaful- (1980) to fill a need in horticultural educa- (1980) tofillaneedinhorticultural … and fondly; theywere oftendeemed“weeds.” perennials hadnotbeenlooked upon knowledge oftheindustry. Pr who attended,itwasreally theirfirst plant symposiumatOhio State. For many Back in1983,Ihelpedsponsoraperennial Perennial Plant Association? How didyou getinvolved inthe ploded intotheindustry. number ofcultivars thathave justex- take sometimeaswell becauseofthe book—revision isamajorgoal.It will text bookwe needed. So mynotesandresearch turnedintothe write thisalldown andgive us acopy?” don’tdents wouldtellme,“Why you tured from myown notesandmystu- There willbea 5theditionofthe eviously, , a

COURTESY OF STEVEN STILL They were not considered valuable ma- ent ways to use plants. Right now there’s terials in landscape design. not as much interest in having a beautiful At the time, the market for herba- classic perennial border, but gardeners ceous perennials was small, but as inter- might have a perennial border that also in- est in perennials increased, there was a cludes vegetables, bulbs, and native species. greater demand for education in how to Native plants are getting a lot of atten- grow and market them. Industry repre- tion now as they often may be better sentatives, including myself, created the adapted to the climate and soils of the areas Perennial Plant Association (PPA) to fill in which they are planted. The perennial this need. It felt good to have helped de- plant industry has always used native veloped a niche market. plants, but now that native plants are com- monly incorporated into perennial bor- Who makes up the PPA and what is its ders, they have gone from being viewed as mission ? “weedy” to great landscape plants. The PPA membership is composed of We are also seeing more perennials growers, retailers, landscape designers, grown in containers. contractors, educators, public garden According to the Perennial Plant Association, personnel, and others who are profes- daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), above, are one How has the industry responded to the sionally involved with herbaceous peren- of the most popular and largest-selling plant increased interest in perennials? nials. We have 1,400 members in North groups. Others include hostas, coneflowers There’s more mechanization and new cul- America and six foreign countries. (Echinacea spp.), coreopsis, coral bells tivars are increasing exponentially as a re- The PPA’s mission is to seek to en- (Heuchera spp.), and . sult. The industry watchwords are “New, hance the opportunities for the success of new, new.” When people tire of certain our diverse professional membership by Could you talk a bit about how inter- plants, they want to move on to something providing education for the production, est in, and uses of, perennials have novel or plants with better ornamental fea- promotion, and use of herbaceous peren- changed over the years in America? tures. In the past, using traditional meth- nial plants. Each generation of gardeners finds differ- ods of division took a long time to build up, for example, a supply of hostas to put into market. Now, tissue culture has al- lowed for faster production of plants. More recently, there is the use of un- rooted cuttings from off-shore sources— usually from Latin America and Israel, where the growing season is longer than most of North America—so that nurseries don’t have to have stock plants any longer. Plugs are another great advancement in production. Before, nurseries had to have a propagation facility where plants were grown from seed or cuttings. Now, the nursery grower can take a plug, put it in a container, fertilize and water it, and presto—you have a marketable plant!

As an educator, what are you seeing in terms of the future of the horticulture profession? The number of horticulture students has decreased, but they are still filling the need—and have the same level of interest as those in years past. I think the numbers may increase as the industry moves more towards addressing the need for green and .

Gwyneth Evans is a former editorial intern

MARY YEE for The American Gardener.

March / April 2010 43 44 by KrisWetherbee Getting theBestOutofBroccoli harvest seasonconsiderably.harvest ing sideshoots,gardeners canextendthe mid-season, andfallvarieties andharvest- no more than80degrees. By plantingearly, 50 to70degrees Fahrenheit, andcertainly Ideally, thetemperature shouldbebetween around maturity produces thebestheads. spring orfall,broccoli hasasuperbflavor. planted tomature inthecoolweather of bles forthekitchengarden. Andwhen in fertile andmoistbutwell-drained soil in fertile right sun,soil,andwaterconditions. cole crop istogrow itfastandprovide the The secret togrowing aprimeheadofany bage, cauliflower, andBrussels sprouts. is related toother“cole” crops suchascab- Broccoli belongstothegenus Brassica GROWING GUIDELINES T Broccoli freshlyharvestedfromthegardenhasaflavorunmatchedbyanypurchasedatmarket. Ensuring cool weather conditions Broccoli grows best inasunnylocation the American Gardener one ofthemostdesirablevegeta- ease ofgrowing broccoli makeit HE CULINARY versatility and and tilize onlytheplantinghole ratherthan nure intothesoil.Anotheroption istofer- compost orathinlayer ofwell-aged ma- planting, work atwo-tofour-inchlayer of you needtokeepthemwell fed.Before In order toproduce big andtastyheads, erate soiltemperature. maintain aneven soilmoisture andmod- poor-quality heads.Mulching helps result inplantsthat produce premature, growth. Lackofadequatemoisture can two inchesofwaterperweek forbest ture-holding capacity andreceive oneto cause plantstodevelop hollow stems.) readily available. (Aboron deficiency can essential micronutrients likeboron, are pH helpsensure thatnutrients,including added organicmatterandappropriate soil between 55to75degrees are ideal.The between 6and7asoiltemperature manure, compost,orleafmold.AsoilpH enriched withorganicmattersuchasaged OERW HARVEST HOMEGROWN Broccoli isamoderatelyheavyfeeder. The soilshouldalsohave goodmois- C direct-seeding, add 25to35days. pending onthevarietyandseason. When 40 to80daysfromtransplanting, de- DAYS TOMATURITY gardening, spaceseeds15inches apart. ing onvariety.Forraisedbedorwide-row plants to1218inchesapartdepend- Thin direct-seededplantsorspacetrans- SPACING compost andkeeptheseedbedmoist. Cover theseedswithloosesoilorsifted seeds perhole,sixtoeightinchesapart. fall-harvested crops.Sowseedsabout Direct-seeding worksespeciallywellfor creased resistancetodiseaseandstress. produce morevigorousplantswithin- Seeds sowndirectlyinthegroundoften DIRECT-SEEDING covers orcloches. seven weeksaheadifprotectedwithrow before yourlastspringfrost,orupto starts intothegroundaboutfourweeks Set outfour-tosix-week-oldhardened-off eight weeksbeforeyourlastspringfrost. start yourown,sowseedsindoorsfiveto ficulty germinatingincoldspringsoil.To spring plantingsbecauseseedshavedif- Transplants areyourbestbetforearly GETTING STARTED Planting Basics 1 / 4 - to 1 / 2 -inch deep,withtwotothree

LEFT: ROB CARDILLO, RIGHT: RICK WETHERBEE Sources PEST AND DISEASE PREVENTION Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow, Using row covers also provides protection ME. (877) 564-6697. from insect pests such as flea beetles and www.johnnyseeds.com. root maggots, especially when used from Pinetree Garden Seeds, New the day of planting. Gloucester, ME. (207) 926-3400. Cabbage loopers and cabbage worms www.superseeds.com. are broccoli’s biggest pests. These de- Territorial Seed Company, Cottage structive caterpillars are best controlled Grove, OR. (800) 626-0866. by introducing parasitic trichogramma www.territorialseed.com. wasps, or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)—a naturally-occurring, non-toxic bacterium. the growing bed. Work in about a half Aphids can easily be controlled with a shovelful of aged manure or compost, or hard spray of water or spraying with in- mix in one quarter cup per plant of nitro- secticidal soap. Better yet, plant nectar- gen-rich organic fertilizer. rich flowers to encourage aphid-eating The nitrogen boost is crucial to get- lacewings to visit your garden. ting early spring varieties off to a fast start when the soil is cool. If soil fertility is RECOMMENDED VARIETIES poor, water plants with or There are two types of broccoli: heading a manure or compost tea about two and sprouting. Some heading types form weeks after transplanting into the garden. usable side shoots once the central head is Depending on the fertility of your soil, cut. Sprouting types—such as ‘Purple you may also want to lightly sidedress with Sprouting’, ‘De Cicco’, and ‘Calabrese’— a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the central form small florets within the leaf axils. head is about an inch across. An addition- Some varieties grow best when plant- al sidedressing may also be needed once ed in early spring, while others excel Top: ‘De Cicco’ is a sprouting type of broccoli. the central head has been cut. when they are planted in late summer for Above: ‘Belstar’ is a good variety for growing Broccoli can tolerate frosts down to 20 a fall crop. A few choice varieties for in cooler spring and fall weather. degrees, although extended temperatures spring include ‘Blue Wind’, ‘Southern below 35 degrees can turn buds purple and Comet’, ‘Belstar’, and ‘Fiesta’, which tol- fall harvests include ‘Gypsy’, ‘Premium sometimes soften heads. Floating row cov- erate both heat and cold temperatures. Crop’, and ‘Marathon’, along with versa- ers provide an extra four to eight degrees of ‘Arcadia’, ‘Windsor’, ‘Green Magic’, and tile cultivars ‘Arcadia’ and ‘Belstar’. protection, potentially extending the sea- ‘Gypsy’ tolerate summer’s heat better son three to four weeks on either end. than most other varieties. Best bets for ENJOYING THE HARVEST The best time to harvest broccoli is when the unopened flower buds are just start- ing to swell but before they open and re- veal the yellow petals. (Although broccoli can still be eaten when buds begin to flower, the taste will be a bit stronger.) In the cool of the morning, cut each stalk five to eight inches below a central head at a 45-degree angle. This will encourage the production of smaller side shoots, in- creasing the per-plant yield. Harvesting these side shoots regularly encourages continued production. Broccoli can be consumed raw or cooked. Cook the florets only until they are tender-crisp and bright in color. Avoid overcooking, which produces a sulfur odor and strong flavor.

