MADONNA LILIES A CAPSULATE HISTORY OF LILIUM CANDIDUM

A native of the Holy Land area of Asia Minor, this ancient and elegant white lily of Virginal purity is considered to be that of Scriptural reference:

"And why be anxious about clothing? Con­ sider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Matt. 7:28-30

From the beginning of recorded history these noble and easiest grown of lilies have so awe-stricken man­ kind with their ecstatic beauty and jasmine-like fra­ grance that there has always been a close cc;mnota­ tion to the spiritual and divine. From the sculpturings on sarcophagi found in ancient tombs to medieval Mother and Child paintings by the great masters, these majestic beauties have been the favorite subjects.

* Not only as a conversation piece, but from the standpoint of sheer June beauty, surely you will want to add this rich and storied historical background to your garden RIGHT NOW! * Every garden should have at least a dozen or more of these elegant subjects, not only for display, but cutting as well! * With this variety of lilies, one can cut the entire stem without reducing its capacity to flower the following year! * We proudly announce that for the FIRST TIME, we can offer to the general public, large, "hard as a rock", Madonnas, grown from seed here in America and thus ABSOLUTELY VIRUS FREE. * This wonderful and super hardy new strain was developed over a period of many many years in the harsh climate of Nothern New York State by the famous plantsman Professor George L. Slate of Cornell. * To insure your bulbs, ORDER IMMEDIATELY, as Madonnas MUST be planted in the Fall only. Especially and moderately priced at: THREE large bulbs that will flower massively next season for only $8.95 - POSTPAID. TWELVE large bulbs, as above, for only $29.50 and receive FREE a large bulb of the world famous BEST­ IN-SHOW lily NUTMEGGER. This mighty August flowering giant with up to SIXTY large lemon yellow blooms, daintly spotted jet black, is truly the arranger's " Dream Lily", catalog price $3.95. VAST ARRAY OF LILIES. We also feature Alliums. Hostas, Clematis, Wildflowers, Dutch Bulbs, as well as rare and dis­ tinctive easily grown bulbs and plants from worldwide sources. COLOR CATALOG $1.00. FREE WITH ORDER.

WE PAY iilacktborne ~arben5 ALL ORDERS POSTAGE 48A Quincy Street, HOlbrook, Mass. 02343 TO WEST COAST ON ALL ORDERS POSTPAID - BY AIR Massachusetts Residents add 5% sales tax . Ameri c an

HPlant People Symbiosis HortiClllturist and $1.50 is designated for each issue of this publication . Member­ 4 Do We Need a National Flower ship dues start at $15.00 a year.

Refer edi torial rna tters to: Education Murray Keene 26 New Li l ies are Garden Pl ants, Not Wildflowers­ American Horticulturist Peter Ascher Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 32 Wh at to Do With That Bank-Dona ld Wyman Refer advertising matters to : 38 Soil Testing-M. B. Kirkham Pu blisher Services, Inc. 621 Duke Street Alexan d ria, Virginia 22314 Gardeners Notebook 14 Tall Bearded Iris-Lorraine Marshall Burgess AMERlCAN HORTICULTURIST is de­ 18 Mini-R oses-George J. Jung voted to the dissemination of knowl­ edge in the science and art of growing 36 Sea Foam-R. J. Hutton ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and related subjects. Origina l papers w hich increase knowledge of plant ma­ Travel Log terials of economic and aesthetic impor­ 6 A Look at Longwood ta n ce are invited. For manuscript specifications please address the editor, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121. Commentary

Replacem en t iss u es of AMERICAN 10 The Joys of a Rainbarr el- Hu gh A. John so n, MD HORTICULTURIST are available at a cos t of $2.50 per copy, but not beyond twelve mon ths p rior to date of current My Favorite Plant issue. 30 Clematis-Marinus Vander Pol

The opinions expressed in th e articl es w h ic h appear in AMERICAN HOR­ Vegetable Gardening TICULTURIST are those of the authors 22 Th e Wil d Vegetables of South East As ia-Ruben L. Vi ll area l and are not n ecessarily those of th e Soci­ & Romeo T. Open a ety. Th ey are presented as contribution s to contem porary though t. 12 Let's Grow Some Vegetables -Henry E. Allen 34 Parsley, It's Life and Tim es -Elizabeth Schaeffer

OUR COVER PHOTO: Pearl Dawn Mini-Ro se by Charles Marden Fitch

PRINTING . RAY PRINTING . KAN SAS C ITY. M ISSOURI Second cl ass postage paid a t Alexandria, Virgin ia and at addition al maili ng of­ fices. Copyright © 1976 by The Am eri­ can H orticultural Society. survival and the plant responds directly to the cultural AN EDITORIAL treatment given-a true symbiosis. In this relationship there can be no arguments, only responses and healthy challenge. It is a relationship with, and of, beauty. It can last for years. However, with more PIANT/PEOPLE inexperienced gardeners the relationship may have to be repeated time after time before perfection is achieved. SYMBIOSIS The gardening hobby teaches tolerance, apprecia­ Do you need a friend? Are your friends disloyal? Is tion for beauty and individual responsibility. Here your boss on your back? Are you worried about the there is a great choice in horticultural subject matter, future? Does the population explosion frighten you? from the easily-grown philodendron to the more Perhaps you need to know about the great horticul­ complex and demanding world of exotic orchids. tural pacifier. With this hobby the pocketbook need not suffer. The Bicentennial year provides a time to look back, Once the cultivation lessons are learned the modest to reflect, but more importantly it affords us the op­ investment may bring dividends of seed for exchange portunity to look ahead. Ever since humans de­ and gifts. Naturally, this leads to friendly relationship veloped practical minds, many of these minds have with other humans of similar interest. been engaged in schemes to provide a constant food What may be of greater and more far-reaching sig­ supply. Concerns for " our daily bread" have moved nificance, is that as creatures of nature we learn to progressively through our evolution from a selfish relate compatibly with plants to complete this sym­ individual viewpoint, to a family-oriented concern, to biotic relationship. Those of us who are just "discov­ community and city preoccupations and, finally, to ering" the green world can learn to grow plants. national and international endeavors. Now, in many Through our association with the American Hor­ ways we find ourselves moving back to a position of ticultural Society we can become better equipped to selfish concern. pass along our knowledge of plants and plant culture As mechanization, and more recently, automation to new generations. We can help Garry on a proven h-ave become the way of life in agricultural and hor­ means of successful and therapeutic relaxation, and ticultural production, an ever larger percentage of an enjoyable hobby for the increased leisure time human activity has been diverted to other forms of which, hopefully, all of us will enjoy later in life. city-based preoccupation. More often than not, thoughts concerning the needs of green and growing Russell J. Seibert, Director things have been sloughed aside. Longwood Gardens Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348 Fortunately, through generation after generation, some of us have not lost this instinct for the farm and the inherent love or need for a plant-oriented relation­ ship. Thus, ornamental and economic horticulture developed along with the gradual human movement o away from the land into our present congested con­ crete and asphalt metropolises. For the past 20 years we have witnessed the mush­ rooming of suburbia-in many w ays an effort to flee the plant-sterile environment of the city. Presently, because of economic and other considerations, there is a strong trend to return to the city. Architects are preoccupied with building new, or transforming old, metropolitan environments which will combine our high-density population with frequent easily­ accessible open spaces devoted to various forms of amenity horticulture and fresh air recreation. It is readily apparent that greater educational efforts are required to provide hobby-oriented recreational gardening. This is particularly true in indoor artificial light gardening. There is nothing like a live plant shar­ ing the human living space. What better w ay to strike up a meaningful symbiotic and aesthetic relation- 2 ship? The person is absolutely needed for the plant's DISCOUNT BOOK OFFER TO AHS MEMBERS

THE GARDEN MAKERS ANSWER BOO THE 4. ," f ... ~.~\~ GARDEN t· MAKER'S ANSWER BOOK by Lorraine Marshall Burgess Lorraine Marshall , Burgess

186 pages paperback. Published by Association Press. V

A compendium of useful information in ques­ r------·------. tion and answer form, designed to assist new ORDER FROM: gardeners. American Horticultural Society, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 Contains sections on: Garden beginnings, shape and design, soils, Gentlemen: down-to-earth answers, structures, privacy, trees, Yes, I would like to order the "Garden Maker's shrubs and vines, lawns and groundcovers, Answer Book" by Lorraine Marshall Burgess at perennials, annuals and flowering bulbs, upkeep, the discount price of ...... $5.50 ills and irritations, and a comprehensive section Postage and handling .50 on further information resources. Check enclosed Total $6.00 An invaluable gardening reference, beautifully o illustrated, 8" x 10", with diagrams and excellent Name black and white photographs. Address

Nonnal Publication Price ...... $6.95 City State Zip

L ______~ Discount price to AHS Members .. . . $5.50 AN EDIIDRIAL

We have heard pleas from proponents of the Ameri­ can holly, goldenrod, the Shasta daisy, dogwood, rose, and wild columbine. Doubtless, all are noble plants. But do we rea lly nee d a n ational floral symbol? If I had my druthers, our national plant would have the radiance of the rose, the scent of an orange grove in bloom. It would climb like a clematis with foliage of the magnolia. It would be as h ardy as the dandelion, produce fruits of the passion vine, but with the taste of Maine island blueberries. This plant doesn' t exist. So I'll simply wait till it is hybridized before I cast my vote for a national plant. What if we could decide on a reigning favorite? To me, the fun of the whole thing would then be over. It's more exciting to fan the fires while muddying the waters of decision. As long as we can keep green thumbers debating the merits of coleus versus tiger lily, we have a healthy situation. When you corne right down to it there is not much controversy in horticulture. Most debates are gener­ ated by gardening " experts" whose most pressing need is to know if Maz us re ptans is hardy to zone 5 or 6. The national plant controversy makes good garden writer compost. Its educational benefits are limitless. So, let the promoters promote. Let the plant society advocates turn magenta from elevated blood pressure. Do W Need a Let them babble ' til their voices fail extolling their favorite flora. Disagreement will only serve to en­ hance the art of gardening. Say, for example, we had to pick an all-American National Rawer boy (or girl, for that matter). What would this person be like? What color would he assume? Would he be Periodically we receive impassioned pleas and hardy in Bangor, Honolulu, Peoria, or St. Petersburg? threatening letters from gardening enthusiasts de­ If his name were Smith, would he spell it with a " y" or manding that the American Horticultural Society take an " i"? This example is absurd. So is the controversy a stand on the " vital need" for an official American surrounding the national plant-be it clover, colum­ flower. bine, pussy willow, ponderosa, sassafras or seaweed, Currently a promotional effort is being made by the it matters not, yet fun to talk about. marigold lobby to adopt its versatile and beautiful Oh but you say, " We have a national bird". That flower as our nation's symbol. In the past the Halls of decision didn't come about without controversy Congress oft resounded with the honey-gravel tones either. Many of our forefathers would have preferred of the late Senator Everett Dirksen proclaiming the the native turkey. In the year of our Bicentennial, virtues of h is beloved marigold. perhaps it's time to reopen the debate. Do you think The marigold has much going for it. Unfortunately, the Bald Eagle is hardy in Zone 9? it's a native of Mexico. It's still American-but not Murray Keene 4 from the U.S.A. Editor E.vir •••e.lillll '.ll!ralil .Ialll Lilli ••• Ivailallll! I. MI!.lIl!rll

Hardiness Zone Map

A:::::;~X~~~~a~8tlge 01 TemDarslures for ::~~~~~e 1 Be1ow"'SO F 2 - SO 10 - 40 3 - 40'0 - 30 4 - 30/0 - 20 5 - 2010 - 10 6 - IOta 0 7 010 10 B lOra 20 9 2010 30 10 30/0 40

The Educational Horticultural Committee of adds up to the necessity of using plant species the American Horticultural Society has conducted which can not only survive a combination of a nation-wide survey and produced a list of environmental stress/abuse, but at the same time environmentally tolerant plants for all ten u.S. be given minimum growing conditions and hardiness zones. The 30-page compilation, titled maintenance. "Environmentally Tolerant Trees, Shrubs and Mrs. Miller emphasizes that these plants do Ground Covers", was made possible in part by a exist and we should both accept and use them. grant from the Founders' Fund of the Garde!l If you wish a copy of this valuable AHS publi­ Club of America. The listing was produced by the cation, fill in coupon and mail today. American Horticultural Society Plant Science Data Center. According to Mrs. Pendleton Miller, co-Chair­ ~------. man of the AHS Educational Horticultural Com­ American Horticultural Society mittee, "The plant listing is designed primarily for use by public planting agencies who must Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121 maintain areas subject to high pollution levels as YES! I would like to order the Environmentally well as heavy human and animal traffic". Mrs. Tolerant Plant List. Miller comments that: "Many plants are faced with surviving unavoidable environmental stress: o $2.95 check enclosed __ additional copies the weakening factors of air pollution, general at $2.95 traffic abuse and pedestrians, automobiles and Name ______pets." Further, one must consider that public planting agencies must function under their own Address ______financial limitations. Funds are rarely available for providing other than minimum drainage, soil Ci ty ______State _____ Zip ---- preparation or maintenance. Realistically, this ~------~ Center walk at Longwood conservatory features white Petunia, Hydrangea, Bougain, and Ivy-leaf Geranium. Summer flower garden with Zinnia and Petunia

A Look at Lon~

6 Roses border the Topiary garden Pierce House

Azalea House displays Cyclamen and Birches.

