There are dozens of ways gardeners can reuse natural and manufactured products to preserve resources and keep some clutter out of our overflowing landfills. Inside, we offer just a few ideas to inspire you. Recycling In and For the Garden

educators, horticulturists, designers, Children's Symposium artists, social scientists-from through­ Also In This Issue out the United States and abroad. Th€ Program Inside! full program and registration Recycling . . . . . 2-8 information are on pages 15 to 18. Gardeners' Q&A . 10 If your vocation or avocation brings you Beginning on page 11, you'll read in touch with children and plants, you'll about the exciting new gardens for Children's Gardens 11 want to plan now to attend the AHS­ children being built at our River Farm AHS Bulletin Board. 19 sponsored National Symposium on headquarters. Symposium participants Regional Notes . . 20 Children and Gardening to be held in will visit the gardens, and we hope our Washington, D.C., August 12 to 14. members will have a chance to gain Members' Forum . . 22 There will be more than 60 presenters- inspiration and ideas from them. AHS Book Catalog . 24 Gardeners' Dateline . 28 Classifieds . 30 News Briefs . . ... 32 American Horticultural Society

The American Horticultural Society seeks to promote and recognize excellence in horticulture across America.

OFFICERS 1992-1993 Mr. George C. Ball Jr., West Chicago, IL President Trashing Your Garden Mrs. Sarah S. Boasberg, Washington, D.C. First Vice President Dr. Wtlliam E. Barrick, Pine Mountain, GA t isn't trash until you throw it out. Sow your seeds in corncobs. This Second Vice President Ordinary household waste is full of seed-starting technique was invented for Mr. David M. Lilly, St. Paul MN durable and interesting objects just use in developing countries, but it might Secretary waiting to be put to a second use-if prove handy for you. Soak two-inch Mr. Gerald T. Halpin, Alexandria, VA I Treasurer you can think of one. Here are a few corncob sections in manure tea for about possibilities for the garden: a month, then arrange them upright in a BOARD OF DIRECTORS Let your plants drink from soda bottles flat. Press a few seeds into the ends of Mrs. Suzanne Bales, Bronxville, NY or milk jugs. Punch a hole in the cap and each section and cover the lot with a little Dr. Sherran Blair, Columbus, OH saw off the bottom. Bury the container fine soil or compost. Mrs. Mary Katherine Blount, upside down with the cap on, next to a Old pet food tins filled with beer are a Montgomery, AL Mr. Wtlliam F. Brinton, Mount Vernon, ME thirsty pumpkin and leave only a rim commonly used slug bait, but any Mrs. Beverley White Dunn, Birmingham, AL exposed. Fill with water. container that seems to be proliferating at Dr. John Alex Floyd Jr., Birmingham, AL Those same plastic milk jugs can be your house-baby food jars, prescription Mrs. Julia Hobart, Troy, OH used as cloches to protect seedlings against medicine bottles-will do. Or use those Dr. Richard Lower, Madison, WI frost, except that in this case you want to little bottles, if they have lids, to stratify Mr. Elvin McDonald, Houston, TX cut out the bottoms and place them over seeds next winter. Mr. WIlliam G. Pannill, Martinsville, VA Mr. Lawrence V. Power, New York, NY the plants right side up. Or you can Once you start seeing trash as a Dr. Julia Rappaport, Santa Ana, CA bubble wrap your plants against frost. Fit potential resource, you will almost Mrs. Flavia Redelmeier, plastic packing sheets with "blisters" certainly find other reasons for keeping Richmond Hill, ON, Canada around tomato cages or other suitable things you used to throw out. But of Mrs. Jane N. Scarff, New Carlisle, OH supports. A kind of bubble wrap is now course, not every item is worth retrieving Mrs. Josephine Shanks, Houston, TX Mrs. Billie Trump, Alexandria, VA being sold for this purpose (see p. 3). But from the bin. We note one gardener'S use Mr. Andre Viette, Fishersville, VA there's no reason why used-and free­ of an old electric blanket for bottom heat Ms. Katy Moss Warner, wrap wouldn't work just as well. in a seed-starting setup. It's probably best Lake Buena Vista, FL Turn your old garden hose into snakes. to avoid using electrical equipment for If you have a problem with birds, try other than its intended purpose-at least EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR cutting up a worn-out hose into four foot­ if you're going to plug it in. But most of Mrs. Helen Fulcher Walutes long "snakes." Paint red or yellow stripes your trash will be perfectly safe, and all on your snakes to make them more of it is free. Let us know what you find! AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST conspicuous, then distribute them around your garden. Your trash may have other EDITOR: Kathleen Fisher potential for wildife control. Some garden­ MANAGING EDITOR: Mary Beth Wiesner ASSISTANT EDITOR: Chris Bright ers scare birds with aluminum pie tins on EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Steve Davolt string, for instance. Others use old panty­ Recycle Your MEMBERSHIP DIRECfOR: Darlene Oliver hose filled with human hair to repel deer. ADVERTISING: American Horticultural Support your melons with pantyhose. Garden Ideas! Society Advertising Department, You can save space in the garden by 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, training melons and squash on a trellis Does your gardening involve VA 22308-1300. (703) 768-5700. and supporting the fruit in hammocks of recycling techniques that we didn't Address all editorial correspondence to: The Editor, run-filled pantyhose. If you prefer your describe? Do you have experience American Horticulturist, American Horticultural melons at ground level, keep them from with any of the techniques that we Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, ISSN rotting by supporting them on overturned did describe? Either way, we want 0096-4417, is published by the American Horticultural margarine tubs. to hear from you. Write the editors, Society, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308·1300, (703) 768-5700, and is issued six times a Jack up your garden with used tires. If American Horticulturist, 7931 East year as a magazine and six times a year as a News you can stand the sight of them, old tires Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA Edition . The American Horticultural Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to excellence in make great containers and they can be 22308-1300. We might publish horticulture. Botanical nomenclature in AMERICAN stacked to various depths. Placed around your letter in our" Members' HORTICULTURIST is based on HORTUS THIRD. seedlings, filled with stones (to boost heat Forum," or incorporate your National membership dues are $45; two years are $80. Foreign dues are $60. $12 of dues are designated for retention), and covered with plastic observations-with proper credit, AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST. Copyright © 1993 sheeting, they also make effective-if of course-in a future News Edition by the American Horticultural Society. Second-class postage paid at Alexandria, Virginia, and at additional ugly-coldframes. article. Let us know what works for mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send Form 3579 to Make socks for your pots. Scraps of you, in regard to recycling or any AMERICAN HORTICULTURIST, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. natural fibers, like cotton or linen, can be other topic, so we can share your cut into small pieces and fit into pots. The gardening knowledge with others. Produced in U.S.A. "socks" allow proper drainage and simplify removal when the time comes to transplant.

2. American Horticulturist. May 1993 Gardening With Someone Else's Trash

ecycling comes naturally to tions. "Chunkrete," an experimental mulch. Among the sources for wood gardeners. With a compost bin composite developed by the U.S. Forest chips are discarded furniture, condemned and perhaps a gray water system Service, consists of wood chunks suspended buildings, and diseased trees. Such (see page 5), our gardens can in a concrete matrix. It's lighter than con­ materials may be laden with plant transformR a large measure of household crete and better at dampening vibration. A diseases or contaminants like lead paint waste into beautiful, edible, and/or Canadian company is already marketing or varnish. If you plan to use chipped environmentally valuable plants. But the another composite, called "Woodcrete." wood waste in any quantity, it might be home garden is also the focus of a major Intended for use as an exterior tile, wise to ask your supplier where it comes industry, and gardeners represent a Woodcrete resembles fired clay, but it can from. And even clean chipped wood market for commercial forms of recycling be sawed and nailed. The manufacturer should not be worked into the soil, since too. Gardening products offer many says it's also a good insulator; it doesn't its decay will rob your plants of nitrogen. opportunities for incorporating recycled heat up readily in the sun. The soil itself presents recycling materials. A review of what's available Another structural material that may opportunities. Strictly speaking, any soil indicates that the field is promising, but much of the work is still tentative. What Are We Throwing Away? Where Is Our Waste Going? Recycling plastic and other petroleum derivatives is complicated. Despite the prevalence of plastic, it takes some look­ ing to find it in recycled form. The most important horticultural use of plastic is as PAPER. MO containers, and the industry is making PA.PE~o'(R.D 37.5 % modest but solid progress in recycling these (see page 4). Elsewhere, the picture is of a sparse but growing crop of applica­ tions. There are tree grates, compost bins, and rain barrels made of recycled plastic. f{Et(L~ 11.1 'to There is a soaker hose made from PLAHIU 11'.1'10 recycled tires. (Instead of spraying water, GLASS 6.7"(" a soaker hose "sweats" along its entire foob 6.7~ IAJC.WEIl.)..TIOtJ lI"{o length.) Another manufacturer is using l.)Oob '-~ "&, recycled plastic to make "bubble wrap" OI"!(E R I?~ '70 ExPoll.T 7'70 insulating tents for tomato plants. These developments are still too isolated to indicate a routine use of recycled plastic. eventually find a place in the landscape was amendment is a form of recycling, but But there is no doubt that other developed by Stanley Shetka, a professor at some amendments take the process applications will be found. Reclaimed Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. further than others. One technique, resin is being used to mold "plastic Shetka has found a way to produce a sort of developed by two University of Florida lumber," for instance. These plastic reconstituted wood, by mixing wastepaper researchers, incorporates a hammer­ boards might find a place in the and water, then squeezing the resulting milled confection of tires, glass, plastic, landscape, perhaps as an alternative to slurry. Shetka says his pressed paper and paper. An increasingly common treated wood. Used plastic is also being "bricks" can be produced from any type of amendment is sewage sludge. The sludge combined with scrap wood fiber to form papeJ; and that if properly coated they are is settled out of raw sewage, then heated an interesting set of composite materials. suitable for exterior use. to kill pathogens. Commercial growers These are still in the experimental stage, Probably the most important are adding composted sludge to both field but researchers foresee a broad range of horticultural application for recycled soils and container media, and sludge eventual uses, including packaging, wood is as mulch. Mulch may not sound compost is being used by home gardeners furniture, housing--even car parts. like a glamor product, but for companies as well. Despite its appeal as a recycling It's easier to find garden products made processing wood and some other plant strategy, this approach has a serious of recycled wood fiber. You can buy materials, mulch has transformed trash liability: sludge frequently contains heavy mulching paper made entirely from into profit. In Hershey, Pennsylvania, for metals, which are toxic to both plants recycled fiber or planters made from instance, the Hershey Foods Corporation and animals. At present, it is difficult to artificial "boards"-a "reclaimed wood sells cocoa hulls as mulch. (The hulls evaluate the risks of using sludge product" that looks like ordinary wood. smell faintly of chocolate, perhaps compost. Permissible levels of metal con­ Wood waste is being combined with making them an ill-advised choice for tamination vary from state to state, and concrete to form another set of composites dieters.) Most mulch, of course, comes few states require producers to indicate that are likely to have landscaping applica- from wood, but not all wood makes good the metals content of their compost.

American Horticulturist· May 1993 + 3 A Proliferation of Plastic Pots

f you have been gardening for more it. " PRS handles pots, flats, packs, plug big greenhouses and wholesalers east of than a couple of seasons, you are tra ys, "and everything in between.". the Mississippi. He says he has to spend probably facing the plastic pot di­ Bonnett explains that he is an "interme­ most of his time selling them on the sys­ I lemma: what are you supposed to do diate processor," which means that he tem- convincing them that recycling is with the piles of containers that clog your doesn't actually make new pots from old. worth their time. He started his business storage shed? It's a shame to throw them Instead, he cleans and sorts the used in October 1990, and now has 12 full­ away, but there's no reason to keep more material according to type of plastic, then time employees. Last year, PRS handled on hand than your nursery does. The next grinds it and ships it back to manufactur­ 1.2 million pounds of plastic. This year's time you buy plants, make a point of ask­ ers. For the manufacturers it's a good deal: target is three million pounds. That may ing your growers if they will take the pots PRS's product is consistently cheaper than sound like a lot, but Bonnett estimates back for reuse. If they hear the suggestion virgin plastic. Bonnett says his own that horticulture produces some 350 often enough, they may start saying "yes." margin has suffered from the recession, million pounds of plastic a year. "So far," Some nurseries have already discovered but he is optimistic about this year. he says, "we're not even at 1 percent of that taking back pots makes good economic Bonnett collects most of his pots from the industry." sense. Last year, for instance, AI 's Fruit and Shrub Center in Woodburn, Oregon, established a drop-off depot for unwanted Packing in the Plastic Peanut pots. During the nursery's busiest period, from March through June, customers If you've ever ordered plants-or anything ing shredded newspaper and popcorn, brought in about $70 worth of usable pots else-through the mail, you've probably before settling on Curlpak. So far, the daily. But the system isn't perfect. About 30 harvested a crop of polystyrene "peanuts." company is happy with its choice. percent of the material returned proved Sturdy shock absorbers and as light as Curlpak is somewhat heavier than styro­ unusable and was trucked off to a landfill. gossamer, the peanuts have become foam, so shipping costs have risen. On Disposal costs averaged $3 for every $70 standard in the mail-order industry. But the other hand, consumers are unpacking worth of good pots returned. critics call them a poor packaging choice something they can use: Wayside suggests Susanne Foster, a Washington State because they're made from a nonrenew­ that you compost Curipak, use it as pet horticulturist and retired nursery owner, has able resource-petroleum-and they don't bedding, or start the barbecue with it. taken this approach a step further, by decompose naturally. Smith & Hawken of Mill Valley, setting up a regional pot collection program Nevertheless, the Polystyrene Packaging California, a mail-order retailer that sells in Seattle. A $4,500 grant from the city Council, an industry advocacy group in bulbs and gardening supplies, switched to allowed Foster and a coalition of industry Washington, D.C., claims environmental pellets made primarily from cornstarch. groups to organize three "Plant Pot Drop merit for the styro-goober. The council The pellets, called "Eco-Foam," look like Spots" during a one-day collection drive says that polystyrene packaging accounts the peanuts they are intended to replace. last September. Volunteers sorted the for less than 2 percent by volume of Smith & Hawken says the only ingredient thousands of pots that consumers brought municipal solid waste and that polystyrene besides cornstarch is polyvinyl alcohol, a in. About 75 percent of the collection, or can be recycled. In 1989, major manufactur­ nontoxic sizing agent that makes up 5 six to eight tons, was reusable. A dozen ers set up a recycling cooperative for percent or less of the product'S content. local nurseries retrieved the good pots and reprocessing used polystyrene, mainly Eco-Foam can be composted, and it the rest were trucked off to be ground up into durable plastic goods. Thus far, the dissolves in water with uncanny speed. Its and recycled. The grant will cover another cooperative is active in 40 states. Of solubility makes it easy to dispose of- just pot drop day this June, after which further course the peanuts can simply be reused, don't unwrap any wet packages on the car­ funding will have to be found. Foster is and a network of mailing services pet. The company hopes that improvements encouraged by both consumer and industry throughout the country is accepting them in manufacturing will soon allow the response thus far. "I would like to see it for that purpose. The network has over production of pure cornstarch pellets. established as an annual event," she says. 2,500 collection points. Stranger still is the oat starch foam Such programs are a good start, but A few nurseries have decided it would being developed by a contractor for the nurseries and home gardeners alike are be simpler to dump the goober and pack Canadian Department of Agriculture. The still dumping mountains of plastic pots with something that doesn't require such foam is edible and may eventually double into landfills. Getting more of this a complex recycling process. Last fall, as a snack food. material mtOthe recycling loop is the task Wayside Gardens in Hodges, South that Dick Bonnett has set himself. Bonnett Carolina, started using a material If your nurseries still pack with the peanut owns Plastic Recycling Services (PRS) in trademarked "Curlpak." Made of paper­ you might ask them to consider alternatives. Parkersburg, West Virginia, the only thin wood shavings, Curlpak is produced Peanuts you've already acquired can be recycling company dealing exclusively entirely from waste wood, which would unloaded into the mailing service network with horticultural plastic. "If you can put otherwise be clogging a landfill. Wayside mentioned above. Call (800) 828-2214 for a plant in it," Bonnett says, "I can recycle reviewed several other possibilities, includ- the nearest collection point.