Kris Wetherbee is a freelance writer living in

BOTTOM: JERRY PAVIA. RIGHT: COURTESY OF JOHNNY’S SELECTED SEEDS (2) A thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture that is essential for young broccoli plants. Oakland, Oregon.

March / April 2010 45 46 coneflowers recently released alistofrecommended stitution locatedinGreenville, Delaware, Cuba Center, in- anon-profit horticultural researchThe horticultural program atMt. EVALUATION RESULTS MT. CENTERRELEASESCONEFLOWER CUBA project, Mt.Cuba researchers Jeanne Frett Cuba’s highest recommendations. the onlyspeciesconeflowers toreceive Mt. Tennessee coneflower (E.tennesseensis) (E. pallida), coneflower species.Pale purpleconeflower coneflower created from crossing three Cone 2’),whichisnotablythefirsthybrid Meadowbrite cultivars. Also atthetopoflistisPixie the otherhighest-ratedpurpleconeflower ‘Fatal Attraction’, Wine’ and‘Vintage are vividly colored blooms. ‘Elton Knight’, foritsdistinctive and was choseninpart a purpleconeflower withanupright habit, cultivars of purpleconeflower. ‘Pica Bella’, ed coneflowers determinedby thetrialsare choosing coneflowers fortheirgardens. and pestresistance, toconsiderwhen value, adaptability, easeofmaintenance, practical feedback,includingornamental project istogive mid-Atlantic gardeners brid coneflower cultivars. Thegoalofthe ple coneflower (E.purpurea), five coneflower species,31cultivars ofpur- USDA Hardiness Zone 7A/6B,assessed results ofathree-year evaluation project. Horticultural NewsandResearch ImportanttoAmericanGardeners In areport summarizingtheevaluation Most oftheseven highlyrecommend- The project, whichwasconductedin the American Gardener (Echinacea with gray-green foliage,and ™ hybrid coneflower (‘CBG spp.) basedonthe and 12hy- are sell them.”Aneasieroptionistoseekout Fish andWildlife permittopropagate and purchased from nurseries withavalid U.S. gered Species andshouldonlybe nessee coneflowers are “a Federally Endan- and Victor Piatt pointedoutthatTen- Pixie Meadowbrite ‘Pica Bella’purpleconeflower,above,isnotedforitsclean,vigorousgrowthhabit. Earth Day,visit more abouteventstakingplace inyourarea,andotherwaystogetinvolvedon or tosimplycelebratetheday tendingyourownfavoritepatchofEarth.Tolearn occurring ontheNationalMall inWashington,D.C. which willinclude40majorcity eventsaroundtheworld,withflagshipevent forests. TheEDNisalsoorganizing“AGlobalDayofCelebration” onApril25, to takepartinclean-upandrestorationactivitieslocal parks,beaches,and of Service”onApril17and18.Thiseventwillallowvolunteers aroundtheworld partnered withcommunityorganizationsandgovernments to feature“GlobalDays ington, D.C.,dedicatedtosupportingworldwideenvironmental stewardship,has memorate the40thanniversaryofholiday. hall stylemeetingswithcommunityleaders,arebeingplanned worldwidetocom- at alllevels.Thisyear,events,includingvolunteeractivities, rallies,andtown- become anincreasinglyglobaleventandacatalystforenvironmental advocacy Founded April22,1970byUnitedStatesSenatorGaylord Nelson,EarthDayhas 2010 Marks40thAnniversaryofEarthDay GARDENER It’s aperfectopportunitytovolunteer atalocalcommunityorschoolgarden, The EarthDayNetwork(EDN),anenvironmentalactiongroup basedinWash- C ™ www.earthday.net. www.earthday.net. ’ NOTEBOOK S hybrid coneflower,left,featuresanabundanceoffragrantpinkflowers. evaluations.html. www.mtcubacenter.org/research/plant_ list ofotherrecommended cultivars, visit Top’, whichisnotprotected. the Tennessee coneflower selection‘Rocky To read theentire a report andview

COURTESY OF MT. CUBA CENTER (2) STATUS REVIEW SHOWS BUMBLE BEE and then shipped back and distributed. In an effort to help protect these cru- POPULATIONS DECLINING Thorp believes that, while overseas, the cial pollinators, which can fly at lower Honey bees are not the only native polli- bees were infected by a virulent strain of light levels and cooler temperatures than nators whose populations are facing seri- an internal , Nosema bombi, honey bees, Thorp, the Xerces Society, ous peril; a 2007 report by the National which was being carried by European and other wildlife conservation societies Research Council revealed that the num- bees. Once back in the United States, the and scientists recently submitted a peti- ber and distribution of several types of infected bees would have been able to tion to APHIS. The petition asks that the bumble bees have notably declined within pass the disease on to wild populations. Federal government regulate interstate the past two decades. Recently, bee expert Thorp points to the fact that the timing movement of commercial bumble bees Thorp, professor emeritus at the of the native bumble bees’ population in order to stop the spread of disease. collapse coincides with the timing of the To learn more about bumble bees’ role commercially reared bees’ reintroduction as pollinators and the threats they are fac- supports his hypothesis. ing, visit www.xerces.org/bumblebees.

Franklin’s bumble bee has been in decline since 1998 and is now thought to be extinct.

UC Davis Department of Entomology, and the Xerces Society, a non-profit orga- nization focused on the conservation of in- vertebrates, completed a status review of three of the most threatened types of bum- ble bees. Based on their findings, they es- tablished that wild populations of rusty-patched, yellowbanded, and western bumble bees have drastically declined since the 1970s and 80s. All three of these close- ly-related bumble bee species were once widespread throughout their prospective U.S. and Canadian ranges and played cru- cial roles in pollinating crops such as cran- berries, apples, alfalfa, and potatoes. The survey also showed that Franklin’s bumble bee, native only to parts of California and Oregon, might be extinct. According to Thorp, the major threat to these four bumble bee populations could be a disease that was introduced from Europe between 1992 and 1994. During this time period, the USDA’s An- imal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) allowed queen bumble bees to be shipped from the United States to Eu- rope, where they were commercially