A LOOK AT native to China, and a pagoda tree collection which attracts a great native to Japan, can also be seen. deal of attention from visitors. LONGWOOD The Peirce property remained in Some specimens in the collection AHS members who plan to at­ the hands of Joshua' s descendants are more than 150 years old. tend the Society's Annual Con­ until May, 1905, and was known An outstanding collection of gress in Philadelphia, September locally as Peirce's Park during the tropical waterlilies and other aqua­ 8-12, 1976, will be treated to one latter half of the nineteenth cen­ tic plants is on view in outdoor full day's exploration of famous tury, although the family con­ pools located between the conser­ Longwood Gardens, near Kennett tinued to operate it as a working vatories from June through Oc­ Square, Pennsylvania. Longwood farm. tober. is one of the most outstanding dis­ Pierre du Pont purchased the In the two largest conservatories play gardens in this country, its Peirce farm in 1906, primarily to at Longwood, the Orangery or fountain systems, landscaped save the great, old trees in the ar­ " Main Conservatory" and the grounds and conservatories rival­ boretum from a lumbering opera­ Azalea House, the displays change ing those of the finest gardens in tion . He began almost im­ constantly, marking the seasons Europe. The gardens occupy more mediately to develop the land into with thousands of beautiful flow­ than 300 developed acres and are formal gardens reminiscent of ers. Plants are exhibited only at supported by another 700 acres of Europe. Between 1906 and his their peak; as soon as the flowers meadow and woodland. Counting death in 1954, he directed the con­ show any signs of aging, they are growing greenhouses as well as struction of various flower and replaced with new plants from display conservatories, there are water gardens at Longwood, as Longwood's extensive growing almost four acres under glass. In well as a number of architectural houses. Three spectacular displays one year alone, hundreds of garden features. He also built the each year concentrate on tradi­ thousands of visitors came from first houses in the large conserva­ tional holiday plants and attract every state in the union and tory complex, opening the so­ thousands of visitors. At Easter the ninety-three foreign countries to called " Orangery," where chang­ conservatories are filled with visit these remarkable gardens. ing seasonal exhi bi ts are now spring bulbs and Easter lilies; in Longwood owes its existence to staged, in 1921 . An elegant ball­ the fall , more than 5000 chrysan­ the interest and foresight of the late room with a ceiling of pink, themum plants welcome Thanks­ financier, industrialist, and phil­ etched glass and parquet floor of giving visitors; and at Christmas anthropist Pierre Samuel du Pont black walnut was later added north red, pink, and white poinsettias, (1870-1954). Its horticultural his­ of the orangery, along with an together with cyclamen and paper tory, however, dates to the early organ room to accommodate one of white narcissus, create a festive days of the Commonwealth. In the largest pipe organs in the coun­ holiday air. Between holiday dis­ 1700 a Quaker farmer, George try. The organ has more than plays, a series of different show Peirce, purchased a tract of land 10,000 pipes and incorporates a plants dominates the large conser­ from William Penn's land commis­ grand piano as well as the voices of vatories, beginning with acacias sioners in the unsettled township an entire percussion orchestra. and spring bulbs in January and of East Marlborough. Thirty years Longwood's conservatories are February, and continuing to later his son, Joshua, raised a brick divided between permanent plant azaleas and rhododendrons in farmhouse on the property and es­ collections and floral displays that March and April, and begonias tablished it as the Pierce family change with the seasons. The per­ throughout the summer months. homestead. In 1798, Joshua's twin manent collections include palms, In early autumn, coleus and orna­ grandsons, Joshua and Samuel ferns, roses, orchids, desert plants, mental peppers are planted in the Peirce, began planting an ar­ pineapple family plants, insec­ conservatories with the first of the boretum near the house. It became tivorous plants, plants of econ­ Thanksgiving chrysanthemums. known within fifty years to hor­ omic importance to man, and rep­ The outdoor gardens at Long­ ticulturists throughout the country resentatives of all the important wood combine the natural beauty as the finest collection of evergreen tropical and subtropical plant of woodland paths and lakes with trees in the United States. families. The orchid display is one the formality of bedding plants The brick farmhouse is still of the most popular of the indoor and fountain gardens. Of particu­ standing at Longwood and will be attractions at Longwood. Each lar interest are an herb garden; a open for your inspection. Many of week the finest blooms are chosen wildflower area where plants na­ the trees planted by the Peirce from the more than 8000 plants in tive to within a hundred miles of brothers, including a large yellow Longwood's orchid collection to go Longwood are grown; a topiary cucumber magnolia native to on exhibit in the Orchid House. garden with an unusual analem­ 8 Southern Georgia, two ginkgoes There is also an excellent bonsai matic sundial; and the Rock and Heather Garden, built on a hillside reservoir east of the Rock and work-study programs for students around a sixty-foot waterfall and Heather Garden. Water is pumped of horticulture. One of these is the chimes tower. Electronic chimes in up from the reservoir to gush Professional Gardener Training the tower count the hours and through the Eye of Water before it Program, a two-year course for quarter hours, and carillon con­ cascades over the nearby waterfall. high school graduates. This pro­ certs may be heard at 11 a.m . and 2 The Eye of Water is Longwood's gram includes both classroom ses­ and 5 p.m. daily. Rose gardens newest water feature, inspired by sions and on-the-job instruction nearby include a display of All­ the " Fuente de Ojo de Aqua" near for those wishing vocational train­ American rose selections, and in San Antonia de Belen, Costa Rica. ing. the Pinetum, east of the Rock and Longwood's third fountain sys­ During the summer months, a Heather Garden, many interesting tem is located at an open air theatre limited number of college students and unusual conifers are grown, on the grounds, where a novel majoring in the plant sciences par­ including the dawn redwood and " water curtain" made of small jets ticipate in the Summer Laboratory the giant California redwood. spaced six inches apart adds im­ of Ornamental Horticulture. The The many fountains at Long­ measurably to the enjoyment of students gain practical experience wood make it unique among the perfonnances. The Theatre seats by working in the gardens and are world's horticultural displays. In 2100 people and is in use on sched­ exposed to other useful areas of addition to several small, single uled summer evenings when local horticulture through lectures and fountains that punctuate the organizations give musical and field trips. flower gardens and walkways, dramatic presentations for the A graduate program for students there are three large fountain dis­ benefit of charity. The backdrop of working for a Master's Degree is plays at Longwood. One is in the the stage is formed by clipped ar­ conducted in cooperation with the Italian Water Garden, based on the borvitae and tall trees. Following University of Delaware. Students design and dimensions of a garden each performance, a lighted dis­ in this program study at the Uni­ at the Villa Gamberaia near Flor­ play of fountains on the stage pro­ versity and gain vital work experi­ ence, Italy. The carved stonework vides a memorable finale. ence at Longwood Gardens. for the garden was imported from Besides maintaining the re­ A small number of International Italy, but native hemlock trees markable indoor and outdoor hor­ Horticultural Trainees are in resi­ were substituted for the Italian ticultural displays, the staff at dence for a period of one year. cypresses of the Florentine garden. Longwood considers education to Longwood Gardens limits its The fountains in the Italian Water be an important part of its duties. experimental research to finding Garden are in operation during the A series of horticultural evening and improving new plant materi­ day throughout the summer lectures is given by guest speakers als which can be used in the floral months. during the winter months and in displays and to improving grow­ In front of the main conservatory autumn, winter and spring; short ing methods for crops produced at is one of the most famous fountain courses are offered to the public on Longwood. The experimental systems in the world. Covering such horticultural subjects as greenhouses and research facil­ approximately five acres, the foun­ botany, plant propagation , ities, off limits to the general pub­ tains and canals of the Main Foun­ pressed plant design and wild­ lic, will be open to AHS Congress tain Garden are outlined with flowers and various phases of gar­ participants. Society members Japanese holly and the entire area dening. A staff member is also may view newly acquired plants is bordered with clipped Norway available Monday through Friday and will be given guided tours of maples. At night, illuminated by to answer practical horticultural the plant breeding facilities. myriad colored lights, the foun­ questions concerning the displays tains provide a never-to-be­ and plants exhibited at Longwood. forgotten experience as they eject An effort has also been made to water at the rate of 10,000 gallons educate the public through attrac­ per minute. One of the central tive exhibits in the display conser­ pairs of jets throws a column of vatories. Example gardens, illus­ water 130 feet into the air. Evening trating the various solutions of displays are presented for a half local landscape architects to com­ hour every Tuesday, Thursday and mon home landscaping problems, Sunday evening from the begin­ are maintained in the Azalea ning of June until Labor Day. House, and there are displays of The water for the Main Fountain con tainerized house plants and Garden system is recirculated and vegetables. is located in a large underground Longwood Gardens has several 9 TheJ ofa Ra'

Hugh A. Johnson , M. D. 2500 North Rockton Avenue Rockford, Illinois 61103

The word itself, rainbarrel, should conjure up an image of a mossy, oaken barrel-one joy right there. , As a boy, many years ago, in the cool of a summer evening, I'd go with my father as he solicited farmers for the supply of milk for our dairy. As my father talked to the farmer, I'd wander about the farmyard. One such evening I found th e classical rain barrel. As I write this I can vividly recall the evening, almost smell the freshly cut hay, see the setting, red, summer sun, and see the image of the broken pitch fork handle as I put it in and out of the rainbarrel, wondering why it bent. I could see the deepening blue sky reflected and the barrel seemed bottomless. In those days, health was a duty, not a right to be provided by an omnipotent bureaucracy. "Health" was taught in our grade schools then, and I mean taught. Every day we had to fill in our health charts; mine, a week of solid x's with a row of 6-0's at the bottom, one x for Saturday'S bath. My teacher, Mrs. Silverstein, damned rainbarrels; mosquitoes bred in them. I was a nasty, smug boy so superior; we had no rainbarrel, but most of our Dutch neighbors did. One "old world" type had what I now realize was a lovely arrangement-a back porch facing south, with his cucumbers encroaching upon it. Organically laden dishwater was thrown on the veg@tables and the rain­ barrel was right there. After learning of the health hazard of a rainbarrel from Mrs. Silverstein, I took it upon myself to sneak over with a Campbell' s soup can, one quarter full of kerosene. The first drop spread '''Wife, Tottie," our butler-handyman Johnson (the author) does 10 a circular rainbow, then in went the rest. We weren't the spading and other heavy work. going to have malaria! I suppose the nearest Anopheles layer of ice as perfect as window glass. was several hundred miles away. What to do with a rain barrel in our hard winters? I I don't remember just when my gardener* first tried to recall those rainbarrels of my boyhood in suggested a rainbarrel, but I do recall my joy at the winter-covered with ice? I couldn' t remember. Now prospect. Barrel search began. The only oak barrel to I know why. Always thinking, I reasoned (fallaciously be found was priceless (in an antique shop). Life is a I've learned to my sorrow), that a large plastic bag of compromise, so off to the Smith Oil Company's air sunk to the bottom with stones, would absorb the warehouse to buy an oil drum. I was envisioning expansion of the ice and I'd not have to empty my two cutting off the top with a cold chisel when the man barrels. I wondered at the time, as I often do when asked, " Going to make a dock?" I don't know why I feeling especially clever, why people don't apply prac­ felt guilty, (perhaps Mrs. Silverstein), but who thinks tical, good sense more often. The morning after the about malaria now with our present day plagues of first clear, cold night, when I found the bottom cancer and gonorrhea? I quietly told him, " A rainbar­ rounded out like a small chianti fiasco-without its reI. " "Then you will want the top off and steamed straw, I learned the power of ice and had to buy out." Did you know they have an electric can opener another barrel. The bottomless one is now used to for those barrels? Fantastic! Their barrels have a store my smelly sludge from the city sewage disposal tough-type plastic coating on the inside, very resis­ plant until it has been slowly added to the compost. tant to rust. I loaded the barrel into the back of the An unexpected joy was humor. One summer night station wagon. (Be sure to block it, otherwise you too as I went by walking the dog, I thought-did I see a will have as exciting a trip home as I did.) I painted our movement deep in the barrel? In the twilight I could barrel with rust-resistant, " Wagon and Implement see a gray shape moving about near the bottom. I went Green," a shade darker then John Deere green. Not the and got the flashlight I keep just inside the back door oaken barrel I have visualized, but a joy. (everyone should have one there). A shaft of light The next joy came a few nights later, a very light through the clear rainwater revealed a large carp, a drizzle and our expanse of roof completely filled the foot and a half long, cruising about. I didn' t tell Tottie, barrel. Our brass dipper was resurrected and hung on the gardener, about the fish, for I hoped to catch the the barrel's rim. look of discovery on her face. I missed it. The next day Now the joys are the gardener's. As Tottie sets out I took the carp (poor thing, gasping and more or less plants, a dipperful is given each. The barrel seems swimming on his side-there must be very little oxy­ bottomless. The overflow is gentle and spreads a gen in standing rainwater), and released him from our widening circle in a heavy rain. You can imagine how bank on the mighty Rock River. We knew that eventu­ many times the barrel is tapped in the course of a ally the answer would out. It soon did; the boys in the gardener's year, and a joy each time. The best though; block behind us had caught the carp and didn't quite this past fall I watched Tottie picking a few tomatoes know what to do with it, then remembered the for dinner. As each was picked, it was tossed into the Johnson's rain barrel. rain barrel. When she had finished picking, she Now to bring the ancient rainbarrel into the atomic gathered up the floating, washed tomatoes. When age. Those of you who might fret about hysterical carrots and other ripe crops are gathered, they are laid journalists' dire threats of the rain washing the atomic on the mulch and the clinging dirt is returned to the fall-out onto our earth can relax, for though that is garden by a couple dipperfulls. Thus, there is less true, such fall-out is insignificant compared to what mess in the kitchen and less dirt to stop the sink trap. one might get from the dial on one's watch or the If one rainbarrel is good and one has another down­ radiation one endures getting the yearly chest x-ray spout, two are better. This second barrel is in another the Life and Breath people advise. What, me worry? garden patch on the other side of the house. Unlike Not worth worrying about. most who find downspouts troublesome, I wish we To empty the barrels for winter, one puts the garden had more. hose slowly into the barrel, letting it coil up on the I am still concerned about mosquitoes, but I am not bottom. When the hose is covered, a thumb is placed worried about malaria. I add a drop of oil from time to over the end, the hose is withdrawn until only a coil or time as I pass by with my garden tool oil can. An two remain on the bottom and the water can be occasional single drop is enough to plug the spiracles siphoned to a dry area of the garden. The barrel is of any culex larvae that might be there. It's a joy and turned over, perhaps over some less hardy plant one rather exciting to think that the layer of oil producing wishes to protect. the spectral rainbow is but one or two molecules thick. So, please, come share my rainbarrel joys, get one if In the early fall, the barrel is a good judge of the you don't have one. Look in the Yellow Pa ---, but severity of a frost. Standing free and exposed as the wait, part of the joy is in the planning and the antici- barrel does, a degree or two of frost will make a thin pation, your own dreams for your own garden. 11 by Henry E. Allen 5510 Brite Drive Bethesda , MD

You don't need a lot of space to enjoy the fun of the longer season tender crops will compete with growing your own vegetables. They can be grown in a them for moisture and nutrients. variety of places. Many leafy vegetables can even be The Swiss chard will need its own space to grow for grown in partial shade. Lettuce, chives and parsley it will continue to provide succulent greens through­ make attractive borders for flower beds and you can out the summer and well into the fall. Onions aDd always find room for a couple of staked tomato plants radishes will be used by early summer and the beets in a sunny border. Cucumbers, when grown on a and carrots will be ready to harvest by midsummer. fence or trellis, take up very little space. A trellis can be These crops can be followed in the same space by a located at the back or end of a flowex bed or can serve planting of beans for fall use, or more lettuce and as a screen by a patio. Grown in this manner they do spinach, or by kale and Chinese cabbage which will not require full sun, as usually recommended, but will provide greens well past the early frosts of fall. In fact, do remarkably well on a minimum of eight hours of Winter Bloomsdale spinach and Vates kale will con­ shlnlight a day. Or scarlet runner beans grown on a tinue to grow up until Christmas. If protected by a trellis make an interesting ornamental with their dec­ light mulch, they will produce tender greens in early orative scarlet blossoms during most of the summer, March of the following year. followed by pods of beans which can be used fresh or After all danger of frost is past, four tomato plants of left to dry for shell beans. There are other climbing a disease resistant variety such as Better Boy, can be beans which, although not as decorative, can be set out in the row between the lettuce and the spinach; grown this way. three eggplants and two peppers can be set between If you have a small space in your yard which can be the spinach and the row of onions and radishes. At the given over to vegetables-as little as eight feet wide same time plant a row of bush snap beans, two hills of by twelve or fifteen feet long-you can grow an amaz­ bush type zucchini squash, such as Aristocrat, and a ing variety of vegetables in quantities sufficient to five foot row of disease resistant cucumbers, such as add zest to the family meals. Victory or Gemini, to grow on a trellis. Start with the hardier crops such as lettuce, onion sets, radishes, chard, spinach, beets and carrots In a front corner of your garden tuck in some parsley planted about three weeks before the average date for to be readily available for seasoning and garnishes all the last frost. To get a jump on the season, lettuce and summer and even into the following year (it is a bien­ chard can be started indoors and the plants set out six nial). In the other corner set out a few clumps of inches apart at the proper time. Lettuce, radishes, chives. Both of these popular culinary herbs are hardy onions and spinach can be planted between the rows. and can be started from seed as soon as the soil can be Later you can plant the more tender crops such as worked or plants can be set out at the end of March. tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, squash and This plan suggests but one of many ways that a cucumbers (shown in the accompanying diagram). In small space can be made productive. There is great planting onion sets try setting a double row four flexibility in planning a garden and the tastes of the inches apart. Sow the seeds of radishes and carrots in family should be a major consideration. For example, rows or bands four inches wide and later thin to stand broccoli, Brussels sprouts and edible podded peas are an inch to two inches. Ball or round type radishes, like aU excellent fall crops. If planted by the first week in Champion, can be seeded in the same row with the August, one or more could be 'substituted for lettuce, carrots; they will have been pulled and eaten by the kale or spinach. Try growing some vegetables-you time the carrots need the space for growth. Except for may be surprised to find how much pleasure and good 12 chard, all of these early crops will have matured before eating a small plot of land can provide. ~4~------8 ' ------~~.

6" ~~~~~~~,~~~ Buttercrunch Lettuce 18" ~~

12"

12"

18" Keystone Pepper

IW.~.WWN~Silverskin Onions Icicle Radish To be fol/owed by Spinach 12" - ~~~8~ Detroit Dark Red Beets Nantes Carrot To be fol/owed by Buttercrunch lettuce or by Blue Lake beans 24" ~::n:~n:::::~ Fordhook Swiss Chard 24"

= ~ ...CIJ l­ Bloe Lake Snap Beans e: To be fol/owed by Kale or Chinese ca bbage ...o CIJ ..c E :::l (J :::l U ...>- o (J :>-

Aristocrat Hy. Zucchini Squash

13 Lest we take our treasures for granted, allow me to extol the beauties of the tall-bearded iris. This magnificent plant grows so easily in much of our country that we tend to think of it as com­ monplace. The hybrid iris is any­ thing but that. Excellence was achieved more than a generation ago and today we tend to take these past accomplishments for granted. Given good rhizomes, a sunny location, and well-drained garden soil, iris will flourish and multiply, Text: Lorraine Ma rshall Burgess contributing greatly to our peren­ Photos : Guy Burgess nial gardens. I urge all plain dirt 202 Old Broadmoor Road gardeners and new garden makers JS Colo rado Springs, Colo . 80906 who are not already convinced to include iris in their garden schemes.

