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GARDENERGARDENER®

TheThe MagazineMagazine ofof thethe AAmericanmerican HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety July / August 2015

Spice Up Your Landscape with Fragrant Foliage Taming America’s Wild Roses Quick Fixes for Tired Gardens

unusual, captivating Dutchman’s Pipe

contents Volume 94, Number 4 . July / August 2015

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

5 NOTES FROM RIVER FARM

6 MEMBERS’ FORUM

8 NEWS FROM THE AHS AHS joins national pollinator garden network, Sunset Celebration Weekend, Coalition of American Plant Societies meeting, Awards Ceremony & Banquet at River Farm, save the dates for weekend symposium at the Homestead Resort and gala at River Farm, and start saving for AHS annual seed exchange.

12 AHS MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE Betty Adelman.

42 HOMEGROWN HARVEST Tangy tomatillos.

GARDEN SOLUTIONS pagepage 2020 44 Preventing the spread of sudden oak death.

46 TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO GARDENS 14 TAMING AMERICA’S WILD ROSES BY JULIE BAWDEN-DAVIS Garland Farm, Bar Harbor, Maine. Branch out from classic teas with hardy, rugged native roses. Find 48 BOOK REVIEWS recommendations for the best varieties to grow in your region. The New Shade Garden, Roses without Chemicals, and A Garden of Marvels. 20 QUICK FIXES FOR TIRED GARDENS BY CAROLE OTTESEN Special focus: Infl uential gardens and Need to spruce your garden up fast? These tips and tricks will gardeners. have it refreshed in no time. 52 GARDENER’S NOTEBOOK Flame azaleas need size-specifi c pollinators, 25 ASTOUNDING ARISTOLOCHIA BY PAUL LEE CANNON two plants make top 10 list of new species of This diverse genus of vines, commonly known as Dutchman’s the year, Chicago Horticultural Society turns pipe, bears intriguing fl owers amid lovely heart-shaped leaves. 125, birds discovered to disperse parasitic orchid’s seeds, National Garden Club Award of Excellence winners announced, 30 FRAGRANT FOLIAGE BY RAND B. LEE new director of U.S. National Arboretum Indulge your sense of smell by including these aromatic plants in selected, Frick Collection to retain Russell your garden design. Page Garden during renovation.

55 REGIONAL HAPPENINGS 36 STAYING SAFE IN THE GARDEN BY KRIS WETHERBEE Gardening is good for you but can be rough on your body. Stay 58 GREEN GARAGE healthy and injury-free by following these best practices. Gear for safe and comfortable gardening. 60 PRONUNCIATIONS AND HARDINESS AND HEAT ZONES

62 PLANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE COVER: Native to the tropics, calico vine (Aristolochia littoralis) produces eye-catching ﬂ ow- Moonﬂ ower vine (Ipomoea alba).

LYNNE HARRISON ers and an abundance of glossy, evergreen foliage. Photograph by Susan A. Roth

July / August 2015 3 Free App AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY HOMEGROWN Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens With Bonnie Plants Board of Directors CHAIR Amy Bolton Falls Church, Virginia FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN Jane Diamantis McDonald, Tennessee SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN Mary Pat Matheson Atlanta, Georgia TREASURER J. Landon Reeve, IV Woodbine, Maryland IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Harry A. Rissetto, Esq. Falls Church, Virginia EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Henrietta Burke Alexandria, Virginia Marcia Zech Mercer Island, Washington

Skipp Calvert Alexandria, Virginia Q Tim Conlon Dubuque, Iowa Q Gay Estes Houston, Texas

Nancy Hargroves Manakin Sabot, Virginia Q Tom Johnson Washington, D.C. Q Louis B. Lynn Columbia, South Carolina

Nancy Ross Englewood, Florida Q Holly Shimizu Glen Echo, Maryland Q Ed Snodgrass Street, Maryland Erich Veitenheimer Alexandria, Virginia

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tom Underwood PRESIDENT EMERITUS Katy Moss Warner

President’s Council The President’s Council is comprised of dedicated members whose annual support makes many of the Society’s programs possible, from youth gardening activities to horticultural awards programs.

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE ($25,000+) Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Q Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rissetto Q Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE ($10,000–$24,999) Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barnett Q Mrs. Kurt Bluemel Q Mrs. Elisabeth C. Dudley

LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999) Mrs. Leslie S. Ariail Q Ms. Amy Bolton and Mr. Philip Schoene Q Mr. and Mrs. Skipp Calvert

Q Mr. James R. Cargill Q Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV Q Mr. and Mrs. W. Bruce Usrey Q Ms. Katy Moss Warner

bonnieplants.com/app HAUPT CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999) Mrs. Sandra L. Address Q Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Bachman Q Ms. Petra Burke-Ramirez Q Mr. and Mrs. Andy Daniel Q Mr. Joseph Errington and Mr. William Pullen Q Mr. and Mrs. Carl Estes Q Dr. Amy Goldman Fowler Q Mr. and Mrs.

Joel Goldsmith Q Ms. Christina Grady and Mr. Thomas Gibian Q Dr. and Mrs. William O. Hargrove Q Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Johnson

Q Dr. and Mrs. Louis B. Lynn Q Mrs. Shirley Ann Nicolai Q Dr. David D. Parrish Q Ms. Katherine Ward

COUNCIL MEMBER’S CIRCLE ($1,000–$2,499) Mr. and Mrs. David Asaibene Q Mr. Dale L. Bachman Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baillie Q Mr.

and Mrs. Charles Barnes III Q Dr. and Mrs. William E. Barrick Q Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Beck Q Mrs. Katherine McKay Belk Q Mrs.

George P. Bissell, Jr. Q Dr. Sherran Blair and Mr. Roger Blair, Esq. Q Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bradshaw Q Ms. Donna Brown Q Mr.

and Mrs. Taylor Burke, III Q Mr. and Mrs. Carson Calloway, Jr. Q Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Cameron Q Ms. Mary Ann Carey Q Mr. Stan

Chambers Q Ms. Cynthia Cope Q Ms. Audney Cosand Q Mr. Larry L. Deaven Q Ms. Katherine B. Edwards and Mr. John A. Ronveaux

Q Ms. Megan Evans and Mr. Howard M. Tucker Q Ms. Inger Fair Q Mr. and Mrs. Gary Fine Q Dr. and Mrs. John A. Floyd, Jr. Q Ms.

Elisabeth French Q Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Gellman Q Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grant Q Dr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Hall, III Q Mr. Clark Halstead

Q Mr. and Mrs. Herbert F. Hargroves Q Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Harris Q Ms. Laura Hartman Q Ms. Rebecca Hartness Q Ms. Catherine M.

Hayes Q Ms. Grace M. Hennes Q Ms. Nancy Hockstad Q Mr. and Mrs. Albert Huddleston Q Mr. Philip Huey Q Mr. and Mrs. Ridgely

Huntt Q Mrs. Rose Johnston Q Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Keck Q Ms. Patricia Kitchings Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kittrell Q Ms. Patricia

Leddy Q Mrs. Carolyn Marsh Lindsay Q Ms. JoAnn Luecke Q Mrs. Dorothy W. Marston Q Mr. and Mrs. James Masterson Q Ms. M.

Terry McConnell Q Mr. and Mrs. Murray McGrew Q Mr. and Mrs. John McMurtrie Q Mr. and Mrs. Walter Montgomery, Jr. Q Mr. and

Mrs. Peter Morris Q Mrs. Rosalie J. Morris Q Dr. and Mrs. David E. Morrison Q Mr. James R. Moxley, Jr. Q Mr. and Mrs. Ben Norwood

Q Mr. and Mrs. Al Osman Q Ms. Julie Overbeck Q Ms. Johnnie Patricia Painter Q Ms. Melinda Papp Q Mr. and Mrs. Bill Paternotte Q

Ms. Allison Porter Q Mrs. Lynn C. Rhomberg Q Ms. Nancy Ross Q Ms. Rachael A. Rowland Q Mr. Witney Schneidman Q Mr. and Mrs.

Thomas Sedler Q Mr. Carroll L. Shry Q Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Smith, Jr. Q Ms. Kathleen A. Smithgall Q Mr. Joseph B. Tompkins, Jr.

Q Mr. and Mrs. Harry Tunis Q Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood Q Mrs. Angela M. Vikesland Q Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Volk Q Mr. and

Mrs. Charles F. Walton Q Ms. Elizabeth M. Wehrle Q Mrs. Corinne Winburn Q Mrs. Dudley B. White Q Mr. and Mrs. Donald Winship

Q Dr. Dorothy Yang and Mr. Ray Carlsen

HONORARY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL (in memoriam) Ms. Louise Fruehling Q Mrs. Enid Haupt Q Mrs. John A. Lutz Q Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller Ms. Wilma L. Pickard

Corporate Members

Bonnie Plants Q The Care of Trees Q Chapel Valley Landscape Company Q Corona, Inc. Q The Espoma Company

Q Monrovia Q Osmocote Q OXO Horticultural Partners

America In Bloom Q Bellingrath Gardens & Home Q The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Q Cox Arboretum Metropark

Q Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens Q The Gardeners of America/Men’s Garden Clubs of America Q The Omni Homestead

Q Inniswood Garden Society Q University of Nebraska-Lincoln Q Wegerzyn Gardens Foundation

4 the American Gardener The American NOTES CFROM RIVER FARM GARDENER

EDITOR David J. Ellis MANAGING EDITOR AND ART DIRECTOR Mary Yee ASSOCIATE EDITOR Viveka Neveln HE VERY NATURE of a nonprofit organization like the American Hor- EDITORIAL INTERN ticultural Society (AHS) is to make the world a better place. Our vision Amy G. McDermott statement, “Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens,” CONTRIBUTING EDITOR T may sound like a challenging goal, but it inspires our Rita Pelczar Board and staff and resonates with our members. CONTRIBUTING WRITER In my travels around the country, I’m often asked how a Carole Ottesen

national organization like the AHS goes about promoting its EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD cause. Some of the ways are very visible and easy to describe, CHAIR Ethne Clarke such as our annual National Children & Youth Garden Colorado Springs, Colorado Symposium, Reciprocal Admissions Program, bimonthly Linda Askey magazine, national awards program, and the gardens at our Birmingham, Alabama River Farm headquarters. Tailored to our members and vis- Julie Chai Mountain View, California itors from around the country and even the world, these are Mary Irish the core of our work and the crux of our existence. San Antonio, Texas But each year we also engage in a select number of Panayoti Kelaidis outreach activities that extend our message to a broad- Tom Underwood Denver, Colorado er audience. More often than not, we accomplish this Charlie Nardozzi through partnerships or collaborations with likeminded organizations. We are Burlington, Vermont currently involved in three such outreach activities, most recently signing on as one Denny Schrock of more than 20 partner organizations in the National Pollinator Garden Network, Ames, Iowa which is rallying gardeners to reverse the decline of pollinators (for more on this, Jessica Walliser turn to “News from the AHS” on page 8). Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Two other activities that the AHS is aligned with are promoting horticulture Kris Wetherbee Oakland, Oregon education and careers—via a partnership with several major horticultural organi-

zations—and the Coalition of American Plant Societies (you can read more about CONTACT US The American Gardener the latter on page 10). Although each of these initiatives targets different audiences, 7931 East Boulevard Drive collectively they serve to bring people together to share resources and tackle com- Alexandria, VA 22308 plex issues. At the end of the day, each is seeking to promote an awareness and (703) 768-5700 understanding of the important role gardens and gardening play in environmental EDITORIAL E-MAIL: [email protected] stewardship and quality of life. The goal is to create more gardeners, more sustain- ADVERTISING E-MAIL: [email protected] able gardens, and more horticultural professionals for a greener, healthier world. As they progress, we will keep you posted on these and other important efforts that The American Gardener (ISSN 1087-9978) is published bimonthly complement our mission and programs. (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/ Bringing the focus a little closer to home, we’re pleased to present another October, November/December) by the American Horticultural Soci- ety, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300, (703) information- and inspiration-packed issue of The American Gardener. If you have 768-5700. Membership in the Society includes a subscription to The American Gardener. Annual dues are $35; international dues ever been faced with the prospect of opening your garden to visitors for a tour are $55. $10 of annual dues goes toward magazine subscription. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional or special occasion, you’ll be sure to appreciate the tips that noted garden writer mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to The American Carole Ottesen provides in “Quick Fixes for Tired Gardens.” Those of you with an Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Botanical nomenclature is based on The American Horticultural interest in attracting and providing habitat for beneficial wildlife will want to read Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, on A Synonymized Check- Julie Bawden-Davis’s article on growing rugged roses native to North America. list of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Canada and Greenland and on the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants. Opinions And for anyone who loves ornamental plants with bizarre habits, a profile of the expressed in the articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Society. Manuscripts, artwork, and photographs sent genus Aristolochia—commonly known as “Dutchman’s pipe”—is sure to please. for possible publication will be returned if accompanied by a self-ad- We hope you enjoy this issue of The American Gardener and thank you for dressed, stamped envelope. We cannot guarantee the safe return of unsolicited material. Back issues are available at $8 per copy. being a part of our AHS family. And, as always, happy gardening! Copyright ©2015 by the American Horticultural Society.

Printed in the U.S.A. Tom Underwood Executive Director

July / August 2015 5 6 The math is fairly straightforward: Plants The mathisfairlystraightforward:Plants essential totheplanet’songoinghealth. gardens whenitisinfact activity isanegativeinour eral perceptionthatinsect by whatseemstobeagen- modified species. beneficial animalsastheun- to pollinatorsandother “nativars,” areasbeneficial of nativeplants,dubbed explored whethercultivars March/April 2015),which to TermsWithNativars,” ham Rice’sarticle(“Coming ticularly interestedinGra- native plants.SoIwaspar- Michigan, Igrowmorethan200speciesof In mygarden,atypicalurbanlotinDetroit, TAKE-AWAY FROMNATIVARSARTICLE Frankly, I am mystified Frankly, Iammystified the American Gardener attracts beneficialpollinators. ‘Hello Yellow’butterflyweed critical means of converting that food to critical meansofconvertingthatfoodto their ownfood,andinsectsarethemost are theonlyorganismscapableofmaking MEMBERS C Advanced MasterGardener ly localgenotypes. native plantspecies,ideal- no substitute for planting no substituteforplanting fauna, thereisabsolutely butterflies, andother a havenfornativebirds, but onethatalsoprovides little ornomaintenance, geous gardenthatrequires only anabsolutelygor- I reallywanttohavenot come tosometimeago:If firmed aconclusionI’d available protein. Wayne County,Michigan For me,thearticlecon- ’ Cheryl M.English FORUM PLEASE WRITEUS! Letters weprintmaybeeditedforlengthandclarity. ahs.org (noteLettertoEditorinsubjectline). Alexandria, VA22308.Sende-mailstoe American Gardener,7931EastBoulevardDrive, to usattheaddresslistedbelow. forts [email protected] er, e-mailabriefdescriptionofyouref- you haveastoryyou’dlikeustoconsid- dening withothersincreativeways.If plants, andsharetheirpassionforgar- cause, helpprotectrareorendangered nate theirbusinessservicesforagood volunteer inacommunitygarden,do- good. We’vespotlightedmemberswho ing orhorticulturalskillsforthegreater members whoareusingtheirgarden- partment, “AHS MembersMakingaDifference”de- We arelookingforcandidatesour inwhichweprofilecurrent

Address letterstoEditor, ditor@ The The

COURTESY OF WALTERS GARDENS THE FINEST GREENHOUSES MONEY CAN BUY • Handmade in Greenfield, England • Victorian Range from $25,000 To enjoy our Book of Greenhouses call or click 781 933 1993 www.hartley-botanic.com Quoting Ref: AGUS CONTACTS FOR AHS PROGRAMS, News from the AHS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS & DEPARTMENTS July / August 2015 PROGRAMS • EVENTS • ANNOUNCEMENTS For general information about your membership, call (800) 777-7931. Send change of address notifications to our membership department at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308. If your magazine is lost or damaged in NATIONAL POLLINATOR GARDEN NETWORK LAUNCHES the mail, call the number above for a replace- ment. Requests for membership information THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY (AHS) has joined the National Pol- and change of address notification can also be linator Garden Network (NPGN), a coalition of conservation and gardening e-mailed to [email protected]. associations, federal agencies, and more than 800,000 individual gardeners supporting the THE AMERICAN GARDENER To submit a letter to the editor of The American Gardener, write to creation of critical pollinator habitat across The American Gardener, 7931 East Boulevard the United States. Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, or send an e-mail This June, the NPGN launched its Million to [email protected]. Pollinator Garden Challenge, with the goal of DEVELOPMENT To make a gift to the Ameri- inspiring 1 million registered pollinator can Horticultural Society, or for information about a donation you have already made, call gardens nationwide. This collective (800) 777-7931 or send an e-mail to devel- effort comes in response to mount- [email protected]. ing evidence that pollinators of all E-MAIL LISTS To subscribe to specific e-mail kinds—from honey bees to native lists for updates on programs and events, visit bees and butterflies—are in decline, http://americanhort.ahs.org/email. in large part because of loss of habitat. INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The AHS offers intern- It also dovetails with President Obama’s ships in communications, horticulture, and youth programs. For information, send an 2014 pollinator directive, to “[Create] a Federal e-mail to [email protected]. Information and Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators.” application forms can also be found in the Combined with other regional and national programs, the million garden ini- Gardening Programs area of www.ahs.org. tiative is a critical early step to offset the loss of habitat due to changing agricultural NATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH GARDEN practices, urban expansion, and climate change, while raising awareness of how SYMPOSIUM For information about the Society’s annual National Children & Youth Garden Sym- gardeners can play a vital role in reversing this trend. posium, e-mail [email protected] or visit www. “Anyone in urban, suburban, or rural communities can make a difference by ahs.org/ncygs. planting for pollinators, and coming together in an effort to create and enhance one RECIPROCAL ADMISSIONS PROGRAM The AHS million pollinator gardens,” says Laurie Adams, executive director of the Pollinator Reciprocal Admissions Program offers members Partnership, one of NPGN’s founding partners. “Any size habitat counts in that mil- free admission and other discounts to nearly 300 botanical gardens and other horticultural lion—window boxes, gardens, farm borders, golf courses, school gardens, corporate destinations throughout North America. A list and university campuses. Every garden counts.” of participating gardens can be found on www. ahs.org/rap. For more information, call (800) To learn how to create and register your own pollinator garden, along with other 777-7931 ext. 119. resources, visit the homepage of the AHS website (www.ahs.org) for a link to the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge. RIVER FARM The AHS headquarters at River Farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays year- round (except Federal holidays), and 9 a.m. to AHS PARTICIPATES IN SUNSET CELEBRATION WEEKEND 1 p.m. Saturdays from April through Septem- ber. For information about events, rentals, and IN JUNE, the AHS participated in Sunset magazine’s annual Celebration Weekend, directions, visit the About River Farm section of a two-day festival of western living held at its headquarters in Menlo Park, Califor- www.ahs.org. nia. Attracting upwards of 20,000 visitors a year, the event features special exhibits TRAVEL STUDY PROGRAM Visit spectacular sprawled across Sunset’s famous seven-acre garden campus, along with stage presen- private and public gardens around the world tations by garden writers, landscape designers, celebrity chefs, and Sunset editorial through the Society’s acclaimed Travel Study Program. For information about upcoming staff. This was the final Celebration Weekend to be held at the Menlo Park location, trips, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 127, e-mail because the magazine is moving to a new facility in Oakland. [email protected], or visit the Gardening The AHS shared exhibit space in the garden with corporate member Corona Programs section of www.ahs.org. Tools, passing out copies of The American Gardener, seed packets, and gardening WEBSITE: www.ahs.org The AHS website is advice. “We had people spilling out of the booth from the minute we opened,” says a valuable source of information about the Society’s programs and activities. Users must Digital Communications Manager Charlotte Germane, who represented AHS at set up a username and password to access the the event. “It was definitely a wonderful venue for raising awareness of the American member’s-only sections. Horticultural Society among West Coast gardeners, although bittersweet since this

was the last time the event will be held at this beautiful venue.” PHOTO OF BUTTERFLY: AHS ARCHIVES

8 the American Gardener Call for Nominations

AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 2016 GREAT AMERICAN GARDENERS AWARDS

2015 Paul Ecke Jr. Commercial Award recipient Renee Shepherd, center, with AHS Awards Committee Chair Jane Diamantis and AHS Executive Director Tom Underwood

Liberty Hyde Bailey Award course of his or her career Given to an individual who have cultivated widespread has made significant lifetime 2016 interest in horticulture. contributions to at least It’s an Honor… three of the following hor- AWARDS Catherine H. Sweeney Award ticultural fields: teaching, Recognizes extraordinary and research, communications, dedicated philanthropic sup- Since 1953, the American Horticultural plant exploration, adminis- Meritorious Service Award port of the field of Society’s Great American Gardeners tration, art, business, and Recognizes a past Board horticulture. Awards Program has recognized leadership. member or friend of the individuals and institutions that have American Horticultural Soci- Jane L. Taylor Award made significant contibutions to H. Marc Cathey Award ety for outstanding service in Given to an individual, orga- American horticulture. Nominations are Recognizes outstanding support of the Society’s goals, nization, or program that has now being accepted for 2016. scientific research that mission, and activities. inspired and nurtured future has enriched the field of horticulturists through efforts Nominate your “horticultural horticulture. B. Y. Morrison in children’s and youth hero”—a memorable professor, a favorite Communication Award gardening. garden book author, or the driving force Paul Ecke Jr. Recognizes effective and behind an incredible community project. Commercial Award inspirational communica- Teaching Award For a nomination form and additional Given to an individual or tion—through print, radio, Given to an individual whose information, visit www.ahs.org or call company whose commitment television, and/or online ability to share his or her (703) 768-5700 ext. 121. to the highest standards of media—that advances public horticultural knowledge with excellence in the field of interest and participation in others has contributed to a commercial horticulture horticulture. better public understanding Nominations must be submitted contributes to the betterment of the plant world and its by September 30, 2015. of gardening practices Frances Jones Poetker Award important influence on everywhere. Recognizes significant con- society. tributions to floral design in Landscape Design Award publications, on the plat- Urban Beautification Award Given to an individual form, and to the public. Given to an individual, whose work has demon- institution, or company strated and promoted the Professional Award for significant contributions value of sound horticultur- Given to a public gar- to urban horticulture al practices in the field of den administrator whose and the beautification of landscape architecture. achievements during the American cities.