COURTESY OF PETER SCHROEDER reared for crop ,

March / April 2010 47 48 Euonymus carnosus Euonymus persistent seedcapsules. Since 1998,theGreatPlants GREATPLANTS CIATION NAME 2010 PLANTS OFTHEYEAR 2010CIATION NAME PLANTS arboretum.unl.edu/greatplants/. of itsrecommended plantsfor2010, visit GreatPlants program andtoseetherest flower spikes.To learn more aboutthe is aperennial prized foritsuprightwhite Sprite’ blazingstar(Liatris microcephala) persistent pinkseedcapsules,and ‘White invasive tree from Chinathatfeatures mus plants for2010.Carnoseflower euony- hoping toattractbeesandbutterflies. purpureum), is ‘Gateway’ Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium United States, andthetop-ratedperennial plantnative tothesoutheastern derstory buckeye (Aesculusbrush parviflora), recommended for2010isbottle- shrub treederused native totheEastCoast.The tukea), American yellowwood (Cladrastis ken- able aswell asornamentalyear-round. plants” thatare environmentally sustain- landscape plantsandrelease exciting new program istoboth“promote overlooked for Great Plains gardens. Thegoalofthe ate anannuallistofrecommended plants Landscape Association,hasworked tocre- boretum andtheNebraska Nursery & oftheNebraskajoint effort Statewide Ar- GreatPlants isalsoreleasing twonew The program’s 2010Tree oftheYear is the American Gardener (Euonymus carnosus) a beautifuldisease-resistant andun- ® a great additionfor gardeners AND PERENNIAL PLANT ASSO- AND PERENNIALPLANT bears brightlycolored, is asmallnon- ® program, a an un- Botanical Garden oftheUniversityZurich. just over20generaofshrubs and smalltreesnativetotheSouthernHemisphere. ing systems,systematicbotany, andtheplantfamilyMonimiaceae,whichcontains dress’s workhasledtoconsiderable advancementsintheunderstandingofbreed- fessor emeritusattheUniversityofZurich,Switzerland,with the12thannualDavid The NationalTropicalBotanicalGarden(NTBG)honoredPeter KarlEndress,pro- Endress HonoredbytheNationalTropicalBotanicalGarden will beDrewBecher,anationalleaderinurbangreening. guished Achievement(1996)andtheAHS’sLibertyHydeBaileyAward(2003). Among hermanyhonorsarethePennsylvaniaSocietyGoldMedalforDistin- Chase CancerCenterandtheGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofcommerce. a memberoftheBoardDirectorsFirstHospitalFoundation,Fox of thePennsylvaniaHorticulturalSociety(PHS).Pepperhasmadeconsiderable After nearly30yearsofleadership,JanePepperwillretirethisspringaspresident PHS’s JanePepperRetires attheCaliforniaAcademyofSciences. the MagnoliaSocietyInternationalandfieldassociateofDepartment Eloise PayneLugerMedalin2009,andhecurrentlyservesasthedirectorfor species facingextinction.HewastherecipientofGardenClubAmerica’s in additiontomakingsignificantprogresspreservingAsianforestsandtree has helpedtobridgeconservationeffortsbetweentheUnitedStatesandChina, as thisyear’srecipientoftheScottMedalandAward.Theannualaward,spon- Plant explorer,botanist,andhorticulturistWilliamMcNamarahasbeenchosen McNamara Awarded2010ScottMedal PLACESintheNEWS PEOPLE and Endress hasalsoservedasdirector oftheInstituteSystematicBotanyand The PHShasjustannouncedthatPepper’sreplacementasPresident Pepper alsoservesasadirectorofthePNCFinancialServicesGroupand exploration andconservation. Over thecourseofhiscareer,En- scientist whohasworkedtocontinueFairchild’slegacyofplant a boardofplantexplorersandbotanists.Theawardgoesto a the awardisnamed. of DavidFairchild,therenownedU.S.plantcollectorforwhom Kampong, theNTBG’sFloridagardenandformerprivateestate Fairchild MedalforPlantExplorationonFebruary12atthe a passionatecommitmenttothePHSmission,”hesays. leadership. Forher,thishasnotbeensimplyajob.It’s tion totheorganization.“Janehasprovidedextraordinary tus andPHSmembershipdoubledto16,000. tenure, thePhiladelphiaFlowerShowgainedinternationalsta- has becomeanationalmodelforcityrevitalization.Duringher contributions toPHSprogramslikePhiladelphiaGreen,which Nominations fortheFairchildMedalaremadeeachyearby PHS CouncilChairJohnBallcommendedPepper’sdevo- than 20plantconservationexpeditionstoAsiaand 20 years.Duringthistime,hehascarriedoutmore Ellen, California,wherehehasbeeninvolvedfor director ofQuarryhillBotanicalGardeninGlen horticulture, andplantconservation. honor ofhiscontributionstothefieldsbotany, lege, waspresentedtoMcNamaraonMarch14in sored bytheScottArboretumofSwarthmoreCol- In 2007,McNamarawasappointedexecutive

LEFT: COURTESY OF GREATPLANTS®. RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: COURTESY OF THE SCOTT ARBORETUM; PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCI- ETY; NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN for funding, is no longer economically vi- able as a non-profit organization. WORLD’S #1 TOP The 6.5-acre garden is the former estate PLANT SUPPLY of Rae Selling Berry, a plantswoman who PLANT spent 32 years establishing and maintain- #1HEALTH EXTRA LIFE ing the garden’s collections. Following Greatest Guarantee-Offer PROOF Ever SINCE 1940, $5,000. GUARANTEED to be Berry’s death in 1976, the estate was sold Worldunchallenged, CHAMPION to the Friends of the Berry Botanic Gar- #1 Activator, #1 Trans/ #1 Extra #1 REVIVER, PLANTER, GROWER, WORLD’S FAIR SCIENCE-MEDAL-WINNING #1 Perfecter den, a non-profit corporation that was TM VI ® 50 TM dedicated to maintaining, studying, and IN adding to Berry’s collections. ONE Located on a small street in an afflu- VITAMINS-HORMONES USED BY U.S. –– FERTILIZER GUARANTEED Departments of –– –– POLLUTING BioUSABLES As Advertised in , ARMY, NON TM Better Homes & Gardens ent neighborhood south of downtown NAVY, AIR. Etc. TO ADD TO FERTILIZING for growing Landscape Architecture ALSO BY STATES, Horticulture CITIES, COUNTIES, DOUBLE MONEY-BACK UNIVERSITIES Portland, the garden has struggled over RECOMMENDED TOP VALUE BY EXPERTS OF TV, RADIO, BOOKS, EXTREME Concentration MAGAZINES, Drop-A-CupTM or CONFERENCES Dozens Drop-A-GalTM the years with issues such as a lack of OF THE parking facilities and opposition to ex- WORLD’S SCIENCE & INDUSTRY ONLY GOLD MEDAL pansion by community groups. WORLD’S FAIR 1940 science ADD to any fertilizingTM • 50 INSTANT BioUSABLES NORMAL PURE COMPLEXES Negotiations are currently underway to • From Carbon-Hydrogen-Oxygen MIRACLES natural organic crystals • Save plants from waiting while IN EACH trying to make them DROP! move the BBG’s seed bank and plant con- • Unique. Nothing is “like” it. SEE TO BELIEVE–– HEALTHIER, FASTER plants Long-lived and easy to care for, blue false servation program, headed by Ed Guer- BEAUTY and CROP yieldADDED TO 21 FERTILIZERS by 21 Growers YOU CAN indigo is a foolproof garden choice. rant, to Portland State University’s (PSU) ORDER PINT, QUART, Environmental Science and Management GALLON, Billions–PROVEN or DRUM B A L A N C E D ORIGINAL Another organization that sponsors an program. BBG Interim Director Margaret ADDED TO annual award for outstanding plants is Eickmann and Mark Sytsma, chairman of 18 FERTILIZERS, by 18 Growers the Perennial Plant Association (PPA), the PSU program, are optimistic that the which has named blue false indigo (Bap- move will be successful. Although the tran- tisia australis) its 2010 Perennial Plant of sition cannot be finalized until the proper- the Year. The PPA award program is de- ty is sold, its completion would be crucial NEARLY 1000 BOOKS, CONFERENCES, signed to showcase low-maintenance, to preserving the more than 14,000 acces- RECOMMENDED BY MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS, TVs, RADIOS consistently ornamental perennials that sions of rare and endangered native plants USED BY FIVE U.S. DEPARTMENTS TO HELP WIN WORLD WAR II can be grown successfully in many areas that the seed bank currently holds. OF GOVERNMENTS, STATE UNIVERSITIES, LEADING THOUSANDS , BOTANICAL GARDENS, PARKS SYSTEMS of the country. Native to the eastern Although BBG board and staff mem- U.S. STATES and CITIES IN MULTIPLE-DRUMS LOTS FLOWERING PLANTS SHOW WINNERS – “everywhere” United States, blue false indigo was cho- bers are still hopeful that a public entity HEALTHY, TOXICS-FREE FOODS GROWERS sen in part because of its striking combi- will assume ownership of the garden be- UNIQUE. Far easier plant success nation of cloverlike, bluish-green foliage fore it is placed on the market, Eickmann and erect racemes of violet-blue flowers. emphasizes that its loss “is a blow to cur- It is adaptable to a variety of landscape rent and future generations.” The gar- uses, including meadows and perennial den’s situation has helped her realize that borders. To learn more about blue false “people who love public gardens must indigo and other Baptisia species, you can look for fresh ways to communicate the read the feature article on page 24 of this value of such places, so that a new gener- issue, or visit www.perennialplant.org. ation of people will become involved in To view a list of 2010 plant awards their protection and support. Without sponsored by other North American active champions for preserving public plant societies and organizations, click on gardens, I fear that many of the small 11 XMAS TREES 17 HYDROSEEDING 22 the link in this issue’s table of contents on gems, like the Berry Botanic Garden, will 12 REFORESTATION 18 LANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS 13 19 PROPAGATION 23 INTERIORSCAPING 14 FIELD CROPS 20 ANTI-EROSION 24 CUT FLOWERS the AHS website (www.ahs.org). be lost,” she adds. 15 BONSAI 21 ENVIRONMENTAL 25 WEATHER DAMAGE The garden remains open while the 16 TISSUE CULTURE IMPROVEMENT 26 WATER GARDENS BERRY BOTANIC GARDEN TO CLOSE Friends of the BBG search for a buyer, but AT CONSCIENTIOUS PLANT DEALERS WORLDWIDE Used, tipped to, and supplied by thousands of conscientious After carefully searching for other alterna- prospective visitors must contact the gar- plant-selling firms. On every continent, without salesmen. tives, the board of The Berry Botanic Gar- den to make an appointment. The BBG’s REFUSE “just as good,” false, cheaply made, den (BBG), a public garden located in website, www.berrybot.org, will continue to unbalancing substitutes – often 991/2% water. Portland, Oregon, has reluctantly slated be updated with information on the status NOTHING IS AT ALL “LIKE” the property to be sold. It became evident of the garden’s transition and the future of 50 VITAMINS-HORMONES V to the board after the 2008 economic its many unique plant specimens. Made in U.S.A. by VITAMIN INSTITUTE I downturn that the garden, which relies 12610 Saticoy Street South, North Hollywood, CA 91605 Website www.superthrive.com

COURTESY OF PERENNIAL PLANT ASSOCIATION heavily on visitors, members, and donors Written by Editorial Intern Krystal Flogel.