Tall- bearded iris combine w ith co ral bells and foxtaillil­ lies. Cut pink p eonies fro m another part of the garden 14 fl oat in the fo untain dishes. First off they should seek out Better today's gardener should out mishap, and were clipped of good hybrids, either old or new. explore public and private iris gar­ their blooms as soon as they faded They should avoid the offerings of dens first, building up a preference to direct all further root nourish­ common varieties proffered by list, and then ordering desired va­ ment to the root fibers. neighbors. These are often the rieties from national iris growers. Iris culture is simple. A sunny sickly cream and purple bicolors, The nice thing about iris is that you location is of prime importance. or the purple-blues that smell like can plant or transplant them in July However, dark reds and near blacks grapeade. Such gifts may seem a and August soon after the May­ hold their strong colors better in friendly gesture, but they are no June blooming season, while the semi-shade. They may bloom a lit­ favor to the new gardener. shapes and colors are still clear in tle later, but that merely extends Instead, new gardeners should your mind. the blooming season. If the soil is go to a reputable iris grower for In fact one earnest gardener of heavy with clay, planting pockets their initial root stock, or to a my acquaintance, a landscape should be thinned with sand, and knowing home gardener who is painter by profession, saw fit to laced with garden compost. A willing to share some of his trea­ transplant her iris while they were handful of bonemeal, mixed with sured rhizomes. Even then it in full bloom to move them to soil around each rhizome group makes no sense to get one of every another part of the garden where at planting time is beneficial. color hybrid available unless the they might better harmonize with Bonemeal, superphosphate or gardener expects, after evaluation, the plants around them. Her iris commercial fertilizer can be used to discard the dissonants. survived the transplanting with- as an iris top dressing in early

Techny Chim es, the most dramatic of the bright yellows Lilac Fes1.ival, is a magnificent lightly ruffled orchid iris with a rich tangerine beard. with a harmonious paler orchid beard. 15 ENERGY· SAVING DOUBLE­ WALLED GREENHOUSES FROM JUST $499 Now you can grow economically year 'round in the only green­ house that solves the energy­ cost problem. Laboratory tested in Vermont, rigid double-pane thermal walls are 244% more heat efficient, shatterproof, and maintenance free. Free-standing and lean-to models, no founda­ tions required. Factory direct only, 5 year total house warranty. Call or Write for Information P.O. Box 2235, Dept. AH Grand Central Station New York, N.Y. 10017 (212) 686·0173

The most beautiful A Phillip Loomis seedling 'Yellow Lace', never intro­ roses on the block, duced, has crinkled lacy edgings surrounding the lumi­ The most magnificent nous golden beard. mums you've ever known. spring or late falL the large, young plants, discarding The healthiest. most thriving To plant, set iris rhizomes with a rhizomes that carry old bloom garden you've ever grown. few short leaf blades Oft a mound of stalks as these bulbs will not flower the soil mix, allowing the rootlets again. Clip leaf blades to 6 inches Black Leaf 40 to fan out naturally. Cover the to reduce transpiration and replant GARDEN SPRAY roots with only a little soil because what you can use. Offer the extras NATURE'S OWN NATURAL INSECTICIDE the rhizomes prefer to grow near, to eager gardening friends to or partially above, the surface of widen the devotion to this remark­ the soil. able family of plants. Do not plant iris out in rows, Then apply a thin layer of mulch they look too regimented, but • BLACK LEAF 40 kills aphids and similar to prevent heaving during the first sucking insects with 2-way action - by con­ rather in groups of 3 or 9 about 12 winter. Come spring, wash away tact and by fumes. Kills ants out-ot-doors. inches apart. Large clump plant­ • BLACK LEAF 40 has been helping garden· the mulch into nearby depres­ ers attain beautiful results for over 90 years ings are best composed of one va­ sions. The first season of bloom • BLACK LEAF 40 is a naturally occurring, riety, or at most two harmonious biodegraaable insecticide that remains "on may not be spectacular, but iris are target" and di.ssipates without leaving harm­ strains. As the plants take root ful residue . • BLACK LEAF 40 is versatile an investment in beauty, long­ · .. use it effectively on r0ses, gladieli, mums, hand-pull weeds, avoiding culti­ term, with a minimum of garden similar flowers ; shrubs, vegetables, fruit trees vation with a hoe because the roots and everg reens. • BLACK LEAF 40 is non· care. caustic and does not injure foliage. Does not grow very close to the surface. leave unsightly residue . • BLACK LEAF 40 is The biggest· chore with this As your interest in iris flowers, compatible with standard spray materials for join the American Iris Society, 2315 combination spraying. Economical to use. robust plant comes from its abun­ dant, easy growth. Every 3 or 4 Tower Grove Avenue, St. Louis, ~ Serving American Gardeners ~ with Quality Products Since 1879 years, because of crowding, it be­ Mo. 63110. The Society offers quar­ Black Leaf Products Company terly bulletins, and has 24 regional 667 N. State Street Elgin, Illinois 60120 comes necessary to lift, divide, and 16 replant the rhizomes. Replant only chapters. One may be near you. \. ., . Plant Sciences DataCenter Master Inventory \. Available

12 Microfiche Cards Equal to 5 Volumes of Computer Generated Print (2,400 pages)

After more than six years in development, at Because of the vast amount of data represented a cost in excess of $1 million, the Plant Sciences by the inventory, it is available only in microfiche Data Center is pleased to announce the availa­ form. The microfiche format, while compact and bility of its "Master Inventory". permanent, does require a viewer to reproduce The "Master Inventory" is a unique computer the reduced (42X) data to readable size. listing of the plant records from 29 North The "Master Inventory", which will be American botanical gardens and arboreta. The updated and offered annually for $25, is listing contains a total of 139,162 records of currently available to AHS members at the living plants cultivated in American public gardens, reflecting about 49,000 plant taxa special introductory price of $18.00 (offer (names); 4,000 plant genera. expires 1 August 1976). More than just an accurate list of plant names, Write to: American Horticultural Society, this inventory identifies gardens reporting each Plant Sciences Data Center, Mount Vernon, plant name, the original source and year of Virginia 22121 for additional details or to place acquisition. an order. Though it should not be considered as a listing of plants or plant materials offered by the gardens represented within the listing, it is an invaluable reference for locating plants and possible com­ mercial sources. This inventory is a must for researchers, nurseries, libraries and botantical gardens. 17

MINI-ROSES

Miniature roses are becoming more and more popu­ lar because they have so many uses around the home, both inside and outdoors. They are available as tree roses budded on a la-inch stem or Bonsai trees bud­ ded on a 5-inch stem. They come as standard bush types and climbers. They can be used in formal beds of their own, as edging along walks or beds, in the rock garden and in window boxes. They make an attractive pyramid garden (the type used for strawber­ ries) where space is limited. Roses require sun six or seven hours a day and should be planted in well-drained soil. For a planting mix they like one third humus with soil, bone meal or superphosphate and dehydrated manure. The pH re­ quirement is approximately 6.5. They should be planted on nine- to twelve-inch centers. Some varieties are very vigorous-growing 15 to 20 inches high and over a foot in diameter. One variety " Chipper" in my.garden is three years old. It is 22 inches high, and 14 inches in diameter. It had 170 one-inch flowers on its first flush of bloom and it has repeated constantly. The plants should not be allowed to dry out. They require watering everY"day or two in dry weather. This is particularly true 6f small plants with roots close to, the surface. Mulching with buckwheat hulls, leaf mold or other good mulching material is a must dur­ ing dry periods. Mini-roses require the same care as regular roses. They get the same diseases including black spot and mildew, and are loved by the red spider. A regular spray program must be maintained. Roses should be sprayed with a fungicide every ten days and with an insecticide when needed. Pruning requirements are similar to standard roses-back to the leaf with five leaflets. Miniature roses thrive under broad spectrum lamps. The varieties most highly rated by the American 'Magic Carrousel' is a busy mini w ith white flowers Rose Society are as follows: edged deep pink. REDS MAUVE Starina (a fabulous Lavender Lace outdoor rose) Beauty Secret Scarlet Gem

PINKS BLENDS Kara (a moss rose) Toy Clown Judy Fischer Mary Marshall Chipper Magic Carrousel

WHITES YELLOW Cinderella (a favorite Yellow Doll (There indoors and out) are not too many White Angel good yellows) 20 ARE YOU DROWNING YOUR PLANTS? Miniature roses are very vigorous and often out­ grow their allotted space. Don't be afraid to use prun­ ing shears. Blooms repeat much faster than regular roses-usually around thirty days after pruning. Feeding should be light and often. More trouble can come from over-feeding than from under-feeding. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and a fish emulsion. Alternate the feedings every two weeks. Miniature roses require very little winter protection because they are grown on their own roots and are more cold tolerant than hybrid teas or floribundas. Only in the coldest areas do they require protection by covering with pine needles, marsh hay or hilling with Plant Trivets and Pots with Legs will: soil. Tree roses, however, do require winter protec­ • Provide better drainage-water flows through tion either by burying or growing indoors. pot and evaporates Miniatures can be grown in the greenhouse, under • Prevent root rot induced by too much water fluorescent lights or in a sunny window. You can pot • Give better air circulation to roots by your open ground roses if you dig carefully and gi,ve eliminating soggy soil them a dorm an t period before bringing them indoors. • Elevate pot in saucer of water to provide The potted roses require very good drainage and humidity to foliage ' should not be allowed to dry out. The pots should not Three holes in large trivetS; make them convert, up-side­ down, to hanging plant platforms. Lift pot off for easy care. be placed in water, but should rest on stones with Iilangers not included. water maintained around the stones to increase Chinese Red , Royal Blue pr Clay colored Trivets are 33/4" humidity. In the New England area, they do not do and 6" in diameter. 6 smal'l or 4 large, one color, per pkg. too well in a sunny window. There are too many days $2.19. 4-4" pots, colors above, for $1.59. All orders add 50 ~ postage. ' without sufficient sun. But under fluorescent light fixtures they will bloom constantly. Miniature roses LEAF LIFTS by GAYLEN PRODUCT~ CO. require about 2000 foot candles for sixteen hours a P.O. Box 30305, Sta. A· ' Lincoln, NE. 68503 day. The light source should be placed six inches above the tops of the plants. I have found the combi­ nation of cool-white and a Grow-Lux wide spectrum lamp gives me good results. Indoors, aphids, red spider mites and white fly are the most common pests. All can be eliminated with one to three sprayings of a good insecticide used every few days. Use a rose dust if mildew or blackspot appear or spray with Benlate if you have more than a few plants. The ideal temperature is 70 to 75 degrees F. during the day and five degrees lower at night, if possible. Plants when received from a nursery come in 21/2- inch or 3-inch pots and should be repotted into 4-, or 5-inch pots. Propagation is done by cuttings. If care is taken, you will have a good blooming plant in a few months. Ralph Moore of the Sequoia Nurseries, Visalia, California 93277 has hybridized many new varieties A garden bench from Denmark, in cast including miniature moss roses. They ship by mail iron and wood. Length 64 inches. Dealer order throughout the United States. Other mail order houses with a large assortment of plants are: Nor' East inquiries invited. For information, Miniature Roses, Rowley, Mass. 01969 and Mini contact Roses, P.O. Box 4255, Station A, Dallas, Texas, 75208. Scandinavian Stoves, Inc. These firms are specialists in mini-roses with many varieties on hand, and catalogs on request. Most rose Box 72 nurseries and garden centers have mini-roses but the Alstead, N.H. 03602 choice is limited. 21 The Wild ve~bles ofSout

Ruben L. Villareal & Romeo T. Opena2

It is difficult for modern man to Perhaps mankind may never the dietary requir€mtmts of the realize that the most significant again attempt to domesticate major peopl€ within any country: (1) in­ achievements in plant and animal food crops unless special cir­ crease the amount of land under domestications took place before cumstances occur, but it is beyond cultivation; (2) incr€ase output of the dawn of recorded history. Of any shadow of doubt that time is food crops per unit of cultivated the quarter of a million species of quickly changing. Today, we aTe at land (includes multiple cropping) plants known, man has made use the forefront of the struggle for and decrease postharvest loss and of nearly 3,000 species. Perhaps survival. The world population is (3) purchase of food from outside only 150 of them have been exten­ approaching nearly 4 billion and the country. On€ other avenue sively cultivated. Only a handful of only faint rays of hope for a which remains unexplored is the these economic plants were do­ stabilized number appear on the full understanding and utilization mesticated during the historical horizon. A situation of limited ag­ of wild plants as food. period to serve man's needs, be­ ricultural resources grimly faces For those living in the more ginning 2,500 to 3,000 y€ars ago. us. Environmental stress often prosperous temperate regions, it is Certainly, very few serve mankind plagues the earth' s ecosystem difficult to appreciate the impor­ directly. A great number of plants further diminishing potential pro­ tance of vegetables in the tropical lifted from their wild existence duction output. Yields in countries diet. But in these traditionally des­ during this period belong to the with high production per unit titute countries, meat, milk, eggs, forage grasses and industrial area are leveling off. North Ameri­ and other animal products are lux­ crops. ca's largest grain reserves of the ury items. In Southeast Asia, tradi­ In a sense, modern man con­ last few decades have virtually tionally well-known vegetables tinues to parallel the pattern of the vanished. The latest United Na­ suffer seasonal fluctuations in historical period. Major emphasis tions estimate reveals that the supply. In these regions scarcity is is still focused strongly on the world grain reserves are precari­ a rule rather than exception. domestication of forage crops with ously low and at best we have ap­ People, born with an instinct for little if any attention directed to­ proximately a 4-week supply. It is 1 Paper presented at the symposium, " Dis­ ward the domestication of addi­ clear that man and his food must be covery of Tropical Plants" held at the Hor­ tional species for food. Interest­ brought into a better equilibrium ticultural Congresses (ASHS-AHS­ ingly, much of the efforts ex­ to abate major famines and inter­ AABGA) in Hawaii, September 9-15, pended towards the latter has national conflicts. 1975. taken the more sophisticated Among food production spe­ 2 Respectively, Plant Breeder and Associate Plant Breeder of the Asian Vegetable Re­ form-that of domesticating genes cialists, it is generally agreed that search and DeveloJ?ment Center, from th€ wild forms to improve the there are three conventional ways Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of 22 cultivated types. to increase food supply and meet China.