July / August 2015 9 COALITION OF AMERICAN PLANT SOCIETIES MEETS IN OHIO AHS NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR THE HERB SOCIETY OF AMERICA hosted the fourth annual Coalition of American Plant Societies (CAPS) meeting Mark your calendar for these upcoming events in Kirtland, Ohio, in June. that are sponsored or co-sponsored by Representatives from several the AHS. Visit www.ahs.org or call national plant societies and (703) 768-5700 for more information. other gardening organiza- AUG. 14–16. The Homestead Resort’s “In the Garden” tions, including the AHS and Weekend Symposium. Hot Springs, Virginia. the Garden Writers Asso- SEPT. 19. Annual AHS Gala. River Farm, Alexandria, Virginia. ciation, attended the three- SEPT. 22–25. International Master Gardener Conference. Council day meeting, which affords a Bluffs, Iowa. unique opportunity for plant SEPT. 24–26. America in Bloom Symposium and Awards societies to network and share Program. Holland, Michigan. successful membership, com- OCT. 7–15. Gardens in and Around Rome, Italy. AHS Travel Study munication, and education Program. strategies with each other. The Cleveland Botanical Garden Guest speakers included 2016 was part of the 2015 CAPS tour. Maria Zampini of Upshoot JAN. 7–20. South Africa: Gardens of the Cape (with optional post- LLC, who discussed social tour safari, Jan. 20–23). AHS Travel Study Program. media as a tool to grow membership and educate existing mem- APR. 21–MAY 1. Gardens of Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra and Madeira. bers, and Ashley Oeken of Engage! Cleveland, who talked about AHS Travel Study Program. connecting with young professionals. Attendees also toured the AUG. 31–SEPT. 10. Italy: Architecture and Gardens of the Veneto, Cleveland Botanical Garden and Holden Arboretum. Next year, Dolomites, and Venice. AHS Travel Study Program. the American Rose Society will host the CAPS meeting at its headquarters in Shreveport, Louisiana. For a complete list of national plant societies, see the AHS website, at www.ahs.org/ gardening-resources/societies-clubs-organizations. Gifts of Note AHS GREAT AMERICAN GARDENERS AWARDS In addition to vital support through membership dues, the American CEREMONY & BANQUET 2015 Horticultural Society relies on grants, bequests, and other gifts to THIS YEAR’S Great American Gardeners and Book Awards Cere- support its programs. We would like to thank the following donors for mony and Banquet was held at River Farm in early June. Individu- gifts received between May 1 and June 30, 2015. als, organizations, and businesses that have significantly contributed $1,000+ Gifts to wide-ranging fields of gardening, horticulture, and landscape de- Ball Horticultural Company sign were honored, along with outstanding garden-related books. Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis William E. Barrick, executive director of Bellingrath Edwaldan Foundation Gardens and Home in Theodore, Alabama, received AHS’s Ms. Christina Grady and Mr. Thomas Gibian highest honor, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, for his life- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Keck time contributions to American horticulture. Floyd Zaiger, Ms. M. Terry McConnell founder of Zaiger’s Inc. Genetics received the Luther Burbank Mr. and Mrs. J. Landon Reeve, IV Mr. and Mrs. Klaus Zech

In honor of Mrs. Helen Bond Reveley In memory of Scott Harris Ms. Helen Lanier Reveley Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis

In honor of Ms. Betty J. Smalley In memory of Barbara Wall Bond Mr. Byron D. Smalley Edwaldan Foundation

In memory of Valerie E. Bowden In memory of Mr. and Mrs. George Diamantis Louise Vanderburgh Wall Edwaldan Foundation In memory of Zui Lin Chang UCLA Department of Medicine Program Leadership

If you would like to support the American Horticultural Society as part of your estate planning, as a tribute to a loved one, or as part of your annual charitable giving plan, please call (703) 768-5700. William E. Barrick, center, with Awards Committee Chair Jane

Diamantis and AHS Executive Director Tom Underwood. TOP: CHARLOTTE GERMANE. BOTTOM: KATIE GARLOCK

10 the American Gardener Award for his pioneering work in stone fruit breeding, and formal evening will feature live music, food and wine, and a Renee Shepherd of Renee’s Garden received the Paul Ecke Jr. silent auction to benefit the AHS’s stewardship of River Farm Commercial Award for her efforts to increase the diversity of and its outreach programs. Vacation packages, garden tours, edible and heirloom plants available to home gardeners. tools, plants, and many other special items will be available Garden writer and editor James Augustus Baggett, land- at the silent auction. For more information or to register, call scape architect Thomas Woltz, and Paul Redman, director (703) 768-5700 or visit www.ahs.org. of Longwood Gardens, were also among the honorees at this year’s ceremony. SEED EXCHANGE IS AROUND THE CORNER Nominations are now open for the 2016 Great American THE AHS will be accepting seed donations for the 57th annual Gardeners Awards (see page 9 for details). Seed Exchange beginning in September, so start saving seeds from your favorite plants to share with other AHS members. WEEKEND SYMPOSIUM RETURNS TO OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT Seeds of all kinds, including uncommon and hard-to-find FROM FRIDAY August 14 through Sunday the 16, the Omni species and selections, are offered, so if you’ve been looking for Homestead Resort will host “In the Garden,” an annual week- something unique, this is the program for you. And remember, end symposium in Hot Springs, Virginia, cosponsored by the while every AHS member can participate in the exchange, first AHS. The weekend will feature presentations by gardening dibs always go to members who donate seeds. A seed donation experts such as radio personality and author André Viette, a form will be included in the next issue of The American Gardener. cooking demonstration, and a tour of the Homestead gardens with Forrest Lee. Registration for the event includes two nights AMERICA IN BLOOM AWARDS SYMPOSIUM at the resort, meals, and a complimentary AHS membership. THE 2015 America in Bloom Awards Symposium will be held Guests also have the option of signing up for activities such as in Holland, Michigan, September 24 to 26. Co-sponsored by spa treatments, carriage rides, Segway tours, hikes, kayaking, AHS, the symposium will feature panel presentations on gar- archery, and falconry. For more information or to register call dening for your community, along with tours of local gardens. (800) 838-1766 or visit www.thehomestead.com. On Thursday and Saturday nights, awards will be presented to America in Bloom member communities and honored guests. ANNUAL GALA COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER For more information or to register, visit www.americainbloom. JOIN THE AHS Saturday, September 19, for “Reflections of org/Symposium. Early bird registration ends September 4. River Farm: A Step Back in Time,” the AHS annual gala, held at its River Farm headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The News written by Editorial Intern Amy G. McDermott.

Plant Pride and Prosper REFLECTIONS with America in Bloom RIVERof FARM A Step Back in Time

Because of America in Bloom we have a heightened sense of community and pride. Today we have an amazing partnership between city staff, business people, organizations, and residents. Bob Lund, Arroyo Grande, CA AIB participant since 2007 Plant Pride in Your Community For details on how AIB can THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL help your community, visit www.AmericaInBloom.org. SOCIETY’S 22ND ANNUAL GALA X SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 X For more information visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700.

July / August 2015 11 12 by MaryS.ChadduckandAmyG.McDermott AHS MEMBERS T beautiful andrare.” thousands ofyears.Manyaresimply tainable, lastinggenerations,sometimes has testedheirloomclassics;theyaresus- their gardens,”explainsAdelman.“Time our grandparents,whogrewthesein icans, earlyAmericangardens,andto Greece andRome,China,NativeAmer- kinds ofheirloomplantsforsale. 2000, currentlyoffersmorethan1,000 sin. Thenursery,whichshefoundedin Flower Farm,inMukwonago,Wiscon- gardens throughhernursery, Heritage 1997, ishelpingtokeepheirloomsinour cultural Society(AHS)membersince ies, whichsparked anewfocusforAdel- the garden’snumerous heirloomvariet- Betty Adelman,anAmericanHorti- ors andflavorswecangrowathome. heritage andlimitingthepaletteofcol- century, endangeringourhorticultural has decreaseddramaticallyoverthelast took thetimetointroduceAdelman to erty’s originalowner, Anne Patterson, overwhelming,” shequips. The prop- to bedangerousbutnotenough tobe The seven-acrepropertyis“large enough to movehercurrentlocationin1992. for herprojects,whichprompted Adelman startedrunningoutofspace they neededtogrowandprosper.” these littlethings…figuringoutwhat nation process,“themiracleofwatching year. Shewasenthralledbythegermi- tomato seedsthatAdelmansowedone starting tableforanentirepacketof top ofthecoveredtubwasaperfectseed basement ofthehouseshelivedin.The tomatoes andanunusedhottubinthe stead, itbegan,innocentlyenough,with begin asacrusadetosaveheirlooms.In- gardener toproprietorofanurserydidn’t For Adelman,themetamorphosisfrom A PASSIONFORPROPAGATION “Heirlooms connectuswithancient Bitten withthepropagationbug, the American Gardener available tohomegardeners flowers, vegetables,andherbs HE VARIETYOF MAKING ADIFFERENCE: heirloom AHS memberBettyAdelmancultivatesheirloomplantsatherWisconsinnurseryandgardens. nection withtheplant. ically importantpeoplewho had acon- explorers itwasnamedafter;andhistor- a plant’sbotanicalname,suchasearly ery dates;thehistoricalsignificanceof provenance (nativeorigin)anddiscov- of eachplant.Thesenotesmightinclude this researchinthecatalogdescriptions asks withalaugh. without beingahistorybuff?”Adelman the plantsbecause,“howcouldIdothis born. Shealsobegandoingresearchon growing, soHeritageFlowerFarmwas for sellingalltheextraplantsshewas thing else,”sherecalls. grow heirloomplantsmorethanany- man’s propagationefforts.“Iwantedto sells apurplebearded irisofunknown be worthsaving. Forexample,Adelman Heirlooms don’tneedastoried pastto PRESERVING CONNECTIONSTOTHE PAST Naturally, sheincludesthefruitsof Before long,sheneededanoutlet

Betty Adelman ories. Manycustomershaveremarkedto man offersoftentriggerchildhoodmem- who hadplantedit. Other plantsAdel- to honortheproperty’spreviousowner, origin thatshenicknamed“Anne’siris” Gardener. are editorialinterns forTheAmerican Mary S.ChadduckandAmyG. McDermott to thepeoplewhofirstgrewthem.” “It’s interestingtoseehowsimilar weare connects peopletootherplaces.” shesays. heirlooms “connectspeopletothepast,it connections iswhatit’sallabout.Growing North Americathatsellsit,”saysAdelman. in 1894.“Ithinkwearetheonlyplace century followingitschancediscovery joyed popularityattheturnof20th ered cutleafconeflowerselectionthaten- laciniata ‘GoldenGlow’,adouble-flow- and I’vebeenlookingforityears.” her, “Mygrandmotherusedtogrowthis For Adelman, cultivating these kinds of For Adelman,cultivatingthesekindsof Among therarerofferingsisRudbeckia

COURTESY OF BETTY ADELMAN

taming America’s Wild Roses BY JULIE BAWDEN-DAVIS

NorthNorth America’sAmerica’s nativenative rosesroses areare rugged,rugged, ravishing,ravishing, andand readyready toto rockrock youryour garden.garden.

This double-flowered selection of the swamp rose— listed as R. palustris var. scandens or sometimes as ‘Scandens’—grows up to seven feet tall and wide. As its common name indicates, swamp rose will thrive in moist soils that few other roses will tolerate. BARRIE COLLINS

14 the American Gardener HE WILD ROSES of North America have a lot going for T them. They require minimal care, adapt to a broad range of growing conditions and landscape uses, and produce food and shelter for wildlife. Despite their no-fuss attributes, however, native roses are not widely grown in gardens. Although they lack the large, showy blooms of hybrid tea roses and they are rarely available at the local nursery, native roses are enjoyed by a number of rosarians passionate about indigenous species and what they offer gardeners. Walter Lewis, author of the rose family (Rosaceae) section of Flora of North America: Volume 9 (Oxford University Press, 2015) and professor emeritus in the Department of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, is one of the fore- most experts on North American native roses. His infatuation with these easy-to- grow, woody perennials started in the early 1940s when, for his 12th birthday, his father told him he could have whatever he wished. Rather than ask for the era’s standard fare such as a BB gun or train set, Lewis requested a greenhouse. “Once I had the greenhouse organized, my Uncle George, who grew commercial roses, taught me how to propagate them,” says Lewis, who, at the time, lived in Victo- ria, British Columbia, just two miles from Butchart Gardens. From there the budding gardener’s interest in roses quickly grew. RUGGED BEAUTIES Like many who turn their attention to species roses rather than hybrids, Lewis did so because of their compelling mix of understated beauty and tenacity. “Grow native roses and you won’t find yourself fussing over them and spraying for diseases,” says Bill Cullina, executive director of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay and author of Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines (Houghton Mifflin, 2002). Although they may be difficult to find in a nursery, they are fairly easy to propagate (see “Propagating Native Roses,” page 17). And pruning is a breeze. “Except for the climber, Rosa setigera, native roses don’t need to be pruned and even do better when you don’t cut them back much, but just give them a light shearing,” he says. Grow Virginia rose not only for its stellar pink flowers, shown top, growing with fireweed The flowers are typically small, single, (Epilobium angustifolium) in coastal Maine, but for its attractive fall foliage, above left, and

TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT: COURTESY OF BILL CULLINA. LEFT: SUSAN A. ROTH open-faced, and usually some shade of glossy red hips that last into winter, above right.

July / August 2015 15 pink, from light pink to magenta. Ma- ny are unscented or only slightly scented. “Most have a flush of bloom in late spring or early summer and then bloom sporadically later in the year when it cools down,” says Cullina. The stems of many native roses, especially prickly wild rose (R. acicularis) and Carolina rose (R. carolina) are covered with prickles and thorns that can make pruning or transplanting painful. This armament does provide additional protection for birds and small animals that may shelter or nest in them, and they may be put to use if you are looking for a barrier hedge to keep out deer or deter short cuts. The flowers produce pollen that attracts bees and butterflies; the colorful and nutritious fruits—rosehips—form in the fall. “Whereas many cultivated roses are sterile and don’t set fruit, native roses produce The deep pink flowers of Carolina rose gradually fade to a more muted shade. Its stems abundant rosehips, which are a high value are heavily armored with thorns, so wear long, thick gloves when pruning or transplanting. food for wildlife, especially over-wintering animals like birds,” says Cullina. resistance of native species in hybridizing. LANDSCAPING OPTIONS “One of my students recently did While the flowers are smaller, native roses VALUABLE TRAITS work on some rose materials derived from more than make up for this by growing in Despite their many desirable attributes, native species that stand up to high salt a range of soil conditions and exposures— native roses haven’t been used much in and pressure found in coastal areas,” says from full sun to part shade. Several species hybridizing. “Except for a small amount Byrne, who notes that the student’s work offer good solutions to problem areas. For of breeding with the native climber Rosa will likely lead to the creation of roses that constantly moist soil, try swamp rose (R. setigera and European climbers, there has can thrive in a seaside environment. palustris) or shining rose (R. nitida); des- been limited breeding done using species roses,” says David Zlesak, an associate professor of horticulture at the Univer- sity of Wisconsin–River Falls. That is changing, however, in part because of an outbreak of the virus known as rose rosette disease (RRD), which disfigures and kills hybrid roses. “Rose rosette is becoming a serious problem,” says David Byrne, a professor who holds the Basye Endowed Chair of Rose Genetics in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. “We’ve seen what appears to be resistance to this virus in three native roses—Rosa setigera, R. palustris, and R. carolina, so we’re currently working to verify this. If these three genotypes do indeed have resistance, we’ll be using them in hybridizing more extensively in the future.” Native roses also have a lot to offer in the area of adaptability. At the Universi- ty of Wisconsin–River Falls, Zlesak, who specializes in plant pathology, is looking In addition to their rugged constitution and simple charm, native species such as prairie

at utilizing the cold hardiness and disease rose attract pollinators and provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. BARRIE COLLINS (2)

16 the American Gardener PROPAGATING NATIVE ROSES Perhaps the gardener’s most difficult challenge when it comes to native roses is finding them. Enjoy native roses in your landscape by sourcing them from your local native plant grower or propagating your own. Here are three ways of producing your own native rose plants. Q Dig up suckers The easiest way to get your own native rosebush is to dig up a sucker, which you are likely to find growing nearby a mother plant. “Simply dig up the small rose plant with the roots intact, making sure not to damage the main plant,” says Malcolm Manners, professor of horticulture and chair of the Department of Horticultural Science at Florida Southern College. “In the case of some roses, like R. palustris, one scoop with a shovel and you’ll have enough roots for a plant.” As with any wild plant, only dig plants on private land with permission from the property owner. Q Take cuttings Most roses easily root from cuttings. Manners suggests taking cuttings from firm, young stems in the spring or early summer. Keep two to three leaves attached and allow for at least an inch of stem to insert into the soil for rooting. Roses will root at any point along the stem. Hasten rooting by slicing a strip of bark off opposite sides of the base of the cutting. Stick the cutting in rooting hormone powder and then slip it into a planting medium of 50 percent potting soil to 50 percent perlite or pumice. Keep the cuttings under a glass cloche or plastic cover to maintain humidity and place them in a warm location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. They should root within three to eight weeks, depending on the time of year and growing situation. Once they’ve rooted, gradually move them into brighter light. Plant the cuttings in the garden when they have put on a significant amount of new growth. Q Collect and plant seeds Bill Cullina, executive director of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, often grows roses by seed. “The seeds are designed to be eaten by birds and passed through their systems prior to germinating, so extract the seeds from the hips once they’ve turned a reddish color,” instructs Cullina. Clean and dry the seeds before rubbing them between two pieces of medium sandpaper for about 20 to 30 seconds (this simulates the abrasion caused by digestion). Place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for two to three months so they get their required chilling hours. Sow the cold-treated rose seeds in containers, preferably in spring. They will go from seedling to full-sized plant in one year, although they may take two to three years to flower. —J.B-D.

ert rose (R. stellata) is useful for dry and Keeping that potential for variation in rocky areas; and smooth rose (R. blanda), mind, here are several species that may be Carolina or pasture rose (R. carolina), and worth investigating for your garden. (For several other species grow well in either details on more native roses, see the chart moist or dry conditions. on page 19.) Depending on the species, there are native roses that fill a variety of landscape Smooth rose (Rosa blanda, USDA Har- needs. Position them as a focal point or as diness Zones 3–7, AHS Heat Zones 8–3). an addition to a mixed shrub border. Many Smooth rose is an attractive, foolproof tend to sprawl and spread by rhizomes; these grower that reaches four to six feet tall and can be employed to create a thicket that of- is nearly thornless. Its native range stretch- fers privacy and even a measure of security. es from Mississippi and parts of the south- Low growing species are useful as ground east northward through much of Canada, covers or can be maintained as low hedges. and westward to Montana. As part of a wildlife friendly garden, na- Lewis collected a specimen in Montreal tive roses are hard to beat. They provide several years ago, “The plant continues to nesting sites for birds and cover for small amaze me,” he says. “No matter the weath- mammals. Their flowers attract pollinators er, it never deviates. I rarely water it, and it and the hips are a nutritious food source survives without a whimper.” It is adapt- for many birds. The hips, which are high able to moist or dry soil and sun or part in antioxidants and vitamin C, can also be Thicket-forming Nootka rose is prized for its shade, spreading quickly to form a dense used to make delicious teas and jellies for large pink flowers and purple hips. thicket. The leaves are blue-green in color, human consumption. and the stems feature spines at the bottom hybrids are grafted and essentially made and none at the top. In early to midsum- SPECIES VARIABILITY uniform, native roses vary in their growth mer, blooms open deep magenta and fade Each species of native rose may perform habits, depending on where they’re to lighter pink. Red hips follow the flowers. differently from one garden to the next, growing and where they were originally depending on the climate and the grow- found. For instance, the Carolina rose Swamp rose (Rosa palustris, Zones 4–9, ing conditions. grows in the South and New England, 9–4). Swamp rose’s native range includes “It’s much more of an adventure to but those in the East tend to be smaller the Northeast, Southeast, and parts of

NEIL SODERSTROM grow wild roses,” says Cullina. “Whereas plants than the South,” says Cullina. the Midwest. It grows three to seven feet

July / August 2015 17 tall with a dense, mounding habit and, as in early to midsummer and small, green hips its common name implies, it is well suit- Sources after the flowers fade. ed for marshy, damp areas of the garden. Antique Rose Emporium, Brenham, In addition to its genetic potential for This beauty offers a continuous show of TX. (800) 441-0002. contributing resistance to hybrid rose striking pink blossoms in the early sum- www.antiqueroseemporium.com. virus woes, prairie rose decorates the mer, followed in the fall by large red rose Forestfarm at Pacifica, Williams, garden with its unusual presence. “It’s hips and burgundy leaves. OR. (541) 846-7269. a unique, sprawling monster of a plant Malcom Manners is a professor of hor- www.forestfarm.com. with 10 to 12 flowers opening on a stem ticulture and chair of the Department of Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN. at the same time,” says Lewis. “ The plant Horticultural Science at Florida Southern (866) 417-8156. really takes over and spreads in many di- College in Lakeland. He has collected R. www.prairiemoon.com. rections, so it’s not an easy one to keep in palustris from a variety of swamps, bogs, the landscape, but I’m so glad I have it and marshes in Florida and has found a growing in my garden.” significant amount of variability. A se- Resources lection that he collected 20 years ago was American Rose Society, Desert rose (Rosa stellata, Zones 6–9, planted in the college’s rose garden. “The www.rose.org. 9–6). The desert rose, native to Arizona, R. palustris in the school’s rose garden is Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, New Mexico, and Texas, is a good choice located near a mist system and blooms University of Texas, Austin, TX. as a groundcover or small shrub for dry, throughout the year—most likely because www.wildflower.org. rocky soils in full sun or part shade. It it’s being well cared for,” says Manners. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines by develops a rounded form, one to two feet William Cullina. Houghton Mifflin, tall and wide, with prickly stems. It sports Prairie rose (Rosa setigera, Zones 4–9, New York, NY, 2002. two-and-a-half-inch, rose-purple flowers 9–4). From eastern Canada to the South- “Wild Roses: The Native Roses and over an extended period in summer and east and west to Texas and parts of the Naturalized Roses of North America” by early fall, followed by dark red hips. Midwest, the prairie rose has arching Gloria Cole. Dave’s Garden Guides, canes that grow six to 15 feet tall. It prefers 2012. http://davesgarden.com/ Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana, Zones moist soil and adapts to full sun or part guides/articles/view/710/#b. 3–8, 9–3). The Virginia rose is the most shade, producing light to dark pink blooms common wild rose on the East Coast,

‘Plena’ is a cultivar of California wild rose that bears loads of fragrant, semi-double pink blossoms on cascading stems. LYNNE HARRISON

18 the American Gardener MORE NORTH AMERICAN NATIVE ROSES Common Name Height Soil Conditions/ Flower Color/Bloom Native Range USDA Hardiness, (Botanical Name) (in feet) Light Requirement Time AHS Heat Zones Rosa acicularis 2–3 Moist/sun to Dark pink, fragrant/ Alaska, parts of West 1–6, 6–1 (Circumpolar or part shade June and July and SW, most of Midwest, prickly rose) NE, and Canada Rosa arkansana 1–2 Moist to dry, well Light pink/late spring Most of U.S. and Canada, 4–8, 8–3 (Arkansas rose) drained/full sun to early summer except parts of West and SE Rosa californica 3–6 Moist to dry and Soft pink, fragrant/ California and Oregon 6–9, 9–6 (California wild rose) rocky/sun to part spring through fall shade Rosa carolina 2–3 Moist to dry, well- Open dark pink, fade to NE, SE, and parts 4–9, 9–3 (Carolina rose) drained/sun to light pink/May and June of Midwest, SW, part shade and Canada Rosa foliolosa 1½–3 Wet to dry/sun to White or pink, fragrant/ Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, 5–9, 9–5 (White prairie rose ) part shade early summer Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi Rosa nitida 1–3 Moist to wet/part Medium pink/ NE, eastern Canada, parts 2–6, 6–1 (Shining rose) shade June to September of the SE Rosa nutkana 5–10 Moist to dry/sun Large, soft pink/ Pacific Northwest south 5–8, 9–1 (Nootka rose) to part shade early to midsummer to New Mexico

Woods’ rose (Rosa woodsii, Zones 3–8, 8–3). Also known as the desert wild rose, Woods’ rose is native from Minnesota west to British Columbia, the Southwest, and northern Mexico. It grows best in full sun, but is adaptable to either moist or dry, rocky soil. Depending on conditions, it grows two to five feet tall and can form dense colonies up to 10 feet across. It is a good choice for a slope to hold soil against erosion and for providing cover for wildlife. Its two-inch pink flowers appear from late spring to early summer, followed by bright red or orange hips.