March / April 2010 49 GREENC GARAGE®

Garden Gloves by Rita Pelczar

HILE HE WAS in office W in the 1970s, I had the pleasure of meeting President Jimmy Carter in a reception line. As I shook his hand, I was struck with the thought that it had been some time since the President had worked in a peanut field. His hands lacked the calluses and roughness I associated with ac- tive gardeners and farmers. But perhaps President Carter simply knew the benefit of good gar- Pallina Garden Gloves dening and work gloves.

for turning the compost in winter. Wa- through the washer each time you wear ABCS OF GARDENING GLOVES terproof gloves are particularly impor- them. Washing them with the hose while There are several things to consider when tant for cold, wet weather. While it’s also they are still on your hands—add a little selecting gardening gloves: The first is that important to wear waterproof gloves for soap if necessary—is often sufficient. there is no one pair that fits all gardening mixing garden chemicals or cleaning the Fit is also very important; gloves chores. Trying to use the same glove for pond, breathable gloves are a better op- should be tight enough to stay put with- every gardening task can be like trying to tion for many warm-weather tasks. out binding and be loose enough to be use a baseball mitt to play golf. Some gloves offer waterproof palms and comfortable without feeling too bulky. Glove lengths vary. Thin, wrist-length fingers and a breathable back. In sum- Try them on before you buy them to be gloves that are snug and flexible are great mer, gloves with added sun protection sure they are comfortable. Or if you buy for pinching chrysanthemums but likely come in handy. them online, follow the manufacturer’s won’t prevent blisters when you are rak- Gloves get dirty, so it’s helpful if they size guidelines. ing leaves. But padded gloves that reduce are washable. But you needn’t put them Durability is another consideration. No blisters and scraped knuckles also reduce glove lasts forever, but a well-constructed the manual dexterity needed for detailed glove will take some abuse—sturdy mate- work in the garden. Sources rial and reinforced seams can make a big If you are pruning shrubs or working Bionic Gloves, www.bionicgloves.com. difference. However, if you work in the around poison ivy, a glove with an ex- Clean Air Gardening garden a lot—like —most gardening tended sleeve provides much more pro- www.cleanairgardening.com. gloves are good for a single growing season tection than wrist length models. Most Foxgloves, www.foxglovesinc.com. at best. But they do earn their keep. gardeners should have at least two pairs Gardener’s Supply of gloves, one for precision chores and www.gardeners.com. GLOVES FOR DETAIL WORK one for those activities that require some Mud Glove, www.mudglove.com For precision chores such as thinning a protection. Pallina, www.thepallina.com. new row of beets or transplanting young Your gloves should also suit the sea- West County Gardener impatiens seedlings into a bed, you need son—the gloves you wear for summer www.westcountygardener.com. snug-fitting, flexible gloves. Foxgloves, de- weeding are probably not warm enough signed with women in mind, are made of

50 the American Gardener Supplex® nylon and Lycra® spandex for a and protects skin from nasty thorns. The ports. “Motion zones” over the knuckles tough glove with a cottony feel and a com- first place my gloves always wear out is the and “web zones” between fingers allow fortable, stretchy fit. Their “Elle Grip” fingertips, so Pallina gloves, with their re- natural movement with reduced stress. gloves are elbow length, providing both inforced fingertips and sturdy kevlar stitch- Its gloves, with an extended sleeve scratch protection and 50+ UPF sun pro- ing, rank high on my list for durability. for protection from thorns, have received tection. The silicone grip ovals provide a They are available in both soft goatskin the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease-of-Use leather and a material made out of 100 per- Commendation. cent recycled plastic bottles. Pallina also of- The Miracle Fiber Rose Glove from fers a fully lined pruning sleeve that comes Gardener’s Supply also provides forearm in handy when dealing with dense branch- protection. It is breathable and flexible es, particularly if they are thorny. yet tough, and is made of a synthetic Another rugged option is the Land- suede material that is washable but won’t scape Glove from West County Gar- shrink or crack. deners, which is particularly well suited for working with power tools because it KEEP A SUPPLY AT HAND features a padded gel palm that reduces I have learned that if you want occasion- vibrations. The heavyweight fabric of al help in the garden, it’s important to the glove increases its durability, and sil- keep a supply of gardening gloves on icone dots on fingers and palm improve hand. Offer a nice pair of gloves as you Foxgloves grip. These gloves are also made from re- solicit assistance for turning the compost cycled plastic bottles. pile or digging the carrots and you’re The Winter Work Glove from Gar- more likely to get a positive response. dener’s Supply keeps hands warm, blocks Kids, in particular, enjoy having their non-slip grasp that is great for working with tools. Foxgloves are available in a range of colors and sizes. West Country The Nitrile Weeding Glove from Gardener Children’s Garden Gloves Gardener’s Supply fits the bill; it is made of lightweight nylon that has been dipped in nitrile (a non-latex rubber) to coat the palm and fingers. The back of the glove is not coated, so it breathes, making it a good choice for warm weath- er. Simply Mud® gloves also use nitrile for strength and suppleness. Mud’s Sun- flower™ gloves extend beyond the elbow West Country Gardener with an air mesh gauntlet that is made of Landscape Gloves UV-blocking fabric. The Original Mud® Gloves are a bit more rugged, with a wind, and wicks away perspiration. The heavy latex coating and a textured grip latex-treated fingers and palms provide a that I have found particularly good for steady grip for handling tools. West working in soil; these gloves have a com- County Gardener also offers a breathable fortable cotton liner. waterproof glove that is designed like a For those gardeners who insist on feel- ski glove—with ing the dirt beneath their fingers, Yard three layers. Glove lotion provides an alternative to If you suffer own pair of gloves, and several companies gloves. Containing natural ingredients from hand or wrist offer kid-size gloves in fun colors. such as aloe vera and beeswax, Yard Glove fatigue or arthritis, The evidence of your hard work in the is spread on skin to create a thin barrier consider the Bionic garden should be your well-maintained that protects and moisturizes skin and cu- Glove, manufac- flower beds, neatly-pruned shrubs, and ticles for several hours while you work. It tured by Louisville weed-free rows of vegetables, not the con- washes off with soap and water. Slugger®. Designed dition of your hands. Forget the notion by an orthopedic that blisters and calluses are a badge of GLOVES FOR RUGGED CHORES Bionic Glove hand surgeon, these honor; invest in a pair of good gloves. For heavier gardening chores like pruning, gloves are made digging, and working with power tools, I from top-grade kid leather and are Rita Pelczar is contributing editor for The prefer a heftier glove that prevents blisters equipped with relief pads and wrist sup- American Gardener.

March / April 2010 51 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

What’s Wrong With My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?): Homegrown Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs: A Visual Guide to Easy Diagnosis and Organic Remedies. A Bountiful, Healthful Garden for Lean Times. David Deardorff and Kathryn Wadsworth. Timber Press, Portland, Jim Wilson. Photographs by Walter Chandoha. Creative Homeowner, Oregon, 2009. 451 pages. Publisher’s price, softcover: $24.95. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2009. 191 pages. Publisher’s price, softcover: $16.95. THERE HAVE always been ways to diagnose what is wrong with plants. Ask someone who is knowledgeable in the area of The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible plant diseases or try to find your plant Edward C. Smith. Storey Publishing, North Adams, Massachusetts, symptoms in that big Ortho Problem 2009 (revised and updated). 351 pages. Publisher’s price: hardcover, Solver sitting in the corner of the local $34.95; softcover: $24.95. nursery. Ah, but it isn’t always easy to find a cooperative Extension pest scout, JUST IN TIME for the 2010 growing season come two com- and there are way too many pictures in prehensive vegetable-garden books from experienced garden- the Ortho book. ers, welcome titles in an age when too many horticulture To the rescue comes What’s Wrong volumes are written by people who With My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?), own neither shovel nor hoe. Although a tremendous collaborative effort be- each has unique insights, they cover tween plant pathologist David Deardorff and naturalist/photo- pretty much the same ground, from grapher Kathryn Wadsworth. Finally, an easy-to-use system that preparing the soil through garden will help the indoor and outdoor gardener figure out what is planning and maintenance and deal- going on when plants develop problems. It made me wonder ing with diseases and insects to har- why someone hadn’t done this before. vesting the crop. The book allows readers to select a suitable starting point In Homegrown Vegetables, Fruits, and that describes a plant’s symptom—for example, wilting leaves Herbs, Jim Wilson—a prolific author or holes in the stems—and answer simple questions that even- whose face is familiar to fans of PBS’s tually lead to a solution to the problem. What is even better, The Victory Garden—“aims to hold the following the predicate of doing the least amount of harm when hand of the new gardener.” And he does correcting problems, the authors then suggest organic ways to just that, although his advice is useful to address each situation. the experienced as well. With the help The book is divided into three parts. The first features clear of Walter Chandoha’s beautiful pho- keys that help identify the cause. Each step of the way includes tographs, Wilson’s unassuming but au- its own illustration. Once the problem is identified, the reader thoritative voice reveals his seven just goes to the suggested page in the second section, which decades in the garden while striking ex- contains a hierarchy of remedies. The third section, also refer- actly the right tone for beginners. enced by individual page numbers in the previous two, contains Diehard organic growers will disagree with Wilson’s less- excellent pictures of symptoms to help confirm the diagnosis than-orthodox views, but he is far from an apologist for using of the problem and offer remedies. toxic chemicals. Although a champion of organic fertilizers This is a massive undertaking, covering virtually every prob- and integrated pest management, he admits that he “won’t lem a gardener might come across. Because it’s easy to use, well lose any sleep over not being 100 percent organic.” I like that written, and well illustrated, What’s Wrong With My Plant?(And philosophy, as well as his recommendation not to go over- How Do I Fix It?) is an important reference that will help gar- board on heirloom vegetables, which may not “weather the deners successfully diagnose their own plant problems and worst that Mother Nature can throw at them.” make educated decisions about how to solve them. Ed Smith’s The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible, a popular book — Jeff Lowenfels published a decade ago, is an update, 42 pages longer than the original. A resident of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Smith Alaska garden writer and radio host Jeff Lowenfels is author of knows about tough growing conditions—his are slightly better Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the than Siberia—and promotes wide, raised beds with deeply dug Soil Food Web (Timber Press, 2006). He is a member of the Garden soil for edible crops. This is not a regional book, however; his Writers Hall of Fame. system offers a winning approach for any location.