Photo : Murray Keene

survival, have learned to diversify food resources. Herein also lies a Table 1. Some unconventional vegetables slow but gradual recapitulation of and their principal parts useda man's history- that of domesticat­ ing plants to serve his desp.erate Common Name Scientific Name Part(s) Used needs. Definition Edible Fern Athyrium esculentum fiddle heads In Asia, there are numerous wild Lotus Castalia pubescens leaves, flowers, and semi-domesticated plants stalks & seeds which are used as vegetables in the Wild Celosia Celosia argentea young plam.t common diet. These 'vegetables' Swamp Taro Cyrtosperma merkusii leaves and stems are not grown commercially but Rattan Palm Calamus mollis growing point or are readily available in the markets palm cabbage after they have been gathered from Moon Flower Ipomo ea alba young shoots their wild existence (or even in Swamp Cabbage Ipomo ea acquatica young shoot & leaves immediate backyards where they Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa young leaves & calyx grow unattended). We shall refer Fishtail Palm Caryota cumingii palm cabbage to these plants as unconventional Kapok Ceiba pentandra young leaves vegetables. In contrast to this Giant Bamboo Gigantochloa levis bamboo shoot group, by our definition, the con­ Madres Cacao Gliricidia sepium flowers ventional vegetables are those that Ipil-ipil Leucaena leouca- young leaves & are grown commercially and/or cephala mature seeds raised in home gardens and are Banana Musa sapien tum flower buds popular in many parts of the Sesbania Sesbania gran diflora young leaves, world, e.g., cabbage, tomato, let­ flowers & pods tuce, potato, cauliflower, etc. Tamarind Tamarindus indica flowers, young leaves, These vegetables were long ago seeds & pulp of pods lifted from their wild state and im­ Eel Grass Vallesneria gigantea leaves and flower proved for human culinary habits. stalks Selected Examples and Parts Used Wild Eggplant Solanum ferox young fruits Some of the well-known uncon­ Bitter Melon Momordica charan tia young leaves and fruits ventional vegetables of Southeast Parkia Farha speciosa immature pods and seeds Asia and their principal parts used Eel Grass Vallisneria gigantea leaves and flower are given in Table 1. As may be Horseradish Tree Moringa pterygosperma Fruits, flowers and leaves noted, the young succulent leaves (Malunggay) and tender shoots constitute the a Adapted from J. E. Knott and J. R. Deanon, JI. "Vegetable production in Southeast essential edible portions in many Asia." (1967) of these plants. The usage may ex­ tend to other organs as well: the etables market commodities, they of the Manila Central University, it flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, and are relatively inexpensive. Wild was noted that they possess even the entire young plant itself. vegetables provide a cheap and unique diuretic (increased amount Benefits often more abundant source of vi­ of urine) and saluretic (increased Like most conventional vegeta­ tamins and minerals than normally elimination of sodium salt) prop­ bles, these wild, unconventional derived from the conventional erties. These medicinal qualities vegetables are rich sources of vita­ vegetables. are reported to be good for indi­ mins and minerals. With reference The pharmacological and viduals suffering from high blood especially to two major leafy vege­ therapeutic potentials of some of pressure. tables (cabbage and lettuce), they these unconventional vegetables Apart from being used as vege­ are substantially even richer in vi­ must not likewise be overlooked as tables in the diet, some of these tamin A. Jute and spineless am­ an added benefit from using them. unconventional vegetables are bet­ aranth contain at least four times as For instance, kangkong or swamp ter known for other economic uses. much iron as the highest iron­ cabbage has been known and be­ Some serve primarily as exqui­ con taining lettuce. Considerable lieved to have purgative and an­ sitely beautiful ornamentals, some differences are also noted in vita­ tidiarrhetic properties. Sweet as livestock and poultry feeds min C content. potato tips serve as another out­ while others function as live fence Since little capital is involved in standing example. In a 1972 study posts, windbreaks and shade 24 making these unconventional veg- conducted by medical researchers screens. Recipes 2 sweet red and green peppers Following are popular dishes in­ 1 cup shredded singkamas Cyam volving a number of the unconven­ bean) or green papaya tional vegetables and instructions 1/2 cup French dressing Soak ingredients in h a lf of the on how to prepare them (Philip­ French dressing for a few minutes and pine Publishing House, 1971). We chill if possible. Arrange on a plate, have taken the liberty, in certain putting kangkong and m alunggay mix­ instances, to suggest substitution ture a t the center, sweet peppers, of some exotic ingredients with singkamas or green papaya and to­ more readily available food items matoes alternately . Pour remaining For every gardener of the temperate countries. French dressing and serve. ' there is a perfect JANCO Banana Blossom Kilawin ... including the new 2 banana blossoms 1 cup fried tokwa (beancurd) cubes low-cost Belair 1 tablespoon crushed garlic Janco all-aluminum Fried Squash Blossoms greenhouses fit' any 2 cups yellow squash m ale blossoms Lemon juice, salt site, and every bud­ 2 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vetsin get. From the Win­ dow Garden to the Margarine or oil 1 onion, sliced Chesapeake there is Bread crumbs 4 tablespoons oil a Janco to fit your 2 cups water specifications. ' Now Cut off ends of the blossoms. Wash there's Belair - same very well and lay them flat. Dip in Remove tough covering of the blos­ fine quality but standard sizes save you beaten eggs and then in crumbs and fry som. Slice thin, crosswise. Squeeze it money. Write for FREE catalog. in margarine or oil. Bauhinia flowers with salt and then rinse. Mix tokwa, AGENT OPENINGS : a few select areas need representatives. Write Janco Sales maybe used instead of squash blos­ sliced onion and lemon juice. Sautee Manager. soms. garlic and add the tokwa. Add water, JANCO GREENHOUSES salt, vetsin, pepper and con tin ue cook­ Dept. AH-6 ing. Then add the blossom. Turn over J. A. Nearing Co. , In c. Tinola 10788 Tu cke r Street 2 beaten eggs constantly till tender. Serve hot. Beltsville, Md. 20705 Green papaya or potato cut into small Banana Blossom Adobo 301-937 -3300 pieces Remove tough cover of banana blos­ Onion som. Chop fine. Squeeze with salt to Ginger remove puckery taste, and wash. Garlic Sautee garlic till brown, add water, Salt lemon juice and salt. Bring to a boil, 1 teaspoon vetsin and drop the chopped banana blos­ Sautee garlic, ginger and onion and som. Add vetsin and 2 tablespoons oil. add the beaten eggs. Cut into pieces. Cook till tender and juice is almost the Add enough water to cook the papaya gone. or potato; cook until soft. Season with ;Z-w.eell salt and vetsin. Serve hot. Sauteed Mungbean 2 cups boiled mungbean vaeat.on. 3 tablespoons oil Taketime off from the busy world each day Adobong Kangkong (Swamp cabbage) 4 tablespoons garlic of the year in the relaxing . natural atmos­ 2 bundles of kangkong phere of an Everlite " H ome Greenhouse. 4 tablespoons onions, chopped Over 90 prefabricated easy-to-assemble 3 tablespoons soy sauce models. Full line of accessories available. 1/2 cup tomatoes 1 teaspoon vetsin Make every week a vaca ti o n with an 1 cup malunggay leaves Everlite ! 1/2 teaspoon sugar Salt to taste 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon vetsin 1 clove garlic Boil the mungbean. When soft, re­ Wash and sort kangkong. Sautee the move from pan and set aside. Sautee garlic. When brown, add kangkong. the garlic until light brown, add the When partially cooked, add lemon onions, tomatoes and leaves, then add juice and bring to a boil. Season with the boiled mungbean. Add 1 cup of soy sauce, salt and vetsin. Sweet potato water. Season with salt and vetsin. Let tips, edible amaranth leaves, and okra it boil till done. Serve hot. Squash ten­ may be used instead of kangkong. der tips, edible amaranth leaves, am­ palaya leaves (bitter melon) may be Kangkong-Tomato Salad used instead of malunggay leaves. c5ZUumi1l.um 2cupskangkong,s~amed Qreenll,ouses. Irz.c. 2 big tomatoes, sliced 14615 Lorain Avenue 1/2 cup malunggay leaves, steamed Continued on page 29 Cleveland. Ohio 25 44111 . New Lilies are Ga

Crimson Beauty Moonlight

While browsing through Bai­ lilies have moved from the Why? Because the growing condi­ ley's The Standard Cyclopedia of sanctuary of the specialist into the tions (together, the environment) Horticulture, a trick useful for pass­ everyday garden. An indication of playa major role in making a ing time in a library, I happened on this change is the larger, more species. the entry Lilium . The author filled spectacular section in mail-order In the development of a species, several paragraphs wondering catalogs devoted each year to lilies. a group of plants becomes sepa­ why such virtuous plants as lilies Was our prophet right? Is the in­ rated from related plants and, over are (or were) absent from so many creased popularity of lilies today long periods of time, some re­ American gardens. Although not­ due to a greater appreciation of peatedly adapt to the environmen­ ing that some of the species lilies their merits? I think not. tal conditions they experience. The are difficult, the author wrote that Fifty years ago the lilies being best individuals of each generation "Their culture has been entirely grown in the gardens of America live to produce the next genera­ too much neglected in this coun­ were largely species. True, the tion. Plants unable to cope with the try, but we are confident that, as seeds or bulbs often came from growing conditions either die, are their merits become better known, horticultural or botanic gardens, barren, or produce few seeds. they will be much more largely but the plants were little different These unfit plants and the genetic grown." My copy of this basic hor­ than those collected from the wild. blueprints they carry gradually ticultural reference was copyright­ Wild plants make good subjects for disappear from the population. ed in 1928. those gardening where the plants With succeeding generations, the The author of this prophesy, grow naturally. Change the soil remaining plants are more adapted whether L. H . Bailey or not, would type, the pattern of rainfall, the to the particular set of environmen­ be gratified with the popularity of timing of the seasons, or the temp­ tal conditions and less able to sur­ 26 lilies today. Over the past 20 years erature, and you have trouble. vive in other conditions. Pete Asch er Associate Professor of Horticulture University of Minn eso ta, St. Paul, MN 55108

For example, consider a group of the environment not only saves the grows in well-drained hummocks lilies living in sandy, acid soil on a genetic blueprints conferring the at the edge of swamps, moist slope. Only the plants able to grow ability to grow well under the par­ woods, or in wet meadows. The normally in fast draining, acid soil ticular conditions, but also re­ combination of well-drained and and capable of withstanding some moves all other blueprints. There­ swamp results in a rather narrow droughty periods will produce fore, a well developed species is growing area. Although you can seeds. Lily plants bearing genetic adapted to its native growing con­ grow these lilies in your garden, it blueprints specifying structures or ditions but has lost the genetic in­ takes effort to make them persist growth patterns requiring a steady formation necessary to grow well and do well. water supply, or intolerant of acid under other conditions. To culti­ Some lilies, native to sparse, soil will die. In each generation, vate the species, you must recreate lean soils literally grow to death in the lilies possessing the genetic in­ the natural conditions. the fertility of the garden. L. au­ formation to grow best under these The genus Lilium is composed of ratum , the gold-band lily, is an conditions will produce the most well defined species. Many are re­ example. The first year from plant- seeds. As long as the environment stricted to narrow geographic areas ing, bulbs of the gold-band lily remains the same, each generation and others, of wider geographic often produce a large plant bearing will be better at growing and re­ distribution, are adapted to nar­ several huge, flat or bowl-shaped producing in sandy, acid soil on a row environmental conditions. For white flowers studded with pink slope. example, L. grayii , a tiny spotted or red spots, each petal banded Fine, you say, the lilies grow lily, is native to a very restricted with gold down the center. Seeing well in sandy, acid soil on a slope, area in Virginia while L. superbum , this, the gardener rejoices and be­ but why not in my garden as well? a turkscap lily native to the north­ gins imagining what next year will Because in the process of selecting, eastern quarter of North America, bring. Usually the next year brings 27 nothing, or at best a few grass-like w ith plenty of variation. Garden­ raised beds of modified soil. Raise leaves. The gold-band lily grows so ers or commercial breeders work­ the bed about 6 inches and amend luxu riant the fi rst year that its suc­ ing in garden situations select from the soil with plenty of humus, culent tissue falls prey to any one of this variation. Therefore, the de­ either peat moss or compost, and several common diseases. velopment of new lilies parallels coarse sand or a sand substitute. In my mind, a major reason for the development of a species ex­ Lilies also need a cold period. past neglect of lilies by American cept that the selecting environ­ Southern gardeners often lift the gardeners stemmed from the fact ment is the North American gar­ bulbs at the end of the growing that all of the exciting ones were den rather than a spot in the wild. season, pack them in sligh tly mois t species and therefore difficult to The result is lilies that not only peat moss, and refrigerate them for grow. Easy lilies, like the tiger lily, survive in the garden but actually two to three months. exhibited little variation, thus, become better every year. Although most lilies grow best seeing one you had seen them all. The potential for new combina­ in full sun, some of the pastel hy­ Surely, gardeners of past genera­ tions in the interspecific hybrids is brids attain better color in light tions were well aware of the merits true for characters other than those shade. Hybrid lilies require no of lilies. However, the available involving growth and survival. An more than routine garden care in­ lilies were wild species and not obvious one, as apparent in hybrid cluding an occasional spraying for suitable, permanent garden sub­ lilies as their garden vigor, is the insect and fungus diseases. Some jects. variation in flower color, shape, of the new lilies are remarkably re­ New lilies are not wild species. and position. You may select flow­ sistant to most lily diseases. How­ They are cultivated plants-new ers from white to nearly black, ever, one disease still causing species- if you will, selected for sharp colors or pastels, blends and problems is virus. Once a lily has their ability to perform in the gar­ even bi-tones; lilies with spots or virus, like any other virus-infected den environment. Plant breeders lilies without. Flowers may be re­ plant, it should be destroyed. To created the new lilies by reversing curved like turbans, flat like plates, keep virus problems to a min­ the process of species formation. bowl-shaped, slender trumpets, imum, control insect populations, When two or more wild species and anything in between. They especially aphids and leafhoppers, are hybridized, the genetic factors may point up, out, or down. and do not plant lilies near tUlips or selected by the growing condi tions Hybrid lilies also vary in size. tiger lilies, as both are carriers. for each of the parent species are Plants may be as short as two feet The accompanying pictures il­ mixed. This mixing actually re­ or as tall as seven and flowers may lustrate some of the major groups verses the development of a vary from a dainty diameter of two of hybrid lilies. Many variations species so that the hybrid popula­ inches to a dinner-plate nine. occur within each group so check tion is more like the primitive However, one thing the plant your supplier. Should you become group of plants which existed be­ breeders have not been able to addicted to growing lilies, you will fore the species came into being. change is the lily's demand for find added challenge in the many With the genetic factors necessary good drainage. All lilies require beautiful species. But, unless you for survival in several environ­ well drained soil. If your garden are an expert, avoid lily species ments stirred together in one pot, a abounds with heavy soil, clay or and choose hybrids, for they are plant breeder can select individu­ silt, your hlies will grow best in garden plants. als for growing conditions alien to those of the parents. Crossing two interspecific hybrids, that is, com­ bining four species of diverse en­ vironmental req uiremen ts in to one hybrid, allows the breeder to select recombinations of genetic blueprints suitable for growth in an even wider range of environ­ ments. The more species added to a hybrid, the more variations pos­ sible. Many newer lilies available today combine the attributes of more than five different lily species. Interspecific hybridiza- 28 tion has provided the mixing pot Sunkissed COil till li ed ( 1'0 111 pnge 25 tention . There is a definite possi­ bility that some of the protein-rich Asian Vegetables unconvention al vegetables m ay provide certain am in o acids defi­ Native Pickles cient in man y of our basic staple 1 cup green papaya, sliced in strips grains. 1 green pepper, sliced in strips 3. Com plete bioassay for some 1 small carrot, sliced in strips chemical constituents and o ther 1 small ginger, cut in strips unknown principles that may be 1 bunch native onion, cut 2 inches long harmful or in similar token, bene­ 2 cups pineapple vinegar ficial to human health must also be 1 cup sugar determined. Although no known Salt to taste or reported cases of poisoning d ue Bla nch all vegetables. Dra in a nd put to ingestion m ay be ci ted, such in a bow l. In a pan combine vinegar, sugar, sait, ginger. Boil , then po ur over possibility from excess i n ta ke vegetables and cool. Put in a jar, and alone m ust not be ign ored. For store until it is needed . exam ple, it h as been reported that the addition of 20-30% ipil-ipil (Leucaena leoucocephala ) leaf m eal Future Outlook in the chicken diet can suppress Although many unconventi onal matu ration of th e ovaries an d vegetables have persisted in the therefore could serve as a useful Asian diet for gen erations, they dietary co nstituent fo r controlling have been p athetically neglected in ovu lation. In some parts of In­ _Fresh most research undertakings. Most donesia, Th ailand, and the Ph ilip­ rem ain in the w ild or are only pines, the seeds and leaves of this ~ ideas semi-domesticated. This contri­ tree legume serve as a popul ar veg­ William H . Frederick, Jr.'s butes to the relegation of their im­ etable. Whether such effect could 100 GREAT GARDEN PLANTS portance to a minor rank in any be found in h uman beings with is a connoisseur's selecti on of the research priority analysis. relatively excess intake of this un­ very best trees, shrubs and ground­ covers found in a lifetime of land­ The potential of these unconven­ convention al vegetable is not yet kn own . Of course, such side ef­ sca pe des ig n a nd gardening. tional vegetables as a human di­ W here and how to grow them. etary supplem ent must be given fects m ayor may not be ben eficial With 109 pho tographs in f ull more consideratioI). . Their con­ depending upon how one looks at color. $15 at bookstores . Or send tinuing existen ce in the Asian diet the demographic problem . check to Alfred A. Knopf, DepLA, 4. Productivity evaluation and 201 East 50th Street, N.Y. 10022. will never be ephem eral. Investi­ (Include sales tax where applicable.) gations along the following areas identificatio n of o ther key ele­ ments involved in raising uncon­ Alfred·A·Knopf~ should be undertaken: ;:/ 1. Evaluation of p alatability , ventional vegetables must be tenderness, and other eating qual­ undertaken . It w ill be interesting ity parameters that are normally to see how they compare w ith the EN JOY YOUR VERY OWN . undertaken for the more important more popular conventional vege­ conventional vegetables. Con­ tables in terms of fresh and dry sumption of sweet potato tips matter production as well as the serves as a good example. It is a basic nutrient yield. popular vegetable in the Philip­ Conclusion Full quart si ze with pines, Vietnam, and some p arts of Vegetables whether they are 8 feeding stations, 4 perches, and bottle Indonesia and Thailand, but little conventional or unconventional do refillable WITHOUT removi ng fro m sim­ effort has been exerted in deter­ not constitute a prime panacea to ple , durable base. mining the best possible variety combat malnutrition among mil­ Best available - de­ Qu art : S8.95 Pos tp aid signed & engineered Send Chec k or Money Order for the consumer's palate. for happy hummers lions of Southeast Asians. How­ no COOs, please and ex perienced ob­ 2. The quality of the nutritive ever, with more research and the servers. COMPLETE SA TlSFACTION elements of these unconventional proper channeling of research in­ GUARANTEED' vegetables must be determined. formation to the farmer and con­ BURD PRODUCTS AVIAN PRODUCTS The amino acid balance especially sumer, we believe the threat of Box 506L Rt. 10, Box 92 R, Dept. L Grand Junction, CO San Antonio, T X in some of the potentially protein­ malnutrition is not so insurmount­ 81501 78216 rich vegetables deserves major at- able. 29 Qematis Marinus Vander Pol Nurseryman, Fairha ven, MA