While fancy hybrid roses often strug- gle with pests and diseases and tend to be temperamental about their growing conditions, North American native roses shrug off the inevitable vagaries of life in the garden and grow on. No matter how many hybrid roses appear on the scene, native rose afficiandos know these versa- Woods’ rose forms dense thickets that provide cover for wildlife and help control erosion. tile, eye-catching plants are well worth growing. Perhaps it’s time for you to give indigenous to the Northeast and parts leathery leaves and produces deep red these no-nonsense natives a try. of the Southeast and Midwest. It is an to maroon flowers from early to mid- adaptable drought-tolerant species that summer. Unless consumed by wildlife or Julie Bawden-Davis is a Certified Master can also grow in moist conditions and removed by humans, the plant’s brilliant Gardener, blogger, and author of numerous thrives in full sun or part shade, develop- red hips remain on the plant throughout books and articles on both indoor and out- ing stiff upright canes that grow two to winter, providing welcome color in the door gardening. She lives in Orange County,

SUSAN A. ROTH six feet tall. This charmer features glossy, late-season garden. California.

July / August 2015 19 BY CAROLE OTTESEN Quick Fixes for

Need to spruce up your garden on short notice? Here are some tips for creating a visitor-worthy garden when time is tight.

EMEMBER months ago when Mayronne. Remember, he emphasizes, poppy may be in the back garden, but in you agreed to a) open your gar- “The garden should speak for itself.” order to see it, visitors will have to make den for the community garden their way around from the front of the R ASSESS THE JOB tour; b) host your garden club’s annual house. As you assess your property, take summer meeting; or c) hold a summer Before you gallop off in all directions, notes. Identify the bare spots, the bad party for the neighborhood association? frantically clipping, raking, and trim- views, and the messy beds as well as the Then, it seemed like there was all the ming, step back and look critically at better-looking spots, which will need on- time in the world to get the garden ready. what is already working and what needs ly minimal effort to tidy up closer to the And now: Yikes! The garden is not at its help. Begin your appraisal at the front scheduled event. Start working on what best and you have just a week or two to of your property. It is the first thing vis- needs the most help. bash it into shape. itors will see. Your prize Himalayan blue Don’t panic. You can do this! Basically, AIM FOR A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION it’s just cleaning things up, “possibly add- Painted a cheerful orange that harmonizes with “The sense of arrival is heavily dependent ing a little seasonal interest or some art,” the lilies in the foreground, this door creates a on the combined impact of porch and

says Louisiana landscape architect John sense of welcome for garden visitors. front door,” says California landscape LYNNE HARRISON

20 the American Gardener Tired Gardens

designer and media personality Maureen “Mo” Gilmer. “The front door is the most important part of the front facade. Every decision made should be considered for its support and accent.” If the front door fades into the back- ground, consider adding a colorful wreath or even painting it for a pop of color. De-clutter the front porch. Attractive containers of brightly colored annuals or tropicals will add a friendly touch. If, after that, your front facade still looks dreary, determine why. Have the white porch posts gone dull gray? If so, power wash them or give them a coat of paint. If the trim has darkened due to mold, cleaning it with apple cider vinegar will soon have it looking clean and bright. Even if your visitors never go inside, a neat, clean front door and pots of colorful flowers on the front porch will make a positive first impression. CREATE A CLEAR AND INVITING ROUTE As well as an aesthetically pleasing first view, the guests’ positive experience has everything to do with the ease of getting to where they are going. The path you want your visitors to follow should be unambiguous. If there are any alterna- tive routes, block them off to avoid con- fusion. Something attractive—a large potted plant, a lawn chair, a sculpture— blocking the way will keep your visitors from taking the wrong turn. The path guests are to follow must also be commodious and safe. Trim back any plants that encroach upon the walkway. Secure any loose stones. Emphasize the route with repeated elements that point the way—such as clay pots of flowers. If the function is held in the evening, provide lighting. Luminarias—paper bags filled with sand and lit by candles—are a quick, attractive, and inexpensive way to delineate the route. As you assess the path, be alert to and A little pruning, edging, and a fresh layer of mulch can quickly transform a slightly overgrown remove detritus abandoned by children

MARY YEE (2) garden, top, into a trim and tidy one ready to receive visitors, above. and your own interrupted labors. Also re-

July / August 2015 21 move any unattractive objects that have been left in place so long you barely notice them—such as a clay pot with a big crack that is dribbling soil, plant identification tags askew in containers or in the ground, a table that has gone rusty, a shabby bird feeder. Stow or discard these as well as any errant trowels, garden hoses, and empty pots that are lying around. USE FOCAL POINTS TO GUIDE VISITORS As you work your way around to the back garden, says Gilmer, “follow a visitor in your mind, visualizing … how they walk … and what they feel when they get there.” A focal point in the distance—such as an arbor, a birdbath, or a piece of sculpture—invites guests to venture toward it. Perhaps nothing says “welcome” and defines the way as clearly as a garden arbor; it will draw visitors along the path like a magnet. Once they pass under an arbor, through the gate, or arrive at the goal, they will have entered your garden room. The experience of arrival will be complete and the focus will shift to the plants.

Right: A clear pathway, such as this one in Phyllis Gustafson’s Oregon garden, is essential for guiding a visitor’s experience. Bottom right: Focal points, such as this large blue urn, provide an observer’s eyes a place to rest while taking in the view of a busy garden.

A focal point might also be needed to anchor an otherwise spacious, empty area such as a swath of featureless lawn. A garden bench, a table, or group of garden chairs can serve this purpose and will work even better if they are brightly colored.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS OF THE PLANTS A garden is about plants. Examine the crowd of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs that make up your garden…and groom them. Alabama gardener Dean Clark advises first “remove the dead, dying, weeds, and litter.” Then, “prune back the overgrown where necessary.” “Tip prune the shrubs crowding or stretching out from bed edges. Prune tips that hide the shrubs’ natural shapes by pruning to that shape,” says Mike Zajic, director of Mill Pond Garden in Lewes, Delaware. “Feathered edges, a discernible shape, and

clean lines give a sense of serenity and calm. TOP: MARK TURNER. BOTTOM: CAROLE OTTESEN

22 the American Gardener When growth goes every which way, it hides Do “weed the pavements” and re- a hedge of green-and-yellow variegat- the basic shape and looks visually weedy.” move “any large conspicuous weeds,” ed hollies? Add yellow annuals. Will Rampant growth can also obscure your advises Zajic. And “straighten the line the pink hydrangeas be in bloom? Add garden’s ornamental assets. Remove ram- or smooth the curve of the bed edges.” something else with pink flowers. A sin- bunctious foliage around a small, choice, People “read” a space by its edges—es- gle color scheme repeated throughout low-growing shrub. Make sure the beauti- pecially those along driveways and paths the garden will have enormous impact by ful bark of a crape myrtle is clearly visible. and between beds and lawn. creating a sense of harmony. Removing excess branches and foliage With time, grass and weeds will creep In the same vein, Zajic cautions allows what is left to develop properly into the space between garden beds and against combining “too many different and far more attractively. lawn, blurring the edge. Reestablishing flowers, colors, or shapes,” because that

An arbor like this one, draped in clematis blossoms, serves as a focal point and defines a garden “room” on the other side.

If there is time, replace bloomed-out, a crisp, clean edge—whether straight or can contribute to a garden that is “hectic overgrown annuals with neat new candi- sinuous—will provide instant punch. looking” and overstimulating for visitors. dates. If not, deadhead as much as you Use a straight shovel to dig a shallow “V” If other elements in your garden— can. Attention to detail, Clark observes, shaped trench starting on the lawn side such as chairs, tables, or containers—add “makes all the difference.” and doubling back on the bed side. The a disruptive rather than a unifying note shadow the trench throws will further to your color scheme, either stow them SMOOTH EDGES FOR INSTANT LIFT delineate between lawn and bed. or bring them into line with new paint. Especially when time is short and the clean- Automotive shops can powder-coat iron up seems overwhelming, look to the edges. UNIFY A SPACE WITH REPEATED COLOR outdoor furniture in just about any col- “Don’t bother weeding the insides of beds,” Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to or. Or you can spray paint it yourself. says Zajic. If you can’t find the time to clean unify a garden is with color. Augment Further enhance the color scheme of the out the entire bed, tidy the first foot or two the color of a dominant plant or plants furniture with matching accessories such

JERRY PAVIA where the bed meets driveway, path, or lawn. already growing in the garden. Is there as pillows and tablecloths.

July / August 2015 23 THE FINAL TOUCH UP

Q A few days before the event Spray any new weeds that have popped up with a five-percent vinegar solution. Refresh mulch. Position furniture for the best visual effect; this may have nothing to do with how you usually use it. Q A day or so before the event “Wa- ter the garden to restore turgor and sheen,” says Mike Zajic, director of Mill Pond Garden in Lewes, Delaware. Mow the lawn. Rake up noticeable grass clippings. Q The morning of the event Deadhead flowering plants in containers and in the garden. Make sure paths are free of any debris. Wipe garden furniture clean. Walk through the garden and “pull off conspicuous dead plant parts or yellow leaves,” says Zajic. “Pick up debris like branches and pine cones.” Q Last minute Sweep any final litter under the shrubs. Sit back and enjoy your visitor-worthy garden. —C.O.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, DIVERT ATTENTION OR CAMOUFLAGE A bed full of plants that have already bloomed lacks interest and can look messy. A focal point such as a handsome container or a piece of sculpture will draw attention away from post-bloom plants. Zajic likes “one big, abundantly potted plant that has a complementary fit to the garden and some eye-catching impact. Large scale is better than smaller.” Is there a bare spot in a prominent bed? No time to plant? The easiest thing to do is camouflage. Cut a bouquet of fresh greens and lay it over the bare ground. No one will be the wiser and the spot will blend with all of the other greens in the garden. It will “read” as planted. If there are distracting objects that Repetition of color—such as the yellow in the peonies and the chairs in Gail Gee’s Maryland cannot be budged—a heavy garden im- garden, top—creates unity. Eye-catching plants in containers can be moved where needed plement or containers of plants too nu- for accent. Teresa Scholly and John Holt designed this arrangement, above, for a brick patio. merous to put into the ground before the event—create a tableau by arranging them touch up (see sidebar, above left). Start bask in a fabulous garden for the rest of as artistically as possible. Or hide them by a day or more before and repeat on the the summer! Who knows? You might placing a screen or piece of furniture there. morning of the event. even be tempted to host events on a reg- Signing up to host a garden tour or ular basis. DO A FINAL TOUCH UP party may be a daunting undertaking, When you’ve finished the major clean- but it has a huge upside. The best thing Carole Ottesen is a contributing writer for The ing, pruning, edging, camouflaging, about being motivated to groom a garden American Gardener. She splits her time be-

and decorating, you are ready for a final for an event is that, afterward, you can tween gardens in Maryland and Nova Scotia. SUSAN A. ROTH (2)

24 the American Gardener NE OF THE great things about being a gardener is that you astounding Onever know when, or where, you may experience a horticultural epiphany. I’ve lived in California nearly all my life, and until three years ago, at age 44, had never visited Washington, D.C. From the moment I arrived in the Aristolochia nation’s capital, I was wide-eyed with excitement, reminding myself of when I BY PAUL LEE CANNON was a six-year-old staring in awe at Mount Rushmore. After returning the Segway I’d rented to tour the monuments, I escaped the crowds by taking a quiet stroll in the Smithsonian’s Mary Livingston Ripley Garden. It was in this little Eden of lushly planted, thoughtfully tended plots that I encountered one of the most stunning ornamental vines I had ever seen.

Commonly known as Dutchman’s pipe, this diverse genus of vines with eye-popping and sometimes bizarre flowers includes valuable ornamental and wildlife plants.

Lime-green, heart-shaped leaves clung in pirouettes around a black-painted light post, creating gorgeous contrast. Peering out from the glossy foliage was a large flop- py flower divided into two lobes at the base. It was the color of a fine cabernet, with white veiny streaks and a darker red plume at the entrance to its yellow throat. It was Aristolochia littoralis, a Dutch- man’s pipe also known as calico flower. I re- called the genus name because at one time I’d grown California pipevine (A. californica) in my Oakland garden. This chance rendezvous with calico flower reinvigorated my interest in this seemingly underused ge- The three- to four-inch-wide flowers of calico vine have a pattern similar to marbling on a steak. nus, which combines ornamental interest, wildlife-attracting value, and intriguingly a birth canal, its species could aid women and deciduous vines, shrubs, and herba- bizarre pollination strategies. in labor. Other medicinal qualities have ceous perennials. Most are native to trop- been attributed to various species, includ- ical and subtropical regions around the FAMILY TIES ing use of the roots of Virginia snakeroot world. “It’s a known, appreciated group, The genus Aristolochia is the primary mem- (A. serpentaria) as a remedy for snakebite. but very underappreciated as far as di- ber of the birthwort family (Aristolochiace- Aristolochia species contain toxic alkaloids versity,” says Dylan Hannon, curator of ae), which also includes the hardy gingers that have been implicated in causing kid- the conservatory and tropical collections (Asarum spp. and Hexastylis spp.). The ge- ney damage, however, so don’t be tempted at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in nus name, which translates to “best child- to consume any part of them. San Marino, California, which grows a birth,” reflects early herbalists’ convictions The genus is a large one, comprising selection of Aristolochia species both in

SUSAN A. ROTH that because of the flower’s resemblance to between 300 and 400 species of evergreen the conservatory and on the grounds. “It’s

July / August 2015 25 astonishing. There are hundreds of Aristo- lochia species but most people have never IMPRISONED POLLINATORS seen more than a few,” says Hannon. One of the things that piqued my interest in this genus is its peculiar pollination The exotic, sometimes otherworldly mechanism. These plants have evolved in such a way that the pollinators—flies, flowers are the genus’s hallmark. Janet Drap- fungus gnats, wasps, etc.—do most of the handiwork. Many species, like Aristo- er, a horticulturist at Smithsonian Gardens lochia littoralis for instance, have flowers that somewhat resemble—and smell who has grown various species over the past like—rotting meat. Fooled by this, in- 10 years—including the A. littoralis that sects that typically lay their eggs in car- stopped me in my tracks—recalls the first rion enter the flower and are trapped by time she laid eyes on an A. gigantea trained stiff, lubricated hairs that force them on an overhead wire in a conservatory. downward. “It’s like a parking lot with “These big, nasty-looking bladder things the spikes where you can’t leave until were hanging right above me,” says Draper, you pay,” says Smithsonian Gardens who was immediately captivated. “I thought horticulturist Janet Draper. ‘OK, I need this plant.’” Imprisoned in the depths of the flower, On first glance at an Aristolochia in the insects transfer pollen from previous bloom, it’s clear why its common names in- flowers onto the stigma. “Near the pol- clude Dutchman’s pipe and pipevine. Each len the tissues are thinner, so light comes flower is comprised of a curved, often rath- through, like a window. Mother Nature is er contorted, tube fancifully resembling the guiding the fly where it needs to go,” ex- pipe fictional detective Sherlock Holmes plains Draper. “The fly is searching for the was wont to use. Size and color are highly exit and in the process gets covered with variable, however, with some only an inch Pollinators such as this grass fly, shown on a pollen. That’s when it gets fascinating to in diameter and others reaching 20 inches. Dutchman’s pipe flower, are lured by scent. me—somehow the plant knows when the Most come in mottled shades of purple, fresh pollen has been transferred to the brown, pink, and ivory, but then there are insect and within 12 hours those hairs relax to allow the fly to walk out the way it some species, like A. peruviana, that boast a came in! It’s a win-win situation—flower gets pollinated, fly gets food and shelter.” brilliant yellow. Draper uses this peculiar feature of Aristolochia as an attention-grabbing way of shar- ing with the public that “even something as annoying as a fly is an essential pollinator.” NATURAL CONNECTIONS She gets a kick out of making Smithsonian visitors—especially youngsters—squeamish In doing some research, I learned the when she slices open flowers to reveal the trapped insects. beautiful mottled coloration of many of (For a video of Draper cutting open a Dutchman’s pipe flower, click on the link the flowers, along with a floral odor that to this article on the AHS website.) —P.L.C. ranges from lemony to fetid, is part of the genus’s pollination strategy to attract flies and other insects drawn to rotting meat, where they hope to lay their eggs. (For more on the genus’s pollination strategy, see the sidebar on this page.) In addition to their ornamental allure, Dutchman’s pipes are a valuable wildlife plant. Many of the vines are the larval food source for the lovely pipevine swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor). The caterpillars that feast on the leaves aren’t affected by the plant’s toxicity. In fact, consuming the plant makes them poisonous to predators, which they advertise via their striking black and orange coloration. Gardeners, fortunately, can enjoy the caterpillars without fear of losing their vine. “No matter how many caterpillars are munching away on the vine, it doesn’t seem to affect the plant’s vigor, ” says Ben Anderson, horticulturist at the University of California Botani- cal Garden in Berkeley. When pollination is Dutchman’s pipes are host plants for the larvae of pipevine swallowtail butterflies. The spiked black

successful, sausage-shaped fruits form late in caterpillars with orange spots ingest toxins in the leaves, making them poisonous to predators. TOP: BILL JOHNSON. BOTTOM: PAUL LEE CANNON.

26 the American Gardener the growing season, dangling amid the leaves Native to the Southeast and South Cen- tolerant once established. Pete Veilleux, on wiry stalks. tral United States from Texas to north- a landscape designer in Oakland who ern Florida up to Kansas and Illinois, specializes in California natives, likes to SUGGESTED SPECIES woolly Dutchman’s pipe (A. tomentosa, grow California Dutchman’s pipe under Despite the dizzying number of Aristolo- Zones 4–9, 9–1) is a fast-growing decid- trees that are “big and tough enough for chia species, fewer than a dozen are com- uous vine that can reach 20 to 30 feet them to climb onto,” such as toyon, oaks, monly available either as plants or seeds. where hardy. The stems, cloaked with and redwoods. He also has trained them Of these, only two or three are hardy in large, deep-green, slightly fuzzy, heart- as espaliers on fences and trellises. temperate gardens; the remainder must shaped leaves that overlap to create a be grown as annuals or overwintered in dense cover, become woody with age. As White-veined Dutchman’s pipe (A. containers in regions other than southern with Dutchman’s pipe, the dense foliage fimbriata, Zones 7–9, 9–1) is a low-grow- Florida, the Gulf Coast, and southern tends to hide the flowers, which are two- ing, scandent deciduous plant native to California. Here are a few worth trying inch, greenish-yellow, curved pipes with Argentina and Brazil. Its small, round no matter where you garden. flaring, maroon-colored mouths. It will to heart-shaped leaves have prominent

Aristolochia flowers come in a wide range of shapes. Shown here are Dutchman’s pipe, left, California pipevine, center, and white-veined Dutchman’s pipe, right.