52 the American Gardener For those who own the original edition of the book, it The Encyclopedia of Herbs: A Comprehensive Reference to should be noted that there is not a great deal new in this up- Herbs of Flavor and Fragrance. date, as Smith’s guidance for creating a high-yield, environ- Arthur O. Tucker and Thomas DeBaggio. Timber Press, Portland, Ore- mentally safe garden and harvest is spotless. All the basics and gon, 2009. 604 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $39.95. details are there, from making compost to the pH requirements of different crops to when to harvest. “Bible” may be an over- I’M GOING TO start off with full disclosure: I count both Art statement, but the book is a fine introduction to vegetable gar- Tucker and Tom DeBaggio as friends, and they have been men- dening and will be useful to both novices and veterans. tors and colleagues since I first met them You can’t go wrong with either of these books. Having said decades ago. While this may call into that, neither is perfect, especially when it comes to identifying question my ability to be an objective re- specific varieties to plant. Homegrown Vegetables, Fruits, and viewer, I think it would be difficult to Herbs includes almost no varietal recommendations—except find anyone in the herb community variety lists, and the descriptions often are vague: “Disease Re- who does not know the authors, who sistant” isn’t very helpful. Resistant to what? And despite ex- are noted international experts. plaining the important difference between determinate and The Encyclopedia of Herbs is an ex- indeterminate tomatoes, that quality is not specified for any of pansion and revision of The Big Book of the listed tomatoes. Herbs, which was published by Inter- Choosing the right variety is crucial to garden success. A weave Press in 2000. Since the publication of the earlier book, I, heat-resistant variety suitable for Florida won’t succeed in along with many other herb growers, gardeners, and horticultur- northern . Having detailed, varietal recommendations ists, have used it as a constant resource. One would think that such from these experts would have really added value. an important and useful—not to mention award-winning—book —Karan Davis Cutler could hardly be improved on. Well, nearly a decade later, it has. The new-and-improved revision has a handsome new appear- Karan Davis Cutler is the author of The Complete Vegetable and ance and is thoroughly updated to reflect the latest nomenclature, Herb Gardener (Macmillan, 1997) She lives in Vermont, where she new cultivars and varieties for each herb described, an expanded writes a garden blog for The Christian Science Monitor and is list of references, and some totally new plants that have been added working on a book about gardening to attract wildlife. because they have become more commonplace in today’s market.

March / April 2010 53 In addition, the section on the genus Pelargonium has been fully revised. The book was edited by Francesco DeBaggio, who has If you’re intimidated by the often-daunting task of pruning— followed in his father’s garden footprints as an excellent grower deciding when to prune, how much to remove, and how to and resource for cultivation information in his own right. minimize damage to the plant—the One of my favorite parts of the book is the “super label” at the newly revised and updated The Pruning beginning of each plant entry. This at-a-glance chart immediate- Book (Taunton Press, 2010, $21.95) ly lets the reader know how to pronounce the , and by Lee Reich has the answers. Now in a provides succinct information on family, growth form, hardiness, softcover edition, the straightforward, light, water, soil, propagation, culinary, craft, and landscape use. three-part reference includes more than The book is laid out in the same, easy-to-use style, with the first 350 color photographs and detailed il- section providing a thorough overview of growing, harvesting and lustrations showing step-by-step in- preserving herbs. The second section is an alphabetical listing of structions for pruning techniques that more than 500 species of herbs of fragrance and flavor. Each entry can be applied to a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines. contains in-depth descriptions, recommended cultivation and In the first section, Reich discusses the reasons for prun- care, history, and use of individual herbs. ing and reviews different types of pruning equipment. Ac- Although I miss the illustrations by Susan Strawn Bailey that knowledging that some gardeners “shudder at the thought of graced the first edition of the book, I am happy to see Marjorie putting a blade to a plant,” Reich explains how proper prun- Legitt’s lovely, detailed illustrations with many of the entries. ing methods are used to benefit, not harm, woody plants. The book has been added to, tightened up, and well edited The second section of the book provides pruning recom- to become a modern equivalent of the classic herbal. If I could mendations for specific kinds of plants, such as evergreens, have only one herbal reference in my library, without a doubt deciduous trees and shrubs, vines, and houseplants. it would be The Encyclopedia of Herbs. Reich ends with an overview of specialized pruning tech- —Susan Belsinger niques such as pollarding, pleaching, and creating standards, and ultimately provides a comprehensive resource suitable for Susan Belsinger is a culinary herbalist who blogs for Taunton Press both novice pruners and landscape professionals. (www.vegetablegardener.com) and is a contributing editor to Herb —Krystal Flogel, Editorial Intern Companion.

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Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST Flower and garden shows that offer free or Gardens. Pine Mountain, Georgia. (800) CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT discounted admission to AHS members or 225-5292. www.callawaygardens.com. RAP MAR. 20–APR. 11. Spring Festival. present AHS awards are designated by a k Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. symbol. For details on the benefits offered, MAR. 25–28. Savannah Tour of Homes & Gar- Buffalo, New York. (716) 827-1584. visit www.ahs.org/events/index.htm and click dens. Savannah, Georgia. (912) 234-8054. www.buffalogardens.com. www.savannahtourofhomes.org. on “Flower and Home and Garden Shows.”