4 • American Horticulturist· May 1993 Hooking the Washer up to the Landscape

re you letting a valuable reality: many people are using gray water resource run down the drain? illegally. Many gardeners have started Is your house built on a slab founda­ A piping some of their used house­ tion? If it is, then most of your plumbing hold water into the landscape instead of probably drains into pipes below the slab, letting it run into the sewer. If you live in and these will not be accessible to the a drought-prone area or if you pay a system. You will probably be limited to re­ water bill, using this "gray water" could using water from your washing machine, save you money. Even if you have your , but that option is still worth pursuing. own well, gray watering could reduce Do you use a water softener? In general, your household's environmental impact. it's not a good idea to reuse artificially soft­ Gray water is any household waste ened water because most softeners contain water except for what is flushed down the sodium chloride that may damage the soil. toilet (that's "black water"). But of Do you know how to keep your soil course, there are varying shades of gray. healthy? Your soil must do more than just Water from the kitchen sink, for instance, filter the gray water: it must have microbe is usually excluded from gray water populations high enough to consume systems because it's too greasy. But water impurities and kill any pathogens. So if from the washing machine (provided you you just tore up a concrete slab to make a are not washing diapers) or the bathtub lawn, you should probably wait a while might find a second use outdoors. before setting up a gray water system. The average American household And once the system is in place, you will produces a veritable river of gray water. have to watch the soil pH (high pH may Art Ludwig, the owner of Oasis indicate sodium buildup) and the soil Biocompatible Products, a supplier of This rain barrel doubles as an overflow structure (gray water may make gray water-compatible cleaners, estimates drum for washing machine gray water. additional loam necessary). residential gray water production at 20 to Are your plants suited to gray water? 40 gallons per person per day. In personal into the ground immediately; gray water Because it may contain pathogens, gray terms, that means that your own private may contain pathogens and should never water should not be used in vegetable run-off could slake the thirst of four be stored. It prevents water from backing gardens, although it can be used on fruit mature fruit trees or a dozen shrubs. up into the system. (The overflow drum trees. The possibility of contamination Gray water systems vary in complexity does this; pump systems would also need also means that you can't distribute it from pressurized, nanofiltered setups to a check valve on the line leading from the with a sprinkler, so you can't gray water hose and bucket brigades. For newcomers pump.) And the system can be turned your lawn. And acid-loving plants, such to the field, Ludwig recommends a simple off-that is, the water can be diverted as rhododendrons, ferns, or hydrangeas, technique for reusing washing machine into the regular sewer or septic line, in generally don't love gray water, which water, which he regards as the most this case by switching hoses on the washer. tends to be alkaline. Gray water works readily available gray water source. In its Gray water can be an important asset, best with trees and ornamentals that like ideal form, the system involves running a but you can't do it halfway. The follow­ alkaline soils. hose from the washing machine through ing questions should help you decide Finally, are you prepared to be very an exterior wall and into a plastic whether it would work for you. careful about what you pour down the overflow drum. Another hose would run Is gray water use legal in your area? drain? You will have to avoid cleaners from the base of the drum to a mulch Plumbing codes have tended to classify all with such harmful ingredients as chlorine, basin, where the water would soak into household waste water as raw sewage. borax, or boron-or turn off your system the soil. For such a system to work, the But water shortages, particularly in the when you use them. mulch basin has to be downhill from the West, are forcing revisions. In July, the drum, although Ludwig says the drum California legislature will legalize gray A manual on gray water and a selection can be up to five feet higher than the water throughout that state, although of gray water-compatible cleaners are washing machine. If gravity is on your municipal governments can still enact available from Oasis Biocompatible side, you could probably be gray water­ local bans. And next year, gray water Products, 1020 Veronica Springs Road, ing for under $100. If it isn't, you will guidelines will be included in the Uniform Santa Barbara, CA 93105-4532, (805) need a sump pump, but the system would Plumbing Code, which means they could 682-3449. The manual costs $4. Robert probably still cost less than $250. be adopted by 22 western states. In the Kourik has also written a useful gray This arrangement is simple, but it still East, the law is generally less favorable to water manual; it is available for $ 6 from demonstrates three features essential to gray watering. But this is one of those Edible Publications, P.O. Box 1841, any gray water system. It gets the water areas where the law lags behind social Santa Rosa, CA 95402.

American Horticulturist • May 1993 . 5 Give Your Garden the Latest News

very week, you bundle up your plants in order to finish their composting newspapers and drop them off at job. "Even after compost appears to have a recycling station. That's the finished," Keyser adds, "we recommend Ebest retirement plan for your old that people allow it to cure for about a reading, right? Not necessarily. Recycling month if they plan to use it as a soil might be robbing you of valuable top soil. amendment. Of course you can use it Newspaper recycling programs still have immediately as a mulch." a long way to go, which is not surprising And newspaper is proving to be an since over a third of the entire municipal excellent mulch. Two years of testing at waste stream is made up of paper (see Ohio State University showed shredded chart on page 3). Thus far, programs have newspaper to be as effective as wheat been hampered by the glut of waste, a straw in retaining soil moisture and bottleneck in the deployment of recycling suppressing weeds. The paper degraded technology, and the higher cost of well, and crop yields were actually recycled paper. Instead of sending your slightly higher than with the straw mulch. newspapers off into this congested ::; Research at the University of Vermont 8CD recycling stream, you might divert them W showed chopped newspaper, sandwiched II: into the garden. II:o between layers of plastic sheeting, to be o as effective at moderating winter tempera­ Some gardeners are "recycling" news­ UJ ~ paper by using it as compost or mulch. w tures as straw or microfoam used in the The paper itself is mainly just cellulose a.z same manner. Shredded paper does have ill and lignin, which makes it an excellent II: one disadvantage as a mulch: it's mobile. CJ source of carbon, the main organic o But you can prevent the wind from constituent of soil. Over half of our solid waste still ends up undoing your work by soaking the paper. But others worry about the health effects in landfills. Some researchers are looking at more of toxic materials present in newsprint ink. unusual ways of growing with newsprint. Some colored inks contain heavy metals, grown in peat. And the highest recorded At the U.S. Department of Agriculture's like barium, manganese, lead, and cobalt. level still fell well within the exposure Soil Dynamics Lab in Auburn, Alabama, In sufficient concentrations these are danger­ standards set by the U.S. Occupational for instance, scientists are using newsprint ous to both plants and animals, but the Safety and Health Administration. to compensate for the hard clay subsoils occasional cartoon strip is not likely to If you want to start putting your paper characteristic of the Southeast. By filling poison your compost heap. As the editors in the garden, the simplest approach is to four-foot deep trenches with a mixture of of the 1992 Rodale Book of Composting chop it up thoroughly and dump it into 50 percent soil, 40 percent shredded news­ put it, "If only a few colored-ink items are the compost. You can send it through a paper, and 10 percent chicken litter, the mixed in with newsprint, there should be chipper/shredder or just attack it with a scientists create enormous subterranean no cause for concern." In any case, most large knife. Either way, make sure the job "sponges." Each foot of depth stores the newspapers have switched from is thorough, because intact sheets of equivalent of an inch of rain. metal-based to soy-based inks for their paper are pretty inert and you'll end up At the University of Minnesota, wood sci­ color printing, according to Danny Collins, with a landfill instead of a compost heap. ence professor Elmer Schmidt has worked production manager for the Raleigh, North Once the paper is cut up, it can be out a system for growing oyster mushrooms Carolina, News and Observer newspaper treated as you would treat leaf litter or (Pleurotus spp.) on bales of newspaper. (see sidebar on page 7). You might find out any other dry, high-carbon organic. The (See "Members' Forum," American what type of ink your local newspaper uses trick is to "cook" it by adding high­ Horticulturist News Edition, May 1991.) for color printing, or you could skirt the nitrogen material, such as table scraps, Schmidt began researching the idea in problem entirely by excluding colored grass clippings, or manure. (Chicken ma­ 1990, by showing that it's possible to newsprint from the compost. nure is especially good for this.) Nitrogen raise the mushrooms in four to six weeks A group of carcinogens, the polycyclic is important because it's the other main on bales of shredded newspaper. He is aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), occurs in nutrient for the microorganisms at work currently trying to determine yields and both black and colored inks. But a study in your heap. Joseph Keyser, who directs costs of production. Since the mushrooms done for the Maine Waste Management the composting program at AHS, explains digest the cellulose and lignin in the Agency in 1991 concluded that PAH that a lack of nitrogen will prevent the newsprint, the used bale should compost levels in newsprint ink are too low to carbon-rich material from breaking more readily-a possibility Schmidt also pose a health risk. The study found that down. If you add compost like that to the plans to test. Schmidt says the system wheat grown in newspaper compost had soil, Keyser says, you will actually deprive may be suitable for the home gardener, only slightly higher PAH levels than the your plants of nutrients because soil and he reports that the newspaper "background" levels observed in wheat microbes will "steal" nitrogen from the mushrooms taste fine.

6 + American Horticulturist. May 1993 Community Compost Pioneers

aren Summers, hotticulturist at the Cloister on Sea Island, Georgia, had a problem: what K to do with the yard and garden trimmings her work crews were collecting from hundreds of private homes and cottages on the island resort, its two golf courses, and the sprawling hotel and recreational complex itself. Transporting the trimmings to a mainland landfill, she knew, would be prohibitively expensive. The solution, of course, was composting -recycling those nutrient-rich materials into mulches and soil amendments for the Cloister's award-winning gardens. The approach Summers eventually took to composting is just one among many being used by private institutions, farms, municipalities, arboreta, and other groups around the country that are turning to composting as a cost-effective­ Usable material being screened out of the Cloister's finished compost. and even profitable-environmental alternative to landfilling and incineration. Reduction Services (VRs) of Jacksonville, tion, while screening already-composted With approximately 20 percent of the Florida, provided the answer. In early windrows for usable materials. After solid waste stream made up of yard 1993, Summers began working with Carl grinding everything on location, VRs trimmings (grass, leaves, and brush), a Dalton, manager of VRs, under a lease departed for another client's location, to figure that frequently jumps to 25 to 50 arrangement that brought several return in about a year's time to repeat the percent during active growing seasons, expensive pieces of composting equip­ composting process. local and state agencies view composting ment (tub grinders, loaders, and trammel The Sea Island program is adaptable by as an important element in their overall mills) to a centralized site a mile across a towns and counties across the country recycling programs. causeway on St. Simon's Island. There, who simply cannot afford a large capital Sea Island, as a private concern, was for several weeks, VRs personnel ground investment. The VRs equipment alone limited in the space and capital that could the piles of trimmings accumulated by would have cost close to $600,000. be invested in an ongoing program. An Summers' work crews, arranged them in Composting programs employed by innovative relationship with Volume long piles, or windrows, for decomposi- other communities and groups vary according to population, budgetary factors, geographic location, and type of materials on hand. Some jurisdictions, like Montgomery County in Maryland, Today's News, Tomorrow's Mulch have committed significant resources to developing a large-scale composting In a novel approach to recycling, the own. So far the mulch is not making a program capable of easily accepting over Raleigh, North Carolina, News and profit. Last year, the program took in 100,000 tons of yard and garden Observer has been offering its back about $40,000 but spent about trimmings and producing a highly valued issues as mulch. The News and $200,000, according to Danny compost product marketed as Leaf-gro. Observer collects subscribers' used Collins, the paper's production Their flagship Dickerson Composting papers, then returns them, shredded manager. But that hasn't stopped the Facility is a 270- acre site with a 47-acre and baled, to local gardeners, or to paper from expanding its program, asphalt pad where a host of specialized anyone else who is interested, for one and Collins hopes to break even equipment is used to turn and shred dollar per bale. The program saves eventually. The News and Observer materials on a weekly basis, as well as space at local landfills, and that saves recently opened a new recycling center screening, curing, and drying the product. the city money. But these savings have and expects to redistribute 14 percent Montgomery County has further estab­ not been passed on to the paper, which of its total newsprint consumption lished a full-scale approach that includes has been funding the project on its this year. home composting initiatives and free community compost bins for townhouse developments. Continued on page 8

American H orticulturist· May 1993 • 7 a private contractor, which uses it to pro­ nutrients and pesticides. If a surplus Recycling Continued from page 7 duce varied grades of mulch. Separating exists, the farmer also has the option of out woody materials requires only a reselling compost back to parks depart­ Smaller communities like Wellesley, modest amount of space and a tub ments or private contractors. Massachusetts, use a simple approach grinder (a large chipper with a rotating Community and large-scale composting that requires less up-front investment and hopper), which is frequently portable. in many ways mirrors the experience of effort. Residential yard trimmings are Many smaller institutions, such as the the home com poster, whose expenses can simply organized into windrows using a University of Pennsylvania, rent these be great or little, and whose investment of front-end loader and bulldozer and are flatbed-mounted units for seasonal use. time and effort can pay for itself in a rich, turned once a year. The finished product Chipped brush produces very little odor, finely screened product-or in a simple is made available to area residents for requires no turning, and, when made mulch. Regardless of the size of the opera­ their gardens. available to the public, is frequently tion, the essential fact is that composting In Davis, California, only leaves are picked up as soon as it is generated. This is the oldest and most significant form of collected-which eliminates concerns is now one of the most common recycling. -Joseph M. Keyser about odors and nitrate run-off from "disposal" methods for Christmas trees. AHS Director of Programs "green" materials-and windrowed with One of the most ingenious arrange­ front-end loaders. As in Wellesley and ments being developed across the country many other communities, the finished involves urban-rural partnerships where Kids and Composting material is provided to residents for free, farmers charge a modest amount per which city officials view as an excellent truck to pick up leaves from urban and Educators around the country are devel­ public relations gesture. suburban areas. Using conventional oping curricula to introduce children to Another common solution is a public­ agricultural equipment, the farmer blends composting in connection with recycling private venture. This spares municipalities the high-carbon materials with nitrogen­ or gardening education programs. the cost of processing materials while al­ rich manure, producing a natural Large programs may be established by lowing the compost contractor to generate compost product for his fields. The a state for all its schools, as Mississippi is revenues by producing a high-quality compost added to the soil will effectively doing, or developed by independent product. Some of these contractors are retain moisture and nutrients, reduce soil school districts, as Burlington, Vermont, area nurseries, which are their own best erosion, and curtail the contamination of started to do a few years ago. market for the composted materials. West­ water sources through leaching and run­ But there are plenty of opportunities field, New Jersey, separates brush and off. This compost-enriched soil will also for teachers to create their own projects. woody material from their other yard improve crop health and yields, enhance A four-page overview of activities, "Kids trimmings and sends it to a facility the soil's nutrient-efficiency, and reduce and Composting," can be obtained from managed by Alternative Disposal Systems, the farmer's dependency on synthetic Gardener's Supply Company, 128 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT 05402. An environmental experiment kit VIrtues of the Unloved and Obscure designed to teach students about biodegradability is available in limited Scientists and gardeners alike are finding deforested parts of the developing world. quantities from the Keyes Fibre new uses for some unlikely plants. Also called the fetid wild pumpkin, Company. This kit has been approved by Invasive weeds, if they decompose Cucurbita foetidissima is native to the the National Science Teachers Association quickly, are an unending source of American Southwest. Its large taproot can and is free if requested on school composting material. Some gardeners be dried and burned. The root burns stationery. Write to Chinet Environmental have found a gold mine of sorts in kudzu cleaner than wood and more slowly, Experiment, Department Compost, P.O. (Pueraria lobata), the exotic vine that is which makes it a more efficient fuel, Box 290, Holmdel, NJ 07733. Include a choking parts of the Southeast. according to Wayne Bragg and Gene street address and daytime phone number. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Shultz, the rwo scientists behind the idea. A compilation of classroom activities in­ is another invasive exotic that clogs Shultz and Bragg have formed an volving recycling, composting, and soil waterways in the deep South. Dried and organization, Enable International, to science is the recently released Worms Eat chopped, it can be used as a soil advocate the use of root fuels in the Our Garbage, by Mary Appelhof and amendment, instead of peat. Water developing world. If you're in the market others. Worms takes students in grades 4 hyacinth is (regrettably) a renewable for firewood, you might try it yourself. to 8 on a tour through the living surface resource, but there is controversy over the of our world, bringing into play topics effect that peat harvesting has on bogs. Seeds of the buffalo gourd can be ordered ranging from ecology to mathematics to Another substitute for peat is chopped, from Native Seeds/SEARCH, 2509 North vermicomposting and on through composted alfalfa. You might not want to Campbell Avenue, #325, Tucson, AZ hundreds of activities and experiments. It set aside space to grow alfalfa, but if you 85719, (602) 327-9123. Contact Enable includes resource materials and teachers' live in an agricultural area, you could buy International at 1 South Elsah Hills guidelines. Worms Eat Our Garbage is some-it will be a lot cheaper than peat. Road, Elsah, IL 62028. If you don't have available for $19.95 (plus $2 shipping) The root of the buffalo gourd is being a local source for kudzu or water from Flower Press, 10332 Shaver Road, promoted as a substitute for wood fuel in hyacinth, consider yourself lucky. Kalamazoo, MI 49002. -J. M. K.