Dutchman’s pipe (A. macrophylla, syn. grow in full sun to part shade and toler- A. durior, USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8, ates a wide range of soils. In rich, moist AHS Heat Zones 8–1) is native to the soil it may grow a little too well, spread- silvery-white veining similar to that of Appalachians from Alabama north to ing vigorously via rhizomatous roots. cyclamen foliage. Flowers, produced Maine. This deciduous, woody-stemmed Use it to shade porches and cover arbors, along the stems from midsummer to climber grows 15 to 30 feet tall. Its stems fences, and other sturdy structures. early fall, are veiny, inch-long, curved are densely covered with large, heart- pipes with a yellow and brownish-pur- shaped leaves that often obscure the Native to the foothills and Coastal Range ple mouth. The blooms are edged with small yellowy-green flowers that bloom of northern and central California, Cali- antennaelike fringe, which gives them a from late spring to early summer. The fornia Dutchman’s pipe, (A. californica, look reminiscent of a sea anemone. “It’s pipe-shaped flowers flare open to reveal Zones 8–10, 10–6), is a deciduous climb- a very low groundcover, not a vine, that a circular maroon-colored mouth. “The er growing eight to 15 feet tall. Blooming spreads slowly,” says Draper, noting flowers are fairly small and hidden by the in late winter to early spring, the small, that it has proven hardy in the mid-At- foliage,” says Draper, “so they’re best dis- contorted, bulbous flowers are creamy lantic region. It’s adaptable to sunny played where you can see them close up.” white with reddish-purple veining. The and shady sites, but thrives in evenly A vigorous grower that’s adaptable to full stems and newly opened heart-shaped fo- moist, free-draining soil. sun or part shade, it’s ideal for training liage are lime green with a dense covering on porches, pillars, and arbors. It is al- of silvery fuzz, gradually fading to a dark- Calico flower (A. littoralis, syn. A. elegans, so valuable for camouflaging unsightly er green as they mature. Plants are adapt- Zones 9–12, 12–1) is a tropical, evergreen

LEFT TO RIGHT: ROB CARDILLO; MARK TURNER; JOSH MCCULLOUGH wire-mesh fencing. able to a wide range of soils and drought twining vine. It can reach 20 feet in regions

July / August 2015 27 where it’s winter hardy but is generally warm climate regions. Attractive heart- man’s pipes in containers and cuts them grown as an annual or in a container that is shaped leaves have fine hairs on the un- back before winter, reports they reached overwintered indoors. Native to South and dersides. This species is adaptable to sites about six feet tall in one growing season. Central America, it has naturalized in central in full sun to part shade and grows best in Plant them in full sun to part shade in rich, to southern Florida, so has the potential to be rich, evenly moist soil. It’s suitable for an evenly moist soil. “It’s really well behaved, invasive in mild-winter regions. The flowers arbor, sturdy trellis, or to be grown up a one of the few species that seems to not be look much like dangling curved pipes with tree. ‘Brasiliensis’, a selection with larger, really rambunctious,” says Hannon. a speckled, veiny pattern of burgundy and wrinkled flowers, is sometimes available. ivory. It blooms from summer to early fall GROWING REQUIREMENTS but is free-flowering in warm climates. The Yellow Dutchman’s pipe (A. peruviana, Dutchman’s pipes are generally tolerant of three-inch, heart- or kidney-shaped leaves Zones 9–10, 11–1) is a Peruvian native that a wide range of light exposure. Most will are a glossy light green with grayish-green stands out from its relatives because of thrive in sunny sites but may benefit from undersides. Calico flower grows best in part its lemon yellow flowers decorated with part shade in regions that experience partic- shade in warm regions, but full sun is fine in chocolate-purple splotches. The conser- ularly hot summers. “As far as cultivation, regions with cool summers. It can be over- vatory at the Huntington Botanical Gar- they’re mostly pretty standard,” says Han- wintered indoors in containers. dens has been home to an A. peruviana non. “They almost all like bright light, are

The dense foliage of Dutchman’s pipe shows to good effect on this trellis in a Long Island, New York, garden designed by Jeff Mendoza.

Native to Panama and Brazil, giant specimen since 2005. It blooms in clusters pretty tolerant of different soils, like fertil- Dutchman’s pipe (A. gigantea, Zones 10– near the base and more sporadically along izer, grow when it’s warm,” he continues. 11, 12–1) is a tender evergreen climber that the woody stems. “When it’s in bloom, “They don’t seem to be super specialized.” can reach 30 feet tall where hardy. In tem- it’s covered with masses of stunning flow- The tropical Dutchman’s pipes are root perate regions, it will reach 10 to 15 feet tall ers,” says Kathy Musial, the Huntington’s hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11 with protec- grown as an annual or in a container. The curator of living collections. Draper at tion, but extended cold periods or sudden “beefsteak” patterned, deep maroon and the Smithsonian says she cuts back basal changes in temperature can be rough on white mottled flowers typically measure foliage “to be sure you notice the flowers, them. “In Southern California our issue 12 inches long by six inches wide. On the which are easy to miss if you aren’t look- with cold hardiness is we don’t often have a back side of the flower, a curved pipe leads ing.” The mature size of the plant seems cool-down period in the fall,” says Musial. to a stomachlike pouch. Unlike some oth- to depend on growing environment. “I “When the plants don’t harden off, we tend er Dutchman’s pipes, the flowers have a think this plant will grow to fill the space it to lose more things.” pleasant, lemony scent when they bloom is given,” says the Huntington’s Hannon. Draper grows all the Smithsonian’s

from summer to fall, or in late winter in Draper, who grows her yellow Dutch- Dutchman’s pipes in containers and SUSAN A. ROTH

28 the American Gardener Draper observes, so “a little tiny trellis is not going to do it.” To train vines verti- cally, Draper wraps supports such as lamp posts or columns in bird netting. She trains larger species to grow on wires suspended between the tops of posts. “You need to provide ample support otherwise the vine will grow over itself and cover the flowers,” she says. “Cables overhead work well for me. Plus it’s cool to walk underneath the vines.” In tropical settings, Dutchman’s pipes are often found scrambling up trees to reach for the light, a habit that can be adopted by gardeners in temperate regions. Because they grow quickly and cover a lot of space, Dutchman’s pipes are often used to camouflage unsightly wire-mesh fencing. Musial of the Huntington also

Sources Annie’s Annuals, Richmond, CA. (888) 266-4370. www.anniesannuals.com. Forestfarm at Pacifica, Williams, OR. (541) 846-7269. www.forestfarm.com. Logee’s, Danielson, CT. (888) 330- 8038. www.logees.com. Plant Delights Nursery, Raleigh, NC. (919) 772-4794. www.plantdelights.com. Shooting Star Nursery, Georgetown, KY. (866) 405-7979. www.shootingstarnursery.com.

Growing in a container, ‘Brasiliensis’, a cultivar of giant Dutchman’s pipe, is supported on a light post in the Smithsonian’s gardens in Washington, D.C. recommends using them for disguising dead tree stumps. moves them into a cool greenhouse for them two to three times during the grow- While most Aristolochia species have a the winter as soon as temperatures start to ing season with an organic fertilizer that’s strong climbing or rambling nature, more dip. “We want to keep them alive but not low in nitrogen. restrained growers such as A. fimbriata are in rambunctious active growth,” she says. The horticulturists and growers I spoke worth trying in hanging baskets, where Depending on where you live, pruning with didn’t report any major pest prob- they will trail elegantly. “They’re all easy should be done from late fall to late winter, lems, but references mention that some container plants—just give them support prior to the onset of blooming. Several spe- Dutchman’s pipe species are susceptible for the rapid growth,” Draper says. cies have a robust rambling habit, but can to mealy bugs and slugs—as well as spider Now that I’ve spent more time re- easily be kept in check. “If they are vigorous mites and root diseases when grown in searching Dutchman’s pipes, I’m going growers, I cut them back to between two to cold-winter regions. to add a couple of new ones to my own three feet above the top of the container,” Most Dutchman’s pipes can be grown garden. With luck, I should be seeing Draper says. “They can get very leggy with easily from seed. They spread—some- pipevine swallowtail butterflies arriving no foliage at the base. By cutting them back, times vigorously—by rhizomatous roots, to lay eggs. Who knows, I may even you get new growth down lower and keep so you can also dig up a sucker from an amuse the neighborhood kids by cutting them more manageable.” established plant. open some flowers to release the impris- If you’re growing Dutchman’s pipe oned pollinators. in containers, check the moisture level DESIGNING WITH ARISTOLOCHIA daily during the growing season. “They Vigorous Aristolochia species such as gi- Paul Lee Cannon is a freelance writer based

COURTESY OF JANET DRAPER dry out quickly,” says Draper. Also, feed ant Dutchman’s pipe need lots of space, in Oakland, California.

July / August 2015 29 Fragrant Foliage

Plants with fragrant leaves provide a garden with season-long appeal. BY RAND B. LEE

Y FAVORITE gardens are fragrant foliage must be touched to re- Hardiness Zones 5–9, AHS Heat Zones those that engage all of my lease the scent. All this means is that you 9–5), which became popular with the Eliza- Msenses: the tactile appeal of must site them where you can tread on bethans in 16th-century England for lawns leaf, wood, stone, and soil; the sound of them, brush up against them, or pinch and bowling greens. Reaching about one birdsong, trickling water, and wind-rustled them in passing: in the sunroom, flanking foot tall in bloom, this plant boasts ap- foliage; the taste of some magical morsel entryways, along paths, between paving ple-scented, feathery foliage and adorable that I can pluck and pop into my mouth. stones, dangling from hanging baskets yellow-centered white daisies in spring to But above all, my favorite gardens are those and window boxes, or even in small lawns. early summer. ‘Treneague’ is a strongly per- that beguile my sense of smell, not only The following plants offer a wide range of fumed, non-flowering cultivar that grows with perfumed flowers, but also by way of scents sure to tantalize your nose. only one to four inches tall. scented foliage. Most plants, after all, pro- Creeping thymes, which typically duce far more leaves than flowers, which SCENT UNDERFOOT form spreading mats between one and means you get a lot more bang for your For paths and lawns, tough low-growing four inches tall, are ideal for growing olfactory buck with scented-leaf plants. herbs that can tolerate moderate tram- between stepping stones. In addition to While many flowers will fling their pling work best. One such plant is Roman their aromatic foliage, they bloom in late

fragrance across the garden at you, most chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, USDA spring to midsummer. Most are quite SUSAN A. ROTH

30 the American Gardener Placing aromatic herbs such as creeping thyme, opposite, and ‘Munstead’ English lavender, above, along pathways puts them within easy reach of passersby, who can release their fragrance by brushing against them or stepping on the foliage.

drought-tolerant and do best in a well- forming a dense mat no more than a quar- these, I’m partial to catmints (Nepeta drained site. ter-inch tall that smells strongly of crême spp.). Common catnip (Nepeta cataria, There are myriad suitable species and cul- de menthe when bruised. It also produces Zones 3–7, 7–1) grows three feet tall by tivars available, but one of my favorites is car- occasional purple summer flowers. about a foot and a half wide; its gray-green away thyme (Thymus herba-barona, Zones leaves have furry undersides and bear an 5–9, 9–5). This fast-spreading groundcover AROMATIC PERENNIALS incenselike fragrance that humans find makes a reddish-stemmed mat with dark English lavender (Lavandula angustifo- relaxing and most cats find intoxicating. green leaves that are strongly scented and lia, Zones 5–8, 8–1) was the first aromat- There is also a lemon-scented form. flavored like caraway seeds. It bears rose-pink ic plant in my Santa Fe, New Mexico, More ornamental, but no less fra- flowers in summer. Thymus ‘Spicy Orange’ garden, thriving in the gravelly, sun- grant, are the many forms of garden cat- (Zones 5–9, 9–5) also boasts an intriguing drenched, alkaline soil. Both foliage and mint (Nepeta faassenii, syn. N. mussinii, scent. When brushed, its needlelike leaves flowers of this plant are fragrant, and Zones 4–8, 8–1). The most common exude a resinous, citrusy perfume. It produc- there are many new cultivars of varying cultivar is probably ‘Dropmore’, which es soft pink flowers in summer. hardiness to choose from. One of my makes a soft gray mound up to two feet ‘Betty Rollins’ oregano (Origanum favorites for its strong scent is ‘Twickel tall, topped in summer with lavender blos- majorana, Zones 9–11, 11–1) is a delightful- Purple’ (Zones 6–9, 9–1), which makes soms. But I like Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ ly mint-scented mat-former that reaches broad, bushy, compact hemispheres of better. A hybrid, it is just as hardy and just three inches tall when in bloom. Its leaves gray-green foliage about two feet tall, as fragrant as ‘Dropmore’, but is bigger— start out bright green, darkening as the topped with rich violet blossoms on long, three feet tall by two feet wide or more. season progresses until they bear a hint thin stems in summer. Cousins to catmints, all members of of red. The flowers, which are borne in Several other members of the mint the North American genus Agastache are summer, are a vivid reddish-purple. or dead nettle family (Lamiaceae) have fragrant-leafed treats that serve as hum- Corsican mint (Mentha requienii, strongly scented leaves and adapt easily mingbird magnets when in bloom. For

LAURA BERMAN Zones 7–10, 10–6) hugs the ground, across a wide swath of the country. Of gardeners in climes that receive regular

July / August 2015 31 rainfall, the best species to grow are prob- Agastache aurantiaca grows 18 to 30 ably anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum, inches tall by 24 inches wide, with narrow Zones 4–9, 10–5) and purple giant hyssop gray leaves that smell of anise and mint. (A. scrophulariifolia, Zones 4–9, 9–1). It bears loose clusters of slender orange Anise hyssop grows three to five feet tall trumpets in summer. Easy to grow from and a foot wide and bears dense spikes of either cuttings or seeds, it can be coaxed bluish blossoms from midsummer to frost. to survive Zone 6 winters with the help of It reseeds prolifically but is not a menace. a warm wall, well-drained soil, and pro- The purple giant hyssop, despite its name, tection from wind. I especially like the rarely tops four feet. It bears long wands of hybrid selection ‘Apricot Sunrise’, which purple-blue flowers in summer. Both spe- bears purplish calyxes and stems and pale cies produce licorice-scented leaves. orange trumpets. Pretty as they are, these agastaches are Many perennial salvias offer lovely dullards compared to their dry-climate rel- fragrances such as balsam-scented Salvia atives, the hummingbird mints, which love clevelandii (Zones 8–10, 10–5), pineap- the sun-baked alkaline soil in my garden. ple-scented S. elegans (Zones 8–11, 12–1), The two best known species are Agastache and the glorious, furry-leafed, fruit-scent- cana (Zones 6–11, 12–1) and A. aurantia- ed, magenta-blossomed peach sage (S. ca (Zones 7–10, 10–7), both native to the dori siana, Zones 9–11, 10–1), native to Southwest. Agastache cana, also called dog Honduras. Sadly, these three are not hardy hyssop, wild hyssop, and just hummingbird in Santa Fe, but I don’t let this little detail mint, is an upright, gray-leafed, rather airy stop me; I just grow them in containers on plant two to three feet tall by about two feet Top: The fruit-scented leaves of pineapple my patio where I can enjoy them up close. wide. All its parts smell like a wonderful mix sage set off the scarlet flowers that appear in Even more frost-tender are the scent- of bubble gum and camphor, including its late summer. Above: The small, fuzzy leaves ed geraniums (Pelargonium spp.), which

pinkish-red summer flowers. of Pelargonium fragrans smell like nutmeg. hail from southern Africa. Though not TOP: JUDYWHITE, GARDENPHOTOS.COM. BOTTOM: SUSAN A. ROTH

32 the American Gardener ALEKSANDRA SZYWALA scented foliage, flowers,bark,androots. The aptlynamed Carolinaallspiceboasts light green,apple-scentedleaves. Zones 10–11,12–1)hasatrailingformand variegated foliagesuchasShady Lady pink flowersexist,aswell some with pleasant. Severalcultivarswith whiteor nus, thoughtheirodorisn’tparticularly shaped redflowersinsummerareabo- a spicyfragrancewhencrushed.Star- with leatheryevergreenleavesthatemit It slowlygrowsupto10feettall,covered 9–6) isnativefromFloridatoLouisiana. anise yellow fallcolortoboot. grows twiceaslarge.Bothofferexcellent 6–9, 8–1)alsohasscentedleavesand Japanese spicebush shade. Itsslightlylesshardyrelative,the age on10-foot-tallplantsbestsitedinpart has deliciouslyfragrant,brightgreenfoli- bush tendency tosuckerprolifically. to eightfeettallby10wide,witha like clovesorcinnamon.Itcangrowup dark greenleavesandthebarkthatsmells the strong,pleasantcamphorscentofits a fruityfragrance,butIlikeitmorefor reddish-brown summerflowersdohave grown inmostareasofthecountry.Its shrub issurprisinglyhardyandcanbe it withtheDeepSouth,thisdeciduous dus, or Carolinaallspice tive optionsisthecommonsweetshrub behind afavoredbench.Amongthena- that youcanplantalongapathwayor fragrant foliage,thereareseveralshrubs If you’relookingforalargerplantwith NOSING AMONGTHESHRUBS The applegeranium ‘Peach Cream’,hasfruityscentedleaves. give offastronglemonscent;variant, leaves ofP.crispum(Zones10–11,12–1) edged incream.Therough-textured ‘Variegatum’, bearsmintyemeraldleaves low-growing plant;oneofitssports, permint-scented leavesonaspreading, (Zones 10–11,12–1)bearsvelvety,pep- omatic. Forexample, leaves oftheseplantscanbejustasar- related tomintfamilymembers,the (‘Thayer’). Shade- andmoisture-lovingFlorida Another NorthAmericannative,spice- Zones 5–9,9–1).ThoughIassociate Zones 4–9, 8–1) (Lindera benzoin,Zones4–9,8–1) (Illicium floridanum,Zones6–9, Zones (L. obtusiloba,Zones (Calycanthus flori- (P. odoratissimum, P. tomentosum ®

lavender plants demonstrate cooling qualities similar to those of rosemary. lavender plantsdemonstratecoolingqualitiessimilartothoseofrosemary. cool wallsthatstoodinfullsun.Studieshaveshownthevolatileoilsthymeand of thisphenomenonledtotheoldEnglishcustomusingbranchesrosemary vapor, providingabufferthatkeepstheleafsurfacesignificantlycooler.Observation tain plantsfromdroughtanddesiccation.Sunlightstimulatesthereleaseofoilsasa to manyornamentalplantsprotectthemagainstavarietyofinsectpests. products thatincludeoilfromtheneemtree(Azadirachtaindica)canbeapplied insecticides. Thymeoilhasbeenusedinfleacollarsforpetsasarepellantand not. Extractingthesevolatileoilshasledtothedevelopmentofseveralbotanical to indigenousherbivoreshaveadistinctsurvivaladvantageoverthosethatare of manyinsectandplantspecies. relationships suggestthatfragrancehasplayedasignificantroleintheco-evolution pollinating insects.Thisplant–pollinatorinteractionisoftenveryspecific.Such that fragrancesemittedfromotherpartsoftheplant—includingleaves—alsolure We allknowthatscentedflowersattractpollinators,butbiologistshavefound MAKING SENSEOFSCENTS The volatilecompoundsthatareresponsibleforscentinleavesalsoprotectcer- Scented leavesalsorepelorkillcertainpredators.Plantsthatarepoisonous —Rita Pelczar,ContributingEditor July /August 2015 33 MORE PLANTS WITH FRAGRANT FOLIAGE

Botanical Name Height, Spread USDA Hardiness Zones, (Common Name) (inches) Scent and Other Features AHS Heat Zones Acorus gramineus 12–18, 24 Narrow grasslike leaves have a sweet, citrusy scent. 6–9, 9–5 (Japanese sweet flag) Asarum canadense* 3–6, 12–18 Heart-shaped leaves spicy-scented when crushed; little 3–8, 8–2 (Wild ginger) purplish-brown juglike flowers in spring. Calamintha grandiflora 15–18, 18–24 Rose-pink flowers in summer; large fragrant leaves. 5–9, 9–3 (Large-flowered calamint) Calamintha nepeta 12–18, 15–18 Gray-green leaves with a scent reminiscent of mint. Tiny 5–9, 9–5 (Lesser calamint) pink flowers starting in late spring. Clinopodium georgianum* 18, 24 Small dark green leaves have peppermint scent; abundant 7–8, 8–7 (Georgia savory) tiny white to light pink flowers in late summer. Cistus incanus ssp. creticus 24–36, 30 Silver-leaved shrub with incense fragrance; pink flowers 8–10, 10–7 (Cretan rock rose) in spring. Dennstaedtia punctilobula* 24–36, 24 Bright green fronds smell of new-mown hay. 3–8, 8–1 (Hay-scented fern) Geranium macrorrhizum 12–18, 18–24 Pine-scented foliage turns reddish in fall; rose-red flowers 4–8, 8–1 ‘Bevan’s Variety’ in spring. (Bigroot hardy geranium) Lavandula dentata 14–36, 48–60 Finely toothed, gray-green, strongly fragrant foliage 5–9, 9–4 (Toothed lavender) topped with wands of violet to purple flowers in summer. Monarda didyma* 24–36, 24 Large heads of bright pink or red flowers over deliciously 4–10, 10–1 (Scarlet beebalm) scented, mildew-resistant foliage. Monardella villosa* 24, 24 Strongly mint-scented, fuzzy gray-green leaves; lavender 7–10, 10–7 (Coyote mint) flowers all summer. Rosmarinus officinalis 18–24, 36 Widely cascading plant perfect for draping over a wall; 7–9, 10–1 ‘Prostratus’ (Prostrate rosemary) small blue flowers in spring and summer. Santolina ‘Lemon Queen’ 30, 36 Aromatic gray-green foliage, soft lemon-yellow flowers 6–11, 10–6 (Lavender cotton) in summer. Satureja douglasii* 2, 36 Small, evergreen leaves on trailing stems smell minty 7–10, 10–7 (Yerba buena) when bruised; small white to purple flowers from spring through summer. Teucrium cossonii 4–6, indefinite Gray-green leaves have fruity fragrance, rose-purple 7–10, 10–6 (Fruity germander) spring flowers.