MAR. 24–28. Boston Flower & Garden Show. RAP MAR. 26. John Bartram Lives. Lecture. Seaport World Trade Center. Boston, Events hosted by botanical gardens and State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Athens, Massachusetts. (617) 933-4900. arboreta that participate in AHS’s Reciprocal Georgia. (706) 542-6156. www.masshort.org. Admissions Program are identified with the www.uga.edu/botgarden. RAP symbol. Current AHS members showing a RAP MAR. 28. Early Spring Specimens. valid membership card are eligible for free or RAP APR. 3 & 4. Orchid/Bromeliad Expo & Guided tour. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, discounted admission to the garden or other Sale. Flamingo Gardens. Davie, Florida. (954) and Arboretum. Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) benefits. Special events may not be included; 473-2955. www.flamingogardens.org. 253-2707. www.blithewold.org. contact the host site for details or visit k www.ahs.org/events/reciprocal_events.htm. APR. 9–11. Bloom ‘n’ Garden Expo. Ag RAP APR. 3–MAY 2. Hanami: The Cherry Expo Park. Franklin, Tennessee. (615) 973- Blossom Viewing Season. Brooklyn Botanic 2112. www.bloomngarden.com. Garden. Brooklyn, New York. (718) 623- 7210. www.bbg.org. kins Arboretum. Ridgely, Maryland. (410) 634-2878. www.adkinsarboretum.org. RAP APR. 17. 21st Century Plants from RAP APR. 4. Guided Garden Tour. Tower Hill Grandmother’s Garden. Lecture. Daniel Botanic Garden. Boylston, Massachusetts. APR. 10–NOV. 21. Making Scents. Indoor and Stowe Botanical Garden. Belmont, North (508) 869-6111. www.towerhillbg.org. outdoor exhibition. Longwood Gardens. Carolina. (704) 829-1252. www.DSBG.org. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. (610) 388- APR. 30. Spring Plant Auction & Sale. 1000. www.longwoodgardens.org. APR. 17 & 18. Flower & Garden Expo. St. Connecticut Horticultural Society. Tolland Johns County Agricultural Center. County Agricultural Center. Vernon, Con- AHS APR. 11 & 12. Colonial Williamsburg St. Augustine, Florida. (904) 829-3295. necticut. (860) 529-8713. www.cthort.org. Garden Symposium. Williamsburg, Virginia. www.epiccommunityservices.org. (800) 603-0948. www.colonialwilliams Looking ahead burg.org/conted. NORTH CENTRAL MAY 1. May Gardener’s Market. Garden Edu- IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI cation Center of Greenwich. Montgomery RAP APR. 24. Spring Plant Sale. Pinetum Park. Cos Cob, Connecticut. (203) Historic London Town and Gardens. RAP MAR. 19–MAY 2. Tree Trunk Show. 869-9242 ext. 10. www.gecgreenwich.org. Edgewater, Maryland. (410) 222-1919. Tree-art exhibit. Minnesota Landscape www.historiclondontown.org. Arboretum. Chaska, Minnesota. (952) 443- RAP MAY 1–JUNE 13. Emily Dickinson’s Gar- 1400. www.arboretum.umn.edu. den. Exhibition. The New York Botanical APR. 25. Wildflower Celebration. Mt. Cuba Garden. Bronx, New York. (718) 817-8700. Center. Greenville, Delaware. (302) 239- RAP APR. 17. Spring Fever Mini-Sympo- www.nybg.org. 4244. www.mtcubacenter.org. sium. Iowa Arboretum. Madrid, Iowa. (515) 795-3216. www.iowaarboretum.org. Looking ahead MID-ATLANTIC MAY 1. Rare Plants and Garden Ornaments RAP APR. 17 & 18. Ann Arbor Orchid PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC Sale. Ladew Topiary Gardens. Monkton, Festival. University of Michigan Matthaei MAR. 27. Camellia Society Show & Sale. Maryland. (410) 557-9570. Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Camellia Society of Potomac Valley. www.ladewgardens.com. Ann Arbor, Michigan. (734) 647-7600. Brookside Gardens. Wheaton, Maryland. www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg. (301) 962-1400. http://montgomery JUNE 3–5. 20th Annual Millersville Native parks.org/brookside. Plant Conference. Millersville University. k APR. 17–25. Cincinnati Flower Show. Millersville, Pennsylvania. (717) 871-2189. Cincinnati Horticultural Society. Symmes RAP APR. 3 & 4. Virginia Daffodil Society www.millersvillenativeplants.org. Township Park. Symmes Township, Ohio. Show. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. (513) 872-5194. www.cincyflowershow.com. Richmond, Virginia. (804) 262-9887. SOUTHEAST www.lewisginter.org. AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN RAP APR. 24. Basics of Composting. RAP APR. 9. Global Gardening. Lecture. Ad- MAR. 25–28. Plant Fair and Sale. Callaway Demonstrations. Garfield Park Conservatory.

56 the American Gardener Chicago, Illinois. (312) 746-5100. www.garfieldconservatory.org. Lilytopia at Longwood Gardens

RAP APR. 24 & 25. Perennial Premiere. LONGWOOD GARDENS will be showcasing the latest lily cultivars from Dutch Plant sale. Indianapolis Museum of Art breeders in a new event this spring at Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Lilytopia, which Greenhouse. Indianapolis, Indiana. (317) was inspired by the Netherlands’ famed Keuken- 920-2660. www.imamuseum.org. hof Lily Show, will take place May 21 to 31 in k Longwood’s East Conservatory and will feature APR. 30–MAY 2. in Bloom Garden thousands of lilies arranged in unique displays. Show. Holliday Park. Indianapolis, Indiana. Dorien van den Berg, the designer of Keukenhof’s (317) 251-9253. www.orchardinbloom.org. displays, will be travelling from the Netherlands to oversee Lilytopia’s creation. The event will be Looking ahead presented in association with the International RAP MAY 1 & 2. Glenview/Northshore Flower Bulb Centre and the Royal Dutch Trade African Violet Society Show & Sale. Association for Flowerbulbs and Nursery Stock. Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe, Illinois. In addition to the cut flower display, on May (847) 835-5440. www.chicagobotanic.org. 24 Longwood will host the Lilytopia Symposium, a one-day seminar aimed at providing lily breeders, growers, and floral designers with SOUTH CENTRAL the latest research, production techniques, and marketing strategies. Symposium at- AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX tendants will hear from leading lily experts from the United States and the Nether- RAP THROUGH APR. 11. Dallas Blooms. lands on topics such as recent design trends and the newest lily cultivars. Floral festival. Dallas Arboretum and Botani- Of the new event, Longwood Gardens Director Paul Redman says, “Lilytopia will cal Garden. Dallas, Texas. (214) 515-6500. showcase the diversity of the genus Lilium in one of the largest displays in North www.dallasarboretum.org. America and offer valuable educational and networking opportunities for growers and retailers to take their businesses to the next level.” RAP MAR. 27 & 28. Zilker Garden Festival. The fragrant lily displays will be an added component of Longwood’s upcoming Zilker Botanical Garden. Austin, Texas. exhibition, “Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance,” which will take place (512) 477-8672. www.zilkergarden.org. April 10 through November 21. This ongoing outdoor and indoor exhibition will evolve with the changing seasons and will invite visitors to learn about the processes RAP APR. 2. Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. Mis- souri Botanical Garden Kemper Center. St. and plants involved in making perfume, as well as create their own personal fragrance. Louis, Missouri. (314) 577-5100. For more information regarding Lilytopia, including how to register for the Lily- www.mobot.org. topia Symposium, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.

RAP APR. 10 & 11. Spring Plant Sale & Cylburn Arboretum Announces Gardening Festival. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Austin, Texas. Grand Opening of the New Vollmer Center (512) 232-0100. www.wildflower.org. ON MAY 1, following more than a year of construction and renovations, the Cyl- APR. 10–26. Tulip Time Festival. Old Prairie burn Arboretum in Baltimore, Maryland, will celebrate the grand opening of its new Town at Ward Meade Historic Site. Topeka, visitor and education center, the Vollmer Center. Kansas. (785) 368-2437. www.topeka.org. In addition to housing a visitor orientation gallery, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and offices for the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland and the Horticultural Soci- RAP APR. 19 & 20. Garden Symposium. ety of Maryland, the Vollmer Center will implement the latest in green technology. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. Monroe, Among the center’s sustainable features are geothermal heating and cooling, com- . (318) 387-5281. posting toilets, a green roof, recycled slate siding, and a parking lot filter system de- www.bmuseum.org. signed to manage stormwater and reduce erosion. Along with the construction of the new building, Cylburn’s $6-million revitaliza- APR. 24 & 25. Show Me Gourd Festival. State Fair Grounds Agriculture Building. Sedalia, tion project also included numerous improvements to the grounds and landscape dis- Missouri. (816) 987-2133. plays, as well as a new classroom and other additions to the greenhouse facility. www.showmegourdsociety.com. The Vollmer Center’s grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony followed by a day of family garden events, exhibits, demonstrations, and SOUTHWEST food. Special activities, including garden lectures, guided tours, and a spring plant AZ, NM, CO, UT sale, are also planned for each weekend in May. “Everyone is looking forward to spring and our grand opening events,” says Cyl- RAP MAR. 8–JAN. 31. Moore in the Gardens. burn’s acting chief horticulturist Melissa Grim. “With all the renovations, upgrades and Outdoor sculpture exhibition. Denver the construction of the new Vollmer Center, it is a new day for Cylburn Arboretum. Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. We will be the center for horticulture in Baltimore and the region as well as a site for learning about green building. The Vollmer Center is one of the ‘greenest’ city build- MAR. 27. New Leaf Plant Sale. Tucson ings in Baltimore and we look forward to sharing all that technology with our visitors.” Botanical Gardens. Tucson, Arizona. For more information, visit www.cylburnassociation.org. (520) 326-9686. www.tucsonbotanical.org. —Krystal Flogel, Editorial Intern APR. 3 & 4. Spring Plant Sale. Living Desert COURTESY OF LONGWOOD GARDENS

March / April 2010 57 Zoo and Gardens State Park. Santa Fe, New Mexico. (505) 476-3355. Second Year for National Public Gardens Day www.emnrd.state.nm.us. FOR THE SECOND YEAR in a row, the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) RAP APR. 16–18. Cactus and Succulent is encouraging its more than 500 member institutions around the United States to Show and Sale. Desert Botanical Garden. schedule special events for National Phoenix, Arizona. (480) 941-1225. www.dbg.org. Public Gardens Day. This year’s cele- bration is scheduled for May 7, the Fri- RAP APR. 17 & 18. Spring Bulb Show & day before Mother’s Day. Rain Bird, a Competition. Red Butte Garden at the Uni- leading manufacturer of irrigation versity of Utah. Salt Lake City, Utah. (801) products, is a sponsor of the program, 585-0556. www.redbuttegarden.org. and water conservation will be a theme at many gardens, including the Los An- RAP APR. 22. Edible Landscaping. Lecture. geles Arboretum, the Atlanta Botanical Denver Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. Garden, and the Morris Arboretum in (720) 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These gar- dens will also have special activities con- k APR. 30–MAY 2. Maricopa County Home & tinuing through Mother’s Day Landscape Show. Arizona State Fairgrounds. weekend. The AHS will be participat- Phoenix, Arizona. (602) 485-1691. ing in a Smithsonian Institution-spon- www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com. sored special event on May 7; for more Looking ahead details on this, turn to page 10. MAY 7. National Public Gardens Day. Rio The Atlanta Botanical Garden is among the The APGA launched National Public Grande Botanic Garden. Albuquerque, New public gardens offering special activities in Gardens Day in 2009 as a way to foster Mexico. (505) 848-7112. observance of National Public Gardens Day. greater public awareness of the impor- www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden/ index.html. tance of public gardens and the role they play in supporting environmental stewardship in local communities. “Regardless of their WEST COAST size, all public gardens share a common commitment to providing outreach programs CA, NV, HI aimed at engaging their communities and educating future generations about the irre- MAR. 24–28. San Fransisco Flower & Garden placeable value of plants,” says Dan Stark, APGA executive director. For information Show. San Mateo Event Center. San Mateo, about events at gardens and arboretums in your area, visit www.publicgardens.org. California. (415) 684-7278. www.sfgardenshow.com. —Krystal Flogel, Editorial Intern