The conspicuous flowering their own root systems. Clematis has been an interest of Clematis is an elite thor­ mine for over sixty years. As a boy oughbred in the kingdom of in Holland, I grafted many of the plants. If well-drained loam soil is large flowering hybrids on selected amplified with phosphate, lime, roots of Cl ematis viticella. At that iron, boron and other trace ele­ time, the lowlands of Holland were ments, it has been my experience the concentrated propagating cen­ that excellent plants will result. ter for ornamental plants in Eu­ Clematis hybrids are divided rope. In fact, interest in Clematis into different "groups", that is, there probably goes back longer groups of plants associated with than the one hundred years it has the principal species involved. For been popular in America. instance, the Montana group con­ About twenty species are native sists of plants with white, pink and to the United States, with many reddish colored flowers, the most additional species native to the al­ striking of which is the variety pine countries of Europe and the 'Tetrarosa'. This group is some­ Orient. On a recent trip to Holland times referred to as the dogwood­ I observed propagating beds with flowered clematis. It is sweetly hundreds of thousands of rooted scented and blooms only once each cuttings and one-year-old seed­ year. It is native of southern lings, deftly planted in long rows, Europe and can grow 15-20 feet in each plant attached to its own four height. foot stake. English growers have shown Because of the great interest in great interest in the Texensis Clematis, both in Europe and in group, and I have seen a number of the United States, many excellent excellent hybrids in South Mund­ ornamental varieties have been Clematis heime. Clematis texensis itself is a produced . The most popular interesting plants, one gains expe­ strong growing species, with groups in America are hybrids (as rience in how to handle them small, deep red, bell-shaped flow­ well as some species) of C. properly. In the first place, dis­ ers. lanugin os a, C. Jackmanii , C. vit­ eased plants should be eliminated The most beautiful of this group icella , C. florida and especially C. at once. Shears and hands should is the variety 'Dutchess of Albany' patens. All of these are large flower­ be scrupulously clean in order not with pink, lily-type flowers in ing hybrids of the widest range of to spread disease. No water should great profusion over a long period color, many capable of blooming a be sprayed on flowers or foliage, as of bloom. It is semi-herbaceous, second and even a third time if this m:1y also spread disease . dies down to the ground in winter handled properly. Such bloom is Plants should be watered at the but in ten weeks' growing time it produced by judicious pruning. ground level only. can produce 10-12 foot vines with One starts as early as new growth Insect prevention is perhaps many flowers. reaches 2-21/2 feet in height, by best accomplished with systemics Another very interesting group pinching off less than half the such as tobacco dust and nicotine of the smaller flowering clematis is number of growing tips on the compounds. A heavy mulch of an the C. alpina hybrids. Also, C. ma­ elongating vines. organic material like sugar cane, cropetala is outstanding with its This causes a second crop of salt hay or peat moss keeps the soil pale azure blue flowers that may be flowers to be produced three to cool. This is most helpful to the 21/2-4" in diameter. Clematis hera­ four weeks after the first bloom has plants. Their growth habit does cleafolia davidiana is very popular ::- 0 gone by. As one works with these not provide sufficient shade for in mass effects in flowerbeds. In- dividual plants are three feet high, flowers. 'Prins Hendrick' is one of twist or break the stem base where pyramidal in shape. In late June these, with an outstanding su­ the roots are attached. Most impor­ and July they produce hyacinth perior blue flower, which in the tan t of all is to protect this area blue flowers that are very fragrant. summer in Holland can bring as from direct sun, that is the bottom These, too, are produced on the much as $1.00 per bloom. Green­ three inches of the stem after it is new growth each year. house-grown blossoms on three planted. A mulch of sugar cane Closely related is the hybrid foot stems have brought as much or hay, or a shaded shelter of 'Mrs. Robert Bryden' with soft, as $3.00 per bloom in the off­ shingles-anything to keep out di­ blue, inch-wide flowers, produced season. 'White Majesty' is perhaps rect hot sunshine, for it is this area in great abundance and shaped the finest white of all . 'William that most amateurs neglect. Given like a cross. It can easily be trained Kennett', a deep lavender blue, proper shade here, a moderate on north walls or fences to shield a and a few others are used in the cut amount of moisture and the proper space up to six feet wide and six flower business. soil, the plants should thrive. If feet high. Both varieties of C. hera­ America has contributed its they can be brought through the cleafolia are extremely coarse in share of introductions comple­ first 90 days satisfactorily, the foliage and can be used as ground menting the English effort. Several chances are they are on their way to covers. Japanese clematis growers have in­ becoming colorful ornamentals. Of all clematis, the easiest to troduced some new varieties, but Finally, since most of them are grow, and widely popular, is the Holland, I believe, has produced climbing plants, they should be Sweet Autumn Clematis, C. the finest without question. given something to attach them­ paniculata. It is widely grown in It is unfortunate that some of the selves to. They do not twine, but New England where it adapts to clematis offered in garden centers climb by attaching their leaf peti­ many growing conditions. It is were grown in two and a quarter c1es around some means of sup­ often considered the most reward­ inch pots, packaged, shipped in port, like a thin trellis, bamboo ing of all, growing 15-20 feet tall. It March but maybe not made avail­ stake or even a #16 plastic coated produces thousands upon thou­ able until June. Such plants have a single strand electrician's wire. sands of small, pure white, frag­ hard time getting off to a good The support that you select should rant flowers in September, and can start. The same plant in a six inch be kept at least an inch from any be found growing vigorously in pot, with soil about the roots, wall. If a lattice is used, the open­ places where other clematis have shipped in April, has a much bet­ ings should be no more than 9 failed. ter chance to grow and give the inches wide. Some clematis species are grown owner satisfaction. Some of the other good garden as ornamental plants. In this group Clematis make excellent terrace clematis are: I include C. diversifolia , C. durandii , plants, grown in tubs. The tub Lanuginosa Group: 'Mrs. Chol­ C. recta , C. crispa , C. flammula , C. should be at least 12 inches in mondeley' blue, 'Elsa Spath' blue orientalis and C. virginiana. C. ar­ diameter and 12 to 18 inches deep. with a dark center, 'Lord Neville' mandii is the only semi-hardy, Remember they like good drain­ plum pudding purple flowers with strong growing, free flowering, age, so there should be sizeable ruffled edges, 'King Edward VII' fragrant evergreen clematis. It does holes in the bottom of the tub. I royal violet petals with crimson well from Washington, D. C. have found that a good potting bar, 'Pride of Fairport' medium southward. Clematis tangutica is mixture is 50% soil, 25% peat moss blue double flowers, 'Pink Chif­ one of the best, if not the best, of (since all clematis like to grow in a fon' deep shell pink, and 'Ramona' the yellow-flowered clematis. I medium that is slightly acid), and blue. have seen (in England) a plant of 25% perlite or vermiculite. It Jackmanii Group: 'Comtesse de tremendous proportions, 35 feet should be remembered that to each Bouchard' pink, C. Jackmanii, most tall, and in July and August it was ten quart pail of soil should be famous of all with deep purple covered with thousands of yellow, added one cup of slow release fer­ flowers, 'Gypsy Queen' rich vel­ bell-shaped flowers, three inches tilizer and a half cup of bone meal. vet, 'Mrs. George Jackman' white. in size. This was truly a spectacle, Two to three year old plants are the Viticella Group: 'Ernest Mark­ and when the seed clusters are best to use in tubs, they are quickly ham' red, 'Huldine' white, 'Ville fully developed in October the off to a good start. de Lyon' carmine red. display is almost as spectacular as A proper planting hole for Patens Group: 'Nelly Moser' when it is in bloom. No other clematis is 2 feet deep and 12 pink, 'Lasurstern' purplish blue. clematis has provided such a dis­ inches wide. The soil should have Florida Group: 'Duchess of play. some perlite (or vermiculite) and Edinburgh' double white, 'Belle of Sometimes certain varieties of peat moss mixed with it. One Woking' silver-lavender and dou- clematis are grown for their cut should be extremely careful not to b~. n planting certain small plants in the rock crevices themselves. Sedums and various types of hen and ttodo chickens can do well in such places, but the rocks in the wall should be laid in such a manner that they slant slightly backwards with that bank towards the bank. The pockets of soil must be large enough to sus­ Donald Wyman 59 Jericho Road Weston, MA. 02193 tain the plants properly. If the bank is in the shade, ferns, A bank planting in the garden or This needs a lot of labor and know hostas, pachysandra, myrtle, En­ near the home can be an asset. On how, but the result is delightful, if glish ivy, lily-of-the-valley and the other hand it can also be a dis­ executed properly. If the wall is not ajuga are some of the plants that reputable part of the home land­ too high, planting trailing plants might be selected. scape if it is not planted properly just inside the back edge so that There is always the possibility of and is always grown up with they will hang over the wall, can making a rock garden, especially if weeds and tall grass that just can't result in a beautiful addition to the the rocks are already there. This is be cut. What to do? garden. Such plants as alyssum, not easily accomplished, for it is There are several methods of myrtle, sedums, ivies, bearberry, not just a matter of throwing in a handling the situation, depending thyme, aubretia, dianthus and few rocks and planting about on the steepness of gradient, near­ similar plants create a thing of them. Rock gardens are ideally ness to the house and whether you beauty throughout the growing suited for placing on banks, and really like a challenge or just want season. there are many, many plants that to plant the thing and forget it. If the wall is not over three feet can be used in such a planting. Ever thought of a walled garden? tall, one might try one's hand at But-and it is a big one, there is

32 maintenance to think about, and The evergreen Euon y mus for­ mg a shovel full of soil over the unless it is weeded properly, tunei 'Colorata' or its close relative stems here and there when the mulched occasionally, and some of E. fortun ei 'vegeta' are also pos­ plants begin to elongate. This, of the plants replaced when they die sibilities. The semi-evergreen course, aids materially in keeping out, it, too, can become an un­ Lonicera henryi also has merit. Very down erosion on any bank, for the sightly problem. similar in growth habit to Hall' s more roots, the less the erosion. When there is a bank problem, honeysuckle, it is not as vigorous, The evergreen bearberry (Arcto­ many of us are looking for an easy nor does it become such a vicious staphy lo s uv a-ursi) is a native solution, one that doesn't create pest as Hall's. Driving through ground cover from coast to coast work . If the gradient is low parts of Virginia, Maryland and across the northern United States, enough, possibly grass can be Pennsylvania where Hall's has be­ but unfortunately it is a very hard planted and mowed without come a vicious pest everywhere, it plant to transplant. It should be undue exercise in keeping the is hard to realize that it was not purchased when grown by the mower (and its operator) upright. even in the United States until nursery in pots, although some On the other hand if it is steep, or if slightly before 1860 when it was nurserymen, where the plant it has a rugged outcropping of first brought here from Japan. grows naturally in quantity, have rocks, one should investigate the True, the flowers are fragrant, but made a practice of transplanting it many kinds of plants that could be planted in a w ell kept garden the in sods. It might best be consid­ used to cover the bank. branches root wherever they touch ered only for growing in sandy soil If there are rocks, especially large moist soil, and long underground situations, in the full sun or the ones, feature them if at all possible. stems are being continually sent shade. Its small, shining evergreen If they are very large, try planting a out from the base of the plants to leaves and its bright red berries in clinging vine like English ivy, or encroach on other garden space. the fall are certainly an asset but one of the several small leaved Henry's honeysuckle on the other one should restrict it to small areas euonymus at the base, not to cover hand is not such a rampant grower for there it is easiest to get started. completely, but to climb up the and can be kept within bounds. Single plants might be spaced a rock surface and show off interest­ The five leaf akebia (Akebia foot or eighteen inches apart at ing foliage. It might be possible to qui nata) is another vigorous grow­ planting time. plant some bearberry at the top of ing semi-evergreen vine to con­ Myrtle is always good for small the rock, and let the graceful sider. Trained on a trellis it quickly banks or humps of ground and its strands of evergreen foliage hang grows to the top of a three-story bright purplish, white or pink over the rock surface for the same house. Planted on a bank it not flowers (depending on variety) are purpose. only increases as much as three to colorful in the spring. Its semi­ The first group of plants to think fifteen feet a year, but it also sends evergreen leaves are excellent in about in covering the soil itself out long, running underground the late fall and winter. Normally it would be vines, for these grow the shoots that can quickly get out of grows in clumps, and can be fastest. But don't get over en­ hand, especially if a woods is adja­ started in small bunches eighteen thusiastic like many people in the cen t and a "few" runners are al­ inches apart. As it increases, its South and plant kudzu vine lowed to take off forthwith. Such shoots also readily root in moist (Pueraria lobata). This has been vines are quick growing all right, soil, so it also is an excellent plant known to elongate 60 feet in one but unless the garden is to be over­ for erosion control. growing season-truly excep­ powered with them they had best As one drives along Pennsyl­ tional, but it is a vicious spreader be used only in situations where vania's highways in the summer, and can quickly become a pest, they can be properly controlled. one sees many extremely steep cuts climbing trees, strangling every A really good vine to use for that are thoroughly covered with type of upright growth within its bank planting, is the memorial crown vetch (Coronilla varia) . A va­ reach. rose (Rosa wichuraiana) brought to riety that has been widely adver­ Select a vine with ornamental America in 1891 by the Arnold Ar­ tised, and is now probably grown qualities of good foliage, flower or boretum of Boston, and one of the by the millions, is 'Penngift' with fruit, one that can be kept within parents of the modern rambler. white to pink, pea-like flowers that bounds when necessary. English This has shining, semi-evergreen start to open in June and continue ivy, climbing hydrangea, Virginia leaves (even as far north as Bos­ throughout the summer and into creeper, myrtle or even the sweet ton), fragrant white flowers at the the fall until the plants are cut clematis are some suggestions. Bit­ end of the summer and dull red down by fros t. This is a perennial, tersweet has been used, but it, too, fruits. It spreads flat on the ground especially for poor soil areas. It can soon grow out of control and and wherever the shoots touch spreads rapidly, and again, in gar­ create an unkempt mass of woody moist soil, they root. This ten­ dens with good soil it quickly stems. dency can be augmented by throw- Continued on page 40 33 PARSLEY IT5UFE AND TIMES Eliza beth Scha effer 837 Sh eridan Bloomington, Indiana 47401