8 + American Horticulturist. May 1993 ~------C THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

«:> THE WALT DI SNEY COMPANY C THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 1993 ANNUAL MEETING. OCTOBER 8TO 11

DISNEY'S VILLAGE RESORT £. EPCOT®Center will be our living classroom during D Yes! I'm interested in attending the 1993 Annual Meeting LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA the "Gardens of the World" Program. Horticulturists at Disney's Village Resort. will highlight specific plants and gardening techniques D I'm interested in information about the AHS Young Our Annual Meeting is AHS's event of the year, when and explore the importance of landscape themes People's Program at the Annual Meeting. we honor our Annual Award winners, undisputed lead­ during this 3Y2-hour walking field trip. Name: ers in horticulture from across the country. Chosen for Address : high achievement in plant breeding and development, £. During "Planting Ideas: The Art and Science of landscape design, horticultural therapy, communica­ Gardening atthe WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort," we'll City: ------tions, plant conservation, and new technologies, this explore the 120-acre WALT DISNEY WORLD Nursery State: ------year's winners will present a series of lectures during and Tree Farm for an up-close look at the extensive Zip: ------our 48th Annual Meeting at Disney's Village Resort. horticultural operations at MAGIC KINGDOM®Park. Daytime Phone: ______

Our 1993 Program, designed especially for AHS mem- We expect agreat deal of interest in this year's Annual m bers, also includes two special horticultural tours at the Meeting. If you're planning to attend, please fill out MAIL TO: 1993 AHS Annual Meeting, Dept. N, 79 31 WALT DISNEY WORLD®Resort the coupon at right and mail it as soon as possible. East Boulevard Drive, Alexandrio, VA 22308-1300.

American Horticulturist· May 1993 + 9 Gardeners' Q&A .

include: Japonica Nursery, P.O. Box 236, tion directory. This resource puts at your Q: Can you suggest low-growing Larchmont, NY 10538; Kitazawa Seed fingertips comprehensive state-by-state evergreen plants to use as ground covers Company, 1748 Laine Street, Santa listings of key public and private conser­ on top of a sandmound septic system? Clara, CA 95051-3012; and Tsang and vation organizations. Call the CPC at T. D., Ambler, Pennsylvania Ma International, 1556 Laurel Street, San (314) 577-9450 with specific questions or Carlos, CA 94070. to order a copy of the directory send $15 A: A wide range of landscape effects An oriental seed catalog (written in to: Center for Plant Conservation, can be achieved with ground covers, English and Chinese) is available for $2 Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, perennials, and/or shrubs in a sandy, from Sunrise Enterprises, P.O. Box St. Louis, MO 63166. damp situation such as this. Moneywort 330058, West Hartford, CT 06133-0058. (Lysimachia nummularia) is a ground Sunrise also has a series of instruction Q: Is there a green manure crop I can cover that adapts easily to moist, sandy sheets for growing and cooking their wide plant in early summer to plow under in sites, creating a one- to two-inch green range of vegetables. Another bilingual August for a cool weather planting? carpet. It has bright yellow flowers in catalog is put out by Evergreen YH. E. R., Kansas City, Kansas summer and grows from Zones 4 to 8. A Enterprises, P.O. Box 17538, Anaheim, gardener's evergreen mainstay, Liriope CA 92817-7538. This company has a A: Green manures are an excellent muscari, could be combined with the broad selection of seeds and many alternative to more common soil moneywort for foliage contrast. Liriope helpful books. amendments, even in smaller gardens. has grasslike foliage up to 18 inches tall To locate specific vegetable types, Spring-planted crops that work well for and produces lilac flowers in summer. consult the Complete Vegetable plowing under late in the growing season Creeping St. John's-wort (Hypericum Gardener's Sourcebook by Duane will supress weed growth, slow erosion, calycinum) is another low-growing Newcomb and Karen Newcomb, and prevent excessive leaching. evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial (Prentice Hall, 1989). Grow Your Own Agricultural mustards (Brassica spp.) fit that would add an element of interest. Chinese Vegetables, by Geri Harrington, into this category of green manures, and Generally not growing above 12 inches, has helpful information on locating, have the added benefit of pulling minerals St. John's-wort roots wherever branches growing, and cooking oriental vegetables. to the soil surface with their deep touch the ground. This tough plant It is available from Garden Way taproots. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum produces yellow flowers from summer to Publishing, Pownal, VT 05261. esculentum) will accumulate phosphorus frost and grows from Zones 6 to 9. for use by later planted vegetables. A low-growing densely branched shrub Q: How can I get a list of endangered Annual rye grass (Secale cereale) is such as Cotoneaster dammeri would plants in my state? another cover crop suitable for planting rapidly provide a more durable evergreen M. S., Schenectady, New York in the spring. cover not more than one foot high. Leguminous green manures suitable for Showy red berries last from summer into A: As gardeners' concerns for native spring planting will fix nitrogen in the soil, winter. This cotoneaster is hardy in Zones plant (and animal) habitats continue to making it available to subsequent plantings. 5 to 8. Another shrub, winter jasmine grow, it is reassuring to find that more The widely adaptable (and edible) bell bean Uasminum nudiflorum), can form a information on conservation is being (Vicia faba) will tolerate diverse soil mound up to 10 feet high, but generally compiled by a variety of organizations. conditions, while alfalfa (Medicago sativa) will flop over, spreading green stems with The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will needs a well-drained, neutral soil. The red yellow winter flowers. It is hardy from send a free endangered wildlife handbook clover (Trifolium repens) is a fast grower, Zones 6 to 9. including 12 pages on plants at risk. For also needing a well drained soil. Alsike Finally, there are many suitable this publication write to the U.S. Fish and clover (T. hybridum) is more tolerant of clump-forming grasses and sedges that Wildlife Service, Publications Unit, 4401 heavy, wet, acid soil. might be perfect turf substitutes over the North Fairfax Drive, 130WEB, Arlington, When growing these spring-sown green sandmound. Ribbon-grass (Phalaris VA 22203 or call (703) 358-1711. For manures, it is important to till the soil arundinacea picta) is a spreading answers to specific questions, write to the deeply, breaking clumps into a fine perennial grass that grows to 3 feet and is Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of texture. All of the above selections should hardy from Zones 4 to 9. Bowles golden Endangered Species at 4401 North be allowed to grow to their pre-bloom sedge (Carex elata 'Aurea') has golden Fairfax Drive, Room 452, Arlington, VA stage, roughly until they are four to six yellow leaves and brown flower spikes to 22203, or call (703) 358-2171. inches tall. At this point the crop should 16 inches in spring. This sedge is hardy The Natural Heritage Program for each be turned over and mixed into the soil. from Zones 5 to 9. state is overseen by the Nature Cool weather crops that will benefit from Conservancy, headq uartered at 1815 the improved nitrogen and organic matter Q: I like to cook Asian dishes and North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209. in the soil can then be planted. Good fall would like to start growing more of the To tap into the Nature Conservancy's vegetable selections include cauliflower, ingredients. Can you suggest some resources on endangered plants, call the lettuce, turnips, and broccoli, just to sources for oriental vegetables? headquarters at (703) 841-5361 and ask name a few. C. A, Washington, D.C. how to get in touch with your state's Ecology Action, at 5798 Ridgewood Natural Heritage Program. (The New Road, Willitis, CA 95490, includes other A: Many of the popular seed catalogs York number is (518) 783-3932). green manure crops in its FalllWinter listing all types of garden plants offer at Finally, the Center for Plant Conserva­ Bountiful Gardens Newsletter. least a few selections of oriental vegeta­ tion at the Missouri Botanical Garden in -David Wagoner bles. Suppliers having a broader selection St. Louis has compiled a plant conserva- AHS Horticultural Intern

10. American Horticulturist· May 1993 Children's Gardens Take Shape at River Fann

highlight of our National children to take charge and design their encourage children to play, dream, Children's Symposium in own garden spaces." Three groups of explore, discover, and fully use all of their August will be a tour of the 13 area school children have designed three senses. They have been designed with a specially designed children's gardens for this project: a butterfly 'please touch, taste, smell, feel, and listen' Agardens now beginning to take shape in garden, a Persian carpet garden, and a attitude." the two-acre demonstration garden area rainbow garden. Local elementary and Pearson, of Pearson Design Associates, at the American Horticultural Society's high school students are working along­ coordinated the gardens portion of the River Farm headquarters. side professional designers and AHS staff 1992 Decorator Showhouse at River Maureen Heffernan, AHS education and interns to install the gardens. Farm. She encouraged landscape coordinator, and Connie Pearson, a professionals to participate in this new northern Virginia garden designer, project by noting that baby boomers are launched the design project in September. "These gardens will adding gardening pursuits to their other All symposium participants will see the family and home-based projects. "The gardens during a lunch-time visit August gardens will be a natural forum for profes­ 14, the final day ofthe three-day event. encourage children to play, sionals to show wonderful opportunities Heffernan hopes that the gardens will be to these family markets." visited- and played in- by hundreds of dream, explore, discover, Yet it was clear from the comments children and their parents this spring and that designers made about their projects summer, while River Farm is open on and fully use all of their , that their inspiration went far beyond weekends (see page 14). The gardens are marketing potential. They- along with senses." -Maureen Heffernan to be completed June 1, with an official the teachers, volunteers, and donors opening day June 19, and are to remain involved with the project- dearly believe in place through late October. it is essential for all children to be given The goal is to inspire parents, grand­ "The American Horticultural Society beautiful, enchanting, mysterious, and parents, professional garden designers, believes that if we are to ensure future intellectually stimulating natural play and educators, and others to accommodate generations of gardening enthusiasts, it study areas. Some of their comments, and children's interest in nature and need to is essential to interest children in their designs, appear on this and the next be among plants. "Better yet," said horticulture when they are quite young," three pages. Look for others in our July Heffernan, "we hope they will get the Heffernan notes. "These gardens will and September News Editions. Thomas Arnold's Colonial Sundial Garden

"A child's garden is not just a place to plant things," says Thomas F. Arnold of Landscape Design, Ltd., in Alexandria, Virginia. "It is a place to go, and to stay awhile."

I '\'. !QEDI ~

- Thomas Arnold in neat rows. " -~- :- -~~ > .. .,:;.~ o . . . , 70 5 \ :;;...... Arnold observed that most garden ~ \ ~~ books in the children's section of the ~ ~" j] library encourage the child to make a ~ T " \/ .."? vegetable garden- one you can see down § LOW' { 2·weather vane, thermometers, and a simple general structure of the planting weather, a gardener's close companion for rain gauge. arrangements will reflect the period when good or ill, came to mind. Visitors to his Two benches will let them admire George Washington owned River Farm. children's garden will enter through a stile sunflowers- in keeping with the theme­ Even leaving the garden will be fun, and will experience the weather from a or see themselves reflected in "gazing through a "great gourd and bean tunnel. "

America n Horticulturist • May 1993 .11 The Grove, FromDLM

"A place to hide and not be seen! " "A tree to climb and to sit under! " "N o grass and not too many places where yo u can't walk. " "A bridge to a magic place! " "A rock or soft ground to sit on ... no benches!" "Something to tunnel under or hide behind." These were some of the comments that Emily Davidson, Andrea Lybecker, and £.F"/·¥ r~ • ¥&II.0 t

"Children need beautiful, private spaces where they

fr::eH~_h~~ I Jt1 can have their own ~ l w!:,? " I

nature. " -DLM Designs

The Grove is designed to provide parents with ideas they can incorporate in a small area of their property, whether in a new development with only a few small pines or trees on each lot, or an older suburban back yard filled with large welcomed by the sound of wind chimes opportunities to garden with friends and shade trees, overgrown shrubs, and some to an area enclosed by pines, a multi­ relatives, or guided educational nature weeds in the back corners. stemmed flowering tree such as crape tours," write the designers. "They also The garden area will include a meadow myrtle, and medium-sized evergreen need beautiful, private spaces where they of fl owers, a butterfly bush, tall grasses shrubs. A rock ledge will invite leaning; a can have their own personal experiences that will move in the wind, and a "creek" floor of pine straw will be a soft and with nature. These intimate encounters of rippling liriope. Visitors will walk fragrant place to sit. will inform their imaginations, teach down a steppingstone path and cross a "The Grove reflects our belief that them to honor nature, and inspire them bridge to the Grove itself. They will be children need more than swing sets, or to ere a te the green groves of tomorrow."

~ond box bench , 6", 6" g.c . timber 12" jq II J .r- HemerCCG!!i5 ~Guntiful ',lui !c'j I // ,-- ~ edlml :'.utmn Joy ' / J 1-8:- ick po ·,' er::i and sod \ - Astpr 'Moench' i I \', I

. ~ seasonal nnnliah Cymhopagan citra tus Hel ianthu5 ''MOIlIlloth' ...... c""~ .:::N--.. -__ ,r, i reo :Anthony Waterer ' edging af cabb.les. tree sections RIJ to QraVeQ I ens

TURI' MAZE '.' Apgtg§gq rtJS (lnrmp.rl y Brnnlnsnurtl'i) " " MQr~s ~! be 'ChcpcrrlJ! I " I _ 'ipnsnnn I .nnniin I 'i " L ~hp i /Ti rnlmnt lll Buddleia 'Nanna Purple' . - F'enn isetum alopeclJro ides

12 • American H orticulturist • May 1993 6U"''''OI-J OU!:>H SWAMI' eo,!:.

SWAMP AZ.AL.I>A

:,c..AL.I>: ~6"-I'-O"

other native plants. Children can and maintain the pond. The students, Kibbe Turner's follow the sound of a waterfall across a who designed and built an ecosystem in bridge over a running stream. The path their school's courtyard in 1992, brought Discovery Pond will lead them past marsh flowers and their own perspective and experience to bushes they can touch and examine, to the project. One wanted to "give children H. Kibbe Turner of Wildlife Habitats in the "Discovery Raft," a moored float that a chance to meet Mother Nature face to Gaithersburg, Maryland, has designed a provides access to pond animals, such as face." Another hopes visitors will "experi­ Children's Discovery Pond to introduce snails, fish, turtles, and crayfish. The ence new things like eating cattail roots," children of all ages to a vital, thriving Discovery Raft's two observation tanks and yet another suggested placing lights pond environment-a mini-ecosystem will allow hands-on contact with the at the bottom of the open water pond, designed to appeal to all five senses. pond's inhabitants. both to illuminate it and to keep raccoons A path of stepping stones will lead Five students from Project Achieve­ away from its inhabitants. visitors from an "Activity Landing" ment, an after-school program at Carl The students recorded an audio tape of into marshland, where they will find Sandburg Intermediate in Alexandria, marsh sounds to play for visitors, and themselves surrounded by cattails and Virginia, are helping to plan, construct, will perform skits on the Activity Landing. John Snitzer's Imagination Garden

John Snitzer, of Snitzer Landscaping in His garden will have three sections. A between predator and prey when ladybug Dickerson, Maryland, believes we will sandbox, overlooked by a dinosaur, will beetles arrive among the aphid population bring children into the garden by contain plants, shells, and driftwood on the new growth of Spiraea 'Anthony capturing their imaginations and giving pieces to examine, and tools for digging. them opportunities for creative play and The "Teepee Tree" will offer a more con­ learning. "Once they are there, we can templative location, under the branches surround them with plants and give them of a weeping mulberry. Connecting them "A garden is a natural a window on nature," he says. will be a maze of turf and brick pavers, Snitzer is careful to make a distinction suitable to become imaginary highways place. A playground is a between a garden play area and a or a game board. From either the sand­ playground. "A garden is a natural box or the maze, children will be able to space imposed upon the place," he observes. "A playground is a crawl through a foliage tunnel. -John Snitzer space imposed upon the land. In a "In a very small space," says Snitzer, "a land." garden, the materials are nature's; the children's garden can contain plants that play patterns are determined by the attract a wealth of wildlife." This may children, not by a manufacturer. Garden not be wildlife that an adult gardener Waterer'. And they will love the colors of colors are subtle earth tones of stone and would necessarily appreciate. But children the tiger swallowtail caterpillars attracted gravel, not the neon colors of equipment." will enjoy the titanic battle that occurs to plantings of parsley and rue.