RAP MAR. 26 & 27. Spring Plant Sale. Descanso Gardens. La Cañada Flintridge, NORTHWEST California. (818) 949-4200. 9503. www.leachgarden.org. AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY www.descansogardens.org. RAP MAR. 26–28. Boise Flower and Garden Looking Ahead: k APR. 8–11. California State Flower & Show. Idaho Botanical Garden. Boise, Ida- RAP MAY 8. Washington Native Plant Garden Show. Cal Expo. California Garden ho. (208) 343-8649. www.idahobotanical Society Sale. Bellevue Botanical Garden. Clubs, Inc. Sacramento, California. (877) garden.org. Bellevue, Washington. (425) 452-2750. 696-6668. www.calstategardenshow.com. www.bellevuebotanical.org. MAR. 28. Sand and Stone Raking Workshop. Portland . Portland, CANADA APR. 10 & 11. Spring Plant Sale and Garden Oregon. (503) 223-1321. www.japanese Tours. Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. garden.com. RAP MAR. 27. Spring Pruning Workshop. Occidental, California. (707) 874-1557. Royal Botanical Gardens. Hamilton, Ontario. www.oaec.org. RAP APR. 10. Early Bloomers Plant Sale. (905) 527-1158. www.rbg.ca. Washington Park Arboretum. Seattle, Wash- APR. 12. Australian Perennials. Presentation. ington. (206) 325-4510. www.arboretum RAP APR. 14. Parks, Plants, and People. The San Diego Horticultural Society. Del foundation.org. Lecture. Toronto Botanical Garden. Mar Fairgrounds. Encinitas, California. Toronto, Ontario. (416) 397-1340. (760) 295-7089. www.sdhortsoc.org. APR. 13–15. World Tulip Summit. Skagit Valley www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca. Tulip Festival. Northwest Agriculture Business APR. 16. Practical Pruning: A Workshop for Center. Mt. Vernon, Washington. (360) 336- APR. 25. VanDusen Plant Sale. VanDusen Arborists and Landscapers. UC Davis Exten- 3727. www.2010worldtulipsummit.com. Botanical Garden. Vancouver, British Colum- sion. Davis, California. (800) 752-0881. bia. (604) 878-9274. www.vandusen http://extension.ucdavis.edu/agriculture. APR. 14. Visionary Landscapes. Lecture. Cen- garden.org. ter for Urban Horticulture. Northwest Horti- RAP APR. 24. Growing Proteas in Bay Area cultural Society. Seattle, Washington. (206) Looking ahead Gardens. Lecture. San Francisco Botanical 527-1794. www.northwesthort.org. MAY 8. UBC Perennial Plant Sale. UBC Botani- Garden at Strybing Arboretum. San Francis- cal Garden and Centre for Plant Research. co, California. (415) 661-1316. RAP APR. 17. Plant Sale. Leach Botanical Vancouver, British Columbia. (604) 822- www.sfbotanicalgarden.org. Garden. Portland, Oregon. (503) 823- 4529. www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org. COURTESY OF ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

58 the American Gardener

PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cover, and hu- midity also play an important role in plant survival. The codes tend to be conservative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less.