Contemplate this scene, if you will. Hercules stands in triumph after one more success. He stands handsome, smug, and smiling as the cheering crowds mill raucously at his feet. On his head is the sym­ bol of his success-a luxuriant wreath of parsley. Parsley? Just so-according to the ancient Greeks. We know that the winners at' the Nemean Games of the Panhellenic Games of Greece were given wreaths of parsley to signify their victories. When another famous general requested his triumphant wreath 1653, Culpeper states that it w as of Parsley is, however, so rich in be made of parsley like the legen­ service to children and " upgrown vitamins-A (as much as cod liver dary one of Hercules, his troops people" who were bothered with oil), B1 , B2 , niacin, and C (as much rebelled; they preferred one of " wind in the stomach." Gerard in as three times more than oranges), pine needles . Parsley at least his herbal goes even further and as well as minerals, calcium and would have been more comfort­ calls parsley effecti ve for " torments iron-that it will help to make any­ able. of the guts." one feel a little better. The high When Hercules wore his Of all the uses of parsley men­ iron con ten t also helps relieve triumphal wreath of parsley, he tioned in the early English herbals, anemia, and so accounts for may have had an ulterior motive. the most widely accepted use was parsley's reputation against " the Parsley has long had a reputation as a soother of stomachs. This has lethergy." The Bancke' s Herbal for being helpful for the headache. had a long history of good results, reference to comfort of the heart Parsley may have been what Her­ both for children and " upgrown" probably refers to the use of tea as a cules did for a headache-what ty pes. Medicinal parsley tea is diuretic in cases of dropsy arising with all that cheering and such. O r made very simply by boiling the with heart trouble. Parsley is still he may have had still another even leaves a little and allowing them to used as a medicinal herb for more ulterior motive-which we'll steep in hot water. The resulting stimulating the kidneys. look into later. light green liquid is then sweet­ The high chlorophyll content of The medicinal uses of parsley ened and sipped slowly. If some­ the leaves makes parsley an excel­ have been many and varied. In 164 thing not unduly dire is causing lent natural breath sweetener. It is A. D . the great Galen noted that your torment, parsley tea is a recommended by some vets as a parsley was " sweet and grateful to pleasant way to sooth your system. cure for " doggy hali tosis." The the stomach." In 1525, Bancke' s Parsley tea also has a very long trick works as well with human be­ Herbal states that " It comforteth history as a soother if not a cure for ings. The Romans realized this, 34 the heart and the stomach." In rheumatism. Would it were true. but they relied a little too heavily on it. They thought p arsley could cules did. There were those in the to fl avor a stew or sauce. The an­ remove intoxication. It can't. It just noisy crowd who gossiped tha t swer is obvious and simple. Go removes some of the evidence. Hercules had chosen parsley be­ ahead and use a great deal of it. The use of parsley in medicines ca use it could be counted on to Parsley is best used with a gener­ for the eye m ay have had an empir­ cover a little premature balding. ous hand. Consider the good use you can ical beginning when someon e If you are not yet at ease with the make of parsley. Pliny comments made use of the element in parsley delights of cooking with herbs, in his discussions of Roman we now call Vitamin A, or carotine. parsley is an excell ent beginner's cuisine that no sauce or salad was This vitamin is necessary for eye herb. It is a casual, comfortable served without parsley. In the 16th health, especially in night vision. herb you can rely on. It is also the Century, John Parkinson mentions Many of these eye medicines were b asis for many ex tremely sophisti­ parsley as being served boiled, applied externally and probably ca ted and subtle herbal concoc­ roasted, fried, and stewed-as well made more use of the cooling tions. The French Fines H erbes is as " being green it serveth to lay properties of the leaves. only one of the simpler of these upon sundry meates." Too many Vitamin A is valuable applied more sophisticated combinations. cooks today are still just laying it externally as well, however. You Sauce Bearnaise is another elegant upon sundry meates-and neglect­ can find parsley in recipes for skin combination you might want to ing its many other possibilities. creams from Elizabethan England try. The point is this-simple or Henry VIII, famous for his gour­ and Colonial America. Now usu­ sophis ticated-many dishes gain mandizing, among other things, ally extracted from other sources, mightily by the thoughtful and was served parsley in a sauce much Vitamin A still is an important in­ generous addition of parsley. gredient in many soothing lo­ like our p arsley-butter sauce. The tions-from "enriched" emollien ts modern recipe is simple-being If you would like to try the an­ for ladies' faces to comforting mostly fresh parsley and butter. cient parsley tea, the recipe is ex­ ointments for baby bottoms. For some forsaken reason, this is tremely simple. Wash a handful of Not all the early medicinal uses called MaItre D ' Hotel Butter­ parsley and put it in a pot. I use a of parsley were solidly grounded probably to conceal the ease with t:w o-cup Pyrex measuring cup . and successful. It was used to re­ w hich it is made. Pour boiling water over the leaves vive sick fish-with questionable V2 C butter melted and let them steep until the tea is success. It was considered an a­ V2 t salt just pleasantly warm. Pour off a phrodisiac as well. To serve as an 2 T chopped p arsley cupful and add sugar or honey to aphrodisiac, parsley was usually 1 T fre sh lemon juice. your taste. Enjoy. Herb teas can be very strong, even if they show little given as parsley wine. There is Combine the first three over color-so sip first. The stronger the some doubt as to whether the gentle heat. Slowly add the lemon tea, the better for you, of course, parsley or the wine was the active juice, stirring gently . Serve over a but there are no hard-and-fast ingredient. Records of its success wide variety of meats and vegeta­ rules-just brew it to your plea­ are somewhat vague. bles. Unless you have one of the sure. In some parts of England, the special choppers m ade for parsley, parsley bed in the garden served in the easiest way by far to render it There is a way you can cook lieu of cabbage leaves and storks in into small pieces is with the parsley that I've never tried. You evasive fables for children. Wit­ kitchen scissors. The important can dip it in a light batter and fry it. ness this from a poem from the thing, as always with simple but This is a very old recipe, and has family records of the Earls of elegant cuisine, is that the few in­ been very popular from time to Marchmont. It was written by a gredients be absolutely fresh. If time. There is an old saying that young boy on his older brother's they are, the preparation is goes: " Fried parsley will bring a birthday. simplicity itself, and the results de­ man to his saddle and a woman to " This day from parsley-b ed, I'm lightful. her grave." That has always put me sure, Today, parsley is not credited off serving it, somehow. Was dug my elder brother, Moore, with the culinary honor it de­ Had Papa dug me up before him , serves. Probably this is true be­ The best way to eat parsley is So many now would not adore cause to most people parsley is absolutely fresh. The best way is him ." neither fish nor fowl-neither herb also the easiest. Pick it and eat it. Baldness was once thought to be nor vegetable. The taste is stronger To do this best, grow your own. cured by parsley. Baldness may be than we are used to in our vegeta­ Parsley has been grown by so hidden but not cured by this ver­ bles, although certainly no more so many for so long that no one can satile plant. You have to be willing than kale or collards. On the other really say where it grew wild. It is to wear it on your head-as Her- hand, it often takes a great deal of it Continued on page 41 35 'Seafuorrl ABreakthroughioRoses R.]. Hutton Th e Con ard-Pyle Co. W est Grove, Pa . 19390 " I have misjudged two Ameri­ Foam' is one of those yet to be ap­ when one hybridizer admires the can bred roses, one was 'Angel preciated genetic breakthroughs work of another it is always in­ Face' and the other 'Sea Foam'." that is as important to the breeder teresting to find out why. Thus spoke Alain Meilland as we as it is to all who plant and enjoy 'Sea Foam' first appeared in our sat on the terrace of his home over­ outdoor roses." I interrupted Alain fields at West Grove as CP 6333 looking the vast greenhouses of his to ask why he used the term" out­ when we received budwood from rose breeding establishment. Dis­ door" when he is most accustomed Ernest Schwartz of Kingsville, cussing roses with Alain is one of to using "garden" roses. His an­ Maryland. The buds were received my favorite and most stimulating swer, " Because 'Sea Foam' is so July 17, 1957 and the plants grew experiences. All the more so on much more than a garden rose. It and bloomed for the first time in this occasion with two 'Sea Foam' belongs most anywhere in the July 1958. As a test rose CP 6333 did rose plants budded as trees off to landscape. It doesn't lose its leaves not stand up and shout, " Here I the side of his terrace. to blacks pot and it laughs at mil­ am!" At the same time it was one of Alain continued, " 'Angel Face' dew; this alone gives it hardiness those novelty cultivars which was a color break and is still the seldom seen in modern roses." All made itself known from the very most distinctive mauve. 'Sea of this was not news to me, but beginning, but not in the custom- Sea Foam

'"Q) a:'"0 ~ ~ U) 2 -c0 36 Cl. ary way of an 'Angel Face', 'Mister highways have used 'Sea Foam" as they lacked the " quality" that sets Lincoln' or a 'Sonia' . With most a bank cover to add interest and the truly distinctive roses apart roses it is the flower which draws color accent in plantings. It is ideal­ from all others. And in order for a your eye-color, form, size and oc­ ly suited to highway rest areas for new rose to be a success, he knew it casionally all three. 'Sea Foam' control of foot traffic and to catch had to be better than all the rest caught your eye with rich green blowing litter that soon disappears and yet dis tinctively different. foliage, almost like holly, covering under the lush foliage. Ernie then sowed self-seeds and long arching canes tipped with an Used as a broad low h edge they produced several hundred inflorescence of fully double, pure around parking areas, entrances plants to watch. Out of these, one white blooms. When we see such and driveways of shopping cen­ had the luxuriant holly-like foliage quantities of first year bloom on a ters, and landscaped industrial and growth he was looking for. plant of semi-prostrate habit we sites 'Sea Foam' fi ts perfectly. It can This seedling showed no signs of quickly take notice. In southeast­ be u sed as a single specimen mildew or blackspot; unfortu­ ern Pennsylvania blackspot is al­ among other plants to add interest nately the blooms just were not ways a problem, so when CP 6333 of texture and form in all seasons. good enough. He then crossed this still had all its foliage in September There are many uses for 'Sea seedling (for its growth and dis­ there was cautious excitement Foam' in the home landscape. ease resistance) with the best one among us. With tremendous effect it has use from the original cross (for the Eighteen years later this new cul­ on country estate or city lot. I have quality of bloom he needed) and tivar which was named 'Sea Foam' seen it as a pillar or climber where produced 'Sea Foam.' and was issued U.S. Plant Patent controlled growth is n ecessary. An amateur hybridizer, now a 2463 is still a distinctive rose Weeping over a terrace wall, nes­ retired automobile mechanic, Er­ novelty and an unusual plant for a tled in a sunny corner, even in nest Schwartz is a rose enthusiast myriad of landscape uses. My own some foundation plantings 'Sea and opera buff. His love for plants first uses of 'Sea Foam' were in the Foam' has value and fills a need. began very early in life. His par­ sand less than 100 yards from the In shrub borders or as a specimen ents were in the florist business, ocean at Rehoboth Beach, Dela­ in open areas the dense foliage growing mums, carnations and ware. We wanted plantings which topped with mounds of white is other flowers for cut bloom. Ernie's were as carefree as possible; almost perfect. In constant bloom main job was delivering flowers among them were several juniper, there is nothing else to give so driving the Model T. At the time, tamarix, sophora, ilex, crape myr­ much and ask so little. all of the dirt was wheeled out of tle and 'Sea Foam' for all summer As a carefree all-summer show, I the greenhouse and replaced each color. One plant caught drifting do not know another plant which year-naturally his interest turned sand, another detoured boys and can do so much. Add to this its to the truck rather than the work of dogs, and a tree 'Sea Foam' became hardiness to winter cold and wind, carrying on the florist business. At an eye-catching cascade of green resistance to summer sun, drouth the age of 26 he entered into a and white. or gully-washing storms, you have partnership and continued as a Depending on conditions and a shrub for any of the fifty states mechanic until retirement a few treatment 'Sea Foam' grows two to and most of Canada. years ago. He now spends most of three, at most four feet high with 'Sea Foam' was not an accident, his time growing vegetables, fruits arching canes sometimes reaching it was produced by Ernest and hybridizing roses-he does six to seven feet. A single plant Schwartz after some very careful them all well. When weather pre­ covering this amount of space can planning. Its parentage is ' White vents some form of gardening he form an impenetrable barrier with Dawn' x 'Pinocchio', which is at enjoys opera from records or radio wide application for control of first glance not particularly im­ and shares his hybridizing experi­ animals, pedestrians or vehicular pressive. Ernie's first crosses were ences with fellow members of the traffic. Several departments of good but not what he hoped for- Rose Hybridizers Association. 37 SOIL TEsrING M. B. Kirkham , Assistan t Professor Department of Plant and So il Sciences Univers ity of Ma ssachu se tts Amhers t, Massa chusetts 01002

Soil testing is done to evaluate Some laboratories also test for nit­ vertical cut to a 6-inch depth is the supply of elements in the soil rate and ammonium nitrogen. made. Remove this soil to enable available for plant growth. Plants Sometimes aluminum, sodium, you to make a second vertical face require 16 elements for proper de­ sulfate-sulfur and boron may be cut of one-half inch thickness. This velopment: carbon (C), oxygen determined in areas where these is the sample to be used for (0), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), are particular problems. In the analysis. Several samples should phosphorus (P), potassium (K) , west, where saline or alkali soils be taken over the area being tested calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), prevail, chlorides and carbonates rather than relying on a single sulphur (S) , boron (B) , chlorine must also b"e determined. sample. (Cl) , copper (Cu), iron (Fe) , man­ Besides nutrients, most soil test­ The samples can be mixed to­ ganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), ing laboratories also determine the gether after removing stones or and zinc (Zn). C, 0 and H come acidity or alkalinity of the soil by other debris. From this thoroughly

from carbon dioxide (C0 2) and means of the pH measurement. A mixed composite, one cupful is all