American Hortic ulturist • May 1993 • 13 Redmond-Zachariasse's Prairie House

"Our intent," say Jeanette Redmond of can make a prairie garden," the designers Oakton, Virginia, and Toni Zachariasse say, since all the plants seen will survive of Reston, "is to excite children and their in almost any warm, sunny location. elders about the possibilities of gardening with native plants." What better way to make them feel at home, they reasoned, than to build an endearing Little House on the Prairie, "Father's Weekend" where they could show visitors those same plants that Laura Ingalls Wilder, Celebration her family, and their Native American neighbors lived among? The American Horticultural Society will hold a special open house the weekend of Father's Day to o Please send me a free catalog. celebrate the public opening of the o Please send me 100 Mammoth "Our intent is to excite 13 new children's gardens at our Darwin Hybrid Tulips for $19.95. River Farm headquarters. o Payment enclosed: ____ children and their elders Families are encouraged to come o Cl1arge to: 0 Master Card 0 VISA about the possibilities of out and explore the gardens be­ Acct. No.: ______tween 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. June 19 and 20. Professional horticulturists Exp. Date: ______gardening with native and garden designers will be on Name: plants. " hand to conduct garden tours, Mailing Address: ______provide copies of their designs, and offer other suggestions and tips for -Jeanette Redmond and Toni Zachariasse gardening with children. Shipping Address: ______Visitors are (mcouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the rest of City: ______Some of these plants will have funny the sweeping gardens and grounds and memorable names, like rattlesnake­ at River Farm. Soft drinks and light State: _____ Zip: _____ master and black-eyed Susan. The refreshments will be available. Ad­ Phone Number: ______children will learn which plants attract missioll for adults is $3. Children birds and butterflies and why, that certain under 12 are free. Va", E"'Sdc", l",c. plants have amazing medicinal properties, For more informatioll call (800) Stillbrook Farm and which plants and grasses can be dried 777-7931 or (703) 768-5700. 313 Maple Street, Litchfield, CT 06759 and enjoyed inside. 20 (203) 567-8734 "The children will realize that they, too,

14. American H orticulturist· May 1993 TIle Alnerican Horticultural Society PRESENTS trChHoren;VlQf'\ts, and GClrdens~ E.ducqtiona\ Opportu n,tieS'.) AUGUST 12-14, 1993 National 4-H Conference Center Chevy Chase, Maryland A National Symposium to Help Create More Educational Gardening Programs for Children in Pre-K Through 8th Grade.

Garden: Ahren Freund Age 6 Butterflies: Colston Lawton Age 7

Learn About the Plants, Educational Programs, and Garden D'esigns that I ' Capture the Interest of Children " ' * Major Keynote Speakers * Panel Discussions * Workshops * Children's Presentations * Tours of Children's Gardens at Schools, * Exhibits Public Gardens, and Community Sites * Social Events Founded in 1922, the American Horticultural Society is an educational, non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in American horticulture, The Society strives to inform, educate, and inspire people of all ages to become successful, environmentally responsible gardeners through the acquisition and dissemination of reliable horticul­ tural information. he American Horticultural Society invites you to attend an international gathering of education innovators dedicated to bringing children, plants, and gardens together in wonderful new ways.

'PRESENTATIONS GARDEN TOURS Through keynote addresses, workshops, and exhibits, Participants will see children's gardening programs in action when we over 60 presenters will explain: tour Washington, D.C., area youth gardens including one at the U.s. National Arboretum. A very special lunch and tour of the new Using the garden as a living classroom for inter­ * children's gardens at River Farm, the historic headquarters of the disciplinary education American Horticultural Society, is also scheduled. These gardens * Tea ching science and environmental education through include: Dinosaur Footprint Garden, Persian Rug Garden, Wildlife gardening Habitat Garden, Butterfly Garden, "Little House on the Prairie" Garden, Colonial Herb Garden, Teepee and Maze Garden, Colorwheel Designing school and community gardens for children * and Topiary Garden, Frog Pond Garden, a Secret Grove Garden, and * Building collaborative relationships between schools, a Sunflower House Garden. public gardens, businesses, and community groups to create gardening programs for children * Fund raising and financing a children's gardening program WHO SHOULD ATTEND * Horticultural therapy techniques and programs for Pre-K through 8th grade educators, horticulturists, community children with special needs program youth educators, landscape designers/architects, public garden educators, and any interested adult who wants to learn T I,' ke. ~o..rJ..e,n//I' about creating or enhancing educational gardening programs for children in schools, public gardens, and community programs. Profes­ hec.o.J)..S Go '$-" cOoJ1 explore. sionals and other interested adults from a wide range of fields are ~J. leo..rr] ;»010 tAba ..... f p/o.,,)ts encouraged to participate. ovoJ. fhe eo..f'fA. Deborah Schoe/wer Age 8 PROGRAM AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11 FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 5:00 - 7:30 pm Early Registration 7:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast 7:30 - 9:00 pm We lcoming Reception 8:00 - 8:15 am Welcome THURSDAY, AUGUST 12 8:15 - 9:15 am Keynote Address - Dr. Mark Francis "The Art, Design, and Meaning of a Garden 7:00 - 8:30 am Breakfast for Children" 7:30 - 8:30 am Registration 9:15 - 10:15 am Keynote Address - John Jeavons 8:45 - 9:00 am Welcome - George C. Ball Jr., AHS President "Growing With Living Soils: 9:00 - 10:00 am Keynote Address - Dr. Roger Hart Teaching Children About Soil, Compost, "Affection for Nature and the Promotion of Biodiversity, and Nutrition" Earth Stewardship in Childhood" 10:15-10:30 am Break 10:00 - 10:30 am Break and Exhibit Time 10:30 - 12:00 pm Concurrent Sessions 10:30 - 12:00 pm Concurrent Workshop Sessions 12:00 - 2:00 pm Lunch and Exhibit Time 12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch 2:00 - 2:45 pm Keynote Address - Jane Taylor 1:00 - 2:00 pm Exh ibits "In a Child's Garden .. . Imagination Grows" 2:00 - 3:00 pm Keynote Address - Dr. Mark Plotkin 2:45 - 3:00 pm Break "Science Education for Children Through 3:00 - 4:30 pm Concurrent Workshop Sessions Ethnobotany" 4:30 - 6:00 pm lO-Minute New Idea Forum/Exh ibit/Free Time 3:00 - 3:30 pm Break and Exh ibit Time 6:00 - 7:00 pm Reception and Book Signing 3:30 - 5:00 pm Concurrent Workshop Sessions 7:00 - 8:00 pm Banquet Dinner 5:00 - 6:30 pm Free Time 8:00 - 8:30 pm After Dinner Entertainment: Larry Johnson 6:30 - 7:15 pm Reception and "Garden Storytelling and Music" Book Signing 8:30 - 9:00 pm Slide Presentation - Sharon Lovejoy 7:15 - 8:30 pm Dinner "Long Straight Rows are Such a Bore! 10-Minute New 8:30 - 9:30 pm Gardens Shouldn't Be a Chore!" Idea Forum 9:00 - 9:15 pm Acknowledgments SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 ~. 7:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast ~:Y 8:00 - 9:00 am Keynote Address - Anne Lusk "Let's Build 108,000 New Garden Classrooms for Children" Butterfiy: Colston Lawton Age 7 9:00 -12:30pm Tours of Area Youth Gardens Flowers: Sara Ellis Age 7 12:30 - 2:00 pm Lunch and Tour of Children's Gardens at River Farm 2:00 - 3:00 pm Return to 4-H Conference Center include all taxes. Participants can check in anytime after 3 p.m. on August 11. ABOUT OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Check out time is noon August 15. To reserve a room at the conference center please complete the lodging form, and return with full payment to the AHS. ' DR. ROGER HART is the Director of the Children's Environmental Research Group at the Graduate School of the City University in New Our overAow hotel, THE HOLIDAY INN, 8120 Wisconsin Ave ., Bethesda, Mary­ land 20814, is located two miles from the Conference Center. At the beginning York. Dr. Hart will argue that "Gardening offers direct experience in and end of each day's seSSions, vans will shuttle participants between the hotel earth stewardship at a scale that children can understand." and the conference center. To reserve a room at the Holiday Inn, call the hotel DR. MARK PLOTKIN is Vice President for Plant Conservation at directly at (800) 638-5954and give group number 8578 to receive a discount Conservation International and a world renowned plant ethnobotanist. rate. Reservations must be made before July 21. Limousine service is available He is a leading advocate for biodiversity, tropical rainforest conserva­ between National Airportand the hotel. Make limousine reservations in advance directly with the hotel and also give the group number 8578 to receive a tion, and the author of numerous articles and books on ethnobotany. discount rate. The hotel has free parking and is three blocks away from D.C. DR. MARK FRANCIS is a Professor of Landscape Architecture at ~tro~~ice. ______~ the University of California at Davis. Trained in landscape architecture at University of California Berkeley and Harvard Graduate School of SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION FORM Design, his research and design practice has focused on making 1 designed and natural places richer and more meaningful for chi ldren. "Children, Plants, and Gardens: Educational Opportunities" 1 JANE TAYLOR is the Curator of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden. AUG. 12-14, 1993 • National 4-H Conference Center • Chevy Chase, MD 1 This garden is one of the country's most outstanding examples of using Please use photocopies for additional registrants. children's ideas about what they want to see and do in a garden. Name: ------11 JOHN JEAVONS is the Director of Ecology Action in Willits, CA. Mr. Title: ______1 Jeavons is known internationally as the leading researcher and devel­ Organization: ______1 oper of small-scale food production techniques using biointensive gardening. His food-raising methods are being used in over 100 coun­ Address: ______1 tries and by such organizations as UNICEF, Save the Children, and the City, State, Zip: ______1 Peace Corps. Daytime Telephone: (.______ANNE LUSK is Chair of Vermont Trails and Greenways Cou ncil, Vice Chairof American Trails, and memberofthe National Recreational Trails REGISTER EARLY! Program fee is discounted for advance Fund Advisory Committee. Ms. Lusk is the country's leading advocate registrations postmarked . . . BEFORE AFTER for building school greenways and using them as dynamic "outdoor JULY 1. 1993 JULY l. 1993 discovery classrooms" for study and recreation. Advance Registration $165 $185 Student Advance Registration $ 90 $100 (with official proof of current full-time status) LOCATION OPTIONAL FEES The National 4-H Conference Center is in Chevy Chase, Maryland, on the CEU's - Certification Fee for Continuing Education Units $25 outskirts of Washington, D.C., one mile north of the District of Columbia line. AHS MEMBERSHIP FEE - Join AHS now at a special half-price rate. The center is 14 miles from Washington National Airport. Transportation (Reg ular new memberships are $35.o0/year) Now Only $17.50 between the airport and the Conference Center can be arranged anytime by Payment by: 0 Check 0 MasterCard 0 VISA TOTAL $ ____ calling Airport Shuttle at (800) 525-1111 at least three hours before flight Card #: Exp. Date: ______arrival. The one-way shuttle fee is $17. The Center has free parking and is Signature: Date: _____ convenient to public transportation. L ______~ PROGRAM FEE If received before July 1, 1993, registration is $165 with a $90 student rate. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL (800) 777-7931. To receive the student rate, current proof of official full-time student Please return completed SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION and status must be sent in with the registration form. After July 1, registration LODGING Forms with SEPARATE payments to: is $185. Late student registration is $100. Registration includes: lectures, workshops, garden tours, and ALL MEALS on August 12 and 13, and AHS Children's Symposium, breakfast and lunch on August 14. The registration fee does not include o 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. lodging. Phone: (800) 777-7931, Fax: (703) 765-6032. CANCELLATIONS ~ ------~ A full refund, less $25for processing expenses, will be made if requested prior 4-H CONFERENCE CENTER LODGING I to August 1, 1993. No refunds will be made after August 1. RESERYATION FORM I CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEU'S) Please reserve a room at the 4-H Conference Center for: Symposium participants attending the entire program can earn 1.8 CEU's Name: ______through George Washington University. Transcripts will be sent upon confirmation of attendance. The CEU fee is $25. Roommate Name: ______OFFICIAL AIRLINE Address: ______AHS Symposium participants can take advantage of special discount rates from American Airlines. To obtain the discount rate, please make your travel City, State, Zip: ______reservations in advance with Adelman Travel Agency and identify yourself as Daytime Phone: (. ______a Children's Gardening Symposium participant. Call Adelman Travel at (800) 448-7851 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m . EST. Arrival Date: Departure Date: ______REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION o Single Occupancy $71/night Your registration will be confirmed by mail. Please notify AHS at (800) 777- o Double Occupancy $82/night 7931 if you do not receive a confirmation or if you have any questions or Full payment must accompany this form for space to be reserved. special needs. o Check enclosed for $ ______LODGING o VISA 0 MasterCard The primary hotel accommodation for the symposium will be at the Card # : ______Exp. Date: _____ NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE CENTER. As room space at the center Signature: Date: _____ is limited, early lodging registration is strongly advised. Rates are $71 per L ______~ room for single occupancy and $82 per room for double occupancy. Rates WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS

In addit ion to the keynote speakers, the Symposium will feature 47 different "Plants, Gardening, and Gardens in Children's Comics-An Educational 30-minute workshop presentations on August 12 and 13. Opportunity?"-Joachim Wolschke-Bulmah, Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, Presenters are coming from allover the United States, in cluding Alaska and D.C., and Dr. Gert Grueing, University of Fine Arts, Berlin, Germany Hawa ii, and from Eng land and Germany, to present information and ideas on "G.A.R.D.N. Gardeners and Readers Develop Naturally"-Dr. N. Jurenka, Dr. specific programs, plants, garden designs, and educational curricula that R. Blass, and Anne Polkingharn, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, can make gardening fun and educational for children. Wash ington THURSDAY AUGUST 12, 10:30 am- Noon FRIDAY AUGUST 13. 10:30 am- Noon ROOM I: HORTICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND CAREER ROOM I: INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES INFORMATION "The Best Chi ldren's Gardens in the World"-Nanine Bilski, National Projects "Practical Resources for Garden-Based Edu cation: The NYC Experience"­ Director, America the Beautiful Fund, Washington, D.C. Dr. Stuart Lowrie, Director, Operation Greenthumb, New York. "Gardens in Japanese Schooling"-Lorisa fllock, Graduate Student, "Educational Programs Offered by the National Junior Horticultural Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Association"- William Fountain and Dr. Joe Maxson, Coordinators, NJHA "The Aquatic Environment: Bringing Water Features into Gardens for "Kids, Horticu lture, and the Career Decision-Making Experience"-Dr. Lois Teaching"-Phillip Swindells, Swindel ls Associates, North Yorkshire, England Berg Stack and Dr. Leonard Perry, University of Maine ROOM II: GARDEN DESIGNS FOR SCHOOLS ROOM II: SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION THROUGH "Schoolyard Ecosystems: A Guide for Planning, Installing, Maintaining, and PLANTS AND GARDENING Using"-Dr. D. Donelin and Dorothy Turner, Gainesville, Florida "Accommodating Multiple Intelligences Through Gardening"-Dr. Stephen "Storybook Models and Other Ideas for Designing Children's Gardens"­ Drown, Ohio State University Herbert Schaal, FASLA, EDAW, Inc., Fort Collins Colorado "School Habitat Gardens for Tea ching Science and En vironmental "A Far North Garden Program"-Janice Hanscom and Felicia Leipzig, Denali Education"-H. Kibbe Turner, Owner, Wildlife Habitats, Inc. Elementary School, Fairbanks, Alaska "Developing New Plant Awareness Curricula"-Nina Danforth, Ch ildren's ROOM III: MULTI-CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY YOUTH GARDENING Education Coordinator, Massachusetts Horticultural Society PROGRAMS ROOM III: SOLVING PROBLEMS THROUGH YOUTH GARDENING "Traditional African-American Gardens: Learning from Our Grands"-Dr. PROGRAMS Richard Westmacott, University of Georgia, Athens "Overcoming Objections to Youth Gardening Programs"-Holly Kennel, "The Success Garden and Greening of Urban America"- William Swindler, Extension Agent, Seattle, Washington Director, Success Garden, New York City "A Garden Play Area for the Students and Neighbors of an Independent "The Cabrini Green Gardening Program"-Jack Davis, Director, Cabrini School in Harlem"-Josephine Bush, Landscape Designer Green Public Housing Project, Chicago, Illinois "Philadelphia Green's Youth Program"-Eugene Reeves, Pennsylvania ROOM IV: GARDEN ART, CRAFTS, AND STORIES FOR CHILDREN Horticultural Society "Wildflower Customs, Crafts, and Games"-Margaret Wetterer, Writer, ROOM IV: PRE-SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN GARDENING PROGRAMS Educator, Folklorist, Huntington, New York "Gardening at the Day Care Center"-Linda Naeve, Extension Agent, Iowa "Art + Garden + Families = Wave Hill's Family Art Project"-Noah g,aen, State Un'iversity Artist, Naturalist, New York City "Kindergarten Gardens"-Marion Lardner, Kindergarten Teacher "Topiaries, Totems, and Tales in the Garden"-Pat Hammer and Bob Hyland, "Together We Can Do It-Parent Participation Brings Nature to Asphalt"­ Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco, Cal ifornia Esta G. Kornfield, Teacher and Parent FRIDAY AUGUST 13, 3:00-4:30 pm THURSDAY AUGUST 12, 3:30- 5:00 pm ROOM I: FINANCING PROGRAMS AND INDOOR GARDENING PROJECTS ROOM I: SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION THROUGH "Ind oor Herb Gardening With Children"-Mary Dunn, Teacher, Thorndike, PLANTS AND GARDENS Maine "Discover Life Lab Science"-Gary Appel, Director, Life Lab, Santa Cruz, "Financi ng a Chi ldren's Gardening Program"-Susan Reynolds, Teacher, Mill California Va lley, Cal ifornia "Inquiry Learning Through Indoor Gardening: Grow Lab Five-Year "A Chi ld's Rainforest Garden"-Douglas Spender, Cornell Plantations, Cornell, Highlights"-T. Parsons and E. Pranis, National Gardening Association, New York Burlington, Vermont ROOM II: GARDENING SUPPLIES AND DESIGN "Nationa l Wildlife Federation's Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program"-Craig Tufts, Director, Urban Wildlife Education, Alexandria, Virginia "The Dirt on Kid's Gardening Supplies"-Jeff Minnich and Drew Williams, Campbell and Ferrara Nursery, Alexandria, Virginia ROOM II: HANDS-ON HORTICULTURAL CURRICULUM PROGRAMS "Circles, Squares, or a Triceratops-Designing Practical, Age Appropriate "Garden Earth Program"-Maureen O'Brian, Program Specialist, State Gardening Programs"-Brian Holley, Education Director, the Teaching Botanical Garden of Georgia Garden, Royal Botanical Garden, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada "Urban Reforestation and Environmental Education With Chi ldren"-Mary ROOM III: COLLABORATIVE GARDENING PROGRAMS Whit e and Lisa Muentener, Isles, Inc., Trenton, New Jersey "Schools, Nonprofits, and Other Community Resources-A Winning "Tree-mendous Programs for Schools and Beyond"-Mindy Maslin, Combination"-E. McCurdy and J. Kline, Garden Center of Greater Cleveland Pennsylvania Horticultural Society "The Challenges of a Volunteer-based School Gardening Project"-Amy ROOM III: DYNAMIC PUBLIC GARDEN YOUTH PROGRAMS Haake, Partnership Instructor, Missouri Botanical Garden "Critical Elements of Effective Field Trips to Botanical Gardens"- A. " Money for the Asking; Funding Your School Gardening Program"-Frances Jenkins Farmer III, Graduate Student , Center for Urban Horticulture, RoSiak, Teacher and School Garden Coordinator Seattle, Washington ROOM IV: HORTICULTURAL THERAPY PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN "From Seed to Sprout: Curriculum Materials in Plant Science"-Mary Carroll, Education Director, Santa Barbara Botanical Garden "Designing for Learning Outdoors"-Lynn Morten, Landscape Designer, Eryl Morton Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada "Bringing the Wonder of Plants to Ch ildren Through Museum-School Partnerships"-Anne Reichel, Chicago Botanic Garden "The CERES Project From the Ground Up"-Melanie Milliorn, Executive Director, Heads, Heart, and Health, Arizona ROOM IV: GARDENING PROGRAMS FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION "Teaching Natural Science in the Garden"-Nancy Bamberger, Horticultural Therapist, North Carolina Correctional Institute for Women "A Li ving Library as a Garden of Diversity"-Bonn ie Sherk, Founder of Living Library, New York City AHS Bulletin Board