A A. xylonacantha A. zy-lon-uh-KAN-thuh Chiastophyllum oppositifolium Lobelia cardinalis lo-BEEL-yuh (11–11, 12–6) ky-as-toh-FIL-um op-pos-sih-tih-FO-lee- kar-dih-NAL-iss (2–8, 8–1) Abies koreana AY-beez kor-ee-AN-uh Alpinia zerumbet al-PIN-ee-uh um (6–9, 9–6) L. siphilitica L. sih-fih-LIH-tih-kuh (USDA Zones 5–6, AHS Zones 6–5) zeh-RUM-bet (11–11, 12–1) Cladrastis kentukea kla-DRAS-tis (4–7, 8–2) Acer palmatum AY-ser pal-MAY-tum Aruncus dioicus uh-RUN-kus ken-TUK-ee-uh (4–9, 9–1) Lysimachia nummularia liss-ih-MAHK-ee- (6–8, 8–2) die-o-EE-kus (3–7, 7–1) Clivia miniata KLY-vee-uh min-ee-AY-tuh uh noom-yew-LAIR-ee-uh (4–8, 8–1) Acorus gramineus AK-or-us grah-MIN-ee- densiflorus as-PAIR-uh-gus (9–11, 12–1) us (6–9, 9–5) den-sih-FLOR-us (11–11, 12–1) Coprosma repens kop-ROS-muh REP-enz M–Z Actaea racemosa ack-TEE-uh ras-eh-MO- Aspidistra elatior as-pih-DIS-truh (8–10, 10–8) suh (3–8, 9–1) Mertensia virginica mur-TEN-see-uh ee-LAY-tee-or (7–11, 12–4) Corydalis flexuosa kuh-RID-uh-liss Adlumia fungosa ad-LYOO-mee-uh vir-JIN-ih-kuh (3–8, 7–1) Aster cordifolius ASS-tur kor-dih-FO-lee- flex-yoo-O-suh (6–8, 8–6) fun-GO-suh (3–7, 7–1) Microbiota decussata my-kro-by-O-tuh us (4–8, 8–1) C. lutea C. LEW-tee-uh (5–8, 8–4) Aesculus parviflora ES-kyew-lus day-kuh-SAY-tuh (3–7, 7–1) A. divaricatus A. dih-vair-ih-KAY-tus par-vih-FLOR-uh (4–8, 8–4) Monarda didyma muh-NAR-duh (4–8, 8–1) D–L Agave albomarginata uh-GAH-vee DID-ih-muh (4–10, 10–1) Astilbe chinensis uh-STIL-bee Dicentra eximia dy-SEN-truh eks-ZIM-ee- al-bo- mar-jih-NAY-tuh (8–10, 10–4) Myosotis palustris my-o-SO-tiss chy-NEN-sis (4–8, 8–2) uh (3–8, 9–1) A. americana A. uh-mair-ih-KAN-uh pah-LUS-triss (5–9, 9–5) Aucuba japonica aw-KYEW-buh D. spectabilis D. spek-TAH-bih-liss (8–11, 12–3) M. scorpioides M. skor-pee-OY-deez jah-PON-ih-kuh (7–10, 12–6) (3–9, 9–1) A. attenuata A. uh-ten-yew-AY-tuh (5–9, 9–5) Dichondra argentea dy-KON-druh (9–11, 12–4) planiscapus of-fee-o-PO-gon B–C ar-JEN-tee-uh (10–11, 12–3) A. bracteosa A. brak-tee-O-suh plan-iss-KAY-pus (6–11, 12–5) Echinacea pallida ek-ih-NAY-see-uh (9–11, 12–4) Baptisia alba var. alba bap-TIZ-yuh Panicum virgatum PAN-ih-kum PAL-lih-duh (4–8, 8–1) A. deserti A. DEZ-urt-eye (11–11, 12–5) AL-buh var. AL-buh (5–9, 9–6) veer-GAY-tum (5–9, 9–1) E. purpurea E. pur-PUR-ee-uh (3–9, 9–1) A. desmettiana A. dez-met-ee-AY-nuh B. alba var. macrophylla B. AL-buh var. Picea abies PY-see-uh AY-beez E. tennesseensis E. ten-uh-see-EN-sis (9–11, 12–5) mak-ro-FIL-luh (5–9, 9–6) (3–8, 8–1) (3–9, 9–1) A. filifera A. fih-LIF-ur-uh (11–11, 12–5) B. arachnifera B. uh-rak-NIF-ur-uh P. omorika P. o-MOR-ih-kuh (4–8, 8–1) Epimedium grandiflorum ep-ih-ME-dee- A. ghiesbreghtii A. gees-BREK-tee-eye (7–9, 9–6) P. pungens P. PUN-jenz (3–8, 8–1) um gran-dih-FLOR-um (5–8, 8–5) (9–11, 12–5) B. australis B. aw-STRAY-liss (4–9, 9–4) Pinus mugo PY-nus MYEW-go (3–7, 7–1) Erica carnea AIR-ih-kuh KAR-nee-uh A. guadalajarana A. gwah-duh-luh-HAR- B. autralis var. minor B. aw-STRAY-liss Polygonatum falcatum pah-lih-GO-nay- (5–7, 7–5) uh-nuh (10–11, 12–6) var. MY-nor (4–9, 9–4) tum fal-KAY-tum (4–9, 9–4) Euonymus carnosus yew-ON-ih-mus A. havardiana A. huh-var-dee-AN-nuh B. bracteata B. brak-tee-AY-tuh (4–9, 9–5) Rodgersia podophylla rah-JERZ-ee-uh kar-NO-sus (4–8, 8–3) (6–10, 11–5) B. bracteata var. leucophaea B. brak-tee- pah-doh-FIL-luh (5–8, 8–4) Eupatorium purpureum yew-puh-TOR-ee- A. lechuguilla A. leh-choo-GEE-yuh AY-tuh var. loo-ko-FEE-uh (4–9, 9–5) Sedum spathulifolium SEE-dum um pur-PUR-ee-um (3–9, 9–1) (7–9, 10–3) B. perfoliata B. per-fo-lee-AY-tuh spath-yoo-lih-FO-lee-um (5–9, 9–5) Fatsia japonica FAT-see-uh jah-PON-ih- A. lophantha A. lo-FAN-thuh (9–11, (7–9, 10–6) Sequoia sempervirens see-KWOY-uh kuh (8–10, 10–8) 12–5) B. sphaerocarpa B. sfeer-o-KAR-puh sem-pur-VY-renz (8–9, 9–8) Galium odoratum GAY-lee-um A. macroacantha A. mak-ro-uh-KAN-thuh (5–9, 9–5) Stachys byzantina STAY-kiss bih-zan- o-doh-RAY-tum (5–8, 8–5) (8–11, 11–4) B. tinctoria B. tink-TOR-ee-uh (3–9, 9–4) TY-nuh (4–8, 8–1) Hakonechloa macra ha-kon-ee-KLO-uh A. neomexicana A. nee-o-mex-ih-KAN-uh bruh-NEH-ruh Sutera cordata soo-TARE-uh kor-DAH-tuh MAK-ruh (5–9, 9–4) (8–10, 10–3) mak-ro-FIL-luh (3–7, 7–1) (11–11, 12–1) Hydrangea arborescens hy-DRAN-juh ✕ A. ocahui A. o-kuh-HOO-ee (8–11, 12–4) Bulbine latifolia BUL-byne lat-ih-FO-lee- Symphytum uplandicum SIM-fih-tum ar-bo-RES-enz (4–9, 9–1) A. parrasana A. pah-rah-SAH-nuh uh (11–11, 12–10) up-LAN-dih-kum (3–9, 9–1) Juniperus horizontalis joo-NIP-er-iss ✕ (9–11, 12–4) Caladium bicolor kuh-LAY- dee-um Taxus media TAK-suss MEE-dee-uh har-ih-zon-TAL-iss (3–9, 9–1) A. parryi A. PAIR-ee-eye (7–10, 11–4) BY-kuh-lur (10–11, 12–1) (5–7, 7–5) J. ✕pfitzeriana J. fit-zeer-ee-AN-nuh A. parviflora A. par-vih-FLOR-uh Calluna vulgaris kal-LOO-nuh vul-GAIR- Ternstroemia gymnanthera tern-STRO- (4–9, 9–1) (9-11, 12–4) iss (5–7, 7–5) me-uh jim-nan-THUR-uh (8–10, 10–8) J. procumbens J. pro-KUM-benz A. pelona A. pel-O-nuh (9–11, 12–4) Carex conica KAIR-eks KON-ih-kuh Viola labradorica VY-o-luh lab-ruh-DOOR- (4–9, 9–5) A. polianthiflora A. pah-lee-an-thi-FLOR- (5–9, 9–5) ih-kuh (2–8, 8–1) J. sabina J. sah-BYE-nuh (4–7, 7–1) uh (10–11, 12–5 C. dolichostachya C. dol-ih-ko-STAKE-ee- Woodwardia fimbriata wood-WARD-ee-uh J. squamata J. squaw-MAT-uh (4–8, 8–1) A. scabra A. SKAY-bruh (7–10, 11–4) uh (5–8, 8–2) fim-bree-AY-tuh (8–9, 9–8) J. virginiana J. vir-jin-ee-AN-uh A. titanota A. ty-tuh-NO-tuh (9–11, 12–5) C. elata C. eh-LAY-tuh (5–8, 8–3) Zephyranthes candida zef-ih-RAN-theez (3–9, 9–1) A. toumeyana subsp. bella A. too-mee-AY- Cedrus deodara SEED-rus dee-o-DAH-ruh KAN-dih-duh (7–9, 9–6) Larix decidua LAY-riks deh-SID-yew-uh nuh subsp. BEL-uh (8–11, 12–4) (7–9, 9–6) (3–7, 7–1) A. utahensis A. yoo-TAW-en-sis Cephalotaxus harringtonia sef-uh-lo-TAK- Liatris microcephala ly-AY-triss (11–11, 12–6) suss hair-ring-TOH-nee-uh (6–9, 9–3) my-kro-SEF-uh-luh (6–8, 8–5) A. victoriae-reginae A. vik-TOR-ee-ay Cercis canadensis SUR-siss kan-uh-DEN- Ligularia dentata lig-yew-LAIR-ee-uh reh-JEE-nay (9–11, 12–5) siss (4–9, 9–2) den-TAY-tuh (4–8, 8–1) A. vilmoriniana A. vil-mor-in-ee-AY-nuh (9–11, 12–5)

60 the American Gardener GARDENC MARKET

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March / April 2010 61 62 by AliceJoyce Mountain Fringe Vine A a relative rarity—andexactlywhatIsoughtformygarden. ered abiennial.Whatmadethebiggestimpression shade— onmewasthatitisavinethrives inpart older botanicalreferences generallyclassifythisdelicate-lookingclimberasanannual,it’s now consid- ican native calledmountainfringevine icate leafformandasimilarflowering tive, both plants boastaremarkably del- 20 feettall,eclipsingitsdiminutive rela- While mountainfringevinegrows 10to plant, bleedingheart which resemble those ofaclosely-related pendant flowers andfinely-cut leaves, totheplant’sbleeding heart—alludes other regions. less-than-lyrical labelin “climbing fumitory” isthe Pennsylvania locales,while fleece vineinmountainous it isknown asAllegheny family(Fumariaceae),wort and North Carolina. itoba andsouthtoTennessee Scotia west tosouthernMan- North Americafrom Nova a largeswatheofeastern lands androcky outcrops over vine isnative tomoistwood- some states,mountainfringe and listedasendangered in Increasingly rare inthewild OFMANYNAMES PLANT www.sunfarm.com. WV. (304)497-2208. Sunshine Farms&Gardens. http://summerhillseeds.com. (618) 248-2010. Summer HillSeeds, Sources A more descriptive name—climbing A memberofthefume- the American Gardener in mysmalltownhouse garden. To mydelight,alocalgarden centeroffered abeguiling,rare Amer- FEW YEARSAGO, Whittington, IL (Dicentra eximia). Renick, when I was living in Chicago, I was looking for plants to spruce upashadyareawhen IwaslivinginChicago,lookingforplantstospruce resemble thoseofitsrelative,bleedingheart. The tubularflowersofmountainfringevine mounded form. ground, developing alacy, palegreen produce stalksthat hugthe slendernew atures remain high. pine inregions where nighttimetemper- Plants heattolerantand will are notvery organic-rich soilwithanearneutralpH. quate moisture. It needswell-draining, winds,andade- protection from drying where itreceives ormorning sun, part Mountain fringevinewillthrive inasite GROWING ADVICE hanging blooms. habit distinguishedby heavyclustersof LN NTESPOTLIGHT THE IN PLANT During thefirstyear ofgrowth, plants (Adlumia fungosa, C USDA Zones 3–7,AHS Zones 7–1).Although Joyce writesthe Bay Area Tendrils blog. A resident ofSan Francisco, Alice California, possibilities. fers shadegardeners awealth ofdesign fringe vine’s adaptablegrowing habitof- uncommon native plant,mountain of coldconditioning. provide seedswithathree-month period with friends.For optimalgermination, be gathered togrow plantsorshare new plants produce abundantseedsthatcan that continuedforweeks intolatesummer. from white topink,mauve, andpurple ofcolors aphanous bloomsinaspectrum dripping withclustersofhalf-inch-longdi- fringe flauntedcrisscrossing vinesfairly In additiontobeingabeautifuland At theend ofthesecondseason, mine upatrellis. in mylimitedspace,Itrained whengiven room,shrubs but sprawl over azaleasorother growth pickedup. ground warmed,therateof Chicago garden, butoncethe slowlyvine started inmycool ing season,mountainfringe shredded leaves. and applyathickmulchof with aninchorsoofcompost topdress thesurrounding soil at thecloseoffirstseason, gins dyingbacktotheground By mid-July, mountain Mountain fringevinewill During thesecond grow- When mountainfringebe-

LYNNE HARRISON