water (H20). The other 13 elements soil pH of 7.0 is neutral. Below pH that is needed for analytical pur­ come from the soil. Sometimes the 7.0 a soil is considered acid. Above poses. concen trations of elements in the pH 7.0, soil is said to be alkaline. For lawns or garden soils, a sam­ soil available for plant uptake are The majoi-ity of crop plants grow ple taken to a depth of 6 inches will limited. Of the 13 soil nutrients, N , best in slightly acid soils; pH 6.0 to provide sufficient information on P and K are needed in greatest 6.8 . Eric ace ous plants require soils the n u trien t con ten t. If large trees quantity for maximum crop yields. with a pH around 5.0 to 5.5. or shrubs are being planted, a soil Repeated harvests of plants soon A test for total soluble salt con­ sample from a deeper depth would deplete the supply of N , P or K to centration is often made. These are be useful. below the point required for done by measuring the electrical Avoid contaminating the sample maximum growth. When this oc­ conductivity of a soil-water sus­ with cigarette ashes, residues from curs, nutrients in the soil must be pension or saturated-paste extract. previous samples remaining on replenished by adding fertilizer. The chemical tests may be done the auger or other contaminants. The development of the soil colorimetrically or by use of Cleanliness is important. Follow quick-tests occurred mainly after sophisticated instruments. Lab­ the directions supplied by the soil 1930. Previous attempts to relate oratories testing thousands of laboratory if you are testing nutrient availability in soil to the samples yearly make use of flame through a commercial laboratory. total amount of a nutrient element photometry or atomic absorption Soil test kits sold for home testing present in the soil were not suc­ spectroscopy to precisely deter­ usually contain directions for cessful. Many of the early proce­ mine the nutrient elements content proper sampling procedures. dures were devised by M . F. Mor­ of the soil. For garden soils, samples should gan at the Connecticut Agricultural Taking a Soil Sample be taken prior to spring prepara­ Experiment Station. The Morgan Whether one tests his own soil or tion of the planting area. This will Soil Testing System and modifica­ sends it away for testing, taking a allow for applications of fertilizers tions are still utilized by many soil sample representative of the area is that can be incorporated by plow­ testing laboratories. The Spurway most important for an accurate ing or rotovating the soil. A second system which serves as the basis analysis. A soil auger is best for test, one-third through the grow­ for many present day soil testing sampling. When using an auger ing season will enable the gardener procedures w as also developed in you should remove the surface lit­ to determine whether additional the early 1930's by C. H. Spurway ter and at least a half-inch of top fertilizers should be added. Fer­ at Michigan State University. soil before inserting the auger to its tilizers should not be applied later The nutrients most frequently full depth. in a crop cycle as there may be an 38 determined are P, K, Ca and Mg. If a spade or trowel is used, a adverse affect on the quality and yield of the harvest. Late fertilizing become unglued. Strong paper gardener what type and quantity of trees and shrubs results in the bags can be used if packed in of fertilizer to use and when to add plants failing to develop proper sturdy boxes. Clean plastic cans them. winter hardiness. Subsequent are preferred to glass jars. The The most common soil problem winter injury may occur. samples must be placed in a dura­ in the northeast and in many other Where to Send Soil Samples ble cardboard box. The name and humid regions is soil acidity. Soils Agricultural experiment stations address of sender must be marked in humid areas often are acid be­ in each state analyze soil samples clearly on the package. Letters con­ cause soluble calcium, magnesium sent to them from within the state. cerning the soil must be attached to and other bases of the original soil The laboratory requires the fol­ the box and not sent separately. material are leached out of the lowing information for each sam­ Most state experiment stations upper layer by rain water. In ple submitted: name and address have a fee varying from one to five semi-arid and arid regions, leach­ of person requesting analysis; date dollars per sample tested. Com­ ing is reduced to a minimum and soil sample was taken; place sam­ merciallaboratories charge from $5 soils are usually neu tral or alkaline. ple was taken (for example, gar­ to $10 or more for each soil sample. Specialists must interpret soil­ den, front lawn); whether the land How to Interpret Soil Test Results test results differently for various is old or new; whether or not fer­ A test is of little value unless a crops, soils, and environmental tilizer or lime were used the previ­ proper interpretation is made of conditions. Laboratory tests pro­ ous year; and type of crop to be the results. Usually the laboratory vide only a relative measure of nu­ grown (for example, vegetables, testing the sample will provide an trient availability in the sample grasses, flowers). Results are re­ interpretation of their data. Also, that is tested, not the total amount ceived in about two weeks. extension specialists serving ag­ of a nutrient element that will be It is important to place soil sam­ riculture through the state agricul­ available to plants during a grow­ ples in containers that will not tural experiment station can be ing season. Various soil properties come apart in shipping. An ice contacted to assist in interpretir ,g and environmental conditions in­ cream carton is excellent. Some en­ test results. They are able to tell the fluence nutrient availability to velopes are useless because they farmer, greenhouse grower, or plants growing in a field, but do not influence the soil-test results. Extremely wet or dry, or hot or cold, weather affects nutrient up­ take. The incidence of plant pests and disease infestations may also have differential effects on nu­ trient absorption. Soil Testing Kits Soil testing kits available in dif­ ferent localities vary in the extract- ing solutions and test chemicals used. Sudbury Soil Test Kits, manufactured by Sudbury Labora­ tory, Inc., Sudbury, Massachu­ setts, are sold throughout the United States and in foreign coun­ tries. The laboratory is the largest manufacturer of soil test kits and has representatives in principal cities of the world. Sudbury was established in 1932 when the late Herbert J. Atkinson started selling soil test kits to farmers to help them grow productive crops. The kits range in price from $8.29 to $109.95. The least expensive kit weighs 9 lb. and provides materi- als for approximately 70 individual Aubrey Glass, caretaker at River Farm tests soil in flower tests for N, P, K and pH. The most beds at AHS headquarters. expensive kit weighs 381b. and has 39 supplies for 1,200 tests. Figure 1 based upon experience. An inex­ Continued from page 33 il lustrates the Horticultural Kit perienced home owner may have which costs $27.95. It weighs 22 difficulty in determining the test What to do lb., has solutions for about 200 results and the proper fertilizers to tests, and is for the serious back­ add. with that bank ya rd gardener. Refills of test solu­ The soil kits and refill solu tions tions for all kits cost from $0.90 for are expensive. The buyer does not 0.5 ounce (15 ml) to $11 .95 for one know the chemical composition of quart (940 mI). the test solutions. Therefore, he Tests for N , P and K require 2 cannot mix new solutions and grows out of control. But it cer­ solutions for each test and from 1.5 must buy refills from the dis­ tainly has its uses on steep banks. to 3 ml of a solution are used in a tributor. A grower can send a sam­ There are shrubs that can be use­ tes t. Th e soil pH tes t req uires ple of soil to his state agricultural ful on banks, too. Such things as about 3 ml of a testing solution. experiment station and obtain re­ the fragrant sumac which can be The test kits are easy to use and no sults for five dollars or less. How­ kept under three feet tall by prun­ knowledge of chemistry is re­ ever, if he needs to analyze many ing it occasionally, sweet fern quired. Test results are obtained samples, a soil test kit may be a (Comptonia peregrina) which is within minutes to a few hours, de­ wise investment. With experience, used on poor acid soil banks in pending upon how long it takes he can learn to accurately predict New England, New Jersey tea the soil and solution to separate what to put on his soil. (Ceanothus americanus) which has after they have been shaken. In Probably the major objection to been used similarly in New Jersey sandy soils, this separation takes home soil testing is the contamina­ and does not grow much over three place in minutes. In clay soils, it tion of reagen ts that can occur very feet tall, Rosa virginiana which may take several hours. quickly when careless, improper grows only about four to six feet LaMotte Chemical Products procedures are followed. In com­ tall and bears single, bright pink Company, Chestertown, Mary­ mercial soil testing laboratories flowers in June followed by bril­ land, has manufactured soil testing skilled technicians trained in liant red to orange autumn color, equipment since 1919. It makes analytical techniques manipulate red fruits in the fall and bright red test equipment for farms , ranches, the samples and make the tests. stems all winter long. These are greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, Reagents are stored under special just a few in this group that grow professional and amateur gardens, procedures. Several of the reagents underground shoots or stolons and ,"- and educational purposes. Soil test used are made up daily to ensure increase that way, thus aiding in kits cost from $389.95 (Figure 2) , freshness. bank cover and controlling soil for greenhouse soil testing, to The home soil tester may make erosion. $1 1.95, for home gardeners. The one Of two tests during a growing But remember, it is never wise to greenhouse kit is a complete, self­ season, store his chemicals for a· plant shrubs and vigorous twining contained soil laboratory and pro­ year and then expect them to per­ vines together, for the vines vides tests for pH, soluble saits, form as if they were freshly pre­ quickly grow up the shrubs and nitrate, N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The pared. Of course they will not do make the entire planting un­ home gardening soil test kit mea­ this. sightly, even killing many of the sures pH, N, P, and K. Enough Contamination during the test­ shoots about which they twine. reagents are furnished with it for ing procedure may occur from the Coralberry (Symphoricarpos or­ 30 pH tests, 15 N tests, 20 P tests introduction of the smallest piece biculatus) or S. chenaultii are excel­ and 15 K tests. of fertilizer in to the solution. Other lent bank plants, growing about Many soil scientists do not rec­ contaminants may also find their four feet tall with gracefully arch­ ommend buying soil test kits for way into the sample and thus cause ing branches and simply covered several reasons. Some test kits are erroneous results. with small red to pink fruits in late useless because they do not in­ Soil tests yield valuable informa­ summer and fall. They, too, send s truct the user how to interpret the tion concerning chemical charac­ out many underground runners. test results. (Both Sudbury and teristics of the soil. The results are Forsythis suspensa has been often LaMotte soil test kits come with helpful in advising growers the used as a bank cover and its little manuals for interpretation of test amounts of lime and fertilizer to variety 'Arnold Dwarf', though results.) The value of a test is lim­ use. Much research is being de­ bearing not-too-conspicuous ited by the qualifications of the voted to develop better test flowers, nevertheless roots wher­ person translating the data into methods and to improve the rela­ ever its branches touch the soil, amoun ts and kinds of fertilizers tionships between laboratory tests making an ideal cover. So does and lime that will promote high and growth of plants in fields, Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa'. In 40 yields. Soil test interpretations are greenhouses, and gardens. fact, the latter might be considered one of the best of all the shrubby Co ntinued fro m page 35 The Gr ete Herbal of 1539 in­ bank covers for this very reason. PARSLEY cludes in its discussion of parsley a The leaves are small; cut-leaved unique way to insure that the a remarkably easily grown herb­ flowers are inconspicuous, but leaves of your parsley would be once its eccen trici ties are dealt even very small plants spaced three curled. It was the old tennis ball with. These eccentricities gave rise feet apart quickly grow into one trick: to several folksayings in several solid mass of shrubby thicket three languages. "If you will have the leaves of the to five feet tall. And, in my experi­ One saying goes: "Parsley goes parcelye grow crisped, then before ence at least, it needs no mainte­ down to the devil 9 times before it the sowing of them stuffe a tennis nance care of any kind. I like a bank comes up." Note 9-a magic ball with the sedes and beat the planted like that! same well against the ground number. Sometimes China is sub­ Rockspray (Cotoneaster horizon­ stituted for the devil-possibly by whereby the sedes may be a little talis) and one or two close relatives the same people who allegedly find bruised ...." have also been used for a long time their children in parsley plots. What a picture this brings to on small banks, growing over Another saying tells us to sow mind! walls, or hanging over rocks. Its parsley " with much stomping and The Greeks used to edge their use is well exemplified in many cursing." Both these old sayings gardens with parsley. Years ago, a gardens throughout the country. point to a truth about parsley. The neighbor of mine used a variation Finally, for evergreen cover in seed takes long to germinate and on that theme-with beautiful re­ hot sunny situations, there is noth­ needs both firm planting and sults. The house had a long portico ing like juniper. Junip erus horizon­ moist soil. Once you know it is along the front, and the strip of talis , Sargent juniper, Wilton going to take its dear sweet time, ground between the edge of the juniper, Douglas juniper and you can just plant it and ignore it. portico floor and the backside of many others are excellent. When A watched parsley never sprouts. the foundation evergreens was using these one should be careful A good way to nudge it along is to carefully cultivated and devoted to to determine their ultimate spread soak the seed in water over-night one perfectly straight row of so they can be properly spaced at before planting it. parsley. It made the perfect facing planting time. Another old saying ominously down for the shrubbery, and ran­ Sometimes a bank is planted warns that it is bad luck to bring dom leaves gave value and interest with many low spreading shrubs, parsley into the house, or to trans­ to many summer meals. and can be a thing of beauty all plant it to another garden. There I strongly recommend using year long. No vines should be in­ are two very good reasons for this herbs and vegetables as decorative cluded in such a planting. It can ancient advice. First of all, parsley plants with only two caveats. First, not be considered a rock garden, has a long tap root like a wild car­ avoid planting anything edible either. But a close planting, of rot. Imagine yourself trying to pot near a driveway. Plants take up numerous, low growing shrubs a full-grown carrot for the winter. pollutants systemically and can be can create much more garden Another problem for those trying hazardous to eat if grown too near interest, especially if the bank is to transplant or otherwise prolong driveways and busy streets. Also, easily seen from the house, than if the usefulness of their parsley is avoid using those plants that must it were covered with one fast grow­ that the plant is a biennial anyway. be pulled up whole in the harvest­ ing vine. For many gardeners, this After that second summer, the ing. Otherwise, you begin to feel is what they like best. It takes a whole plant will die as parsley guilty for eating some cabbage little more time to get started; plants always do-and you must head or carrot whose absence ruins mulching should be done at the begin again with the stomping and the line of green along the pe­ start with hay, straw or pine nee­ cursing. You might just as well tunias. Now-a row each of dles or something that would pre­ plan on it. parsley and nasturtiums together vent the soil from washing away; There are several forms of could be pruned judiciously and but once started, the end result is parsley-the differences being on give pleasure and salad all sum­ actually a display garden on a hill! a continuum from flat-leaved mer. Perhaps a clump of chives Among many other books Dr. through curly to almost fernlike. nearby to contrast both foliage and Wyman is Author of "The Satur­ Within the parsley family there are flavor. day Morning Gardener" Macmil­ several other species enough alike Whether you are thinking of lan, 1974 $7.95, and "Easy-Care to cause confusion. Italian pars­ pleasant plans for your garden, or Ground Cover Plants" Collier ley-the flat-leaved kind-is often nutrition for your family, or in­ Books, 866 Third Avenue, NY, NY substituted for Chinese parsley or teresting subtlety for your cui­ 10022. Publication date April 29, cilantro. Leaves of celery and cher­ sine-consider the "comforting 1976. $3.95 paperback. vil are often used interchangeably. perseline." 41 African Violets Employment Wanted Horticultural Slides

30-2 year college horticulture graduates Amerrca's Finesl - 100 Besl Violets and HARPER HORTICULTURAL SLIDE LIBRARY available for management trainee positions Gesnerlads - Write for Color Catalogue 15Q: Among 10,000 35 mm slides of plants and in turf, nursery, greenhouse, landscaping - Illust rated Growing Aids Catalogue 25Q: ­ gardens w~ may have the one you need. and garden center sales. Contact: Roscoe FISCHER GREENHOUSES. Dept AH. LIn ­ Pamela Harper, 219 Robaifl na Drive, Seaford, Gibson, State Fair Community College, Va. 23696 wood. New Jersey 08221 Sedalia, Missouri 65301, Phone: 816-826- 7100 Houseplants Azaleas Ferns

ILAM AZALEAS-bred for fragrance, ruffled Now shipping-Lycopodiums (Tassel Ferns), 50 to 60 thousand houseplants in stock all and fluted flowers, and the best possible Lygodiums (Climbing Ferns), Davallias the time in many varieties. Wholesale and flower substance-15 named varieties (Rabbit-Foot Ferns, 5 varieties) Polypo­ retail. Open 7 days 9-6. No mail orders created from the famed Knap Hill-Exbury diums (Bear-footed Ferns). Complete list please. R. T. Cheney Greenhouse, 520 Ash Hybrids are part of the largest mailorder 50¢, includes Orchids and Bromeliads. Swamp Road, Glastonbury, CT 06033. selection of hardy azaleas and rhododen­ EDELWEISS GARDENS, Box 66 GA Rob­ drons grown in the Northeast. 1976 binsville, N.J. 08691 House Plant Supplies Catalog-$1 .00-refundable with first or­ der. CARLSON's GARDENS, Box 305-AH2, LEARN ABOUT FERNS-join th e Los Angeles DIiCORATIVE FLUORESCENT LIGHT South Salem, N.Y. 10590. International Fern So c iety for oflly $4 .50 GARDENS to SHOW & GROW Flowering year ly. Re ceive 16-page educational Bulletin Plants. Send for Literature, MARKO, 94 A Bicen-Special Porete Ave ., North Arlington, N.J. 07032 and two-page Lesson monthly. Address Send 35¢ for special list of 76 plants-you LAIF S, Box 448-H, Ha wthorne. CA 90250. choose 40 and remit $17.76. Lessthan 45¢ ea. Hydroponics Edelweiss Gardens, Box 66 GA, Robbinsvi lle, Gardening Equipment N.J. 08691 Learn to grow superior vegetables, flowers, PEERLESS POTMAN offers 100 high quality houseplants HYDROPONICALLY-WITH­ Bonsai plastic pots for on ly $10.00 postpaid (30/2"; 50/4"; 20/6W') Worlds largest pot catalog 25¢ OUT SOIL OR TOIL! Hydroponic starter kit For, membership information write: American includes 12-lesson ste p-by-ste p gu ide, GOLDEN EARTH ENTERPRI SES BOX 336A Bonsai Society AH, 228 Rosemont Avenue, growing medium, nutrient, planters, ph tes­ BREA, CALIF 92621 Erie, Pennsylvania 16505. ter, more. Just $24.95 from SUNWEST HY­ DROPONICS, Box 2706-DFA (359 Encan­ Cactus & Succulents Greenhouses tador), Santa Barbara, CA 93120. Satisfac­ tion guaranteed. Llthops - Fascinating Alrlcan succulents re­ GREENHOUSE 8' x 12 '. Build yourself for$50 sembi"IIIg colorful pebbles Other rare succu­ or less. Eight different plans $2.97 . In c lu des Insecticides lents Write for catalog ED STORMS. 4223 hotbed . Guaranteed. Werth 's, Box 1902AH. Pershing. Ft Wonh. Texas 76107 Cedar Rapid s, Iowa 52406. WHITEFLY SPR AY with Resmethrin (S B 103) - very effective. 12 ounce aerosol. Chrysanthemums $3.00 plus .35 handling. NYS residents add Greenhouses and Indoor Gardening ta x. PRACTICAL PRODUCTS, P.O. Box 246-A, National Chrysanthemum Society, Inc. USA. South Sa lem, N.Y. 10590 GRIiENHOUSE GROWING ACCESSORIES: Annual dues $7.50, includes 5 iss ues of The Complete automatic heating, cooling, venti­ Chrysanthemum, Beginner 's Handbook. MRS. lation systems and other accessories for all WALTER CHRISTOFFERS, Sec, 394 Central greenhouse makes, models. Write EN­ Miscellaneous Avenue, Mountainside, New Jersey 07092. VIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS, 3010-DFA VINE, RIVERSIDE, CA 92507. Indoor-Outdoor Mister- Automated solid Complete Liquid Plant Food state system. Heavy ro oting and sturdy Ground Cover Plants growth - Valve . sensor. power su ppl y. cables OAKLAIR HYDROPONIC PLANT FOOD is so complete it grows healthy vigorous plants PACHY SANDRA-Ideal Permanent Ever­ - $79.50. Fully Guaranteed - AOUAMONI­ even in sterile sand. livery time you water, green Ground Cover Plants. Thrive in most TOR . Box 327-Z. Hu ntington . New York you are feeding all the nutrients essential to soi ls, sun or shade. Grow to an even height of 11743. potted plants. Illustrated instructions. For 8". Plant 6" apart. Stu rd y, heavi Iy rooted 16 oz. (makes 48 gallons) send $2.75 plus plants, postpaid ; 50-$8.50 ; 100-$15.95; $1.00 handling. Calif. add 6% tax. Oaklair, 500-$56.95; 1000-$ 100.00 Guaranteed to li ve Position Available: Dept. B 2140 Waudman, Stockton, CA 95209 or we'll replace up to 1 yr. Folder on re­ quest. PEE KSK ILL NURSERIES, SHRUB OAK Working resident caretaker-gardener. Re­ Daffodil Bulbs 17, NEW YORK 10588 quire mature couple, no children, to fully maintain extensively landscaped 6-acre Naturalizing Mixtures: Ri ver's Edge (8+ var­ Herbs rural N.E. Georgia residence, numerous ieties) $44. Bushel , $13. Peck; Novelty (10+ tropical plants, household pets. Require unusual varieties) $50. Bushel, $15. Peck. GROW OUR HERB PLANTS INDOORS OR horticultural experience. Caretaker to re­ Postpaid East of Mississippi, 10% extra West. OUTDOORS. Send 50¢ for informative catalog side in fully equipped new two-bedroom 10% discount before June 15. Free Folder. listing over 125+ va riet ies- cu linary, medici­ house, rent free. Salary $700-900 per month. Ri ve r's Edge Farm , Rt 3, Box 228A, Glouces­ nal , insect repelling, bee. FOX HILL FARM , Reply to American Horticulturist, P.O. Box. 42 ter, Va. 23061 . 190x 7AM , Parma, Mi . 49269 298, Alexandria, VA 22314. Position Vacancy Rare Bulbs and Plants WRITERS WHY WAIT? PUBLISH YOUR BOOK IN 90 DAYS Director, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. THE WIDE . WIDE WORLD OF BULBS AND a nd ge t ex pert editing . deSIgn , manu. PhD in Horticulture or related field and ex­ PLANTS. Amerlca 's unique catalog. Th ou­ fac ture, publ ic ity, prom o tion and advertisin g - all unde r one roof al low cos ts. Tw o free perience in Ornamental Horticulture. Re­ sa nd s of rare items. Many un avail able el se­ books and litera ture gi ve de ta il s and sue· sponsibilities include administration, re­ cess sto ri es. Write or call De pt. 393 where. Bulbs from Achimenes Ihrough Exposition Press, Inc., 900 So. Oyster Bay search, education and public relations. Ap­ Zephyranthes. Hundreds of genera and Rd., Hicksville. N.Y . 11801 (516) 822-5700 plications accepted until July 1, 1976. Se­ th ousa nd s of spec ies fr om th e world 's best cure detailed job description and other in­ formation from Keith Huston, Director, Min­ growers. Hardy bul bs and perennials: house nesota Agricultural Experiment Station, 220 pl anls. orchid s. bromell ads. in sec ti vo rous Coffey Hall, University of Minnesota, St. pl ants. countless oth ers. Now completely re­ Paul 55108. An equal opportunity, affirma­ vised Price: $300 (Deductible) INTERNA­ tive action employer. TIONAL GROWERS EXCHANGE. Box 397-E. Farmington. Michigan 48024