Walutes Named Executive Director

Helen Fulcher area for two years prior to her marriage House in Old Town, Alexandria. Today, Walutes, a to attorney and developer Ronald as a grandmother of four, her interest in former teacher Walutes, who died in 1991. After her horticulture is focused on its potential who returned children were grown, she earned her J.D. contributions to preserving and restoring to school for a from George Mason University School of the environment. law degree Law in 1986. She is an associate member In regard to her new position, she says, after raising of the Virginia bar, but did not practice "I'm proud to be associated with so many three children, law prior to taking the AHS position. thoughtful gardeners, who have an was named Walutes says that as a farmer's impressive range of interests and executive daughter, there was a point in her life concerns. It's a joy to open my mail! I director of the when she wanted nothing more to do would like to meet as many of our American Horticultural Society, effective with soil and plants. "But over the years, ,members as possible and I hope that they in February. A member of the Society's my interest in horticulture, and the will make a visit to River Farm part of Board of Directors, she had served as Vice purposes for which I'm involved in it, any trip they take to Washington." President before being named acting have grown and changed." She now director in January 1992. describes herself as a "retired vegetable Walutes, 50, was born in Lynchburg, gardener," whose plot of two-thirds of an Use Your 'RAP' Benefit Virginia, and earned her bachelor's degree acre was made less than pleasurable by in education from Madison College (now the exploding local deer population. One of the most valuable yet often James Madison University). After She has a keen interest in gardens as overlooked of AHS's membership benefits graduation she taught high school they relate to historic homes and helped is the Reciprocal Admissions Program. mathematics in the Washington, D.C., restore the garden of the Lee-Fendall RAP grants members free or discounted admission to arboreta, gardens, and conservatories throughout the United Earn a Free Membership States and Canada. AHS members may also receive discounts on classes, lectures, This month the American Horticultural lapel pin and anyone who signs up 10 and gift shop items and free parking and Society begins enlisting the aid of current people or more will receive special guided tours. members in increasing our ranks. The recognition in a future issue of American In addition to many exceptional gardens, "Member-Get-a-Member" campaign will Horticulturist News Edition. RAP destinations include zoological parks reward members who introduce others to Call us toll free at (800) 777-7931 to re­ with botanical collections, historic the Society with free extensions of their ceive your Member-Get-a-Member kit or horticulture displays, museum and art own memberships. if you have questions about the program. gallery gardens, and National Trust for AHS will send a specially designed Historic Preservation sites. Member-Get-a-Member kit to any active RAP had its genesis in 1990, when member interested in the program. The Now We're Open AHS Program Director Joseph M. Keyser promotional materials will help to recruit merged a metropolitan Washington, D.C., new members by detailing the benefits of on Saturdays! gardens admissions program with a membership, including American fledgling national cooperative based at Horticulturist magazine and News From now through the month of August, the Dallas Arboretum. AHS became the Edition, toll-free Gardeners' Information AHS's River Farm headquarters will be administering institution of RAP and first Service, discounted Horticultural Book open to the public on Saturdays, 11 a.m. offered it as an AHS membership benefit Service, Annual Free Seed Exchange, to 4 p.m. Members and nonmembers in 1991. As director, Keyser continues to Horticultural Employment Service, and alike can visit the historic 27-acre estate, expand the program. The current RAP Reciprocal Admissions Program. But the extensive gardens and collections, and brochure lists 120 active gardens; active members will be the heart of the colonial mansion on the Potomac River. response to recent mailings indicates that new program. "No one knows the value An AHS staff member and volunteers will the number could approach 200 before of AHS membership like our members be on hand to answer questions. the end of the year. do," says Membership Director Darlene The Saturday openings commenced on The Society encourages members to Oliver. "So we hope they will want to April 3 in response to a popular demand take full advantage of this benefit. To use share that experience with others- and for weekend accessibility. Due to your RAP privileges, simply present your extend their membership in the bargain." additional expenses incurred by the membership card at any of the gardens Signing up one new AHS gardener Society, a $3 donation is suggested. As listed in the brochure. RAP brochures are earns two free months of membership, usual, River Farm will be open Monday mailed to new and renewing members, two people gains four free months, and through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. but if you are a member and would like six will get the member recruiter a full River Farm is four miles south of Old an updated or replacement brochure, year. There is no limit to how much free Town, Alexandria and the Capitol Beltway, send your request with a SASE to AHS, membership can be accumulated. As an off the George Washington Memorial Reciprocal Admissions Program, 7931 added bonus, those who sign up five new Parkway. For more information, call East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA members will get a limited edition AHS (703) 768-5700. 22308-1300.

American Hortic ulturist • May 1993 . 19 Regional Notes A Northwestern Tree in Trouble

One of America's native pines is Kendall explains that because the pine's disappearing. The whitebark pine, Pinus seeds are large and wingless, they would albicaulis, grows in the mountains of the never get out from under the canopy Pacific Northwest, from western Mon­ without the bird's help. The nutcracker tana and Wyoming to the coast, and in collects the seeds-it has a sublingual adjacent areas of Canada. Reaching 70 pouch that can store about 100 of feet, it is a five-needle pine related to them-and it buries them in caches, just white pines. In his Natural History of as squirrels do. The bird tends to site its Western Trees, naturalist Donald Culross caches in just the right places and at just Peattie calls its white bark "so striking in the right depth for germination. a Pine that one can hardly believe at first Despite the pine's precarious situation, tha t it is natural." the Fish and Wildlife Service has thus far A pioneer species on dry, rocky sites, refused to consider it as a candidate for the pine was formerly a dominant tree at listing. Listing the pine might be a useful higher elevations. But its numbers have step in conserving it, because the govern­ been dwindling for decades, and mature ment would then be obligated to study stands are now a rarity in much of its the die-off and to try to find ways to original range. Kate Kendall, an ecologist bring the tree back. The service argues at Glacier National Park in Montana, that listing is unnecessary, because some estimates that the die-off exceeds 90 of the pines are resistant to blister rust. percent at Glacier and throughout much But according to Kendall, the number of of the Pacific Northwest. rust-resistant white barks is very low- less The die-off probably has several than one in 10,000. Kendall says that it is causes. Some scientists blame the policy difficult to find money for the study and of suppressing wildfires, which has "Ghost forests" are haunting evidence conservation of the whitebark because tended to favor other species, particularly of the white bark pine die-off. it is not a commercially important species. lodgepole pine, at the expense of the Although it was introduced in 1852, the whitebark. A related factor may be the whitebark doesn't produce an appreciable whitebark is as rare in the nursery trade pine beetle, which does especially well in cone crop until it is about a century old. as it is in the wild. The Hillier Manual of the mature lodgepole stands that fire "And with a species that slow-growing," Trees and Shrubs, a standard horticultural control has helped to create. The beetle she says, "even these stands could get manual published by Hillier Nurseries in populations periodically reach epidemic nickeled and dimed to death." Winchester, England, lists a single cultivar proportions, and these infestations may The white bark plays a key role in the for the species: a shrub called 'Noble's take an additional toll of the white bark. ecology of the mountains. In the southern Dwarf'. On this side of the Atlantic, But Kendall, who has studied the part of its range, its seeds are an important Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton, Massa­ whitebark pine since 1977, thinks the food for both black and grizzly bears. The chusetts, offers nursery-propagated stock beetle is just administering a coup de bears make a meal of the pine nuts by from two white bark clones. But the pine's grace. "Blister rust is the real baddy," she uncovering squirrels' caches. To the north, rugged looks limit its appeal, according to says. Native to Europe, blister rust is where the pine has largely disappeared, Wayne Mezitt, Weston's president. Mezitt believed to have been introduced to this evidence of its former importance to bears says the whitebark looks a bit like Korean continent by Gifford Pinchot, founder of is mostly anecdotal. But Kendall thinks it's pine (P. koraiensis) or limber pine the u.S. Forest Service. Because he had still compelling. "The old-timers," she (P. flexilis). "It's an unusual plant," says little confidence in American nurseries, says, "would speak of hiking up into the Mezitt, "and 95 percent of our customers Pinchot dispatched some white pine seeds mountains and hearing groups of bears don't want an unusual plant." to be raised in Germany. When the stock chewing the pine nuts." returned, in 1910, it was infected. The grizzly bear is listed by the U.S. If you are interested in buying some of Kendall says the rust is not a critical Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened, Weston's whitebark pines, you will have danger to the eastern white pine, but it is which means that its status is a matter of to visit the nursery or arrange for murder on the western five-needle species. concern, but it is not in immediate danger shipping, since Weston has no mail-order The presence of rust explains not only the of extinction. Some grizzly experts argue business. Call Weston at (800) 322-2002 die-off in Glacier, but also the white bark's that its listing should be upgraded to or (508) 435-3414. If you are interested relative health in the southernmost part of endangered. The grizzly has disappeared in protecting the wild whitebark pine, the its range. "The rust spores need a fog bank from 98 percent of its original range in the Great Bear Foundation, an organization to spread," Kendall says. Wyoming may be lower 48 states, and the loss of an devoted to protecting the grizzly bear, too dry for the disease; the pine is still important food source in its remaining suggests that you write the u.S. Fish and thriving in Yellowstone National Park. But habitat is a grave concern to bear ecologists. Wildlife Service and ask that the pine be Kendall is uncertain about the future of Another unusual aspect of the white­ studied and listed as threatened. Write the even Yellowstone's extensive stands, since bark's ecology is its dependence on a bird, service at 18th and C Streets N. W, they may be taking incremental losses. The the Clark's nutcracker, for its reproduction. Washington, DC 20240.

20. American Horticulturist. May 1993 ------~------ANew Shrub Find in California

A recently discovered California plant Ertter says this distribution, in which candidate for the endangered species list, may soon be gracing American gardens. an American native's closest relations are maintained by the U.S. Department of the Last May, botanists Dean Taylor and Glen east Asian, fits a well-established pattern Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. Ertter Clifton were exploring forested slopes for plants that were widespread during does not know if its cousin will also be near Lake Shasta when they realized that the Eocene epoch, 58 to 36 million years proposed. "There is an interest in using one of the shrubs dominating the under­ ago. The nearest relative of the tulip tree, other approaches," she says. The site story was new to them. The Shasta snow for example, is Chinese. And California's where the plant was first found is wreath, as it is now called, proved to be famous redwoods are closely allied to privately owned; the other two sites, new to botany in general. Resembling a another Chinese tree, the dawn redwood discovered a month after the first, are on spiraea, the shrub has been assigned to the (see "A Tree History: The Dawn U.S. Forest Service land. Ertter thinks all rose family, Rosaceae, and given the Redwood," American Horticulturist, three areas can be protected without scientific name Neviusia cliftonii. October 1992). In the case of the snow resorting to the list. The genus Neviusia has only one other wreaths, the recent discovery of a 50 The Shasta snow wreath is already member, N. alabamensis, the Alabama million-year-old Neviusia fossil in British being propagated by several botanical snow wreath. Though rare, the Alabama Columbia has confirmed the pattern. gardens, including the Strybing snow wreath is known to occur over a Like its cousin, the Shasta snow wreath Arboretum in San Francisco and the large swath of the Southeast, from is rare but not in imminent danger of University of California Botanical Garden Arkansas to western Georgia, according extinction. Three wild populations are at Berkeley. In St. Louis, the Missouri to Barbara Ertter, an expert on the rose now known, all near Lake Shasta. Its Botanical Garden is growing the Alabama family. Ertter co-authored the new plant's habitat is the understory of mixed forest, snow wreath and is trying to sprout seeds formal description, which appeared in consisting mainly of Douglas fir, big leaf of its· California cousin. Ertter hopes the last December's issue of Novon, a journal maple, and oak. Poison oak is common in California Native Plant Society will offer published by the Missouri Botanical the area and Ertter thinks that may help cuttings to the public, as it has done with Garden. The snow wreaths' closest explain how the snow wreath went some other natives. "We're hoping," she relatives are two east Asian ornamentals, unnoticed for so long. The plant's natural says, "that it will have ornamental each the sole member of its genus: Kerria range may be limited by its preference for potential." Given the Shasta snow japonica (Japanese rose) and Rhodotypos limestone, which is uncommon in the area. wreath's handsome relatives, that seems scandens (jetbead or white kerria). The Alabama snow wreath is a like a good bet. Biocontrol for a Florida Invader

The remedy for what some authorities quantities of seed. A single 30-foot tree call the Everglades' most serious threat can produce over 20 million seeds a year. may be sitting in a U.S. Department of The melaleuca may now cover as much as Agriculture (USDA) quarantine facility in 1.5 million acres of south Florida. It is Gainesville, Florida. The Australian believed to be spreading at the rate of 52 weevil, Oxyops vitiosa, is tiny but it has acres a day. a big appetite for the melaleuca tree. The melaleuca could not be subdued by The melaleuca (Melaleuca quinque­ "hack and squirt" crews, who chop down nervia) is one of the South's most celebrated the trees and spray herbicide over the horticultural disasters. Native to Australia, stumps. So several years ago, a consortium it was introduced into south Florida at the of conservation groups and government beginning of the century and remained a agencies approached Ted Center, a USDA popular ornamental as late as the 1960s. It entomologist, with the idea of importing a was imported as a timber source and an few of the tree's native enemies. After screen­ ornamental, but the tree's main mission was ing some 400 possibilities in Australia, to dry up the sawgrass swamps and replace USDA scientists brought the weevil to them with forests. Florida last July. It is currently being tested Florida's melaleuca stands are so dense The plan worked too well. Freed from to make certain that it won't eat anything they crowd out most native plants. the insects and diseases that keep it in check besides the melaleuca if it is released. in Australia, the melaleuca spread rapidly Thus far, the weevil has not attacked new growth, thereby reducing the amount through south Florida wetlands, crowding plants unrelated to the melaleuca and the of seed set, and it sometimes kills out native plant communities. The tree can tree has no close relatives here. But the bug seedlings outright. Scientists had hoped reach heights of 100 feet and it sucks up has shown a slight interest in two native that the bug would adapt itself to fit water four times as fast as Everglades members of Myrtaceae, the family to which changes in its host's behavior. In sawgrass. But despite its phenomenal thirst, the melaleuca belongs. Gary Buckingham, Australia, the melaleuca produces new it bums with nearly explosive force. One the USDA entomologist who is supervising growth only once a year, but in Florida, it melaleuca fire in 1985 was so intense it the testing, doesn't think this is likely to be grows constantly. So far, however, there is took three months to extinguish. a problem. He explains that bugs in no evidence that a year-round food Fire is part of the melaleuca's strategy. confinement will often eat something that supply will speed up the weevil's life Its leaves contain a flammable oil and its they would never touch in the wild. cycle. But Buckingham doesn't plan an outer bark is dry as tinder, while its inner Center, who is coordinating the project, exhaustive study before putting the weevil bark is saturated with all that water. A says it's still too early to gauge the to work. "Nobody's ever studied this fire will kill the neighboring vegetation, weevil's potential. "But based on what it insect before. We want to get something but not the melaleuca. A few days after does in Australia," he says, "it should be out into the field," he says, "and then the burn, the tree releases prodigious effective." The weevil feeds on the tree's resolve these questions."