* Native to North America

Dennstaedtia punctilobula Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’‘Prostratus’ LEFT: COURTESY OF CHRIS EVANS, ILLINOIS WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN, BUGWOOD.ORG. RIGHT: NEIL SODERSTROM

34 the American Gardener Resources Covering Ground by Barbara W. Ellis. Storey Publishing, North Adams, MA, 2007. The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Arthur O. Tucker and Thomas DeBaggio. Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2009. Essential Perennials by Ruth Rogers Clausen and Thomas Christopher. Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2014. Fragrant Designs. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY, 2009. Sources Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, Richmond, CA. (888) 266-4370. www.anniesannuals.com. Bluestone Perennials, Madison, OH. (800) 852-5243. www.bluestoneperennials.com. Mail-Order Natives, Lee, FL. (850) 973-0585. www.mailordernatives.com. Mountain Valley Growers, Squaw Valley, CA. (559) 338-2775. www.mountainvalleygrowers.com. Rare Find Nursery, Jackson, NJ. (732) 833-0613. www.rarefindnursery.com. Richters Herbs, Goodwood, ON, Canada. (905) 640-6677. www.richters.com.

eglantine roses (R. rubiginosa, syn. R. eg- lanteria, Zones 4–9, 9–1) give off an apple scent, and R. villosa (Zones 5–11, 12–1) bears apple-scented leaves, too. SCENTS ALL AROUND The relationship between plants with fragrant leaves and the gardener who tends them is an intimate one, because the scent is released only with touch. Many of these aromatic wonders are also edible, can be used to make herbal teas, and produce floral dis- Top: Blooming in spring, the Asian incense rose is prized as much for its soft yellow flowers as plays that attract pollinators, engaging all the it is for the incenselike fragrance of its leaves. Above: Small flowers appear in spring among senses. These plants offer such enchanting yellow anise’s licorice-scented, evergreen foliage. rewards that any garden task that puts them within your reach becomes a delight. Yellow anise (I. parviflorum, Zones age has a licoricelike scent when crushed. 7–9, 9–1), native to much of the same There are a number of species roses Rand B. Lee is a garden writer and lecturer region as Florida anise, is more tolerant with scented foliage. Asian incense rose based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is a of sun and dry conditions than its cousin (Rosa primula, Zones 5–9, 9–5) has highly revised and updated version of the author’s and can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has in- aromatic, fernlike leaves and bears single article originally published in the November/

TOP: LAURA BERMAN. BOTTOM: JOSH MCCULLOUGH significant flowers but its evergreen foli- yellow blossoms in spring. The leaves of December 2004 issue of this magazine.

July / August 2015 35 a safe garden is a happy garden

OR MANY of us, summertime is encourage gardening health and safety see gardening time. Whether your “Green Garage” on page 58.) passion is designing an inviting F PRUNING AND POWER TOOL INJURIES landscape, growing fabulous flowers, or Q cultivating flavorful food, your gardening Gardening is a Emergency rooms in the United States efforts can yield many benefits. As you healthy and satisfying treat more than 400,000 people each beautify your outdoor spaces, you also top year for lawn and garden tool-related off your vitamin-D levels, burn calories, pursuit, but as with injuries. One wrong cut with a chain soothe stress, and exercise your muscles. saw, weed trimmer, pruning shears, or But as with most outdoor pursuits, any outdoor activity, hedge clippers can cause a serious injury. occasional bumps and bruises may be en- Play it safe by staying alert and know- countered along the way. There are easy following a few safety ing where your hands, fingers, and toes ways to avoid most garden related inju- are at all times. Wear heavy gloves, make ries; with a little planning, preparation, tips will help prevent sure to operate your equipment safely prudence, and a hefty dose of common and correctly, and always use the right sense, you can keep mishaps to a mini- injuries and accidents. tool for the task at hand. “Just like my mum so that you are still smiling at the mom always told me never to cut paper end of each hard day’s work in the yard. I with her pinking shears, don’t try to cut a asked a number of gardening veterans and BY KRIS WETHERBEE large branch with pruning shears when a a doctor experienced in treating garden- pruning saw should be used,” says Todd ing injuries for their safe gardening tips; ILLUSTRATIONS BY Lasseigne, president and CEO of Tulsa these serve as good reminders to all of us MARILYNNE K. ROACH Botanic Garden in Oklahoma. who enjoy digging in the dirt. (For infor- Horticulturist and Master Gardener mation about products that improve and Jamie Sloan in Salem, Oregon, knows

36 the American Gardener firsthand how vital it is to be aware sure to lock the center brace in position where your hands and fingers are on A-frame ladders; never use the very while using power tools. Once, top of the ladder as a step; and have she was using electric shears to someone at the bottom to make sure cut the top-heavy stems of a that the ladder doesn’t slip. large shrub while lifting the Garden designer Lucy Hardi- stems with her left hand. The man in Portland, Oregon, has overgrown foliage blocked learned from experience that sta- her vision and her hand got bility is critical when working on in the way of the blades. “The a ladder. “Be sure the base of the blades tore through my gloves ladder is level and the soil is firm and flesh, leaving me with 17 so the legs don’t dig in, causing the stitches and a hefty ER bill,” ladder to tilt,” she says. Hardiman she says. Now she always grabs emphasizes that she only works high and cuts low. on a ladder, “when someone else Another important pre- is outside at the same time.” caution with electric power tools is making sure the cord Q CUTS, SCRAPES, BUMPS, is positioned so you won’t slice AND BRUISES through it or get a foot entan- Cuts and scrapes are a given when gled in a loop. Work slowly gardening, especially if you’re and methodically and pause fre- working around thorny or prick- quently to ensure the cord is out ly plants or jagged rocks. And it can of the way. happen when you least expect it. Gear- “Lawn mowers account for ing up before you head out in the gar- many foot injuries annually when den can go a long way to keeping you safe. homeowners slip and accidentally slide don’t overstep Oregon resident Grace Peterson, a their foot under the mower deck,” says on ladders certified Master Gardener, cut her fin- orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Douglas ger when she came across a piece of glass Lundy, a spokesperson for the Ameri- can Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. lesson the hard way while di- “Not surprisingly, these tend to be pain- recting a flowering vine on ful and dramatic injuries.” Always shut his deck garden in North off mowers and make sure the blade has Fort Myers, Florida. He wear fully stopped before checking, repairing, was using a ladder that protective or cleaning underneath. converted from a step Dress for safety when you use any to an extension lad- gear power equipment: wear long pants, close- der. “When a ladder toed shoes, eye protection, work gloves, has ‘collapsible’ in its and hearing protection, if needed. Avoid brand name, that’s loose-fitting clothing that might get not necessarily a caught in the blades of power tools. product benefit,” he says. His fall result- Q LADDER ACCIDENTS ed in a twisted knee, Most gardeners need to use a ladder from bruised rib, and a time to time, whether it’s to trim a tree, nasty splinter. reach branches on a tall shrub that need When using a lad- pruning, mount a bird house, or to train der, follow the man- vines growing up a trellis or arbor. But a ufacturer’s precautions fall of any kind can land you in the emer- and always keep safety in gency room. mind: avoid over-balanc- Ladder accidents typically occur in one ing by keeping your cen- of four ways: using the wrong type of lad- ter of gravity—think belly der for the task at hand, using a worn or button—within either side of damaged ladder, using the ladder incor- the ladder; place the ladder on a rectly, or placing the ladder incorrectly. flat, stable surface; face the ladder Home gardener W. Dean Pulley learned a when climbing or descending; make

July / August 2015 37 while digging a hole with her bare hands. “Lesson learned—I now wear garden gloves,” she says. New York City-based garden writer beware Ellen Zachos recalls an accident she had when transplanting a flowering quince. of stings “I put all of my weight into the shovel, and bites slipped, and fell on the shrub.” A broken branch that went through one of her fingers had to be surgically removed. “If I’d been wearing leather gloves, I might have been scratched, but I doubt I would have required surgery,” she says. “I never do the big jobs without leather gloves nowadays.” Although stepping on tools left lying on the ground may seem like something you see in a Charlie Chaplin movie, they can cause real injuries. Shane Smith, director of Chey- enne Botanic Gardens in Wyoming, recalls stepping on a rake left with the tines face up. “The next thing I knew, I had the rake handle wallop me in the face,” says Smith. “Ever since, I constantly police a garden site or garage to be sure that all rakes have been left with the tines facing down and back towards whatever they are leaning on.” Here are tips to avoid those bites and avoiding ticks and their bites is always im- My most memorable garden injury came stings: don’t swat at stinging or biting insects, portant (for more on this, see the sidebar on when I stepped on a rusty nail that went don’t wear bright colors, and don’t wear per- opposite page). straight through my shoe and into my foot, fume or scented products that may attract requiring a tetanus shot. The Centers for bees. Look out for nests of ground-dwelling Q RASHES AND ALLERGIC REACTIONS Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) bees such as yellow jackets. Do wear appro- Plant-induced rashes are common and recommends that everyone get a tetanus priate clothing, especially gloves, apply bug can vary from mild itching to swelling booster every 10 years, and this is particu- repellent if needed, and if you’re allergic to and serious distress. Plants with spines, larly important for gardeners. According to bee stings, wear a medical ID bracelet. thorns, or prickly outgrowths known the CDCP, a third of the 130 tetanus cases Bites from spiders and snakes are not all as glochids can result in itchy, bumpy reported from 1998 to 2000 resulted from that common in garden settings, but it’s best eruptions, especially if they get under injuries in home gardens. to be cautious if you live in a region where your skin. Some people break out in The bacterium that causes tetanus, venomous species reside. hives from brushing up against thistles Clostridium tetani, is found in soil, mulch, And, of course, tick bites bring with or stinging nettles. and animal manure and can enter the them the risk of several serious diseases, so Several common garden plants can re- body through a puncture wound, open sult in rashes for some individuals. “I like sore, or even a superficial wound. So in to make people aware of the dermatitis addition to the tetanus booster, practice Resources issues that can occur with fennel, amsonia, common sense measures such as wearing Garden Health and Safety Tips, Center and euphorbias, especially with pruning,” gloves, washing hands, and keeping any for Disease Control and Prevention. says Ohio-based garden writer and de- pre-existing cuts and wounds bandaged. www.cdc.gov/family/gardening/ signer Tracy DiSabato-Aust. As for me, How to Avoid Common Garden Inju- I always wear a long-sleeved shirt when Q BITES AND STINGS ries, Mother Nature Network. harvesting tomatoes or my arms will break A wide range of biting or stinging insects www.mnn.com/family/protec- out in an itchy rash from the plant. from mosquitoes to caterpillars can cause tion-safety/stories/how-to-avoid- Some of the most common and poten- intense itching, swelling, and sometimes common-garden-injuries tially severe allergic reactions are caused by welts. Wasps, yellow jackets, bumble bees, Lawn Maintenance Safety, Texas A & poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. and honey bees typically don’t sting at ran- M University Extension Service. These plants contain urushiol, a resinous dom, but often will if they feel threatened. http://agsafety.tamu.edu/files/ sap that causes a reaction in about 50 per- Certain caterpillars, such as the saddleback, 2011/06/LAWN-MAINTENANCE- cent of adults. Mild reactions result in mi- have stinging hairs that can cause a rash if SAFETY2.pdf nor irritation and itching. But nasty rashes you brush against them accidentally. may necessitate a trip to the doctor, and

38 the American Gardener TICK BITES AND LYME DISEASE

No matter where you live, ticks can transmit trouble in the several years ago. He did not get the tell-tale bull’s eye rash that form of disease-causing microbes, including Lyme disease is a classic symptom of Lyme disease. It turns out that fewer than bacteria, Babesia protozoa, and Bartonella bacteria. 50 percent of people who are infected present with the bull’s eye At one time, Lyme disease was primarily restricted to rash, which can aid in early diagnosis of the disease. Instead, New England and the Rick experienced flulike symptoms and pain and swelling on the Mid-Atlantic, but it is now knee that was bitten. A trip to a doctor and a month-long treat- a problem throughout the ment with antibiotics cleared up the disease. United States. The federal The good news is that tick bites and tick-borne disease Centers for Disease Control are preventable if you are proactive. Start by discouraging the and Prevention (CDCP) es- presence of tick carriers such as deer and rodents in your gar- timates that there are about den. Treat outdoor pets regularly with flea and tick controls. 300,000 cases of Lyme Wear light-colored clothing outdoors so you can easily spot disease a year. Yet some ticks. Before going outdoors, apply tick repellent to shoes, researchers believe actual socks, and exposed areas of the skin, or wear clothing with infection levels may be 10 built-in tick repellent. times higher than the CDCP Always do a thorough tick check at the end of each garden Ticks, such as this blacklegged estimates. session. That way you can remove ticks within the 24-hour tick (Ixodes scapularis), can My husband, Rick, con- period required to transmit infection. If you think a tick has transmit a variety of diseases to tracted Lyme disease from a been attached for more than 24 hours, notify your doctor. humans, including Lyme disease. tick bite in our Oregon garden —K.W.

severe allergic reactions—such as diffi- limber up to the entire day weeding and ended culty in breathing or swallowing—a up with tendonitis in my forearm trip to the emergency room. (For avoid muscle from both repetitive motion and more information on poison strain overuse. ivy, see the article “A Larger “Tendonitis is a very common Perspective on Poison Ivy” in condition,” says Lundy. “With the September/October 2014 constant repetitive motion that issue of this magazine.) is outside the normal course of a If you are working in an ar- person’s activity, irritation of the ea where there is a lot of poison tendons can occur, causing pain ivy, oak, or sumac, consider us- and tenderness.” ing a commercial urushiol block Here’s where an ounce of pre- (such as IvyBlock) to prevent vention pays dividends. A short the oil from causing a rash. warm up or walk followed by If you do come in contact, stretching exercises can significant- immediately rinse the affected ly reduce the risk of injury. Using areas with cool water—hot water ergonomically-designed tools with will only spread the rash by open- cushioned handles reduces stress ing up the pores of your skin. on joints and minimizes strain and Then wash with a grease-cut- fatigue. And it helps to know your ting dishwashing soap or, better limits. “Awareness of overuse is in- yet, a cleanser designed to break tegral to avoiding many injuries,” through the oil, such as Tecnu Lundy says. Original, Tecnu Extreme, or All Take frequent breaks and rotate Terrain’s Poison Ivy Bar. Rinse tasks every 30 to 60 minutes. Switch anything else that has come in con- sides when using a shovel, rake, or oth- tact with you or the plant, including er tool so that you don’t use one muscle clothes, shoes, garden tools, or pets. gardening can lead to inflammation, ten- group over and over again. If you can, derness, and pain in the joints by putting enlist helpers to share the labor for the Q REPETITIVE AND OVERUSE INJURIES undue strain on specific muscles. Case most strenuous tasks. Above all—avoid Raking, digging, pruning, and other in point—weeding. Through the years, the gardening marathon—don’t try to

COURTESY OF SCOTT BAUER, USDA–ARS, BUGWOOD.ORG repetitive movements associated with there have been a few times when I spent renovate an entire garden in one weekend!

July / August 2015 39 Q KNEE KNOCKERS AND BACK BREAKERS garden cart or wheelbarrow to move Some garden tasks such as weeding, bags of garden soil, manure, or planting, or pushing a wheelbarrow or other heavy objects—or drag cart uphill can be especially hard on the the items to the intended des- knees. “Prepatellar bursitis is an often tination on a tarp. seen overuse injury associated with gar- SUN SENSE dening,” says Lundy. “When a gardener Q replace spends a significant amount of time in Gardening and sweat- the kneeling position, the bursa (fluid-filled ing go hand in hand, lost sack) in front of the knee cap (patella) especially in the heat fluids can become very irritated and swollen, of summer. Staying causing redness, pain with motion, and hydrated to replace tenderness to the touch.” lost fluids will help Nurture your knees by using a soft sustain your ener- foam pad or cushioned kneepad for gar- gy, ward off dizzi- den tasks that involve kneeling. This will ness, and lower your help take the pressure off your knees, as risk for heat-related will taking breaks to stand up and walk illness. The Occu- around every 30 minutes or so. pational Safety and The back can be a big target for pain Health Administration and strain injuries that occur due to over- (OSHA) recommends use, repetitive motion, and lifting incor- drinking at least one pint rectly. Again, using ergonomic tools, of water every hour. switching up tasks, and taking regular Lasseigne suggests working breaks helps to avoid back injury. So early in the morning or in the does maintaining good posture, especial- evenings to avoid the hottest part of ly when lifting. the day. And remember to take regular The key is to keep your spine straight, breaks in the shade. bend with your knees and not your waist, Sun exposure is another cause for are treated for skin cancer. Reduce your and lift with your leg muscles. Get help concern, especially since each year in the overall exposure, especially between 10 when lifting heavy objects, and use a United States nearly five million people a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s ultravio- let (UVA/UVB) rays are strongest. use proper “Wear a hat and use appropriate sun protection even on cloudy days,” says Las- lifting seigne. This includes a broad-spectrum technique sunscreen and lip balm, with a Sun Protec- tion Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, loose-fitting clothing made of tightly woven or sun-protective fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat that protects your face and neck, and sunglasses with UVA/B protection that fully cover the sensitive area around your eyes. THE COMMON-SENSE APPROACH Creating and maintaining a garden is a favorite outdoor activity for many of us. It’s not just the results of our labors that are satisfying, but the effort itself. A little common sense with your tools and attire, plus a bit of situational awareness, will go a long way to ensure that you will continue to appreciate the fruits of your hard work for years to come.

Kris Wetherbee is a contributing editor with The American Gardener. She lives in Oak- land, Oregon.

40 the American Gardener 2015 INTERNATIONAL MASTER GARDENER CONFERENCE

JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING TIME AT THE MID-AMERICA CENTER, COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

SEPTEMBER 22–25, 2015

THREE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS A Life Arranged Around Flowers by J Schwanke That Tree by Mark Hirsch Ending the Waste of Food—From the Ground Up by Gary Oppenheimer

TRAVEL THROUGH NEBRASKA AND IOWA ON 10 TERRIFIC TOURS, INCLUDING Missouri to the Foothills of the Rockies, Along the Oregon Trail Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Missouri to Mississippi—A ‘Cruise’ From River to River

Learn with Extension Master Gardeners from the United States, Canada, and South Korea in 81 available workshops.

For more information visit http://mastergardener.unl.edu/imgc2015. HOMEGROWNC HARVEST

Tangy Tomatillos by Kris Wetherbee

HAT LOOKS like a small green tomato but isn’t; is W generally used while still green, tart, and quite firm; becomes very sweet when the fruit turns yellow or purple; and all the while remains wrapped up in a papery husk? If it weren’t for the obvious title above, would you know the answer? The summer fruiting tomatillo (Phys- alis ixocarpa) can take your taste buds on a tart to sweet adventure all on one prolific, easy-to-grow plant. Also known as husk tomato or Mexican green tomato, they are popular in Mexican and South- western cooking and are the main ingre- dient in salsa verde. Beyond its piquant flavor and abundance of nutritious minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, the tomatillo is a delightful garden plant. I especially treasure its bushy, sprawling growth habit, its easy-care nature, and its dangling papery packages filled with tasty summer treats just waiting to be unwrapped. GROWING GUIDELINES A close relative of tomatoes and cape goose- berries in the nightshade family, tomatillos love summer heat, so choose a site in full sun with free draining, moderately rich soil. If you garden in heavy clay soil, work ample amounts of organic matter into the soil in advance of planting, or create raised Tomatillo fruits are covered with papery husks that must be removed before they can be eaten beds. Free draining is the key phrase, be- out of hand, chopped to make fresh salsa, baked in pies, or cooked in jams. cause tomatillos won’t survive for long in soggy, heavy soil. For prolific harvests, the (see “Planting Basics,” opposite page). more accessible and reduces the needed soil pH should be as close to neutral (7.0) Water regularly and deeply as you would planting area but also increases air circu- as possible. for tomatoes and apply a two- to three- lation and thus discourages diseases. Prior to planting, amend the soil with inch layer of mulch shortly after planting compost or well-aged manure. If your to keep the soil evenly moist. You can PESTS AND DISEASES plants seem to need a nutritional boost cut back on water slightly once fruiting One reason that tomatillos are easy to grow after they start to bloom, side dress with begins to reduce skin cracking. is that they rarely suffer from diseases or additional compost or manure, or add a Tomatillos grow from three to four pest infestations. Aphids are the most like- balanced organic fertilizer. feet tall and, if left to sprawl, equally ly encountered pests, signaled by stunted As with tomatoes, plant tomatillo wide. Staking plants when young, train- growth and curling or yellowing of young seedlings outdoors only when air and ing them on a trellis, or growing them shoots and leaves. The war on aphids, how-

soil temperatures are consistently warm in tomato cages not only makes the fruit ever, is easily won by knocking them off JOSH MCCULLOUGH

42 the American Gardener PLANTING BASICS Sources Getting Started In warmer climates, tomatillos can be directly seeded in the Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, ground about four to six weeks after your last spring frost. Transplants, however, Mansfield, MO. (417) 924-8917. are recommended in cooler regions of the country or where summers are short. www.rareseeds.com. For transplants, sow seeds indoors five to six weeks ahead of when you want Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Winslow, to plant them, which should be one to two weeks later than tomatoes, or about ME. (877) 564-6697. the same time that you normally transplant basil outdoors. Be sure to harden the www.johnnyseeds.com. transplants off as you would tomato plants. Regardless of whether you direct seed Territorial Seed Company, Cottage or start with transplants, the key is to wait until the days and nights are consistently Grove, OR. (800) 626-0866. warm—and above 60 degrees. Tomatillos don’t self-pollinate readily, so it’s best www.territorialseed.com. to grow at least two plants to ensure an abundant harvest. Set your transplants deep—with soil level just below the first set of leaves—as you would for tomatoes. Spacing Plants grow large, so space seedlings or transplants two to three feet have swollen to fill the husk—technical- apart in—and between—rows, depending on whether plants are left to sprawl on ly it’s the flower’s calyx—which may or the ground, or are staked or caged. may not have split open. Depending on Days to Maturity 60 to 80 days, depending on variety. the variety, the fruits range in size from a marble to a golf ball. They will have a tart crisp bite with hints of lemon and apple, with a strong jet of water, or by applying a turing selections include the purple- making them ideal for use in salsas, sauc- natural soap-based spray. blushed fruit of the Mexican heirloom es, and salads. Powdery mildew and other fungal ‘De Milpa’ (70 days), known for its tart- When fully ripe, tomatillo fruits be- diseases can be an issue if plants are sweet flavor and long storage, and deco- come softer and sweeter and turn pale spaced too closely, particularly if you rative ‘Purple’ (70 days), which has deep yellow to purple. The loose, papery husks garden where summers are hot and purple skin and green husks. Even later typically turn buff in color. At this stage, humid. Avoid overhead watering as maturing are ‘Miltomate’ (80–83 days), some people like to eat tomatillos fresh off much as possible to slow the spread of which yields small but richly flavored the plant, or use them to make jams, jellies, these diseases. one-inch fruits, the large-fruited ‘San and pies. Overripe fruits should be harvest- Juanito’ (80–83 days), and the slightly ed as well to prevent self-sown seedlings RECOMMENDED VARIETIES larger ‘Rio Grande Verde’ (80–83 days). the following year. Regardless of when you Early-maturing varieties grown for their harvest the fruits, simmering, grilling, or green fruits include ‘Toma Verde’ and ENJOYING THE HARVEST roasting them will enhance the flavor. the slightly larger-fruited ‘Mexican Tomatillo fruits are generally harvested After harvest, leave the protective pa- Strain’ (both 60–65 days). Later ma- when they are still green and firm but pery husks in place until you are ready to use the fruit. You can store tomatillos in a paper bag in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator for two to four weeks. When you are ready to use them, remove the husk and wash the fruit thoroughly to remove their natural stickiness. Making salsa verde is simply a matter of combining tomatillos with onion, garlic, green chilies, cilantro, and a little salt in a food processor and blending to your desired consistency. Extra salsa freezes well in plastic containers. If you don’t have time to cook tomatillos for long-term storage or are overwhelmed by a bountiful harvest, whole fruits also keep well in the freezer; just remove the husks, rinse and dry the fruit, and place them whole in freezer bags. These can be thawed later to make sauces that will add fresh summer flavor to your winter fare.