Publications A NATURALIST Succulent IN SOUTH AFRICA CACTI-15 VARIETIES, $7.50 . Su cculent OUT OF PRINT & DISCOUNT BOTANICAL assortment-20 va rieties, $7.50. Larger size September 10th to BOOKS Begonia Cacti Bromel iad s Ges­ plants ava ilable. Retail catalog 30¢ Oc~ber 2nd, 1976 neriads Roses African Violets Fern s Orchids Loehman's Ca ctu s Patch 8014 Howe St. , Box Send for Free Catalogue H. LAWREN CE FER­ 871 , Paramoun t, CA 90723. offered to Members of GUSON P.O. Box 5129 C Ocean Park St ati on THE Santa Monica, CA 90405 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

WAKE UP YOUR GARDENING. Gardening is The flora of South Africa is one going places-are you with it l The AVANT GARDENER brings you all the "firsts"-new of the richest in the world and this plants, products, techniques. with so urces­ vi sit is timed for the peak of spring plus full features, special iss ues. A unique bloom. horticultural magazine-news service, 24 is­ This superb travel adventure has sues a year, over 500 arti cles. Curious? 3 been planned for the appreciative sample copies $1 Seriou s? $8.50 for a full naturalist, amateur or professional. year. P.O. Box 489 , New York, N.Y. 10028 UFE The itinerary includes various areas of the country with outstanding INCOME displays of native flora, particularly GARDENING BECOMES AN ADVENTURE in the Cape Province. The greatest when you replace the common with the un­ population of birds and animals common. Our catalogue of rare and un­ FUND are concentrated in Eastern Natal usual plants shows the way Contains stories. where two private reserves are on nature lore. growing tips et c.: all for ju st It will take the gifts of many in­ the itinerary. In addition there is $1 .00 Jamieson Valley Gardens. Rt. 3-D. dividuals to make the National included visits to private homes Spokane. Wash ington 99203 Center for American Horticulture and gardens, flower shows, mines, crafts and the people. Every aspect a reality. Members may further provides an extraordinary oppor­ this effort and take advantage of tunity for the photographer. BOTANICAL & HORTICULTURAL BOOKS the Society'S tax-exempt status by Rare . Out-of-print. New.-Latest Catal og The enthusiastic experience of joining the new AHS life income $1 .00 S.J Singer Co. 1133 Broadway. New subscribers to previous similar Ex­ York. NY 10010 fund in which donor' s contribu­ plorations of South Africa encour­ tions are pooled with the gifts of ages the offering of this unique others. Your contribution will pay itinerary again. Many letters of you annual income for the rest of praise have been received com­ Cactus & Succulent Books-the largest selec­ menting on the excellence of the tion in the country, also book on many other your life while at the same time entire program. horticultural and botanical subjects. Send for offering immediate tax benefits. free catalog . ABBEY GARDEN PRESS, PO For additional information on Box 3010 , Santa Barbara, California 93105. this and other giving programs offering inflation and tax relief, wri te the Executive Director, Rare Plants American Horticultural Society, For a complete descriptive bro­ Mount Vernon, Virginia, 22121. Dwarf Conifers. Alpines. Exotic Japanese chure and cost breakdowns write: Maples. Bamboos. Ornamental Grasses Tour Committee Hostas Sempervivums. Extensive Catalog American Horticultural Society SOl> . Over 7.000 different plants at nursery. Mount Vernon Visitors Welcome. Palette Gardens. 26 W. Virginia 22121 Zionhill Road . Quakertown. Penna. 18951 K8 Reviews by Tom Stevenson ------DESIGNING WITH NATURAL decorations with natural materials­ that function well for the persons liv­ MATERIALS flowers, leaves, seeds, nuts, cones, ing in them; he designs spaces with by fruit and shells, many of which are good proportions and beautiful forms Bebe Miles readily available in the wild or from and shapes; he effectively balances Van Nos trand Reinhold Co. your garden. shrub mas sings to specimen accents. Ne w York ·- 1975 Complete details are provided for Y~t with a few exceptions the land­ 13 1 pages their preparation, including gather­ scape architect knows little and cares beautifu ll y illustrated ing, cleaning, drying, dying, preserv­ less about what va rieties of plants he $9.95 ing and storing. It offers unlimited op­ " Because of lack of discipline and portunities for craftsmen, hobbyists control, the living picture painted by This is Bebe Miles' third book b y and gardeners to make gifts and deco­ the horticulturist is as unsatisfying as a Van N ostrand Reinhold. Her first on e, rations that will beautify their sur­ gourmand meaL And at the same time " The Wonderful World of Bulbs," w as roundings. the landscape architect's picture is tw ice the monthly selection of the bland and without savor because he 100 GREAT GARDEN PLANTS American Garden Guild Book Club; has missed the opportunity for full en­ Trees Shrubs Groundcovers her second book, " Bluebells and Bit­ richment, failing to make use of aU the tersw eet," is a complete guide to gar­ by excitement and stimulation available William H. Frederick, Jr. dening with n ative American plants. from our contemporary ornamental Alfred A . Knopf In 1969 sh e w as appointed to the plant world. Both approaches are es­ Executive Committee of Pennsy l­ New Yo rk -1976 sential, the warp and woof of a fine vania's famous Bowman' s Hill State 207 pages,ill ustra ted garden." Wildflower Preserve in Washington with 109 full- color photographs, " Good private gardens are more im­ Crossing State Park. $15 portant today than ever before, the au­ " I am sick of the sight and smell and Frederick is a landscape architect of thor says. We suffer anxieties from a feel of plastic," she writes. " its durabil­ Newark, DeL, specializing in custom world largely out of our control, a ity, once a desirable characteristic, has world overpopulated and daily becom­ become a liability, for it cannot be dis­ landscape work and in rare and speci­ posed of without polluting the envi­ men plants. His own garden, now 10 ing less beautiful due to various forms years old, occupies a 25-acre stream of pollution, a world where the possi­ 'ronment. " Much of the plastic greenery I see valley in western Delaware. bility of nuclear self-destruction seems nowadays looks sick even in the The plants described in the book ever greater, and where there seems to strictest sense of the word. The world were chosen for their rich and often be less and less communication be­ has reached a nadir when one is of­ li ttle-known beauty, and for their par­ tween people. fered for sale plastic flowers and leaves ticular value in giving form and charac­ " Opportunities for expressing our which look diseased or p ast their ter to a garden, they are his own highly own originality (let alone our own per­ prime." personal selection, the author says. sonality) are seriously reduced. There is a satisfaction in making "This is a book for gardeners by a " The private residential garden can one's own decorations, says she, that gardener, an attempt to share both a be the one big exception to this rule. answers a hunger in the least creative knowledge of plants and of design ex­ The space around our house is ours to of us. And there is a warmth in bestow­ perience," he writes. " It is not an ency­ do with as we wish. We can make ing a gift of one's own manufacture clopedia and not a textbook. It is meant choices and commitments and tailor that is hard to beat. to be a visit with you in my own gar­ this personal environment to satisfy H you are really artistically talented, den, where the greatest of gardening our own needs, functional, intellec­ the pages of this book will be merely a joys is trading plants and discussing tual, and aesthetic. Here is a part of our starting point for your own imagina­ failures and successes in achieving lives we can indeed controL" tion. But I certainly empathize with landscape effects. Gardening can be a civilized per­ those who are not so sure of them­ " Further, this book is an attempt to son' s most rewarding and exciting ac­ selves, and I have described the proj­ combat the schizoid tendency in tivity, he says. As fast as our curiosity ects thoroughly, adapting them for be­ American garden thinking, whereby is satisfied by acquaintance with one ginners in many cases. trained horticulturists care nothing plant, we discover five more we would You will learn mechanical details to about landscape design and profes­ like to know. make your job easier, she says. I hope sionallandscape architects know noth­ " While we are relishing with great you will be inspired in the process to ing about plants. satisfaction our own creation of a take a new look at the natural world " All too frequently, the horticul­ well-balanced landscape picture, a around you and decide that it is well turist thinks carefully about selecting stimulating color combination, or a worth preserving in all its beauty and the right plants for the right spot from a dramatic textural effect, almost im­ variety. cultural viewpoint and rates highest mediately new possibilities creep into " A peripheral benefit will be that all that garden which has the most variety the mind and we' re off again on a new of us will take a closer look at what God of plants- hO?, ticultural zoo though it project. A single lifetime seems too has provided." may be! short for the richness of this experi­ H er book shows how to create sim­ " For his p art, the landscape architect ence. It is never ending, always ex­ ple, inexpensive but timelessly tasteful does a fine job of designing gardens panding." 44 In his book Frederick includes 100 of THE GARDEN MAKER'S ANSWER Books Received the choicest plants he has come across, BOOK carefully arranged according to land­ in AHS Library' scape function and illustrated with at by least one full-color photograph each. Lorraine Marshall Burgess FLOWER ARRANGING-150 ill~stlated He tells how to grow and use them in Association Pre ss concepts " paperback $6.95 by designing a garden, also something Berninger, Miriam 'about their history. In The Garden Maker's Answer Book, Miriam Berninger-MABCO Mrs. Lorraine Marshall Burgess has pro­ 637 Charles Lane, Madison, WI 53711 GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES vided lively, pertinent, and personal­ January 1975 by experience responses to selected realistic 154 pp. illustr. line drawings Roger Grounds gardening questions. Each section of the $4.95 Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. book is introduced by comments which re­ New York -1976 VEGETABLE GARDENING (revised'ed) flect some of her gardening philosophy on by 151 pages the problem at hand, and the questions and Editors of Sunset Books well illustrated answers follow. This is a beginner's book Lane Publishing Co. $8.95 and the author recommends beginning by February 20, 1975 Roger Grounds is a well-known En­ spending time on learning about your 96 pp. illustr. b/w $2.45 glish garden editor. In his book he property and about soils, climate, and gives thanks to Ian G. Walls of the West plants. Plan for easy care from the begin­ BASIC GARDENING ILLU5TRATim of Scotlancl Agricultural College for ning and condition yourself for hard work by reading the manuscript and making she cautions. But her emphasis is on a posi­ Editors of Sunset Books helpful comments, and to George A. tive approach through dreaming and plan­ Lane Publishing Co. Elbert, author arid ex-president of the ning. February 20, 1975 128 pp. illustr. b/w National Indoor Light Gardening Soci­ In the beginning you may be over­ $2.45 ety for guidance on American vegeta­ whelmed by your new sense of power in ble growing practices. handling minor miracles of gardening, but HOW TO PLAN AND PLANT "There is an old saying." the author also you may encounter technical difficul­ YOUR OWN PROPERTY writes, "a saying that goes back ties and small annoyances. Hunting for the Ireys , Alice Recknagel, L.A. perhaps to the days when man first answers is " an unfortunate waste of time William Morrow and Co. cultivated food plants instead of deserving correction," which she aims to do January 15, 1'975 gathering his harvest at random, that with this book. 182 pp. il/ustr. b/w there is only one reality, and that is Sections on design, structures, soils, or­ $4.50 hunger." namental plants, vegetables, and upkeep An acute food shortage is no longer a and irritations are followed by a com­ THE COMPLETE FLOWER ARRANGER prediction for the day after tomorrow, prehensive section on information re­ Ascher, Amalie Adler sources to encourage further inquiry. Black Simon & Schuster, Inc . or something that happens only in April 26, 1974 It and white photographs illustrate imagina­ faraway lands, he says. is a reality of 285 pp. i/lustr. b/w & color ~ today. Tomorrow will be worse. tive uses of plaI:lts and garden structures $9.95 Yet if you have a patch of land, an and paving, and sketches helpfully depict eighth of an acre or so, you can grow details of some suggested solutions to prob­ enough vegetables to keep your family lems. PLANT PROPAGATION PRINCIPLES the whole year round. The seeds to Her advice about organic gardening is & PRACTICES :lrd ED, ,,: start will cost little more than you that you must decide whether to be an or­ Hartmann, Hudson and Dale E. Kester ' " spend for bread in a week, and you'll ganic or a chemical gardener. She urges-if Prentice-Halllnc. Feb. 1975 you use chemicals, hold them to an absolute save enough in a summer to pay for 662 pp. illustr. b/w your vacation. minimum; tolerate minor insect infesta­ $17.25 The author tells how to plan the veg­ tions; investigate natural repellants; grow ", etable garden, how many plants you healthy plants in w'eIl nourished soil and PLANT A TREE-A working guide to' need per person, how to prepare the mulch them; use disease and wilt resistant regreening America soil, how to sow the seed, how to thin varieties. Weiner, Michael A. or transplant, how to cultivate, how "With continuil'\g attendance," she Macmillan and when to harvest and store the crop, writes, "these cycles of pleasure (in garden­ May 29, 1975 as well as a few hints on mistakes be­ ing) recur year after year. Unlike the house 277 pp. illustr. with duo-tone photos ginners make. and the car, your garden not only gets older $15.95 Your state university Agricultural but it also gets better." COMPOST GARDENING Extension Service may not agree with Mrs. Burgess is a frequent contributor to Shewell-Cooper, W. E. his recommendations on varieties to American Horticulturist, as well as other Hafner Press (Macmillan) plant. Many are those adapted for En­ gardening magazines, and with her hus­ 1974 gland. They mayor may not be suitable band follows the av(')cation of gardening as 119 pp. illustr. b/w & color for your locality. a hobby. . $8.95