Ameri can Horticulturist· May 1993 • 21 Mefllbers' Forufll

Horticulture in Russia austriaca, Achillea millefolium, A. nobilis, There are some societies of gardeners in My America n frie nd John Bristol sent me Salvia stepposa, and S. tesquicola. Rostov, each with an agronomist. These a copy of American Horticulturist, which Trees grow only in the gorges and societies provide consultations for acquainted me with the American fl oodlands of rivers or in groves or forest members and sell fertilizers, fungicides, Horticultu ral Society. I am writing to belts pl anted by the people. The famous and insecticides. At our two great city share some information about horticulture Russian soil scientist V. V. Dokuchaev bazaars in spring there are large selections here in Russ ia. and like-minded persons started to plant of young trees and bushes and seedlings I live in the Rostov region in the south forest belts in 1892 to protect our fertile of the European part of Russia, similar in soil fr om wind and drought, to hold latitude to the northern states of the water and snow on the fields, ;md to Un ited States . The terrain is a wavy plain shelter birds, animals, and u$eful insects. with the highes t hills in the north and a There is currently a high interest in Update we ll-developed river-gorge system. The home gardening for several reasons. main ri ver is the River Don, which fl ows Among these is the increasing cost of Beanbag Redux into the Azov Sea. food. Fruits and vegetables are very If our March story about Beanbag, Average winter temperatures in our expensive. The prices have risen 20 and the deer-chasing terrier of the steppe zo ne are cold, minus 4 to 5 Celsius more times, but salaries, only three or Morris Arboretl!lm, inspired you to [28 degrees F], with snow and rain. fo ur times. About 90 percent of our invest in a canine to keep the pests Summers are warm and dry with average people are below the line of poverty. To out of your own garden, you may temperatures of 19 to 23 Celsius [6 6 to economize, we have to take care of our want to reconsider. (See "Midwest 73 degrees Fl. The growing season starts gardens. Fruits and vegetables from the Arboreta Take Aim at Deer" in the in ea rly March. home garden are also fresher and of March Regional Notes.) About 80 percent of the land is used better quality than any from shops or Judy MGKeon, chief horticulturist fo r agric ulture. Water and wind erosion is markets. at the Philadelphia arboretum, common because most of the land is The most popular fruits are apples, called to tell us that Beanbag had ploughed up and the pastures are not pears, cherries, apricots, and plums. We been retired before ol!lr article used wisely. Wheat is the primary crop. grow raspberries, gooseberries, red and appeared. Last fall, at the end of Sunflowers, corn, and barley are also black currants, and strawberries. Today Beanbag's second year of policing grown. there is great interest in wild plants­ the arboretum rose garden, "we The most typica l cerea ls of our steppes black ash berries, sea buckthorn, guelder realized he wasn't working," she are Festuca valesciaca, Stipa lessingiana, rose-because of their pharmaceutical said. Not that he was loafing on S. capillata, Koeleria cristata, and Agropy­ properties. The most common vegetables the job; he had just become too ron desertorum. The grass contains are potatoes, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, familiar to the local deer to scare different species of Astragalus, Medicago, beets, ca bbages, peppers, carrots, them away any longer. and Phlomis and Iris pumila, Artemisia aubergines, and vegetable marrows. Beanbag has retired from his sentry duties to become McKeon's family pet, and the arboretum is now trying to raise $75,000 to erect deer fencing. Wild Foods Association The address listed in the March issue for the National Wild Foods Association is that of its treasurer. The group's president, Edelene Wood, suggested that those who would like to join the group or learn more about its activities in­ stead contact her, at 3301 Hemlock Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26104, or call (304) 428-9590. Wood said that the group's biggest event is its annual Nature Wonder Weekend the third week of September. This year's event will mark the 25th anniversary for the group, which was organized on a local level in 1968 by the wild foods author Euell Gibbons. The national organization was formed after his death.

Marina Donchenko shows the height of her phlox.

22 .. American Horticulturist . May 1993 for sale. Certainly now they are much more expensive, but buying them will be more economical than buying fruits and vegetables at the market. The main gardening tools are spades, spanding forks, garden hoes, and rakes. Some years ago there was an exhibition of American agriculture in our city. I visited it with my friends, and all of us were amazed by the compact tractors, rotary tillers, and other machines avail­ able to American farmers and gardeners. The Rostov State University has its own botanical garden, which receives many seeds and plants from all over the world, including the United States. But an © individual person can't exchange plants or seeds with somebody from abroad. The scientists of the botanical garden do research in gardening. They also have a nursery and sell their produce. In Novocherkassk, in the Rostov region, there is a good Research Institute Lilypons Water Gardens® of Viticulture and Wine-making. They've selected many good varieties of grapes. FREE CATALOG Some kinds are resistant to phylloxera. Begin your water garden today with a Lilypons catalog This "sunny" fruit is very unusual and very much appreciated by our people. featuring page after page of beautiful water lilies, lotus, bog Our warm sunny summer is very good for plants, fish, statuary, and the essentials for keeping it all growing grapes. working together. We also have some periodicals with articles about horticulture-Rural No pool? Choose a fiherglass, EPDM rubber or PVC pool Dawns, Personal Farm, and Agricultural from the many sizes shown in the Lilypons catalog. Life. Some gardeners publish notices of For your copy of the new Lilypons 100 page informative color seeds and saplings for sale or exchange. catalog and seasonal newsletters, send in the coupon below. There are some programs on TV and radio devoted to the problems of Or call toll free. gardeners. Near our house we have a garden. It 1-800723-7667 isn't great-about 400 meters square­ Operator 1502 but we have enough work to do. Certainly, my father is the main gardener ,------Mail this coup~o CIOS:; addres~ I among us. We grow vegetables-potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, and peppers. II Name Ulypons Water Gardens, Dept. 1502 II We have apricots, apples, pears, plums, P.O. Box 10 cherries, walnuts, raspberries, red and I Address Buckeystown, Maryland 21717-0010 I black currants, gooseberries, black A~ ~QBM1~ I City Brookshire, Texas 77423-0188 I ashberries, and grapes. The apricot tree P.O. Box 1130 gives me the most pleasure, in spring with IState Zip Thermal, California 92274-1130 I its beautiful blooms and in July with its L ______~ beautiful rosy fruit about two inches in diameter. Tomatoes and potatoes take the most space, time, and trouble. We can't find a radical measure to defend our potatoes from the Colorado potato bettie. We need varieties of potatoes that are resistant to this "uninvited guest from America." Choose from over 1500 useful plant varieties in our mail With tomatoes and cucumbers, we struggle with molds. catalog. Extensive collections of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, We have a small ornamental garden Conifers, Perennials, hardy Camellias, Kalmias, --'~""II"j with phlox, peonies, roses, and lilies. Our rare shrubs and trees and much, much more. spring started in March with narcissus Send $3.00 for our descriptive mail order catalog to: and tulips. Thank you for letting me tell you a Roslyn Nursery little bit about horticulture here in Russia. Certainly the horticulturists of our two 211 Burrs Lane, Dept. L great countries could have many common Dix Hills, NY 11746 ways of cooperation. Marina Donchenko (516)-643-9347 Rostov-on-Don, Russia

American Horticulturist • May 1993 .. 23 plants and succession planting; raised beds, container growing, and hanging NEW RELEASES gardens; water and drainage tech­ niques; ways to increase soil quality; The Cut-Flower Garden dwarf fruit and vegetable varieties; ed­ Theodore James Jr. ible flowers, herbs, and shrubs. This Hardcover. Retail price: $30. AHS price: $24 .95 . book will help make your small food Book code: MAC 405 garden your most rewarding garden The Cut-Flower Garden is a month­ ever. 1993.200 pages. by-month planning and cultivation guide, aimed at providing flower ar­ Success With Rhododendrons o rangers with a steady harvest of flow­ and Azaleas ers and greenery through the entire H. Edward Reiley year. Theodore James Jr. accurately Hardcover. Retail price: $29.95 . AHS price: $24.95. describes plants useful for arrange­ Book code: TIM 512 ments that are in bloom or fruiting at In Success With Rhododendrons and any given time. He also covers thtl art Azaleas, Reiley shares his personal ex­ o of flower arranging, as well as how to periences in sucessfully growing rho­ harvtlst flowers and condition them to dodendrons and azaleas, as well as guarantee maximum vase life. Finally, specific details on the techniques he entries are included on perennials, an­ has developed over many years as a nuals, bulbs, and flowering trees and grower. It also includes technical in­ shrubs-everything that will yield the formation on dealing with diseases greatest bouquet of flowers and green­ and insects, derived from a number of Hemerocallis: Daylilies ery. 1993. 160 pages. state university experimental stations. Walter Erhardt A particularly useful feature is the in­ Hardcover. Retail price: $29.95. AHS price: $24.95. The New Houseplant clusion of lists of recommended spe­ Book code: TIM 513 Elvin McDonald cies and cultivars for a wide range of Every aspect of the cultivation and Hardcover. Retail price: $40. AHS price: $34 . climates. 1992. 314 pages. history of daylilies is covered, includ­ Book code: MAC 407 ing information on botanical charac­ The New Houseplant makes sense of The Evening Garden teristics, modern hybrids, cultivar the astounding variery of plants that Peter Loewer selection, propagation, cultivation, can now be grown indoors and ex­ Hardcover. Retail price: $25. AHS price: $21 .25. and control of pests and diseases. plains how to maximize their beauty Book code: MAC 406 Diane Grenfell, vice-president of the in the home and office. From growing For the many people who have time to British Hosta and Hemerocallis Soci­ tips to selection and arrangement to care for and enjoy their gardens only ety, has edited the text to bring it fully organic troubleshooting techniques, at night, The Evening Garden looks at up-to-date. 1992. 196 pages. McDonald covers it all in this soon-to­ the hundreds of plants that bloom be classic indoor gardening reference. and/or reltlase their fragrance in the Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers, 1993. 288 pages. evening hours. Peter Loewer begins by and Bamboos explaining why these flowers behave Graham Stuart Thomas Down-to-Earth Natural as they do (most are pollinated by Hardcover. Retail price: $49.95. AHS price: $41.95. Lawn Care night-flying moths and bats), then Book code: TIM 511 Dick Raymond moves on to the history of the moon­ Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers, and Softcover. Retail price: $16.95. AHS price: $13.99. light or all-white gardens, listing doz­ Bamboos covers thousands of species, Book code: GAR 200 ens of beautiful bloomers, including their hybrids, and cultivars in alpha­ Down-to-Earth Natural Lawn Care orchids, bromeliads, annuals, perenni­ betical order. The emphasis is on the teaches homeowners how to work als, wildflowers, water lilies, cacti, garden use of shrubs, and the informa­ with nature to install and maintain a tropical vines, and trees. Loewer also tion is targeted to the needs of the healthy, beautiful lawn. Raymond ex­ introduces us to the insects of the night gardener: size, evergreen or decidu­ plains to readers how to do the right garden. 1993.288 pages. ous, color of flower, scent, season of thing at the right time to ensure that flowering, autumn color, and methods their lawns flourish all season long of propagation are given in an inge­ and for years to come. Applicable to nious "Line of Facts" for easy refer­ all sections of the country, Raymond's ence. 1992. 544 pages. book includes a year-round mainte­ nance schedl!lle. 1993. 176 pages. Stonescaping Jan Kowalczewski Whitner Successful Small Food Gardens Softcover. Retail price: $17 .95. AHS price: $14.95. Louise Riotte Book code: GAR 202 Hardcover. Retail price: $21. 95. AHS price: $18.50. Using stone in the home landscape is a Book code: GAR 201 time-honored tradition. Gardeners can Now everyone can enjoy the pleasurtl create beautiful effects by incorporating and incomparable quality of home­ stone into many garden features, includ­ grown produce, even those of us whostl ing paths, steps, walls, terraces, ponds, garden space is limited to a small area. pools, and rock gardens. Stonescaping Successful Small Food Gardens ad­ features 20 basic design plans focused dresses the many special needs of the on different varieties of stone gardens, small-space garden including simple including herb, cotrage, and low-main­ landsca ping methods; companion tenance. 1992. 168 pages.

MAY 1993 AHS BOOK CATALOG The Encyclopedia over 2,900 entries and over 1,200 ex­ cludes a gallery of breathtaking bonsai of Ornamental Grasses planatory diagrams. 1992. 320 pages. photos, basic styles, group planting, John Greenlee plant physiology, cultivation, propa­ Hordcover. Retail price: $27.95. AHS price: $23.95. Miniature Orchids gation, transplanting and repotting, Book code: ROD 003 Jim and Barbara McQueen and training and dwarfing-in other For gardeners who've discovered that Softcover. Retail price: $24.95 . AHS price: $20.95. words, everything the bonsai grower grasses are exciting plants with four­ Book code: TIM 514 needs to know. "Booklist. 1992. 288 season landscape interest, The Ency­ Miniature orchids have a special at­ pages. clopedia of Ornamental Grasses is the traction for orchid growers with lim­ complete reference to identifying and ited space. If given some time outdoors Martha Stewart's Gardening: using them in bold new ways. 1992. in good weather, many miniatures can Month-by-Month 192 pages. be grown to perfection on bright win­ Martha Stewart o dowsills or in sunny rooms. However, Hordcover. Retail price: $50. AHS price: $41.95. Your Backyard Wtldlife Garden miniature orchids offer more than just Book code: RAN 250 Marcus Schneck spatial economy: theirs is a special Set in Martha Stewart's own six-acre Hordcover. Retail price: $24.95. AHS price: $19.95. charm, which frequently outshines suburban garden, her book celebrates Book code: ROD 002 that of their larger relatives in bril­ the joys of the garden throughout the An essential guide for nature lovers, liance of color, diversity of shape, del­ seasons, from spring's first buds and o gardeners, and back yard naturalists, icacy of perfume, and elegance. 1992. summer's bright colors to fall's satisfy­ Your Backyard Wildlife Garden offers 192 pages. ing harvest and winter planning. practical, easy-to-follow instructions Stewart shares her gardening agenda for recreating wildlife habitats. From each month: planning and ordering in site evaluation to selection of plants January, preparing tools in February, for food and cover to identifying wild germinating seeds in March, and on visitors, Schneck has packed the pages through the year. Also included are with helpful tips and sage advice. seed sources, appropriate fertilizers, 1993. 160 pages. natural pesticides, and plant varieties, as well as a glossary listing common A Country Garden names for each botanical name. 1992. for Your Backyard 360 pages. Marny Smith and Nancy DuBrule Hordcover. Retail price: $26.95. AHS price: $22 .95. Gardening With Color Book code: ROD 006 Mary Keen A Country Garden for Your Backyard Hordcover. Retail price: $30. AHS price: $24 .95 . shows readers that a beautiful garden Book code: RAN 251 need not demand hours of their lim­ "Playing with color and form in the ited time. All readers will be inspired garden is the nearest that most of us by the wealth of useful information will ever get to painting," writes Mary that this how-to guide provides and by Keen, "and compared with applying how easy it is to create a country gar­ paint to canvas, growing plants is easy. den. 1992.256 pages. Out of doors, living compositions ar­ Easy Care Shade Flowers range themselves into perfect pictures, Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Patricia A. Taylor requiring no more than inspired cen­ N ames for Gardeners Softcover. Retail price: $14. AHS price: $11.90. sorship on the part of the gardener." William T. Stearn Book code: SIM 022 1992. 144 pages. Hordcover. Retail price: $29.95. AHS price: $24.95. Gorgeous color for low-maintenance Book code: STE 300 shade gardens is no longer an elusive The Naturalist's Garden, Professor William T. Stearn provides dream, thanks to Patricia A. Taylor's 2nd Edition the meaning and origin of over 6,000 Easy Care Shade Flowers. Taylor has Ruth Shaw Ernst botanical names, selecting those most included dozens of color pictures and Softcover. Retail price: $15.95. AHS price: $13.25. likely to be encountered by gardeners charts, providing gardeners with Book code: GLO 100 and horticulturists, all with a wealth choices of plants and plans that will Why do beautiful butterflies and deli­ of detail and information. Also in­ produce colorful beds bursting with cate, hovering hummingbirds select cluded are 3,000 vernacular names, blues, yellows, whites, pinks, reds, and certain gardens? It's all in the design cross-indexed to each botanical name. purples. Tables throughout the text and planting. With The Naturalist's 1992. 384 pages. group flowers by season of bloom, Garden, any back yard can come color, and foliage size. 1993. 169 alive, even in the dead of winter. Re­ The Gardener's Dictionary pages. vised in 1993. 240 pages. of Horticultural Terms Harold Bagust The Living Art of Bonsai Efficient Vegetable Gardening Hordcover. Retail price: $29.95. AHS price: $24.95 . Amy Liang Paul Doscher, Timothy Fisher, Book code: STE 301 Hordcover. Retail price: $35. AHS price: $29.75. and Kathleen Kolb The Gardener's Dictionary of Horti­ Book code: STE 302 Softcover. Retail price: $14.95. AHS price: $12.25. cultural Terms will guide its readers Over 100 full-color photographs Book code: GLO 102 through the maze of technical horti­ showcase the author's conviction that For vegetable gardeners in the United cultural terms. Thousands of words bonsai is a fine art. Here you will see States and Canada who are short on are clearly and concisely defined. En­ the sculptor's hand at work, and that time and tight on space, here is a com­ thusiasts, both professional and ama­ of the artist, and even the woodcarver, prehensive reference brimming over teur, will find this an extremely helpful though the creation emerges as a living with tips for growing vegetables. The aid in successful gardening. Contains plant. "The Living Art of Bonsai in- book is particularly valuable for