Freelance garden writer Kris Wetherbee

LYNNE HARRISON ‘De Milpa’ is an heirloom variety from Mexico that produces purple-tinged fruits. lives in Oakland, Oregon.

July / August 2015 43 GARDENC SOLUTIONS

Preventing the Spread of Sudden Oak Death by Scott Aker

N THE PAST century, devastat- ing diseases like chestnut blight I and Dutch elm disease have had far-reaching consequences for both our native woodlands and ornamental plants. A relatively new disease that is of concern to American ecologists and horticulturists is sudden oak death (SOD), which was first identified about 20 years ago in California. The disease is caused by a fungus- like microorganism called Phytophthora ramorum. Its common name is dramatic, but a bit misleading. Oaks infected with the disease may take years to die, and the disease also causes dieback and foliar blight on about 150 other host plants, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias. In the United States, the SOD pathogen is primarily found in the coastal coun- ties of California from the Big Sur area In the last few decades, sudden oak death has killed many coast live oaks in California, above northward to southern Humboldt Coun- left. Affected trees exhibit cankers on the trunks that weep a sticky fluid, above right. ty, with Sonoma County being hardest hit. In this region coast live oak (Quercus be aware of the disease and take precau- both types exist in the United States, they agrifolia), black oak (Q. kelloggii), Shreve’s tions to avoid spreading it. are geographically separated, and no sexual oak (Q. parvula var. shrevei), and an oak reproduction has been documented. The relative called tanoak (Lithocarpus densi- MYSTERIOUS ROOTS SOD pathogen was identified in Europe florus) are most heavily affected. Because The origin of the SOD pathogen is still not long after the initial discovery in Cali- coast live oak and tanoak are dominant unknown. Theories range from accidental fornia, but the European strain is a differ- species that largely define the nature of the importation on plants from overseas, to a ent mating type than the one found in the woodlands they grow in, their loss has re- chance mating of two different Phytoph- United States. sulted in significant ecological disruption. thora strains. There are two mating types, The disease has also become established A1 and A2, both of which are needed for VARIABLE EFFECTS OF THE DISEASE AND in the southeast corner of Oregon and, with the organism to reproduce sexually. While HOW IT SPREADS the movement of nursery stock, has been Symptoms of SOD vary depending on detected on plants at a few nursery and the host. In most plants, mainly the fo- garden centers in the South and mid-Atlan- Resources liage and branches are affected; diseased tic. Nurseries on the West Coast are now California Oak Mortality Task Force, leaves display brown, black, or gray spots inspected regularly to ensure that infected www.suddenoakdeath.org. or patches and the tips of twigs may die, plants are not transported to other states, Risk Analysis for Phytophthora ramo- but the plants are not usually killed. In and a number of nurseries have been quar- rum, USDA Animal and Plant Health susceptible oaks, however, the disease antined and stock destroyed to avoid spread Inspection Service, www.aphis.usda. targets the trunks, causing the develop- of the disease. gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/ ment of cankers that ooze a sticky red- So far, it has not affected woodlands pram/downloads/pdf_files/ dish, black, or amber liquid with an odor outside the West Coast, but gardeners pra-cphst-08.pdf that has been compared to that of wine.

and horticulturists everywhere need to The cankers disrupt the flow of water and PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE COURTESY OF JOSEPH O’BRIEN; USDA FOREST SERVICE; WWW.BUGWOOD.ORG

44 the American Gardener Gardening Q&A with Scott Aker CONEFLOWER MALADY STREAKY DAYLILY FOLIAGE Some of the flowers on my purple coneflower (Echinacea Many of the leaves on my daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) have purpurea) have lots of little green petals that never turn tan streaks. I water the plants often through the summer pink, and there are a lot more flowers than usual per stem. and apply compost in spring. How do I prevent the same What can I do to fix the problem? problem on new leaves that are starting to grow now?

Your coneflowers have been infected by aster yellows, a It sounds as though your daylilies are afflicted with daylily leaf disease that is spread by leafhoppers. The only remedy is to streak, caused by the fungus Aureobasidium microstictum. remove the plant, because the disease-causing phytoplas- Pull the diseased leaves off and avoid overhead watering. Use ma (a type of bacterium) is present throughout its tissues. a soaker hose buried under the mulch or a drip system to water To prevent the spread, control weeds around your garden your daylilies, since water on the foliage may result in new in- that may serve as a reservoir for the phytoplasma. Control fections. Remove all remaining leaves from your plants after a of the leafhopper vector only works if you spray your plants hard frost and dispose of them by burying them deeply in the with insecticidal soap frequently as a preventive measure. garden or adding them to a hot compost heap. —S.A.

Send your gardening questions to Scott Aker at [email protected] (please include your city and state with submissions).

nutrients in infected trees, causing their The pathogen can persist on dead leaves, injection method works on tanoak. In leaves to turn brown in a matter of weeks twigs, and wood. In woodlands, the main California, the use of Agri-Fos is limited and eventually killing the oaks. Tanoak predictor of oak and tanoak mortality is to tanoaks and certain oaks. exhibits bleeding cankers as well as twig proximity to California bay laurel (Umbel- Some laboratory research has identified dieback and foliar symptoms. lularia californica), which appears to serve microorganisms that appear to be success- Phytophthora ramorum is easily spread as an important host for SOD. ful antagonists to P. ramorum, but these from tree to tree. When the microbe at- Most concerning is the fact that a risk have not had any impact on the disease in a tacks a tree, it produces spores that can be assessment by the U.S. Department of natural environment. In the future, scien- carried to other trees via water dripping Agriculture determined that many spe- tists may be able to find a way to put these and splashing from infected foliage and cies of oaks native to other parts of the antagonists to work on a large scale. stems. It can also be transferred to new country—such as pin oak (Q. palustris) Until then, managing SOD lies pri- locations by wind, as well as by the move- and northern red oak (Q. rubra)—are marily in containing its spread. If you ment of animals and hikers. The spores ex- susceptible to SOD, and that spread of live in a region where forests are not yet ploit small cracks in the bark of the oaks or the disease could be even more rapid in infected, you should exercise great care tanoaks and rapidly infect the tissue under- the wetter climates of the southern and in the plants you select for your gar- neath, sometimes causing the bark to split. eastern United States. den. Some level of non-lethal infection may be present on landscape plants that CONTROLLING SPREAD can move into neighboring woodlands. At this time, the only effective means of con- Avoid planting common disease hosts, trol is the application of a systemic fungicide such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and ca- called Agri-Fos® to susceptible trees before mellias if susceptible oaks or tanoaks are they become infected. Agri-Fos stimulates growing nearby. Oaks in the white oak the tree’s own defenses against P. ramorum. group are not susceptible to the fungus, It can either be applied by injecting it into so choose one of them if you plan on the base of the tree—which should be done planting an oak. by a trained arborist—or by drenching the Practice good sanitation by cleaning trunk and soil around the tree with this fun- up fallen leaves and do not dispose of yard gicide mixed with Pentra-Bark™ to help it debris in nearby woods. If you have live penetrate the bark. oaks or tanoaks on your property, don’t This obviously won’t work in a for- fertilize or irrigate them because additional est that is being ravaged by the disease, water and nutrients seem to favor the SOD but it can be a feasible measure to pro- pathogen. With a little effort, gardeners tect highly valuable landscape specimens can help curb the level of destruction this facing almost certain infection. Annual disease inflicts on the environment. On many non-oaks, such as this California bay treatments are necessary to protect sus- laurel, sudden oak death causes browning of ceptible trees. Either injection or trunk Scott Aker is a horticulturist in the leaves but is usually not fatal. treatment work on oaks, but only the Washington, D.C., area.

July / August 2015 45 TRAVELERC’S GUIDE TO GARDENS

Garland Farm: Bar Harbor’s Little-Known Treasure by June Mays

ANY TOURISTS go to Bar Harbor, Maine, to sail, hike, Mrelax, or shop. Few are aware that just seven miles away from down- town is Garland Farm, the last residence of renowned landscape architect Beatrix Far- rand (1872–1959), who is perhaps best known today for designing the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks in Wash- ington, D.C. Beatrix Farrand Now owned by the Beatrix Far- rand Society, Garland Farm, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places, offers visitors a chance to better appreciate Farrand’s contributions to salvaged pieces from Reef Point in de- American landscape design. signing an addition to the Garlands’ cape farmhouse, which was her residence TIES TO GRANDEUR until her death in 1959. In a time when few women had careers, especially in her field, Farrand designed GARLAND FARM TODAY more than 200 gardens, including the Amy Garland sold Garland Farm in 1970. old campus at Princeton University, Yale In 2004, the estate was purchased by the University, and the University of Chica- newly formed Beatrix Farrand Society to go, the grounds of the Morgan Library preserve Farrand’s legacy. Restoration ef- & Museum in New York City, the Santa forts on the 4.88-acre property began a few Barbara Botanic Garden in California, Garland Farm’s main attraction is the terrace years later with the farmhouse, barn, and and numerous private estates, including garden, top, which Beatrix Farrand designed to the terrace garden. Other features on the that of her Maine neighbors, the Rocke- be viewed from her wing of the house, above. property include a small front entrance gar- fellers. She was an early proponent of us- den, greenhouse, wild gardens, and holding ing native plants in landscaping. Point property, keeping some plants for garden that was added in 2008 during ter- For many years, Farrand owned and herself; other plants were purchased by race garden restoration. lived at Reef Point, a bayfront estate her Charles K. Savage to build nearby Asti- The farmhouse now includes a parents built on Mount Desert Island, cou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden 2,000-volume reference library, an archive close to Bar Harbor. In 1955, at age 83, re- (see sidebar, opposite). of Farrand’s plans, drawings, and photo- alizing she would need to downsize and Farrand moved to Garland Farm, the graphs, and serves as the headquarters of arrange for her own care, she donated her home of her longtime property manag- the Beatrix Farrand Society. The barn library to the University of California at er Lewis Garland and his wife, Amy, a has become a lecture hall and event space. Berkeley and demolished Reef Point— horticulturist and friend of Farrand’s. The property continues to be restored in retaining molding, windows, and some Farrand loved to repurpose things, so phases, with efforts now focusing on Far-

other materials. Farrand sold the Reef architect Robert Patterson used many rand’s wing and the entrance garden. PHOTO OF BEATRIX FARRAND COURTESY NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. PHOTOS GARLAND FARM CAROLYN HOLLENBECK

46 the American Gardener Many of the specimen trees and shrubs Additional Information from Farrand’s time continue to grow on the property, including a state champion Garland Farm, 475 Bay View Drive, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 scarlet hawthorn (Crataegus coccinea) near (207) 288-0237. www.beatrixfarrandsociety.org. the barn and a Sargent cherry (Prunus sar- Q Hours: Thursdays from 1–5 p.m., from the first Thursday in July through the first gentii). A Korean stewartia (Stewartia ko- Thursday in September, and on selected Sunday afternoons. Check the website for reana) growing close to the garage and a current opening dates and times. dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboi- Q Admission: Free, but a $5 donation is suggested. des) beside the terrace garden are believed to have been transplanted from Reef Point. Other nearby sites to explore: Asticou Azalea Garden and Thuya Garden, Northeast Harbor, ME. (207) 276-3727. AN EXQUISITE TERRACE GARDEN www.gardenpreserve.org. The jewel of Garland Farm is the terrace Both gardens, only a half mile apart and administered by Land & Garden Preserve of Mount garden located outside Farrand’s wing, Desert Island, were created by Charles Savage, who owned the nearby Asticou Inn. Savage which has been fully restored according to included plants purchased from Beatrix Farrand when she sold Reef Point. Some of the her design. Raised beds lined with slate roof original plants are still there. The gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, from tiles echo the rectangles in a salvaged Reef mid-June through mid-September. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. Point door that was repurposed as the front door of her wing. The garden features three sections. The section viewed from Farrand’s and three local millstones serve as steps from The quiet garden overlooks pastures and suite features her preferred plants from a cool the addition’s doorways to the terrace. woods. When you visit, the crunch of gravel color palette. Her companion, Clementine In 1962, Amy Garland identified more underfoot is the only sound you will hear, Walter, preferred a warmer palette and the than 60 plants Farrand grew in the garden. even though busy U.S. Route 3 to down- section viewed from her suite is planted ac- University of Maine Master Gardeners used town Bar Harbor is nearby. If you let your cordingly. The center section features lav- Garland’s list to restore the beds. Included imagination roam, you may feel like Beatrix ender and heather and can be viewed from are common plants such as irises, hostas, Farrand is walking with you. both suites as well as a common study. Part zinnias, and marigolds as well as lesser- of the border fence is made from vergeboard known Paeonia mlokosewitschii, Saxifraga June Mays is a freelance writer living in salvaged from an estate torn down nearby, macnabiana, and Clematis fremontii. Birmingham, Alabama.

July / August 2015 47 BOOKC REVIEWS

Recommendations for Your Gardening Library

The New Shade Garden Roses without Chemicals Ken Druse. Stewart, Tabori & Chang, New York, NY, 2015. Peter Kukielski. Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2015. 266 pages. 256 pages. Publisher’s price, hardcover: $40. Publisher’s price, softcover: $19.95.

THE LUSCIOUS color photography notwithstanding, The New A NUMBER OF years ago, I visited Garden Valley Ranch in Shade Garden is no coffee table book—big on looks but weak on Petaluma, California, where the distinguished rosarian Ray- practical information. Nor is it one of ford Reddell—who died last year those plant encyclopedias with page at 77—farmed hundreds of dif- after mind-numbing page of plant de- ferent rose varieties. Impressed by scriptions. Instead, it’s a gardener’s trea- how healthy and full of flowers tise on gardening in shade, and doing his plants were, I asked, “What’s so in an environmentally responsible your secret?” His reply: “Spray the manner. Along the way, it does cover an *bleep* out of them.” exceptionally wide range of fascinating That was then. A lot of breed- and little-known plants adapted to all ing work has been done in the kinds of shady conditions that will give meantime, and there are whole you plenty of ideas for your own garden. new classes of roses with strong Ken Druse deftly and thoroughly covers the gamut of shade disease resistance. You can find 150 of them described in Roses gardening, from designing to planting, to pest control, and without Chemicals by Peter Kukielski. even dealing with the effects of climate change. He illustrates Kukielski trialed each of these roses at the Peggy Rockefeller his points through his personal experiences with widely differ- Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden, where he ent conditions, such as the deep, relentless shade of brownstone was curator from 2006 until 2013, and evaluated many of them buildings in Brooklyn, and the filtered shade of an island gar- in his own home garden as well. He rates the roses on three den in New Jersey. His enlightening anecdotes, drawn from his criteria: disease resistance on a scale of 40 (good resistance) to successes and failures over decades of shade gardening, guide 60 (superior); amount of bloom on a scale from 0 (scant) to 30 readers through their own shady endeavors. (profuse), and fragrance on a scale of 0 (none) to 10 (strong). This book will be of greatest value to gardeners in the North- He then totals these three numbers to come up with an overall east, partly because they’ll be gardening under similar conditions rating from 60 (good rose) to 100 (superior rose). to Druse, but also because so many of his favorite plants are na- One of the highest-scoring roses in his gallery is Wedding tive to that region. That said, it still contains plenty of informa- Bells™, a hybrid tea. Hybrid teas are notorious for their suscep- tion relevant to gardeners all over North America. For example, tibility to the fungal disease known as black spot. Not Wedding it includes a list of Mediterranean plants and trees for Southern Bells. “There has not been one speck of disease on this rose since California, like palms and bananas. It suggests varieties more tol- I have had it in my garden,” Kukielski writes. “All I can say is erant of intense summer humidity for gardeners south of the Ma- ‘Wow!’” Each rose in the gallery gets its own page with a color son-Dixon line, such as camellias and tea olive and provides tips photograph of the bloom, the ratings, suggested companions in on irrigation and otherwise dealing with the drier, more alkaline the garden, and information on its growth habit. conditions of the Midwest. The front of the book includes information on planting, This is the kind of gardening book that inspires quiet reflection feeding, and watering, and the back on the classes of roses. and note-taking. You will want to read it from cover to cover like Regarding pruning, I found his long-winded explanation a novel. Given Druse’s assumption that readers will have some confusing. A few simple rules would have been better: prune knowledge of gardening, it may not be the best choice for rank once-bloomers immediately after bloom; prune repeat bloom- beginners, but seasoned gardeners dealing with new or developing ers hard when dormant as they bloom on new growth. shade will find it endlessly useful. All in all, though, this is an enormously valuable book, par- —Larry Hodgson ticularly for those who want to grow roses organically. —Jeff Cox Based in Quebec, Canada, Larry Hodgson is the president of the Garden Writers Association, and the author of over 50 gardening Author of Landscape with Roses (Taunton Press, 2002), among books, including Making the Most of Shade (Rodale Books, 2005). other gardening books, Jeff Cox lives in Kenwood, California.

48 the American Gardener A Garden of Marvels Ruth Kassinger, William Morrow, New York, NY, 2014. 395 pages. Publisher’s price, softcover: $16.99.

THIS DELIGHTFUL book is jammed with revelations on plant physiology, biology, and an array of botanical yarns that read like a Gothic page-turner. Ruth Kassing- er gives her readers some mystery novel-type surprises, but counter- balances this levity with doses of serious scholarship. What fun trailing behind this knowledgeable gardener and skilled story teller, who merges her own personal garden challenges and passions with some truly peculiar pieces of botanical history and science throughout this book. Take for example, her adventures with grafting citrus trees, which prompt an investigation into the widely held belief of early 17th-century Europeans in a plant called the “vegetable-lamb” or “borametz” that produced tiny, live lambs from the top of its central stalk. That sounds ridiculous now, but Kassinger reveals a perfectly reasonable explanation for how well-educated people once accepted this idea without question—apparently a description of a cotton plant got lost in translation from the original ancient Greek. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to raise a prize-winning, 1,700-pound pumpkin, the chapter called “The Enor- When you use mous Gourd” will enlighten you on this form of extreme gardening. As Kassinger explains, “the most significant factor in growing a record-breaker is not how you care for the giant the original, vines, leaves, and fruit that you see, but how you care for the roots that you don’t.” Then there’s the story behind the breeding of the black-pet- aled petunias now appearing in garden centers across the coun- it shows. try under the name Black Velvet. This eye-catching plant was Garden-tone® is no garden-variety fertilizer. developed by Jianping Ren, a plant breeder with the Ball Hor- ticultural Company. “When we see it,” she is quoted as saying, This rich blend of organic ingredients is “it is so surprising. It is black, black, black. Nobody can believe specially formulated to nourish your plants it.” I’ve seen it, and she’s right! and grow mouthwatering vegetables. Another tale of pushing the horticultural envelope involves Simple to use and safe for kids and pets, Dean Tiessen, a tomato grower in Canada. Though he pays it’s no wonder Espoma has been #1 in handsomely for his greenhouse heat, he competes successful- ly with Mexican growers who “get their therms for free.” His organics for over 85 years! secret: “tomato growing at its most intensive and efficient,” with walls of tomato vines extending from floor to ceiling and an “umbilical cord of water and nutrients” for each plant. We gardeners like to think we know a little something about this crazy green world. Kassinger’s fast-paced, highly readable book will make it clear that there’s much more wonderful knowledge out there to absorb. —Linda Yang A natural in the garden since 1929.

Linda Yang is a former New York Times garden columnist and www.espoma.com author of several books, including The City Gardener’s Handbook (Storey Publishing, 2002).

July / August 2015 49 GARDENERC’S BOOKS

Influential Gardens and Gardeners

AS A PLACE of focus and relaxation, of work and play, a garden’s influences on those who tend it are manifold. When these gardens belong to well known people such as writers, artists, thinkers, and leaders, they can reveal volumes about the minds from which they sprang. The following books share the stories of such gardens and provide fascinating insights into the people they inspired.

Like gardening, writing demands both Even while commanding armies and creativity and discipline for beautiful leading a fledgling nation, George Wash- results. Perhaps this is why gardens ington’s thoughts were never far from have influenced literary greats from his beloved Mount Vernon estate. The Jane Austen to William Wordsworth. General in the Garden (University of The Writer’s Garden (Frances Lin- Virginia Press, 2015, $39.95) explores the coln, 2014, $40) by Jackie Bennett magnificent gardens and grounds that he introduces 18 British gardens, and the created, from their origins to present-day poets and authors who loved them. preservation efforts. Historical drawings, Sepia-toned historical images com- snapshots, and records along with color plement vibrant photographs of the photographs of Mount Vernon today contemporary grounds. Information complete the picture of Washington as on visiting each garden is included. an extraordinary gardener. —Amy G. McDermott —V.N.

Sissinghurst (St. Martin’s Press, 2014, British garden gurus Christopher Lloyd $34.99) tells the story of Sissinghurst’s and Beth Chatto chronicle a year in their transformation from a faded English es- long friendship in Dear Friend and Gar- tate to flourishing garden while owned dener: Letters on Life and Gardening by Vita Sackville-West, a prolific writer (Frances Lincoln, 2013, $29.95). Though during the first half of the 20th century. from different gardening backgrounds, Sackville-West’s own writings supple- Chatto and the late Lloyd shared a pas- ment author Sarah Raven’s narration to sion for garden-making in their corre- describe the exuberance for which the spondence. The book’s flyleaves contain garden is known. Detailed notes on artist’s renderings of Lloyd’s Great Dixter favored varieties round out the book, gardens and the Beth Chatto gardens for complete with a plant index. handy reference. —A.G.M. —Mary S. Chadduck

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like Meredith Fletcher’s biographical tribute, to garden at a palace, pick up a copy of Jean Galbraith: Writer in a Valley the Gardener of Versailles (Rizzoli Ex (Monash University Publishing, 2014, Libris, 2014, $26.95). This memoir by $39.95), portrays Jean Galbraith’s de- Alain Baraton colorfully describes his velopment from self-taught botanist to many years as gardener-in-chief at one advocate for native plant community of the world’s grandest palaces. It’s an conservation in Australia. She created her homage to preserving a place’s historical “Garden in the Valley” with native flora. value while adapting it to modern chal- The book illuminates Galbraith’s devo- lenges, told through anecdotes that il- tion to this garden over her lifetime. lustrate the gardens’ significance to their —M.S.C. original creators and to Baraton himself. —Viveka Neveln Mary S. Chadduck and Amy G. McDermott, editorial interns; Viveka Neveln, associate editor.

50 the American Gardener FOUR-MONTH AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP FOR ONLY $10

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Horticultural News and Research Important to American Gardeners

almost certainly dependent on butterfly sion host David Letterman taught us— or other large pollinator activity.” For this list is also meant to inform. “We are more on Epps’ work and to keep an eye trying to raise awareness of the biodiversi- out for ways you can be a citizen scien- ty crisis, the fact that we’re losing so many tist, visit http://robdunnlab.com. species so rapidly, and of the importance of taxonomy, so we can at least document TWO PLANTS ON TOP 10 NEW SPECIES LIST what was here,” says IISE founder and A Mexican bromeliad (Tillandsia religiosa) ESF President Quentin Wheeler. and Philippine coral plant (Balanophora The bizarre, tuberous coral plant is coralliformis) are among the top 10 newly a perfect example. Even though it was discovered species of 2015. They were se- just discovered, it’s already endangered. lected by a committee of nine taxonomists Fewer than 50 remain in the wild. for this annual list, released by the Inter- As for the bromeliad, it is new to national Institute for Species Exploration science but well known in its native (IISE) at the State University of New Morelos, Mexico, where the December The eastern tiger swallowtail is one of the few York’s College of Environmental Science blooms are used in Christmas displays. insects that can pollinate flame azaleas. and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) in Syracuse. The top 10 species were winnowed While coming up with a top 10 list is from a pool of 40 candidates submitted FOR POLLINATION, SIZE MATTERS entertaining—as former late-night televi- by ESF research volunteers, which is From late spring through early summer, still a tiny fraction of the approximately flame azaleas (Rhododendron calendula- 18,000 new plant and animal species de- ceum), native to the Appalachians from scribed annually. For more information, Pennsylvania to Georgia, put on a show. visit www.esf.edu/top10. Their striking flowers draw prospective pollinators such as honey bees, native bees, Left: Tillandsia religiosa growing in the wild of its and butterflies. But it turns out that only native south-central Mexico. Below: A closeup butterflies—and in fact only butterflies of view of the flower of bizarre-looking coral plant a certain size—actually do the pollinating (Balanophora coralliformis), a parasitic species of these azaleas, according to new research found on the forested southwestern slopes of from the North Carolina State University in Mt. Mingan in the Phillipines. Raleigh appearing in the August 2015 issue of The American Naturalist. “Just because an insect comes to a flower doesn’t mean that it pollinates it,” explains lead researcher Mary Jane Epps. Upon closer inspection, Epps discovered that flame azalea blossoms are a challenge for pollinators because of the distance between male and female flower parts. Pollen has to make it from anthers to stigma for fertilization and fruit set. In the study, only large butterflies like the eastern tiger swallowtail consistently touched both anthers and stigmas with their wings; most other insects were too small to span the gap. Other azaleas may also depend on butterfly wings for pollination. “All the species I’ve seen have a very similar flow-

er structure,” says Epps. “I think they are TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF SUZANNE ALLISON, JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY. RIGHT: P.B. PELSER AND J.F. BARELONA, BOTTOM RIGHT: A. ESPEJO, COURTESY OF ILSE SUNY–ESF. ILSE SUNY–ESF.

52 the American Gardener PARASITIC ORCHID SEEDS TAKE WING A new study, published in the May 2015 issue of the journal Nature Plants, reveals an unexpected source of orchid seed dispersal: birds. While birds commonly spread the seeds of many plants, they weren’t previously known to disperse those of orchids. Most orchid seeds are tiny and dustlike, and therefore assumed to be dis- seminated by wind. However, researchers from Kyoto University, Japan, found that in the understory of east Asian forests, at least four bird species spread the seeds of an orchid named Cyrtosia septentrionalis. These orchids parasitize fungi rather than create their own food through photosynthesis, which “has allowed them to succeed in the dark forest understory,” explains Kenji Suetsugu, lead author of the study. However, “Seed dispersal by wind is successful in open habitats and less efficient in the understory of densely vegetated forests, where Caught in the act, a bird feeds on the fruit of Cyrtosia septentrionalis. wind is less dependable. A shift to bird dispersal may have facilitated the colo- The birds are attracted to the orchid’s a variety of seed dispersal strategies could nization of such an environment by C. unusual fruits, which are bright red and help account for the staggering diversity septentrionalis,” he explains. fleshy. As Suetsugu explains, reliance on of orchids today.

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July / August 2015 53 RECIPIENTS OF 2015 NATIONAL GARDEN headquartered in Washington, D.C. destruction of the Page Garden and Recep- CLUB AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Beginning in 2006, Olsen served as lead tion Hall Pavilion, also threatened by the Paul Cappiello, Ken Nedimyer, and Brian scientist in the arboretum’s Floral and Nurs- renovation, led the Frick to reconsider. Vogt are the 2015 recipients of the National ery Plant Research Unit, where he developed Despite the museum’s “urgent need Garden Club’s Award of Excellence. The non-invasive, disease and pest resistant trees for more gallery space, education space, annual award is the highest honor bestowed for use in urban landscapes. He simultane- conservation space, and visitor ameni- by the National Garden Club, given to gar- ously expanded other breeding and genetic ties,” says Frick Director Ian Wardrop- deners and gardening organizations of ex- research programs at the arboretum. per, “we will avoid building on that site ceptional local impact. in our forthcoming plan.” To learn more, Cappiello is ex- visit www.frick.org. ecutive director of the Yew Dell Bo- THE CHICAGO HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY tanical Gardens TURNS 125 in Crestwood, Founded in 1890, the Chicago Horti- Kentucky, as well cultural Society commemorates its 125th as an adjunct asso- anniversary this year. To celebrate, the ciate professor of Chicago Botanic Garden (which was horticulture at the University of Ken- tucky–Lexington. Paul Cappiello Nedimyer, president and founder of the non-profit Coral Richard T. Olsen is the recently appointed Restoration Foun- director of the U.S. National Arboretum. dation (CRF) based in Key With a new director comes a new vi- Largo, Florida, is a sion, but change will not arrive overnight. leader in Caribbe- “While we’re a collections-based research an coral conserva- facility, we also have a tremendous public tion. CRF operates garden aspect to what we do,” says Olsen. a huge offshore “We have to get our ducks in a row first Ken Nedimyer coral nursery, here, and that includes financial stability. which grows and That’s our number one goal.” plants corals to In the future, arboretum visitors can This new book celebrates the Chicago help protect re- expect more extensive signage, virtual com- Botanic Garden’s history. gional coral reefs. panion materials such as an arboretum guide Vogt is CEO for smartphones, and greater access to the founded by the society in 1972), will host of the Denver Bo- behind-the-scenes research. Visit www.usna. a special exhibition inspired by the new tanic Gardens in usda.gov for more information. book Chicago and Its Botanic Garden by Colorado. Since Cathy Jean Maloney. 2007, he has over- FRICK CANCELS PLANS TO DESTROY Running through August 16, the exhi- seen the garden’s RUSSELL PAGE GARDEN bition traces the history of the horticultural Master Devel- Last June, the Frick Collection in New York society and the foundations of gardening in opment Plan to City announced plans to expand, proposing Chicago. “We have four installations that are Brian Vogt promote sustain- an addition to the museum that would link reminiscent of historical garden styles, trying ability, native existing galleries with the Frick Library. This as much as possible to use heirlooms or cul- plants, and water-conscious gardening. proposal entailed destruction of one of three tivars of the time,” says Gabriel Hutchison, For more details on these awards, visit existing gardens on the property. the Garden’s exhibitions and programs pro- www.gardenclub.org. The garden in jeopardy was designed duction manager. “So as you go through the in 1977 by renowned British landscape ar- exhibit you’ll see a vignette of what horticul- NEW DIRECTOR FOR U.S. NATIONAL chitect Russell Page. Featuring a large cen- ture and gardening were like at that time.” ARBORETUM tral pool, fringed by lawns and framed by For additional information, visit Richard T. Olsen, a research geneticist a rectangular path, it became a flash point www.chicagobotanic.org. specializing in ornamental plant breed- of resistance to the latest renovation plan, ing, was recently appointed director of despite never having been open to the pub- Written by Amy G. McDermott, editorial

the United States National Arboretum, lic. The strident public outcry against the intern. BOTANIC GARDEN PHOTOS ON LEFT COURTESY OF NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC. CENTER: U.S. ARBORETUM. RIGHT: CHICAGO

54 the American Gardener REGIONALC HAPPENINGS

Horticultural Events from Around the Country

NORTHEAST CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT Botanical gardens and arboreta that Performing Arts Center. Swarthmore College. participate in AHS’s Reciprocal Admissions Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. (610) 388- RAP JULY 28. Growing GIANT Pumpkins. Program are identified with the RAP symbol. 5238. www.perennialplantconference.org. Lecture. Merryspring Nature Center. AHS members showing a valid membership Camden, Maine. (207) 236-2239. card are eligible for free admission to the www.merryspring.org. garden or other benefits. Special events may SOUTHEAST not be included; contact the host site for AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN RAP JULY 29 & 30. Native Island Trees. details or visit www.ahs.org/rap. Workshop. Polly Hill Arboretum. West RAP JULY 23–AUG. 9. Glories of the Garden Tisbury, Massachusetts. (508) 693-9426. Art Exhibit. The Arboretum, State Botanical www.pollyhillarboretum.org. Family festival. Hershey Gardens. Garden of Kentucky. Lexington, Kentucky. Hershey, Pennsylvania. (717) 534-3492. (859) 257-6955. www.ca.uky.edu/ RAP JULY 31. Blue Moon Night Hike. www.hersheygardens.org. arboretum. Garden in the Woods. Framingham, Massachusetts. (508) 877-7630. RAP JULY 25. Lower-Maintenance Garden RAP JULY 28. Conifers for Atlanta. Class. www.newenglandwild.org. Ideas. Tour. Green Spring Gardens. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Atlanta, Georgia. Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 642-5173. (404) 876-5859. www.atlantabotanical RAP AUG. 3. Tiny Worlds. Workshop. www.greenspring.org. garden.org. Highfield Hall & Gardens. Falmouth, Massachusetts. (508) 495-1878. JULY 27–AUG. 1. Perennial Plant Symposium. RAP AUG. 1. Orchids 101. Class. Marie www.highfieldhallandgardens.org. Perennial Plant Association. Baltimore, Selby Botanical Gardens. Sarasota, Florida. Maryland. (614) 771-8431. (941) 366-5731. www.selby.org. RAP AUG. 7. The Language of Flowers. www.perennialplant.org. Class. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. RAP AUG. 4. Dog Days of Bloomers. Boothbay, Maine. (207) 633-4333. RAP AUG. 2. Native Orchid Field Trip. Mt. Class. State Botanical Garden of Georgia. www.mainegardens.org. Cuba Center. Hockessin, Delaware. (302) Athens, Georgia. (706) 542-1244. 239-4244. www.mtcubacenter.org. www.botgarden.uga.edu. RAP AUG. 15. Hay Day Family Festival at the Fells. The Fells Historic Estate & Gar- RAP AUG. 11. Plant Clinic. Workshop. RAP AUG. 6. Waterfalls & Wildflowers in dens. Newbury, New Hampshire. The Urban Farm. Delaware Center for the Southern Appalachians. Lecture. (603) 763-4789. www.thefells.org. Horticulture. Wilmington, Delaware. Highlands Botanical Garden. Highlands, (302) 658-6262. www.thedch.org. North Carolina. (828) 526-2602. RAP AUG. 19. The Ginkgo Tree Through www.highlandsbiological.org. History. Lecture. Polly Hill Arboretum. West RAP AUG. 15. Family Butterfly Program Tisbury, Massachusetts. (508) 693-9426. and Walk. Laurelwood Arboretum. RAP AUG. 23. Hummingbird Festival. www.pollyhillarboretum.org. Wayne, New Jersey. (973) 202-9579. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. Crestwood, www.laurelwoodarboretum.org. Kentucky. (502) 241-4788. Looking ahead www.yewdellgardens.org. RAP SEPT. 10. Perennial Plant Symposium. RAP AUG. 20. Rain Barrel Workshop. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society Gar- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Phila- RAP AUG. 25. Shade Gardening. Class. dens at Elm Bank. Wellesley, Massachu- delphia, Pennsylvania. (215) 988-1698. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Atlanta, Georgia. setts. (617) 933-4900. www.masshort.org. www.phsonline.org. (404) 876-5859. www.atlantabotanical garden.org. SEPT. 10–13. Roses in a New York State of RAP AUG. 22. Butterfly Festival. Tyler Ar- Mind. National convention. American Rose boretum. Media, Pennsylvania. (610) 566- Society. Syracuse, New York. (318) 938- 9134. www.tylerarboretum.org. NORTH CENTRAL 5402. www.newyorkroses.org. IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI Looking ahead SEPT. 1–12. Heritage Harvest Festival. Mon- RAP AUG. 1. Herbal Harvest. Lecture & MID-ATLANTIC ticello. Charlottesville, Virginia. (800) 243- Workshop. Garfield Park Conservatory PA, NJ, VA, MD, DE, WV, DC 0743. www.heritageharvestfestival.com. & Gardens. Indianapolis, Indiana. (317) 327-7183. www.garfieldgardens THROUGH OCT. 13. Exposed: The Secret Life RAP SEPT. 17. Line and Texture in Plant conservatory.org. of Roots. Multimedia exhibit. United States Selection. Lecture. University of Delaware Botanic Garden. Washington, D.C. Botanic Gardens. Newark, Delaware. (302) RAP AUG. 1. Prairie Plant Discovery. (202) 226-8333. www.usbg.gov. 831-0153. www.ag.udel.edu/udbg. Stroll and talk. The Brenton Arboretum. Dallas Center, Iowa. (515) 992-4211. RAP JULY 25. Butterflies & Beyond. OCT. 16. Perennial Plant Conference. Lang www.thebrentonarboretum.org.

July / August 2015 55 New York Botanical Garden Kahlo Celebration www.andersongardens.org. MEXICO CITY comes to the Bronx this summer with the New York Botanical Gar- RAP AUG. 24. Tomato Tasting Tour. den’s exhibition, “Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life.” Running until November 1, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Des Moines, Iowa. (515) 323-6290. show approaches Kahlo in a new way: as www.dmbotanicalgarden.com. a gardener. “So much of what’s informed previous exhibitions has been about Kahlo Looking ahead the personality, the very complicated cul- RAP SEPT. 12 & 13. Iris, Peony, and Unique tural icon,” explains Todd Forrest, the Plant Sale. Iowa Arboretum. Madrid, Iowa. (515) 795-3216. www.iowaarboretum.org. Arthur Ross Vice President for Horticul- ture and Living Collections, and a key col- SEPT. 22–25. Horticultural Horizons in the laborator on this show. “But she and [her Heartland: International Master Gardener artist husband] Diego Rivera also created a Conference. Council Bluffs, Iowa. (402) fascinating garden at her house, Casa Azul 472-8973. www.mastergardener.unl.edu/ in Mexico City, which featured Mexican imgc2015. native plants including cacti and agave, SEPT. 24–26. America in Bloom Symposium. yuccas, and other succulents.” America in Bloom. Holland, Michigan. A selection of plant species featured in (614) 487-1117. www.americainbloom.org. Kahlo’s gardens and paintings, as well as Frida Kahlo sits in front of a cactus fence species important to Mexican culture, are on SOUTH CENTRAL in this 1938 photo by Nickolas Muray. display in the Haupt Conservatory. Four- AR, KS, LA, MO, MS, OK, TX teen original works, including the paintings “Flower of Life” (1944) and “Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird” RAP JULY 31–AUG. 2 & AUG. 7–9. Festival of (1940) hang in the library gallery, further highlighting Kahlo’s connection to nature. Butterflies. Powell Gardens. Kingsville, Missou- “This exhibition celebrates not just Frida Kahlo but also Mexican culture,” ri. (816) 697-2600. www.powellgardens.org. says Forrest. Daily cultural programs include cooking classes, poetry walks, and AUG. 8. Plant Sale. New Orleans Botanical lectures. On select evenings, the gardens are open late for live music, dancing, and Garden. New Orleans, Louisiana. (504) film screenings. For hours and schedule, visit www.nybg.org. 483-9464. www.neworleanscitypark.com.

RAP AUG. 16–31. Iris Sale. Missouri Native Gardening Conference Returns to the Botanical Garden. St. Louis, Missouri. UW–Madison Arboretum (314) 577-9500. www.mobot.org. ON SEPTEMBER 20, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum will host its RAP AUG. 18. Rainbows in Flower: The Iris. annual native gardening conference, “Native by Design: Gardening for a Sustainable Workshop. Garvan Woodland Gardens. Hot Springs, Arkansas. (501) 262-9300. Future.” Participants select three out of nine workshops on topics ranging from native www.garvangardens.org. garden design and maintenance to ornamental native plants and planting for pollinators. The afternoon keynote address will feature award-winning landscape architect Nancy AUG. 24. Stingers! An Intimate Look at Wasps. Aten, principal of the East Wisconsin design and restoration firm Landscapes of Place. Talk. Zilker Botanic Garden. Austin, Texas. “We try to offer a range of really practical information,” says Susan Carpenter, (512) 477-8672. www.zilkergarden.org. a member of the conference’s planning committee. “We’ve geared it mostly for Looking ahead home gardeners, to encourage and inform gardening with native plants, designing RAP SEPT. 12 & 13. Plant Sale. San Anto- gardens, and keeping the garden healthy.” nio Botanical Garden. San Antonio, Texas. This conference has been an annual event for nearly a decade, coinciding with (210) 207-3250. www.sabot.org. the autumn prairie bloom. Workshops have both classroom and outdoor com- SEPT. 26. GardenFest. Family festival. The ponents. Guests also can take a native garden tour and find additional materials Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State Universi- at the resource table. For more information and a complete conference schedule, ty. Stillwater, Oklahoma. (405) 744-4531. visit arboretum.wisc.edu. Registration ends September 10. www.botanicgarden.okstate.edu. —Amy G. McDermott, Editorial Intern OCT. 15–18. Capit-O-lize on Natives. Native Plant Society of Texas Annual Symposium. Airport Hilton. Austin, RAP AUG. 1. Water Gardening. Course. RAP AUG. 14–16. Mid-American Bonsai Texas. (830) 997-9272. http://npsot.org/ Cleveland Botanical Garden. Cleveland, Show & Sale. Chicago Botanic Garden. wp/symposium2015/. Ohio. (216) 721-1600. www.cbgarden.org. Glencoe, Illinois. (847) 835-5440. www.chicagobotanic.org. RAP AUG. 7. Annual Garden Party and 50th SOUTHWEST Anniversary Celebration. McCrory Gardens. RAP AUG. 22 & 23. Japanese Summer AZ, NM, CO, UT Brookings, South Dakota. (605) 688-6707. Festival. Anderson Japanese Gardens. www.sdstate.edu/ps/mccrory. Rockford, Illinois. (815) 229-9390. JULY 25 & AUG. 8. Nature Discovery

RAP NICKOLAS MURAY ARCHIVES, COURTESY OF NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

56 the American Gardener Days. Children’s program. The Hudson Gar- 2486. www.fcgov.com/gardens. Looking ahead dens and Event Center. Littleton, Colorado. RAP SEPT. 20. Must-Have Plants for Fabu- (303) 797-8565. www.hudsongardens.org. NORTHWEST lous Fall Color. Bellevue Botanical Garden. AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY Bellevue, Washington. (425) 451-3755. RAP JULY 30. Hooked on Hardscape: www.bellevuebotanical.org. Decks and Arbors/Pergolas. Class. Denver RAP AUG. 6. Rosalind Creasy Lecture and Botanic Gardens. Denver, Colorado. (720) Book Signing. Alaska Botanical Garden. OCT. 9 & 10. American Horticultural Therapy 865-3500. www.botanicgardens.org. Anchorage, Alaska. (907) 770-3692. Association Annual Conference. Red Lion www.alaskabg.org. Hotel on the Rivers. Portland, Oregon. AUG. 13–16. American Community Garden (610) 992-0020. http://ahta.org. Association Conference. Denver Botanic Gar- AUG. 11. Keeping the Color Coming: Late dens. Denver, Colorado. (877) 275-2242. Summer Flowers for the Garden. Lecture. www.communitygarden.org. Hardy Plant Society of Oregon. Multnomah WEST COAST Arts Center. Portland, Oregon. (503) 224- CA, NV, HI RAP AUG. 17. Establishing Wildflower 5718. www.hardyplantsociety.org. Meadows. Lecture. Red Butte Garden RAP AUG. 14. Preparing for the Winter and Arboretum at the Univesity of Utah. AUG. 15. 4th Annual Celebration of Herbs. Garden. Class. Markham Nature Park and Salt Lake City, Utah. (801) 585-0556. Tizer Gardens. Jefferson City, Montana. Arboretum. Concord, California. (925) 681- www.redbuttegarden.org. (866) 933-8789. www.tizergardens.com. 2968. www.markhamarboretum.org.