MAY 1993 AHS BOOK CATALOG urban gardeners. Efficient Vegetable wealth of information on planning, Gardening's eight chapters are titled: planting, and maintaining any kind of How to Plant Raised Beds; The Gar­ garden. With nearly 1,300 pages, Botany for den Plan; Healthy Soil; Building Inten­ 10,000 articles, 206 drawings, and sive Garden Beds; Planting; Efficient more than 100 photographs, Wyman Gardeners Management; Cold Weather Garden­ has assembled one of the most com­ ing; and History. 1993. 240 pages. plete, comprehensive, one-volume Roan Ca}'on gardening sourcebooks on the market Wildflower Folklore today. 1,221 pages. ~"'1IIlIIll\1U Laura Martin Softcover. Retail price: $16.95. AHS price: $13.25. Rodale's Chemical-Free o Book code: GLO 103 Yard and Garden Those who love wildflowers can in­ Fern Marshall Bradley dulge themselves in the engaging tales Hardcover. Retoil price: $26.95. AHS price: $22.95. found in this two-color, paperback re­ Book code: ROD 023 issue of a favorite. The legends and Five of North America's foremost gar­ myths, as well as medicinal, pioneer, dening and farming experts have as­ o and Native American uses, will in­ sembled hundreds of proven, trigue and surprise readers who may all-natural remedies for common gar­ have known only by sight some of the den problems to create one handy ref­ 105 North American wildflowers cov­ erence guide, Chemical-Free Yard and ered. Its botanical information and ac­ Garden. Learn just how easy it is to curate illustrations will satisfy even care for your yard and garden without the most knowledgeable naturalists. the use of harmful chemicals. There is 1993.256 pages. also a comprehensive guide to safe, Botany for Gardeners organic products to help readers keep Brian Capon up with this rapidly expanding field. Hardcover. Retoil price: $29.95. AHS price: $24.95. 464 pages. Book code: TIM 010 REFERENCE Despite their obvious love of plants, The Grafters Handbook, many gardeners have not taken the The Organic Gardener's 5th Edition logical step of learning more about Handbook of Natural R.]. Garner them through the study of botany, per­ Insect and Disease Control Softcover. Retoil price: $17.95. AHS price: $14.95. haps fearing that the subject is too Barbara W. Ellis and Fern Marshall Book code: STE 100 complex and technical. Brian Capon, Bradley Now available in paperback, this clas­ professor of botany at California State Hardcover. Retail price: $26.95. AHS price: $22.50. sic celebrates over 40 years as the pre­ University, has taken this into consid­ Book code: ROD 018 mier grafter'S sourcebook. The eration and has provided the perfect The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Grafters Handbook teaches readers introduction with Botany for Garden­ Natural Insect and Disease Control how to propagate plant varieties, sub­ ers. It is written in layperson's lan­ contains entries on vegetables, fruits, stitute one part of a plant for another, guage specifically for gardeners and herbs, annuals, perennials, and orna­ and join selected plants for their spe­ horticulturists. 220 pages. mentals. There is information on pre­ cial properties. Garner also includes venting problems along with information on repairing damage to American Horticultural symptoms of and solutions for major overgrown stock, invigorating fragile Society's Encyclopedia pests and diseases. Detailed illustra­ or sluggish plants, as well as proce­ of Garden Plants tions show just how to diagnose prob­ dures for bud, inlay, side, and bench Christopher Brickell lems. 544 pages. grafting. Precise line drawings com­ Hardcover. Retail price: $49.95. AHS price: $42.50. plete the guide. 324 pages. Book code: GAR 006 The Rodale Book A comprehensive, up-to-date, and lav­ of Composting North American Horticulture: ish guide to garden plants, this exten­ Grace Gershuny and Deborah Martin A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition sive encyclopedia includes over 8,000 Hardcover. Retail price: $21.95. AHS price: $18.65. Thomas M. Barrett plants, 4,000 of which are featured in Book code: ROD 021 Hardcover. Retail price: $75. AHS price: $65. exquisite full-color photographs. The Rodale Book of Composting is Book code: MAC 123 Written by a team of plant experts, the the bible of composting for beginning Compiled by the American Horticul­ American Horticultural Society's En­ and experienced composters alike. It tural Society, the completely revised cyclopedia of Garden Plants is de­ includes extensive plans, options, ta­ and expanded North American Horti­ signed to be the gardener'S bible; a bles, graphs, and valuable insights and culture is the most comprehensive di­ standard work of reference for every " ... covers the decomposition phases rectory of U.S. and Canadian gardening bookshelf. 608 pages. of the plant life cycle in intricate, yet horticultural organizations and pro­ readable detail." -Washington Post. grams. Thousands of organizations Hortica 432 pages. and programs are arranged in 28 cat­ Alfred Byrd Graf egories, including: conservation orga­ Hardcover. Retail price: $250. AHS price: $210. Wyman's Gardening nizations; international registration Book code: ROE 400 Encyclopedia authorities; national governmental Hortica is an extensive guide to plant Donald Wyman programs; horticulture education pro­ identification. Alfred Byrd Graf has Hardcover. Retail price $55 .00. AHS price: $46.75. grams; botanical gardens, arboreta, gathered a comprehensive selection of Book code: MAC 666 conservatories, and other public gar­ illustrations featuring choice orna­ Updated and expanded, Wyman's dens; plant societies; and GOmmunity mentals, as well as useful plants and Gardening Encyclopedia contains a gardens. 427 pages. edible fruit. Plants are photographed

MAY 1993 AHS BOOK CATALOG in gardens, botanical collections and species and cultivars. Encyclopedic in­ agation, related species, native habi­ arboreta, or in natural habitats formation on propagation practices is tat, and additional notes. The Manual around the world. An appendix gives easily referenced in an alphabetical of Woody Landscape Plants is now family, origin, synonyms (if any), com­ listing of plant names. Each listing one of the most widely used reference mon names, characteristics, measure­ includes proven techniques in cutting, works, both in classrooms and in the ments, and usefulness. Zone and sowing seed, grafting, and tissue cul­ field . 1,007 pages. climatic tolerance are also included. ture propagation. 239 pages. 1,218 pages. Taylor's Guides to Gardening OTHER TITLES Softcover. Retail price: $18.95 each. AHS price: $15.95 each. Titles marked "*" retail for $16 .95 The New Royal Horticultural o each; AHS price is $14.50 each. FULL SEf OF 14: Society Dictionary Retail price: $237.30. AHS price: $178.95. of Gardening Revised, updated, and organized into Anthony Huxley, Editor-in-Chief 14 easy-to-use guides, Taylor's Guides Hardcover. 4 Volumes. Retail Price: $795. AHS price: to Gardening are universally acknowl­ $745. Book code: SSC 111 edged as definitive reference works. o Taylor'S series has recently expanded Burpee Expert Gardens: to include two new titles, Natural Allan Armitage on Perennials Gardening and Specialty Nurseries, Allan Armitage both created in the Taylor tradition of Hardcover. Retail price: $18. AHS price: $14.95. excellence. Book code: BUR 001 • Water Saving Gardening GAR 008 Annuals GAR 009 Burpee Expert Gardening Perennials GAR 010 Series: Charles Cresson on . Gardening Techniques GAR 011 American Flower Gardens Roses GAR 012 Charles Cresson Bulbs GAR 013 Hardcover. Retail price: $20. AHS price: $16.95. Ground Covers, Vines & Grasses GAR 012 The Manual of Woody Book code: BUR 002 Vegetables & Herbs GAR 013 Landscape Plants Houseplants GAR 014 Michael A. Dirr The Photographic Manual of Shrubs GAR 015 Hardcover. Retail price: $45.80. AHS price: $38.95. Woody Landscape Plants Garden Design GAR 016 Book code: Sfl 001 Michael Dirr Trees GAR 017 The new fourth edition has been re­ Hardcover. Retail price: $29.80. AHS price: $24.95. Natural Gardening GAR 205 vised and updated with 200 new spe­ Book code: Sfl 002 • Specialty Nurseries GAR 206 cies and over 500 new cultivars, each described and evaluated and usually Gardening Through the Ages The Reference Manual of accompanied by a line drawing and Penelope Hobhouse Woody Plant Propagation identification characteristics related to Hardcover. Retail price: $50. AHS price: $42.50. Michael A. Dirr and Charles W. leaf, bud, and stem. Dirr includes in­ Book code: SIM 372 Heuser Jr. formation on common and botanical Softcover. Retail price: $31.95. AHS price: $26.95. names, hardiness zones, habit, growth Book of Garden Design Book code: TIM 537 rate, texture, bark color, leaf color, John Brookes An indispensable guide and reference flowers, fruit, culture, disease and in­ Hardcover. Retail price: $40. AHS price: $33 .95 . to the propagation of 1,100 woody sects, landscape value, cultivars, prop- Book code: MAC 108

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- o Charge to: o Visa 0 MasterCard Exp. Dote: __ Virginia residents add 4],1% sales tax Account #: Postage and Handling (see chari below) Signature: Total Order Instructions Ship to: Moil completed order form to: Horticultural Book Service, 7931 East Boulevard Postage & Handling Nome: Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308·1300. 5 1.0{)-S 10.00 .. 00! 51.75 5 10.01-$ 40.00 .. 00! 53}5 Address: Or (all toll-free (800) 777-7931. 5 40.01-5 60.00 .. 00! 54}5 5 60.01-5 80.00 .. 00! 55}5 City: ______Offer expires July 31,1993. 5 80.01-5100.00 .. 00! 56}5 5100.01 +

Mid-Atlantic .. May 19. Garden Club of Mathews Flower Show. Piankitank Ruritan Club, .. May 1. Festival of Herbal Delights. Hudgins, Virginia. Information: Tucker U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, Preston, (804) 725-9362. On the Farm D.C. Information: Pat Johnsen, (703) 978-6485 or Cassie Yates, (703) .. May 22-23. The 45th Annual Rose Take time out for a spring fling at 481-5523. Show. Coliseum Mall, Hampton, AHS's River Farm headquatters, Virginia. Sponsored by Virginia Peninsula where we'll celebrate the rites of .. May 8. Herb Fair and Sale. Oatlands Rose Society. Information: Virginia spring, then welcome summer. Call Plantation, Leesburg, Virginia. Hosted by Kostyal, (804) 596-6452. (703) 768-5700 for information the Goose Creek Herb Guild. Informa­ about these special events. tion: Merri Nelson, (703) 478-8747. .. May 22-23. Art Mart and Garden From May 12 to June 21, see Tour. Waterford, Virginia. Information: "Nature's Gift," an exhibit of .. May 8-9. Mother's Day Herb and Waterford Foundation, Waterford, VA dramatic color photographs of Perennial Show and Sale. Wrenwood, 22190, (703) 882-3018. flowers by Maryl and selected work Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Informa­ by other local photographers. tion: (304) 258-3071. North Central From June 24 to August 2, the paintings of California water­ .. May 14-16. Spring Wildflower .. May 1-2. May Fair Annual Plant colorist Sharon Hinckley will be Symposium. Wintergreen Resort, Sale. Wegerzyn Horticultural Center, Day­ displayed. Hinckley will also be on Wintergreen, Virginia. Information: ton, Ohio. Information: (513) 277-6545. hand for AHS's popular annual Lorrie Knies, (804) 325-2200, ext. 992. Daylily Day, June 26. Experts will .. May I-July 18. Early Summer Show discuss nota ble cultivars and how of Annuals and Foliage Plants. Foellinger­ to grow them and a selection of Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Fort daylily plants will be OIl sale. Wayne, Indiana. Information: (219) 427-1267 .

.. May 7. Twilight Tree Walk. Morton Sponsored by the Philadelphia Unit of the Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois. Information: Herb Society of America. Information: Mrs. (708) 719-2465. Edward S. Madara Jr., (215) 664-2738 .

.. May 9. Mother's Day Blossom Walk. .. May 15. May Gardener's Market. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Montgomery Pinetum, Cos Cob, Gardens, Dubuque, Iowa. Information: Connecticut. Information: Liza (319) 556-2100. Haywood, (203) 869-9242 .

.. June 12-20. Eighth Annual Rose .. May 29. Connecticut Iris Society Festival. Boerner Botanical Gardens, Show. Edgerton Garden Center, New Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Information: Haven, Connecticut. Information: (414) 529-1870. Rebecca Wong, (413) 786-5344 .

.. June 25-27. North American Lily .. June 5. Plant Sale. Tower Hill Society 46th Annual Show. St. Louis, Botanic Garden, Boylston, Massachusetts. Missouri. Information: Linda Smith, Information: (508) 869-6111. (314) 578-5583. .. June 12. The 19th Annual Plant Northeast Sale. Garden in the Woods, Framingham, Massachusetts. Information: (508) This 200-year-old, 12-story windmill, .. May I-Sept. 15. Fragrance Through 877-6574. known as De Zwaan-Dutch for "the the Ages. Exhibit and lectures. Rodef swan"-is among the most prominent Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden, .. June 12. Strawberry Festival and landmarks in Holland, Michigan. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Information: Plant Sale. Orleans, Massachusetts. windmill was dismantled and Irene Jacob, (412) 621-5475. Information: (617) 255-2658. transported from the Netherlands to the namesake U.S. city in 1965. Founded in .. May 5-6. Annual Spring Plant Sale. .. June 13. The 37th Annual Rose 1847 by Dutch immigrants, Holland is Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, Show. Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster celebrating its annual "Tulip Time Festi­ New York. Information: Lois Carswell, Bay, New York. Sponsored by the Long val" from May 5 to May 15. The festival Lucille Plotz, or Betsy Kissam, (718) Island Rose Society. Information: Robert will feature parades, live music, klompen 941-4044. Ardini, (516) 773-7936. dancers, and over eight miles of tulip­ lined lanes. For more information, call .. May 13. The 54th Annual Herb .. June 13. Ferns, Flowers, and the Tulip Time Office, (800) 822-2270. Sale. Kimbertown, Pennsylvania. Mushrooms. Sunday Walk Series. Bartlett