AUG. 22 & 23. African Violet Show and Sale. RAP AUG. 19. Culinary Herbs. Idaho Botani- RAP AUG. 18. Taking Care of Garden Tools. ABQ Biopark Botanic Garden. Albuquerque, cal Garden. Boise, Idaho. (208) 343-8674. Workshop. Descanso Gardens. La Cañada New Mexico. (505) 848-7112. www.cabq. www.idahobotanicalgarden.org. Flintridge, California. (818) 949-4200. gov/culturalservices/biopark/events. www.descansogardens.org. RAP AUG. 20. Habitats and Horticulture— RAP AUG. 21 & 22. Festival of Science. Wetlands. Workshop. Kruckeberg Botanic AUG. 21–23. Organization of Floral Art Family event. The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Garden. Shoreline, Washington. Designers Seminar. Embassy Suites. San Flagstaff, Arizona. (928) 774-1442. (206) 546-1281. www.kruckeberg.org. Francisco, California. (951) 684-2635. www.thearb.org. www.californiagardenclubs.org/OFAD. AUG. 27–29. Farwest Show. Oregon Asso- AUG. 27. Climbers and Vines. Class. ciation of Nurseries. Oregon Convention RAP AUG. 22. Dudleya’s Kissing Cousins. Ogden Botanical Gardens. Ogden, Utah. Center. Portland, Oregon. (800) 342-6401. Lecture. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. www.ogdenbotanicalgardens.org. www.farwestshow.com. Santa Barbara, California. (805) 682-4726. www.sbbg.org. Looking ahead AUG. 29. Garden Conservancy/Hardy Plant RAP SEPT. 12. 2nd Annual NoCo Urban Society of Oregon Open Garden Tour. RAP AUG. 22 & 23. Aquatic Plants of South- Homestead Tour. The Gardens on Spring Portland, Oregon. (503) 224-5718. ern California. Workshop. Rancho Santa Creek. Fort Collins, Colorado. (970) 416- www.hardyplantsociety.org. Ana Botanic Garden. Claremont, California. (909) 625-8767. www.rsabg.org. Bellevue Brings Art to the Garden Looking ahead RAP SEPT. 12. Drip Irrigation Basics. Class. A UNIQUE garden art show is coming to the Bellevue Botanical Garden in Wash- Las Vegas Botanical Gardens at the Springs ington on August 29 and 30. “Art in the Garden” will turn Bellevue into an outdoor Preserve. Las Vegas, Nevada. (702) 822- gallery, showcasing a variety of artwork, in- 7700. www.springspreserve.org.

cluding ceramic, glass, metal, and wood piec- SEPT. 18–21. Garden Writers Association es, made by 40 regional artists. Annual Symposium. Pasadena Convention “Unlike other art shows where you go Center. Pasadena, California. (806) 832- down row after row of booths, this one is 1870. www.gardenwriters.org. really different,” says Gayle Picken, the art OCT. 17. 10th Annual Desert Garden Com- show’s coordinator. “We put the artists in munity Day. Workshop. The Living Desert. the garden so people can see their artwork Palm Desert, California. (760) 346-5694. displayed in a garden setting.” All art will www.livingdesert.org. be for sale, at a wide range of prices. Pro- ceeds will benefit the Bellevue Botanical CANADA Garden Society. On Saturday, August 29, Seattle RAP AUG. 8. Plants, Pulp, & Paper. radio and television personality Ciscoe Workshop. Horticulture Centre of the Morris also will lead a garden tour. For Pacific. Victoria, British Columbia. more information, visit www.artinthe (250) 479-6162. www.hcp.ca. A variety of artwork—like these glass gardenbellevue.com. AUG. 15. Vancouver Orchid Society Plant sculptures by Jesse Kelly—will be —Amy G. McDermott, Sale. VanDusen Botanical Garden. Vancou- available for sale. Editorial Intern ver, British Columbia. (604) 261-8474. www.vandusengarden.org. COURTESY OF BELLEVUE BOTANICAL GARDEN

July / August 2015 57 GREENC GARAGE®

Gearing Up for Safe and Comfortable Gardening by Rita Pelczar

ARDENING INVOLVES that allow for manual dexterity. a lot of strenuous phys- Protexgloves Elle Grip by Fox- Gical activity, and as Kris gloves are a good choice. Made of Wetherbee points out in her article machine-washable Supplex nylon "Staying Safe in the Garden" on with Lycra for extra stretch, they page 36, injuries occasionally occur are tough but flexible. They also if you are not cautious. More fre- provide sun protection for hands quently, gardeners suffer from over and forearms with a 50+ Ultra- exposure to the sun, sore joints, violet Protection Factor (UPF) and tired muscles—not major in- rating and sleeves that extend to juries, just bodily wear and tear. the elbow. There are some very good Clothes that block exposure to products that are designed to harmful UV rays are worth consid- promote safety, provide protec- ering if you spend a lot of time out- tion from environmental haz- doors. My UV Skinz long sleeve ards, and reduce the stress of shirt gets a lot of wear and saves me gardening activities. Here are from having to constantly reapply several that I have found helpful. sunscreen. The fabric is breathable and quick drying. The company PROTECTIVE ACCESSORIES offers protective clothing for men, Wearing appropriate clothing—a women, and kids—all rated UPF long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a 50+. It also offers hats and visors to wide-brimmed hat, closed-toe shoes, safeguard your face. gloves—and sunscreen makes sense Another good source of UV for any outdoor gardening task. For protective clothing is Duluth some jobs, additional protective gear Trading Company. I particularly should be used for ear and eye protection. like its Long Sleeve Action Shirt and Dry A gardener’s hands need protection from on the Fly Pants. Both are lightweight, thorns, sharp rocks, spider bites, poison ivy, moisture-wicking, and have a UPF rating and the like. And palms appreciate some of 50+, so they protect while keeping you padding to prevent blisters. For heavier jobs, cool. And they are constructed with com- Duluth Trading Company offers comfort- fort and flexibility in mind. The pants, in able Goatskin Gloves that have a rein- particular, have become part of my “gar- forced palm, index finger, and thumb—the den uniform” this summer. areas that get high wear. Mine get a lot of To shield eyes from flying debris, Lee use, and over time they’ve softened, fitting Valley Tools offers Tinted Safety Glasses now even better than when they were new. that double as sunglasses that block UV Hestra Leather Garden Rose Gloves rays. The anti-fog polycarbonate lens wraps from Gardener’s Edge are great for pruning protectively around the eye area and the roses or working with any thorny plant. The arms are adjustable for a good fit. These extended heavy-duty cowhide cuffs protect are important to wear when working with your forearms almost to the elbow, while Top: Fully protected from the sun, the author power equipment or applying pesticides. the more flexible goatskin portion that cov- models a wide-brimmed hat, Duluth Trading I find it’s easy to forget you’re wearing ers your hands has a reinforced palm. Company's Goatskin Gloves, Long Sleeve Elevex Anti-Noise MaxiMuff™ Ear Pro- For lighter jobs such as transplanting Action Shirt, and Dry on the Fly Pants. Above: tectors, available from Gardener’s Edge,

annuals or weeding, I like breathable gloves Hestra Leather Garden Rose Gloves. except that they reduce the noise of my RITA PELCZAR (2)

58 the American Gardener ed weeds like dandelions; the curve of the blade serves as a fulcrum to give you extra leverage. I also like the Big Grip Knife, a multi-purpose tool with a serrated edge for cutting and a forked tip for prying out weeds, rocks, or roots. Its large padded handle is very comfortable. Ergonomic hand tools are also available from Corona Tools. The ComfortGEL® and eGrip Trowels, Transplanters, and Weeders have comfortable molded grips and thumb rests. The weeder, in particular, with its built-in fulcrum and serrated edge, is a winner. For moving heavy loads, spare your back by using a wheelbarrow or garden cart. The Folding Marine Utility Cart from Life With Ease is a sturdy, lightweight cart that is very maneuverable and collapsible! Its han- Top left: Lee Valley's Tinted Safety Glasses. dles are retractable and it folds for easy stor- Left: Elevex Anti-Noise MaxiMuff™ Ear age. Constructed of durable aluminum, it Protectors. Above: Fiskars PowerGear2™ Bypass Loppers. Sources mower and weed whip to a light hum. Clipper and the Compact Shear, both Corona Tools, They are lightweight and adjustable, with from Dramm, have stainless steel blades, http://coronatoolsusa.com. softly cushioned muffs that fit comfort- and are small, durable, and lightweight. Dramm, ably over the ears. Designed with curved plastic handles, they www.rainwand.com/cutting.html. are just the right size for thinning seedlings. Duluth Trading Company, RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB For medium-sized pruning jobs—up www.duluthtrading.com. A lot of wear and tear on your muscles and to ¾-inch-diameter stems or branches— Fiskars, www.fiskars.com. joints can be avoided simply by using the Fiskars offers the PowerGear2™ Pruner. Its Gardener’s Edge, right tool for the job at hand. Ergonomical- patented gear design gives this bypass prun- www.gardenersedge.com. ly designed tools can really help reduce the er more power for less effort. A low-friction Lee Valley Tools, www.leevalley.com. stress of jobs that involve repetitive motion. coating on the steel blades helps prevent sap Life With Ease, www.lifewithease.com. Pruning tools are a good case in point. buildup and rust. And the contoured han- UV Skinz, www.uvskinz.com. dle rolls as you squeeze to reduce fatigue, which took getting used to, but carries up to 330 pounds, and its front panel I’ve come to appreciate it slides off so you can dump a load of soil or for big pruning jobs. compost just by tipping it up. For bigger jobs, the I spend a lot of time kneeling in PowerGear2™Bypass the garden and my knees appreciate Loppers are available in the cushioning from hard surfaces that three sizes: 18, 25, and 32 Kneelo® Memory Foam Kneeling Pad inch. With similar gears from Lee Valley Tools provide. Made of and blades as the above resilient memory foam, it’s just 20 inch- pruners, the 32-inch es long and 12 inches wide, light, and has loppers slice through a cut-out handle for carrying. branches up to two If you use appropriate equipment like inches in diameter. The these items to reduce environmental and ComfortGEL hand tools from Corona Tools rounded handles are designed for comfort. physical gardening stress, it will go a long Fiskars makes other ergonomic hand way towards keeping you safe—and keep- For deadheading flowers, snipping tools. I particularly like the Ergo Weeder ing you gardening. herbs, or other jobs that require cutting with its large, curved grip and comfortable precision, there’s no need for heavy-duty thumb rest that reduces hand and wrist Rita Pelczar is contributor editor for The

TOP (3): RITA PELCZAR. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF CORONA TOOLS pruners. The Little Buddy Hydroponic fatigue. The forked end snags deep-root- American Gardener.

July / August 2015 59 PRONUNCIATIONSC AND PLANTING ZONES

Most of the cultivated plants described in this issue are listed here with their pronunciations, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, and AHS Plant Heat Zones. These zones suggest a range of locations where temperatures are appropriate—both in winter and summer—for growing each plant. USDA Zones listed are still aligned with the 1990 version of the USDA’s map. While the zones are a good place to start in determining plant adaptability in your region, factors such as exposure, moisture, snow cover, and humidity also play an important role in plant survival. The zones tend to be conservative; plants may grow outside the ranges indicated. A USDA zone rating of 0–0 means that the plant is a true annual and completes its life cycle in a year or less.

A–D E–Q R–Z Acorus gramineus AK-or-us gruh-MIN-ee-us Epilobium angustifolium eh-pih-LO-bee-um Rosa acicularis RO-zuh uh-sik-yew-LAIR-iss (USDA Zones 6–9, AHS Zones 9–5) ang-gus-tih-FO-lee-um (3–7, 7–1) (1–6, 6–1) Agastache aurantiaca ah-guh-STAH-she Geranium macrorrhizum juh-RAY-nee-um R. arkansana R. ar-kan-SAN-uh (4–8, 8–3) aw-ran-tih-AY-kuh (7–10, 10–7) mak-ro-RHY-zum (4–8, 8–1) R. blanda R. BLAN-duh (3–7, 8–3) A. cana A. KAN-uh (6–11,12–1) Illicium floridanum ih-LISS-ee-um R. californica R. kal-uh-FORN-ih-kuh A. foeniculum A. fee-NICK-yoo-lum flor-ih-DAN-um (6–9, 9–6) (6–9, 9–6) (4–9, 10–5) I. parviflorum I. par-vih-FLOR-um (7–9, 9–1) R. carolina R. kair-o-LY-nuh (4–9, 9–3) A. scrophulariifolia A. skrof-yew-lar-ee-ih-FO- Ipomoea alba ih-po-ME-uh AL-buh R. foliolosa R. fo-lee-o-LO-suh (5–9, 9–5) lee-uh (4–9, 9–1) (9–11, 12–5) R. nitida R. NIT-ih-duh (2–6, 6–1) Aristolochia californica uh-ris-toh-LO-kee-uh Lavandula angustifolia lah-VAN-dyew-luh R. nutkana R. noot-KAN-uh (5–8, 9–1) kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh (7–9, 8–4) ang-gus-tih-FO-lee-uh (5–8, 8–1) R. palustris R. pah-LUS-triss (4–9, 9–4) A. elegans A. EL-ih-ganz (9–12, 12–1) L. dentata L. den-TAY-tuh (5–9, 9–4) R. primula R. prim-YEW-luh (5–9, 9–5) A. fimbriata A. fim-bree-AY-tuh (7–9, 9–1) Lindera benzoin lin-DAIR-uh BEN-zo-in R. rubiginosa R. roo-bih-jih-NO-suh (4–9, 9–1) A. gigantea A. jy-GAN-tee-uh (10–11,12–1) (4–9, 8–1) R. setigera R. seh-TIJ-er-uh (4–9, 9–4) A. littoralis A. li-tor-AL-lis (9–12, 12–1) L. obtusiloba L. ahb-TOO-sih-lo-buh (6–9, 8–1) R. stellata R. stel-LAY-tuh (6–9, 9–6) A. macrophylla A. mak-ro-FIL-luh (5–8, 8–4) Mentha requienii MEN-thuh rek-wee-EN-ee-eye R. villosa R. vih-LO-suh (5–11, 12–1) A. peruviana A. pur-roo-vee-AN-uh (7–10, 10–6) R. virginiana R. vir-jin-ee-AN-uh (3–8, 9–3) (9–10, 11–1) Metasequoia glyptostroboides met-uh-suh- R. woodsii R. WOODS-ee-eye (3–8, 8–3) A. serpentaria A. ser-pen-ta-ria (6–9, 9–1) KWOY-uh glip-toh-stro-BOY-deez (5–9, 9–5) Rosmarinus officinalis roze-muh-RY-nus A. tomentosa A. toh-men-TOH-suh (5–9, 9–3) Monarda didyma muh-NAR-duh DID-ih-muh o-fiss-ih-NAL-iss (7–9, 10–1) Asarum canadense uh-SAR-um kan-uh-DEN-see (4–10, 10–1) Rudbeckia laciniata rood-BEK-ee-uh (3–8, 8–2) Monardella villosa mon-ar-DEL-luh vih-LO-suh luh-syn-ee-AY-tuh (4–8, 8–1) Calamintha grandiflora kah-luh-MIN-thuh (7–10, 10–7) Salvia clevelandii SAL-vee-uh gran-dih-FLOR-uh (5–9, 9–3) Nepeta cataria NEP-eh-tuh cat-AH-ree-uh cleev-LAND-ee-eye (8–10, 10–5) C. nepeta C. NEP-eh-tuh (5–9, 9–5) (3–7, 7–1) S. dorisiana S. dor-ih-see-AN-uh (9–11, 10–1) Calycanthus floridus kal-ee-KAN-thus N. faassenii N. fas-SEN-ee-eye (4–8, 8–1) S. elegans S. EL-ih-ganz (8–11, 12–1) FLOR-ih-dus (5–9, 9–1) Origanum majorana o-RIG-uh-num Satureja douglasii sat-oo-REE-yuh Chamaemelum nobile kam-may-ME-lum may-jo-RAN-uh (9–11, 11–1) dug-LASS-ee-eye (7–10, 10–7) NO-bil-ee (5–9, 9–5) Paeonia mlokosewitschii pee-O-nee-uh Saxifraga macnabiana sak-sih-FRAY-guh Cistus incanus SIS-tus in-KAN-us (8–10, 10–7) muh-lo-ko-suh-WICH-ee-eye (5–8, 8–4) mak-nab-ee-AN-uh (7–8, 8–6) Clematis fremontii KLEM-uh-tiss Pelargonium crispum peh-lar-GO-nee-um Teucrium cossonii TOO-kree-um kos-SO-nee-eye free-MON-tee-eye (4–7, 7–4) KRIS-pum (10–11, 12–1) (7–10, 10–6) Clinopodium georgianum klih-no-PO-dee-um P. odoratissimum P. o-dor-uh-TIS-sih-mum Thymus herba-barona TY-muss jor-jee-AN-um (7–8, 8–7) (10–11, 12–1) ur-buh-buh-RO-nuh (5–9, 9–5) Crataegus coccinea krah-TEE-gus P. tomentosum P. toh-men-TOH-sum T. serpyllum T. sur-PIL-um (4–9, 9–1) kok-SIN-ee-uh (3–7, 7–3) (10–11,12–1) Dennstaedtia punctilobula den-STET-ee-uh Prunus sargentii PROO-nus sar-JEN-tee-eye punk-tih-LO-bew-luh (3–8, 8–1) (5–9, 9–5)

60 the American Gardener GARDENC MARKET

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July / August 2015 61 PLANT CIN THE SPOTLIGHT

Moonflower Magic by Margene Whitler Hucek

F YOU’RE looking to add a transplant them outdoors once day touch of romance to your gar- and night temperatures are consis- I den, you can’t go wrong with tently above 60 degrees. moonflowers, which light up the In late summer to early fall, dan- evening garden with deliciously gling, capsulelike fruits form on the fragrant, pure white flowers. vines. You can harvest these when Native to the American tropics, they turn gray or tan and save the the moonflower vine (Ipomoea alba, seeds to sow the following year. USDA Zones 10–11, AHS Zones 12–5) is a twining tender perennial EASY CARE usually grown as an annual that has Moonflowers thrive in moderately fer- large, heart-shaped, green leaves. tile soils and are reasonably drought tol- Starting in mid- to late summer, the vine produces white, funnel-shaped Moonflowers self-sow and can become flowers, tinted green outside, that invasive in warm winter regions, so do reach five to six inches across. some research before ordering seeds Flowers begin to unfurl at dusk, (moonflowers are considered noxious with each blossom opening in as weeds in Arizona and Arkansas). Moon- little as three minutes and remain- flower seeds are also toxic if ingested, ing open until the next morning. which is important to know if small Individual flowers last only one children frequent your garden. night, but the vine is so prolific, it creates a floral display that will erant once established. However, if you attract moths and other evening grow your vines in containers, you may pollinators from late summer until the Moonflower blossoms, though individually need to water them daily by midsummer. first killing frost. fleeting, are borne in abundance all summer. Pests are few for this vigorous vine. Whiteflies and red spider mites some- PLANTING GUIDELINES two pieces of sandpaper before sowing six times afflict plants, but they can be Moonflowers belong to the morning glory inches apart and one inch deep. When controlled with insecticidal soap. Do family (Convolvulaceae), a large group of seedlings reach three inches, thin them to not use any pesticides that might harm plants that also includes sweet potato vines a foot apart. Mulch to conserve moisture pollinators such as moths or bats. Rust and parasitic dodder. Vigorous growers, and suppress weeds. and wilt are listed as potential problems moonflowers will grow 15 feet a year in tem- In regions with a short growing sea- for moonflowers, but I have not had any perate regions and reach up to 70 feet in the son, you can get a jump-start by sowing issues growing them in my central Vir- tropics, so they need a sturdy support such as seeds indoors in biodegradable pots four ginia garden, which can be quite humid. a trellis, fence, or arbor. For smooth surfaces, to six weeks before your last expected such as walls, provide netting, string, or wire frost date. Harden seedlings off and then EVENING ENTERTAINMENT for the vine to twine around as it grows. For the price of a packet of seeds you can When choosing a site, keep in mind Sources bring a touch of the tropics to your garden that you will want to have the vine where with moonflower vines. As dusk turns to you can view it in the evening. Moon- Park Seed Company, Hodges, SC. darkness and the first stars appear, enjoy the flowers grow best in a sunny, moderately (800) 845-3369. spectacle of the flowers opening, followed fertile, well-drained location that is pro- www.parkseed.com. by the arrival of pollinators searching for tected from wind. Hold off on planting Renee’s Garden Seeds, Felton, CA. the source of that heady fragrance. seeds outdoors until the soil warms to 60 (831) 335-7228. degrees Fahrenheit. Then soak seeds over- www.reneesgarden.com. Margene Whitler Hucek is a freelance

night in warm water or rub them between writer based in Keswick, Virginia. SUSAN A. ROTH

62 the American Gardener Baby Pete™ Lily Of The Nile Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis ‘Benfran’ P.P. #21,705

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Insta