28 .. American Horticulturist· May 1993 Arboretum, Stamford, Connecticut. que Garden Center, Albuquerque, New • June 5-6. Fuchsia Show and Sale. Information: (203) 322-6971. Mexico. Information: (505) 296-6020. South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California . Informa­ • June 26. City Gardens, Country • May 29-30. The Good Earth tion: (310) 544-6815. Flowers. Newport, Rhode Island. Informa­ Festival. Environmental Exposition. tion: Hill Association, (401) 848-0696. Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis, • June 12. Grasses. Class . University Tennessee. Information: (901) 685-1566. of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley, Northwest California. Information: (510) 642-3352. • June 5. Chatfield Arboretum Free • May 13-15. Council on Botanical Day. Chatfield Arboretum, Littleton, • June 26-27. Gladiolus and Flower and Horticultural Libraries 25th Annual Colorado. Information: (303) 973-3705. Arrangement Show. Los Angeles State Meeting. Elisabeth C. Miller Library, and County Arboretum, Arcadia, Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle, West Coast California. Information: (818) 821-3222. Washington. Information: (206) 543-0415. • May 8. Private Gardens of Pacific International • June 10-11. The 105th Annual and Presidio Heights. Tour. San Spring Rose Show. Portland, Oregon. Francisco, California. Sponsored by the • May 25-28. Chelsea Flower Show. Presented by the Portland Rose Society. Strybing Arboretum Society. Information: Royal Hospital, Chelsea, England. Information: Jane Anders, (503) 246-6438. (415) 661-1514. Tickets are available in U.S. from Keith Prowse, 234 West 44th Street, South Central • May 8-9. Geranium Show. Descanso Suite 100, New York, NY 10036, (800) Gardens, La Canada Flintridge, Califor­ 669-8687. • May 13-16. Art in Bloom. Exhibit. nia. Information: (213 ) 681-2201 or New Orleans Museum of Art, New (818) 793-7397. • June 3-6. Fourth World Flower Show. Orleans, Louisiana. Information: (504) Toronto, Canada. Information: (416) 488-2631. • May 16. Annual Benefit Plant Sale. 932-1971. The Huntington, San Marino, California. • May 22-23. Cactus Show and Sale. Information: (818) 405-2141. • June 18-20. The Urban Garden: Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, Wichita, Oasis in the City. Symposium. University Kansas. Information: (316) 264-0448. • June 5. Designer Grasses for the of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia. Landscape. Workshop. Santa Barbara Information: Ron Pal, Registrar, 451 Southeast Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara, Califor­ Creel Road, R.R. 6, Victoria, British nia. Information: (805) 563-2521. Columbia, V9B 5T9, (604) 474-3322. • May 2-4. Menninger Sunbelt Tree Conference. Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Sponsored by the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association. Information: Linda Van der Zee, (407) 345-8137. EW beauty, gorgeous new colors, exotic • May 3-4. Wildflower Festival and fragrance and _ Native Plant Sale. Reflection Riding Arbo­ fascinating new interest retum and Botanical Garden, Chattanooga, Nare given to your garden by the addition of a Tennessee. Information: (615) 821-9582. Water Lily Pool. And, fortunately, every garden, • May 8. Spring Safari. Tour. Marie large or small, provides Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, ample room for a Water Lily Pool, or at least a Florida. Information: Spencer Ketchum, simple sunken tub garden. (813) 366-5731. Marvelously beautiful effects can be achieved • May 8. Wild Edibles. Workshop. quickly and with little Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, effort or expense. You can Georgia. Information: (404) 663-5187. enjoy a Water Lily Pool this summer if you plan • June 26-27. Fourth Annual Tour of now. Ponds. Atlanta, Georgia. Information: EW Full Color Catalogl Karla Sperling, (404) 975-0277. A beautiful catalog filled with helpful • June 30-July 3. Paradise: the information describes and illustrates in full Meaning of Gardens. Annual Meeting of Ncolor the largest collection the American Association of Botanical of Water Lilies in America Gardens and Arboreta. Orlando, Florida. along with Aquatic Plants Information: (215) 688-1120. and Ornamental Fishes and Pool Accessories. Southwest SEND $3.50 or call 1-800-524-3492 • May 7-8. Plant and Used Book Sale. (Mastercard or Visa) Denver Botanic Garden, Denver, William Tricker, Inc. Colorado. Information: (303) 331-4000. 7125 Tanglewood Drive Independence, OH 44131 • May 8-9. Iris Society Show. Albuquer-

American Horticulturist. May 1993 • 29 LET'S GROW Classifieds• . ....u' • '. p • , ~l TOGETHER • • 0 Classified Ad Rates: $1 per word; FLORAL NOTECARDS minimum $20 per insertion. 10 percent discount for three consecutive ads using DISTINCTIVE FLORAL NOTECARDS. Six hand-painted, original-design cards with enve­ same copy, provided each insertion meets lopes $4. Hand-painted bookmarks and book­ the $20 minimum after taking discount. plates also. Check/money order accepted. Free Copy and prepayment must be received brochure available upon request. BETH on the 20th day of the month three MOHANNY, 14660 Balsam St., Woodbridge, months prior to publication. Send orders VA 22191. (703) 494-2611 after 4 p.m. to American Horticultural Society Advertising Department, 7931 East EMPLOYMENT Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, VA 22308, We at the American Horticultural Society are or call (703) 768-5700. often asked to .efer individuals to horticultural positions around the country. As a service to our members we would be glad to receive resumes and cover letters of individuals seeking job THE AVANT GARDENER changes and employers seeking candidates. All FOR THE GARDENER WHO WANTS MORE responsibility for checking references and deter­ FROM GARDENING! Subscribe to THE mining the appropriateness of both position and AVANT GARDENER, the liveliest, most useful candidate rests with the individuals. Contact: GIVE A MEMBERSHIP of all gardening publications. Every month this AHS Horticultural Employment, Dept N, 7931 unique news service brings you the newest, most East Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, VA22308-1300. IN THE AMERICAN practical information on new plants, products, HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. techniques, with sources, feature articles, special FREE GARDEN CATALOGS issues. 25th year. Awarded Garden Club of Amer­ GARDENER'S SOURCE GUIDE-NEW 1993 Share the unique range of AHS membership ben­ ica and Massachusetts Horticultural Society DIRECTORY-700+ Nursery and Seed mail­ medals. Curious? Sample copy $1. Serious? $12 order companies offering FREE catalogs. MANY efits with your friends: American Horticulturist full year (reg. $18). THE AVANT GARDENER, FULL COLOR! Plants, flowers, vegetables, trees, magazine and News Edition, toll-free Gardeners' Box 489M, New York, NY 10028. everything! $5 GSG, P.O. Box 206 AHS, Information Service, Annual Free Seed Exchange, Gowanda, NY 14070-0206. BOOKS educational programs, Horticultural Employment GROUND COVERS HORTICA-All-Color Cyclopedia of Garden Service, Horticultural Book Program, environmen­ Over 120 varieties available at wholesale prices. Flora, with Hardiness Zones, also Indoor Plants, Free catalog (800) 438-7685. DOUBLE D NUR­ tal and conservation programs, and much more. 8,100 photos, by Dr. A. B. Graf $238. TROPICA SERY, 2215 Dogwood Ln., Arnoldsville, GA 4 (1992) 7,000 Color photos of plants and trees 30619. Fill in the coupon below and mail to AHS Gift Mem­ for warm environments, $165. EXOTIC HOUSE bership, Dept. N, 7931 East Boulevard Drive, PLANTS, 1,200 photos, 150 in color, with keys HERBS Alexandria, VA 22308-1300. Using your MasterCard to care, $8.95. Circulars gladly sent. Shipping additional. ROEHRS CO., Box 125, East Ruth­ Herbs-extensive collection-perennials-se­ or Visa? Call our Membership Department talliree at erford, NJ 07073. (201) 939-0090. dums-scented geraniums-display gardens­ (800) 777-7931 ta place your arder. living room gift shop-Catalog $2-Wholesale list-SASE. WRENWOOD, Rt 4, Box 361, BULBS Berkeley Springs, WV 25411. (304) 258-3071. o 535 Check enclosed Dutch bulbs for fall planting, 12cm Tulips, DN1 HOUSE PLANTS for Introductory New Member Dues Daffodils, Hyacinths and miscellaneous. Catalog $1. Paula Parker DBA, Mary Mattison van ORCHIDS, GESNERIADS, BEGONIAS, Member#: / _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ Schaik, IMPORTED DUTCH BULBS, P.O. Box CACTI & SUCCULENTS. Visitors welcome. Name: ______32AH, Cavendish, VT 05142. (802) 226-7653. 1993 catalog $2. LAURAY OF SALISBURY, 432 Undermountain Rd., Salisbuty, CT 06068. (203) Address: CARNIVOROUS PLANTS 435-2263. City/State/Zip: Carnivorous (Insectivorous) Plants, seeds, sup­ NURSERY STOCK plies, and books. Color brochure free. PETER Daytime Phone: PAULS NURSERIES, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Choose from 1,500 varieties of exciting and hardy plant varieties. Many exclusives. Rhodo­ Please send gift membership to: dendrons, azaleas, conifers, shrubs, trees, peren­ DIANTHUS SOCIETY nials and much more. Mail-order catalog $3. Nome: ______LOVE PINKS, CARNATIONS, SWEET WIL­ ROSLYN NURSERY, Dept. AH, Box 69, Roslyn, Address: ______LIAMS? Join THE AMERICAN DIANTHUS NY 11576. (516) 643-9347. SOCIETY! 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30 + American Horticulturist • May 1993 PERENNIALS TOURS HOSTA ... Over 300 varieties to choose from in IRELAND'S GLORIOUS GARDENS: Fall 1993. our 1993 FREE catalog. From dwarf to giant. Leisurely, escorted tour with special garden and GIVE Great for shady areas of the garden. Write: castle visits. $2,800 includes land, most meals, SILVERMIST, 1986 Harrisville Rd. , Stoneboro, charming hotels. Call XO TRAVEL CONSUL­ PA 16153. TANTS for brochures: (800) 262-9682 or (212) 947-5530. YOURSELF PLANTS (UNUSUAL) Unique and unusual perennials and native plants. Catalog $1, refundable. JOY CREEK NURSERY, EXTRA CLOUT Bin 2, 20300 N.W. Watson Rd., Scappoose, OR · ~ , ~CHIPl 97056. >. • Computerized Horticultural OVER 2,000 KINDS of choice and affordable . Information Planner plants. Outstanding ornamentals, American na­ Call or write: PH/FAX: 1·800-544-2721 WITH - or PH/FAX: 516-324-2334 tives, perennials, rare conifers, pre-bonsai, wild­ PARADISE INFORMATION, INC. life plants, much more. Descriptive catalog $3. P.O. Box 1701, East Hampton, NY 11937 FORESTFARM, 990 Tetherow Rd., Williams, 4 THE AHS OR 97544-9599. ROSES CREATIVE GARDEN TOURS An unforgettable experience awaits! HORTICO ROSES: Antique roses; English roses; We custom-design unique flower and MASTERCARD® hardy Explorer, Parkland, and Pavement roses. garden tours worldwide for Horticultural Over 600 varieties to choose from, including: Ace of Hearts, Ave Maria, Bambey, Brides Dream, Societies, Garden Clubs, professional and Blue River, Loving Memory, Canadian White non-profit organizations. Call us now to plan a special trip for your group. CARD. Star, Dr. Dick, Dutch Gold, Felicity Kendal, Herfla, Keepsake, Liebeszauber, Lincoln Cathe­ 1-800-262-9682 dral, Maid of Honour, McCartney Rose, Elina X.O. Travel Consultants Ltd. (Peaudouce), Pinta, Savoy Hotel, Schwartze .1) AVEL 38 West 32nd Street, Suite 1009 Madonna, Stephanie Diane, Sunsation(Veltfire}, xo New York, NY 10001 Tifton, Wimi. Rennie's new miniatures: Blushing CoNSULTANTS, LTD. Telephone: (212) 947-5530 Blue, California Sun, Innocent Blush, Silver Phan­ l!IaI!II_~ Telex: 4955784 tom, and Surfer Girl. Catalog $3. HORTICO .,~ FAX: (212)971-0924 INC., 723 Robson Rd., Waterdown, ON LOR 2Hl. (416) 689-6984, Fax: (416) 689-6566. Enjoy The Art & Science of Pond Keeping Pondscapes Magazine Subscription $24/yr - 10 issues including the MOVING? Pond DirectoryjBuyer's Guide Pond Hobbyist's User Guide & Carry the credit card that-gives you the Reference Handbook recognition of being a caring, active 160 pages - $12.50 delivered member of the American Horticultural DirectoryjBuyer's Guide Society. This is the only card that DON'T LEAVE YOUR 84 pages $7.95 delivered enables you to add your support to your All For $35.50 favorite non-profit organization! Get ANlERICAN Check/MCfVisa these extra advantages at NO RISK! HORTICULTURIST BEHIND National Pond Society P.O. Box 449, Acworth, GA 30101 • Issued free of an annual fee the first Send us an old address label and your 800-742-4701 year, and just $40 for the Gold MasterCard and $20 for the Silver new address and we'll make sure you MasterCard each year thereafter.t don't miss a single issue. Composting Kitchen Scraps? • Higher line of credit up to $50,000. Send address and name changes to: • Peerless Customer Service available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. American Horticultural Society Turn to Solar Power! Address Change Department The Green Cone, a major attracfton at the AHS National Home Composting Park, is a food scrap 7931 East Boulevard Drive recycler that accepts all organic kitchen trimmings , APPLY TODAY! Alexandria, VA 22308-1300 quickly converting them into a high nutrient humus product using a unique "solar digester" design. The Fax: (703) 765-6032 Green Cone, with its tight-fitting lid and buried 1-800-847-7378, ext. SOOO waste chamber, is odor free, pest free, and main­ Be sure to use this priority code when ca lling: KEFH . tenance free. Just remove nutrient riches once every year or two! 30" H x 12" L (when standing). IlheAnnuol Percenloge Rote is 17.9%. $85 Plus $10 Shipping. MaNA Ameriro· is 0Ie

American Horticulturist • May 1993 • 31 Pennsylvania Society Announces Gold Medalists

Two dogwoods, two viburnums, a maple, resistant to the fungus that causes China by plant explorer Ernest Wilson and a cryptomeria are this year's winners dogwood anthracnose. around the turn of the century, but is of the prestigious Gold Medal Award from One of the award winners is 'Rutban', infrequently seen in home gardens. It's the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. which has been trademarked as Aurora. ideally suited to that use because it only The two dogwoods are among six Its bracts, which are overlapping and grows to 20 or 30 feet. Its cinnamon­ hybrids of our native Cornus {lorida and rounded, appear at the same time as the colored bark makes it a standout in the Asiatic C. kousa bred and selected by leaves begin to unfold in spring, about a winter. The autumn foliage is red to Elwin R. Orton Jr. of Rutgers University. week after the native dogwood has yellow. It does well in Zones 5 to 8. Orton was the 1992 winner of the finished blooming. Because of its upright The sixth winner is yet another Asian American Horticultural Society's Scientific habit, it is especially attractive when its native, Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino', Award. All of his hybrids are highly lower limbs are pruned to give it a more which at maturity also exhibits peeling resistant to dogwood borer and relatively treelike shape. bark. The cultivar resists the browning 'Rutlan', trademarked as Ruth Ellen, summer needles and occasional die back has pointed bracts that, rather than that are problems common to the species. Veronica Named overlapping, form a cross shape. They Outstanding features include its conical appear five to seven days earlier than shape, fine-textured blue-green foliage, Plant of the Year those of 'Rutban', and the tree is much and graceful drooping branchlets. It was more horizontal in habit. introduced into this country in 186l. A veronica discovered nearly half a Both are vigorous growers, flower Clearly, winners of the Pennsylvania century ago and thought to be lost until heavily, and are expected to perform well Horticultural Society'S Gold Medal Awards 1977 is the Perennial Plant Association's in USDA Zones 6 to 8. need not be newly introduced plants. They (PPA) Plant of the Year for 1993. Both of the viburnum winners are are woody ornamentals that in the opinion Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue' was deciduous, and both were selected by the of the judges are beautiful, tough, and named by Bob Bennerup, owner of Sunny late Donald Egolf of the U.S. National deserve wider use by home gardeners. Border Nurseries, Inc., in Kensington, Arboretum. A list of sources and previous winners Connecticut. In 1947 he imported from Viburnum dilatatum 'Erie' is a selection is available from the Pennsylvania England several selections of V. spicata of the linden viburnum propagated from Horticultural Society, 325 Walnut Street, and V. longifolia because they had seed collected in Japan. It has masses of Philadelphia, PA 19106, (215) 625-8250. flowers of a darker violet-blue than any creamy white flowers in mid-May, and he had seen before. The one he named for medium green leaves that turn red, orange, his nursery caught his eye because it had and yellow before falling in autumn. Its Landscape Plants rounded leaves and bloomed for nearly berries turn from orange to reddish purple three months. and then coral after the first frost. Hardy From U.S. Arboretum The plant was rediscovered 16 years in Zones 5 to 8, it needs a companion ago by Ron Chiabotta of Potomac linden viburnum for the best fruiting. Available from the U.S. National Arbore­ Nursery in Potomac, Maryland, in a Egolf selected V. x burkwoodii tum, in honor of its 65th birthday, is a display garden in Westminster, Maryland. 'Mohawk' in 1953 and introduced it in 72-page book, Landscape Plants for the The plant, which is hardy from USDA 1966. It has profuse red buds that open to Twenty-First Century. The book describes Zones 3 to 8, is 18 to 24 inches tall when white petals with red blotches and a spicy 65 trees and shrubs that the arboretum in bloom, and is not choosy about soil clove fragrance. The dark green leaves has introduced, all of which are now pH. It performs best in full sun and with turn orange-red in fall. Like 'Erie', it can available in the trade, and contains 30 some regular deadheading. grow to six feet. It resists bacterial leaf color photographs. It is available for $9, Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue' has been spot and powdery mildew and is hardy in including shipping and handling, by widely distributed since its rediscovery, Zones 4 to 8. writing to Friends of the National and gardeners should be able to obtain it Acer griseum, the paperbark maple, Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue through local PPA-affiliated garden centers. was introduced to this country from N.E., Washington, DC 20002.

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